Next Strand Larsen: Wolves agree personal terms with "insane" £17m talent

Wolverhampton Wanderers need new recruits between now and Monday’s deadline if they’re going to stay in the Premier League.

So far, Vítor Pereira’s team have played two and lost two this season, demolished 4-0 by Manchester City on opening weekend, before another defeat on Saturday, this time at the hands of Bournemouth.

Tuesday’s comeback win over West Ham United in the Carabao Cup may spark reason for optimism, however, not least with man of the moment, Jørgen Strand Larsen, netting twice off the bench to power the Old Gold to victory.

That brace was just the latest headline-grabbing occasion for the Scandinavian sensation, with Pereira’s side perhaps now seeking to replicate that success with another exciting acquisition.

Wolves set for another La Liga recruit

With Matheus Cunha having departed for Manchester United, Larsen will be Wolves’ main man in attack.

He scored 14 Premier League goals last season, a very impressive return, before making the move from Celta Vigo permanent for around £23m earlier this summer.

His importance is why the club rejected a £50m bid for the Norwegian striker from Newcastle United earlier this week, although the Magpies are still hopeful of getting a deal done.

Meantime, it is being widely reported that Ladislav Krejčí is close to joining Wolves from Girona for £26m, set to undergo a medical in the coming days.

However, he is not the only La Liga player seemingly Molineux-bound.

Transfer Focus

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

That’s because, according to a report by the Telegraph, Wolves have ‘agreed personal terms’ with Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche.

The Nigerian international is expected to cost around £17m, with reports in Spain suggesting Getafe are under pressure to sell in order to comply with LaLiga’s squad cost limit regulations, so will Uche soon swap Madrid for the Midlands?

What Wolves fans should expect from Christantus Uche

The 22-year-old has enjoyed an “insane” rise in the last 12 months or so, as per one content creator, given that he was playing for Ceuta in the Primera Federación, Spain’s third-tier, as recently as the 2023/24 season.

His form there earned him a move to Getafe last summer, his top-flight debut coming almost exactly a year ago, making 33 appearances in LaLiga last season, uniquely deployed all over the attacking area of the pitch by manager José Bordalás, utilised as a striker, a winger and an attacking midfielder.

His tally of four goals may not leap off the page, but it’s worth considering the fact that Azulones scored only 34 times as a team, the second-fewest in the division, outscoring only rock-bottom Real Valladolid.

Uche also commenced the new campaign by netting during Getafe’s 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo at Balaídos on the opening weekend, assisting Adrián Liso to score the other goal too, so let’s further examine his importance to Getafe.

Minutes

2,486

8th

Goals

4

3rd

Assists

6

1st

Big chances created

7

1st

Shots

50

2nd

Key passes

29

3rd

Shot-creating actions

78

2nd

Goal-creating actions

10

1st

Progressive-carries

43

2nd

Average Sofascore rating

6.89

6th

As the table documents, Uche ranked in the top three at Getafe last season for all attacking metrics included, top of the pile in terms of assists, big chances created and goal-creating actions, underlining his importance.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout is certainly a fan, describing him as a “superb… box-to-box midfielder”, while elsewhere noting that “passing, physicality and work rate” are his biggest strengths.

So, why would he be such an excellent signing for Wolves?

Well, Uche is accustomed to playing for a struggling side, given that Getafe ranked second-bottom for average possession in LaLiga last season (41.2%), above only Espanyol.

During his own penultimate season in LaLiga, Strand Larsen also scored just four goals for Celta Vigo, before increasing that total to 13 prior to joining Wolves, and all available evidence suggests that Uche is capable of producing a similar increase.

Having seen the success that Tuesday’s Carabao Cup hero has enjoyed at Molineux to date, Wolves should well aim to repeat the trick with another exciting LaLiga import.

Romano: £26m star now set for medical with deal sealed ahead of Wolves move

The Old Gold are set to land their man…

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 26, 2025

The next Bruno: Man Utd readying bid for "outstanding" talent after Sesko

Benjamin Sesko has been a player who has been massively on the radar of Manchester United this summer, unsurprisingly so given his goalscoring form in recent times.

The RB Leipzig striker managed to score 21 times for the Bundesliga side across all competitions, undoubtedly improving the situation within the final third at Old Trafford.

He’s found the net 39 times in his 87 outings for the German side, evidently ready for the next step in his career, which could see him move to the Red Devils this summer.

Benjamin Sesko

However, any deal for the Slovenian could be an expensive one, with a fee in the region of £80m constantly being mooted to see him move clubs this summer.

Their interest has been growing throughout the summer transfer window, leading to a huge update being dropped on his future over the last couple of days.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

The Red Devils made their opening offer for the 22-year-old this week, with their bid totalling £74m including add-ons, but it’s unclear if such a bid will be accepted by the Leipzig hierarchy.

However, they’re not alone in their hunt for his signature this window, with fellow English side Newcastle United in the hunt for his signature – leaving the player with a decision to make before the end of the window.

Benjamin Sesko

He’s not the only player currently in their sights, which could see Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara also make the move to England, according to Takvim via Sport Witness.

They claim that the Red Devils are preparing a €40m (£35m) offer for the 26-year-old central midfielder this summer, just one year after he joined the club from Norwich City.

It also states that the player would be open to a move to join Amorim’s side, but the Turkish side are in no rush to offload him and will only part ways if his asking price is met in this window.

Why United’s latest target would be their next Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been one of the key members of the United squad in recent years, playing a vital role despite the club’s lack of success in England’s top-flight.

Bruno Fernandes

The Portuguese international has often been the go-to man in terms of contributions within the final third, scoring a staggering 98 goals in his 290 appearances for the Red Devils.

Such a deal will go down as one of the best in the club’s history, with his £47m move from Sporting CP back in January 2020 now looking like an excellent piece of business.

However, the club have the opportunity to replicate such a move this summer with a deal to sign Sara, with the Brazilian potentially following suit of the 30-year-old and his own move to Manchester.

The 26-year-old could replicate such a move by joining the club from another European side outside the top five divisions – before making an impact with his creativity.

Galatasaray'sGabrielSarashots at goal Andreas Hillergre

If he can replicate such figures from his recent season in Turkey, it would be a superb addition and one that could add another dimension to Amorim’s already impressive attack.

Sara, who’s been labelled “outstanding” by former boss David Wagner, registered 7.6 progressive passes per 90, along with 2.4 passes into the opposition’s box – with both figures ranking him in the top 7% of all players in Europe.

Games played

31

Goals & assists

10

Pass accuracy

82%

Progressive passes

7.6

Progressive carries

2.7

Passes into final third

6.3

Passes into opposition box

2.4

Take-ons completed

65%

Aerials won

68%

He also completed 2.7 progressive carries per 90, helping him complete 65% of the take-ons he attempted – showcasing his impressive ability with the ball at his feet.

The Brazilian’s talents are also reflected out of possession, winning 65% of the aerial battles he entered, whilst registering 1.6 tackles won per 90 – arguably being a perfect box-to-box option.

£35m for a player of Sara’s quality this summer would be great business by the club, adding needed depth within the midfield department in their quest for success.

If he can replicate the levels achieved by Bruno at Old Trafford, it would go down as another brilliant piece of work by the recruitment team – handing Amorim the platform he needs for success.

More crucial than Sesko: Man Utd prepare £26m bid for "phenomenal" star

Manchester United are making a move to land a star who’d be better than Benjamin Sesko.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 5, 2025

Gareth Southgate reacts to rumours of applying for new national team job

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has addressed the chances of returning to management, amid “strange” rumours with a new national side.

What Southgate has been doing since leaving England role

The former Three Lions boss left his role as national team manager in 2024 following the European Championship final defeat to Spain.

Thomas Tuchel has since taken over as England manager, with Southgate talking about England’s current crop of players.

“I think they’ve obviously got lots of good players. There is, as always, some exciting young players coming through. It’s important for me not to say too much more than that, really, because I don’t want to step on Thomas’ toes at all.”

Gareth Southgate’s England record

Games

102

Wins

64

Draws

20

Losses

18

Average goals scored per game

2.25

Average goals conceded per game

0.84

Players used

99

The 54-year-old, who was linked with Man Utd last year, also told the PA news agency what he has been up to since resigning from the England job, speaking at the PFA Awards in Manchester.

“I’m enjoying my life. I’ve got quite a lot on. I’m in the middle of writing a book, I’ve got several business interests. I do some work on leadership, help with some young coaches.

“But I’ve also got time to travel and play a bit of golf, play a bit of paddle tennis, so yeah, I’m very much enjoying that balance.”

Every England manager's first game in charge

Thomas Tuchel is the latest manager to make his Three Lions debut.

ByRoss Kilvington Mar 14, 2025 Southgate calls links to national team “strange”

Southgate was then asked if he is looking at returning to management, to which he described rumours linking him to the Poland job over the summer as “strange”.

There were claims that Southgate applied for the role to the Polish FA back in June but was rejected.

Poland ended up appointing Jan Urban as their new manager back in July, replacing Michal Probierz after star striker Robert Lewandowski announced he would not play for the team under Probierz.

Real Madrid set to boycott Ballon d'Or ceremony again amid fears of rivals picking up coveted prize – with tensions still on knife-edge after Vinicius Junior snub

La Liga giants Real Madrid are expected to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday for the second year in a row. Los Blancos famously failed to attend in 2024 after learning that star man Vinicius Jr had been pipped to the prestigious Golden Ball by Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri. Tensions between Real Madrid and UEFA still linger in the wake of the snub as the club feel they have been unfairly treated.

  • Dembele and Yamal favourites for Ballon d'Or

    The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced on Monday at a glitzy ceremony in Paris. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele are the two favourites for the prestigious prize which was won last year by Rodri. The Manchester City star was named in the best male player in the world in 2024, ahead of Vinicius Jr, which prompted outrage back in the Spanish capital and saw Los Blancos boycott the ceremony in protest at the decision.

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    Real Madrid set for second Ballon d'Or boycott

    Real Madrid are set to boycott the awards ceremony again as their rift with UEFA after last year's snub has still not healed, according to AS. There were feelings of disbelief and "shock and anger" at Vinicius Jr missing out on the top prize and a belief the club had been disrespected. Real Madrid players do have permission to attend but nominated players such as Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, Dean Huijsen and Jude Bellingham are not expected to attend. Xabi Alonso's side are also due to play away at Levante in La Liga on Tuesday night which has also played a part in the club's decision.

  • Seven Real Madrid players nominated

    Los Blancos do have seven players nominated for awards at the 2025 ceremony. Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius are up for the main award, while Caroline Weir has been nominated for the women's Ballon d'Or.  Courtois has been shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy, while Huijsen and Linda Caicedo are in contention for the best young player awards. 

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    Big week for Real Madrid in La Liga

    Real Madrid will instead be focused on La Liga and games against Levante and Atletico Madrid. Alonso's side take on Levante on Tuesday and then head to the Metropolitano on Saturday for the first Madrid derby of the new season.

Prasidh, Abhimanyu, Padikkal available for Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts

KL Rahul has been given time off, while Washington Sundar could play the semi-finals if Tamil Nadu get there

Shashank Kishore08-Jan-2025Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna and Abhimanyu Easwaran will all turn out for their respective sides’ fixtures in the knockout phase of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy from January 9 in Vadodara. KL Rahul has requested for a break, while Washington Sundar may be available semi-finals onwards if Tamil Nadu get to that stage.While Padikkal and Prasidh will fly out with a majority of the Indian contingent from Sydney on Wednesday, Abhimanyu was granted permission to fly out a day in advance. He was subsequently booked on an earlier flight by the Cricket Association of Bengal to be able to link up with the state squad in Vadodara, after stops in Singapore and Ahmedabad.On Wednesday, Abhimanyu will train with the rest of the Bengal squad ahead of their pre-quarter-final fixture against Haryana. Akash Deep, the other Bengal player in the India squad, has been ruled out because of a back niggle, which kept him out of the final Test in Australia, and will instead head to the Centre of Excellence (earlier the National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru.Related

Do Kohli and Rohit have a future in Test cricket?

India did many good things, but more less-good things

Prasidh and Padikkal are expected to join the Karnataka squad by January 10, ahead of their quarter-final game against Baroda a day later. Initially part of only the India A squad that was on a shadow tour prior to the Border-Gavaskar series, Padikkal was an addition to the Test squad following Rohit Sharma’s late arrival because of the birth of his son. Padikkal featured in India’s 295-run win in Perth, but wasn’t picked in any of the subsequent Tests.Prasidh, meanwhile, played the last Test in Sydney – his first Test appearance in a year. He finished with a match haul of six wickets, including the wickets of Steven Smith in both innings. Padikkal and Prasidh had impressed in both the four-day fixtures for India A prior to the Test series.For Abhimanyu, the game against Haryana will be his first official fixture in two months, after he spent all five Tests in Australia on the sidelines. Having been in the race to be a back-up opener who may have been in with a shout to play in Perth in Rohit’s absence, scores of 7, 12, 0 and 17 in four innings for India A in Australia dented his chances of earning a Test debut.Prior to the India A tour, though, he had been in rip-roaring form, hitting four first-class hundreds in four matches across the season-opening Duleep Trophy and the Ranji Trophy that followed.In the aftermath of India’s 3-1 series loss in Australia, which also meant conceding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after ten years, head coach Gautam Gambhir had stated his desire to see Test players making themselves available to play domestic cricket wherever possible.”I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket,” he had said. “That is how much importance domestic cricket needs to be given. Not only one game. If they are 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 that you want.”

Até que enfim! Depois de 'odisseia', São Paulo faz 7 jogos em 9 no Morumbi para manter a boa fase

MatériaMais Notícias

De todos os integrantes do cotidiano do São Paulo, o técnico Dorival Júnior pode lamentar: ele é quem menos conheceu o Morumbi. Desde que assumiu o clube, no final de abril, em dez jogos, o treinador viu de perto a força da torcida tricolor apenas três vezes, nas vitórias ante América-MG, Internacional e Vasco. E, no meio disso tudo, viagens exaustivas, como para Colômbia e Venezuela, que atrapalharam – e muito – sua rotina de treinos.

Pois bem, como diria o famoso samba: o mundo dá voltas. E como! Passada a ‘odisseia’ da viagem para encarar o Puerto Cabello na quinta-feira (23), Dorival e os jogadores podem comemorar: enfrentam a partir de agora uma das maiores sequências do clube quando o assunto se trata de jogos em casa.

RelacionadasSão PauloOPINIÃO: São Paulo de Dorival é o time que não perde nem quando aposta alto e acerta até quando erraSão Paulo24/05/2023São PauloApós vitória do São Paulo, Dorival Júnior atinge marca de três anos sem derrotas em jogos pela Copa Libertadores e Sul-AmericanaSão Paulo24/05/2023São PauloDorival enaltece entrega do São Paulo em vitória na Venezuela após ‘odisseia’: ‘Não trabalhamos, não treinamos’São Paulo24/05/2023

+ ATUAÇÕES: Tropa do Supermouse! Wellington Rato se destaca com gol de falta e comanda vitória do São Paulo

O Tricolor realizará nada menos que sete dos próximos nove compromissos no Morumbi, começando neste sábado (27), às 21h (de Brasília), contra o Goiás.

Na própria Copa Sul-Americana o clube do Morumbi viu sua situação ficar encaminhada para a classificação direta à fase de mata-mata, já que a liderança do Grupo D está suas mãos. Com dez pontos, o São Paulo não será mais ultrapassado por nenhum rival nesta rodada. E encerra sua caminhada na fase de grupos com os dois jogos finais ante Tolima e Tigre em casa.

Até por isso, a viagem de volta à capital paulista após a vitória na Venezuela, apesar da promessa de ser exaustiva, terá aquele ar de superação. Mantendo tática usada por Dorival em outras ocasiões, os reservas do São Paulo treina nesta manhã no país vizinho. Embarca de volta apenas no decorrer da tarde, chegando no Aeroporto de Guarulhos só na madrugada de quinta-feira (25). Treino, só sexta-feira (26). Mas, como alento, é bom respirar fundo: o pior já passou…

+ Confira os jogos, tabela e a classificação do Brasileirão-23

Confira a sequência ‘caseira’ do São Paulo nos próximos jogos:

Ballon d'Or Feminin 2025 official rankings: Aitana Bonmati beats Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo to Golden Ball after Barcelona treble and outstanding Euro 2025

The Ballon d'Or. Love it or loathe it, it's the award every footballer in the world dreams of one day winning. And now, after a memorable 2024-25 campaign, the winner of the 2025 Women's Golden Ball has been announced: Aitana Bonmati. The Barcelona star was exceptional for her club this past year, her world-class consistency standing out as the Catalans won a domestic treble, while her performances for Spain were enough to make her the Euro 2025 Player of the Tournament.

It's incredible to think that Bonmati's participation in that event was actually in doubt, after she was struck down by viral meningitis just as Spain were set to fly to Switzerland. That she was able to recover and not only play, but play to such an amazing level, is astounding. Her 2024-25 campaign wouldn't end perfectly, with defeats in the Champions League final to Arsenal and the Euro 2025 final to England depriving her of two of the titles she'd have loved to have got her hands on. Her consolation, though, is a third successive Ballon d'Or. She joins Lionel Messi and Michel Platini as the only players ever to win the Golden Ball three years in a row.

Two members of the Arsenal team that defeated Barcelona in that Champions League final joined Bonmati on the podium. In second was Mariona Caldentey, the long-time Barca icon who made the switch to north London last year and helped lead the Gunners to an unprecedented European triumph in her first season. Alessia Russo completed the top three, after not only becoming a champion of Europe with her club this year but also her country, with her goal for England in the Euro 2025 helping to get the Lionesses back into the game against Spain before they eventually broke the hearts of Bonmati and Caldentey on penalties.

That trio were up at the very top of the rankings for 2025, but how did the rest of the 30-player shortlist shake out when all the votes were counted? Check out the official rankings below:

Getty Images30. Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)

After missing almost all of the 2023-24 season due to an ACL injury, Weir came back with a bang this past year, returning to form similar to that which took Spain by storm in her first campaign at Real Madrid. The Scotland international totted up 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions for Las Blancas, with her brace in the team's first-ever win over Barcelona standing out.

AdvertisementGetty Images29. Steph Catley (Arsenal)

After being moved into a centre-back role by Renee Slegers, who took over at Arsenal back in October, Catley shone for the Gunners in a fantastic season. Usually a left-back, she brought more solidity to a defence that would end up shutting out Barcelona in the Champions League final for Arsenal's first European triumph since 2007.

Getty Images=27. Clara Mateo (Paris FC)

Crowned the Premiere Ligue's Player of the Year at both of France's end of season award ceremonies, Mateo was outstanding for underdogs Paris FC as they shocked Paris Saint-Germain to win the Coupe de France, before also securing a Champions League place. The 27-year-old scored a league-leading 18 goals and also ranked second for assists, with seven.

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Getty Images=27. Frida Maanum (Arsenal)

Another important member of Arsenal's Champions League-winning side, Maanum ended the club season with 10 goals and four assists, though those stats don't scratch the surface when it comes to the midfielder's value in the Gunners' XI. She was then a key player for a Norway side that finally reached the knockout stages of the Euros again, scoring twice in the win over Iceland.

Their new Rice: West Ham now in the mix to sign PL "monster" for Potter

West Ham United head into the new season with a renewed sense of optimism.

After finishing 14th in the Premier League last season with just 43 points, the club has made it clear that progress is needed.

Graham Potter, who replaced Julen Lopetegui in January, has brought fresh ideas.

The former Chelsea boss signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and immediately faced the challenge of steadying a side that had been struggling under his predecessor.

Despite inheriting a squad lacking in depth in crucial areas, Potter has tried to lay the foundations for a more resilient West Ham side. The Hammers have already moved to secure several key additions.

Lucas Paqueta, cleared of betting allegations, will be keen to repay the club’s support with strong performances this season. The club has also added the likes of El Hadji Diouf, Mads Hermansen, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Callum Wilson.

Mohamed Kudus, a key figure in West Ham’s previous campaigns, has departed to Spurs for £55 million, creating both a gap in midfield quality and an opportunity for fresh talent to step in.

Despite these changes, one of the club’s ambitions this summer remains shoring up their midfield in a way that can transform their competitiveness in the Premier League.

West Ham have reportedly set their sights on a player widely regarded as potentially their best midfielder since Declan Rice.

West Ham eyeing move for Premier League midfielder

Yves Bissouma is a 28-year-old central midfielder currently on the books at Tottenham Hotspur who is attracting West Ham’s gaze, according to Sacha Tavolieri.

The report claims that the Hammers are one of the clubs in the race to potentially land the midfield maestro, alongside Premier League rivals Everton.

Having joined Spurs from Brighton in 2022 for £25m, this “absolute monster” has demonstrated his quality over 100 appearances, scoring six goals and contributing three assists.

Yet, despite these solid contributions, he has found himself on the fringes of the Spurs first team, mirroring the situation faced by other high-profile players in need of a fresh start.

Football Insider recently reported that Spurs would only allow Bissouma to leave if a replacement could be found, and it now appears increasingly likely that the player will depart this summer.

Palhinha has joined on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, while the club eyes Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher as a potential replacement. Gallagher’s reported £40m price tag has not deterred Spurs, though Madrid remain reluctant to sell.

The timing could be perfect for both player and club. With his contract expiring in 2026, Spurs may view a summer sale as their last opportunity to recoup investment on a player who has yet to consistently feature in Thomas Frank’s plans.

For West Ham, landing a midfielder of Bissouma’s calibre would represent a statement of intent, addressing a key area of the pitch that has long required reinforcement.

The Declan Rice benchmark

West Ham fans will naturally draw comparisons to Declan Rice, who left the club for Arsenal in a £100m deal.

Rice, a product of the West Ham academy, played 245 times for the Hammers, scoring 15 goals and assisting 13, per Transfermarkt.

Declan Rice Stats – West Ham 2022/23

Matches Played

37

Minutes

3,273

Goals

4

Assists

1

Progressive Carries

89

Progressive Passes

240

Shot Creating Actions per 90

2.75

Tackles

79

Source: FBref

He flourished under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, proving his value not only defensively but as a driver of forward momentum.

In terms of statistics, Rice excelled in progressive carries per 90 (94th percentile, 2.66), shot-creating actions (81st percentile, 3.25), and touches in the attacking penalty area (90th percentile, 2.68), per FBref.

While Bissouma does not directly replicate Rice’s profile, he offers similar defensive reliability and the ability to influence the tempo of matches.

Rice’s departure left a void that West Ham have struggled to fill adequately, and Bissouma represents a realistic and attainable option to fill it.

His presence could elevate the team both defensively and in possession, giving Potter the balance required to implement a more consistent game plan.

According to FBref, he ranks in the 83rd percentile for pass completion (88.6%), 91st percentile for tackles (3.09 per 90 minutes), 83rd percentile for interceptions (1.39), and 92nd percentile for clearances (2.65).

His style has been likened to the likes of Boubacar Kamara at Aston Villa, blending defensive solidity with the capacity to drive the ball forward and influence transitions.

West Ham already have several players in the central midfield area, including Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, and Tomas Soucek.

The addition of Bissouma would give Potter a more dynamic and versatile selection, with a player capable of shielding the defence, winning duels, and contributing to attacks.

With West Ham intent on competing not only for league stability but also for European football, adding a midfielder of Bissouma’s calibre could be transformative.

As West Ham prepare for the new season, they face an opening fixture at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Yet, with the summer window moving quickly and Bissouma reportedly nearing the exit from Spurs, Potter could soon have an ideal addition to his midfield.

Potter's own Xhaka: West Ham now targeting "technically gifted" £15m star

The brilliant midfielder could become West Ham United and Graham Potter’s own Granit Xhaka.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 16, 2025

The club’s summer strategy, combining new signings with the potential acquisition of a proven Premier League talent, suggests an ambition to climb the table and challenge for European spots.

فيديو | ميسي يبدع ويقود إنتر ميامي لاكتساح أتالانتا برباعية في الدوري الأمريكي

قدم نادي إنتر ميامي عرضًا قويًا واستطاع أن يحقق فوزًا كبيرًا على نظيره أتالانتا يونايتد بأربعة أهداف دون مقابل فجر اليوم الأحد، وذلك ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري الأمريكي الممتاز.

ودخل مدرب نادي إنتر ميامي، خافيير ماسكيرانو، بتشكيلته الأساسية كاملًة والتي تقدمها ليونيل ميسي، أسطورة الأرجنتين ونادي برشلونة، إلى جانب لويس سواريز وجوردي ألبا، وسيرجيو بوسكيتس.

اقرأ أيضًا .. سبورت توضح موقف أولمو من كلاسيكو برشلونة وريال مدريد

إنتر ميامي بدأ اللقاء بضغط قوي، بحثًا عن تسجيل الهدف الأول وحسم المباراة مبكرًا خصوصًا مع الحالة الجيدة التي يعيشها رفاق ميسي خلال الفترة الأخيرة.

وانتظر إنتر ميامي حتى جاءت الدقيقة 38 ليأتي التقدم عن طريق ميسي، حيث استلم النجم الأرجنتيني الكرة من الناحية اليمنى على حدود منطقة الجزاء ووضعها بشكل رائع في شباك أتالانتا معلنًا تقدم فريقه.

ميسي لم يكتف بهذا الهدف، وإنما صنع فرصة أكثر من رائعة للويس سواريز في الوقت بدل الضائع من الشوط الأول من المباراة، لكن الدولي الأوروجوياني السابق وضع الكرة خارج الشباك.

وفي الشوط الثاني لم تختلف الأمور كثيرًا، حيث استمر إنتر ميامي في الضغط لتسجيل الهدف الثاني، وهو أمر تحقق في الدقيقة 52، فبلمحة فنية رائعة بذكريات الماضي مرر ميسي كرة ولا أروع إلى ألبا الذي انفرد بالمرمى ووضع الكرة من فوق الحارس لتسكن الشباك.

وفي الدقيقة 61 بصم سواريز على الهدف الثالث لإنتر ميامي بطريقة أكثر من رائعة، حيث سدد اللاعب كرة على الطائر من خارج منطقة الجزاء في شباك أتالانتا.

وعاد ميسي مرة أخرى ليسجل الهدف الثاني له والرابع لإنتر ميامي، ففي الدقيقة 87 استلم النجم الأرجنتيني كرة من ألبا ليسددها في شباك أتالانتا خاتمًا بذلك مهرجان الأهداف.

بتلك النتيجة رفع إنتر ميامي رصيده إلى 62 نقطة في المركز الثالث في القسم الشرقي بالدوري الأمريكي، بينما بقى رصيد أتالانتا عند 27 نقطة في المركز الـ14 وقبل الأخير.

Ruben Amorim is safe – for now: Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'refusing to panic' over Man Utd form amid supposed talks with Gareth Southgate over manager's job

Manchester United are reportedly "refusing to panic" when it comes to Ruben Amorim, with the Portuguese coach being assured that his position at Old Trafford is not under serious threat. Questions continue to be asked of whether the Red Devils should be making another change in the dugout, with consistency in the Premier League proving elusive despite huge investments of faith and funds in the current coaching regime.

  • Amorim's Man Utd record: Shocking win ratio

    Amorim took the reins at United in November 2024 following the dismissal of predecessor Erik ten Hag. He had overseen Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs, but was still ushered through the exits after failing to turn the Red Devils into contenders for the most prestigious of domestic and European honours.

    On the back of a productive spell in charge of Sporting in his homeland, Amorim – as one of the most highly-regarded young managers in the global game – was charged with the task of returning former glories to the so-called ‘Theatre of Dreams’. He has picked up just 18 victories from 49 games at the helm, giving him a miserly win ratio of 36.73 per cent.

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    Ratcliffe stance: Man Utd board keep the faith

    United’s latest setback came in a 3-1 defeat at Brentford, as club captain Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty and more holes were picked in the 3-4-3 system that Amorim stubbornly refuses to waver from. That result has left the Red Devils 14th in the Premier League table, with seven points being picked up from a possible 18 through six games in the 2025-26 campaign.

    Pressure continues to build on Amorim, having collected only 33 points in total across 34 Premier League fixtures as Red Devils boss, but the reports on how he "still has the backing of Manchester United’s minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe". It is claimed that INEOS and the Old Trafford board are "refusing to panic" despite the ongoing issues that continue to be endured on the field.

    Amorim was appointed as a part of a long-term project, which includes the construction of a new £2 billion ($2.7bn) stadium, and remains under contract until 2027 – with said terms including the option for a 12-month extension beyond that point. It has been reported that sacking Amorim would cost United around £12m ($16m).

    That is not something that they are willing to consider at present, with the Mail claiming that Ratcliffe "believes Amorim deserves time to work his players after United spent £236 million on new signings in the summer". They go on to state that "United sources said on Sunday that the club are not lining up any replacements."

  • Amorim reacts to fresh sack speculation

    Amorim told reporters after being quizzed on his future again after a humbling reversal in west London against Brentford: "I am always comfortable with the job. I am not concerned, it is not my decision. I will do the best I can every minute I am here. I am never concerned about my job, I am not that kind of guy. I'm always doing my job. If I win, I'm in a different state of mind. That is normal, but I'm always confident because I know what to do. I've always taken a lot of responsibility on your own shoulders.

    "We can play better and we need to play better. It's like ups and downs. When you win, you feel that everything, the momentum is here. When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum.

    "I cannot tell you more than I say every time I lose the game. Sometimes you see one team that performs really well and you see improvements. And then sometimes you have some games that you don't see that improvement. That gives you the confidence to say that Manchester United is going to get back. So it's always the same conversation. It depends on the next game. So let's try to win the next game and to improve certain things."

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    Southgate next: Who could replace Amorim?

    Amid the calls for Amorim to be sacked, talk has inevitably turned to who could replace him. Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate is said to be in the frame – with discussions reportedly being held with the 55-year-old – while it has also been suggested that United could turn to a club legend such as Michael Carrick or Darren Fletcher to help steady the ship on an interim basis.

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