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O Botafogo informou que na noite de segunda-feira (3) que o lateral-direito Rafael passou por uma cirurgia para reconstruir o tendão patelar de seu joelho esquerdo. De acordo com o clube, a operação foi bem-sucedida.

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O Alvinegro estabeleceu o prazo de recuperação do jogador de 32 anos em até seis meses.

+ Confira a tabela do Brasileirão e simule os resultados dos próximos jogos

Em suas redes, o Botafogo frisou que “o procedimento foi finalizado com sucesso e acompanhado pelos médicos do Clube. O Botafogo deseja uma boa recuperação ao nosso lateral e agradece pelo carinho com o atleta”.

O Botafogo tem inicialmente Di Plácido como seu substituto imediato. A equipe pode ir ao mercado para suprir sua ausência. O uruguaio Mateo Ponte, do Danubio, está na mira.

Morgan Gibbs-White opened up on why he chose to commit his future to Nottingham Forest, despite strong interest from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. Spurs were very close to signing Gibbs-White in the summer transfer window but the midfielder eventually put pen to paper on a new three-year deal that will now run until the summer of 2028. His previous deal was due to expire in 2027.

• Gibbs-White transfer saga

  In July, Tottenham came very close to signing Gibbs-White and had even triggered his £60 million ($81m) release clause, but Forest stopped the move and blocked his transfer. He eventually ended up signing a fresh three-year deal.   

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• Getty
  

  'I really wanted to continue that journey'

  On signing a new Forest contract, the England international said: "Oh yeah, 100 per cent. After everything we've been through together and knowing that we were back in Europe, I really wanted to continue that journey. The fact that after 30 years we're back here, at home, under the lights (in Europe), the fans are going to be incredible. The loudest ever game. That was a big reason as to why I wanted to stay."  

• Gibbs-White explained 'heart gesture' to Reds fans

  The 25-year-old was spotted doing a heart gesture towards the Forest fans during a pre-season friendly and the 25-year-old has now explained what exactly it meant. He said: "It's something I always do every single game,” Gibbs-White said. “After every single game, I go and applaud the fans and show my love to the fans because they're the ones that are paying their hard-earned money to come and watch us and support us. I feel like that's the least I can do after a game, walk around and clap, give my support and give my thanks."  

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  European nights back in City Ground

  After holding Real Betis to a 2-2 draw in their first match since returning to Europe, they will now play host to FC Midtjylland at the City Ground on Thursday in an Europa League clash.       

Many people thought that Liverpool’s transition from life under Jurgen Klopp to their new era under Arne Slot would be a tough obstacle to navigate. However, that was not the case, given that the Reds stormed the Premier League in the Dutchman’s first season at the helm at Anfield.

In the end, it was a landslide victory for the Merseysiders, who finished on 84 points, ten points clear of second-place Arsenal. They also scored more goals than any other side, finding the back of the net 86 times throughout the course of the season.

In what was a memorable first campaign for Slot, there were some real standout players for the Reds.

Liverpool’s standout players in 24/25

Of course, the key to Liverpool winning the title last season was Mohamed Salah. The 33-year-old won the Golden Boot by some distance, scoring 29 times and assisting a further 18 in the 38 top-flight games.

In terms of attacking output, the now-departed Luis Diaz scored 13 times and assisted seven in the top flight, and Cody Gakpo bagged ten goals and set up five more.

Behind Salah, they were Liverpool’s most dangerous attackers.

Naturally, the Reds were strong at the back last season, with Alisson and Virgil van Dijk two key components to Slot’s title-winning success. However, Ibrahima Konate was “the best defender in the Premier League” according to former Chelsea and Arsenal centre-back William Gallas.

The 25-year-old, who signed for Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, played 31 games in the top flight, forming a near-unbreachable partnership with Van Dijk. Konate even chipped in with one goal and two assists.

It was not just the likes of Salah, Gakpo and Konate who were the star men for Liverpool last season. One man in midfield really stood out, putting in consistently excellent performances week in, week out.

How Gravenberch's value has soared under Slot

Despite a transfer window in 2025 where Liverpool spent hundreds of millions of pounds, much of the squad that won the title last season was built by Klopp. Slot certainly landed on a formula that was able to secure the league with a squad that was, ultimately, not his.

One of those key players last term was Ajax academy graduate Ryan Gravenberch. The 23-year-old formed a hard-working midfield alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, sitting as a lone number six in front of the back four.

His importance to Slot’s side is clear to see when you look at the number of games he played last term. Gravenberch featured in 49 matches across competitions, with 37 of those games coming in the Premier League.

Described as a “special” midfielder by football scout Antonio Mango, the former Ajax star excels at carrying the ball through the lines. That is a self-professed skill of his, with the Dutchman explaining that when he can “break through the lines and open up in the play, I really enjoy that”, as the clip below shows.

His underlying numbers from last term show just how well-rounded the 23-year-old is as a number six.

For example, he averaged 14.4 forward passes and won 5.5 duels on average per 90 minutes, showing two different sides of him as a midfielder.

Forward passes

14.4

505

Take-ons completed

1.1

37

Duels won

5.3

184

Interceptions

1.8

60

Ball recoveries

5.5

193

With all this in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that Gravenberch’s value has shot up since Slot guided Liverpool to the title, as per Transfermarkt. When Klopp departed Anfield at the end of 2024, he was worth just £30m, having started just 21 games under the German the year prior.

Now, his value has risen by 116% under his countryman. The ex-Bayern Munich midfielder is valued at £65m, over double his value just over a year ago. That is a real testament to how well he has performed.

Slot winning the league with a Klopp-built squad at the first time of asking was certainly impressive, and Gravenberch is certainly a success story. His huge increase in value certainly shows that.

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Liverpool’s original version of Wirtz was sold for a healthy profit.

ByWill Miller Sep 9, 2025

Real Madrid’s 5-0 Champions League win at Kairat Almaty has been overshadowed by Federico Valverde’s emotional statement addressing reports that he had refused to play. The Uruguayan vice-captain strongly denied suggestions of a rift with Xabi Alonso, insisting he has always given “everything and more” for the club, even while playing through injuries.

The new Valverde case at Madrid

The focus after Madrid's stellar show in Champions League, quickly shifted from the result to vice-captain Valverde. Spanish reports suggested the Uruguayan midfielder had refused to play in a defensive role, fuelling speculation of growing friction with new head coach Alonso. Valverde, who remained on the bench and cut a frustrated figure throughout, broke his silence hours later with an emotional statement on social media.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportValverde denies refusing to play

Targeting directly to the rumours, Valverde insisted his reputation had been unfairly damaged. “I have read several articles damaging my reputation. I know I’ve had bad games, I’m aware of it. I’m not hiding, and I face the criticism head-on. I’m truly sad. People can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play,” he wrote in a social media post. 

Loyalty to Real Madrid

Valverde underlined his unwavering commitment to the club, reminding fans of his sacrifices. "I have given everything and more for this club, I’ve played while fractured, injured, and I’ve never complained or asked for a break,” he said. 

"I have a good relationship with the coach, which makes me feel confident enough to tell him which position I prefer on the pitch, but I always, always made it clear that I’m available to perform anywhere, on any trip, and in every game.

"I’ve left my heart and soul in this club and I will continue to do so, even if sometimes it’s not enough or I’m not playing as I’d like. I swear on my pride that I will never give up and will fight until the end, playing wherever I’m needed."

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AFPBehind the controversy

The tension emerged after Alonso reportedly considered using Valverde at right-back due to injuries. Hours before the game, Valverde had told the press that while he preferred midfield, he was ready to play anywhere. His subsequent bench role, solitary warm-ups, and distant body language led to speculation of a silent protest. Video clips of him skipping pre-match routines quickly went viral, sparking debate in Spain about his standing under Alonso.

Valverde’s statement may help cool the controversy, but questions remain about his role under Alonso and whether the episode hints at deeper issues within the squad. With two Champions League wins under their belt and returning to La Liga duty this weekend, Alonso must manage both results on the pitch and harmony off it, as this comes amid concerns regarding Vinicius Junior's place in the starting XI. For Valverde, the challenge will be to reaffirm his influence as Real Madrid’s vice-captain and one of their most dependable performers.

After taking the reins during the summer, new boss Thomas Frank will want to bring added success to Tottenham Hotspur after the Europa League triumph last season.

The Dane has key Premier League experience, spending four years in charge at Brentford after getting the Bees promoted back in the 2020/21 campaign.

However, his appointment is undoubtedly the next step in his career, but his tactical knowledge could see him be a huge hit with the Lilywhites faithful in the years ahead.

The 51-year-old has already made an immediate impact in the role, winning two of his three outings in England’s top-flight – one of which was against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Despite his impressive start to life at the club, Frank will undoubtedly be wishing that he had one former player to rely upon in his hunt for trophies in North London.

Gareth Bale’s time at Tottenham Hotspur

After arriving from Southampton as a 17-year-old, Gareth Bale originally moved to Spurs as a left-back, but that quickly changed during his time in North London.

His trajectory changed massively after transitioning into a more attacking role, with his hat-trick in the Champions League meeting with Inter Milan at the San Siro back in 2010 certainly aiding his claim for a forward-minded position.

In the following campaign, the Welsh international registered 26 combined goals and assists – catching the eye of various sides across Europe, but staying put to continue his impressive development.

The former Saints youngster became settled in a right-wing position, with such a move helping him achieve the best season of his career for goal contributions in 2012/13.

Bale scored 26 times that year, subsequently becoming known for his trademark cut-in off the right-hand side before finding the top corner – which made him one of Europe’s hottest properties.

Real Madrid would win the race for his signature that summer, moving to the LaLiga side for a reported £85m fee – a then world-record fee, overtaking the money forked out for Cristiano Ronaldo a few years prior.

The Spurs star who could be Frank’s own Bale

Whilst Bale was a player who endured huge levels of success at Spurs, his time at the club wasn’t all plain sailing – he nearly departed the Lilywhites back in the summer of 2009.

It was previously reported that Nottingham Forest made a £2m bid for the Welshman, with the hierarchy even accepting the offer to allow him to depart after just a couple of years in North London.

Whilst a deal appeared close at one stage, the player himself, in the end, had a change of heart, deciding to stay and fight for his place in the first-team rather than starting afresh.

The decision proved to be a blessing in disguise for the club and the player himself, with no one anticipating such a rise at the time of his proposed move to the City Ground.

Such a situation has reoccurred over the last couple of years, with full-back Djed Spence a player who looked almost certain to leave the Lilywhites at one point.

Djed Spence – Spurs PL stats (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

25

Goals & assists

3

Progressive carries

3.1

Progressive passes

5.3

Tackles won

2.4

Interceptions made

1.1

Aerials won

1.1

Aerial success rate

60%

Stats via FBref

The 25-year-old joined the club back in the summer of 2022, arriving in a £20m deal from Middlesbrough – even though manager Antonio Conte was against the signing at the time.

He only made six appearances for the first-team, before three unsuccessful loan spells at Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa – with the latter having an option to buy at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

However, the immense injury crisis last season handed the right-back the opportunity to impress – one that he took with both hands – subsequently going on to make 35 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Spence, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has played in every minute of Frank’s tenure to date – earning himself a maiden England call-up during the recent international break.

No supporter could’ve predicted such a rise given his lack of action in previous seasons, but it’s safe to say the Englishman now looks a bargain and a player who will play a huge part in any success during the Dane’s tenure.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, there’s no reason why the defender can’t be a part of the 2026 World Cup squad – not to mention further impressing in North London.

His situation is extremely similar to that of Bale, with the Lilywhites once again having another huge talent on their hands, which could see another massive payday in the years ahead.

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Aston Villa have had a fairly quiet summer transfer window, signing just one prominent first-team player, Evann Guessand from Nice, who cost around £30m.

They have sold a few players, too, with Jacob Ramsey being the notable exit. The boyhood Villa star moved up north to join Newcastle United.

They were recently on the cusp of losing another midfielder, one of Unai Emery’s key men in the centre of the park. Belgian star Youri Tielemans had interest from Saudi side Al-Ittihad, according to reports, but turned down the offer to remain at Villa Park.

With the transfer window set to slam shut on Monday, Villa could now turn their attention to incomings, as they look to strengthen Emery’s squad.

Aston Villa's transfer plans in the final days

It will be interesting to see what business the Villans do as the end of the transfer window approaches.

Emery’s side seem to want a new midfielder, with Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United one player who they’re showing interest in signing.

Transfer Focus

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

They are said to have joined the race to sign another midfielder with Premier League experience, too.

That’s according to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, who suggest that the West Midlands side are said to be interested in signing Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher.

They are thought to have ‘money in the bag’ this summer, and could well send an offer to Diego Simeone’s side ‘in the coming hours’.

However, they will face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, with the Hammers also showing interest. As for the price, Gallagher could be available for around £34m this summer.

Why Gallagher would be a good signing

Gallagher is a player who has reams of Premier League experience and would have no trouble slotting into the midfield at Villa Park, in that sense.

He has impressed in the Spanish capital for Simone’s side, where his “relentless” nature, as Statman Dave put it, has served him well.

Last term, the 25-year-old, who was born in Epsom, played 50 times for the La Liga giants, mainly operating as a number eight, but also playing as a left midfielder.

He bagged four goals, including one against rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League, and assisted six.

But it is that English top-flight experience which might make him such an appealing option for Emery and Villa.

Gallagher has played 136 times in the Premier League for Chelsea, Palace and West Brom, having loan spells at the latter two. He has 31 goal involvements to his name.

It could well be the case that, if Villa do sign Gallagher this summer, he could become Emery’s new Tielemans.

Of course, it seems like the Belgian will remain at Villa Park this summer, which is key for the club given his importance in Claret and Blue.

Last season, the former Anderlecht star played 50 times, with 36 of those coming in the Premier League and 12 in the Champions League.

He chipped in with five goals and ten assists, often operating as a deep-lying playmaker sitting in front of the back four, but also playing further forward.

Indeed, there are comparisons which can be made between the two players. Gallagher is also a versatile option in midfield, as he showed for Chelsea. The Cobham graduate featured as a number six, a number eight and in attacking midfield for his boyhood club.

There are also similar underlying statistics when looking at numbers from 2022/23, when Tielemans was at Leicester City and Gallagher was plying his trade at Stamford Bridge.

The England international’s impressive passing range was on show, given that he averaged 5.83 progressive passes per 90 minutes, compared to Tielemans’ tally of 6.96 each game.

Progressive passes

5.83

6.96

Key passes

1.17

1.15

Progressive carries

2.22

1.35

Tackles and interceptions

3.83

3.62

Ball recoveries

5.17

7.5

Emery would surely love to have another version of Tielemans in midfield. Gallagher offers ball progression and threat in the opposition box, as well as tenacity off the ball. Between them, the duo could be a deadly midfield pivot.

A fee of £52m is a huge investment at this stage of the window, but might be a smart move for Villa if they are looking to improve their midfield options.

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The Lewis family have been tipped to pump more money into Tottenham, following the shock departure of ex-chairman Daniel Levy last week, and these funds could be put towards their recruitment plans.

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, who shared news on a live broadcast that ENIC are planning a cash injection.

Levy helped to transform the Lilywhites into one of world football’s highest-revenue generating clubs over his 24-year tenure running the club, with Tottenham also moving to their state-of-the-art new stadium to seriously bolster their commercial appeal off the field.

Real Madrid

£1.2 billion

Man City

£727 million

PSG

£700 million

Man United

£668 million

Bayern Munich

£664 million

FC Barcelona

£659.5 million

Arsenal

£621.5 million

Liverpool

£620 million

Tottenham Hotspur

£533 million

Chelsea

£474 million

However, Levy attracted criticism for a perceived lack of transfer spending compared to Spurs’ Premier League rivals, and this was undoubtedly a factor in them winning just two major trophies since 2001.

Thomas Frank could now be backed by the ENIC and the Lewis family as CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, who is set for a more hands-on role after Levy’s departure, aims to deliver more success.

Tottenham signed an array of star players during the last window under Levy, with Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani chief among them.

The latter two are poised to make their Premier League debuts against West Ham in a crunch London derby clash this weekend, and according to ex-Levy employee Bryan King, ex-Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher could be a target to watch out for in this post-Levy era.

Tottenham tipped to sign Conor Gallagher in £45 million deal

They’ll have to wait until January, but King believes that Tottenham signing Gallagher from Atlético Madrid is a very realistic proposition.

As uncertainty continues to surround Yves Bissouma’s future, Gallagher could come as an excellent replacement for the Mali international who has fallen out of favour with Frank.

The England international can play as an attacking midfielder when required, known for his excellent ball-winning ability, energy and tenacity in the middle of the park, and would help to fill Tottenham’s ‘locally trained’ quota for European competitions.

The only caveat is whether Gallagher, given his Chelsea roots, would want to swap Diego Simeone’s side for an ex-rival.

If he decides that is worth the move back to London, Frank would undoubtedly be securing a real asset, and one who Moises Caicedo has called a “machine”.