رفض استئناف لاعب ليفربول وإيقافه 5 مباريات

تقرر إيقاف أحد لاعبي فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي لخمس مباريات، بسبب اشتباكه مع الجماهير، ورفض الاستئناف الذي تقدم به.

واشتبك لاعب الفريق مع الجماهير في مباراة خلال الصيف الماضي، بمنافسات بطولة كوبا أمريكا.

وكان داروين نونيز مهاجم ليفربول، اشتبك مع الجماهير خلال مباراة منتخب بلده أوروجواي أمام كولومبيا بكوبا أمريكا.

تم إيقاف نونيز مباراتين بالفعل من المباريات الخمس (طالع التفاصيل)، ضد باراجواي وفنزويلا، قبل أن يستأنف الاتحاد الأوروجواياني لكرة القدم ضد الإيقاف أمام محكمة التحكيم الرياضي (كاس).

ورفضت “كاس” الاستئناف المقدم بعد مراجعة الأحداث، ورأت أن دفاع نونيز عن نفسه لا يعتد به.

وورد في بيان للمحكمة: “خلصت اللجنة إلى أن مبدأ الدفاع عن النفس لا ينطبق في هذه القضية، وكان سلوك اللاعبين عملاً طوعيًا وعنيفًا وغير مبرر، وهو ما ينتهك قانون الانضباط لاتحاد أمريكا الجنوبية لكرة القدم (كونميبول)”.

سيُغرّم نونيز أيضًا بمبلغ 15,145 جنيهًا إسترلينيًا (20 ألف دولار أمريكي).

وعقب تلك الواقعة، أوضح نونيز أنه كان يدافع عن أسرته وحاول حمايتهم من اشتباكات الجماهير، لكنه حاول رمي كرسي وتدخل أحد أفراد الأمن حينها.

وسيغيب نونيز عن مباريات أوروجواي الثلاث المقبلة في تصفيات كأس العالم ضد باراجواي وفنزويلا وبيرو.

'The best centre-forward in Europe!' – Newcastle told to keep Alexander Isak at all costs as vultures circle around Magpies hero

Newcastle United have been urged to keep hold of striker Alexander Isak by former Rangers forward Ally McCoist

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Isak led Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory last monthSwedish star has attracted interest from Premier League rivalsMcCoist claims Isak has been 'best centre-forward in Europe this year'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle have been warned against selling star striker Isak by Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist. The former Real Sociedad star has been a massive hit on Tyneside but has also been linked with a departure as rival clubs in England and around Europe monitor his progress.

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Isak helped the Magpies end a 56-year trophy draught as they beat Liverpool in last month's Carabao Cup final, but Premier League rivals such as Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with the Sweden international to bolster their own forward lines. However, Eddie Howe's side are well placed in the hunt for Champions League qualification and McCoist believes Newcastle are unlikely to sell to a rival unless a huge bid arrives.

WHAT MCCOIST SAID

Speaking to talkSPORT Bet, McCoist said: "He [Isak] could play anywhere, at any level. He's probably been the best centre-forward in Europe this year – absolutely terrific.

"Newcastle fans will be building a wall around St James' Park as we speak! I don't think the club would even consider letting him go – unless a ridiculous offer came in. Eddie Howe’s building something there.

"I get that money talks, but selling Isak would send the wrong message. Newcastle are on the verge of a phenomenal season – first domestic trophy in 70 years, possibly a return to the Champions League. That's massive. So while top clubs will come calling, I don't see him going anywhere."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have scored more Premier League goals than Isak's 20 so far this season, while the Swede has also contributed five assists for his teammates. His strike against Liverpool at Wembley proved to be the winner in the Carabao Cup final as the Magpies deservedly triumphed 2-1.

Grant Roelofsen threat sharpens Essex's quarter-finals challenge

Yorkshire in disarray by the time rain finally descends on Chelmsford and lose top-three spot

ECB Reporters Network17-Aug-2022Grant Roelofsen’s sublime innings helped Essex to a third successive Royal London Cup win and bolstered their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.The South African recorded his third half-century in a row in the competition, finishing with a season’s high of 90 off 97 balls before Essex’s last eight wickets fell inside 14 overs for the addition of 56 runs.Roelofsen put on 151 – the only significant partnership of the game – with Essex captain Tom Westley, whose 52 was his fourth successive score above fifty.Yorkshire were soon in trouble in pursuit of 241, losing four wickets in the first six overs, and never recovered before heavy rain ended play – a relief not just for the Chelmsford outfield, but also or one of the most parched parts of the country. Essex, winning by 88 runs on DLS, leapfrogged Yorkshire into third place, though they have played a game more.Related

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Roelofsen dominated the third-wicket stand. Though not afraid to improvise with the reverse-sweep, the most eye-catching of Roelofsen’s impressive array of strokes was a punishing off-drive though the covers for one of eight fours.There were two sixes for the South African in an over from Harry Sullivan over midwicket, and a third even more effortlessly off Matt Revis. At other times he was content to keep the scoreboard ticking along with nudges and flicks for singles and doubles.Westley was very much the sleeping partner. His fifth boundary, clouted firmly past Revis, brought up not only his own fifty, but also 150 for the stand. However, without addition he miscued an attempted pull over midwicket and skied a return catch to Sullivan. Roelofsen perished not long after when he went for one reverse-sweep too many against Sullivan and picked out Shutt at backward point.The pair had come together 25 overs earlier after Feroze Khushi was bowled by Ben Coad playing down the wrong line, and was followed almost immediately by opening partner Josh Rymell, run out on his call by a direct throw to the non-striker’s end by Shutt fielding at mid-off.However, the parting of Roelofsen and Westley prefaced a collapse from 184-2 to 240 all out.Robin Das fell to a carbon-copy of Roelofsen’s dismissal, chipping up Dom Bess to Coad. Nick Browne was bowled trying to give himself room against Shutt. Luc Benkenstein attempted to slog Waite and was bowled before Aron Nijjar was castled by Shutt. Waite mopped up the innings by having Jamal Richards caught behind and Ray Toole held one-handed at full stretch by Will Fraine at wide mid-on.The target did not initially look onerous, but Yorkshire were quickly in trouble. Roelofsen, swapping batting pads for the wicketkeeper’s, was soon back on the scorecard, catching Harry Duke behind off a faint tickle and then stumping Will Luxton, who tried to charge Nijjar.Shane Snater then had Fraine edging to slip, and next ball trapped Jonathan Tattersall like a statue in his crease to claim his third wicket in 11 balls.George Hill and Waite dug in doggedly for nine overs until Waite’s 35-ball vigil for 15 ended when he was lbw to one that kept low from Toole. The New Zealand seamer followed that by finding the edge of Revis’s bat and Yorkshire had fallen to 71-6.Five runs later the players scuttled off as the first serious rainfall of an otherwise dry season quickly flooded the ground and forced Duckworth and Lewis into decisive action.Tom Westley, expecting rain, had even slipped in a couple of rapid overs himself to ensure there would be a positive resut. “With 10 overs constituting a game, I brought myself on early. It started spitting in the sixth or seventh over and you could see clouds building everywhere so that was the reason why I came on for those token two overs.”I suppose being bowled out before we had faced the full 50 overs went in our favour because it gave us a bit more time to move the game forward and give us a bit more time with the ball. It’s pretty infuriating though that our number 11 is having to bat in every single game after we have got ourselves into some fantastic positions.”We don’t want to sell ourselves short by making the same mistakes over and over again it is a learning experience for a lot of these guys but from where we started against Derbyshire, which was an appalling performance given the standards we set, we have gone from strength to strength.”

Ipswich could sign a perfect Delap replacement in "sharp" EFL star

Kieran McKenna will hope his Ipswich Town side can make it an unbelievable two wins from two in the Premier League when travelling to Fulham this coming weekend.

After all, the Tractor Boys have already pulled off one scalp involving a team from London in the top flight recently, when surprisingly getting the better of Chelsea 2-0 to see out 2024 in the best possible way.

Now, they’ll travel to Craven Cottage with a bit between their teeth, even as some unwanted distractions begin to pop up with the transfer window swinging back open.

Liam Delap's future at Ipswich

The main unwelcome bit of news involves Liam Delap, with many a Premier League outfit reportedly looking at the on-fire Tractor Boys centre-forward this January.

Indeed, it is now being reported that Chelsea are pursuing the services of the potent 21-year-old, knowing full well what he’s capable of after he scored and assisted in that 2-0 win at the back end of December.

His breakneck speed proved too much for the Blues to handle, with Liverpool also reportedly now looking at Delap this January to improve their already frightening attacking personnel.

Ipswich will pray that the ex-Manchester City star does stay put in Suffolk, but this could prove to be an uphill battle, especially if either of the named suitors are prepared to splash some big bucks on the clinical striker.

If he does depart, replacing Delap will obviously be priority number one at Portman Road, with this EFL sharp shooter perhaps snapped up to fill that void.

Transfer Focus

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

Ipswich's dream Delap replacement

Ipswich’s dream replacement could well be Middlesbrough attacker Emmanuel Latte Lath, who was linked with a switch to McKenna’s men last month.

A move would no doubt accelerate back into motion if Delap left for pastures new, but the Tractor Boys won’t be alone in attempting to win the services of the Boro marksman, with West Ham United noted as another interested party.

The outrageous solo strike above scored earlier in the season shows off an attacker who very much operates in the same mould as Delap; someone who’s constantly wanting to bomb forward with lightning-quick pace before beating the goalkeeper confidently.

Michael Carrick’s men will be doing everything in their power to try and keep a firm grip on the deadly Ivorian, but his sublime numbers in the second tier across his playing days in England to date means he is surely overdue a Premier League move.

Latte Lath’s league numbers for Middlesbrough

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

24/25

24

9

2

23/24

30

16

1

Sourced by Transfermarkt

In total, Latte Lath has fired home a clinical 25 strikes in the Championship from 64 clashes, with his nine goals this season alone bettering Delap’s blistering Premier League numbers which comes in at seven goals.

Of course, the two-time Ivory Coast international is yet to be unleashed onto the top flight, but McKenna has succeeded in getting more out of a number of EFL established figures when making the step-up, seen in his team’s surprising success over Enzo Maresca’s outfit.

Hailed as “sharp” by Carrick when netting versus Sheffield United in October, Latte Lath could still prove to be a worthwhile addition to the camp even if Delap does remain in Suffolk, owing to a lack of other centre-forward personnel.

But, the 25-year-old would want to make waves in the Premier League as Ipswich’s main star-man, as the Tractor Boys begin to prepare for some frantic activity in the window.

Ipswich could seal Szmodics repeat by signing "special" EFL star

Ipswich Town could shop in the EFL this January to boost their attacking personnel.

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Kelan Sarson

Jan 1, 2025

Tottenham informed they can sign £134k-per-week ex-Man City ace in January

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have been told behind-the-scenes that they’re able to sign a former Man City player in the January transfer window, and he would arguably be quite an improvement on their current options.

Spurs expected to make multiple January signings for Ange

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is currently in the midst of an injury and absentee crisis at N17, and has been for months.

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1 ByDominic Lund Jan 4, 2025

A sickness bug made its way through the Spurs training ground last week as well, resulting in the likes of Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin succumbing to illness, with many other first-team players on the treatment table with injury problems.

Arsenal (away)

January 15

Everton (away)

January 19

Leicester City (home)

January 26

Brentford (away)

February 2

Man United (home)

February 16

Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert and Guglielmo Vicario are currently unavailable, with Richarlison and Mikey Moore only just returning to full first-team training.

Postecoglou’s lack of depth has been seriously exposed this season, so much so that Spurs are expected to make multiple January signings in an effort to reinforce the squad in key areas.

Tottenham are among the contenders to sign Randal Kolo Muani from PSG, according to some reports, with the France international out-of-favour under Luis Enrique and free to find a new club before deadline day on February 3.

Meanwhile, Spurs are also in the market for another centre-back, and have been linked with a host of options in the form of RC Lens starlet Abdukodir Khusanov, Leeds United star Pascal Struijk, Feyenoord stalwart David Hancko, PSG’s Milan Skriniar, Getafe’s Omar Alderete, Inter Milan sensation Yann Bisseck, Borussia Mönchengladbach stalwart Ko Itakura and Udinese’s Thomas Kristensen.

The possibility of another midfielder also cannot be ruled out, with former Man City and Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz available to them as an option.

Tottenham informed of potential Douglas Luiz deal for January

The £134,000-per-week Brazilian bagged 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions for Villa last season, before departing for Juventus in the summer, with Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenchea heading the other way to Birmingham.

Now, he could head back to the Premier League just months after his Serie A switch, as has been reported by The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey this week.

Juve are prepared to green-light a loan exit, which must include an obligation to buy, and Tottenham have been informed that Luiz is available to sign in January if they wish to pursue a deal for the 26-year-old. This could be a golden opportunity for Spurs to bring in a player of proven English top flight quality.

“He’s playing less than we all expected, but we’re talking about a strong player,” said Villa sporting director Monchi said about Luiz to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“There are guys who arrive and impose themselves, others who need time. Patience is needed, but Douglas’ qualities are beyond discussion. He will become important for Juve.

“He’s a playmaker and every ball that comes out of his feet has a meaning: last year he played 90% of the games with us. He was decisive.”

Everton make enquiry over "powerful" striker who’s also wanted by West Ham

Everton have now made an enquiry over a “powerful” striker who could be allowed to leave his current club this month, according to a report.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin back amongst the goals

Prior to David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been struggling in front of goal in the Premier League, but the striker broke his duck by opening the scoring in the 3-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

Moyes was left impressed by Calvert-Lewin’s performance, saying: “The biggest thing today is he played like a proper number nine at times today.

“He made the centre halves worried, he was a threat, he was challenging, winning a good percentage of his aerial duels. He got involved in everything, a lot of really good things today.”

Although the Englishman has returned to form recently, there is still major doubt over his future on Merseyside, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season and a number of clubs being linked with moves.

Everton "have made moves" to sign "very interesting" 24 y/o international

David Moyes isn’t messing around.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 20, 2025

As such, the Toffees may need to bring in another striker this month, and they have now made their first concrete move to sign AS Monaco’s Breel Embolo by making contact and enquiring about his availability.

West Ham United have also taken the same course of action, but Como are believed to be leading the race for the striker’s signature, so there may be serious competition for Embolo’s signature this month.

AS Monaco's BreelEmboloreacts

Monaco are believed to be willing to sanction the forward’s departure this winter, having signed Mika Biereth, and Moyes is keen to strengthen his strike force, so it is a deal that could make sense for all parties.

What Embolo could offer Everton

The 27-year-old has plenty of experience in the Europa League and the Champions League, and he has proven himself in both the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, posing impressive numbers in front of goal over the past five full seasons.

Season

League appearances

Goal contributions

2019-20

28

16

2020-21

31

11

2021-22

29

13

2022-23

32

14

2023-24

5

1

The Switzerland international missed nearly the entire 2023-24 campaign through injury, but he has since managed to force his way back into the Monaco starting XI, scoring three goals in his last five matches.

Journalist Josh Bunting was full of praise for the former Borussia Monchengladbach man at the beginning of the 2022-23 campaign, and provided an overview of his key strengths.

Moyes will be hoping that Calvert-Lewin has turned the corner after scoring last time out, but it could still be worth pursuing a move for Embolo this month, considering his record in front of goal and ability off the ball when it comes to making runs.

Liverpool now leading the race to sign "world-class" £84m striker

Liverpool are now leading the race to sign a “world-class” striker who rivals Arsenal love, according to a report.

Slot still keen on a striker

Darwin Nunez’s quick-fire double to secure all three points against Brentford may well have bought the Uruguayan some extra time at Anfield, but there is still doubt over his long-term future.

Arne Slot has been weighing up potential replacements for the forward, identifying Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, as a target for the summer transfer window.

The Reds are also plotting a move for AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, with FSG considering offering the Cherries £30m plus Ben Doak, who would act as a makeweight to reach the valuation of £50m.

Liverpool now identify £30k-p/w "box-crasher" as perfect midfield target

Arne Slot is keen to bring in a central midfielder after missing out on Martin Zubimendi in the summer.

ByDominic Lund Jan 20, 2025

Although Nunez may be safe for the time being, despite widespread reports linking the striker with a £70m move to Saudi Arabia, Slot could still choose to bring in a replacement at the end of the season, if there is not a major improvement in his performances.

According to a report from Football Transfers, Liverpool are now the club best positioned to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres this summer, indicating they are leading the race for his signature, despite widespread interest from other top clubs.

Arsenal rate the Swedish striker extremely highly, while Newcastle United are also in the race for his signature, having now opened fresh talks over a potential move.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal

Manchester United are also named as potential suitors, but a move to Old Trafford is deemed unlikely, despite Gyokeres’ existing relationship with Ruben Amorim, owing to their poor league position.

With the Sporting star now in his peak years, he wants to move to a club playing in the Champions League, meaning the Reds could be well-placed to get a deal done in the summer.

The forward has a release clause of €100m (£84m) in his contract, but Sporting have agreed to sell him for a knock-down fee this summer.

Gyokeres performing at a "world-class" level

The 26-year-old has gone from strength-to-strength since first appearing for Coventry City in the 2020-21 campaign, having been lauded as “world-class” by members of the media earlier this season.

Over the past four seasons, the former Coventry man has consistently bettered his previous league goal tally, and he is on course to do so again after a phenomenal first half of the season in Portugal.

Season

League appearances

Goals

2020-21

19

3

2021-22

45

17

2022-23

46

21

2023-24

33

29

2024-25

18

22

Although Nunez’s late double salvo secured all three points for Liverpool at Brentford, the 25-year-old has been unable to put in similar performances on a consistent basis, failing to justify his huge price tag.

Gyokeres, on the other hand, is now entering his prime, and has more than earned an opportunity to prove himself at one of the Premier League’s top clubs, so it is exciting news that Liverpool are now well-positioned to get a deal done in the summer.

Lionel Messi backs 'one of the best players in the world' Lamine Yamal to improve 'just like I did' as Barcelona legend heaps praise on Spain wonderkid

Lionel Messi believes Barcelona's Lamine Yamal is already 'one of the best players in the world', and that the 17-year-old will continue to improve.

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Messi says Yamal "has incredible qualities" Argentinian backs youngster to growWinger will "add things to his game"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

The Barcelona legend was speaking about his heir apparent in an interview with . The GOAT was effusive in his praise for Yamal, and backed the youngster to continue adding to his game, just like he did.

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Messi applauded Yamal for the amazing things he's already achieved at such a young age, in particular the European Championship he won with Spain last summer. Just 16-years-old for the majority of that tournament, Yamal set records for the youngest player to play and score in a Euros, and scooped the Golden Boy award for his consistency over the tournament as a whole.

WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

Messi said: "It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal shows… he's already been a Euro champion with Spain.

"He’s still only 17, he's in a growth process, and he'll continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did. He has incredible qualities and he’s already one of the best players in the world."

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APWHAT NEXT FOR LAMINE YAMAL?

Barca hold a four point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga, face off against Los Blancos in the final of the Copa Del Rey later this month and have a Champions League semi-final against Inter to prepare for. Winning a treble and an international trophy before his 18th birthday would give Yamal one of the greatest starts to a career we've ever seen.

Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson and top American stars must be aligned, but Gio Reyna is among the missing: Projecting Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT Gold Cup squad

Following a disappointing Nations League, GOAL projects which players could be on the USMNT roster for the Gold Cup

For the first time since 2019, the U.S. men's national team looks set to bring a full-strength squad to the Gold Cup. That is by necessity. After a dreadful two-game CONCACAF Nations League set in March, and with a World Cup just more than a year away, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino needs to fine-tune this team – and do it quickly.

All indications are that the U.S. will be taking this summer's tournament very seriously, which means the team's top players are expected to be involved. The stars need to be aligned, literally. Christian Pulisic has participated in this tournament just once, playing back in 2019, but he and other European-based stars look set to be in the squad.

Even so, there will be a few notable absences due to the Club World Cup, which will be played simultaneously, also in the U.S. Weston McKennie and Tim Weah look set to miss out due to Juventus commitments. Gio Reyna could too, depending on his transfer situation at Borussia Dortmund.

Others unavailable include Dortmund prospect Cole Campbell, Seattle Sounders' regulars Jesus Ferreira and Jordan Morris and, potentially, Club America's Alejandro Zendejas should his side make it as a late qualifier.

In the modern-day Gold Cup, the U.S. are the second-most successful team, only trailing Mexico in terms of titles with seven to El Tri's nine. They have qualified for every edition of the competition since 1991, and won most recently in 2021.

So who could be in the Gold Cup squad? Who is on the outside looking in? Which players can Pochettino count on and what tough decisions will the USMNT boss have to make? GOAL takes a look.

  • Getty Images

    Goalkeepers

    GOAL's picks: Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen, Matt Turner

    All eyes will be on Turner, whose club future will be the big talking point of the summer. Sorting that comes first because, regardless of how he performs in the Gold Cup, he'll need the playing time next season if he wants to stay No. 1 entering 2026. It's unlikely a transfer would impact his availability, so he should be in camp to compete, and potentially, to start.

    Could Pochettino give someone else a go this summer? Both Schulte and Steffen should be in good shape given the timeline of the MLS season, making them legitimate contenders. Pochettino could also use a goalkeeping spot on a younger option, someone such as Kochen or Slonina, who could play themselves into the mix with a club switch next season, too.

    Either way, it's clear that this position remains, well, unclear – and it's one Pochettino will need to sort over the next year.

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    Defenders

    GOAL's picks: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sergino Dest, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Joe Scally, Antonee Robinson

    The return of Dest will be a welcome sight, as the PSV star – now back from a long injury layoff – adds a major wrinkle to how this team plays. The USMNT's lack of attacking width was apparent in the Nations League with both Dest and Robinson absent. Both are elite-level attackers, and both will make a major difference should they return to the national team situation this summer.

    At center-back, things are a bit trickier, as there are plenty of good candidates for just a few spots. It will depend on how these players push towards the end of the season. Richards seems the safest bet given his form for Crystal Palace but, otherwise, everyone else is on notice following the Nations League.

    Banks is a real wildcard. He was in the Nations League preliminary roster but has only played up to the U20 level. Wiley, too, could be a fun wrinkle to throw in out wide, particularly due to his versatility off the bench. Tolkin, finally, could also be a good option at left-back now that he's healthy at Holstein Kiel.

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    Midfielders

    GOAL's picks: Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn, Yunus Musah, Tanner Tessmann, Malik Tillman

    No McKennie or Reyna here, at least for now, which opens spots. Reyna's could go to Brenden Aaronson, who responded to his Nations League omission with a goal for Leeds. At the very least, he brings some of the energy and endeavor that was missing last time around, so he should be back in the team.

    As for McKennie's spot, McGlynn seems to be a Pochettino favorite, even if he offers a different profile. Considering the fact that the USMNT will be playing with the ball for most of these games, the Houston Dynamo midfielder could be useful, either as a group stage starter or as a bench option.

    The attacking midfield spots, in particular, will be ones to watch. Luna has earned his place and could very well be a starter this summer, but the return of Tillman also gives Pochettino a dynamic attacking weapon.

    Those two will be competing for chances to play a bigger role going forward, and this Gold Cup could be key for both as they push for starting spots on the road to the World Cup. Due to a lack of wing depth, though, don't be surprised to see either start out wide, while the same can be said of Aaronson, too.

    Keep an eye on Reyna, though. Reports indicate he could leave Dortmund this summer and, if that does happen, he could suddenly be available for Pochettino. However, his lack of playing time may cost him, move or no move, as there are plenty of other attacking midfield options.

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    Forwards

    GOAL's picks: Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, Alejandro Zendejas

    This group could certainly change depending on several factors. First, of course, is Club America's potential to be in the Club World Cup. FIFA has plans for America to play LAFC for the last CWC spot, pending an appeal from the expelled Leon. Should that happen and then they beat LAFC, that takes Zendejas off the board, depriving the U.S. of a potentially-key option out wide.

    The second is Pepi's health. The PSV star is out for the club season after undergoing knee surgery, and it might just be wiser to leave him out of the team to ensure he's healthy and ready to score boatloads of goals in 2026.

    The group is, admittedly, a little striker heavy but, at the moment, there are a real lack of wide options, particularly with players such as Weah not in the team. Pochettino could rectify that by going with two up top and Pulisic in behind, of course. He could also lean on someone like Wright, who has played plenty both out wide and centrally.

    There are also the likes of Luna, Aaronson and Tillman – all spiritually part of this group as attack-minded midfielders that could occupy a place as a No. 10 or a winger.

    Keep an eye on Paredes, as well. He's back healthy and a good run of games with Wolfsburg could bring him into the picture. Paredes is the type of energetic player this team desperately needs – and if he's truly healthy and contributing, he could be one newcomer to watch.

Crystal Palace now submit £10m+ bid to sign "complete package" for Glasner

Crystal Palace have made a bid worth just over £10 million to sign a “complete package” player, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace transfer news

The Eagles have already been productive in this January transfer window, signing Romain Esse from Championship side Millwall, as they look to continue their charge up the Premier League table and move further away from the relegation zone.

Crystal Palace have struck gold on Eagles star who's worth more than Esse

Crystal Palace have a player who could help Romain Esse.

ByConnor Holden Jan 23, 2025

There is just over a week remaining in this January transfer window, and the South Londoners have their eye on at least one more addition. It’s been reported that Palace have submitted an opening offer worth £13 million to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague, but this bid is short of what the Czech side wants, as they value the player at £17 million.

As well as looking at players who can improve their squad, Palace could also face the prospect of losing a key player, as it’s been reported that Manchester United are interested in signing left-back Tyrick Mitchell.

The defender is out of contract at Selhurst Park in the summer, and United are said to have made an enquiry over signing Mitchell. ESPN’s Rob Dawson has claimed that the Red Devils would try to do a deal for the defender this month rather than wait until the summer, but they are not alone in the pursuit, as Atlético Madrid and AC Milan are also interested in Mitchell.

Crystal Palace submit £10m+ bid to sign "complete package" ace

The Eagles will be hoping they can end this transfer window in a positive manner and sign a new player, and according to Gune Bakis relayed by Sport Witness, they plan to do just that, as Palace have made a €12m (£10.09m) bid to sign Batista Mendy from Trabzonspor.

Mendy has been a long-term target for the Premier League side, as Palace wanted to sign the midfielder during the summer transfer window. The interest hasn’t disappeared, and now they have tabled an offer to try and bring the defensive midfielder to Selhurst Park this month.

But Palace face stiff competition, as Ligue 1 side Rennes have also made an offer for Mendy, with their bid being worth €13 million. It is being claimed that Mendy is more interested in a move to France than England, as Rennes continues talks with Trabzonspor. But Rennes and Palace will both have to improve their offers if they are to sign the midfielder, as Trabzonspor want €15 million for the player, which is roughly £12 million.

Batista Mendy’s 24/25 Süper Lig stats

Apps

18

Starts

17

Minutes per game

87

Assists

2

Big chances created

1

Key passes

0.6

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

1.2

Balls recovered per 90

4.7

Clearances per 90

1.7

Mendy, who has been dubbed a “complete package” in the media, would add more steel to Palace’s midfield and could be a perfect replacement for Adam Wharton, who remains on the sidelines through injury. As well as being a defensive midfielder by trade, Mendy also has the ability to drop into the centre of defence if needed, meaning he would be another viable option in that area of the pitch for Oliver Glasner if he needed cover.

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