Tag Futebol

West Ham could now be back in for a former transfer target who they were on the verge of signing for Julen Lopetegui in 2024, according to a new report.

West Ham poised for active January transfer window

According to recent reports, the Hammers are poised for an active January transfer window amid their battle against relegation, and could sign a defender, midfielder and striker for Nuno Espírito Santo.

Reliable club insiders like ExWHUemployee have backed this up as we fast approach the turn of the year, while former West Ham scout Mick Brown has claimed that Nuno is planning a major overhaul.

West Ham have undergone a mini revival under Nuno recently, losing just one of their last six Premier League games, but it is clear they need strength in depth across the pitch.

Niclas Füllkrug is set to leave the London Stadium in January following his lacklustre stint in England, so West Ham are believed to be looking at strikers to replace him.

In terms of the midfield area, James Ward-Prowse, Guido Rodriguez and Lucas Paqueta have all been linked with mid-season exits, so the prospect of a new name in the engine room hasn’t been ruled out either.

Meanwhile, Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell is back on the club’s radar after coming close to joining in the summer, with the Irons planning to ‘reignite’ talks for his signature (ExWHUemployee).

Sticking at centre-back, West Ham could now be back in the hunt for a familiar name — Cruzeiro centre-back Fabricio Bruno.

The 29-year-old made 51 appearances in all competitions for Cruzeiro in the recently-concluded 2025 Brazilian campaign, and his recent form has even earned him a recall to Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.

Bruno featured in all of Brazil’s last three friendlies against Japan, Senegal and Tunisia, with the towering defender well in contention to be selected for next year’s World Cup.

Belief West Ham have rebid for Fabricio Bruno after near-2024 move

The former Flamengo stalwart was actually on the verge of joining West Ham in 2024.

Fabrizio Romano even gave his famous ‘here we go’ to the transfer and claimed he would be Lopetegui’s first defensive signing, but the transfer ended up collapsing.

Now, as per South American journalist Jorge Nicola, there is every reason to believe West Ham may have rebid for Bruno.

According to his information, a mystery English club has submitted a £13 million offer for the player, and Nicola theorises that the most likely candidate is Nuno’s side given their very advanced talks nearly two years ago.

Bruno’s move to West Ham apparently didn’t happen because of the player’s salary demands, but the Premier League door may now be back open following what has been a stellar 2025 for him.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender David Luiz, who was on the books with Bruno at Flamengo, once said he has the ‘quality to play for any team in the world’.

However, given Cruzeiro only signed him in early 2025, they may be reluctant to part ways.

One of the biggest success stories a Manchester United academy graduate has had since leaving the club is, without doubt, Scott McTominay.

The Scotland international has shone for his new club Napoli and played a crucial role in getting his country to the 2026 World Cup.

The 28-year-old has played 50 games for the Italian giants now, scoring 17 goals and assisting seven in that time. He became a club hero by helping guide them to the Scudetto title last season, winning the Serie A MVP award and earning himself a Ballon d’Or nomination in the process.

Ruben Amorim never got the chance to work with him at United, but it would have been fascinating to know how he’d have utilised him.

How Amorim could have used McTominay at Man Utd

It is interesting to note that under Antonio Conte in Naples, McTominay has operated in a few different roles. He’s played as a number ten, a box-crashing number eight and even off the left-hand side.

Well, had Amorim got the chance to coach the Scot, he may have used him as a number ten in his infamous 3-4-2-1 system. The United academy graduate has great instincts in the box and excels at occupying the centre-backs.

If he were to play high up under Amorim, the chances are he’d be spending more time in the box.

Of course, the other area McTominay would naturally fit in Amorim’s system would be as a number eight. In this role, he could still have crashed the box, making late runs to get on the end of crosses from the wing-backs.

Off the ball, his physicality would have been a handful. That is perhaps best showcased by his 1.85 aerial duels won per 90 minutes over the last year, placing him in the top 11% of midfielders across Europe’s big five leagues.

Of course, we’ll never truly know how McTominay would have fitted in under Amorim, but there is a player in the academy who could be seen as the Portuguese manager’s own version.

Amorim’s in-house Scott McTominay

Over the years, United’s esteemed academy, Carrington, has produced some exceptional talent. McTominay is one of the modern examples, and the Red Devils have some brilliant talent coming through still.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

One of those is Sekou Kone, a man who could be viewed as the second coming of McTominay.

The Malian youth international is seen by football scout Antonio Mango as a player who can be “a beast under Ruben Amorim.”

At 19 years of age, Kone has already been involved in first-team squads thanks to United’s manager, who clearly sees talent in him to give him that opportunity. The midfielder was an unused substitute for three Premier League games last season.

As for his performances in the academy, the five-foot-nine midfielder has shown good versatility and an eye for goal. He’s played 14 games for the Red Devils’ under-21 side, scoring twice and operating as a number ten and in the pivot, just as McTominay has shown for Napoli.

The competition in which Kone truly announced himself was the Under-17 World Cup back in 2023.

He helped steer Mali to third place and was one of the standout players in the competition, creating 10 chances and grabbing two assists.

It will certainly be interesting to see how far down the line we are from Kone’s first-team debut.

The 19-year-old could operate in a few different roles, and his ability to have an effect in the final third might pique Amorim’s interest.

It is easy to see how he is the second coming of McTominay. A versatile midfielder who can be physically dominant, despite having a smaller frame than the Scot, and someone able to score goals.

He is certainly an exciting prospect for Amorim and United.

Next Carrick: Man Utd want to sign "one of the best CMs in the PL" for £60m

Man United could enhance the quality of their midfield with the signing of another Michael Carrick.

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 19, 2025

Everton are building something under David Moyes’ wing – again.

Having shaped the Merseysiders into a force of consistency and resilience over a decade of tireless service, the 63-year-old has been back at the helm throughout 2025, with the summer transfer window packaging exciting new talent into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

However, with Idrissa Gueye set to leave at the end of his contract next year and Tim Iroegbunam yet to prove he has the minerals for a sustained starting role in Moyes’ system, Moyes may look to strengthen his central fold in 2026.

He does boast one of the most dynamic centre-midfielders in the Premier League, though, with this profile something that proved successful for the Scottish manager all those years ago at Goodison Park.

Moyes' best-ever Everton midfielders

Moyes enforces a principled and organised playing style, and energy and industriousness is at its heart. This was true 20 years ago, and it remains a core element of the make-up now.

But pragmatic though Moyes has been tagged at times, he has always pushed for creativity, an attacking dimension coming from the centre and with the capacity to defend strongly.

Tim Cahill embodied this. Not quite a forward, he scored lots of goals. Not quite a central midfielder, the Australian was combative and aggressive.

No player has ever featured more often in a Moyes side than Leon Osman. Not the flashiest, the versatile Englishman played his entire career on the blue half of Merseyside, save for two early-career loan spells as he was making his way.

Another of Moyes’ mainstays was Mikel Arteta. Look closely and you may trace elements of Moyes’ influence in the Arsenal manager’s drilled and oiled style, merged with the technical genius of Pep Guardiola to shape the Gunners into bona fide contenders at the highest level.

As a player, the 43-year-old was dynamic and intelligent, adding a dimension otherwise unavailable to the Blues team. He is creative on the ball and tenacious against the run of play, once saying he would “go through a brick wall” for Moyes.

Arteta was arguably Moyes’ most trusted lieutenant, the man who helped make it all tick.

Now, the tactician has refashioned his former favourite in the shape of a new Everton star.

Moyes' new version of Arteta

Like Arteta during his Everton prime, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a versatile midfielder.

The opening months of the 2025/26 campaign have shown the 27-year-old to be a talented and effective midfielder, situated in the centre of the park and tasked with connecting play.

Yet he arrived from Chelsea, for a £28m fee, having played second-fiddle in Enzo Maresca’s team. He was part of last term’s Club World Cup and Conference League-winning squads, but featured only 13 times in the Premier League, starting twice.

But moving to Everton was the perfect thing for a man in the prime of his career. His performances since arriving at the Hill Dickinson prove this, and he is showing too that he can be a “revelation” for multiple clubs, having been hailed as such for his efforts at Leicester by former boss Brendan Rodgers.

Averaging 1.9 key passes and winning 5.3 duels per game this term, as per Sofascore, it’s hard to argue against the success of the signing; Dewsbury-Hall may even be one of the Premier League’s most underrated signings.

Arteta’s clever and imaginative passing was a staple of his game. In this, Dewsbury-Hall could emulate him. Data from FBref shows us that the Englishman ranks among the top 8% of midfielders in the Premier League for passes into the penalty area and the top 8% for progressive passes per 90.

Starting all but one of Everton’s Premier League matches thus far, missing out against Crystal Palace due to suspension, the £90k-per-week talent has shown he has the personality and presence to become Moyes’ next Arteta, instrumental in progressing play and steering Everton away from their pragmatic reputation.

The likes of Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye will more often than not take the headlines, but in Dewsbury-Hall, Moyes has recycled a tried and tested playing style, and it’s already beginning to bear dividends.

Everton's "revelation" could become the biggest loser from Grealish's rise

Jack Grealish’s form at Everton could nudge another star out of Moyes’ best team

By
Will Miller

Oct 16, 2025

With new performers emerging, India captain sees expanding talent pool as a welcome challenge before England ODIs

Shashank Kishore14-Jul-2025

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is excited to have a “healthy headache” after a long time, one that involves having several options to choose from for certain roles.Take the opening spot for example. Pratika Rawal, with an average of 63 in 11 innings, remains the preferred opener alongside Smriti Mandhana for the upcoming ODI series against England. However, Shafali Verma is still in contention, thanks to her recent form in the WPL, domestic cricket, and the T20Is.This is something head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed last week after India’s T20I series win. If Shafali returns, Rawal could find herself competing with the in-form Harleen Deol for the No. 3 spot.Related

Harmanpreet and Mandhana hope India 'break the barrier' for maiden World Cup glory

The metamorphosis woman – third time a charm for Shafali?

'One more ball, please' – The quiet rise of N Shree Charani

India lift their fielding to the next level

Muzumdar: Shafali in contention for ODI WC 'without a doubt'

“After a long time, we’re having a healthy headache of having to pick the best team,” Harmanpreet said ahead of the first ODI in Southampton. “Earlier, we didn’t have so many options. Credit to Shafali and Pratika for the kind of performances they’ve put in.”Even Harleen, whenever she’s got the opportunity, she has shown she can also take the responsibility for the team. Clarity as a captain is something I give to all players so that when we go to the ground, we know our role and what kind of cricket we’re going to play.”Everyone knows their role. A lot of clarity is there compared to previously. It’s very important as a player and team to get that. When you’re playing for the country, you want clarity of roles. All credit goes to the team and staff for giving that clarity to the players.”The depth isn’t just in the batting, but in the spin department too. Over the last two years, the spin-offs from the WPL have led to a number of players, like Saika Ishaque, Shreyanka Patil, Tanuja Kanwer, breaking through. The latest among them to make a mark is left-arm spinner N Shree Charani, who was named Player of the Series in the T20Is for her series topping 10 wickets.”She’s a key player for us,” Harmanpreet said of the 20-year-old Charani. “In the WPL, where she played two-three [two] matches [for Delhi Capitals], she was impressive. From there only, we all [team management and selectors] had a chat that she can be a very good option for us.”We kept rotating players to see who fits in well, who could give most two the team. She has been outstanding for all of us. A player like her is very important. Along with her, even Radha [Yadav] has made a solid comeback. Hope their combination will keep helping the team like it is.”Radha, as Harmanpreet alluded to, wasn’t part of the original T20I squad, and only made it as a late replacement for the injured Shuchi Upadhyay. Her ground fielding and catching, along with tight left-arm spin, came in for plaudits from the coaches during the T20I series. And Harmanpreet couldn’t have been happier at her coming of age.Radha Yadav has experience as well as pedigree•Getty Images

“Radha is one of the most important teammates for us,” she said. “When she was not doing well, it was a big headache [for the team management] how we can extract performances out of her. She’s a player I as a captain don’t want to lose at any cost.”In between, she got time to work on herself. When she came back, we had a chat that whatever she’s been doing has been helping. In this [T20I] series when she came into the team, she had the same attitude. She wanted to keep bowling all the time, whether for the first six overs or slog overs. She worked hard during the break and improved herself. In ODIs also she can be useful for the team.”Another encouraging development for the team management is the emergence of Amanjot Kaur. Her rise comes at a crucial time, with key allrounder Pooja Vastrakar sidelined by a stress injury that puts her World Cup participation in doubt. With pace spearhead Renuka Singh also unavailable, Amanjot has stepped up to share the seam-bowling responsibilities alongside Arundhati Reddy.”In the first year of WPL [2023], she was unlucky, didn’t get so many opportunities to bat or bowl. The team we had, it was a big line-up with a lot of bowling options,” Harmanpreet said. “This season, with Pooja not there, she played that role very well. In the batting also, she proved herself.”She wants to contribute across all three departments. The WPL and T20I series, even tri-series [in Sri Lanka], when he has had opportunities, she has contributed. She wants to do something in all departments. It feels good to see a player with that attitude.”In recent times, India’s ODI approach has undergone a slight change. From wanting to bat deep, they’re now trying to embrace a more robust approach as evident in the recent tri-series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, where India made 276, 275, 337 and 342 during their title-winning run.”In the ODI cricket we’ve been playing for the last couple of years, we’ve always focused on scoring more than 300 with the bat,” she said. “It gives the bowlers some cushioning. Earlier we had five bowling options, and it becomes slightly tough if we have only so many runs on the board. Recently, like in the T20Is, we went for four spin options. I think somewhere that has helped.”When we’re batting, we want to look for more than 300 and when we’re bowling, we have good bowling options so that there’s no extra pressure on any one bowler, because anyone can have an off day. We should have another option to be in the game. Pratika is our sixth bowling option; she’s been doing well in between. We’ll try to get more options in bowling. Our fielding was outstanding in T20I series, so we’ll try and carry that momentum.”

أثار تراجع أداء ريال مدريد خلال الأسابيع الأخيرة قلق إدارة النادي على الرغم من أن فلورنتينو بيريز ومجلس إدارته يثقون بقدرة تشابي ألونسو على تجاوز هذه المرحلة.

ويواجه تشابي ألونسو فترة صعبة حالياً مع ريال مدريد، ويبدو أن هناك فجوة بين أفكاره وتطبيقها الفعلي على أرض الملعب ويسعى المدرب لحلها.

وكانت مباراة رايو فاليكانو الأخيرة قد شهدت شجاراً بين لاعبي ريال مدريد في وسط الملعب حول الأفكار التكتيكية وهو ما يجسد ذلك، وهناك خلاف واضح بين المدرب وبينهم، خاصة فينيسيوس جونيور ورودريجو.

وأفاد الصحفي “رومان مولينا” أن التغيير الكبير في نظام التدريب من كارلو أنشيلوتي إلى تشابي ألونسو قد أثار انزعاج العديد من نجوم ريال مدريد مما زاد من التوتر ضد المدرب الإسباني.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ثنائي الدوري الإنجليزي يستبعدان التعاقد مع رودريجو في يناير

وعلى الرغم من أنه لم يتم الكشف عن أسماء اللاعبين إلا أن بعض نجوم ريال مدريد كانوا يذهبون لقضاء إجازتهم في إيبيرا بدلاً من العودة لريال مدريد خلال فترة قيادة كارلو أنشيلوتي.

وقد اعتاد لاعبو ريال مدريد على هذه الراحة ولم يتمكنوا بعد من استيعاب أو تقبل مدى انضباط تشابي ألونسو، ويرغبون في إعادة تكرار نفس نمط الحياة مع المدرب الشاب لكن خطتهم لم تفلح.

وقد أثار هذا الموقف من تشابي ألونسو غضب بعض اللاعبين الذين أصبحوا يشعرون بأن المدرب الشاب يتدخل في حياتهم الشخصية بلا داعي، وقد يؤثر هذا الخلاف على حظوظه في البقاء في منصبه أو يسهل من عمله في الفريق.

وكانت تكهنات قد صدرت عن صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية أن إدارة ريال مدريد تفاجئت بتعامل ألونسو مع ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، حيث كان النادي يتوقع منه دور أكثر أهمية خاصة بعد تعافيه من إصابته الأخيرة وقد أثار غيابه المستمر عن التشكيل الأساسي استغراب وارتباك داخلي.

وشكل استبعاد أرنولد على دكة البدلاء ضد رايو فاليكانو مفاجأة غير متوقعة على الإطلاق، ولم يدخل اللاعب الإنجليزي للملعب إلا بعد إصابة فيدي فالفيردي وقد ظهر عليه الاكتئاب وضعف الطاقة بشكل واضح في مشهد لم يمر مرور الكرام، لذلك فإن الغموض يسود حول دور اللاعب في الفريق وتردد ألونسو في الدفع به مع غياب كارفاخال.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has ignited pre-Clasico controversy by claiming Real Madrid “steal” during a cheeky exchange on Twitch. The 18-year-old made the remark while chatting with streamer Ibai Llanos, comparing Madrid to a Kings League team known for benefiting from refereeing decisions. The comment comes just days before El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

• Yamal stirs controversy ahead of El Clasico

  Barca sensation Yamal has sparked uproar in Spain after boldly accusing Madrid of benefiting from refereeing decisions, describing them as a team that “steals and complains.” The Barcelona prodigy made the explosive remark during a broadcast on Kings League, just days before Clasico against Los Blancos.

  When asked by Ibai Llanos, owner of Kings League side Porcinos FC, whether his team reminded him of Real Madrid, Yamal didn’t hesitate. “Yes, of course, they steal, they complain…” he said, prompting laughter and disbelief from those on the stream. Llanos, a well-known Madrid supporter, immediately pushed back, asking, “Real Madrid steals?” To which Yamal doubled down, laughing nervously before reaffirming, “Well, let’s see, let’s see.”

  The comment has since gone viral across Spanish media and social platforms. The timing, however, could not be more controversial, just days before Barca travel to the Bernabeu in a high-powered La Liga clash.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Inside Yamal’s cheeky exchange with Ibai Llanos

  The exchange came as part of a lighthearted discussion between Yamal, Llanos, and Gerard Pique, the former Barca defender who co-founded the Kings League. Yamal, who co-owns the Kings League club La Capital FC, was discussing his upcoming fixture against Ibai’s team, Porcinos, when the topic of Real Madrid naturally arose.

  Pique jokingly stoked the rivalry, while Yamal’s response carried a sting. “They steal, they complain, and they do things…” said the Barcelona winger, alluding to what many Barca fans have long believed, that Real Madrid receives favourable treatment from referees.

  Despite his youthful tone and playful delivery, Yamal’s remarks have added extra spice to an already heated build-up to Clasico. His comments follow a long line of pre-Clasico mind games.

• Focus on Clasico showdown at the Bernabeu

  Barca will face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu this Sunday in a match that could decide early leadership of La Liga. Hansi Flick’s side currently trail Xabi Alonso’s men by two points, and a victory would see the Catalans leapfrog their rivals into first place.

  Yamal’s comment, while made in jest, could add pressure ahead of one of the most-watched games in world football. The 18-year-old is expected to start on the right wing after producing a string of impressive performances this season, including eight direct goal contributions in just seven La Liga appearances.

  Yamal’s self-assurance underlines his growing importance in Flick’s system, where his creativity, pace, and composure have made him one of the defining faces of Barcelona’s new era.

  Madrid, meanwhile, have remained silent publicly, focusing on preparation under Alonso after a tough-win in the Champions League game against Juventus. The club’s fans, however, are expected to make their feelings known when Yamal steps onto the Bernabeu turf this weekend.

  With tensions high, form stakes tight, and personal rivalries simmering, Clasico once again promises to deliver football, theatre, and controversy in equal measure, and Yamal finds himself right at the heart of it all.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Mbappe vs Yamal – the new Clasico duel

  This weekend’s encounter will also renew the rivalry between two of football’s biggest generational stars, French superstar Kylian Mbappe and Yamal. The pair have already faced off eight times across club and international competitions, with Yamal holding an extraordinary record of seven wins to Mbappe’s single victory.

  While Mbappe has outscored the Barcaa youngster in those meetings, eight goals to six, Yamal’s teams have consistently come out on top, including a memorable 5-2 Supercopa de Espana victory and a 3-2 Copa del Rey triumph. The French forward, now spearheading Madrid’s attack, will be eager to rewrite that record in front of home fans.

  Yamal’s form heading into the Clasico has been impressive despite Barcelona’s mixed start to the campaign. With three goals and eight assists already this season, he continues to showcase the balance between flair and maturity that has made him Europe’s most exciting teenager. His performances have not only drawn praise from Flick but also earned him a runner-up finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or at just 18 years old.

West Ham United manager Graham Potter has sent a clear message to his players in a secret Rush Green meeting, as the threat of his potentially imminent sacking hangs over the Englishman.

Graham Potter given stay of execution as West Ham eye replacements

The Hammers, if anything, have regressed since Potter took over from Julen Lopetegui in January.

Already, the former Chelsea boss is drawing statistical comparisons with Avram Grant, who relegated West Ham in 2010/2011. Bar the Israeli, Potter has recorded the club’s worst ever win percentage in the Premier League (26.1 per cent), and this dismal number is only overshadowed by their leaky backline.

Worst West Ham managers in the Premier League

Win percentage

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12 Graham Potter

26.1%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

West Ham have conceded 13 goals in the top flight already this season, with seven of them coming from set plays. Their failure to deal with dead balls is a major theme of their reoccurring struggles under Potter, and if it wasn’t for a surprise 3-0 win away to Nottingham Forest, he’d perhaps be gone already.

Nevertheless, Potter is being given more time to turn things around at West Ham, but not much at all.

The Hammers take on David Moyes’ Everton this weekend, and their ex-managerial hero has a real chance to put one of the final nails in Potter’s coffin before West Ham travel to title-chasing Arsenal.

In the meantime, David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the rest of West Ham’s divisive board are making contingency plans to replace Potter.

Insiders claim Nuno Espirito Santo is considering an offer from West Ham after talks with both Brady and Sullivan, while ex-Irons defender and manager Slaven Bilic is already planning his backroom in the event he is chosen for the hot seat (ExWHUemployee).

Another ex-player in Gary O’Neil is also one of the favourites to potentially succeed Potter, but West Ham are not limited to just free agents.

Reports suggest Burnley boss Scott Parker has been discussed as an option by high-ranking West Ham officials (GiveMeSport), so it would appear the east Londoners are seriously assessing candidates right now.

What Graham Potter has said to West Ham players as sack looms

According to ExWHUemployee, despite all the uncertainty surrounding his position, Potter is presenting a united front to his squad.

The insider reports that Potter held a meeting with West Ham players and staff, where he delivered a motivational speech in an attempt to galvanise the team. Ex also says that the 50-year-old is “almost certain” to take charge of the Everton game, with a P45 far more likely after they take on Arsenal.

With the ex-Brighton boss on the verge of a contract termination, Nuno is West Ham’s obvious best bet.

West Ham need to appoint Nuno Espírito Santo if Potter leaves

The Portuguese coach is available, experienced and, crucially, understands the Premier League.

Nuno made his name at Wolves, guiding them from the Championship into Europe — including a Europa League quarter-final in 2020.

His side were disciplined, sharp and capable of taking points off the biggest teams. That blend of defensive organisation and counter-attacking is exactly what West Ham are crying out for right now, with Nuno also helping to fix Nottingham Forest’s set-piece weakness during his time at the City Ground.

At Forest last season, Nuno again proved his credentials. He steadied a club that looked in danger of sliding, galvanised the squad, got the very best out of his players and gave his former side a real identity.

All of this culminated in European qualification for the first time since 1995, and following Moyes’ era, a return to Europe is exactly what West Ham are aiming for too.

يتجه الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم نحو اتخاذ قرار حاسم بشأن مستقبل الإدارة الفنية لمنتخب الشباب مواليد 2005، وذلك في أعقاب النتائج التي حققها الفريق خلال مشاركته الأخيرة بكأس العالم.

وكان المدير الفني أسامة نبيه قد قاد منتخب مصر مواليد 2005 في بطولة كأس العالم للشباب التي أقيمت مؤخراً في تشيلي، والتي شهدت خروج الفريق من مرحلة دور المجموعات.

وفي هذا السياق، نفى مصدر مسؤول داخل الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، بشكل قاطع لـ بطولات، ما تردد من أنباء حول استمرار أسامة نبيه في منصبه كمدير فني لمنتخب الشباب مواليد 2005 خلال الفترة القادمة.

طالع أيضًا | أسامة حسني يُهاجم أسامة نبيه: برّر الفشل بدلًا من الاعتذار وسلّم لاعبيه للجماهير

وأكد المصدر ذاته أنه تم الاستقرار على تعيين جهاز فني جديد بالكامل لقيادة منتخب الشباب في المرحلة المقبلة من الاستحقاقات الرسمية خلفًا لـ أسامة نبيه وجهازه المعاون.

ويأتي هذا القرار الحاسم في إطار الترتيبات المبكرة للاستعداد لخوض التصفيات المؤهلة إلى دورة الألعاب الأولمبية (لوس أنجلوس 2028).

ويناقش اتحاد الكرة في الوقت الحالي قائمة بالأسماء المرشحة لخلافة أسامة نبيه، وتشير التوقعات بقوة إلى أن شوقي غريب، المدير الفني السابق صاحب الخبرة في منتخبات المراحل السنية، هو أبرز المرشحين لتولي المهمة الجديدة.

Jose Mourinho claims that five of his Benfica players were suffering a “self-esteem crisis” ahead of a crunch clash with Porto, leading to the ‘Special One’ adopting a pragmatic mindset against his former employers. Mourinho makes no apologies for setting his side up to frustrate table-topping opposition, with an important point being taken from an uneventful goalless draw.

• Man-management skills: Special One put to the test

  That stalemate could prove crucial in the long run, with Benfica ensuring that they did not lose any ground on Porto – who are currently perched four points above them at the Liga summit. Mourinho has returned to familiar surroundings in a bid to restore domestic dominance at Estadio da Luz.

  His glittering coaching career started in Lisbon, before going on to make his name as a Champions League winner with Porto. Mourinho has mastered the art of grinding out results and delivering tangible success, with major honours having been won in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain. At 62 years of age, he still prides himself on being one of the best tactical brains in the business.

  Mourinho got what he was looking for from a trip to Estadio do Dragao, with all of his man-management skills required when it came to setting up a team that was ready to battle bravely against Porto. Benfica ultimately fared admirably in that task as they headed home with a clean sheet and share of the spoils.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Mourinho tactics: Benfica set up to frustrate rivals

  Mourinho told reporters of his approach: “I think Benfica has its characteristics. FC Porto has players with a lot of horsepower, with the ability to attack space. We don't have that type of player. We had to create danger and not let the game go. Right now, the team is suffering from low confidence. I found three, four, five players with a self-esteem crisis. It's one thing to need tactical concentration, another to need inspiration for something more. I told the players that on the bench I felt what they felt on the field: we want to win, but we can't lose.

  “When you're in a game with this kind of pressure on you, it's not easy to manage, think, and make decisions. FC Porto didn't have that pressure, and yet they didn't take any risks. They changed player by player and could only go from four to seven positive points, while we could go from four to seven negative points compared to FC Porto. This is a huge handicap from an emotional standpoint.

  “As a coach, I fulfilled – if I'm not mistaken, I fulfilled the official 1,200th game, and even a coach with 1,200 games is analysing and thinking that if you lose, you're going home with a seven-point gap. It was a limitation. We couldn't leave here with seven points. It's not the result we wanted, but it's a good situation. It's just a shame I won't see the players for 15 days.”

• Friend to foe: Porto fans now want Mourinho to fail

  Mourinho took in 127 games as Porto boss between January 2002 and June 2004, becoming a club legend in the process. He is now a direct rival for fans that once adored him and accepts that he has morphed from friend to foe in the eyes of those that now want him to fail – and will happily make him aware of that fact.

  He added on not receiving the warmest of receptions when returning to familiar surroundings: “History doesn't change, my gratitude to FC Porto doesn't change. I had a completely relaxed game, focused on my work, on helping my team. I'd already played here against Chelsea, so I can't say I had any special feelings. What the President [André Villas-Boas] said before the game is normal. How should I be received? As a Benfica coach. After the game, I ran into him in the hallway as friends, a hug, and life goes on.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Another return to England: Next up for Mourinho

  With another international break being reached, as Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team turn their attention to 2026 World Cup qualifying duty, Benfica will not be in action again until facing Chaves in a cup clash on October 17. Mourinho, who has already returned to Chelsea this season, will then head back to England again for a Champions League meeting with Newcastle at St James’ Park.

If you could encapsulate Tottenham Hotspur in one week it would be the period of days that have just played out. It’s classic Spurs, it really is.

On Wednesday, everything looked smooth sailing as far as a deal to sign Eberechi Eze was concerned. This was a spectcular signing, a Premier League proven talent capable of taking Thomas Frank’s side to the next level.

Alas, Arsenal swooped in and stole the boyhood Gooner away from their rivals. Eze is now a full-time Gunner, it’s time to forget about that saga.

And boy did Spurs forget about it on Saturday afternoon. The Etihad has been a happy hunting ground for the Lilywhites in recent years and they went to Manchester City this weekend and won again, swatting aside Pep Guardiola’s side 2-0.

It was a complete defensive performance and the inroads Frank has already made in making Spurs more secure at the back is mightily impressive. Yet, they still need new recruits in the market.

VIP Tickets

Secure your matchday experience at Tottenham Hotspur with Seat Unique.

Buy Premium NowPremium Tottenham Hotspur Experiences Expand Collapse Spurs' remaining transfer plans

Missing out on Eze is a colossal blow. With Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison out, the latter with an ACL injury, Spurs desperately need to find more creativity.

They have sourced that in the form of Mohammed Kudus who has enjoyed a spritely start to his time in white.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Yet, more is required and it’s required quickly. The window is eight days away from closing and Daniel Levy needs to find that Eze alternative.

Well, a move for Manchester City star Savinho is still on the cards according to reports in Spain.

The Brazilian has been the subject of interest from the north Londoners for a few weeks now but it’s touch and go to know whether City will sanction a sale.

In a bid to do so, Spurs are now prepared to put a club-record £73m on the table to bring the Citizen to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Previously, they had only been willing to put a fraction below £50m forward, but amid the Eze blow, Levy and Co know they must act.

Savinho: Tottenham's answer to Lamine Yamal

Signing someone of Savinho’s quality in the remaining week of the window is a must for Spurs if they are to realise their lofty ambitions this term. They have started with consecutive wins and look good value, having not conceded yet.

Still, extra firepower is required and they’d surely find that in the form of the Man City star. While he’s not so prolific as far as goalscoring is concerned just yet, only bagging three times in 2024/25, he’s one of the best creators in English football, registering 13 assists in all competitions.

Amid those injuries to Kulusevski and Maddison, he could be just the creative hub that Frank is seeking.

Comparisons to Ballon d’Or contender, Lamine Yamal, will also raise excitement levels. Speaking after a dazzling display from the Brazilian last term, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson said: “His decision making is unbelievable. He remins me a bit like Yamal. They can dribble, they dribble at the right time, they pass at the right time. He’s going to be a superstar.”

While taking anything Merson says must be done so with a pinch of salt, there is logic here. Indeed, according to data-led website, FBref, Yamal was the most similar winger in European football to Savinho last term, based on statistics.

Of course, Yamal is a generational talent, but it’s of great intrigue to see where they are most comparable.

Savinho vs Yamal in 2024/25

Stat (per 90 mins)

Savinho

Yamal

Goals

0.05

0.28

Assists

0.41

0.41

Key passes

2.35

2.02

Progressive passes

3.42

5.05

Shot-creating actions

5.66

5.93

Progressive carries

6.99

5.71

Carries into final 3rd

2.30

3.03

Stats via FBref.

From a goalscoring perspective, plenty of wingers in European football are streets ahead of Savinho but we can see here that he’s one of the most creative around.

Over the league season, he registered the same number of assists per 90 minutes as the great Yamal while he also made more key passes.

The Spanish wonderkid was far ahead for progressive passes but in other aspects, notably progressive carrying and shot-creating actions, there isn’t a great deal to seperate the duo.

Based on a number of things, the 21-year-old is still incredibly raw but as Merson said, he looks as though he’s on his way to becoming a superstar. He’s not going to reach Yamal’s overall quality but having someone with those traits in your squad will help a great deal.

Spurs do need more goals but creativity is also on their shopping list. They’d get that and then some if they signed City’s Brazilian star.

Readers like you help support FootballFanCast. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

Related Forget Eze: Spurs preparing move for "unstoppable" star who's like Rodrygo

Tottenham Hotspur have moved on to other targets after missing out on Eberechi Eze’s signature.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 23, 2025