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Martin O’Neill marked his Celtic homecoming with a comprehensive win at Parkhead, and there has been a claim on the chances of him landing the Hoops job on a permanent basis.

O’Neill Celtic return begins with 4-0 win over Falkirk

The 73-year-old former Hoops manager was installed along with ex-Celtic player Shaun Maloney as the interim management team following the stunning resignation of Brendan Rodgers on Monday night.

Irish striker Johnny Kenny scored twice in the first half before goals after the break from midfielder Benjamin Nygren and wide-man Sebastian Tounekti took the Hoops to within six points of William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts, who drew 2-2 at St Mirren. O’Neill, who was Hoops boss between 2000 and 2005, said:

O’Neill joked about being nervous before the game. He added: “Well, first of all, I jokingly said – maybe true – I have not been as nervous since I sat my 11-plus but, again, I think I passed that when I was 48.

“But honestly, really concerned about the game, naturally. Concerned about the usual thing about letting myself down, which is I’ve done so many times it’s untrue, and letting other people down here at the football club.

“Just coming in a bit of a whirlwind and to play in the manner which we did when I thought was great and obviously most important thing was winning the game. Naturally, I couldn’t be more pleased. I thought the players did really brilliantly.”

Games

266

Wins

200

Draws

26

Losses

40

Trophies

7

Players used

56

Next up for O’Neill and Maloney is Sunday’s League Cup semi-final against rivals Rangers, who are also showing early promising signs under new manager Danny Rohl.

Chances of Celtic making Martin O’Neill permanent manager

Talking to Sky Sports, Tino Callaghan from the Celtic Exchange said that conversations could be had over O’Neill staying on as permanent Celtic manager if the Hoops defeat Rangers on Sunday.

However, Callaghan also added his personal opinion, believing those at Parkhead need to ‘go in a different direction’.

A number of managers have been linked with the permanent job, such as Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Wales’ Craig Bellamy.

How Nicky Haven feels about taking Celtic manager job

O’Neill looks set to be in the dugout at Hampden Park, and if Callaghan’s claim is correct, another positive result may see Celtic chiefs take note and explore the idea of keeping the Irishman on.

Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign an “absolute star”, who is being targeted by some of Europe’s top clubs.

Palace on track to push for Europe after Burnley victory

After the disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Manchester United last weekend, Palace returned to winning ways against Burnley on Wednesday night, securing a 1-0 victory courtesy of Daniel Munoz’s goal on the stroke of half-time.

It was another resolute defensive display from the Eagles, who boast the second-best defensive record in the Premier League this season, having shipped just 11 goals, with only Premier League leaders Arsenal conceding fewer.

Having jumped to fifth place courtesy of the win at Turf Moor, there is every sign Oliver Glasner’s side could make a push for European qualification this season, particularly if they continue to be tough to score against, with captain Marc Guehi at the heart of their defence.

However, with Guehi’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, and Liverpool recently opening fresh talks, Glasner will have to start making plans for life after the England international soon, and Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande is one of the centre-backs of interest.

Crystal Palace are keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch too, according to a report from TuttoAtalanta (via Sport Witness), which states they have now joined the race for Watford star Rocco Vata, alongside Fulham and two Champions League clubs.

Indeed, Eintracht Frankfurt and Atalanta are also vying to sign Vata, who has an affordable asking price, with it being revealed potential suitors will have to fork out a fee of around €8m – €12m (£7m – £11m).

Crystal Palace could now sign £80k-a-week "warrior" in "good value" January deal

There has been a new update on the Eagles’ pursuit of a defender.

ByDominic Lund Dec 3, 2025

‘Half of Europe’ are credited with an interest in the former Celtic man, who has really kicked on since leaving Parkhead to join the Hornets back in 2024…

"Absolute star" Vata could be savvy addition for Palace

Scout Ben Mattinson has been left impressed by the 20-year-old’s performances since signing for Watford, lauding him as an “absolute star” back in January, and the starlet established himself as an important player last season, chipping in with seven goal contributions in 33 Championship games.

Palace have been very successful when recruiting players from the Championship in the past, signing the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, and the Watford star could go on to achieve similar things, having performed very well across some key statistics over the past year.

Rocco Vata’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Assists

0.30 (88th percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.31 (92nd percentile)

Tackles

1.70 (79th percentile)

Given that Vata could be available for a very affordable fee, Crystal Palace should look to get ahead of the likes of Atalanta and Frankfurt in the race for his signature by making a January offer.

Newcastle United are now reportedly plotting a move to sign a Premier League rival, who’s been frozen out at his current club.

Wissa: Newcastle debut a "long time" coming

At long last, Yoane Wissa made his Newcastle debut against Burnley. The former Brentford star arrived in the summer for as much as £55m – becoming one of the club’s most expensive ever signings – only to suffer an instant injury on international duty. Now, his wait is over and he’s finally stepped out at St James’ Park.

Speaking to reporters at full-time, Wissa admitted that his debut as been a “long time” coming – telling reporters: “It’s been a long time. The last 11 weeks, I’ve learned about the team and the players.

“It’s been a long road but I’m happy in the end. It gave my goosebumps [for his name to be read out when he came on]. I’m buzzing now. It can be an excellent season because we have so many quality players.”

Eddie Howe was also pleased to see the forward, although claimed that Wissa’s still got “a lot more work to do”.

The Newcastle boss said: “He’s got a lot more work to do to get to the very best level that he can. We hope to keep him available by managing correctly.

Fewer touches than Ramsdale & 1 duel won: Newcastle star could be dropped

This Newcastle star struggled in the 2-1 win vs. Burnley

ByJoe Nuttall 5 days ago

“It’s difficult with the spell of games that we have to sort of train him and build his fitness with all the game schedule. So it’s going to be a really delicate balance for us, but hopefully we can find a solution to it.”

Meanwhile, as one arrival gets on the pitch for the first time, another could be on the way with reports now claiming that Newcastle are plotting a move to sign Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.

Newcastle plotting Axel Disasi move

As reported by Caught Offside, Newcastle are now plotting a concrete move to sign Disasi from Chelsea in the January transfer window. The defender has been thrown aside by Enzo Maresca and forced to join the likes of Raheem Sterling in the club’s so-called bomb squad. Now, however, he could get the move he so desperately needs in January.

For Newcastle, a move for the out-of-favour Chelsea man would provide Howe with some vital depth as Sven Botman continues to struggle on the injury front.

The Dutchman, as talented as he is, has become somewhat of a liability in recent times thanks to his injury history. And as Malick Thiaw continues to nail down his starting place, the Magpies could do with handing him a consistent partner. That is where Disasi could come in.

Dubbed “brilliant” by Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher in 2024, Disasi will be chomping at the bit to make his mark, having not played all season at Chelsea, and Newcastle should take full advantage.

Bad news for Woltemade: Newcastle considering move for "phenomenal" PL star

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo venceu o Cobresal por 3 a 1, em Calama (Chile), pela quarta rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores. A partida aconteceu nesta quarta-feira (8).

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo

➡️ Faça as suas apostas na Libertadores 2024: quem será o campeão? Vem pro Lance! Betting

O Tricolor saiu perdendo, mas igualou o marcador com golaço de Luciano, que limpou o zagueiro e acertou o ângulo em finalização. O meia-atacante chegou a perder chance clara e também recebeu críticas. No segundo tempo, Rodrigo Nestor entrou, arriscou de fora da área e guardou mais um golaço, virando o placar. Durante a reta final, Calleri ainda ampliou de cabeça.

➡️ SAIBA COMO FOI O JOGO NO VÍDEO ABAIXO!

➡️ QUAL É O PRÓXIMO JOGO DO SÃO PAULO?

Depois de bater o Cobresal, pela Libertadores, o São Paulo volta a jogar na segunda-feira (13), diante do Fluminense. O confronto vale pelo Brasileirão.

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✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
Cobresal x São Paulo – Libertadores
4ª rodada – Fase de grupos

🗓️ Data e horário: quarta-feira, 8 de maio de 2024, às 21h30 (hora de Brasília)
📍 Local: Estádio Zorros del Desierto, em Calama (CHI)
🟨 Arbitragem: Juan Lopez (árbitro); Eduardo Britos e Jose Villagra (assistentes); Andres Cunha (VAR)
⚽ Gols: Luciano, Nestor e Calleri (São Paulo); Coelho (Cobresal)

⚽ ESCALAÇÕES

COBRESAL (Técnico: Gustavo Huerta)
Requena; Buss, Bechtholdt, Céspedes, Christián Toro e Sandoval; Navarro, Mesias e Valencia; Diego Coelho e Franco García.

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SÃO PAULO (Técnico: Zubeldía)
Rafael; Igor Vinícius, Arboleda, Alan Franco e Patryck; Bobadilla, Alisson, Michel Araújo e Ferreirinha; Luciano e Calleri.

Tudo sobre

LibertadoresSão Paulo

Every West Bromwich Albion manager who has taken on the reins since Carlos Corberan’s exit in late 2024 is undoubtedly trying to achieve success with the Spaniard’s legacy weighing heavily on them.

Corberan would turn the Baggies into regular promotion contenders in the Championship, which made his departure to Valencia last year very much sting.

To make matters worse, the wheels would come off West Brom’s 2024/25 season at a worryingly quick pace after he moved on to La Liga, with his successor in Tony Mowbray only managing to collect a paltry five victories from 17 matches before being dismissed.

Now, the pressure is on Ryan Mason’s shoulders to deliver, and the strain is already beginning to show, with two recent Championship defeats on the spin for the perpetual promotion nearly-men even seeing some Baggies natives begin to grow restless with their new 34-year-old boss.

It hasn’t been completely bleak since Corberan returned to Spain, however, with a lot of star quality still on display from some new signings.

West Brom's mixed recruitment since Corberan left

In the direct aftermath of Corberan leaving, though, there were some underwhelming flops to stomach.

Namely, Adam Armstrong would relocate to the Hawthorns on loan and fail to live up to this well-known image of him being a prolific performer in the EFL’s top league, with just a forgettable three goals falling into his lap from 16 outings in the West Midlands.

Tammer Bany, who was purchased this January for a whopping £3.3m, has also failed to get up and running in England as a post-Corberan purchase.

But, there have been some success stories to hold onto.

Isaac Price is very much the first name that springs to mind in this regard, having signed for the Championship outfit a matter of days after Mowbray was unveiled.

While he was a Mowbray capture, he has very much come into his own this season under the fresh methods of Mason, with a stunning five goals and two assists next to his name in all competitions.

Other members of Mason’s first team are also in with a shout to be the best buy since Corberan moved on, with Chris Mepham one worthy candidate, as the Welsh centre-back has become an everpresent member of his new manager’s defence to soften the blow of Torbjørn Heggem exiting for Bologna.

But, it’s a different defensive monster who could be well handed the honour…

West Brom's best signing post-Corberan

While Price has dominated a lot of West Brom conversations this campaign with his goal and assist output, he has also been prone to a quiet day at the office, frustratingly.

Indeed, the Northern Ireland international would go the entirety of September without collecting a single goal or assist.

During this same month, it could be argued that Nathaniel Phillips was very much settling into his new Hawthorns environment, on the contrary, with the decision to bring in the Premier League-experienced defender for just £3m already looking to be an ingenious move.

The 28-year-old is yet to miss a Championship game this season, and for good reason, with the 6-foot-3 colossus very much living up to his billing as a “lion”, as he was lauded by his former Anfield coach in Pepijn Lijnders.

Indeed, in West Brom blue and white so far, Phillips has won a commanding 5.5 duels on average across his 12 league clashes to date.

Games played

12

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Touches*

81.9

Accurate passes*

56.6 (86%)

Ball recoveries*

4.3

Clearances*

7.4

Total duels won*

5.5

Clean sheets

3

Looking at the table above in greater detail only further reinforces how much of a sterling purchase Phillips has already been, with his brute strength when rising up for duels also gifting him one goal at his new club, already, away from also cutting an assured presence on the ball with 56.6 accurate passes averaged per tense match.

EFL pundit Sam Parkin would likely agree with Phillips being one of West Brom’s best signings in recent memory, with him labelling the former Derby County loanee as “absolutely sensational” after he collected a clean sheet versus promotion rivals Stoke City.

Mason will need both Price and Phillips performing to their maximum to try and get his side out of their current sticky patch of form.

But, while the first of those named has shone in spurts and looks a top talent for the future, Phillips has been the real deal from minute one of his West Brom journey, with 19 Premier League appearances also under his belt, standing the Baggies in good stead if they can finally break their second-tier hoodoo.

West Brom have signed "explosive" star who is a bigger talent than Fellows

West Bromwich Albion have signed a new explosive star who is an even bigger talent than Tom Fellows.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 29, 2025

Aston Villa are now prepared to make an offer for FC Barcelona forward Ansu Fati following a request from manager Unai Emery, but a clause in his loan deal at Monaco may complicate matters.

Villa’s interest in a new forward comes amid Ollie Watkins & co flattering to deceive, with the striker scoring just one Premier League goal in ten matches so far this season, having fallen way short of his usual lofty standards.

Despite Liverpool struggling from a defensive point of view this season, having already conceded 14 goals, Emery’s forward line barely caused the Reds any issues at the weekend, failing to create a single big chance in the 2-0 defeat.

Some of the manager’s summer signings are yet to hit the ground running too, with Jeff Stelling ripping into the Spaniard for his decision to substitute Jadon Sancho against Manchester City, having only been brought on himself in the first half.

With Harvey Elliott being omitted from the squad entirely for the victory against City, Emery clearly has doubts over some of his summer signings, and he has now made a plea to the board…

Aston Villa prepared to make offer for Ansu Fati in 2026

According to a report from Spain, Aston Villa are now prepared to make an offer for Barcelona forward Fati, who is currently on loan at AS Monaco, in light of the fantastic start to the season he has made in Ligue 1, but there could be competition for his signature.

Sunderland are also willing to make a move for the Monaco loanee, while the French club retain a clause to make his stay permanent for a fee of just €11m (£10m), which is viewed as an affordable fee, given the form he’s in.

Emery has personally requested the signing of a top-level forward, in order to compete for the European places, and Villa are now poised to make a move for the 23-year-old, should he not join Monaco permanently.

Once hailed as “extraordinary” by former Barcelona manager Xavi, the Spaniard was ultimately unable to make the grade at the Camp Nou, but he is still young, and the start the left-winger has made to the season has been very impressive.

Fati at Monaco

Appearances

Goals

Ligue 1

7

5

Champions League

3

1

Indeed, the Guinea-Bissau-born attacker has put in a number of eye-catching performances already this season, showcasing that he could still be capable of reaching the very top, if he steers clear of injuries, having spent too much on the treatment table at Barcelona.

There may be some concern over the fact the 10-time Spain international didn’t set the world alight during his previous stint in the Premier League, registering just two goals and zero assists in 19 top-flight outings for Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, Fati’s recent performances have been much-improved, and if he continues to perform at this level, Aston Villa should undoubtedly make a move.

Aston Villa now join race for "insane" former Bayern Munich striker Aston Villa now join race to sign "insane" £35m former Bayern Munich striker

The Villans are looking to sign a centre-forward, with Unai Emery keen on greater strength in depth in attack.

ByDominic Lund Oct 28, 2025

ظهر حارس مرمى ليفربول، أليسون بيكر في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم الإثنين، وتحدث عن أزمة زميله محمد صلاح ووضعه الحالي مع الفريق، واستبعاده قبل المباراة أمام إنتر ميلان الإيطالي.

ويحل ليفربول ضيفًا على إنتر ميلان غدًا الثلاثاء بالجولة السادسة في مرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا، وقام المدرب آرني سلوت باستبعاد محمد صلاح من قائمة الفريق للمباراة، بعد تصريحاته التي انتقد خلالها جلوسه على مقاعد البدلاء وأشار إلى أن النادي تخلى عنه.

وقال أليسون عن صلاح: “ليس وضعًا سهلًا، كمجموعة، نبذل قصارى جهدنا، تربطنا به علاقة شخصية، فأنا ألعب مع محمد صلاح منذ أن جئت إلى أوروبا، لمدة عام في روما وسبع سنوات في ليفربول”.

وأضاف: “إنه رجل رائع، وشخصية رائعة، إنه أسطورة في نادي ليفربول، حققنا الكثير معًا، وبالطبع الوضع الحالي ليس أمرًا يسعدني شخصيًا”.

وأكمل: “لكن في عالم كرة القدم، لا نملك الكثير من الوقت للشكوى من أي موقف، لدينا تحدٍّ كبير غدًا، فريق قوي سنواجهه، يقدم إنتر أداءً رائعًا هذا الموسم، لذا فإن تركيزي وتركيز الفريق منصبّ على التحدي الذي سنواجهه غدًا”.

طالع ديلي ميل: محمد صلاح لن ينال نهاية مثالية في ليفربول.. وشبح مصير جيرارد يحوم في الأفق

واستطرد أليسون: “غيابه عن المشاركة هو نتيجة لما فعله، هو ذكي بما يكفي ليعرف ذلك، لم أتحدث مع صلاح عن الأمر بالطريقة التي أرغب بها، علاقتنا جيدة، وليس مجرد زميل في الفريق، بل نقضي وقتًا طويلًا معًا، نحن أصدقاء مقربون، نتشارك الكثير من اللحظات معًا، لحظات سعيدة ولحظات حزينة، وهذا ما يُنشئ رابطة قوية بيننا، سأجري محادثة معه، لكنها ستكون خاصة لأنها شخصية”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. سلوت عن تصريحات محمد صلاح: لست ضعيفًا.. وقررنا الرد على ما قاله بطريقتنا

وواصل: “أتمنى أن يلعب مجددًا مع النادي، لكن هذا أمر شخصي بين محمد والنادي، كزملاء له وأصدقائه، نتمنى له كل التوفيق، لكن كلاعبين في ليفربول، نتمنى الأفضل للنادي، نريد مصلحة مشتركة له وللنادي، وعلاقتي بالمدرب سلوت جيدة”.

وعن تصريحات واين روني بأن ما حدث من صلاح عدم احترام، علّق أليسون: “لم أسمعها بنفسي، قد يكون لها تأثير، ليس بالأمر الهيّن، إنه محمد صلاح، ما يحدث الآن يُخبرنا عن الوضع، لكننا رجالٌ ناضجون، ونتفهم أن هذا وضعٌ شخصيٌّ في رأيي”.

واسترسل: “لا أعتقد أن هدفه هو عدم احترام أي شخص، أعتقد أن لديه حرية التعبير، والتحدث عن مشاعره تجاه وضعه الخاص، ما نتوقعه هو لاعبٌ يرغب في اللعب، لا يشعر بالراحة وهو على مقاعد البدلاء، مرة أخرى، لديك حرية التعبير، لكن عليك التعامل مع عواقب ذلك، أعتقد أن هذا واضح”.

وشدد: “كفريق، ليس المهم كيف نشعر، المهم هو رد فعلنا، ورد الفعل هو البقاء معًا والعمل بجد، الأمر لا يتعلق بما هو الأفضل لمحمد أو للفريق، بل بما هو الأفضل للنادي”.

وأوضح أليسون: “بعد المقابلة، ظننتُ أن الأمر سيكون غريبًا، لكنه لم يكن كذلك، نعلم أنه وضع شخصي، ونحترم ذلك، لعبنا مباراتنا الأخيرة مساء السبت، ولم يكن لدينا الكثير من الوقت، خصصنا وقتنا للتدريب للراحة والتعافي والتركيز على فريق قوي، إنتر يلعب بشكل جيد، ويمتلك لاعبين مميزين، لديهم مهاجمون ولاعبو وسط ومدافعون رائعون، وحارس مرمى رائع”.

وعن قول صلاح بأنه يتعرض لانتقاد بشكل غير عادل، رد: لا أتابع كثيرًا ما يُقال عنه، لذا لا أعرف تحديدًا ماهية الانتقادات، إذا قال إنه يشعر بذلك، فمن حقه التحدث عنه، لكن النقد جزء من كرة القدم”.

وأصر: “أتعامل مع هذا الأمر بنفسي، وأحاول ألا أتابعه، ليس لعدم اهتمامي، بل لأن لديّ ثلاثة أطفال في المنزل وليس لديّ وقت كافٍ لذلك!، علينا أن نكون واقعيين بشأن وضعنا الحالي، والأمور التي نحتاج إلى تحسينها، من الصعب تحديد المشاكل، لكننا نركز عليها”.

وعن ضرورة حصول صلاح على مكانه في التشكيلة الأساسية، أفاد: “في كرة القدم، الأمور تجري بسرعة، نلعب كل ثلاث مباريات، فزنا مؤخرًا بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وهو إنجاز مذهل، والآن نحن في هذا الوضع، وعلينا التعامل مع هذا الوضع”.

وأكد: “هكذا تسير الأمور في كرة القدم، وعلينا التعامل مع هذا الوضع، هذا جزء من اللعب مع ليفربول. عليك أن تُنافس على أعلى مستوى، وهذا ما أسعى إليه: أن أكون في أعلى مستوى لأكون الأفضل للفريق أيضًا”.

وعن أجواء المعسكر، أشار: “الوضع جيد للغاية، لكل لاعب رأيه في الوضع، لكننا ندرك التحديات التي نواجهها حاليًا، فعدم الأداء الجيد وعدم تحقيق نتيجة جيدة كان أمرًا صعبًا بالفعل، علينا تغيير ذلك لنكون أكثر ثباتًا في المباريات”.

وأردف: “لا يهمنا كثيرًا شعورنا الشخصي، لكننا نريد أن نتعامل مع الوضع غدًا بشكل مناسب، مع كل الاحترام والتقدير لإنتر ميلان الذي يسعى للفوز بالمباراة ويستحق الفوز بأدائه الجيد”.

وعن القيادة داخل الفريق، أستطرد: “نعم، بالتأكيد نحن كذلك، الجميع يضع توقعات علينا، من اللاعبين الكبار أن نتقدم ونُظهر مستوى القيادة، والتوقعات موجودة من النادي أيضًا، وهذا هو سبب وجودنا هنا”.

وأوضح: “في رأيي، أنا أتحمل هذه المسؤولية وأشعر بها، وأعتقد أن بإمكاني أن أقدّم للفريق أكثر من مجرد الأداء الجيد داخل الملعب، أقدّم مساهمة إيجابية للاعبين الأصغر سنًا والجدد، لدينا في ليفربول ما يُعرف بـ ‘طريقة ليفربول’ في العقلية، ويجب أن تنتقل هذه الثقافة إلى اللاعبين الآخرين”.

وأتم: “ونحن اللاعبون الذين يجب أن ننقلها، ليس أنا فقط، أو فان دايك، أو روبيرتسون، بل كل اللاعبين الذين قضوا وقتًا طويلًا هنا، كورتيس لاعب محلي، وهناك العديد من اللاعبين الذين قضوا أكثر من عامين أو ثلاثة في ليفربول وهم يحاولون الارتقاء أيضًا، ربما ليس من خلال المقابلات، بل من خلال الأفعال، إن التصرف على أرض الملعب هو ما نتوقعه من كل قائد”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo negocia a contratação do ponta uruguaio Lucas Villalba, do Nacional, de 24 anos. Em janelas recentes, o clube também apostou em jovens do país para o setor ofensivo: Diego Hernández e Santi Rodríguez. Diferente das apostas anteriores, o novo alvo não se destacou tanto pelo refino técnico, mas sim pela velocidade. Por isso, desempenha bem em campo aberto e é ótima válvula de escape para contra-ataques. É destro, mede 1,82m e atua pelo lado direito.

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➡️Tudo sobre o Fogão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Botafogo

Campeão uruguaio com o Nacional, Villalba viveu temporada de altos e baixos. Começou o ano muito bem e teve destaque em dois jogos contra equipes brasileiras. Pela fase de grupos da Libertadores, deu uma assistência contra o Internacional e duas contra o Bahia, em duelos disputados no Brasil. No entanto, caiu de produção e até perdeu o posto de titular absoluto. Foi convocado uma vez para a Celeste, em setembro de 2024, mas não voltou a receber oportunidades.

As características são diferentes de Diego Hernández, que chegou ao Botafogo em julho de 2023. O meia-atacante chamava atenção pela técnica e finalização, mas pecava na parte física. Na época, o Alvinegro pagou 2,2 milhões de dólares (R$ 11,1 milhões) ao Montevideo Wanderers pela promessa, que era titular absoluta em seu clube, de menos expressão que o Nacional, e vinha de convocações para a seleção uruguaia. O jogador passou os últimos meses emprestado ao Remo, com o qual conseguiu o acesso da Série B à elite do Brasileirão. Seu futuro é incerto.

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Já no início deste ano, o clube pagou US$ 17 milhões (cerca de R$ 97,1 milhões) para contratar Santi Rodríguez junto ao New York City, dos Estados Unidos. O meia chegou ao Botafogo com mais status, até por ter vivido longa experiência fora do Uruguai. Cresceu de desempenho durante a temporada, conforme começou a se adaptar ao futebol brasileiro, e a expectativa é de um 2026 melhor.

➡️ Botafogo tem boas notícias no elenco de olho em 2026 competitivo

Números do trio em suas últimas temporadas no Uruguai

Lucas Villalba (Nacional), 24 anos – 2025
43 jogos, quatro gols e nove assistências
Total no Uruguai: 107 jogos, 13 gols e 20 assistências

Diego Hernández (Wanderes), 22 anos – 2022
38 jogos, quatro gols e sete assistências
Total no Uruguai: 94 jogos, 13 gols e 14 assistências

Santi Rodríguez (Nacional), 20 anos – 2020
24 jogos, sete gols e cinco assistências
Total no Uruguai: 62 jogos, 14 gols e 16 assistências

Além dos atletas do setor ofensivo, o Botafogo buscou o lateral Mateo Ponte, outra promessa uruguaia, nos últimos anos. Atento ao mercado do país vizinho, o Alvinegro procura replicar o sucesso de jogadores que chegaram jovens ao Brasil e se estabeleceram como figuras importantes, como Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Piquerez (Palmeiras) e Canobbio (Fluminense). Atualmente, são 31 representantes do Uruguai na Série A do Brasileirão.

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➡️ Botafogo é condenado a pagar dívida milionária por Almada e corre risco de transfer ban

Botafogo perto de Villalba

A oferta enviada pela SAF de John Textor ao Nacional foi aceita. Os clubes aguardavam um terceiro envolvido, o Montevideo City Torque, ex-time de Villalba, que tinha prioridade para cobertura de propostas. O prazo de cinco dias para a equipe se posicionar sobre o interesse de igualar a oferta expirou nessa terça-feira (9), sem sinalização, deixando o caminho aberto para o Alvinegro. O vínculo, caso o acordo seja firmado, será de quatro temporadas.

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It’s still early in the season, but even so, Chelsea’s summer business is starting to look questionable.

For example, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho do not look at the level required, and Joao Pedro has one goal in his last seven Premier League games.

Moreover, even though Jorrel Hato is one of the most promising young defenders around, he looked out of his depth in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Fortunately, there is plenty of time for the players to come good, although there is another member of Enzo Maresca’s squad who is starting to look like one of Chelsea’s worst ever signings: Danny Drinkwater.

Drinkwater's Chelsea career

Drinkwater first shot to prominence when he played a pivotal role in Leicester City’s legendary Premier League triumph in the 15/16 season.

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The Englishman actually stayed at the King Power Stadium for the following campaign, but then, in the summer of 2017, made a £35m move to Chelsea.

While he was a title-winning midfielder, it felt like something of an unnecessary move from the Blues at the time, but nobody would have predicted quite how poorly it was going to go.

He would only make 22 appearances, totalling 1151 minutes, in his first season, on top of dealing with his role as a squad player, he had to contend with persistent calf injuries.

Unfortunately, the following season was even worse, as in addition to yet more injuries, it also became clear that Marizio Sarri did not fancy him at all, and so he ended the season with a solitary 30-minute appearance in the Community Shield.

The following campaign saw him join Burnley on loan for the first half of the season and Aston Villa for the second half.

However, injuries limited him to two appearances for the former, while a training ground incident saw him return to West London after just four appearances for the latter.

The writing was on the wall at this point, and after a loan to Turkish side Kasimpasa for half a season in 2020/21, he made one more move to Reading the following year, where he made 34 appearances and then retired.

It would be hard to describe Drinkwater’s move to Chelsea as anything other than a disaster, and while there were some reasons why, it mostly came down to his inability to remain fit.

Unfortunately for Maresca, it appears that he may now have someone like that in his squad today.

Chelsea's modern Drinkwater

While several players in Chelsea’s team have a less-than-ideal injury record, it’ll come as no shock that Roméo Lavia is the star in danger of becoming Maresca’s own Drinkwater.

Now, before the pitchforks and torches come out, the Belgian has already shown far more in West London than the former Blues man ever did, but that’s not really the point.

Like the former Leicester star, the 21-year-old has been so incredibly unlucky with injuries, and it’s now got to the point where some fans are questioning whether he should still be at the club come next season.

That might sound extreme, but considering he cost in excess of £45m in 2023, it’s really not.

For example, in his first campaign with the club, the midfielder, whom talent scout Jack Kulig once described as having “enormous potential,” played a single game.

Then, despite managing 22 appearances last season, they only amounted to 1,069 minutes of action.

This season, he has made seven appearances, totalling 240 minutes, but is now set to be out for some time after suffering yet another injury against Qarabag FK on Wednesday night.

Unfortunately, availability is the best ability, and as one content creator put it, “there is a world-class player in there when he’s fit, but that is the case so rarely.”

Ultimately, Lavia is a better player than Drinkwater was, but due to his inability to remain fit, his Chelsea career could follow the same path.

He was as bad as Hato: Maresca must now ruthlessly drop 5/10 Chelsea dud

It was a night to forget for the Chelsea ace, who was as bad as Jorrel Hato.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 6, 2025

The Boston Red Sox stayed red-hot on Sunday, beating the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-1, for their 10th straight win.

While Ceddanne Rafaela's two-run home run in the sixth inning gave Boston the three-run lead that it wouldn't relinquish, the team's first run of the day came courtesy of a rare ruling by third base umpire Scott Barry.

With two outs in the bottom of the third, Marcelo Mayer appeared to be picked off at third base on a throw by Rays catcher Matt Thaiss. Barry even initially ruled it an out. But then he quickly changed his mind and ruled that Rays third baseman Junior Caminero obstructed Mayer from being able to touch the bag. That meant that Mayer was able to trot home to score the game's first run.

Here's how that went down:

That's normally a call seen when a catcher blocks a runner from home plate, but it did look like Berry made the right call. Still, that's a very strange way for a team to score a run.

The Red Sox are now 53-45 on the year, and will be right in the thick of the playoff race after the All-Star break.