A semifinal da Libertadores entre Boca Juniors e Palmeiras só acontece praticamente daqui um mês, mas o jogo já é assunto por toda a Argentina.
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+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui
Nesta sexta-feira (1), a capa do principal jornal esportivo do país, o Diário Olé, estampou o goleiro Sergio Romero, herói da classificação do Boca diante do Racing, com uma aspa do ex-goleiro da seleção argentina pedindo para que os Xeneizes não menosprezem o Palmeiras.
‘Chiquito’ Romero ainda disse ao periódico argentino que o Palmeiras tem grandes jogadores e que por isso merece muito respeito por parte do Boca Juniors.
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???? #LaTapaDeOle l Viernes 1 de septiembre pic.twitter.com/7hc9yrmTQL
— Diario Olé (@DiarioOle) September 1, 2023
Romero é um grande pegador de pênaltis desde seus tempos de Seleção Argentina, e nesta Libertadores já foi decisivo para o Boca tanto nas oitavas de final, quando o time de Cavani passou pelo Nacional-URU nos penais e também pelo Racing nesta semana, pegando duas cobranças do seu time de coração.
Apesar da tradição e história que o Boca tem em Libertadores, o último título dos Xeneizes na competição foi em 2007, e hoje, o Verdão possui uma protagonismo no continente muito maior do que o Boca.
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+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!
A data do primeiro jogo entre Boca Juniors e Palmeiras ainda não está definida pela Conmebol, mas é certo que o Verdão decide a vaga no Allianz Parque, na primeira semana de outubro.
Wagner will remain active as a player in county cricket in England
Deivarayan Muthu28-Mar-2025
Neil Wagner will end his New Zealand domestic career in Dunedin, where it all started for him•Getty Images
Neil Wagner, 39, will end his domestic career in New Zealand after playing for Northern Districts (ND) in the final round of the four-day Plunket Shield, which will begin on March 29. Wagner will have a fairytale finish if he can win the game and secure the Plunket title for ND.Heading into the final round, his team ND are currently on top of the table with 89 points from seven games. Wellington (82) and Canterbury (80) are the other two teams in the running for the title.Wagner, though, will continue to remain active as a player in county cricket in England.Wellington seamer Ian McPeake, meanwhile, will retire from all professional cricket after their final-round Plunket Shield game against Canterbury at the Basin Reserve.Wagner’s emotional reaction – he was almost in tears – after ND had lost to Canterbury in the Super Smash Eliminator last month suggested that his career was nearing its end. At the post-match presentation, ND captain Jeet Raval refused to reveal if Wagner had played his last competitive match in New Zealand. As it turned out, Wagner returned for the Plunket Shield, his match haul of four wickets helping ND snatch the lead with a narrow win over Wellington.In a twist of fate, Wagner’s final game in New Zealand will come against his former team Otago in Dunedin. Wagner had played his maiden first-class match in New Zealand for Otago vs ND back in 2008 at the same venue.
Since 2005-06, Wagner has 560 first-class wickets in 133 games in New Zealand at an average of 27.03. No other bowler has more first-class wickets than Wagner in New Zealand during this period. According to available records in the Plunket Shield, only Stephen Book (492), Ewen Chatfield (370) and David O’Sullivan (368) have bagged more wickets than Wagner (365).Wagner, who was born in and grew up in Pretoria, decided to pursue cricket elsewhere after missing out on selection at different levels in South Africa. Wagner initially mulled moving to England, but ended up moving to New Zealand in 2008. Four years later, he became eligible to play for New Zealand in international cricket and went onto become one of their greatest fast bowlers – and one of the best exponents of the old ball across the world – along with Trent Boult and Tim Southee. He was a vital part of the New Zealand team that won the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) title in 2021.Wagner’s domestic retirement in New Zealand comes just over a year after he had ended his international career. At the domestic level, Wagner represented ND and Otago across 17 years.Like Wagner, McPeake has a chance to retire with the Plunket title. McPeake has played 55 first-class games so far, picking up 152 wickets at an average of 29.86. McPeake also played 50 white-ball games for Wellington.”It’s been an incredible honour to represent Wellington,” McPeake said. “For a long time, I just wanted to get one game, so to have had the privilege to play for so many years and be a part of many incredible matches is something I’ll cherish forever.”Through the years I’ve been very fortunate to have rubbed shoulders with some of the best cricketers and blokes. It’s often said that the best memories you’ll hold on to aren’t always from the field but it’s the time in the changing room celebrating. While reflecting on my time, I see a lot of truth in that.”
The pair added 215 for the fourth wicket, helping Vidarbha recover from 24 for 3
Shashank Kishore26-Feb-2025Stumps Danish Malewar and Karun Nair at are different stages of their careers.At 21, Malewar, a heavy run-getter in the age-group circuit, is in his maiden season. At 33, Nair, a two-time Ranji Trophy winner with Karnataka, has overcome a form slump to enjoy a second wind which has the potential to turn into something bigger, possibly an unlikely Test call-up eight years after he last played in one.On Wednesday, Malewar and Nair were at the forefront of an incredible Vidarbha fightback on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy final against first-timers Kerala in Nagpur. The pair added 215 for the fourth wicket as Kerala’s bowling reserves were severely tested.Vidarbha recovered from 24 for 3 in the first hour and looked primed to take the opening-day honours when Nair’s run out late in the day for 86, after being sent back by Malewar as they tried to steal a bye, gave Kerala a late lift.Vidarbha went into stumps on 254 for 4 on a VCA Stadium surface that flattened out as the day progressed, with Kerala at the receiving end of a slow-burn kind of treatment they meted out to Gujarat in the semi-final.Malewar and Nair superbly negated Kerala’s major threat – spin – as Jalaj Saxena and hometown hero Aditya Sarwate, who made the switch from Vidarbha ahead of the 2024-25 season, proved ineffective.The spin twins had combined figures of 0 for 92 off 26 overs, although Saxena was the only bowler who induced a possible opportunity when he managed to induce the outside edge from Malewar after he was beaten in flight and drift while on 110. The resultant edge as he pushed at the delivery that didn’t turn as much flew past a vacant slip that had only a few overs earlier been taken out.That was the only genuine wicket-taking delivery all afternoon; the Nair dismissal was entirely down to Rohan Kunnummal’s presence of mind and pinpoint accuracy as he ran to his right from the slips to stop the ball that deflected off the keeper’s pad.Then he fired a flat throw to the stumps to catch Nair well short after he was sent back by Malewar. Yash Thakur was sent in as a nightwatcher and remained unbeaten on 5 alongside Malewar, who was 138 not out – his highest score yet.The partnership between Malewar and Nair not only denied Kerala for large parts of the day but also covered up for a slightly unconventional move from Vidarbha that may have been scrutinised had they collapsed.Vidarbha promoted Parth Rekhade, a lower-order batter to open in place of Atharva Taide, who had been left out. And after he was out two balls into the game – courtesy an lbw decision Kerala overturned through DRS – they sent in Darshan Nalkande, a seam-bowling allrounder who bats in the lower-order, at No. 3.That move backfired too as Nalkande mistimed a pull to deep square as Nidheesh picked up a second wicket.Eden Apple Tom celebrates the wicket of Dhruv Shorey•KCAKerala’s boisterous energy and keenness to take the game on had them burn an lbw review off Dhruv Shorey, the only genuine top-order batter in the top three. Shorey looked assured for the brief while he was at the crease but nibbled at a short and wide delivery from 19-year-old seamer Eden Apple Tom to the wicketkeeper to leave Vidarbha in choppy waters.Malewar and Nair joined hands at a time of crisis and slowly rebuilt the innings, not through denial but by picking runs whenever the bowlers erred. Malewar left the ball well outside off, forcing the bowlers to attack the stumps. And as they went full, Malewar brought out some incredible wrist work – at times picking length balls from middle-and-off through midwicket and mid-on. He was equally impressive off the back foot, while tucking deliveries off his hip.Malewar got to his half-century in style as he stepped out to launch Sarwate over the long-on boundary. The first real rash stroke he played was to get into the 80s when he chased a short and wide Nidheesh delivery to slash it towards third man.Nair occasionally kept pepping Malewar every time he erred, and was the more industrious out of the two – sweeping spinners off their lengths, on a couple of occasions reverse sweeping Sarwate to prevent him from settling into a rhythm.Nair’s driving through the covers was imperious – especially off rookie Apple Tom who was playing in only his third game, three years after debuting as a 16-year-old. Nair’s defence was compact, as he negated Kerala’s tactic of attacking the stumps and looking to get some reverse swing with a short midwicket in place.Like he raised his fifty, Malewar showed no sign of nerves in the 90s either, stepping out to launch Sarwate over long-on to get to 99, and then whipping him through midwicket for a boundary to raise his century.Nair, meanwhile, brought up his half-century off 125 balls and then feasted on some tired bowling to charge towards what would’ve been his fourth hundred of the season, and 23rd overall, in the final session. Before his run out had him uncharacteristically flinging his bat in disappointment as he walked back to a dressing room that stood up to applaud a rescue.
O Palmeiras venceu o Barcelona-EQU, por 4 a 2, de virada, nesta quarta-feira (7), no Allianz Parque. Com o resultado, o Alviverde se classificou para as oitavas de final da Libertadores com uma rodada de antecedência. No entanto, o que chamou a atenção mesmo foi a reação do time para conseguir ficar à frente no placar. Para Abel Ferreira, foi uma noite mágica, que teve participação essencial do torcedor.
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+ Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui
Em entrevista coletiva após o duelo, o treinador do Verdão explicou o porquê de ter aplaudido as arquibancadas logo na sequência do apito final. Além disso, ele fez questão de dizer o quanto a música do “time da virada e do amor” o fez acreditar que o resultado não seria outro que não fosse a virada e a vitória alviverde.
– Foi a forma que eu tive de agradecer a energia que eles passaram para a nossa equipe. Eu sinto e meus jogadores também sentem. No primeiro minuto do segundo tempo não me passou outra coisa na cabeça, que não fosse virar o resultado. Sem a energia deles seria bem mais difícil.
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Ao ser perguntado se o time do Palmeiras é o time que traz mais magia ao futebol brasileiro por conta de atuações como desta quarta-feira, Abel Ferreira falou de outras coisas mágicas que acabam levando a equipe a esses resultados.
– Foi uma noite mágica dentro daquilo que vejo da minha vida, é resiliência, persistência, Uma vitória de uma equipe que jamais se rende. Magia do trabalho, de acreditar, da resiliência, do esforço, do jogo coletivo, jogue quem jogar, seja onde for. às vezes parece fácil, mas se olhar para a historia, você vê quanto é difícil manter uma invencibilidade (Palmeiras está quase um ano sem perder em casa) no futebol brasileiro. A forma com que trabalham, se dedicam, e a magia acontece, cada um tem a função de dar o seu melhor. Temos um clube que dá tudo. Uma equipe extremamente competitiva. Sempre faremos o máximo esforço para proporcionar alegrias ao nosso torcedor.
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+ ATUAÇÕES: Coletivo do Palmeiras funciona no segundo tempo e conquista grande virada na Libertadores
Com o resultado, o Palmeiras vai a 12 pontos e garante sua classificação no Grupo C da Libertadores. No entanto, ainda segue na segunda posição na tabela, deixando a definição do líder da chave para a última rodada, contra o Bolívar-BOL, no Allianz Parque, no dia 29 de junho, às 21h. Enquanto isso, o Verdão foca no Brasileirão, campeonato no qual enfrenta o São Paulo, neste domingo, às 16h, no Morumbi.
Fulham have now made an approach to sign a “sensational” Chelsea player who is also wanted by Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to a recent report.
Fulham stepping up their transfer plans after quiet start
It’s been a very quiet transfer window for the Cottagers so far, as Marco Silva’s side have added just one new player to their squad, and that is goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte, who has joined from French side Montpellier. And with the Premier League season underway in less than three weeks, the club are finally stepping up their transfer plans.
Muniz replacement: Fulham now make approach to sign £25m "top striker"
The Cottagers have now made contact over a deal for a centre-forward.
ByDominic Lund Jul 9, 2025
The Athletic’s David Orstein revealed on Saturday that Fulham are now in advanced talks to sign Reiss Nelson from Arsenal. The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage, where he scored one goal in 11 Premier League matches.
The Whites want to bring Nelson back to Craven Cottage on loan with either a buy option or obligation included. Fulham and Arsenal are close to reaching an agreement, but work still needs to be done on both sides for the deal to go through.
Meanwhile, Fulham have also expressed interest in signing Raheem Sterling from Chelsea. The England international has no future at Stamford Bridge after spending last season on loan at Arsenal. The Blues have placed a £20 million asking price on Sterling, who has two years left on his contract, but his £300,000-a-week wages make any deal complicated.
Fulham submit approach to sign “sensational” £30m Chelsea ace
Sterling is not the only Chelsea player wanted by the Cottagers, as according to talkSPORT, Fulham have made a formal approach to Chelsea to sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The report states that the Blues value Dewsbury-Hall as a squad player, and while he is not someone they are actively looking to sell, he can leave Stamford Bridge for around £30 million
The 26-year-old, who has been dubbed “sensational” by former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, followed Enzo Maresca to Stamford Bridge last summer, but the Englishman hasn’t been able to establish himself as a key player.
Last season, Dewsbury-Hall played 13 games in the Premier League, the same number he played in the UEFA Conference League. A potential arrival at Craven Cottage would see Dewsbury-Hall join the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Andreas Pereira, Sander Berge and Alex Iwobi as fighting for a place in Silva’s midfield department.
Apps
72
Goals
3
Assists
5
However, they are not alone in their pursuit of the midfielder, as Wolves are also interested in Dewsbury-Hall and have identified him as a potential target in what remains of the transfer window.
Apresentador do “Seleção Sportv”, André Rizek comentou, durante o programa da última terça-feira, sobre a “Operação Penalidade Máxima”, que investiga a manipulação de resultados de jogos do futebol brasileiro. O jornalista lamentou um novo escândalo envolvendo interferências externas na modalidade e cobrou rapidez do Governo Federal no processo de regulamentação das casas de apostas.
Rizek foi um dos jornalistas da revista “Veja” a ajudar a revelar o caso da “Máfia dos Apitos”, em 2005. Esquema onde árbitros estavam manipulando resultados de partidas dos principais torneios nacionais para ajudar apostadores a lucrarem com os placares encomendados.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoSaiba quais são os jogos da Série A do Brasileirão investigados por manipulaçãoFora de Campo19/04/2023Fora de CampoJogador confessa ter participado de esquema de manipulação de jogo entre Palmeiras e Juventude, diz MPFora de Campo19/04/2023Fora de CampoClubes de jogadores investigados por manipulação de resultados se posicionam; vejaFora de Campo18/04/2023
+Vitor Roque na mira de gigante inglês, zagueiro do Corinthians cobiçado por clubes brasileiros… O Dia do Mercado!
Ele relembrou a reportagem que participou e citou também o esquema da “Máfia das Loterias”, na década de 1980, primeiro grande caso de manipulação de resultado no futebol brasileiro. O esquema, que fraudava resultados em favor de um grupo de apostadores do principal jogo de azar da época, foi revelado pelo jornalista Sérgio Martins, da revista “Placar”.
– Sobre a “Operação Penalidade Máxima”, é o terceiro grande escândalo de manipulação de resultados na história do futebol brasileiro, pelo menos os que foram revelados. E podem ter outros que a gente até hoje não sabe.É um escândalo que tem tudo a ver com o que a gente vive atualmente com a quantidade de sites de apostas, onde você não aposta somente nos resultados. Se pode apostar em diversos fatores da partida. O esquema de hoje envolve muito mais dinheiro – iniciou.
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+Jogador confessa ter participado de esquema de manipulação de jogo entre Palmeiras e Juventude, diz MP
Na sequência, Rizek cobrou medidas do Governo Federal nas casas de apostas e uma regulamentação da prática.
-O Governo Federal precisa criar mecanismos que estes sites possam avisar as autoridades quando houver um volume de apostas em determinado evento. E ela (a regulamentação) talvez não seja suficiente. Porque é um mercado, gostem ou não, que já chegou e veio para ficar. Ele está presente em todos os grandes times do futebol brasileiro em alguma forma de patrocínio. Então o mercado chegou e com ele os riscos que envolvem as apostas. Vivemos um momento muito delicado no esporte – completou.
ENTENDA O CASO
Na última terça-feira, o Ministério Público de Goiás (MP-GO) iniciou a Operação Penalidade Máxima II, que visa investigar a atuação de uma organização criminosa na manipulação de resultados de jogos de futebol, inclusive da Série A do Brasileirão. O órgão informou que já foram cumpridos três mandados de prisão preventiva e 20 de busca e apreensão em 16 municípios de seis estados brasileiros. Um destes mandados foi contra o zagueiro Victor Ramos, da Chapecoense, conforme publicado pelo portal “ND Mais”, filiado à “Record TV”.
Segundo o MP-GO, há suspeitas de que o grupo criminoso tenha atuado em pelo menos cinco jogos do Brasileirão de 2022, além de cinco partidas de Campeonatos Estaduais deste ano. A investigação descobriu que os criminosos tentavam cooptar jogadores de futebol com ofertas entre R$50 mil e R$100 mil para que interferissem em eventos dos jogos. A interferência beneficiaria os apostadores em detrimento das casas de apostas, que estariam sendo lesadas pelas manipulações.
A nova investigação é um desdobramento da Operação Penalidade Máxima, que identificou suspeita de manipulação em jogos da Série B do Brasileirão no ano passado.
Newcastle United might not be able to count on Alexander Isak for much longer as the player seeks a move away from St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe will now need to sign a striker or two in order to have his squad ready for the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match
Benjamin Sesko is a reported target for the club, and Newcastle would be willing to break their club-record transfer fee to sign him.
Could Howe perhaps chase another young striker instead, however? One who is even more prolific than Sesko…
Newcastle’s search for a striker
The likes of Julian Alvarez and Yoane Wissa have been earmarked as targets by Howe to bolster the club’s attacking options of late.
Both would be excellent signings, but Howe could go down a different route by making a move for Porto starlet Samu Aghehowa this summer.
That is according to the Guardian, who relay information that Newcastle might see Aghehowa as a potential alternative to Sesko.
One sticking point may be the price, as he has a release clause of €100m (£87m), although it remains to be seen whether Howe can negotiate a potential deal.
Aged just 21, he could be an ideal long-term Isak heir and, dare I say it, even better than Sesko.
Why Newcastle want to sign Samu Aghehowa
Across his senior career thus far, Sesko has scored 90 goals across 210 games, which works out as a goal every 2.3 matches.
In comparison, Aghehowa has netted 54 goals in 117 matches during his embryonic senior career thus far, averaging a goal every 2.1 matches.
On this basis, the young Spaniard is even more prolific than Sesko, and there is no doubt that he will get even better over the next few years.
He burst into life during his maiden season with Porto. Aside from registering 30 goal contributions in all competitions, Aghehowa also finished the season with a 23% goal conversion percentage, created five big chances and scored every 119 minutes in the Portuguese top flight.
Matches (starts)
30 (23)
Goals
19
Assists
3
Shots (on target)*
2.7 (1.1)
Big chances missed
18
Pass completion
79%
Big chances created
5
Key passes*
0.6
Dribbles*
0.4
Duels won*
3.3
It was no wonder that talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed the youngster as a “monster in the making” and for having “such a complete profile” after just a few months at Porto.
His debut campaign was a successful one indeed from a personal point of view, and it is no surprise he is being linked with moves to the Premier League.
When compared to his peers across men’s next 14 competitions, the 21-year-old ranks in the top 4% for goals (0.76) per 90.
Furthermore, the striker ranks in the top 14% for touches in the opposition penalty area (5.45) per 90 and in the top 16% for total shots per 90 (3.1).
These statistics show just how prolific the player is in front of goal, and if Howe was serious about making a move for the youngster, Aghehowa could be a wonderful signing.
Much will depend on how far they are willing to take their interest in Sesko. But if the Magpies are looking for someone even more prolific, Aghehowa should be at the top of their list.
PIF set sights on signing 13-goal star for Newcastle after Isak bombshell
The Magpies have instantly turned towards potential replacements.
While every season is a big one, next season feels especially important for Tottenham Hotspur.
The club are finally back in the Champions League thanks to Ange Postecoglou delivering on his promise of winning something in his second year.
However, while he’ll enjoy the benefits of leading out a team in Europe’s biggest competition, new boss Thomas Frank will be under pressure to improve the club’s dire Premier League form that saw his predecessor get the sack.
Fortunately, Daniel Levy and the board are not hanging him out to dry this summer, having already spent £55m on Mohammed Kudus and working to bring Morgan Gibbs-White to N17 for his £60m release clause.
The Nottingham Forest star would be an excellent addition to the squad, but Spurs might be better off signing another attacking ace they’ve previously been linked with.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitecelebrates scoring their first goal with a shirt in support of their injured teammate Taiwo Awoniyi
Why Spurs want Gibbs-White
While we think there might be a better option out there, it’s easy to see why Spurs want to sign Gibbs-White this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
After all, not only does he have an abundance of experience in the Premier League, but he was also seriously effective for Forest last season.
For example, in 38 games across all competitions, totalling 3142 minutes, the 25-year-old ace scored seven goals and provided ten assists.
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.23 games, or one every 184.82 minutes, and under the tutelage of the attack-minded Frank, you’d expect those numbers to improve in North London next season.
Another reason the Lilywhites might be keen to land the midfielder is that he’s a homegrown star and has already won four caps for the Three Lions, which is always great for the marketability of a player and his own development.
Finally, at 25 years old, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers gem is neither past his peak nor someone who will need time to develop; instead, he’s a prime age player who can come in and make an instant impact.
Yet, for everything there is to like about Gibbs-White, there is another international we reckon Spurs should sign instead: Xavi Simons.
Why Spurs should sign Xavi Simons over Gibbs-White
While it appears the club’s attention is now on Gibbs-White, they have been linked with Simons several times this summer.
Moreover, with his reported price tag also being around £60m, switching their focus to him wouldn’t incur additional costs.
With that said, why should they opt for the Ducthman over the Forest ace?
Simons vs Gibbs-White in 24/25
Players
Simons
Gibbs-White
Appearances
33
38
Minutes
2763′
3142′
Goals
11
7
Assists
8
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.57
0.44
Minutes per Goal Involvement
145.42′
184.82′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Well, the first argument comes down to their output from last season, as in his 33 games for RB Leipzig, totalling 2763 minutes, the Amsterdam-born ace, who one analyst has dubbed “one of the best 10s in the world,” scored 11 goals and provided eight assists.
In other words, he maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes, which is far better than what the Englishman could manage.
Moreover, the former PSV Eindhoven gem has more experience at the very highest level of the game, making 13 Champions League appearances thus far and playing a major role for the Netherlands at the last Euros.
Another key advantage the 22-year-old has is that he’s more positionally versatile than the former Wolves star and is comfortable in the ten, off both wings and even up top.
Xavi Simons celebrates
Ultimately, both players would be brilliant additions to the side, but due to his significantly better output, experience beyond his years and the fact that he can comfortably play all over the pitch, we reckon Simons would be the better signing.
With all that said, Spurs would be clever to bring in both.
Gibbs-White will love him: Spurs huge admirers of £80m Premier League star
Tottenham Hotspur’s huge transfer window has shown no signs of slowing down in recent days.
Setting their sights on fresh targets, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive £42m midfielder who already has a goal to his name at Villa Park.
Aston Villa face difficult summer
Whichever direction Aston Villa go down this summer, they must approach with caution. Their PSR concerns are likely to limit their spending unless they complete some ruthless sales. Those concerns make their defeat against Manchester United to cost them a Champions League place on the final day all the more frustrating for Unai Emery, who failed to hide his anger at the time.
Now, weeks on, it’s simply a situation that the Midlands club must prepare for. Rumours have already arrived as to who could be heading for the exit door as somewhat of a sacrifice for the Villans and it seems as though not many names are off the table completely.
Among those most mentioned has been Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine looked to be bidding an emotional farewell to Villa Park in the final home game of the season, sparking rumours that he could yet depart amid interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid.
Losing Martinez would be a frustrating but perhaps necessary blow for all involved at Villa Park, who could then have the chance to welcome incomings of their own. Already, Zepiqueno Redmond looks set to arrive on a free transfer from Feyenoord to commence Villa’s summer business, but they won’t want to stop there.
Aston Villa make offer to sign Serie A champion who’s now tempted by move
The Villans could tempt the defender into a move.
2 ByTom Cunningham Jun 11, 2025
With Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford on their way back to their parent clubs, Emery has important roles to fill in his side and Villa have seemingly turned their focus towards signing a Premier League rival as a result.
Aston Villa racing to sign Mikkel Damsgaard
According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now racing to sign Mikkel Damsgaard from Brentford this summer. The Bees reportedly value the Danish midfielder at as much as €50m (£42m) amid interest from the Midlands club as well as Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and West Ham United.
Villa Park received a first-hand glimpse of Damsgaard’s quality when he scored Brentford’s only goal in an eventual 3-1 defeat at the hands of Emery’s side. Even in the face of defeat, however, the 24-year-old showed what he’s capable of.
With 11 assists to his name last season – a number that only Mohamed Salah, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga bettered – Damsgaard was often at the centre of Thomas Frank’s praise.
The Brentford boss told reporters after victory over Leicester in December: “He just got better and better.Today he was fantastic in every way possible. He had another performance and also did an assist. He ties our team and games together amazingly. It’s cool to see.”
Finally realising his potential, it may not be long before Damsgaard is on the move away from Brentford and perhaps even towards Villa Park if the Midlands club make their move this summer.
Crystal Palace now have Europa League football to look forward to next season, and already the club are planning for the summer as they eye up a move to sign a “superb” Bundesliga midfielder, according to a recent report.
Wharton’s Crystal Palace future in doubt despite FA Cup win
Adam Wharton has been a standout performer since his arrival in SE25, and his performances have caught the attention of teams at home and abroad. Despite missing a large chunk of this season through a groin injury, Wharton has played 20 times in the Premier League and was a huge part of the Eagles’ FA Cup glory.
Heading into the summer transfer window, he is now very much a wanted man, as teams start to circle with significant interest. Last week, it was reported that Man United boss Ruben Amorim is personally driving the Red Devils’ move to sign Wharton. It’s claimed that United are in the strongest position to sign the Englishman this summer, but they are not the only team chasing the midfielder.
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Newcastle United have also been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old, while Arsenal are said to have joined the race to sign Wharton, as they plan to close the gap at the top of the table.
Liverpool are also interested in Wharton, and it’s been reported that they are planning to make a £60 million bid to sign the Palace man. However, given the Eagles have qualified for the Europa League, their stance has tightened, and it’s been claimed they wouldn’t consider any bid less than £80 million.
Crystal Palace eyeing move to sign "superb" £15m+ midfielder
And while the hope will of course be to convince the England starlet to stay put, according to Sky Germany, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Nadiem Amiri from Bundesliga side Mainz 05, making plans to buff up their midfield ranks just in case.
Sky Germany report that Amiri’s exit from Mainz is a possibility this summer, as Palace, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing the midfielder, as well as teams in Serie A.
The 28-year-old was asked about his future after Mainz’s final game of the season over the weekend against Bayer Leverkusen, which they drew 2-2, and the German didn’t give much away: “Go on holiday now; then we’ll see.”
Apps
30
Goals
7
Expected goals
5.47
Assists
5
Shots per game
2.1
Key passes per game
2.1
Interceptions per game
0.5
Tackles per game
1.7
Amiri, who has been dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, with this report claiming he could cost between 18 and 20 million euros, which is roughly £15-16 million.
The midfielder, who can operate as a number ten or more defensively, is under contract until 2028, and the fact that Mainz have qualified for Europe next season will toughen their stance, given Amiri has been an important player this season with seven goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga games.