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O Santos voltou a conversar com os representantes de Marcelo Grohe e considera a contratação do goleiro após a lesão no tendão de Aquiles sofrida por João Paulo, que não deve mais jogar nesta temporada. Ainda assim, o departamento de futebol considera algumas situações internas antes de evoluir nas tratativas por um novo atleta para a sua meta. A principal delas é a condição de Gabriel Brazão no elenco.

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Contratado em janeiro para fazer sombra a João Paulo, Brazão terá a sua primeira sequência como titular, e a ideia, tanto da comissão técnica, quanto da diretoria santista, é observá-lo com mais qualidade.

Ainda assim, existe um receio por conta da pouca quantidade de jogos como profissional que Gabriel disputou. Foram apenas 12 durante o seu período emprestado pela Inter de Milão ao Albacete e Real Oviedo, da Espanha, e ao SPAL, da Itália.

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De toda forma, o histórico do atleta nas seleções de base o credenciaram a ser contratado pelo Peixe no início da temporada, assim como a condição do negócio, considerada vantajosa, já que Brazão chegou à Vila Belmiro de graça, após rescindir amigavelmente com a Internazionale, que apenas manteve parte do percentual dos direitos econômicos do atleta em caso de venda futura.

Agora, com João Paulo afastado, as pessoas que comandam o futebol do Santos acreditam que o substituto terá a grande chance na carreira de se firmar e mostrar serviço. Se isso acontecer, no entanto, a negociação com Marcelo Grohe deve ser dificultada, já que a ideia do estafe do ex-gremista é que ele chegue a um clube que dê condições de titularidade.

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Outra questão considerada é a disputa interna quando João Paulo retornar, pois, mesmo questionado, ele nunca perdeu a condição de titular desde que assumiu definitivamente em 2021. A direção sabe que a lesão no tendão de Aquiles deve, também, atrapalhar uma possível venda que era considerada caso chegassem propostas concretas, como já foram acenadas em outras janelas de transferências.

João Paulo já foi até mesmo capitão do Santos e, mesmo tendo alguns problemas internos, principalmente na temporada passada, nutre prestígio e respeito de muitas pessoas no clube alvinegro.

De toda forma, sendo ou não Marcelo Grohe, o Peixe deve ir ao mercado por um goleiro. No entanto, se Gabriel Brazão corresponder às expectativas, a ideia é não fazer um alto investimento e buscar uma peça para composição de elenco, já que os reservas imediatos Diógenes e Paulo Mazzotti não inspiram confiança em caso de alguma necessidade.

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Futebol NacionalMercadoSantos

تحدث أوريلين تشواميني، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد حول مباراة مانشستر سيتي ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ومن المقرر أن يخوض ريال مدريد مباراة هامة نظيره مانشستر سيتي مساء غدٍ الأربعاء ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.

وقال تشواميني، في المؤتمر الصحفي والذي نقلته صحيفة “آس”: إنه لمن دواعي سروري اللعب في دوري أبطال أوروبا، وخاصةً على أرضنا وأكثر من ذلك، ضد مانشستر سيتي، منافسنا القوي، نتطلع إلى ذلك بشوق”.

وأضاف حول طلب ألونسو باللعب بحماس أكثر: “لا أعرف موقفنا ولكن إذا لم نفُز، فذلك لأننا بحاجة إلى تحسين أدائنا، أن نلعب بشكل أفضل دفاعيًا وهجوميًا، علينا أن نتحسن، نأمل أن نتمكن من ذلك، ما يحدث الآن لا يمكن أن يستمر”.

وأكمل: “علاقتي مع ألونسو؟ كلنا في هذا معًا، إذا أردنا الفوز، فعلينا جميعًا القتال من أجل ذلك مع المدرب، مع الفريق، نحن في الملعب وعلينا أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا، غدًا لدينا فرصة جيدة لقلب الأمور”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ألونسو يعلق على معاقبة محمد صلاح ويوضح موقفه من تدريب ليفربول

وعن عدم الضغط العالي على الفرق المنافسة كما كان، أوضح: “علينا التحسن في هذا الجانب، في البداية نرغب في الضغط، أحيانًا نؤدي ذلك بشكل جيد، وأحيانًا أخرى بشكل سيء للغاية، علينا التحسن لاستعادة المزيد من الكرات”.

وتابع حول مواجهة هالاند: “سنناقش خطة اللعب مع المدرب اليوم، لدينا العديد من الإصابات في خط الدفاع لكن لدينا العديد من اللاعبين القادرين على تقديم أداء عالي، علينا جميعًا أن ندافع معًا ونظهر التزامنا، نلعب ضد فريق رائع، هالاند لاعب مذهل لكن إذا لعبنا بكامل طاقتنا، يمكننا الفوز بهذه المباراة”.

واستطرد” النقص في الحدة؟ ضد سيلتا بالطبع، وفي مباريات أخرى أيضًا، إذا لم نلعب بأقصى قوة فسيكون الفوز صعبًا للغاية، علينا أن ندرك أن الفوز بهذه المباريات يتطلب بذل قصارى جهدنا، لم نفعل ذلك ضد سيلتا، ويجب أن نفعله غدًا”.

وسُئل تشواميني ما هي المشكلة، في الفريق أم ألونسو، فأجاب: “ضد سيلتا، كان لدى المدرب خطة جيدة لكننا نحن اللاعبين من نلعب، إذا خسرنا 2/0 فذلك بسبب مشكلة، مثل نقص التركيز وذلك ليس خطأ المدرب، سنتحسن”.

وأتم: “مانشستر سيتي فريق رائع خاصةً عند الاستحواذ على الكرة، علينا أن نكون متماسكين دفاعيًا، وأن نخلق الفرص لمهاجمينا عند الاستحواذ على الكرة، ستكون مباراة ممتعة للغاية”.

Mohamed Salah has reportedly been given the chance to link up with the Egypt squad earlier than planned amid the furore around his uncertain Liverpool future. The 33-year-old grabbed the headlines when he accused the Reds of "throwing him under the bus" after being left out of the starting XI. While speculation has mounted about an Anfield exit, it seems a January departure is very unlikely.

Salah vents his frustration

Shortly after Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw with Leeds on Saturday, a game where Salah was an unused substitute, the former Roma star said that someone at the Reds wanted him to "get all of the blame" and that he no longer had a relationship with manager Arne Slot. The Dutchman later said that he had "no clue" whether the forward had played his last game for the Anfield outfit, while club legend Jamie Carragher branded Salah a "disgrace" and accused him of trying to get the former Feyenoord boss sacked.  

Salah told reporters after the Leeds game, "I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don't have any relationship. I don't know why but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. This club, I will always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much and I always will. It [the situation] is not acceptable to me, to be fair. I don't get it. It's like I'm being thrown more under the bus. I don't think I'm the problem. I have done so much for this club. I don't have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it. I am not bigger than anyone but I earned my position. It's football. It is what it is."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSalah wants Liverpool stay

Despite Salah's outburst and being left out of Liverpool's Champions League clash away to Inter on Tuesday night, claims he has 'no intention' of leaving the club in the January transfer window. The veteran, who has been an unused substitute in two of Liverpool's last three Premier League matches, is said to be 'disappointed' by this turn of events, especially as he hoped to retire at the Merseyside outfit. Salah feels someone at the club is trying to push him out, and he himself is aware he would not be short of suitors should he choose to leave the club next month. Incidentally, his comments came as 'no surprise' to some of his team-mates, who have noticed he has cut an 'unhappy figure' in recent weeks.

Salah gets Egypt FA's support

The report adds that Salah has held talks with Egypt's national team coach, Hossam Hassan, who assured him he would be happy to welcome the ex-Chelsea player into the Pharaohs' camp this week. The Egyptian international is available for selection for the Reds' Premier League clash against Brighton this weekend but Hassan has reportedly offered him a chance to get away from this intense situation ahead of their tournament opener against Zimbabwe on December 22.

Incidentally, Egyptian FA football director Ibrahim Hassan added, "Mohamed Salah is a great player and he will return stronger and better, as we have always known him to be, in the upcoming matches. Salah will continue to make history with Liverpool after becoming one of its legends. Mohamed Salah will also make history with the Egyptian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations, along with the coaching staff and his teammates, by winning the championship."

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Salah?

adds that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are monitoring Salah's situation ahead of the January window but are more hopeful of launching a successful bid next summer. Salah's ambition reportedly remains a 'far stronger' driving force than 'financial incentives', so he could stay at Liverpool for the foreseeable future. 

Left-arm spinner got eight wickets in the second unofficial Test against Australia A, and is now eyeing success in Irani Cup

Daya Sagar27-Sep-2025Before India A’s second unofficial Test against Australia A this week, Manav Suthar last played a competitive match at the senior level back in January, when he turned out for Rajasthan against Andhra in the Ranji Trophy. In that match, he followed a half-century with the bat with four wickets with the ball.Since then, Suthar has travelled with Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, went on the England tour with India A and was part of the Central Zone squad in the Duleep Trophy. The left-arm spin-bowling allrounder didn’t play a single game on any of those assignments.Even in the first unofficial Test against Australia A, Harsh Dubey was preferred over him. But in the second one, when he finally got his chance, Suthar grabbed it with both hands. He bagged his fifth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket on the first day of the match, and with that, got to 100 wickets in the format.In the second innings, Suthar picked up three more wickets, and helped bowl Australia A out for 185. Speaking to reporters after India A won by five wickets, he explained how he had used the time on the sidelines to improve himself.Related

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“I wasn’t getting chances in the playing XI,” Suthar said, “but that doesn’t mean I was disappointed or frustrated. I was continuously working behind the scenes on my skills. I was very focused and kept practicing regularly. In practice, my aim was to bowl as many deliveries as possible. Apart from that, I was focusing on my fitness too. I was doing hard strength and conditioning training. At that time, my only thought was that I had to put in all my effort. The more I focused on myself, the better it would be for me in the future.”On the first day of the India A game, when the other bowlers were expensive, Suthar pulled things back with his accurate line and length. It is often said that left-arm spinners are generally not effective against left-hand batters because the ball spins into them. But Suthar troubled Australia A’s left-handers with those very deliveries that came in.In the first innings, he bowled Oliver Peake, and the next ball, had Cooper Connolly caught at slip. In the second innings, Suthar dismissed Peake once again – this time caught at leg slip – and breached Todd Murphy’s defence. Out of the eight wickets Suthar took in the match, four were of left-handers.Manav Suthar says he’s “more comfortable” with a diagonal run-up against left-hand batters•Tanuj Pandey/UPCAAccording to Cricviz, in 2024, over six first-class matches for which ball-by-ball data is available, Suthar averaged 25 against left-handers and 64 against right-handers. These matches include three games from last year’s Duleep Trophy, the Irani Cup final, and two India A matches against England Lions and Australia A, highlighting the quality of opposition. Overall, he has 28 wickets of left-handers in his 103 first-class dismissals.This year, against Australia A, Suthar bowled to left-hand batters from around the wicket in order to angle the ball away from the bat. And he did this the old school way, running in diagonally from the left of the pitch to right, between the umpire and the stumps.”Since childhood, I’ve been coming with a diagonal run-up against left-handers – my coach also taught me that,” Suthar said. “Later, I tried to change it and bowl straight on, but I felt more comfortable this way. When I come in diagonally, my body moves better, and I can put in more effort. That’s why I still continue with it.”It was one of these deliveries that got Connolly caught at slip in the first innings.While Suthar used the around-the-wicket angle against left-hand batters, he bowled over the wicket against the right-handers to exploit the rough outside leg.”That was part of our planning,” he said, “Because there was some rough on the on-side for right-handers, and that angle was troubling them. I plan these things according to the match and conditions. I also got inputs from [KL] Rahul and Dhruv [Jurel]. They kept telling me from time to time what length could work against which batter, at what speed, and what variation to use. When you are in such a set-up, you get to learn something new every day from every player.”

“I come from Sri Ganganagar, where it gets even hotter. I practice there in 45-50 degrees Celsius. So you can say that handling such conditions is in-built in me”Manav Suthar on how hot it got against Australia A in Lucknow

While rain affected each day of the first unofficial Test against Australia A, the second one saw players struggling because of extreme heat and humidity. Drinks, which are usually taken on the hour, were taken every 45 minutes, with bench players also bringing in large umbrellas so that their team-mates could get additional relief.On the third day of the match, Rahul, who was batting well, had to retire due to fatigue. Josh Philippe, Australia A’s wicketkeeper-batter and Player of the Series, said this was the hottest weather he had experienced in his career, and that staying focused in these conditions was a challenge. The offspinner Murphy said even holding the ball was proving difficult with how sweaty his hands got. Suthar found ways to cope because he is used to a lot worse.”I come from Sri Ganganagar [in Rajasthan], where it gets even hotter. I practice there in 45-50 degrees Celsius,” he said. “So you can say that handling such conditions is inbuilt in me. Apart from that, fitness is very important to me. The hard work we put in, [and] the fitness training we do are all for such difficult days.”Suthar, who idolises R Ashwin, has not been included in the ODI leg of the A-team series, but has been picked for Rest of India in the Irani Cup. He is not disappointed that his opportunities seem limited to the longer formats at the domestic level.”I am working very hard on my batting. It is an important part of my game, and I am focused on it” – Manav Suthar•Tanuj/ Ekana Cricket Stadium”My focus is that wherever I get an opportunity, I should perform well for the team and help win matches, no matter which format it is,” Suthar said.He is also not worried about the increasing competition among left-arm spinners in India. Rather, he considers it healthy for the growth of his career. To push himself ahead of his peers, Suthar wants to strengthen his batting. The Australia A game presented him with an unexpected chance to show those skills as well, when he was sent out as the night-watcher in the second innings, but he could only manage 5 off 29.”I am working very hard on my batting. It is an important part of my game, and I am focused on it,” Suthar said. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t score runs here, but whenever I get the opportunity, I work hard on my batting.”For now, Suthar hasn’t set any immediate or long-term goals. After this match, he has his sights set on the Irani Cup in Nagpur on October 1, where he will represent Rest of India for the second consecutive year.

A two-ball duck, a few nervous moments, a rapid opening stand with Head in the chase were all part of Weatherald’s Test debut

Andrew McGlashan23-Nov-2025

Jake Weatherald scored a duck and 23 off 34 on Test debut•Getty Images

For Jake Weatherald, Perth was a remarkable start to a Test career.Less than 48 hours after being presented his cap by David Warner and trying to keep his emotions under control while wanting to “scream and jump up and down,” he was celebrating a victory. Between times he had overcome the stresses of being on a pair, and pondering what it could mean for his future, opened with two different partners – neither of them the expected figure – and had a front row seat to the start of one of more spectacular Test innings ever.”It was a very strange game,” he said, which still sounded like an understatement.Related

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As it transpired, Weatherald did not need to open at the very start of the Test so had time to soak in the atmosphere in the field as Mitchell Starc took seven wickets, but he was out there before tea on the opening day. Such was his focus on what was to come, he hadn’t fully realised it wasn’t Usman Khawaja walking out with him due to suffering back spasms, but rather Marnus Labuschagne.Weatherald said there had not been discussion between him and Khawaja over who would face the first ball. Then when Labuschagne asked if he wanted it, Weatherald took the opportunity to get the moment out of the way. Two balls later, he was laid flat out in the crease by a Jofra Archer thunderbolt that trapped him lbw.It was a moment that prompted a few words from the England fielders when Australia’s chase began, this time with Travis Head having come out alongside Weatherald. “It was actually pretty friendly,” Weatherald said. “It was more about Marnus not taking the first ball in my first innings, which I agreed with.”I was like, ‘yeah, you’re right, boys.’ Probably should have taken it for me. But it was all fun and games. I don’t think they were too worried about me, to be fair. I think they were more worried about Heady and the rest of the boys coming in.”Second time around, Head took the first delivery from Archer. Sitting on his pair, Weatherald was forced to sweat through 10 balls before, to huge cheers around Perth Stadium, working one off his body through square leg.Jake Weatherald was blown off his feet by Jofra Archer to fall for a duck•Getty Images”Obviously it wasn’t the greatest way of starting your Test debut but, at the same time, I was super pumped to be out there and I still believed that I had the game to go out there and obviously compete,” he said. “Once I got that second opportunity, I was just like, well, if this is my last time to hit a ball for Australia, I’m going to make sure that I do it my way.”I was lucky that I felt as though I moved really well and probably a bit unlucky in the end to get out the way I did. I felt as though I showed myself that I can move well against really good bowlers on obviously quite a tricky wicket.”Two deliveries after getting off the mark, his first boundary came with a controlled edge down to deep third. However, for a few moments next ball that appeared to be his lot when he was given caught behind to what the on-field umpire deemed to be an inside edge. For just the second time in his career, Weatherald was able to use the DRS, although he needed some reassurance from Head.

“It was an amazing thing to be a part of. Just to say that I’ve been a part of one of those innings of Travy’s is pretty cool”Weatherald on Head’s scintillating century in the chase

“I didn’t think about walking off, but I definitely felt like I heard a noise. So I was a bit rattled by that. And sometimes you can’t always feel the ball, especially on the inside edge.”I’ve done one unsuccessful review at a Big Bash game. So after that experience, I was pretty rattled about getting it wrong. Once Heady came down, he said, ‘I reckon it’s hit your back hip’. I sort of said, ‘well, that’s all I’ve heard.’ He sort of calmed me down a bit. But, yeah, there was probably a little bit of just [in Shield] cricket, you walk off and your day’s done sort of thing.”Weatherald’s eventual dismissal came via a top edge to a short delivery he tried to pull that glanced off his helmet and looped to cover. The final tally of 23 off 34 balls won’t jump out when the game is reviewed in the future, but the opening stand of 75 in just 11.3 overs with Head had broken the back of the 205-run chase. England’s shoulders had already slumped.It had been a partnership between former South Australia team-mates, and Weatherald could not help but be in awe of what Head produced.”It was amazing to watch,” he said. “I’ve been quite vocal about being very envious of Trav and the way he goes about his batting. He walks out there with an ability to be clear and calm and to put pressure on the bowlers no matter what the situation is. To make a hundred when the highest score after that was just over 50 really, it’s amazing skill to walk out there and shut out the external noise.”Obviously the Barmy Army were very vocal, and 200 felt a long way away with the fact that we’d only made 140-odd [132] in the first innings. It was one of those things, the way he walks out and bats and just has complete freedom is something that I envy a lot.”It’s something that gave me a lot of confidence at the other end, [knowing] I’ve just got to commit to what I’m doing and I’ll be successful as well. It helped me a lot and it sort of put a lot more emphasis on him really and just let me go about my thing. It was an amazing thing to be a part of. Just to say that I’ve been a part of one of those innings of Travy’s is pretty cool.”

Chelsea's summer signing Liam Delap looks set for more time on the sidelines after being forced out of Saturday's game against Bournemouth at the Amex Stadium with a shoulder injury. The forward landed heavily and looked to be in real pain in the first half of the game following a duel at a corner. Manager Enzo Maresca sent on Marc Guiu in his place and now faces an anxious wait to discover the severity of his injury.

• Delap suffers suspected dislocated shoulder

  Delap was back in the starting XI for Chelsea on the south coast on Saturday but lasted less than half an hour due to injury. The Chelsea striker appeared to dislocate his shoulder after a heavy fall and was replaced immediately. Delap had caught the eye in the opening exchanges against Bournemouth for his physical approach and was perhaps fortunate not to have been booked for catching Marcos Senesi with a stray arm twice before he had to be taken off.

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  Injuries interrupting Delap's start to life at Chelsea

  Delap will be frustrated if he is forced back onto the sidelines. The summer signing has already missed a significant chunk of the campaign for the Blues after sustaining a hamstring injury back in August that kept him out of action until November. The 22-year-old has therefore only managed six starts for Chelsea in all competitions so far in the 2025-26 season, with his only goal coming as a substitute in the Champions League win over Barcelona.

• Maresca's praise for Delap

  The injury to Delap will also be frustrating for manager Enzo Maresca who was full of praise for Delap ahead of the match. "It was a long time for him to be out," he told reporters. "I think he is getting better and the other day against Leeds, he had two or three chances where he could have done better. I know Liam from many years ago at Manchester City and I don’t have any doubts that he will score goals and be important for us.’

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  What comes next for Chelsea?

  Delap and Chelsea must wait to discover the severity of the striker's injury and how much time he will miss. The issue comes ahead of a busy festive period for the Blues. Maresca's side take on Atalanta next in the Champions League and then host Everton at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Aston Villa are now considering a January move for a “fantastic” Champions League player, but they will have to shell out a huge fee to get a deal over the line.

Villa looking to boost push for Europe by strengthening in January

Villa have surged up the Premier League table in recent weeks, courtesy of winning seven of their last eight matches, although there have been some suggestions that their current run of form could end soon, given that they have been defying xG.

The Villans’ 16 goals this season have come from an xG of just 11.88 xG, and they have been relying on players scoring from outside the box, with Boubacar Kamara the most recent example, firing home from distance in the 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Regardless of how they’ve managed to win games, Unai Emery’s side have placed themselves very much in contention to qualify for Europe yet again, and they are now looking to strengthen in January to bolster their chances.

That is according to a report from Leonino (via Sport Witness), which states Aston Villa are now considering a January bid for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, but they may have to break the bank, with the Portuguese club demanding his €80m (£70m) release clause is paid in full.

Sporting have been struggling to tie Diomande down to a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2027, which could open the door for a move to Villa Park. However, several Premier League clubs are in the race for his signature, including Crystal Palace.

With Sporting unwilling to listen to winter bids, Villa may have to wait until the summer to pursue the centre-back, unless they trigger the release clause, although it is unclear how feasible that would be, given their well-documented PSR issues.

"Fantastic" Diomande could be exciting long-term addition for Villa

The 21-year-old, who is represented by the same agency as Harvey Elliott, is at the right age to be a long-term success at Villa Park, and he impressed right across the 2024-25 campaign, as highlighted by scout Jacek Kulig.

A modern defender, the Ivorian, who has made three Champions League appearances this season, is very comfortable in possession of the ball, as showcased by his performance across some key statistics over the past year, while the youngster also has a keen eye for goal.

Ousmane Diomande’s key statistics	Average per 90 (past year)
Non-penalty goals	0.09 (88th percentile)
Passes attempted	67.57 (90th percentile)
Pass completion %	92.7% (98th percentile)

That said, Villa have one of the best defences in the Premier League, having conceded just 11 goals, so there is no pressing need to sign a centre-back, and it may be better to wait until next summer to sign Diomande, at which point Sporting’s asking price will hopefully drop.

The start of this season couldn’t have gone much better for Tottenham Hotspur, with convincing wins over Burnley and Manchester City.

However, in the months since, things have really gone off the rails for Thomas Frank and his side.

They currently sit 16th in the Champions League and, following their dismal defeat at the hands of Fulham on Saturday night, 11th in the Premier League.

Frank looked bereft of ideas against the West Londoners, and his team appeared all at sea, including one player who could be in danger of becoming their new Serge Aurier.

Spurs' worst players against Fulham

Aside from maybe Micky Van de Ven for his goalsaving tackle and Randal Kolo Muani for his general play, there were dismal displays across the entire Spurs starting lineup.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The player who has received the most stick during and after the game is undoubtedly Guglielmo Vicario.

The Italian goalkeeper was the main culprit for the visitors’ second goal, with him rushing out to intercept a long ball, kicking it into danger and then being way out of the penalty area when Harry Wilson curled the ball into the net.

Such a costly blunder, and the fact that the team were 2-0 down in just the sixth minute, led to sections of the home support booing the former Emploi man at every touch.

While not responsible for conceding a goal, Richarlison was another Lilywhites ace who was practically useless on the night.

In his 60 minutes of action, he offered no threat at all, producing an expected goals figure of 0.00 and completing just six of his nine passes.

Moreover, while he took 21 touches, he ended up losing possession nine times, which helps to justify the 3/10 match rating he received from the Standard’s Matt Verri.

It was also a poor showing for Kevin Danso, who was second best to Raul Jimenez throughout the game, and it was his headed clearance that led to the opening goal.

Unfortunately for Frank and the fans, another starter put in a horror display against the Cottagers and could end up becoming the Spurs’ next Aurier if he’s not careful.

Spurs' new Serge Aurier

It was clear that Aurier was a talented player during his stint with Spurs, but what was also clear was that he was error-prone and became something of a scapegoat.

After all, he got sent off on his Premier League debut, and it was his foul that led to Manchester City’s winning free-kick in the 2021 League Cup final.

After that mistake, Jamie Carragher described him as “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football.”

The Ivorian left the club that summer, and unfortunately, it feels like Pedro Porro could be becoming the new version of him.

Now, to be clear, the Spanish full-back, originally signed on loan by Antonio Conte, is a hugely talented footballer and someone who is capable of delivering a brilliant cross at times.

However, he has become a growing concern for North Londoners over the last season or so, both offensively and defensively, with the game against Fulham a perfect example.

In his 94 minutes on the pitch, he lost 100% of his aerial duels, lost five of eight ground duels, was dribbled past three times, was accurate in just three of 16 crosses, failed in 100% of his dribbles and completed only 62% of his long balls.

Minutes

94′

Ground Duels (Won)

8 (3)

Aerial Duels (Won)

3 (0)

Dribbled Past

3

Crosses (Accurate)

16 (3)

Dribbles (Successful)

2 (0)

Long Balls

8/13

In short, it was a poor attacking display and a truly horrendous defensive one, which more than justifies Verri’s match rating of 4/10 and description of him looking a ‘nervous wreck at the back.’

As if that wasn’t enough, he then proceeded to throw his shirt to the floor and storm off the pitch when the full-time whistle went, in what journalist Mitch Fretton described as “absolute embarrassment.”

It’s this combination of yet another poor performance and the petulance afterward that makes it hard not to think of the former Ivorian international.

Ultimately, Porro is still a talented player and could turn things around, but it’s been some time since fans have seen him at his best, and that display against Fulham was more than worrying.

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ByDan Emery Nov 30, 2025

There has been much ado over Chelsea’s credentials as Premier League title challengers this season, but Wednesday evening’s defeat at Leeds United served as a sobering reminder that Arsenal are frustratingly further along in their project.

Enzo Maresca’s multi-title-winning maiden campaign in the Stamford Bridge dugout underscored his capacity to lead the Blues over a number of successful years, and there has been much to like about Chelsea this term.

However, it doesn’t feel like they will get their paws on the league title just yet, with the matchless Moises Caicedo illuminated once again in his absence, suspended for the loss.

The Gunners are nine points ahead at the summit, and Chelsea have improvements still to be made across a number of areas. Central defence is among the priorities, to be sure, with Tosin Adarabioyo’s error-strewn display at Elland Road underscoring that argument.

Tosin's performance vs Leeds

Tosin has faced heavy criticism since blundering late on against Leeds, the ball swept from underneath him by Noah Okafor, leading to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late goal to condemn Chelsea to a 3-1 defeat.

This emphasises the need for defensive additions at Chelsea. Maresca has been left with a number of not-quite-perfect options in his rearguard this season, and the 28-year-old Tosin has sadly fallen below expectations, actually winning only one of four duels on the evening. His error was not an isolated incident.

He could do more in the build-up, too. The 28-year-old likes to get on the ball, but he isn’t as progressive as some of his positional peers and this runs counter to the possession-based, flowing football Maresca has implemented.

It’s clear that the former Fulham star needs to be withdrawn from the starting line-up, but Chelsea don’t exactly have an overload of central defensive options, with Levi Colwill still injured and Wesley Fofana in and out of the team.

It will come as no surprise that Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are gearing up for a big-money move in 2026.

Chelsea lining up Tosin ugrade

According to Football Insider, Chelsea have learned that it is likely to cost them £80m to prise Murillo away from Nottingham Forest next year, with the Brazilian centre-back also attracting the vested interests of Barcelona.

Murillo, 23, is into his third year in the Premier League, and he’s thriving. Instrumental in building Forest up to European contenders, his terrifying physicality and aggressiveness are exactly what Chelsea need.

More to the point, he’s fostering an interesting technical profile, and while Chelsea are eager to complete a deal in January, it may be that they have to wait until the end of the term.

In any case, he would prove an upgrade on Tosin

Why Murillo would be a Tosin upgrade

Murillo just keeps adding layers to his skillset. Hailed as “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by some experts on Brazilian football.

Curiously, he is not the tallest, standing just shy of 6 feet tall. Nonetheless, Murillo is a force to be reckoned with, a monstrous defensive presence.

And, in spite of the upheaval at Forest this season, he has remained a steely presence in the backline, albeit less creative now that Sean Dyche has settled into his seat.

Murillo’s Premier League Form

Stats (* per game)

24/25

25/26

Matches (starts)

36 (36)

9 (9)

Goals

2

1

Assists

0

0

Clean sheets

11

1

Touches*

55.4

60.1

Accurate passes*

31.4 (80%)

39.1 (83%)

Key passes*

0.4

0.1

Dribbles*

0.8

0.4

Ball recoveries*

3.9

4.4

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

3.3

Clearances*

6.7

4.6

Duels (won)*

3.6 (60%)

3.4 (66%)

Errors made

4x

0x

Stats via Sofascore

Statistics can be misleading, and though Murillo isn’t directly creating chances for his teammates this season, he remains one of the division’s most dynamic and well-rounded centre-halves, ranking among the top 5% of peers in the Premier League this season for interceptions and blocks, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for progressive passes and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, as provided by FBref data.

His enterprising take on the defensive game is something that Tosin simply doesn’t boast in his locker to anywhere near the same standard. Moreover, the 23-year-old is five years Tosin’s junior, and thus has so much scope for growth.

A goalscorer, protector, enforcer and leader, all wrapped into one, there is little question that Murillo would settle into Maresca’s starting line-up at Chelsea, surely at Tosin’s expense.

The English centre-half has been an astute addition after joining Chelsea on a free, but now it is time for that ruthless streak that the west Londoners have shown so many times before.

By implementing that success-first strategy, it will only elevate Maresca’s project.

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Posts ByRobbie Walls Dec 4, 2025

West Ham United have now set their sights on welcoming a Premier League rival to become Nuno Espirito Santo’s first signing at the club, according to reports.

Frankfurt end interest in Fullkrug

It could be a fairly busy January transfer window on all fronts for West Ham as Nuno looks to mark his stamp on the side. The Hammers endured a frustrating summer transfer window and watched on as Graham Potter paid the price. In just under a month, however, they’ve got the chance to make up for lost time.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2025

That should see a number of reinforcements arrive, but it could also spell the end for a handful of current stars. And one of those likely to leave is Niclas Fullkrug. The towering German has simply never got going at the London Stadium and now finds himself behind the pecking order to Callum Wilson.

He desperately needs a move away, but that move won’t come courtesy of Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite initial interest, the Bundesliga side have reportedly dropped out of the race to sign the former Borussia Dortmund man.

Where that leaves the 32-year-old is the big question. There reportedly remains interest from Italian giants AC Milan and there’s little doubt that a winter sale would be the best outcome for all parties.

In the meantime, the Hammers must look towards the transfer market for reinforcements of their own. Whilst a striker should sit top of their priority list, it is also worth noting that they could do with further competition for Alphonse Areola following Mads Hermansen’s struggles. And that could come courtesy of Jose Sa.

West Ham targeting Jose Sa move

According to Football Insider, West Ham are now targeting a move to sign Sa as Nuno looks to raid his old club in 2026. The goalkeeper was recently dropped by new manager Rob Edwards and could only watch on as his replacement, Sam Johnstone, also struggled between the sticks.

Sa, who is represented by the same agent as Mateus Fernandes, is certainly not short on experience. The 32-year-old has been in the Premier League for the last four years and has maintained his starting place for the most part. As backups go, he would be a solid option for West Ham.

The choice between Sa and Johnstone may be a tad more complicated these days, but it wasn’t so long ago that Gary O’Neil was full of praise for the former, saying in 2024: “There’s no headache, no. Johnstone was injured today. Jose’s trained really well and been excellent. Sam was injured, Jose was excellent and has always been ready. There’s no headache, it’s really clear where we go next.”

The goalkeeper’s arrival wouldn’t steal the biggest headlines at the London Stadium, by any means. Alas, it would solve Nuno’s frustrating Hermansen problem.

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