Tag Futebol

Aston Villa have lofty ambitions for next season, despite missing out on the Champions League.

Unai Emery’s project is still very much ongoing, and the next step is for him to lead the club to their first major trophy in nearly 30 years.

The Europa League might be their best shot, especially as winning it will secure a spot in the 2026/27 Champions League.

In order to do this, he will have to sign a few high-profile players while also complying with PSR regulations in the process.

With this in mind, it looks as though the club are chasing a move for a current Barcelona player.

Aston Villa chasing swoop for Barcelona sensation

While it might be slightly more difficult to lure the type of players Emery wants at the club this summer, it isn’t stopping the Spaniard from trying.

Reports in Spain (as per Sport Witness) claim that Villa are battling it out with Chelsea and PSG to sign Barcelona starlet Fermin Lopez.

The report goes on to state that Villa and the French giants have made contact with Lopez and are showing the most interest.

Chelsea could be set to make an offer worth €75m (£63m) in the near future to secure his signature, meaning Emery will have to act swiftly to get his man.

Why Aston Villa must sign Lopez

There are so many talented players at the La Liga side now. Lopez joins a list which includes Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsí and, of course, Lamine Yamal.

Well, of those players, it is Yamal he is most similar to. When compared with positionally similar players in LaLiga this term, FBref suggest that the generational wonderkid and Ballon d’Or contender is the fourth most similar player to Lopez.

While the latter might play a more central role compared to Yamal, who operates on the right wing, the duo have shared similar statistics in La Liga last season.

According to FBref, the duo recorded similar metrics, including shot-creating actions (4.10 vs 5.92) per 90, goal-creating actions (0.50 vs 0.91), successful take-on percentage (45.5% vs 50.9%) and shots on target percentage (36.6% vs 31.9%) per 90 in La Liga for Barcelona.

On that evidence, they are both creative players who love to get at their marker/

Metric

La Liga

Champions League

Goals

6

1

Assists

5

3

Big chances created

8

3

Shots per game

1.5

1.5

Key passes per game

1

0.5

His former manager at the Catalan club described Lopez as having the “whole package” and judging by his statistics and performances last term, this assessment is bang on the money.

Alongside his 11 goal contributions, Lopez also created eight big chances in the top flight, along with averaging one key pass per game.

Considering he started just 12 league games, averaging only 45 minutes per match, these are impressive statistics indeed.

Should he make the move to Villa, he would certainly secure more gametime in the starting XI than he was afforded under Hansi Flick last season.

Will he want to drop and play in the Europa League, however? Or is the long-term project at Villa enough to entice the youngster?

The next few weeks could be interesting indeed, and given he offered similar statistics to those of Yamal last season, he would make for an excellent signing.

"Sensational" GK emerges as Aston Villa's top target to replace Martinez

The Villans have identified a 25-year-old goalkeeper as their first-choice option to replace Emiliano Martinez this summer.

ByDominic Lund Jun 9, 2025

While the major honours haven’t come – bar some FA Cups – Arsenal have had some supremely gifted players pull on the famous red and white shirt during the Emirates era.

In Mikel Arteta’s current team, you’ve got the likes of William Saliba, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who wouldn’t look too out of place in some of the club’s more successful sides.

Go back a little further, and the likes of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Özil were wowing fans every week, but perhaps the player who entertained more than any other during his stint at the club was Alexis Sanchez.

Appearances

166

Minutes

13556′

Goals

80

Assists

44

Goal Involvements per Match

0.74

Minutes per Goal Involvement

109.32′

The Chilean international racked up a stellar haul of 80 goals and 44 assists in 166 games for the North Londoners, and while his exit left a dreadfully sour taste in the mouths of fans, he remains one of the very best players to have graced the Emirates.

So, fans should be incredibly excited about recent reports linking the club with another superstar attacker who could be their new Sanchez.

Arsenal transfer news

With Arsenal’s need for more goals in the team next year undeniable, there have been several talented wingers linked with the side in recent weeks, like Antoine Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could be available for just £42m in the summer, which seems like more than a fair price, as not only can he play on either side of the pitch, but he’s also scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 40 games this year.

Mbeumo looks set to be marginally more expensive at £51m, but even then, that seems like a reasonable price for a winger who’s scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in just 40 appearances for Brentford this term.

However, if a winger has the potential to be the Gunners’ next Sanchez, they have to be truly special, like Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are indeed interested in the Real Madrid superstar.

In fact, he goes a step further, revealing that the North Londoners are “one of the clubs that has shown the most interest” in the Brazilian international, or in other words, they are currently leading the race for him.

However, while no price is mentioned in the report, stories from earlier this month claim that it could cost up to £85m to sign the talented winger this year.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s incredible ability, it’s one worth splashing the cash for.

Why Rodrygo would be Arsenal's new Sanchez

Given Sanchez’s spectacular stint with Arsenal, it’s certainly a big claim to say that Rodrygo could be the club’s new version of him, but there are some key similarities.

Firstly, like the former Barcelona player with Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr, the Real ace would be making his way to the Emirates to get out of the shadow of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

Second, he’d be leaving one of Spain’s big two for the Gunners at 24 years old, just a year younger than the Chilean icon.

Moreover, he’d be able to add some much-needed threat to the North Londoners’ left-hand side, which has been seriously lacking this term.

For example, in 50 appearances, the Osasco-born dynamo has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists, and then last year, he managed to rack up a sensational haul of 18 goals and nine assists in 52 games.

Appearances

267

Minutes

16060′

Goals

68

Assists

50

Goal Involvements per Match

0.44

Minutes per Goal Involvement

136.10′

Furthermore, it’s not just the fact he can score and create goals from the wing; it’s the way in which he plays, the way in which he drives at defences and terrifies opposition defenders that could see him become like Sanchez.

Finally, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, also knows how to win, as, during his time with Los Blancos, he has lifted three La Liga titles, two Champion Leagues, one Spanish Cup and plenty more.

Ultimately, from the similarity in how he might join the club to his playing style and output, Rodrygo has every chance of becoming Arsenal’s new Sanchez, so Arteta and Co have to do all they can to sign him as soon as possible.

Their answer to Salah: Arsenal make offer for £63m CF who's outscoring Isak

The dazzling striker could be the one to lead Arsenal to glory next year.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 14, 2025

West Ham United have reportedly submitted a contract offer to a “beautiful footballer” ahead of a potential London Stadium free transfer.

West Ham preparing for summer after costly 2024/25 season

The Hammers are making preparations ahead of Graham Potter’s first full season in charge of the Irons, with the club having nothing to play for in the remaining Premier League fixtures.

The current campaign hasn’t gone to plan for West Ham, who spent big last summer when Julen Lopetegui was in charge. He didn’t last long and was sacked at the beginning of the year, with Tim Steidten also following him out of the London Stadium door shortly after.

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Mohamadou Kante

Paris FC

Undisclosed

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Man Utd

€18m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Jean-Clair Todibo

Nice

Loan transfer

Carlos Soler

PSG

Loan transfer

Evan Ferguson

Brighton

Loan transfer

Now, with Potter in charge and Mark Noble still as sporting director, West Ham have been linked with a number of new signings.

Up to 10 players could be on the way out of West Ham and in regards to incomings, the likes of Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg and Udinese defender Oumar Solet are just two targets.

The new Payet: West Ham have unlocked a "future icon" of the London Stadium

West Ham’s “future icon” could be their next Dimitri Payet

ByConnor Holden Apr 8, 2025

A striker is also on the agenda, with Lille’s Jonathan David, Fiorentina’s Moise Kean and Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto three attackers thought to be of interest to West Ham.

West Ham make offer to sign Kyle Walker-Peters

Now, according to talkSPORT, West Ham have made their move to sign Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters this summer. The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, and with the Saints already relegated, is set to be on the way out of St Mary’s.

It is reported that West Ham have made a contract offer to Walker-Peters via his reps, and the Irons are thought to be leading the race to sign the defender.

Potter feels like Walker-Peters can be a shrewd addition and provide an option at both right-back and left-back, with the boss currently happy with Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right-hand side. As well as Walker-Peters, the Hammers are also keen on Southampton duo Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale.

Should Walker-Peters make the move to London with West Ham over the coming months, he would arrive with plenty of Premier League experience under his belt.

Called a “beautiful footballer” by former Saints manager Russell Martin, he has made 144 appearances in the top flight after previously coming through the ranks at Tottenham.

Interestingly, Football Transfers have likened Walker-Peters to West Ham left-back Emerson Palmieri, and soon, he could be rivalling the Italian and Wan-Bissaka for a starting spot.

A transfer looks like one to keep an eye on, as West Ham await a reply from the defender over a move to link up with Potter.

Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was praised for his display against Fulham in the Premier League.

Everton 2-0 Fulham

Gueye and Michael Keane supplemented Everton’s misfiring attack in a 2-0 win which extended Fulham’s woes on the road to a fifth successive match.

With the Toffees’ two strikers Beto and Thierno Barry scoring just one Premier League goal between them so far this season, there is an imperative for others to chip in. But in a team boasting the attacking talents of Jack Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, it was their defensive midfielder and centre-back who made the difference.

The two teams had scored just 22 between them in 20 combined Premier League matches so the first goal was important and Gueye’s intervention, in the fourth minute of first-half added time, was even more crucial as an offside flag denied Everton on three occasions in a match they should have won more comfortably.

Gueye stabbed home his second of the campaign after Tim Iroegbunam had completely fluffed his shot in front of goal from a James Tarkowski header which rebounded off the crossbar.

After failing to score at all last season, Gueye is well on his way to beat his best return of four in an Everton shirt from 2023-24. Keane flicked home a Dewsbury-Hall corner with 10 minutes to go to banish any late anxiety. They were contributions gratefully received by boss David Moyes, whose side ended a run of one win in eight matches in all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, Gueye’s performance against the Cottagers was highly praised in the aftermath of the game.

Gueye was "brilliant" against Fulham

After opening the scoring against Fulham, pundit Sue Smith, as per Sky Sports, said of Gueye:

Minutes Played

90

Goals

1

Assists

0

Passes Made (Accuracy)

41/48 (85%)

Recoveries

3

Clearances

3

Interceptions

1

Aerial Duels Won

1/1 (100%)

Times Dribbled Past

0

All stats are from SofaScore

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Everton Extra noted that Gueye was “very, very good” in the first half against Everton, form that continued after the half-time break. Initially alongside Iroegbunam until the 22-year-old was replaced by Merlin Rohl in the 67th minute, Gueye helped Everton limit their visitors as they maintained their impressive start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

In six Premier League games at their new home, Everton have lost just once, picking up 11 points from an available 18. Everton will not play now until after the November international break, which they enter with a win that Gueye contributed heavily towards.

New Iwobi could be unleashed for Everton

With the January transfer window only a few weeks away, Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl will already be thinking about the positions that he wants to strengthen in.

There are several areas of the squad that could do with improvement ahead of the second half of the season, given that the Gers are nine points adrift of first place, and attacking midfielder is one of those positions.

Thelo Aasgaard was brought in from Luton in the summer transfer window, as one of 12 arrivals, and the number ten has failed to deliver regular quality on the pitch, with as many red cards (one) as goals (one).

The Norway international has produced one goal and one assist in 22 appearances, per Transfermarkt for Rangers, and his assist was a simple pass to Djeidi Gassama, who raced forward and scored from distance against Dundee.

Rangers told to sign Championship star in January

Now, the Light Blues have been predicted to make a move to re-sign one of their former players, who would arrive at Ibrox as an upgrade on Aasgaard.

Transfer Focus

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

Speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard, as relayed by The Scottish Sun, Livingston first-team coach Marvin Bartley has tipped Rangers to bring Joe Aribo back to the club in the January transfer window.

When asked about a possible deal, Bartley said: “I think that is one that could happen.”

“When a player enjoys somewhere, and obviously he had to leave because it was a really good offer that he got down the road, and he has not played as much football as he wanted to play. He is still a really, really good footballer and did well for Rangers. I wouldn’t be massively shocked if he came back in January.”

The Scottish Sun explains that Aribo is reportedly set to leave Southampton, whom he joined from Rangers for £10m in 2022, and could be available for a fee of £1.5m, amid interest from teams in Turkey.

Why Rangers should bring Joe Aribo back to Ibrox

For a fee of £1.5m, a deal to bring the Nigeria international back to Ibrox seems like a no-brainer on paper, because he still has plenty left to give at the age of 29 and has already proven himself in a Rangers shirt.

Plenty of players, most recently Steven Davis, Leon Balogun, and Allan McGregor, have returned for second spells in Glasgow, so it is not out of the ordinary for the club to re-sign one of their former stars.

Aribo’s current availability, as he has not started a league game for Southampton this season, provides the Light Blues with the perfect chance to bring him back for a fraction of the fee they raked in for him in 2022.

The left-footed star is a proven performer in Scottish football. During his time at Ibrox, the 29-year-old midfielder scored 26 goals and provided 25 assists in 149 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

This shows that the £70k-per-week ace offered a regular threat at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Ibrox giants, whilst playing as a central midfielder, as an attacking midfielder, or on the right wing.

21/22

8

6

20/21

7

4

19/20

3

8

Total

18

18

As you can see in the table above, Aribo was as impressive at scoring goals as he was at creating them in the Premiership during his three season stint in Glasgow, which shows that he knows how to deliver quality in the top-flight.

Aasgaard, however, has failed to show that he has what it takes to be a consistent and reliable performer for Rangers in any competition, let alone the Premiership, which is why Rohl should be looking for an upgrade on him in January.

Aribo, who Ezri Konsa said has a “languid” style, has scored nine goals in 111 matches for Southampton to date, per Transfermarkt. He has not been as prolific as he was for the Gers, but 53 of those games came in the Premier League against high-quality opposition.

However, returning to the Premiership could reignite his career because it is a level that he is comfortable at and knows how to perform in, as evidenced by his time with the Gers before he moved to England.

Rohl must replace Rangers star who's having an "amazing time" at Ibrox

Danny Rohl must replace this Glasgow Rangers star when the January transfer window opens for business.

ByDan Emery 3 days ago

Therefore, Aribo could return to Ibrox as a big upgrade on Aasgaard in the number ten position as a player who can deliver goals and assists, to win crucial points for the team, on a regular basis, whilst the Norwegian has struggled on both fronts.

Newcastle United now hold strong interest in signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has received high praise from England manager Thomas Tuchel.

Alan Shearer recently spoke about just how happy he is Anderson has been able to kick on since leaving his boyhood club due to PSR issues, saying: “It was the best thing. Although it was tough for Newcastle and it wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for PSR.

“But it was the best thing that happened to him, to get out and play. He wasn’t going to get in Newcastle’s midfield. You’ve got to give him credit. He wouldn’t be far away now [from getting in Newcastle’s midfield], I agree with that.”

With the likes of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes to choose from, Eddie Howe has some quality midfielders at his disposal, but it will no doubt be frustrating to have lost their academy graduate, who has since gone on to attract attention from a number of Premier League clubs.

The likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in the Whitley Bay-born midfielder, and reliable reporter John Percy has now dropped an update on his future at Forest…

Newcastle hold strong interest in signing Elliot Anderson

According to Percy, Newcastle now hold strong interest in signing Anderson, but would-be suitors will have to spend big to get a deal done, with the Tricky Trees looking to hold out for over £100m, including installments.

Sean Dyche’s side are unwilling to sanction a departure this winter under any circumstances, meaning a move will have to wait until next summer, at which point the central midfielder will be in high demand, with Man United also very keen.

The Telegraph report also relays comments from England boss Tuchel, who said: “Anderson is a key player for us at the moment,

“He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, that’s why he is with us and starting for us.

“He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent.”

The 23-year-old has emerged as an important player for the Three Lions as of late, recently putting in a solid display as Tuchel’s side cruised to a 2-0 victory against Serbia in their penultimate World Cup qualifier.

As such, while it will sting to shell out around £100m for a former youth player, Newcastle should definitely pursue Anderson next summer, particularly considering there are now doubts over Joelinton’s future…

Newcastle hold internal talks to sign Ederson amid Joelinton concerns

Newcastle now hold internal talks to sign Ederson amid Joelinton concerns

The Magpies are looking to upgrade their midfield, as there are now doubts over the Brazil international.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 5, 2025

Newcastle United are masters at adapting and overcoming adversity. Hurdles have sprung up and sent Eddie Howe’s side tumbling in recent years, but each time the Magpies get themselves airborne once again.

They must prove this mentality remains intact, having struggled to make things click in the Premier League this season.

One ray of light through this up-and-down period has been Nick Woltemade, who has swerved a number of those hurdles to establish himself as one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe.

Could he be the Toon’s most talented player?

Why Nick Woltemade is thriving at Newcastle

Newcastle signed Woltemade from Stuttgart for a club-record £69m fee in August before Alexander Isak had completed his record-breaking move to Liverpool, signalling in all but confirmation the Swede’s looming departure.

With Yoane Wissa also brought in but sidelined before he could make his bow with a knee injury, Woltemade, 23, has assumed quite the heavy load.

But this hasn’t thwarted him.

The striker has scored six goals from his first 13 matches in black and white. Rangy and seemingly a throwback type of frontman, the German is endowed with much technical grace, with reporter Andy Sixsmith hailing him for “mesmerising” link-up ability.

Woltemade is surpassing expectations at number nine for Newcastle, and he is indeed playing like a man in a contest with Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali for the crown as the club’s best player.

But there’s an up-and-coming prospect who might be the cream of the crop, albeit one who requires work over the next few years.

Newcastle's bigger talent than Woltemade

Newcastle have transformed their first team in the four years under Howe’s wing, but PIF have quietly been assembling a youth force to be reckoned with down the line.

And, right at the top of this pack is Vakhtang Salia, who joined St. James’ Park from Dinamo Tbilisi this summer despite rival interest from European heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Injury has kept the 18-year-old from featuring for the Toon yet, but he played 57 senior matches for his former Georgian side, scoring eight goals and supplying four assists.

Salia hasn’t quite worked out his best position at this nascent stage of his career, but that’s okay. He is fast and has the mark of a clinical player down the line, and in this, he could one day surpass Woltemade.

This is a bold claim to make, but the respective forwards are at wholly different points in their careers, and his “very high work-rate”, as has been said by Genk scout Mikha Gabechava, suggests he has the drive to match his talent with a tenacious approach.

Vakhtang Salia – Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Left winger

27

5

1

Centre-forward

12

2

1

Right winger

1

1

0

Attacking midfield

1

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

Because, after all, the Georgia U21 star has been described as “one of the best teenage prospects in the world” by journalist Graeme Bailey, and this without yet proving himself in a top division. The hype is very much real.

The sales of prospects like Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson mark a cautionary tale for the Tynesiders as they look to go from strength to strength once again. Salia’s signature must be held onto, and he must be allowed to develop into a polished Premier League star.

With the right work over the coming years, he could even prove to be a bigger talent than Woltemade.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 7, 2025

Leeds United have made an approach to sign Flamengo winger Gonzalo Plata, alongside two other Premier League clubs, and a January move could now be possible.

A lack of goals has been an issue for Leeds so far this season, having scored just ten Premier League goals, the joint-second lowest figure in the top flight, with Danny Murphy bemoaning their lack of quality attacking options back in September.

Murphy said: “I think the biggest problem for Burnley and Leeds is firepower. I agree with what we talked about earlier. I think all the newly promoted sides doing well is great for the Premier League.

“I’d like to see them all stay up, actually. But I don’t think it’ll be the case.

Since then, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has continued to struggle in front of goal, having found the back just once in nine league outings, although Daniel Farke will be glad Lukas Nmecha scored his first goal from open play at the weekend, albeit in a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

As a result of that loss, the Whites are just one point above the relegation zone, sitting in 16th place, and it has been revealed they have now made an approach to sign a new forward ahead of the January transfer window.

Leeds make contact to sign Gonzalo Plata

According to journalist Fabricio Lopes (via Sport Witness), Leeds have now made contact to sign Flamengo winger Gonzalo Plata, and the Brazilian club could be willing to sanction a move in the January transfer window.

Indeed, Flamengo have become increasingly frustrated with Plata, given that he went to a nightclub before an important match, which means they will now be open to offers this winter, although there could be competition for his signature.

AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United have also made enquiries over a deal for the Flamengo star, who remains under contract until June 2029, putting his current employers in a strong negotiating position.

There may be some concerns over the 25-year-old’s off-field issues, but he certainly has plenty of ability, having been lauded as “exceptional” by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this year.

The Ecuadorian is established at international level, having scored eight goals in 45 appearances for his national side, while the versatile attacker, who is also capable of playing at centre-forward, has also chipped in with 17 goal contributions in 63 appearances for Flamengo.

Leeds may need a fresh injection of quality in attack if they are to avoid the drop, given that not a single one of their players has scored over two goals this season.

Leeds’ top scorers

Number of goals

Joe Rodon

2

Lukas Nmecha

2

Noah Okofor

2

Sean Longstaff

1

Brenden Aaronson

1

Anton Stach

1

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

1

That said, it would be a risk to sign Plata, given that the Ecuador international is unproven in the Premier League, and wasn’t exactly prolific in the 2025 Brazilian Serie A, netting four goals in 24 outings.

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Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Nov 10, 2025

Alisha Lehmann was happy to “back her boys” when wading into a heated handball argument during the latest round of Baller League fixtures. The Swiss forward, who is plying her club trade in Italy for Como Women, has teamed up with Maya Jama again – the Love Island-presenting partner of Manchester City defender Ruben Dias – to oversee events at MVPs United.

Baller League UK: Big personalities involved

Emotions can run high at the Copper Box Arena in London when Baller League action takes centre stage. With ultra-fast six-a-side competition pitting former Premier League players and ambitious semi-professionals against one another, tempers can boil over at times.

Nobody is willing to take a backwards step, with wins and points the ultimate goal. There are some big personalities involved – on and off the pitch – with few of those looking to bite their tongue when lively debates are sparked.

AdvertisementWatch Lehmann join handball argument at Baller League

Controversial call: MVPs United slipped to defeat

Lehmann is one of the more reserved characters, but the former WSL star – who represented the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa before heading to Italy – is prepared to fight her corner when required.

That was the case during a meeting with Wembley Rangers for MVPs United. A controversial handball call, in what turned out to be a 3-2 defeat for Lehmann and Co, led to words being exchanged on the field. Lehmann, who was back in England for said encounter, made sure to get her point across.

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Back for more? Lehmann and Jama could reunite in 2026

Lehmann, with Jama not by her side on this occasion, led MVPs United out at the Copper Box. She was joined by Birmingham-raised rapper Wohdee – who is famed for her viral freestyle performances on TikTok.

MVPs United are in danger of missing out on a place in the final four of Baller League, meaning that the ultimate prize will elude them. Interest in season two has, however, remained high – with I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here winner Angry Ginge among the celebrity managers – and it could be that Lehmann and Jama reunite for a third campaign in 2026.

Thomas Frank’s appointment as Tottenham Hotspur boss brought about a newfound sense of excitement, with the Dane tasked with building on last season’s Europa League triumph.

He was brought into the club to replace Ange Postecoglou, even being handed over £100m by the hierarchy to make the desired changes he wanted to his first team squad.

Whilst his tenure in North London started off in excellent fashion, even remaining as the only side unbeaten away from home in the Premier League, but that came crashing down against Arsenal last week.

The Lilywhites have now failed to win any of their last three outings, shipping a total of 11 goals in that time – with five coming against PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday.

As a result, the hierarchy have since been targeting added reinforcements for the January transfer window to try and bolster Frank’s current first-team squad.

Spurs’ hunt for added reinforcements in January

During the past couple of weeks, Spurs have been targeting a move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo – with the Ghanaian seen as the perfect man to improve the frontline.

He’s already scored six times and registered three assists in the Premier League this campaign, leading to interest from other sides such as Arsenal and Liverpool.

However, his asking price has already been revealed, with the 25-year-old available for £65m as his release clause becomes active from the start of 2026.

He’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer a defensive option being targeted ahead of the upcoming window.

According to TuttoJuve, Frank’s men are “ready to make” a €40m (£35m) bid for the Brazilian, who has been restricted to just four Serie A appearances this campaign.

The report states that the Lilywhites see the 28-year-old as the perfect option to bolster their backline, but it’s unclear if his current employers will sanction his transfer.

Why Spurs’ £35m target would be an upgrade on Romero

After Frank’s appointment in the summer, the Dane made a swift decision to create a leadership group that would lead Spurs forward under his guidance in North London.

Centre-back Cristian Romero was named as one of the players in the aforementioned group, with the Argentine wearing the armband in every game he’s featured in.

Whilst many have heaped praise on the 27-year-old in recent times, he’s endured somewhat of a slump in form over recent weeks – as seen by the club’s poor defensive record.

He was even responsible for two of PSG’s goals on Wednesday night, as he gave the ball to Pape Sarr in a dangerous position, before blocking Vitinha’s shot with his hand – resulting in a penalty for the hosts.

His underlying stats have also taken a hit as a result in recent weeks, which has led to numerous areas becoming a cause for concern to the manager and his staff.

When comparing Romero’s stats to those of Bremer in 2025/26 to date, the Brazilian has managed to better his fellow South American in key areas – highlighting why he’d be an upgrade on the Lilywhites defender.

Bremer, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Matteo Bonetti, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also notching more key passes per 90.

Games played

4

10

Goals & assists

2

1

Pass accuracy

89%

88%

Key passes

0.8

0.2

% of tackles won

90%

76%

Clearances made

5.8

3.7

Recoveries made

4.7

3.7

Aerials won

68%

66%

Such numbers highlight his incredible ball-playing ability, with such numbers handing Frank an added option to play out from the back and through the thirds when needed.

He’s also won more of the tackles he’s entered in 2025/26, whilst making more clearances per 90 – offering the needed defensive quality the side has lacked in recent weeks.

Other numbers, such as a higher aerial success rate and more recoveries made, highlight his all-round dominance without the ball – with Bremer looking like an incredible addition at £35m.

Such a move may feel somewhat harsh on Romero, but ultimately, it’s clear that the hierarchy have identified a player who is a level above the Argentine international.

If the board can complete a deal for Bremer, it would be a superb deal and one that could finally hand Frank the answer to their recent struggles in the defensive third.

As bad as Romero: Frank must instantly drop 5/10 Spurs flop after PSG

Thomas Frank will have some huge calls to make on some players after Tottenham Hotspur’s latest defeat.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2025