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أدلى خوان لابورتا، رئيس نادي برشلونة، بتصريحات مطولة قبل مباراة الكلاسيكو المرتقبة يوم الأحد المقبل في بطولة الدوري الإسباني كرة القدم ضد ريال مدريد.

ويستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” قمة منافسات الجولة العاشرة من الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2025/26، بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة.

وقال لابورتا، في تصريحات لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “تكون مباراة الكلاسيكو الأكثر تنافسًا، يرغب اللاعبون في تقديم كل ما لديهم، أعلم أن لاعبينا متحمسون للغاية، وأيًا كان من سيبدأ، ستكون لدينا فرصة، أنا مقتنع بأنهم سيمنحوننا شيئًا نتطلع إليه، وأننا سنفوز في البرنابيو، كما فعلوا سابقًا، لقد حدث ذلك في العام الماضي، على سبيل المثال”.

وأضاف: “نحن نلعب على الصدارة، وهذا حافز إضافي، لقد تناولت الغداء مع الفريق أمس بعد التدريب، ويبدو أنهم متحمسون ومركزون للغاية، يعلم فليك أنه لن يتمكن من الحضور، مع أننا قدمنا ​​استئنافًا أخيرًا نطالب فيه بإجراء احترازي (تم رفضه)، سيحضر ماركوس سورج، فليك يحفزه، وكلاهما متحمسان للغاية”.

وعن حصوله على بطاقة صفراء ثانية لتصفيقه تجاه الحكم ومدى غرابة ذلك، قال: “لقد قلت ذلك بالفعل، دون قصد انتقاد الحكام ولكن هناك ظروف يجب النظر فيها، صحيح أن البطاقة الصفراء الأولى قرار الحكم، لكنك تنتظر رد فعل المدرب، وعندما يشهر لك البطاقة من الطبيعي ألا تشعر بالسعادة أو الرضا، انتظار رد الفعل بالنسبة لي كان متعمدًا، كان بإمكان الحكم جيل مانزانو تجنبه، لكنه أمر تقبله فليك”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لاعب برشلونة: ريال مدريد حاول ضمي.. وأسير بوصية جدتي قبل المباريات

وعن التواجد في برنابيو لحضور الكلاسيكو، قال: “صحيح أنه من أجمل المشاعر التي يمكن أن تختبرها في الحياة، إذا كنت من مشجعي برشلونة، فإن البرنابيو مكان يدعوك للحماس والتركيز الشديد على المباراة والأجواء، إذا فزت فسيكون ذلك مذهلًا، لقد حالفني الحظ وحظيت بتجربة تلك الكلاسيكو، وهي مشاعر جميلة حقًا”.

وما إذا كان من الصعب ضبط النفس في مدرجات برنابيو، قال: “عليك ضبط نفسك، لكن الفوز يشعرك بعدم القدرة على ذلك، مع أنهم يقولون إنها مجرد مباراة عادية، إلا أنها ليست كذلك أبدًا، إنها مباراة تحدد اتجاهات، وإذا فزنا – وأنا مقتنع أن اللاعبين سيبذلون قصارى جهدهم للفوز ووضعنا في الصدارة – فهذا يمثل اتجاهًا تصاعديًا”.

واسترسل: “لن أتعب أبدًا من رؤية برشلونة يفوز في الكلاسيكو، هو شئ نحبه كجماهير، بالإضافة إلى الإنجاز الرياضي، يُشعرنا بشيء أكبر، لأنه يتجاوز الجانب الرياضي، إنها منافسة حامية الوطيس، إنه أمر رائع”.

وفيما يتعلق بإلغاء مباراة برشلونة وفياريال في ميامي، قال: “نحن ملتزمون بما تقوله رابطة الدوري الإسباني، لكن ما لا أتفق معه هو قولهم إن البطولة تم تشويها بسبب ذلك، لا أتفق مع ذلك، بخلاف ذلك نحن حققنا سلسلة انتصارات جيدة ضد فياريال على ملعب لا سيراميكا، كانت مباراة للترويج للدوري الإسباني وجلب أموال طائلة، مما كان سيؤثر على الدوري”.

واختتم: “كانت المباراة هناك ستوفر لنا رعايات، لقد كانت وسيلة لتعزيز صورة برشلونة، اقترحوا علينا ذلك ورأينا أنها فكرة جيدة، ووافقنا على تنفيذها، رد فعل رابطة اللاعبين، وكذلك ردود فعل اللاعبين ورفع ريال مدريد القضية إلى المجلس الرياضي الإسباني، أمر محترم، الجميع يفعل ما يراه مناسبًا، لكنني أعتقد أن ذلك أضر بالدوري الإسباني”.

Birmingham City completed the summer transfer window with one of the highest quantities of arrivals in the Championship, despite being quite a way off the highest expenditure.

Tom Wagner and Tom Brady oversaw permanent transfers, loan moves and free agent arrivals for 14 new players for a net spend of just over £3.6 million for Chris Davies. They ranked 7th for highest net spend, and only a small number of teams had more arrivals; however, leading up to deadline day, Davies shared his desire for more arrivals:

“I think we need a little bit of reinforcement, just depth in our defensive area and again, we could do with a bit more depth, maybe higher up the pitch as well. But we have to see what the squad looks like in the next couple of days because there’s a lot of moving parts to it, as I said. But everyone’s trying, we’ll see what happens.”

The Blues did manage to bring in late additions in defender Jack Robinson and winger Patrick Roberts from Sheffield United and Sunderland respectively. However, it now looks like that deadline day didn’t satiate Davies’s desire for reinforcements and so Birmingham are looking to take advantage of the free agent market to bring in a Premier League-proven midfielder.

Birmingham front-runners to sign free agent Oxlade-Chamberlain

Birmingham City are looking to reinforce their midfield options and continue developing into a Premier League quality team by bringing in free agent and former Premier League winner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Since leaving Liverpool in 2023, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been playing for the Turkish side Besiktas. However, in mid-August, it started being reported that Besiktas were looking to terminate Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract and that the midfielder was interested in a move back to England. On August 27th, the Turkish side paid off the remaining £1.5 million of his contract, making him a free agent.

While any club could have signed the Nike-sponsored midfielder during the transfer window, clubs focused on deals that required an actual club-to-club transfer, as being a free agent, Oxlade-Chamberlain can be signed at any time.

Ever since the rumours of a contract termination first broke, Birmingham have been one of the most heavily connected teams. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke has now reported that Birmingham are at the forefront of the race to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain and are the leading candidates. However, they face competition from European teams as well as Premier League side Leeds United.

Opportunity to sign "wonderful" midfielder

If Birmingham can tempt Oxlade-Chamberlain away from his other suitors, they will be receiving a seasoned player with Champions League and International experience.

When he joined Besiktas, his former Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, had plenty of praise, calling Oxlade-Chamberlain “wonderful”.

In the years since Klopp said this about Oxlade-Chamberlain, his injury record hasn’t improved. However, the experience that he can bring to the Birmingham side, having gone through a successful promotion campaign with Southampton and having copious amounts of Premier League experience, will make him an invaluable addition to the team.

A “fantastic” Premier League player has now reportedly opened the door to a potential move to Celtic before the end of the summer transfer window.

Rodgers left agitated over Celtic's business

The Hoops may have won 4-1 at home to Falkirk in the Scottish League Cup second round on Friday evening, but Brendan Rodgers didn’t appear to be in the mood to celebrate.

The Celtic manager produced a spiky response in his press conference when asked about potential summer signings in the next few weeks, suggesting that he isn’t entirely happy about the situation.

“I don’t know, I have just come out of the game here. We will wait to see, we have named the squad before the game. if not that is the squad that we are going with.

“Ok, let me repeat what I have just said. I have just finished the game. During the 90 odd minutes of the game, I don’t know anything, I don’t know anything. There might be, but there may not be, but we have the team that we have.”

Celtic need more signings this month, in order to give a better account of themselves in the Champions League in 2025/26, and they may be buoyed by a new transfer update that has emerged.

"Fantastic" ace hands Celtic transfer boost

According to Football Insider, West Ham midfielder and rumoured Celtic target Andy Irving has “opened the door to a move away” from the London Stadium this summer. Rangers are also in the mix to snap him up.

The 25-year-old wants to “play more regular minutes and is expected to jump at the opportunity to play European football this season”, potentially playing into the hands of the Hoops, who have already seen a £2.5m bid rejected for him.

Reporter Pete O’Rourke said: “There’s a top player in there who wants to be playing regularly at this stage of his career. The chance to move to Celtic or Rangers would be very enticing for him, two big clubs with European football on offer as well. For West Ham, if they were to get a decent offer for Irving they wouldn’t stand in his way.”

Irving could be just what Rodgers is after, in terms of strengthening his options in the middle of the park, with Irving a potentially shrewd signing.

Granted, it hasn’t worked out hugely for the Scot at West Ham, with a lack of minutes coming his way, but he has been lauded by Robbie Horn in the past, not least because of the “fantastic attitude” he has.

“Andy was a really nice lad with a fantastic attitude. He had clearly been brought up by a good family. I could never speak highly enough of him as a person. Even after he left, he would be sending me messages about how our games had gone and the other boys had got on. He showed that interest even after he left, so there were no airs and graces about him.”

"Direct" star wants Celtic move with deal there to be done after talks

The Bhoys could yet get their man…

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 16, 2025

Irving will want to give himself the best chance as possible of making Scotland’s 2026 World Cup squad next summer, assuming they qualify for the tournament, and he would surely benefit more by being a key man at Celtic, playing in the Champions League and enjoying more regular playing time.

Arsenal chiefs are currently attempting to get a few players off Mikel Arteta’s books right now after a summer of serious spending.

The Gunners have maintained their real interest in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze following extensive talks with his representatives (Fabrizio Romano), amid serious competition from Tottenham, and Arteta has confirmed that they’re still looking to strengthen before the transfer deadline on September 1.

However, the Spaniard is also clear that Arsenal need to sell.

“Let’s see what happens, in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks,” said Arteta last week.

“But we are actively looking at options. As well, there are a few players that, maybe, they have to leave as well. So, we will be open to see what happens.”

Arsenal have enjoyed a very productive summer window, investing north of £200 million on six major signings in Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star striker Viktor Gyokeres.

To balance out the squad, reports claim that Fabio Vieira, Karl Hein, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all players who could leave Arsenal in the next fortnight, while uncertainty also surrounds the future of defender Jakub Kiwior.

The Poland international impressed alongside William Saliba towards the back end of 2024/2025 when Gabriel was out injured, but he isn’t exactly guaranteed consistent playing time, with Kiwior reportedly open to exploring opportunities away from Arsenal.

Several clubs are apparently keen on signing the defender, as reported by Fabrizio Romano earlier this month.

Now, according to a fresh update from TUTTOmercatoWEB, AC Milan are one of the sides considering a potential deal.

Mikel Arteta stance on selling Jakub Kiwior as Milan open talks

TMW report that the Rossoneri have opened discussions with Arsenal over Kiwior, who the north Londoners value up to £26 million.

Arsenal are also unwilling to agree any kind of loan for the 25-year-old, which makes this operation a pretty pricey one from Milan’s perspective, while it is also believed that Kiwior is considered an important player by Arteta – so he’s not keen on letting the ex-Spezia man return to Italy.

While the player wants to feature more regularly, whether that be at the Emirates Stadium or a new club, none of his suitors are prepared to meet Arsenal’s demands right now – including Crystal Palace – who also made a recent approach for him.

This isn’t the first time Kiwior has attracted interest from Serie A, as it has been a reoccurring theme ever since he joined Arsenal over two years ago.

“The interest in Jakub Kiwior from Italy is not surprising, He is a sensational talent, who can play across multiple positions,” said podcaster Adam Keys on X in 2023.

“Arsenal should, and most likely will, be shunning any offers that come through. He will get plenty of minutes here, and the potential is sky high.”

كشر جوليان ألفاريز مهاجم أتلتيكو مدريد عن أنيابه ليسجل هدفين متتاليين لفريقه أمام ريال مدريد لتصبح النتيجة بتقدم الفريق المضيف برباعية لهدفين، خلال المباراة التي تجري بين الفريقين حالياً في الدوري الإسباني.

وتجرى المباراة بين الفريقين على ملعب “واندا ميتروبوليتانو” في إطار منافسات الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإسباني موسم 2025-2026.

وجاء الهدف الأول في الدقيقة الثالثة عشر عن طريق لي نورماند مدافع أتلتيكو مدريد برأسية رائعة من صناعة الجناح الأرجنتيني جوليانو سيميوني.

وتعادل كيليان مبابي بصناعة من زميله أردا جولر في الدقيقة 25، وتقدم التركي جولر بصناعة من فينسيوس جونيور بالهدف الثاني لريال مدريد في الدقيقة 36.

اقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | جولر يسجل هدف ريال مدريد الثاني وسورلوث يتعادل لـ أتلتيكو مدريد

وقبل نهاية الشوط الأول بثلاث دقائق تعادل سورلوث لأتلتيكو مدريد برأسية رائعة في الدقيقة 48، وحصل أتلتيكو مدريد على ركلة جزاء ليسدد ألفاريز الهدف الثالث في الدقيقة 51.

وفي الدقيقة 63 حصل جوليان ألفاريز على ركلة حرة مباشرة من مكان مميز ليسجل الهدف الرابع بطريقة رائعة في شباك تيبو كورتوا.

ويحتل ريال مدريد صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 19 نقطة من 6 مباريات، ويقع أتلتيكو مدريد في المركز الحادي عشر برصيد 7 نقاط.

Yorkshire remain on course for a victory that they believe may be enough to realise their promotion ambitions despite bad weather washing out more than half of the second day of their Vitality County Championship match at Leicester.Leicestershire will resume on day three at 35 for two in their second innings, trailing by 246 after Yorkshire had posted 379 following an excellent 126 from captain Jonny Tattersall and a career-best 88 from pace bowler Matthew Fisher, who also claimed both Leicestershire wickets.Rain forced the players off shortly before two o’clock and they were unable to return. It meant 57 scheduled overs were lost but with two full days still to come Yorkshire would be mightily disappointed should they fail to turn their strong position into a win.Ahead of this fixture, head coach Ottis Gibson predicted that one win from his side’s final three Division Two matches would be enough to secure a top-two finish, even though they trailed second-placed Middlesex by a point going into this round.In the play that was possible, Leicestershire’s hopes of limiting Yorkshire’s lead after they were dismissed for 98 on day one went unfulfilled in an opening session dominated by a 138-run ninth-wicket partnership between Tattersall and Fisher, who could not be parted for an hour and a half, and only when home skipper Lewis Hill had belatedly recalled Rehan Ahmed into the attack.The England wrist spinner, who turned 20 last month and has been named in the squad to tour Pakistan next month, was successful with his fourth delivery (having struck with his second in his first spell on day one) as Tattersall’s fine innings ended with an edge to slip. He finished with three for 60.The Yorkshire captain had completed his second hundred of the season in the sixth over of the morning from 170 balls. He celebrated with two lovely straight driven fours off Scott Currie and had raised his boundary count to 14 by the time he was out.The pitch appeared to offer far less to the bowlers than it had 24 hours earlier, when the first dozen overs of the morning saw Leicestershire lose seven wickets for 15. The corresponding period this time resulted in Yorkshire adding 51 without loss as Fisher posted his maiden first-class half-century for the county. Even the new ball, taken as soon as available nine overs into the day, had little effect.More to the point, in the broader context, the shift in the balance of the contest had enabled Yorkshire to turn one batting bonus point overnight to three, which may be vital as they bid to seal their return to Division One, matching Middlesex’s haul against Gloucestershire. They were one short when Tattersall was out, but Fisher and Ben Coad added another 31 from just 26 balls before Ahmed dismissed Fisher, helped by a sharp catch snapped up at ankle height by wicketkeeper Ben Cox.Seamer Tom Scriven, still searching for his first five-wicket bag in first-class cricket, finished with four for 103.There was time for Leicestershire to face one nervy over before lunch, and though they survived that one, they slipped to 34 for two for two shortly before the rain arrived, Fisher continuing his productive day by taking both wickets.Opener Rishi Patel, whose approach to his side’s 281-run first-innings deficit was to be ultra aggressive, profited only briefly from it before he was leg before playing a horrible hoick across the line. Partner Ian Holland was more cautious but departed quickly nonetheless, caught at first slip.

Tottenham Hotspur have showcased in recent months that they are capable of achieving huge levels of success, but it’s pivotal that they build on their recent triumph to reach the next level.

The Lilywhites claimed the Europa League title with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao, subsequently securing a place in the Champions League despite their 17th-place league finish.

Thomas Frank has the task of leading the side back to the top end of the Premier League table, needing to get his demands across to the players to give them the best chance of added success.

After taking the reins this summer, it’s no surprise that the Dane will also want to make the additions he craves, potentially spending a pretty penny in the transfer market as a result.

Owner Daniel Levy will have to hand him the funds he needs to make the subsequent changes to his squad, with countless players already on their radar throughout the transfer window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Ademola Lookman has emerged as a shock option for Spurs this summer, after holding talks with the Nigerian’s representatives over a move to North London this summer.

Mohammed Kudus has become one of the Lilywhites’ main targets for this summer window, but could cost a pretty penny, with the Ghanaian currently having an £85m release clause in his contract at West Ham United.

However, they could be about to turn their attention to Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, with a move for the French youngster touted, according to L’Equipe.

The report claims that Spurs have made their interest known to the 23-year-old’s representatives, with Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United also interested.

It claims that the French star could be available for a fee in the region of £60m this summer, after scoring seven and registering 12 assists in his 43 appearances across all competitions.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze

Eberechi Eze has been a player who’s been on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of years, but no deal has ever materialised for the attacking midfielder.

The 27-year-old has been subject to yet more heavy interest this window, after registering 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions for Crystal Palace in 2024/25.

The Englishman has even been a key part of the national team setup over the last couple of months, subsequently making him an attractive target given his £68m release clause.

However, he could be on his way to North London, but it could be a move to join Arsenal, after the Gunners opened talks with the midfielder over a move to the Emirates.

As a result, they could turn their attention to Akliouche as a result, with the Monaco star having the potential to become an elite-level talent given his tender age.

When comparing his stats to those of Eze from the 2024/25 campaign, the youngster, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed a higher shot on target rate, having the ability to be clinical in front of goal if needed.

He’s also completed more progressive carries per 90 and completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, possessing a lot of talent when having the ball at his feet.

How Akliouche compares to Eze throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Akliouche	Eze
Games played	32	34
Goals & assists	15	16
Shot on target accuracy	28%	27%
Progressive carries	4.8	2.4
Progressive passes	6.5	3.3
Pass accuracy	81%	74%
Passes into final third	3.4	1.7
Take-on success	49%	48%
Carries into final third	1.8	0.7
Stats via FBref

The Frenchman’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of pass accuracy, and passes into the final third, having the ability to provide others around him with the opportunity to bolster their own tallies.

Whilst £60m may appear to be a mammoth sum of money, it’s a fee that would be cheaper than a deal for Eze, whilst also having the chance to improve down the line given he’s four years younger.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, it would be a sensational piece of business, handing Frank the attacking talent he desires upon the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

He's better than Eze: "Phenomenal" £85m sensation now wants to join Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a huge move for one top leve talent.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 2, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur want to reinforce their squad in key areas to coincide with the arrival of a new manager, with new signings crucial as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.

Tottenham transfer to-do list before 2025/2026

The noise surrounding Ange Postecoglou and his future in the last fortnight delayed the club’s recruitment drive, but with their Premier League rivals making serious moves, Daniel Levy finally pulled the trigger and the manager’s departure was announced on Friday.

Tottenham now hold talks over signing "real deal" MLS defender

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While the search for a new boss is currently taking precedence right now, with Postecoglou relieved of his duties by Spurs after an official announcement on Friday afternoon, supporters will be hoping they can find his replacement in quick fashion.

Arsenal are currently working on deals for both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres of RB Leipzig and Sporting CP respectively (BBC), while fellow London rivals Chelsea have already announced the arrival of Liam Delap in a £30 million deal from Ipswich.

English champions Liverpool have been especially busy with their ongoing rumoured pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, after completing the signing of Jeremie Frimpong.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The same can be said of Man City, which begs the question: how long can Tottenham really go without attacking this transfer market in similar fashion? Especially after qualifying for Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Once their plans do kick-in, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge suggests the Lilywhites have plans to reinforce in all areas of the squad, bar their goalkeeper.

A new forward and midfielder will apparently take priority if defender Cristian Romero stays, according to Bridge, and Spurs will no longer have to sell to buy after winning the Europa League.

That being said, the futures of some high-profile first-team players may still lie away from N17, meaning Daniel Levy could have to replace them.

Earlier this week, The Telegraph shared news of Son Heung-min’s potential departure after 10 years at Tottenham. The one-year contract extension clause in his deal, which was activated earlier this year, means Spurs will be able to demand a fee.

Meanwhile, Richarlison has been heavily linked with an exit this summer, following an injury-ridden campaign.

What agents have said about Tottenham talks for Rodrigo Muniz

If the Brazilian does leave, recent reports have claimed that Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz could replace the Brazilian.

However, despite some claims Tottenham have been in talks for Muniz, journalist Vene Casagrande has shared information to the contrary directly from the £50 million South American’s camp.

Muniz’s agents have apparently denied any talks with Spurs, adding that Flamengo also have a 25 per cent sell-on clause on any future deal for the forward, which could complicate matters even further.

The 24-year-old bagged 11 goals in all competitions and was a key player for Marco Silva over the course of 2024/2025, prompting rumoured interest from Tottenham as they scour the market for proven forwards.

Everton are believed to be willing to pay £16.8m to complete the signing of a midfielder who possesses “enormous qualities” this summer.

Everton pushing to sign £30m Liam Delap

The Blues have been linked with various potential new signings of late, but Liam Delap is a name who has stood out as a particularly exciting option, as they look to bolster their attack ahead of next season.

It has been claimed that David Moyes has even held face-to-face talks with the Ipswich Town striker, who looks almost certain to leave Portman Road in the summer transfer window, following relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.

Delap has enjoyed a hugely impressive season, despite the demise of his own team, scoring 12 goals in 32 starts in the league, which is three more than any Everton player managed in the competition, with Iliman Ndiaye leading the way with nine strikes.

The 22-year-old stands out as a brilliant option for the Blues with a £30m release clause, considering he is a young striker who should only mature as the years pass, and he should be looked at as the leading choice to come in and lead the line at the club’s new Bramley Moore Dock stadium this summer.

Everton also ready to pay £16.8m for new midfielder

According to a new update from Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Everton are ready to pay £16.8m to sign Lille midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau this summer, having sent scouts to watch him in action in recent weeks.

He is actually valued at £12.6m by the Ligue 1 club, but the Blues are willing to bid higher to get their man, seeing him as another strong option alongside Delap.

Mukau may not be as well-known to Everton fans as Delap, due to him not playing in the Premier League, but he is an exciting young player in his own right.

The 20-year-old has scored twice in six Champions League starts this season, as well as averaging 1.5 tackles per game across 22 matches in Ligue 1 in 2024/25. Meanwhile, Lille head coach Bruno Genesio hasn’t held back in his praise of him, saying:

Everton keen on stunning signing of "special" Liverpool ace in shock move

This piece of business would create shockwaves.

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Henry Jackson

May 24, 2025

“He’s an aggressive player, with a big volume of play, capable of recovering balls from the opponent’s feet. He’s also a forward-thinking player, who can get forward from the first touch and find verticality.”

Lille president Olivier Letang has also described him as a “very likeable lad” with “enormous qualities”, adding that “he burst onto the scene” and “we know his potential and his state of mind.”

Everton could do with fresh blood in the middle of the park, considering Abdoulaye Doucoure is leaving and Idrissa Gueye is now well into his 30s, and Mukau could be a great choice to add into Moyes’ squad.

Will Brandan Rodgers’ Celtic secure a sixth treble in just nine seasons this month?

On Saturday, the Hoops secured a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title, winning 5-0, with both Nicolas Kühn and Adam Idah bagging braces.

Victory over Aberdeen at the end of the month will rubber stamp yet another treble, with the Bhoys having now equalled Rangers’ record of 55 top division titles.

However, that victory at Tannadice did come at a cost, so should Rodgers replace Jota with Celtic’s “absolutely brilliant” youngster?

The latest on Jota injury at Celtic

Jota played a key role in Celtic’s opener on Saturday, ultimately going down as a Ryan Strain own goal, however, just five minutes later, the Portuguese winger was hobbling off, and that could be the last we see of him for a while.

A report by the Scottish Sun claims Jota will be sidelined ‘for several months’, potentially even missing the start of next season, having been spotted on crutches and in a knee brace at the title celebrations.

Rodgers is yet to officially reveal any prognosis, stating “he just felt his knee… we’re looking at whether his meniscus is a little bit sore… we’ll see in the next couple of days.”

This would obviously be a blow, although Celtic have found scoring goals no great difficulty this season, as the table below outlines.

2024/25*

148

2.86

102

12

2023/24

115

2.3

95

4

2022/23

147

2.77

114

7

2021/22

137

2.28

92

4

2020/21

100

1.96

78

4

2019/20**

147

2.67

89

8

2018/19

121

1.92

77

5

2017/18

126

2.07

73

5

2016/17

150

2.54

106

9

Just two more goals this season, which you’d have to be confident that Celtic will score, would make this their highest-scoring campaign since Rodgers’ first year in charge, already their best in terms of goals-per-game of the 21st century.

So, with the Premiership title already wrapped up, now is surely the time for Rodgers to experiment, thereby giving his “absolutely brilliant” youngster an opportunity?

Celtic's next young sensation

Johnny Kenny joined Celtic from Sligo Rovers back in January 2022 but, to date, has made just five appearances for the club, totalling 66 minutes, still yet to start.

However, he has gained plenty of first-team experience out on loan, as the table below outlines.

Celtic

5

66

0

0

Shamrock Rovers

7

4,230

26

8

Queen’s Park

12

305

0

0

Sligo Rovers

34

2,053

12

2

Kenny spent the last two calendar years on loan back in the League of Ireland with Shamrock Rovers, scoring 26 times for the Hoops, 20 of which came during a very productive 2024, notably bagging five in six Conference League outings, helping the Irish side reach the knockout phase.

He was named the club’s young player of the year twice, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout described his form for the Dublin-based outfit as “superb”.

Following Shamrock Rovers’ win over Borac Banja Luka in December, Kenny confirmed he would return to Celtic, hoping to “show Brendan in training” what he is capable of.

After making his debut against Ross County a month later, Rodgers described him as “absolutely brilliant”, although the 21-year-old has barely been seen since, an unused substitute on nine occasions.

Thus, with the Premiership title secured and Jota sidelined, what better time for Rodgers to find out whether or not Kenny could be a useful asset to his team?

Rodgers could land Celtic's next Maeda with move for "quality" £2.5m star

Having secured a fourth successive Premiership title, Celtic are stepping up their interest in a “quality” winger who could be the next Daizen Maeda.

Apr 30, 2025