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يشهد اليوم الخميس الموافق 30-1-2025، إقامة عدد من المباريات الهامة ضمن منافسات الدوري السعودي وكذلك بطولة الدوري الأوروبي، وكأس العالم لكرة اليد.

وتنطلق مباريات الجولة الـ18 من الدوري السعودي مساء اليوم، وذلك بإقامة 3 مباريات أبرزها لقاء النصر أمام الرائد.

ويتواجد النصر في المركز الثالث في جدول الترتيب برصيد 35 نقطة، من 17 مباراة، حقق خلالها الفوز في 10 مباريات وتعادل في 5 وتلقى الهزيمة في مباراتين.

وفي المقابل يتواجد فريق الرائد بالمركز الخامس عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي، ولديه 14 نقطة حصدها من الفوز في 4 لقاءات والتعادل مرتين وتلقى 11 هزيمة.

ويحل الأهلي، ضيفًا على العروبة، وذلك حيث يحتل الأهلي المركز الخامس في جدول ترتيب مسابقة الدوري السعودي برصيد 32 نقطة، بينما العروبة في المركز السادس عشر برصيد 14 نقطة.

طالع.. تقارير: نادٍ سعودي يريد استغلال أزمة برشلونة لضم راشفورد

وتنطلق مباريات الجولة الثامنة والأخيرة من مرحلة الدوري في الدوري الأوروبي والتي تشهد إقامة 18 لقاء دفعة واحدة في التوقيت ذاته، ومن أبرز لقاءات اليوم مباراة نيس أمام بودود جليمت

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي فريق نيس الفرنسي الذي يضم بين صفوفه المدافع الدولي المصري محمد عبد المنعم أمام بودو جليمت النرويجي في الجولة الثامنة من مرحلة الدوري ببطولة الدوري الأوروبي.

وودع نيس منافسات الدوري الأوروبي، عقب تلقيه الهزيمة الخامسة في المسابقة بالجولة الماضية أمام إلفسبورج السويدي بهدف دون رد. مواعيد مباريات اليوم الخميس 30-1-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات الدوري السعودي اليوم

الأهلي أمام العروبة، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 04:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 05:00 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتذاع على SSC Extra 1.

الرياض ضد الوحدة، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة 05:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، و06:15 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتذاع على SSC Extra 1 HD.

النصر أمام الرائد، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والثامنة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتذاع على SSC 1 HD. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الأوروبي اليوم

مانشستر يونايتد ضد ستيوا بوخارست، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 1”.

روما أمام آينتراخت فرانكفورت، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 2”.

أياكس أمستردام أمام جالطة سراي، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 3            “.

توتنهام أمام إيلفسبورج، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 4”.

جلاسكو رينجرز ضد سانت جليواز، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 5”.

ريال سوسيداد أمام باوك سالونيكا، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 6”.

أتليتك بلباو ضد فيكتوريا بلزن، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 7”.

سبورتينج براجا أمام لاتسيو، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 8”.

ليون ضد لودوجوريتس رازجراد، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 9”.

بشكتاش أمام تفينتي أنشخيده، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 1 xtra”.

ميتيلاند ضد فناربخشة، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 2 xtra”.

نيس أمام بودو، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 3 xtra”.

أندرلخت ضد هوفنهايم، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 4 xtra”.

فرينكفاروزي أمام إي زد آلكمار، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 5 xtra”.

أوليمبياكوس ضد كارباج أغدام، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 6 xtra”.

مالمو أمام سلافينا براج، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 7 xtra”.

دينامو كييف ضد ريجاس فوتبولا سكولا، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 8 xtra”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري القطري اليوم

الشمال ضد نادي قطر، الساعة 3:30 عصرًا بتوقيت القاهرة، 4:30 بتوقيت السعودية وقطر، تنقل على قناة الكأس 1.

السد أمام العربي، الساعة 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 6:45 بتوقيت السعودية وقطر، تنقل على قناة الكأس 1. مواعيد مباريات كأس العالم لكرة اليد اليوم

فرنسا أمام كرواتيا، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “on time sport 1” وقناة “ALKASS 6 HD”.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.

Barcelona are considering moving Marc Casado to full-back in the wake of their injury crisis.

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Barca short in the right-back positionCould move Casado there from midfieldWould follow in steps of Sergi RobertoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona's financial strains prevented them from bringing a full-back to the club last summer, but there is plenty of talent in the squad to cover that area of the pitch under Hansi Flick. According to reports, Casado is one name being considered when it comes to transitioning into a new position. With Jules Kounde filling in for most of this season, the German head coach would like to move the Frenchman back into his favoured central position and believes Casado could play a role similar to what Roberto did for years, operating in either midfield or defence when needed.

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Although the idea of moving Casado into defence may appeal to Flick, he will have a tough time justifying the switch based on the 21-year-old's recent form. He has been keeping Frenkie de Jong sitting on the bench and even has three assists to his name in LaLiga despite playing a more defensive role.

DID YOU KNOW?

In the 2022-23 season, former Barca man Roberto made 33 appearances for the club, playing 19 times at right-back, 10 as a midfielder and once as a left-winger.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CASADO?

Until Flick opts to make that change, Casado will continue to contribute to Barca's winning formula. They sit at the top of the table, six points ahead of Real Madrid, and will take on Celta Vigo after the international break.

Australia Test opener Will Pucovski may require surgery on his troublesome shoulder, which could rule him out of the remainder of the Australian domestic season.Pucovski injured his right shoulder while fielding on his Test debut against India in Sydney in early January. He was subsequently ruled out of the fourth Test in Brisbane and has not played since.The 23-year-old Pucovski had been selected to go to South Africa for Australia’s Test tour, but following the postponement of that tour, he returned to training with the Victoria squad ahead of the recommencement of the Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup.Related

• Victoria cleared to travel to NSW for domestic fixtures despite Melbourne lockdown

• NSW and Victoria aiming to still play Marsh Cup opener despite latest lockdown in Victoria

• Smith: Langer seeking improvement just as I am

• Australia in Tests – Captain, No. 5 and Starc in the spotlight

• Pucovski ruled out of final Test, Harris recalled

But Pucovski did not appear comfortable after batting in the nets on Thursday, and Victoria coach Chris Rogers said the youngster would continue to seek medical advice as to whether he should play again this season.”He had a net session yesterday, it looked quite sore,” Rogers said. “It’s definitely his decision, what he wants to do. It’s his career, we’ve got to support that. And that’s in conjunction with the Australia side as well so we’ll support whatever he thinks. He will be getting a lot of advice from different people, so I think that will probably become a little bit clearer over the next week or two.”It’s hard when I think you’re playing not at 100%. You start to think that’s how you are going to play for the rest of your career. Particularly as the shoulder hasn’t responded to rehab as well he would have liked it to have, so he is probably really considering that option of surgery. He will go and talk to the relevant people and we should hear what he has to say. That will include our medical staff as well.”James Pattinson is ready to return to first-class action after being out of action with a rib injury.•Getty Images

There is some positive news for Victoria and Australian cricket with James Pattinson ready to return to first-class action after he was withdrawn from Australia’s Test squad for the final two Tests against India because of a rib injury.Pattinson was also selected for the postponed South Africa tour. He has played three consecutive 50-over club matches for Dandenong in Victoria Premier Cricket and is fully fit. But given Victoria’s heavy upcoming schedule of Shield and Marsh Cup matches, he is unlikely to play every game.”He wants to get out there, he is a natural competitor. He wants to be on the park as much as he can,” Rogers said. “But if we look at the schedule and project the amount of overs they might bowl on average, I think we’ll have to manage him and the other bowlers as well.”We’ll look to see when we can use him the best, but I wouldn’t expect him to play every game. But we’ve got to try and find the right times. The good thing for us is he is ready to go. He probably just needs a bit more bowling under his belt, but we expect to get that pretty shortly.”What was pleasing was there were reports that he actually did dial it up in the game on the weekend for Dandenong. He bowled with good pace and he was really happy with the way it came out.”

Arsenal fans are unhappy that Martin Odegaard has received a Norway call-up just days after his recover from injury.

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• Odegaard gets Norway call-up
• Arsenal fans unhappy
• Gunners held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners captain got his first start since August on Sunday as he provided the assist for Gabriel Martinelli's goal in the team's 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League. The midfielder has received a national team call-up for Norway's upcoming Nations League clashes which has angered a section of the Arsenal fans. Speaking to , Norway boss Stale Solbakken confirmed Odegaard's call-up as he said, "I spoke to him late yesterday. He is on his way to Oslo, so we can take it from there."

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  Odegaard damaged his ankle ligaments while playing for Norway on August 31 and has spent the last two months on the sidelines. Now that he once again returns to national team duty just days after regaining his full fitness, Gunners supporters feel that the club should not have allowed the player to leave.

  An X handle named Antonio Zeca wrote on the platform, "Damn! We haven’t learned our lesson man!"

  Acetyl CoA wrote, "What???? I thought we had an agreement with them to exclude Odegaard from this international break matches????"

  This Arsenal fan, with the handle Chubie_Ujah, angrily wrote, "But why exactly is he going? It makes no sense at all."

  A fan named Matt wrote on X, "This is an utter joke. Only just come back from an injury he picked up with Norway which has ruined our season, and the moment he’s fit again they want him to travel but might not even play him? Arteta has to step in here, surely? It’s just silly."

  Rebecca Tyson feels that Declan Rice should also stay back at the club along with their skipper as she wrote, "Why do we seem to be the only team that panders to the international teams? Rice shouldn’t be going either."

• WHAT THE MANAGER IS SAYING

  Speaking on the 25-year-old after the match, manager Mikel Arteta said, "I don’t know another player that is capable of playing at that level after six weeks out. How physically and mentally connected he was with the team… it was unbelievable."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While the North London side picked up a crucial point in Sunday's league clash, they remain winless in their last three games across all competitions and currently find themselves fourth in the league, nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

Last week, Newcastle United reached a critical juncture in their meteoric rise under Eddie Howe's management, with senior sources – as revealed by The Athletic – claiming that it was the most hectic and fear-riddled working week of their lives as concerns regarding a points deduction swelled.

Last season's Premier League and Champions League campaign was detrimentally disrupted by staggering injury problems, further compounded by the ten-month ban issued to recently-signed midfielder Sandro Tonali last October. Newcastle, consequently, will not play in European competition after finishing seventh in the league last year, losing their Conference League spot after Manchester United won the FA Cup.

It's been a summer of peaks and troughs ever since. Lewis Hall's loan move has been finalised on a permanent contract, while free agent Lloyd Kelly has joined the fold. Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson have been sold for a combined recoup of £65m, mitigating PSR concerns without parting with a starring member of the squad, as has been the fear.

Where will Newcastle strengthen next? Improvements are needed across the field. And while it might not feel like the most pressing concern after Kelly's arrival, central defence still needs work, with Sven Botman's ACL injury possibly keeping him out until the new year and Paul Dummett having left after his contract expired.

Newcastle transfer news

According to reports from Portugal last week – via Sport Witness – Newcastle are preparing to launch a bid for SL Benfica star Antonio Silva, who is performing for Portugal at Euro 2024.

The 20-year-old defender has a €100m (£85m) release clause in his contract but United are only willing to table an offer worth half that amount – €50m (£42m).

Whether Benfica would entertain such a bid is unclear, though the Magpies have been buoyed by suggestions that they would be open to selling for the right price, whatever that may be.

What Antonio Silva would bring to Newcastle

Liverpool and Arsenal have both been noted as suitors for the young titan in recent weeks, so Newcastle must continue their efforts toward beating the Premier League juggernauts by signing a star who could make a real difference.

Silva is still so young in his career but has already chalked up 94 senior displays for the Eagles, scoring seven goals and winning the 2022/23 Liga Portugal title.

He's been hailed for his "incredibly complete" profile by talent scout Jacek Kulig, ranking among the top 2% of centre-backs in the Portuguese top flight last season for pass completion, the top 14% for progressive passes, the top 16% for successful take-ons, the top 8% for tackles and the top 10% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.

Newcastle CBs vs Antonio Silva (23/24)

Stats

Botman

Schar

Lascelles

Silva

Matches played

17

36

16

30

Clean sheets

3 (18%)

8 (22%)

5 (31%)

11 (37%)

Goals

2

4

1

2

Assists

2

1

0

0

Pass completion

91%

83%

87%

93%

Touches *

68.5

71.0

55.3

68.3

Tackles *

1.2

1.0

0.9

2.1

Clearances *

3.4

3.6

2.6

3.0

Ball recoveries *

4.1

4.8

3.3

6.0

Dribbles *

0.00 (0%)

0.4 (62%)

0.1 (50%)

0.4 (80%)

Duels won *

3.3 (62%)

4.2 (50%)

4.0 (56%)

4.5 (67%)

All stats via Sofascore (* = per game)

The table above jots down the respective league metrics for Silva compared to Newcastle's three primary centre-halves – Botman, Fabian Schar and Jamal Lascelles.

What can we immediately see? Silva is undoubtedly the most mobile and aggressive defender, recovering the greater number of loose balls and thundering into 2.1 tackles per game. He carries the ball forward himself nearly once every two games (0.4), and while Schar recorded the same rate in the Premier League, he did so at an inferior success rate (62% vs 80%).

Silva is also right-footed, which is the priority position in central defence for the Toon, Botman being left-sided and Schar and Lascelles, aged 32 and 30 respectively, entering the final year of their contracts.

The Benfica starlet has even been gushed over by pundit Jamie Carragher, who claimed that he is "going to be a superstar" after a stunning Champions League performance against Juventus in 2022.

He might even prove to be the biggest, most impactful signing since Alexander Isak was welcomed to Tyneside.

Their Biggest deal since Alexander Isak

Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m fee in 2022, scoring ten goals from only 17 Premier League starts during an injury-hit debut campaign before setting Newcastle alight with his performances last season, scoring 25 goals from 40 matches across all competitions.

The Swede is one of the finest marksmen in the Premier League, scoring 21 goals and missing just 21 big chances last term. Erling Haaland scored 27 goals in the top flight but missed 34 big chances.

Isak ranks among the top 7% of forwards in Europe for goals scored per 90, and while Chelsea have displayed a vested interest in securing his services in recent days, selling him is simply inconceivable for Howe.

He's one of the best, and Silva could grow into his skin to emerge as one of European football's leading players in his position too. Journalist Antonio Mango called him "one of the best" young defenders in the world and it's surely only a matter of time before he decides to leave his homeland and ply his trade in a top division such as the Premier League.

While the Magpies cannot offer an instantaneous route into the Champions League, there is the promise of a platform to cement himself as a leading member of the team, where he should showcase his skills and rise to the upper echelon.

Newcastle have their work laid out ahead of them if they mean to topple the 'big six' hegemony once and for all, but by signing Silva, who could undoubtedly grow into a world-class star, they might just make their biggest signing yet.

Related Newcastle make approach for £40m dream Botman partner

He used to play in the Premier League

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Jun 28, 2024

Everton will desperately want to build on the 15th-placed finish in the Premier League this season, with the club needing to dip into the market to improve Sean Dyche’s squad.

The Toffees managed to string together a great end to the campaign, winning five of the last eight matches to secure another season of top-flight football, despite receiving multiple points deductions during the 2023/24.

However, over the course of the season, the club’s biggest issue on the field was highlighted, with the lack of goals evident during the 38 league matches in the campaign.

Dyche’s side only managed to score two or more goals in a game on ten occasions, accumulating a tally of just 40 goals – an average of just 1.05 goals per game, the second-lowest in the division.

Only two players within the squad managed to score more than five goals, with Beto failing to reach such heights despite his £25m move to Goodison from Udinese before the start of the campaign.

However, his side are already targeting attacking options ahead of the summer window, including one player who could prove to be excellent value for money.

Everton interested in signing talented free agent

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Everton are interested in signing Fulham attacker Bobby Decordova-Reid during the summer transfer window.

The 31-year-old Jamaican forward is out of contract at the end of the month and has been offered a new deal at Craven Cottage, but Dyche’s side could offer him a longer-term contract to tempt him into swapping London for Merseyside.

He featured 33 times in the Premier League during 2023/24, scoring six times, the third most of any player within Marco Silva’s squad.

The report goes on to state that Leeds United are also in the race for his signature, but, undoubtedly, the Toffees have the advantage over Daniel Farke’s side given their Premier League status.

Decordova-Reid, formerly of Bristol City and Cardiff City, is a versatile option who is capable of playing on either side of midfield, as a central striker or even as a right-back, potentially allowing the club to forget about loanee Jack Harrison.

How Decordova-Reid compares to Harrison

During the 2023/24 campaign, Harrison joined Dyche’s side on a temporary basis after Leeds’ relegation back to England’s second tier.

The 27-year-old Englishman featured 29 times for the Toffees in the Premier League, scoring just three goals in an all-round disappointing season for the forward.

However, upon the expiry of his loan move on Merseyside, rumours were linking Harrison with a return to Goodison, following his parent club’s failure to return to the Premier League following the play-off final defeat against Southampton.

Despite the interest, Everton can forget about re-signing the English forward, and pursue a move for Decordova-Reid, who would prove to be an upgrade on the former Toffees loanee.

In the Premier League, the “immense” talent, as dubbed by former boss Scott Parker, has dominated the one-time Everton loanee in all attacking aspects – potentially a huge benefit given the Toffees' lack of goals this season.

Decordova-Reid has contributed with more combined goals and assists, with his tally of 2.1 shots per game nearly double that of Harrison in 2023/24.

Games

33

29

Goals + Assists

8

6

Goals + Assists per 90

0.5

0.2

Shots per 90

2.1

1.4

Pass accuracy

75%

65%

Aerial duels won

35%

34%

He’s also completed 75% of his passes, 10% higher than Harrison and also winning more aerial duels per 90, demonstrating his qualities with his feet and in the air.

The potential to get the Jamaican on a free transfer would be excellent business, with Dyche able to dramatically improve his forward options whilst complying with the league’s PSR rules.

Everton eyeing 6ft 6 "revelation" who'd be a monster Branthwaite partner

He’s enjoyed a remarkable campaign during 2023/24.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2024

Campbell, the 18-year-old American phenom, has been called up to the Borussia Dortmund senior team for match vs Union Berlin

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• USYNT sensation Campbell called up to BVB senior team
• Bundesliga side in injury crisis
• Big opportunity for young American

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin has called up 18-year-old American forward Cole Campbell for the Black and Yellow's Bundesliga match against Union Berlin Saturday. With both Karim Adeyemi and Julian Duranville sidelined, along with Gio Reyna, he was called upon to fill the attacking shoes on the bench.

  Campbell has been with Dortmund since the summer of 2022, signing from Icelandic side Fimleikafeeag Hafnarfjardar.

  Campbell is a recent commit, only joining the U.S. program in spring 2024. On his debut for the U.S., though, he scored twice as the U19 squad defeated England 3-2 in March.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A highly rated dual-national, Campbell's commitment to the U.S. arrived after a conversation with former U.S. international Aron Johannsson early this year, where the ex-USMNT striker informed him that he should opt to represent the USA. GOAL explored Campbell and Johannsson's story.

  On Saturday, the 18-year-old could become the latest American to represent the historic Bundesliga side, following in the footsteps of both Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna. If he makes his debut, he'll be the third American teenager to represent them at age 18.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CAMPBELL AND BVB?

  The Black and Yellow clash with with Union Berlin at 9:30 am ET Saturday, with the match being streamed in the U.S. on ESPN+. Campbell will look to make his senior debut in the match.

The right-back is wanted at Santiago Bernabeu, but it's telling that he still dreams of captaining his hometown club

Trent Alexander-Arnold is understandably growing weary of all of the incessant and intense speculation surrounding his future. "Look," the Liverpool right-back told reporters on Saturday, "I have been at the club for 20 years now. I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public. This one won't be either."

Unfortunately, that's wishful thinking on Alexander-Arnold's part. He may be admirably reluctant to make a big deal out of the fact that his current deal expires at the end of the season – or talk openly about the precise nature of the negotiations (if indeed there are any right now!) – but Alexander-Arnold's situation is a topic of constant discussion in and around Anfield right now.

And how could it not be? He is Liverpool's local lad made not just good – but great. Indeed, shortly before speaking to the press after the 3-0 win over Bournemouth, Alexander-Arnold registered his 100th goal involvement for the Reds. Of greater significance, though, is the fact that in precisely 100 days he’ll be free to speak with Real Madrid about joining Jude Bellingham at Santiago Bernabeu next summer.

What chance, then, do Liverpool have of holding onto their beloved homegrown hero, given the longer this drags on, the more likely it seems that Alexander-Arnold will leave Anfield?…

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  'I want to win trophies'

  While Alexander-Arnold has never expressed any desire to actually leave Liverpool, he did admit on Saturday that the prospect of success will be the determining factor in his decision over his future. "The most important thing is always trophies," he said. "I want to win trophies, I am a player who is highly motivated by trophies and winning things and being elite… That is what drives me."

  It's, thus, easy to understand why he would be interested in joining Madrid, who have won more European Cups than any other club. They are footballing royalty, a team that nearly every elite player dreams of joining – as Liverpool know only too well. Academy graduates Steve McManaman and Michael Owen both found the lure of Madrid impossible to resist.

  McManaman had his issues with Liverpool ahead of his exit on a Bosman in 1999 – he felt underappreciated, underpaid and was annoyed by the presumption that he would eventually extend his expiring contract just because he was a Scouser – but he was also seduced by the allure of "that white kit, Di Stefano, Puskas and all of that history".

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  'Regret this forever if I say no'

  Owen was just as excited by the prospect of moving to Madrid, but "didn't sleep for a week before" leaving Liverpool, so torn was he over turning his back on the club that had launched him towards superstardom.

  "Even on the drive to the airport, I was crying my eyes out, I don't mind telling you," the Ballon d'Or winner told GOAL. "Because you think you're going to be a Liverpool player for life. But then you think, 'Oh my God, it's Real Madrid – I'll regret this forever if I say no.' It was a chance to experience a different league, a different country, a different language, a different culture.

  "It was about being able to play in that famous white kit, to play in the Bernabeu, to play with (Zinedine) Zidane, (Luis) Figo, (David) Beckham, Roberto Carlos. But even then, two seconds later I was thinking, 'No, I want to be at Liverpool for the rest of my life.' So, it was just one of those really tough, life-changing calls."

  Alexander-Arnold is now facing just as momentous a decision.

• 'Not sure he likes Trent'

  Much has obviously been made of the recent change of coach at Anfield, with Arne Slot having replaced Jurgen Klopp at the helm during the summer – and that's understandable to a degree. The charismatic Klopp didn't just give Alexander-Arnold his debut, he made him a key player in one of the finest Liverpool teams of all time.

  Despite the versatile defender's obvious world-class qualities, there were no guarantees that Alexander-Arnold would be just as integral a member of Slot's side, and eyebrows were raised when he was taken off in the closing stages of each of Liverpool's first three games of the new Premier League season, particularly as the 25-year-old looked so upset by his withdrawal against Brentford.

  Graeme Souness interpreted the early exits as a sign that Alexander-Arnold may have already made his mind up to join Madrid and that Slot was, thus, prepping Conor Bradley to take over at right-back next season, while Paul Scholes even went so far as to say of the Dutch coach, "I'm not sure if he likes Trent."

  Nothing could be further from the truth, though. Rather than hurting Liverpool's hopes of holding onto Alexander-Arnold, Slot's arrival may have actually boosted them.

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  Slot's 'refreshing' approach

  Alexander-Arnold is his own harshest critic, which is really saying something given we're talking about the most scrutinised defender in world football over the past five years. His crossing and passing are always acknowledged, but every perceived positional error is pored over in the press, whereas English right-back rivals Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker so often get off lightly.

  Even when he performs his defensive duties diligently – as he did against Rafael Leao in last week's Champions League win at AC Milan – he is rarely lauded for that side of his game. It doesn't seem to bother him too much, though, which shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, in fairness, as this is an ambitious young man who more interested in improvement than praise.

  Consequently, he even went so far as to request that Slot be brutally honest with him at all times.

  "We kind of talked about targets and aims and I said to him that I would like to be the defender that no-one wants to come up against in Europe," Alexander-Arnold revealed on Saturday. "If any time an attacker gets by me and gets past me, he will call it out in meetings and individual meetings and say 'This cannot happen.'

  "So, we go through every game together and he highlights where he wants me to improve. Even in the Milan game, we had about 20 clips going through what I could have done better and the good parts as well. It is really refreshing to have a manager who will help, guide and teach me how to be better as a player. I am someone who wants to learn, someone who wants to be the best and someone who strives to be the best ever."

It's been another rough season of Premier League football for Chelsea this year.

Despite spending an egregious sum of money on talented youngsters in the summer and bringing in Mauricio Pochettino to try and get the best out of them, the Blues have struggled to string together a run of positive results and, with five games left to play, it looks unlikely that they'll reach the European places.

That said, at least one positive has come out of this year: Cole Palmer. The young Englishman has been incredible for the West Londoners, and what makes his signing all the more impressive is that he's currently earning less than one of Chelsea's biggest flops in recent years.

Cole Palmer's season in numbers

The Pensioners completed the £42.5m signing of Palmer in September last summer, and while he had looked relatively impressive for City in short cameos, the fact that he had just six goals and two assists in 1481 minutes of senior football for the treble winners made the move a slight gamble.

However, flash forward eight months, and it would be fair to say that the Wythenshawe-born gem has repaid the Blues' gamble, and then some.

In 40 appearances for the two-time European champions, the 21-year-old has scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists, meaning that he is averaging a goal involvement every 1.11 games.

1

Cole Palmer

23

13

2

Nicolas Jackson

13

5

3

Raheem Sterling

8

8

4

Enzo Fernández

7

3

5

Noni Madueke

7

2

Despite being the top goalscorer and assist provider at the club this season, 15 players are currently earning more than his £75k-per-week, and while that might make sense given his inexperience at the start of the season, it makes the wage given to former Chelsea flop Ross Barkley look all the more absurd.

How much Ross Barkley cost Chelsea

The Blues completed the £15m signing of Barkley under Antonio Conte in January 2018, just six months after the player initially turned down a £30m move.

The Englishman arrived at the club having not played for seven months due to a hamstring injury and subsequent surgery, so there was an element of risk in bringing him to West London and handing him a whopping £100k-per-week deal – £15k more than Palmer.

The Liverpool-born midfielder made only four appearances towards the end of the 2017/18 campaign but played 79 games in the subsequent two seasons. In these, he scored ten goals and provided 11 goals, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 3.7 games.

With his performances and output leaving the club underwhelmed, the former Everton ace was sent on loan to Aston Villa for 2020/21, returning to Stamford Bridge for the following season before his contract was terminated by mutual consent in late August 2022.

Overall, the once-dynamic midfielder made 100 appearances for the Pensioners, scored 12 goals, provided 11 assists, and took home around £20.6m in wages.

Transfer Fee

£15m

Wages (Total)

£100k (£20.6m)

Total Cost

£35.6m

Appearances

100

Cost per Appearance

£356k

Goals

12

Cost per Goal

£2.9m

Assists

11

Cost per Assist

£3.2m

Goal Involvements

23

Cost per Goal Involvements

£1.5m

Therefore, when adding in his £15m transfer fee, the 33-capped international cost the West Londoners £35.6m, which breaks down to £356k-per-appearance, £2.9m-per-goal, or £3.2m-per-assist.

Ultimately, it would be hard to describe Barkley's transfer to Chelsea as anything other than a disaster, but at least the 30-year-old has rebuilt his reputation with Luton Town this season.

Chelsea make approach to sign dream £42m Palmer partner

The Blues are reportedly interested in a summer swoop for the young centre-forward.

ByDan Emery Apr 30, 2024

The fate of the men’s T20 World Cup in Australia, slated for later this year, could yet come down to the likely absence of crowds rather than the challenge of getting teams into the country.The shape of the 2020-21 season in Australia remains in significant doubt, but there have been a few positive indications in recent days that the scheduled cricket may yet be able to take place with Australia being one of the countries managing to effectively tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.The strongest indications revolve around the visit by India – the cancellation of which could cost Cricket Australia A$300 million [US$192 million approx.] – but there also remains a chance of the T20 World Cup still happening. At its recent meetings, the ICC said that preparations were still on for the 16-team tournament due to start on October 18 with a final decision not expected to be taken until August.Discussions continue between CA and the federal government about what needs to be put in place for international cricket to take place later in the year, and on Friday the Australian Institute of Sport published a framework for the return of sport at all levels in the country.While a bilateral series has huge logistical and bio-security challenges to overcome in the current climate – the first indication of how they are tackled could come in the English season – they are multiplied many times over for a 16-team world event, some from countries severely hit by the pandemic. However, the Australian government sports minister, Richard Colbeck, believes a solution could be possible, meaning a decision would need to be made about the value of a global event behind closed doors.”I’d love to see an Australia-India Test series this summer and I’d really like to be able to see the World Cup go ahead, but that will be quite a complex protocol to bring that number of countries in from around the world,” Colbeck told SEN Radio. “The issue [for the World Cup] is not so much the teams as the crowds and that’s probably one of the hurdles we really have to consider and probably one that world cricket will look at pretty closely as well.”We all know the difference in atmosphere when you see a filled stadium verses one that’s empty… they will be some of the broader considerations, but in a team sense I’d like to think that we can build some protocols with the cooperation of the sport and the players, that’s going to be extremely important, with appropriate quarantine and bio-security protocols to see if we can make the competition go ahead.”In one of the first signs in sport that the overall situation is improving in Australia, the Warriors rugby team from New Zealand arrived in Tamworth, New South Wales, on Sunday to prepare for the resumption of the NRL later this month. However, New Zealand has also had significant success tackling Covid-19, to the extent that the country recorded zero new cases on Monday. Expanding travel exemptions to a wider spread of nations would need to be a careful process.”Those conversations are being had, discussions about what the protocols might look like,” Colbeck said. “They will be difficult because one of the things that has been a key part of our success is that we limited access to Australia from areas where there were significant outbreaks of Covid-19 and that’s contributed to the low rate of spread we have now. But we would have to be prepared to consider appropriate plans put forward by the various codes.”Asked more broadly about crowds returning to sports events when social-distancing regulations are eased, Colbeck said it was hugely reliant on being able to trace possible cases. “Our capacity to be able to open up sport to crowds and all those sorts of things is going to be really dependent on our capacity to track and trace then quarantine community spread.”Australia and New Zealand played an ODI behind closed doors at the SCG in March shortly before restrictions were ramped up. Players have spoken about how it was a strange experience, but are confident that it would not detract from the spectacle if it meant a chance to resume the sport.”If this is the case and we have to play behind closed doors, the more and more that happens we’ll get more used to it and understand it,” Marnus Labuschagne said. “I don’t think it takes anything away from the actual game. For us it’s just about being ready and making sure that we’re ready to make any sacrifices that we can to get cricket back on TV and cricketers back out there playing.”