Formado nas categorias de base do Vitória, Ronaldo Mendes chega para reforçar a equipe do Athletic Club, na disputa do Campeonato Brasileiro Série D. O jogador se junta ao elenco do time mineiro por empréstimo até o final desta temporada.
RelacionadasJuventudeAtual campeão, Juventude inicia o mata-mata do Campeonato Gaúcho Sub-17Juventude02/06/2023CorinthiansAmérica-MG x Corinthians: onde assistir, prováveis escalações e desfalques do jogo pelo BrasileirãoCorinthians02/06/2023BotafogoCom retorno de Gatito Fernández, Botafogo divulga relacionados para partida diante do Athletico-PR pelo BrasileirãoBotafogo02/06/2023
Atacante de 20 anos, Ronaldo Mendes está na Toca do Leão desde 2018, quando tinha 15 anos. O contrato com o Vitória vai até o final de 2024. Na última temporada, disputou seis partidas do Campeonato Brasileiro de Aspirantes pelo Leão da Barra e marcou um gol.
– Estou muito feliz em poder vestir esta camisa, um clube que vem mostrando o seu valor no cenário do futebol mineiro e nacional. Espero poder ajudar meus companheiros dentro de campo para alcançarmos nossos objetivos dentro da competição – disse o atacante.
Athletic está na quinta posição do grupo 6, com duas vitórias somadas até então. No grupo time mineiro está ao lado de Democrata GV, Portuguesa-RJ, Real Noroeste-ES, Resende, Santo André, Vitória-ES e Nova Iguaçu.
– A Série D é uma competição muito difícil, com partidas muito disputadas em todas as rodadas. É a primeira vez do clube e minha também disputando a competição, estamos trabalhando para alcançar o objetivo para o clube, com o melhor desempenho possível, visando ótima colocação, e consequentemente, assim chegar no objetivo principal que é o acesso – finalizou Ronaldo.
Chelsea have now made contact with the agents of an “amazing” Premier League star, who is open to a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, journalist Simon Phillips has revealed.
Maresca looking to bolster his backline
Enzo Maresca is proud of the strides his side have taken since last summer, having recently been crowned Club World Cup champions, with the manager saying: “For me, the biggest achievement this season is that exactly one year ago, no one was talking about Chelsea for football (reasons), but talking about the big squad, big money.
“Now, no one is talking about this, but they are talking about the way we play, and the way we win games. This is personally the biggest achievement of this season.”
The Blues silenced a lot of critics with their shock 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, but their squad arguably still needs to be trimmed down, with Nicolas Jackson now unhappy about potentially being behind Liam Delap and Joao Pedro in the pecking order.
More exciting than Rogers: Chelsea in talks to sign "exceptional" £52m ace
Chelsea could sign a more exciting talent than Morgan Rogers by snapping up this £52m ace.
By
Kelan Sarson
Jul 20, 2025
At the opposite end of the pitch, however, Maresca may still need some new recruits, given that Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah or Benoit Badiashile could be used as part of a swap deal for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers.
As such, according to Phillips, Chelsea have now made fresh contact with the agents of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is expected to cost around £40m, as he has now entered the final year of his contract and doesn’t plan to renew.
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi with the FA Cup.
The journalist also added: “Guehi has a lot of interest and not just from Chelsea, and he is expected to depart his club this summer.
“Guehi is believed to be open to making a move back to Chelsea this summer but is also aware of other interest from big clubs in the Premier League.”
Guehi could be "amazing" signing for Chelsea
It could be difficult for the Palace defender to immediately force his way into Maresca’s starting XI, given that the Blues’ backline impressed considerably at the Club World Cup, keeping four clean sheets, including one against PSG in the final.
However, having proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years, the 25-year-old clearly has the talent to be a success at Stamford Bridge, with international teammate Harry Maguire even dubbing him as “amazing”.
The England international made 44 appearances in all competitions last season, displaying his leadership abilities by captaining the Eagles, while also impressing manager Oliver Glasner.
Guehi could be a fantastic signing at just £40m, and Chelsea should have the funds to make a deal, considering their recent Club World Cup triumph.
Liam Dawson has become the first domestic cricketer since 2018 to land the coveted PCA Men’s Player of the Year award, after a stellar allround season for Hampshire in which he claimed 71 wickets across all formats and scored 1,280 runs, to top the Overall MVP table by a considerable distance.Dawson succeeds last year’s winner, Harry Brook, with Jonny Bairstow (2022), Joe Root (2021), Chris Woakes (2020) and Ben Stokes (2019) also all securing the honour on the strength of their performances for England. Joe Denly was the last county player to land the award, after starring across formats for Kent in 2018.The Player of the Year award, sponsored by cinch, was one of four that Dawson scooped during the PCA’s gala dinner in London on Tuesday, as he also won the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP and the Vitality County Championship Player of the Year, in addition to being named as captain in the IG PCA Men’s Team of the Year.Dawson, who topped a shortlist that included Root, Gus Atkinson and Colin Ingram, said: “It’s a huge honour, the other nominees are all brilliant players and I didn’t expect this, so to win the award is a very proud moment. It’s a real highlight of my career. I had a strong season last year but to have an even better season this year, really tops it off.”It feels great knowing that the award is voted for by fellow players that you play against week in, week out, so when I finish my career I will look back very fondly on this achievement because it’s something I never thought would happen.”Kathryn Bryce was named PCA Women’s Player of the Year•Getty Images
Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce, who is currently in the UAE preparing for the Women’s T20 World Cup, was named as the women’s Player of the Year after leading The Blaze to the Charlotte Edwards Cup earlier this summer. She also made it a quadruple of awards, claiming the PCA Women’s Domestic Overall MVP and Charlotte Edwards Cup Player of the Year, while captaining the Metro Bank PCA Women’s Team of the Year.”It’s been a brilliant year, starting with qualifying for the World Cup and then winning the Charlotte Edwards Cup with The Blaze that was a really fantastic part of the season,” Bryce said, after finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 478 runs, and becoming the first non-English winner of the top award.”This is a year I will remember for a long time and I want to say a huge thank you to the PCA and cinch as well as everyone who voted for me. I want to keep playing as much cricket as I can in different places around the world, if I can play half as well as this for the years to come, hopefully I’ll have a good career.”Jamie Smith, England’s wicketkeeper, was named as the PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year while the women’s award went to Ryana MacDonald-Gay, the 20-year-old South East Stars all-rounder who made her England debut against Ireland last month.Smith, 24, made an instant impression across formats after making his Test debut against West Indies at Lord’s in June, and also scored 677 runs in Surrey’s latest County Championship triumph.”It’s been a special summer,” Smith said. “There’s been a lot of achievements to look back on, with Surrey winning three Championships in a row and to play in the Test team and then ending the summer playing against Australia was a great experience.Jamie Smith receives the PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year award•PCA
“The England dressing-room is a great environment to be involved in, I play my best cricket when I’ve got a smile on my face and can go out and be confident and aggressive.”MacDonald-Gay, meanwhile, said she was “ecstatic” about her award, coming so soon after her England breakthrough.”Nailing down my skills and performing on the pitch is where my game has grown,” she said. “I’m showing more consistency which is hard when the game has become so much more attacking from the batter’s perspective.”The PCA Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to the former England and Glamorgan batter and coach, Matthew Maynard, for his work with the Tom Maynard Trust, named in memory of his son who died in 2012, while James Anderson was handed the Special Merit award, following his international retirement earlier this year.Neil Bainton and Anna Harris were named as the PCA’s Umpires of the Year, as voted for by the players, while the Rado Recognition award was given to England players Brook and Lauren Bell.PCA Interim Chief Executive, Daryl Mitchell, said: “It has been another incredible year across men’s and women’s international and domestic cricket. It is always a privilege to celebrate all our winners at the most prestigious awards ceremony in cricket.”I want to say a huge congratulations to our four main winners at this year’s cinch PCA Awards, all of them have been incredible and deserve their accolades.”As always, I would like to thank cinch for making the PCA Awards possible and for their support of our game.”
Birmingham City’s summer transfer activity looks as if it’s finally going to whir into hectic motion.
The runaway League One title winners have dominated so much of the EFL conversation this off-season regarding an ever-extending list of high-profile names being linked to St. Andrew’s, yet Phil Neumann is their only addition to date.
This will change very shortly, however, with Demarai Gray set to rejoin his hometown club imminently, as per an exclusive report by GIVEMESPORT.
Gray’s wealth of Premier League experience means this will be seen as a statement deal when it’s officially announced, but Chris Davies and Co. might not be done there when adding in midfield talents used to the luxuries of the top-flight, as another deal allegedly nears completion.
Birmingham close in on midfield signing
As per a report by Football League World, Birmingham could soon make it a duo of standout additions with Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Tommy Doyle joining the building.
The report states that both Sunderland and Wrexham were in the mix to land the former Manchester City man, but Birmingham have beaten all the competition to land the 23-year-old’s services initially on loan, with the proposed move on the table also giving the Blues an option to buy.
This potential future permanent deal could well mean Birmingham are about to land their next Jay Stansfield, with the Blues’ promotion hero once just a loanee himself at St. Andrew’s, before joining for good at around the £15m mark.
Moreover, much like the ex-Fulham attacker, Doyle has been viewed as a promising young talent for some time now, with Birmingham perhaps the best possible next location that can get even more out of him, having previously starred in the EFL’s top division before.
Why Doyle can be Birmingham's next Stansfield
After all, both Doyle and Stansfield have had to exercise plenty of patience across their unwinding careers to date, with the pair having to grow used to multiple different loan spells when on the books of Premier League sides.
Before the 22-year-old had the luxury of calling St Andrew’s his fixed address, he had to cut his teeth out on loan with League One outfit Exeter City, with Doyle also chucked out on loan to Hamburg, Cardiff City, and Sheffield United in quickfire fashion as a City youngster before settling at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Doyle’s loan numbers at Sheffield United (22/23)
Stat – per 90 minutes*
Doyle
Games played
33
Goals scored
3
Assists
4
Touches*
43.3
Accurate passes*
24.5 (78%)
Big chances created
6
Stats by Sofascore
The season before Stansfield would begin to endear himself to the Birmingham masses with 12 goals in the Championship, Doyle was already beginning to strut his stuff in the EFL’s top league with the Blades, as can be seen glancing at the table above.
Indeed, whilst he has gone on to tally up 51 Premier League appearances since this glowing stint in South Yorkshire, the Manchester-born midfielder’s encouraging numbers from this spell will have surely grabbed the attention of Davies’ men even more as they embark on a Championship adventure, with Doyle’s three goals and four assists from the centre of the park helping United progress to the elite league that same campaign.
Before falling down the pecking order at Molineux, too, ex-Old Gold boss Gary O’Neil would also go out of his way to wax lyrical about the 5-foot-8 star, with the now-unemployed manager once labelling him as “unbelievable”.
Unfortunately, Doyle does now find himself at a crossroads, with the 23-year-old clearly capable at a top-flight level.
Stansfield must have felt he was in the same boat when returning to Fulham after his sparkling loan spell at St. Andrew’s.
Yet, with 24 goals under his belt on the way to promotion being sealed, it was very much the right decision for him to move back for good. Doyle will just pray he’s seen in the same eventual glowing light if his expected switch is completed.
After Kyogo: Birmingham want to sign new ST who's better than Stansfield
Birmingham are interested in signing a forward who would be even better than Jay Stansfield.
Newcastle United are starting to click into gear in the summer transfer market, launching a triple bid for some top targets: Joao Pedro, Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper James Trafford.
Frustratingly, all three offers have been rejected. The Telegraph have actually reported that the total package, put aside to reel in the targets, came in at £125m. What comes next is uncertain, but all three players are interested in making the move to St. James’ Park.
In particular, the Magpies could do with some more strength across the frontline. Eddie Howe worked wonders in guiding United back into the Champions League and picking up a Carabao Cup title last season, but Newcastle cannot afford to suffer another frustrating summer transfer window.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes celebrate after the match
While efforts in the aforementioned will be redoubled, Newcastle have also covered their six, earmarking one of the Premier League’s most prominent forwards as a backup.
Newcastle chasing Premier League star
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle continue to monitor Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with sources even claiming the Toon are putting serious consideration into making a concrete move.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Valued at £40m, the England international returned from a promising loan spell with Aston Villa last month but is not expected to remain at Old Trafford after falling out with Ruben Amorim.
Rashford’s preference is to sign for Barcelona, but with the La Liga champions prioritising the signing of Nico Williams, Newcastle are primed to complete their swoop.
Howe would like a loan move, so it remains to be seen how this one will pan out.
What Marcus Rashford would bring to Newcastle
Rashford is one of the most talented footballers to have emerged from the English production line in modern times, though he’s fallen by the wayside over the past couple of years and could do with a career change away from Man United.
The 27-year-old hasn’t reached the last-chance saloon yet, but he’s riding through his ostensible best years and won’t want to see them go to waste.
At his rip-roaring best, the wide forward – who can also play centrally – is a robust and dangerous player indeed, with his proven ability to score significant hauls across any given campaign even suggesting he could be a better signing than the likes of Pedro and Elanga.
Marcus Rashford – Prem Stats by Season (last 6 years)
Season
Apps
Goals
Assists
24/25
25
6
4
23/24
33
7
3
22/23
35
17
6
21/22
25
4
2
20/21
37
11
13
19/20
31
17
9
Stats via Transfermarkt
There’s definitely an ebb and flow to Rashford’s top-flight career, but who can dispute the forward’s prowess when he’s on his A-game? Indeed, only two years ago, journalist Mazola Molefe declared him a “goal machine” for the Red Devils.
Pedro, who is 23, hasn’t yet demonstrated quite the same clinical aptitude. Indeed, the versatile forward has fired home 30 goals from 70 matches for Brighton, also laying on ten assists, but 16 of his strikes have come from the penalty spot, and with Alexander Isak assigned the spot-kick role for Howe’s outfit, there’s no guarantee that the Brazilian will hit the ground running.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro
As far as Elanga’s concerned, a deal for either Pedro or Rashford wouldn’t directly affect him, for the Sweden international plies his trade on the right flank, and thus would contest Jacob Murphy for a starting berth.
The Nottingham Forest star has been fantastic since leaving Man United, notching six goals and 12 assists for a high-flying team last year.
But even still, Rashford’s arrival would signify something more exciting than either deal, for if Howe can manage to get a tune from the fallen superstar, he would have a most invaluable attacking asset indeed as the club step back into Europe’s elite sphere.
Ultimately, Newcastle’s above-mentioned transfer offers suggest that Rashford is not at the top of the shopping list right now. Perhaps that’s because a loan move is indeed preferred for the £300k-per-week winger.
However, if Newcastle do end up signing him, Howe’s tactical grasp might just see Rashford return to his finest form and spearhead the next chapter in his thrilling Tyneside journey.
Better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "unstoppable" £43m winger
Newcastle are looking for a new right-winger this summer
Wolverhampton Wanderers have money to play with this summer and could now turn their attention to an exciting winger to add flair acrosss their forward line, according to reports.
Wolverhampton Wanderers kickstart summer transfer window
Matheus Cunha’s departure to Manchester United may have left a sour taste in the mouth for supporters of the Old Gold, but there was always an element of inevitability regarding his eventual fate.
Nonetheless, the picture appears to be bright in the West Midlands under Vitor Pereira, who will be given time and financial backing to shape his squad over the coming months.
Evaluating the immediate priority at Molineux, adding one or two quality attacking options in the face of Cunha no longer being in the building will become a popular topic among fans and pundits alike.
Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic has been targeted by the Old Gold to help provide some added prowess in the final third, and Alex Neil’s ringing endorsement that the 20-year-old is one of Europe’s top ten talents will likely create plenty of intrigue.
Further back, Nelson Semedo is mulling over a new deal at Wolves as his contract nears expiration, illustrating the importance of bringing a right-sided defender to the club should the Portugal international move on to tackle a fresh challenge.
Wolves could sign instant Cunha replacement in "special" £25m talent
Wolves will be hoping to sign a replacement for Matheus Cunha this summer
ByRoss Kilvington May 31, 2025
Sunderland’s Trai Hume may be the man the Old Gold are looking for to strike an adequate balance. Meanwhile, Rayan Ait-Nouri’s impending transfer to Manchester City leaves food for thought at left-back.
Transition may not be a bad thing for Wolves in light of big-money departures. Either way, they are now reportedly plotting a swoop for an exciting young winger.
Wolverhampton Wanderers plotting swoop for Roger Fernandes
According to Molineux News in conversation with Graeme Bailey, Wolves are keeping tabs on Braga winger Roger Fernandes and he expects the Old Gold to ‘explore’ the Primeira Liga for additions during the window.
Reports earlier this year claimed Manchester United, Manchester City, Brighton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also keen on Fernandes amid his rise to prominence in Portugal, which has led to a £25m price tag.
Referencing the situation, Bailey said: “I think the Portuguese league will be somewhere that they explore; it wouldn’t surprise me if they do look towards that league again. I’ve heard Roger Fernandes’ name linked to Wolves in recent weeks as well, wouldn’t surprise me if he was on the agenda.”
Roger Fernandes at Braga in 2024/25 – why are Wolves taking an interest? (FBRef)
Shot creating actions (Primeira Liga)
78
Shot creating actions (Europa League)
19
Progressive carries per 90 mins (Primeira Liga)
4.71
Progressive passes received per 90 mins (Primeira Liga)
9.94
Goal-creating actions (combining both competitions)
9
Likened to former Manchester United star Antonio Valencia by Foot The Ball, Fernandes has registered five goals and seven assists in 48 appearances for Braga this term and is capable of featuring on either flank.
Completing an average of 1.4 dribbles per league match, the Portugal youth international could go some way to filling the creative void left by Cunha, even if he is only one part of the solution.
Chelsea has been the home to countless attacking stars over the years, but not many have managed to match the levels produced by Ivorian striker Didier Drogba.
The forward joined the Blues back in the summer of 2004 from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, with José Mourinho working tirelessly to complete a deal to take him to Stamford Bridge.
Such a deal would prove to be a masterstroke, with the now 47-year-old starring over two separate spells in West London, claiming a total of 12 major trophies with the Blues.
Drogba notched a total of 164 goals during his time at the club, arguably scoring the most important goal in their history during the Champions League final back in 2012.
However, in the present day, Enzo Maresca doesn’t have the focal point he desires to have his own version of the talisman, leading to huge rumours over a deal for a new number nine this summer.
The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker this summer
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been hugely touted with a move to join Chelsea this summer, with the 22-year-old starring in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.
He’s managed to notch a total of 12 goals in 31 appearances for the Tractor Boys, leading to links to move to Stamford Bridge given his £30m release clause.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
However, it appears as though Maresca’s side have been handed a boost in their pursuit for his signature, with Delap not interested in a move to Manchester United after their own willingness to land him.
Players such as Jonathan David and Victor Osimhen have also been thrown into the mix lately, but Borussia Dortmund talisman Serhou Guirassy is the latest player to emerge as a target.
According to journalist Maurizio Russo, the Blues are currently leading the race for the 29-year-old, who has managed to net 28 goals in his 40 appearances across all competitions this term.
Chelsea’s best striker since Drogba
Over the years, Chelsea have spent big to try and fill the centre-forward role, but so far to no avail, given their huge hunt for a new number nine.
The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Álvaro Morata and Christopher Nkunku have all tried to cement their place at the top end of the pitch, but none of them have successfully managed to do so.
The hierarchy have splashed over £200m on the aforementioned trio alone, highlighting the need to land the right star to end their hunt over the next few months.
Guinean forward Guirassy could manage to do just that should he complete a switch to the Bridge this summer, but he won’t come cheap, currently having a £70m release clause in his contract.
However, when comparing him to the current options at the manager’s disposal, he’s massively outperformed them both – showcasing what a sensational signing he could be in their quest for Premier League glory.
Guirassy, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has outscored Nicolas Jackson and Nkunku in 2024/25, whilst also registering a higher goal-per-shot-on-target rate – demonstrating his clinical nature in the final third.
Games played
25
26
27
Goals scored
15
9
3
Goals per shot-on-target
0.5
0.2
0.2
Shots taken
3.4
3.3
2.4
Fouls won
2
1.2
1.1
Aerials won
3.9
0.8
1.5
Aerial success rate
54%
34%
42%
He’s also won more fouls per 90, whilst also registering more shots per game – offering an all-round presence that the Blues have greatly missed in recent months.
However, the 29-year-old has dominated aerially, winning more of the duels he’s entered in the air, finally allowing Maresca to have that target man that he’s craved since joining last summer.
Whilst £70m may appear to be a mammoth sum of money for a player entering the back end of his career, the Dortmund attacker has the star quality to make an immediate impact in West London.
With the majority of the side being full of youngsters, the balance between them and Guirassy could be a successful one, massively aiding the club in their title ambitions throughout 2025/26.
Best signing since Palmer: Chelsea now favourites to sign £85m "diamond"
Chelsea can seal their best signing since Palmer with this “English diamond”
As Ruben Amorim goes in search of the perfect duo to slot into his two No.10 roles, Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on signing a player who’s been compared to former Arsenal man Santi Cazorla.
Man Utd eyeing 'next Cazorla'
Now in April, Manchester United’s Premier League campaign can be summed up by the fact that they’re yet to win back-to-back games. Defeat against Nottingham Forest was expected, given the contrasting seasons that both are enduring, but Anthony Elanga’s winning goal certainly added salt to the wounds of a United side who will be desperate for matchday 38 to arrive.
It’s become clearer and clearer as Amorim’s reign has progressed that he needs a number of reinforcements if he is to turn things around at Old Trafford and INEOS seem to be well aware of that.
Even as cost-cutting measures continue, the Red Devils have been linked with moves for the likes of Rayan Cherki and now one other attacking midfielder who’d be perfect for Amorim’s system.
Man Utd's £50k-p/w star is in danger of becoming the new Anthony Elanga
Man Utd saw Elanga come back to haunt them on Tuesday evening at the City Ground
ByRobbie Walls Apr 2, 2025
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now eyeing a move to sign Oscar Gloukh from Red Bull Salzburg if they lose Bruno Fernandes this summer. Their star man has recently been linked with a move to Real Madrid in what would be a deserved upgrade, only for Amorim to swiftly slam the exit door shut ahead of the transfer window.
The former Sporting Club boss told reporters: “Bruno Fernandes to Real Madrid? It will NOT happen. He’s going nowhere. One day we want to win the Premier League again. So we want the best players to continue with us… and Bruno won’t leave, I already told him.”
"Special" Gloukh would be perfect for Amorim
Compared to former Arsenal midfielder Cazorla by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gloukh would be perfect for Manchester United even if Fernandes stays put. A Cazorla-type is exactly what Amorim needs in his 3-4-2-1 system. By keeping hold of his captain and then adding Gloukh, Amorim could form the ultimate duo in his two advanced midfield roles.
Starts
16
37
Goals
9
12
Assists
2
11
In less than half the games that Cazorla started in the entirety of Arsenal’s 2012/13 campaign, Gloukh has managed just two less goals this season at Red Bull Salzburg. And whilst he has work to do if he wants to reach the Spaniard’s prime on the assists front, the blueprint is certainly there and Manchester United could yet benefit.
Still just 21 years old, Gloukh’s previous campaign was described as “fantastic” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and he has only improved even more just one season later, with 10 goals in all competitions.
United have already seen rivals Manchester City benefit from a player who rose through the ranks at Salzburg in Erling Haaland. Now, they could enjoy a player of a similar calibre who may yet become the next Cazorla.
Pumas are now reportedly happy to let manager Efrain Juarez join Celtic, who could take full advantage of their former star’s secret release clause at the Mexican club.
The Bhoys once again struggled on the European stage in midweek, losing 3-1 against Midtjylland, as Martin O’Neill saw their problems in full for the first time. The interim boss has continued to distance himself from the permanent job, despite recent reports suggesting that he could yet be the next man to take the hotseat.
For now, the 73-year-old is set to remain in the dugout for Celtic’s Scottish Premiership clash against Kilmarnock this weekend, but Parkhead chiefs are continuing their search.
Recent reports have claimed that Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna is now open to joining the Scottish giants, but it remains to be seen whether he’d leave Portman Road in the middle of a campaign which has so far been disappointing.
Meanwhile, Nicky Hayen is also a reported candidate. The Club Brugge manager knows all about beating the top clubs in Scottish football, having smashed Rangers 9-1 on aggregate in the Champions League qualifiers earlier this season and defeated Celtic last season. Now, he could be on his way to the home dugout in Glasgow.
Once again, however, luring him away from Club Brugge will not be an easy task. Instead, the Hoops may have no choice but to turn towards former player Juarez, who has previously shared that he dreams of managing the club.
Pumas happy to let Juarez join Celtic
As reported in Mexico and relayed by Sport Witness, Pumas are now happy to let Juarez join Celtic, who could trigger a release clause that allows the 37-year-old to leave for free when a European club comes knocking.
Celtic discover extent of Callum Osmand injury that has "never happened to him before"
More bad news for the Bhoys.
ByTom Cunningham Nov 7, 2025
It would save Celtic a transfer fee and it would welcome someone who knows the standards of the club, given that Juarez played for the Bhoys between 2010 and 2012. Whether he has the right managerial experience for the role is another question, though, and the Scottish club may find that out after reportedly scheduling an interview over zoom.
The former player, who uses a 4-2-3-1 system, has taken charge of just two sides and is yet to even reach 100 games as a manager. At this point in time, it should be questioned whether Celtic can afford to take such a gamble.
Games
33
Wins
11
Draws
10
Defeats
12
Juarez’s time at Pumas hasn’t exactly been the greatest success, either. The Mexican has lost more games than he’s won and averaged just 1.3 points over 33 games in charge. It suddenly makes the club’s willingness to let him leave make all too much sense for Celtic to make their move.
For the time being, those at Celtic Park should trust O’Neill with the job until a suitable candidate emerges.
Celtic schedule first interview with Efrain Juarez
The 20-team tournament will be played at three venues in Sri Lanka and five in India
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Nov-2025The ICC has finalised Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai as the venues in India for the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka as well. It is understood the ICC has shortlisted two venues in Colombo and Kandy as the three venues in Sri Lanka.The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7 and will conclude with the final in Ahmedabad on March 8. According to PTI, the ICC is likely to release the schedule next week, with just about three months to go for the start of the tournament. It is understood that the majority of the participating countries have been waiting for the ICC to inform them about the grouping of teams as well as the schedule. The ICC is also yet to release ticketing information for the tournament.Pakistan will play all their games in Sri Lanka as per the agreement reached between the BCCI and PCB for India and Pakistan to play at neutral venues during multi-nation tournaments hosted by the other country. If Pakistan make the final, the fixture will be held in Sri Lanka.The 2026 T20 World Cup will have the same format as the previous edition – 20 teams split into four groups of five each, with every team playing the others once. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super-eight stage, where they will be placed into two groups of four. The top two sides from each Super-eight group will then qualify for the semi-finals. The winners of the semi-final will meet in the final.Apart from hosts India and Sri Lanka, the other teams with automatic qualification to the tournament were the top seven teams from the 2024 T20 World Cup – Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States of America and West Indies. The three teams that qualified on the basis of their T20I rankings were New Zealand, Pakistan and Ireland.Canada took the lone spot from the Americas Qualifier. Italy, first time T20 World Cup participants, and Netherlands qualified from the five-team tournament in Europe. Namibia and Zimbabwe grabbed the two spots from the eight-team Africa qualifier before Nepal, Oman and UAE made it from the Asia-EAP round.India are the defending champions, having beaten South Africa in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados.