Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal made a generous gesture to a young fan after figuring in the annual Gamper Trophy clash in Catalunya.

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Blaugrana suffered defeat to Ligue 1 outfitEuro 2024 winner stepped off the benchGave his shirt away to fan in the crowdWHAT HAPPENED?

The 17-year-old winger is back in club action after helping Spain to continental glory at Euro 2024. The record books were rewritten at that tournament, with Yamal cementing his standing as a superstar of the present and future.

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His stock continues to soar, with a global fan base having built steadily since making a senior breakthrough. Yamal is now considered to be one of the hottest prospects on the planet, with Barca benefiting from his considerable talent.

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Yamal was unable to prevent them from slipping to a 3-0 defeat against Ligue 1 side Monaco in the Gamper Trophy, as he stepped off the bench in that contest, but he did make happy memories for one supporter that made a plea for the teenager’s shirt – with his home-made sign working after being spotted in the crowd.

Aston Villa have been gifted an opportunity to make a big name signing this summer as NSWE look to build on the incredible job Unai Emery has done so far this season.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans are clinging onto their place in the top four after a 2-0 win against rivals Wolves this weekend, marking just their second home Premier League win since the turn of the year, having previously made Villa Park into a near impenetrable fortress.

They now sit three points clear of Tottenham with a superior goal difference, but Ange Postecoglou's side still have a game in hand, in what looks like a two horse race that is sure to go right down to the wire.

Fifth spot should still be enough to secure a place in next year's new-look Champions League however, assuming Villa, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool continue their success on the continent this term, meaning NSWE will have funds available to be ambitious in the summer market even despite concerns about Financial Fair Play.

Leeds United sensation Crysencio Summerville is reportedly a target, and could leave Elland Road if the Whites fail to secure promotion to the top flight, while Emery is also thought to be personally keen on a move for versatile Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso.

Aston Villa talks to sign "revelation" now advanced after Emery request

He will be out of contract this summer.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 29, 2024 Jack Grealish transfer update

Perhaps the biggest saga of the summer has only just been revealed however, with reports suggesting Jack Grealish is expected to leave Man City, opening the door for a move back to Villa.

Pep Guardiola apparently no longer sees the Birmingham-born 28 year-old as a key cog in his machine moving forward, leaving NSWE to be the "big winners" as the attacking midfielder would "love" to return to his former club.

It is a stark change from Guardiola's public opinion of the England international, who left the Midlands in a £100m move back in August of 2021, as the Spaniard heaped praise on his "ability" and "fight" earlier this season.

There is no information in the report regarding exactly how much of a hit City would be willing to take, but common sense assumes Villa would come nowhere close to the figure they cashed in for three summers ago, so it will certainly be an interesting saga to watch as the next transfer window draws nearer.

As Liverpool prepare to enter a summer of change at Anfield, reports have already begun to circle regarding potential reinforcements, with a replacement for Joel Matip among those.

Liverpool transfer news

Before anything, however, the Reds must find their replacement for Jurgen Klopp in what still seems an impossible task even if his farewell tour hasn't exactly gone to plan in recent weeks. As things stand, Ruben Amorim remains the most likely candidate after an incredibly successful spell at Sporting CP, which could end with a league and cup double this season. One of the most impressive young managers in Europe, the 39-year-old has shown more than enough potential to warrant an Anfield switch.

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If it is to be Amorim, then Liverpool's transfer targets could become far clearer in the coming months, as Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes look to hand their new manager the players to fit his 3-4-3 system. The system uses a back three in what could be quite the transition from Klopp who always stuck with his back four. It would also require a new central defender, given that the Reds will have just four available when Matip leaves as a free agent this summer.

That's where Willian Pacho could come in. According to Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have enquired about Pacho, who will be allowed to leave Eintracht Frankfurt if his price tag of between €50m (£43m) and €60m (£51m) is met this summer. The Reds face competition from Arsenal but will be hoping to lure the defender to Anfield. Plettenberg posted the news on X, saying:

Amorim's back three may well steal the headlines at Liverpool this summer, so signing a central defender would almost be a perfect way to kick off a new era at Anfield.

"Superb" Pacho can fill Matip void

Losing a player of Matip's experience will be more difficult than some think, despite the likes of Jarell Quansah stepping up in recent times to fill in for the former Schalke defender when injured. He is on course to leave at the right time, however, with his ACL injury this season just about summing up his injury luck during his time at Anfield. And that exit also comes at a time when the Reds seemingly have a perfect replacement lined up.

League stats per 90 23/24 (via FBref)

Willian Pacho

Joel Matip

Progressive Passes

4.32

3.91

Tackles Won

1.18

0.69

Interceptions

1.46

1.03

Ball Recoveries

7.04

6.67

Progressive Carries

0.71

0.92

Previously described as "superb" by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, Pacho could now get the chance to step into the Premier League at just 22 years of age if Liverpool decide to turn their enquiry into an offer this summer.

Ashwell Prince has blamed Cricket South Africa for the departure of Cobras batsman David Bedingham to Durham for the 2020 season. Bedingham has obtained the right to work in the UK through an ancestral visa, rather than a Kolpak deal, and is unavailable to play for Prince’s Cobras in the domestic one-day competition which started today.Bedingham will be joined at Durham by Farhaan Behardien, the allrounder who last played for South Africa in November 2018. Behardien has signed a two-year deal for the club, and joins the likes of Morne Morkel, Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander in choosing to end his careers abroad.Bedingham, on the other hand, is about to enter his prime and was in his second season as a contracted Cobras player. He played in the Western Cape throughout his career and represented the South African Under-19 side in 2013, and Prince believes more could have been done to keep him in the country.”It’s high time that CSA sits down and look at things a little bit closer and don’t beat around the bush of why people are leaving. Get to the crux of why people are leaving. Face it, confront the brutal facts. That’s where we are at,” Prince said. “If I had to criticise CSA, maybe they think people who can play at the highest level, you can walk around every corner and you find two or three but you don’t. It’s one percent of people who play cricket who can play at the highest level. If you are losing all of your one-percenters then what are you left with. You’re left with… I don’t know.”ESPNcricinfo understands that CSA were made aware of Bedingham’s plans. Acting director of cricket Graeme Smith said he would comment at a future date.Prince said he had a “good understanding,” of why Bedingham opted to leave South Africa. “It is the same reasons you get every day, for everyone that leaves. It’s about opportunity, it’s about uncertainty, same old, same old,” he said.The Cobras, according to Prince, “tried everything to keep David here,” but could not provide him with the security he needed. That is only likely to come for players when the restructuring of the domestic system, which is currently sub judice, is resolved. As things stand, CSA plans to cull the six-tier franchise system and install a 12-team provincial system, a move which could see up to 70 cricketers lose their jobs. That decision is on the verge of being rescinded but that may come too late for Bedingham.Another oft-cited reason for players who leave South Africa relates to limited opportunity, which, for white players is a direct result of the transformation target. At domestic level, teams must play six players of colour, of which a minimum of three must be black African, leaving five places for white players. Prince, who was recently named coach of the South Africa A side after turning down a role as national team batting consultant, has made plain his unhappiness with the target at two of CSA’s internal forums.At both the coach’s conference and the transformation indaba, he was among those who lobbied to eliminate the distinction between players of colour and black African players. If that were to happen, it would not create space for more white players, but would allow for flexibility in picking players of colour, who occasionally have to displace white players to meet the target.Even if that were to occur, it would not guarantee Bedingham the game time to stake a claim for higher honours, which Prince believes he could do. “My honest opinion is that he has got a better chance of playing international cricket for South Africa if he had stayed. But you don’t know what’s going on in the players’ head. I don’t think he would struggle to get a contract at this level. And when I say this level, I mean franchise of county cricket it’s the same level. Where does he have a better chance of playing international cricket? I think it’s here,” Prince said.”Some people might say he hasn’t done enough yet at this level. That might be true but you could also argue he should be in and around the SA A squads, at least. He has not had an opportunity at that level.”Behardein signed a two-year deal with Durham. “I have loved representing South Africa for many years, but now is the time to explore a new chapter,” Behardien said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to support Durham’s ambitions and play a key role moving forward in their success.” The pair join two other South African-born players – Gareth Harte and Brydon Carse – in the Durham squad.While Bedingham has been part of the Cape Town Blitz squad in the Mzansi Super League, he has not been considered for any national representative sides since age-group level. Until late last year, Bedingham held out hope of that changing.In an interview with in November 2019, Bedingham appeared committed to the national cause but did not rule out seeking an opportunity abroad. “My dream is still to play for my country. Once you believe you can’t play for your country, though, you do have to look at options like Kolpak,” he said.”There is obviously money and security abroad, as guys like Simon Harmer and Duanne Olivier have shown. One doesn’t always know how they will fare abroad, though, with the different conditions, pitches, lifestyle, etc. It’s different for everyone. Some are happy to take the risk to earn the money. Others are more family-orientated and might need to decide otherwise. I’m not there yet, but if I do get there, I’ll look at all the aspects with perspective and decide accordingly.”Two months later, he has made his decision.

With Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side pushing for the Premier League title this year, they are relying on some of their biggest stars to help get them over the line, especially considering some of the crunch games they have coming up.

Bukayo Saka, although struggling with injury at the moment, has been superb so far in 2023/24 – contributing to 29 goals – and Declan Rice, who is fresh off the back of captaining England on his 50th cap, has lived up to his large price tag of £105m including add-ons.

It has been a less smooth ride for Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, one of Arsenal’s most important players.

So far, he has just ten Premier League goal involvements, although his form has picked up of late, registering an assist against Newcastle and then a goal and assist away to Sheffield United.

With trophies to push for in the coming seasons under Arteta, there is no surprise that rumours have spread of late linking the Gunners to a new option out wide, with their apparent interest intensifying in recent weeks.

Arsenal 'like' Premier League winger

The player in question is Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portugal winger Pedro Neto.

The West Midlands outfit has made some excellent profit in the last year from sales, and Neto could be next in line to earn them a big payday. Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, Arteta's side are interested in bringing Neto to The Emirates.

The reporter revealed in his Daily Briefing on Wednesday: "Pedro Neto is a player Arsenal like and have looked at before, but we have to wait for Wolves to decide initial price tag to understand what Arsenal, Tottenham and more clubs will decide to do."

Gary O’Neil’s side could charge Arsenal upwards of £60m for the Portuguese winger, according to Nizaar Kinsella of The Standard. Neto could be one of a few big departures from Molineux, with Rayan Ait-Nouri another player of interest to Premier League clubs this summer.

This could be seen as a risky move on the Gunners’ part, considering Neto’s frustrating injury record. The 24-year-old has missed 109 games for club and country since joining Wolves from Lazio in 2019.

Arsenal will be one of many sides challenging for Neto’s signature this summer. The winger, who has five caps and one goal at full international level for Portugal, is also said to be piquing the interest of North London rivals Tottenham, and fellow title challengers Liverpool, ahead of the summer transfer window.

How Pedro Neto compares to Gabriel Martinelli

There is little doubt to Arsenal fans and neutrals alike that Arteta needs to recruit out wide, to give himself better options and allow Bukayo Saka to rest.

The 22-year-old has played 2275 minutes in the Premier League this season, according to WhoScored. William Saliba (2520) and Declan Rice (2399) are the only Arsenal players to have played more.

Neto could certainly be the answer to their depth issues. The 24-year-old has lit up Molineux this season, with two goals and nine assists to his name in just 18 Premier League starts. Despite his lack of game time, he is one assist away from joint-topping the list in the top flight this season.

Stylistically, Neto is very similar to Martinelli, so much so, that football analyst Ben Mattinson described him as ‘a right-sided Martinelli’ on X. He is a quick, direct winger who is a superb ball-carrier and a huge threat in transition, exactly like Martinelli.

Both Neto and Martinelli’s standout skillset is their ball-carrying, and they have very similar numbers per 90 minutes, according to Fbref. Neto averages 5.30 progressive carries per 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 12% of positionally similar wingers in Europe, with Martinelli averaging slightly more, 5.46 progressive carries per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 11%.

The word ‘direct’ was mentioned earlier, implying their willingness to run at defenders and drive into the penalty box. This is reflected in both players’ numbers, as per Fbref.

Neto averages 2.34 carries into the penalty box per 90 minutes on average, placing him in the top 17%. Martinelli is even better, averaging 3.35 carries into the penalty box per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 4%.

Where Neto excels over Martinelli is his creativity. Aside from his nine Premier League assists this season, the 24-year-old averages 0.83 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes this season, placing him in the top 3%. In comparison, Martinelli averages 0.68 goal-creating actions per 90 mins, enough to place him in the top 15%. Neto’s superb creativity will only enhance the threat of the Gunners’ attack.

There is little doubt that Neto would improve Arsenal. He would offer something different to Saka on the right wing and would be able to come into games where Arsenal may have space in behind and be a huge threat. For the fee of £60m he could cost, it would be a smart move for Arsenal, although risky given his injury record.

Arsenal have an "unplayable" teen who could end up replacing Martinelli

The incredibly talented youngster could soon be fighting for a spot in the first team.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 11, 2024

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O Corinthians volta a campo nesta quinta-feira, às 19h, para enfrentar o Sport, adversário que já enfrentou e venceu neste ano, na Neo Química Arena, mas pelo Brasileirão da temporada passada. Agora, pela edição 2021 do campeonato, o Alvinegro busca sua primeira vitória em casa e vê um time modificado em relação a aquele em que venceu os pernambucanos por 3 a 0.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansGustavo Mosquito volta ao Corinthians e Luan segue fora; confira relacionados e provável timeCorinthians23/06/2021CorinthiansCorinthians faz último treino antes de encarar Sport pelo BrasileirãoCorinthians23/06/2021CorinthiansCorinthians e Avelar decidem por rescisão e zagueiro deixará o clubeCorinthians23/06/2021

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Naquela oportunidade, o Timão havia acabado de ser atropelado por 4 a 0 pelo rival Palmeiras, no Allianz Parque, e foi para a Arena pressionado a fazer um resultado positivo, ainda sob o comando de Vagner Mancini, que antes de tomar uma goleada dos palmeirenses, vinha de uma boa sequência de vitórias.

O treinador da época escalou o Corinthians com: Cássio; Fagner, Bruno Méndez, Jemerson e Fábio Santos; Ramiro e Camacho; Gustavo Mosquito, Cazares e Mateus Vital; Jô. Além deles, entraram durante a partida: Léo Natel, Cantillo, Marllon, Everaldo e Xavier. O duelo terminou 3 a 0 para o Timão com gols de Mosquito, Vital e Jô, garantindo um pouco de tranquilidade.

Como foi possível notar, as coisas mudaram no time titular. Gil e Gabriel, que são absolutos na titularidade, estavam suspensos naquele dia e não jogaram. Cássio, Fagner, Fábio Santos, Gustavo Mosquito e Mateus Vital seguem no 11 inicial. Enquanto Jemerson (reserva e perto de sair), Ramiro (sai em breve) e Jô não tem vaga garantida, e Camacho e Cazares já deixaram o clube.

Em relação aos que saíram do banco de reservas, Léo Natel está machucado, Cantillo hoje é homem de confiança, Marllon e Everaldo deram adeus ao clube, e Xavier permanece como reserva, recebendo poucas oportunidades. Sem contar o comando do time, que era de Vagner Mancini até o início de maio e passou a ser de Sylvinho, depois da demissão de seu antecessor.

Dos 16 jogadores que entraram em campo naquele dia, quatro já não estão mais no clube. Dos titulares, apenas cinco permanecem como absolutos até aqui. Entre os reservas, somente um virou titular. Gabriel e Gil, como dito acima, seguem titulares, porém ficaram fora por suspensão naquele dia.

Nesta quinta-feira, o Timão também entra pressionado e com algumas dúvidas no time titular, principalmente do ponto de vista ofensivo, pois a equipe precisa voltar a vencer no brasileirão e ter a sua primeira vitória em casa nesta edição. A tendência e que Sylvinho opte por um meio-campo com o meia Vitinho no lugar de um dos volantes, além de Gustavo Mosquito como ponta ou falso 9.

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England captain bemoans failure to adapt but backs new players to learn quickly from mistakes

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Feb-2020Eoin Morgan admitted that England’s 50-over players were “way off the mark” in their first ODI outing since the World Cup final in July, but said that he expected the new members of the team to learn a huge amount from their failure at Newlands, after Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma capitalised on a sub-par batting performance to secure a comprehensive seven-wicket win.South Africa’s win was eventually sealed with 14 balls to spare after de Kock’s and Bavuma’s 173-run stand for the second wicket had broken the back of a 259-run chase. But their victory had been set up by an impressive performance in the first half of England’s innings, as they reduced the visitors to 131 for 6 before Joe Denly’s 87 helped post a serviceable total.”We were way off the mark, and we were hurt,” Morgan admitted at the post-match presentations. “South Africa completely outplayed us today in all departments. We’ve got no excuses. We didn’t adapt to the conditions today that were set in front of us, [because] we knew it wasn’t going to be an absolute run-fest.”But every batsman, apart from suppose Joe Denly and Chris Woakes really struggled to get going, which probably emphasises that we are a little bit rusty. But South Africa bowled well and accurately, they used the conditions really well with slower balls, and then we couldn’t penetrate the partnership between de Kock and Bavuma, so it made things very difficult for us. But full credit to them, they’ve started the series very well.”Asked whether England had misjudged a Newlands pitch that proved to be slow and awkward for fluent strokeplay, Morgan felt their failings had been more subtle than that, after a typically forthright fifty stand between Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow had given way to a mid-innings collapse of 6 for 80 in 18.3 overs.ALSO READ: De Kock 107, Bavuma 98 power South Africa to big victory”I think we lacked adaptation to the skill level that was needed,” Morgan said. “The guys up front came hard like they normally do, as we always try and do, but when that didn’t come off we had to try and rein in in a little bit.”I think we lost wickets in clusters, and when myself and Joe [Root] went at the same time, we continue to lose wickets until the Woakes and Denly partnership. But I suppose that total would only get us in the game if we if we bowled well and managed to take early wickets. but having let those guys get themselves in, it was a struggle to drag things back.”Nevertheless, having blooded two new ODI debutants in Tom Banton and Matt Parkinson, as well as handing a 50-over recall to Chris Jordan after a three-and-a-half year absence, Morgan conceded that his side was never likely to be the well-honed outfit that held its nerve in adversity to win the World Cup last summer.”I think they learned a huge amount,” said Morgan. “Failure is a huge platform to try and catapult yourself forward, and learn from your mistakes. As soon as you can, [you have to] implement them into this series.”I think the two guys making their debuts. Tom Banton and Matt Parkinson, have come in today and seen what international cricket is like,” he added. “They’ve had a little glimpse of T20 international cricket but it’s not all crash, bang, wallop, like we’ve seen today. So they learn a lot from tonight and hopefully take that into the rest of the series.”Despite the relative lack of jeopardy in this contest, Morgan insisted that the pain of losing was every bit as relevant to him and his team, given they are still the No.1-ranked ODI side in the world, with a proud recent record in their 50-over campaigns.”I think we need to continue to learn like we have done in the past,” he said. “You know you need to learn and identify exactly where you’ve got wrong, and I think ultimately today, we were outplayed because we were off the mark.”

A new update has been shared about the future of Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the club.

Ratcliffe runs the rule

Though he only arrived in Manchester in February, the impact Ratcliffe has already made behind the scenes has been phenomenal. The INEOS Chief has made off-the-pitch moves to re-structure the hierarchy of the Premier League giants, with Omar Berrada arriving from Manchester City to take up the CEO role at Old Trafford, while Jason Wilcox is expected to arrive as the club's new technical director after resigning from his role at Southampton last month.

Ratcliffe lines up £36m signing who could speed up Casemiro's Man Utd exit

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to bolster the midfield this summer.

ByTom Lever Apr 10, 2024

Current Red Devils football director John Murtough announced that he was stepping down earlier in April, and he will be replaced by both Wilcox and hopefully Newcastle's Dan Ashworth, currently on gardening leave as the Magpies and Manchester United discuss compensation.

United have also approached Crystal Palace man Dougie Freedman, though it is unclear just how advanced that move is at present.

It comes ahead of what could be a massive summer at the Theatre of Dreams, with a left-back, central defender, central midfielder, winger and striker all on their shopping list in a bid to improve on a disappointing campaign.

Stick or twist on Ten Hag

With those above the manager now broadly in place, Ratcliffe could turn his attention to the man in the Old Trafford technical area, with a decision expected on Ten Hag's future come this summer. The United boss himself isn't worried about the sack.

“I am sure we are in the right direction and will get where we want to be", he explained. “I don’t have any doubts. I’m just focusing on my job, focusing on this process, in this project. I really love to be here, I’m enjoying it. For me it’s a challenge.”

The bigger challenge for the Dutchman may be explaining why he deserves to keep the job beyond the end of this season, which has once again been a difficult one.

Currently sixth in the Premier League, they are almost certain to be without Champions League football next season, while just one win in their last five games has seen them slip back into the clutches of West Ham United, Newcastle and Chelsea ahead of the final games of the season.

They still stand a chance of lifting silverware, with an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City before they will meet one of Chelsea and Manchester City in the final of the competition.

As per Give Me Sport, Ten Hag is now preparing for the new season already, with the Dutchman 'edging towards' remaining at the helm, largely for his ability to nurture youth.

Ten Hag's time in Manchester

Matches

105

Wins

63

Goals scored

186

Goals conceded

138

Points per game

1.92

Win %

60%

They claim that 'he is in line to remain in the hot-seat in the meantime and begin preparing for the 2024/25 campaign even though there is a threat of him eventually being axed'.

This is largely thanks to the progress of starlets such as Willy Kambwala, Kobbie Mainoo and notably Alejandro Garnacho, while Omari Forson has also been used from the substitutes bench. Garnacho in particular has notched up nearly 2000 Premier League minutes this season, more than Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Antony.

Though Ten Hag is proving able to rely on the youth (often more through necessity than choice), he will need to start finding results on the pitch sooner rather than later should he want this to be anything more than a stay of execution.

Europe's top teams may breathe a sigh of relief after hearing Barcelona coach Hansi Flick's latest declaration on their summer transfer strategy.

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• Barca linked with new midfielders
• Have several options out through injury
• Flick has enough faith in current stars

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Catalan side have been linked with a number of options amid reports they hope to strengthen in midfield before the transfer window closes. The Catalan side are still likely to sign attacking midfielder Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig, though he is expected to feature on the wing once he makes the switch.

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  Expanding on their midfield options was seen as a priority heading into the summer, especially with the likes of Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong suffering injuries in recent months. However, Flick is confident that he has enough players to call on and sees no need to bring in another option.

• WHAT FLICK SAID

  The German coach told reporters: "We have several injured midfielders with great quality. When they return we will be a better team and I think I have enough players there."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Barca were back in training on Wednesday for the first time since their return from a tour of the United States. Their next game will be against Monaco before they face Valencia in their first La Liga match of the season on August 17.

Tottenham Hotspur’s focus should be on their remaining six matches in the Premier League as they fight to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are fifth in the division, as it stands, and six points behind Aston Villa, although they have two games in hand to catch up with Unai Emery’s men.

This means that there is still plenty for the Lilywhites to play for throughout the rest of the season, as they have a big goal to aim towards.

However, Daniel Levy and his team will already have one eye on the upcoming summer transfer window. They will be able to bolster Postecoglou’s squad with more signings ahead of next season, and a number nine appears to be on the agenda for Spurs.

The club are reportedly in the market to add a new striker to the group to compete with Richarlison for a starting spot in the lineup moving forward.

Tottenham's interest in Eredivisie star

According to Medio Tiempo, via Sport Witness, Spurs are one of a number of clubs showing an interest in impressive Feyenoord centre-forward Santiago Gimenez ahead of next season.

The report claims that the Lilywhites have made an approach to speak with the player’s representatives, who have flown to Europe to speak with clubs, in order to sign the stunning finisher this summer.

However, it does not reveal whether or not the club have spoken with Feyenoord to discuss how much it would cost to snap him up from the Eredivisie outfit, whom he has been a crucial player for this term.

Tottenham are seemingly on the hunt for more firepower to bolster their options in the final third, but they are not the only side looking to the Netherlands to solve their problems.

Premier League rivals Arsenal are also said to be interested in the Mexico international, and could provide fierce competition to land the attacker’s signature.

Spurs are fifth in the Premier League table, with the Gunners sat top of the division, and this means that their neighbours could offer Champions League football to the striker, which could give them the edge in any race.

Juventus, RB Leipzig, and AC Milan are also said to be eyeing up the lethal marksman ahead of the summer transfer window, which means that the two English sides will also face competition from teams in Europe.

Earlier this month, 90Min claimed that it would take a fee of around £87m – an Eredivisie record – to sign the finisher, and it remains to be seen whether or not Spurs are prepared to go that high to land him.

Tottenham could now land a lethal partner for Heung-min Son by securing a deal to sign Gimenez from Feyenoord ahead of their rivals later this year, as the forward could strike up an exciting relationship with the South Korea international.

Heung-min Son's Premier League season in numbers

The experienced forward has been deployed through the middle as a centre-forward and in his more natural position off the left throughout the season.

He has been in sensational form as both a scorer and a creator of Spurs in the Premier League, with an almost constant stream of goals and assists.

Whilst the bulk of the focus will be on his sublime level of production in the final third, Son’s work in the build-up to make Postecoglou’s system tick should not go unnoticed.

The 31-year-old star currently ranks within the top 3% of forwards in the Premier League for progressive passes (4.21) per 90, the top 15% for progressive carries (3.12) per 90, and the top 6% for pass success rate (81.7%).

This shows that he has been one of the best attackers in the division in build-up, as he has the quality to effectively and efficiently progress play through his forward-thinking passing and ball-carrying, to get himself and his teammates into dangerous positions at the top end of the pitch.

Appearances

29

Goals

15

xG

9.32

Assists

9

Big chances created

17

As you can see in the table above, Son has also been effective in the final third with 24 direct goal contributions in 29 appearances for Tottenham.

His return of 15 goals from 9.32 xG also speaks to his exceptional finishing quality, as he has significantly outperformed his expected tally, whilst his teammates have not made the most of the ‘big chances’ that the South Korean dynamo has created for them.

Postecoglou could now bring in a lethal centre-forward to profit from Son’s creativity by winning the race to sign Gimenez from Feyenoord this summer.

Why Spurs should sign Santiago Gimenez

The 23-year-old Spurs target has been in fantastic form in front of goal throughout the 2023/24 campaign and could provide the team with another reliable source of goals.

He has racked up 24 goals and seven assists in all competitions for the Dutch side this term, after a return of 28 goals in 50 matches last season for Feyenoord and Cruz Azul combined.

Gimenez, who was hailed as “unstoppable” by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this term, has showcased his goalscoring quality on a regular basis in the Eredivisie, as you can see in the table below.

Appearances

29

Goals

21

Sofascore rating

7.26

Assists

5

Big chances created

7

His return of 21 league goals for Feyenoord means that he has plundered at least six more goals than any Tottenham player has managed in the Premier League, as Son is the team’s top scorer with 15.

The left-footed star, who scored two goals in four Champions League games earlier this season, is more than just a goalscorer for the Eredivisie side.

He currently ranks within the top 33% of forwards in the division for Expected Assisted Goals (0.15) per 90, the top 34% for assists (0.19), and the top 30% for progressive carries (1.73) per 90.

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These statistics show that the striker, who assisted the winning goal in the KNVB Becker final last weekend, is also an above-average creator who can carry the ball forward and play incisive passes for his teammates.

Therefore, Son and Gimenez have the potential to be a lethal pairing at the top end of the pitch for Spurs with their respective qualities as scorers and creators, which is why the club must push to win the race for the Mexican star’s signature.