Aston Villa head into the 2024/25 campaign with ambitions that they can not only shine in the Champions League, but also replicate their Premier League heroics from last season.

Qualifying for Europe’s premier club competition has been a wonderful incentive for Unai Emery to lure high-quality additions to his squad. Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen may not have joined otherwise.

They might not be the only top-class players to join the Midlands side this transfer window, as the Spaniard looks to be eyeing a move for a player who is currently shining for his club side…

Aston Villa chasing move for Sporting CP sensation

According to Portuguese outfit O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Villa are showing plenty of interest in signing Pedro Goncalves, who is currently playing for Sporting, before the end of the transfer window.

If they are to lure him to the Premier League, Emery will have to shell out a club-record transfer fee of €80m (£68m), as the Portuguese side won't accept offers lower than this release clause, which is significantly higher than their current record of £51.9m for Moussa Diaby.

Signing Goncalves would signify a major statement of intent, especially considering the transfer fee. Not only that, but the former Wolves starlet could be a dream signing for centre-forward Ollie Watkins.

Pedro Goncalves’ season in numbers

During his time with the Old Gold, Goncalves made just one appearance before joining FC Famalicao in 2019. A solid season there led him to Sporting, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Across 180 matches for the club, Goncalves has scored 79 goals while registering 52 assists. This works out as a goal involvement once every 1.3 matches, quite a remarkable statistic.

Metric

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

49

18

17

2022/23

51

20

15

2021/22

41

15

14

2020/21

37

23

5

Via Transfermarkt

Last season, the 26-year-old registered 35 goal contributions in just 49 matches and his 17 assists make him a perfect signing for Watkins.

The Englishman did score 27 times last term, perhaps with someone like Goncalves playing off of him, this tally could well push beyond 30 next season.

Indeed, in the Portuguese top flight last term, Goncalves ranked third across the entire league for big chances created (18), while also ranking sixth for key passes per game (two), clearly showcasing his attacking talents and proving to be one of the finest players in the division.

He was hailed as a “superstar” as far back as 2021 and since then, Goncalves has gone from strength to strength and his creativity could provide Watkins with even more high-quality chances to find the back of the net.

When compared to his positional peers, the Sporting star ranks in the top 2% for assists per 90 (0.42) in the men’s next 14 competitions, while ranking in the top 19% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (4.81).

These statistics clearly show that he would be ideal for Watkins. Being able to get into dangerous positions and creating chances for the striker could see the Englishman make that step to the next level, especially in the Champions League.

Much will depend on if Emery is able to splash nearly £70m on signing the maestro. However, If he does, it could be one of the best pieces of transfer business done during the entire window.

£68m release clause: Aston Villa want "superstar" Joao Felix upgrade

Unai Emery is ‘insisting’ on completing this statement deal.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 16, 2024

One of the best academy systems in recent years has been that of Manchester City. The Cityzens have become masters at producing and selling some of the best young talents in Premier League football. The likes of Romeo Lavia and Oscar Bobb are two of the best recent examples to come out of the academy at the Etihad Stadium.

There is no doubt that the eight-time Premier League champions have had one of the best and most productive conveyor belts in the past decade or so. Over the past 12 months or so, there has been one City graduate who has particularly been making waves. That man, of course, is Cole Palmer.

Cole Palmer’s value in 2024

It has been a simply astronomical rise to the top for Palmer. Since his £42.5m move from the Citzyens to Chelsea last summer, he has quickly become one of the Premier League’s best players.

In 48 games for the Blues, he has scored 26 goals and grabbed 18 assists. His performances in the 2023/24 campaign, a season in which he scored 22 times and registered 11 assists in 33 Premier League games, won him the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Already, the England international, who scored in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, has started the season in the same vein of form he ended the previous campaign. Palmer’s second game away to Wolverhampton Wanderers yielded him one goal, an audacious lob from outside the penalty area, and a superb three assists.

The rise of the 22-year-old is quite remarkable given the fact he never really got an opportunity to show what he can do at the Etihad Stadium. He played 41 times in Sky Blue, making his debut in 2020/21, and scored six goals and registered two assists in that time.

What is perhaps the most incredible thing about Palmer is how much he is now worth. According to Transfermarkt, the youngster is valued at £67.2m, around £25m more than the Blues paid to City to sign him. However, there is another City academy graduate, who is arguably even better than Palmer and valued higher than Chelsea’s number 20.

Phil Foden’s value in 2024

The player in question here is Phil Foden. Like Palmer, he has had an extraordinary rise to the top and was named as the PFA Player of the Year following his performances last season.

Foden, who football statistician Statman Dave described as a “magician”, played 53 games in all competitions for the Cityzens, as they won the Premier League for the fourth consecutive time, scoring 27 goals and grabbing 12 assists.

His top flight exploits last season were the best of his career so far. In 35 games for the eight-time Premier League champions last campaign, he scored 19 goals and grabbed eight assists. He has continued to improve his goal involvement return year after year.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2017/18

5

0

1

2018/19

13

1

0

2019/20

23

5

2

2020/21

28

9

5

2021/22

28

9

5

2022/23

32

11

5

2023/24

35

19

8

2024/25

1

0

0

It is not only the goals and assists that have set him well on his way to becoming a City legend. Foden’s trophy cabinet is extraordinary, especially for one just 24 years of age. He has won 17 trophies so far in Sky Blue, which, amongst other titles, includes six Premier Leagues and a Champions League, which was part of the historical treble in 2022/23.

All of these remarkable achievements for Foden have led his transfer value according to Transfermarkt to skyrocket over the last few years. Nowadays, it is higher than ever, and he is worth an extraordinary £126.2m – far high then even Palmer’s worth.

There is no doubt that City’s academy has been dominating the production line of Premier League talent over the past few years, producing the likes of Palmer. However, they really struck gold on Foden, who has won countless trophies for the club already, and could become one of City’s all-time greats.

Pep hit the jackpot with Man City star whose value has soared by 3,700%

The Cityzens have unearthed a star in the making with the young defender.

ByDan Emery Aug 26, 2024

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal may target new signings in the January transfer window as they look to tackle an injury crisis.

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Arsenal struggling with defensive injuriesMay bring in January reinforcementsArteta optimistic despite key absencesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners have dealt with a plethora of injury problems this season, recently losing Riccardo Calafiori to a calf issue while fellow defenders Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all out, too. Meanwhile, makeshift full-back Thomas Partey and midfielder Mikel Merino missed training on Tuesday.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With a Premier League tile challenge on the line, the north London side need to find a solution for their many absences and the Spanish coach has suggested they will bring in some new faces next month.

WHAT ARTETA SAID

He told reporters: "The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that as well. We are on it and just have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. I’m positive that in a few weeks we’re going to be in a better place."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The English side are in action against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday, which will be followed by a home game against Everton on Saturday.

What’s the reason for your retirement and what will you miss the most?
There’s a few factors. I think it’s the right time for me to leave the game. I’m thoroughly looking forward to the three huge Test matches to finish off. It should be exciting. Toiling away for five days, in harsh conditions sometimes…Sitting back, looking around the group and having beer with the team. That’ll certainly be the times I miss the most.On the upcoming England tour…
I think it’s exciting that we’ve got two Tests against England to start with. It’s a great place to play cricket there, [a] very tough opposition. It’ll be nice to beat them on home soil. And to obviously finish with a Test final. It’s going to be a pretty special tour. I’m looking forward to it still and there’s a lot of cricket to be played.Related

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• BJ Watling to retire after England tour

Any sort of pressure on this England tour being the last one?
Not looking at it like that. To be honest, it’s session by session, ball by ball and it is what it is. I’m trying not to put pressure on one particular game. We’ve got two Test matches leading into it at the moment, leading into the [WTC] final.How would you like to be remembered and how do you look back at your career?
I’ve put a lot of hard work in. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the journey so far and can hopefully finish on a high. You do get a bit of a rest batting down in the middle order, which is quite enjoyable. You get a break between innings. Opening is very tough, having to field for potentially 140 overs and going straight out and bat, which is dreadful. So I don’t miss that at all. Yeah, you do keep in some harsh conditions, like [in] India. I look back at the challenges of having to become a keeper, to make sure I was up to the international standards. I thoroughly enjoyed putting my time into that as well as my batting.What made you retire?
I know the standards were quite (high) to keep it going at this level. To be honest, it’s tougher now, with a little family at home. Things are busy. I think it’s time now that I look into other things and spend more time at home. It’s a bit harder to put all that focus into just cricket.What will you miss about the team and when did you make the call?
A lot. It’s been a long time playing for the Black Caps now. Hopefully I’ve made some mates along the way, look forward to having beer with all of them. That’ll be something I miss. It was a couple of weeks ago that I told everyone. I think over a little period of time – [in] the last four to five months – I have realised that I my time is up. I would also like to finish on a massive high with a big tour.On his move down the batting order: “It was just about playing to the situation and enjoy figuring out what’s right at the time and it’ll be different every Test match, every Test innings”•Getty Images

Any wins you looks back on?
There’s a few now, which is quite a cool thing to say after what was a reasonably tough start to try and win Test matches. I still look back at one of the West Indies trips [in 2014], and for me, that was the greatest trip of all time. But there’s been many more. Wins overseas are pretty special, and winning in the UAE against Pakistan [in 2018] was a fantastic series to be a part of, and to beat them in neutral – but home conditions for them – was quite a pleasing trip.Did you make any changes to your game when you moved down the order as a wicketkeeper?
Not at all. I think as a cricketer, you’ve got to look at the situation you’re presented with – and it might be the case when they are looking for a few faster runs to set up a total. So it was just about playing to the situation and enjoy figuring out what’s right at the time and it’ll be different every Test match, every Test innings.What do you think about you potential successor Tom Blundell?
Tom’s been fantastic for us. He’s obviously [had] the challenge of opening the batting and stood up to that very well. [He got a] fantastic hundred at the MCG, which was pretty special and I know his glovework is certainly up to standard. I look around the domestic scene and I think most of the boys in each association have been keeping really well over the last few years.How special was that 205 against England?
I remember the partnership with Mitchell Santner… it was his maiden century and a fantastic innings. We dug deep to get a bit of a total and give ourselves a chance of winning that Test match. I think we were a bowler down as well, and to do it on the final day – I’m not sure how many overs were left, but there weren’t too many left and Wags [Neil Wagner] stepped up to the plate and did a fantastic job. So it was a special win.How would you reflect on your legacy – just the ninth wicketkeeper to score a double-century?
I’ll do some reflecting at some point for sure, but I don’t know the word legacy at all. I’ve played my part in the time I’ve been here and hopefully, I’ll leave New Zealand cricket in a good space.

The franchises had requested the PCB to shift the games out of Karachi because of the pandemic

Umar Farooq07-May-2021The PCB has approached the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to host the remaining games of the rescheduled 2021 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in the UAE. The original plan had been to play the matches in Karachi, but the PCB has decided against it following a request from the six franchises as well as advice from the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC), which asked the board to avoid playing in Karachi because of the worsening Covid-19 situation in the country.Upon the franchises’ request to move the matches out of Pakistan, the PCB met with all the teams via video conference to discuss the financial implications of postponing the tournament. The PCB has agreed to look beyond Karachi, with UAE as a preferred venue for the games. The UAE was where the PSL began, its inaugural edition in 2016 held there while international cricket was not taking place in Pakistan.Karachi had originally been announced as the venue for the tournament and even till last week, the PCB was proceeding on the basis that tournament would be held there, with the board making arrangements for a hotel. But earlier this week, the PCB met with the NCOC, whose forecast of the Covid situation in Pakistan over the next 20 days wasn’t reassuring. The NCOC informed the PCB there might be a rise in cases post-Eid, and that the government might subsequently enforce a stricter lockdown in the country. Already a nationwide lockdown has begun from today, to be in place until May 15.”We had an interactive and productive meeting in which we considered a number of factors,” Wasim Khan, the PCB chief executive, said. “While the UAE has emerged as a preferred venue, a number of challenges remain, which will be worked through over the coming days. We remain committed to doing everything possible to complete the HBL PSL 6.”The tournament was initially slated to start from June, but with the change of venue, the PCB will work on a revised schedule. The window to host the tournament is unlikely to alter too much though, as Pakistan are scheduled to begin a tour of England from June 23. Though the PCB and PSL have both agreed to playing in UAE, a final confirmation will be made only when the franchises give their approval upon seeing the revised opportunity costs of playing abroad.”The PCB will carry out a detailed financial and risk assessment as well as cost analysis before reporting back to the franchises, who will then review before a decision on the event venue is confirmed,” the PCB said.As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the franchises had written a letter to the board last week, asking for the tournament to be played in the Emirates.The 2021 edition of the PSL was suspended after 14 games – played between February 20 and March 3, all in Karachi – following an outbreak of cases among players and support staff. After a date for resumption was finalised – June 2 to June 20 – the franchises took part in a replacement draft to plug holes in their line-ups because a number of overseas players would not be able to take part in the games on the new dates.The changed situation with the pandemic, however, made franchises nervous about the situation, which led to them approaching the PCB.Pakistan, meanwhile, has announced a decision to curtail inbound flights to the country from May 5 to May 20.A move to the UAE would not be without its own logistical and operational issues, though. Flights to the country from Pakistan are currently operating at a severely reduced frequency. And June is not a month in which top-level cricket is often played in the UAE, because of the oppressive heat at that time of the year.

يتواصل الجدل حتى الآن بشأن ما حدث في مباراة ريال مدريد وإسبانيول، يوم السبت الماضي، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

وحل ريال مدريد ضيفًا على إسبانيول، في الجولة الثانية والعشرين من الدوري الإسباني، حيث خسر حامل اللقب بهدف دون رد.

وجاء هدف إسبانيول عن طريق اللاعب كارلوس روميرو، الذي طالب ريال مدريد بطرده في وقت سابق من المبارة بعد تدخله القوي ضد كيليان مبابي.

وتقدم نادي ريال مدريد بشكوى رسمية إلى الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم، أمس، ضد ما حدث في مباراة إسبانيول، وهو ما استدعى رد رسمي من جانب الاتحاد (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وسُئل الرئيس التنفيذي لنادي إسبانيول، ماو يي، عن رأيه تجاه شكوى ريال مدريد بسبب ما حدث في مباراة السبت في الليجا.

وقال في تصريحاته نشرتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “لم أقرأ شكوى ريال مدريد، أنا قلق بشأن إسبانيول والموسم، ما يقلقني هو التهديدات التي يتلقاها روميرو”.

وأضاف: “سندعم اللاعب في كل ما هو ضروري، لن أقوم بتقييم مباراة معينة، هذه هي كرة القدم”.

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that a £60 million Tottenham Hotspur star will miss tomorrow's trip to Newcastle United alongside Dominic Solanke.

Newcastle United v Spurs – match preview

The north Londoners sealed their first win of the new Premier League campaign with a thumping 4-0 victory at home to Everton, with Yves Bissouma, Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min's brace rounding off the routine three points at home.

Related Pundit slams "disappointing" £35m Tottenham regular who Levy should've sold

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Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 31, 2024

That follows their disappointing 1-1 draw with Leicester City on the opening weekend, so Postecoglou will have been thrilled to get right back on track as the Australian looks ahead to another potential three points at St. James' Park.

However, Newcastle will be no easy customers, and go into their clash with Spurs on an identical run of form – having drawn one and won one of their opening two Premier League matches of the campaign.

Eddie Howe, speaking ahead of Tottenham's visit to the north-east, praised their attractive style under Postecoglou and insisted they recruited well during the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur's summer signings

Signed from

Timo Werner

RB Leipzig (loan)

Dominic Solanke

Bournemouth

Archie Gray

Leeds

Wilson Odobert

Burnley

Lucas Bergvall

Djurgarden

Min-hyeok Yang

Gangwon FC

"Tottenham have been very good," said Howe on Spurs.

"They continue to be a team I like to watch, a very attractive style, fluid. They have recruited well and signed some really talented players. They were good last year, but I think they will be even better this year. I think we always have entertaining games against them. For us, we need to make sure we get on top of the details."

Tottenham sealed a deal for the "predatory" Solanke during the summer transfer window, while also completing moves for English sensation Archie Gray, winger Wilson Odobert from Burnley, and Timo Werner on a season-long loan from RB Leipzig.

Unfortunately for Postecoglou, his star striker signing in Solanke picked up an ankle problem away to Leicester City, sidelining him for the win over Everton.

Richarlison out for weeks after Tottenham training injury

Solanke will not be available for their trip to Newcastle either, and there is more bad news, with £60 million striker Richarlison also unavailable.

According to Postecoglou, speaking in a pre-match press conference, Richarlison will be out for weeks after picking up an injury in Tottenham training.

"Dom is close, but we're going to be a bit cautious with him," said Postecoglou.

"We've got a big programme post the international break, so he'll miss out on Sunday. The only other one we got midweek is Richarlison, who unfortunately picked up an injury in training, so he'll probably miss the next few weeks."

There is some good news, though, with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur passed fit and ready to play after being knocked unconscious during a clash of heads at the King Power a fortnight ago.

"Rodrigo is all good, he's passed all the protocols we need to, and more importantly he feels really good and the medical team are really comfortable with him being available for Sunday."

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras disputa contra a Prefeitura de São Paulo o pagamento de R$ 90 milhões de IPTU (Imposto Predial e Territorial Urbano) referente ao Allianz Parque. A Procuradoria Geral faz a cobrança dos valores do imposto sob o terreno referentes ao período de 2012 a 2017. Por sua vez, o clube entende ter direito a isenção por ser considerado associação civil com caráter desportivo sem fins lucrativos. A informação é do UOL.

Recentemente, o Verdão ganhou a ajuda do perito escolhido pela justiça para avaliar o caso. O parecer do especialista dá razão à reclamação do clube de isenção no débito em questão. Na última semana, a defensoria alviverde adicionou o laudo produzido ao processo para dar sustentação ao requerimento.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasWeverton vibra ao completar 200 jogos pelo Palmeiras: ‘Que venham muito mais’Palmeiras08/11/2021PalmeirasPalmeiras terá desfalques dos selecionáveis para os dois próximos jogosPalmeiras08/11/2021PalmeirasCom Felipe Melo e Jorge em campo, Palmeiras se reapresenta na Academia de FutebolPalmeiras08/11/2021

– Restando estabelecido nas legislações pertinentes que automaticamente, uma vez obtida referida isenção, a mesma seria mantida para os exercícios posteriores, em razão do deferimento do pedido de isenção formulado e deferido em 2011 – afirma o texto do documento.

O Palmeiras apoia-se na Lei Municipal nº 14.865/2008, que elenca os critérios que concedem às agremiações esportivas isenção no IPTU. Além disso, para embasar a reivindicação o, a defensoria baseia-se no caso vencido pelo São Paulo no ano passado, que isentou o clube de pagamentos do imposto entre 2014 e 2015.

A advogada e mestre de direito tributário Luiza Noronha Siqueira explica que a cobrança acontece por uma falha registro do clube no CADIN (Cadastro Informativo Municipal). Sendo assim, com a lei vigente e o devido cumprimento das regras, o Alviverde deve usufruir do direito de isenção.

What have you done for me lately? As attention turns to 2025, GOAL looks at where all 29 MLS teams need to go from here

The offseason is officially here: The LA Galaxy are your 2024 MLS Cup Champions, putting a bow on a stupendous season in thrilling fashion with a 2-1 win over New York Red Bulls at Dignity Health Sports Park Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd.

Of course, the old adage in sports applies: What have you done for me lately? Now attention turns to preparation for 2025 – and teams are locking in. Whether that's addressing coaching and front office vacancies, or communicating with scouts about transfer business in the winter window, it's eyes forward.

Some clubs, such as Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Wilfried Nancy's Columbus Crew, had excellent regular seasons – and their rosters are practically ready to compete in 2025, minus a few moves. Others, such as the San Jose Earthquakes and Chicago Fire, need to completely re-evaluate their team to compete in 2025. And then there's squads such as the Vancouver Whitecaps, Real Salt Lake and Charlotte FC – all of whom made the postseason, but crashed out in the first round.

How do they take the next step? GOAL looks at where all 29 MLS teams need to go from here.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• 29San Jose Earthquakes

  What went right: Very little. The biggest moment of 2024 for the Earthquakes was the announcement that Bruce Arena would be taking over for the start of 2025. MLS' most winningest coach, the 73-year-old has exactly what it takes to return them to the top.

  What went wrong: The list is too long, but to put it in simple terms, their roster was not good enough to compete in 2025. Jeremy Ebobisse was given no help in the attack, their midfield could not retain possession and their defense leaked goals.

  Biggest offseason need: They need to hand Arena the keys to their roster, and let him work his magic. They have an open DP slot, and multiple U-22 initiative slots, so there is room for their team to grow. In terms of places where they can improve, it's everywhere. They need to bolster their defense, midfield and attack — with their lone spot for 2025 not up for grabs being goalkeeper.

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• 28Chicago Fire

  What went right: They smashed their transfer record early in the campaign, bringing in Hugo Cuypers from Belgium, and he looked the part at times – despite having little to no support in the attack from the Fire. Elsewhere, U.S. youth internationals Chris Brady and Brian Gutierrez earned minutes and were hit with adversity, which is likely good for their development. Under ex-USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter's leadership in 2025, they could take the next step in their careers.

  What went wrong: The Fire had little go right. They had a few nice wins, but they finished 28th in the Supporters' Shield standings, scoring just 40 goals while conceding 62. Their attack wasn't good enough, and their defense struggled against possession-based teams who put them under pressure in their own half.

  Biggest offseason need: To trust in Berhalter's rebuild, and let him utilize his connections within the league to build a title-contending roster. Replacing Shaqiri will be key, and they'll likely use his DP spot to bring in a top-tier attacker as a result. Another option is buying-down the contract of Gaston Gimenez, so they could potentially bring in two new DPs this winter. Regardless of what they do, though, they ned to give Cuypers some support while shoring up both their midfield and defense. Chicago haven't qualified for the postseason since 2017. This is their biggest offseason to date.

• 27New England Revolution

  What went right: Carles Gil, Luca Langoni and Esmir Bajraktarevic all showed that they care about the club throughout the season, as the only three standout performers, and those they should build on heading in to 2025. Arguably their best moment of 2024 was acquiring promising left back Peyton Miller, though. He looks to be the part and has really impressive attacking instincts.

  What went wrong: Caleb Porter's debut season in the northeast was a complete disaster. The two-time MLS Cup winner let the program down, feuding with players and media members to create an unstable environment. However, the club has shown they have trust and faith in him to guide them into 2025. In addition to their touchline woes, the Revs scored just 37 goals and conceded 74. On both ends of the pitch, they need to look hard in the mirror and ask who is an MLS-caliber player.

  Biggest offseason need: The Revs need help at right back, center back, defensive midfield and in the attack. Really, they need a roster overhaul. However, the four players discussed along with goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic are all likely to be members of the starting XI next year. Now, let's see how the Revs and Porter tackle the transfer market this winter.

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• 26Sporting Kansas City

  What went right: SKC generally had a year to forget, underwhelming across the regular season. But they had a terrific US Open Cup run, where they made it to the final. They lost to LAFC, but their performances across the tournament were the highlight of their season.

  What went wrong: Sporting’s midfield and attack really let them down in 2024. They conceded 66 goals and lost an astonishing 19 matches. Overall, though, their roster wasn’t built to compete with MLS’ elite – and as a result, there’s an expectation they’ll be active in the transfer market this offseason.

  Biggest offseason need: After parting ways with club legend Johnny Russell and goalkeeper Tim Amelia after the end of the season, Sporting are looking to flip the narrative heading into 2025. Their biggest priority should be the No. 10 position. Speaking at year-end availability, GM Mike Burns alluded to it, saying “Without question, our primary focus is a 10. We're looking for a guy that can break down lines in the final third, ideally can score, can set up goals."

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that a £60 million Tottenham Hotspur star will miss tomorrow's trip to Newcastle United alongside Dominic Solanke.

Newcastle United v Spurs – match preview

The north Londoners sealed their first win of the new Premier League campaign with a thumping 4-0 victory at home to Everton, with Yves Bissouma, Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min's brace rounding off the routine three points at home.

Pundit slams "disappointing" £35m Tottenham regular who Levy should've sold

He’s apparently been “underwhelming”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 31, 2024

That follows their disappointing 1-1 draw with Leicester City on the opening weekend, so Postecoglou will have been thrilled to get right back on track as the Australian looks ahead to another potential three points at St. James' Park.

However, Newcastle will be no easy customers, and go into their clash with Spurs on an identical run of form – having drawn one and won one of their opening two Premier League matches of the campaign.

Eddie Howe, speaking ahead of Tottenham's visit to the north-east, praised their attractive style under Postecoglou and insisted they recruited well during the summer transfer window.

Timo Werner

RB Leipzig (loan)

Dominic Solanke

Bournemouth

Archie Gray

Leeds

Wilson Odobert

Burnley

Lucas Bergvall

Djurgarden

Min-hyeok Yang

Gangwon FC

"Tottenham have been very good," said Howe on Spurs.

"They continue to be a team I like to watch, a very attractive style, fluid. They have recruited well and signed some really talented players. They were good last year, but I think they will be even better this year. I think we always have entertaining games against them. For us, we need to make sure we get on top of the details."

Tottenham sealed a deal for the "predatory" Solanke during the summer transfer window, while also completing moves for English sensation Archie Gray, winger Wilson Odobert from Burnley, and Timo Werner on a season-long loan from RB Leipzig.

Unfortunately for Postecoglou, his star striker signing in Solanke picked up an ankle problem away to Leicester City, sidelining him for the win over Everton.

Richarlison out for weeks after Tottenham training injury

Solanke will not be available for their trip to Newcastle either, and there is more bad news, with £60 million striker Richarlison also unavailable.

According to Postecoglou, speaking in a pre-match press conference, Richarlison will be out for weeks after picking up an injury in Tottenham training.

"Dom is close, but we're going to be a bit cautious with him," said Postecoglou.

"We've got a big programme post the international break, so he'll miss out on Sunday. The only other one we got midweek is Richarlison, who unfortunately picked up an injury in training, so he'll probably miss the next few weeks."

There is some good news, though, with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur passed fit and ready to play after being knocked unconscious during a clash of heads at the King Power a fortnight ago.

"Rodrigo is all good, he's passed all the protocols we need to, and more importantly he feels really good and the medical team are really comfortable with him being available for Sunday."