Barcelona reach agreement to sign Nico Williams on six-year contract as Lamine Yamal's Spain team-mate edges closer to sealing blockbuster transfer from Athletic Club

Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Nico Williams on a six-year contract as he edges closer to a blockbuster transfer from Athletic Club.

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Barcelona agree on personal terms with WilliamsForward set to sign a six-year dealWill earn €12m in annual wagesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , the Blaugrana have reached a pre-agreement with Williams for a six-year contract that would keep him at Camp Nou until the summer of 2031. The explosive winger is now close to linking up with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, with whom he has built up a strong relationship for the Spain national team. Forming a dynamic new wing partnership in Hansi Flick's attacking plans, Williams is set to earn €12 million (£10m/$14m) at Barca if the deal goes through.

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Barcelona’s interest in Williams dates back more than a year. The club initially made him a top target last summer, but the acquisition of Dani Olmo had significantly strained the club’s limited transfer resources, shelving plans for another marquee signing. Moreover, club president Joan Laporta has reportedly been impressed with Williams' determination to wear the Barcelona shirt. Several recent meetings between the winger’s camp and club executives have been held to iron out the framework of the proposed transfer. Williams will be free to complete the transfer once Barca agree on a fee with Athletic Club, who are said to be demanding €60 million for the winger.

DID YOU KNOW?

Williams has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past two seasons, and his latest campaign with Athletic was no exception. He contributed five goals and five assists in 29 La Liga appearances, while playing a pivotal role in their Europa League campaign, scoring five times and assisting three more en route to a semi-final finish. His performances earned him a spot in the Europa League Team of the Season.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMS?

Barcelona’s breakthrough in negotiations with Williams comes at the expense of several major European clubs. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich had all expressed strong interest in the Spain international. Chelsea were believed to be monitoring his situation throughout the season, while Bayern reportedly engaged in talks shortly before their squad travelled to the United States for the Club World Cup. Ultimately, Williams’ preference to stay in Spain and join a project that includes fellow La Roja talent Yamal appears to have swung the deal decisively in Barcelona’s favour.

Berta a huge fan of £84m "Iniesta-esque" Arsenal target who he knows well

Arsenal’s incoming sporting director, Andrea Berta, is a huge fan of a “magic” midfielder he knows very well who is on the Gunners’ transfer radar, according to a report.

Berta set to join the Gunners

Finding a replacement for Edu has proven to be a long process, but the Gunners appear to have finally got their man, with Berta expected to make a move to the Emirates Stadium, despite interest from elsewhere.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed AC Milan were very keen on hijacking the deal, holding three meetings to persuade the 53-year-old to move to the San Siro, but north London was always his favoured destination.

The Italian has plans to take Mikel Arteta’s project to the next level, and one of his first tasks in the summer transfer window will be to sign a new striker, with a number of targets being identified.

Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in race to sign £71m striker who Wenger loves

The Gunners have leapfrogged their Premier League rivals in the race for an “unbelievable” forward.

ByDominic Lund Mar 17, 2025

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is the dream signing for the north Londoners, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko also near the top of the list, but striker is not the only position in which they are keen to strengthen.

Berta is also planning to overhaul Arsenal’s midfield, and a report from The Boot Room has revealed he is a big fan of Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios, as a result of their time working together in La Liga.

tletico Madrid's PabloBarriosin action with Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe

A £84m release clause in Barrios’ contract means he will not come cheap, but the Gunners could be keen, especially given that Berta holds the midfielder in very high regard.

That said, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi remains the top target in midfield, with talks over a deal for the 26-year-old still ongoing, and there is a determination to sign him quickly amid interest from other top clubs.

"Magic" Barrios could be a solid Zubimendi alternative

It is unclear whether Arsenal will be able to spend big on two top midfielders this summer, but there are signs the Atletico Madrid star could be a solid alternative to Zubimendi, should the Spaniard choose to move elsewhere.

The Madrid-born midfielder has emerged as a key player for Atletico this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions, and he is particularly adept defensively, ranking in the 88th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year compared to his positional peers.

Not only that, but the starlet has previously been likened to one of Spain’s greatest-ever midfielders, Andrés Iniesta, by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

At 21 years old, Barrios is five years Zubimendi’s junior, which may also appeal to Arsenal, but the release clause could prove to be a major stumbling block, with the requisite £84m fee making him much more expensive than the Real Sociedad star, who is valued at £50m.

Arsenal threaten to walk away from Viktor Gyokeres talks after Sporting CP's price hike as Gunners 'freeze' at demands of over £60m

Arsenal have reportedly threatened to walk away from the deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres after Sporting CP hiked up their prices for the striker.

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  • Sporting increase Viktor Gyokeres' price demand
  • Had been hoping for a bidding war for the striker
  • Arsenal threaten to walk away from the transfer
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Arsenal and Manchester United have been the two most interested parties in signing Gyokeres this summer, on the back of his fantastic season that saw him grab 67 goal contributions in 52 games. Sporting CP had been hoping that a bidding war between the two sides would help them get a massive transfer fee for the striker; however, the Swede's rejection of the Red Devils has now caused the Portuguese side to increase their price demand.

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    Arsenal had reportedly believed that a transfer fee of €70 million (£60m/$81m) would be enough to land the signing of Gyokeres this summer. However, Sporting promptly rejected that a bid around that price point would not be enough for them to agree to sell the highly-rated striker.

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    TELL ME MORE…

    The Sunday edition of the Portuguese outlet Record has now reported that Arsenal are ready to 'freeze' their interest in Gyokeres and turn away from the deal if Sporting continue to make inflated demands. The Gunners believe they have cheaper options in the form of Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins.

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  • WHAT NEXT FOR GYOKERES?

    The Gunners are likely to still have Gyokeres as their main option regarding a summer transfer. Additionally, the Swedish striker is also said to be interested in a move to the Emirates, but if he fails to get Sporting to bend their transfer demands, a move away may fall through.

دون تجميل.. فليك يفتح صدره لـ تير شتيجن ويخبره بقراره النهائي قبل موسم برشلونة

كشفت تقارير صحفية تطورات تخص مستقبل حارس مرمى فريق برشلونة، مارك أندريه تير شتيجن، في ظل تكهنات مستمرة حول وضعه مع بطل الدوري الإسباني.

وارتبط تير شتيجن بخطوة الرحيل عن صفوف برشلونة، هذا الصيف، حيث لا يُعد جزءًا من خطط المدرب هانز فليك.

وتعاقد برشلونة مع خوان جارسيا، من إسبانيول، في وقت سابق من موسم الانتقالات الصيفي الحالي، مما يعقد مستقبل تير شتيجن مع النادي الكتالوني.

وحسبما ذكرت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، فإن المدير الفني لفريق برشلونة هانز فليك اجتمع بـ تير شتيجن، في المدينة الرياضية، يوم الجمعة.

وأوضحت أن فليك قرر عدم الانتظار وأبلغ تير شتيجن بأنه لن يكون حارس برشلونة الأساسي الموسم المقبل، حيث اتخذ النادي قرارًا استراتيجيًا فيما يخص مركزه، عن طريق التعاقد مع خوان جارسيا.

وأفادت أن فليك أكد لـ تير شتيجن أن جارسيا يتمتع بثقة كاملة من الجهاز الفني ومسؤولي برشلونة حيث سيكون الحارس الأساسي للفريق.

وسيحترم برشلونة أي قرار يتخذه تير شتيجن، سواء قرر البقاء مع الفريق من أجل القتال على مكان في التشكيل الأساسي، أو الرحيل إلى نادِ آخر في يناير المقبل.

وشددت على أن الحوار بين فليك وتير شتيجن كان صادقًا وضروريًا لتوضيح الوضع الجديد في ذلك المركز في برشلونة بشكل رسمي، حيث أن النادي لديه التزام استراتيجي واضح عن طريق إعادة تشكيل نظام حراسة المرمى من خلال حارس شاب واعد.

ويرى فليك أن خوان جارسيا يمتلك الصفقات اللازمة ليكون حارس مرمى برشلونة، وسيكون رهانه طوال الموسم الجديد، باستثناء الإيقاف أو الإصابة.

ليس هذا فقط، بل أن برشلونة لا يزال لديه الثقة تجاه فويتشيك تشيزني، باعتباره الحارس الثاني، ومن ثم فإن مشاركة تير شتيجن شبه مستحيلة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. برشلونة يجهز مفاجأة سارة لجماهيره عند إعادة افتتاح ملعب الكامب نو

ولم يغلق فليك الباب أمام تير شتيجن في برشلونة، حيث شجعه على البقاء والقتال من أجل مركزه، خاصة أن لديه عقد مستمر حتى 2028، ولكن المدرب رغب أن يكون واضحًا مع مواطنه حتى يتسنى للأخير التفكير بشأن مستقبله، طالما هناك وقت في الميركاتو الجاري.

واسترسلت الصحيفة أن برشلونة أكد لـ تير شتيجن أنه سيتعين عليه إيجاد مكان جديد بنفسه، حيث أن الإدارة ستسهل رحيله مع تقديم الدعم المالي إذا لزم الأمر، طالما تلك هي رغبة الحارس نفسه.

ولا يريد تير شتيجن الرحيل والخروج من الباب الخلفي، لأن فكرته واضحة قبل بداية العطلة، حيث يتطلع إلى البقاء كونه مقتنعًا بقدرته على القتال من أجل الحصول على وقت للعب، بالنظر إلى مستواه، رغم أن فليك أخبره أنه لن يشارك كأساسي، وفكرة لعبه ولو دقيقة واحدة أمر شبه مستحيل، في ظل وجود جارسيا وتشيزني.

وتقع الضغوط الآن على تير شتيجن نفسه، مع العلم أنه يريد الدفاع عن حقوقه التعاقدية، ولا يريد القيام بأي تحركات خاطئة، حيث أنه ليس مستعدًا لإنهاء عقده إلا بتلقي المبالغ المتفق عليها طوال فترة صفقته، ولن يتراجع عن هذا الأمر.

وسبق أن ذكرت تقارير صحفية كون تير شتيجن شعر بغضب شديد جراء بعض التسريبات الداخلية، التي يعتقد أنها جاءت من داخل النادي نفسه لتشويه سمعته، ومن ثم فإن غضبه سيجعل مسأله تعايشه في غرفة الملابس حاليًا أمرًا صعبًا.

ويبدو أن برشلونة على استعداد لإنهاء عقد تير شتيجن من خلال دفع مستحقاته المالية لمدة عام واحد من الأعوام الثلاثة، وبالتالي إطلاق سراحه حتى يتمكن الألماني من متابعة مستقبله، لكن هذا العرض لم يوضع على الطاولة حتى الآن.

ولم يُناقش حتى الآن أي أمر سوى الشق الرياضي، ولكن كل شيء سوف يتم الآن في المكاتب، لأنه في النهاية قد ينتهي الأمر بمفاوضات اقتصادية.

ويرتبط تير شتيجن حاليًا بأكثر من نادِ مثل موناكو الفرنسي، إنتر ميلان الإيطالي، جالطة سراي التركي، بل ومانشستر يونايتد الإنجليزي كذلك.

Modernização de Reffis do São Paulo quer acelerar recuperação de atletas

MatériaMais Notícias

Nos próximos dias, o São Paulo já deverá contar com o Reffis modernizado. Os novos aparelhos do Núcleo de Reabilitação Esportiva Fisioterápica e Fisiológica serão destinados para acelerar a recuperação e melhorar o diagnóstico de atletas machucados.

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>ATUAÇÕES: Calleri volta a marcar, e Bustos “desencanta” em vitória do São Paulo

> Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro e simule os próximos jogos

De acordo com apurações levantadas pelo LANCE!, entre os aparelhos novos está um ultrassom, específico para detectar e prevenir futuras lesões. A reforma do núcleo custou cerca de R$ 400 mil, que o clube só vai pagar em 2023.

A modernização do Reffis vem para diminuir o alto número de desfalques por lesões. Nesta temporada, o São Paulo dificilmente poderá contar com quatro atletas:Arboleda, Caio, Gabriel Neves e Moreira.

O calendário apertado do Tricolor e a sequência de decisões que está enfrentando neste ano têm prejudicado o trabalho do Departamento Médico. Desde o Campeonato Paulista, em praticamente todos os jogos, o Tricolor sofreu desfalque por lesão.

Leeds sold Meslier upgrade for just £1.4m, now he's a "superstar"

Leeds United fans must have barely any fingernails left at this point in time as another dramatic end to the regular Championship season hurtles into view.

Indeed, the Whites could well suffer from another automatic promotion collapse now with Burnley only behind Leeds on goal difference in third spot, whilst Sheffield United sit pretty at the top of the pile with a two-point cushion in place.

If Leeds do fall into the playoffs like their fate during the 2023/24 campaign, there will be questions asked again about certain parts of Daniel Farke’s failing first-team personnel.

Most notably, Illan Meslier suffered from another bad day at the office in the disastrous 2-2 draw versus Swansea City on Saturday.

Meslier's disastrous performance against Swansea

The ex-Lorient goalkeeper has always been prone to an error or two since signing on the dotted line for the Whites back in 2019.

This season has exposed that more and more, with Meslier left notably ashen-faced when he gifted Sunderland a fortuitous equaliser back in October in a 2-2 draw, which is remarkably similar to how his afternoon played out versus the Swans.

The shaky Frenchman slipped up once more when Alan Sheehan’s visitors came to Elland Road, with the lofty 6 foot 6 ‘keeper gifting Harry Darling Swansea’s first goal of the day from a corner, before then somehow failing to stop Zan Vipotnik’s fierce 96th minute effort.

Farke has stuck by the clumsy 25-year-old, but it remains to be seen whether Meslier is the preferred choice heading into next campaign, with Premier League attackers aplenty licking their lips at the prospect of facing off against the former France U21 international if Leeds do return to the top-flight.

Annoyingly, Farke could already have a stronger option than Meslier in between the sticks if the Whites didn’t allow this alternative face to leave for good in 2022.

Leeds have already sold a Meslier replacement

Meslier does, of course, have his plus points, with the long-standing Elland Road servant up to a sizeable 72 clean sheets from 214 Leeds appearances.

But, errors creeping into the 25-year-old’s game are unavoidable now, as one ex-Leeds ‘keeper in Elia Caprile continues to excel away from West Yorkshire whilst Meslier regularly struggles.

Caprile never went on to make a senior appearance for Leeds having shone in the U23s, leaving the promotion-chasers with a big sense of what if in the here and now, especially as the 23-year-old now shines with loan employers Cagliari away from parent side Napoli.

Only leaking 16 goals this season in Serie A donning his new Cagliari colours, Caprile has undoubtedly gone on to make a name for himself away from England, with his transfer valuation now also a great deal higher than his early footballing education at Leeds.

Caprile’s numbers away from Leeds

Stat

Caprile

Games played

123

Clubs played for

5

Goals conceded

128

Clean sheets

40

Value at Leeds

£167k

Value now

£7m

Sourced by Transfermarkt

The “superstar” stopper – as he’s been lauded in the past by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – has seen his value increase by a mammoth 400% since initially moving to Bari, with Caprile heading to Italy in a deal worth around £1.4m.

Now, he’s worth a bumper £7m according to Transfermarkt, off the back of an impressive 40 clean sheets being picked up from 123 total clashes away from Elland Road.

With a lack of convincing backup options at Farke’s disposal, Leeds fans wouldn’t grumble if Caprile was back on the books, with his varied career since leaving perhaps making him a competent choice in the unpredictable Championship.

This is all hypothetical, however, with the German unlikely to change up his first team ‘keeper choice, leaving Leeds in a perilous position near the top of the second tier.

As bad as Meslier: Leeds star who lost possession 15x had a game to forget

Leeds United collapsed late on at Elland Road in a disappointing 2-2 draw against Swansea City.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 30, 2025

League Two PFA Players' Player of the Year nominees: Ex-Premier League star David McGoldrick and top goalscorer Michael Cheek included on six-man shortlist

Former Premier League star David McGoldrick is among six players to have been nominated for the League Two PFA Players' Player of the Year award.

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  • McGoldrick on League Two shortlist
  • Top goalscorer Cheek also named
  • Award to be presented in August
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    McGoldrick is joined on the shortlist by Notts County team-mate Alassana Jatta, with the pair scoring 36 goals between them for the losing play-off semi-finalists. Colchester, Bromley, Walsall and league champions Doncaster are also represented by nominees.

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    THE NOMINEES

    Doncaster's Luke Molyneux makes the list, as does Bromley striker and the league's top goalscorer Michael Cheek. Colchester's Jack Payne and Nathan Lowe, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Walsall, are also nominated.

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    McGoldrick scored 17 goals as his side finished sixth in League Two, with Jatta netting 19. Molyneux registered 28 goals involvements in 45 appearances for table-toppers Doncaster, while Cheek's 25 goals saw him scoop the top goalscorer prize comfortably. Lowe netted 15 goals in the first half of the season with Walsall and his return to parent club Stoke prompted the Saddlers collapse into the play-offs, where they lost the final to AFC Wimbledon. Payne continued to develop his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the division, setting up 11 goals for Colchester.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    The prestigious prize will be awarded during a ceremony at the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday, August 19. On the same night, the PFA will dish out awards to the best players in the Premier League, WSL, the Championship and League One, as well as honouring some of the game's most talented youngsters.

Phoebe Litchfield, Jemimah Rodrigues dampen Spirit as Superchargers seal play-off berth

Northern Superchargers 136 for 6 (Litchfield 38, Rodrigues 30, Glenn 3-19) beat London Spirit 135 for 7 (Kerr 60*) by four wicketsAmelia Kerr’s heroics with bat and ball proved in vain as London Spirit lost a nail-biter to Northern Superchargers by four wickets to bow out of contention the 2023 Women’s Hundred.New Zealand allrounder Kerr struck a magnificent 32-ball 60 with nine fours to carry Spirit to 135 for 7 in their 100 balls.She followed that with 2 for 24 with the ball and Sarah Glenn returned 3 for 19 as the hosts made a valiant attempt to defend their tally and stay in the tournament.But in-form Phoebe Litchfield’s 38 from 34 and 30 from Jemimah Rodrigues saw Superchargers to 136 for 6 as they scraped home to all but book their place in the knockout stages.Invited to bat, Spirit lost Niamh Holland stumped by Bess Heath off Grace Ballinger and a subdued England skipper Heather Knight took seven balls to get off the mark, meaning only 22 came from the powerplay.All-rounder Danielle Gibson (24) pulled England quick Kate Cross for six only to be bowled by Georgia Wareham and Grace Harris’s miserable tournament continued as she belted a Linsey Smith full toss straight to midwicket.When Knight was run out Spirit were 53 for 4, but it was here the Kerr took charge, sweeping beautifully and hitting powerfully down the ground.Richa Ghosh cleared the ropes at mid-on as the pair added 37 in 26 balls, before the Indian wicketkeeper found the safe hands of Cross from the bowling of Lucy Higham, but Kerr struck three boundaries in a row as 36 came from the final 20 to give the hosts something to bowl at.Amelia Kerr prepares to hit the ball•ECB via Getty Images

Superchargers began scratchily, Marie Kelly feathering one from England quick Lauren Filer through to Ghosh, before in-form Phoebe Litchfield survived an lbw shout by Charlie Dean, the not out call incorrectly reviewed.Successive fours from Jemimah Rodrigues provided impetus at the back end of the powerplay, and Litchfield carried on the momentum, driving one from Tara Norris straight back over the bowler’s head.Knight turned to Glenn and Kerr in the hope they would find the same turn extracted by the Superchargers’ spinners. Rodrigues responded by cutting and pulling the New Zealander to the fence twice in a set, but Glenn cut short the fun trapping the overseas star lbw.Kerr accounted for Hollie Armitage immediately after the strategic time-out, but Litchfield continued on, ramping Filer over the keeper and sweeping Kerr for another four.Gibson in her turn came in for some heavy treatment from the Australian and Bess Heath celebrated her England call-up by striking the same bowler almost into the Tavern. Heath perished trying to repeat the stroke off Glenn and when Litchfield’s attempted reverse sweep off Kerr failed to go the distance the game was back in the balance.Davidson-Richards gloved one to give Glenn a third wicket and 15 were needed off the last 10, but Wareham and Cross struck vital fours and Norris dropped the England quick as Superchargers got home with a ball to spare.

Farke can drop Aaronson by starting "dynamite" Leeds star & it's not Gnonto

Leeds United come back from the international break to return to action in the Championship this afternoon as they prepare to welcome Swansea City to Elland Road.

The Whites have had a two-week break from their attempts to secure an automatic return to the Premier League at the second time of asking, giving Daniel Farke and his staff a chance to reflect on the run-in and how they want to approach the final games.

They have only won one of their last four league matches, drawing two and losing one, and were held to a 2-2 draw by Queens Park Rangers in their last game.

The West Yorkshire outfit are three points behind Sheffield United, who beat Coventry City last night, and are only two points ahead of Burnley in third, which means that it is all still to play for in the race for promotion.

Farke may have to go into this clash with Swansea at Elland Road without the player who sealed all three points in the dramatic clash between the two teams when they met in Wales earlier this season.

The latest Leeds United injury news

Firstly, there was some positive news to come from the pre-match press conference as it was revealed that captain Ethan Ampadu will be in the squad after coming back from his knee issue.

Farke stated that Max Wober and Patrick Bamford are also making good progress with their respective injury issues, but they are not expected to be in the squad to face the Swans today.

The German head coach also confirmed that Wilfried Gnonto is suffering from an ankle injury and only has a 50% chance of being available for selection.

This will come as a blow to Leeds because the Italy U21 international, who scored the winner in the reverse fixture against Swansea, came on at half-time against QPR and made a positive impact.

Leeds were 2-1 down when Gnonto was brought on as a number ten and he played a terrific pass to split open the QPR defence in the build-up to Jayden Bogle’s equaliser.

The former Inter prospect, who has scored five league goals this season, came on to replace Brenden Aaronson at the break, but may now not be available to take his place from the start due to this injury.

Why Brenden Aaronson should be dropped

Despite Gnonto’s potential unavailability, Farke must finally drop the USA international from the starting line-up because of his poor form in the attacking midfield role for the club in recent weeks.

Aaronson was withdrawn after 45 minutes against QPR after a dismal half of football. He lost four of his five ground duels, completed 60% of his attempted passes, and his only involvement in a goal was to play a loose pass straight to their player for the home team’s opening strike.

The American dud has produced one goal and zero assists in his last 14 league matches for the club, and his form against the top teams in the league illustrates his struggles at the top end of the pitch.

West Brom (A)

0

0

Burnley (H)

0

0

Sunderland (A)

0

0

Sheffield United (H)

0

0

Coventry (H)

0

0

Coventry (A)

0

0

Burnley (A)

0

0

Sunderland (H)

0

0

Sheffield United (A)

0

0

West Brom (H)

0

0

As you can see in the table above, Aaronson has – quite simply – offered very little to the team against the other five teams currently situated in the top six, with no goal contributions in ten games.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

His form in front of goal, recently and in the big matches, has not been good enough and Farke should look to find a solution within his squad, starting with this game against Swansea, by bringing Mateo Joseph in.

Why Mateo Joseph should be unleashed

If Gnonto, due to his ankle injury, is not fit enough to start then the Spain U21 international should be brought in to see if he can take a chance to impress as part of a dynamic front two with Joel Piroe, playing slightly behind the Dutchman as a number ten.

Joseph has only started 11 of his 36 appearances in the Championship this season, and eight of those starts came in the first eight matches, which means that he has not had too many opportunities to shine as a starter since the opening weeks of the campaign.

As you can see in the clip above, the Spanish whiz does have the quality and vision to pick out good passes, as he did for Dan James against Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the season.

Joseph, therefore, has the potential to be a good option in the number ten position in place of the underperforming Aaronson and in the absence of Gnonto, which is backed up by his statistics this term.

Assists

0.21

Top 14%

Expected Assisted Goals

0.14

Top 17%

Non-penalty xG + Expected Assisted Goals

0.50

Top 26%

Shot-creating actions

2.36

Top 19%

Passes into the final third

1.07

Top 23%

Passes into the penalty area

0.79

Top 13%

Progressive passes

1.64

Top 31%

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old forward ranks incredibly highly among his positional peers at a number of key creative and passing metrics.

This suggests that the young star, who was described as “dynamite” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has the technical and creative qualities that could make him an effective number ten for Leeds against Swansea this afternoon.

Given Aaronson’s underperformance in recent weeks, unleashing Joseph in this role could be an interesting short-term solution to the team’s issues in that position whilst Gnonto gets back to 100% after his ankle injury.

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1 ByEthan Lamb Mar 28, 2025

Man Utd intensify efforts to sign ex-Everton flop amid talk of €52m move from Saudi Arabian club

Manchester United are considering a move for Fiorentina's Moise Kean after the striker's resurgence in Serie A.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

United consider move for KeanStriker under attention from Saudi clubsKean could return to Premier League where he struggledFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kean has found a new lease of life in Florence, scoring 19 goals and registering three assists in 32 Serie A games last season, and, according to , is on United's radar. The Red Devils are desperately searching for a new striker and rebuffs from Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres have forced their attentions to the Italian forward. Ruben Amorim has been unable to find his ideal number nine from within the squad, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to impress, and could look to trigger Kean's release clause of €52 million (£44.5m) available from 1 to 15 July.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

United may have to move quickly to secure the services of Kean who is also the target of Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah. It is unclear whether the Italian striker would be open to a move to the Middle East, but could be tempted by a huge contract offer. Kean is also determined to keep his place in the national team ahead of the World Cup next summer and a move to United over Al-Qadsiah could keep him in hotter contention.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kean has already played in the Premier League with Everton, but it did not go exactly how he would have wished. Signed as a brightly-tipped youngster, Kean struggled to adapt to life in England and was criticised for his attitude. His plight in England epitomised by the time he was taken off by Duncan Ferguson in the 88th minute after only being brought on as a substitute in the 70th minute against United at Old Trafford as a 19-year-old.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR KEAN?

There is no guarantee that Kean chooses to leave Italy this summer, particularly to Manchester United. The striker is enjoying life at Fiorentina and helped the club achieve Europa Conference League qualification by finishing sixth. It is unclear whether he would consider following the likes of former Serie A stars Hojlund and Zirkzee to Old Trafford and may choose to remain in Italy.

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