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It's been a reasonably successful summer for Tottenham Hotspur thus far, with wins in every pre-season game and an exciting signing already bedded into the team in Archie Gray.

Daniel Levy and Co have also secured the services of 18-year-old Yang Min-Hyeok, who will join the club in the new year.

However, it's not just about the incomings, as it appears that Emerson Royal's move to AC Milan is now approaching completion.

More good news: the Lilywhites may be able to sign his ideal upgrade for less than initially thought.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

A recent report from the Italian publication Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness claims that Tottenham have maintained their interest in Fiorentina full-back Michael Kayode and see him as a replacement for Royal.

According to the story, Aston Villa saw an offer of around €15m – £13m – rejected last month as La Viola are after €20m for the young star, which is €10m less than was reported prior and works out to about £17m.

While the fee is still sizeable, it's one entirely within the North Londoners' ability to pay, and therefore, Levy and Co should act fast before another side capitalises.

How Kayode compares to Royal

So, if Spurs are looking at Kayode as the replacement for the departing Royal, how does he compare to the Brazilian? Would he be the ideal upgrade, or would he be more of the same?

Let's start by looking at their output. While they're still defenders – just about, anyway – the modern full-back can be just as crucial in attacking phases, and the good news is that the young Italian does come out on top here.

In 37 appearances last season, he scored one goal and provided four assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 7.4 games, and while that's not mind-blowing, it's encouraging considering he's only just turned 20.

In contrast, the Lilywhites ace scored just one goal and failed to provide any assists in his 24 appearances last season, equating to, well, one goal involvement on average every 24 games, if you can even really call that an average.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Is it just as emphatic a victory for the "exciting" Fiorentina star, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, when we look under the hood?

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.09

0.05

Progressive Passes

3.38

4.42

Progressive Carries

1.85

1.63

Progressive Passes Received

4.22

2.71

Passing Accuracy

81.4%

90.3%

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.09

0.54

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.73

0.16

Key Passes

0.80

0.23

Shot-Creating Actions

1.71

1.63

Tackles Won

1.30

1.71

Interceptions

0.84

1.32​​​​​​

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.07

0.08

Successful Take-Ons

0.84

0.78

Ball Recoveries

4.62

6.36

Yes, yes, it is. Aside from a few metrics like ball recoveries, progressive passes, tackles won, and interceptions, the Borgomanero-born gem comes out ahead in the majority of relevant statistics, including non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, passes and crosses into the penalty area, key passes, shot-creating actions, successful take-ons, and he even makes fewer errors leading to a shot, all per 90.

Now, his weakness in a few defensive metrics isn't ideal, but given his age and the fact that he "fears nothing", per manager Vincenzo Italiano, there's no reason to think he wouldn't improve those aspects of his game under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglou.

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Ultimately, with Royal clearly on his way out and the price for Kayode coming down, signing him this summer feels like a no-brainer for Spurs and a brilliant way to further strengthen the full-back area.

The American midfielder knows how fans see him, but hopes he can change some minds on the road to the 2026 World Cup

ORLANDO, Fla. – Back in Brenden Aaronson's apartment in England, there's a little note perched above his gaming setup. It's one he sees often. It's also one designed for him to see often. It's a reminder, a target, a look into the type of expectations that Aaronson puts on his own shoulders.

That note is simple. It reads, "15 goals, 15 assists."

Lofty goals, to put it lightly. Since breaking through with the Philadelphia Union in 2019, Aaronson has scored 30 senior goals for club and country. He's assisted 28, too. But 15 and 15? Those are outrageous numbers, ones that would put him up there with the most prolific attackers in the Championship. Last season, only 10 players hit the 15-goal mark in the Championship. Two hit the 15-assist mark. None did both.

Few outside of Aaronson's apartment will believe he can hit those goals. Those on the outside who have watched him have likely already labeled him as something else entirely.

… Aaronson has heard it all at this point. Some of it's fair, he admits. Some of it isn't, though. Those labels aren't bad and, in fact, he's proud of the effort he does put in but, if Aaronson could show the world one thing, it's that he can be more than that, too… if he isn't already.

"It's definitely upsetting," Aaronson tells GOAL, "because I think, in moments, I show a lot of quality with the ball. I don't think a lot of people see that. People see my energy and that type of thing, and that's easy to see. You'll always see me giving 100 percent. That's something that I've always had. That was the first thing I learned from my dad at a young age."

"I want to be outside of that box," he adds. "I'm not just a runner. I'm not just a guy that's pressing all the time. I'll show that, of course, but I think I'm also more than that, you know? I think I'm a guy that brings other things to the pitch and, yeah, I just wish people could see that more."

To start the season at Leeds, Aaronson has begun to make his case. He's already scored four goals this season and added an assist while collecting a Player of the Month award in August. That hot start came at a time of massive uncertainty, one where fans were eager and ready to write Aaronson off. No one in Leeds is writing off Aaronson now and, as the USMNT marches towards the World Cup, Aaronson feels he still has so much to prove on both sides of the Atlantic.

Those labels are there, and they likely aren't going anywhere, but, ahead of the USMNT's Nations League clash with Jamaica, GOAL caught up with Aaronson to discuss his evolving game, his return to Leeds and how finding a bit of confidence can go a long way…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  An evolving game

  Statistically, at least on a basic level, the labels thrown Aaronson's way have some merit. The numbers, at least prior to his Leeds revival this season, weren't always there. The energy and effort, though? Those are easy to see. They're not tangible necessarily, but the eye test catches those things immediately.

  Aaronson, though, wants to contribute in other ways. He understands his role and plays it well, but he knows there are more contributions to make. That's why that 15 and 15 sign is there. That's why he's challenging himself to be more.

  His coach is doing that, too. Part of the reason Aaronson has thrived at Leeds is the belief of manager Daniel Farke, who has praised the American all through the season. The German coach welcomed Aaronson back with open arms this season and has spent the initial few months praising him for his commitment and, most importantly, his contributions.

  With four goals so far, Aaronson is Leeds' second-leading scorer behind only Joel Piroe, who has six goals in 15 matches. The club currently sits third in the Championship as they battle for a Premier League return. Farke is pleased, but he's also a coach. He, like Aaronson, believes the trademark energy is the starting point, not the end-product.

  “If he calms his game down in some moments, in some areas, he will be then in more interesting positions," Farke said. "There is always a bit more concentration to play the final pass or to be there with a better finish because, if you play football always with your pulse at 200 [beats per minute], it's always difficult to be calm and composed in the moment.

  “This is what we're working a bit on. It's complicated because we don't want to take his strengths, his energy, away, but also to channel this energy a little bit more. If he's able to do this, then, he is an outstanding player for us anyway, we can speak even about the highest level with him. This is what we are constantly working on.”

  The final third is Aaronson's big focus. At the top, top levels, that's the difference, right? The line between good and great is fine, and it basically exists entirely in that final third. This season has seen an improvement, and Aaronson just hopes to eventually earn some credit for that as he continues to shed the perceptions he developed over two difficult seasons.

  He still has some work to do in that regard. His goals have been there this season, but his own aims are still so far away. There are aspects of his game that'll need refining, too. He's still adjusting to the rough and tumble Championship, a league where physicality is king. Aaronson is still adjusting to that physicality, along with the nonstop schedule, which is both a blessing and a curse.

  "I've learned to move on from bad moments and get to the next game," Aaronson says, "because the thing that's amazing in the Championship, and when we're with the national team, it's always three days until the next game. You have three days until you get to go out there and show it again."

  Aaronson, though, still needs to show more if he wants his work to be recognized. The path forward is easy, though: get stronger, cutdown on giveaways and, most importantly, provide the goals needed to push teams forward.

  "My technical ability on the ball, I don't think I get a ton of credit for it," he says, "but whenever I'm playing consistent minutes, I always get going with assists, and I think the part of my game, dribbling and that type of thing, is kind of underrated. Even last game, I played, a ball through and we scored off of it, but it didn't count, of course. All of those little balls, like the pass before the pass, you don't always see those things."

  He adds: "For me, it's about continuing to get goals and assists because that's something I want to be. I want to be that end-game guy where, by the end of the season, not only am I just doing stuff on the pitch, but getting the stats that my game shows."

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  Changing the narrative at Leeds

  Aaronson knew exactly what he was walking into. Well, walking back into, to be clear.

  After Leeds' relegation from the Premier League, Aaronson temporarily left, spending a season with Union Berlin in the Bundesliga. It didn't quite go to plan. He scored just twice in 30 appearances, following up on a debut season at Leeds with just one goal in 40 games. He returned to Leeds this summer without much fanfare. Those that did make noise about his return weren't overly positive.

  "Honestly, it was tough," Aaronson admits. "At first, it's tough because you're in your head. You're thinking negative things. You're coming back to the team saying, 'What are they gonna think about me?' You're worried about the fans. It's never easy, but I showed up and I just did my thing. I had to prove myself. I had to be confident going in there and show them that I am a great player.

  "It wasn't easy but, for me, you know that you're going to hear stuff all the time in media, what fans think, but you still have to go in there."

  Aaronson, in his own words, had "unfinished business." Fans, meanwhile, speculated that Leeds were stuck with him. After paying nearly £25 million to sign him from RB Salzburg, getting a similar type of return for him would be almost impossible. That was speculation, though. Really, Leeds boss Farke thought he could use him.

  Leeds have certainly benefitted. Aaronson's big goal of 15 and 15 may still be a ways away but Leeds fans are already back on his side. They're even singing his song again, hailing him as the club's American Boy.

  "I knew going back, it was gonna be tight," he says. "I knew they were gonna have feelings, which are justified. I left and it was difficult, but I think really I felt it [turning around] when I scored that second goal against Sheffield Wednesday. Then I just kept putting performances together. I just felt it.

  "Listen, there are always going to be people that don't like you at the end. There are always going to be people who are going to be saying stuff, but I don't really pay attention to that. It has been nice to hear my song a few times, though. That always gives you so much confidence."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The importance of confidence

  That confidence wasn't always there. Aaronson admits that, for a little while, it did disappear almost entirely.

  His first season at Leeds was hard, the hardest of his professional career. He'd thrived everywhere he'd been prior. In Philadelphia, he was the local golden child, the homegrown star that has since become the face of an academy. He found his time at Salzburg to be productive, too, scoring nine goals while providing nine assists en route to two league titles and two Austrian Cups.

  But Leeds? The Premier League? It was a wake-up call, one that showed just how much more Aaronson had left to learn.

  "I came in right away and I played directly," he says. "I was bought for $28 million or something, and I have to come in and deliver like this. When you're 21, it's difficult because the league's different. Your team's different. You see a lot of guys go over there and they need one or two years to adjust. It's not something where you can just go like this, you know? Honestly, I started amazingly when I went there. It wasn't the start. It was just my ability to keep doing it. I think that was the biggest thing."

  For Aaronson, it was all about rediscovering that belief. He can pinpoint the moment he lost it a bit: after the 2022 World Cup. His experience in Qatar was great, but, after his return to Leeds, it felt like everything snowballed. He never quite regained his rhythm in the second half of that season and it all got worse from there as the club slumped to relegation.

  "When I left, I had to leave for my head," he admits. "I was in a tough place. I was young. I think I needed a change of scenery."

  Union Berlin was a weird one, he admits. It wasn't until the end of the season he really felt like he was contributing. A pair of late goals that season proved to be the spark he needed to get going, though. As he marched back to Leeds, he thought about those goals and the rest is now history.

  "Right now I feel great," he says. "I feel like I'm on top of my game. I think confidence, as professional athletes, that's probably the biggest thing. You need confidence. I've always been a confident guy. I've always been someone that, when I step on the pitch, I do my thing, but I think the last two years were a test of my character. I want to say it was something that I needed to go through because it brought the best out of me. I think that everybody goes through ups and downs, besides maybe Messi and Ronaldo. There are going to be seasons where you don't play, there's going to be injuries, there's going to be stuff like this.

  "To come back to Leeds and have to fight my way back into the team and show all the supporters why I'm here and what I want to do for this team, that was the biggest thing for me. I think I came back and I did that. It wasn't easy in moments, but I'm proud of myself, and, yeah, it's made me the person I am today."

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  Finding a position and a place

  All eyes are on the 2026 World Cup, Aaronson included. Every USMNT camp brings that big moment closer.

  About a year and a half out, Aaronson's USMNT role remains unclear. His versatility is one of his biggest assets, but also might hold him back just a bit. Due to his aforementioned energy, he's a fantastic supersub, one that can impact a game as a 10, eight or on the wing.

  "Everywhere I've gone, I've played [as a No. 10]," Aaronson says. "I'm a box-to-box midfielder, yes, but, for me, being able to progress the attack and get the ball in my feet and be able to create things, that's, for me, the best. That's the best position for me because I can advance the attack, I can play the final ball, I can get in the box and score. That's really the best."

  Mauricio Pochettino has already put a lot of faith in him. He started Aaronson in both games in his first camp, and trusted Aaronson to play his way out of a difficult start in Mexico. Ahead of his first camp, Pochettino said one of his goals was to find one position for Aaronson to focus on and help him become the best he can in that spot.

  "He's done a great job with him and his team showing us how we want to play," Aaronson says. "Of course, we need to keep working on it. It's not going to be a finished product right away, but I think by watching film, by doing the little things that we could do on the pitch, it's been really good. Listen, I've looked up to him as a coach. I think the way that his Tottenham team played, the way his Chelsea team played, I love the way they play football. It really is awesome to be able to work under him."

  Aaronson could be a player that benefits massively from life under Pochettino. The Argentine has relied on high-energy players every step of the way, building teams that could go out and beat the very best. They did so despite having a little bit less talent, but they made up for it with hustle and effort.

  It takes a bit more than that, too. It takes a timely goal or two to go out and take on the elite. Aaronson knows that as well as anyone. He knows how much a goal or two can change a narrative, win back a fanbase or bring back the confidence that had been lost along the way.

  The aim is 15 and 15. That's the note Aaronson will look at to remind himself every day of what he's shooting for. A few big ones will do, though. He'll chase those big moments with energy and intensity. That is what he's known for, after all.

Manchester United are reportedly ready to pay the full asking price for an "amazing" player this summer, with the deal potentially happening in the "coming days".

Man Utd transfer news

The Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at Old Trafford has felt positive to date, not least because the Red Devils won the FA Cup within months of him becoming part-owner of his boyhood club. Joshua Zirkzee has been signed from Bologna in a big-money deal, which is a further plus point, and more new faces are expected in the next month or so.

One exciting rumour that has emerged has seen Dani Olmo linked with a summer switch to United, following an excellent Euro 2024 campaign that saw him finish joint-top of the scoring charts. The 26-year-old shone for eventual winners Spain, bagging five goal contributions (three goals and two assists) and proving to be a seamless replacement for the injured Pedri.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been largely viewed as an alternative option to Zirkzee, meaning a move now may not happen, but a summer exit for the Englishman cannot be ruled out, and United could still feel that another attacking option is needed, allowing Rasmus Hojlund to mature as a player at his own speed.

Xavi Simons has also been backed to join the Red Devils between now and the start of next season, with Paris Saint-Germain potentially keen on loaning him out again. The 21-year-old helped the Netherlands reach the semi-finals of the Euros, while last season, he scored eight goals and registered 11 assists in the Bundesliga, thriving on loan at RB Leipzig.

Man Utd ready to pay asking price for "amazing" player

According to a new update from Fussball News [via Sport Witness], Manchester United have opened "harmonious and very constructive" talks for Matthijs de Ligt and are willing to pay the full asking price of £42m for him this summer.

While certain aspects of the deal still need to be ironed out, like the structure of the payments, the update states that a move to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich could be sealed in the "coming days" with a fee basically agreed upon.

This is all extremely encouraging regarding United's move for De Ligt, suggesting that a deal will go through without too many issues this week. If the Bayern star ends up being the Red Devils' preferred choice to partner Lisandro Martinez moving forward, he could be a wonderful addition, even if his stock has fallen a little in recent years.

Remarkably, the Dutchman is still only 24 years of age, despite being a key starter for Ajax when they reached the Champions League semi-finals five years ago, and compatriot Nathan Ake thinks highly of him, saying last September: "It's amazing what he is doing at the moment. He's quick, strong for his age, very good in the air and on the ball he is very good. He scores so many from set-pieces so he's got a lot of the same attributes as Van Dijk."

Matthijs de Ligt's 2023/24 Bundesliga stats

Total

Appearances

22

Starts

16

Goals

2

Assists

0

Clearances per game

2.4

Aerial duel wins per game

1.9

Pass completion rate

94%

There may be some United fans who would rather see Jarrad Branthwaite arrive instead of De Ligt, among others, but this could be a perfect chance for him to show why he has been thought of as one of the leading centre-backs of his generation for a number of years.

West Ham United have been in touch with the representatives of a £30m+ attacking star ahead of a possible move to the London Stadium.

West Ham’s summer signings so far

New manager Julen Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten have already brought in two new players this summer, with plenty of change expected ahead of Lopetegui’s first season in charge.

Teenager winger Luis Guilherme was the first to arrive from Palmeiras, with the Brazilian costing around £25m. Experienced goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has also recently signed Hammers terms after he left Sheffield United upon his contract expiry.

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Now, more signings are wanted. West Ham are hoping to seal a deal for Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, whereas further attacking additions are wanted alongside Guilherme.

Former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, now at Galatasaray, and Fluminense forward Jhon Arias are two players who the Irons have reportedly bid for, whereas the club have also made it clear they are open to signing Albert Gudmundsson from Genoa. Talks have also been held for Lille striker Jonathan David, but a new final third target has emerged in Hull City’s Jaden Philogene.

West Ham make Jaden Philogene contact – Fabrizio Romano

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, relayed by GiveMeSport, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that West Ham, as well as Ipswich Town, have already made contact with Philogene’s representatives to understand the conditions of any transfer. He also added that Aston Villa have a clause to match any bid for the winger after selling him to Hull.

"There is also interest from several Premier League clubs, especially from West Ham and Ipswich Town. These two clubs have already reached out to the player's side to understand the conditions of the deal in this case.

"Remember that the player, in the future, will have a possibility to return to Aston Villa. Villa have a matching clause into the contract of Philogene, so they have the possibility in the future to bring the player back. Let's see what's going to happen in terms of negotiations, but for sure, it's going to be one to watch in the next few weeks."

Hull City signed Philogene from Aston Villa in a permanent transfer last year, costing around £5m, and it has been claimed in recent months by Hull owner Acun Ilicali that an asking price would be more than £30m.

“This will be our policy. Just like Real Madrid bought Arda Güler. We can guess how much he will be from now on. We need to catch players like that. We got Jaden Philogene for £5m, now it’s £30m, but we have no intention of selling for £30m.”

Barcelona have also been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old, holding talks for a possible shock deal, with Philogene starring in the Championship last season. The Hammers could be ones to watch in any transfer race for the winger, who scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 32 appearances last season, resulting in his Transfermarkt valuation rocketing to a career-high €15m.

Eddie Howe's Newcastle United side were unable to replicate their impressive form from 2022/23, with the Magpies finishing the season seventh in the Premier League.

However, compared to where they were just a couple of years ago, the club are on a clear trajectory, and with a team full of talented stars, it's only a matter of time until they start regularly challenging the so-called ‘big six’.

No Newcastle fan could’ve envisaged such a rapid transformation, with stars such as Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes excelling for the Magpies and playing a crucial role in securing Champions League football last season.

The club have been reliant on shrewd business to take them to where they are today, with the aforementioned players playing a huge role in the club’s recent and unexpected success.

One player in particular has proven to be excellent business for the club, not in terms of his abilities under Howe, but for the profit he’s set to make the club in the near future.

Yankuba Minteh’s stats in 2023/24

Forward Yankuba Minteh joined the club on 1 July 2023 from Danish side Odense BK, before immediately joining Feyenoord on loan for the rest of the 2023/24 campaign.

The 19-year-old Gambian has scored ten times and produced six assists in his 27 appearances in the Eredivisie, as he looks to gain experience ahead of a potential first-team spot for Newcastle next season.

As demonstrated by his stats in the Netherlands this season, he clearly has a lot of talent despite his tender age, with Minteh having the potential to save the Magpies a lot of money in the long run.

Successful take-ons

3.7

98%

Progressive carries

7.9

98%

Shots

3.5

93%

Touches in penalty area

9.9

99%

Shot-creating actions

5.8

97%

However, as a result of his excellent form under newly appointed Liverpool boss Arne Slot, he’s attracted major interest from the Reds, with the Dutchman reportedly willing to spend £40m to secure his services this summer.

The figure reported is an obscene one, especially considering the fee Howe and the Saudi PIF formed out for his signature less than 12 months ago.

Yankuba Minteh’s transfer value in 2024

Less than a year on from his £6m move to St James’ Park, the Gambian has seen his market value soar as a result of his impressive loan stint, with his price tag rocketing above one current Newcastle first-team member.

According to Football Transfers, the youngster is now valued at €22.9m (£19m), an increase of 216% – a concrete example of the club’s recent success within the transfer market. As a result, Liverpool could significantly overpay for his services by acquiring him.

His subsequent value is higher than Brazilian Joelinton who’s now only priced at €18.3m (£15m) despite arriving on Tyneside for £40m back in the summer of 2019.

Despite potential rumours linking the youngster with a move away from St James' Park, they must keep hold of the attacker, with Minteh having the potential to be a first-team regular for many years to come.

Whilst the Gambian would allow for an easy sale to help their FFP situation, he could prove to develop further on Tyneside and catapult Howe’s side back into a battle for a Champions League spot next season.

Another Toney situation: Newcastle could sell ace with "Vinicius quality"

Newcastle may have to part ways with a superb talent to avoid FFP issues.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Na entrevista coletiva após a derrota de virada por 2 a 1 para o Atlético-
GO, o técnico do Bahia, Dado Cavalcanti, ressaltou que é preciso cautela para analisar as alternativas de substituições que ele tem a sua disposição.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

Outro elemento abordado pelo treinador seriam os apontamentos sobre a manutenção nas partidas do meia Rodrigunho. Peça essa que, segundo a avaliação de Dado, tem um poder de decisão e condicionamento físico que não podem ser ignorados:

-O Gilberto saiu com cãibra, ele não sairia. O Maycon Douglas também sentiu o desgaste fui obrigado a sacar. Fiz uma troca técnica e coloquei Ruiz no lugar de Mugni, e coloquei mais um atacante. Então faço uma reflexão com as pessoas que questionam. Com a saída do Rodriguinho, entraria quem? Um volante, um zagueiro, um lateral? Não tinha como fazer. O Rodriguinho vem dando suporte, não sente os finais dos jogos e pode resolver um jogo – disse o técnico, acrescentando:

-As mudanças fazem parte do cotidiano. Nós não temos uma condição ampla de elenco, então não dá para radicalizar. Existe a dor da derrota, mas não dá para jogar tudo para o alto. Vamos buscar soluções para fazer um jogo melhor no próximo final de semana.

A partida citada por Dado Cavalcanti ganhou um contorno drámatico de acordo com os resultados do fim de semana no Brasileirão. Isso porque o time de Salvador enfrenta uma equipe em condição pior do que a dela, o vice-lanterna Grêmio, no próximo sábado (21) às 19h, em Porto Alegre.

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Botafogo e Ponte Preta vão fechar a 16ª rodada da Série B do Brasileirão. As duas equipes medem forças neste domingo, às 20h30, em partida válida pela 16ª do Campeonato Brasileiro, no Estádio Nilton Santos.

+ CEO mostra números dos primeiros meses da gestão no Botafogo a Conselheiros

Os objetivos dos times são opostos: enquanto o Botafogo, na 10ª posição, busca vencer para diminuir ainda mais a distância para o G4, a Ponte Preta, por sua vez, chega para a partida estando na 18ª colocação – ou seja, dentro da zona de rebaixamento.

+ Confira a tabela da Série B

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FICHA TÉCNICA
Botafogo x Ponte Preta

Data-Hora: 08/08/2021, às 20h30
Local: Estádio Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
​Árbitro: Rodrigo Batista Raposo (DF)
Assistentes:Lehi Sousa Silva (DF) eLucas Costa Modesto (DF)
Onde assistir: SporTV, Premiere e tempo real do LANCE!

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BOTAFOGO (Técnico: Enderson Moreira)
​Diego Loureiro; Daniel Borges, Kanu, Gilvan, Guilherme Santos; Luís Oyama, Pedro Castro (Barreto); Marco Antônio, Chay, Diego Gonçalves; Rafael Navarro.

Suspensos: Ninguém
​Pendurados: Luís Oyama
Fora: Gatito Fernández, Jonathan, Ronald e Diego Cavalieri (lesionados)

PONTE PRETA (Técnico: Gilson Kleina)
I​van; Kevin, Fábio Sanches, Rayan, Felipe Albuquerque; André Luiz, Vini Locatelli, Camilo; Richard, Josiel ( João Veras),Moisés.

Suspensos:Cleylton
Pendurados: –
​Fora: Rodrigão (desconforto muscular)

Palpites: na redação do LANCE!, 60% dos votantes apostaram em uma vitória do Botafogo, 25% no empate e 15% no triunfo da Ponte Preta.

West Bromwich Albion will enter into the Championship playoffs revitalised now, having managed to put their bad run of form aside on the final day to convincingly beat Preston North End 3-0.

Before this resounding victory over Ryan Lowe's Lilywhites, Carlos Corberan's wobbling Baggies had lost their last three second-tier matches to nearly jeopardise their spot in the upcoming playoffs.

Thankfully, heroes such as Alex Mowatt and Kyle Bartley stepped up to the mark at the Hawthorns to secure a vital three points that then solidified fifth spot in the division for the West Midlands side.

As much as Bartley continues to shine as an authoritative figure at the back for his promotion-chasing side, there are other members of Corberan's camp who must be fearing for their futures including this forgotten face who even earns more than the dependable centre-back.

Jayson Molumby's time at West Brom

Once described as being an "animal" in one of the central midfield spots at the Hawthorns by Corberan, Jayson Molumby's career at West Brom is now in danger of fizzling out.

An ever-present member of the Baggies first-team last season showing lots of promise, with four goals and four assists picked up from 43 games, it's been a different story for the Irishman this campaign with one serious injury stopping his season early.

Only making one appearance in 2024 to date after a foot injury sustained against Swansea City left the 24-year-old needing surgery, the former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder will be watching on from the stands for the playoffs questioning his long-term place at West Brom after such a long absence.

Alex Mowatt and Okay Yokuslu's tight-knit relationship developing in the holding midfield positions since the Irishman's injury setback will also make it even more difficult for Molumby to push back into the main team fold, on top of his excessive wage being higher than other notable first-team faces such as Bartley.

Molumby's wage at West Brom

Despite only featuring once this year and being a regular fixture in the Hawthorns treatment room, Molumby's £17.3k-per-week wage means he's a current higher earner than Bartley who has amassed 39 appearances this campaign and even wore the captain's armband against Preston whilst scoring.

Bartley earns around £4k-per-week less with his lesser pay packet coming in at £13.4k-per-week in contrast, even with the experienced former Arsenal man being a crucial cog now for Corberan when push comes to shove in the drama of the playoffs.

Molumby is about £5k-per-week off entering into the exclusive list of West Brom's top five highest earners, however, with Corberan and Co having to engage in conversations with the likes of Daryl Dike in a similar fashion to Molumby soon who has his own injury demons and is burning a significant hole in the club's pocket at a staggering £32.3k-per-week.

It's been a humbling campaign for Molumby to say the least who was struggling for minutes even before disaster struck on the road versus the Swans, with last season even seeing him pick up the accolade of Supporters' Player of the Season from Baggies fans.

Now, the forgotten 24-year-old is staring an exit from the Hawthorns in the face very soon instead of battling it out in the playoffs.

Jadon Sancho revealed that he looked up to Chelsea legends Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard as "idols" while growing up in London.

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Sancho made a deadline day switch to ChelseaIdolised Lampard & Drogba in his youthMaresca played a key role in convincing himWHAT HAPPENED?

The 24-year-old winger, who has been loaned to Chelsea for the remainder of the season with a future obligation to buy, expressed his delight at fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing for the Blues. The permanent move will be executed for a fee between £20-£25 million, depending on the club's league finish.

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Growing up in London, Sancho was an ardent fan of Chelsea, with club legends Drogba and Lampard serving as his primary footballing inspirations. Together, they scored an impressive 375 goals and provided 212 assists in 1,029 appearances for the club, secured multiple Premier League titles and European honours in the process.

WHAT SANCHO SAID

In an interview with the , Sancho said: "London is where I grew up and I’m happy to be back. Chelsea is iconic. My idols growing up were Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard and now I have the opportunity to play for this club like them. It’s a great feeling."

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DID YOU KNOW?

While Sancho's admiration for Chelsea heroes and a boyhood love for the club played a significant role in his decision to join the Blues, the influence of head coach Enzo Maresca was equally crucial.

"I think it’s the manager who really drew me to the project," Sancho explained. "I knew him from his time with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He spoke to me on the phone about this project and what he was building here, and for a young player like myself, it’s exciting, and I can’t wait to get started.

"They’re signing me for a reason, and to contribute to the team, and I’m ready to do that. I enjoy his style of play. The wingers, when they get on the ball, he loves them to go one versus one and be direct. We play a lot of one-twos with the 10s and the striker combination plays. It’s very attractive, and it’s a style that I play."

One of the places in the England team – or any team, like Arsenal, for that matter – that is the hardest to break into is in goal. For the entire duration of Gareth Southgate’s managerial reign, Jordan Pickford has been England’s number one.

The Everton man has 60 caps for his country, all coming under Southgate. He made his debut on 10 November 2017, in a friendly against Germany, and has since gone on to keep 28 clean sheets across his 60 caps.

Over the years, there have been some challengers to Pickford, with the hopes of displacing him from his number one spot. Nick Pope, Newcastle United’s first-choice goalkeeper, has excellent credentials. He has ten caps for the Three Lions, and last played on the 26th of September 2022.

Sam Johnstone of Crystal Palace is another goalkeeper who has been in and around the England squad in recent years. However, the former Manchester United man has just four caps for the Three Lions. Frustratingly for Johnstone, he is currently sidelined with an elbow injury and will miss Euro 2024.

There is one goalkeeper who, last season, many people believed should be England’s number one ahead of Pickford. However, the 2023/24 season has been a tough one for forgotten Gunners man, Aaron Ramsdale, and he could well be set to leave his current club in the summer.

Aaron Ramsdale's transfer value at Arsenal in 2024

The 25-year-old was Mikel Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper last season but with the arrival of David Raya on loan, opportunities have been limited for Rasmdale, who currently has four England caps to his name.

The Gunners bought Ramsdale from relegated Sheffield United in 2021, for a fee of £24m, although that was a sum that could rise to £30m with add-ons. Now, with Raya set to stay at the Emirates Stadium permanently, the England international could depart the Gunners this summer.

According to Team Talk, Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea are the side thought to be most interested in signing Ramsdale, although clubs such as Inter Milan are linked with him too.

A fee of around £60m is enough to tempt Arsenal into a deal, according to the report. This is a fee slightly above Ramsdale’s market value, however. Football Observatory value the 25-year-old at £42.8m, almost double what the Gunners spent on him in 2021. They certainly seem to be in line to make plenty of profit on Ramsdale if they sell him this summer.

How Ramsdale and Raya compare

The 2023/24 season has been incredibly frustrating for Ramsdale, who has made just 11 appearances in all competitions so far. He has conceded 12 goals in that time, keeping just three clean sheets.

The 6 foot 2 stopper's most recent appearance came on 9 March, when he started at home against Brentford, a game Raya could not play because it was against his parent club. Prior to that, Ramsdale’s last Premier League appearance was on the 25th of November, also against the Bees.

Last season, however, the one-time Bournemouth star was a key man for Arsenal, playing in all 38 of their Premier League games, keeping 14 clean sheets. That ranked him joint-second in the league, and was bettered only by David de Gea’s 17 for Manchester United.

With that being said, Raya is outperforming Ramsdale’s numbers from the 2022/23 season, statistically speaking. Aside from having an equal amount of clean sheets than the Englishman having played less games, Raya is also beating Ramsdale’s post-shot expected goals, where a lower number is better, and cross-claiming numbers.

According to Fbref, Raya stops an average of 12.2% crosses, and has a post shot xG of 0.64. That ranks him in the top 8% and the top 5% respectively amongst Premier League goalkeepers this season.

In contrast, as per Fbref, Ramsdale last season stopped an average of 5.8% crosses and has a post shot xG of 1.05. This places the 25-year-old in the 36th percentile and the top 16% amongst Premier League goalkeepers last season.

With that in mind, it can certainly be argued that Arsenal have upgraded their goalkeeper by signing Raya. If they can get £60m for Ramsdale, at a £36m profit, it certainly seems like a logical deal for the north London side to do, and works out well for the player himself because he gets regular first-team minutes as he looks to challenge Pickford for his England spot.

Amid those aforementioned rumours that a variety of teams are eyeing the Gunners' understudy this summer – and with the club still in the hunt for the Premier League title – there is a case to be made that Ramsdale won't play for Arteta's side again.

Arsenal hit gold selling a star who'd be worth more than Rice in 2024 money

He cost them just £500k.

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 26, 2024