Leeds United have emerged as surprise suitors to sign an “exceptional” Burnley player who wants to leave Turf Moor this month.
Leeds still quiet in January transfer window
The Whites are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship table following Wednesday evening’s 2-0 win over Norwich City – Daniel Farke’s former side.
A four-horse promotion race is emerging between Leeds, Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland, with just five points separating the quartet.
Those at Elland Road and the 49ers Enterprises are yet to add to their squad during the winter transfer market, though, with the only piece of business being Joe Gelhardt’s loan move to Hull City.
Farke and Leeds have been linked with a number of players, including Aston Villa attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia. The message from the Leeds boss has been the club will “stay awake”, however, Farke did name-check Buendia when asked about the Argentine playmaker and a potential loan move.
“If he’s not in a white shirt or a yellow shirt we don’t speak about them. We just speak about business when it’s done. I think he just spoke in general about this, the door is perhaps open.
“I’ve also read the comments because I’m interested in football and also the Premier League. I think he just spoke in general and he has not said the door is open for Leeds United, he’s said it’s open for a loan.
“Obviously I’ve worked with Emi Buendia in former years, he was one of my best players, I really rate him but I don’t comment on the situation of a player right now playing for a different side.
“I will never rule out business for us because if you find a player who improves your squad, why not? But also they need to have a really good character and be affordable.”
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An attacking addition could be on the cards before the February 3 deadline, and a name from a promotion rival is thought to be a potential target.
Leeds eyeing move for Burnley’s Mike Tresor
According to reports abroad, relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds are surprisingly emerging in the race to sign Mike Tesor from rivals Burnley. It is stated that the Clarets are keen to get rid of Tresor before the deadline as they look to recoup the €18m they paid in 2023.
Alongside Leeds, Anderlecht, KAA Gent and Ajax are also interested in the attacker, with the latter of the four clubs Tresor’s preferred destination.
The 25-year-old, who can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing, has played just once for Scott Parker’s side this season, registering an assist in 33 minutes against Reading in the FA Cup.
Tresor, dubbed “exceptional” in the past, has scored 30 career goals during his career, and by the looks of it, Leeds have one eye on a move for the Burnley man before the deadline. Whether or not the Clarets would sell to the Whites is another question.
Vitor Pereira has enjoyed a solid start to life as Wolverhampton Wanderers manager, defeating Leicester City and Manchester United before securing a draw against Tottenham Hotspur in his opening games at the helm.
The 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest will sting, but considering the Reds are challenging for a place in the top four, perhaps it wasn’t surprising. Pereira will now turn his focus to the January transfer window in a bid to improve his squad, with several areas needing to be bolstered as we enter the second half of the season.
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Much will depend on what budget he will have to make improvements, as he could be forced to sell a player or two if the money is right to raise some funds.
As such, who are the rumoured targets doing the rounds recently? And who might be on the move away from Molineux?
Potential Wolves incomings Tim Kleindienst (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Tim Kleindienst
If the Old Gold wish to remain in the Premier League beyond this season, adding more firepower is a priority.
Matheus Cunha may have scored ten goals this term, while Jorgen Strand Larsen has chipped in with seven, but more will be needed over the next few months.
According to German outlet BILD (via Sport Witness), Wolves have shown an interest in striker Tim Kleindienst ahead of a potential move this month.
He only joined Gladbach last summer from Heidenheim, scoring a total of nine goals while registering six assists across the first six months of the season.
Wolves have already made an enquiry for the striker, while Gladbach managing director Roland Virkus has claimed there have been other requests, saying: “Of course there are requests, that’s completely normal if you perform well. But we don’t want to let any of the top players go because something is happening here.”
Given he is still fairly new to Gladbach, Pereira might have to break the bank in order to lure the German frontman to the Midlands this month.
Hakim Ziyech (Galatasaray)
Hakim Ziyech for Galatasaray.
According to reports in Turkey (via Sport Witness), Wolves are one of the clubs taking an interest in Galatasaray winger Hakim Ziyech, who has just six months left on his contract with the Turkish giants.
The Moroccan winger enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with the club, scoring eight times while chipping in with four assists in all competitions, and he joined on a permanent basis once the season finished.
This season has been a different story, however. Ziyech has struggled majorly, failing to find the back of the net in 11 appearances and expressing his desire to escape. Could Wolves offer an exit route?
The 31-year-old Champions League winner has Premier League experience, featuring 64 times in the competition for Chelsea between 2020 and 2023, which could indicate that he may still have plenty to offer if he was to return to England this month.
Dan Ballard (Sunderland)
While strengthening his attacking options should be a priority for Pereira, bringing in another defender or two could also be advantageous.
In the top flight this term, the Old Gold have conceded 45 goals, the most in the Premier League, highlighting the need for improvement at the back.
Sunderland defender Dan Ballard was a player linked towards the tail end of 2024, and he could be an interesting signing.
Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion are just a few other clubs keeping an eye on the former Arsenal defender, suggesting competition will be stiff.
The Northern Irishman has made 13 appearances for the Black Cats so far this term, with the club conceding just 13 goals whenever he has featured in the Championship.
Hailed as a “natural leader” by Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, could Ballard be the centre-back Pereira requires in the second half of the campaign?
Renato Veiga (Chelsea)
According to the Daily Mail, Wolves have emerged as candidates to sign Chelsea defender Renato Veiga this month, with Bournemouth rivalling them for his signature.
Veiga only joined the Blues last summer, but has found chances hard to come by under Enzo Maresca, not helped by an inflated squad at Stamford Bridge. Able to play at left-back and centre-back, he could add some versatility to the Wolves defence.
Across his 17 appearances, the youngster has managed to score twice and grab an assist, suggesting that he can offer a decent attacking threat, which could come in handy for the Old Gold.
Potential Wolves departures Sam Johnstone (Rangers)
Sam Johnstone only made the move to Wolves last summer, yet he has only made seven Premier League appearances throughout the season, with none coming under Pereira.
The new man in charge looks like he prefers compatriot Jose Sa to the Englishman, and this could perhaps ensure Johnstone’s departure from the club sooner rather than later.
He has recently been touted with a move north of the border to Rangers, but whether the Molineux side will want to let him go so soon after joining remains to be seen, particularly as a swift replacement will likely be required.
Mario Lemina (linked with Al-Shabab)
Mario Lemina was voted as Wolves’ Supporters’ Player of the Season after an impressive 2023/24 campaign which saw him miss just three Premier League matches, scoring four times in the process.
It perhaps comes as a surprise that he could be on his way just six months later, but it appears as though the club are willing to sanction his departure after a rocky patch for the midfielder.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab have been credited with an interest in the Gabon star, who was stripped of the captaincy after the loss to West Ham United a few weeks ago, which placed his future in doubt.
With just a few months left on his current contract, Pereira will ideally seek a fee to move Lemina on this month while managing to get his £45k-per-week salary off the wage bill in the process.
A move clearly makes sense for everyone involved, and it is now a case of just how much Wolves will make on the player they signed in the winter window back in 2023.
Weekly wages: Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 2025/26 highest-paid players
Bayern Munich are believed to be contemplating opening talks to sign an “unbelievable” Liverpool player, according to a new report that has emerged from abroad.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds may be flying high at the top of the Premier League table, but that doesn’t mean new signings aren’t being eyed up, especially following some quiet transfer windows in recent years.
Bayern superstar Jamal Musiala has been mentioned as an audacious target in recent days, with the young forward one of the most exciting players in Europe currently. The German side will surely be extremely hesitant to let him leave, however, and Liverpool would likely have to sell an attacking player to make space for him.
Germany star Jamal Musiala
Arne Slot may have great midfield options at his disposal, even despite missing out on Martin Zubimendi in the summer, but Real Madrid ace Aurelien Tchouameni continues to be mentioned as a target for the Reds. He hasn’t always been a key starter this season and was strongly linked with a switch to Anfield back in 2022.
Another Bayern player, Alphonso Davies, has been backed to join Liverpool, too, as they look to bring in a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson at left-back, but the German giants could look to raid the Reds for a star of their own.
Bayern Munich eyeing "unbelievable" Liverpool ace
According to a report from Spain, Bayern Munich are interested in signing Liverpool star Cody Gakpo, potentially opening talks with him in the near future.
The Bundesliga have shown a “strong” level of willingness to snap him up, with FSG demanding around £66m for his signature. While the Dutchman “remains focused” on the Reds, it claimed that “negotiations between both clubs could commence soon.”
Cody Gakpo celebrates for Liverpool
Selling Gakpo makes no sense for Liverpool, considering the Dutchman has become such an influential attacking player under Slot. Granted, if it meant Musiala coming in the opposite direction that could change things, but that feels unlikely.
The Dutchman is enjoying a brilliant season for the Reds, scoring 10 goals in all competitions, and journalist David Lynch recently heaped praise on his rich vein of form currently, saying: “What is it, eight goals in his last 12, and 10 goal contributions in that run? It’s unbelievable form.”
At 25, Gakpo is still a relatively young player who could have extra gears to find, too, so for Liverpool to suddenly allow him to leave would be very odd. On current form, he is a part of Slot’s strongest starting XI, excelling in the left-sided role that Jurgen Klopp often curiously chose not to use him in.
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Arne Slot’s Liverpool will need to strengthen over the next few transfer windows.
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The winger’s superb equaliser at home to Leicester City on Boxing Day outlined his importance, and he has chipped in with big goals so often this season. The hope is that he remains a key part of the Reds’ attack for many years to come, but a move to Bayern could be one to keep an eye on in 2025.
England fans are in awe as Reece James' spectacular free kick gave the Three Lions the opener against Latvia in their World Cup qualifier.
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James scores spectacular free-kick for EnglandFans left in awe of Chelsea right-back's strikeJames looking to cement position as England right-backFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
James has often been criticised by England fans for never being available to take his chances with the Three Lions struggling to find the correct fit at right-back between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker. However, in Thomas Tuchel's second game in charge, James took the chance with both hands as he gave England the opener against Latvia with a spectacular free kick and fans are in awe of the Chelsea captain.
AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
@AverageAbove10 wrote on X: "Reece James just scored one of the best free kicks I’ve ever seen in my life."
@calster1520 added: "Can’t lie that free kick was unreal from Reece James. I know it’s Latvia but it doesn’t take away the fact it was a perfect free kick man."
@FathalliMo said: "Was going to post something about how England should use Reece James’ crossing more often, only for him to pull that off. Fairs."
Chelsea fan @greatwhizz10 added: "Reece James, the absolute best there is."
@LouisCFC8 went on to add: "Reece James scoring under Tuchel, poetic."
@yarrumz wrote: "Don’t know who needs to hear this but Reece James is world class and a right back."
@leo_oboro said: "So cold from Reece James!!! He scored a worldie and didn’t even flinch."
@CPkeanoeastwood wrote: "Reece James goal was so good that he stunned even himself and forgot to celebrate."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
James has been in good form for Chelsea as well this season and he has managed to keep his injuries at bay so far in the second half of the season. As such, he will be keen on proving to Tuchel that he could be the future of the Three Lions' right-back spot as the 2026 World Cup slowly approaches.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR JAMES?
The Chelsea captain will now return to action with the Blues after the clash against Latvia as Enzo Maresca prepares his side for a gruelling second half of the season as they continue their hunt to get back into the Champions League next season.
Desperately searching for the reinforcements that could result in Premier League survival, Southampton have reportedly been handed a fresh price-tag boost in pursuit of a Bundesliga talent.
Southampton transfer news
Sat rock bottom and five points adrift of safety, things couldn’t be much more bleak for Southampton as a hectic festive period approaches to potentially compile their misery. Russell Martin’s side came ever so close to causing a major upset against league leaders Liverpool, only for Mohamed Salah to drag the Reds to victory as he so often does. The performance, however, is certainly one that the Saints should build on.
When the January transfer window does arrive, meanwhile, those at St Mary’s must hope that the situation is salvageable enough for reinforcements to make a much-needed impact, with the likes of Vasco De Gama’s Rayan and even Real Madrid’s Endrick already linked to Southampton ahead of 2025.
Endrick could be a particularly sensational arrival on loan from the La Liga giants. If anyone’s got the quality to sharpen the Saints’ attack, it is a Real Madrid gem. But he’s not the only attacking reinforcement to have been mentioned as of late.
According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Southampton have now been dealt a fresh price boost in pursuit of Romano Schmid, whose agent is now pushing for a move away from Werder Bremen. The Bundesliga side will now reportedly accept an offer lower than £10m to potentially hand the Saints a bargain deal if they manage to fend off interest from both Fulham and Aston Villa.
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1
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Brett Worthington
Nov 21, 2024
Primarily an attacking midfielder, Schmid can also play off the left-hand side and in a deeper central midfield role in what would offer Martin some welcomed versatility at the heart of his side.
"Talented" Schmid can form Dibling partnership
By completing a move to Southampton, Schmid could have the chance to form a partnership with one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents in Tyler Dibling. The winger caused Liverpool all sorts of problems and with a player of Schmid’s calibre next to him, Dibling may thrive even further to potentially fire the Saints to safety.
Impressing in the previous campaign, scoring four goals and assisting another seven in all competitions, Schmid’s rise is one that Werder Bremen saw coming since securing his signature at 18 years old.
Instantly praising the midfielder, Werder Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann told the club’s website after welcoming Schmid: “Romano is a talented player, who’s received really good training, originally in Graz and then in Salzburg. We’re delighted to be able to secure his services.”
Now 24 years old, Schmid looks destined to leave the Bundesliga club with his agent reportedly pushing for an exit ahead of 2025. In what would be his biggest move yet, the Austrian could swap the Bundesliga for the Premier League and the chance to play a pivotal part in keeping Southampton afloat in England’s top flight.
O empresário do atacante Pedrinho, Will Dantas, já deixou claro que o jogador prioriza uma volta para o Corinthians, clube que o revelou. Atleta do Shakhtar Donestk, da Ucrânia, a prata da casa corintiana está de volta ao Brasil, por conta da invasão russa ao país ucraniano.
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No entanto, o compasso entre as partes não está sincronizado. A diretoria do Timão prega cautela quanto a um possível retorno do atacante, já que a princípio a Fifa liberou os atletas e treinadores de equipes envolvidas no conflito entre Rússia e Ucrânia a suspenderem os seus contratos até o dia 30 de junho, quando será aberta uma nova janela de transferências na Europa. Contudo, um vínculo de apenas três meses é visto como invável para o Corinthians.
> TABELA – Confira e simule os jogos do Timão no Campeonato Paulista > GALERIA – Veja todos os técnicos estrangeiros da história do Corinthians
Por outro lado, Will Dantas e o Shakhtar conversam sobre um possível acordo paralelo, com os ucraniados cedendo Pedrinho por empréstimo ao Timão até o fim da temporada, situação esta que já agrada a direção do clube alvinegro, que, ainda assim, segue tratando a possibilidade com cautela, pois precisaria principalmente definir a parte financeira.
De todo modo, a situação tem até sexta-feira para ser definida, já que a data é a limite para que os profissionais refugiados da Ucrânia definam o seu futuro com outras equipes.
Enquanto o Timão monitora a situação de Pedrinho com cautela, os rivais Palmeiras e São Paulo já procuraram o agente do jogador de maneira formal, manifestando o interesse em contar com o atleta. Equipes de fora do Brasil também se mostraram interessadas em contar com o atacante.
Enquanto isso, Pedrinho está em Maceió, com a família, se recuperando de traumas vistos e vivenciados durante os primeiros dias da guerra entre Rússia e Ucrânia.
Além do atacante, o Corinthians também observa a situação do volante Maycon, que também foi revelado pelo clube do Parque São Jorge, estava no Shakhtar Donetsk, e está livre no mercado até, a princípio, o dia 30 de junho.
أعلن أحمد حسام ميدو، نجم الزمالك السابق، عن بدء إجراءات قانونية للتصعيد ضد رابطة الأندية المصرية بعد قرارها الأخير بعدم خصم ثلاث نقاط من الأهلي، مشيرًا إلى أن نادي بيراميدز متضامن في هذه الخطوة.
وكتب ميدو عبر حسابه بمنصة “إكس”: “قررنا التصعيد ورفع قضية في المحكمة الرياضية الدولية، وبيراميدز متضامن معانا وإن شاء الله بعد تأكيد المحاميين الأهلي هيتخصم منه الـ 3 نقاط”.
طالع أيضًا | الكرة في مصر لا تستحق المعاناة.. ميدو يوجه رسالة لجماهير الزمالك بعد تعديل عقوبات الأهلي
وأضاف: “وإن شاء الله القرار ده هيكون سبب إن إحنا نتخلص من أحمد دياب رئيس الرابطة زي ما تخلصنا من الترزي، والأيام بيننا.. أغبى قرار في تاريخ الكرة المصرية، أغبى من قرار انسحاب الأهلي!!”.
وكانت رابطة الأندية قد أثارت الجدل بعد إعلانها تعديل عقوبات مباراة القمة، حيث اكتفت باحتساب الزمالك فائزًا دون تنفيذ عقوبة خصم النقاط من الأهلي، وهو ما أثار اعتراضات واسعة من عدة أطراف، أبرزها الزمالك وبيراميدز، اللذين اعتبرا القرار إخلالًا بمبدأ تكافؤ الفرص.
قررنا التصعيد ورفع قضية في المحكمة الرياضية الدولية و #بيراميدز متضامن معانا وان شاء الله بعد تأكيد المحاميين الأهلي هيتخصم منه ال ٣ نقاط وان شاء الله القرار ده هيكون سبب ان احنا نتخلص من أحمد دياب رئيس الرابطة زي ما تخلصنا من الترزي والأيام بيننا.. اغبى قرار في تاريخ الكورة…
Everton have several players representing their countries during the international break. Not only is the UEFA Nations League reaching its climax, but qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations is ongoing and the South American World Cup qualifiers are over halfway completed..
Sean Dyche will be hoping a few of his players can return to Merseyside free from any injuries as they look to move away from the Premier League relegation zone.
He will be buoyed by a few of the performances that have been delivered by his players, however.
The Everton players who have shone on international duty
Jordan Pickford kept another clean sheet for England during their 3-0 victory over Greece. The goalkeeper made five saves and won 100% of his total duels during the game.
Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye both started for Senegal in their AFCON qualifier against Burkina Faso, which ended in a narrow 1-0 win for Senegal.
Gueye was in superb form, finishing the game with a 96% pass success rate, making four key passes, winning six of his eight ground duels and making four tackles as he ran the show from the heart of the midfield.
Ndiaye was deployed in a more advanced role, just behind Nicolas Jackson, and he was fairly solid too. He made two key passes, registered two shots and attempted four dribbles, succeeding with two.
Dyche will be hoping the trio can maintain these levels of performance for Everton’s next match in the league. There was one player who gave an underwhelming display on international duty, however, as Beto failed to shine for his nation.
Beto's stats vs Guinea-Bissau
The striker has scored two goals for Everton this term, including one in the Premier League, but he was poor for Guinea-Bissau as they drew 1-1 with Eswantini in the AFCON qualifiers on Friday night.
He was tasked with leading the line, yet Beto managed to take just 20 touches during his time on the pitch, while losing the ball nine times and losing ten of his 11 contested duels as he struggled to get a foothold in the game.
Goals
0
Total shots
1
Touches
20
Completed passes
5/7
Pass accuracy
71%
Possession lost
9x
Ground duels won
1/9
Fouls made
5
Aerial duels won
0/2
Big chances created
1
Key passes
2
Beto also committed five fouls during the match and completed only five passes. Yes, he may have had a hand in the equalising goal – with his cross eventually finding its way in courtesy of Carlos Mane – but overall, it was a dismal showing from the Everton player.
Given Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s dropoff in form in recent weeks, Dyche would have been hoping for a more promising showing by Beto.
On the evidence on yesterday’s showing, however, It looks like he could find himself on the bench again when Everton take on Brentford following the conclusion of the international break next week.
His sole Premier League goal has come from the bench, which suggests he is perhaps better off being utilised midway through a game.
This was his chance to impress Dyche, however, but the 26-year-old failed to showcase his true talents, that’s for sure.
Everton sold a star who's now outperforming Salah & Palmer in one key area
Everton sold a star under Dyche’s management and now he’s outperforming Salah and Palmer in one key area.
Leeds United could now sign a potential Georginio Rutter replacement for free, according to a Sky Sports presenter.
Leeds transfer rumours
The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises cashed in on a number of star players after Daniel Farke’s side failed to win promotion from the Championship last time out, suffering defeat to Southampton in the playoff final at Wembley.
Archie Gray was the first to go, joining Tottenham Hotspur, whereas Glen Kamara signed for Rennes, Crysencio Summerville moved to West Ham and Brighton & Hove Albion landed Rutter.
Georginio Rutter
Brighton
€46.7m
Archie Gray
Tottenham
€41.25m
Crysencio Summerville
West Ham
€29.3m
Luis Sinisterra
Bournemouth
€23.4m
Glen Kamara
Rennes
€10m
Marc Roca
Real Betis
€4.5m
Charlie Cresswell
Toulouse
€4.5m
Diego Llorente
Real Betis
€3.25m
All four were key to Farke’s first season in charge, however, replacements were signed for Gray, Summerville and Kamara in Jayden Bogle, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka.
However, a new creative number 10 to replace Rutter’s assists wasn’t brought in, although Brenden Aaronson did return from his loan spell in the Bundesliga.
There have been rumours of Leeds making a move for another free agent after signing Josuha Guilavogui in October. Heavily linked in recent years has been Ryan Kent, who is now without a club after leaving Fenerbahce.
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Pundit Carlton Palmer has heard that Leeds could be keen on the former Rangers and Liverpool forward, who primarily plays as a left-winger but has featured inside on occasions throughout his career.
Elsewhere, central midfielder Lewis O’Brien has been linked with a move to Elland Road, with the Nottingham Forest midfielder’s loan spell in the MLS with LAFC set to come to an end in December. Kent is available to sign right now, though, and another claim has been made on a move to Yorkshire.
Sky Sports man makes new Ryan Kent to Leeds claim
Now, talking to MOT Leeds News, presenter and podcaster Dan Bardell, who regularly features on Sky Sports News, has made a claim on Leeds signing Kent for free.
Bardell feels that Kent is a “Leeds-type signing” and if the “wages are right”, could be a shrewd addition to “offset” the creativity after Rutter’s sale.
“It feels like a Leeds-type signing, Ryan Kent. They lost quite a few attacking players over the summer window and they’re lacking some creativity in those areas.
“We have seen how good Georginio Rutter has been at Brighton this season, he’s definitely been a miss. Could Kent be someone who could offset that a little bit?
“He’s good enough to play at the top end of the Championship you would think. It’s going to be a long season and one where I don’t think Leeds have the bodies that they did last season. If the wages are right then I think Kent would be a good pick-up for Leeds.”
أكد أحمد حسام ميدو، عضو اللجنة الفنية بنادي الزمالك، تمسك فريقه بخوض مباراة القمة أمام الأهلي في موعدها المحدد، وبنفس طاقم التحكيم الذي أعلن عنه اتحاد الكرة، مشددًا على ضرورة الالتزام باللوائح المنظمة للمسابقة.
أصدر مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي بيانًا رسميًا عقب اجتماعه الطارئ الذي عُقد صباح اليوم، لمناقشة أزمة مباراة القمة أمام الزمالك، وهدد بالانسحاب من المسابقة حال عدم تأجيل اللقاء وإسناده لطاقم تحكيم أجنبي.
وكتب ميدو عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة X: “يجب أن تُلعب المباراة بنفس الحكام الذين تم الإعلان عنهم من قبل اتحاد الكرة، ولا يجوز لأي نادٍ طلب تغييرهم، فاللوائح واضحة ولا تحتاج لأي تفسير!”.
وأضاف: “نؤكد مجددًا أننا ملتزمون بخوض المباراة في مكانها وموعدها وبطاقم التحكيم الذي تم الإعلان عنه”.
كما أشار ميدو إلى موقف مماثل تعرض له الزمالك سابقًا، حينما تمسكت رابطة الأندية بإقامة مباراة للفريق رغم اعتراضه، قائلًا: “رابطة الأندية كانت صارمة وحازمة تجاهنا عندما اتخذنا قرارًا بعدم اللعب في موقف مشابه، وتم توجيه خطاب رسمي إلينا.. ننتظر الآن رد فعل الرابطة، وننتظر خطابًا مماثلًا حال قرر الأهلي الانسحاب من المباراة”.
وتأتي هذه التصريحات في ظل حالة الجدل الدائرة حول إقامة مباراة القمة، بعد اعتراض الأهلي على تعيين طاقم تحكيم مصري للمواجهة، وتهديده بعدم خوض اللقاء ما لم يتم استقدام حكام أجانب.
ويواصل الزمالك استعداداته للمباراة بشكل طبيعي، حيث يسعى الفريق لتحقيق الفوز وتقليص الفارق مع الأهلي في جدول ترتيب الدوري، ويحتل الفارس الأبيض المركز الثالث برصيد 32 نقطة، بينما يأتي الأهلي في المركز الثاني برصيد 39 نقطة.