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Leeds United are already looking ahead to the January transfer window and could seek to target an international star who will currently be available for free in 2026.

Leeds trying to move on after transfer frustration

Daniel Farke has acknowledged that the Whites could’ve done more in the window as they look to stay in the Premier League, albeit the German coach will have to play with the cards he has at his disposal for the time being after a heartbreaking late defeat at Fulham on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a bizarre Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal.

Like any newly-promoted side, home form and being able to withstand barrages while on the road from elite outfits will be key to their chances of survival. Either way, the former Norwich City boss has admitted he will need to cope with the ‘reality’ of their situation.

He stated via The Independent on their transfer dealings: “I’ve got a few principles with how I work and this is crucial for me. One principle is I like openness and transparency. I like to name it how I see it.

“The second principle is once a transfer window is closed and I can’t influence things anymore, you won’t hear one bad word or comment from me in any way. I’m pretty fortunate to be allowed to work in the business. My job is to adapt to the reality and work with what I’ve got.”

Failed late Leeds moves for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin, among others, have left the Whites a little light for Farke’s liking, but that is the way of the window, and he isn’t the only top-flight manager in that situation.

Ultimately, time is the greatest healer and January isn’t a million miles away, which could see movement emerge regarding another star who was heavily pursued during the summer.

Leeds United plan move to sign Fulham's Harry Wilson

According to Football Insider, Leeds are planning a renewed move to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson in January after missing out on the Wales international in the final hours of the summer window.

Encouragingly, the £55,000 per week earner is out of contract in 2026 and the Whites are keeping a close eye on his situation, while the Cottagers may be willing to sell him should he fail to agree an extention over the next few months.

Leeds are brewing a homegrown Wilson in “very talented” 18-year-old star

Leeds United are brewing their very own Harry Wilson in this 18-year-old sensation.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 13, 2025

Labelled “outstanding” by Michael Beale, Wilson, who shares the Unique Sports Group agency with Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, per Transfermarkt, scored six times in 27 appearances last term and has featured in all of Fulham’s matches so far in 2025/26, though is yet to get off the mark.

Clearly, Farke has had to deal with frustration at Elland Road in his mission to land key targets, but the chance to achieve retribution in pursuit of a player who could potentially arrive on a cut-price agreement or for free next year may sweeten his set of circumstances.

Chelsea are now preparing a £43m offer for a “world-class” Real Madrid target, who could be brought in as a replacement for Levi Colwill, according to a report.

Blues readying bid for centre-back after Colwill blow

There were always concerns that competing in the Club World Cup may have a negative knock-on effect going into the new season, and the Blues have already suffered a major injury blow, with Colwill set to miss most of the campaign due to an ACL injury.

Since then, Enzo Maresca has hinted that another centre-back could be brought in to account for the loss of the 22-year-old, with the manager saying: “It depends – we will wait and see.

“You know in our way, how important Levi has been. I spoke with him yesterday and I told him that if we achieve what we achieved last year, it is also because of him – and he was a main player for us.”

It has since been revealed that the west Londoners are expected to make a bid for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo imminently, but a Premier League centre-back has also now entered the frame as a potential option…

That is according to reports in Spain, which state Chelsea are now preparing a €50m (£43m) offer for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who is also being targeted by Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid.

Madrid are confident about securing Konate’s signature on a free transfer next summer, upon the expiration of his contract, but the Blues have now entered the race, and they are willing to pay the exact amount Liverpool are looking for.

It's not Palmer: PSG now submit £130m offer for "unbelievable" Chelsea star

Paris Saint-Germain have launched a bid for one of the Blues’ key players.

ByDominic Lund Aug 11, 2025

At present, however, a move to Real Madrid is still the most likely outcome, given that the Reds are reluctant to strengthen one of their direct Premier League rivals, and the player himself is leaning towards a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

"World-class" Konate would be major coup for Chelsea

In truth, it seems unlikely that the Blues will be able to get a deal done, considering the French defender has no reason to leave the reigning Premier League champions, and Liverpool are hesitant to let him move to Stamford Bridge.

However, the Reds are at risk of losing the 26-year-old on a free transfer if they don’t cash-in this summer, which means it could be tempting to sanction a sale, and he could be a fantastic acquisition for the Blues.

The France international played a major role in Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League title triumph, making 31 appearances, and journalist David Lynch believes he is now “world-class”.

Konate is clearly entering the prime of his career, and it would be a major coup if Chelsea were able to get a deal done, but it seems extremely unlikely that Arne Slot’s side will agree to a sale, given that they are already light on centre-back options.

Pakistan have been docked five World Test Championship (WTC) points and fined 25% of their match fee for maintaining a slow over rate during their 10-wicket defeat in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. They were ruled to be five overs short of their target after time allowances were taken into consideration.Match referee Richie Richardson imposed the sanction, which Pakistan captain Shan Masood accepted after pleading guilty to the charge – levelled by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Nitin Menon, third umpire Alex Wharf and fourth umpire Stephen Harris – which meant that was no need for a formal hearing.Related

• Pakistan need to know what they want from Test cricket

• South Africa seal ten-wicket win despite Pakistan's great resistance

Teams are deducted one point for every over by which they fall short of their target. This is Pakistan’s third points deduction in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. They were docked two points after the first Test against Australia in Perth in December 2023, and six points following the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in August 2024.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

As a consequence, Pakistan now have 35 points – instead of a possible 48 – from 12 Tests in the 2023-25 cycle. The latest deduction has brought their percentage of points contested – the number that determines a team’s position on the WTC table – down from 27.78 to 24.31. They remain in eighth place as before, but their points percentage is now only a few decimal points better than West Indies, who occupy the bottom of the nine-team table with a percentage of 24.24 – with no over-rate deductions.The deduction adds a layer of intrigue to one of the two remaining series in the 2023-25 WTC cycle – Pakistan are due to host West Indies for two Tests, in Karachi and Multan, starting January 16.

كشف إينياكي بينيا، حارس مرمى نادي إلتشي، عن أسباب رحيله عن صفوف نادي برشلونة، موضحًا أنه كان بحاجة إلى حافز جديد في مسيرته الكروية.

بينيا رحل عن صفوف نادي برشلونة خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير، وذلك من أجل التوقيع مع إلتشي على سبيل الإعارة حتى نهاية الموسم.

كما جدد برشلونة عقد بينيا إلى نهاية موسم 2029 المقبل، تحسبًا لاستمرار حارس المرمى على المدى الطويل مع البلوجرانا.

أقرأ أيضًا .. ضربة قوية.. تقارير تكشف مدة غياب أليسون بيكر عن ليفربول

وقال بينيا في مقابلة مع صحيفة “آس”: “لعبت 25 أو 26 مباراة مع برشلونة الموسم الماضي، لكن الشعور بالمرارة يلازمني بعد غيابي عن اللعب في الأشهر القليلة الماضية”.

وعن قرار رحيله إلى إلتشي أضاف بينيا في حديثه: “أدركت أنني سأعود إلى دياري، أنا من أليكانتي وأهل بيتي من هنا وزوجتي من هنا، ثم هناك فلسفة المدرب، لقد عملت معه وأفضل الظروف متاحة لتقديم أفضل ما لدي أو لأكون قريبًا من أفضل أداء لي”.

وعن رحيله عن برشلونة واصل: “كان بإمكاني خوض بضع مباريات أخرى، لكنني كنت قد قررت بالفعل الرحيل”.

واستكمل: “طلب مني برشلونة الانتظار حتى يتم تسجيل حراس المرمى، ومن الواضح أنني كنت سأسهل الأمر، لأن لدي عقدًا”.

وأتم بينيا: “كنت بحاجة إلى تغيير وحافز جديد، كنت بحاجة إلى خوض أكبر عدد ممكن من المباريات والحفاظ على مستوى ثابت وهو ما كنت أفتقر إليه في السنوات القليلة الماضية لتحقيق هذه القفزة النوعية”.

Newcastle United are now “expected” to complete the signing of an “exceptional” player in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Howe shares latest on Isak's Newcastle future

Magpies-related transfer rumours are continuing to make the rounds, but Alexander Isak’s future is still understandably the big current talking point.

Newcastle are desperately trying to convince the Swede to stay put and not join Liverpool this summer, and Eddie Howe has now provided some fresh comments on the situation.

“He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.”

One of the few pluses to Newcastle selling Isak is that they could receive the biggest fee in the history of English football for his signature, allowing Howe to build his squad in various positions. A goalkeeper has been an area of focus throughout the summer and a big update has now dropped regarding their search for someone new between the sticks.

Newcastle "expected" to sign £120k-a-week ace

According to Romano on X, Newcastle are “expected” to sign Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has “said yes” to a move to St James’ Park.

Missing out on James Trafford to Manchester City is an undoubted setback for Newcastle, considering he is such a highly-rated young ‘keeper, but Ramsdale could be an astute signing instead.

Granted, the £120,000-a-week England international has just suffered relegation with Southampton, but he knows Howe extremely well from their Bournemouth days, so there will be no concerns about him being the wrong type of character to come in.

Ramsdale may have left Arsenal after David Raya took his spot in the team, but Mikel Arteta was always a big admirer of his, once saying of him: “He’s been exceptional around the place with the situation. Like everybody. We love him more for sure. We have him every day. We know him, we know his character and we are really happy to have him. I don’t think I’m the one to answer the question about Aaron Ramsdale’s quality because I’m the one who signed him when everyone else was questioning that decision.”

There may be some Newcastle fans who aren’t necessarily overwhelmed by the signing of Ramsdale, especially with Trafford seen as the ideal addition, but at 27, he is still relatively young for a ‘keeper.

More prolific than Wissa & Sesko: Newcastle join race for £26m "monster"

Newcastle United set to battle Manchester United and Tottenham for Al Hilal striker’s signature

1 ByWill Miller Jul 29, 2025

His likeable personality has the potential to make him a popular figure at St James’ and the hope is that his best years are still to come, making him a seamless long-term replacement for Nick Pope.

County successfully appeals “disproportionate” punishment for outsized bat during Blast match

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2024

An aerial view of New Road•Getty Images

Worcestershire have received a suspended two-points deduction for the next season’s Vitality Blast, after their allrounder, Josh Cobb, was deemed to have used an illegally-sized bat in their North Group match with Durham in July.Cobb admitted a breach of ECB Directives 3.2 and 3.3 after his bat failed a bat-gauge test during the Durham match, at which stage he had not yet faced a delivery. The Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) adjudicator originally imposed a straight points deduction, but this was amended on appeal to a suspended penalty, which will be imposed if Worcestershire commit a further breach of this nature.It is the second such penalty to be levelled in county cricket this summer, following the 12-point deduction that Essex were last month handed in the County Championship, following Feroz Khushi’s breach of the regulations during their opening fixture of the season, against Nottinghamshire in April.Essex issued a scathing riposte to that verdict, with Keith Fletcher, the club president, decrying it as “stupid”, not least because it wrecked the club’s hopes of challenging for the County Championship, with their final match of the season, at home to Surrey – who have already been crowned champions – taking place this week.Worcestershire were similarly aghast at the original verdict, and explained in their appeal that the loss of two points could mean the difference between reaching the knock-outs of the Vitality Blast and an early elimination.”Being docked points next year potentially/effectively puts a club of our size, with our resources, out of contention for qualification to the later rounds in 2025,” the club wrote to the adjudicator, Chris Tickle. “This has an impact on next year’s squad, coaching team, sponsors and, therefore, the club’s finances. This impact is potentially devastating to us and is disproportionate.”In his amended verdict, Tickle wrote: “Given those circumstances, I am persuaded that it is in the interests of justice to review my decision.”Dave Lewis, the interim director of the Cricket Regulator, said: “I am pleased that we were able to work with Worcestershire CCC and the Cricket Discipline Commission and that the adjudicator was able to reconsider their original decision in this case.”We also note that this is the second oversized bat case this year, and the Cricket Regulator will be working with counties, players, and officials to inform them about the issue with a view to preventing a recurrence next season.”The Cricket Regulator is the independent body which enforces the rules for domestic professional cricket as well as working to educate participants and prevent potential breaches. The Cricket Regulator investigates and prosecutes cases but does not decide on any penalties.The Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) is the independent adjudication body which hears cases, rules on responsibility for breaches of rules and issues penalties to teams and participants.

علق محمد كوفي، لاعب الزمالك السابق، ومدير منتخب بوركينا فاسو الحالي، على مواجهة منتخب مصر، في تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم 2026.

ويستعد منتخب مصر لمواجهة بوركينا فاسو في العاصمة واجادوجو، الثلاثاء المقبل، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة بالمجموعة الأولى بالتصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم لكرة القدم 2026.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى التي تضم كلاً من: بوركينا فاسو، سيراليون، إثيوبيا، غينيا بيساو وجيبوتي.

طالع| فيديو | أفشة يقود منتخب مصر الثاني للفوز على تونس وديًا استعدادًا لـ كأس العرب

ويتصدر منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة برصيد 19 نقطة بفارق 5 نقاط عن بوركينا فاسو، الذي جمع 14 نقطة وبات المنافس الوحيد على التأهل.

وقال كوفي في تصريحات للموقع الرسمي لاتحاد الكرة: “المباراة القادمة بين بوركينا فاسو ومصر ستكون عالية المستوى ولن تكون سهلة على الطرفين، لأن منتخب مصر يتصدر المجموعة الأولى، ومنتخب بوركينا فاسو في المركز الثاني”.

وأضاف: “منتخبنا جاهز بكل قوة لمواجهة مصر ويسعى للخروج بنتيجة إيجابية، ونحن نستعد جيدًا من الناحية الذهنية لهذه المباراة وكذلك مصر، فلا مجال للخطأ لكلا المنتخبين”.

وتابع: “جميع لاعبي منتخب مصر على أعلى مستوى، لكن الأخطر الثلاثي محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول الإنجليزي وعمر مرموش لاعب مانشستر سيتي ومحمود حسن تريزيجيه نجم النادي الأهلي، والأهم أني أعرف الصديقين الحبيبين حسام وإبراهيم حسن جيدًا، ولا توجد مباريات سهلة بالنسبة لهما؛ كل مباراة هي نهائي؛ وهذه هي روح الفوز”.

وكشف: “حسام حسن كان لاعبًا رائعًا، وأصبح الآن مدربًا رائعًا، وأنا معجب به وأحب شخصيته وحماسه وأعتقد أن المواجهة التكتيكية على أرضية الملعب بين حسام حسن وبراما تراوري ستكون قوية للغاية، والفريق الذي سينفذ لاعبيه تعليمات مدربه خلال اللقاء سيكون الانتصار حليفه والنقاط الثلاث من نصيبه”.

واختتم: “أدين بالفضل بكل مسيرتي الاحترافية لمصر، فهي التي جعلتني فخورًا بنفسي، لن أتوقف عن شكر المصريين وحب هذا البلد الجميل، لدي ذكريات جميلة كثيرة في مصر، لعبت مع بتروجت، المصري، سموحة، البنك الأهلي والزمالك، لكنني أتذكر بشكل خاص فترة لعبي مع الزمالك خلال موسم 2014- 2015، عندما كنت بطلاً مصرياً وفزت بكأس مصر، لدي ذكريات رائعة مع أصدقائي المصريين”.

The close relative of a “great” Liverpool transfer target has claimed that his move to Anfield this summer is now “basically a done deal”, in an exciting new update.

Florian Wirtz week at Liverpool

The Reds have already brought in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen since the end of last season, but this week has the potential to be a particularly memorable one at Anfield.

Liverpool appear to be edging closer to the stunning signing of Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz all the time, with fresh reports claiming that he will be in England on Thursday, with his medical and official unveiling taking place on Friday.

While much focus is on Wirtz currently, which is no surprise considering he is seen as one of Europe’s best players currently, a move for Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth is also close to happening.

The 21-year-old has emerged as the perfect left-back to come in and be Andy Robertson’s long-term successor at Liverpool, and now a new update suggests that the transfer is closer to happening than ever.

Liverpool signing Kerkez "basically a done deal"

Speaking to Super Indirektno [via The Mirror], Kerkez’s father, Sebastijan Kerkez, claimed that his son’s move to Liverpool is “basically a done deal”, also discussing the huge influence of sporting director Richard Hughes.

“It’s only Liverpool for us and we’re not going anywhere else and we won’t talk to other clubs. Everything is done between us (personal terms) we just need to sort out some details but it’s basically a done deal. Richard Hughes brought us to Bournemouth, if he said we go to India, then we go to India, everything is agreed, just some little things.”

This is fantastic news for anyone of a Liverpool persuasion, with Kerkez looking tailor-made to thrive in this Premier League-winning team under Arne Slot.

Appearances

38

Starts

38

Minutes played

3341

Goals

2

Assists

5

Clearances per game

2.6

Tackles per game

1.4

Interceptions per game

1.2

The Hungarian caught the eye so often with his performances for Bournemouth in 2024/25, standing out as one of the best left-backs in the country and being hailed by manager Andoni Iraola.

“Milos has improved a lot from past season. He has done a great job defensively. I think he’s a player that because of his physical condition arrives so many times to the last third with the ball under control to put good crosses that the number of assists, of good balls he was having, was quite low past season, but this season I think he’s deciding much better. He’s adding quality to his deliveries.”

Big Ekitike upgrade: Liverpool dreaming of signing "the world's best CF"

Liverpool need to sign a centre-forward this summer.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2025

There is always a risk that any move won’t work out, but assuming he avoids serious injury, the £40m-rated Kerkez looks primed to be a massive player for Liverpool for many years to come.

Arsenal chiefs are facing a renewed Real Madrid threat after Los Blancos swooped in to win the race for Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, with the La Liga giants posing some worry for Gunners transfer chief Andrea Berta and his deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal reach Zubimendi agreement as Huijsen nears Real Madrid move

Earlier this week, it was reliably reported that Arsenal reached an agreement to sign Zubimendi, with Fabrizio Romano even dropping the ‘here we go’ on his switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Berta favourite decides he wants to join Arsenal after £7m salary offer

He has his heart set on a north London switch.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 15, 2025

The Spain international’s signature is believed to be all-but officially sealed, with Berta seemingly wrapping up his first signing as Arsenal’s new sporting director.

Arsenal are poised to lose Jorginho, who’s agreed to join Brazilian side Flamengo after his contract expires, while talks remain ongoing over Thomas Partey’s contract with no guarantee they will shake hands on a renewed deal.

The arrival of Zubimendi is crucial to Mikel Arteta with Arsenal in danger of being left quite short in midfield, and it would come as welcome news after they missed out on a deal for top defensive target Huijsen.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal were in pole position with Chelsea to strike a deal for the 20-year-old, but Real Madrid then got involved. The 15-time European champions swooped in to tempt him towards his homeland, and they’re currently putting the finishing touches on a move which will see Huijsen depart Bournemouth for the Bernabeu.

“Real Madrid are in direct meeting with Dean Huijsen’s camp to complete the agreement on the contract,” said Romano on X.

“The agreement on £50m release clause with Bournemouth has been sealed on Wednesday, as reported. Matter of contract details with Huijsen’s camp, then, here we go.”

Arsenal risk Dean Huijsen repeat after Martin Zubimendi update

After Real eventually beat Arsenal to Huijsen’s signature, despite the north Londoners having reportedly made a “formal” offer of their own (Cadena SER), it is now believed that Florentino Perez could still spoil their swoop for Zubimendi as well.

As per a report from Diario AS, Arsenal’s signing of Zubimendi is already “arranged”, but nothing has been signed in terms of contract or legislation, meaning Real are still able to come in and hijack Berta’s deal.

The Spanish newspaper suggests this is highly possible and a “sharp turn” in the situation cannot be ruled out, as per sources “close” to the talks, with Zubimendi agreeing a move to Liverpool last year and changing his mind at the last second.

Until the “world-class” 26-year-old puts pen to paper, there is every chance Real decide to move with a counter-offer to rival Arsenal, and AS describe the race for Zubimendi as remaining “open”, contrary to previous claims.

Arteta will be hoping Real stay out of this one, as their need for a midfielder of Zubimendi’s cannot be understated following Jorginho’s imminent exit and uncertainty surrounding Partey.

Barry Ferguson’s Rangers are still, just about, alive in this season’s Europa League.

Before kick-off, most would’ve agreed that the Ibrox outfit required a win at home to stand a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Well, when referee István Kovács blew for full-time following a whopping 12 minutes of injury time, the Ibrox faithful celebrated the 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao like a victory, and with good reason.

This stalemate means the Light Blues will travel to the Basque Country next Thursday with a fighting chance of keeping this continental adventure going but it wasn’t without its stresses, that’s for sure.

Was Robin Pröpper's red card justified?

The primary reason why Rangers supporters and players alike were delighted with this first-leg goalless draw is because centre-back Robin Pröpper was sent off after just 12 minutes.

Following video review, the referee deemed that the Dutch defender had denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity when he, rather aggressively, brought down Inaki Williams on the edge of the penalty area.

Speaking during commentary on TNT Sports, Rangers legend Ally McCoist, fair to say, did not agree with this decision, describing the red card as “really harsh”, adding “he’s gone to try and win the ball… he’s been beaten by a bit of skill”.

Pröpper was only starting as a result of John Souttar’s suspension due to yellow card accumulation, meaning the Scotland international will be available to return at the heart of the Rangers’ defence in Bilbao next Thursday.

This though, is not the Dutchman’s first mishap; Aaron Nijjar of Football Insider claims his ‘performances have been marked by uncertainty’ since joining from Twente last summer.

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

Not everyone in Blue performed badly…

Rangers' hero against Bilbao

The headline team news ahead of Thursday’s first leg came in goal where, following a string of error-stricken performances, Jack Butland had been dropped, with Liam Kelly donning the gloves instead.

Well, fair to say the 29-year-old repaid his manager’s faith, accumulating three high claims and making three saves, preventing an xG figure of 1.84, a large proportion of which is thanks to his penalty save late on.

As outlined by Will Unwin of the Guardian, everyone inside Ibrox ‘was confused’ when Athletic had a goal ruled out for offside, only for a penalty to be awarded instead; Dujon Sterling penalised for handball, and this one was rather harsh.

Álex Berenguer who, four and a half minutes earlier, had been celebrating in front of the 3,000 traveling Athletic supporters, elected to smash his spot-kick down the middle, only for Kelly to stick out his right boot and make a remarkable save, sparking wild scenes of celebration.

So, while Kelly was the hero, his teammate up the other end of the park did not cover himself in glory.

Rangers' frustrating front-man

Rangers assistant manager Neil McCann himself admitted last week that Cyriel Dessers ‘will always divide opinion’, which is probably a bit of an understatement if we’re honest.

Scott Bradley of Breaking The Lines describes the Nigerian as the “most frustrating player” he’s ever seen in a Rangers jersey, and Dessers did not star on Thursday, accumulating just 18 touches – fewer than the aforementioned Kelly (44) – losing possession seven times, registering just four passes and firing both of his attempts off target, albeit in difficult circumstances.

Dessers has, in fairness, been in fantastic form since Ferguson took over as interim manager, scoring five goals in eight appearances, most notably on target during the famous 3-1 victory over Fenerbahçe in İstanbul.

Nevertheless, despite the fact his centre-forward was clearly exhausted, Ferguson waited until the 85th minute before introducing Hamza Igamane.

This change surely should’ve been made earlier, with the Moroccan possibly even deserving to start in Bilbao, as these statistics underline.

Dessers vs Igamane 24/25 comparison
Stats	Dessers	Igamane
Appearances	48	39
Minutes	2,892	2.277
Goals	23	14
Assists	7	3
Europa League goals	3	4
Minutes per goal	126	163
Goals – xG (UEL only)	-2.3	+2.8
Big chances missed	26	5
Stats courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref & SofaScore

The two statistics that jump off the page from the table above are big chances missed, Dessers have racked up a staggering 26 across the Europa League and Premiership this season, as well as the goals – xG.

In this season’s Europa League, only Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyonnais can boast a better goals – xG figure than Igamane, while only five players rank below Dessers for the same metric.

Thus, looking ahead of next Thursday’s mouthwatering return leg at San Mamés, it’s clear that Igamane is the better option to start at centre-forward.

McCoist: I'd have loved to have played with Raskin and this Rangers star

The Rangers legend has had his say…

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 10, 2025