Germany legend Oliver Kahn has criticised Bayern Munich for allowing defender Dayot Upamecano to enter the final year of his contract. The former Bayern goalkeeper believes that Upamecano now holds the upper hand and that the club may have to pay a high price to avoid losing him on a free transfer. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Premier League side Liverpool are both reportedly interested in signing the French defender.
Upamecano's contract expiring amid resurgence under Kompany
Upamecano joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in 2021 for a fee of €42 million (£37m/$48m) and has since established himself as one of the club’s key defenders. His current contract runs until 2026, but negotiations over an extension have stalled in recent weeks. Bayern have already placed an offer on the table, yet talks remain complicated as the French defender is reportedly demanding a salary of around €15m (£13m/$17m) per year along with a substantial signing bonus. The club are now hoping that manager Vincent Kompany can personally convince Upamecano to commit his future to Bayern.
Upamecano has rediscovered his best form under Kompany after struggling to impress former Bayern managers Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel. Bayern’s Bundesliga triumph in the 2024–25 season highlighted the success of Kompany’s philosophy, which emphasises hard work, discipline and perseverance. Upamecano has thrived in this environment, becoming a key figure in Bayern’s defence once again. The French defender has openly praised Kompany, describing him as an example to follow both on and off the pitch. In an interview, Upamecano said: “We all watched him when we were young; he was a legend for Belgium and Manchester City. He was a very aggressive defender in duels, a leader on the pitch too, a good example for me. He helps me a lot; we do a lot of videos, he talks to me about my positioning. With him, it's always very intense.”
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Kahn blames Bayern for 'expensive' contract debacle
Replacing such a defender, then, will be a difficult task for Bayern, and Kahn has told that they have only themselves to blame as competition heats up.
“The way he's playing now, at the very highest level, it's not just going to be expensive, not just very expensive, it's going to be very, very expensive for Bayern," he said. "The question that always arises is: why did you let Dayot Upamecano enter the final year of his contract in the first place?”
“The only explanation is that Bayern weren't so happy with him a year or two ago. Now he's performing at the top of his game. When you're in the final year of a contract, you're in a very bad position as a club unless you pay a lot of money.”
Madrid interested in Upamecano but face competition
Bayern’s hesitation to finalise Upamecano’s contract renewal has opened the door for Madrid, who have reportedly begun talks with the French defender over a potential free transfer next summer. Strengthening the defence has become a top priority for Los Blancos ahead of 2026, with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger both entering the final months of their contracts. Madrid are actively seeking a new defensive leader to partner with Dean Huijsen, as frequent injuries to Alaba and Eder Militao, combined with Rudiger’s heavy workload from playing every three days, have started to affect his performances.
Upamecano’s profile fits perfectly with Xabi Alonso’s playing style and Madrid’s recruitment approach. He is a world class defender with Champions League experience, available for free, and would have no trouble settling in Madrid thanks to the presence of his French teammates Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy.
While Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Barcelona are also monitoring the situation, Madrid currently lead the race.
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What comes next?
Bayern have identified Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck as a potential replacement should Upamecano choose not to renew his contract and leave the club on a free transfer. However, the Bavarian club remain hopeful of resolving the situation with Upamecano and securing his extension. The French defender is considered a key part of Kompany’s system, and Bayern are keen to keep him at the heart of their defence for the coming years.
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has called for introspection following the sacking of Croatian coach Igor Tudor. The Serbian forward admitted that it would be counterproductive to blame one person for the club’s poor run of form as Tudor became the third coach to be dismissed in a year and a half, stressing the onus is on the players to make sure they turn things around.
Tudor's sacking and Spalletti's appointment
Tudor was appointed interim coach of Juventus last season following the sacking of Thiago Motta and was handed a permanent contract in the summer after unsuccessful attempts to bring in Gian Piero Gasperini and Antonio Conte. However, a run of poor results put the Croatian tactician under growing pressure. Juventus initially decided to back him, as dismissing Tudor proved complicated since the club was still paying Motta’s severance, and hiring a third coach would have further strained their compliance with UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations.
Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Lazio proved to be the final straw, extending Juventus’ winless run to eight matches. Tudor was subsequently dismissed on Monday.
Former Italy national team coach Luciano Spalletti is to be appointed to lead the Bianconeri following Tudor’s sacking. The experienced Tuscan coach, best known for guiding Napoli to the 2022–23 Scudetto, is set to sign a contract until 2026, with an automatic one-year extension if Juventus qualify for the Champions League next season.
AdvertisementAFPVlahovic warns his fellow Juve stars
Tudor’s dismissal marked Juventus’ third managerial change in just over a year and a half. Massimiliano Allegri, who was sacked at the end of the 2023-24 season, was succeeded by Thiago Motta before Tudor took over. The Bianconeri brought an end to their eight-game winless run in their first game without Tudor, beating Udinese 3-1 on Wednesday.
In a post-match interview, Vlahovic took responsibility for their recent failures, saying: "We’ve changed three coaches in a year and a half. We need to take a look in the mirror and see where we’re going wrong. I don’t think it’s fair to blame one person; we’re all to blame.
"[Against Udinese] we had to send a signal, and we did, but if we don’t do it in the next few games, it won’t be of any use."
Great start to the campaign marred by poor form
Tudor guided Juventus to three wins in their first three games of the season, including a thrilling 4-3 victory over Inter in the Derby d’Italia that saw them top the Serie A table. While he succeeded in restoring defensive stability, something that was missing during Motta’s final days at the club, Tudor’s pragmatic approach saw Juventus grinding out narrow wins in the early weeks.
However, the team’s fortunes began to dip following a chaotic 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Their struggles continued with a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Hellas Verona, followed by a 2-2 draw against Villarreal in the Champions League. Stalemates against Atalanta and AC Milan further extended their winless streak, as Juventus slipped out of the Serie A top four.
After the October international break, Juventus’ situation worsened with a 2–0 defeat to Como, followed by a 1–0 loss to Real Madrid. Support for Tudor poured in from several corners, with club legend Alessandro Del Piero cautioning that the team’s problems ran far deeper than the coach, while former Italy striker Antonio Cassano also came to his defense, insisting that the Croatian was not to blame for Juventus’ struggles.
Despite the backing, last week's 1-0 defeat to Lazio proved decisive. The result extended their winless run to eight matches and marked the fourth consecutive game in which they failed to score, ultimately sealing Tudor’s fate.
Vlahovic, who enjoyed a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign under Tudor, said it was time for the players to let their actions speak louder than their words.
“We need to talk less and do more. We need to get back to performing better and winning. I'm focused on that,” the Serbian striker said.
“I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mister Tudor for what he's done, for what he represents for Juventus, and I wish him the best of luck.”
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(C)Getty ImagesSpalletti's first game in charge
Juventus will aim to build on their 3-1 victory over Udinese when they face Cremonese on Saturday, as they look to climb back into the top four. The game could also be Spalletti’s first game in charge as the coach of Juventus.
Already thinking about 2026 targets, Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League rival who Eddie Howe is a huge fan of.
Newcastle handed early Barcelona boost
Ahead of Thursday’s clash against Barcelona, Newcastle have already been handed a major boost when it comes to team news. After missing their game against Valencia at the weekend, Lamine Yamal has been ruled out of Barcelona’s trip to St James’ Park and will not travel with Hansi Flick’s squad.
The 18-year-old, who is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, would have been playing in England for the first time, but will now have to wait for his chance to send the same statement that he’s been sending ever since stepping foot on the biggest stage.
That said, Howe recently admitted that as much as Yamal’s absence could provide Newcastle with a boost this Thursday, he relishes playing the best players and best teams.
The Newcastle boss told reporters: “Whenever I get asked these types of questions my answer’s always the same – you want to play the best teams, you want to play against the best players, and you want to challenge yourselves as much as you can.
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“But in saying that, we also want to win. We’ll take whoever they play. We know they’ve got world-class players in every position, so it’s irrelevant to a degree who is out there.”
It’s the first time in over 22 years that Barcelona will square off against Newcastle and a lot has changed in that time, both on and off the pitch. Away from the action, the Magpies are arguably in a position to compete against the Spanish giants financially and they could prove that by signing a Premier League rival in 2026.
Newcastle eyeing Kobbie Mainoo move
According to talkSPORT, Newcastle are now eyeing a move to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in 2026. The midfielder has found himself in a frustrating position at Old Trafford after being denied the chance to leave on loan in the summer. Instead, forced to compete for a place in a World Cup year, he’s been left to watch on from Ruben Amorim’s bench in controversial fashion.
Just how long a player of Mainoo’s talent will settle for his current position is the big question. Howe is reportedly a huge admirer of the midfielder and Newcastle could test United’s resolve if they continue to leave their academy graduate out in the cold.
Manchester United's KobbieMainooin action with Leicester City's Boubakary Soumare
It wasn’t so long ago that Mainoo was scoring the winning goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final and arguably in better form than anyone else in a Man United shirt. Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes even went as far as to describe the 20-year-old as “special” while he was labelled as a future “£100m-plus footballer” by United writer Alex Turk.
It remains unclear why Amorim has not handed him the chances that Erik ten Hag did, but Mainoo shouldn’t wait around to find out. Represented by the same agent as Nick Pope, the young star should jump at the chance if Newcastle come calling.
Ethan Bamber ran through Yorkshire with a five-for•Getty Images
Warwickshire 161 for 6 (Barnard 41, Coad 2-30, Sears 2-38) trail Yorkshire 205 (Bairstow 47, Bamber 5-47) by 44 runsNew-ball seamer Ethan Bamber claimed his first five-wicket haul in a Warwickshire shirt as they and star-studded Yorkshire traded blows during a 16-wicket opening day of their Rothesay County Championship fixture at Headingley.Bamber moved from Middlesex over the winter and is playing his fourth match for the Bears, who won the toss on a green pitch and bowled their hosts out for 205 to signal an early tea.His 5 for 47 from 15.2 overs included England’s new limited-overs captain Harry Brook for a frantic 33, while impressive three-wicket all-rounder Ed Barnard got Joe Root for 1 and Jonny Bairstow for 47.Warwickshire, for whom wicketkeeper Kai Smith claimed five catches, closed on 161 for 6 from 43 overs in reply, trailing by 44. Barnard added 41.Both counties came into this following draws last time out.Warwickshire were six points better off in the early Division One table after three matches, and they edged the morning as Yorkshire reached lunch at 97 for 4. Brook had 33 of those.With obvious movement through the air and off the pitch on offer, Bamber struck twice added to a wicket apiece for fellow seamers Barnard and Olly Hannon-Dalby.Having left Fin Bean out, Yorkshire opted to utilise Dom Bess as a locum opener alongside Adam Lyth, who contributed 26 but was one of the morning wickets. Dawid Malan (groin) was also missing.Bess, for 16, was first to go when he got an inside-edge to a Bamber delivery which nipped back and was caught behind by Smith.Warwickshire’s wicketkeeper took three morning catches, including James Wharton off Bamber at the second attempt. He fumbled the initial chance but held the rebound between his thighs.When Root played at a back-of-a-length delivery from Barnard which he probably didn’t need to, edging low to second slip, Yorkshire were 32 for 3 after 14 overs.Lyth followed to Hannon-Dalby before Brook made an action-packed start to his innings. Although he drove nicely, he danced down the pitch twice looking to hit over the top and survived a huge caught behind appeal off Michael Booth.Brook failed to add to his lunchtime 33 when miscueing an attempted uppercut off Bamber to Hamza Shaikh at third – 97 for 5 in the 29th over, three balls into the afternoon.George Hill followed shortly afterwards to the same bowler before Bairstow and Jordan Thompson united to share a vital seventh-wicket 61. While both were attacking, it wasn’t reckless. Thompson supported his captain with 35.There were signs of Bairstow – making his 100th Championship appearance – at his savage best. But there was finesse too. One straight drive off Barnard was as good as any shot all day.However, Barnard removed both as Yorkshire fell to 185 for 9. Thompson was caught behind before Bairstow played on.New Zealander Ben Sears then clobbered a late 28 to sneak Yorkshire beyond the 200-mark before edging Bamber into the slips to signal an early tea.And wickets continued to fall in the evening – six of them.After Davies and Rob Yates shared an opening 30, Warwickshire lost four for 17 inside eight overs.Davies edged Australian debutant Jordan Buckingham’s new-ball seam to third slip before Yates was trapped lbw by Ben Coad.And when Shaikh gloved pacy Sears behind as he tried to leave alone, followed by Zen Malik trapped lbw by Hill next ball, the hosts were back in it at 47 for 4 in the 14th.Barnard then set about settling the situation and drove nicely. He shared 59 with Dan Mousley – the latter contributing 32 before edging Coad to second slip – and a sixth-wicket 50 with Australian debutant Beau Webster, 32 not out.However, Barnard was caught at second slip off Sears late on, almost the last act of a super day’s play.
Half-centuries from Sol Budinger, Ian Holland, Peter Handscomb and Logan Van Beek helped Leicestershire reach a commanding 423 for nine after Derbyshire had asked them to bat first on the first day of their Rothesay County Championship match in Leicester.The East Midlands rivals are both looking to build on winning starts to their Division Two campaigns. Derbyshire, who beat Gloucestershire at home last week, bowled well at times but found their errors punished ruthlessly by aggressive Leicestershire batting.Leicestershire, victors at Glamorgan in the opening round, built partnerships right down the innings, with all-rounder van Beek, the Netherlands international making his debut, impressing at No 8. New Zealand’s Blair Tickner took two wickets on his return to Derbyshire.Budinger set the tone for Leicestershire from the start, with two of his first five balls faced finding the boundary, the outfield as fast as it is in midsummer as the current run of sunny weather continued.He had an unfamiliar opening partner in Rehan Ahmed, who took the place of the injured Rishi Patel at the top of the order as Leicestershire chased a modest target to win their opening match at Cardiff last week, continued in the role with Patel nursing a dislocated thumb.Given that Ahmed shares Budinger’s positive approach, there was a promise of runs in abundance if things went their way and at 26 without loss after four overs Derbyshire skipper Wayne Madsen might have already been wondering whether bowling first had been the right choice, even with plenty of grass on the pitch.Zak Chappell provided some reassurance immediately by bowling Ahmed, who drove loosely, but there was no more joy for Madsen’s bowlers until the penultimate over before lunch and the end of Budinger, who had been pretty impressive until, as can be his downfall, he played one shot too many.You could hardly blame him. Until that moment, he’d given the treatment to virtually everything even a tad short or wide and profited to the tune of 15 boundaries in a run-a-ball 81. But this time the ball from Martin Andersson, only just into the attack for the first time, perhaps climbed a little more than he anticipated outside off stump and the contact he made was enough only to deflect it into the gloves of wicketkeeper Brooke Guest. After 19 first-class matches, 87 remains Budinger’s highest score.His demise at 129 for two, following a 103-run partnership with Holland, prefaced a more rewarding afternoon for Derbyshire’s bowlers, with testing spells from Tickner, Luis Reece and Zak Chappell bringing breakthroughs after Holland had completed a 98-ball half-century.Tickner, back with Derbyshire after a family illness last year prompted an early return to New Zealand, hurried one through to have Lewis Hill leg before for 24; Reece, who had been twice close to dismissing Handscomb in single figures, had Holland caught at gully for 74; and Chappell, back on the ground where he began his career, bowled Patel’s replacement, Louis Kimber.But Handscomb, who flashed one edge off Reece almost through second-slip Madsen and promptly dropped another just short, settled down alongside Ben Cox to guide Leicestershire to tea and beyond.The captain and wicketkeeper added 97 for the sixth wicket before Derbyshire, with the new ball four overs away, made an important breakthrough as Handscomb, almost out off a thick edge to slip two balls earlier, was bowled by David Lloyd’s off-spin, one wicket bringing another as left-arm spinner Jack Morley had Cox leg before for 49.But any Derbyshire hopes of making short work of what remained in the Leicestershire innings were thwarted by Van Beek and Ben Green, who added 64 although Van Beek had some good fortune when the delivery from Reece that came back to bowl him on 33 was signalled as a no ball.Tickner had Green caught at long leg and the persevering Reece had Ben Mike leg before but Leicestershire were not to be denied a fourth batting point and may yet claim a fifth.
Celtic are set for a busy deadline day, and Brendan Rodgers could now be set to bring a winger into the equation after identifying a new target.
Celtic's dire Glasgow Derby display emphasises need for reinforcements
Despite plenty of anticipation ahead of the first clash between Glasgow’s big two this season, Celtic claimed a point away to Rangers at Ibrox in a 0-0 draw that won’t live long in the memory.
Rarely has a derby match-up between the pair passed without any real incident, though the Bhoys were flat in attack and registered only five shots, two of which were on target, as they remain top of the Scottish Premiership on goal difference.
Post-match, Rodgers hinted that his side could be in for a busy deadline day in order to land the offensive reinforcements he needs at the top end of the field.
He told reporters: “It’s been so clear what the team has needed and what’s required. I really hope that in this period we can do that.
“Celtic’s DNA is around about our attacking intent, mentality and that bit of quality. You arrive into the final third and you’re creating chances.”
Becoming the Bhoys’ main target at a late stage in the window, Anderlecht striker Kasper Dolberg is wanted to lead the Celtic line and could be set to replace Adam Idah, who is on his way to Swansea City as things stand.
Reports suggest the Bhoys have also made an approach for Bristol City forward Fally Mayulu, albeit he won’t be the last forward to be linked with a move to Parkhead before the deadline passes.
Admittedly, Celtic have left their business late, though they could now be about to step up their efforts to land a winger after showcasing a lack of creative ideas at Ibrox.
Celtic submit loan bid for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
Taking to social media platform X, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has confirmed that Celtic have submitted a loan bid for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi ahead of tonight’s deadline.
Intriguingly, Rangers, Lyon and Leicester City have also put forward proposals for the 22-year-old, who will now have a decision to make based on the amount of minutes he will earn away from Selhurst Park.
Dubbed “wonderful” by former Charlton Athletic boss Ben Garner, Rak-Sakyi spent last season out on loan at Sheffield United and enjoyed a successful spell at Bramall Lane, registering seven goals and two assists in 36 appearances.
With two years left on his contract, it remains to be seen if any option to buy would be included in a deal for the England Under-21 international. However, supporters of Celtic, Rangers, Lyon and Leicester City won’t need to wait too long to find out the £10 million-rated star’s chosen destination.
تعرض فريق برشلونة لهزيمة ثقيلة على يد خصمه إشبيلية، في مباراتهما عصر يوم الأحد في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.
وحل برشلونة ضيفًا على إشبيلية، في الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني، حيث تلقى هزيمة مذلة أمام الفريق الأندلسي بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف.
وسجل إشبيلية هدفه الأول من ضربة جزاء في الدقيقة 13 من عمر الشوط الأول، حيث نفذها أليكسيس سانشيز بنجاح.
اقرأ أيضًا.. إصابة لاعب برشلونة بعد الهزيمة برباعية أمام إشبيلية
وتحصل إشبيلية على ضربة جزاء بداعِ تدخل من رونالد أراوخو على لاعب إشبيلية إسحاق روميرو، بعد تدخل تقنية الفيديو.
ولكن الخبير التحكيمي بيريز بورول، رأى أن قرار احتساب ضربة جزاء لصالح إشبيلية في ذلك الموقف يُعد قرارًا خاطئًا، حسبما صرّح لراديو “ماركا” الإسبانية.
وقال بورول: “لم يكن ذلك الموقف يستدعي استخدام تقنية الفيديو في صراع على الكرة بين إسحاق روميرو وأراوخو، أشار الحكم في البداية إلى كونها ليست ضربة جزاء على أرض الملعب”.
وأضاف: “لم يكن هناك حاجة إلى قيام حكم تقنية الفيديو في تلك المباراة، ديل سيرو، بالتدخل في ذلك الموقف”. ضربة جزاء إشبيلية أمام برشلونة في الدوري الإسباني
Exactly a year after smashing the second-fastest 50-over century by an Indian, Gujarat opener Urvil Patel clattered a 28-ball century in the shortest format, which is the second-fastest overall in T20s and the fastest by an Indian. Urvil’s feat came against Tripura in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 tournament, in Indore.The record for the fastest T20 hundred belongs to Sahil Chauhan of Estonia, who got there in 27 balls against Cyprus in Episkopi, Cyprus, in June this year. The record for the fastest century by an Indian belonged to Rishabh Pant, who had reached three figures off 32 balls for Delhi against Himachal Pradesh, also in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, in January 2018.Chasing 156 against Tripura on Wednesday, Gujarat romped home in just 10.2 overs thanks to Urvil’s unbeaten 113 off 35 balls that was studded with seven fours and 12 sixes. Three of those sixes went over the covers, three in the ‘V’ down the ground, four over the midwicket region and one sailed over square leg. Four of those 12 sixes were struck against Tripura captain Mandeep Singh, who had moved from Punjab before the start of the ongoing season. Urvil clattered Mandeep for 24 runs off just five balls, Abhijit Sarkar for 26 off nine balls (four fours and a six), Sankar Paul for 17 off four and Manisankar Murasingh for 28 runs off 10 balls, with the help of one four and three sixes.On November 27 last year, Urvil had smashed a 41-ball century in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy, just a day after being released by Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the 2024 auction. That had placed him second in the list of the fastest List-A hundreds by Indians, behind Yusuf Pathan’s achievement of 40 balls. Urvil had been released after not getting any games with GT in IPL 2023.Urvil’s name was in the list of the uncapped wicketkeepers for the IPL 2025 mega auction recently but he did not find any takers.
Leeds United have now “rejected” a loan offer for an “excellent” player, according to an update from reliable journalist Beren Cross.
Leeds closing on Paixao and eyeing more signings
It looks as though Igor Paixao is increasingly likely to be the Whites’ latest signing this summer, with a move for the Feyenoord attacker now “fully approved” by the club.
The Brazilian has the ability to be a big hit at Elland Road, providing Leeds with the additional firepower that is badly needed back in the Premier League, having bagged 16 goals and 10 assists in the Eredivisie last season.
Paixao hopefully won’t be the Whites’ only addition between now and the end of the summer transfer window, however, and Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has emerged as an ambitious target who would bring a huge amount of experience and quality to Daniel Farke’s team.
Meanwhile, Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz is also said to be a target for Leeds, with the Brazilian keen on securing a move to Elland Road after an impressive 2024/25 campaign with the Cottagers.
Leeds reject offer for "excellent" attacker
Writing on X on Friday, The Athletic‘s Cross claimed that Leeds and 49ers Enterprises have now “rejected” a loan bid with an option to buy for forward Mateo Joseph from La Liga side Real Betis.
“Leeds United asked Getafe about Christantus Uche a few weeks ago. €25m release clause. Not advanced, but one they have checked on. Betis loan offer, with option, for Mateo Joseph has been rejected. Leeds insist he’s not for sale.”
This is good news from a Leeds perspective, with Joseph a young player with lots of potential – one who Farke has spoken of fondly in the recent past.
“I’m happy with what Mateo’s delivering. As a striker you’re only 100 per cent if you score game after game, but I don’t rate him in output of just goals. His link-up play is excellent and how he holds defenders. For example the third goal [vs Coventry], Joel Piroe, everyone is speaking about Ao Tanaka and the really good assist of Willy [Gnonto]. But I praise Mateo, under pressure keeps the ball against aggressive forward defending to keep possession and bring the midfielders into a good position.”
Granted, Joseph may struggle for regular football in the Premier League, having only started 11 Championship matches last season, so it is understandable why a fresh challenge may appeal to him.
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He still has so much to offer, though, and should only develop as a footballer over the next five or six years, so Leeds selling him would be a risk.
Following Russell Martin’s appointment, this squad at Ibrox was always going to require a mass overhaul, and so it has proved, with six new signings arriving already, and more forecast to follow, ahead of the start of Champions League qualifying in less than a fortnight.
Southampton manager Russell Martin.
Given that his three former jobs have been south of the border, it’s little surprise that Martin is primarily shopping in the English lower leagues, so could Rangers take another highly-rated youngster on loan from a Premier League outfit?
Rangers targeting another loan signing
Already this summer, both Max Aarons and Nasser Djiga have arrived at Ibrox on loan, joining from Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively.
Meantime, Joe Rothwell, Emmanuel Fernandez and Thelo Aasgaard have come in on permanent deals following impressive campaigns in the EFL; Lyall Cameron’s move from Dundee was pre-agreed in January.
Now, a report by Alex Crook of talkSPORT claims that Rangers are ‘keen’ to sign goalkeeper Carl Rushworth on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
They add that the Seagulls ‘have already rejected’ a bid from an EFL Championship club amongst lots of interest in the 24 year old, who wants to have a big say in his own future.
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Rushworth joined Brighton from Halifax Town as an 18-year-old and, despite being on their books for six years, is yet to make a senior appearance for the Albion.
He has been out on loan at Worthing, Walsall, Lincoln City, Swansea City and, most recently, Hull City, making just three appearances for the Tigers before being recalled by Brighton, an unused substitute in the Premier League 14 times last season.
Carl RushworthCarl Rushworth
Now, he is ready to play on a regular basis, so could Rangers offer him those highly-craved first-team opportunities?
How Carl Rushworth would improve Rangers
It will be interesting to see how Martin views his goalkeeping options, after Liam Kelly and Jack Butland both played 45 minutes each of Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Club Brugge at Ibrox.
Jack Butland
For almost two seasons, Butland had been the undisputed number one, but a string of errors saw him dropped by interim manager Barry Ferguson in April, with Kelly notably starting both legs of the Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club Bilbao.
The statistics below underline that neither are perhaps the goalkeeper Martin is looking for.
Goals against per 90
1.11
3rd
1
2nd
Save %
65.5%
17th
67.9%
11th
Clean sheet %
37.5%
5th
40%
4th
Errors leading to a goal
2
4th
0
17th
Errors leading to a shot
2
2nd
1
3rd
Punches
10
10th
4
19th
Average SofaScore rating
7
9th
6.93
13th
As outlined, neither Butland nor Kelly covered themselves in glory last season, hence why a new goalkeeper should be a priority.
Rushworth, on the other hand, is highly-rated and on the up, with his performances at Swansea labelled “incredible” by his manager in South Wales, Luke Williams.
Meantime, Andy Naylor of the Athletic praises his ‘presence and performances’ as well as his ‘good range of passing’, forecasting he’ll go to the very top, so let’s assess his statistics from the last season he did enjoy regular first-team football.
Goals conceded
65
2nd
Shots on target faced
206
3rd
Saves
143
3rd
Save %
70.9%
7th
Clean sheets
10
13th
Post-shot xG – goals conceded
+5.5
2nd
Attempted passes
1,897
2nd
As the table outlines, Rushworth was not only one of the best but also one of the busiest goalkeepers in the EFL Championship in 2023/24, playing for a Swansea side who finished 14th but conceded 65 goals.
Thus, Rushworth ranked in the top three for saves and, most notably, post-shot expected goals – goals allowed, essentially saving 5.5 goals more than expected, ranked behind only Mads Hermansen, who would go on to star in the Premier League, for this metric.
Thus, Rushworth is clearly a highly talented, high-potential player, one that would fill a position of need at Rangers.
When compared to signings that have already been made, namely Thelo Aasgaard, the Norwegian international may well be a roaring success in Glasgow, but a new central midfielder was not near the top of the list of priorities, considering they already have Mohamed Diomandé, Connor Barron, new signing Lyall Cameron and last year’s player of the year Nicolas Raskin.
Goalkeeper as a position, on the other hand, has a ginormous question mark dangling over it, it’s anyone’s guess who will be donning the gloves against Panathinaikos a week on Tuesday, hence why Rushworth could well be a transformational signing.
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