كشف ياسر لبيب رئيس جهاز كرة اليد بالنادي الأهلي، وجود مفاوضات مع سبورتنج، لضم أحد لاعبيه خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية.
وكان الأهلي قد توّج بلقب كأس الكؤوس الإفريقية لكرة اليد، عقب الفوز على الزمالك بنتيجة 31-28 في المباراة النهائية التي أقيمت على صالة الأمير عبد الله الفيصل بمقر النادي بالجزيرة.
وقال ياسر لبيب في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: “الأهلي قدم عرضًا رسميًا لنادي سبورتنج، من أجل ضم بيجاد مروان خلال الفترة المقبلة”.
وتلقى بيجاد مروان عرضًا رسميًا أيضاً من نادي الزمالك لضمه بعد الأداء المميز الذي ظهر به مع الفارس الأبيض خلال بطولتي السوبر الإفريقي وكأس الكؤوس، حيث لعب مع الفريق معارًا ثم عاد إلى ناديه سبورتنج.
طالع | ماديسون: الأهلي يعيش من أجل البطولات.. وفخور بما حققناه رغم التحديات وتمكن الأهلي من التتويج في الموسم الماضي بستة ألقاب (3 محلية و3 قارية)، دوري المحترفين، كأس مصر، السوبر المصري، دوري أبطال إفريقيا، كأس الكؤوس الإفريقية والسوبر الإفريقي.
Todd Murphy and Corey Rocchiccioli picked up five wickets between them, but couldn’t stop India A from hunting 412 down
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2025KL Rahul, who had retired when on 74 on the third evening, returned to the middle on the fourth morning at the fall of nightwatcher Manav Suthar’s wicket. Rahul batted till the job for his team was completed, ending unbeaten on 176 as India A hunted down 412 to beat Australia A by five wickets and take the two-match unofficial Test series 1-0 after the first match was drawn.By Rahul’s side when he walked out was B Sai Sudharsan, past the half-century mark at that stage, and then, Dhruv Jurel. Rahul and Sai Sudharsan added 78 runs in the morning, with Rahul first and then his partner getting to a century. Once Sai Sudharsan fell for 100, Rahul and Jurel added 115 in quick time as their stand required just under 19 overs.Those partnerships, between members of the senior India Test side, was too much to handle for the Australians, whose bowling attack boasted the experience of just eight Tests between them – seven for Todd Murphy, and one for Cooper Connolly. Murphy lived up to his status, adding the wicket of Suthar to the two he had on the third evening – N Jagadeesan and Devdutt Padikkal, both part of India’s Test squad for the games against West Indies next month. Corey Rocchiccioli, tipped to make the Test team in the not-too-distant future, removed Sai Sudharsan and Jurel.Corey Rocchiccioli picked up the wickets of B Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel•Tanuj/ Ekana Cricket Stadium
But those were the rare lapses on the part of the Indian batters, who started the day on 169 for 2, still 243 runs behind the target, with eight wickets in hand. Sai Sudharsan did the early scoring, not allowing Australia A from snatching the initiative away, and once Rahul came in, it became one-way traffic. After Sai Sudharsan became Rocchiccioli’s first victim, Jurel walked out and got going immediately. Rahul, though, was slower only in comparison. Jurel hit five fours and three sixes in his knock of 56 in 66 balls, going at a strike rate of 84.85, before falling with India A just 30 runs away from the target.Rahul, already past 150 by then, finished the job in the company of Nitish Kumar Reddy, hitting 16 fours and four sixes in his 210-ball innings. He finished with a strike rate of 83.81, underscoring the dominance of the Indian batters when the game was in the balance after a below-par show in the first innings. Reddy, meanwhile, hit three boundaries, and scored 16* at better than a run a ball.Australia were left to rue missed opportunities after they failed to defend 411. “I think that at the start of the day, anytime you’re defending over 400 in these conditions, you’re pretty confident that you can apply enough pressure,” Murphy said after the end of the game. “I think we stuck at it really well. We did create a lot of chances and probably just off the back of our homework, we let ourselves down a little bit by not taking them.”But I thought we applied ourselves pretty well out there. It was a tough grind. Rahul and Sudharsan batted really well, but I thought we stuck at it pretty well and it’s rid of a couple of missed opportunities.”Murphy also said that adapting to the Indian conditions was difficult. “I think the biggest challenge for us was probably dealing with the heat and the humidity,” he said. “Bloody, tough work and even personally just trying to figure out different ways to hold the ball when your hands were slippery with so much sweat. It was a big challenge for me and I think of fronting up day in, day out and still trying to put really good performances on the board.”The action between India A and Australia A now moves from Lucknow to Kanpur, in roughly the same part of India, for the three-match one-day series, with the first game to be played on September 30.
Lionel Messi left a loved-up couple in Barcelona stunned when casually wandering past them on his way to a secret visit at the revamped Camp Nou. Few have been granted access inside that venue, with construction work not yet completed, but special treatment is afforded to an icon of the club. Messi has been back in Catalunya after leaving the United States for international duty.
Why Messi has passed through Barcelona
World Cup winners Argentina are currently based in Alicante ahead of a friendly date with Angola on November 14. Messi forms part of their squad, alongside Inter Miami colleague Rodrigo De Paul. They made a point of passing through Barcelona before linking up with international colleagues.
Messi was granted access to Camp Nou, which will soon be throwing open its doors once more following an expensive upgrade. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner last graced the field there on May 16, 2021, against Celta Vigo – with his last goal for the Blaugrana taking him to 672 in total.
AdvertisementWatch Messi caught on camera during secret Camp Nou visit
Messi in tears: Emotional farewell bid in 2021
He returned to familiar surroundings three months later to bid an emotional farewell to Barca and their global fan base. Messi was forced to leave as a free agent after financial issues prevented a contract extension from being agreed.
Messi said at the time, as he broke down in tears: "Everything was agreed and then at the last moment, because of the issue with La Liga, it could not be done. I did all I could to stay, that's what I wanted but it could not be done. I accepted a 50% pay cut and after that nothing else was asked of me. I feel so sad to leave the club I love at a moment that I did not expect. I never lied, I was always up front.
“I would like to thank the people's affection towards me, I would have liked to say goodbye in a different way. To be able to do it out there on the field, hear my last ovation, have them close, hear the cheering…I leave the Club without having seen them for a year and a half. I have felt the recognition and the love that I also feel for the Club. Let's hope I can return at some point and help as best I can because this Club is still the best in the world.”
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Love in Barcelona: Couple catch Messi wandering past
Messi has now stepped foot inside Camp Nou once more, with the Argentine GOAT posting on social media in another hint at his career path leading back to Catalunya at some stage – with more statements being made regarding an emotional return to a spiritual home alongside wife Antonela Rocuzzo and their three sons: “Last night I returned to a place I miss with all my heart. A place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel a thousand times over like the happiest person in the world. I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never could…”
While few were aware of Messi’s presence on November 9, a young couple knew that he was around. That is because, while filming a romantic video on the streets close to Barcelona's iconic home, they inadvertently caught Messi, De Paul and close friend Pepe Costa passing behind them. They wrote when posting the video online: “You ask your partner out on 9/11 with a small bouquet of violets and Messi appears to make it unforgettable.”
علق محمد رشوان خبير اللوائح على قرارات اتحاد الكرة بشأن العقوبات ضد الأهلي والزمالك في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، والتي تم إعلانها اليوم.
وقال محمد رشوان في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “صدى البلد”: “ما زلنا نلعب لعبة التوازنات، وأتمنى كمواطن مصري المشاركة في بطولة خارجية دون مشاكل، لكن للأسف كل مرة تحدث أزمة تُعكر الصفو، لأننا لا نملك تعريفًا واضحًا للوائح”.
وأكمل: “الجميع قالوا إنه لا توجد عقوبة محددة على زيزو وفق اللوائح، لكننا فوجئنا ببيان اتحاد الكرة ثم تعديله لاحقًا لإضافة عقوبة زيزو، السباب الجماعي يجب أن يُواجه بحزم، والغرامة البالغة 100 ألف جنيه ليست رادعة، فلا بد من مواقف أكثر قوة”.
وواصل: “المشكلة ليست فقط في زيزو، بل تتكرر مع دونجا وأزمة النقاط وغيرها، وطول ما التوازنات هي التي تتحكم، لن نستطيع تطبيق القانون، البيان ذكر تكرار السباب الجماعي، ومعناه أن العقوبة يجب أن تكون مضاعفة”.
وأشار: “هشام نصر قال إنه لم يكن سيسلم على اللاعب، كلام لا يصح، وهو نفسه يستحق الإيقاف، لأن الموقف لا يُدار بالعواطف، ولازم تكون المسطرة القانونية واضحة”.
وزاد: “زيزو سيتظلم على القرار، وسيستند إلى ما قاله هشام نصر بأنه لم يكن سيسلم عليه، وإلى أنه صافح أحمد عبد الرؤوف واللاعبين على الدكة، وسيطالب بإبراز النص في اللائحة الذي يعاقب اللاعب إذا لم يصافح أحدًا”.
وبسؤاله هل ممكن يتم معاقبة مسؤول وفقا للائحة؟، أجاب: “لا يوجد، لكن الأصل في القانون أن يطبق على الجميع وأي عنصر من عناصر اللعبة، لازم يكون ليك علاقة كعضو مجلس إدارة، والأصل في الطعن هي على العقوبات التي لا تستند إلى القانون، زيزو سيقول أريد النص في اللائحة الذي على أساسه إذا لم أصافح أحد توقع على عقوبة”.
وأتم: “الزمالك أيضًا من حقه أن يتقدم بتظلم على عقوبة بيزيرا، وأعتقد أن العقوبتين سيم رفعهما، لكن أهم شيء أن تكون اللوائح واضحة منعا للقيل والقال”.
da bet sport： This season is one filled with promise and excitement among the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase, understandably so, given the Europa League triumph against Manchester United in 2024/25.
da gbg bet： After years of struggles on the pitch, the night in Bilbao will live long in the memory of all Lilywhites supporters – as they ended their near two-decade wait for a form of silverware.
The hierarchy have also backed Thomas Frank in his quest to build on such a triumph, with over £100m being spent on new additions to help the Dane in North London.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrank
He’s already made a sensational start to life in the role, even beating Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad – currently sitting fourth in the Premier League after the first three outings.
One of his recent additions to the squad has already made an excellent start to life at the club, potentially looking like a shrewd signing despite his expensive transfer fee.
Mohammed Kudus’ start to life at Spurs
In what was Frank’s first major addition as Spurs boss, he landed winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United in a deal totalling £55m including add-ons.
The Ghanaian achieved a total of eight combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight last campaign – undoubtedly being the shining light in the Hammers’ dismal season.
West Ham United's MohammedKuduscelebrates
He’s already made an immediate impact to life in North London, registering two assists on his league debut for the Lilywhites in the 3-0 triumph over newly-promoted Burnley.
Alongside his assist tally, the 25-year-old has also created the most chances per 90 (2.4) within the current first-team squad, which has so far made him the most threatening option at Frank’s disposal.
Kudus has also completed the most dribbles per 90 (3.1) and won possession the most times out of any player in the squad per 90 (1.4) – offering an all-round presence within the final third.
If he can continue his impressive early start to life under Frank, there’s no doubt the attacker will be a key player in any future success endured during his tenure.
However, despite his big-money transfer, he’s still valued lower than one player who’s also endured somewhat of an incredible rise during his own spell at the club.
The Spurs player worth more than Kudus
Ange Postecoglou’s stint as Spurs manager brought about their recent Europa League success, with the Aussie mainly focusing on young talents in his quest with the Lilywhites.
The likes of Pape Sarr and Micky van de Ven both joined under his guidance, with both talents starting in the final and playing a key role in their victory in Bilbao.
The latter of the duo even made a miraculous goal-line clearance in the second half, maintaining the side’s clean sheet and ultimately helping them end their extended wait for a trophy.
Other players had to bide their time before making an impact in his side, often having to resort to limited minutes before getting their chance and grabbing it with both hands.
Midfielder Lucas Bergvall is a player who did just that, cementing his place within the first-team setup after his move from Swedish side Djurgarden just over 12 months ago – costing just £8.5m.
Lucas Bergvall with the Europa League trophy.
The 19-year-old was an outcast at the start of 2024/25, but rapidly made himself a key member of the squad and ended the campaign with a total of 45 appearances across all competitions.
Despite his tender age, the Swede scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final victory over league winners Liverpool – highlighting his nouse to perform on big occasions.
He ended up making 12 appearances in the Europa League, but missed the final due to injury, which would’ve been a bitter blow given his success during his debut campaign in England.
However, Bergvall, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Squawka Sport, has seen a sharp upturn in his market value over recent months, further highlighting his superb rise to stardom.
Lucas Bergvall – Premier League stats 2024/25
Statistics
Rank among midfielders
Passes completed
Top 10%
Pass completion
Top 14%
Tackles
Top 17%
Dribblers tackled
Top 16%
Shots blocked
Top 7%
Touches
Top 10%
Carries
Top 10%
Successful take-ons
Top 5%
Progressive carries
Top 19%
Stats via FBref.
The youngster has now been valued at a staggering £50.3m by FootballTransfers, which has seen a phenomenal six times increase on the fee forked out for his signature last summer.
His subsequent valuation is higher than that of Kudus, who’s only valued at £40.4m by the same site despite his £55m transfer to the Lilywhites back in July.
At just 19, Bergvall has a huge future ahead of him, subsequently having the perfect opportunity to continue his tremendous rise in England under Frank in the years ahead.
If he can strike up an excellent partnership with Kudus in North London, the pair could play a crucial role in any future success – potentially making the side serial winners and cementing themselves as one of Europe’s elite.
Not just Tel: Spurs dud now looks totally finished under Thomas Frank
One other Tottenham Hotspur star may be out of Thomas Frank’s plans alongside Mathys Tel.
South Africa’s immediate preparation didn’t include tours but a gruelling three-month camp at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria
George Binoy in Brisbane11-Aug-2012South Africa prepare for the Under-19 World Cup differently when compared to most other teams of their standing at the tournament in Townsville. Not for them the extensive tour programmes to familiarise their young cricketers with foreign conditions, various opponents and life on the road – experiences their opponents take pains to acquire. Although they visited England in 2011, when they won 4-2, and hosted Pakistan and Zimbabwe, South Africa’s immediate preparation has been a gruelling three-month camp at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria.”We have a different view on how to train our younger guys,” says their Under-19 coach Ray Jennings. “We have programmes in South Africa where we create pressure and intensity for players to develop, whereas the Indians and some other guys tend to create the intensity on tours.””This year, for example, we had a group of players together for three months in a national academy programme. We trained them from six in the morning to six at night, not only from a cricketing point of view but also from a life point of view, [we] try and mature them. It’s a different programme that Cricket South Africa has started. We haven’t gone the route to go on tour. Our three and a half months have been intense, with early morning runs and all sorts of things at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria.”Won’t other teams’ prior knowledge of opponents and conditions in Townsville give them an edge over South Africa at the tournament? “Why should it?” asks Jennings. “I don’t think the players that we worked with fear any opposition. We’re aware that we’re as good as anyone in the world. We don’t have an inferiority complex on skills.”This side is well balanced. We’ve got a really good group of fast bowlers. There are a lot of allrounders in the side, one or two guys who can win games with the bat and the ball.”Their performances in the warm-up games in Brisbane back up Jennings’ confidence in his players. South Africa kept New Zealand to 184 for 8 before their openers Quinton de Kock and Chad Bowes put on 127 to ensure victory before retiring out after 20 overs. De Kock is perhaps South Africa’s premier batsman, having scored 341 runs on the tour of England. He has three international centuries – two against Pakistan and one against Zimbabwe.”I would have preferred if New Zealand had scored more runs so that we could have been challenged in our batting department. But our bowlers bowled well and our batsmen put in a good start,” Jennings said after the warm-up. “But everyday you play at Under-19 level is a different type of challenge.”South Africa’s batsmen were challenged by Bangladesh in the second warm-up the next day, but Bowes scored an unbeaten 104 to help his team achieve the target off the penultimate ball.Jennings has earned the reputation of being a tough coach, a disciplinarian, and the grown-up manner in which these teenagers are treated by umpires and match referees in the World Cup appeals to him. He says there’s zero tolerance for breaking rules, bad behaviour and corruption. It all adds up to nurturing a young cricketer’s character, something Jennings puts a premium on vis-a-vis technical skills at this age.”Technique is important but if you don’t have a character around that technique, it’s not going to be good,” he says. “If you have a bad technique and a good character, you can always get through and work your technique, but you can’t really work on the character of the person. I always look at the character of the person and the technique second.”That strength of character is certain to be tested at the World Cup, and more so in the coming years, when the danger of these cricketers falling off the charted path due to distraction or failure is greatest. “From this age until 23, it’s quite a tough age where a lot of players have other things come in the way – girlfriends, life … and the partying life and things like that,” Jennings said. “There are a lot of distractions in the next two three years but I like to believe we’ve addressed that in the last six months in the national academy.”Will South Africa’s intense and different preparation work at this World Cup? They begin their campaign on Sunday, against Bangladesh, having made the finals in 2002 and 2008 but losing both, to Australia and India. From Jennings’ point of view, winning a maiden Under-19 title would be an achievement to savour, but the satisfaction of watching some of these boys make the senior team is what he wants more.
Sri Lanka, Netherlands and Namibia are all still in the fray, but weather could make things tricky
Sampath Bandarupalli18-Oct-2022Sri Lanka –
Sri Lanka were expected to enter the Super 12s without too much fuss. But a loss to Namibia in the tournament opener by 55 runs put their campaign off track. However, the 2014 champions recovered with a 79-run win against UAE to boost their net run-rate.Their ask now is simple. They need to beat Netherlands. If they do, the Namibia vs UAE result doesn’t matter to them because of their strong NRR. A defeat, meanwhile, will make Sri Lanka bank on UAE, who then have to beat Namibia by 28 runs more than Sri Lanka’s losing margin against Netherlands. Sri Lanka will not make it through to the next round if the remaining two Group A games end without results.Netherlands –
Netherlands are currently top of Group A with back-to-back wins, but a defeat against Sri Lanka on Thursday could end their campaign. Their NRR of 0.149 is the lowest among the teams that will finish with four points – if Sri Lanka and Namibia win. Therefore, if they lose to Sri Lanka, Netherlands need to hope Namibia lose to UAE. They will proceed to the Super 12s if one of the two games on Thursday is washed out.Namibia –
Despite the loss against Netherlands on Tuesday, Namibia are well-placed to qualify for the Super 12s. Their NRR of 1.277 is by far the best in their group, and a win against UAE would be enough for them.Namibia can go through to the Super 12s even if they lose to UAE, but only if Sri Lanka lose to Netherlands too. Namibia can afford to lose by 27 runs if Netherlands beat Sri Lanka by the narrowest of margins. Since Namibia play last, they will have the advantage of knowing the equations in advance.Namibia will go through along with Netherlands if both the matches on Thursday are washouts.UAE –
Even though UAE have lost both their games, they are not quite out of the race to qualify for the Super 12s. However, the 79-run defeat against Sri Lanka on Tuesday has put them in a position where they would need a bit of a miracle.They must beat Namibia by at least 66 runs to go ahead of their NRR and hope Sri Lanka lose to Netherlands by about 40 runs. The smaller the losing margin for Sri Lanka, the higher UAE need to win by. If Sri Lanka get points from the Netherlands game, UAE will automatically be out of the race.
da gbg bet： O Milan segue vivo no “grupo da morte” da Champions League. A equipe italiana venceu o PSG por 2 a 1, de virada, no San Siro, e conseguiu três pontos fundamentais. O zagueiro Škriniar abriu o placar aos nove minutos do primeiro tempo, Rafael Leão empatou para os rossoneros três minutos depois, e Giroud sacramentou a vitória no segundo tempo.
RelacionadasFutebol InternacionalCom golaço de Haaland, Manchester City vence Young Boys e se classifica para oitavas da Champions LeagueFutebol Internacional07/11/2023Champions LeagueMbappé passa em branco, Milan vira sobre o PSG e embola ‘grupo da morte’ da Champions LeagueChampions League07/11/2023Futebol InternacionalCom hat-trick de brasileiro e sem Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr vence o Al-Duhail pela Champions League AsiáticaFutebol Internacional07/11/2023
da pixbet： ➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
A partida ficou marcada pelos protestos da torcida do Milan contra Donnaruma, ex-goleiro da equipe rossonera. Os torcedores no setor sul do San Siro jogaram cédulas de dinheiro na direção do goleiro antes do apito inicial, que trocou o time italiano pelo PSG há dois anos.
Com a vitória do Borussia Dortmund sobre o Newcastle, a equipe alemã terminou a rodada na liderança do Grupo F da Champions League com sete pontos, um a mais do que o PSG. O Milan ocupa a terceira posição, com cinco pontos, e os ingleses amargam o último lugar do grupo, com quatro pontos.
➡️ Veja a tabela e confira todos os jogos da Champions League
Leeds United have now “scheduled” a meeting with a “sensational” attacker to discuss a move to Elland Road, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed.
Leeds need to improve attacking options
Leeds’ Premier League opener at home to Everton is less than two weeks away, and while Daniel Farke has made major improvements to his squad, the only new attacker through the door is former Wolfsburg striker Lukas Nmecha.
New signing
Joined from
Position
Anton Stach
Hoffenheim
DM
Jaka Bijol
Udinese
CB
Lucas Perri
Lyon
GK
Sean Longstaff
Newcastle United
CM
Gabriel Gudmundsson
LOSC Lille
LB
Sebastian Bornauw
Wolfsburg
CB
Lukas Nmecha
Wolfsburg
ST
As such, Farke should now consider improving his attacking options a priority, particularly considering the fact Mateo Joseph wants to leave, and the Whites have now joined the race for a striker, identifying Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic as a potential option.
Mitrovic could be an exciting addition, given that the Serbian is vastly experienced in the Premier League, scoring 14 goals in 24 games for Fulham in the 2022-23 campaign.
However, Leeds are also looking to bring in an attacking midfielder, capable of providing assists for their new striker, and they are in the race for Leicester City’s Bilal El-Khannouss, who has a release clause of £22.5m included in his contract.
There has now been a new update on the Whites’ El-Khannouss pursuit, with Tavolieri taking to X to reveal they have now “scheduled a meeting” with the Leicester attacking midfielder, which is due to take place “in the coming days”.
Crystal Palace could also make a move for the 21-year-old, with Selhurst Park potentially an attractive destination, given that they are set to take part in the UEFA Conference League, although playing in Europe is not thought to be a decisive factor in the player’s plans.
"Excellent" £20m forward now open to joining Crystal Palace with talks held
There has been a development in Palace’s pursuit of an attacker…
ByDominic Lund Aug 7, 2025 "Sensational" El Khannouss deserves another chance in the top flight
It was a difficult debut campaign in the Premier League for the Belgium-born maestro, with the Foxes being relegated, but he still managed to impress at times, chipping in with two goals and three assists.
Football scout Ben Mattinson believes the starlet could go on to achieve big things, lauding him as “sensational”, while also describing the Leicester attacker as “an all-rounder of a player capable of affecting the game from all over the pitch.”
Former Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy also thinks the youngster could go on to be a top-level player, saying: “The challenge for him is, at his young age, pushing himself to finally know where his ceiling is. His potential is there to be a top player in Europe in the Champions League.”
As such, it could be a coup if Leeds were able to sign El-Khannouss, and the Moroccan could be a real difference-maker in their battle to avoid relegation.
Wolverhampton Wanderers could be set to lose one of their most reliable performers this summer, it has emerged, with Manchester United showing interest in bringing him to Old Trafford ahead of the new season.
Wolves with mixed season on and off the pitch
It has been a strange year for Wolves. After Julen Lopetegui quit over spending disagreements, Gary O'Neil was appointed head coach of a side widely tipped for relegation from the Premier League.
Instead, they enjoyed a fine campaign and were looking on course for European football. However, financial fair play meant that they couldn't sign a striker in January and squad size issues have contributed to a downturn in form.
Wolves under Gary O'Neil (all competitions)
Games
42
Wins
17
Goals per game
1.52
Goals conceded per game
1.52
Points per game
1.40
‘We couldn’t afford to go to where other clubs were able to go to without putting ourselves at risk. It’s the position the club’s in, the position they told me they were in when they spoke to me", O'Neil explained when discussing the January window.
"We could afford wages but some of the fees – obligations, loan fees, penalties for people not playing – were too much of a hurdle for us. We couldn’t get anything done."
Their hard-fought 2-1 win over Luton Town ended a run of six Premier League games without a win, which included defeats to West Ham, Arsenal, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
Wolves make pre-summer bid to sign star with "blistering pace"
Wolves are looking to get a jump start on the 2024 summer transfer window.
By
Josh Barker
Apr 27, 2024
With three games left to play, they currently sit 11th and are seven points behind seventh-placed Newcastle United, meaning that European football will remain a dream for another season. Now, though, they could be set to lose one of their stars.
Manchester United circle around Kilman
That comes as the Times claim that Manchester United are keen to sign Maximilian Kilman this summer after shortlisting him among their defensive targets. The Red Devils are set to be bolstered financially by the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, and they have already set about planning for the summer.
A centre-back is one of their top priorities after the defensive crisis this season has seen Casemiro play at centre back in recent weeks. Both Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane are out of contract this summer, while the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are unclear.
They are keen to add English talent, which has led to their defensive targets being narrowed down to Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi or Kilman, who has enjoyed another fine season at Molineux, playing every minute under Gary O'Neil and grabbing two goals in the process.
Wolves have already rejected previous interest in the 26-year-old from Napoli, but may find offers too good to turn down this time around.
Max Kilman celebrates
Perhaps pertinently, United will be able to offer Kilman a massive raise on his current £50k per week deal at Molineux, with 22 of Manchester United's squad already earning more than the Englishman.
Any deal would likely be in excess of £50m, the report adds, with Wolves not planning to let their captain leave cheaply. However, should the money be presented, cashing in could well suit all parties and help Wolves battle their ongoing financial fair play issues.