Under pressure, Bangladesh dropped three catches – two towards the end – to let South Africa escape to a win

Vishal Dikshit13-Oct-20253:33

Review: SA find ways to win under pressure

Seventy-eight for 5 in Guwahati and 78 for 5 in Visakhapatnam.These are not Bangladesh’s scores at the Women’s World Cup 2025 but the precarious positions they reduced two top oppositions in in their last three games and ended up on the losing side on both occasions. In the first, they were defending a modest 178 and gave England a scare, and on Monday against South Africa, they put up a much more competitive 232 with a bowling line-up that looked capable of defending it. However, they went down largely because of several fielding lapses that included three catches put down and South Africa clinched the thriller by three wickets.The Bangladesh bowlers were also not able to bowl accurately towards the end and bowled full tosses or in the range of the batters, which their captain Nigar Sultana said was because of dew. She also said that the result might have been different if the players had calmed their nerves.Related

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“Gripping the ball was quite difficult, there was dew around,” she said at the press conference. “The ball was wet. I tried to use our best bowlers at the death. Sometimes it is hard to hold on to the momentum, but our bowlers did well. But we learned a lot today, which we can use in the future.”It happens sometimes during the game,” she said of the fielding errors. “It was very difficult. Pressure is on and it was very difficult for the bowlers to grip the balls and for the fielders also. I don’t want to give any excuses. But still, in this sort of condition, you have to keep your nerves calm. We missed those chances, maybe if we could hold on to those catches, the result would be different.”Bangladesh spilled a few chances towards the end•ICC/Getty ImagesRabeya Khan missed a caught-and-bowled chance in the fifth over to reprieve South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt on 11, and she went onto score a steady 31. Bangladesh then dropped two chances towards the end with the chase getting tense. Substitute Sumaiya Akter couldn’t hold on to Chloe Tryon’s offering at wide long-on when on 46 when South Africa needed 53 off 42. And when Shorna Akter dropped a sitter at long-off with South Africa needing 9 off 8, it drew a dramatic reaction from the bowler Rabeya. The dangerous Nadine de Klerk was on 26 with No. 9 Masabata Klaas at the other end. In the next over, de Klerk smashed the remaining eight runs with a four and a match-winning six for the second game in a row.”I am not disappointed, I am proud,” Nigar said. “The way the girls fought for every ball. It wasn’t easy for us to keep a close game in control. I am happy as a captain seeing my team give 110%.

“I am not disappointed, I am proud. The way the girls fought for every ball. It wasn’t easy for us to keep a close game in control. I am happy as a captain seeing my team give 110%.”Nigar Sultana

“Certainly, there’ll be regret because if we would have won such close matches, it would have been a great moment for the team. We have a lot of room for improvement. We want to do better in the last three games.”There was dew from the start of South Africa’s chase when Bangladesh’s swing bowler Marufa Akter was seen frequently use the towel to wipe the ball dry. Since a fair bit of dew was expected later in the evening and Australia had shown against India on Sunday evening that batting second was not a bad idea even while going after a big total, it was a curious decision by Bangladesh to bat first after winning the toss.”Chasing actually was not working for us,” Nigar said. “We saw that in the last game. Our batters couldn’t get runs in the powerplay. We lost also early wickets. Initially, it was our plan to bat first and give the bowlers something [to defend] because they have been doing well. This is the only department [bowling] I think we are in a very good control. That’s why we took the decision [to bat first].”We wanted to give our batters a pressure-free time. We wanted to put pressure on them [South Africa] with our bowling strength, with a bit of runs behind them.”Bangladesh were reeling at 33 for 6 and skittled for 128 in their 228-run chase against New Zealand in Guwahati, where none of their top five reached double-digits. Against South Africa, the Bangladesh top order started steady, even if slowly, to try and accelerate later, which they did with the help of 18-year-old Shorna’s 51 not out off 35 balls after she came out to bat in the 41st over. But even 232 wasn’t enough in the end.”We were 15-20 runs short [of] our target,” Nigar said. “We could have scored those runs had our top order rotated the strike more. We could have given better effort in the fielding. We shouldn’t be disappointed or heartbroken.”

Manchester United have now joined the race to sign a “phenomenal” midfielder, who recently put in an impressive performance at Old Trafford.

Man Utd stepping up pursuit of new midfielder

Man United have set out to sign a new central midfielder in the January transfer window, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes is the object of their desires, with it recently being revealed the 24-year-old has said ‘yes’ to a move to Old Trafford.

INEOS are now working on a deal for the Wolves star, with David Ornstein revealing the Old Gold may choose to cash-in during the January transfer window, as his value may decrease if they are a Championship club by the time summer comes around.

The need to bring in a new central midfielder may also be exacerbated if Kobbie Mainoo moves on, with it now emerging that talks over the 20-year-old signing a contract extension have been put on hold, amid interest from reigning Serie A champions Napoli.

However, it would be understandable if Wolves were unwilling to sell Gomes, given that he has been one of their key players this season and remains contracted until 2030, and the Red Devils have now joined the race for a potential alternative.

That is according to a report from talkSPORT, which names Man United as potential suitors for Everton midfielder James Garner, who is also being targeted by Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.

The Toffees have little interest in sanctioning a departure, however, and have recently stepped up talks over a new contract, with Garner’s current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

David Moyes is personally keen to keep hold of the central midfielder, and it is no surprise, given that he recently played an instrumental role in his side’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

Garner impresses in shock Everton win at Old Trafford

After Idrissa Gueye was shown a red card for an altercation with teammate Michael Keane on Monday night, United would’ve been expecting to take all three points, but they were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal of the game just before the half-an-hour mark, with Garner grabbing the assist, while also making three interceptions and one clearance to keep Ruben Amorim’s side at bay.

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He has a massive future in the game.

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Hailed as “phenomenal” by pundit Trevor Sinclair, a deal for the Englishman wouldn’t break the bank at £20m+, and he has outperformed Gomes across some key defensive statistics over the past year.

Key defensive statistics per 90 (past year)

James Garner

Joao Gomes

Interceptions

1.41 (85th percentile)

0.81 (34th percentile)

Blocks

1.41 (77th percentile)

1.31 (68th percentile)

Clearances

2.19 (80th percentile)

1.37 (40th percentile)

That said, both Garner and Gomes aren’t experienced at the highest level, and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni would perhaps be a more exciting addition to the squad, with the Spanish side’s asking price recently being revealed.

They say form goes out of the window for a derby, but Arsenal proved that to be entirely untrue on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s side played host to Tottenham Hotspur, and instead of wilting under the pressure, they made the most of Liverpool and Manchester City dropping points by demolishing their bitter rivals.

The gulf in class was so vast that it looked like the Gunners were playing a League One side, and summer signing Eberechi Eze, who almost moved to the white side of North London, was unplayable.

The Englishman was untouchable from the first minute to the last, and therefore, fans should be delighted that Arsenal are already brewing a homegrown version of him.

Eze's performance vs Spurs

While it was a joke, Thomas Frank must regret asking “who” when asked a question about Eze in the buildup to the game, as while the entire Arsenal team played well, the former Crystal Palace star was nothing short of spectacular.

It almost felt as if the Englishman was on a mission to make the Spurs boss eat his words, as just three minutes in, he played an exceptional ball over the top that Declan Rice should have finished.

Then, 39 minutes later, with the Gunners already a goal to the good, he added a second thanks to some tidy footwork and a low-driven shot.

Just 30 seconds into the second half, the 27-year-old scored his second goal, once again driving the ball into the bottom corner, only this time with his weaker foot.

Now, for most players, a derby-day brace is more than they could even dream of, but the Greenwich-born maestro is not like most players, and in the 76th minute, he scored a third to make it 4-1.

It’s the first time a player has scored a hat-trick in the North London derby since Alan Sunderland in December 1978.

Overall, it would be fair to say Sunday’s game will always be remembered as the Eze derby, and should act as a springboard for the midfielder to really kick on this season.

And in more good news, the club might already have another homegrown version of the international ace brewing.

Arsenal's homegrown Eze

Arsenal have long been a team that prioritise and promote youth from within, with the greatest example of this in recent years being, of course, Bukayo Saka.

Chalkboard

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

The club now have another group of incredible youngsters coming through, including one who could develop into a homegrown Eze: Ethan Nwaneri.

Yes, while the 18-year-old might not develop to be just like the former Crystal Palace star, there are some unmistakable similarities.

For example, the Hale End gem is an incredibly skilful player who can and has played out wide, but is ultimately seen as someone who will develop into a sensational number ten.

Moreover, while he hasn’t been getting the minutes that so many expected or hoped he would this year, he’s still very young with plenty of time to develop and even then, he proved how talented he is last season.

For example, the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, scored nine goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances, totalling 1378 minutes.

That works out to a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes, which would be incredibly impressive if he were a seasoned professional and helps to justify Joe Cole’s claim that “he’s the most exciting footballer in England and maybe Europe.”

Finally, on top of his output, the Enfield-born gem put up some sensational underlying numbers last year.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for successful take-ons, the top 6% for total carrying distance, the top 8% for crosses and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while he is still so young, Nwaneri’s ability to play out wide and as a ten, combined with his output and technical ability, means he could be Arsenal’s next Eze.

Forget Eze: £32m Arsenal star looked like prime Ozil and Odegaard vs Spurs

Eberechi Eze is not the only Arsenal star who deserves his flowers after north London derby win.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 24, 2025

The former Rajasthan Royals spin bowling coach replaces Sunil Joshi

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Oct-2025

Former India legspinner Sairaj Bahutule has joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) as their new spin bowling coach ahead of the 2026 IPL season. He replaces Sunil Joshi, who held the role from 2023 to 2025.ESPNcricinfo understands Joshi decided to leave as he is set to take over as spin coach at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.”Sairaj’s deep understanding of the game, particularly his extensive experience in grooming domestic bowlers and managing strategy, will be invaluable to our side,” PBKS CEO Satish Menon said. “His expertise aligns perfectly with our vision of building a strong and cohesive bowling unit for the season ahead.”Bahutule joins a backroom team that has Ricky Ponting as head coach, Brad Haddin as assistant coach, James Hopes as the fast bowling coach, and Trevor Gonsalves as assistant bowling coach.”I’m really excited to join Punjab Kings as a spin bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season,” Bahutule said. “This is a team that plays a different brand of cricket, and I can see the potential is massive. They have a bunch of talented players, and I’m looking forward to working with them to refine their skills and help them reach new heights.”Bahutule was the spin bowling coach at Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025. He had also been RR’s spin bowling coach from 2018 to 2021 before joining the National Cricket Academy and serving as support staff for India A assignments.Bahutule’s exit from RR follows Dravid’s departure from the franchise as head coach. Dravid has been replaced by Kumar Sangakkara.PBKS finished runners-up in IPL 2025 after finishing top of the points table in the league phase. They lost the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six runs.

New York Red Bulls II head coach Michael Bradley has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the New York Red Bulls first team, according to The Athletic. While no final decision has been made and contract talks are ongoing, the expectation is that the former U.S. men’s national team captain will be appointed in the near future. Bradley also lifted the MLS Next Pro title in his first year with NYRB II.

• Getty
  

  Bradley's success captures attention of Red Bulls leadership

  The 38-year-old Bradley took charge of Red Bulls II this summer and quickly guided the developmental squad to its first MLS Next Pro Cup title. His approach – a more possession-oriented style than the traditional Red Bull high press – has impressed new Head of Sport Julian de Guzman, who has praised both the team’s play and Bradley’s demeanor.

  “I’m very impressed by what he’s done. … Beyond winning MLS Next Pro itself, it’s his [playing] style,” de Guzman told in November. “It’s attractive for players, for fans. You can see how calm he is, how he delivers his message to the players. I must say it’s refreshing.”

  Bradley also enjoyed a distinguished playing career, earning 151 caps for the U.S. men’s national team and featuring for clubs such as Borussia Mönchengladbach, Roma, and Toronto FC, where he won the 2017 MLS Cup.

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• New York Red Bulls
  

  Coaching background

  The MLS Next Pro head coaching role represents Bradley's first job as a lead coach, following a brief assistant stint with his father Bob Bradley at Norwegian club Stabaek and a guest coaching period under Canada men's National Team head coach Jesse Marsch. 

  "There's so much that he can provide based on his experiences,"  Marsch told GOAL.

  Bradley mentioned to GOAL that the tactical flexibility was appreciated since his arrival. 

  "You're given the freedom in the space to make it your and take the ideas and bring them to life. So that part is really, really cool," Bradley said.

• Getty Images
  

  Bradley's tie to Klopp

  Bradley acknowledged his decision to join RBNY II came largely from the Red Bulls' global approach to developing coaches. He mentioned a conversation with Jurgen Klopp, the organization's Global Head of Football, was a factor. 

  "One of the things that I've been able to do in the last few months is spend some time on a few different occasions with Jurgen, as well. And when you get that opportunity, and you hear him talk about the game, and you hear the way he speaks, and you see his passion and his energy, it's amazing," Bradley said.

  "The opportunity for a young coach to be inside this organization with people like this. That opportunity doesn't come around very often." 

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  Appointment would continue Bradley's connection with New York

  Bradley's potential appointment would represent a full-circle moment in his soccer career, as he began his professional playing journey with the MetroStars (now Red Bulls) after being selected 36th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft at just 16 years old. His successful transition from player to coach now appears poised to continue with a potential significant promotion to one of MLS's most prominent coaching positions.

The Yankees' season ended in the 2025 ALDS against the Blue Jays last week, and the team didn't waste much time making some cuts to the coaching staff in the aftermath of their postseason exit.

On Tuesday, SNY's Andy Martino reported that longtime bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base/infield coach Travis Chapman are not expected to return to the organization next season. Martino suggested other changes could also be on the horizon for New York in the offseason.

Harkey, 58, is in his second stint as the Yankees' bullpen coach, a role he's been in since 2016. He was previously the bullpen coach for the team from 2008 to '2013, too. As for Chapman, he'd been in his role since '22.

Additionally, Yankees hitting coach James Rowson permission to interview for the Twins' managerial vacancy. Minnesota parted ways with former skipper Rocco Baldelli after the 2025 season, and Rowson is seemingly on their radar.

The Yankees' bullpen struggled in 2025, and the team was not very sound defensively. The group had a 4.37 ERA in the regular season and a 6.15 ERA in the playoffs. Despite Brian Cashman being aggressive at the trade deadline, bringing in David Bednar, Camilo Doval and Jake Bird, late-innings pitching was still a weakness for the team throughout the season.

تسبب النجم المصري محمد صلاح في نشوب حرب كلامية بين جيمي كاراجر وميكا ريتشاردز، على الهواء مباشرة، بسبب التصريحات التي أدلى بها يوم السبت الماضي، قبل أن يتدخل تييري هنري للحيلولة بينهما.

ولم يسافر محمد صلاح رفقة بعثة ليفربول إلى إيطاليا لخوض مباراة إنتر ميلان، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في الجولة السادسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، حيث حقق الفريق الإنجليزي فوزًا بهدف دون رد.

جاء استبعاد محمد صلاح كقرار من آرني سلوت إثر تصريحاته الساخطة التي أدلى بها قبل أيام، والتي هاجم خلالها إدارة النادي والهوندي.

وقال ميكا ريتشاردز، في تصريحات عبر الهواء مباشرة في الاستوديو التحليلي عبر شبكة “سي بي إس” الأمريكية، ونقلتها صحيفة “ذا صن” الإنجليزية: “نحن نتحدث عن أحد أعظم اللاعبين الذين تألقوا في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على الإطلاق”.

ورد كاراجر: “لكن الناس ينتقدون المدرب لعدم إشراكه، أنا لا أنتقد المدرب”، وأضاف ريتشاردز: “أتفهم إحباط محمد صلاح من رغبته في النزول إلى أرض الملعب، لقد قلت إنه مخطئ، ما زلت أعتقد أنه مخطئ لتصريحه بذلك، لذا أتفق  في هذه النقطة، لكنني أفهم أيضًا أنه، نظرًا لمستوى اللاعب، سيرغب في اللعب، سيشعر بالإحباط”.

وتابع كاراجر: “جميعنا نشعر بهذا الإحباط، ولكن عندما ننظر إلى المدرب ويجد أشخاصًا في الخارج يقولون (يا إلهي، يجب أن يشركه) دون النظر إلى السياق”، ليرد ريتشاردز: “لقد كتبت في عمودك قبل أسبوعين أن لديه مباراة عطلة الأسبوع من أجل إنقاذ مستقبله، إذن، لديك هذا الرأي بشأن المدرب أيضًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ستوريدج يلوم محمد صلاح بعد أزمته مع ليفربول: لا أعرف كيف فعل ذلك

ثم حاول تييري هنري، نجم آرسنال السابق، تهدئة الموقف بتدليك كاراجر بطريقة غريبة، وكان كاراجر قد جادل ريتشاردز سابقًا حول ما إذا كان ينبغي إشراك صلاح في مباراة ليدز.

ثم تساءل كاراجر: “في أي مباريات كان يجب أن يشارك؟”، ليرد ريتشاردز: “كنت سأشركه في مباراة ليدز، لكن الأول رد مذهولًا: “متى؟”، حيث رد الآخر قائلًا: “عندما كانوا بحاجة إلى هدف آخر، كان ليدز في المباراة يضغط، وفي بعض الأحيان كان من الممكن أن يتعرضوا لخطر الهجمة المرتدة”.

وشدد: “أنت تعرف محمد صلاح، أنت تعرف سجله من السنوات السابقة، بإمكانه أن يسجل هدفًا، صحيح أن مستواه لم يكن رائعًا، لكنني أتفهم إحباطه”.

ولكن كاراجر لم يتفق مع هذا، حيث قال: “كان ليفربول فائزًا بنتيجة 2/0، ليدز عاد وتعادل، كانت الكرة في الملعب لثلاث دقائق تقريبًا قبل أن يسجل ليفربول لتصبح النتيجة 3/2، كانت الفترة الزمنية قليلة، لا يمكنك التفكير في الدفع بـ محمد صلاح”.

وانفعل: “انتظروا، ليفربول لديه مشاكل كبيرة مع الكرات الثابتة، عليك أن تفكر فيما يفكر فيه المدرب على جانب الملعب: هل سأشرك لاعبًا لا يدافع ولن يساعدني في الكرات الثابتة لأنه صغير الحجم؟!”.

ولم يتوقف الأمر بينهما عند هذا الحد، حيث تعجب ريتشاردز من المنشور الخاص بـ كاراجر، تعليقًا على صورة محمد صلاح في صالة الألعاب الرياضية صباح أمس، حيث قال نجم ليفربول السابق: “أعتقد أنني لم أرغب في أن يحقق ليفربول الفوز في مباراة أكثر من مباراة الليلة، نادينا العظيم هيا!”.

وفي هذا الصدد، سأل ريتشاردز، كاراجر: “لماذا تتصرف بتلك التفاهة يا جيمي؟ ما الخطب؟ لماذا تتدخل في هذا؟”، ليرد الآخر: “لم أكن أرد على ذلك بالمناسبة، لقد قمت بالرد على منشور شخص آخر، الأشخاص الذين أعمل معهم عبر التلفزيون البريطاني”.

وسُئل كاراجر عن مغزى ما قاله، ليرد: “أنا متشوق جدًا لفوز ليفربول اليوم (تصريحاته في الاستوديو قبيل اللقاء)، من أجل المدرب، أنا مثل محمد صلاح، لا تربطني أي علاقة بالمدرب، لا أعرفه جيدًا، كنني أعتقد أن ما حدث هناك وكيف تحدث عن المدرب، يجعلني متشوقًا جدًا لفوزه الليلة، من أجله فقط”.

وأكد: “وأيضًا من أجل المشجعين الذين ذهبوا إلى هناك، وهم ليسوا من مشجعي محمد صلاح، وليسوا من مشجعي جيمي كاراجر، أنتم تشجعون ليفربول، أيًا كان المدرب، أيًا كان من أنت، أنتم تدعمون النادي فحسب، أريد فقط أن يفوزوا جميعًا، لأنه كما ذكرت، كان هناك تركيز كبير على ما قاله محمد صلاح، لكن على المدرب الإجابة على الأسئلة في المؤتمر الصحفي باستمرار”.

واستأنف: “أليسون بيكر، الذي أظهر قيادة رائعة، أعتقد، الليلة الماضية أيضًا في المؤتمر الصحفي، سُئل عن زميله محمد صلاح وتصريحاته، يريد الدفاع عنه وعن النادي والمدرب أيضًا، لذلك لم يكن موقفًا سهلاً عليه”.

واستدرك: “لقد قلت رأيي في الأمر الليلة الماضية (تصريحات قوية ضد محمد صلاح مساء الإثنين)، ولا أريد إعادة الحديث عنه، لكنني شعرت بالإحباط بعض الشيء عندما رأيت ذلك المنشور اليوم، لم يذكر ليفربول ومباراة الليلة، يخوض ليفربول مباراة مهمة اليوم في سان سيرو، ويحتاجون إلى تحقيق نتيجة جيدة نظرًا لنتيجة مباراتهم السابقة، عندما كان محمد صلاح يلعب، ضد آيندهوفن”.

واختتم: “لذلك كان من الممكن أن يكتب تعليقًا مثل (بالتوفيق للاعبين الليلة)، ربما لم يكن يقصد ذلك، لا أعلم، لكن ليفربول لديه مباراة مهمة الليلة، وهو ينشر منشورًا كهذا على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Fernando Prass é mais um ex-jogador do Vasco que vive a expectativa do retorno de Philippe Coutinho. Para o goleiro, o momento de resgate do clube pede uma figura como o meia-atacante. Confira no player acima.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

Se isso acontecer é sensacional. Tem uma identificação com o clube. Nesse momento de resgate seria importantíssimo uma figura como ele

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declarou Fernando Prass. E emendou:

– No dia a dia não tem como falar porque a gente está falando do Philippe Coutinho de anos atrás. Com certeza ele mudou e voltou com outro peso. Mas é um talento incrível.

Philippe Coutinho já está no Brasil. O meia-atacante antecipou as suas férias e ainda marcou presença no casamento do atacante Matheus Cunha. O jogador desembarcou no Rio de Janeiro na sexta-feira (24), no Aeroporto do Galeão.

continua após a publicidade

Tudo sobre

Fernando PrassFutebol NacionalPhilippe CoutinhoVasco

Chelsea are now the favourites to sign a Brazilian ace who’s also wanted by Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and a deal could be possible for a low fee.

Blues targeting another exciting Brazilian amid Estevao success

Estevao is enjoying an impressive debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, having established himself as an important player for the Blues, with the 18-year-old recently netting the second goal in the 3-0 Champions League rout of Barcelona.

It is clear to see the youngster has left an impression on Enzo Maresca too, with the manager saying: “I feel very lucky to be his coach because it’s exciting, you can enjoy. I’ve said many times that I think the fans pay for their tickets to see players like Cole [Palmer], like Estevao, this kind of player.”

The forward is an example of BlueCo’s recruitment policy of signing younger players paying off, and they are now looking to bring in another up-and-coming Brazilian ace, who has impressed the west Londoners’ sporting directors.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now the favourites to sign Santos defender Souza, despite rival interest from both Bayern Munich and Barcelona, with both European heavyweights already making contact over a potential deal.

The signing of the 19-year-old certainly wouldn’t break the bank at around just €15m (£13m), with the Blues looking to get the move over the line before his value increases considerably.

There is a belief the youngster could go on to become a top full-back or even left-winger, given that he is a very well-rounded player, who is also capable of contributing on the front foot.

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ByDominic Lund Nov 30, 2025 Souza emerging as key player for Santos

The teenager has already made 36 appearances for Santos at senior level, having established himself as an important player, and he has regularly impressed from an attacking point of view, chipping in with one goal and four assists.

Most recently, the starlet helped his side keep a clean sheet as they recorded a routine 3-0 victory over Sport Club do Recife, receiving a 7.7 SofaScore match rating courtesy of making a number of important defensive contributions.

Souza’s key statistics

Number completed

Duels (won)

9 (6)

Key passes

2

Clearances

3

Interceptions

2

With Souza yet to prove himself outside his native Brazil, he would very much be one for the future, and the aforementioned report makes it clear BlueCo are planning to loan the left-back to sister club Strasbourg initially.

During the January transfer window, it may be a better idea to focus on signing players capable of making an immediate impact, with a title race potentially on the cards, and amid Liam Delap’s slow start to life at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have now joined the race to sign “one of the best strikers in Europe”.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has finally been included in the Barcelona matchday squad for their Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, marking the end of a nightmare seven-month exile that has been plagued by a serious injury and intense speculation regarding a behind-the-scenes conflict with the club's hierarchy over his long-term future.

• Ter Stegen makes his return

  The club released their official squad list for this week's encounter in the Champions League. There, amidst the usual names of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and the recently impressive Marcus Rashford, was the name of the German shot stopper, declared fit and ready to return to the fold.

  It has been a long and winding road back for Ter Stegen, who has not featured for the Catalan giants since May, having had to undergo surgery during the symmer. However, his physical rehabilitation has played out against a backdrop of reported tension, with the summer months dominated by rumours of a rift between the goalkeeper and the club's board.

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  The summer of war between Ter Stegen and Barca

  The medical green light was officially communicated by the club this week, but it was Hansi Flick's decision to include him in the squad to face Eintracht Frankfurt that confirmed the goalkeeper's rehabilitation is complete.

  However, he remains unlikely to feature for the Catalan club after enduring the most difficult period of Ter Stegen’s decade-long stay in Catalonia. The injury required surgery and a gruelling recovery process, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Barcelona navigated a turbulent summer transfer window and a blistering start to the new season. 

  Ter Stegen’s return brings an end to a saga that threatened to destroy his legacy at the club. The "dramatic feud" of the summer was one of the most explosive storylines of the transfer window. Following his injury, reports emerged that Barcelona intended to use his long-term absence to register Joan Garcia outside of the salary cap limits.

  The situation deteriorated rapidly when it was reported that Ter Stegen initially refused to sign the necessary medical paperwork to authorise the move, leading to threats of disciplinary action from the board and the temporary stripping of his captaincy. The standoff was described by local media as "total war," with the club actively trying to force him out and the player digging his heels in, citing his contract and his family's settled life in the area.

  While the legal threats eventually subsided, the scars of that conflict remain. His inclusion in the squad on Tuesday is the first step towards normalcy, but the relationship between player and board is understood to be fragile at best.

  The rise of Joan Garcia has been the silver lining to the chaos. Since arriving for €25 million from Espanyol, the Catalan keeper has been a revelation. His shot-stopping ability and calmness with the ball at his feet have won over the Culers, many of whom had grown frustrated with Ter Stegen’s perceived decline prior to his injury.

  Garcia’s form has justified the club’s aggressive pursuit of him. With four clean sheets in La Liga and a string of "game-winning" saves, he has made the number one shirt his own. For Ter Stegen, the challenge is no longer just about fitness; it is about proving he is still relevant in a team that has learned to live without him.

• A crucial European night

  Barcelona welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to Camp Nou for a pivotal Champions League tie. The Bundesliga outfit are known for their intensity and their travelling support, famously taking over the stadium in the Europa League in 2022 – a memory that still haunts the Catalan side. Flick’s side are looking to cement their place in the automatic qualification spots for the round of 16.

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  What comes next?

  Ter Stegen’s immediate future is now the subject of intense speculation. With the World Cup in North America just months away, the German knows he cannot afford to spend the rest of the season on the bench if he wants to be part of Julian Nagelsmann’s plans.

  Reports in Germany suggest that a January exit could be on the cards if he fails to dislodge Garcia in the coming weeks. However, for now, he is back in the fold. Whether he is greeted as a returning hero or a relic of the past by the Camp Nou crowd on Tuesday night remains to be seen