تحدث حامد حمدان، لاعب وسط فريق بتروجيت، عن التعادل الأهلي، ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
وسجل حمدان، هدف بتروجيت في المباراة التي انتهت بالتعادل بهدف لكل فريق ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري المصري.
طالع.. فيديو | السقوط الأول لـ توروب.. الأهلي يكتفي بتعادل مخيب مع بتروجيت ويفقد صدارة الدوري
وقال حامد حمدان عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “في الشوط الأول ربما كنا قد استهلكنا طاقتنا بعض الشيء، لكن في الثاني لعبنا على غلق المساحات، والحمد لله نجحنا في ذلك”.
وواصل: “لم يكن هدفنا الحصول على نقطة، لكن الحمد لله النقطة أفضل من لا شيء، وكنا نلعب من أجل تحقيق الفوز وحصد الثلاث نقاط أمام أي فريق، فنحن نحترم جميع المنافسين، والنادي الأهلي كبير، لكن هدفنا كان الانتصار”.
وأتم: “الحمد لله على كل حال، ولن نرضى بأقل من مستوى الموسم الماضي، وإن شاء الله سنكون في مركز أفضل هذا الموسم”.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to back Ruben Amorim in the January transfer window, with an “amazing” player now high on Manchester United’s shortlist.
Man Utd have big decision to make with Amorim at "breaking point"
Man United signed off with an unconvincing 3-2 victory against Burnley before the international break, which didn’t exactly silence the critics, and club legend Wayne Rooney believes the manager will be feeling the pressure.
Speaking after the EFL Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town, Rooney said: “Manchester United is so different to where he’s been before. You come in and there’s the media team, the commercial team, the fans and the media.
“There’s a pressure with United, which he will never have felt before. When you’re not winning games, that can start to get [to you] and it looked like he was at a breaking point.”
£1m+ Arsenal target has heart set on Man Utd move due to Sir Alex Ferguson
The Red Devils would be well-positioned to win the race for a forward.
ByDominic Lund Sep 10, 2025
As such, INEOS have a big decision to make on Amorim’s future, given that the Portuguese manager’s record since arriving last November has been far from impressive, averaging just 1.37 points per match across 46 games.
However, a new report from TEAMtalk states that Ratcliffe and co are ready to back their manager in the January transfer window, suggesting the Man United ownership still believe in Amorim’s project.
The 40-year-old is set to be provided with the funds to strengthen his squad this winter, and a new central midfielder is believed to be of particular interest, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson featuring high up the shortlist.
After joining Forest from Newcastle United for £35m last summer, Anderson has enjoyed an impressive rise, recently receiving his first call-up for England, and it would be fair to say the midfielder grasped the opportunity with both hands, impressing journalist Craig Hope.
"Amazing" Anderson impressing for club and country
Not only has the England international caught the eye for the Three Lions, but he has also received plaudits for his performances at club level, being described as “amazing” by former manager Nuno last season.
The 22-year-old is an incredibly well-rounded midfielder, as showcased by the fact he provides an attacking threat, picking up eight Premier League goal contributions last season, while his tackling ability is also impressive.
It is little wonder that Anderson is high on Man United’s shortlist, and he should remain a key target, regardless of whether Amorim lasts until the January transfer window.
Milan head coach Massimilano Allegri has stood by Christian Pulisic after the US national team forward missed a penalty against Juventus in a nail-biting Serie A encounter on Sunday. The manager, who returned as the Rossoneri boss earlier this summer, has firmly stated that one miss will not prompt him to change his team's routine penalty-taker.
Allegri firm on his position
Milan dropped two points against Juventus in a gripping encounter, and the main reason behind it was Pulisic's missed penalty in the first half. Allegri, however, did not criticise his main man up fron, insisting he will not be making a change. Confirming his trust in the 27-year-old, the Italian manager said, "Pulisic has always been the penalty kick taker. You don’t change it for a mistake."
He also shared his concern about who will be the penalty-taker in Pulisic's absence. "We need to understand who can be the penalty taker when Pulisic is not on the pitch," he added.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportPulisic is Serie A's top-scorer
Despite the spot-kick debacle, Pulisic continues to dominate the goal-scoring chart, having scored four goals in six appearances so far. He is the joint top-scorer, however, with Bologna's Riccardo Orsolini. Following him in the table are Napoli's Kevin De Bruyne and Inter's Lautaro Martinez, and Marcus Thuram. Apart from the four goals, he has two assists to his name, too. He has been influential in the Coppa Italia with two goals in two outings.
Milan lose golden opportunity?
Milan have lost only one game in the Serie A so far, and that came in their opening fixture against Cremonese. In their build-up to the much-desired Scudetto, the Rossoneri have accumulated 13 points in six games and have defeated defending champions and the current league leaders Napoli as well. A win against Juventus would have helped them move top after six rounds of competitive matches; however, the stalemate against the Bianconeri has left them third. Although Pulisic was the one who missed the spot-kick, Milan's frontline as a whole remain under scrutiny for their lack of ruthlessness, with Allegri urging them to kill games.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFPMilan have important fixtures after the international break
Once the October international break concludes, Milan will have some challenges awaiting them. On October 19, they'll face Fiorentina, followed by a comparatively easier fixture against bottom-dwellers Pisa five days later. In their next two games, they will take on Atalanta (October 28) and Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma (November 2).
Liverpool won the Premier League with relative ease last season, and so FSG’s staggering summer of spending at Anfield must have struck quite the frisson of fear through the rest of the European game.
Though Arne Slot’s side haven’t been at their best across the opening fixtures of the season, they have claimed nine points from nine in the league, winning a tough match at St. James’ Park before narrowly seeing off title rivals Arsenal after Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick.
Dominik Szoboszlai scores for Liverpool
The Reds haven’t looked at their most fluent, but new number nine Hugo Ekitike has certainly started in fine fettle, three goals and an assist from his first four games.
Undroppable, right? However, the deadline-day acquisition of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak maybe stirs the pot a tad up top.
What Isak brings to Liverpool
Liverpool have two of the most dynamic strikers in the game in Isak and Ekitike, but both would fancy themselves at their most fluent and formidable when threatening from the centre.
Isak is the more clinical and refined man, to be sure, but he’s also nearly three years Ekitike’s senior.
Having two high-level centre-forwards isn’t the worst problem for Slot to have, but he is going to need to consider ferrying one out to the left wing or pushing Liverpool toward a tactical transformation.
However, neither have Cody Gakpo’s fluency as a left-sided forward.
And, of course, Liverpool have already sold an elite winger in Luis Diaz who could have been the perfect balancing force in the frontline.
Liverpool may regret selling Luis Diaz
Liverpool sold Diaz to Bayern Munich for £65.5m in July, with the German giants convincing the 28-year-old to join after FSG failed to agree terms on a new contract with the Reds winger.
He arrived from Porto as Jurgen Klopp’s choice of replacement for Sadio Mane, and though he didn’t quite live up to the same stratospheric heights, succeeded all the same.
Indeed, Klopp himself lauded his new arrival as a “top world level player” back in April 2022.
He leaves an integral part of an illustrious period in Liverpool’s history, having scored 17 goals and supplied eight assists across all competitions last term, filling in at centre-forward on multiple occasions.
Though some questioned Diaz’s output, he didn’t do too badly, ranking fourth among all left wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for goal contributions, and in what many would describe as the toughest division of the lot.
Most Goals + Assists from LW (Top 5 Leagues 24/25)
Player
Goals
Assists
Raphinha
18
11
Bradley Barcola
14
10
Vinicius Junior
11
10
Luis Diaz
13
7
Vincenzo Grifo
8
11
Data via Transfermarkt
Given that Isak arrives at Liverpool with a wealth of prolific Premier League experience under his belt, he could have formed an incredible partnership with Diaz, who always balanced his output and ranked among the top 9% of positional peers in the Premier League last season for pass completion, keeping it crisp and opening up a strong supply line with the Sweden star.
The fact that Liverpool’s player sales across the summer has left them with a smaller net spend than Arsenal perhaps underlines the suggestion that Diaz needn’t have been sold.
The emergence of 17-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha has tempered the Colombian’s departure, but Diaz remains one of the most experienced and dynamic forwards in the business.
Equally, Florian Wirtz’s struggles across his initial foray into the English game are a reminder that Diaz was pretty crucial in Slot’s title-winning team, and he will be missed as the campaign progresses.
Now worth more than Isak: Liverpool wanted to sign "one of the best in the world"
With Alexander Isak joining Liverpool for £125m on deadline day, do the Reds rue missing out on “one of the best players in the world” worth more?
Still on the hunt for one more defensive addition, Glasgow Rangers have reportedly agreed personal terms to sign an in-demand centre-back, who has now been left to make his transfer decision.
Rangers react in style to Martin criticism
If there’s one thing that Rangers have learned in the early days of Russell Martin’s tenure, it is that anything less than 100% will not be accepted and will be called out. The former Southampton boss was left furious with his side’s efforts on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership campaign as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Motherwell.
Following a scathing review, Martin backed up his words with actions and dropped the likes of James Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin. Expecting a reaction, the new manager watched on as his side put Viktoria Plzen to the sword to win 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie.
Rangers managerRussellMartinapplauds fans after the match
The big test will now be following up on that improved performance against Dundee on Saturday evening. As the action continues to come thick and fast on the pitch, however, so does the transfer business away from it, with one more reinforcement now potentially on the way.
Rangers agree personal terms with Nobel Mendy
As reported by transfer reporter Sacha Tavolieri, the 49ers and Rangers have now agreed personal terms with Nobel Mendy. The Real Betis defender is a man in demand this summer, but it’s now a battle between the Gers and Real Vallecano for his signature, with the player now set to decide the outcome soon.
As Martin waits on Mendy’s decision, he will be hoping to welcome an impressive young centre-back to counter Celtic’s deal to sign Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan from Manchester City.
Kent 2.0: Rangers join race to sign "big potential" talent from PL giants
As Russell Martin searches for more new signings, could Rangers bring in a “talented” youngster from a Premier League giant in a Ryan Kent repeat?
ByBen Gray Aug 7, 2025
Dubbed “powerful” by scout Kai Watson, Mendy would be another excellent addition at Ibrox this month.
Former captain predicts a tightly fought series as two teams in transition go head to head
Andrew Miller30-Oct-2024Jason Holder, West Indies’ former captain, says that England’s third white-ball tour of the Caribbean in as many years is a “massive boost to their survival as an international team”, and goes a long way towards repaying the ECB’s debt to his team after they helped to save the finances of English cricket during the Covid summer of 2020.Holder, 32, led the West Indies squad that played three Tests behind closed doors in Manchester and Southampton at the height of the Covid outbreak in July 2020, enduring weeks of lockdown in bio-secure surroundings to help “keep the lights on”, in the words of the former ECB chief executive, Tom Harrison.It was a tour that helped to mitigate the ECB’s losses during the pandemic, which could have been upwards of £380 million had their entire summer schedule been cancelled. Each of those three Tests was worth approximately £20 million as they helped to fulfil the board’s £1.1 billion rights deal with Sky Sports.Speaking at the end of that tour, Holder had warned that the ECB would be obliged to reciprocate the favour to help out cricket’s “smaller countries” who lacked the financial clout to stage matches during a global lockdown. Now, four years on, he believes that England have been fulfilling their side of the bargain.Related
Pooran, Russell, Hosein and Hetmyer back for England T20Is
Jason Holder calls on ECB to show gratitude with reciprocal tour
Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph rested for South Africa T20Is
England add Jordan Cox and Rehan Ahmed to Caribbean tour
'Unknown' Jafer Chohan grateful to SACA after England's leap of faith
“I think it’s a fair way of putting it,” Holder told ESPNcricinfo, ahead of an eight-match tour that will be shown on TNT Sports in the UK. “We’ve obviously had the English coming over for the last three years consecutively. And that has definitely boosted, not only our economy within the Caribbean, but it adds a massive boost to our survival in international cricket.”We rely heavily on series between England and India, our revenues tend to come from those two teams. It’s our biggest series within any calendar year, and, yeah, it’s one that really brings the fans down to the Caribbean and creates a really fun atmosphere.”So, it’s great to have them and to see the fans packing the stadiums as well. There’s always a good banter between the West Indian public and English public. So we’re thankful that we’ve been able to have them so many times in as many years. And long may it continue.”Despite the financial disparities between the two boards, the Caribbean has been a particularly tough destination for England teams in recent years. The Test team, famously, hasn’t won a series in the region since 2004, while the white-ball squads have lost each of their last three series: 3-2 in the T20Is in both 2022 and 2023, and 2-1 in their last ODI campaign in December last year.Jason Holder has been recuperating in the UK after injury and will be a studio pundit for England’s tour of the West Indies•Getty Images”I’m looking forward to the contest,” Holder said. “Both teams are in a transitionary phase, so it’s going to be keenly contested. England have obviously got a point to prove, and they’ll be trying a few different combinations to see what works. And likewise, with West Indies, we’ve got a lot of youngsters within our cohort, and it is important for them to just gain experience, gain confidence and gain knowledge. I think these series will go a long way to developing our base at a rapid rate.”The youngest player of the lot will be Jewel Andrew, West Indies’ 17-year-old rising star, who made his ODI debut in their most recent match against Sri Lanka in Kandy on Saturday. He has played only a handful of professional fixtures, but having impressed at the Under-19 World Cup, he has been fast-tracked into the international set-up on the back of a breakout first season in the Caribbean Premier League.”The first time I saw him was when I played against him, quite recently, in the CPL,” Holder said. “He definitely stood up. He looks a very easy-going player. He’s got time, and any top-order batter who shows signs of having time is promising.”It’s important for him to learn and work hard, but the sky’s the limit for him. He’s scored runs at the levels below, and he’s coming in with some confidence. We all remember when we first came into international cricket, when we had that freedom to express yourself. And the more he expresses himself and gains knowledge and confidence, that will put us in good stead in years to come.”We’ve never been short of talent,” Holder added. “It’s just a matter of harnessing the talent and making sure that we make full use of it. There’s no doubt that he’s one for the future, and I hope that West Indies put things in place to keep him in and around the system, and make sure he develops a steady rate so that we can utilise him in years to come.”Holder himself hasn’t been involved in West Indies’ white-ball set-up since pulling out of their T20 World Cup plans through injury in June, and will instead be a studio pundit for TNT in the UK throughout the eight-match tour.”I haven’t retired, that is still a long way off,” he said, with an eye on the next 50-over World Cup in 2027. “We’ve still got a few more series to play before then. So I’m just working myself back to full fitness, to get back on the field and be able to play at full capacity.”Looking back on the T20 World Cup, in which England’s Super Eights victory in St Lucia proved critical to West Indies’ hopes of reaching the last four, Holder acknowledged it had been a missed opportunity for a strong squad to do something special in front of their home fans. But, with players such as Evin Lewis – fresh from a comeback century in Sri Lanka – and Shimron Hetmyer set to face England in the coming campaign, he’s confident there will be other chances for this team to compete for global trophies in the coming years.Jewel Andrew, 17, could feature in the series after his ODI debut last week•CPL T20 via Getty Images”When you look at our overall performance, we probably feel a little bit disappointed that we fell short. But the beauty of this squad is it’s not too old. We’ve still got a quite young-ish side that can stay together for the next two years, to fight for another trophy in 2026. So I don’t think is all is lost. We need to understand our strengths and weaknesses, and just keep improving.”In the meantime, he anticipates another high-scoring showdown between two aggressive white-ball outfits, one in which the Caribbean’s notoriously fickle winds could once again play a big part in the tactical battle that unfolds.”It’s a really crucial point,” he said. “The wind factor has always been a massive contributing factor to whether teams bat or bowl in the Caribbean, because it plays a massive part in the actual game. It tends to sway your tactics a little bit, in the sense where you feel more comfortable chasing because by then you know you’ve got a big side and a small side, for hitting with and against the wind.”It’s always 50/50 in the Caribbean when it comes to that wind factor, because you can set up a team with left- and right-handers, and just continuously use your power throughout the entire innings.”Obviously, in one-day cricket, it’s a bit longer so it’s more strategic, where you have to actually build an innings. But when it comes to going hell for leather, it’s a matter of being as spot on as possible with the tactics, because the ball can travel in the Caribbean.”England, clearly, will be no strangers to the conditions after three bilateral tours plus the T20 World Cup in recent times, and Holder acknowledged that Antigua in particular will be something of a home from home, after four matches there in the past 12 months alone.”The English have been frequenting the Caribbean as much they possibly can. They’ve got a young side, but the majority of their senior players have been to the Caribbean multiple times, and they’ll be able to guide the younger players within this squad as to how to how to get around the conditions in the Caribbean.”Tune in to England’s tour of the West Indies, starting with the first ODI live on TNT Sports 1 from 5.30pm on 31st October. Sign up to TNT Sports and discovery+
Chelsea are leaving no stone unturned as the club chases glory on all fronts this season. Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro have arrived to bolster the attack.
Pedro has made an instant impact already, registering three goal involvements in as many matches at the Club World Cup for the Blues.
He might be joined by Xavi Simons, who looks close to sealing a deal to join the Blues in the coming days.
This squad depth would make the Stamford Bridge side a force to be reckoned with under Enzo Maresca, especially if he can work out a system that could benefit his attacking players.
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates withChelseamanager Enzo Maresca and teammates after winning the FIFA Club World Cup
Despite the lavish spending, it appears as though Maresca isn’t finished yet…
Chelsea eyeing another attacking signing
With Simons looking like he will be the next big arrival, Maresca has turned closer to home for another potential signing.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea have offered two players plus cash in a deal to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Nicolas Jackson and Tosin Adarabioyo are the two players mentioned, while it remains to be seen how much money they have offered as part of the deal.
Villa value Rogers at around £100m, and they will do anything to keep hold of the playmaker this summer.
England'sEberechiEzecelebrates scoring their third goal with England's Morgan Rogers
If the Blues strike a deal, it would be a major statement. Several of the team will benefit from Rogers’ arrival, none more so than Pedro.
Why Morgan Rogers would benefit Joao Pedro
Last season, Pedro scored ten Premier League goals for Brighton, adding six assists in the process.
He has settled into the Blues’ squad nicely indeed. Across three games at the Club World Cup, the Brazilian netted three goals while averaging one key pass per game.
Ahead of the new Premier League campaign, just how good can Pedro become with a player such as Rogers operating directly behind him?
Well, the Englishman enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season himself in the top flight during 2024/25.
Not only did he score eight times, but Rogers generated ten assists as Villa just missed out on Champions League qualification. He notably shone in Europe too, netting eight goals, including three which came in one game against Celtic.
When compared to his peers in the Premier League, the former Manchester City starlet ranked in the top 7% for through balls (0.64) per 90, along with ranking in the top 20% for take-ons attempted (4.62) per 90 across last season.
Furthermore, the youngster even created a staggering 16 big chances (the 11th best tally in the division) while also averaging 1.4 key passes per game for Villa.
Shots per game
1.5
Big chances created
16
Key passes per game
1.4
Total duels won per game
4.7
Big chances missed
11
Touches per game
41.3
These statistics demonstrate just how effective he is behind the centre-forward, something which Pedro can take full advantage of.
Hailed as “unstoppable” by former Liverpool defender turned pundit Jamie Carragher last term, Rogers has all the tools in his armoury to be a success at Stamford Bridge.
The offer to Villa sounds like it might be tempting for Unai Emery to accept, especially given their need to balance the books.
Will Rogers be the final piece of the attacking jigsaw for Maresca ahead of the 2025/26 season? Only time will tell.
Way better than Simons: Chelsea preparing offer to sign £100m "machine"
The dynamic attacker would be a better signing for Chelsea than Xavi Simons.
Manchester United haven’t been a club shy to spend money in the transfer window over recent years, with the hierarchy handing various managers the funds to transform the side.
The Red Devils have spent around £800m on new additions since 2020, many of which have struggled to make an impact, leading to yet more funds being dropped in this window.
Matheus Cunha is the first player to move to Old Trafford this summer, with Ruben Amorim needing key additions if he is to lead the club to glory in the years ahead.
The Brazilian cost a staggering £62.5m, but he will no doubt be the first of multiple signings made in an attempt to avoid a 15th-placed Premier League finish once again in 2025/26.
All areas of the pitch will need to be subject to investment given the lack of depth and quality currently at the manager’s disposal, which could see another huge amount of money spent between now and September 1st.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Bryan Mbeumo has been a name on all supporters’ lips over the last couple of weeks, but it appears as though he will finally be a United player after the Red Devils and Brentford moved closer to an agreement.
He’s not the only player who could complete a move to the Theatre of Dreams, after talks were held with Juventus over a potential swap deal that would see Dušan Vlahović move to Manchester, with Jadon Sancho moving in the opposite direction.
Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic
However, a new name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with PSG’s talented teenage midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery now a target for Amorim’s side, according to TEAMtalk.
They claim that the Red Devils have made an enquiry to sign the 19-year-old Champions League winner, who’s already racked up 125 appearances for the Parisians despite his tender age.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It also states that Luis Enrique’s side have slapped a £85m price tag on his shoulders to prevent any interest and won’t be entertaining any offers for the French star unless a bid of that amount is submitted.
Why United’s £85m target would be Amorim’s own Bellingham
Jude Bellingham has been one of Europe’s leading talents in recent seasons, subsequently taking his career to the next level after joining Real Madrid back in 2023.
The 21-year-old has already racked up 96 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 38 times from his midfield role, carrying a huge threat at both ends of the pitch.
However, his career could’ve played out very differently, with United interested in signing the Englishman twice already in his career, once at Birmingham City and the other at Borussia Dortmund.
They were never able to convince the star to move on either occasion, leaving the side without that young, exciting prospect they’ve been craving in the middle of the park.
That could all be about to change in the coming months, with a move for Zaire-Emery this window, with the PSG star labelled as a similar player to Bellingham by FBref.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the Frenchman has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, subsequently handing Amorim his own version of the Madrid star should he move this window.
Zaire-Emery, who’s been described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by his agent Jorge Mendes, has registered a higher pass completion rate this season, along with more passes into the final third per 90 – highlighting the creative ability he possesses at his tender age.
How Zaire-Emery compares to Bellingham in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Zaire-Emery
Bellingham
Games played
29
28
Goals & assists
4
25
Pass accuracy
93%
88%
Passes into final third
5.4
5.3
% of tackles won
51%
33%
Interceptions made
1.1
0.8
Take-ons completed
54%
51%
Recoveries made
5.9
4.5
Stats via FBref
He’s also dominated without the ball, winning more of the tackles he’s entered in 2024/25, whilst completing a higher tally of interceptions per 90 – handing Amorim the perfect box-to-box option he’s been hunting for.
Whilst he’s still a teenager making his name in the game, the youngster has still managed to complete more take-ons this campaign, having the composure and skill to effortlessly glide past opponents should he move to Old Trafford.
£85m would be a mammoth sum to drop on such a young talent, but he’s already showcased that he’s capable of developing into an elite talent should he continue on his current trajectory.
If he could get to Bellingham’s levels in the years to come, it would be a phenomenal piece of business and one that could catapult United one step closer to their former glory.
Their best signing since Bruno: £68m "powerhouse" now wants to join Man Utd
Manchester United have been given the green light to complete a deal for one of Europe’s biggest stars.
Glasgow Rangers sealed their first summer signing at Ibrox earlier this week, announcing the arrival of defender Max Aarons on a season-long loan deal.
Russell Martin is under no illusions that the next few weeks are vital. But by bringing in several high-profile targets, he sets up the Light Blues nicely ahead of the Champions League qualifiers against Panathinaikos next month.
The capture of Aarons badly bolsters a defence which, at times last season, performed dreadfully, having shipped 15 more goals than their Glasgow rivals in the Premiership.
Supporters will be hoping that Martin can add another centre-back or two before the first competitive game of the season to improve that record in an attempt to close the gap.
Russell Martin watches on whilst in charge of Southampton.
It looks as though he is monitoring a player down south…
Rangers search for a new defender
Leicester City defender Conor Coady has been earmarked for a move to Glasgow, with one report claiming the club are in advanced talks to secure his signature.
Luka Jelenic is another defender linked with a move, although he is a left-back rather than someone who can play at the heart of the defence.
According to the Daily Record, it is reported that Peterborough defender Emmanuel Fernandez is currently on the club’s radar as Martin seeks more defensive reinforcements.
No fee has been mentioned, but the centre-back still has two years remaining on his contract with the English side, meaning Martin will have to spend it to secure his signature.
If he can add Fernandez to his squad in the coming weeks, it would be another step forward regarding Martin’s aim to improve the defence. Not only that, but he could shine alongside Aarons.
Why Rangers must sign Emmanuel Fernandez
Joining from Bournemouth on a temporary basis, Aarons will offer competition for James Tavernier at right back next term, and he has plenty of experience in England.
Game time was limited last term, but throughout the 2023/24 season for the Cherries, Aarons won 60% of his ground duels per game, while also succeeding with 54% of his dribbles and recovering 3.8 balls per game.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2024/25 (Bournemouth and Valencia)
9
0
0
2023/24 (Bournemouth)
21
0
1
2022/23 (Norwich)
48
1
2
2021/22 (Norwich)
35
0
2
2020/21 (Norwich)
47
2
2
2019/20 (Norwich)
40
0
2
2018/19 (Norwich)
43
3
6
He even ranked in the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League that term, showcasing his attacking abilities.
This could mean Aarons is able to create plenty of chances for the Light Blues next term. With him bombing up and down the flank, Fernandez will be tasked with covering his runs.
Emmanuel Fernandez for Peterborough.
The English centre-back was hailed as a “colossus” and “aggressive” by Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony last season, and given his stats, this praise is spot on.
Indeed, the 23-year-old won an impressive 60% of his total duels last term, along with making 1.1 tackles and being dribbled past only 0.3 times per match.
As such, he offers plenty of quality defensive attributes which would help the Ibrox side shore up their defence. With Aarons likely to be pushing forward often, Fernandez will be tasked with tucking in and providing cover, providing an exciting, new-look partnership on that right-hand side.
He may have played in League One last season, but there is no doubt Fernandez and Aarons could work wonderfully alongside each other for Rangers, both domestically and in Europe.
Personal terms agreed: Rangers now in talks to sell "brilliant" £20m ace
Rangers are now in talks with a European club over the sale of one of their key players from last season.
With Ibrahima Konate attracting interest from Real Madrid and Virgil van Dijk certainly no spring chicken anymore, it was hardly a surprise to see Liverpool throw their hat in the ring for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
The young centre-back has shown himself to be one of the most exciting defenders in Europe and as such, attracted the interest of many a suitor on the continent.
Possessing a £50m release clause that could be paid in three instalments, this move felt like a no-brainer for the top clubs in Europe, yet Liverpool have now sadly missed out on his signature.
Indeed, it was announced on Saturday that Madrid had agreed a deal to bring the 20-year-old to the Bernabeu this summer.
So, who could the Reds target instead?
Liverpool could sign amazing Huijsen alternative
There appear to be several defenders on Liverpool’s radar at the moment, with Arne Slot not just keen on strengthening in the centre of defence but also at full-back.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Jeremie Frimpong looks poised to sign as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, while there are a few contenders to replace Andy Robertson at left-back with the likes of Milos Kerkez and Rayan Ait-Nouri two names touted.
As far as their options at centre-back are concerned, they could get over their Huijsen setback by launching a move for Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, via GIVEMESPORT, who claims that Hato is “one of the players appreciated at Liverpool” but “let’s see also what Arsenal decide to do,” with the Gunners interested.
Liverpool may have to pay a similar price to Huijsen with Ajax reportedly valuing the 19-year-old at around £42m.
How Hato compares to Huijsen
In the words of scout Jacek Kulig, the teenager is “one of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe.” Fine praise indeed, but what makes him so special?
Well, as data analyst Ben Mattinson notes, the Dutchman is an “exceptional athlete” who can “carry through the lines”, much in the same way Huijsen can.
They’re pretty similar profiles, but Hato comes with one additional plus point, he can play at left-back, as well as in the middle.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
A left-footed player, it’s no surprise to see he’s in such high demand. Not only could he replace Robertson, but he’s a mighty fine long-term replacement for Van Dijk too.
Hato vs Huijsen in 2024/25 – league only
Stat (per 90 mins)
Hato
Huijsen
Pass success %
89%
83.5%
Key passes
0.65
0.54
Progressive passes
4.24
4.96
Progressive carries
1.37
1.55
Successful take-ons
0.25
0.08
Tackles won
1.29
1.01
Ball recoveries
4.53
3.91
Aerial duels won
1.83
2.56
Stats via FBRef.
While Huijsen trumps the young Netherlands international for progressive passing and carries, there are some key wins for Hato here.
He’s notably crisper in possession, making more take-ons and completing a higher percentage of his passes. Hato is also a natural shuttler, completing more ball recoveries per 90 minutes.
AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsenduring the warm up before the match
Let us not forget that this is a player who has captained Ajax too, even at his young age. It’s remarkable really that the Dutch side have placed so much faith in him.
If Liverpool are hunting for their future Van Dijk replacement, considering Hato boasts natural leadership skills, he ticks all the boxes here for Slot and Co.
He'd be their best CM since Fabinho: Liverpool plan bid for £60m "machine"
Arne Slot is looking to strengthen his Liverpool side in the transfer market this summer.