A “world-class” player is “waiting” for Manchester United to sign him in the summer transfer window, according to an exciting new claim.
Man Utd still pursuing new striker
The Red Devils struggled all over the pitch last season, but they lacked a top-quality striker throughout the campaign, playing a part in them finishing 15th in the Premier League table.
With serious doubts over the long-term worth of Rasmus Hojlund, United continue to be linked with elite-level strikers, with Sporting CP superstar Viktor Gyokeres mentioned as a leading option to come in. In fact, the club have even reportedly spoken to his agents about a move to Old Trafford.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
The Swede has enjoyed a stunning few years for the Portuguese giants, scoring an incredible 68 goals in the past two Primeira Liga seasons combined, as well as netting 11 times in Europe during that period.
Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike and Crystal Palace marksman Jean-Philippe Mateta have also been mentioned as alternative options to Gyokeres, as United look to nail their new striker choice ahead of next season. Now, a new transfer rumour has dropped at the other end of the pitch.
World Cup winner "waiting" for Man Utd
According to an update from TyC Sports [via Sport Witness], Emiliano Martinez is “waiting” for Manchester United to make their move and sign him this summer.
The 32-year-old World Cup winner has lots of interest, including from Galatasaray, but he likes the idea of moving to the Red Devils most, even though they can’t offer him Champions League football next season.
Best Young Player winner Argentina's Enzo Fernandez,GoldenBall winner Argentina's Lionel Messi,GoldenGlovewinner Argentina's EmilianoMartinezandGoldenBoot winner France's Kylian Mbappe pose
The £150,000-a-week Martinez could be a perfect signing for United this summer, at a time when there are genuine doubts over Andre Onana’s worth between the sticks.
The Argentine has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League for Aston Villa in recent years, if not in Europe for that matter, having won the Best Fifa Men’s Goalkeeper award in 2024, beating Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ederson, Andriy Lunin, Mike Maignan, David Raya and Unai Simon to the prize.
Martinez possesses huge character, as shown during his heroics performances for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, not least during the penalty shootout in the final, and he has been called “world-class” by Gary Neville, as well as being lauded by Nuno Espirito Santo for one stunning save against his Nottingham Forest side last season.
He's better than Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign £40m Ekitike alternative
Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a star who could sign ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.
ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025
Martinez would immediately give United more presence between the sticks, and still has plenty of years left in him at the top. His personality would also make him a popular figure at a time where the club need characters, not least his ability to get under the skin of opposition players and fans.
Nick Knight also felt that “it didn’t seem right or fair” that India knew where they were playing
Shashank Kishore27-Jun-20241:54
Knight: Playing conditions are not fair at this World Cup
Did India have a clear advantage knowing where their T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final was going to be staged? India captain Rohit Sharma didn’t think there was any. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar thought otherwise.”Clear advantage,” Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo’s Timeout show. “Rohit has to say that. He can’t say it was an advantage. India would’ve picked their side based on it. India’s problem has been semis and finals and when you know you’re playing in Guyana, if you’ve been wondering why they’ve got four spinners in their squad, this could be the reason.”Former England batter Nick Knight concurred with that assessment that “it didn’t seem right or fair” that India knew where they were playing. It’s a school of thought that seems to have found favour from several quarters, most notably his former colleague and opening partner Michael Vaughan.Related
Stagnant England endure a pasting that had been in the post since Adelaide
'Outplayed' Buttler wishes he had bowled Moeen on turning Providence pitch
Rohit on semi-final pressure: 'Everyone knows … don't want to keep talking about it again and again'
Providence venue guide: Go hard in powerplay, expect sharp turn and low bounce
FAQs – Why does Trinidad have a reserve day, but Guyana does not?
“Literally, it’s their tournament,” Vaughan said in the podcast on Thursday. “They get to play whenever they want. They get to know exactly where their semi-final will be. They play every single game in the morning so people can watch them at night in India on TV.”I get that. I get that money is a big play in the world of cricket. And I get that in bilateral series, but you would think that when you get to a World Cup, the ICC should be a little bit fairer to everybody. It shouldn’t be just India just because they bring a few quid in.”As I said, bilateral, I completely understand it. But when you get to a World Cup, there cannot be any kind of sympathy or any kind of sway towards one team in the tournament. And this tournament is purely set up for India, simple as that.”6:19
Rohit: We’ve played with a free mind in last two-three years
Knight went a step further in questioning the ICC’s decision to have separate rules for both the semi-finals. The Afghanistan-South Africa semi-final on Wednesday night had a reserve day scheduled, while the India-England semi-final had only the provision of an extension by 250 minutes, and no reserve day. The decision to have the final on a Saturday was among other scheduling concerns raised.”I can’t quite get my head around why we’ve got to this point,” Knight said. “I thought watching the group stages, it could’ve been condensed. I thought they were elongating moments at times between games. And why can’t we play the final on Sunday? Am I oversimplifying this to give teams the extra day to travel? I wonder if we could’ve pushed it altogether a little bit more to prevent this situation from happening.”Manjrekar called for the ICC to make it a level-playing field, and not solely focus on commercial gains.”It’s a wrong way to go about it,” he said. “I’m talking about a very idealistic kind of a situation. In this sport, we’ve put the cart before the horse a lot. We’re so excited to take it to the USA, New York. But what about the conditions? You’ve got to focus on making the product high-quality and a level-playing field and then look for commercial gains.”We can’t just say ‘this is what the market wants, let’s cater to that’ because this is not really a pure, commercial venture. It’s got to be about having a high-quality [product].”
With time running out to ease their PSR fears, Aston Villa could have no choice but to sell a player that Unai Emery loves amid reported interest from Atletico Madrid this summer.
Aston Villa must sell players this summer
Despite their success in recent years and rise into becoming a top six side, Aston Villa must sell players to comply with PSR rules this summer. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explained their situation on Sky Sports, saying: “I think of the 20 Premier League clubs, Villa are the ones who we’re most concerned about.
“Last season, when they did qualify for the Champions League, for every £100 of revenue that Aston Villa brought in, they spent £91 on wages. Those players will have had contract step-ups for qualifying for the Champions League.
He's like Palmer: Aston Villa could have bid accepted for £30m "machine"
Unai Emery is targeting several high-profile players this summer
ByRoss Kilvington Jun 14, 2025
“And remember, Villa have done very well in that competition. So that will be a plus. And they have sold some players as well, in both the last summer market and the January one. But I think there is still a perception that Villa will have to box clever.
“And of all of the clubs under pressure to sell players by June 30, I guess they’re the ones who are the club that gives the most attention because their spending in the last couple of years before getting into Europe was so extensive.”
It’s, therefore, likely to be a frustrating summer for those in the Midlands. Already, Emiliano Martinez has found himself among the headlines, and he’s one player who could make way to help Villa on the PSR front.
Aston Villa'sEmilianoMartinezreacts after Paris St Germain's Nuno Mendes scores
Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers is not short on admirers, although he is someone that Villa want to keep hold of in the coming months. Whichever route the Villans go down, they must approach their PSR problems with caution – avoiding a sanction at all costs – and that could yet see them sell one particular defender.
Atletico Madrid eyeing Lucas Digne move
As reported by Paul Joyce and relayed by Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid are now looking at a move to sign Lucas Digne in the event that they fail to sign Andy Robertson from Liverpool this summer.
Whilst Digne’s departure would be a frustrating one, he is the type of player that Aston Villa should be looking to move on if they are to comply with PSR rules this summer.
At 31 years old, the £120,000-a-week defender will be past the peak of his powers sooner rather than later and as Ian Maatsen looks to break into Villa’s best side, this summer could be the best time for all parties to go their separate ways.
Whether Emery agrees will be the question, however. The Spaniard has never hidden his admiration for his left-back – going as far as to describe Digne as “amazing” last year.
أعلنت الشركة المتحدة للرياضة، عن حصولها على حقوق إذاعة مباريات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا لكرة اليد للموسم الرياضي 2025-2026، وهي البطولة التي تُعد الأقوى عالميًا على مستوى بطولات الأندية في كرة اليد.
وجاء ذلك في إطار حرص الشركة المتحدة للرياضة على توفير أفضل خدمة رياضية وإعلامية لجمهور الرياضة في مصر والوطن العربي، من خلال متابعة كوكبة من أبرز نجوم كرة اليد على المستوى العالمي.
وتُذاع مباريات البطولة عبر شاشة قنوات أون سبورت بداية من دور المجموعات وصولا إلى الفاينال فور لتحديد ترتيب المربع الذهبي وبطل أوروبا.
طالع أيضاً.. منتخب الجزائر يتعادل مع غينيا ويؤجل حسم التأهل إلى كأس العالم
وتُعد بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا لكرة اليد من أقوى البطولات على مستوى الأندية، حيث تشهد مشاركة نخبة من الأندية التي تضم بين صفوفها ألمع نجوم اللعبة، يتنافسون جميعًا للفوز بالكأس الأغلى.
وتشهد بطولة الموسم الحالي مشاركة 9 لاعبين مصريين في أندية: “فيزبريم المجري – باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي – برشلونة الإسباني – سبورتنج لشبونة البرتغالي – كيلسي البولندي”.
Excellent bowling from Nathan Sowter, Ben Raine and Callum Parkinson sets up win for last QF place
ECB Reporters Network19-Jul-2024
Alex Lees works the ball leg side•Getty Images
Alex Lees and Colin Ackermann scored unbeaten half-centuries to take Durham to an eight-wicket victory over Derbyshire Falcons in the Vitality Blast match at Derby.Lees made 72 off 60 balls and Ackermann 54 from 30 with the pair sharing an unbroken stand of 88 as Durham ended on 159 for 2 to claim the remaining quarter-final place in the North Group.Durham’s victory was set up by excellent bowling from Nathan Sowter, Ben Raine and Callum Parkinson, who took two wickets each to restrict Falcons to 155 for 8.Most of the Falcons got a start on a slow pitch but no one could go on with Wayne Madsen and Alex Thomson top scoring with 22.The home side fought hard to defend a modest total but Lees and Ackermann showed experience and nous to take Durham into the knock-out stages.Falcons had motored to 64 in the powerplay with Paul Coughlin leaking 33 from two overs but their adventure came at the cost of three wickets.Luis Reece went in the first over, bowled stepping across to Parkinson before David Lloyd cut Coughlin for four and six.Aneurin Donald drove Parkinson over the long off boundary but then top edged a sweep to backward square.Coughlin was cut over third man for six by Madsen but responded by having Lloyd caught behind for 20.Madsen made a brilliant century against Durham in the Blast two years ago so they were relieved when he mistimed a drive at Sowter and holed out to long off to leave the Falcons 65 for 4.Coughlin returned to have Brooke Guest caught behind and his next ball saw Ross Whiteley edge to slip where Ashton Turner spilled the chance.Samit Patel cut Matthew Potts over third man for six but Sowter was tying the Falcons down and he struck again when he trapped Patel lbw for 20.When Whiteley edged a drive at Raine, Falcons were 110 for 7 but Thomson pulled Coughlin for six before Mohammad Amir smashed Parkinson into the front of the media centre.Raine bowled Amir as he and Potts conceded only 15 from the last three overs to leave Durham chasing 156.Lees drilled Daryn Dupavillon for two fours but Amir was giving nothing away, conceding only five from his first two overs before taking a smart catch at short third off Pat Brown to remove Graham Clark.Lees pulled and drove Amir for two fours to take Durham to 45 for 1 at the end of the powerplay but they were being made to work hard by some disciplined bowling.Although David Bedingham pulled Thomson for six, he dragged the next ball to mid-wicket and after 10 overs, Durham were 75 for 2, needing another 81.Ackermann eased the pressure with two big sixes over midwicket off Thomson in the 13th over and drove Reece for another off the last ball of the 15th.Patel conceded only four off his final over but Lees and Ackermann took no risks to see Durham home with seven balls to spare.
After seeing their team fall short of the Championship playoff picture last season, West Bromwich Albion fans will be desperate for new manager Ryan Mason to be a success from the Hawthorns dugout.
It’s a very risky appointment, considering the 33-year-old has little to no experience as a manager outside of the comforts of Tottenham Hotspur. Still, it’s a bold and adventurous appointment that might well pay off, especially if promotion is reached.
Tottenham Hotspur assistant coachRyanMasonduring training
He will surely want plenty of new signings to join him at the Baggies to try and put the West Midlands club back on the map, with a potent EFL goal-machine now reportedly on his shopping list.
West Brom ready to move for EFL ace
As per journalist Darren Witcoop via his X account, West Brom are among several clubs pursuing the services of Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Kelman this summer transfer window.
It’s even stated that the Baggies are ready to make a move for the recent winner of the League One Golden Boot, with his transfer valuation coming in at around the £850k mark, as per Football Transfers.
Witcoop hasn’t named the other clubs allegedly chasing after the former Leyton Orient loanee, so it will be interesting to see if West Brom do go on to land their desired target, with Sheffield United once looking at Kelman, according to other reports.
Ruben Selles’ Blades will no doubt be in the promotion race alongside Mason’s men, with a hope that West Brom come out on top to secure a deadly marksman for their new manager, winning him his own Josh Maja-style figure in the process.
How Kelman could be Mason's own Maja
Much like the lethal Nigerian, Kelman hasn’t had everything his way across his varied career to date, away from his goalscoring heroics last season for the O’s.
Indeed, before his majestic 27-goal heroics during the 2024/25 campaign, the 23-year-old unfortunately blew hot and cold for many of his other loan sides, with a paltry five strikes coming his way on the books of both Gillingham and Wigan Athletic, prior to everything clicking at Orient.
Maja endured similar barren patches of form himself before finding a location that suited him well at the Hawthorns, with the injury-prone 26-year-old only finding the back of the net a matter of five times as well when lining up for both Stoke City and Fulham.
Now, however, the on-fire duo will have discarded any bad memories they have with those past clubs, knowing they have found their goalscoring mojo as strikers now that very rarely need a second invitation to hammer a glorious effort home.
Kelman’s league numbers vs Maja (24/25)
Stat (* =per game)
Kelman
Maja
Games played
46
26
Goals scored
21
12
Scoring frequency
162 mins
173 mins
Assists
5
2
Touches*
22.0
27.7
Accurate passes*
6.9 (67%)
13.5 (76%)
Shots*
2.4
1.8
Big chances missed
20
10
Stats by Sofascore
It’s clear when studying the table above that both centre-forwards in question are more content with peppering opposition ‘keepers with regular shots rather than getting involved with play outside of their fox-in-the-box approach, with Kelman only averaging a mere 6.9 accurate passes per League One clash last season, alongside Maja only making 13.5 of his own.
Therefore, Kelman could be well suited to the way West Brom feed their potent strikers, with assist king Tom Fellows perhaps tallying up even more than the 14 assists he managed all across the 2024/25 campaign if the 23-year-old were to don Baggies blue and white shortly.
He was even hailed as an “intelligent” forward player by journalist Josh Bunting last season, with Kelman just praying now that he can show off his goalscoring prowess up a division in the EFL.
He has never actually scored at the intimidating level, but West Brom took a gamble on Maja coming good with only three second-tier strikes next to his name on his arrival, meaning Kelman might just explode into life too as Mason’s very own version of the clinical 26-year-old.
West Brom could seal a better signing than Mikey Moore in "phenomenal" star
West Bromwich Albion could soon welcome this former loanee back to the Hawthorns this summer.
If Liverpool aren’t already favourites to retain their Premier League title after signing Florian Wirtz for a British record transfer fee of £116m, then they certainly would be if they signed Alexander Isak.
Plenty of teams around the globe have dreamed of bringing the Swede to their club and the Anfield outfit could well make that a reality this summer.
Boy, what a signing this would be. Isak scored 27 goals in all competitions last term. He netted 23 in the Premier League. The only man with more was Liverpool hero, Mo Salah.
So, the Newcastle United forward is a pretty special talent and it’s understandable that the Toon have no desire to let him depart St James’ Park this summer.
Still, Liverpool are trying and they’re willing to put a lot of money on the table to bring him further south to Merseyside.
The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool
While Liverpool have dreamt of signing Isak all summer long, they haven’t made their intentions clear until this week.
Indeed, the Athletic’s David Ornstein dropped a seismic piece of news earlier in the week that the league winners have made an approach, but no formal offer just yet, to sign Isak. The Magpies have reiterated that he is not for sale, that’s despite Liverpool suggesting they are willing to pay around £120m for his services.
That being said, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has suggested that “every player has their price” and Newcastle could be brought to the negotiating table if a £150m bid is made.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Whether the Reds have what it takes to put that sort of money out there after breaking their transfer record once this summer already remains to be seen.
With such money involved, a move does feel unlikely. It’s why they are courting alternatives.
Liverpool's two best Isak alternatives
The main striker on the radar of the recruitment team at the moment is Hugo Ekitike. However, like the Isak situation, it’s a tricky situation. That’s because Newcastle are embroiled in this saga as well.
News broke at the beginning of the week that Newcastle are working on a deal to sign the Frenchman from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. Yet, he’s also a player that Liverpool like.
Ornstein again revealed on Wednesday that the Merseysiders have made contact with the Bundesliga club regarding a move.
Fabrizio Romano has already indicated that if Newcastle don’t sell Isak then they will aim to steal the Toon’s number one target away from them. Well, the wheels are in motion on that move already, with Romano revealing on Thursday that a bid has now been submitted to sign the Frankfurt striker.
Liverpool have other players on their radar, perhaps most notably Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. The most exciting name is Julian Alvarez.
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez
A report from Spain earlier in the window indicated that Liverpool were prepared to pay around £142m for the Atletico Madrid forward and now Anfield Watch reporter Bence Bocsak has revealed that the Argentine is still on their ‘radar’.
He suggests that Alvarez is a ‘dream option’, but like Isak, it’s unlikely Atleti will sanction a sale just one year after bringing him to Spain from Manchester City.
How Alvarez compares to Isak and Ekitike
Isak would be a remarkable coup for Liverpool if they could get a deal over the line. He’s one of the best strikers around the globe and has proven over the last two campaigns that he can score goals at a regular rate in the Premier League.
Ekitike, by comparison, clearly has lots of potential. He’s already been described as “the next Mbappe” in some quarters but rather like Darwin Nunez, he’s a raw talent, someone who still needs to refine his game.
What’s Alvarez like? Well, he’s proven, not just on the continent now with Atleti but also in the Premier League, where he won trophy after trophy with Manchester City.
He’s also the complete package, cut from a similar cloth as Roberto Firmino. This is not just a goalscorer. He’s a creator, a facilitator, and someone who could thrive just as Firmino did with the likes of Salah and Cody Gakpo either side. Dare we say, it could even be with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo to one side? Liverpool are currently leading the race for the Brazilian, according to reports, but that’s a story for another day.
Described as a “monster” by Argentine journalist Pablo Gonzalez and remarkably as “the best forward in the world” by reporter Roy Nemer, he ended his debut campaign in the Spanish capital having scored 29 goals, two more than Isak, and he also registered eight assists.
Let’s also cast your mind back to his final term at the Eithad. During 2023/24, he was prolific in front of goal, bagging 19 goals and registering 14 assists. This is a player who does a lot of things right.
Alvarez vs Isak since 2023/24 (league only)
Stat (per 90 mins)
Alvarez
Isak
Goals
0.49
0.79
Assists
0.21
0.14
Shots
2.90
3.00
Pass success %
78%
77%
Key passes
1.88
1.22
Progressive passes
3.40
2.85
Shot-creating actions
3.94
2.94
Progressive carries
2.50
2.71
Stats via FBRef.
Analysing the numbers deeper across the last two seasons, we get a sense for what Isak and Alvarez do well, but primarily from the metrics assessed, where the Argentine superstar thrives in comparison.
The Swede is clearly more prolific per 90 minutes as far as goals are concerned but Alvarez offers the ability to create, registering more key passes, progressive passes and producing an extra shot-creating action every 90 minutes.
That means that even if he doesn’t score quite as many goals, he’s remaining a big threat in the final third and would provide that Firmino-like ability to make things happen in Slot’s attack.
Isak is the dream but here us out, Alvarez has his perks too. His overall game is certainly better, that’s for sure.
He's better than Ekitike: Liverpool chasing "monster" £60m Isak alternative
Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.
Lord’s will host two men’s Tests this summer, with England’s third Test against India slotted for the venue as well
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Sep-2024
Pat Cummins poses with the Test mace after winning the previous edition of the WTC•ICC/Getty Images
The final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 will be played at Lord’s from June 11.India and Australia are currently the top two teams on the points table with 68.52 and 62.50 percentage points respectively, but the identity of the finalists will not be known till next year. For India, who were the losing finalists in both the previous WTCs, there are ten Tests left to play in the cycle – two at home against Bangladesh, three at home against New Zealand, and five away in Australia; Australia, the defending champions, also have an away series of two Tests in Sri Lanka.”Winning the World Test Championship was, and still is, a big goal for this team,” Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain, said in a statement. “It is the culmination of hard work and consistency over the two-year cycle for all teams. So hopefully we will be there again, there’s a lot of cricket still to be played between now and then, and the fans can get a chance to watch us defend the title.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd
New Zealand (50.00) are currently at No. 3 on the nine-team table and, after their historic 2-0 series win in Pakistan, Bangladesh (45.83) are at No. 4. They are followed by England (45.00) and South Africa (38.89). Sri Lanka, Pakistan and West Indies are the bottom three teams at the moment.England has been picked as the venue for all three WTC finals so far, the first having been in Southampton and the second at The Oval.”We’re delighted to be working with the ICC to bring the World Test Championship final to Lord’s for the first time,” Guy Lavender, the MCC chief executive and secretary, said. “It is our great privilege to be asked to host a final of any kind but to welcome the two best men’s sides in Test cricket – our most cherished format – is a singular honour. It will be an experience not to be missed, adding to the storied 140-year history of Lord’s Tests.”Lord’s will host two Tests next summer, the other being the England vs India Test from July 10 to 14. That is the third Test of that tour, which will start at Headingley on June 20, followed by Tests at Edgbaston (from July 2), Lord’s, Old Trafford (from July 23) and The Oval (from July 31). If India make the final of the WTC, it will mean six Tests in a row for them in England.
يلعب نادي ليفربول مع مضيفه بيرنلي في الوقت الحالي، وذلك لحساب منافسات الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث يقام اللقاء على ملعب تورف مور.
ولا تزال النتيجة تشير إلى التعادل السلبي بدون أهداف، حيث يشوب المباراة الكثير من الحذر وسط استحواذ لاعبي ليفربول دون تشكيل خطورة واضحة على مرمى بيرنلي.
طالع .. 4 إصابات تضرب أتلتيكو مدريد قبل مواجهة ليفربول في دوري أبطال أوروبا
وشهدت مباراة اليوم حالة طرد، حيث تم إقصاء لاعب نادي بيرنلي، شيموانيا أوجوشوكو بالبطاقة الحمراء، وذلك في الدقيقة 84.
وجاءت حالة الطرد بعدما عرقل أوجوشوكو نجم نادي ليفربول، فلوريان فيرتز، على حدود منطقة الجزاء في احتكاك قوي بين اللاعبين.
وأسفر الاحتكاك عن سقوط فيرتز، مما جعل حكم اللقاء لا يتردد في إشهار البطاقة الصفراء الثانية لأوجوشوكو ومن ثم الطرد.
ولم يستطع ليفربول الاستفادة من الطرد حيث تستمر المباراة حتى الآن على واقع التعادل السلبي دون التمكن من التسجيل في مرمى بيرنلي.
ودفع مدرب ليفربول، آرني سلوت، بتشكيلة الريدز الأساسية باستثناء غياب الكسندر إيزاك القادم من صفوف نيوكاسل يونايتد في ظل عدم جاهزيته.
كشف المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، في مؤتمره الصحفي يوم الجمعة عن المدة المحتملة لغياب النجم عمر مرموش عن النادي الإنجليزي، إثر الإصابة التي تعرض لها قبل أيام.
وتعرض عمر مرموش لإصابة على مستوى الركبة خلال مشاركته في مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو، في إطار التصفيات المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم نسخة 2026، يوم الثلاثاء الماضي.
وحل منتخب مصر ضيفًا على بوركينا فاسو في الجولة الثامنة من تصفيات قارة إفريقيا، حيث كان الفراعنة في حاجة إلى الفوز من أجل حسم التأهل إلى المونديال، ولكنه اكتفى بالتعادل السلبي.
وشارك عمر مرموش في تلك المباراة كأساسي، ولكن الحظ لم يمهله سوى 9 دقائق حيث عانى من إصابة أجبرته على الخروج من أرض الملعب، ودفع المدرب حسام حسن بزميله أسامة فيصل ليحل مكانه.
وقال جوارديولا، في تصريحاته خلال مؤتمره قبل مباراة مانشستر يونايتد، إن مرموش سيغيب بضعة أسابيع، حيث ينتظر خضوعه للمزيد من الفحوص الطبية، ولكن من المحتمل عودته قبل أو بعد التوقف الدولي في أكتوبر.
وبالنظر إلى جدول مباريات مانشستر سيتي، سنجد أن عمر مرموش سيغيب عن 7 مباريات للسكاي بلو، على حد قول جوارديولا في تصريحاته الصحفية اليوم. المباريات التي سيغيب عنها عمر مرموش مع مانشستر سيتي
البداية ستكون يوم الأحد المقبل حيث يلتقي مانشستر سيتي مع مانشستر يونايتد في قمة منافسات الجولة الرابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي على ملعب “الاتحاد”، ثم يستضيف نابولي يوم الخميس في الجولة الأولى من مرحلة الدوري من دوري أبطال أوروبا.
اقرأ أيضًا | “الرغبة في الانتقام”.. هالاند يوجه رسالة قاسية للاعبي مانشستر سيتي قبل الديربي
وبعد ذلك، سيواجه مانشستر سيتي خصمه آرسنال في قمة قوية في الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي، يوم الأحد 21 سبتمبر على ملعب “الإمارات”، قبل مباراة هدرسفيلد تاون في دور الـ32 من كأس كاراباو يوم الأربعاء 24.
ويواجه مانشستر سيتي خصمه بيرنلي، يوم السبت 27 سبتمبر، في الجولة السادسة من الدوري الإنجليزي، على أن يصطدم بـ موناكو يوم الأربعاء 1 أكتوبر على ملعب الأخير.
وعقب ذلك، يحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا على برينتفورد يوم الأحد 5 أكتوبر في الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وهو آخر لقاء لكتيبة جوارديولا قبل التوقف الدولي لهذا الشهر.
وفي حال جاهزية مرموش، فإنه من المحتمل عودته في مباراة مانشستر سيتي وإيفرتون في الجولة الثامنة من الدوري الإنجليزي، يوم السبت 18 أكتوبر القادم.
وإذا صحت تصريحات جوارديولا كذلك، فإن مرموش لن يشارك في مباراتي منتخب مصر في توقف شهر أكتوبر، ضد جيبوتي وغينيا بيساو، مع العلم أن الفراعنة في حاجة إلى نقطتين لحسم التأهل إلى كأس العالم.