The next FIFA World Cup is not until 2026, but there is already a sense of excitement building towards the tournament, as it is being hosted by 16 cities in three countries.

The competition will be played between 11th June and 19th July 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States. This is the first time it will be hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994. This 2026 World Cup has another first, as it will host 48 teams instead of the usual 32.

The top World Cup goalscorers of all time

Some of the greatest players of all time have performed on the biggest stage.

By
Ross Kilvington

Nov 30, 2024

Over the years, many legendary players have made their mark on the competition, with some going on to compete at multiple World Cup finals. So as the countdown to the tournament continues, we have taken a look at the players who have made the most appearances at the World Cup.

Players with the most men’s World Cup appearances
Rank	Player	Nation	WC apps
1	Lionel Messi	Argentina	26
2	Lothar Matthaus	Germany	25
3	Miroslav Klose	Germany	24
4	Paolo Maldini	Italy	23
5	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	22
6=	Diego Maradona	Argentina	21
6=	Wladyslaw Zmuda	Poland	21
6=	Uwe Seeler	West Germany	21
9=	Hugo Lloris	France	20
9=	Javier Mascherano	Argentina	20
9=	Philipp Lahm	Germany	20
9=	Bastian Schweinsteiger	Germany	20
9=	Cafu	Brazil	20
9=	Grzegorz Lato	Poland	20

14

Grzegorz Lato (Poland)

20 matches

First on this list is Grzegorz Lato, who won 100 caps for his national side, Poland. The former winger played in four World Cups as a player, playing a total of 20 matches.

The best Lato achieved with his country was a third-place finish in 1974 and 1982, but on a personal level, he also had a decent scoring record, as he netted 10 times in the competition.

13

Cafu (Brazil)

20 matches

Cafu is one of the most famous Brazil players to play the game and is still highly talked about now by the lucky ones who got to watch him play.

The Brazilian played in four separate World Cups, captaining his national team in his last two tournaments. Cafu played 20 times in the World Cup, and while he didn’t score, he made up for it by winning the competition twice in 1994 and 2002.

12

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

20 matches

Former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger won 121 caps for his national team and was part of three World Cup squads.

The midfielder played 20 times in the competition, scoring two goals and providing six assists. The 2014 World Cup was one to remember for the ex-Bayern Munich midfielder, as he finally secured a piece of silverware with his country.

11

Philipp Lahm (Germany)

20 matches

A player who played with Schweinsteiger for Germany and Bayern Munich is Philipp Lahm.

The former Germany captain, who lifted the World Cup in 2014, also played 20 times in the World Cup, though he had more minutes than his former teammate with 1,920 minutes compared to Schweinsteiger’s 1,656.

Aside from winning the trophy in Brazil, Lahm memorably opened the German World Cup of 2006 with a special opening goal against Costa Rica.

10

Javier Mascherano (Argentina)

20 matches

Javier Mascherano was a very important player for club and country during his playing days, as he won 147 caps for Argentina.

The former midfielder played in four World Cups for his national team but was unable to claim success, as the furthest they got while he was in the team was the final in 2014, where they lost 1-0 to Germany.

Mascherano played in 20 World Cup matches during his career, making him one of Argentina’s most-capped players at the World Cup.

9

Hugo Lloris (France)

20 matches

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has played in four World Cups, with his last appearance being in the 2022 final against Argentina.

Lloris has appeared 20 times in the competition, keeping an impressive eight clean sheets along the way.

Lloris is lucky enough to call himself a World Cup winner as he played a big role in his country’s success in 2018. He is also France’s most-capped player for World Cup games.

8

Uwe Seeler (Germany)

21 matches

Uwe Seeler was a former Germany international who won 72 caps for his national team, with 21 of those coming in the World Cup.

Seeler scored nine goals and chipped in with eight assists during those appearances, but he was unable to be a part of a team that won the tournament, coming closest when England defeated West Germany at Wembley in 1966.

Previous World Cup winners
2022	Argentina
2018	France
2014	Germany
2010	Spain
2006	Italy
2002	Brazil
1998	France

7

Wladyslaw Zmuda (Poland)

21 matches

Wladyslaw Zmuda is another former Poland international who represented his country in four World Cup tournaments. He was awarded the Young Player Award after the 1974 World Cup, with his performances at centre-back taking Poland to the third-place play-off, where they beat Brazil.

Zmuda was also captain of the team that was knocked out in the semi-finals in 1982, where they were beaten by eventual winners Italy.

6

Diego Maradona (Argentina)

21 matches

Diego Maradona is another Argentina player who played in multiple World Cups for his country.

Maradona earned 91 caps for his national side, scoring 34 goals in the process, and was seen at the time as one of the greatest to play the game.

Maradona played 21 times in the World Cup and had an impressive record in the competition, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists. The Argentinian was also a World Cup winner in 1986.

5

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

22 matches

It may not surprise many football fans to see Cristiano Ronaldo near the top of this list given he has been playing football for a long period of time and doesn’t look like he’s going to stop anytime soon.

Ronaldo has played in five World Cups, playing a total of 22 games, but his record when it comes to goals is arguably underwhelming, as he’s only got eight to his name. The 39-year-old has no World Cup winner’s medal, but it is surely at the top of his wish list before he retires.

The striker’s contract with the Cottagers expires on June 30, but he's hopeful to extend his deal with Fulham

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Jiménez is in his second season with FulhamEl “Lobo de Tepeji” has scored 19 goals for the clubThey currently sit in eighth place in the Premier LeagueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

Raúl Jiménez’s future appears to be with Fulham in the Premier League for next season, as the striker revealed his desire to reach a contract extension with his current club. The Mexico international joined the Cottagers two seasons ago and talks for a new deal could soon be underway.

“I hope the option to stay at Fulham, in the Premier League, gets activated. The club can trigger it, and I’d be happy to continue in England,” the striker said in an interview with TNT Sports.

Jiménez and Fulham are enjoying a great run in the current Premier League season. The club sits in eighth place with 48 points and is pushing for a spot in European competition next season. The striker has tallied 10 goals and three assists in 31 matches. The former Wolverhampton forward has also scored in both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup this campaign.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Jiménez is looking to stay in the Premier League for at least one more year. The 33-year-old forward is entering the final stretch of his career, but he’s well aware that the World Cup is coming up next year and he wants to be in top form to earn a spot on Javier Aguirre’s squad for the tournament.

Jiménez has enjoyed the best years of his career in England, most notably with Wolverhampton, where he scored 57 goals in 166 matches. His numbers with Fulham aren’t bad either – he’s found the back of the net 19 times in 65 appearances.

After his standout performance in the recent CONCACAF Nations League, where he led Mexico to their first title in the competition, Jiménez once again proved that he still has plenty to offer El Tri.

Having regained the level he had prior to the skull fracture he suffered in 2020, the striker knows that staying in peak physical condition and playing in one of the world’s top leagues will make him a key player for "El Vasco" as the national team prepares for the World Cup.

AFPWHAT RAÚL JIMÉNEZ SAID

The former Club América player spoke about the skull fracture he sustained after a head-to-head collision with Brazilian defender David Luiz in 2020, back when he was still playing for Wolverhampton. Jiménez was sidelined for nine months and nearly had to retire from football.

"I don’t think what happened with him was intentional," he said. "He’s always been a very fierce competitor, and I don’t hold any resentment toward him. It’s something that happened on the pitch, and that’s where it stays. I have nothing against him.

"We actually spoke at the time – after the accident, I would get messages from him on my phone. Later on, when they came to play at Wolverhampton and I was up in the stands, he got sent off, and as soon as he left the pitch, he knew where I was sitting and came up to see me.”

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR FULHAM?

Marco Silva’s side faces a tough test in Matchday 32 of the Premier League when they visit Bournemouth. Fulham, currently eighth in the standings with 48 points, holds just a three-point lead over the Cherries.

Looking to sharpen their attack in 2025, Manchester United are now reportedly plotting a move to sign an impressive forward who their scouts just watched shock Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils have plenty of work to do when 2025 arrives, as exposed by their recent inconsistency under new manager Ruben Amorim. What certainly hasn’t helped the former Sporting boss, however, is the comments of Marcus Rashford. Attempting to rebuild and finally turn things around at Old Trafford, the last thing that Amorim needed was one of his star players setting his sights on a fresh challenge.

Sending clubs around Europe on red alert, Rashford now seems destined to leave Old Trafford as a case of what might have been given the impact that he made when he first broke through into the Manchester United side. As one star departs, however, another could swiftly arrive.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Manchester United are now plotting a move to sign Benjamin Sesko after sending scouts to watch the RB Leipzig striker score within just two minutes against Bayern Munich, only to eventually find himself on the wrong end of a 5-1 mauling in the Bundesliga.

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Reportedly valued at €70-75m (£58-62m), Sesko certainly won’t come cheap but if Manchester United are looking to sharpen what has been a blunt attack at times this season, then splashing out on a striker of his calibre may well be the way forward.

"Weapon" Sesko is ready for big move

Having decided to stay put last summer instead of completing a move to Arsenal, Sesko has since solidified his place as one of the most exciting rising stars in European football. And now, one year on from rejecting the Gunners, he’s more ready than ever to depart Leipzig and complete a move to the biggest stage, which is where Manchester United could come in.

Just 21 years old, Sesko has been the star of the show ever since joining RB Leipzig and that has only remained the case in the current campaign with 11 goals and three assists from 23 games in all competitions. Earning deserved praise as a result, Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig dubbed the Manchester United target “the Slovenian weapon” back in October.

Signing Sesko would certainly be one way to steal the headlines away from Rashford’s potential exit and there’s no doubting the impact that he would also make on the pitch.

MatériaMais Notícias

Dois homens foram presos em flagrante pela Polícia Civil do Piauí por venderem ingressos falsos para a partida entre Altos-PI e Flamengo, pela Copa do Brasil, neste domingo. Com eles foram apreendidos 200 entradas inválidas. A prisão aconteceu na manhã deste sábado, em uma lan house na Zona Sul de Teresina, capital piauiense.

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Além dos ingressos, foram apreendidas máquinas de impressão das entradas. Os dois homens foram presos pelo crime de falsificação de documento particular.

+CBF dá sinal verde, mas Botafogo recusa inversão de mando de campo em jogo contra o Flamengo pelo Brasileirão

O estádio Albertão teve a capacidade liberada para 25 mil espectadores e a venda dos ingressos se iniciou na última terça. Cambistas vendem entradas nos arredores do local da partida, cobrando entre R$150 e R$250.

O Altos-PI está pela primeira vez na terceira fase da Copa do Brasil e já arrecadou R$3 milhões. O mesmo montante será o premio de quem passar no confronto, que terá seu primeiro jogo neste domingo, às 16h.

Leeds United progressed through to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday with a narrow 1-0 win over League Two side Harrogate Town at Elland Road.

A second-half header from Largie Ramazani, who was assisted by a fine cross from Manor Solomon, secured the victory for the home side and booked them a place in the next round.

Their next match in the FA Cup is not until February and this means that the Whites can fully turn their attention back to the Championship and ensure that they do not let their place in the automatic promotion spots slip.

The West Yorkshire outfit are currently one point ahead of Sheffield United and Burnley in second and third in the Championship and this means that they do not much in the way of wiggle room at the top of the table.

Daniel Farke’s side take on Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich, and Burnley – all top-half teams – as part of a three-game week coming up and will need to be spot on to keep their place in the top two.

The January transfer window also provides Leeds with a chance to bolster their squad to give them a lift ahead of the upcoming matches, with the club reportedly eyeing a Championship star this week.

Leeds United eyeing Championship full-back

According to LeedsUnitedNews, versatile Plymouth Argyle full-back Bali Mumba has emerged as a target for the Championship leaders this month.

The report claims that the Whites have sent scouts to watch the former England youth international in action in the second tier this season, whilst they also had him watched in their 1-0 win over Brentford in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Mumba won nine of his 14 duels and was not dribbled past a single time to help his side keep a clean sheet against the Premier League side, which suggests that the Leeds scout may well have been impressed by what they saw.

The outlet adds that Leeds are now considering a bid to sign the 23-year-old star to bolster Farke’s options in the full-back positions ahead of the second half of the season.

Mumba is also a player the German head coach already knows well from their time together at Norwich City. Farke, who once described him as “outstanding”, signed the defender from Sunderland in the summer of 2020.

The English dynamo went on to play nine times in the first-team for the Canaries and made his Premier League debut in the 2021/22 campaign under the now-Leeds boss.

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Ironically, Farke could sign Mumba this month to come in as an upgrade on another full-back he signed for Leeds after working with him at Carrow Road – Sam Byram.

Sam Byram's performances for Leeds

The veteran defender returned to Elland Road in the summer of 2023 for a second spell in West Yorkshire and for a second stint working with the manager, who signed him for the Canaries from West Ham ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

His versatility has been particularly useful to the Whites over the past 18 months or so, due to his ability to play comfortably at right-back, centre-back, and left-back, which has allowed him to plug gaps across the backline when needed.

The 31-year-old played 33 times in the Championship during the regular season last term and contributed with two goals and one assist, whilst predominantly playing on the left side of the defence.

Byram has followed that up with 11 starts in 21 appearances in the second tier so far this season, which shows that he has still been an important member of the squad.

Appearances

21

Assists

1

Key passes per game

0.3

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.7

Duel success rate

57%

As you can see in the table above, the former Norwich man has not offered creativity from a full-back position and has been far from outstanding defensively, with less than two tackles and interceptions combined per game.

By securing a deal to bring Mumba to Elland Road from Plymouth this month, Farke could land an upgrade on Byram from a defensive and offensive perspective.

Why Leeds should sign Bali Mumba

Firstly, the 23-year-old whiz is eight years younger than Byram and this means that Leeds could sign him as a long-term investment, as well as a short-term upgrade for the team.

Farke, as he did during his time at Norwich, could look to develop Mumba and help him to fulfill his potential over the years to come to turn him into a valuable asset, whereas the current

His performances in the Championship this season for Plymouth already suggest that he could come in as a big upgrade on Byram from a defensive perspective, as shown in the table below.

Appearances

21

25

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.7

3.0

Clearances per game

1.0

1.8

Duels won per game

2.8

5.0

Key passes per game

0.3

0.6

The former Sunderland and Norwich starlet could offer more defensive protection, whilst – like Byram – being able to play at left-back or right-back to cover both flanks, by winning tackles and duels and making clearances and interceptions.

Mumba also has the potential to offer more at the top end of the pitch as part of a dominant team, which he has been unable to show in a struggling Plymouth team, and the current Leeds man has not provided much – as aforementioned – in that respect.

In their title-winning 2022/23 campaign in League One, the flying defender scored six goals and provided seven assists in 37 starts for the Pilgrims, which shows that he can be an attack-minded full-back who bursts forward to make an impact in the final third.

Therefore, Farke could unearth a big upgrade on Byram by signing Mumba and helping him to rediscover his attacking flair whilst keeping the defensive qualities that have caught the eye in his performances for Plymouth this season.

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It is now down to the club to act upon their interest in the Championship star and to agree a deal to bring him to Elland Road before deadline day passes next month.

South Africa 360 for 7 (Klaasen 123, Phehlukwayo 67, van der Dussen 61) beat England Lions 253 (Eskinazi 79) by 107 runsA century from Heinrich Klaasen was the highlight for South Africa as they warmed up for the first of three ODIs against England next week with a comprehensive 107-run win over England Lions at New Road.Stephen Eskinazi’s second excellent knock in 48 hours and a fine all-round performance from Benny Howell proved in vain for the Lions who were eventually dismissed for 253 in 38.2 overs, chasing 361.Eskinazi’s unbeaten 52 had helped the Lions chase down a 319 target when the two sides had met at Taunton on Tuesday, and he followed that up with a composed 79. Howell picked up three wickets and made an enterprising 40 off 33 balls, but the Lions found another demanding chase beyond them on a hybrid pitch.South Africa opted to bat and the Lions new-ball attack of Sam Cook and David Payne provided a searching examination.Cook made the first breakthrough when Janneman Malan inside-edged a catch through to keeper Ben Duckett and the initial powerplay yielded only 49 runs.Lions pace bowler George Scrimshaw, returning to his former home ground, struck in his first over when Reeza Hendricks ballooned the ball off a leading edge to mid off.Rassie van der Dussen showed plenty of enterprise in making 61 off 52 balls including a ramp shot for six off Scrimshaw.But the entry into the attack of Howell brought three wickets in quick succession for the Gloucestershire all-rounderHe produced a superb reflex catch to account to dismiss Aiden Markram and held onto another return chance off a leading edge by van der Dussen.David Miller then went for a big hit against Howell’s nagging accuracy and only found the hands of long-on to leave South Africa on 167 for 5 in the 30th over.But then Klaasen (123) and Andile Phehlukwayo (67) produced rich entertainment for the 3,500 crowd with a partnership of 149 in 17 overs.It was Cook who dismissed the pair in successive overs when he returned for the conclusion of the innings.The Essex pace bowler broke the stand when Phehlukwayo perished at long on and then in the penultimate over Klaasen carved the ball straight to third man.Howell finished with figures of 10-0-58-3 and Cook 10-1-56-3.The Lions innings got off to a terrible start with two wickets falling in the opening over from Proteas captain, Keshav Maharaj, without a run on the board.Will Smeed, who had top-scored with 90 at Taunton, was stumped and then Sam Hain pushed forward to an arm ball and was bowled.Duckett again looked in good form after his 85 on Tuesday and twice collected two boundaries in an over off Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje. There were 10 boundaries in his 44 before he went lbw to Tabraiz Shamsi.Eskinazi had a let-off on 34 against Maharaz when dropped at long-off but he went onto complete a 49-ball half century with four boundaries.Wickets continued to tumble and captain Tom Abell was caught behind attempting a reverse sweep off Tabraiz Shamsi while Adam Hose drilled Phehlukwayo to mid-wicket.Howell struck the same bowler for successives sixes but he and Eskinazi then departed to end the Lions slim hopes.Eskinazi made room for a big hit against Anrich Nortje and edged through to the keeper and Howell was picked up at deep backward square to give Shamsi another scalp.There was some late resistance from Payne (40) who dominated an eighth wicket stand of 54 with Jake Lintott before Ngidi returned bowl him.Paul Collingwood, appointed Lions Head Coach for the two-match series, said: “We put South Africa under a lot of pressure at times. Klaasen had a lot of power at the back end of the innings and got them up to competitive total, but I cannot fault the lads. The one thing I said to them is ‘don’t judge yourselves on results’ but let’s have a look at how we go about our cricket and the approach we have.”Klaasen said: “Hopefully I can keep riding the wave because I am quite happy with where I am at this moment and the way I’ve been striking the ball and I’m in a good mental space. The hard work is paying off and it’s all about doing the right things.”

كشفت تقارير صحفية تفاصيل مثيرة فيما يخص رحيل ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد عن صفوف ليفربول، بعدما أعلن اللاعب قراره بالرحيل، صباح يوم الإثنين.

ومن المعروف أن العقد الحالي للظهير الإنجليزي مع ليفربول سينتهي في يونيو المقبل.

وانتشرت تكهنات في الفترة الأخيرة حول عدم رغبة أرنولد في توقيع عقد جديد مع ليفربول، على العكس من زميليه محمد صلاح وفيرجيل فان دايك، خاصة مع رغبة ريال مدريد في ضمه.

وأعلن ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، صباح يوم الإثنين، أنه ينوي مغادرة صفوف ليفربول الصيف القادم، بعد 20 عامًا في “الأنفيلد”.

وحسبما ذكرت شبكة “ذا أثلتيك” العالمية، فإن المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، كان على علم بقرار ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد منذ شهر مارس الماضي.

وأوضحت أنه خلال فترة التوقف الدولي في شهر مارس الماضي، ذهب أرنولد لرؤية آرني سلوت في مكتبه في مجمع كيركبي للتدريب، خاصة وأن اللاعب لم يكن يتواجد مع منتخب بلاده في المعسكر الدولي بسبب إصابة الكاحل.

وأفادت بأن أرنولد أبلغ سلوت بقراره بمغادرة ليفربول عند انتهاء عقده في الصيف، وكشف عن رغبته في خوض تحدِ جديد في تلك المرحلة من مسيرته المهنية.

وأعرب سلوت عن خيبة أمله، لكنه قال إنه يحترم قرار نائب قائده، وقال له سلوت: “أنت جزء لا يتجزأ من هذا الفريق، ولننهي مسيرتنا سويًا بشكل جيد”.

وأكدت أن سلوت حرص على طمأنة أرنولد باستمراره في المشاركة بشكل طبيعي مع الفريق بمجرد تعافيه، مع اقتراب ليفربول آنذاك من حسم لقب الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث رد الظهير: “لن يتغير تفكيري والتزامي، سأواصل بذل قصارى جهدي من أجل هذا النادي حتى اليوم الأخير”.

ووفقًا للشبكة نفسها، أن ممثل أرنولد في نفس الوقت تقريبًا في شهر مارس أبلغ مسؤولي ليفربول، وعلى رأسهم المدير الرياضي ريتشارد هيوز، بشكل رسمي أن اللاعب لن يوقع عقدًا جديدًا.

وأشارت إلى أنه لم يكن هناك أي شعور بالدهشة في أروقة ليفربول، حيث انتهت محادثات التمديد في وقت سابق من الشهر نفسه، واستغرق أرنولد بعض الوقت لاتخاذ القرار النهائي.

ورغب أرنولد في إبقاء الخبر المتعلق بقرار مصيره طي الكتمان حتى بعد الفوز بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي، الأسبوع الماضي، لتجنب أي تشتيت غير مرغوب فيه للفريق.

واحترامًا لـ ليفربول وحقيقة أنه لم يوقع عقده بعد مع ريال مدريد، لم يؤكد أرنولد وجهته المقبلة، ولكن من المقرر أن ينضم إلى النادي الملكي بمجرد انتهاء عقده بشكل رسمي مع النادي الإنجليزي.

كما كشفت الشبكة نفسها أن أرنولد لم يوافق على عرض ليفربول لتجديد عقده رغم أنه كان سيصبح بمقتضاه أغلى ظهير من حيث الراتب، في الدوري الإنجليزي، وأحد أعلى اللاعبين أجرًا في عالم كرة القدم.

ولكن أرنولد شعر أنه حقق كل شيء في ليفربول، ورأى أن الوقت قد حان لاختبار نفسه في بيئة جديدة، في سن السادسة والعشرين، إلى جانب رغبته الحثيثة في الفوز بجائزة الكرة الذهبية، والتي كشف عنها في تصريح سابق.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كافو: محمد صلاح ورافينها فقط من يستحقان الكرة الذهبية 2025

إلى جانب ذلك، يريد أرنولد تجربة العيش واللعب في مدريد وإثبات جدارته من جديد، خاصة وأن صداقته الوثيقة مع جود بيلينجهام ستساعده على التأقلم.

ولم يكن المال حافزًا بالنسبة لـ أرنولد، حسب الشبكة نفسها، حيث أنه تلقى بالفعل عروضًا من جميع أنحاء أوروبا ودرس اهتمامًا من الدوري الإنجليزي، بدءًا من يناير الماضي.

كما أن عرض ليفربول من الناحية المالية لم يكن مهمًا، حيث أن زيادة 5 ملايين جنيه إسترليني سنويًا لم تكن لتغير شيئًا في قناعات أرنولد، الذي كان قد استقر على الرحيل.

وأصرت الشبكة على عدم وجود أي مشاعر استياء بين مسؤولي ليفربول وأرنولد، حيث هناك احترام متبادل، وكانت المفاوضات المطولة ودية وبناءة، ولكن اتضح بشكل متزايد استحالة الوصول إلى اتفاق، حيث لم يتمكن النادي من منحه ما يريده، أي تحدِ جديد.

Win not enough as Outlaws miss quarter-finals for first time in seven years despite unexpected lifeline

ECB Reporters Network03-Jul-2022Notts Outlaws missed out on a quarter-final spot in the Vitality Blast for the first time in seven years despite ending the North Group campaign with a five-wicket success over Worcestershire Rapids at New Road.The Outlaws had been an unexpected life-line in their hopes of reaching the last eight after Leicestershire had been deducted two points by the ECB Cricket Discipline Commission.But it would have needed an Outlaws win, dramatic turn-around in run-rate and for Yorkshire Vikings to lose heavily to Leicestershire for them to claim fourth spot. Instead they had to settle for completing 2022 with a fourth successive win with eight balls to spare.Jake Ball bowled superbly, during the powerplay and at the conclusion of the innings, on a slowish pitch to take his wicket tally in the tournament to 18.He was well supported by the spin trio of Sol Budinger, Samit Patel and Calvin Harrison who had combined figures of 3-57 from 10 overs.Nottinghamshire lost early wickets in the madcap chase to try and achieve their target and in the end needed a half-century from Ben Duckett to see them over the finishing lineWorcestershire were left to reflect on a disappointing campaign in which they won only two matches and finished bottom of the North Group.Matthew Wade’s decision to pull out of a contract for the entire summer was a major blow, particularly in T20 cricket, and the unavailability of captain Moeen Ali and Dwayne Bravo for the opening four games, all away from home, left them with a mountain to climb.The Rapids were put in to bat and former Nottinghamshire batter, Jake Libby, soon departed after nicking a delivery from Ball.Colin Munro, in the final innings of his third spell at New Road, looked in good touch and struck Lyndon James for 4-6-4 and also lofted Steven Mullaney over the long on boundary.But Ball returned to strike twice with club captain, Brett D’Oliveira, holing out to mid off and Munro, having made 27 off 14 balls, bowled behind his legs attempting a sweep.Ball had figures of 3 for 5 after his opening two overs as the Rapids reached 41 for 3 by the end of the powerplay.Ali, the subject of reports linking him with a move to Warwickshire, has struggled to produce his accustomed form during his current spell at New Road. He looked in decent touch in adding 49 in partnership with Kashif Ali but on 28 picked out long-on off Budinger to end the Rapids’ campaign with 107 runs from seven knocks.Kashif slapped the same bowler to cover and Gareth Roderick played back to Patel and was bowled.It was left to Ed Barnard to provide some late momentum with 38 off 28 balls. He hit James for two fours and a six in the penultimate over from James before finding Duckett at long on and then Dwayne Bravo became Ball’s fourth victim at deep midwicket.Nottinghamshire had to try and reach their target in the shortest time possible in a bid to improve their run rate but lost three early wickets.Joe Clarke sliced the first delivery from Mitchell Stanley straight into the hands of third man and Budinger, after making 24 off 12 balls, lofted the young pace bowler straight to deep midwicket.Alex Hales smashed successive sixes over the midwicket boundary off Dillon Pennington but then tried to steer him to third man and was caught behind.The Outlaws were 68 for 4 when Steven Mullaney was beaten in the flight and lbw to BravoDuckett and James added 52 before the latter tried to hit D’Oliveira over long on and had to depart thanks to the combined efforts of Libby and Barnard on the boundary.But Duckett played sensibly to complete a 39-ball fifty and ended unbeaten on 62 to finish as the Outlaws’ leading scorer with 396 runs.The Rapids players wore shirts in support of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, the Club’s Official Charity Partner for 2022.

Manchester United are reportedly exploring a move for Ipswich star Liam Delap after cooling their interest in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

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• United in search of a No.9
• Had set their sights on Gyokeres
• Have now shifted focus to Delap

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Initially, Gyokeres seemed a natural fit for United, especially given the fact former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim is now in charge at Old Trafford. However, United have been cautious about committing to Gyokeres due to Sporting CP’s high asking price and his wage demands. Moreover, they might face stiff competition from Arsenal, who are heating up their interest in the striker after the appointment of Andrea Berta as their new sporting director.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Delap has emerged as an attractive option for United due to his age and the potential to secure him at a reasonable price of £40 million, which could be activated if Ipswich fail to retain their top-flight status. Moreover, United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, has a strong connection with Delap, having worked with him during his time at Manchester City’s academy, which could play a vital role during any negotiations.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko also remains on United’s list of potential reinforcements. The club has been tracking the Slovenian forward since 2018, previously holding discussions about signing him in 2022 and again last summer. However, Sesko opted to extend his contract, delaying any move to the Premier League. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen is also said to be on United's radar, but his high salary demands pose a significant challenge for United’s restricted budget. One way to facilitate the transfer financially could be a player-swap deal, with Napoli showing genuine interest in Alejandro Garnacho. However, it remains to be seen if United would be willing to part with one of their brightest young talents.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  As transfer discussions continue, United’s immediate focus will be on their upcoming clash against rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. With the club struggling to break into the league’s top half, securing a positive result against City could provide a much-needed boost.

Chelsea have been one of the form sides in front of goal so far in the 2024/25 Premier League season. According to Sofascore, Enzo Maresca’s side have scored 38 times in the top flight, which just two sides have bettered. They are Liverpool with 45 and Tottenham Hotspur with 41.

Cole Palmer, who has 12 goals to his name, and Nicolas Jackson, who has scored nine times in the top flight, have shouldered much of the goalscoring burden. Certainly, the Senegalese centre-forward has been the only striker who has scored more than two goals in the league for Chelsea.

They are reportedly looking to add another striker to their squad to supplement those goals.

Chelsea target new striker

The player in question here is Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, Evan Ferguson. The Irishman has struggled to find his best form over the past two seasons, with injuries impacting his game time. However, he is still a player with high potential.

With that in mind, it might not be a surprise that Chelsea are looking at signing him in January to add to their goal threat. According to a report from Graeme Bailey, the Blues are one of the sides who are ‘keeping tabs on Ferguson’s situation’ as the winter window gets underway.

However, they will face fierce competition from other Premier League sides. Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Fulham are also interested, and West Ham United have reportedly made contact.

The Seagulls are believed to be open to a loan deal which could include an option or obligation to buy the striker at the end of his temporary move.

Why Ferguson would be a good signing

Since bursting onto the scene in the 2022/23 season, it has not been an easy ride for 20-year-old Ferguson. He missed 17 games for club and country last term, a total of 164 days with two separate injuries.

With that being said, his talent is clear to see. In 79 appearances for Brighton so far, he has 17 goals and five assists, coming in 3525 minutes, the equivalent of just 39.1 90 minute games. That averages out to a goal contrition every other 90 minutes, a strong record.

Indeed, his breakout campaign in 2022/23 was impressive. He played 25 times for the Seagull’s first team, scoring ten goals and grabbing four assists. That includes six strikes in 19 Premier League games.

Indeed, he was so good that season that comparisons can be made between the Irishman and one of the best strikers in the Premier League, Erling Haaland. The Norwegian himself was on fire in his debut season in England, scoring 36 goals in just 35 games.

The expectations were different for both going into the 2022/23 campaign. No one really thought Ferguson would become the clinical finisher he did, yet he exploded out of nowhere.

Haaland had all the expectations on him, as the big-money signing with a reputation for scoring goals week in, week out.

The pair can be compared on FBref for their extraordinary campaigns in their first full season of the Premier League.

For example, the Brighton striker had a non-penalty expected goals tally of 0.5npxG per 90 minutes and averaged 1.61 shots on target per game. Haaland is not too far ahead, with 0.75npxG and 1.72 shots on target each game.

Ferguson and Haaland key stats from 2022/23 PL season compared
Stat (per 90)	Ferguson	Haaland
Goals and assists	0.75	1.43
Non-penalty expected goals	0.5npxG	0.75npxG
Shots on target	1.61	1.72
Goals per shot	0.17	0.25
Shot-creating actions	2.08	2.34
Stats from FBref

Ferguson is clearly a player rated by his fellow peers. Kylian Mbappe has previously noted his talent, describing him as a “very good striker” before Ireland and France played each other back in 2023. That is high praise indeed from one of the world’s leading attackers.

This could be a smart signing for the Blues on a loan deal. Ferguson could help to supplement the goals scored by Jackson and Palmer, whilst also not having the pressure of being a first-choice striker himself. His talent is there, and perhaps it can be unearthed once more at Stamford Bridge.

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