Sam Kerr returned with a bang for Chelsea as the Australia international made her long-awaited comeback from a serious injury. After spending 20 months stuck on the sidelines, with it proving difficult to overcome an ACL setback, the Blues superstar was back among the goals when finding the target late on in a WSL clash with Aston Villa in the West Midlands.
What happened to Kerr? When injury was sustained
It was revealed in January 2024 that Kerr had picked up an injury that would keep her out of action for a considerable period of time. Few could have predicted at that stage that she would miss so much action for club and country.
AdvertisementWatch Kerr score first goal after 20 months outLong wait finally over for Australian superstar
A long road to recovery has been taken in, with Kerr working her way through the most gruelling of rehabilitation programmes. She had been hoping to grace the field again before the 2024-25 campaign came to a close, but said season proved to be a complete write off.
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GettyWho did Kerr return against? Emotional comeback
Chelsea confirmed that Kerr was training with their first team in August, which hinted at an imminent return to competitive action being made. Said appearance finally arrived, 634 days after her last, when paying a visit to Villa Park.
As they do every year, Chelsea have really made the most of the transfer window so far.
The board have been able to shift players like Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke while bringing in a handful of seriously exciting and potentially game-changing talents.
The likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens should make them far more dangerous in attack, while Jorrel Hato looks like he could develop into a superstar defender.
Moreover, the Blues clearly want to do even more business before the window closes and have been linked with someone who could be their own Eberechi Eze.
Chelsea target their own Eze
Despite already doing so much business this summer, Chelsea appear intent on bringing in at least a few more players.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
For example, the deal for Alejandro Garnacho seems to be moving along at a pace, and Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapié continues to be touted for a move to Stamford Bridge following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury.
However, there is an even more exciting deal the West Londoners could pull off this summer that would see them land someone who could be their own Eze.
At least that is according to a recent report by Kieran Gill, who has reaffirmed Chelsea’s interest in Xavi Simons.
More than that, though, Gill has revealed that, despite interest from Bayern Munich, the RB Leipzig star “only wants Chelsea” this summer.
While no price for the Dutchman is mentioned in the report, stories from earlier this summer claim that a fee of around £61m should be enough to tempt the German side into selling.
It would be a significant investment from Chelsea, but Simons has proven himself over the last few years and could even be their own version of Eze.
Why Simons could be Chelsea's Eze
Now, even though Simons is five years his junior, and therefore in a different phase of his career and development, there are still some key similarities he shares with Eze, such as his versatility.
RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match
For example, even though he has been described as “one of the best 10s in the world” by one analyst, and has spent plenty of time playing there, the 22-year-old dynamo is just as comfortable off the left.
In fact, the Amsterdam-born star is more versatile than the Englishman, as he can also play off the right and has even spent some time playing up top as a centre-forward.
The second similarity with the Palace star is his effectiveness when it comes to goals and assists.
In just 33 appearances for Leipzig last season, totalling 2763 minutes, the dynamic “game-changer,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, put the ball in the back of the net 11 times and then provided eight assists to boot.
Appearances
33
43
Minutes
2763′
3303′
Goals
11
14
Assists
8
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.57
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
145.42′
132.12′
That means that the former PSV Eindhoven gem maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.
Finally, just as the former QPR gem has been entertaining fans in the Premier League for a few years now, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace is the sort of player who’ll get fans on their feet.
Chelsea-Xavi-Simons
For example, FBref ranked him in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga last season for passes into the penalty area, through balls and carries into the final third, all per 90.
In other words, on top of his brilliant output, the Flying Dutchman is someone who will progress the game for his side, either with pinpoint accurate passes into dangerous areas, or bringing it there with a dribble.
Ultimately, while it might take him a little while to adjust to the Premier League, Simons looks like he has everything he’d need to be the next Eze, and therefore, Chelsea should be doing all they can to bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea verbally agree deal for £192k-a-week star but need Nkunku to leave
It’s a case of one in, one out at Stamford Bridge.
O Corinthians iniciou, nesta segunda-feira (8), a venda de ingressos para o clássico Majestoso contra o São Paulo. O duelo, válido pela 6ª rodada do Brasileirão, será disputado no domingo (14), às 16h, na Neo Química Arena.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCorinthians x Fortaleza: onde assistir, prováveis escalações e desfalques do jogo pelo BrasileirãoCorinthians07/05/2023CorinthiansLuxemburgo veta quarteto e dá espaço para atletas da base do Corinthians contra o Fortaleza; veja provável timeCorinthians07/05/2023CorinthiansArtilheiro brilha com hat-trick, Corinthians goleia o ECUS e assume liderança do grupo no Paulistão Sub-20Corinthians07/05/2023
+ Timão segura renovações de medalhões, Ancelotti fala em fim de ciclo no Real Madrid… O Dia do Mercado!
A diretoria alvinegra manteve o valor das entradas em todos os setores em comparação com o jogo contra o Cruzeiro, pelo Brasileirão. A entrada mais barata é no setor Norte, por R$ 50, e o mais caro na Oeste Business Central, por R$ 440.
As vendas serão feitas online, pelas plataformas www.fieltorcedor.com.br e www.ingressoscorinthians.com.br. Não haverá bilheteria física.
CONFIRA ABAIXO OS PREÇOS (sem descontos do Fiel Torcedor)
NORTE – R$ 50,00
SUL – R$ 100,00
LESTE SUPERIOR – R$ 120,00
LESTE INFERIOR LATERAL – R$ 140,00
LESTE INFERIOR CENTRAL – R$ 150,00
OESTE SUPERIOR – R$ 190,00
OESTE INFERIOR CORNER – R$ 330,00
OESTE INFERIOR LATERAL – R$ 350,00
OESTE INFERIOR CENTRAL – R$ 440,00
Os associados do plano Minha Vida, do Fiel Torcedor, terão vantagens de 20% a 62% no preço dos ingressos mais baratos, dependendo do setor. Já os que configuram no plano Minha História terão descontos de 26% a 51%.
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A venda, como já é de costume, acontece de forma escalonada, de acordo com prioridades estabelecidas pelo clube alvinegro.
+ Veja tabela e a situação do Timão no Brasileirão
Veja como será a venda de ingressos
08/05 (segunda-feira), às 11h – Abertura para os torcedores membros do Fiel Torcedor com créditos relativos às partidas suspensas pela pandemia (contra Ituano e Palmeiras), que poderão adquirir ingressos conforme disponibilidade dos respectivos setores adquiridos. – Abertura da venda de estacionamento para os proprietários adimplentes do plano Minha Cadeira, do programa Fiel Torcedor.
11/05 (segunda-feira) às 13h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 60 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).
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11/05 (segunda-feira) às 15h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 40 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).
08/05 (segunda-feira) às 17h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 20 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).
09/04 (terça-feira) às 11h – Abertura para os demais membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor, que terão acesso à compra de ingressos e do estacionamento pela plataforma online www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).
11/04 (quinta-feira) às 15h – Abertura para torcedores em geral, que terão acesso à compra de todos os ingressos disponíveis em suas categorias pela plataforma online www.ingressoscorinthians.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).
The result left Sixers on the brink despite the best efforts of captain Ellyse Perry
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff21-Nov-2024
Ellyse Perry couldn’t quite carry Sydney Sixers to victory•Getty Images
Perth Scorchers 126 (Mooney 44, Halliday 41, Gardner 4-21) tied with Sydney Sixers 126 for 7 (Perry 67, King 3-21) Super over Sydney Sixers 15 for 0 tied with Perth Scorchers 15 for 1Perth Scorchers edged into the WBBL finals frame with a dramatic Super Over tie against Sydney Sixers with Mikayla Hinkley hitting Ashleigh Gardner’s last ball for four to again tie scoresGardner had taken four wickets as Scorchers stumbled to 126 all out from 19.2 overs. Sixers then fell one run short of a regulation win despite Ellyse Perry’s fine 67 from 53 balls.Related
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In the initial super over, Perry smacked a six and a four as Sixers made 15 for 0 from Amy Edgar’s spin bowling. Gardner removed Beth Mooney with a sharp return catch in the reply, although replays suggested the ball may have been ground, before Hinkley provided the final drama.Both sides received one point, which lifts Scorchers (nine points) from fifth to fourth, while Sixers (eight points) remain in sixth spot.Perry starred with the bat and Gardner did likewise with the ball – she took 4 for 21 as Scorchers dramatically lost their last 9 for 31After Gardner claimed her first wicket in the second over of the innings, Beth Mooney and Brooke Halliday produced a fruitful partnership.The duo took the score to a solid 72 for 1 after 10 overs, but 23 runs later Halliday became Gardner’s second victim, ending an 85-run stand with Mooney. Halliday’s dismissal triggered the slide. Mooney followed in the next over, and from then only Sophie Devine reached double figures.Perry paced the chase, posting her half-century from 42 balls. But the skipper was caught on the long-off boundary from the bowling of Alana King in the 18th over, and the legspinner struck again next ball, trapping Maitlan Brown leg before wicket.That left Sixers needing 20 from 15 balls, and the equation was 12 runs to win from the last over delivered by Edgar, who conceded 11.Edgar was summoned to bowl the super over and Perry smashed a six and four. Gardner then conceded the same amount, with Hinkley unbeaten on 14 from four balls – three of which she hit to the boundary.
Up until yesterday, this summer was shaping up to be pretty much perfect for Chelsea.
Enzo Marsca’s side looked brilliant on the pitch, and the board were making excellent additions to the squad off of it.
However, it’s now been confirmed that Levi Colwill has suffered an ACL injury and will miss the majority of next season.
Chelsea'sLeviColwillcelebrates after the match
The only good news is that there is still time for the club to bring in a replacement, and while they’ve been linked with Marc Guehi in the past, reports suggest they are looking at someone else entirely.
Chelsea target Guehi alternative
Chelsea have been linked with Guehi for quite some time now, with serious reports touting him for a move back to the club as far back as last summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Those stories have remained fairly constant this summer as well, with some claiming that the Englishman could be available for a fee of around £43m.
However, while the Crystal Palace star could be a smart signing in the current circumstances, it now looks like the Blues are eyeing another international defender to replace Colwill.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
At least that’s according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Chelsea are interested in Ronald Araujo.
The report has revealed that the Uruguayan defender is someone who has been discussed by the West Londoners and is now seen as ‘one of the main options’ to come in and strengthen the backline.
Interestingly, despite renewing his contract in January, the story claims that Barcelona would be willing to let the 26-year-old leave this summer for a fee of around €50m, which is about £43m.
While that’s still a lot of money, this feels like a transfer worth pursuing for Chelsea, especially as Araujo could be the perfect replacement for Colwill.
Why Araujo would be a great signing
So, there will be some of you out there who might make the point that Chelsea have only just signed Jorrel Hato, and so there is surely no need for another defender to come in and cover for Colwill.
Jorrel Hato
However, while that is a fair point and we have no doubt the Ducthman will develop into a future superstar, he’s still just 19 years old and has no experience of playing in a top-five league.
Therefore, instead of placing an immense amount of pressure on the teenager and potentially hampering his long-term development, it makes far more sense to go out and sign a proven defender who has played at the highest level for some time now, someone like Araujo.
Araujo’s Barça record
Appearances
175
Starts
141
Minutes
12926′
Goals
10
Assists
7
Points per Game
2.15
La Liga Titles
2
Copa del Reys
2
Super Cups
2
All Stats via Transfermarkt
For example, the defensive “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Raj Chohan, has made 175 appearances for Barcelona, of which 141 have been starts, and he’s racked up a pretty good tally of ten goals and seven assists in those games.
Moreover, he’s helped the Catalans win two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and two Spanish Super Cups, so he would bring a real know-how to Stamford Bridge that’s been lacking in recent years.
Barcelona's Ronald Araujo against Inter Milan.
On top of his impressive experience and record, the Rivera-born titan can also play as both a centre-back and a right-back, meaning he’d give Maresca some extra tactical flexibility.
Finally, the 6 foot 2 ace is more than just a defensive wall, as he’s got several seriously impressive attacking underlying numbers to his name.
According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals and goals plus assists, the top 2% for goal-creating actions from shots, the top 4% for non-penalty expected goals and the top 9% for total progressive carrying distance, all per 90.
Ultimately, losing Colwill is a massive blow, but Chelsea can help mitigate that blow by going all out and signing Araujo this summer.
He'd be unplayable with Simons: Chelsea agree terms with £40m "superstar"
The dynamic international could develop into something special at Chelsea.
تحدث الدولي البرازيلي رودريجو جوس، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد عن طموحاته مع منتخب البرازيل في بطولة كأس العالم القادمة 2026.
وأجرى الدولي البرازيلي حوارًا مطولًا مع صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية تحدث من خلاله عن كارلو أنشيلوتي وعلاقته القوية به ومنتخب البرازيل وأسرار كثيرة من كواليس انتقاله إلى الفريق الملكي.
وقال رودريجو، حول طموحه الفترة المقبلة مع ريال مدريد ومنتخب البرازيل: “أريد الفوز بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا مجددًا مع ريال مدريد، الفوز بها سيكون أمرًا رائعًا، وبالطبع أحلم بالفوز بكأس العالم مع البرازيل”.
وعن وصف لوكا مودريتش بأنه أب له: “عقلية لوكا مذهلة، كانت هذه السنوات التي قضيتها معه رائعة بالنسبة لي، تعلمت منه واستمتعت بلاعب بمثل جودته، لطالما استمتعت بمشاهدته في الملعب ولكن عندما كنت بجواره وشاركته غرفة الملابس أبهرني أكثر، إنه لاعب رائع، يبدع في كل شيء، يبلغ من العمر 40 عامًا ولا يزال يقدم أداءً رائعًا، إنه أمر مذهل حقًا”.
اقرا أيضًا | رودريجو: مبابي يشبه رونالدو.. وخماسية أتلتيكو لن تتكرر أمام برشلونة
وعن معايير الكرة الذهببية: “حسنًا من الصعب الحديث عن هذه الجائزة، وأنا أيضًا لا أستمتع بها، لو كانت لمن قدم أفضل موسم لكان الأمر عادلًا هذا العام، كنت سأصوّت لديمبلي أيضًا”.
وعن فرصة مبابي في الفوز بها: “بالطبع يمكنه ذلك إذا استمر على هذا المنوال وسجل هذا الكم من الأهداف والألقاب مهمة، عليك أن تفهم هذا المعيار لأنه أحيانًا يطبق وأحيانًا لا”.
وعن أول شيء قاله تشابي ألونسو: “عندما وصل المدرب، استدعاني للحديث وقال لي أعلم أنك تحب اللعب على اليسار، لكنني سأحتاجك في مراكز أخرى أيضًا، أبلغته أنني هنا لمساعدة الفريق، يعلم الجميع أنني أفضل اللعب على اليسار وأنني أفضل بكثير على هذا الجناح لكنني دائمًا متاح للفريق للعب على اليمين أو كصانع ألعاب، وأخبرته بذلك”.
وأضاف: “في الحقيقة هو يضعني فقط على اليسار وأنا سعيد بمستوى الدقائق التي أحصل عليها، أنا ألعب بشكل جيد مع أنني منطقيًا، أرغب في اللعب أكثر، أنا في مرحلة التطور وأتحسن باستمرار، وأشعر بالسعادة، أدائي أفضل بالاستمرارية”.
وأتم: “يجب احترام قرارات المدرب، إذا كنت أساسيًا، فعليك بذل قصارى جهدك ولكن إذا كنت بديلًا، فالأمر نفسه، هكذا أفكر، إذا شاركت لمدة 20 دقيقة، أبذل قصارى جهدي فيها، هذا جيد لاسمي وللفريق، أحاول الاستفادة القصوى من كل دقيقة ألعبها بهذا القميص”.
In Multan, WI knew they had to get their runs before the ball with their name on it came and they did that
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jan-2025
Kraigg Brathwaite gave West Indies a positive start in their second innings•AFP/Getty Images
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite said that batters had to be brave and trust their plans to succeed on the difficult pitches in Multan, after they won the second of two Tests to level the series and also create a little bit of history. This 120-run victory was their first in Pakistan for 34 years.Brathwaite led by example. After being part of a collapse that left West Indies 38 for 7 in the first innings, he chose a far more aggressive approach in the second. In fact, he made his fastest fifty in Tests, consciously taking chances against the Pakistan spinners. This approach earned West Indies a lead of 254 and it proved plenty more than enough.”Both Test matches the pitch was tough to bat on and we knew that so as I said I just wanted us to be brave, to do whatever plans we have, to go there and execute them as good as possible, because regardless of what there will be a ball with your with your name on it on this pitch,” Brathwaite told reporters after the second Test in Multan on Monday.Related
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Noman Ali paying no heed to pitch criticism as second Test becomes 'a one-innings match'
Brave Brathwaite and West Indies stand up to Multan demons
Warrican bags five as West Indies win in Pakistan after 34 years
Warrican dominates a series made for spinners in Multan
“I mean it was a difficult pitch to bat on so it was good to see the confidence we went about doing it and you know as I said very proud of this team.”It was just for the batsmen to be brave you know. I mean as batsmen, as I said everyone’s going to have their plans. Be brave in whatever you want to do as batsmen,” Brathwaite said about West Indies’ strategy. “Bowling wise bring forward the batsmen as much as possible and there will be 20 balls that you will get 20 wickets because as I said the pitch is a difficult pitch so there’s no second guessing.Brathwaite maintained that the pitch was “very, very difficult” but had no complaints about PCB preparing spinning tracks.”I would say Pakistan could prepare the pitch how they want. What I’ll say is batsman will not be averaging high on these pitches. You would average 15-20 and obviously the spinners will do well. and as I said it’s a difficult Test pitch to score runs. You’re going to get out regardless, it’s just a matter of when. So you know as batters we had to come up with a plan of how we want to score and put runs on the board.”Jomel Warrican finished the series as the leading wicket-taker•AFP/Getty Images
Brathwaite also heaped praise on Jomel Warrican. The left-arm spinner finished the series with 19 wickets – the most by a visiting bowler in a two-Test series in Pakistan.”Jomel was outstanding. To see how he went about his bowling and the pressure he built from from ball one, I mean it was amazing,” Brathwaite said.Warrican also put in a crucial contribution with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 36 in the first innings, with his 68-run stand for the last wicket with Gudakesh Motie key in reviving West Indies from being 38 for 7 after they won the toss and chose to bat.”With the bat you can’t count him out, I think he did a fantastic job with the bat as well. But bowling wise I know he’s worked hard over the years. He’s been in and out of the team but it’s good to see him get the chance and he grabbed it. very very proud of him uh he was outstanding.”West Indies’ triumph in Multan came almost exactly a year after Gabba 2024, and Brathwaite said it showed their ability to adapt to different conditions.”It’s a very important win for us it just shows that we can get it done in any conditions once we believe and always have a plan,” he said. “It’s right up there with some amazing Test wins because coming here, playing here in Pakistan, it’s never easy to win a test match you know so coming up with a win is fantastic.”
O Palmeiras conheceu seu grupo na Libertadores sub-20, que foi definido nesta quinta-feira (1). O Verdão está na chave C, ao lado de Boca Juniors-ARG, Defensor Sporting-URU e Huachipato-CHI. A competição será realizada no Chile, entre os dias 1 e 16 de julho.
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+ Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui
As Crias da Academia participarão da Libertadores sub-20 pela primeira vez. O time alviverde assegurou sua vaga no torneio após conquistar o Campeonato Brasileiro sub-20 e a Copa do Brasil sub-20 em 2022. Antes, a equipe já havia faturado a Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior – a tríplice coroa foi um feito inédito no país. Vale lembrar que o Palmeiras é o único representante brasileiro nesta edição da competição continental.
Na Libertadores sub-20, os times se enfrentam dentro de seus grupos, e os melhores qualificados de cada chave, além do melhor segundo colocado geral, avançam para a semifinal. Todos os confrontos da competição serão realizados em turno único.
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Confira os grupos da Libertadores sub-20:
Grupo A: Allianza Lima-PER, Caracas-VEN, O’Higgins-CHI e Peñarol-URU Grupo B: Always Ready-BOL, Cerro Porteño-PAR, Envigado-COL e Independiente del Valle-EQU Grupo C: Palmeiras, Boca Juniors-ARG, Defensor Sporting-URU e Huachipato-CHI
Em 2022, a Base do Verdão conquistou seu primeiro título de um torneio organizado pela Conmebol. O Palestra faturou a Libertadores sub-14, em junho, em Assunção-PAR, goleando o Olimpia-PAR por 4 a 0 na final.
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+ Palmeiras volta para casa para sequência em São Paulo e terá descanso antes de viajar novamente
Neste ano, o time sub-20 do Palmeiras já conquistou o título da Copinha, superando o América-MG na decisão. No momento, a equipe comandada por Paulo Victor Gomes está em meio às disputas do Campeonato Paulista e do Brasileiro da categoria. O próximo compromisso pelo estadual é neste sábado (3), contra o Taubaté, às 11h (de Brasília), na Arena Barueri. Na competição nacional, o Verdão enfrentará o Botafogo nas quartas de final, apenas em julho.
Robert Lewandowski asked to leave Bayern Munich "every year" as he grew frustrated with the lack of Champions League success with the German club, according to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The former Bayern CEO reveals, Lewandowski's desire to win the European crown had him itching for a move away, before the club finally delivered on his objective.
Robert Lewandowski's a relentless champion
Lewandowski’s time at Munich was never short of goals. Despite becoming one of the club’s most reliable scorers, the Polish striker reportedly wanted to leave on multiple occasions, chasing the dream of Champions League glory elsewhere. During his Bayern spell, Lewandowski scored 238 Bundesliga goals in 253 appearances. He shattered Gerd Muller’s decades old single-season record with 41 goals in the 2020-21 Bundesliga, breaking the 40-goal benchmark first set in 1971-72.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportFormer Bayern boss reveals Lewandowski's hidden desire
Former Bayern board member Rummenigge revealed the reality of Lewandowski’s repeated requests in an interview with Kicker. He said: "He came to me every year and said he had an offer from a top club. I said: 'That's great, and proof that we've signed the right player.' But he really wanted to win the Champions League. I told him: 'You can win that with Bayern Munich, too.'"
Despite dazzling numbers and consistent domestic dominance, six Bundesliga top scorer titles among them, the polish attacker was restless, pressing for moves elsewhere. The biggest goal he craved, the Champions League, only came in 2020 under Hansi Flick.
Rummenigge further added: "That was one of the best days I've ever experienced. We had an extraordinary year with Hansi Flick. That day, after the game, I said: 'You see, Robert, you can also win the Champions League with Bayern Munich.' He was incredibly happy."
Lewandowski still going strong for Barcelona
Since joining Barcelona in 2022, Lewandowski has kept up a remarkable scoring rate. With 71 goals and 17 assists in 107 La Liga appearances. In 2024-25, he notched 27 goals in 34 league games, his best La Liga season yet. He also became the first player in Europe’s top five leagues that season to reach 30 goals across all competitions, hitting that mark by February. Under Flick, he remains a central attacking figure, contributing not only with goals but with his hold-up play, movement, and leadership.
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Getty Images SportWhat lies ahead for Lewandowski
Lewandowski rejected the chance to move to Saudi Arabia despite multiple offers. The 36-year-old forward wanted to continue in La Liga and as the club build under Flick, he is crucial not just for his scoring, but for how he guides the attack, the younger players, and helps in tight matches. His contract situation, which is expiring in 2026, looms large but club leadership has reason to consider renewal should this form continues.
Southampton have now opened talks over a deal for a £12m Championship star, who could be brought in as a replacement for Mateus Fernandes, according to a report.
Fernandes' future remains up in the air
Unlike some other high-profile players, Fernandes has not downed tools in order to force a move this summer, featuring in the opening two Championship games, even though the Saints’ midfielder has been attracting serious interest from the Premier League.
Indeed, West Ham United have now submitted an offer for the 21-year-old, while there has also been interest from elsewhere, with the likes of Manchester United and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors.
Given that the Hammers’ most recent offer was deemed unacceptable, it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese midfielder moves on this summer, but Will Still’s side have already made a move for a potential replacement.
That is according to a report from The Daily Mail, which states Southampton have now opened talks over a deal for Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz, with an offer worth up to £12m currently under discussion.
The negotiations for Azaz got underway straight after West Ham made an offer for Fernandes, and given that the 24-year-old excels in both attacking and central midfield roles, it seems as though he is being targeted as a direct replacement for the youngster.
However, the need for Still to bring in a new attacker is also exacerbated by the interest in Tyler Dibling, with a number of Premier League clubs still keen on signing the young winger.
Azaz could be exciting replacement for Fernandes
Fernandes has featured in the Saints’ opening three games this season, most notably scoring the winner after starting and finishing a move against Northampton in the EFL Cup.
As such, Still will be disappointed if he loses an important player, but there are signs that Azaz could be a top-quality replacement, having received very high praise from former manager Michael Carrick last season.
Carrick said: “We know his quality, his eye for a pass and for finding spaces to create for others. He’s an intelligent player and he can score goals as well. He did so before he came here and it was one the reasons we bought him. He’s got the whole package really.”
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The Championship star was very impressive from an attacking point of view last term, chipping in with 23 goal contributions in 45 league outings for Boro, which suggests he would be very capable of slotting straight into Still’s promotion-chasing Southampton side.
Losing Fernandes would be tough to take, but it would not be a surprise if the starlet is eager to return to the Premier League, and Azaz could be the ideal replacement.