Goalkeeper Andre Onana has suffered another crushing blow after being left out of Cameroon’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The 29-year-old has endured a torrid 2025-26 season, having lost his position as Manchester United’s No. 1 before being allowed to move to Turkish side Trabzonspor on a season-long loan in September.
The New York Mets staked starting pitcher Kodai Senga a 3-0 lead against the Washington Nationals on Thursday afternoon.
Pitching with two outs and the bases empty in the bottom of the second, Senga decided it was the perfect opportunity to explore the space with a 2-2 eephus pitch to José Tena. It didn't go as expected, as the righthanded hurler tentatively sailed a 50 MPH lollipop several feet above the intended strike zone.
No one was more amused by the misfire than Senga, who could only laugh as he got the return thrown from his catcher. He was able to get the third out of the inning on the very next pitch, which was clocked as a 95 MPH fastball.
The lesson? Try new things. Even if they don't work out it can provide a chance to make your friends chuckle. And yourself.
Now opposing teams are going to have to put this weapon in their scouting reports. Not because it appears to be particularly effective, but so they don't step on the punchline.
MLB's All-Star festivities are coming to Truist Park in mid-July, as the Atlanta Braves are slated to host this season's midsummer classic.
The biggest stars from across the league will take part in the annual exhibition game, and as excitement for the event builds, MLB released a first look at the official uniforms players from the American League and National League will be wearing in Atlanta.
There are new All-Star jerseys every year, so the release of the latest edition isn't much of a surprise. That said, there's a pretty significant twist tied to the reveal of this season's MLB All-Star uniforms.
Much to the delight of fans, MLB is reverting its All-Star Game dress code back to a previous format, under which players would wear the jerseys of their respective MLB teams, rather than donning the official All-Star Game attire.
Here's a first glance at the 2025 All-Star uniforms:
With players wearing their team uniforms for the actual All-Star Game, these jerseys will be reserved for the weekend's other events, such as the Home Run Derby.
Players rocking the All-Star uniform during the All-Star Game been a major sticking point among MLB fans in previous years, as they made clear they longed for the days when players would rock their own team's jerseys. Calls for that stylistic change did not go unnoticed by MLB's front office, prompting the change implented this year.
As for voting for the All-Star Game, fans will be able to vote in phase one from June 4 to 26, and again in phase two from June 30 to July 2.
Celtic have now been approached with the chance to sign a Premier League striker who could become Wilfried Nancy’s first arrival, according to reports.
Nancy delivers "honest" response to Celtic criticism
It’s been a tough start for Nancy at Celtic, who lost their first game under the Frenchman against title rivals Hearts last time out. One image, one tactics board and one defeat have already raised concerns around Glasgow, but the new manager has been quick to point out that he won’t pay attention to such criticism.
The Celtic manager told reporters: “People deserve the right to talk. I’m going to dress one way, maybe they are going to say that they don’t like the way I dress, so I don’t waste time on that.
“If I use it [the tactics board], it’s because it’s good for me. Simple as that and I’m not saying that I’m going to use it all the time.
“I’m going to be really honest with you. When I decided to become a coach – sorry, when I had the opportunity to become a coach – I was an assistant coach for seven years, so I worked with many coaches. I always told myself that when you become a coach, cut everything. So this is what I did.”
Celtic star was "set to" leave, now he could be the new Tierney under Nancy
This Celtic star who was set to leave the club in the summer could emerge as Wilfried Nancy’s own Kieran Tierney.
ByDan Emery 6 days ago
It doesn’t get any easier for Nancy, either. Up next, Celtic square off against AS Roma in the Europa League tonight and could get the chance to see Evan Ferguson in action for themselves ahead of a potential January move.
Celtic offered chance to sign Evan Ferguson
As reported by TeamTalk, Celtic have now been contacted with the chance to sign Ferguson, with Roma increasingly likely to cut his loan spell short in Italy.
The Brighton & Hove Albion forward was once valued at as much as £100m, but is now in the most difficult moment of his career after scoring just once in 14 games at Roma.
The Republic of Ireland forward now needs the Hoops just as much as they need the best version of him in January, as they aim to come from behind and retain their Scottish Premiership crown.
At his very best at Brighton, Ferguson was never short on praise with the Premier League’s record goalscorer, Alan Shearer, among those who had plenty of positives to say in 2023.
Two years on, the 21-year-old may be out of form, but the potential is still there and Celtic should look to take full advantage in the winter window next month.
£5m Celtic star is one of their biggest wastes of money since Albian Ajeti
Manchester United have been on the hunt for a new central midfielder over the last couple of months, with Ruben Amorim wanting added reinforcements at the heart of the side.
The 40-year-old has made such a position the priority for the upcoming window, in an attempt to strengthen their standing in the Premier League before the end of the season.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have largely been the go-to partnership over recent months, but given that the Brazilian is now 33, a long-term solution is undoubtedly needed.
Kobbie Mainoo would undoubtedly be the supporters’ first choice to fill the void, but it appears as though the youngster could be heading closer to the exit door.
As a result, numerous options have appeared on their radar in recent weeks, with the hierarchy evidently making moves ahead of the window opening in a couple of weeks.
United’s hunt for a new central midfielder this January
Adam Wharton has been one name on the tip of many United fans’ tongues over the last few weeks, with rumours circulating over a possible move for the Englishman.
It was reported earlier this week that the Red Devils are preparing a bid in the region of £87m to land the Crystal Palace star – a deal that would be a huge investment from INEOS.
However, it’s thought that the Eagles are hugely reluctant to offload their star man, which could make a deal somewhat tricky to complete this winter.
As a result, other options are being considered, which has led to rumours over a deal for Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher resurfacing once again.
Journalist Ben Jacobs stated this week that Amorim’s men could be tempted to revisit a move for the 25-year-old, who only joined the LaLiga side last summer.
He also stated the hierarchy could be tempted by a potential loan deal, but it’s unclear if Diego Simeone’s side would be willing to let him leave on a temporary basis.
Why United’s latest target would be the next Mount
Back in the summer of 2023, United secured the £60m signing of midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea – a deal that massively raised eyebrows at the time.
Such a figure was seen as too expensive for the Englishman, something which was only magnified as a result of his constant battles with injuries in his first two years at Old Trafford.
He could only make 47 appearances in his first two seasons in Manchester, but it appears she’s put his struggles behind him in 2025/26, with the 26-year-old now in the form of his life.
Amorim has stuck by him in recent months, with Mount repaying the favour, as seen by his tally of three league goals this season – two of which have come in the last three games.
At present, he’s a key member of the United squad and could play a massive role when the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo go to AFCON in the coming weeks.
However, the hierarchy could complete a similar deal to Mount with a move for Gallagher, with the Atlético star also coming through the ranks at Chelsea before starring as a professional.
Like a deal for the midfielder a couple of years ago, many supporters have voiced their displeasure at a deal for the LaLiga star, but it could prove to be a shrewd addition.
His stats from the ongoing campaign showcase his talents, with many of which massively bolstering the options currently at the disposal of the manager at Old Trafford.
Gallagher, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, has won 2.5 tackles and made 1.6 interceptions per 90, with such numbers showcasing his dominant ball-winning presence that Amorim craves.
Games played
16
Goals & assists
1
Pass accuracy
88%
Shots taken
1.4
Progressive carries
2.7
Progressive passes
3.9
Tackles made
2.5
Interceptions made
1.6
Carries into opposition box
0.9
He’s also made 0.9 carries into the opposition box as part of his 2.7 progressive carries per 90, highlighting his ability with the ball when winning it back for his side.
Gallagher, who earns £150k-per-week, has completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted to date, with 3.9 of which per 90 going into the final third, further reaffirming his incredible ball-playing talents.
Such a deal may be tricky to conduct for the Red Devils this window, but it would be a superb piece of business and one that could take the side to the next level.
If he can achieve the heights achieved by Mount, it would be an excellent deal and one that could finally end the hierarchy’s hunt for a new number eight in 2026.
Man Utd gem could be "the world's best", but he's becoming the new Mainoo
Manchester United have one star in their ranks who could suffer the same fate as Kobbie Mainoo.
ByEthan Lamb 3 days ago
Newcastle United are now only a day away from facing off against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, in a Premier League fixture that will both excite and stress out Magpies fans in equal measure.
Those wearing black and white making the short journey to Wearside for the Tyne-Wear Derby will feel uneasy about what they’ll see from their very up-and-down team, having had to make do with a late point last time out on the road versus Bayer Leverkusen.
The travelling Toon also doesn’t have a glowing record at the Stadium of Light, with their last success at Sunderland’s home ground coming all the way back in 2011, when a Ryan Taylor free-kick won the jubilant Magpies the tight 1-0 contest.
Looking at the bigger picture beyond this vital showdown, Newcastle also have the January transfer window to look forward to, as Eddie Howe and the Saudi PIF surely plan some major new signings to push his team away from their current mid-table position.
Newcastle's transfer latest
Heading into what will likely be a bumper mid-season window in the Premier League, Newcastle look to be on the hunt for some new options in central midfield.
Indeed, the rumour mill has already suggested that PIF are keen on acquiring Tochukwu Nnadi from Zulte Waregem to bolster in the middle of the park, alongside also still being on high alert about a £30m move for AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit.
On top of both Smit and Nnadi’s names floating about, reports from Spain are also now indicating that Newcastle have made Valencia’s Javi Guerra a standout target, as yet another midfielder catches their eye.
The report states that Guerra’s future in La Liga is up in the air after a disappointing season to date.
Still, that hasn’t stopped suitors from the Premier League, like Newcastle, from remaining keen, with it being alleged that the Toon have watched the Spaniard for many years now, ever since he exploded onto the senior scene at the Estadio Mestalla.
£22m is the alleged amount that could be enough for Carlos Corberan and Co. to part ways with the 22-year-old, with such a deal perhaps spelling the end for Jacob Ramsey already at St James’ Park, only a matter of months on from his £43m switch from Aston Villa.
How Guerra signing could end Ramsey's career
Eyebrows would surely have been raised when Ramsey entered through the door in the summer for such an extortionate amount.
He did have 28 goal contributions next to his name for the Villans before moving to Tyneside, but in the here and now, the Birmingham-born midfielder is looking like an expensive flop at St James’ Park, having failed to collect a single goal or assist from 12 outings to date.
To make matters worse for the below-par number 41, he was also at fault in Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Burnley earlier in the month for the Clarets being handed a lifeline late on, as his clumsy handball allowed Zian Flemming to score from the penalty spot.
On top of that, Ramsey would also only manage one weak effort at the away side’s goal, as his previous Villa spark was nowhere to be found.
If Guerra were to arrive in January, too, Ramsey would surely be even more fearful of his long-term career at the Toon, with the 22-year-old definitely a better bargain for Newcastle’s buck at the £22m price range, having been branded a “joy to watch” and a “versatile” performer at his Valencia peak by scout Jacek Kulig.
Guerra’s last two league seasons
Stat – per 90 mins*
24/25
25/26
Games played
36
15
Goals scored
3
0
Assists
3
2
Touches*
49.8
42.0
Accurate passes*
28.0 (80%)
23.9 (79%)
Big chances created
6
3
Total duels won*
3.5
2.4
Stats by Sofascore
Much like Ramsey, Guerra – who Como scout Ben Mattinson also lauded as a “special player” – has been thrust into the pressures of the senior game from a very early age.
But, unlike his English counterpart, who has struggled this season to make an impact at Newcastle, the number eight has managed to still stand out for Valencia, as they fight near the bottom of La Liga, with two assists collected from 12 league encounters.
Moreover, with his very best last season seeing him average an energetic 4.7 ball recoveries per league contest, there really doesn’t seem to be room for Ramsey in Howe’s first team plans moving forward, if the new £22m recruit is preferred.
It could be seen as harsh to dismiss the 24-year-old so early into his playing days at the Toon, with the 5-foot-11 midfielder clearly once seen as a bright future talent at Villa Park.
But, Newcastle can’t wait around forever for Ramsey to come good, and with it clear that the Magpies want reinforcements here this January, Guerra might well prove to be an inspired pick-up.
Howe's "diamond" looks like another Guimaraes in the making at Newcastle
Eddie Howe has now found his next Bruno Guimaraes in the making in this Newcastle United youngster.
ByKelan Sarson 3 days ago
Eddie Howe will manage only his second ever Tyne-Wear Derby on Sunday, as one of football’s most passionate rivalries has its latest instalment this weekend.
His only taste of this fierce clash to date was Newcastle United’s 3-0 triumph over Sunderland in the FA Cup in early 2024, with the Black Cats’ struggles in the Championship clear for all to see, as the Magpies ran out as routine winners.
Now, however, Regis Le Bris’ men sit above their arch rivals in the early Premier League table, as Howe prays his inconsistent side can get the better of the Black Cats on their own patch.
Newcastle’s clumsy performance on the road in the Champions League on Wednesday night won’t fill Howe with loads of confidence, either, with some changes in the offing presumably, off the back of the 2-2 draw away at Bayer Leverkusen.
Goalscoring hero Anthony Gordon would sum up the Toon’s frustrations aptly at the full-time whistle, as a late Alejandro Grimaldo equaliser rid Howe’s men of all three points in Europe’s standout competition.
Gordon won’t be fearful of his starting spot against Sunderland, having made it three games on the trot with a goal now against Leverkusen, but Joelinton will surely be axed for the crunch clash on Wearside, with the Brazilian limping off injured after winning just two duels all match.
Sandro Tonali will also be fearful that he could be surprisingly dropped, with the Italian looking uncharacteristically ropey on the ball at points against Kasper Hjulmand’s men.
It really was a night for Howe’s concrete first team personnel to slip up, as Malick Thiaw somehow avoided a red card for a rash first-half challenge, while Bruno Guimaraes inexplicably placed an effort past Aaron Ramsdale to hand the Bundesliga hosts a one-goal advantage.
Still, both of the underperformers mentioned certainly have enough credit in the bank this season to push these off performances to one side, with Guimaraes scoring this audacious effort last time out in the Premier League versus Burnley.
With a lively 5.4 duels won on average this season in the Premier League, too, as per Sofascore, Newcastle’s captain does feel as if he’s the perfect fit for such a full-blooded showdown, having further been branded the club’s “talisman” by pundit Michael Carrick in recent weeks.
Howe could even have a new Guimaraes in the making in his talented camp right now, with this rising star arguably worthy of a start against the Black Cats, alongside the much-loved South American.
The 48-year-old does have a lot of depth on his side now at St James’ Park, with Yoane Wissa’s return from injury gifting him another option up top, away from over-relying on summer recruit Nick Woltemade.
If he is unsure about starting Joelinton for the Tyne-Wear Derby, he could look to the depth at his disposal in the middle of the park by handing Lewis Miley just his fifth league start of the campaign, having been branded “special” when popping up with a goal from off the bench on Wednesday night by journalist Liam Kennedy.
The talented teenager became the club’s youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history, a feat he was made aware of after the game. “I didn’t really know that, to be honest, but it’s a great feeling being the youngest scorer. It’s a dream come true really, scoring my first goal in the Champions League. It couldn’t be better, really,” Miley told reporters after the game.
“I always used to score goals in the academy quite a lot, so I’ve tried to take that into my game in the first team. I just keep trying to get in the box as much as possible and I’ve got two goals in the last couple of weeks.”
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
In the right place at the right time to direct Gordon’s cross home, it could be argued that Miley has the same difference-maker ability in his veins that Guimaraes also possesses, with the 19-year-old up to four goal contributions for the season, despite his limited starts.
His Brazilian counterpart is six ahead in the goal contribution leaderboard, albeit from far more regular involvement.
|
Miley’s numbers by season for Newcastle |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Games |
Goals + Assists |
|
25/26 |
17 |
2 + 2 |
|
24/25 |
19 |
2 + 0 |
|
23/24 |
23 |
1 + 4 |
|
22/23 |
1 |
0 + 0 |
|
Sourced by Transfermarkt |
||
Moreover, Miley will believe he has what it takes to be a future captain of his boyhood club when Guimaraes hangs up his boots, with the number 67 never looking fazed by the demands of the senior game, ever since being gifted his senior debut at St James’ Park when just 17 years of age.
This ice-cold ability to perform – no matter the occasion – surely means he’ll be preparing to give it his all against Sunderland if given the first team call, with NBC Sports’ Robbie Earle once labelling him as a “little diamond” for his classy displays in competitions such as the Champions League.
Miley does feel as if he is in and around the first team picture for some time now, but he will want to take his game to another level shortly, to be considered worthy of the label of being the next Guimaraes.
Fewer touches than Ramsdale: Howe must drop Newcastle man who won 2 duels
Eddie Howe must now drop this Newcastle United star ahead of this weekend’s hotly anticipated Tyne-Wear Derby.
1
By
Kelan Sarson
4 days ago
South Africa have lost six of their previous seven Tests in India
Sidharth Monga13-Nov-20252:04
Bangar: South Africa’s spin-bowling allrounders will be critical
Big picture: World Test Champions’ toughest testThe variety of conditions Test cricket offers is evident from how the format’s world champions, South Africa, have not been able to even compete in their previous seven Tests in India, the country of their next challenge. They lost six of those Tests comprehensively, and were on their way in the seventh but for the rain.Even within India, South Africa have struggled in a variety of conditions. In 2015-16, they were outdone by a young side for whom the team management considered raging turners a necessity. Then, in 2019-20, against an established home team, South Africa were blanked by huge margins on good batting surfaces that had nothing for the home spinners, who averaged 27.18 compared to their fast bowlers’ 17.50.The world champions make this trip in 2025-26 not with any significant new faces in their attack but with more experience, and thus more equipped to compete during what has to be South Africa’s toughest tour. Keshav Maharaj was their lead spinner on the previous tour too. Simon Harmer toured in 2015-16. Senuran Muthusamy played two Tests in 2019-20. Kagiso Rabada remains the banker fast bowler.Related
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Dhruv Jurel: too good to keep out, too good to just keep
South Africa will also hope that India, who suffered a shock loss against New Zealand last year and are still a team in transition, still haven’t nailed the method to win home Tests. They blanked West Indies earlier this season, but they weren’t entirely invulnerable.Still, South Africa will need nearly everything to go their way to win a Test on this tour, just like it did for New Zealand last year. While India are currently third on the WTC points table, having drawn 2-2 in England and beaten West Indies 2-0, South Africa have only just begun their title defence with a 1-1 draw in Pakistan last month.Form guideIndia: WWWDL
South Africa: WLWWWShubman Gill has been hopping formats frequently since September•AFP/Getty Images
In the spotlight: Keshav Maharaj and Shubman GillKeshav Maharaj comes to India with experience of 60 Tests; he’s second only to Ravindra Jadeja among left-arm spinners in Test cricket. With India unlikely to offer square turners or assistance for traditional seam bowling, Maharaj will have to bear a heavy workload, and provide wickets and control.Starting September, India’s newest all-format star Shubman Gill has had no break. He got three days, including the travel day, between the T20 Asia Cup in the UAE and the first Test against West Indies in India. Then just four days to travel to Australia and switch to ODIs before going back to playing T20Is in three days. After that, a five-day break, which included travel from eastern Australia to eastern India to captain the team in an important series. Gill is young and fit, and must be itching to play as much as he can, but keep an eye on how well he readjusts to the longest format.Team news: Jurel and Pant both set to playAgainst West Indies, India got away with playing practically a ten-man side. Given India’s need for a seam-bowling allrounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy was understandably given games to develop his skills, but he hardly had a role to play in the series. Now, with their No. 1 Test wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant fit again, India have decided to keep Dhruv Jurel in the XI as a specialist batter and release Reddy to the India A side. The rest of the team should remain unchanged.India (probable): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 B Sai Sudharsan, 4 Shubman Gill (capt), 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Dhruv Jurel, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed SirajTemba Bavuma should replace Dewald Brevis in South Africa’s XI•Associated Press
South Africa should look to replicate the combination that won their previous Test, against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. The batting ability of their first-choice attack gives them depth without compromising the bowling. Marco Jansen should pip Wiaan Mulder to the XI because there’s unlikely to be assistance for traditional seam bowling. The returning captain Temba Bavuma should take Dewald Brevis’ spot.South Africa (probable): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Ryan Rickelton, 3 Tristan Stubbs, 4 Tony de Zorzi, 5 Temba Bavuma (capt), 6 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 7 Senuran Muthusamy, 8 Simon Harmer, 9 Marco Jansen, 10 Keshav Maharaj, 11 Kagiso RabadaPitch and conditionsEarly indications suggest a good batting track at Eden Gardens, which could possibly bring reverse swing into the picture. There will be little grass on the pitch but it is not expected to be excessively dry or cracked either. A potentially tough task awaits the side that loses the toss.Stats and trivia Gill has won only one toss in seven Tests as captain. South Africa have not won the toss in their previous seven Tests in India. One of these unlucky runs will end on Friday. Kyle Verreynne is five short of becoming only the fifth South Africa wicketkeeper to reach 100 Test dismissals. Jadeja is just ten runs short of becoming only the fourth player in the world to achieve the double of 300 wickets and 4000 runs in Tests.
Arsenal have now joined the race for a £88m forward who recently entered “very advanced” talks over a move to Tottenham Hotspur…
Gunners ramping up pursuit of forward amid Eze criticism
The Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table was reduced to just two points on Saturday, with Aston Villa securing a 2-1 win at Villa Park, and Shaka Hislop was particularly unimpressed with Eberechi Eze’s performance.
Hislop said: “He could have been taken off after 30 minutes, I’ll be honest.
“Now I am as willing as anybody to sing Eze’s praises, but everything from Arsenal came down the right in that first half.
“Everything came through Bukayo Saka, so the change had to be made at half-time because Eze was non-existent.”
In fairness, Eze has made a very promising start to life at the Emirates Stadium, with the England international amassing nine goal contributions in his opening 22 matches across all competitions.
However, the 27-year-old’s best performance arguably came in the 4-1 victory against Tottenham, during which he played through the middle, so there may be room to bring in another left-winger this winter, and Arsenal are now ramping up their pursuit.
It was recently revealed that a strong move is being made for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, but the Frenchman is not the only target, with a report from Caught Offside revealing Arsenal have now joined the race for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.
The Gunners have been monitoring Diomande’s progress over the past few weeks, alongside a number of Europe’s top clubs, while Spurs are also keen, with Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri recently stating they are in “very advanced” talks with the left-winger.
A deal could be on the expensive side, however, with it being suggested RB Leipzig could look to hold out for around €80m – €100m (£70m – £88m).
Arsenal to "directly contact" £88m forward about joining after talks with his reps
Arteta apparently wants to sign him in January.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2025 Diomande making "sensational" impact in Germany
The Ivorian only made the move to Germany during the summer, but he has already started to make a major impact, being singled out for high praise by scout Jacek Kulig.
Most recently, the 19-year-old put in a remarkable performance in his side’s 6-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring a hat-trick and completing more dribbles than any other player.
Yan Diomande’s key statistics vs Frankfurt
Number completed
Dribbles (successful)
8 (4)
Key passes
1
Duels (won)
13 (6)
Goals
3
Considering Diomande is still a teenager, the level of his performances in the Bundesliga this season have been remarkable, and he may be ready to join one of Europe’s biggest clubs soon, so it would be fantastic if Arsenal were able to beat Tottenham to his signature.
يرى تيم شيروود مدرب توتنهام السابق انه على السبيرز نسيان التعاقد مع أحد اللاعبين حيث سيحل محل النجم المصري محمد صلاح في ليفربول خلال سوق الانتقالات الشتوية في يناير.
ويبدو أن حقبة محمد صلاح مع ليفربول قد اقتربت من النهاية، وقد أصبح مستقبله غامضًا بعد تصريحاته النارية.
وكان آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول قد استبعد محمد صلاح للمباراة الثالثة على التوالي ضد ليدز يونايتد، وألمح المصري إلى أنه قد تعرض للخيانة وأن علاقته مع مدربه قد تكون انهارت تماماً.
ويرتبط ليفربول بالتعاقد مع أنطوان سيمينيو لاعب بورنموث لملء الفراغ الذي من المتوقع أن يتركه رحيل النجم المصري محمد صلاح.
اقرأ أيضاً.. مهاجم إيفرتون السابق يختار بديل محمد صلاح في ليفربول
وقال شيروود في تصريحات نقلتها ” مترو” البريطانية: “أعتقد أن ليفربول سيسعى لضم سيمينيو في يناير، وهذا خبر سيئ لأي ناد آخر كان يرغب في التعاقد معه، توتنهام كان مهتم به أيضًا”.
وأضاف: “إنه لاعب مجتهد للغاية وأعتقد أنه لاعب موهوب”.
وواصل: “لا شيء مضمون، أليس كذلك؟ لكنني أعتقد أنه بفضل خبرته في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز وتجربته في مختلف المستويات فقد أثبت جدارته في المستوي العالي”.
وتابع: “سيمينيو يتمتع بالقوة والسرعة، هو لاعب مثالي على الجانب الأيمن كما أنه ملتزم بروح الفريق، أعتقد أنه موهوب بالفطرة”.
وأكمل: “عندما تضم لاعباً من خارج الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز مثل فلوريان فيرتز فأنت لا يمكنك التنبؤ بتأقلمه ولا تملك الوقت الكافي له ليتأقلم”.
وشدد: “أعتقد أنه سيمينيو سينضم مباشرة للفريق، وقد تدرب جيداً في بداية الموسم، وهو لاعب رخيص الثمن، إنه شاب وله مستقبل واعد ويعد الخيار الأمثل، وهذا خبر سيئ للأندية الأخرى، على توتنهام أن ينسى الأمر”.
وحول قرار آرني سلوت بشأن محمد صلاح، علق: “قرر سلوت إجراء تغيير لمصلحة ليفربول وليس لمصلحة صلاح، وعلى صلاح أن يدرك ذلك، هذا النادي أكبر دائماً من أي فرد وسيبقى لذا من المحزن رؤية هذا”.
وسئل شيروود إذا كان ذلك سيؤثر على إرث صلاح: “هو في نظري لاعب عبقري ولن يدمره ذلك، ما زلت أعتقد أنه قادر على تقديم الكثير، عندما يقول الناس إن لياقته البدنية قد تراجعت، عندما يتقدم اللاعب في السن ويقدم أداءً سيئًا فهذا أمر طبيعي نظراً لتقدمه في السن، من حق أي لاعب أن يقدم أداء سيئ حتى اللاعبون الشباب يمرون بأوقات سيئة، ما زال لديه الكثير ليقدمه بغض النظر حول من سيقوم بتدريبه لكنني أعتقد أنه يريد أن يبذل قصارى جهده في يناير وإلا فإنه لن يتحدث”.
ويأمل شيروود أن يحصل سلوت على وقته حتى نهاية الموسم: “سلوت ليس في وضع جيد، لديه الكثير من الإمكانيات لكن هناك عدد من اللاعبين لا يقدمون الأداء المطلوب”.
واختتم: “مهما كانت الأسباب، أعتقد أن ليفربول سيمنح سلوت فرصة حتى نهاية الموسم، وأعتقد أنهم سيسمحون برحيل صلاح إذا وجدوا السعر المناسب، لا يمكن السماح للأمور الثانوية بالتحكم في الأمور الرئيسية وليفربول لن يسمح بذلك، ولم يفعلوا ذلك في الماضي، ليس دور سلوت هو رعاية اللاعبين بل هو اختيار الفريق المناسب للفوز بالمباريات، وصلاح يطلب منه أن يرعاه حالياً”.