Barcelona forward Raphinha has publicly dismissed recent speculation linking him with a move away from the Catalan club, particularly to the Saudi Pro League, labelling the reports "nonsense". Despite the Brazilian international's consistent denials and his stated desire to retire at Barcelona, the transfer rumours persist.
The left-hander will play for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield next week ahead of the first Test
ESPNcricinfo staff02-Nov-2025
Travis Head has opted for a red-ball game before the Ashes•AFP/Getty Images
Travis Head will miss the final two matches of the T20I series against India as he switches to Ashes preparation with an appearance for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.Head will be available to face Tasmania in Hobart next week in what will be his first first-class match since the tour of West Indies in July. He has had a relatively lean run in white-ball cricket over the last month with a top score of 31 in eight innings across T20Is and ODIs after making 142 against South Africa in August.Related
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Head shapes as a crucial cog in Australia’s Test line-up where he will slot in at No. 5 with the ability to change games with his counterattacking approach. It’s understood that it was largely left for Head to decide whether he wanted a four-day game before facing England.His appearance for South Australia will add to a star-studded round of Sheffield Shield ahead of the first Test with most, if not all, of the squad – which will be named later this week – expected to appear.Josh Hazlewood, who departed the T20I series after the second game in Melbourne, and Mitchell Starc are set to play for New South Wales against Victoria in an attack that will feature Nathan Lyon. Sean Abbott, who will also leave the T20I squad following the Hobart game, is also available for NSW. Steven Smith will play the second of his two matches after making 118 against Queensland at the Gabba.Victoria are expected to have Scott Boland for his third Shield outing of the season after he was rested for the match against Tasmania in Melbourne.Cameron Green will feature for Western Australia against Queensland in a game that should see him return to bowling for the first time since the opening match of the season.Marnus Labuschagne will likely be keen for another outing before the Test series, where he is certain to earn a recall, while Matt Renshaw has been in the opening conversation.Beau Webster will play for Tasmania against South Australia who will have Alex Carey available alongside Head. Brendan Doggett, who could have been named among the back-up quicks by then, is also due to play for SA.Meanwhile, legspinner Tanveer Sangha has been released from the T20I squad to play for NSW in the One-Day Cup match against Queensland in Sydney on Monday. He has been providing cover for Adam Zampa who is awaiting the birth of his second child.As previously announced, left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis will come into the squad for the final two matches on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane having overcome a calf injury.The T20I series is level at 1-1 following India’s five-wicket victory in Hobart.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has revealed that he may still be in interim charge of the club when they face Dundee at Parkhead on Wednesday night in the Scottish Premiership.
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph claims that there has been a delay in finalising the deal to bring Wilfried Nancy to the club from MLS outfit Columbus Crew, which is why the Northern Irishman may still be in the dugout in midweek.
The French boss will surely be keeping close tabs on how the team fared under O’Neill in November, and will already be thinking about how he wants to set the side up moving forward.
The Celtic players who will have impressed Nancy against Hibernian
In the 2-1 win over Hibernian in the Premiership on Sunday, several players showed that they can be key players for the next head coach, whenever he finally takes charge.
Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels are the two obvious ones after they both got on the scoresheet in the first half, with the former tapping into an empty net and the latter bravely burying a header in just seconds later.
Reo Hatate also excelled in a number ten role ahead of Callum McGregor and Engels, biting into the tackle to then set up Maeda for the opening goal.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel also made a couple of impressive stops late on in the match to secure all three points, and he will surely be Nancy’s number one, in the short-term at least.
Whilst several players, mainly the ones mentioned here, will have impressed the incoming boss, Nancy may already have an idea of the players he wants to move on when the January transfer window opens up.
The first Celtic player Nancy should sell in January
After a confident first-half showing, academy graduate Colby Donovan was forced off with an injury at the break and replaced by experienced full-back Anthony Ralston.
Within minutes of his introduction, the Scotland international was caught out defensively before playing a poor pass back that went straight out of play on the right touchline.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ live coverage of the game, former Hoops striker Chris Sutton described Ralston’s play as “really sloppy” and claimed that the defender “hasn’t recovered” from his below par showing against St Mirren.
Vs St Mirren
Ralston
Minutes
72
Tackles won
0
Ground duels won
1/2
Aerial duels won
0/2
Dribbled past
1x
Key passes
0
Crosses attempted
0
Stats via Sofascore
In that win over the Saints, as shown in the table above, the Scottish flop lost 75% of his duels and offered virtually nothing to the team from a creative perspective.
His disappointing displays against St Mirren and Hibs in recent weeks have not been a blip, unfortunately, as he also left far too much to be desired from his performance against Midtjylland in the Europa League at the start of November.
Ralston made it far too easy, as shown in the clip above, for Mikel Gogorza to beat him and score, which came just moments after the Spaniard had danced past the defender to cross for the opening goal.
He ultimately left the pitch with 45 touches, nine fewer than goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, while he also failed to have a shot, provide a cross or key pass and he also only made one interception.
Therefore, the 27-year-old dud’s performances on and off the ball this season have not been up to scratch, which is why he may already be a player who could be on the chopping block for Nancy.
With Alistair Johnston to come back from his hamstring injury and Donovan emerging as a genuine first-team level option at right-back, Ralston may not be needed beyond January, as potentially the third-choice option in his position.
That is why the incoming Celtic boss should make the experienced flop the first player he axes at Parkhead when the January transfer window opens for business, whether that is by sending him out on loan or by selling him on a permanent basis.
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Celtic have signed an impressive star who is now worth even more than club-record signing Arne Engels.
ByDan Emery Nov 30, 2025
Whilst you never know who will shine with a clean slate under Nancy, it is hard to look past Ralston as the first player he needs to move on from the squad when the next transfer window rolls around at the turn of the year.
MatériaMais Notícias
O Fluminense anunciou a contratação do atacante Marquinhos. O atacante de 20 anos assinou vínculo com o Tricolor das Laranjeiras até o fim do ano. O atleta pertence ao Arsenal, da Inglaterra, e chega ao clube por empréstimo com opção de compra.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasDicasMadureira x Fluminense: estatísticas e informações para apostar no jogo do CariocaDicas16/02/2024Campeonato CariocaFluminense x Vasco: Web detona arbitragem por expulsão de Medel: ‘Vexame completo’Campeonato Carioca15/02/2024Campeonato CariocaCom dois expulsos, Fluminense e Vasco empatam em clássico no Campeonato CariocaCampeonato Carioca14/02/2024
➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
– Estou muito feliz. É uma oportunidade muito grande na minha carreira poder representar a armadura do Fluminense. Estou muito contente e espero que a gente escreva uma história bonita, com títulos e muitas vitórias. O Fluminense um clube que almeja grandes coisas e isso foi o que me fez vir para cá. O objetivo para a temporada é conquistar o máximo possível de títulos. Se conseguirmos o bicampeonato da Libertadores seria maravilhoso – declarou o novo reforço do Flu.
CATCHAAAAUUUM ⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/iFotweIs7b
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) February 15, 2024
Marquinhos foi revelado pelo São Paulo e vendido ao Arsenal em junho de 2022. O jovem atleta chegou a ser emprestado ao Norwich, da Inglaterra, e Nantes, da França. O atacante de 20 anos acumula diversas convocações para seleções de base, conquistou a medalha de ouro nos Jogos Pan-Americanos de Santiago-2023 e foi o camisa 10 do Brasil na disputa do Pré-Olímpico da Venezuela.
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➡️ Veja os grupos e datas dos confrontos no Paulistão
Marquinhos se tornou a sétima contratação do Fluminense para 2024. O Tricolor das Laranjeiras já havia anunciado o goleiro Felipe Alves, o zagueiro Antônio Carlos, os meias Renato Augusto, Terans e Gabriel Pires, e os atacantes Douglas Costa e Jan Lacumí.
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Fluminense
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has finally lifted the lid on an "unlucky" reason for Jadon Sancho's struggles as they began long before supporters ever saw him misfire on the pitch. It is the first time that the former manager has publicly disclosed the details of his early sufferings, as Sancho, who was billed to become the next big thing at United, faded to the fringes after a slow and painful unravelling.
The £73m hope who never ignited
When Sancho finally swapped Borussia Dortmund for United in the summer of 2021, there was palpable excitement among the fans. At 21, he had tormented the Bundesliga with goals and assists, and Solskjaer championed the move to Old Trafford. However, the winger failed to recreate his form, and will be remembered simply as a big-money flop.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportA holiday, an ear infection…and a hospital bed
In a candid conversation on , Solskjaer has revealed exactly how rough the winger’s start truly was.
"We wanted to take the next step, not move away from what we had, but add something different in the final third," Solskjaer began while reasoning the big-money move for Sancho.
"We wanted players who could break teams down, and Jadon, with his skill, link-up play, and little passes around the box, gave us that. He was unlucky through. Before he joined, he went on holiday, as you do, and ended up getting an ear infection. He was in the hospital, and really struggled for his first 10 days or so before he could even start training with us. That hasn't previously come out before. I never really got to play with him properly, because by the time he was finding form again, I was already on my way out."
Solskjaer’s departure in November 2021, after losing seven of his final 13 matches, meant Sancho lost the manager who believed in him most before he could settle. And Erik ten Hag’s arrival marked the beginning of Sancho’s most turbulent chapter. Despite making 41 appearances in the Dutch manager’s first full season, the forward soon took a break from the squad due to "physical and mental" concerns at the end of 2022. Ten Hag sent him to train alone in the Netherlands under trusted staff in an attempt to rebuild the winger’s confidence and conditioning. However, the reintegration process failed to bring out the desired results.
Public fallout with Ten Hag
By the start of the next campaign, the fissures had widened into a full-blown conflict. Ten Hag questioned Sancho’s training standards in front of the media and suggested they were not high enough to secure a place in the team. The forward hit back on social media, accusing the manager of making him a "scapegoat" for United's struggles on the pitch. From that moment, the bridge between them all but burned, as Sancho was exiled, banished from first-team training and forced to work away from his teammates.
A return to familiar surroundings at Dortmund initially looked like a rescue. However, the Bundesliga club did not want him on a permanent deal due to his high wages. Then came another loan, this time at Chelsea, where flashes of his old spark resurfaced, but consistency never followed. Now, at just 25, Sancho is on his third consecutive loan, this time at Aston Villa, and the pattern is disturbingly familiar.
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GettyUnited ready to cut ties
Sancho has made only four appearances under Unai Emery and has yet to start a Premier League match. On three separate occasions, he wasn’t even named in the squad. According to , United have already decided that Sancho’s future will not be at Old Trafford. With his contract expiring in 2027, the club are prepared to listen to offers in June to avoid losing him for nothing. Reports in Germany claim he is ready to take a pay cut if it means securing a permanent home and restarting his career at Dortmund. Whereas, according to talkSPORT, the Red Devils are also considering terminating his contract early and setting him free in a bid to get his £200,000-a-week wages off their books.
India coach says ‘my heart goes to the families, the people who’ve lost their loved ones’ in Bengaluru
ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jun-20251:15
Gambhir: We should never have roadshows
India coach Gautam Gambhir has said there is no need to have celebratory roadshows in the future, after a stampede caused the death of 11 fans and injured many more in Bengaluru during the functions held on Wednesday to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning their maiden IPL title.”I was never a believer that we need to have roadshows. When I was playing, I had the same statement to make, even after winning 2007 [T20 World Cup], that we should not have road shows,” Gambhir said in Mumbai ahead of India’s departure for the Test tour of England. “I think lives of the people are far more important. I will continue to say that, even in future, I think we can be a little bit aware of not holding these kind of roadshows, and can probably have it in a closed door, or something like this, in a stadium.Related
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“It is very tragic what happened yesterday, and my heart goes to the families, the people who’ve lost their loved ones, and I hope in future, nothing like this can happen, because I think we all are responsible, and we all are responsible citizens, and we should take care of all this.”And if we are not ready to hold a roadshow, we shouldn’t have done that. As simple as it can get. I know fans do get excited, everyone gets excited, the fan bases get excited, but nothing can compare to what has happened yesterday.”Even when I used to play, I didn’t believe in roadshows. I don’t believe in them today and I won’t believe in them in the future as well. Winning is important. Celebration is important. But more important than that is the life of any person. So, if we are not prepared or if we can’t handle the crowd in that way, then we might as well not have these roadshows.”Earlier on Thursday, RCB issued a statement announcing “financial support of INR 10 lakh to each of the eleven families of the deceased” and setting up of an RCB Cares fund in aid of the “fans injured in this tragic incident.” The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also said it would give INR 5 lakh to each of the families of the people who died in the stampede around the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Headingley has become the home of the run chase, and England hauled in a target of 371 to prove it. Set up by Ben Duckett’s dazzling 149, and sealed with a six by Jamie Smith, they romped home in just 82 overs to seal a sixth consecutive win in Leeds – all while bowling first – and to take a 1-0 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.It left Ben Stokes to breathe a sigh of relief after his decision to field on Friday morning, and India to dwell on the countless opportunities they missed to take control of this Test. They hit five centuries to England’s two, but lower-order collapses of 7 for 41 and 6 for 31 proved costly – as did their six dropped catches.This was a chastening way to start a new era for India, with Shubman Gill’s sparkling first-innings century long forgotten as he reflected on a heavy defeat in his first Test as captain. After series losses against New Zealand and Australia, India have now lost seven of their last nine Tests, and may only have Jasprit Bumrah available for two of the next four on the England tour.Bumrah was borderline unplayable in Australia, taking 32 wickets in the series, but was unusually ineffective after his first-innings five-for at Headingley. He went wicketless in England’s run chase, and was seen off by Duckett and Zak Crawley, whose partnership of 188 in 42.2 overs laid the foundations for a victory cruise despite the lingering threat of rain.3:26
Harmison: Not sure India believed they could get Duckett out
Duckett was sublime, starting his innings slowly before accelerating against India’s weaker links. He was particularly severe on Ravindra Jadeja, whom he reverse swept into submission, and Prasidh Krishna, whose five wickets in the match could not disguise an eye-watering economy rate of 6.28, the most expensive in India’s Test history.England wobbled in the afternoon against Prasidh and Shardul Thakur, but Smith and Joe Root saw them across the line with 14 overs remaining in the final hour. Root was characteristically cool in his unbeaten 53, while Smith took Jadeja for 18 runs in an over, including sixes over square leg and mid-on, to see his team across the line.Duckett and Crawley had reached the lunch break unscathed, battling through probing early spells from Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj before tucking into India’s change bowlers. Duckett cut and pulled with total control until his hundred was a shot away: on 97, he offered a chance when he pulled Siraj to deep square leg, but Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped his third catch of the match.Siraj was furious, and made no effort to hide it. He had drawn Duckett into a verbal battle after drawing an outside edge which skewed away through a gap in the slip cordon soon after lunch, and could only watch in frustration as Duckett reverse swept Jadeja for four to reach three figures, his ~ Test century and his first in the second innings of a match.Duckett punched the air to celebrate and then got back to work, milking Jadeja for off-side runs as he packed his leg-side field. But Prasidh prised the game open from the other end, first drawing an edge from Crawley which flew to first slip, and then nipping one back off the seam to induce a chop-on from Ollie Pope, England’s first-innings centurion.Shardul Thakur got Ben Duckett and Harry Brook back-to-back•Getty Images
Duckett continued to race along, his strike rate edging closer to 100 as he reverse slapped Jadeja over cover-point for the first six of the final day. It took the reintroduction of Thakur to remove him on 149, driving straight to short cover, and when Harry Brook strangled his first ball down the leg side, India were back in the game.Stokes survived Thakur’s hat-trick ball, and saw England through to an early tea with Root for company. After a brief hold-up for a rain shower, Stokes and Root both survived lbw appeals as Gill burned through India’s last two reviews. But with the partnership on 49, Stokes top-edged a reverse sweep straight to his opposite number at short third.Smith strode out at No. 7 as though determined to prove his mettle after an ill-timed first-innings dismissal, and set to work alongside Root. The same pair took England close to the line in a nervy chase against Sri Lanka in Manchester last year; this time, they took them over it with an unbroken stand of 71.Some of Gill’s decisions will come under scrutiny: Siraj went unused between the 41st and 81st overs, while Bumrah did not get the chance to bowl in the final 17 overs of the match. He is only due to play in three of the five matches in this series, and India’s performance suggested their attack will struggle badly without him.The result was vindication of Stokes’ decision at the toss, and means that five of the last seven Headingley Tests have been won by a team chasing at least 250 in the fourth innings. And if this chase was not the white-knuckle ride of the 2019 Ashes, it was a clinical performance which hinted at a more complete, more rounded England approach.
Everton were pegged back by Jarrod Bowen’s second-half goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, leaving David Moyes’ side three games without a win, but there was much to like about this Monday night effort in the Premier League.
However, there’s a sense that the Toffees might be somewhat one-dimensional in their approach play right now, funnelling the ball out to Jack Grealish, who wasn’t at his best against the Hammers but remained the brightest spark.
Problems persist regarding number nine. Beto toiled once again, missing a good opportunity to score in the first half, and Thierno Barry lacked composure and positional intelligence across his second-half cameo.
However, there were bright sparks for Moyes and his team as they drew this match against West Ham United.
Everton's best performers vs West Ham
James Tarkowski hasn’t quite looked himself so far this season, and all of an Everton persuasion will be eager to see Jarrad Branthwaite complete his long-awaited return from injury and settle back into the backline.
However, the decision to extend Michael Keane’s contract before the summer was rubber-stamped after his thumping header after 18 minutes, rising and directing into the net with such emphatic power.
Grealish we have mentioned, but his alternative wideman, Iliman Ndiaye, was also bright, winning four duels and creating two chances, as per Sofascore. However, the Senegalese’s sharpness when it matters could do with some work.
Off the bench, Tyler Dibling also looked bright. The teenager stepped in for Ndiaye and put in a promising late-stage display, leading The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland to comment that he “would like to see much more” of the fleet-footed talent.
However, there’s another man who often goes under the radar who deserves a bit of credit. Indeed, James Garner put in an impressive, workmanlike performance in the middle of the park, showcasing his technical skill besides with the delivery for Keane’s thumping header.
Might Moyes have unearthed the next Leighton Baines?
Everton's new Leighton Baines
Garner has been at Everton for a while now, joining from Manchester United for £15m in 2022. He has played 92 times for the Merseysiders and has made a positive impression since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at the start of the year.
As Sofascore reveal, Garner took 82 touches, more than any other player on the field, completed 88% of his passes, won three of four ground duels and found the target with four long balls across the evening. The Liverpool Echo handed him a 7/10 match rating for his labours.
Given that he has already played three times as a stand-in left-back this season, the 24-year-old could grow into Moyes’ next Baines, should he continue to go from strength to strength.
Now Everton’s assistant manager, Baines was one of the most talented left-backs in the Premier League during his long stint at Goodison Park, hailed by Kevin Phillips for having “a wand of a left foot”.
Baines made creativity an art form for defenders before it was cool. He boasted such accuracy on the ball and was intelligent with his passes. Furthermore, Baines was very much a set-piece specialist.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
259
64
Andy Robertson
310
60
Leighton Baines
420
53
Graeme le Saux
327
44
Kieran Trippier
209
38
While Garner isn’t a defender, his versatility lends itself to the berth, and there’s no denying he has an eye for a pass that doesn’t differ all that much from Baines’ back in his heyday.
Moreover, he has a power in his ball-striking which nearly came up trumps. His ferocious strike late on bore testament to that.
It’s worth pointing out that Garner’s contract expires next summer, and with work still needed across a range of positions, it feels vital that the industrious Englishman’s terms are renewed.
Moyes has previously acknowledged the scale of Everton’s rebuild and that it would take more than just the one transfer window to bring it all together.
Recent results have underscored that, for sure, but with players like Garner doing the hard yards, Moyes will be sure to retain the essence of his long-standing philosophy while imbuing his team with new modern touches. Garner embodies both.
He's now world-class: Everton sold bigger talent than Ndiaye for just £22m
Everton messed up getting rid of this former star who is now worth £30m more.
ByKelan Sarson Sep 28, 2025
Gary Neville has suggested a Manchester City star “doesn’t get involved enough” and “could do so much more” after the Sky Sports pundit’s former club suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Manchester derby.
Man City back on track after derby triumph
Man City endured a difficult start to the Premier League season, losing two of their opening three games, but Pep Guardiola will be hoping the 3-0 victory over bitter rivals Manchester United can be an early turning point.
Phil Foden opened the scoring for the hosts just before the 20-minute mark, with a second-half Erling Haaland brace wrapping up all three points for Guardiola’s side, who always looked in control of the game.
Guardiola waxed lyrical about the Norwegian striker after the match, saying: “Erling has been incredible since the start but this season he is better than ever. I would say better than the Treble year. He’s dynamic and I don’t judge him for the clearance, we want him to score goals and to help us.”
While Neville was also left impressed by Haaland’s performance, the Manchester United legend queried why the striker is unable to put in similar displays on a more regular basis, saying on his podcast: “Obviously he sometimes doesn’t get involved in the game enough.
“He scores so many goals, but then I always think, you could do so much more, you could hold it up, you could rag-doll defenders, you could chase things down, you could defend it in your own box, you could win headers, you could do everything, because you’re that good – you’re that good a player, and today was that performance.”
Man City planning to beat Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona to free signing
The Citizens are set for a battle with the Premier League champions.
BySean Markus Clifford Sep 15, 2025 Haaland has made flying start to the campaign
The 25-year-old has been called out on his general play in the past, with former Man United man Roy Keane comparing the centre-forward to a League Two player after the Blues’ 0-0 draw against Arsenal in the 2023-24 season.
However, one thing that cannot be questioned is the Man City star’s goal-scoring ability, having won the Premier League Golden Boot award in his first two campaigns at the Etihad Stadium, while also maintaining a fantastic record in front of goal last season.
Season
Premier League appearances
Goals
2022-23
35
36
2023-24
31
27
2024-25
31
22
As pointed out by Neville, the Norway international also showed signs that his all-round game has improved against United too, making six clearances, creating one big chance and completing two dribbles throughout the match.
Although Man City have endured a difficult start to the season, having Haaland at their disposal should mean they always have a chance of competing for major honours, and Guardiola will be hoping the centre-forward can continue his fantastic form.
The mood around Nottingham Forest at the moment is surely one of confidence.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have managed to keep a firm grip on star man Morgan Gibbs-White, have Europa League football to look forward to, and are currently unbeaten in the Premier League from their opening two contests.
Of course, there is always the unwelcome distraction of Evangelos Marinakis’ enigmatic persona, with it being reported that Nuno and the Greek owner are currently on frosty terms.
Still, hopefully their feud can be sorted out soon, with Marinakis no doubt keen on a few more additions here and there this summer to further enhance the Forest ranks.
Forest close to securing deal for £10m star
Swatting aside talk linking Forest with a whole host of new managers, the Tricky Trees are also in line to snap up some last-minute purchases on the pitch.
Indeed, Mads Bidstrup is reportedly on their shopping list for a fee around the £17m mark, as more and more notable names are linked to the City Ground after splashing excessive wads of cash – £67.5m to be precise – on promising English duo Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Defensive additions must also be seen as a priority, and Fabrizio Romano took to X recently to confirm that the Europa League competitors are in negotiations regarding Leicester City star Victor Kristiansen:
“Nottingham Forest are in club to club talks with Leicester City for Viktor Kristiansen. Deal on as exclusively revealed in July and now in progress.”
With Forest in need of more options in this depleted position on the pitch, he could well be an ideal late capture for a modest fee around the £10m mark.
That’s before you even mention his close-knit relationship with new Forest ace Dan Ndoye at Bologna, which makes it even more of a dream deal to urgently seal.
Why Kristiansen would be a dream for Ndoye
While Ndoye has started like a runaway train in his new surroundings, with a goal and an assist coming his way from his opening two clashes on English shores, he would no doubt welcome a familiar face through the door in the form of the attack-minded Scandinavian.
After all, while the brand new £34m winger has started both of his Forest clashes to date on the right flank, he regularly lined up down the Dane’s regular left flank during his time with Bologna, with a healthy four goals and five assists coming his way from 35 appearances on this opposing channel.
Kristiansen – Bologna stats (23/24)
Stat – per 90*
Kristiansen
Games
32
Goals scored
0
Assists
3
Touches*
60.4
Accurate passes*
38.8 (86%)
Big chances created
5
Total duels won*
2.9
Clean sheets
8
Stats by Sofascore
Kristiansen stood out as a strong performer all season long during Bologna’s 2023/24 heroics, which saw Vincenzo Italiano’s men finish in fifth spot, with three assists tallied up as an impactful attacking teammate next to Ndoye.
Amazingly, when they were selected together in the same XI, the pair only lost two clashes all campaign, with Kristiansen’s further knowledge of the Premier League – with two assists at the challenging level with the Foxes – making him, again, an interesting presence for the Swiss attacker to bounce off of.
With Kristiansen also being lauded as a “powerful” figure when first signing on the dotted line for Leicester by King Power Stadium great Iwan Roberts, it will be up to Nuno to get the very best out of the 22-year-old, even if he is just primarily used as a back-up figure next to the more consistent starter of Neco Williams.
When he is thrown into action, though, expect him not to look out of place, as another young and exciting talent who once called the Serie A home tries to shine in the Premier League, much like Ndoye.
Nottingham Forest prepare £17m bid to bring "silky" star to the City Ground
The Tricky Trees are looking to strike an exciting deal.
1 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 26, 2025