Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 52 off 25 in South Africa’s win against England in their last group match of the T20 World Cup has helped him attain a career-best No. 3 position in the T20I batting rankings. He has also broken into the top 10 allrounders list, rising seven places to No. 7. His team-mate Rassie van der Dussen, who scored an unbeaten 94 in the same match, has also broken into the top 10 rankings for batters, moving six spots up to No. 10.Markram gained 84 points to achieve 794 rating points and climb three spots and is now behind Pakistan’s Babar Azam and England’s Dawid Malan, who are the top two batters in the format. van der Dussen, meanwhile, gained 74 points following his Player-of-the-Match performance against England.Among bowlers, the Australian duo of Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood, who have played key roles in Australia’s qualification to the semi-final in the tournament, have climbed up the charts.Zampa, who took a five-for against Bangladesh has moved to No. 5 while Hazlewood, who picked up four wickets against West Indies, gained 11 places to reach No. 8. New Zealand’s Tim Southee, who has picked up seven wickets in the tournament so far, moved three places up to No. 9.In the allrounders’ rankings, Australia’s Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh made gains, with Maxwell jumping three places to No. 4 and Marsh moving from No. 14 to No. 9. Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga achieved a career-high rating of 173 for allrounders and moved to the third position.

Everton have stormed their way out of trouble across the past several matches in the Premier League, with their unbeaten run stretching to four matches after a deserved victory at Ipswich Town.

The newly-promoted side have plenty of enterprise but have struggled to muster the defensive organisation that top-flight football demands and such sloppiness was ruthlessly pounced on by in-form Toffees winger Dwight McNeil, placing a pass toward Michael Keane, who scored his second goal of the campaign.

That was the second, victory-sealing strike. The first? Scored by Iliman Nidaye, who is really starting to prove his quality.

Iliman Ndiaye's stats vs Ipswich

Everton have claimed eight points from 12 available in the Premier League after Sean Dyche started the season with four defeats on the trot, now with a five-point cushion from 18th-placed Crystal Palace, who play tomorrow.

Writing in his post-match player ratings, the Liverpool Echo’s Chris Beesley handed the Senegal international an 8/10 match rating, saying: ‘A box of tricks again, he looked lively throughout, running at defenders, and was quick to capitalise on Wes Burns’ hesitation at the back post and smash the ball into the roof of Arijanet Muric’s net to fire Everton ahead.’

It’s the kind of weapon that opponents struggle to contain, and the winger’s skills were indeed showcased at Portman Road, complementing his goal by winning five duels and succeeding with his one attempted dribble, as per Sofascore.

A talismanic force and a beacon to guide the Toffees away from the dangerous waters that they have struggled in for much of the 2024/25 campaign, he looks a force to be reckoned with, perhaps even developing into Everton’s biggest talent since Richarlison.

Everton's biggest talent since Richarlison

Everton signed Ndiaye from French club Marseille for a £15m fee in the summer and he is starting to prove his worth as one of the club’s standout stars.

It’s only two months into the season, but he’s demonstrating ball-carrying quality and a hint of future prolificness that could establish him as Everton’s biggest talent since Richarlison.

Across ten matches in all competitions, now, Ndiaye has scored three goals and has been hailed by The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland as “Everton’s new hope”.

Richarlison joined Tottenham in a deal worth £60m in 2022 after a successful career on Merseyside, and while it hasn’t gone perfectly for the Brazil international down in the capital, he was instrumental for Everton across his 152 outings, notching 66 goal contributions.

Most of Richarlison’s finest football on English shores was plied at Goodison Park, and you can’t help but feel that his menacing, effective approach to attacking has not been sufficiently replaced on that left flank.

Until now. Ndiaye has all the properties to become a real success in the Premier Leauge, and if he keeps producing performances like he did against Ipswich, Everton need not fear the dreaded thought of sinking into the second tier, and can instead turn toward the upper echelons of the division and start to climb.

£120k-p/w Everton flop was meant to be Arteta 2.0, then he left for free

Everton star was going to be their next Arteta but left for £0.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 18, 2024

LA Galaxy are reportedly closing in on bringing in Matheus Nascimento from Botafogo in a loan deal

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• Matheus Nascimento, 20, close to deal with LA Galaxy
• Has appeared for the Brazilian youth national teams
• 12 goals in 4,250 minutes for reigning Copa Libertadores champions

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Matheus Nascimento is soon to agree to a loan deal to join the LA Galaxy, according to a report. The Brazilian youth national has been a regular for Botafogo since his teenage years, notching 96 first-team appearances for the reigning Brazilian Serie A champions. He has played mostly as a center forward.

  's Tom Bogert was first to report the news.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Nascimento should offer more depth for the Galaxy after they lost striker Dejan Joveljic in a deal with Sporting KC last week. The Serbian was crucial in their MLS Cup push last year, scoring 21 goals and adding six assists in all competitions for Greg Vanney's side. An alternative in his position has already arrived in the form of Christian Ramirez.

• Imagn
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The Galaxy have found success in the Brazilian league in recent years. MLS newcomer of the year Gabriel Pec provided 19 goals and 15 assists after signing for the club from Vasco de Gama in early 2024.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR NASCIMENTO?

  It appears the deal is nearing completion, with the Galaxy hopeful to have their extra attacking option in place for the start of the MLS season. The reigning champions start their title defense with a clash against expansion franchise San Diego FC on Feb. 23.

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dos grandes dilemas no onze inicial do Corinthians segue sendo a posição de centroavante. Mantuan começou o ano como titular, mas não correspondeu. Jô recebeu nova chance, contudo, deixou a desejar. Dessa forma, Fernando Lázaro testou Róger Guedes na função contra o São Bernardo, e o camisa 9 foi o grande destaque da partida, marcando dois gols.

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> GALERIA – Róger Guedes e Willian se destacam na vitória do Timão; veja notas

Em entrevista ao programaSeleção SporTV, Róger explicou que antes da partida contra o Bernô, pediu para Lázaro escalá-lo nessa função. O camisa 9 revelou que alguns de seus companheiros acreditam que ele possa render jogando de centroavante.

-Foi a imprensa que acabou falando que eu não estava gostando de jogar ali, por uma conversa que tive com o Sylvinho. Dessa vez, foi uma conversa minha com o Fernando na semana passada, eu pedi para jogar mais perto do gol. É uma posição que venho conversando bastante, o próprio Renato (Augusto) diz que é onde tenho que jogar, que tenho uma finalização muito boa, na minha movimentação perto da área eu sei fazer os movimentos muito bem. Jogando perto de Willian, Renato, Giuliano e Paulinho, fica mais fácil, a bola chega com qualidade – comentou.

Guedes não ia às redes há sete partidas. O último gol do atacante pelo Timão havia sido no dia 25 de novembro do ano passado, na derrota corintiana por 2 a 1 contra o Ceará, pela 35ª rodada do Brasileirão de 2021.

> TABELA – Confira e simule os jogos do Timão no Campeonato Paulista

O atacante não poupou elogios para o interino Fernardo Lázaro, que segundo ele, é aberto ao diálogo com os jogadores.

-Um cara sensacional no dia a dia, dá total liberdade de conversar, pergunta onde me sinto à vontade. Enquanto estiver no comando, o Fernando é meu treinador. Sabemos que o clube está procurando um novo técnico, mas ele vem bem, ganhando todos os jogos, para mim hoje é o treinador. Se vier outro, será bem recebido – ponderou

Com os dois gols marcados diante do São Bernardo, Róger Guedes chegou a nove com a camisa do Corinthians. Entre os jogadores do ‘quinteto mágico’ ele é o que mais vezes foi às redes. O jogador destacou a mobilidade com a qual a equipe joga quando os cinco estão em campo.

-Acho que fica um time leve na frente, no segundo tempo trocamos bastante de posição, eu vinha buscar o jogo, e o Paulinho entrava, ele tem facilidade de entrar na área. Zagueiro odeia pegar atacante que não fica parado como centroavante nato, ter a qualidade de fazer o facão dificulta a marcação deles. Renato e os outros sabem como tocar a bola, sabem como me achar no espaço – concluiu.

Além disso, com os tentos deste meio de semana o camisa 9 também assumiu a artilharia corintiana neste início de temporada, ao lado de Fábio Santos e Paulinho, que também já têm dois gols marcados em 2022.

O próximo compromisso do Corinthians no Paulistão é no sábado (19), às 18h30, contra o Botafogo-SP, em Ribeirão Preto, pela oitava rodada do Paulistão.

أحرز روبرت ليفاندوفسكي لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، هدفاً ثالثاُ لفريقه في شباك أوساسونا.

ويستضيف نادي برشلونة نظيره أوساسونا، على ملعب مونتجويك ضمن منافسات الجولة السابعة والعشرين المؤجلة من الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم “لاليجا”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. فيران توريس يسجل هدف برشلونة الأول أمام أوساسونا

ونجح مهاجم برشلونة، روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، في تسجيل الهدف الثالث لأصحاب الأرض في اللقاء عند الدقيقة 77 من عمر الشوط الثاني.

الهدف جاء من ضربة رأسية عن طريق المهاجم البولندي في شباك أوساسونا وذلك بعدما تلقى تمريرة عرضية رائعة من فيرمين لوبيز. هدف برشلونة الثالث في مرمي اوساسونا بالدوري الاسباني

ليفاندوفسكي يضيف الهدف الثالث برأسية لا تصد ولا ترد! 🔥🎯

برشلونة يواصل الإبداع أمام أوساسونا! #الدوري_الإسباني | #رمضان_مع_beIN | #برشلونة_اوساسونا#LaLiga pic.twitter.com/pGSQvwlxIX — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) March 27, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil made some positive signings during the summer transfer window, but he has yet to see the fruits of his labour.

After nine Premier League matches this term, the Old Gold have drawn two and lost seven, failing to win a single game as they currently occupy 19th place in the table.

In fairness, the club faced Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City during the opening period of the campaign. A tough start indeed.

The Molineux side did show plenty of fight to rescue a point against Brighton and Hove Albion on the weekend, scoring twice in the dying minutes and this should give O’Neil some confidence that they are on the right path, even if results don’t necessarily show it.

Despite the influx of players during the summer, it was one of the stars from last season who came up with the goods against the south coast side last week – Matheus Cunha.

Matheus Cunha’s season in numbers for Wolves

Last season, the Brazilian was arguably Wolves’ key player as they managed to avoid a relegation battle, finishing in 14th place, although they did secure wins over Man City and Chelsea throughout the campaign.

Cunha scored 14 goals for the Old Gold to end 2023/24 as the club’s highest scorer, and he is carrying that form into the current campaign.

Despite the Midlands side struggling domestically, the former Atlético Madrid star has scored four goals in the opening nine league matches of 2024/25, including the late equaliser against Brighton last weekend.

If the forward can continue to score over the next few weeks, Wolves might secure their first three points of the season, especially with a run of slightly ‘easier’ fixtures to come against Crystal Palace and Southampton before the next international break.

It isn’t just his goals which make Cunha a vital cog in the Wolves’ machine, as the Brazilian loves to create chances for others, as evidenced by the fact he has already created five big chances and averages 1.7 key passes per game in the top flight.

The 25-year-old also succeeds with 1.7 dribbles per game – a success rate of 58% – allowing him to get the better of the opposite defence, thus creating space to generate either a scoring chance or to assist a teammate.

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

12

4

Assists

7

0

Big chances created

7

5

Total shots per game

2.3

3

Key passes per game

0.9

1.7

His contribution to the club since August 2023 cannot be underestimated and it Wolves do suffer relegation at the end of the season, he will surely have no shortage of potential suitors looking to snap him up next summer.

Now, if goals can come from other sources, the Old Gold may just move away from the drop zone in the coming weeks. If only they had a striker who was able to chip in with goals on a regular basis. Someone like Raul Jimenez, for example…

Raul Jimenez's record at Wolves

The Mexican striker emerged as somewhat of a cult figure during his spell at Wolves, especially with the form he displayed across his first couple of seasons.

Having joined the club from Benfica in the summer of 2018 on a season-long loan deal, Nuno Espírito Santo agreed a £30m deal with the Portuguese striker ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

Over those two seasons, Jimenez scored a total of 40 goals for the club, including ten in the Europa League, as the Old Gold reached the quarter-finals of the competition.

This was as good as it got for the Mexican star, however, as the following three seasons saw him score just 13 goals in all competitions as he bravely battled back from a skull fracture, among other ailments, which saw the 33-year-old miss 54 games in total.

It was clear his future at Wolves was bleak, and he was sold to Fulham for just £5m in the summer of 2023.

Considering he was entering the final few years of his career; it looked like a decent decision by the club. 18 months later, however, could the Old Gold regret letting him leave for such a small fee considering how impressive he has been in London?

Raul Jimenez’s stats for Fulham

It took a while for the player to get going at Craven Cottage, but he ended up netting seven times in 24 Premier League games last term. A hamstring injury meant he missed a chunk of the campaign.

It now looks as though he has put all his problems behind him, enjoying a wonderful start to the current season for the Cottagers. Indeed, five goals across 11 games in all competitions suggest there is life in the old dog yet.

With Cunha having scored four times for Wolves, Jimenez is even outscoring the Brazilian. Might the club rue letting him leave last year?

Like the current Wolves centre-forward, Jimenez has also contributed in other areas. Not only has he created four big chances, but the Mexican international averages 0.9 key passes per game while grabbing an assist.

Jimenez is also still shining for his country, scoring against the USA in a recent friendly between the two nations, and he was praised by coach Javier Aguirre in the process.

“He came back very well [from his injury], very well. He’s scored goals, he’s made assists. He looks mature and in good form, having completely overcome his injury. I think he is definitely a leader for us.” Said the manager post-game, and it looks as though Jimenez is enjoying an Indian summer.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

If he carries on his current form over the next few months, Fulham could secure a top-half finish in the Premier League for only the second time since 2012.

Wolves’ loss has very much been Fulham’s gain, especially with the striker going through a purple patch right now.

Wolves wasted £26m on Nuno flop who earned way more than Cunha does

Wolverhampton Wanderers wasted lots of money on this dud.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 30, 2024

During the 2022/23 January transfer window, Chelsea spent a whopping £273m on seven new faces, while João Félix arrived on a six-month loan deal, costing around £9.1m.

The big deal of that month was done on deadline day for Chelsea, as they broke the bank for Benfica midfielder, Enzo Fernández, costing them around £106.8m, becoming the British-record transfer deal at the time.

The 23-year-old has since gone on to make 71 appearances for the Blues so far, scoring seven goals, providing six assists, and totalling 5,624 minutes.

Perhaps considered the biggest bargain of these deals, was the acquisition of Malo Gusto from Lyon, who has gone on to make 45 appearances for the club already – often in the place of the injury-prone Reece James – providing ten assists.

Alongside Gusto, Noni Madueke has begun to have a huge impact for Chelsea in the past few months, making his fee look a real bargain too. The 22-year-old has made 55 appearances for the Blues, netting 14 times, setting up teammates three times, and playing 2,891 minutes of football.

But Madueke could be in for some extra competition, as Chelsea are assessing some more forward options ahead of the January transfer window, including one exciting “difference-maker” as labelled by notable scout Jacek Kulig.

Chelsea looking at signing new winger

According to reports from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are among the interested clubs in Dortmund sensation, Jamie Gittens, who is also of interest to London rivals, Tottenham.

The report states he could cost as much as €100million (£83m) after his excellent start to this campaign.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The 20-year-old English winger has made 11 appearances for the German side so far this season, scoring five goals already (including three in the Champions League), and providing three assists in just 559 minutes played.

He starred for the German giants on the continental stage most of all, including scoring against Real Madrid to send BVB 2-0 up before the inevitable happened, a victory for the Spanish out on Tuesday evening.

If Gittens was to join Chelsea, he would be up against the likes of Madueke, Pedro Neto, Mykahailo Mudryk, and Jadon Sancho, as the wide man can play on both the left and right wing.

How Gittens compares to Madueke

The English winger has made all 11 of his appearances from the left-wing this season, so his direct competition for the Blues would be the likes of Sancho and Mudryk.

However, we have seen Enzo Maresca playing Neto on the left too, and he clearly is willing to play his wide men on either side, if they are capable, something that Gittens is.

So, how does he compare to some of the club’s best assets? Well, in a host of areas – chiefly goals and assists per 90 – the Dortmund sensation comes out on top.

Madueke and Gittens do have similar play styles, though, being on the more direct side, looking to have a higher shot volume, generating xG by attacking the box, and getting themselves on the scoresheet. Sancho, on the other hand, is a creator, excelling in passing metrics, and creating for others, averaging 0.79 assists per 90, and 4.12 shot-creating actions per 90.

Despite Gittens and Madueke playing on opposite sides, it would be likely that Maresca only plays one of the two, depending on the fixture, as they will both offer similar traits to the side. This could see the potential 2025 signing on the left, with Neto on the right, who can bring the creativity from out wide that is lost when Sancho isn’t playing.

Having Gittens and Neto, plus Sancho and Madueke as your two winger pairings would be elite squad depth. The main question would then become, what happens to Mudryk, and that would be at the forefront of the directors’ minds when making a decision on whether to sign the Dortmund superstar for such a big fee.

Chelsea must regret selling £3m ace under Conte, he's now worth 2066% more

Chelsea star who was let go for £3m is now worth a pretty penny.

By
Connor Holden

Oct 23, 2024

Arsenal believe Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could be fit to return from injuries after the March international break.

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Saka and Martinelli near returnCould be fit after March international breakArsenal currently threadbare in attackFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Both players are currently sidelined with hamstring injuries, Saka having been absent since before Christmas with a particularly serious muscle tear that required surgery. Martinelli followed his team-mate into the treatment room when he picked up an issue in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle, but there is hope that both players could play a full part in the run-in in April and May.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Injuries to Saka, Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have left Mikel Arteta's side incredibly short in attack, with Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri their only recognised senior forward players. Arteta used Mikel Merino as an emergency centre-forward at Leicester on Saturday and was rewarded as the Spaniard scored a match-winning brace off the bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

Thomas Tuchel names his first squad as England manager next month and is very unlikely to have Saka to call upon. The Three Lions play Albania and Latvia in 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Wembley but must cope without a mainstay of their side over the last three years.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The return of two key attacking players would be a huge boost for Arteta, whose side could still make this a memorable campaign. The Gunners trail Liverpool by seven points with 13 games to play in the Premier League campaign, while they are also in the last 16 of the Champions League.

It was a poor start to the campaign for Manchester United under former boss, Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman having recently left his post at Old Trafford.

Before his sacking, the 13-time Premier League champions won just four games all season, which included a 7-0 thrashing of League One side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy steadied the ship, and Ruben Amorim has now begun his tenure in the role full-time.

The Portuguese manager will inherit a squad shaped by his predecessor, with the Dutchman spending a rumoured £617m on his squad, many of which have a link back to the Netherlands.

Ten Hag’s best and worst Man United signings

It is fair to say that Ten Hag had a habit of bringing in his former players, or at least players with a link to the Dutch league. Of the 21 signings he made, six of them played under him at Ajax, or in Sofyan Amrabat’s case, Utrecht.

One of those additions, who proved to be a disaster, was the most expensive man United’s former manager signed at Old Trafford. Antony cost the Red Devils £81.3m from the Amsterdam side but has scored just 12 goals and has five assists to his name in 87 games for the club.

Antony is not the only Ten Hag signing who has struggled at Old Trafford. Injuries have ravaged Mason Mount’s time at the club so far, and the likes of Casemiro have also come under fire for his performances in Red, with the Brazilian described as looking like he was “in Soccer Aid” by pundit Jamie Redknapp.

There were some investments for the future made by the Dutchman. He signed promising striker Rasmus Hojlund. He has 18 goals in 55 games for the club so far but has struggled for his best form this season.

One of his biggest success stories has been Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan defender cost United just £12.8m with a potential £4.2m in add-ons. Red Devils fan Alex Turk explained the English club have “plucked out a bargain defender” in their new number three.

Mazraoui signed for the club at the same time as another former Ajax player, Matthijs de Ligt, who has gone on to prove his doubters wrong.

De Ligt’s Man United career

Since leaving Ajax in 2019 for Juventus, the perception surrounding De Ligt has been one of disappointment. Injuries have affected him, and he certainly played his best football under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, part of a hugely successful team where he was captain as a teenager.

That is why United great Paul Scholes was critical of the £42.7m signing, a deal which included add-ons. The Red Devils academy graduate described the signing of De Ligt as a “massive concern”, amid his arrival in Manchester:

However, in a tough season for the Red Devils, their new Dutch defender has been superb. He has played 15 times for the club, scoring once against Southampton.

The defender has been colossal in the Premier League in 2024/25, as his stats on Sofascore suggest. He has won 1.4 ground duels and 1.5 aerial duels per game, and looks after the ball exceptionally well, with a 92% pass accuracy.

De Ligt stats in 2024/25 PL season

Stat

Number

Starts

8

Touches per game

50.4

Pass accuracy

92%

Clean sheets

2

Tackles and interceptions per game

2.2

Ball recoveries per game

2.3

Duels won per game

2.9

Stats from Sofascore

He was a first choice under Ten Hag and Van Nistelrooy, with journalist Liam Canning explaining the defender can “thrive” under Amorim, too, having done “going under the radar” for his form so far. As Canning also stated, the towering defender is “uber reliable”, has a “perfect mentality” and is “strong in duels”, making him a real asset for the former Sporting CP coach.

The new United boss seems set to play his famed back three system, and United’s number four could slot in as the central centre-back as a key component of his side.

Although there were doubts surrounding De Ligt’s move to United, he has clearly taken great strides to disprove such beliefs. He will almost certainly be a key player under Amorim and could help take United forward after a shaky collective start to the season.

Related Time's up: Amorim must sell Man Utd flop who earns far more than Garnacho

Ruben Amorim desperately needs to offload the Manchester United flop.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Nov 14, 2024

After finally earning their first Premier League victory since gaining promotion back to the top flight, Ipswich Town could reportedly fall victim to their own success, with Juventus sending their scouts to watch one particular star man in action.

Ipswich transfer news

Following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ victory over Southampton earlier in the weekend, Ipswich travelled to Tottenham Hotspur as the only remaining side without a Premier League victory this season. Saving their best moment for when they needed it most up against a top six side, however, the Tractor Boys shocked the North London club to take home what they will hope to be the first of many historic wins this season.

Now out of the Premier League’s bottom three by a single point, victory over Spurs could prove to be crucial come the end of the season. It came as little suprise that it was Liam Delap who scored what turned into the winning goal late in the first-half. The summer signing has been one of the brightest sparks in the bottom half this season and his rise may not end with Portman Road.

Ipswich want to sign future "Premier League star" who's outscoring Delap

The sensational winger would make Ipswich much more dangerous.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 14, 2024

According to Tutto Juve, Juventus have sent scouts to watch Delap this season as the European giants potentially begin to plot a move to secure the forward’s signature.

Having arrived from Manchester City for a reported £20m in the summer, Delap has enjoyed an excellent run of form – perhaps far better than anyone could have expected – and has become the player most likely to spearhead Ipswich to safety. So, to lose such a talent this early into his time at the club would represent a major blow.

Whether the former Machester City academy star can resist the temptation of a top club remains to be seen, however.

Ipswich cannot afford to lose "powerful" Delap

Whilst it’s easy to doubt Ipswich in their battle to survive in the Premier League, they have an asset that many clubs in a similar position often struggle to find and suffer the consequences as a result. At his disposal, Kieran McKenna has a natural goalscorer who looks likely to reach double figures for goals, having already found the back of the net six times in 11 Premier League games. Such a record is simply invaluable for any side, let alone a relegation candidate.

If European clubs of Juventus’ calibre come calling, then the Tractor Boys have to hold them off until at least the summer transfer window when they’ve potentially got survival secured and preparations are underway for a second consecutive campaign in the top flight.

£20,000-a-week Delap has, of course, earned plenty of praise throughout the season, including from current England U21s boss Ben Futcher told Henry Winter, as relayed by the East Anglian Times: “Liam was an absolute handful. If you want to go and fight him, he’ll match you. If you want to race him, he’ll win the race.

“He’s very difficult to deal with, he’s quick, he’s powerful, he’s in good form in the Premier League. Liam’s a top number nine and he’s going to keep developing.”