Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time and has played in some iconic stadiums during his career. The Argentine has controlled games of football since 2004, starring for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami, with fans from all across the world flocking to stadiums to watch the attacker in action.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner won four Champions League titles with Barcelona and has played in plenty of countries across Europe, coming up against some raucous crowds during that time.

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Interestingly, Messi actually picked out one Scottish giant as “the best atmosphere in Europe”, with the Argentina icon playing at both Celtic Park and Ibrox during his time as a Barcelona player.

Games

6

Wins

5

Goals

8

Games

2

Wins

1

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1

In 2007, Messi played in a 0-0 Champions League group stage draw with Rangers in his only visit to Ibrox.

He fared much better on the other side of Glasgow against Celtic, though, scoring braces in victories in 2008 and 2016, while also getting on the scoresheet in a shock 2-1 defeat in 2012.

He came up against Fraser Forster as the Hoops defeated Barcelona, with Messi later admitting he was left shocked by the goalkeeper’s display that evening.

“The performance of Fraser Forster against us was talked about for a long time. There was one game in Scotland when he was not human, it was the best goalkeeping performance I have seen. When Victor Valdes said that he was leaving Barcelona we even talked about him playing here.”

Messi decides between Celtic and Rangers for best atmosphere

Talking in 2015, Messi was asked to name the best stadium atmosphere he has ever experienced as a player. He named Celtic over Rangers, describing Parkhead as “special”, “a tough place to go” and “the best” in Europe.

Messi, who is now with Inter Miami in the United States of America, may never play at Parkhead again, but his three visits to Glasgow certainly left a mark on one of the best footballers to ever play the game.

Tottenham, in unprecedented circumstances, missed out on Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, with the club now forced to move on to other transfer targets.

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The announcement of Gibbs-White’s new contract dropped on Saturday evening, thwarting Thomas Frank’s hopes of bringing in a proven number 10 to inject some much-needed creativity – at least for now.

The England international was due to be another statement signing immediately after Tottenham’s £55 million deal for Mohammed Kudus, with chairman Daniel Levy and co booking Gibbs-White in for medical tests at Hotspur Way on July 11 (BBC).

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites were also ready to pay his £60 million release clause, but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis put a stop to the transfer, threatened Spurs with legal action and somehow convinced Gibbs-White to pen a contract extension.

Gibbs-White praised Marinakis in an interview after the new deal was confirmed, with the Greek tycoon standing proudly next to him in what was seen as a bizarre move.

It is never straightforward when it comes to Tottenham, with Levy, technical director Johan Lange and the recruitment team wasting over a fortnight on their chase for Gibbs-White as just weeks remain of the summer window.

Their need for a new creator is emphasised by club legend Son Heung-min’s potential departure to the States.

Los Angeles FC are actively pursuing a deal for the South Korea international with an approach made, but the north Londoners are unlikely to sell before the end of their pre-season tour of Asia due to certain contractual obligations and his obvious commercial appeal in the Far East (The Telegraph).

There are reports that Levy is prepared to sanction Son’s move to LA for around £15-20 million, and another update has now come to light.

Son close to agreeing personal terms with LAFC over Tottenham exit

According to GiveMeSport, Son is now close to agreeing personal terms with LAFC, and the MLS side are eyeing a transfer towards the end of August.

The 33-year-old also has firm admirers in Saudi Arabia, who are prepared to pay £30 million plus add-ons, but it appears LAFC are taking the lead right now with talks “advancing”. That being said, Son has made no final decision on leaving just yet.

The £190,000-per-week winger is expected to hold crunch discussions with Frank over his future and role in the first team once they return to London, with Tottenham happy to keep Son and let him leave on a free transfer next year.

Levy won’t stand in the former Bayer Leverkusen star’s way if he does choose a move to LA, though, meaning Son’s future is entirely in his hands.

An exit would bring an end to Son’s incredible 10-year stay in N17, where he cemented himself as a club icon. Son is past the century mark in terms of both goals (173) and assists (101) since joining Spurs, with supporters facing the prospect of bidding an emotional farewell to the forward.

Robbie Keane called Son the most “underrated” player in Premier League history, and he could soon become the new star of LAFC’s project.

Jonathan David confirmed that he received offers from another top Italian team, while also addressing competing for the No.9 spot with Dusan Vlahovic.

David still in his early days at JuveConfirms that Inter tried to sign himBelieves he can co-exist with VlahovicFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

David was signed by Juventus this summer in an attempt to secure the club's next reliable centre-forward, while they attempted to sell Vlahovic due to his huge wages. However, the Canadian marksman has no qualms that he could form a lethal strike partnership with the Serbian in attack. There was a small possibility, though, of David joining Juve's bitter Serie A rivals.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Signed from Fiorentina in January 2022, Vlahovic was expected to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored over a century of goals in just three seasons at the Allianz Stadium. However, he could only score 58 goals in 145 games, as Juventus failed to win the league. The only trophy the Bianconeri have won since Vlahovic's arrival is the Coppa Italia in the 2023-24 season.

A move to AC Milan seemed to be on the cards, but the 25-year-old was adamant on not halving his wages to switch to San Siro. Newcastle were rumoured to hold interest, too, but a move did not materialise. All attempts made by Juve to offload Vlahovic, who has entered the final year of his contract, were futile. However, it seems that he could get a chance to revive his career under new head coach Igor Tudor, despite playing second-fiddle to David. Indeed, the Belgrade-born striker has scored twice in as many substitute appearances in the league, recording a goal every 19 minutes. David, as such, firmly believes that a two-man strike partnership with him and Vlahovic could work out perfectly.

WHAT JONATHAN DAVID SAID

Ahead of Juve's blockbuster clash against Inter in the Derby d'Italia this weekend, David confirmed that the Nerazzurri were keen on signing him. "Not that close. I've had discussions with my agent, but they haven't been in-depth. I'm very happy at Juventus," David told .

On whether he can thrive with Vlahovic, David added: "Yes, it's possible. But these are decisions for the coach, it's more of a question for Tudor. I'm ready for any solution and I'm having fun no matter what. Dusan and I push each other on the pitch because we want the best for the team. I feel comfortable in both situations; they're systems I know. In recent seasons, I've played as a lone striker for the club, but for the national team, I've always partnered with another striker. It's not a big difference for me; I enjoy it either way." 

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR JONATHAN DAVID?

David opened his account for Juve on his competitive debut in the first Serie A game of the season against Parma. More of the same will be expected from the striker when Tudor's troops take on Inter at home on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur have now discussed signing a “genius” attacker, who is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

Frank needs to strengthen attacking options after Son departure

Son Heung-min’s ten-year stint at Tottenham came to an emotional end this summer, with the South Korean winger making the difficult decision to move to the MLS and join LAFC.

Of course, it is extremely sad to see Son depart, but the 33-year-old signed off on the best possible note, after finally getting his hands on some silverware, lifting the Europa League as captain back in May.

The forward will be very difficult for Thomas Frank to replace, and the need for the manager to improve his attacking options was exacerbated by the recent major injury blow to James Maddison.

As such, Tottenham have now set their sights on a new attacking midfielder, according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states they have discussed a move for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, who would be keen on returning to the Premier League this summer.

A number of clubs are said to be in talks with Leicester, who are prepared to cash-in on El Khannouss this summer, with Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Bayer Leverkusen and Al-Ahli also named as potential suitors.

It is not made explicitly clear whether Spurs have held direct talks with the Foxes, or simply discussed a move internally, but there is certainly interest on their behalf, and there is a feeling a deal could amount to £25m.

"Genius" El Khannouss could be savvy Maddison replacement

Leicester were relegated without putting up too much of a fight last season, but the 21-year-old caught the eye of scout Antonio Mango at times, who believes the youngster has a lot of potential.

Tottenham were already keen on signing a new attacking midfielder prior to Maddison’s injury, having pursued Morgan Gibbs-White, and it has now been revealed that Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has emerged as an alternative option.

It could be ideal to bring in El Khannouss alongside Eze, given that a deal would not break the bank, and the Moroccan now has a full season in the Premier League under his belt, chipping in with two goals and three assists last term.

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Given that the starlet is yet to prove himself as a top player, Eze should be Tottenham’s top target, but it would be a real bonus if they were able to get both attacking midfielders through the door before the transfer window closes, following Maddison’s injury.

انتهت مباراة الفريق الأول لكرة اليد بالنادي الأهلي، أمام برشلونة الإسباني، في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة العالم لكرة اليد للأندية “سوبر جلوب” منذ قليل.

وسقط فريق كرة اليد لـ الأهلي أمام برشلونة بنتيجة 26-21 في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما مساء اليوم في إطار لقاءات نصف نهائي كأس العالم للأندية لكرة اليد.

طالع | برشلونة ينهي مشوار الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية لكرة اليد.. وينافس على البرونزية

وتُقام جميع مباريات بطول كأس العالم للأندية في الفترة من 26 سبتمبر إلى 2 أكتوبر 2025، على صالة العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة.

وتشارك في البطولة 9 أندية مقسمة على 3 مجموعات، وهي، الأهلي، الزمالك، برشلونة الإسباني، فيزبريم المجري، سيدني الأسترالي، ماجديبورج الألماني، كاليفورنيا إيجلز الأمريكي، الشارقة الإماراتي، توباتي البرازيلي.

وكان الأهلي تأهل إلى دور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس العالم للأندية لكرة اليد، باحتلاله المركز الثاني في ترتيب مجموعته كأفضل مركز ثاني من المجموعات الثلاثة للمونديال.

وبعد الهزيمة أمام برشلونة يستعد الأهلي لمواجهة ماجديبورج الألماني، في مباراة تحديد المركز الثالث بـ كأس العالم للأندية. موعد مباراة الأهلي وماجديبورج الألماني في كأس العالم للأندية لكرة اليد

وينتظر الأهلي في مباراته القادمة مواجهة قوية أمام ماجديبورج الألماني، يوم الخميس 2 أكتوبر، في تمام 05:15 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.

MatériaMais Notícias

Mesmo com o pedido de demissão por parte de Cuca, na última quarta-feira (26), os assuntos envolvendo a curta passagem do treinador pelo Corinthians ainda são temas no clube. Neste domingo (30), o técnico do time feminino, Arthur Elias, disse que as jogadoras corintianas sofreram ameaças, tanto nas redes sociais, quanto nas ruas, após reforçarem o apoio à campanha ‘Respeita as Minas’.

Há uma semana, diversas atletas do elenco feminino do Timão publicaram um texto nas suas redes sociais pessoais no momento em que a equipe profissional masculina do Corinthians perdia para o Goiás, em Goiânia, pelo Brasileirão. A partida marcava a estreia de Cuca no comando corintiano.

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+Róger Guedes e Paulinho são os melhores na derrota do Corinthians no Dérbi

O agora ex-técnico do Timão carrega consigo uma condenação por atentado ao pudor com uso de violência contra uma garota de 13 anos, na Suíça, em 1989. O crime aconteceu dois anos antes, enquanto o Grêmio fazia uma excursão ao país europeu. Cuca tinha 23 anos e era jogador do Tricolor Gaúcho.

De toda forma, no dia seguinte às manifestações, Arthur Elias disse que o movimento não teve a ver com Cuca ou uma crítica à direção do Corinthians pela contratação do profissional, mas, sim reforçando um tema importante e orgulho de vestir a camisa de um time que sempre apoiou as causas voltadas aos direitos das mulheres. Segundo o profissional, a situação teria sido má interpretada. Ele voltou a falar sobre o tema na manhã deste domingo (30), quando as Brabas voltaram a campo e golearam o Cruzeiro por 7 a 1, na Fazendinha.

– Quero explicar mais minha entrevista no último jogo. Foram dias conturbados. Importante me manifestar. Foi uma declaração com a intenção de amenizar um pouco as consequências negativas que nosso grupo estava sofrendo. Atletas xingadas nas redes sociais e nas ruas, sendo ameaçadas – destacou Arthur.

De toda forma, o técnico da equipe feminina indicou que a modalidade perdeu força no clube após os acontecimentos dos últimos dias.

– É injusto que a gente perca força com nosso torcedor e perca força internamente dentro no nosso clube. É uma responsabilidade minha, como treinador, da imprensa, de olhar como tudo deve ser olhado. Eu tenho certeza que com esse projeto a gente impacta na próxima geração. A gente tem uma chance de transformar um futebol que sempre foi machista. Contribuímos muito. É um novo mercado – pontuou Elias.

O futebol feminino é a categoria que mais tem dado títulos ao Timão nos últimos anos. Desde que o clube assumiu de vez a gestão da modalidade, após dois anos de parceria com o Audax, o clube alvinegro conquistou 12 títulos: quatro Brasileiros (2018, 2020, 2021 e 2022), três Paulistas (2019, 2020 e 2021), duas Supercopas do Brasil (2022 e 2023), duas Libertadores (2019 e 2021) e uma Copa Paulista (2022).

Cuca, por sua vez, não resistiu à pressão por conta das cobranças pelo passado e pediu demissão do Corinthians, mesmo após a classificação da equipe às oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil, vencendo o Remo nos pênaltis, depois de um triunfo por 2 a 0 no tempo normal. A diretoria corintiana, desde então, está em busca de um novo treinador.

continua após a publicidade

Former captain Michael Clarke has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of FameClarke, 43, accepted the honour on Thursday, nearly a decade after he closed the chapter on his remarkable playing career. He is the 64th inductee, with two further members to be named this season.Making his first-class debut for New South Wales at 17, Clarke captained Australia to victory in the 2015 ODI World Cup and led the side across 47 of his 115 Tests.Overall, Clarke scored 8643 Test runs, putting him sixth on Australia’s all-time list, and 7981 in ODIs where he stands fourth. His tally of 28 Test centuries also leaves puts him sixth on that list.Having impressed early in his ODI career – he wasn’t dismissed in his first three innings – Clarke burst onto the Test scene during Australia’s 2004 tour of India, crowned the player of the match in Bengaluru after scoring 151 on debut.After being dropped in late 2005, Clarke returned a even more formidable player. He became the sixth Australian to score a Test triple-century after posting an unbeaten 329 against India at the SCG in the 2011-12 series.He followed up his SCG performance with a double century in the fourth Test against India, before notching two further double centuries against South Africa the following season.Other standout innings included the 151 against South Africa at Cape Town in 2011 (from a total of 284) in the game Australia were later dismissed for 47, his 161 at the same venue in 2014 when he defied a broken shoulder to set up a victory that would take Australia to No. 1 in the world and the hugely emotional 128 against India at Adelaide in 2014 shortly after the death of the Phillip Hughes in what would prove his final home Test.Michael Clarke was prolific in the period from 2012 to 2014•Getty Images

It had been in 2011, after England won the Ashes 3-1 in Australia, that Clarke succeeded Ricky Ponting as captain. At his peak, he was ranked the best batter in the world. He was also at the helm for the Ashes whitewash in 2013-14 and retired at the end of the lost 2015 campaign in England.”To be able to sit along so many wonderful players, idols, role models growing up as a kid and looking up to is something I’m honoured by,” Clarke said. “Retirement does a lot of things to you. Through stages of watching cricket now, you miss parts.”When you play at the highest level, people talk about your international career but for me, it started at six years of age. I retired at 34 so it was my life. It’s still a part of my life.”Cricket – it’s probably so similar to life in general. You walk out and make 100 and then lift the bat, and then you walk out to field, field in slip and drop a catch second ball of the game.”Australian Cricket Hall of Fame chairman Peter King praised Clarke as a player who “defined his generation”.”Michael’s extraordinary first-class playing career started at just 17 at the SCG – the place where many of his highlights occurred, including a Test triple century against India in 2012,” King said.”Michael’s career will forever be remembered fondly by the Australian public and his standing held alongside those at the upper echelon of our game.”Clarke also proved capable as a left-arm spinner. It was his spell of 3 for 5 in 1.5 overs in 2008 against India that helped Australia retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and extend their winning streak to a record-equaling 16 Tests. In his debut series against India he had also taken 6 for 9 in Mumbai.

It was always going to be interesting to see how Leeds United approached the summer transfer window with regard to the positions and profiles of players they targeted.

The Whites won the Championship title with a staggering 100 points last season, after losing in the play-off final the season before, and this meant that Daniel Farke had a lot of players in his squad who had done a lot of great work for him.

However, the reality is that the Premier League is a huge step up, both technically and physically, from the Championship, which meant that some players were not going to be able to be as influential as they were last term, or the season before that.

So far, with around a week left to go in the summer transfer window, the Whites have only added one winger to their squad, with the signing of Noah Okafor from AC Milan.

The Switzerland international mainly plays on the left or through the middle as a centre-forward, which means that the club have not yet moved to bring in a recognised right-sided option.

Doing so should be one of Farke’s priorities heading into the end of the window, though, because there should be a concern over Dan James’ ability to deliver consistently in the Premier League.

Why Leeds need an alternative option to Dan James

The Wales international delivered 12 goals and nine assists as Farke’s first-choice right winger in the Championship last season, per Sofascore, which was an impressive return from the speedster.

However, the 27-year-old has yet to prove that he can terrorise Premier League full-backs in the same way that he did defenders in the second tier in his career to date.

The step up in quality means that James is up against defenders who cover space more intelligently and effectively than average Championship operators, which makes it harder for him to simply use his speed to generate chances for himself or his teammates.

He has never managed more than four goals in a Premier League season before, with just two goals in 24 games for Fulham in the 2022/23 campaign, and has struggled at the start of the current campaign.

Dan James

Vs Everton

Vs Arsenal

Minutes

78

66

Shots

2

2

Shots on target

0

0

Key passes

1

0

Big chances created

0

0

xA

0.05

0.00

Pass accuracy

56%

55%

Possession lost

16x

8x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, James has failed to register a shot on target and mustered up just 0.05 xA in over two hours of football on the pitch against Everton and Arsenal in the first two games.

Whilst the Welsh forward may yet adapt and prove himself to be a key figure in the Leeds attack this season, it currently seems as though the Whites need another option to at least compete with him for that starting berth.

Leeds have interest in Serie A forward

A fresh report has now emerged that suggests that the Championship champions are looking for a player to potentially be an upgrade on James.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to LeedsLive, Juventus winger Nicolas Gonzalez has emerged on the club’s radar heading into the final week of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Whites have been alerted to the Argentina international’s availability, and that Farke would prefer his profile to that of Dilane Bakwa, who is also of interest to the club.

Gonzalez’s ability to play on either flank or centrally is said to appeal to the German head coach, who wants versatility across the frontline, which may be why they are eyeing him up as an alternative to Bakwa.

It was reported earlier this summer that the forward will be available for a fee of around £22m, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites are willing to pay that much to sign him on a permanent deal.

Why Leeds should sign Nico Gonzalez

Farke should push for the club to get a deal done for the Argentine forward before the summer transfer window slams shut because he could come in as an upgrade on James.

Gonzalez joined Juventus, initially on loan, from Fiorentina last summer and did not enjoy the best year in Turin, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 35 matches, per Sofascore.

However, his form for Fiorentina in previous seasons suggests that he has the potential to shine in the Premier League for Leeds, away from the big pressure and expectation that comes with playing for Juventus in Italy.

Per Sofascore, Gonzalez scored 30 goals in 86 matches in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns combined before his move to Juventus, which shows that he can carry a big threat as a goalscorer at the top level.

His form in the 2023/24 Serie A season, in particular, suggests that the quality is there for him to arrive at Elland Road as an upgrade on James for Farke in the club’s bid to avoid an instant relegation from the Premier League.

23/24 Serie A

Nico Gonzalez

Appearances

29

Starts

21

xG

10.42

Goals

12

Big chances created

3

xA

3.13

Assists

2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Gonzalez fired in an impressive haul of 12 goals from 10.42 xG in the Serie A for Fiorentina, which earned him his move to Juventus.

James, as aforementioned, has never scored more than four goals in a top-flight season, in four attempts, which suggests that the Argentina international is far more likely to provide a threat in front of goal for Leeds in the Premier League.

Gonzalez, who was hailed as “brilliant” for Fiorentina by commentator Chris Wittyngham, is also a left-footed right winger, which means that he has more scope to come infield to make things happen.

At Premier League level, James can get stuck out wide on his right foot, unable to get down the line by beating his market and uncomfortable coming into crowded central positions on his weak foot.

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As a left-footed player, Gonzalez could drift in on his preferred foot to make things happen, creating doubt in the defender’s mind to potentially open space on the overlap for Jayden Bogle, and that could make him a more effective tactical outlet for Farke to have in the final third.

Newcastle United’s summer has been nothing short of turbulent so far.

£55m being splashed on ex-Manchester United youngster turned Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga definitely raised a few eyebrows early on in the hectic transfer window, with Aaron Ramsdale also joining the ranks, rubber-stamping the Magpies’ failed pursuit of James Trafford.

The agony of missing out on Trafford to Manchester City will be nothing compared to the expected sorrow of Alexander Isak deserting St James’ Park, as Liverpool continue to sniff around for the potent Premier League marksman.

The Toon surely has a standout replacement up their sleeve for Isak if the clinical Swede does up and leave, leading to even more cash being potentially splashed by Eddie Howe and Co.

Newcastle in talks with £70m striker

At this point, it’s not exactly the best-kept secret that Newcastle are looking at fresh striker options, resigned to the fact that Isak is likely to exit.

Newcastle have been linked to a whole host of attackers, with Chelsea outcast Nicolas Jackson even reportedly on their radar, away from recurring stories suggesting that Yoane Wissa will soon leave Brentford behind for a move to St James’ Park.

However, away from those named, Newcastle United are also in talks with RB Leipzig goal machine Benjamin Sesko to fill the Isak-shaped hole that will soon appear, with Sky Sports’ Keith Downie revealing that a £70m offer is on the table.

However, it is yet to be accepted by the Bundesliga side, and negotiations are now ongoing to reach an agreement as the Magpies to sign the Bundesliga star this summer.

Downie does further state that Sesko would be open to a move to the Toon, alongside also being up for a switch to Manchester United, who are also keeping a close eye on the Slovenian to enhance their personnel up top.

For Newcastle’s sake, they will hope one of these avenues pays off very soon, with Elanga champing at the bit at the prospect of lining up alongside the lethal Sesko, as the pair go about terrorising Premier League defences together.

How Sesko could shine even more alongside Elanga

Throughout his goal-laden Leipzig stay to date, Sesko has been supplied with chances galore from a whole host of exciting attacking teammates.

Last season, Xavi Simons and Lois Openda – who are attempting to leave Germany behind themselves this summer – chipped in with 12 assists between them to help boost Sesko’s goal numbers in Bundesliga action to a hefty 13 strikes from 33 outings.

Sesko’s overall Bundesliga numbers for Leipzig vs Elanga’s PL numbers for Forest
Stat	Sesko	Elanga
Games played	64	74
Goals scored	27	11
Assists	7	20
Big chances missed	18	16
Big chances created	6	23
Stats by Sofascore

These promising numbers in Germany could be taken to that next level in England if Sesko soon lines up next to an assist-hungry Elanga, as seen in the 23-year-old mustering up a healthy 20 assists across his last two Premier League campaigns at the City Ground.

Often, Elanga will dart forward with pace to burn, before laying it off to a poacher – such as Chris Wood – waiting for him to unlock a defence, with his ex-Forest teammate in Ryan Yates even going as to far to label him as a “dream” to work alongside, owing to his “you give him the ball and he can do the rest” level of ability.

Having such a rapid, but creative teammate by his side will be music to the ears of the lethal Slovenian, with his split-second instinct to fire home a chance, seeing him be dubbed a “monster” by football analyst Ben Mattinson.

Staggeringly, there could be even more to Sesko’s game that has yet to be unearthed, as the £70m attacker tries to follow in the footsteps of Isak with ease.

The 22-year-old striker will be helped along the way, if he does join, by Elanga being next to him, as the 25/26 campaign edges ever closer for a Magpies side leaping into an unknown future.

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Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign another player after they finally sealed their first major outfield signing of the summer.

Unai Emery can breathe a sigh of relief with the arrival of striker Evan Guessand from Nice, who joins the Villans for an initial £26 million, which could rise to £30 million with add-ons (BBC).

Angers 1-4 Nice

9.31

Nice 6-0 Brest

9.03

Nice 8-0 St Etienne

8.76

Nice 2-0 Marseille

8.70

Nice 2-0 Lens

8.63

via WhoScored

It took months for the Midlands side to confirm a noteworthy arrival ahead of what is a vital Premier League campaign, but Guessand will now be available for selection ahead of their first league game of the season against Newcastle next Saturday.

Out of the versatile Ivorian’s 30 Ligue 1 starts last term, 10 of them came at centre-forward, with Guessand starting a further eight on the right-wing and nine as a second striker.

The 24-year-old also notched a brilliant 13 goals and 10 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, so it is safe to say Emery has secured an excellent replacement for Marcus Rashford at a pretty good price.

It comes as a piece of great news for Emery, following a window dominated by PSR concerns and rumours of key men potentially leaving Villa Park.

Further encouragement for Villa supporters comes via reports that their side may not be done with Guessand, as links continue to surround a move for wantaway Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegalese, who worked with Emery at Villarreal, is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before deadline day on September 1 (Fabrizio Romano), and Villa’s head coach has already expressed his real admiration for the 24-year-old.

“We worked during the one year on his skill, he improved his understanding better, how he could exploit his potential, and playing minutes and getting experiences was the next step,” Emery told Sky Sports about Jackson.

“But his attitude as well was fantastic. He was always learning. He was always demanding to train more, to be focused. He was also being a professional every day out of training sessions at home because he was focused on football like the first priority in his life.”

Aston Villa offered Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson

Now, talkSPORT report that Villa have been offered the chance to sign Jackson. Enzo Maresca’s side value the African, who’s ready to leave the west London club, at around £80 million – which is just a no-go for most interested clubs.

However, there is a concession that Chelsea will most likely need to reduce their asking price for the attacker if they’re to find a buyer.

There is also the possibility of Chelsea green-lighting a loan deal for Jackson, which is far more feasible from Villa’s perspective, but the Blues would want an obligation to buy clause inserted into the deal.

Jackson bagged 13 goals and six assists in all competitions last season, but Joao Pedro and Liam Delap’s arrivals have now pushed him down Maresca’s pecking order.

The centre-forward has also scored just one Premier League goal since the turn of 2025 and got sent off during Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, so Jackson could gain a valuable new lease of life working under Emery again in the Midlands.

Peter Crouch called Jackson “unbelievable” at points last season, and claimed the player deserves more respect for his contributions at Chelsea.