Almost everyone knows about Baseball Hall of Famer and New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter's iconic, walk-off home run in Game 4 of the 2001 World Series.
Jeter hit his fateful dinger after the clock struck midnight on November 1, making it the first time the Fall Classic spilled into the 11th month on the calendar. The clutch homer earned Jeter the nickname “Mr. November” and forever became a part of baseball lore.
The homer also forever changed the life of former Yankees vendor Neil Dunleavy, who caught the ball. He told his amazing story to ESPN's Jeff Passan in a story published on Friday.
Dunleavy's story includes one nugget that baseball fans may not know about. Jeter, rather than keep the ball for himself, autographed it and returned it to Dunleavy.
On the night of Game 4, nearing the end of his shift selling programs across Yankee Stadium, Dunleavy perfectly positioned himself in the right field corner, where he knew Jeter's inside-out swing tended to deposit balls. As Jeter connected on his swing in the bottom of the 10th inning, Dunleavey was busy organizing hundreds of dollar bills he had gotten from fans in exchange for programs throughout his shift, and had to sacrifice the currency to dive for the ball. Thankfully, a nearby security guard was able to recover the cash he had tossed aside for a bigger prize.
Once he retrieved it, he left the ballpark that night planning to give the ball to Jeter the next day. He met with a Yankees ballboy and, thinking it would be the last time he ever saw that infamous ball, handed it over. But the ballboy returned with the 'Mr. November' ball, which Jeter had signed, dated and added the No. 2, his jersey number with the Yankees.
"Had I known I was going to get it back," Dunleavy told Passan. "I would've given him a better pen."
Dunleavy went on to pursue a career in the medical field, but held onto the baseball. Now 43 years old, married and with three children, he has decided to sell the ball, believing he could find a better purpose for the memento.
After connecting with the auction house Goldin and authentication company JSA, Dunleavy now has the baseball on sale, with bidding set to close on June 14. The bidding is up to $120,000 and counting.
Not only did Jeter's classy gesture ensure that the baseball was authentic—thus providing Dunleavy and his family the chance for a large return in the souvenir's sale—but the Yankees legend also provided the now-orthopedic surgeon with memories and feelings he'll never forget.
And Dunleavy plans to pay it back to Jeter. He intends to donate a portion of the proceeds of the sale to Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation.
Dickson will join from Somerset as a replacement for the outgoing Glamorgan skipper Sam Northeast
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Sep-2025Glamorgan have moved quickly to replace outgoing captain Sam Northeast with the signing of multi-format batter Sean Dickson.Dickson will depart Somerset at the end of the summer, moving to Sophia Gardens on a two-year deal.The 34-year old has established himself as an accomplished batter on the domestic scene. Glamorgan will be his fourth county, having also represented Kent and Durham across all formats.He underlined those credentials on Saturday with a match-winning 71 off just 26 deliveries against Birmingham Bears to take Somerset through to Blast Finals Day. Dickson also has a first-class best of 318, for Kent in the County Championship. It is one of 14 first-class centuries, of which 13 have come in English cricket. Born in South Africa, he notched a sole hundred for Northerns, in Centurion, before moving over to the UK in 2015.Glamorgan are pushing for promotion to Divison One but will lose Northeast, their captain, as he returns to his home county, Kent, at the end of this campaign.Speaking on Dickson’s impending arrival, Glamorgan director of cricket, Mark Wallace said: “We’re delighted that Sean has agreed to join Glamorgan for the next two years. Sean is one of the most explosive middle-order T20 batters in the country and is a proven top four option in four-day cricket.”With Sam Northeast heading back to Kent, Sean will add to the experience of our batting unit and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to Wales.”
Well, that was about as perfect a night of Champions League action as Arsenal could have hoped for.
Mikel Arteta’s side travelled to Czechia to take on Slavia Prague on Tuesday night, and while they were without the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, they came away with all three points.
More than that, though, the Gunners scored three goals, fielded the youngest player in the competition in Max Dowman, and most crucially of all, kept another clean sheet.
There were standout performances across the pitch, including one player who’s starting to look like Arsenal’s new Gabriel Magalhães.
Arsenal's standout stars vs Slavia Prague
Starting up top, and while he had a quiet first half, Mikel Merino once again found himself on the scoresheet in the second half. In fact, he ended up there twice.
The Spaniard’s first came just 35 seconds into the second 45 when he got on the end of a wonderful Leandro Trossard cross.
Then, 22 minutes later, he put the game well and truly to bed by heading home another cross from Declan Rice.
However, it wasn’t just the Merino show, as other starters like Jurrien Timber and Gabriel looked exceptional once again.
The former was as sturdy at the back as ever, but also, as he has all season, was a massive threat going forward.
One moment, he was overlapping on the right, and then the next, he was surging through the middle of the park.
Likewise, while he failed to get his customary goal from a corner, Gabriel was as imperious as ever.
In his 95 minutes of action, he made four clearances, blocked two shots, recovered the ball three times and won four of six aerial duels, which is impressive considering the absurd size of Slavia’s centre-forward.
There can be no doubt that the former LOSC Lille monster is now one of Arsenal’s most important players, and so it’s a good thing that another starter on Tuesday is starting to look just like him.
Arsenal's new Gabriel
If he could, Arteta would undoubtedly have a team of 11 Gabriels.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Alas, unfortunately for him, or fortunately for opposition set-piece coaches, cloning is yet to be invented.
However, there is one summer signing who is starting to look more and more like the Brazilian: Piero Hincapie.
Yes, the tough-tackling Ecuadorian “warrior,” as dubbed by one analyst, might still be finding his way in English football, but he’s already looking like another masterful addition to the Gunners’ defensive unit.
The same analyst points out that the 23-year-old shares several similarities with the Gunners’ number six, including his mobility, aggressiveness, aerial threat, and the fact that he’s a left-footer.
With all that in mind, it was hardly a surprise to see him put in such an impressive performance on Tuesday night.
For example, in his 73 minutes of blood-pumping action, he won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, won 100% of his aerial and ground duels, made one clearance, recovered the ball once, took 42 touches and completed 100% of his dribbles.
Hincapie’s game vs Slavia
Minutes
73′
Tackles (Won)
2 (2)
Interceptions
1
Clearances
1
Recoveries
1
Ground Duels (Won)
6 (6)
Aerial Duels (Won)
2 (2)
Long Balls
1
Touches
42
Dribbles Completed
1/1
All Stats via Sofascore
Ultimately, it truly was as complete a defensive performance from Hincapie as could’ve been asked for, and one that should see him get more minutes.
Moreover, his fiery Gabriel-esque attitude and desire are going to make him a fan favourite very quickly indeed.
Arsenal star is starting to play like Cazorla & he's not even a midfielder
The incredible international is starting to show shades of Cazorla for Arteta and Arsenal.
Manchester United are reportedly staring at a major financial headache ahead of next summer, with the club set to miss out on around £10 million ($13M) due to the scheduling of the 2026 World Cup in North America. The global showpiece event, kicking off on June 11, 2026, just 18 days after the Premier League season concludes, has thrown United's pre-season blueprint into disarray.
2026 World Cup wrecks Man Utd's plans
According to the the Red Devils had hoped to embark on another money-spinning post-season tour, similar to their lucrative visits to Malaysia and Hong Kong this summer just gone. That trip, which came right after the conclusion of the campaign, earned the club a tidy £10m windfall. But those plans are now off the table as there simply won’t be enough time between May 24 and the start of the World Cup for the club to travel, train, and recover adequately. The decision is already being described internally as a logistical nightmare, and one that could potentially have knock-on effects on both finances and fan engagement.
AdvertisementGOALFriendlies in Saudi Arabia?
Summer tours are not just about fitness, but they’re an essential revenue stream. Financial margins are tighter than ever at Old Trafford, especially after missing out on European football, and United are desperate to recoup as much as they can. The club’s commercial department has spent the last few weeks running simulations on whether the World Cup could completely saturate football interest in the U.S. market. The final, which is scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, falls right around the time United traditionally kick off their own pre-season tours. This has led United to consider whether they should pivot towards the Middle East, another region where the club has historically drawn massive crowds and sponsorship interest.
Talks are reportedly underway to see if a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia can be organised, which could bring in a hefty payday. There is indeed a growing appetite to return to Asia next summer, particularly after three consecutive pre-season tours in the United States as part of their £60m ($78m)-a-year deal with Snapdragon. United’s failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League cost them approximately £100m ($130.5m) in potential revenue, including a £10m penalty paid to Adidas, triggered by the performance clause in their record kit deal. That financial strain has put added pressure on the commercial and operations teams to maximise income from every opportunity, including global fan tours.
Man Utd back in form after struggles
While meetings and discussions are underway in the boardroom, things on the pitch are finally showing signs of recovery. After a shaky start that saw United win just two of their first seven games, Amorim’s men have stabilised, going four league matches unbeaten following a dramatic 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest. The Portuguese boss has slowly moulded United into a more cohesive, hard-working outfit by making little tweaks to his preferred 3-4-3 formation, and they are finally reaping the rewards. The team sits eighth in the table, but only two points behind second-placed Manchester City, proof that progress is being made.
"Ruben’s got a very clear idea. It’s a lot more flexible, the idea, than what people give it credit for," Jason Wilcox said in an interview on the club’s podcast. "We’ve got to start with the end in mind and understand that the game model, how Manchester United are, is really important.
"We have to pull the jigsaw pieces together and put the jigsaw pieces together. We would love to have all the pieces in place where we can see a very clear picture, but whilst we’re building the picture, it’s even more difficult when you lose some football matches, because people start questioning things. But myself and Ruben, Omar, the ownership, we’re really clear on the direction of travel, and this is really important."
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Getty Images SportTottenham next: A chance for redemption for Amorim
Next up is a blockbuster away clash with Tottenham Hotspur, the same side that denied United silverware in last season’s Europa League final. For Amorim's men, it’s not just about revenge, but it’s about maintaining momentum in a campaign that has demanded resilience. They struggled in the early months but have finally resurrected themselves on the back of a sensational October. The Red Devils will be eager to get another three points and mount a meek title challenge before the international break sets in.
The new Premier League season is only six games old, although Saturday’s defeat to Brentford felt like a seismic one for Manchester United and for manager Ruben Amorim, with that 3-1 loss the latest indication that the Portuguese is heading for an early exit from Old Trafford.
Let’s face it, we’ve seen this one before, with repeated United managers having all been sent packing before Christmas, be it Erik ten Hag in October 2024 or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021.
There was very much a Ten Hag feel regarding the weekend debacle, with the trip to west London evoking memories of the Dutchman’s final outing in charge, which came away to West Ham United just over a year ago.
That 2-1 defeat was notable for a glaring Diogo Dalot miss, alongside a contentious late penalty for the hosts. This time around, Amorim saw the previously reliable Bruno Fernandes fail to convert his spot-kick attempt, while Nathan Collins controversially escaped a red card for his foul on Bryan Mbeumo. When your luck’s in…
While the word on the street is that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS hierarchy remain behind the ex-Sporting CP boss, a succession plan appears to already be being drawn up…
How United could look with a 4-3-3 after Amorim
When asked about changing his philosophy last month, Amorim responded that the Red Devils will instead have to “change the man” if there is to be a move away from his 3-4-3 system.
Steadfast in his stubborn desire to retain that approach, the 40-year-old is almost forcing Ratcliffe and co into making a decision, rather than attempting to save himself by shaking things up tactically.
Yes, Amorim can’t be solely responsible for the individual failings of the likes of Altay Bayindir, although his specialised system doesn’t appear to be getting the best out of anyone at the club right now.
Should a new appointment be made any time soon, there is a squad – hopefully – who can be revived in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, with such a tweak likely to enhance the midfield unit once again, in particular.
Indeed, a new coach could deploy Kobbie Mainoo in a deep-lying role, having memorably starred on his Premier League debut in that berth against Everton in November 2023, with the Englishman partnered by Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount in more advanced midfield positions
In attack, the new-look trio of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and the aforementioned Mbeumo would all be comfortable making the change, while Amorim’s potential successor would surely see the wisdom in ousting the hapless Bayindir for new man Senne Lammens – or even the veteran Tom Heaton.
With ample depth at right-back and centre-back, a new manager could finally settle on a first-choice pairing, rather than the constant chaos of Amorim’s selection, while the problems on the left flank could be solved by the returning Lisandro Martinez in a new-look left-back berth.
Predicted Man Utd XI – 4-3-3
Position
Player
GK
Senne Lammens
RB
Noussair Mazraoui
CB
Matthijs de Ligt
CB
Leny Yoro
LB
Lisandro Martinez
CDM
Kobbie Mainoo
CM
Bruno Fernandes
CM
Mason Mount
RW
Bryan Mbeumo
LW
Matheus Cunha
ST
Benjamin Sesko
While such a transition might not guarantee an improvement, there is seemingly nothing to lose by moving away from a 3-4-3, be it for Amorim or for his potential replacement.
Man Utd targeting the next Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
The last time a Portuguese manager – Jose Mourinho – was in situ in the Old Trafford dugout, the serial-winning coach was relieved of his duties in December 2018, before being replaced by treble-winning hero, Solskjaer.
The Norwegian marksman departed Molde to join United on an initial interim basis, although after winning 14 of his first 17 games in charge, while reviving the mood in Manchester, the ‘Baby-faced assassin’ was rewarded with a permanent position in March 2019.
While the merits of that decision can be debated, it’s hard to ignore that Solskjaer steered United to notable third and second-place finishes in his two full seasons in charge, having perhaps been closer than any post-Sir Alex Ferguson manager to bring the club ‘back’ to the top table.
According to journalist Samuel Luckhurst, there is believed to be an appetite among Ratcliffe and co to make a similar short-term appointment again, should Amorim be replaced, with fan favourite Michael Carrick believed to be in the running.
While Luckhurst reports that the Premier League trio of Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Fabian Hurzeler are also in the frame, Carrick is among those who could take charge on a caretaker basis, having previously led United for three games following Solskjaer’s exit.
That brief stint saw the Red Devils pick up a point away at Stamford Bridge, either side of wins against Villarreal and Arsenal, with there perhaps a tinge of regret at not handing the Englishman the reins for a longer period, rather than turning to the much-maligned Ralf Rangnick.
In the years since, Carrick – who worked as part of the coaching set-up under both Mourinho and Solskjaer – has enjoyed a promising albeit far from perfect stint at Middlesbrough, overseeing a fourth-place finish in 2022/23, followed by eighth and tenth-place finishes in the subsequent two campaigns.
Dismissed in the summer, the 44-year-old has since had to witness Boro storm to the Championship summit, although his stock doesn’t appear to have taken too great of a hit, having been hailed as an “insanely talented coach” by his former player, Lukas Engel.
Also tipped by Solskjaer in the past to be a future Man United manager, Carrick would certainly be a popular appointment among the Old Trafford faithful, having enjoyed 12 glorious years on the pitch, winning five league titles and making 464 appearances in all competitions.
Like the Norwegian before him, Carrick could be the ideal short-term solution to try and revive United’s fortunes, having experienced a winning team himself during his days under Ferguson.
Some may bristle at a perceived ‘jobs for the boys’ policy, but after trying so many different things on the manager front, why not go back to something that worked – at least initially – with another Solskjaer-style appointment.
He'd revive Mainoo at Man Utd: INEOS eyeing "incredible" Amorim replacement
Manchester United are considering a move to land a manager who could get Kobbie Mainoo firing at Old Trafford.
Tottenham Hotspur are now racing Arsenal for the signature of a £130m+ attacker, who’s been described as a “true icon in the making”.
Tottenham eyeing new attacking midfielder amid Simons' slow start
It is still very early days, but Xavi Simons hasn’t exactly set the world alight since his arrival from RB Leipzig, most recently failing to create any big chances and completing just one of the four dribbles he attempted in the 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In fairness, the Dutchman is arguably being deployed out of position, having predominantly been given the nod at left-wing by Thomas Frank up to this point, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes the 22-year-old will be a success in north London long-term.
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ByDominic Lund Sep 28, 2025
The former striker said: “Simons has only just started, but I like Simons. I really like him. I think he’s going to be a big, big, big success at Spurs. He can play on the left or as a No. 10, but he’s also not scared, and that’s why I like him.”
Lucas Bergvall started in the number 10 role against Wolves, but given that the Sweden international is only 19-years-old, it would make sense to bring in another attacking midfielder.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham have now joined the race for Real Madrid star Arda Guler, having sent scouts to watch the youngster in action, but there could be competition for his signature, with a number of other big clubs also keen.
Arsenal, Newcastle United, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also named as potential suitors for the attacking midfielder, but any of the interested parties may have to shell out a huge fee to get a deal done, with it previously being revealed he is valued at over £130m.
The report makes it clear that Madrid are reluctant to sanction a departure, given that Guler has emerged as a crucial player since the arrival of Xabi Alonso.
Guler living up to his potential at Real Madrid
After impressing at international level in the summer, scoring against the USA and Hungary, scout Jacek Kulig suggested the Turk could go on to be a future star.
Since then, the 20-year-old has gone from strength to strength, picking up three goals and three assists in his opening seven La Liga games, with the starlet establishing himself as a key player for Real Madrid.
Having also been lauded as a “special talent” by scout Ben Mattinson, Guler could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham, but it seems very unlikely that a deal will be possible, given his astronomical price tag.
O Palmeiras contou com o retorno do ídolo Dudu para vencer o Atlético-MG por 1 a 0 nessa quarta-feira (2), em jogo válido pelo confronto de ida das oitavas de final da Libertadores.
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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
Na terça-feira (1), o atacante chegou em Belo Horizonte com uma proteção na perna direita e atuou por um pouco mais de 60 minutos antes de ser substituído por Jhon Jhon.
Apesar da tímida atuação diante do seu amigo Felipão, o retorno de Dudu foi importante para o jogador voltar a adquirir ritmo de jogo, principalmente pensando no segundo e decisivo duelo, no Allianz Parque, nesta quarta (9).
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Pensando exatamente nesta recuperação física, que Dudu pode ser titular diante do Fluminense, neste sábado (5), no Maracanã, pela penúltima rodada do primeiro turno do Brasileirão.
Enquanto Dudu busca retomar sua forma física ideal, Abel Ferreira vai ganhando o ‘reforço’ de alguns titulares que fizeram dois grandes jogos diante do América-MG e do Galo, como Murilo, Mayke, Zé Rafael e Raphael Veiga.
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+ ANÁLISE: Palmeiras ativa ‘modo competição’ e dá passo gigante para classificação na Libertadores
Nos últimos dois duelos diante do Fluminense fora de casa pelo Brasileirão, Dudu brilhou com um golaço em 2021 e uma assistência para a bike de Rony na temporada passada.
Abel Ferreira deve definir o time titular do Palmeiras nesta sexta-feira (4), em atividade na Academia de Futebol.
Se o Palmeiras pode poupar o time pensando no duelo de volta diante do Atlético-MG, o Fluminense também vive situação parecida, uma vez que o Tricolor carioca encara o Argentinos Jrs, também pelas oitavas da Libertadores.
Celtic made the surprise step of entering the free agent market in the 2025 summer transfer window for a striker after offloading Adam Idah to Swansea City on Deadline Day.
Following a frantic search for a replacement, Brendan Rodgers was able to seal a reunion with Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined the club a day after the market period ended following his release from Sevilla.
Rodgers has signed the new Scott Sinclair in "phenomenal" Celtic talent
Celtic could look to the past for inspiration, following the signing of the next Scott Sinclair…
ByRobbie Walls Sep 5, 2025
With the move causing quite a stir among supporters, we’ve taken a look at all of Rodgers’ free agent signings at Celtic Park, ranking each from best to worst across his two spells in the dugout.
11 Kundai Benyu 2017-2020
Kicking off proceedings, Kundai Benyu joined Celtic in 2017 on a free transfer from Ipswich Town, making four first-team appearances ahead of brief loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Helsingborg.
Kundai Benyu in Celtic training.
Eventually, he left the Bhoys to sign for Wealdstone United in 2020 before stints in Iceland at Vestri and IBV. The Zimbabwe international now features for Harare-based outfit CAPS United.
10 Youssouf Mulumbu 2018-2019
Becoming a late addition to Rodgers’ midfield in 2018 after Celtic failed to sign John McGinn from Hibernian, Mulumbu never really got going and managed only 155 minutes of competitive football across three appearances.
Youssouf Mulumbu.
Previously, he had enjoyed an excellent 2017/18 Scottish Premiership campaign at Kilmarnock and soon returned on loan to Rugby Park before a break clause in his Hoops contract saw him depart in the summer of 2019. Not a transfer that paid off for either party.
9 Ross Doohan 2015-2022, 2025-present
Ross Doohan rejoined Celtic from Aberdeen on a free transfer in the summer of 2025 and finds himself at the lower end of the scale due to not having made a competitive appearance for the club during either spell.
Ross Doohan with Scotland Under-21s.
Nevertheless, the Scotland international is a valued presence within the walls of Lennoxtown and has helped ease pressure on the Hoops’ European squad registration powers, making him a smart capture by the Scottish Premiership holders.
8 Callum Osmand 2025-present
Technically, Callum Osmand signed for Celtic in a cross-border compensation deal, but he has been included by virtue of joining after the end of his Fulham contract in summer 2025. Why not make things a little more fun?
The Jersey-born striker represents Wales on the international stage and featured in the Bhoys’ pre-season friendlies against Cork City and Estrela de Amadora.
Ultimately, his place on the list could fluctuate depending on whether he earns minutes over the coming months. He is highly-rated after 55 goal contributions in 73 outings at various youth levels at the Cottagers, though a loan seems like a sensible step to aid his development.
7 Emilio Izaguirre 2018-2019
At the time, many Celtic fans were shocked when Emilio Izaguirre returned to Parkhead in 2018 after leaving the club one year prior to join Al-Fayha. Still, his status as a cult hero among supporters generated a level of excitement.
In the end, the Honduran left-back registered a solitary assist in 19 appearances during his second spell in Glasgow, playing a part in the Bhoys winning a domestic treble.
Frequent injuries and Kieran Tierney’s position as first-choice limited his scope for inclusion. Despite being offered a one-year extension, 33-year-old Izaguirre departed Celtic with 13 winners medals in total for Motagua, where he is now Sporting Director.
6 Kolo Toure 2016-2017
Truthfully, you could argue the toss about whether Izaguirre’s second spell or Kolo Toure’s stint in Glasgow should be higher on the list, but the Ivorian has shaded it due to a key factor that will be explained.
Kolo Toure and Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.
Premier League winner Toure linked up with Rodgers shortly after departing Liverpool and clocked up 17 appearances under the Irishman before calling time on his distinguished career due to injury trouble.
Intriguingly, he then went on to become a part of Celtic’s backroom team as a technical assistant, remaining at Lennoxtown and then leaving to take up a first-team coach role at Leicester City. Supporters loved his infamous chant!
5 Kelechi Iheanacho 2025-present
The man everyone is talking about. Many Celtic supporters may have expected Kelechi Iheanacho to be ranked somewhere else on this list. However, it would be unfair to draw any premature conclusions before he has had a sustained run in the team.
By now, the Bhoys’ failed pursuit of Kasper Dolberg is common knowledge. Their efforts to land the Denmark international proved to be unsuccessful, and he is now back at Ajax, somewhere he feels is a second home.
An almighty scramble ensued before Celtic signed Iheanacho in an out-of-window deal, leaving many fans irate at a transfer strategy that saw the likes of David Datro Fofana and Patrick Bamford contacted over moves to Parkhead with no breakthrough.
Statistically, the Nigeria international is in Glasgow following one goal in 15 appearances during a loan spell at Middlesbrough circa 2024/25. Three strikes in 11 outings across his time in Seville is hardly a convincing tally either, all things considered.
Providing a saving grace, Rodgers has previously worked with Iheanacho and helped him produce some of the best football of his career at Leicester City, including a 19-goal campaign in 2020/21, a level he can hopefully rediscover under his guidance.
4 Scott Bain 2018-2025
Initially arriving on loan from Dundee ahead of a free transfer move to Celtic in the summer of 2018, Scott Bain cemented himself as another likeable figure among supporters and kept an impressive 40 clean sheets across 78 appearances for the Hoops.
Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain.
Capped three times by Scotland, the long-serving goalkeeper ended his spell in Glasgow with no fewer than 14 medals to his name. He moved to Falkirk during the transfer window and is enjoying life at the Scottish Premiership newcomers.
3 Kasper Schmeichel 2024-present
Kasper Schmeichel is another player who has significant experience working alongside Rodgers, and it is fair to say he has been a major success story at Celtic since arriving on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.
To date, the Denmark international has won the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup, and it doesn’t seem like he is done there despite being set to turn 39 in November.
Leading from the front, Schmeichel is a shining example of professionalism and his desire to keep showcasing his talents at Celtic is something to be admired.
2 Kieran Tierney 2015-2019, 2025-present
Some of you may be asking, why isn’t Kieran Tierney number one on this list? There is a reason for that, but the end decision has purely come down to the distinction of the fact he has only recently arrived on a free transfer.
Born in Douglas and a stalwart for Scotland under Steve Clarke, the 28-year-old is an icon at Celtic and shot to prominence in a first spell that saw him play a driving role in claiming eight trophies at the club, making 170 appearances in total and delivering eight goals alongside 37 assists.
From then on, Tierney secured a £25 million move from his boyhood club to Arsenal, claiming the FA Cup at the Gunners and earning recognition for his displays. Enjoying a different footballing climate, he also spent time on loan at Real Sociedad.
Now, he is firmly back at Celtic and has slotted in effortlessly under Rodgers after signing a five-year-deal in the summer of 2025.
O Santos deseja o retorno do técnico Fábio Carille, que está no V-Varen Nagasaki, do Japão, e já fez contatos com o estafe do treinador. Roger Machado, sem clube desde setembro de 2022, quando deixou o Grêmio, também é avaliado.
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Decidida em demitir o técnico Odair Hellmann desde a manhã desta quinta-feira (22), a direção santista oficializou a saída no início da tarde, mas já avalia o mercado em busca de um substituto.
Carille é visto como o profissional que mais apresentou respostas positivas no período em que esteve à frente do Santos, em setembro de 2021 até fevereiro de 2022, e sua saída foi um erro de gestão. Na época, a medida foi tomada pelo então executivo de futebol Edu Dracena, que tinha divergências com o treinador.
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Porém, a própria contratação de Dracena para o cargo diretivo hoje é analisada como um equívoco. O presidente Andres Rueda já deu declarações públicas demonstrando arrependimento da demissão de Carille.
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COMO CONVENCER O SUBSTITUTO
O entendimento da diretoria santista é que a oportunidade de voltar ao Brasil pode convencer Carille a aceitar um possível convite do Santos, que ainda não aconteceu. Por outro lado, seja qual for o profissional contratado, ele só teria contrato até o fim do ano, quando termina o mandato da gestão atual. Isso pode ser um impeditivo para Carille, que está empregado e tem contrato até janeiro de 2024 com o clube japonês.
Enquanto isso, o estafe de Roger Machado entrou em contato com a direção alvinegra de maneira informal. O nome do treinador foi oferecido ao clube alvinegro, que não mostrou resistência à opção. Pessoas próximas ao profissional, inclusive, disseram que não seria problema firmar um contrato até dezembro deste ano.
Manchester United have been told that Ruben Amorim would have been a perfect fit for one of their Premier League rivals. Since taking charge at Old Trafford, Amorim has managed United in 47 matches across all competitions, out of which they have won just 17 and have a 36 per cent win rate. The Red Devils were soundly beaten by Manchester City in their latest outing to pile more pressure on Amorim.
United's nightmare continues
After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, United hoped that things would change in the 2025-26 campaign under Amorim, especially after spending heavily in the summer transfer window to rebuild the team. However, the Red Devils find themselves 14th in the league table after their first four games and they were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup in the second round by League Two side Grimsby.
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Amorim refusing to change system
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has boldly claim that Amorim would have been a perfect fit at Chelsea instead of United. The 40-year-old's 3-4-3 system has come under intense scrutiny, especially after the derby loss at Manchester City, but he is refusing to change his set-up.
Merson's view on Amorim's system
In his column on , Merson wrote: "Ruben Amorim, the way he wants to play, is a worry. He won't change. He'll look at it and say 'I've got where I am today by playing the way I play,' using three at the back and high wing-backs. He would have been a perfect fit for Chelsea. They've got world-class wing-backs in Reece James and Malo Gusto, they've got the best holding midfield player in the league in Moises Caicedo. It would fit the players.
"You look at Man United and this system does not suit the squad they've got at all. The two wing-backs are nowhere near it, nowhere near good enough. And they are a big part of this formation working. No legs in midfield. Everything is up against him."
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United to host Chelsea next
United will next face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday. While the Blues will be busy with their Champions League commitments, as they face Bayern Munich on Wednesday, Amorim will get the entire week to prepare his team for the key domestic clash at Old Trafford.