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Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a frustrating start to the campaign and Vitor Pereira has been dealt an injury blow involving one of his key players.

Wolves turn focus to Everton clash after defeat at Newcastle

The Old Gold are still to pick up a point in the Premier League and find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Newcastle United last weekend.

Despite a closely contested encounter with plenty of solidity from both sides, Nick Woltemade’s header proved to be the difference, and in a way, he also highlighted Wolves’ lack of attacking potency.

Furious at how the flow of the match was halted, Pereira vented his frustration on Match of the Day by claiming the officials’ willingness to dish out yellow cards slowed his side’s momentum.

He said: “I’m very proud of my team. I think we competed since the first minute until the last minute in a difficult stadium.

“In the end I have a question. How is it possible for a team to press and be aggressive and win duels if we got yellow cards? It spoiled our game. It’s not possible to be aggressive and compete at this level with yellow cards in the middle of the field.”

Nevertheless, their lack of creativity has had a knock-on effect in the final third, something that will need to be rectified as Wolves gear up for a crucial double-header against Everton in the EFL Cup before Leeds United visit Molineux this weekend.

Dele Alli could provide an out-of-window dose of inspiration for the Old Gold. However, Pereira has now been dealt another blow in his search for coolness in front of goal that will frustrate supporters.

Wolves fear Jorgen Strand Larsen injury is now 'more serious'

As relayed by The Yorkshire Evening Post, Wolves may be without Jorgen Strand Larsen for the visit of Leeds this weekend, after Pereira admitted last week the Norway international’s Achilles injury is ‘more serious’ than first feared.

Explaining that the timeline for his return can’t be set in stone, he said after Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle: “Day by day, it’s his Achilles tendon, we cannot push — we need to be patient.”

Wolves' most expensive signings of all time

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Charlie Smith

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During the summer, Strand Larsen was the subject of significant interest from Newcastle and was valued at around £65 million by the Old Gold, hence why he ended up remaining at Molineux.

In a frustrating turn of events, the 25-year-old may be missing a while longer and unable to add to his return of 16 goals and five assists in 41 appearances across all competitions since joining initially on loan from Celta Vigo last summer.

Tolu Arokodare made his debut in the defeat at St James’ Park, and he may now be called upon for the coming run of matches following his move to the West Midlands from Genk.

وصف ريان شرقي صانع ألعاب مانشستر سيتي مدربه بيب جوارديولا بالمجنون، مؤكدا أنه ليس صعبا وصف مدى سعادته بعد انضمامه لصفوف الفريق الإنجليزي خلال الصيف الماضي.

وشارك ريان شرقي أساسياً للمرة الثانية فقط هذا الموسم في فوز فريقه مانشستر سيتي ضد سوانزي سيتي بثلاث أهداف لهدف واحد في كأس كاراباو.

وكان ريان شرقي قد غاب لستة أسابيع بسبب إصابة في الفخد، وقد كان الأمر محبطاً للنجم الفرنسي الذي سجل هدفا في أول مباراة له ضد وولفرهامبتون.

وتغزل ريان شرقي في مدربه بيب جوارديولا في تصريحات نشرتها “مانشستر إيفنينج نيوز” :”إنه رائع جداً ومجنون مثلي، رجلان مجنونان، نتحدث عن كل شيء، إنه أمر لا يصدق”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. مانشستر سيتي يدرس استعادة لاعبه في يناير

وأضاف: “كرة القدم هي كل حياتي، أستمتع بها وأنام عليها وأستحم بها، لدينا فريق كبير ونريد الفوز بجميع المباريات، لا نريد تكرار ما حدث في مباراتنا الأخيرة ضد فيلا”.

وواصل: “أشعر براحة كبيرة لأن الأمر بسيط مع هؤلاء اللاعبين، نتحدث بنفس الأسلوب لذا نستمتع عندما نكون على أرض الملعب”.

وأكمل: “من المهم جداً بالنسبة لي أن يستمتع الجمهور عندما يأتي للملعب، حياتي جيدة لكني لا أعرف إن كان لدى الجمهور الكثير من الأشياء السعيدة في حياتهم لذا أريدهم أن يستمتعوا عندما يأتون لملعبهم حتى يعودوا لمنازلهم بابتسامة”.

وأتم: “أشعر أنني بحالة جيدة جداً، كنت مصاباً لفترة طويلة وسعيد جداً بالعودة، بذلت جهدا كبيرا مع أخصائي العلاج الطبيعي لأعود سريعاً، وسعيد جداً بها واللعب مع زملائي، الأهم هو الفريق وليس أنا، أريد الاستمتاع بجميع المباريات والفوز بها، عندما نخسر المباراة الأخيرة نسعى للفوز بالمباراة القادمة ولذلك نحن سعداء”.

Injured Chelsea star Cole Palmer was spotted attending a UEFA Youth League game between the Blues and Benfica as the England international almost encroached onto the pitch. Earlier this month, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had revealed that he told Palmer to sit out all of Chelsea's fixtures before the international break due to his ongoing injury concerns.

Palmer's injury woes continues

Palmer had to be taken off after just 20 minutes during Chelsea's 2-1 defeat against Manchester United earlier this month. Later, it was revealed that the England international had suffered a recurrence of a persistent groin injury. He had also missed clashes against West Ham and Fulham due to the same issue before the international break.   

AdvertisementGetty Images SportInjured Palmer visited Chelsea youth team's clash

Despite being sidelined with an injury, Palmer made sure to back the Chelsea U19 side, who clashed against Benfica in a UEFA Youth League match on Tuesday. He was spotted standing near the corner, almost encroaching onto the pitch.  

Mourinho glad Palmer will miss Blues reunion

Chelsea's senior side are also set to clash with Benfica in a Champions League fixture on Wednesday. New Benfica boss Jose Mourinho is preparing for a homecoming and ahead of the game, the Portuguese manager expressed his delight that the Blues will miss the service of Palmer.   

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AFPChelsea to miss key players for Benfica

In addition to Palmer, Chelsea will also miss the services of key players like Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, and Andrey Santos, as all three players picked up knocks against Brighton last weekend.   

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is climbed the ratings list, but Lionel Messi is nowhere to be seen in the top batch of stars in the game

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Buy+ Pre Order Bonus

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EA Sports FC 26 will soon be splashed across screens all over the world, with the latest edition of the popular football video game being launched worldwide to fans on September 26, 2025. 

Get FC26 for 29% off nowShop now

One of the most fascinating and controversial aspects of the game is the player rating system, with keen gamers and even the players themselves arguing the toss over whether their ratings are true to reality.

The first batch of player ratings has been revealed – GOAL brings you the top-rated players on EA Sports FC 26.

Read more EA Sports FC 26 newsComplete guide to EA Sports FC 26Full list of new ICONS in EA Sports FC 26EA Sports FC 26 stadiums listGetty Images SportMohamed Salah | OVR: 91 | POS: RM | LiverpoolAdvertisementGetty ImagesKylian Mbappe | OVR: 91 | POS: ST | Real MadridGetty ImagesOusmane Dembele | OVR: 90 | POS: ST | PSGENJOYED THIS STORY?

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GettyRodri | OVR: 90 | POS: CDM | Manchester City

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is crossing his fingers that Erling Haaland will bounce back in time for the weekend after the striker hobbled out of Sunday’s bruising 1-1 draw with Arsenal due to injury. The Norwegian powerhouse shocked fans at the Emirates when he signalled to the bench after 76 minutes, complaining of sharp pain in his back. Guardiola had little choice but to hook off his star man, raising alarm bells just days before another relentless run of fixtures.

• Cup clash likely to come too soon

  City head to Huddersfield on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, but the 25-year-old is almost certain to sit that one out. Guardiola admitted that the midweek tie will come too early, but offered a glimmer of hope that Haaland could be back in action for Saturday’s Premier League showdown with Burnley at the Etihad.

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• Getty Images
  

  Guardiola remains optimistic about Haaland

  Sharing an update on Haaland, Guardiola said on Tuesday: "Recovery yesterday [Monday], he didn't train and I didn't see him and the rest of the players yet today. Hopefully he can play at the weekend. It's been such a demanding week, the last game especially, and sometimes the players have problems. I think he will be fine for the weekend. I hope so."

• Pep to make several changes for low-priority game

  Guardiola has run with the same starting XI for the matches against Manchester United, Napoli and Arsenal, but that consistency is about to break. The Catalan confirmed he’ll be rotating heavily at Huddersfield, with Haaland far from the only big name getting a breather.

  "It won't be the same starting XI as the last three games," Guardiola added. "The only problem for the Carabao Cup is we respect this competition but arriving at the competition with no injuries and we have injuries. It will be a mix with academy players to play because the priority is Burnley, Monaco and Brentford. It would have been perfect for [Rayan] Cherki, [Rayan] Ait-Nouri, Omar [Marmoush] but there are many players who can't play because they are injured. We will try to compete and go through."

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  Guardiola braced for crunch run

  With Huddersfield in midweek, Burnley at home on Saturday, Monaco in Europe and Brentford looming after that, Guardiola knows he has little margin for error. The relentless fixture list is already biting, and keeping Haaland fit could define the weeks ahead.

Newcastle United are believed to have made an approach for a recent Champions League finalist, with the Magpies also receiving a reply from his current club.

Newcastle continue to push for Wissa signing

The Magpies are still trying to keep hold of Alexander Isak beyond the end of the summer transfer window, with the saga surrounding the 25-year-old remaining complex.

Isak is training alone currently, playing no part in Saturday’s 0-0 draw away to Aston Villa in Newcastle’s Premier League opener, and while their fans will hope things blow over eventually, replacements need to be looked at in case he seals a move to Liverpool.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has emerged as a primary target for the Magpies, perhaps even regardless of whether Isak stays or not, and a new update claims that they are set to see a bid for him accepted.

Wissa is far from the only player linked with a move to Newcastle this month, however, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Villa star Ollie Watkins mentioned in recent weeks, but now a new update has dropped regarding a player in a different area of the pitch.

Newcastle make approach for Italy midfielder

According to Gazetta dello Sport, Newcastle have made an approach for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, but have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign him.

The Serie A giants are keen on keeping hold of the 25-year-old beyond this summer, potentially looking to offer him a contract extension in the process.

Frattesi, who was previously valued at £30m, is a popular figure at Inter, having gained a reputation for scoring important goals, not least the dramatic winner against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals last season.

The midfielder is also an eight-goal and 29-cap Italy international, outlining his pedigree, and Marco Tardelli has heaped praise on his influence for club and country.

“There are very few players like him. Inzaghi has several top players, and the three players he goes with in midfield are virtually a certainty: Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan. I can’t tell Simone who to play or not to play, obviously. But what Frattesi is doing with the national team is now there for all to say.”

Better than Ramos: Newcastle set to see bid accepted for "outstanding" CF

Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to sign a Premier League forward to bolster their squad.

1 ByWill Miller Aug 17, 2025

For now, it looks as though Newcastle could miss out on yet another transfer target, as has been the case throughout this summer, but if things change and a second bid is accepted, Frattesi could be a great addition to Eddie Howe’s midfield.

أعلنت لجنة الحكام في الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، عن طاقم تحكيم مباراة منتخب مصر ضد جيبوتي، المقرر إقامتها في شهر أكتوبر المقبل، ضمن تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي منتخب مصر مع جيبوتي، في الجولة التاسعة من مباريات المجموعة الأولي للتصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلي نهائيات كأس العالم القادم.

وتقام مباراة منتخب مصر مع جيبوتي، يوم 8 من شهر أكتوبر المقبل، في الدار البيضاء بالمغرب، على ملعب العربي الزاولي، في تمام الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

طالع | تصنيف فيفا لـ شهر سبتمبر 2025.. منتخب مصر يتراجع عالميًا

وتعد موقعة منتخب مصر وجيبوتي، حاسمة للفراعنة، حيث أن الفوز يؤهل منتخب مصر بشكل رسمي إلي كأس العالم بإمريكا وكندا والمكسيك دون الانتظار إلي الجولة الأخيرة أمام غينيا بيساو.

ويتصدر منتخب مصر، ترتيب المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 20 نقطة، من الفوز في 6 مباريات والتعادل في مواجهتين. حكم مباراة منتخب مصر وجيبوتي في تصفيات كأس العالم

حكم ساحة: باتريك مابياه (الجابون).

حكم مساعد أول: أموس إبينجي (الجابون).

حكم مساعد ثاني: إوندو إيتونو (الجابون).

الحكم الرابع: بريز دو سانتوس (إسواتيني).

ويراقب المباراة الليبي جمال سالم.

There have been moments, flashes, when Darwin Nunez has looked like the player Liverpool thought they were investing in three years ago, with the Anfield side’s then club-record capture memorably getting off the mark on debut in the Community Shield.

Who can forget the Uruguayan’s breathtaking brace as the ten-man Reds romped past Newcastle United at St James’ Park in August 2023, with Nunez briefly resembling the player who had hit 48 goals in just 85 games for former club Benfica.

Unfortunately for all concerned, such statement displays have been few and far between to date, with the chaotic nature of the profligate striker looking distinctly at odds with the cool and composed style of Arne Slot’s football.

That chasm resulted in Nunez scoring just seven times in all competitions in 2024/25, having notably been restricted to just eight Premier League starts. An exit – most likely to Serie A champions Napoli – now appears an inevitability ahead of next term.

With Luis Diaz earning admiring glances from those at Barcelona, the need for a new figure to lead the line has only been heightened. Enter, a high-profile target…

Liverpool plotting bid for high profile forward

£187m has already been spent on acquiring Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, although with funds set to be raked in amid the potential sales of Nunez and Diaz – alongside Jarell Quansah’s £35m exit – there could still be further activity for Slot and co over the coming weeks.

The Merseysiders have notably been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt starlet, Hugo Ekitike, with the 23-year-old believed to have emerged as a top target, amid his ability to feature off the left or in a central role.

That versatility is also a feature of Real Madrid star Rodrygo’s game, with reports in Spain suggesting that Liverpool are among a trio of Premier League clubs who are keen on signing the highly-rated Brazilian.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that, along with Manchester City and Arsenal, the Anfield side are in the mix for the 24-year-old’s signature, with the report outlining that they have already been ‘informed’ of the player’s situation.

Not only has there seemingly been contact made, but the piece also outlines that Liverpool are ready and willing to submit an offer for the former Santos starlet, with prior reports indicating that he could command a fee of around £75m.

With The Athletic noting that Rodrygo could be made available by the LaLiga giants this summer, having played a bit-part role for Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup, now could be the perfect time for Slot to pounce.

Why Liverpool need to sign Rodrygo

Having seen Trent Alexander-Arnold join the Spanish outfit for a fee of around £10m earlier this summer, the Reds could more than get their own back by prising the unsettled Rodrygo from the Bernabeu.

At just 24, the Brazil international offers that perfect blend of youth and experience, having already spent six seasons in Madrid, following his £38m arrival back in the summer of 2019.

Such a deal could evoke memories of the capture of a certain Fernando Torres from the Spanish capital back in 2007, with the prolific striker making the switch at the age of 23, having proven himself for Atletico Madrid.

Like Rodrygo – who has scored 68 goals in 270 games for Los Blancos – Torres was an undoubted star in LaLiga, with that first spell at Atleti seeing him reach double figures for league goals in each of his first five seasons.

Such red-hot form was more than replicated at Anfield, with ‘El Nino’ ultimately dazzling alongside Steven Gerrard and co, having terrorised defences up and down the country over the next four years.

A return of 81 goals in 142 games is certainly nothing to be sniffed at, certainly not when compared to Nunez’s return of just 40 goals in 143 games thus far, having been hailed as “among the best” in the division by then-boss Rafa Benitez.

Similar praise has been dished out by ex-Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, in relation to Rodrygo, with the iconic Italian naming his young winger as one of the “best players in the world”, alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.

2024/25

30

12

2023/24

34

15

2022/23

34

18

2021/22

33

8

2020/21

22

7

2019/20

19

2

While Rodrygo’s star has been dimmed by that trio, it is hard to deny his quality, with the fleet-footed marksman already scoring 25 times in just 65 Champions League appearances for his current side. For comparison, Torres scored 20 times in 79 career outings in Europe’s elite competition.

Although not necessarily a centre-forward by trade, the £75m man could emulate Diaz in providing a more fluid and mobile option through the middle, with Ancelotti previously suggesting in the past that number nine could be best suited to him, as his “strengths are his movement”.

Having previously seen Torres make a smooth transition to live in England, after leaving Madrid behind, hopefully Rodrygo can follow suit this summer.

He's as exciting as Wirtz: Liverpool in contact to sign a £75m "superstar"

This transfer target could be the perfect Luis Diaz replacement at Liverpool.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 9, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is very keen to land one of his transfer targets before July 23, with a report this week sharing exactly why and lifting the lid on their plans to submit a new bid for the player.

He's more exciting than Zubimendi: Arsenal looking to sign £70m "superstar"

Arsenal could make an even more exciting signing than Martin Zubimendi.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 24, 2025

The Gunners will confirm their first signing of the summer very soon.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi travelled to London last week as he finalised a switch to Arsenal and put the finishing touches on his contract, while fellow Spaniard and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is also poised to join Arteta after being deemed surplus by Chelsea.

Both men are set to be followed by a striker too, but debate still surrounds who that might be.

Arsenal have been working on deals for both RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, as per numerous reports, including the BBC, but there is a growing belief among some media outlets that the latter is currently in pole position to join Arteta’s side.

“Sporting are going to play hardball, there’s been a fallout between Gyokeres and the club because his agent has suggested that they had a gentleman’s agreement he could leave for £60million, I think they’re looking for nearer £80m,” said talkSPORT’s Alex Crook last week.

“Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Sesko, they’ve opened talks with Leipzig as well but at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely.”

Reports in Portugal have claimed that Arsenal saw a £55 million bid rejected for Gyokeres turned down recently. However, they’re expected to go back in with another offer closer to Sporting’s valuation.

Arsenal prepare new Viktor Gyokeres bid as Mikel Arteta pushes

As per another Portuguese source, the newspaper Correio de Manha, Arsenal are “prepared to make another offer” for Gyokeres, with Arteta pushing to sign the prolific 27-year-old in time for their pre-season tour of Asia – which kicks off in Singapore against AC Milan on July 23.

So, in short, if Arsenal decide to go all in for the Sweden international over Sesko, Arteta is keen for Gyokeres to be signed within the next month, and it isn’t exactly hard to see why Coventry City’s ex-star is high on the Gunners’ transfer shortlist.

He spearheaded Rui Borges’ side to their first domestic double in two decades with an outstanding 54 goals in all competitions last season, but they face stiff competition from Man United.

Gyokeres would prefer Arsenal ahead of a move to Old Trafford, as confirmed by the likes of Fabrizio Romano, but he still hasn’t completely snubbed United either.

“Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs on X in the last 10 days.

“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed for #MUFC. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are working in tandem on the club’s summer recruitment drive ahead of a vital 2025/2026 campaign, where the Gunners are under real pressure to deliver silverware.

Arsenal hold talks over key targets ahead of "big" summer window

After this brief interlude, the summer window will reopen on June 16, and remain open until September 1.

Related Arsenal confirm "very popular" 22-year-old has now joined another club

He’s officially left north London.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

In the background, Arsenal continue working on their top summer targets before they’re officially allowed to register any new signings once again, and it is believed they’re closing in on a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (David Ornstein).

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

It’s long been reported that Berta and co are keen to add a capable second-choice keeper to their ranks with Neto returning to Bournemouth, and Arsenal recently missed out on a deal for long-term target Joan Garcia, who is set to join Barcelona instead.

Given how long it is taking for Arsenal to officially sign Martin Zubimendi, with Fabrizio Romano recently assuring supporters that everything is indeed agreed for the Spaniard to join, Arrizabalaga could end up being the club’s first signing announcement of the summer.

Further forward, Arsenal want to sign a new winger as well, but are resigned to losing out on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane after his agreement to join Galatasaray.

The Gunners will now need to turn to alternative wide targets, perhaps Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, and there is also the matter of moving forward in negotiations for their top striker target – RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal hold London talks over signing Benjamin Sesko

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal held London talks to sign Sesko in the last few days, with discussions taking place in the English capital.

This follows an agreement on personal terms with the 6 foot 5 centre-forward, who bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season, but both Leipzig and Arsenal remain in dispute over Sesko’s final price.

The Bundesliga side are holding out for around £67 million, the value of his release clause, while Arteta’s side are trying to negotitate a lower fee.

Arteta has apparently made it clear behind-the-scenes that Sesko must be their priority striker signing, and there is confidence on all sides that an agreement will eventually be struck.

Saudi sides have recently expressed an interest in the 22-year-old as well, but his focus is on remaining in Europe and competing at the very top level.