بطولات يوضح.. كيف يفكر الزمالك بعد قرار استمرار أحمد عبد الرؤوف؟

يعيش نادي الزمالك مرحلة ترقب جديدة بعد استمرارية أحمد عبد الرؤوف في القيادة الفنية للفريق الأول، وسط نقاشات داخلية حول مستقبل الجهاز الفني.

مصدر داخل القلعة البيضاء أوضح لـ بطولات أن إدارة النادي وضعت خريطة واضحة لتقييم التجربة قبل حسم مصير المدرب نهائيًا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لاعب الأهلي السابق مهاجمًا زيزو بسبب هشام نصر: دولاب المبادئ انتهى وهذا الثنائي أقل من الزمالك

وعلم بطولات أن هناك ثلاث مواجهات ستكون حاسمة في مستقبل عبد الرؤوف، أمام زيسكو يونايتد وكايزر تشيفز في الكونفدرالية، بالإضافة إلى سموحة في الدوري المصري.

وسيتم تقييم أداء الزمالك في هذه المباريات تحت قيادة عبد الرؤوف قبل فترة التوقف الطويلة الخاصة بكأس العرب وكأس الأمم الإفريقية.

تقديم أداء قوي وتحقيق نتائج إيجابية خلال تلك المواجهات قد يضمن استمرار الجهاز الفني الحالي لفترة أطول داخل القلعة البيضاء.

ويأتي هذا القرار بعد مناقشات مطولة داخل النادي حول إمكانية التعاقد مع مدير فني أجنبي، حيث كان المرشح الأول من قبل المدير الرياضي جون إدوارد هو نونو ألميدا، الذي سبق أن قاد فاركو خلال فترة تواجد إدوارد هناك.

وفي النهاية، اتفق المدير الرياضي مع إدارة الزمالك على استمرار أحمد عبد الرؤوف حفاظًا على الاستقرار الفني وتجنب أي هزة جديدة في هذه المرحلة الحساسة من الموسم.

The Euro XI: Chaotic El Clasico lives up to 'classic' billing, Ruben Amorim is a genius, and Scott McTominay gives Napoli title hope

GOAL US unpacks the main weekend storylines from the Premier League, La Liga and other top competitions in The Euro XI

Well that was a weekend. El Clasico hasn't been this testy in years. In truth, it's a weird fixture these days, a game that has lost a sense of gravitas since Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo left the league. Back then, it was a forum where the world's best would clash. Now, it seems more like a petty rivalry between sides that haven't been equals in a while.

This league needs another classic title race, and with Madrid beating Barca, 2-1, we might just have the makings of one.

Elsewhere in Europe, the Premier League decided to go as mad as possible. Liverpool lost to Brentford, a shocking result – yet entirely predictable. Arsenal needed a set piece to beat Crystal Palace. And we can now say that Man United were geniuses to hire Ruben Amorim and keep Bruno Fernandes, because they have won three in a row – and that's probably a good thing.

Football, eh?

GOAL US presents The Euro XI, with 11 key observations from the weekend.

  • Getty Images Sport

    1Clasico glory for Madrid

    Real Madrid's first big game of the year was a 5-2 battering at the hands of Atletico Madrid. Xabi Alonso's side were miserable that day, and thoroughly deserved the loss to their crosstown rivals. But for Barcelona, they had a plan.

    Alonso got tactically groovy, used left-footed Eduyardo Camavinga as a right midfielder, and coaxed an excellent performance out of Jude Bellingham. The result? A 2-1 win that could have been 5-0 – with some bonus chaos at the end.

    And just like that, Alonso is a good manager again.

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    2Man United are legit …

    So, this is the world we live in now. Manchester United are a proper soccer team. Well done, Ruben Amorim. Football nerds will tell you that their underlying numbers – the moneyball stuff – has been looking pretty good for a while now.

    They are, statistically, to good to be in the bottom half of the table. But the nerdy bits don't always align with the actual results. They have now. United have won 3(!!) in a row, highlighted by an impressive yet immensely uncomfortable 3-2 beating of Brighton. Is there hope?

  • AFP

    3… Liverpool are not

    This is how soccer works. There must always be a crisis club. Even clubs that are probably only underperforming a little bit are in crisis. It's usually an act of hyperbole. "Crisis" is a bit much, especially considering this is just a game in which 22 people kick a ball.

    Well, sound the actual klaxon for Liverpool, who are in truly miserable form of late. They have now lost four straight, highlighted by a miserable 3-2 defeat against Brentford. This feels like rock bottom. The question: Do they stay there?

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    4Boring, boring Arsenal get it done

    Here's a fun fact. Arsenal are 19th in the Premier League in goals from open play. That's a relegation number. Here's another fun fact. Arsenal have allowed just one goal from open play. That's title winning form.

    They did the business against Crystal Palace on Sunday to the tune of a 1-0 win (yes, their goal came from a set piece). They are now four points clear atop the Prem. Yes, there are the "early days" caveats here, but the Gunners look like title faves.

Rodgers can drop Yang by unleashing Celtic "game winner" in brand-new role

Celtic return to action in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon as they prepare to welcome Hibernian to Parkhead after their Europa League clash in midweek.

The Hoops were held to a 1-1 draw by Red Star Belgrade in Serbia on Wednesday night, as Marko Arnautovic cancelled out Kelechi Iheanacho’s opener.

Brendan Rodgers may look to make some changes to his starting line-up for this clash with Hibs in Glasgow, starting by dropping Hyun-jun Yang back down to the bench.

Why Hyun-jun Yang should be dropped

The South Korea international failed to register a shot on goal and did not create a single chance for his teammates in 68 minutes on the pitch against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday night, per Sofascore.

Yang did find the back of the net in a 4-0 win over Championship side Partick Thistle, but his performances in the Premiership so far this season have not been good enough.

The 23-year-old forward has not scored or created a goal in his three appearances, including two starts, in the division this season, per Sofascore, and has only created one chance for the side in that time.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

With James Forrest, who has scored one league goal since the start of last season, being the only other natural right winger in the squad, Rodgers should get creative and unleash Luke McCowan in a brand-new role against Hibs.

The position Luke McCowan should play in against Hibernian

Per Transfermarkt, the Scottish midfielder has played centrally in every single one of his starts for the first-team since his move from Dundee last year.

However, unleashing the left-footed star on the right of the front three could be a move that makes a lot of sense for Celtic and for the player himself, given Yang and Forrest’s lack of consistent impact in that position.

McCowan, who was described as a “game winner” by Marvin Bartley, is a proven Premiership performer who knows how to make an impact at the top end of the pitch, as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

xG

0.31

Top 3%

Goals

0.46

Top 4%

Shots on target

1.26

Top 3%

xA

0.40

Top 3%

Assists

0.46

Top 5%

Chances created

2.51

Top 5%

As you can see in the table above, the experienced operator was an outstanding performer among central midfielders in the league last season when you take his per 90 statistics into account.

McCowan delivered eight goals and eight assists, despite starting 16 of his 36 appearances, which shows that he has the quality to consistently contribute with goals and assists, unlike Yang and Forrest.

As a natural central midfielder, the Scottish whiz is composed and assured on the ball, having completed 85% of his passes in the league this season, which means that he could take the ball under pressure in wide positions.

What could make this positional tweak so impactful, though, is that it would allow McCowan to drift infield to support the other midfielders and move closer to Kelechi Iheanacho, whilst creating the space for Colby Donovan to advance into the last line out wide.

This would create more options in possession in the final third for Celtic without play becoming too congested out wide with Forrest or Yang next to Donovan out wide, as both wingers are right-footed and want to go down the line.

Whereas, McCowan can move inside to give the full-back the freedom of the flank, whilst creating favourable angles for him to play bounce passes into Iheanacho or to link up with the likes of Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate.

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ByDan Emery Sep 23, 2025

Therefore, Rodgers must unleash McCowan in a brand-new role on the right wing because it could improve the potency of Celtic’s attack against Hibernian, both because of the quality of the midfielder and the tactical advantage that it could provide.

Vincent Kompany 'acts like a 60-year-old!' – Bayern Munich are 'untouchable' as ex-Man City captain credited with making them Europe's best team

Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich are drawing plaudits across Europe after a flawless start to the season. Former Germany star Matthias Sammer hailed the ex-Manchester City captain for his calm authority and leadership, saying Bayern have become “untouchable” under his guidance, echoing similar praise from Philipp Lahm recently, crediting Kompany for restoring stability and dominance at the club.

  • Kompany’s Bayern dominate Europe

    The Belgian coach Kompany’s impact at Bayern has been nothing short of transformative, and since taking charge in the summer of 2024, the Belgian tactician has silenced all doubters by guiding the Bavarians to 10 consecutive wins across all competitions this season. Bayern have scored 38 goals and conceded just eight, with Harry Kane in record-breaking form. Their ruthless attacking rhythm and tactical discipline have made them the most formidable team in Europe, firmly putting Kompany among the continent’s elite coaches.

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    Kompany 'acts like a 60-year-old' says Matthias

    Former Germany and Bayern sporting director Sammer heaped praise on Kompany in a recent appearance, highlighting his maturity and influence. 

    “He acts like a 55- or 60-year-old, calm, confident, and clear. This is how he conveys stability to his team on and off the field," Sammer said. "Their game plan and individual quality make them untouchable; they're in top shape, with speed, creativity, and technique. They've gotten even better, even off the ball. Now they have to compensate for that over the next few months. At some point, that might not work so well. Then it's all about winning a game with personality and aura on a bad day. For me, the symbiosis of coach and team is currently the number one in Europe." 

  • Calm Restored at Bayern

    Former Bayern captain Philipp Lahm also credited Kompany for restoring order and direction at Bayern after a turbulent few seasons marked by managerial instability. 

    “He has brought calm to the club. That wasn’t the case before. There were many managerial changes, and it’s difficult to establish stability at a club like Bayern. Now that has been achieved,” Lahm recently said. 

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    Dortmund clash and European ambitions

    After the international break, Bayern return to Bundesliga action against their possibly the toughest competition in the league, Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be a decisive top-of-the-table clash. With Kompany’s men already flying high domestically and in Europe, expectations are soaring. Another statement win could cement Bayern’s claim as Europe’s best team, and further vindicate the club’s bold gamble to appoint a coach once written off after his Burnley stint.

Brasil terá quatro representantes na Copa do Mundo Feminina que já passaram pelo Palmeiras

MatériaMais Notícias

A Copa do Mundo Feminina da FIFA começou nesta quinta-feira (20) e o Brasil se prepara para fazer a sua estréia na próxima segunda-feira (24), diante do Panamá, em busca do inédito título mundial na competição que marca a despedida da lenda Marta com a amarelinha.

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O Brasil está no grupo F, que ainda conta com a forte França e também a Jamaica.

A torcida do Palmeiras, que se acostumou a torcer pelo futebol feminino nos últimos anos, terá alguns bons motivos para torcer pelo time de Pia Sundhage neste Mundial, afinal a Seleção conta com quatro jogadoras que tiveram passagem recente pelo Verdão, incluindo duas titulares que foram importantíssimas para o 2022 histórico que o Verdão teve com a modalidade, quando conquistou a Libertadores e também o Campeonato Paulista.

Além da zagueira Rafaelle e da recém integrada ao grupo Angelina, que tiveram passagens recentes pelo Verdão, o Brasil conta com o brilho de Ary Borges, que fez história na Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras antes de embarcar para os Estados Unidos neste ano, e claro, com a experiência e o talento de Beatriz Zaneratto, principal nome da modalidade atuando no Brasil e que ostenta a camisa 10 e a faixa de capitã do Palmeiras até hoje.

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+ Copa do Mundo Feminina: conheça as jogadoras que marcam ‘golaço’ em favor de causas sociais

Bia deve ser a grande esperança de gols do Brasil na competição e a torcida brasileira conta muito com a estrela da Imperatriz para que nossas meninas façam história na Austrália e na Nova Zelândia.

O jogo entre Brasil x Panamá está marcado para a próxima segunda-feira (24) e a bola rola a partir das 8h (horário de Brasília). Todas as partidas do Brasil na Copa terão transmissão da Rede Globo, do Sportv e também da Cazé TV.

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Romero will love him: Spurs chasing "one of the best defenders in the PL"

Whilst Thomas Frank managed to win his first Premier League game as Tottenham Hotspur manager, the club still have work to do before the end of the summer transfer window.

He’s already been backed by the board, landing a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus, but ultimately, further big-money reinforcements are needed to avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Lilywhites ended the previous year in 17th place, still managing to win the Europa League, with the Dane the man to lead them into the Champions League this season.

However, if the 51-year-old is to be successful in either of the competitions in the near future, he will need added quality in depth within key areas of the pitch.

Big money will likely need to be spent if added success is to be achieved, but one of the club’s key dealings may have already taken place over the last couple of days.

Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match

Cristian Romero’s new contract at Tottenham Hotspur

Back in the summer of 2021, Spurs completed the loan signing of Cristian Romero from Italian outfit Atalanta, making the centre-back’s move permanent 12 months later – costing around £42.5m in the process.

Whilst his disciplinary record has often been brought into question, he’s been a key component of the Lilywhites’ backline, making 126 appearances over the last four years.

The 27-year-old was named the club’s captain last week, highlighting the trust new boss Frank has placed in him – understandably so given his Man of the Match showing in the European final against Manchester United.

The good news has continued for the Argentine, penning a new four-year deal until the summer of 2029, with such a move arguably one of the best pieces of business conducted by the club this window, amid interest from Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.

However, despite Romero’s new contract, the hierarchy are looking to add further quality into the club’s backline, handing Frank the added depth he needs to help the side challenge at the top of England’s top-flight.

Spurs targeting move for a new Romero partner

Over recent days, Spurs have entered talks with Manchester City over a potential deal for 20-year-old right-back Rico Lewis – potentially providing competition for Pedro Porro.

The Englishman has also been subject to interest from Nottingham Forest, but it’s been confirmed that the youngster wants to remain at the Etihad beyond the summer window.

However, he’s not the only defender in their sights, with the club also strongly considering a move to land Brentford star Nathan Collins, according to the Daily Mail.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been closely monitoring the Irish international, who featured in every single minute of the previous Premier League campaign.

It also states that Manchester United and Liverpool are also plotting a move for the 24-year-old, but Spurs could hold the key to any move, given the centre-back’s previous time playing under Frank at the GTEC.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be perfect for Romero

Whilst Frank has only overseen two competitive games as Spurs boss, he’s already showcased his versatility in the role, operating with various different systems.

In the UEFA Super Cup final against PSG, the Dane utilised a back-five, whilst switching back to a more familiar back four in the win against Burnley on Saturday.

However, if the club are to be a success, adapting the side based upon the opposition is vital, something which was hugely lacking during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.

A move for Collins could offer the new boss the depth he craves, adding another option to the heart of the defence, which could allow for a centre-back trio of Micky van de Ven, Romero and the Irishman.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Bees star would set the hierarchy back before the September 1st deadline, but it would be a transfer that would add the needed quality to the defensive unit.

Brentford'sNathanCollinsapplauds

When comparing his stats to those of Romero from 2024/25, the 24-year-old managed to outperform the Argentine in key areas, even ranking highly among other defenders in the division.

Collins, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by journalist Mario Marra, ranked in the 97th percentile for blocks made (2.1) whilst ranking in the 89th percentile for aerials won (3.1), according to FBref.

How Collins & Romero compared in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Collins

Romero

Games played

38

18

Goals & assists

5

1

Progressive carries

0.9

0.7

Progressive passes

4.8

4.5

Blocks made

2.1

1.1

Clearances made

5.9

3.6

Aerials won

3.1

2.6

Aerial success rate

63%

60%

Stats via FBref

Such figures are both higher than those produced by Romero, which would subsequently hand Frank the quality at the back to improve the record of 65 league goals conceded last season.

The Irishman also achieved a better aerial success rate last season, whilst making nearly two times more clearances per 90 – further highlighting the quality he possesses without the ball.

Nathan Collins

However, despite Collins’ ability without the ball, he’s also showcased his talent in possession, something which has been vital in Frank’s system – as seen by the Bees’ average possession of 48% in the Premier League during 2024/25.

He managed to achieve more progressive passes and carries per 90 last season, able to seamlessly fit into the manager’s plans given his previous stint under his guidance.

Whilst it’s unclear how much the Bees will be demanding to part ways with their captain, it’s a deal that could transform the Lilywhites’ fortunes within the defensive third.

If he can replicate such numbers from 2024/25, he could prove to be the perfect partner for Romero, which could provide added success for the club in the not-too-distant future.

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Nair, Shorey unbeaten centuries power Vidarbha into Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-finals

The two made short work of the 292-run chase against Rajasthan in Vadodara

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jan-2025

Karun Nair scored his fourth consecutive century (File photo)•Maharaja T20

Unbeaten centuries from Karun Nair and Dhruv Shorey saw Vidarbha chase down their target of 292 in style against Rajasthan and march to the semi-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.Vidarbha captain Nair notched up his fourth consecutive century and his fifth in the season and finished with an unbeaten 122. He tops the run charts this year with a whopping 664 runs, which is also his average as he has only been dismissed once in six innings.Nair and Shorey shared an unbroken 200-run stand for the second wicket as Vidarbha gunned down their target in 43.3 overs. Shorey first shared a 92-run opening stand with Yash Rathod before Nair joined him at the crease.The two then made short work of the chase, with Shorey hitting ten fours and three sixes to finish on 118* off 131 deliveries. Nair was more aggressive in his approach, taking just 82 balls for his 122, with 13 fours and five sixes.After being put in to bat, Rajasthan started slow and had only managed 15 runs when opener Abhijeet Tomar fell to Nachiket Bhute in the seventh over. One over later, his opening partner Manav Suthar was sent packing by Yash Thakur.Mahipal Lomror and Deepak Hooda then stitched a 71-run stand before the two fell in the space of four overs. Shubham Garhwal and Kartik Sharma then added 82 runs for the fifth wicket before Thakur struck again, removing Garhwal for 59. Kartik then shared a 50-run stand with wicketkeeper Samarpit Joshi but the two fell in consecutive overs, with Rajasthan’s score still under 250. Deepak Chahar smacked three sixes and two fours en route to a 14-ball 31 that helped Rajasthan get close to 300. Thakur was the pick of the bowlers for Vidarbha, with figures of 4 for 39.Vidarbha will play Maharashtra in the second semi-final in Vadodara on January 16.

Newcastle racing to sign "phenomenal" star who outscored Isak last season

On the hunt to end their search for a striker at long last, Newcastle United are now reportedly battling to sign an impressive target who outscored Alexander Isak last season.

Newcastle's striker search goes on

It’s been a disappointing summer for Newcastle, but it’s especially been a woeful last seven days. Having missed out on Hugo Ekitike, it seemed as though the saving grace in that saga would be that Liverpool settled for the Frenchman rather than Isak on top. But the Swede has since dropped a bombshell on the Magpies.

Reports swiftly emerged earlier this week that the forward’s thigh injury was simply a smokescreen for his desire to leave St James’ Park this summer to spark what could be an almighty battle between the player and club as the transfer window progresses.

Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal

Having his say on the matter, Eddie Howe told reporters: “Of course there are things going on behind the scenes. He will be aware, he’s in the news every day and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons.

“We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room. We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.”

Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle isn’t even the latest of a long line of disappointing news this summer, however, with their pursuit to sign Yoane Wissa taking a major twist.

Now, with the Isak sage continuing and Wissa off the table for now, Newcastle have reportedly set their sights on a familiar face.

Newcastle battling for Mitrovic return

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle United are now battling to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic from Al-Hilal this summer, with those at the club warming to the idea of bringing him back. The experienced goalscorer, who still loves the Magpies despite his time at the club not ending in the way he would have dreamed, could put his St James’ Park failure behind him once and for all with a return this summer.

Appearances

72

Goals

17

Assists

10

Seven years on from leaving Newcastle, Mitrovic is far more well-rounded and even outscored Isak’s 27-goal haul last season with 28 of his own in all competitions and loves St James’ Park, once calling it his favourite away ground while at Fulham.

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It was during his time at Fulham that the Serbian earned the most praise, with manager Marco Silva going as far as to describe him as “phenomenal” in 2022. Now, at 30 years old, Mitrovic could return with a bang to St James’ Park to hand Howe an unexpected solution to his growing striker problems.

The next Jota: Celtic are now attempting to sign "very exciting" £3.2m star

Celtic’s hectic pre-season schedule continues.

First, Brendan Rodgers’ side enjoyed victories over both Queen’s Park and Cork City, with Johnny Kenny the only scorer at Lesser Hampden, before young defender Colby Donovan was the late match-winner at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday.

After that, the Hoops travelled to Portugal, defeated 3-2 by Estrela da Amadora in Seixal, just outside Lisbon, on Saturday; Reo Hatate and Adam Idah the goalscorers.

So, before facing Portuguese champions Sporting CP at Estádio Algarve on Wednesday, could the Celts add another Portuguese player to their squad?

Celtic's latest transfer target

Somewhat surprisingly, just three Portuguese players have ever played for Celtic and, as the table below notes, two are in the current squad.

Celtic Portuguese players

Players

Club arrived from

Celtic career

Celtic appearances

Jorge Cadete

Sporting CP

1996-97

49

Jota

Benfica

2021-23 & 25-present

99

Paulo Bernardo

Benfica

2023-present

77

Information courtesy of Transfermarkt

Jorge Cadete made an enormous impact at Celtic in the late-90s, scoring 38 goals in 49 appearances for the club, before being sold to Celta de Vigo.

Meantime, Jota and Paulo Bernardo remain key figures in the current Celtic side, even if the former is sidelined long-term due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, so could another Portuguese youngster be about to arrive?

Former Celtic winger Jota.

Well, according to a report by Portuguese newspaper Record, Celtic are ‘fighting’ to sign Flávio Nazinho this summer, with Roma and Real Sociedad amongst those also interested.

Nazinho is a 21-year-old left-back who began his senior career at Sporting CP, his debut coming against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in November 2021.

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

However, after only accumulating 11 appearances for the Green and Whites, totalling 383 minutes, he joined Cercle Brugge, initially on loan, before the deal was made permanent for €1m (£860k) last summer.

Well, since then, according to Football Transfers, his value has increased exponentially, now worth around £3.2m, so could he join yet another side whose home kit prominently features green?

Why Flávio Nazinho would be a success at Celtic

The young defender’s career has really taken off since moving to Cercle Brugge, making 62 appearances for the Green and Blacks, a key figure as they qualified for a UEFA group stage for the very first time.

One content creator labelled him a “very exciting” full-back who is “quick” and “doesn’t shy away from a tackle”.

Meantime, Ross Pilcher of the Daily Record believes he would be the perfect deputy to Kieran Tierney at left-back, given the returning hero’s injury record, with Rodgers searching for a reliable back-up, following Greg Taylor’s move to PAOK.

Could Nazinho be just that? Well, let’s assess his statistics in last season’s Jupiler Pro League to find out.

Flávio Nazinho’s Jupiler Pro League statistics 2024/25

Statistics

Nazinho

Belgian league rank

Minutes

1,172

185th

Progressive passes

25

37th

Shot-creating actions

53

66th

Goal-creating actions

7

34th

Tackles

36

87th

% of dribblers tackled

68.8%

17th

Take-on success %

57.7%

29th

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

The table outlines that Nazinho is a well-rounded player, ranking generally highly in terms of passing, chances created, tackling and take-ons.

This is despite his limited minutes due to a hamstring injury, as well as the fact that he was playing for the team that ultimately finished third-bottom, only retaining their top-flight status by beating Patro Eisden Maasmechelen in a play-off; Nazhino scoring during the second leg at Jan Breydelstadion.

​​​​​​

When Jota arrived at Celtic, he had failed to make the breakthrough at Benfica and then endured a miserable loan spell at Real Valladolid, before only flourishing once he was signed by Ange Postecoglou.

Well, Nazinho has a lot more senior experience right now than Jota did when he first joined four years ago, suggesting the full-back could be the next young player to burst onto the scene in Glasgow’s East End.

Celtic could land better winger than Balikwisha in "electric" £3.5m star

Celtic could land an even better signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha by swooping for this star.

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By
Dan Emery

Jul 11, 2025

Rangers target meets Martin and passes Ibrox medical but now may not sign

After officially unveiling the arrival of Nasser Djiga, Glasgow Rangers are looking to sign yet another Ibrox transfer target, who has already met Russell Martin and passed his medical.

Thelwell "delighted" to sign Djiga for Rangers

As first summers go, Kevin Thelwell has certainly enjoyed an impressive start to life at Ibrox. After hiring Martin to finally end Rangers’ managerial search, the new Gers sporting director instantly turned his attention towards the transfer market and has since welcomed as many as seven fresh faces in Scotland.

Rangers summer transfers 2025 (Transfermarkt)

Signed From

Oscar Cortes (permanent deal)

RC Lens

Thelo Aasgaard

Luton Town

Emmanuel Fernandez

Peterborough

Joe Rothwell

Bournemouth

Lyall Cameron

Dundee

Nasser Djiga

Wolves

Max Aarons

Bournemouth

With five of the seven new faces arriving from English football, Thelwell’s preference has been made clear very early on in his Rangers tenure.

After welcoming yet another talent from the Premier League in the form of Djiga, the sporting director told Rangers’ official website: “We are delighted to bring Nasser to the club on a season-long loan.

“He is a player with the necessary physical and mental profile to flourish both domestically and in Europe, and we look forward to seeing his development under Russell and his coaching staff.”

Nasser Djiga
Nasser Djiga

The defender, himself, was also delighted to put pen to paper on his loan move to Scotland, saying: “I am very happy to join Rangers, it is one of the biggest clubs in Scotland and in Europe. I will try to give everything, to play every game and I think it is the best team for me. I just want to play and enjoy football with the team.”

Thelwell, the 49ers and Rangers have not stopped there, however. Reports are now suggesting that they want to sign a sixth player from English football after he completed his medical.

Gassama completes Rangers medical but may not seal Ibrox move

As reported by The Star’s Joe Crann, Djeidi Gassama has now completed his Rangers medical and met Martin and the Gers players ahead of joining the Scottish Premiership giants. Whilst he isn’t quite a Rangers player just yet, the Sheffield Wednesday winger has been pictured in the Gers’ training gear and those at Ibrox are just waiting on one final signature after reaching an agreement.

That may not come, though, with updates since saying Gassama’s move to Rangers is now facing collapse with those at Hillsborough ready to pull the plug on a deal.

As analyst John Walker pointed out, Rangers have every reason to be excited by the potential prospect of Gassama’s arrival. The winger scored eight goals and assisted one more in all competitions for Sheffield Wednesday last season to show the potential that Danny Rohl noticed in 2023.

The Owls boss told reporters after handing Gassama his first start: “I think with Gass it was his first start in the XI, and he has so much potential. He has to improve with his load so he can do it for 90 minutes, but that’s a normal process if you don’t play much in the past.

Better signing than Aasgaard: Rangers exploring move for "incredible" star

With Russell Martin having already made six summer signings so far, Rangers are now targeting an “incredible” talent on loan.

By
Ben Gray

Jul 11, 2025

“But he has a weapon, he’s good one against one, and he’s also quick to make good movements between the lines and in the pockets. I’m happy with him.”

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