It’s a new era at Tottenham Hotspur, and the imminent departure of iconic captain Heung-min Son perhaps best encapsulates the changing of the guard.

After winning the Europa League in May, Daniel Levy decided to dismiss Ange Postecoglou and bring in Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who has done such good work in west London.

Ange left a hero, but it was probably the correct decision, for Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League and looked so susceptible defensively.

But he made a promise, and he kept that promise.

It’s a new era, but Tottenham’s pre-season preparations with Frank at the helm haven’t been without their disruptions. Son is set to play his football away from N17, and James Maddison faces a lengthy return to the infirmary.

Pre-season blows at Spurs

Son, having won silverware in his final competitive month at Tottenham, has established legendary status at the club. However, he will leave having restored title-winning success, closing in on a move to LAFC in the United States.

This has been coming, but the departure of a key attacking talent has been exacerbated by the cruel injury suffered by Maddison in pre-season last weekend, stretchered off against Newcastle United with a suspected knee injury.

Following the Morgan Gibbs White debacle, failing in their pursuit of the Nottingham Forest playmaker after being accused of an illegal approach, this is a bleak setback for Frank’s project in its infancy.

And Son’s exit too highlights the need for reinforcements, with the new Premier League season less than two weeks away.

All in all, though, banking £20m for a player who is on the decline, no matter how influential, is decent business for the Lilywhites, but they will need to sign a replacement, even having landed West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus for a £55m fee.

Spurs lining up deal for CL superstar

According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, 24, withis set for face-to-face talks with president Florentino Perez as his future continues to be a talking point amid Tottenham interest.

Despite interest from Arsenal and Liverpool this summer, it’s beginning to look like Spurs are the most likely destination for the Brazil international, should he jump ship this summer.

Son’s departure opens up a window of opportunity for the outfit, who are now expected to formally pursue a deal and secure Frank a marquee man at the beginning of his tenure.

Why Spurs must push for Rodrygo

Kudus is a fantastic winger who will add some electric athleticism to Tottenham’s senior set-up, but he’s not yet proven himself to be a goalscoring presence in the vein of Son.

Rodrygo, however, is “terrifyingly good” in front of goal, so says Sky Sports reporter Sam Tighe, having scored 50 goals across the past three campaigns with Real Madrid despite having routinely played out of position on the right flank.

Because of this, Rodrygo’s natural aptitude for making the net bulge suggests that he could fit right into life at Tottenham as Son’s successor, for he actually clinched six goals and six assists apiece over just 12 games as a left-sided forward in 2024/25, limited in his natural position due to Vincius Junior’s presence.

The South Korean has been recorded to have been the statistical best finisher in football since 2014, one year before his Tottenham career commenced, and is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous Premier League wingers of his generation.

Big boots to fill, but that’s why Rodrygo is perfect. The Brazilian is accustomed to pressure, having played out the lion’s share of his senior years at the biggest club in the world, and is dynamic enough that his goalscoring ability, described as “unstoppable” by Madrid columist Kiyan Sobhani when at its slickest, is built atop a wide-ranging skill set.

As you can see below, the two forwards actually rank up rather similarly over the past year, so he could dovetail right in, especially with Frank being something of an expert at raising the level of his wide forwards.

Goals

0.35

0.32

Assists

0.22

0.32

Shots taken

2.54

2.46

Shot-creating actions

4.56

4.89

Pass completion

85.7%

78%

Touches (att pen)

5.84

4.70

Progressive passes

4.69

4.28

Progressive carries

5.07

5.41

Successful take-ons

2.15

1.59

However, Rodrygo’s tactical dynamism and propensity for success across a range of positions have also seen him likened to Maddison by data-powered site FBref, along with Son.

Maddison, 28, faces the unknown once again, and the potential loss of his creativity and passing for a large chunk of the upcoming term is a concerning thought indeed.

However, Rodrygo has the skill set to add some sparkle to the playmaking side of the Tottenham system, averaging just north of a key pass per game across the entirety of his Real Madrid career, as per WhoScored.

Let’s not forget, Maddison blew the Premier League away upon signing for Tottenham, picking up the division’s Player of the Month award for August 2023 as he served as the fulcrum of Postecoglou’s staggering start to life at the helm.

The Real Madrid man’s 85.7% pass completion average further bespeaks his ability to promote fluency and control through deeper build-up phases of play, something Frank will undoubtedly look to capture and direct as he implements a slower, more controlled style of football than that of his predecessor.

Ultimately, Tottenham have suffered a setback through the injury to Maddison. It’s not what was needed as Son prepared for his poignant send-off.

However, there remains almost a month of the market being open for business, and if Levy can pull off a deal for Rodrygo, there’s no question that this football club will be primed for success on an even grander stage than the 2024/25 season.

Hundreds of soccer clubs worldwide will share in a $355 million fund from FIFA’s multi-billion 2026 World Cup revenues, compensating them for releasing players to national teams during the tournament. FIFA has long paid clubs for World Cup participants but announced this week that the plan now extends to players in qualifiers as well.

'New approach'

FIFA has 211 participating nations in qualifiers, outside of Eritrea and Russia, which have been suspended since 2022 from international play. 

“This new approach means that any club that releases a player for a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier will now be directly compensated,” FIFA said in a statement.

The $355 million allocation comes from a previous agreement with the European Club Association for the tournament, to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPrevious allocations

In the 2022 World Cup, the payout was $209 million, with Manchester City receiving the highest amount any at $4.6 million.

MLS received a payout of $7.2 million, which was spread out between 25 clubs. C.F. Montreal received a league-high payment of $1.04 million, with the Seattle Sounders next at $826,757. D.C. United received the lowest payment among MLS clubs at $31,000. The rounded per-day amount for players in the league was $10,900 – regardless of actual playing time. 

FIFA said 440 clubs across 51 member countries got payments from the 2022 structure.

Record revenues

FIFA earned a record $7.5 billion in revenue from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a significant increase from previous tournaments. The tournament was the most profitable in FIFA's history, generating $1 billion more than the preceding World Cup cycle. 

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The draw awaits

Qualified World Cup teams will find out group stage assignments during the draw on Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C.

Liverpool, it’s probably fair to say, are the team to beat in the Premier League this season. Nine points claimed from nine points available, last year’s champions haven’t played that well so far, and yet stand at the top of the pile as the September international break takes centre stage.

Arne Slot has worked wonders on Merseyside, nurturing the seeds of Jurgen Klopp’s later days in the Anfield dugout and winning the league title in his first year at the helm. Liverpool were not afforded a shot at the title by most pundits, but lift the trophy they did.

And he did it without any real first-team investment. Liverpool missed out on Martin Zubimendi, for example, but Slot fashioned Ryan Gravenberch into a world-class six.

This summer spun a different tale, however, with Liverpool’s ambitions knowing no bounds. Twice the Reds broke the British transfer record through deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

However, the signing of Hugo Ekitike was also completed, and though he cost a pretty penny, the young forward has what it takes to become a superstar at the club.

Hugo Ekitike's rise in value

Make no mistake, Ekitike has been considered a top talent from his early days as a pro. Having been developed through his formative years with French club Reims, the 23-year-old earned a big move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, signing for the Ligue 1 giants in a total €35m (about £30m) package.

Newcastle waged transfer war against Liverpool this summer, but the recent months weren’t the root of the Magpies’ interest in the young Frenchman, having agreed a deal to sign him way back when before PSG came along.

Ekitike’s efforts as a youngster with the Parisians proved fruitless, and he left for Eintracht Frankfurt after featuring just 33 times, scoring four goals. His £14m switch to the Bundesliga after an initial loan period underscored that blot on the copybook, albeit one which proved instrumental for his growth in hindsight.

Frankfurt promised him a platform to foster his immense abilities, and there he grew into the player he is today, and player who, excitingly for the Reds, remains the unfinished product.

Three goals and an assist from Ekitike’s first four outings with Liverpool bespeak his potential, and perhaps add a layer of tension for Isak, who knows his place at number nine is not secure.

Already, the France international appears to have been worth the money, FSG having fought to beat off competition from Newcastle and more this summer, signing Ekitike for an initial £69m fee, which may rise to £79m.

He’s the real deal, and evidence that Liverpool are willing to pay the big bucks for up-and-coming talents if they deem them standing beneath a high ceiling.

The same could be said for Anthony Gordon, who was targeted last summer in a bumper move. However, peer down a different timeline and you might find the Three Lions star a one-club man at Liverpool.

Liverpool must regret losing Anthony Gordon

Gordon made his name on Merseyside, but he did it in blue. The 23-year-old winger completed 78 appearances for Everton, scoring seven goals, after graduating from their Finch Farm academy, but he only found a home on that patch after previously cutting his teeth with Liverpool.

Indeed, a boyhood Red, Gordon was released from Liverpool’s youth system when he was 11 years old, very much a victim of the ruthless nature of youth football. Even so, Liverpool chiefs must kick themselves for having let that one slip through their fingers.

Sold by Everton to Newcastle for £45m after forcing his way out of Goodison Park, Gordon has since grown into one of the Premier League’s most prominent wide forwards, hailed as a “relentless machine” by journalist Sripad.

Named Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24, Gordon posted 21 goal contributions across the league campaign and demonstrated such fluidity and tenacity, a beacon throughout a tough, injury-riddled period for the Toon.

He’s described himself as “a nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, and while Gordon struggled to recapture his remarkable early form last year, he still contributed toward triumph in the Carabao Cup and steered United back into the Champions League.

Left winger

124

26

29

Right winger

53

8

8

Attacking midfield

21

13

2

Centre-forward

18

5

1

Liverpool’s data analysts rarely miss the mark, and so clearly Gordon has something about him, indeed coming close to signing the 24-year-old in 2024 as Newcastle looked to avoid PSR punishment. They found alternative ways to circumvent the financial restrictions, and Gordon stayed put.

Still, Liverpool were eager to pay, seemingly undeterred by his lofty price tag. In fact, recent reports from the past few months suggest that FSG have considered making their move this summer, with a £100m fee attached to the interest.

Such a figure places Gordon above Liverpool’s new superstar Ekitike, though some might comment that ‘Premier League tax’ has played a part in inflating Gordon’s price tag.

Ekitike has the tools to make real progress at Liverpool, developing over the next few years into a superstar. Positionally different, it’s something that the Reds envisaged for Gordon not too long ago.

Though the recent emergence of 17-year-old prodigy Rio Ngumoha has eased Liverpool’s need to find a left winger to compete with Gakpo, it’s likely that Gordon could have played a crucial role in the club’s success, had FSG succeeded in bringing him over from Tyneside last summer.

Alas, it wasn’t to be, and if the Reds wish to revisit their intrigue down the line, they will probably have to fork out an even heftier fee than was paid for Ekitike in July.

It could have all been so much easier if Gordon had been allowed to develop within Liverpool’s academy.

Forget Leoni: Liverpool already have a Guehi upgrade in Slot's "monster"

Liverpool missed out on Guehi, one of their top summer transfer targets, on deadline day.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 5, 2025

While the latest scan, which Bumrah underwent in Bengaluru over the weekend, did not reveal anything untoward, it is learned he is not entirely ready to return to bowling yet

Nagraj Gollapudi11-Feb-2025

In a significant jolt to India’s plans for the Champions Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Bumrah is yet to completely recover from the discomfort in his back, an injury he picked up during the Sydney Test in January that also ruled him out of the England white-ball series.Yashasvi Jaiswal has also been left out of the provisional squad, and Varun Chakravarthy has been named as his replacement.While Bumrah’s latest scans, which he underwent in Bengaluru over the weekend, did not reveal anything severe, he is not entirely ready to return to bowling. There is no confirmation on the timeline of his return. It is likely he will resume running in a couple of weeks and then gradually get back to bowling. His progress will be monitored by the BCCI’s medical team in Bengaluru.This is the second ICC tournament Bumrah will miss because of injury, having sat out the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia owing to a back injury that eventually required surgery.Related

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Bumrah’s replacement is Harshit Rana, who made his ODI debut during the ongoing England series. The ICC had set February 11 as the deadline for all participating teams to submit their final squads of 15 for the Champions Trophy. Any subsequent changes to the squad will need approval from the tournament’s technical committee.When the BCCI announced the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy and the England series in January, Rana was named as Bumrah’s back-up for the England ODIs. Rana made his ODI debut in the first game of the England series in Nagpur, sharing the new ball with Mohammed Shami. Rana started impressively, but Phil Salt then thrashed him for 26 runs in his third over. But the seamer from Delhi bounced back, picking three wickets to transfer the pressure back on England, which played a key role in India’s win.Eyebrows were raised after the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, in coordination with the Indian team think-tank comprising head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma, had picked Rana ahead of the other contenders, including Mohammed Siraj, for the England series. Siraj has been India’s third-most senior bowler after Bumrah and Shami and was also part of their dominant run in the 2023 World Cup. However, in January’s media briefing while announcing the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy and the England series, Rohit explained that Siraj’s “effectiveness comes down a little” if he was not “going to take the new ball”.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Rohit had also said that with a question mark over Bumrah’s fitness, the decision makers collectively had confidence in Shami controlling the front-end of the innings and left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh capable of handling the death overs.Varun replaces Jaiswal in Champions Trophy squadVarun has been drafted into the squad as Jaiswal, along with Siraj and Shivam Dube, have been moved to the line-up of non-travelling reserves.Last week, Rohit had strongly hinted at Varun’s inclusion in the squad, saying that the spinner “clearly had something different about him”. Varun has taken 31 wickets at 11.25 since his comeback into India’s T20I squad, and on Sunday, he made his ODI debut as well, taking 1 for 54 in Cuttack.India’s squad for the Champions TrophyRohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill (vice-capt), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy
Non-travelling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dube

حسم منتخب كوت ديفوار، التأهل إلى نهائيات بطولة كأس العالم 2026، بعد الفوز على كينيا، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما مساء الثلاثاء.

منتخب كوت ديفوار واجه كينيا، في الجولة العاشرة والأخيرة، من مباريات المجموعة السادسة من تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم.

واستطاع منتخب كوت ديفوار، تحقيق الفوز على كينيا، بنتيجة ثلاثة أهداف دون رد، سجل الأول فرانك كيسييه في الدقيقة السابعة من عمر الشوط الأول للمباراة، وأضاف الثاني يان ديوماندي في الدقيقة 54، واختتم ثلاثية الأفيال، أماد ديالو في الدقيقة 84.

ويتصدر منتخب كوت ديفوار، ترتيب المجموعة السادسة من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 26 نقطة، متفوقًا على منافسه منتخب الجابون الذي جاء في المركز الثاني بـ 25 نقطة.

وبذلك، يكون تأهل منتخب كوت ديفوار إلى كأس العالم للمرة الرابعة في تاريخه، بعد أعوام 2006 و2010 و2014.

طالع | المنتخبات الإفريقية المتأهلة لـ كأس العالم 2026 

وكان يتواجد منتخب كوت ديفوار في المجموعة السادسة، من تصفيات كأس العالم بجانب منتخبات الجابون وجامبيا وكينيا وبوروندي وسيشل. ترتيب مجموعة كوت ديفوار في تصفيات كأس العالم

1- كوت ديفوار، 26 نقطة.

2- الجابون، 25 نقطة.

3- جامبيا، 13 نقطة.

4- كينيا، 12 نقطة.

5- بوروندي، 10 نقاط.

6- سيشل، بدون نقاط. أهداف مباراة كوت ديفوار وكينيا اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras teve um dia agitado nesta terça-feira (27), que envolveu desde a lesão de Zé Rafael até a entrega do avião que será usado pelo clube. Em meio a esses assuntos, ainda houve tempo para tratar de reforços com Leila Pereira, que falou com a imprensa na sede da Embraer, em São José dos Campos, interior de São Paulo. A mandatária garantiu que não negociará os titulares da equipe de Abel Ferreira.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasAbel recebe punição do STJD por ter puxado celular da mão de repórter após Atlético-MG x PalmeirasPalmeiras27/06/2023PalmeirasOLHAR DO PORCO: Dia do Palmeiras tem lesão de Zé Rafael e protesto da torcida por reforçosPalmeiras27/06/2023PalmeirasVÍDEO: Veja um ‘tour’ por dentro do avião de Leila Pereira que será usado pelo PalmeirasPalmeiras27/06/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Em meio à cerimônia de entrega da aeronave que uma de suas empresas adquiriu, Leila precisou responder à imprensa sobre a possibilidade de reforços chegarem nesta janela de meio de ano, que se inicia neste mês de julho. Embora não tenha prometido as contratações, ela garantiu que o clube está no mercado e pode ter novidades, mas sem fazer loucuras.

– A gente está sempre em busca de reforços, mas eu acho que o maior reforço foi manter esse time extremamente vitorioso, isso é muito importante. Eu não abro mão de manter a nossa base e, claro, estamos de olho no mercado, Temos várias opções, mas não vou fazer loucuras, não vou pagar um valor que o departamento de futebol entenda que não é o valor daquele atleta. Quando eu lido com as finanças do Palmeiras, tenho que ter muita responsabilidade. Então estamos em busca de reforçospara o Palmeiras, pode ser que no meio do ano tenhamos novidades, mas sempre com os pés no chão – declarou a presidente.

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No início desta semana, o Verdão fechou a transferência de Giovani ao Al Sadd, do Qatar, por cerca de R$ 47 milhões. O jovem que é promissor, mas vinha perdendo espaço com Abel Ferreira, ainda terá parte de seus direitos vinculada ao Palmeiras e ajudará ao clube a bater a meta de vendas do ano, que é de R$ 182 milhões. Agora, restam aproximadamente R$ 30 milhões para a conta fechar, algo que não será feito com a saída de titulares, garantiu Leila.

– A gente conseguiu se equilibrar sim, a venda do Giovani foi um venda importante, temos outros caminhos, mas não de jogadores que a comissão técnicaentenda que sejam fundamentais que permaneçam no Palmeiras. Esses são intocáveis. Então se tiver um proposta interessante e que a comissão técnica entenda que não fará falta para o nosso elenco, a genteestá aberto a conversar.

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Em 2023, o Palmeiras fez apenas duas contratações: Artur, que veio do Bragantino, e Richard Ríos, que veio do Guarani. Ambos chegaram apenas após encerrada a participação de seus ex-clubes no Paulistão, perto de abril. O desejo da comissão técnica desde o início da temporada é o reforço de um “camisa 5”, que viria para suprir a saída de Danilo para o Nottingham Forest, que aconteceu em janeiro.

Tottenham Hotspur fans haven’t been the happiest with Daniel Levy in recent years, amid constant frustration with his lack of spending within the transfer market.

Whilst the owner has spent over £700m on new additions since the opening of the new stadium in 2020, many of which have failed to cut the grade needed in the Premier League.

The investment is one thing, but key players have also been offloaded during such a time period, including record goalscorer Harry Kane – who departed in a £82m deal to join Bayern Munich in 2023.

After the Lilywhites only ended the previous campaign in 17th place, more signings are desperately needed in the next couple of weeks, before the transfer window slams shut on September 1st.

Numerous players remain in their sights at present, with many of whom improving the options currently at Thomas Frank’s disposal as he attempts to build on their Europa League triumph.

Spurs preparing move for Premier League star

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been the biggest name mentioned with a move to join Spurs this summer, with the player himself keen on a deal to join the Lilywhites.

The two clubs have been in constant discussions over a move for the 27-year-old, who could cost a fee in the region of £60m, with Arsenal also interested in his signature.

However, he’s not the only Eagles talent currently in their sights, with centre-back Marc Guehi also a player the hierarchy are making a move for, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report claims that Frank’s side have made an offer to the player personally, which has been described as ‘very, very good’, with Liverpool also firmly in the race for his signature.

It also states that Guehi, who has one year left on his deal at Selhurst Park, could be available for a fee in the region of £45m – which may prove to be too expensive for any interested party.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a Kudus-esque signing

Mohammed Kudus remains Spurs’ biggest addition throughout this summer, costing a staggering £55m from rivals West Ham United back in the early weeks of July.

The Ghanaian was brought into the club to provide needed quality to the attacking department, something which he’s already done as seen by his two competitive outings for the Lilywhites.

The 24-year-old started in a number nine role against PSG for the UEFA Super Cup final, before shifting to a more familiar right-sided role against newly-promoted Burnley.

He managed to register two assists for Richarlison, including his superb acrobatic effort in the second half, ending his first league outing for Frank’s side emerged as 3-0 victors over Scott Parker’s men.

It’s early days for the former Ajax star, but he’s already demonstrated his quality in North London, with a move for Guehi potentially being a similar deal this summer.

Whilst the two operate in different positions, the comparison is evident between the pair, in both joining the Lilywhites from sides, also in the Premier League.

Both have proven their quality in England’s top-flight, as seen by Kudus’ league debut, but Guehi’s underlying stats are just as impressive – enabling him to make a huge impact on the side throughout 2025/26 and beyond.

The Englishman, who’s been labelled “incredible” by creator HLTCO, completed 84% of the passes he attempted, 3.9 of which per 90 were progressive – able to provide Kudus with added chances in the final third, despite his defensive role.

Games played

34

Goals & assists

5

Pass accuracy

84%

Progressive passes

3.9

Tackles won

1.8

% of tackles won

66%

Blocks made

1.6

Clearances made

4.8

Key passes

0.5

Out of possession, the Palace star was just as impressive, winning 1.8 tackles per 90, at a success rate of 66%, able to add further quality to the Lilywhites’ already potent backline.

His talent without the ball is further reflected in his tally of 1.6 blocks made and 4.8 clearances made per 90 last season, able to help Frank in his quest to improve the defensive record that saw the side concede 65 times in their 38 outings in 2024/25.

Given the interest from the defending champions, it’s unclear whether Guehi will want to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the September 1st deadline.

However, any deal would be a phenomenal piece of business, allowing the centre-back to follow in Kudus’ footsteps and aid the club’s chances of building on their recent European triumph.

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

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land another top defensive talent this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 19, 2025

Former Arsenal academy forward Billy Vigar has tragically died at the age of 21, after sustaining a serious brain injury while playing for Chichester City. The non-league side confirmed his passing on Thursday, describing him as a much-loved figure. The former Hale End star's tragic death has drawn numerous tributes from former clubs, among others.

• Chichester confirm Vigar's tragic death

  Vigar suffered a head injury in Chichester's match against Wingate & Finchley on Saturday, which was suspended after the incident. He was placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery to aid his recovery, but his injuries proved too severe. Chichester confirmed his death on Thursday and paid tribute to their player in a heartfelt statement.

  "It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar. Below is a statement from his family. We request that his family's privacy is respected at this most difficult time," the club said.

  "After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday (25th) morning.

  "The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved."

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• Getty Images
  

  Tributes pour in for Vigar

  Arsenal posted an emotional message on social media, which read: "Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away. All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Billy."

  Another of Billy's former clubs, Derby County, wrote: "All at Derby County are deeply saddened by the passing of Billy Vigar. Billy spent the second half of the 2022/23 season with the Academy on loan from Arsenal, making several appearances for the Under-21s. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

  The Professional Footballers' Association said: "Everyone at the PFA is shocked to learn of the tragic passing of Billy Vigar. This is devastating news, and our immediate thoughts are with Billy’s family, friends and teammates. The PFA will be offering all the support and services we have available to them at this time."

  The FA added on : "We are devastated to hear that Billy Vigar has passed away. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time."

  Eastbourne Borough said in a statement: "#EBFC are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Billy Vigar. The 21-year-old played for The Sports on loan from Arsenal during the 2023/24 season, where he made 32 appearances for the club. Both footballing and non-footballing club staff are shocked and deeply saddened of the news, and our thoughts are with Billy’s family at this terrible time."

  And, from Hastings United: "All of us at Hastings United are devastated to learn of the passing of Billy Vigar. We will always remember Billy's time at Hastings United with fondness. Our thoughts are with Billy's family and friends at this time. Rest In Peace, Billy"

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Vigar's footballing journey

  The forward joined Arsenal at 14 and rose through their academy ranks, featuring for the Under-21 side on four occasions. He gained further experience with loan spells at Derby County's youth team and Eastbourne Borough. After leaving Arsenal in 2023, he played for Hastings United before joining Chichester earlier this season.

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• Chichester's upcoming clashes postponed

  Chichester’s scheduled match against Lewes FC was already postponed as the club mourns his loss. Messages of condolence are expected to pour in from across the football community in the coming days. Vigar’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks in football and the need for increased safety standards in the sport.

New Zealand seamer Molly Penfold has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury meaning she will miss the series against Sri Lanka and Australia.Penfold, 23, sustaining a torn meniscus to her left knee while playing in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield earlier this month and has undergone surgery with a recovery time of up to 12 weeks.Related

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• Sophie Devine to miss ODIs and T20Is against Sri Lanka

• Athapaththu to leave WPL early to play for Sri Lanka

“We’re all gutted for Molly,” Ben Sawyer, the New Zealand head coach, said. “It’s a really unfortunate way for her summer to end, especially after strong contributions during the Rose Bowl series. The positive is that her recovery timelines should see her fit for our winter training schedule.”Penfold has taken nine wickets in 14 ODIs and seven in 10 T20Is. In the ODI series against Australia last December she took a career-best 4 for 42 in the second match at the Basin Reserve.New Zealand will also be without Sophie Devine for the Sri Lanka matches as she continues her break from the game with her participation against Australia yet to be confirmed.New Zealand play three ODIs and three T20Is against Sri Lanka next month followed by three T20Is against Australia.Chamari Athapaththu will leave the WPL early to take part in the tour but Amelia Kerr will remain in India.

Crystal Palace have now entered the race to hijack a move for a “fabulous” midfielder, who appeared to be set to join another Premier League club.

Glasner insists his players need to "stay humble"

Ahead of this evening’s trip to Fredrikstad in the second leg of Palace’s Europa Conference League play-off match, Oliver Glasner has been keen to make sure his side do not get too carried away.

Glasner said: “It would be arrogant to think when you play a competition for the first time to talk about winning it. It’s the first time Palace plays outside England a competitive game, so it’s important to stay humble and this is what we are doing as a team. We are going step by step.”

Should the Eagles secure qualification against the Norwegian side, Selhurst Park should remain an attractive destination for new signings in the final days of the summer transfer window, with a deal for Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino seemingly edging towards completion.

Pino is said to have been targeted as a direct replacement for Eberechi Eze, but another versatile attacker could join alongside the Spaniard, with Crystal Palace one of the clubs to “enter the scene” to sign Getafe’s Christantus Uche.

That is according to reporter Eduardo Burgos on X, who states Uche’s move to Wolverhampton Wanderers has now “stalled”, which could allow Palace to swoop in, although there is set to be competition for his signature.

AC Milan, OGC Nice and Leeds United are all “evaluating the situation”, with the Nigerian’s agents currently “blocking the move” to Molineux.

Crystal Palace now make contact to sign "incredible" £20m Guehi replacement

The Eagles have made an approach over a deal for a new defender.

ByDominic Lund Aug 27, 2025 "Fabulous" Uche could be exciting addition for Palace

The Getafe star has gotten off to a fantastic start to the new La Liga campaign, picking up two goal contributions in his first two games, and he was almost as prolific as Pino during the 2024-25 season.

Target

Yeremy Pino

Christantus Uche

Appearances

34

33

Goals

4

4

Assists

8

6

Not only that, but there are signs the Nigeria international could be more of a like-for-like replacement for Eze, having often featured in the number 10 role throughout his career to date, although he is also capable of playing at striker and in a more defensive role.

Manager Jose Bordalas clearly holds the 22-year-old in high regard too, with the Spaniard also suggesting he could develop even further, saying: “He’s a fabulous kid, a boy who has a huge commitment. We have great affection for him.”

“I have a special affection for him. He was a risky bet, and we’re very happy. We think he has room for improvement; he’s very young.”

As such, Uche could be an exciting addition to Glasner’s squad, and a deal would not break the bank at around £17m.