Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been the club’s leading star over the last couple of years, with no player able to replicate the levels he’s produced in recent seasons.

The Portuguese international joined the club back in January 2020 and has certainly exceeded the expectations supporters would’ve had when he arrived at Old Trafford.

In the five years since his big-money transfer from Sporting CP, the 30-year-old has racked up 98 goals and 83 assists, a simply staggering feat for a midfielder.

During the most recent campaign, Bruno achieved a tally of 37 goal contributions, with it unthinkable as to where Ruben Amorim’s side would be without his efforts in the final third.

This summer presents an opportunity for the boss to make his own stamp on the side, needing to land players who can aid the captain in his quest for success at the club.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

A striker has been top of United’s shortlist over recent weeks, leading to numerous names being mentioned as potential targets to join the Amorim revival in 2025/26.

The likes of Ollie Watkins, Dusan Vlahovic and Nicolas Jackson have all been mentioned as names under consideration between now and the end of the window.

However, other areas of the pitch are also subject to investment, leading to Juventus star Douglas Luiz emerging as a target, according to Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness.

They claim that the Brazilian has once again appeared on their radar after sides such as Nottingham Forest, Everton, and West Ham United failed to agree a deal with the Serie A side.

It also states that his agent has been in the UK for talks with interested parties, but it doesn’t state which clubs have been in discussions to land the former Aston Villa midfielder.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Bruno

As previously mentioned, Bruno was undoubtedly the shining light for United throughout 2024/25, with the fanbase hoping he can repeat such feats in the upcoming season.

However, alongside his tangible rewards for his performance, he also caught the eye with his versatility, which saw him operate in numerous positions.

There’s no denying his best position is in the number ten position, but he was also forced to operate in a slightly deeper number eight role at times, given the lack of depth in the squad.

Given the investment being placed into the squad this summer, you’d hope other midfield options are made to allow the Portuguese international to reach or even exceed the levels he produced in 2024/25.

Any potential move for Luiz would provide the captain with the opportunity to do just that, with the Brazilian having the tools to provide a quality addition for Amorim’s side.

Luiz, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former teammate John McGinn, registered 5.9 progressive passes per 90, with 2.7 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his talents at driving forward and finding a teammate at any given opportunity.

He also won 2.1 tackles per 90, whilst winning 68% of the dispossession attempts he’s entered, capable of regaining the ball – making him an excellent ball-winning option at the heart of United’s side.

Douglas Luiz’s stats for Juventus in Serie A (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

19

Progressive passes

5.9

Progressive carries

2.7

Tackles won

2.1

Tackle success rate

68%

Take-on success

79%

Aerials won

56%

Stats via FBref

His further figures further back up why he’d be perfect in Amorim’s squad, completing 79% of the take-ons he attempted, having the capability to drive forward before making the killer pass to a teammate.

It’s unclear if the player himself will entertain any interest from the Red Devils this summer, but it’s clear he possesses a lot of talent that would make him a superb addition.

Any move for the former Villa star would allow Bruno to consistently operate in his natural position throughout 2025/26, adding another diamond to the club’s already impressive front line.

Related He finishes like RVP: Man Utd make "phenomenal" £67m CF their main target

Manchester United have set their sights on a new talisman for Ruben Amorim.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 24, 2025

أشاد بيب جوارديولا، مدرب نادي مانشستر سيتي، بقلب دفاع فريقه، مشبًها إياه بأسطورة السيتيزن ولاعب نادي بيرنلي الحالي، كايل ووكر.

ورحل ووكر بشكل نهائي عن صفوف مانشستر سيتي، وذلك عقب نهاية عقده مع النادي الإنجليزي بنهاية الموسم الماضي، حيث أمضى النصف الثاني من الموسم الماضي معارًا مع نادي إي سي ميلان.

ويعتبر والكر بين أهم لاعبي نادي مانشستر سيتي على مدار تاريخه، حيث حقق ابن الـ35 عامًا العديد من الألقاب مع النادي الإنجليزي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جوارديولا يبرر طريقته الدفاعية أمام آرسنال ويؤكد: سأستمر في “معاقبة” الخصوم

ويرى جوارديولا في تصريحات نقلها موقع ”Cityxtra” أن عبد القادر خوسانوف، مدافع الفريق يذكره بووكر كثيرًا.

خوسانوف وقع مع مانشستر سيتي خلال شهر يناير الماضي قادمًا من نادي ستاد لينس، ويلعب في الوقت الحالي بشكل أساسي مع السيتيزن.

وقال جوارديولا عن خوسانوف: “يستطيع اللعب كقلب دفاع وكذلك في جميع مراكز الدفاع، باستثناء الظهير الأيسر، إنه ليس لاعبًا قادرًا على خلق الكثير من الفرص في الهجوم لكن يميز فريقه بالصلابة والاستقرار بشكل لا يصدق”.

وأضاف: “بنيته الجسدية وقدرته على التعافي وتشتيت الكرات تشبه كايل ووكر في أوج عطائه، إنه مركز للغاية وصغير في السن ويرغب في التعلم، لقد كان رائعًا جدًا ضد خصوم أقوياء للغاية واجهناهم”.

وأوضح: “كانت هذه أول تجربة له قادمًا من أوزبكستان إلى فرنسا، حيث خاض ثماني مباريات في الدوري الفرنسي، بعد أن جاء إلى هنا في موسم كان صعبًا، عندما تأتي وكل شيء مجهز ويسير على ما يرام، يصبح من الأسهل عليك التأقلم”.

واختتم عن خوسانوف: “لكنه منفتح للغاية على التعلم بسرعة، أعتقد أنك تشعر بأنه صفقة رائعة ومهمة للسنوات العديدة القادمة في هذا النادي، هذا الرجل سوف يصنع مسيرة مهنية في هذا النادي لسنوات عديدة”.

Big picture: A new era for Bangladesh

Instead of a legend’s goodbye, the Dhaka Test will now be Bangladesh’s first Test in the post-Shakib Al Hasan era, after the government advised Shakib not to come to the country, due to security reasons. Bangladesh are also dealing with a change of head coach, as the BCB has sacked Chandika Hathurusinghe and swiftly appointed Phil Simmons.South Africa, meanwhile, are quietly preparing for their first Test in Bangladesh in nine years. To counter their lack of experience in Bangladesh, the visitors are reportedly spending long hours in the nets at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada are the only survivors from their last tour of Bangladesh, when rain forced both Tests to be drawn. Bavuma will miss the first Test due to an elbow injury, which means Aiden Markram leads the side. South Africa are likely to have at least one debutant in their top four to replace Bavuma. The T20 star Dewald Brevis could be the one stepping up.Related

• Shakib, from darling of the masses to enemy of the people

• Amid the drama, new coach Simmons wants Bangladesh to 'focus on the cricket'

• Hathurusinghe questions BCB's motives after sacking

• Shakib 'unavailable' for first SA Test, Murad called in as replacement

• BCB terminates Hathurusinghe's contract as Bangladesh head coach

South Africa’s batting will largely depend on Markram and his opening partner Tony de Zorzi, while David Briedingham and Tristan Stubbs have to handle the middle order. The experienced Keshav Maharaj leads the bowling attack, while Rabada could be required to do mostly holding jobs if the Dhaka pitch’s last rating is anything to go by.New Zealand captain Tim Southee called it “probably the worst pitch” he had ever seen, after the spinners completely dominated proceedings last December.Bangladesh already have three frontline spinners, before adding left-arm spinner Hasan Murad in place of Shakib. At least three are likely to feature in Dhaka, which could leave them with the dilemma whether to play four or five bowlers. There is no obvious replacement for Shakib of course, but Bangladesh will be hoping they can settle on a balanced XI soon.

Form guide

Bangladesh LLWWL (last five Tests, most recent first)South Africa WDLLL

In the spotlight: Hasan Mahmud and David Bedingham

Hasan Mahmud has made a promising start to his Test career. The slim medium-pacer bowls a mean line and length on a dime outside offstump. Debuting earlier this year, Mahmud has already taken five-wicket hauls in Pakistan and India. His 20 wickets in five Tests is easily the best start by a Bangladesh fast bowler. A home Test is always a challenge, particularly at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, but Mahmud’s discipline will come in handy.Fresh off a strong county season for Durham, David Bedingham has a new challenge in front of him: playing in the sub-continent for the first time. That means the stylish middle-order batter will be up against skillful spinners. It could be an important tour for the 30-year-old who has only six Tests under his belt.A lot of South Africa’s batting will depend on Aiden Markram and his opening partner Tony de Zorzi•AFP/Getty Images

Team news: Brevis could debut; Bangladesh mull five bowlers

Playing five specialist bowlers would mean Bangladesh promoting Mehidy Hasan Miraz to No 5. The other option would be to leave out one of the pacers, and bringing in Jaker Ali to debut in the middle-order.Bangladesh XI (probable): 1 Zakir Hasan, 2 Shadman Islam, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 7 Litton Das (wk), 8 Nayeem Hasan, 9 Taijul Islam, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Hasan MahmudTemba Bavuma’s injury could mean that Dewald Brevis debuts at No 4. South Africa have pace options, but the left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy could replace the injured Nandre Burger.South Africa (probable): 1 Aiden Markram (capt), 2 Tony de Zorzi, 3 Tristan Stubbs, 4 Dewald Brevis, 5 David Bedingham, 6 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 7 Wiaan Mulder, 8 Senuran Muthusamy, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Dane Piedt

Pitch and conditions: Has the Dhaka pitch improved?

The ICC rated the Dhaka pitch unsatisfactory in its previous Test in December last year, and it remains to be seen if the curator Gamini Silva has put in the work in the last ten months. There’s some rain in the forecast from the third day.

Stats and trivia

Leeds United are “in the race” to sign a brand new striker who has loved playing at Elland Road in the past, according to a new update.

Leeds want new striker despite positive Piroe pre-season form

The Whites are on the search to sign another striker this summer after bringing in Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg. Daniel Farke has made Patrick Bamford surplus to requirements, whereas Mateo Joseph is looking to force a move away from Yorkshire before the deadline.

One positive in pre-season though has been the form of Joel Piroe, who could be set to lead the line for Leeds against Everton on the opening weekend.

The Dutchman, who won the Championship Golden Boot award last season, has found the back of the net on four occasions in pre-season, including against Villarreal on Saturday. Talking about the impact Piroe could have in the Premier League, Farke said:

“It’s up to him to prove that he’s capable to have a big impact on this level. He has not played so far on this level. It would be a lie if I could give you some guarantees, it’s always up to the player. So he came back – this was important – in a good fitness shape, really good endurance and he has worked hard during the summer break.

“He’s had a really good pre-season so far and has already proved in the games against Man United and Villarreal, two opponents on a top level, that he is competitive.

“He has to show this in this league. Friendlies are friendlies, he has to show this when the real competitive games start. But he has all the chances, all the backing from us, and we hope of course that he has a similar impact to last season. I could do with 20 goals. Not that I will predict this but the sky’s the limit for every one of my players.”

The new Rutter: Leeds submit bid to sign "fascinating" £22.5m star

Leeds United have reportedly submitted a bid to sign a star who could be their new Georginio Rutter.

ByDan Emery Aug 4, 2025

It has been no secret that Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz has been Leeds’ top striker target this summer, however, the Whites are yet to agree a deal with those at Craven Cottage.

Now, they are looking at a former Fulham star as a potential alternative.

Leeds “in the race” to sign £26m Aleksandar Mitrovic

According to reporter Sebastien Vidal, Leeds are well and truly “in the race” to sign £26m Aleksandar Mitrovic from Al-Hilal before the deadline.

The Saudi Pro League side are looking to receive £26m for the powerful striker, who picks up a whopping £22m a season with his current employers.

Leeds fans will know all about Mitrovic during his time in England, finding the back of the net regularly in the Championship and Premier League. In fact, the Serbian has scored five goals against Leeds in his career, three of which have come at Elland Road in the top flight.

Games

129

Goals

38

Assists

11

As can be seen, Mitrovic is an experienced striker in the Premier League, however, the finances involved for the 30-year-old could prove extremely tricky.

“I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home,” he told ESPNcricinfo

Mohammad Isam17-Oct-2024Shakib Al Hasan has said that he is unlikely to travel to Dhaka, the venue of the upcoming first Test against South Africa, because of protests against him in the city. Shakib was included in the Bangladesh squad for the first Test, which was going to be his final appearance in the format.”I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home,” Shakib told ESPNcricinfo via WhatsApp.Shakib had earlier expressed concern about his safety if he came to Bangladesh, given the number of Awami League leaders being arrested since August 5, the day their government effectively resigned from power after 15 years. Shakib was a member of parliament from his hometown Magura. He was one of 147 people named in an FIR for an alleged murder during the unrest.Shakib, however, remains in the Bangladesh squad for the first Test according to chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain. He said that they haven’t received any further instructions from the BCB about Shakib. On Wednesday when announcing the squad, selector Hannan Sarkar said that they picked Shakib after getting a “green signal” from the authorities to select him.”We haven’t received any further instructions from the BCB or the cricket operations committee. It is a paused status at the moment. He is in transit in Dubai,” Ashraf said.While Shakib had reportedly been assured safe passage into Bangladesh, students started protesting his imminent arrival from Wednesday evening. A group recognising themselves as “Mirpur Chhatro Janata” informed the BCB that they will protest Shakib’s appearance in the stadium. Late into Wednesday evening, Shakib was reportedly asked to wait in Dubai where he was transiting from New York. Although Shakib’s flight is on Thursday evening, he is unlikely to come to Dhaka.Meanwhile, the chief adviser’s deputy press secretary Azad Majumder said that the decision is up to Shakib to return to the country. “Shakib can return to Bangladesh anytime. It’s his decision whether he will arrive here or not,” Majumder told ESPNcricinfo.According to , Youth and Sports adviser Asif Mahmud said in a statement that he had advised Shakib not to return home to ‘avoid untoward situations’.”I have advised Shakib not to come [to Bangladesh] to avoid any untoward circumstances. This decision was made to ensure the safety of players and to protect the country’s image,” Asif said.

Birmingham City have now agreed a season-long loan move for a “fantastic” attacking player, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

Birmingham eyeing double signing from Rangers

The Blues’ Championship return is now less than a week away, with Chris Davies’ side hosting Ipswich Town on Friday evening, which promises to be a memorable occasion.

In the meantime, Birmingham are still pushing for more signings to give them the best possible chance of reaching the Premier League, with a double deal for Rangers duo Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell being eyed up.

Davies spent last season on loan at St Andrew’s, playing a big role in them winning the League One title in relentless fashion, starting 32 league matches and winning an average of 4.1 aerial duels per game. For that reason, a permanent move to the Blues makes perfect sense.

Meanwhile, Dowell also was on loan at St Andrew’s and could be a shrewd addition to Birmingham’s midfield, with the 27-year-old already racking up 123 appearances in the Championship, possessing a huge amount of experience and knowing what it takes to be a success in the competition.

Birmingham agree deal to sign "fantastic" striker

Writing on X, Joseph claimed that Birmingham have now agreed a deal with Ajax to sign striker Chuba Akpom on a season-long loan deal.

However, since this update, it has emerged that Championship rivals Middlesbrough are looking to hijack the Blues’ move for the forward, with Akpom previously starring at the Riverside.

Akpom could be a brilliant signing for Birmingham, giving Davies the extra attacking quality that is needed to be promotion contenders in 2025/26.

The 29-year-old is now an experienced striker who has played at a high level, appearing in both the Champions League and the Europa League last season, as well as being praised by Michael Carrick during their time together at Middlesbrough, having reached 20 league goals in a season.

“It’s a terrific achievement. It’s not easy to score that many goals. He’s scored all different type of goals for us since I’ve been here. I thought his performance was fantastic. “He gets credit for his goals but his performance all round was terrific.”

Akpom is also a former Golden Boot winner in the Championship, highlighting his pedigree further, so he could prove to be a real coup for Birmingham if they can get a deal over the line in the coming days.

Double deal: Birmingham and Brady want £43k-p/w duo; advanced talks for one

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The loan nature of the move is arguably ideal, too, and if they win back-to-back promotions, an obligation to buy could be triggered, meaning Akpom may have played a big part in that potential success.

Arsenal are not just after widely-reported top target Eberechi Eze during this final stretch of the summer, as sporting director Andrea Berta looks to end his debut transfer window at the Emirates Stadium with a bang.

Eze is still a hot topic in north London after weeks of links, and there is very much a possibility he does end up sealing his desired move across the capital before the transfer deadline on September 1.

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

25/26 – summer

£208m

Arsenal remain in dialogue with the England international’s camp, as they have done since June (Fabrizio Romano), and Eze is believed to have also spoken with both Berta and Mikel Arteta directly (Ben Jacobs).

The 27-year-old is also very keen on a move to Arsenal, as reliably reported, so this is definitely one to watch in the coming weeks, as Berta considers adding to their already-impressive contingent of new signings totalling £200 million-plus.

Eze, while a top priority, is joined on Arsenal’s list of late-summer targets by Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.

Arsenal made an approach for Jacquet, who only signed a new deal in May, and TEAMtalk report that the 20-year-old is becoming increasingly enthusiastic about the prospect of a move to N5.

Alongside the Frenchman, it is claimed that Blackburn Rovers sensation Igor Tyjon is another one to watch.

The 17-year-old has already made two senior appearances for Blackburn since rising through the ranks, whilst also scoring six goals in 12 appearances for their Under-21s, and he’s seen as a very exciting prospect.

“Igor has been a standout young player since I have been at the football club,” said former Rovers boss John Eustace last year.

“He had a fantastic pre-season. He’s just played for England in the week. I was delighted to give him his debut today. He has worked, very, very hard. He’s a 16-year-old boy and we have to remember that. He is certainly one for the future.”

Arsenal given Blackburn Rovers reply after making second bid for Igor Tyjon

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have already had a bid rejected for the teenager, but Berta has since gone in with another offer.

However, the outcome is the same, with Blackburn snubbing Arsenal’s second bid to sign Tyjon as the Gunners are forced to weigh up a third approach.

The attacking gem is already among Rovers’ youngest ever debutants, and he’s tipped for a very bright future, so it could be worth the effort from Arsenal’s perspective.

“Igor Tyjon became the club’s third-youngest ever player when he came off the bench against Bristol City last month,” said Football League World pundit, Toby Wilding, in late 2024.

“He’s already scoring goals consistently at under-21 level while still only being 16-years-old, and signed a new contract with the club in the summer despite reported interest from Manchester United.

“I think when you look at that progress that he is making and the potential he has, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him more involved with the first team and making an impact in the not too distant future.

“You can understand, with all that in mind, why Blackburn fans are getting rightly excited about him.”

England captain Harry Kane matched a Wayne Rooney goal record after scoring in his country's 5-0 rout of Serbia.

England beat Serbia 5-0Kane scores in victoryMatches Rooney milestoneFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

The Bayern Munich star opened the scoring as Thomas Tuchel's men romped to a commanding 2026 World Cup qualifier victory in Belgrade on Tuesday. The 32-year-old has now scored an away goal against 16 different opponents for the Three Lions, with the striker drawing level with England legend Rooney.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Pressure has been mounting on England boss Tuchel following an underwhelming start to his managerial tenure. But this win over 10-man Serbia will be a real shot in the arm for the German and his players ahead of next year's World Cup in North America.

AFPDID YOU KNOW?

Former Tottenham forward has now scored 74 goals in 109 England internationals. The experienced attacker, who is enjoying one of the best years of his career after lifting his first major trophy with Bayern, has now scored five goals in six matches in 2025 for his country. 

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WHAT NEXT?

England return to action next month when they host Wales in a friendly and then travel to Latvia in their next World Cup qualifier. Kane will hope the Three Lions can make it six wins from six in these 2026 qualifiers.

Brazilian full-back Wesley said he thought Roma were "crazy" to offer €20 million for him as he laughed about his own performances for Flamengo.

• Wesley felt Roma were 'crazy' to spend €20m on him
• Felt he was forced out by Brazilian club Flamengo
• Speaks about Gasperini's crucial role in Italy move

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wesley joined Italian side Roma from Flamengo in the summer for €20m (£17m/$23m), fending off interest from Serie A rivals Juventus. Despite not being a regular starter at Flamengo, he admitted he initially felt Roma were overpaying, believing he wasn’t yet at that level.

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• WHAT WESLEY SAID

  "When the €20 million offer arrived and I wasn't even playing, I thought: these guys are crazy," he said in an interview with . "€20 million and I'm not even playing, and when I was playing I would miss a pass in front of the cameras. So I asked myself: how can they pay €20 million for me?"

  Wesley had flirted with a move to Atalanta last year, but nothing materialised. When Gian Piero Gasperini returned for him in the summer after taking over as Roma coach, it helped convince the Brazilian to make the move. 

  "When I saw Gasperini had gone to Roma, I thought: 'Wow, he really wants me.' So everything went well," he added. "Once I got there, even the coach surprised me with the way he's making me work. I hope to improve a lot, but obviously it will take time: I won't become Dani Alves overnight, it's impossible. I feel like when a coach wants a player so badly, that means a lot. He called me, he talked to me. There were other offers, but a coach who already wanted you last year, then changes teams and wants you again… that weighed heavily. I just hope to grow with him, like all the players he had at Atalanta."

• WESLEY'S DIFFICULT TIME AT FLAMENGO

  Wesley says things had turned sour for him at Flamengo, but that the situation changed after Chelsea legend Filipe Luis took over as head coach.

  “At first, it was difficult. I couldn't deliver what the coach asked. I tried, but it didn't work. I wasn't affected by the internet; it never will be affected by it," he said. 

  "In 2024, halfway through the year, I wasn't doing well at all. After the FIFA International Day, which I didn't go to, I had 10 games and I was ruined. So, they started asking me to be on the Brazilian national team. Then, Filipe Luís arrived. Filipe Luís' arrival changed everything. For the Copa do Brasil match against Corinthians, he said I would play. Thank God, everything happened. I just have to thank the entire Flamengo fan base for their support."

  In the end, though, he felt he was forced out of the club as Flamengo received a very generous offer from Roma, saying: "It was no longer possible to stay, I wasn't well and nobody wanted me."

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR WESLEY AND ROMA?

  Wesley has hit the ground running in Rome, starting both of Roma’s opening fixtures and netting the winning goal against Bologna. He will be hoping to repay the faith Gian Piero Gasperini has shown in him.

MatériaMais Notícias

Muito além da eventual demissão de Rogério Ceni, outro assunto que mexe com os bastidores do São Paulo é uma eventual contratação de Alexandre Pato. Isso porque o atacante, que faz tratamento desde fevereiro no CT da Barra Funda de uma contusão no ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito, está livre e teve seu nome lembrado pela Independente, principal torcida organizada do Tricolor.

– É uma coisa que eu não decido. Se o presidente quiser contratar o Pato, ele tem total direito. (O jogador) está lá, trabalhando, mas não sou eu que defino – disse o treinador, após a vitória por 2 a 0 sobre o Puerto Cabello, nesta terça-feira (18), no Morumbi, pela Copa Sul-Americana.

+ James Rodríguez, Alexandre Pato… Veja 20 jogadores sul-americanos sem clube

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+ ATUAÇÕES: Em noite ruim, Marcos Paulo salva e Calleri mostra que faz diferença

O nome de Pato seria uma opção viável a curto prazo para reforçar o elenco do Tricolor na atual janela de transferências, apenas para atletas livres no mercado e negociações dentro do território nacional, que se encerra na quinta-feira (20).

O atacante teve passagens no clube do Morumbi entre 2013 e 2015, e retornou em 2019, deixando a equipe em agosto de 2020. Somando suas duas passagens pelo time, disputou 105 jogos, com 35 gols marcados e 18 assistências.

Pato se lesionou em setembro de 2022, durante uma partida do Orlando City, dos EUA. Dois meses depois, anunciou a saída da franquia da MLS (liga estadunidense).

O jogador nunca escondeu seu apego ao Tricolor, frequentemente marcando presença em jogos no estádio do Morumbi.

Sobre Pato, Henrique Gomes, o Baby, presidente da Independente, destaca o fato de que o atacante ter aberto mão de algumas dívidas que o clube mantinha com ele é sinal de sua intenção de voltar a jogar pelo São Paulo.

– Alexandre Pato rescindiu seu contrato com o clube e diferente de muitos jogadores que recebem até até mesmo preso na Espanha, não quis receber o valor que tinha direito. Já se recuperou da lesão, fez o tratamento no Reffis e quer voltar a defender a camisa do SPFC – diz, alfinetando o lateral-direito Daniel Alves.

– Temos até o dia 20 de abril para contratar e inscrever atletas para o decorrer das competições, não é possível que essa diretoria de futebol não tenha encontrado dois jogadores. Camisa 10 e um meia atacante veloz – completou Gomes.

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