Abel celebra classificação do Palmeiras na Libertadores: 'Ainda bem, se não estaríamos em crise'

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras empatou em 0 a 0 com o Atlético-MG, nesta quarta-feira (9), e garantiu classificação para as quartas de final da Libertadores. O resultado, obviamente, foi muito comemorado por todos os palmeirenses, principalmente Abel Ferreira, que elogiou a atuação do time e chegou a brincar sobre o risco de entrar em crise após uma hipotética eliminação. Para ele, faltou apenas o gol para ser uma apresentação perfeita.

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+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Em entrevista coletiva depois do duelo pela competição continental, o técnico português disse que o Verdão não merecia deixar o campo sem conquistar uma vitória. Além disso, Abel acredita que a classificação começou a ser conquistada diante do Fluminense.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

– Esse jogo começou a ser ganho contra o Fluminense, não há outra forma senão rodar a equipe. Contra o Fluminense não achei resultado justo. Hoje não achei o resultado justo, mas o futebol é eficácia, Criamos e deveríamos ter feito. Sabíamos que seria difícil. É dar os parabéns ao Atlético-MG, ao Felipão. Mas mais uma vez a nossa equipe mostrou que quando estamos juntos e recuperados, somos extremamente competitivos. Ainda bem que passamos dessa eliminatória, se não estaríamos em crise. O único time que não está em crise é o Botafogo. Temos muitas ambições nessa competição e vamos fazer de tudo para passar para a próxima fase.

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Apesar de ter elogiado a atuação da equipe e valorizado o coletivo quando está completo, Abel Ferreira destacou que o único aspecto negativo da atuação palmeirense foi a falta de pelo menos uma bola na rede.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Zé Rafael brilha mais vez, e coletivo do Palmeiras garante classificação na Libertadores

– A equipe esteve muito bem, apesar de equilíbrio do jogo. Tivemos várias oportunidades e nosso adversário teve uma. Poderíamos ter chegada ao intervalo com a eliminatória resolvida. O que eu mais gostei é que tivemos coragem, nunca abdicamos de jogar. Faltou uma coisa ao Palmeiras, que foi fazer um ou dois gols – declarou.

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O Palmeiras agora enfrenta o Deportivo Pereira-COL, nas quartas de final da Libertadores. As datas e os horários dos jogos ainda não foram definidos pela Conmebol, mas a certeza é de que o segundo duelo será no Allianz Parque, uma vez que o Verdão tem a melhor campanha geral da competição. Enquanto isso, o Alviverde segue na disputa do Brasileirão, no qual enfrenta, nesta segunda-feira (14), o Cruzeiro, às 19h, no Allianz, pela 19ª rodada.

Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign "exciting" Lewis alternative

Whilst Nottingham Forest have secured a number of targets as of late, Rico Lewis is currently unlikely to join their list of incomings and that has forced the Tricky Trees to turn to an alternative option.

Nottingham Forest set to miss out on Lewis

After welcoming James McAtee from Manchester City, those at the City Ground were seemingly hoping to welcome a second Citizen in Lewis, only for the defender to decide to stay put at his boyhood club. Now, with the versatile defender reportedly closing in on a new deal at the Manchester club, Forest have been forced to end their pursuit and turn their focus towards other options.

What’s more, when asked about his future following last weekend’s 4-0 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day, Lewis told reporters: “For me, I’ve never ever seen myself leaving. I’ve always wanted to play for City. It’s my dream. When I’m playing with the kind of players that I’m playing with, it brings out the best of me. So I’m so happy.

“Everyone wants that assurance and security, but at the end of day it’s on me. It’s on me to perform. Last season I played more than the season before. So it’s always the same goal – to become an established player.”

Nottingham Forest join Dortmund in race to sign "fantastic" Chelsea talent

Chelsea have already rejected Dortmund’s offer…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 20, 2025

It’s a rare day when Evangelos Marinakis doesn’t get what he wants, but this time he’s been forced to look elsewhere for a defensive addition. As such, reports are already emerging that the Greek owner has shifted his focus towards a La Liga right-back.

Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign Carmona

As reported by ABC Sevilla and relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now in advanced talks to sign Jose Angel Carmona from Sevilla this month. The Midlands club have reportedly tabled an opening offer worth €10m (£9m) and expect to reach an agreement with the right-back as soon as possible.

Pivoting away from Lewis and towards the Spaniard in rapid fashion, the fact that Marinakis has worked with Sevilla sporting director Antonio Cordon in the past may have helped advance the deal for those at the City Ground.

Minutes

2,942

1,893

Assists

0

2

Tackles Won Per 90

1.80

0.90

Ball Recoveries Per 90

5.02

4.52

When compared last season, Carmona is the clear standout. His ball recovery numbers were particularly impressive in the previous campaign and that’s the type of energy that could see the 23-year-old push Ola Aina all the way for a starting place at Forest.

Jose Angel Carmona in action for Sevilla against Atletico Madrid.

Praised as “exciting” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Carmona has now added experience to the talent that he already had in abundance. Now, he could be about to take the Premier League by storm as the perfect alternative to Lewis for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Matías Segovia celebra momento no Botafogo e revela pedido de Luís Castro em jogo contra o Palmeiras

MatériaMais Notícias

Matías Segovia entrou no decorrer do segundo tempo e apresentou uma boa atuação na vitória do Botafogo diante do Palmeiras por 1 a 0 no Brasileirão. O atacante concedeu uma entrevista na manhã desta segunda-feira (26) e revelou um pedido especial de Luís Castro na beira do gramado do Allianz Parque.

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– O técnico me disse para eu entrar, me divertir e fazer o que sei de melhor, que é por isso que estou no Botafogo. Estou muito feliz com esse momento que estou passando, graças a Deus. Toda vez que entro, tento ajudar da melhor maneira – afirmou Matías Segovia para rádio paraguaia “Unión TV”.

+ Barbieri perto de sair do Vasco! Veja técnicos brasileiros que estão sem clube

O atacante chegou ao clube em abril deste ano e tem mostrado muita personalidade nos jogos em que atuou. O paraguaio se recuperou recentemente de uma fratura na mão e foi importante nas últimas duas vitórias do Glorioso. A tendência é que continue recebendo espaço para se desenvolver ao longo do ano.

O Botafogo entra em campo na próxima quinta-feira (29), diante do Magallanes, às 21h, no Nilton Santos, pela última rodada da fase de grupos da Sul-Americana.

Sixers stay on top after washout against Heat

Heat, who beat Sixers in last season’s final, moved up to fifth with their point

AAP03-Jan-2025Rain was the only winner as the BBL game in Coffs Harbour between top-of-the-table Sydney Sixers and defending champions Brisbane Heat was washed out without any play.The game was abandoned just over an hour after it was scheduled to start.The point apiece for the no result put Sixers three points ahead of second-placed Perth Scorchers, who were scheduled to play Sydney Thunder later on Friday.Heat, who beat Sixers in last season’s final but lost to them in Brisbane last week, moved up to fifth with their point.Rain had fallen over the north coast venue for several hours.At one stage, it appeared to have almost ceased, but it intensified and forced the abandonment of the game to the disappointment of the several thousand fans who arrived at the ground.Michael Neser had been scheduled to make his comeback from an hamstring injury suffered almost two months ago while playing for Australia A. Heat had also named wicketkeeper Tom Alsop in their squad, with the England Lions representative poised to make his season debut.Heat, who had lost three games straight before Friday’s washout, will next play Thunder in Brisbane on Monday. Sixers, who suffered their first loss in their last start after winning their first four, face Melbourne Stars at the MCG next Thursday.

Yilmaz upgrade at Ibrox: Rangers in talks to sign "tremendous" £10m star

Glasgow Rangers welcome Panathinaikos to Ibrox this evening in the first leg of their second round Champions League qualifier, and one player who will not be involved in Ridvan Yilmaz.

The Turkey international was left out of the squad for the match, with Jefte and Max Aarons preferred in the full-back department, and it remains to be seen if his future is in Scotland.

It was recently reported that the left-back has agreed to return to Besiktas this summer, but it is now down to the clubs to thrash out a deal for the defender.

Yilmaz only started 11 matches in the Scottish Premiership during the 2024/25 campaign and may be looking at a return to his home country to play week-in-week-out.

Rangers in talks to sign new left-back

The Light Blues should sanction an exit for the 24-year-old flop this summer because they are currently pursuing a deal for a player who would be a big upgrade for Russell Martin.

Transfer Focus

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

According to DaveOCKOP, Rangers are in talks over a deal to sign Liverpool left-back Owen Beck to bolster their options at the back for the 2025/26 campaign.

The report claims that the two clubs are locked in negotiations but the Light Blues are progressing in their pursuit of a swoop for the Welsh full-back.

It adds that the Premier League champions are currently holding out for a fee of £10m for their academy graduate, whilst the Gers would like to pay around £7m for him.

However, John Percy has since claimed that Derby County have agreed a deal to sign the defender on loan, which means that the Light Blues will need to step up their pursuit immediately to hijack a move.

Why Rangers should sign Owen Beck

Martin should push for the club to reach an agreement with Liverpool in these talks because he is a proven Scottish Premiership performer who would come in as a big upgrade on Yilmaz this season.

Owen Beck in a press conference.

The 22-year-old star, who was once described as a “spectacular” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers, playing 24 times in the Championship, but previously shone on loan at Dundee.

Beck played 25 matches in the Premiership whilst on loan at Dundee in the 2023/24 campaign and caught the eye with his impressive displays at left-back, earning a place in the Team of the Year.

Appearances

25

17

Big chances created

6

4

Assists

4

2

Key passes per game

2.3

1.2

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.9

1.8

Ground duel success rate

57%

60%

Dribble success rate

60%

0%

As you can see in the table above, the Liverpool loanee provided quality as both an offensive and defensive force down the left flank that season, as he created goals and prevented them by making tackles and interceptions.

These statistics suggest that the left-footed star has the potential to be a big upgrade on Yilmaz for Rangers, as he could provide more quality as a creator at the top end of the pitch whilst also offering a more well-rounded defensive presence, thanks to his strength in duels on the ground and in the air.

Given that his performances came in the Premiership, as well, the Light Blues would be signing him with almost a guarantee of quality, as Beck has been there and done it at that level.

As dispensable as Nsiala: Teams have major interest in Rangers flop

There are teams eyeing up moves for this flop and Clinton Nsiala from Rangers this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 21, 2025

This is why the Light Blues should be pushing to sign the ace who was once considered the best left-back in Scotland, because he would improve the team and allow the club to send Yilmaz back to Besiktas, should an acceptable offer come in.

Fabrizio Romano: Tottenham make approach to sign £9m-a-year "leader"

Setting their sights on a fifth arrival this summer, Tottenham Hotspur have now reportedly made an approach to sign an experienced player for Thomas Frank.

Latest on Tottenham incomings

In Spurs’ ideal world, they would have Morgan Gibbs-White at their disposal right now, but Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis quickly proved to be as stubborn as ever even after the Lilywhites triggered the midfielder’s £60m release clause.

Good news quickly turned into legal news for those in North London when Forest decided to threaten a legal complaint over Spurs’ move.

Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts after the match

According to reports, Gibbs-White still wants to complete a move to Spurs this summer, but it remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites do return with a second attempt to sway an already-disgruntled Nottingham Forest.

The same can be said for Yoane Wissa. As things stand, all signs point towards Newcastle being in pole position to sign the forward despite Spurs’ interest.

Given the Magpies’ recent habit of missing out on top targets, though, the door may still be left ajar for Frank to reunite with the impressive Brentford striker.

Frank has, of course, already welcomed both Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai this summer.

Asked about Kudus’ arrival in particular, who comes as their main blockbuster signing of the window so far, the Spurs boss told reporters: “I think it’s a great signing from the club. It’s top work from Daniel Levy getting a very good player early in pre-season so we can start working with him.”

Tottenham expected to make "official move" for "standout" £35m defender

Spurs are targeting a new centre-back.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 25, 2025

It’s the type of “top work” that Frank will now be hoping to see more of from Levy this summer, which could see Spurs land a top-level midfielder.

Tottenham make Joao Palhinha approach

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have indeed made an approach to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, backing up similar previous reports. However, they have so far only worked on personal terms rather than submitting a proposal to the Bundesliga champions themselves.

Dubbed a “leader” by Fulham boss Marco Silva the last time that he starred in the Premier League, Palhinha could now be on his way back to English football just one year after leaving Craven Cottage.

Whilst things haven’t exactly gone to plan for the Portugal international in Germany, he remains a player with plenty of know-how and one who could rediscover his best form under Frank at Spurs.

That said, it remains to be seen whether Spurs are able to match Palhinha’s staggering £9m-a-year salary at Bayern or whether he is forced to take a pay-cut to secure a summer switch.

Jack Leach's dozen has Somerset daring to dream

Devastating win over Durham puts the heat on first-place Surrey, who visit Taunton next

ECB Reporters Network01-Sep-2024Jack Leach completed match figures of 12 for 174 as Somerset maintained their challenge for a first-ever Vitality County Championship title with a crushing 293-run victory over Durham at Taunton.The left-arm spinner claimed seven for 50 in the visitors’ second innings total of 126 all out, aided by teenager Archie Vaughan, whose off-breaks reaped 2 for 40. Nightwatchman George Drissell top scored with 33 in an otherwise disappointing Durham batting effort.Somerset took a maximum 24 points from the game to Durham’s four and, with Surrey up next at the Cooper Associates County Ground next week the second placed Cidermen will have the chance to close the gap on the Division One leaders.Play began under overcast skies with Durham 15 for 3. Somerset fears that the weather might scupper their victory bid appeared justified when rain started falling after just 5.4 overs, with their opponents having added 14 to the overnight score.Seven overs were lost from the half-hour interruption, and nightwatchmen Drissell and Callum Parkinson continued to offer stout resistance when the match resumed, taking the score to 63 in the 26th over.Drissell used his feet well against spinners Leach and Vaughan, while Parkinson dealt effectively with most deliveries on a good line and length, only to fall for 18 to a leg-side ball from Vaughan, which saw him pick out Lewis Goldsworthy, who took a tumbling catch at backward point.It was 70 for 5 when Ollie Robinson edged a turning delivery from Leach and Lewis Gregory took a sharp slip catch, diving low to his left. With seven runs added, Drissell’s battling contribution ended in similar fashion, Gregory pouching a more straightforward chance off Leach.By lunch, Durham were struggling on 94 for 6, their hopes of salvaging a draw resting largely on the weather, the seventh-wicket partnership between Ashton Turner and Bas de Leede, which was worth 17 runs at the interval, and first innings centurion Brydon Carse.Leach had been extracting considerable turn from the River End, while teenager Vaughan maintained exemplary accuracy on an impressive first class debut. Neither gave away cheap runs and skipper Gregory was able to stick with attacking fields.It was Leach who struck again early in the afternoon session, this time finding the edge of Turner’s bat. Overton accepted the straightforward chance at second slip, his sixth catch of the game, to leave Durham 108 for seven.With 16 added, including a Carse six over mid-wicket off Leach, the rain returned and Somerset faced further frustration. Carse had appeared to survive a chance to wicketkeeper James Rew on two, Leach being the unlucky bowler.Play resumed at 2.50pm with a further seven overs lost. The first delivery saw Carse push forward to Leach and edge to second slip where Overton again made no mistake diving to his right.At 124 for 8, the Durham cause was almost lost. Ben Raine could add only two to his first innings half-century before being caught at short-leg to become Leach’s sixth victim of the innings.The next delivery clean bowled last man Daniel Hogg, sparking celebrations among the Somerset players. Within moments the rain was falling again, but it was too late to dampen spirits in a jubilant home dressing room.

Afghanistan storm into Super Eight; New Zealand knocked out

Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq set up the win by helping bundle out PNG for 95

S Sudarshanan14-Jun-2024

Fazalhaq Farooqi was named the Player of the Match for his 3 for 16•ICC via Getty Images

Afghanistan booked their place in Super Eight, thereby knocking New Zealand out of men’s T20 World Cup 2024, after a seven-wicket win over PNG in Tarouba.Their win was set up by new-ball spells from fast bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq that saw PNG lose five wickets inside the powerplay. A total of four run-outs did not help PNG’s cause either as they were dismissed for 95.Afghanistan romped home with 29 balls to spare with Gulbadin Naib staying unbeaten on 49. The result meant that for the first time since 2014, New Zealand bowed out before the semi-final stage of a men’s World Cup – ODI or T20.With six points and a net run rate of 4.230, Afghanistan lead Group C.Naib douses a brief spark from PNGA target of 96 would not have worried Afghanistan. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran had added century stands for the opening wicket in each of their first two games. Gurbaz had struck fifties in those outings. As a result, the middle order had barely had time in the middle. On Thursday, Afghanistan’s worst fears nearly came true.Semo Kamea, brought in for vice-captain Charles Amini, almost struck first ball when Ibrahim was ruled out lbw. He used the DRS to his benefit but lost his stumps three balls later while trying to attack an inswinger from Kamea. In the next over, fast bowler Alei Neo knocked over Gurbaz, who also charged down to heave one across the line. PNG could have put even more pressure on Afghanistan had wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga hung on to Naib’s outside edge in the fifth over.PNG were left to rue those chances on a surface with dry grass, which, as Daren Ganga had said in his pitch report, contributed to variable bounce. The proof was in Azmatullah Omarzai’s dismissal when a length ball from Norman Vanua barely got up and bowled him.But Naib, in the company of Mohammad Nabi, countered the conditions to ensure Afghanistan faced no further hiccups.Vala run-out triggers collapsePNG made almost the right start after being sent in. A double through fine leg, a single through point, a cut shot for four – they were ticking along without any risk. But it all went south when captain Assad Vala was run out in the second over. Going for the third run, his bat was in the air at the non-striker’s end when Gurbaz nailed a direct hit at the bowler’s end. Had Vala slid his bat, he would have been safe.Papua New Guinea lost four wickets, including Norman Vanua, to run-out•Associated Press

Farooqi then did what he does best: flummox batters with swing. He had Lega Siaka caught behind by Gurbaz diving full length to his right and then, on the next ball, Sese Bau also nicked one behind.When Naveen got Hiri Hiri to chop one onto his stumps on the first ball of the fourth over, PNG had lost four wickets in nine balls. Batting first on a used surface that hosted the West Indies-New Zealand clash just 24 hours ago, that was handing over advantage on a platter.Doriga leads mini-recovery for PNGWhen Naveen crashed through Tony Ura for his 50th T20I wicket, PNG were reduced to 30 for 5. PNG needed to bat a few overs safely at that point, and Chad Soper and Doriga did that for 24 balls while scoring 16 runs. But in the tenth over, both were guilty of ball-watching, which resulted in Soper being run out.Doriga then used the slog sweep and sweep to rotate strike against Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. Neo punished the seamers when they bowled on his pads. The pair was effective without being enterprising and added 38 off 34 balls.Once Doriga was done in by a wrong’un from Noor to be trapped lbw, PNG lost their last three wickets for just seven runs.

Arsenal talks could advance in "next few days" as Berta eyes £59m signing

Arsenal continue to be busy planning their next moves, with five days remaining to register new players early doors before the first mini-window shuts on June 10.

Arsenal striker search ongoing with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko targeted

The consensus among reliable media outlets is that Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are Arsenal’s two priority striker targets – amid some whispers the club are still debating Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as well (The Athletic).

Arsenal discuss signing £80m Sesko and Gyokeres alternative who'd love to join

The Gunners’ striker search is an ongoing fascination.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

As per the BBC and journalist Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are discussing the frameworks of deals for both Gyokeres and Sesko, before sporting Andrea Berta, Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ recruitment team formally decide which number nine to go for.

What is absolutely non-negotiable, though, is the club’s glaring for a prolific striker.

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

Arsenal scored just 69 goals in the Premier League last season – a far cry from the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two campaigns – and their struggle to break sides down resulted in them drawing more games than any other side in the top half.

The stats never lie, and these numbers tell a story that Arteta is in dire need of a vocal point up front.

One of Arsenal’s options, Sesko, is fresh off the back of 21 goals in all competitions, and “concrete talks” have been held. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, they’re the “only” side to go this far, despite Man United’s interest.

Arsenal could advance Benjamin Sesko deal in "next few days"

Speaking on The Football Terrace this week, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an update on the north Londoners’ complex pursuit.

Arsenal could advance on a deal for Sesko in the next few days, but it would require Leipzig to be flexible on his asking price. The Gunners ideally want to strike an agreement for around £59 million, whereas his release clause is currently nearer the £70m mark.

“They’ve made contact with Leipzig in the last three days,” said Jacobs.

“They have discussed whether or not there is flexibility beneath the variable release clause, set at the moment around €80 million. That’s why that one’s taking time, because Arsenal want to do Sesko for €70 million, or within that ballpark.

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoheads at goal

“I think, if Leipzig show flexibility, there is a concrete possibility that one advances in the next few days. The earlier contact with Leipzig in January is very key to this, because they were respectful of the player wanting to see out the season, and of Leipzig not wanting to sell mid-season.

“That strengthens Arsenal’s position in Sesko negotiations, because now Leipzig have a good relationship with Arsenal.”

The Slovenia international is gaining a reputation as a very “underrated” option in the market, and while his goal record is modest, Sesko’s speed, power and height arguably make him tailor-made for Premier League football.

Rodri 2.0: Man City make "one of the best CMs in the world" a top target

Manchester City have the chance to end the season with some silverware as they get ready to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final this month.

It won’t make up for the fact Pep Guardiola’s men have endured an utterly dismal campaign, but it should give the club a boost heading into the summer.

Manchester City manager PepGuardiolaapplauds fans after the match

The Spaniard will be keen on further bolstering his squad when the transfer window opens, building on the successful winter window.

Several players have already been linked with a move to the Etihad, especially as the club needs a replacement for the departing Kevin De Bruyne.

Every Premier League club's record sale (timeless)

Recently, it appears as though Guardiola is looking to raid one of his former clubs for a midfielder…

Man City's search for a new midfielder

According to reports coming out of Spain, City have made Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong one of their ‘biggest summer targets’, ahead of next season.

Transfer Focus

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

Liverpool and Arsenal are also showing plenty of interest in the Dutchman. Given Barcelona’s financial situation, they may be forced to listen to offers for the player when the transfer window opens.

With just a year left on his contract, Guardiola will be confident of striking a deal to secure his signature.

Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong in action for Barcelona.

Could De Jong become Rodri 2.0 should he make the move to Manchester?

Why Pep could sign the next Rodri for Man City

It is safe to say that City’s campaign was derailed the moment Rodri suffered an ACL injury in September.

He was the fulcrum to the side that won the treble during the 2022/23 season, while playing an important role for Spain as they won Euro 2024 last summer, before subsequently claiming a richly-deserved Ballon d’Or.

With 260 appearances to his name, alongside a plethora of honours, since arriving from Atletico Madrid on a £62.8m deal in 2019, the 28-year-old has made the switch from LaLiga with breathtaking ease.

Lauded by former Barcelona manager Xavi as being “one of the best midfielders in the world” last season, De Jong could follow suit should he make his own switch from Spanish football. The likeness between the pair can also be seen with regard to their statistical similarity across a range of metrics in 2023/24, according to FBref.

Both registered over 90% in pass completion percentage (92.1% vs 92%), while they also won a high percentage of aerial duels (57.5% vs 71.1%) and impressed in the final third too. De Jong averaged 3.3 shot-creating actions per 90, while Rodri averaged 4.82 of the same metric for City.

Frenkie de Jong’s statistics for Barcelona this season

Metric (per 90)

Champions League

La Liga

Accurate passes

45.6

37.9

Key passes

0.4

0.9

Tackles

1.4

0.7

Ball recoveries

2.9

2

Possession lost

4.5

2.9

Via Sofascore

It is clear that De Jong could turn into another Rodri-like signing for City, especially with his performances this season for the La Liga side.

Barcelona are on the brink of reaching the Champions League final for the first time since 2015. In the competition, De Jong ranks in the top 3% for pass completion percentage (93.7%), along with ranking in the top 6% for carries into the final third (3.16) and in the top 5% for tackles in the middle third (1.71) per 90.

These statistics have helped La Blaugrana reach the semi-final stage. A 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the first leg of the tie was a thriller, but De Jong will be aiming to help his side reach the final.

If City have a genuine chance of signing the Dutchman, they must make their move early.

Pep must axe Grealish by unleashing Man City's "explosive" star

Pep Guardiola must drop Jack Grealish and start Manchester City’s “explosive” winger.

ByBen Gray May 2, 2025

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