O Palmeiras está próximo de negociar o volante Pedro Lima por empréstimo ao futebol português. A informação foi dada em primeira mão pela ESPN e confirmada pelo Lance!.
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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
Pedro Lima iria emprestado, mas com opção de compra ao final do contrato de um ano. O destino da Cria, segundo o GE, é o Acadêmico de Viseu, mas o negócio ainda não está sacramentado. A reportagem apurou que a confirmação deverá acontecer em breve. O estafe do jogador entende que a oportunidade é boa diante da possível falta de oportunidades no profissional.
O jovem de 20 anos foi um dos destaques do bicampeonato da Copinha, conquistado em janeiro deste ano, e chegou a treinar com o time de Abel Ferreira e jogar alguns minutos pelo profissional do Verdão, antes de retornar para o sub-20 alviverde.
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+ Presidente do Palmeiras é chamada de ‘mão de vaca’ em Portugal
Pedro Lima tem 11 gols em 28 partidas nesta atual temporada, e sua última aparição pelo sub-20 do Verdão foi nesta última terça-feira, quando o Palmeiras goleou o Botafogo por 4 a 0 e garantiu classificação para a semifinal do Brasileiro da categoria.
أعلن نادي بيراميدز تلقيه إخطارًا رسميًا من رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة بشأن تأجيل مباراة له في الدوري المصري الممتاز.
وكان من المقرر أن تُقام مباراة بيراميدز وإنبي يوم 29 أكتوبر الجاري، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية عشرة من بطولة الدوري المصري.
وتم تعديل الموعد بسبب ارتباط بيراميدز بمباراتيه أمام التأمين الإثيوبي في دور الـ32 من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، والمقرر لهما يومي 26 و30 أكتوبر في القاهرة.
طالع أيضًا.. رسميًا | بيراميدز على رأس قائمة 10 أندية للفوز بجائزة الأفضل في إفريقيا
وبناءً على ذلك، تقرر تأجيل مباراة إنبي أمام بيراميدز لتُقام يوم 10 فبراير المُقبل 2026 على استاد بتروسبورت، أي بعد 104 أيام كاملة من موعدها الأصلي.
وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن بيراميدز يحتل المركز السادس بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، ولديه 17 نقطة، من الفوز بـ5 لقاءات وتعادل مرتين وتلقى هزيمة واحدة.
الجدير بالذكر، أن الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”، كان قد أعلن ترشيح بيراميدز في قائمة تضم 10 أندية للمنافسة على جائزة الأفضل داخل إفريقيا، وذلك بعد النجاح الكبير في التتويج بلقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا لأول مرة في تاريخه، ثم الفوز بكأس القارات الثلاث، وخطف لقب كأس السوبر الإفريقي.
A terceira passagem de Vanderlei Luxemburgo no Corinthians tem sido conturbada. Após a derrota contra o Bragantino, Luxa ostenta o pior aproveitamento de um técnico no Timão em seus primeiros 16 jogos.
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Até o momento, Luxa possui quatro vitórias, quatro empates e oito derrotas no comando do Alvinegro, com 33% de aproveitamento. O treinador classificou o Corinthians às quartas de final da Copa do Brasil, mas foi eliminado na fase de grupos da Libertadores e ainda não conseguiu afastar o perigo da zona do rebaixamento. A equipe está em 16° lugar na tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro, com 13 pontos.
+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF
Nos últimos cinco anos, Jair Ventura é quem mais se aproxima ao início de Luxemburgo. Seus 16 primeiros jogos foram marcados por quatro vitórias, cinco empates e sete derrotas, com 35% de aproveitamento. Jair durou mais três jogos no cargo, e foi demitido após ser derrotado pelo Grêmio.
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Aproveitamento dos treinadores do Corinthians em seus 16 primeiros jogos nos últimos cinco anos
Vanderlei Luxemburgo – 33%
Jair Ventura – 35%
Sylvinho – 39%
Tiago Nunes – 47%
Vítor Pereira – 50%
Carille (2019) – 52%
Vágner Mancini – 52%
Osmar Loss – 52%
Fernando Lázaro – 60%
+ Timão se afasta do Z4? Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Brasileirão
Nottingham Forest are now on the verge of signing a £10m defender, having submitted an offer for his services, a report has revealed.
Forest's busy summer transfer window continues
With Forest preparing for a Europa League campaign next season, they have set out to deepen their squad, while Nuno Espirito Santo was also tasked with bringing in a replacement for Anthony Elanga, following the Sweden international’s departure to Newcastle United.
Dan Ndoye has since arrived at the City Ground, joining alongside Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, and there should be plenty of space for even more arrivals, given that the Tricky Trees have generated considerable funds from sales this summer.
Player
New club
Transfer fee
Anthony Elanga
Newcastle United
£53m
Danilo
Botafogo
£20m
Ramon Sosa
Palmeiras
£11m
Andrew Omobamidele
Strasbourg
£9m
Matt Turner
Lyon
£7m
Lewis O’Brien
Wrexham
£3m
Following Turner’s departure, there is a real need to get a new goalkeeper through the door, and Fabrizio Romano has recently revealed that Angus Gunn is set to make a move to the City Ground.
However, Gunn is not the only player who could be linking up with Nuno’s side in the very near future, with a report from Italy (via Sport Witness) revealing Nottingham Forest are now very close to sealing a deal for Hellas Verona’s Jackson Tchatchoua.
Forest have made an offer of €12m (£10m) plus bonuses, which appears to be acceptable for the Italian club, with the transfer now edging closer to completion, and Tchatchoua is set to receive a four-year contract.
The full-back would be a versatile option for Nuno, given that he is able to play on both sides of the defence, and right-wing back.
Nottingham Forest negotiating fee for £139k-a-week star with personal terms agreed
The Tricky Trees could beat competition from elsewhere.
By
Sean Markus Clifford
Aug 4, 2025
Tchatchoua could be solid addition to Nuno's squad
Nuno already has a dependable option at right-back in the form of Ola Aina, with the London-born defender making 35 Premier League appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, however, the Verona defender may be a necessary addition.
Everton transfer target Jackson Tchatchoua in action for Hellas Verona.
With the Tricky Trees set to embark on a European campaign, Nuno needs to improve his squad depth, and the 23-year-old’s versatility could make him a solid option, while he is also a threat on the front foot.
The Cameroon international picked up two goals and three assists in the Serie A last season, scoring the opening goal in his side’s 2-0 victory against Genoa last September.
That said, it will be difficult for Tchatchoua to displace Aina in the starting XI, given that the 28-year-old received very high praise for his performances last season, with journalist Zach Lowy describing him as “one of the best” full-backs in Europe.
Sheffield Wednesday are in a state of constant change, but their internal situation hasn’t slowed the Owls’ mission to bring in new blood as they now have a potential recruit on trial.
Danny Rohl leaves Sheffield Wednesday
Following a summer of turbulence, David Ornstein has confirmed that Danny Rohl has left his post at Sheffield Wednesday after informing his players and staff this morning of his intention to depart Hillsborough.
“Danny Rohl exits position as Sheffield Wednesday head coach. Agreement finalised for 36yo to depart SWFC – players + staff being informed this morning. German boss free to pursue next steps; expected to take some time to consider options.”
Financially, Sheffield Wednesday are in a frail position and have been unable to pay players on time in recent months. Rohl opting to leave is just the latest in a long line of exits, including Josh Windass and Michael Smith.
Dejphon Chansiri’s mismanagement of club affairs has left fans irate. On the same token, uncertainty over whether club captain Barry Bannan will commit to the Owls is another frustrating element of the current state of play.
With no imminent takeover in sight, it is hard to envisage when things will start to take a turn in the other direction. Sheffield Wednesday are in a dark period, but supporters will cling on to the hope that light exists at the end of the tunnel.
Derby battle Sheffield Wednesday to sign defender with over 300 EFL games
He could be a strong addition to the back-line.
ByHenry Jackson May 16, 2025
Finding a manager to steer the club through difficult moments will be a stern task, though there is one small nugget of positivity for the Owls to cling on to amid recent developments.
Sheffield Wednesday take Reece Clairmont on trial
According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday have signed former Arsenal winger Reece Clairmont for a trial after he left the Gunners on a free transfer at the end of last season.
The 18-year-old winger is reported to have started for an Under-21 Owls side in a 2-0 defeat to Derby County over the weekend. Whether or not he earns a contract remains to be seen, though the academy pathway is set to be heavily utilised this term in light of off-field problems.
Reece Clairmont in 2024/25 – Under-18 Premier League
Appearances
6
Goals
0
Assists
0
Alexander Asaba has also been at Sheffield Wednesday on a trial basis and started the clash, and it remains to be seen if either are set to be involved in Friday night’s clash against Scarborough Athletic.
Cost-effective solutions on the pitch will need to come into effect this season. Ultimately, budget restrictions and the threat of a Championship points deduction don’t help matters whatsoever.
Nevertheless, there is still talent in the building at Hillsborough and allowing youth a chance to flourish under new management may unearth some prodigious talent that can be sold later down the line, potentially easing the financial situation while Chansiri attempts to find a buyer.
Arsenal are poised to spend over £200 million this summer at least, if certain deals go through, so they’ll need to eventually balance the books by selling players.
£80m player gives "positive" response about joining Arsenal after contact
He’d be yet another ambitious deal.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 16, 2025
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard arrived at the Emirates Stadium recently for a total of around £75 million, not including add-ons, while Noni Madueke also sealed a £52 million switch from Chelsea.
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
£75m
Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera’s initial £13 million move, not including add-ons which could take it up to £17 million, brings Andrea Berta’s spending up to £140 million – with the player set to undergo his Gunners medical on Wednesday.
After Mosquera, Arsenal are finalising a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres after reaching an agreement in principle (The Athletic). Mikel Arteta’s side will pay an upfront fee of around £55 million, plus an extra £10 million in add-ons, which means Berta is set to fork out a minimum £195 million on transfers with the club’s deals so far.
As we’ve seen with Chelsea and Aston Villa recently, UEFA operate strict financial fair play rules, with the Premier League duo fined for breaches and forced to sell squad members so they can register new players for their European campaigns next season.
While there is no indication that Arsenal are in any similar danger, or with regard to PSR, Berta will be keen to err on the side of caution and offload a few surplus men.
Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko and 19-year-old defender Maldini Kacurri are named as players who Arsenal could likely choose to sell or loan out, with uncertainty also surrounding both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard (The Athletic).
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellireacts
Arsenal have already let Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares and Marquinhos leave the club this summer, with the north Londoners also terminating Takehiro Tomiyasu’s contract following his injury nightmare.
Arsenal could terminate Karl Hein deal amid Sevilla interest
Now, according to Spanish news outlet Vamos di Sevilla, they could repeat that with 23-year-old goalkeeper Karl Hein.
The 39-cap Estonia captain appears out of Arteta’s long-term plans and has only ever made one senior appearance for the club in a 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton in 2022 – a match where he also gave away a penalty.
He spent last season on loan at Real Valladolid in La Liga, starting 31 league games and keeping five clean sheets in that time as they were relegated to the Spanish Segunda División.
However, Sevilla are believed to be keen on him, and Hein is ready to accept an offer from them to leave the Emirates. Vamos di Sevilla also suggest that Arsenal could terminate Hein’s contract, just under 12 months before it is set to expire in 2026, or even green-light another loan.
In any case, he is apparently one of the Sevilla sporting directors’ favourite options, so this could be one to keep an eye on.
It would be fair to say that Manchester United’s lacklustre summer took a turn for the worse on Tuesday afternoon.
While the Old Trafford faithful have been crying out for the club to go out and sign some players, fierce rivals Liverpool have been doing precisely that, and now it looks like they are on the hunt for Alexander Isak.
In fact, according to some reporters, they are now preparing a £130m offer for the Newcastle United star, despite already spending around £116m on Florian Wirtz earlier in the window.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
However, there might still be some good news for United fans, as reports suggest they are looking to bring in someone who could be their answer to the Swede before next week.
Manchester United's underwhelming summer
While it certainly doesn’t feel like it at the moment, the summer transfer window actually started in a rather positive fashion for United.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
After recovering from their Europa League final defeat, the club went out and activated Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause.
With the Brazilian being Premier League-proven and amassing an impressive haul of 23 goal involvements in 36 games last season, it is undoubtedly a great signing; however, the problem is that the club haven’t made another since.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhareacts
Fortunately, that might be about to change. At least that is according to a recent report from the Manchester Evening News, which has revealed that United are closing in on Bryan Mbeumo.
In fact, in some much-needed good news, the report claims that the Red Devils are working hard to bring the Brentford man in before they begin their pre-season next week.
The club have already seen two offers rejected, with the latest being around £60m, but according to stories from earlier this week, they’ll need to pay £65m to get this deal over the line.
It’s certainly a lot of money to spend on one player, but given Mbeumo’s ability, it would be worth it, and it could be United’s own Isak-type addition.
Why Mbeumo could be United's Isak
Now, the first thing we’ll say is that, no, we don’t think Mbeumo is as good a player as Isak, but that doesn’t take away from the fact he’s still brilliant, and that isn’t really what we’re trying to say either.
Instead, we’re arguing that the Cameroonian international could have the same sort of impact on United in an attacking sense that the Newcastle ace could have for Liverpool.
That might sound absurd to some, but it’s really not, especially considering the difference a seriously dangerous Premier League goalscorer could have on this Red Devils side is far greater due to their current position, and the Brentford man is most certainly a dangerous goalscorer.
For example, in 38 league appearances last season, totalling 3417 minutes, the Bees’ “mini-Salah,” as dubbed by pundit Jason Cundy, scored 20 goals and provided eight assists.
That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.35 games, or one every 122.03 minutes.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
That would have made him comfortably the top scorer and most productive player in Ruben Amorim’s squad last season, ahead of Bruno Fernandes with eight goals and 11 assists in 36 games.
More impressively, however, it wasn’t too far off Isak’s tally.
Appearances
38
34
Minutes
3417′
2774′
Goals
20
23
Assists
8
6
Goal Involvements per Match
0.73
0.85
Minutes per Goal Involvement
122.03′
95.65′
In a far better team, the Swedish striker scored 23 goals and provided six assists in 34 league appearances, totalling 2774 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.17 games, or every 95.65 minutes.
Finally, with the “phenomenal” Bees gem, as dubbed by one analyst, being able to play off the right or up top, he’d have even more opportunities to influence proceedings at the Theatre of Dreams next season.
Ultimately, Mbeumo is not as good a player as Isak, and nobody would suggest otherwise, but he is still an incredible attacker, and there is every chance that he could be as game-changing for United as the Swede might be for Liverpool.
Amorim's own Pogba: Man Utd leading race to sign "sensational" £42m star
Manchester United could be about to make a move to land a key target in their plans for the 2025/26 campaign.
Supposing Liverpool get themselves a new centre-forward this summer, Arne Slot has the potential to forge a truly special outfit down Anfield Road, capable of dominating European football for many years to come.
Liverpool have already wrapped up deals for Bayer Leverkusen duo Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, while today is Tuesday, and it’s now Milos Kerkez week.
Without question, FSG aren’t spinning their wheels this summer, acting with intent to secure the core of Slot’s squad over the coming years.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot
While signing a centre-forward is very much on the radar, Darwin Nunez’s sale to Napoli must be finalised (Saudi Arabian suitors are also keen) before forward movement can take place on that front.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are being forced to contend with the possibility of losing one of their star forwards in Luis Diaz.
Why Liverpool could sell Luis Diaz
Back at the start of the month, Diaz spoke of his future on Merseyside, spoke of discussions held with potential suitors. He called it a natural part of the transfer window, especially in the earlier stages. He’s right.
Barcelona have a historic interest that they tried to act on, but Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes retorted in the negative when they made their approach. Barca, it’s felt, don’t have the financial sway to meet FSG’s demands. Diaz is one of the best wingers in Europe, after all.
However, Bayern Munich do have some moolah lying about and have reportedly since made their own enquiry for the 28-year-old Colombian, who scored 17 goals and supplied eight assists for the English champions in 2024/25. Cody Gakpo is also on the German giants’ wishlist.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Diaz is entering the next-to-last year of his Liverpool contract, but he will only be sold if a fitting proposal is tabled. Something in the region of €80m (£68m), perhaps.
Should Diaz go, though, he’d need to be replaced.
Liverpool make contact for Luis Diaz replacement
It must be stressed that the probability of this one coming to fruition is low, but according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are interested in signing Bradley Barcola this summer.
In fact, FSG have already made an official enquiry as they look to sign the silky Paris Saint-Germain star. However, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are also keen on the winger, who has emerged as one of the leading forwards in Europe over the past year.
As such, PSG have responded to calls by stating the 22-year-old is not for sale. Though it’s not explicitly stated, Bailey suggests Liverpool would be willing to fork out another £100m this summer, while discussing the intrigue surrounding Barcola.
Why Liverpool want Bradley Barcola
If one of Liverpool’s biggest talents in Diaz leaves, a fitting replacement will be needed to balance the output and ensure Mohamed Salah is not encumbered by even more responsibility than he carried last term, albeit to a title-winning effect.
Barcola could certainly be that man, for the rising star has proven himself capable of taking the step from good prospect to world-class superstar under Luis Enrique’s wing at the Parc des Princes, scoring 14 goals and supplying ten assists across just 27 league starts in 2024/25, creating 18 big chances and averaging 1.5 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.
Joining PSG from Ligue 1 rivals Lyon in 2023 for a €45m (about £38m) fee, Barcola has only gone from strength to strength in a Parisian shirt, principally fielded off the left flank but also having tasted actually on the right and in a central berth.
Bradley Barcola – Senior Career So Far (all comps)
Season
Apps
Goals
Assists
24/25 – PSG
60
21
20
23/24 – PSG
42
5
9
22/23 – Lyon
35
7
10
21/22 – Lyon
13
0
2
Data via Transfermarkt
Were he to take Diaz’s left wing spot (with the possibility of acting like the more experienced man in a false-nine-type role), Barcola would surely forge an incredible alliance with Wirtz, whose “generational” ball-playing quality – as has been commented on by journalist Chris Stonadge – would see the Frenchman picked out in promising position with frightening regularity.
Moreover, Wirtz’s off-the-ball intelligence is an impressive thing too, and as Barcola utilises his rapidity down the wing, the Germany international can weave into space and collect a pass, strike on goal.
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz will bring creativity and a bouncing athletic style to Anfield, but Barcola would magnify that and then some through his fleet-footedness and electric dribbling, ranked as he was among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last term for goal contributions, the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 7% for goal-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.
Think Diaz, but even more energetic, even more potent in the final third. Barcola will collect the ball and move into the danger area at breakneck pace, making inroads into enemy defensive territory after sweeping passes from, you guessed it, Wirtz.
Bagging the German is incredible enough for Slot’s project, but if a budding superstar in Barcola can be signed as well, there’s no telling how bright the future might be for the Premier League champions.
PSG might have issued an emphatic no to hungry suitors, but that hardly means a move couldn’t be brokered, particularly if his reported £100m price tag is met.
Any move for Barcola hinges on Diaz’s (or Gakpo’s) summer sale, and if such an eventuality does come about, Barcola might just be the perfect replacement.
He’s yet to realise his potential, and he’s already “one of the best wingers in the world”, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson. Liverpool need to get it done.
Slot's answer to Mane: Liverpool chasing "monster" £70m Premier League star
Liverpool have set their sights on another attacking star this summer.
“That’s the main focus, because we know we have the power at the end”
Sidharth Monga23-Jun-2024
In the absence of Brandon King, West Indies are now likely to open with Shai Hope•Associated Press
Needing to win three out of three to win a home World Cup and recreate the joy they did at Kensington Oval when they beat USA, West Indies clearly know where they need to get better: when they are batting in the middle overs. Both their average and run-rate have been the lowest in that phase this World Cup. They are losing a wicket every 20 balls in the middle overs despite scoring just 123 per 100 balls. Even these numbers make them look better than they have been as it includes the onslaught against USA when they were assured of a win and had to go hard in order to improve their net run-rate.It was in the middle overs against England, their only defeat so far, that West Indies let the game slip away. Especially in the first half of the middle overs, when they scored just 40 runs from overs seven to 11 in batting-friendly conditions. They had resolved to do better in those periods but never got tested when they played USA.”When we lost to England, we struggled in that period after the powerplay,” Roston Chase admitted. “I mean USA and South Africa is two different opponents, but we spoke about that, and the guys came out and executed it well today. It was only four overs outside of the powerplay, but that’s the main focus, because we know we have the power at the end. So it’s just for us to control that powerplay with the batting and our bowling, and then for us in the batting to keep the momentum going through that 7 to 15 period where we fell down horribly against England.”Related
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Middle overs is also where Chase might have a role to play. Just to be able to stay busy and not starve the in-form hitter of the strike. “Easy for me because my job is just to give them the strike and let them hit it for six,” Chase joked when asked how it was playing in a team full of power hitters. “So that’s right up my alley. I guess that’s why I’m pencilled in at 4 to just be that transition between the boundaries and just keeping the strike rotated as well. Because I find that most of the time the boundary hitters, they usually hit boundaries, but then they may get a few dot balls. And then it equals out the equation. But if you have me there just to stroke it around and look nice, that’s good.”If he hasn’t batted till the 10th or the 11th over, though, Chase’s role is likely to be restricted to bowling in the middle overs and fielding at backward point, where he pulled off a stunning catch against USA. “If I see 10 overs come and I haven’t gone up there yet, I just keep my eyes on Rovman [Powell, the captain] all the time,” Chase said. “Once I see he give me a look, I go, yeah. Yeah, it’s for the better of the team. And the guys go out there and execute and give it their all. I’m happy with that.”In the absence of Brandon King, West Indies are now likely to open with Shai Hope, who was tried in the Chase role once earlier during the tournament. If Hope bats through into the middle overs, he is not the one to get bogged down. Undefeated South Africa are not the usual South Africa unit that used to stall in the middle overs. They in fact choked out England in the middle overs in the last match. Don’t be surprised if this contest comes down to the middle overs.
Leeds United’s Saturday lunchtime couldn’t have gone any better, with the Whites recording a priceless victory in the ongoing automatic promotion tussle in the Championship against Preston North End, whilst one of their rivals for the top two spots succumbed to a third straight defeat in the league.
That was Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United who shockingly fell to a late defeat at bottom-of-the-table Plymouth Argyle, with Leeds’ emotions very different at the final whistle away from the dour mood in Devon from the away stands.
The picture above encapsulates the mixture of both relief and jubliance inside Elland Road when the full-time whistle was sounded, with Manor Solomon standing out throughout as a top performer after gifting his promotion-chasing side the lead after just four minutes.
Solomon's performance in numbers vs Preston
With Daniel James confirmed to be out of the lunchtime clash when the lineup filtered through, Solomon must have been even more aware that he could be a hero for his team down the flanks, away from the energetic Welshman.
He instantly threw himself into the contest and was rewarded with a stunning early effort, with the Tottenham Hotspur loanee managing to curl this delightful effort past the opposition goalkeeper after the Whites’ patient passing approach paid off.
Preston would instantly fight back with an equaliser, but thankfully, the Championship’s table-toppers had more than enough in their system to get over the line and win, with Solomon a lively customer across the frantic 90 minutes.
Indeed, the 25-year-old winger would also turn provider when assisting Jayden Bogle’s winning goal, with the Spurs loan ace further completing four accurate crosses to try and make Leeds’ slim victory more comprehensive.
Whilst the attacking players in Daniel Farke’s ranks do often steal the plaudits with breathtaking displays of quality, there was also a resilient side to Leeds on show against Paul Heckingbottom’s visitors, with this defender a colossus throughout.
The 8/10 Leeds star who has become undroppable
It could be argued that the centre-back star in question was even better than Solomon across the full duration of the bumpy 90 minutes, with the 6 foot 4 titan having to remain alert throughout, away from his attacking teammate stealing the show early on.
Joe Rodon would come away from this nervy encounter with his head firmly held high, considering the Welsh enforcer would trudge off the Elland Road turf at the close of the contest with all but one of his seven duels won, among other standout numbers.
Rodon’s performance in numbers
Stat
Rodon
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
59
Accurate passes
47/51 (92%)
Key passes
1
Shots
2
Clearances
4
Tackles
1
Total duels won
6/7
Stats by Sofascore
Looking at the table above, it’s clear Rodon was a man in control throughout his near-faultless 90 minutes, with the ex-Swansea City man only misplacing four of his 51 passes on the day.
Whilst he followed a worried trend of Leeds being wasteful in front of goal with two chances spurned of his own, Rodon would still rightly be praised post-match, leading to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth dishing out a high 8/10 rating to the dominant number six, labelling his forceful showing as simply ‘no-nonsense’.
Already undroppable before this tense fixture – considering Farke has started him in every Championship game this season to date – his importance to the cause has only been heightened now off the back the unfortunate backdrop of his usual centre-back comrade, Pascal Struijk, being ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
Rodon will hope more authoritative performances defensively, such as this one against the Lilywhites, leads to more invaluable victories coming his side’s way, with just one misstep in the automatic promotion race in the Championship proving to be very costly.
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