Category Uncategorized

MatériaMais Notícias

O camisa 9 chegou. As negociações duraram mais que o esperado, mas o Botafogo teve um final feliz: Tiquinho Soares foi anunciado como reforço do clube nesta sexta-feira. O atacante de 31 anos chega para ser a principal peça do sistema ofensivo do time de Luís Castro.

RelacionadasBotafogoBotafogo anuncia a contratação de Jacob MontesBotafogo12/08/2022BotafogoFeminino: Botafogo pode garantir vaga na elite do futebol brasileiroBotafogo12/08/2022BotafogoBotafogo lança nova loja virtual e divulga terceiro uniformeBotafogo12/08/2022

+Botafogo fecha com Lucas Perri e conversa por liberação imediata com o São Paulo

A contratação de um novo centroavante era pedido pela diretoria. O desejo é por um jogador experiente para poder acompanhar Erison e Matheus Nascimento, dois jogadores jovens. Em campo, Tiquinho Soares deve oferecer força física e presença aérea, dois dos principais atributos que possui.

– É um jogador com uma boa presença física, é um atacante pulsante, mas que nem por isso perde tecnicamente. É um jogador de gana alta do ponto de vista da habilidade técnica, um cara bastante móvel, mas prefere ficar dentro da área. Diria que sua principal forma de fazer gol é de cabeça, os apoios frontais de costas para o gol para fazer tabelas com os companheiros também são muito fortes. É um atacante à moda antiga, diria. Fisicamente é muito importante – afirmou André Monteiro, setorista do Porto no “Jornal Record”, ao LANCE!.

Tiquinho passou quatro temporadas nos Dragões – foram 64 gols marcados em 140 jogos. Por lá, foi campeão de dois Campeonatos Portugueses, uma Taça de Portugal e uma Supercopa.

+Botafogo formaliza acordo para pagar mais de R$ 400 milhões em dívidas trabalhistas

– Ele ficou mais de quatro temporadas aqui (Porto) mas nunca foi um titular indiscutível, sempre apareceu como um segundo centroavante importante na equipe. O ponto negativo é a tomada de decisão na hora de finalizar, por vezes parece ansioso e isso atrapalha – completou o jornalista.

Na Liga Portugal de 19/20 – a última que disputou antes de se transferir para a China e Olympiacos, posteriormente -, Tiquinho fez dez gols em 30 jogos. Desses, cinco foram de cabeça, três com a perna direita e dois com a esquerda.

+Tiquinho Soares já foi chamado de ‘Novo Hulk’ em Portugal

– A passagem dele em Portugal foi muito positiva. Chegou para jogar no Nacional e foi para o Vitória de Guimarães, um clube que sempre ambiciona competições europeias, se destacou e foi para o Porto. O que ele deixou aqui é que é um bom atacante, faltou alguma coisa para ser um atacante do topo do futebol europeu. Nunca teve a oportunidade de ir para uma super equipe, mas foi um bom atacante no futebol europeu em uma segunda linha, podemos dizer assim. Foi muito positivo aqui em Portugal – finalizou.

O atacante somou, por jogo, média de 1.8 chute (0.7 no alvo), criou cinco grandes chances e teve 72% de aproveitamento nos passes. Soares teve 41% de sucesso nos duelos pelo chão e 44% nos aéreos. Por outro lado, o atacante desperdiçou dez chances claras de gol – os dados são do “SofaScore”.

Nuggetty allround display makes the difference in tight tussle with Derbyshire

David Hopps29-May-2023

Northamptonshire 152 for 4 (Zaib 37*, Willey 31, Lynn 31) beat Derbyshire 151 for 6 (Madsen 57, Guest 49) by six wicketsDavid Willey’s return to Northamptonshire as an all-action T20 Blast captain got off to winning ways at the third attempt with a hard-won six-wicket win at Derby with two overs to spare. Predictably, he was in the thick of it, backing up four tight overs and a boundary catch with a battling 31 from No. 3 that helped give Northants the base for victory. He is not about to be a shrinking violet.Willey’s elevation to the captaincy in his first season back with Northants was only officially announced shortly before the tournament, with Northants waiting for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s elimination from IPL at the group stages, and it left the incumbent, Josh Cobb, “shocked and disappointed”.The word on the streets, however, had long been that Willey had been promised considerable authority at Northants once he walked out on Yorkshire in protest at the mass sacking of staff. It was not as much what was done as the way it was done that was at issue.Willey comes in to his own on demanding days like these. For Derbyshire and Northamptonshire this was assuredly a working Bank Holiday, the sort of exacting surface that should have players claiming a day in lieu for the extra effort required, not to mention Mick Lynch calling a wildcat strike in protest and Amazon docking pay because the score wasn’t mounting quickly enough.That was encapsulated by Derbyshire’s bowling Powerplay. They had leaked scores in the high 70s in their first two games so to restrict Northants to 29 for 1 was quite a change of tone. But it was all to no avail. They now have three defeats on the bounce and a repeat of last year’s quarter-final appearance – at which point they imploded against Somerset at Taunton – does not look likely.Northants, though, give Willey something to work with. His stand of 64 with Chris Lynn was growled and grimaced rather than purred, but they have a dangerous top six. The inclusion of left-arm legspinner Freddie Heldreich for the first time this season also gave them more variety with the ball.Heldreich struck with his first delivery, bowling Anuj Dal who failed to hit him out of the ground, and did a decent job, even if Wayne Madsen did twice loft him over the ropes. A shoddy piece of fielding at fine leg, however, will not have to be repeated too often if he is to please his new taskmaster.Derby was at its most inviting: a warm and sunny Bank Holiday, a tree-lined ground that belies its basic reputation of old, and a decent, convivial crowd. That local tastes would not be easily satisfied, however, was apparent when Derbyshire lost four wickets for 49 by the eighth over – Luis Reece and Haider Ali both failing with straight hits as the pitch revealed its true nature, and Leus du Plooy playing all around one from James Sales before Heldreich made his entrance.Madsen and Brooke Guest responded with a knowing stand of 92 in 70 balls from a perilous position of 49 for 4 in the ninth. It never quite felt enough; it was just that because it was Madsen supervising affairs you felt that it might be.Madsen assesses pitches as well as anybody around. Data experts could crunch thousands of statistics. Google pitch robots could take soil samples from the surface (it’s only a matter of time). All the algorithms that money can buy (in Derbyshire’s case about 50 quid’s worth) could be put into use. Then when Madsen was informed that 175 would be a winning score, he would chew over the information before adjusting it to 151.On this occasion, he malfunctioned: Derbyshire were conservative for too long. Madsen and Guest began steadily, were steady throughout the middle phase and, as the overs ran out, remained steady. The Steelbacks removed Madsen in the penultimate over when he pulled Taylor to deep midwicket and Guest fell in the final over when he lifted Andrew Tye into the hands of long on.Northants might have dismissed Madsen when he had only a single to his name, Sales failing to produce the accurate throw needed after Reece rejected Madsen’s call for a single into the off side. He was also dropped on 40 – the former Derbyshire seamer, Tom Taylor, being the luckless bowler when he clothed one to mid-on but Tye fumbled with an ungainly dive.Although Northants lost Ricardo Vasconcelos early, pulling to short midwicket, Willey and Lynn old-manned them into a decent position. Derbyshire bowled with spirit, and when Reece removed both batters within three balls – Willey holing out at deep square; Lynn dragging on a wide one – they sensed an opportunity.But Saif Zaib was reprieved on 14 by Zaman Khan as he slapped the left-arm spinner, Mark Watt, to the edge of the circle, and Northants made light work of a target of 44 from the last six as Zaib, a fine natural talent who has remained in bud for far too long, flowered with the most attractive innings of the day.

Arsenal’s draw at Old Trafford on Sunday all but confirms Liverpool as Premier League champions for 2024/25.

For Liverpool, who are 15 points clear, to fall now would take the most extraordinary of collapses, and while it’s not over until the final bell, Arne Slot’s side have lost just once all season, and indeed look set to lift the title.

The Merseysiders have enjoyed an incredible campaign, still in with a shout for silverware across multiple fronts, but sporting director Richard Hughes is settled into his seat now and will no doubt have compiled a dossier on a range of targets, ready for summer investment.

Out with the old and all that. Slot inherited quite the team from Jurgen Klopp, but that’s not to say it’s without its weaknesses.

Liverpool getting ready to sell

Nothing’s certain in life. Only death, taxes and Darwin Nunez’s inconsistency. The Uruguayan is back on form after a wonderful assist for Harvey Elliott’s winner in Paris and a well-taken goal last weekend to kick off the second-half comeback against Southampton.

Such involvements have raised his output to seven goals and six assists from 38 Liverpool outings in 2024/25. Not good enough. Nunez cost FSG a fortune, leaving Benfica in a deal rising to a club-record £85m in 2022. Whether the up-and-down striker has met all the clauses to reach that total fee is questionable, though Liverpool’s Premier League conquering is sure to have a say in the matter.

Having come close to leaving for the Saudi Pro League in January, it seems Nunez will be off at the end of the season, creating space for a more reliable out-and-out centre-forward. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has suggested Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is at the top of the wish list.

But Liverpool’s problems run deeper. Though solvable, Hughes and Co must get it right this summer to stand a chance of challenging for the biggest honours once again. That’s why it’s imperative Liverpool sign a new left-back.

Andy Robertson is past his best and Kostas Tsimikas has never carried the complete arsenal to become the abiding number one.

Luckily, Slot has just the player in mind.

Slot driving move for new Liverpool left-back

As per Fabrizio Romano – writing for GIVEMESPORT – Liverpool are gearing up to sign Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez this summer.

The Reds have been interested in the defender since 2024 and Slot is now fully behind a move with the Dutchman signing off on a three-man shortlist that includes the Cherries full-back.

Kerkez, 21, has been among the Premier League’s finest breakout stars of the season, with the report indicating it would cost Liverpool in the €45m (£38m) ballpark.

The Cherries appear to have signed a successor, bagging Julio Soler from Lanos for about £7m in January. The more cynical observers may take that as a preemptive move.

Why Kerkez would be a game-changer for Liverpool

Kerkez is technically complete with pace and power to serve Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth. The Hungarian, close with Dominik Szoboszlai, is only getting started but already among the Premier League’s finest.

Across 28 top-flight fixtures this term, he’s scored two goals and posted five assists, averaging 4.7 ball recoveries and 0.6 dribbles per game while winning 56% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

By contrast, Robertson has averaged a meek 0.1 dribbles per game, meaning he’s on course to complete less than four successful carries across the campaign.

This truly could revolutionise Liverpool’s backline, bringing youthful avidity and a new take to charge the left flank and permitting the deadly Cody Gakpo even greater security in bagging in the final third, for he will have robust support from behind.

Perhaps it will transform Liverpool’s rearguard in the same way that Virgil van Dijk did when joining Liverpool from Southampton for a world-record £75m fee in December 2017.

This might seem like a bold claim. It is, to be fair. However, while Slot’s Liverpool are already on course to lift the elusive league trophy, they are still in their early phase, yet to develop into the force of the Dutchman’s true vision. How exciting is that?

Kerkez has been earmarked, picked by Slot especially to become part of this illustrious project. Van Dijk was described as “a very good centre-back” by Ronald Koeman during his St. Mary’s days, but it was his move to Anfield that birthed a legendary career.

Premier League

226

19

9

1x

Champions League

51

3

3

1x

FA Cup

11

2

0

1x

Carabao Cup

11

2

0

2x

Europa League

5

0

0

0x

FIFA Club World Cup

1

0

0

1x

Community Shield

3

0

1

1x

UEFA Super Cup

1

0

0

1x

Kerkez could now follow suit, showing all the signs of becoming a superstar in his own right. Moreover, he would be joining a talented Liverpool side lacking something in defence, just like when Van Dijk arrived and strengthened Klopp’s team. Then came the glory.

A more fiddly comparator would be the respective defenders’ placement on the South Coast before moves to Merseyside, having established themselves as one of the Premier League’s finest in their role for a side supposedly punching above its weight.

Journalist Zach Lowy has even gone as far as to say that he’s “the best left-back in England” who’s “worth his weight in gold.”

Liverpool may wish to persist with Robertson but bring Kerkez in to challenge him for top spot, before ultimately claiming it for his own. It makes so much sense, and Liverpool need to get this transformational signing done before another competitor makes their move.

Although Liverpool’s contractual disputes will take front and centre stage over the next few months, FSG have had plenty of time to fix the various other problems in the squad.

Kerkez would represent a defence-changing move, taking a great backline and turning it into an unstoppable and dynamic force. He might be the final piece of the puzzle – in a way, just like Van Dijk was.

Earns more than Alisson: FSG must cash in on "struggling" Liverpool star

Richard Hughes is looking to sign an upgrade this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 7, 2025

As Wolverhampton Wanderers look to navigate their way to Premier League safety, they’ve been forced to turn their attention towards the summer once again with another player reportedly attracting European interest.

Wolves transfer news

The Midlands club remain just two points clear of the dropzone with a trip to Anfield awaiting them this weekend, which could yet see them drop straight back into the bottom three.

With just 14 games remaining in the Premier League campaign too, Vitor Pereira’s side can ill-afford another poor run of form having only recently enjoyed back-to-back victories over rivals Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.

It came as no surprise to see Matheus Cunha finding the back of the net against Blackburn Rovers not long after he put pen to paper on a new Wolves contract, which includes a £60m release clause.

It’s a clause which guarantees Wolves a hefty fee when clubs inevitably come calling this summer, but also one that will force them out of the Brazilian’s way should he choose to depart. What could then make matters worse is if he’s not the only player heading for the exit door.

According to SIC commentator Luis Aguilar, there is a possibility that Nelson Semedo returns to Benfica to reunite with former Wolves manager Bruno Lage this summer.

"Decisive" £8m star who Wolves want now available half-price due to clause

Vitor Pereira has his eye on a forward ahead of the summer transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Feb 13, 2025

The Benfica boss is reportedly in the market for a new right-back and with Semedo coming to the end of his current contract this summer, the deal could be too simple to turn down.

If they were to lose their right-back, Wolves would be bidding farewell to their second captain in a matter of months after showing former captain Mario Lemina the door to Galatasaray during the recent January transfer window.

Wolves must keep "important" Semedo

Whilst the focus will be transfixed on the future of Cunha this summer, Wolves must also do everything in their power to extend Semedo’s contract and prevent the departure of another captain. The last thing that Pereira’s side need is a third captain in the space of one year, highlighting just how frantic everything has been for those in the Midlands since the beginning of the campaign.

Dubbed “important” by former Wolves boss and current Benfica boss Lage, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Semedo decides to reunite with his old club and manager this summer.

At 31 years old, Semedo’s next move – like many – may well depend on Wolves’ Premier League status. In the face of relegation, a move back to Portugal will suddenly become all the more tempting.

Meanwhile, if Wolves stay up, Semedo will remain the captain of a Premier League side and among Pereira’s key men in the Midlands. With just two points separating themselves and the relegation zone, those at the Molineux are already seeing the potential consequences of relegation.

As the months tick by, Wolves are facing a nervous wait as Semedo continues to deliberate over a new deal.

After a strong start to the season under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have seriously dropped off in recent months.

Since 22nd December, the Blues have won just two Premier League games, suffering losses to Ipswich Town, Fulham and Manchester City, while drawing with Everton, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth.

This poor run of form has seen Maresca’s side slip from second in the league – just two points behind leaders Liverpool – to sixth place, with the possibility of European football next season now in serious doubt.

The cause of this decline is unclear, but from the outside, it seems to be a combination of factors: a squad filled mostly with young, inexperienced players, Maresca’s struggle to manage an over-inflated squad that has become harder to control as the weeks go by, and a lack of quality in key positions.

Chelsea's most expensive sales of all time

A look at the record departures from Stamford Bridge.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 8, 2025

In goal, for instance, Robert Sanchez has been the most error-prone ‘keeper in the Premier League this season, seemingly costing Chelsea points week after week.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Nicolas Jackson’s goals have dried up and Christopher Nkunku often looks aloof, with his mind seemingly elsewhere during his cameo appearances in the top flight.

While little business was done in January, Maresca will no doubt be hoping to use the summer to reassess his squad and bring in fresh talent capable of meeting his expectations and delivering for the Stamford Bridge faithful.

With that in mind, here are five players we believe Chelsea should target in the summer.

1 Alessandro Bastoni Inter

Chelsea currently have no fewer than eight centre-backs in their squad, but aside from the injured Wesley Fofana, none has fully convinced this season.

To complement Fofana’s pace, power and relentless attitude, the Blues need to pair him with a composed, ball-playing defender who can help steady the ship. Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni is arguably the best example of such a player in Europe today.

A superb passer and astute dribbler, the Italian is as composed as they come when it comes to playing the ball out from the back. Standing at 6 foot 3, he’s also a physical presence, capable of winning the ball cleanly in the air and on the ground.

While he would be a dream and a sensible acquisition, Bastoni is currently tied to Inter until 2028, so he may require a big-money bid.

Chelsea certainly have the financial muscle to make such a splash, and with his fellow countryman Maresca at the helm, a connection with the manager could help persuade him to test his luck in a new league.

2 Johan Bakayoko PSV Eindhoven

With the exception of the excellent Jadon Sancho, Chelsea’s wingers have been underwhelming this season. Pedro Neto has scored just twice in the Premier League, while despite netting seven goals, Noni Madueke has frustrated Maresca and Chelsea fans with lacklustre performances, selfishness in the final third and an inability to track back.

Mykhailo Mudryk, meanwhile, remains suspended after failing a drugs test.

To address their issues on the right wing, the Blues should target Madueke’s former PSV Eindhoven teammate, Johan Bakayoko.

The Dutchman scored 14 goals and registered 14 assists for PSV last season, earning multiple individual honours.

He’s continued his impressive form this season with nine goals and three assists, and has stood out with his tight control, footballing intelligence and ability to score with both feet – qualities he showcased in spectacular fashion when he netted against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Todd Boehly's worst transfers at Chelsea… so far

There are plenty to choose from, but who has been Boehly’s biggest mistake at Stamford Bridge?

2 ByStephan Georgiou Aug 23, 2024 3 Milos Kerkez Bournemouth

In addition to strengthening their options at centre-back and right-back, Chelsea also need more depth at left-back. Marc Cucurella has been solid so far this term, but he can’t be expected to play every match, while Malo Gusto is unable to operate on that flank.

Moreover, young Renato Veiga has now left for Juventus for the rest of the campaign, and Ben Chilwell has moved to Crystal Palace. Therefore, someone new may be being lined up for the summer.

A standout acquisition here, at least in our view, would be Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. One of the standout defenders in the Premier League this season, the Hungarian has been defensively solid and dynamic going forward.

His all-around game was on full display during a man-of-the-match performance in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in November. Kerkez contributed both assists for Bournemouth on the day, along with three clearances, two ball recoveries and an interception.

4 Diogo Costa Porto

Chelsea’s need for a new goalkeeper is perhaps their most pressing issue, with Robert Sanchez having already made five errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season.

Porto’s Diogo Costa would be a definite upgrade, and at 25 years old, he is a player who could be the Blues’ No 1 for many years to come.

Costa has been one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers in recent years, recording 78 clean sheets in 183 appearances for Porto, including 11 in 20 league games this season.

7 goalkeepers who could replace Robert Sanchez at Chelsea

Chelsea are in dire need of a new ‘keeper…

1 ByBarney Lane Jan 27, 2025 5 Victor Boniface Bayer Leverkusen

Chelsea have long been searching for a successor to the legendary Didier Drogba, who tormented Premier League defences with his power, skill and an unrivalled ability to perform when it mattered most at Stamford Bridge.

While Nicolas Jackson’s link-up play might even surpass Drogba’s, his lack of clinical finishing is becoming a growing concern, with the Senegalese striker often costing the Blues valuable points.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface not only fits the Drogba mould – big, strong, dominant in the air, and surprisingly deft for his size – but he is also far more ruthless in front of goal than Jackson.

Since the start of last season, the Nigerian has scored 30 goals, averaging a goal every 103 minutes, while Jackson has found the net 26 times, with a goal every 204 minutes.

Turning their attention away from troubles on the pitch, INEOS have reportedly received unanimous backing in what has been described as a “transfomational” Manchester United stadium update.

INEOS given green light

When Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS first arrived with the likes of Dan Ashworth in tow, there was more optimism than there had been for a long time at Manchester United. The influence of the Glazers had been weakened and INEOS arrived fresh full of ideas, new transfer strategies and the funds to awaken England’s biggest tiring giant threatening to sleep.

Amazing Hojlund upgrade: £58m "monster" now wants to sign for Man Utd

Manchester United are looking to bring in this new attacker before the transfer window closes.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 28, 2025

Almost a year on from the news of their partial takeover, however, and to say that INEOS haven’t exactly been making positive strides would be an understatement. Funding has been cut in a number of areas outside of the matchday squad, including reportedly to the Manchester United Foundation whilst ticket prices have continued to rise.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, those increased ticket prices have not proven worthwhile with Ruben Amorim’s side sat a world away from European qualification and on the end of countless results to forget. But, just as a positive is needed more than ever, Ratcliffe has received some good news.

As relayed by Mike Keegan of The Daily Mail, INEOS have now been given unanimous backing in their plan to build a new Old Trafford from the local authority. Officials at Trafford council unanimously backed the plans which will create a new 100,000-seater stadium.

Dubbed “transformational” by the council, INEOS will now begin their search for a consultant team in an attempt to bring their plan to life and play their part in regenerating the area. It is also believed that the new project will add £7.3bn to the economy and provide over 90,000 jobs and 15,0000 more homes in what should only be seen as something to celebrate for the first time this season.

New Old Trafford a key step for Man Utd

Leaving their failure on the pitch to one side for a moment, Manchester United have been playing at a historic ground which is gradually becoming a decaying antique whilst the likes of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur move on into impressive, modern stadiums. With Old Trafford leaking at the same rate as Amorim’s backline, INEOS had to put plans together to solve at least one problem and it seems as though a New Old Trafford has taken precedent.

Speaking about the proposed plan, Councillor Liz Patel, executive member for economy and regeneration at Trafford council, said: “I am delighted these plans have been approved by the council executive. As the report says, this is one of the most significant opportunities for urban renewal in Trafford and the results will be great for the area and the surrounding region.

“This is a hugely exciting project and working with our partners and private developers, we will be looking to create thousands of new homes, new neighbourhoods, and a world-class setting for the Manchester United stadium.”

Newcastle United have now held talks over a deal to sign an exciting young winger who has “world-class” potential, according to a report.

Newcastle set their sights on a winger

Newcastle have placed a number of wingers on their transfer shortlist this month, including the likes of Johan Bakayoko and Bryan Mbeumo, but TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has now revealed they have two new players on the list.

Bailey said: “Ernest Nuamah has been on Newcastle’s radar. I don’t think they have progressed it recently, but he is available this month. I don’t think he is top of the list by any stretch of the imagination, but he is one who Newcastle have admired.

Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz is also named as a target for the Magpies, with the Turkish club willing to sanction his departure for £30m this month and Bailey describing the potential deal as “one to keep an eye on”.

All the aforementioned targets are 25 or under, indicating that Eddie Howe is keen to bring in a young winger this month, and a new option that fits the bill in that regard has now entered the frame.

Newcastle could now sign "fascinating" forward for £30m this month

Eddie Howe is looking at bringing in a winger before the February 3rd deadline.

ByDominic Lund Jan 23, 2025

According to a report from Bolavip Brasil (via Sport Witness), Newcastle have now made contact to sign Sao Paulo winger William Gomes and have held informal talks over a potential deal.

FC Porto are also keen on the 18-year-old, and the Portuguese side made an offer of €9m (£7.6m) plus Wendell for his services, but it was knocked back as it was deemed too low.

The Brazilian club are looking to hold out for at least double the amount Porto offered, meaning a €18m (£15m) bid could be enough to get a deal done, although it is unclear whether Newcastle would be willing to pay that much.

What Gomes could offer Newcastle

Despite his age, the teenager has already started to force his way into the Sao Paulo first team, making 14 appearances in the Brazilian Serie A, and he has impressed on a number of key attacking metrics.

Statistic

Average per 90

Percentile

Non-penalty goals

0.55

98th percentile

Successful take-ons

2.73

91st percentile

Progressive carries

4.55

90th percentile

Touches in attacking penalty area

5.27

89th percentile

Not only has the Brazilian talent looked good going forward, but he also pitches in defensively, placing in the 85th percentile for tackles and the 99th percentile for blocks, when compared to his positional peers.

The starlet is clearly a well-rounded winger, and that may be why members of the Brazilian media have stated he possesses “world-class” potential, while also describing him as Sao Paolo’s “greatest talent” in recent years.

As such, it is exciting news that Newcastle are positioning themselves to get a deal done, even though talks are tentative so far, and there is every sign Gomes could prove to be a bargain if available for around £15m or less.

England hand seamer first cap since January as straight swap for Matthew Potts

Vithushan Ehantharajah24-Aug-2022Ollie Robinson will make his first appearance for the England men’s side since the fifth Ashes Test in January when he plays in the second Test against South Africa in Manchester on Thursday.The seven months between Hobart and Emirates Old Trafford, his ninth and tenth caps, have been tough, damaging on body and reputation of a seam bowler whose 39 wickets at the highest level have come at a miserly 21.28. Having left that tour of Australia with questions over his fitness, he was unable make it on the park during the West Indies series in March because of back issues which persisted into the English summer.Then came a bout of Covid-19 and dental issues, both curtailing hopes of starting the English summer afresh. But after returning to professional action with Sussex at the end of July, taking match figures of 9 for 110 against Nottinghamshire, and a decent run-out for the Lions against South Africa, showcasing a leaner figure and more robustness across spells of 2 for 76 and 3 for 29, a return to the fold represents the start of a new chapter for Robinson.

Ben Stokes has announced England's playing XI for the second #ENGvSA Test

Ollie Robinson has replaced Matthew Potts from the first match pic.twitter.com/J7b0GPO355

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 24, 2022