MatériaMais Notícias

O torcedor do Flamengo tem motivos de sobra para comemorar neste final de semana. Além da vitória por 2 a 0 sobre o Pyramids, do Egito, que garantiu a equipe na grande final do Mundial contra o PSG, o atacante Pedro, vice-artilheiro do time na temporada, acelerou a recuperação de duas lesões e voltou aos gramados neste sábado, quando atuou por nove minutos diante dos egípicios.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFlamengoFilipe Luís é otimista sobre final entre Flamengo e PSG, no Mundial: ‘Temos chances’Flamengo13/12/2025FlamengoArrascaeta destaca maturidade do Flamengo antes da final do Mundial contra o PSGFlamengo13/12/2025FlamengoVarela elogia o Pyramids e analisa chances do Flamengo contra o PSG: ‘Não acabou’Flamengo13/12/2025

➡️ Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Flamengo

Pedro está fora de ação desde o primeiro jogo da semifinal da Libertadores, quando quebrou o antebraço direito na vitória sobre o Racing por 1 a 0, no Maracanã. Mas o problema se agravou depois que o atleta sofreu uma lesão muscular na coxa durante a recuperação da fratura no braço. Sem jogar a final da Libertadores e a partida contra o Ceará, que deu o título brasileiro ao Flamengo, a expectativa do camisa 9 era voltar ainda durante o Mundial. E a projeção se concretizou neste sábado.

— Não é fácil ficar de fora. A gente quer jogar, quer estar dentro de campo, onde se sente bem. Infelizmente vieram essas duas lesões, mas, graças a Deus, consegui me recuperar a tempo de disputar essa competição tão importante para nós. Ficar fora é muito ruim, claro, mas estive confiante, sabendo que meus companheiros dariam conta do recado. E, graças a Deus, conquistamos dois títulos muito importantes — iniciou Pedro em entrevista ao canal Sportv.

continua após a publicidade

— Então, só tenho que agradecer a Deus mesmo, porque era uma lesão prevista para seis semanas e consegui me recuperar em três semanas e meia, muito antes do esperado. Só tenho a agradecer por poder participar desse Mundial e também ao departamento médico que trabalharam diariamente comigo para que eu pudesse voltar no meu melhor nível. Fico feliz por ter participado e espero que a gente conquiste mais um título ainda este ano — completou.

➡️Varela elogia o Pyramids e analisa chances do Flamengo contra o PSG: ‘Não acabou’

Pedro à disposição do Flamengo para final

O atacante não só voltou a jogar muito antes do previsto como afirmou que se sente bem para a final do Mundial contra o PSG, um dos jogos mais importantes do ano, marcada para as 14h desta quarta-feira (horário de Brasília), no Estádio Ahmad bin Ali. Com 15 gols nesta temporada e poder de decisão que garantiu resultados importantes para o Flamengo, as palavras do camisa 9 colocam uma “pulga” atrás da orelha do técnico Filipe Luís antes de definir o time que vai entrar em campo.

continua após a publicidade

— Eu estou bem. Claro que tive pouco tempo de treinamento com o grupo, foram apenas dois treinos, mas estou apto e disponível para a final. Ainda estou recuperando a confiança, principalmente no chute com a perna esquerda, e evitei forçar para não correr nenhum risco, já que quarta-feira é a decisão. Naquele momento o jogo já estava 2 a 0, então foi possível ter mais cautela. Mas estou bem, confiante e pronto para ajudar a equipe na final — afirmou Pedro, já de olho em Flamengo x PSG.

Vale lembrar que o Flamengo já levantou dois troféus nesta Copa Intercontinental. Primeiro, ganhou o Dérbi das Américas na última quarta-feira ao bater o Cruz Azul (MEX) por 2 a 1 e, neste sábado, conquistou a Copa Challenger ao vencer o Pyramids.

➡️Veja os gols de Flamengo x Pyramids: Léo Pereira e Danilo marcam de cabeça

Tudo sobre

Copa IntercontinentalFlamengomundialpedroPSG

A new global tournament, the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, involving eight teams from four continents, will be played from November 20 to 30 in Bangkok. Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Netherlands, UAE, Scotland, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda will take part in the inaugural edition.The trigger for the tournament, an ICC statement said, was the success of the recent ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where “more than 500 million viewers in India” were recorded and there was also “significant growth in viewership across countries”.”Nearly 300,000 fans attended matches across India and Sri Lanka and the event concluded with India becoming the first Asian team to lift the Women’s Cricket World Cup, a watershed moment in the evolution of the sport and the socio-cultural context of gender roles,” an ICC statement said. “Building on the extraordinary impetus provided by the marquee event, the ICC continues to invest in creating a sustainable future for women’s cricket. The Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy is part of a new three-tier development pathway designed to offer high-performance exposure to emerging nations.”Sanjog Gupta, the ICC chief executive, said, “It is the ICC and the Chair’s [Jay Shah] vision to sustainably expand cricket’s footprint across the world and grow the women’s game. Providing elite athletes from emerging nations more opportunities to play at the highest level is aimed at fast-tracking their development and improving the competitiveness of their teams.”It also drives the visibility of the sport in participant nations, serving as a driver of girls’ involvement in the sport and inspires women from other nations to stay committed to the development pathways.”The opening day will feature Thailand vs Netherlands and Papua New Guinea vs UAE.

Stobo took 4 for 7 to leave Queensland 67 for 7 after Edwards made 95 in the home side’s big total

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff06-Dec-2025New South Wales were charging towards a desperately-needed Sheffield Shield win, dominating an under-strength Queensland at the SCG.Declaring on 471 for 7 midway through day two, the Blues, led by a spell of 4 for 7 from Charlie Stobo, tore through Queensland’s brittle batting line-up.At stumps on Saturday, Queensland had crashed to 67 for 7, still trailing NSW by 404. They crumbled from 43 for 2 to 58 for 6 as Stobo claimed all four wickets in that collapse.Related

Konstas finds form with century for New South Wales

Marsh misfires again as rain stalls Victoria's charge

Scott, Lehmann tons help SA dominate Tasmania

Sam Geyer was forced to retire hurt late in the day after being struck on the helmet twice in two balls as he ducked into bouncers.NSW captain Jack Edwards fell painfully short of his fourth first-class century, out for 95 to former Australia legspinner Mitch Swepson.In the field, Edwards took a stunning one-handed catch at second slip to remove Jack Clayton and another excellent one to claim Jimmy Peirson during Stobo’s inspired spell.Ryan Hicks was the only member of the NSW top seven not to register a fifty. Axed Australia opener Sam Konstas brought up a confidence-boosting century on Friday, his first for NSW since October 2024.Second-placed Queensland are missing key quicks Michael Neser, who is playing his third Test for Australia, and Xavier Bartlett who is on Australia A duties.They are also undermanned in the batting department, with star opener Matt Renshaw at Allan Border Field playing for Australia A, veteran Usman Khawaja injured, and Marnus Labuschagne having been recalled to the Test team.NSW entered the match fifth on the ladder, having won just one of their five Shield matches this season.It comes just a week after they suffered an embarrassing defeat to Tasmania at Cricket Central when they capitulated on the final day on a flat pitch.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville slammed Liverpool for making 'mistake after mistake after mistake' as the Reds were held to a 3-3 draw by a struggling Leeds United side on Saturday in the Premier League. The reigning champions gave up on their lead twice as they dropped more points in a nightmare 2025-26 title defence campaign.

Liverpool's struggles continue in new season

Liverpool spent heavily in the summer transfer window, breaking the British transfer record twice to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and then land Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.

Initially, it seemed that the heavy investments paid off as the Reds won five games in a row but since the end of September, the team's downfall started. In their next 10 league matches, Arne Slot's side won only two times and with 23 points from 15 points, they are now placed eighth in the Premier League table.

On Saturday, the Reds led Leeds 2-0 until the 70th minute courtesy of a brace from Hugo Ekitike but Dominic Calvert-Lewin's penalty and Anton Stach's goal brought the hosts back into the game. Dominik Szoboszlai momentarily restored Liverpool's lead in the 80th minute but Ao Tanaka's last-gasp equaliser broke Liverpool's hearts. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNeville slammed Liverpool

United legend and pundit Neville did not hold back while analysing Liverpool's draw against Leeds as he said on Sky Sports: "Liverpool, you just can't trust them. You thought it could happen. Arne Slot can't believe it. It's a mystery that continues. His team just implode.

"Arne Slot and the coaches, they were frantically shouting before that corner towards the Liverpool players.  Liverpool's implosion, I said it before, is real. This is a game that was comfortable for them at 2-0. For Liverpool, despair, inconsistent, you can't trust them, you always think something is going to go wrong. They make mistake after mistake after mistake."

Szoboszlai baffled by Liverpool's late collapse

Reacting to the draw, Szoboszlai told after the match: "I don't know what happened after 2-0. I think we thought the game was over and we just made sure at the beginning of the game that this is the kind of game where you can never underestimate the team. Maybe after the penalty they just had the momentum. We came back which showed a good reaction but we conceded again from a set-piece is not the nicest way. 

"I don't know [if there is a confidence issue], maybe you're right but after 2-2 we showed a great reaction and showed our mentality. We knew we made a mistake by letting them come back to 2-2 but I have nothing to say about the result."

When pushed on what was said in the Liverpool dressing room after the game, the Hungarian added: "What is in the dressing room stays in the dressing room, it is not for the public. We have to manage it, we have to find solutions. I can always come up with the opportunity on Tuesday or on the weekend again but there are also time where you have to look at yourself. You have to go home and think if you did everything what was possible and if the answer is yes then we just keep going and the momentum will come."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPIs Salah leaving Liverpool?

After sitting on the bench for the club's last three Premier League matches, star attacker Mohammed Salah lashed out at the coach and the Reds and even hinted that he could exit Anfield in January. 

In quotes carried by , Salah said: “I can’t believe it, I’m very, very disappointed. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season. Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. I got a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am in the bench for three games, so I can’t say they keep the promise. I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club. This club, I always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much, I will always do. I called my mum yesterday — you guys didn’t know if I would start or not, but I knew. Yesterday I said to [my parents], ‘Come to the Brighton game.’ I don’t know if I am going to play or not but I am going to enjoy it. In my head, I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now. I will be at Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go the Africa cup. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there."

Viktor Gyokeres knows exactly what Arsenal need to do in order to get their season back on track. The Gunners lost ground in the title race as they fell to just their second Premier League defeat of the season at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. Combined with Manchester City's win over Sunderland, Arsenal's lead at the top of the table has been cut to just two points.

• AFP
  

  Arsenal crashed to second league defeat of the season

  Villa went ahead with 10 minutes of the first half to play at Villa Park in Saturday's lunchtime kick off as Matty Cash rifled past David Raya from close range. Arsenal were level shortly after the restart as Leandro Trossard scored his fourth league goal of the season having been introduced at the break in the Midlands.

  However, the Villans threw a spanner in Arsenal's title pursuit as Emiliano Buendia scored a last-gasp winner for Unai Emery's side to condemn Arsenal to just their second league defeat of the season.

  The result means Arsenal have now won just two of their last five league matches, and the dip in form has seen their lead at the top of the Premier League table cut to just two points, with Manchester City hot on their heels. Star striker Gyokeres, meanwhile, has issued his demands to his teammates after Saturday's Midlands reverse.

Advertisement

• Arsenal 'disappointed' with Villa defeat, claims Gyokeres

  After the game, Gyokeres delivered his verdict on the game and admitted that the dressing room was downbeat following the loss at Villa. "We are of course disappointed with the result," the Swede said after Saturday's defeat.

  "It’s not a great feeling right now, but it’s only December and there are a lot of games to play. You can always find some positives, but it’s still a very difficult way to lose a football game. It’s tough right now, but we’ll look forward to the next one soon."

  Gyokeres, who has endured a spell on the sidelines recently owing to a hamstring injury, has netted just four league goals following his arrival from Portuguese giants Sporting CP over the summer.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'We have to keep creating chances'

  The 27-year-old last scored in Arsenal's 2-0 win at Burnley last month, but insists that if the Gunners continue to create chances then the goals will flow.

  "We have to keep creating chances and get shots on goal because then you’ll eventually score more goals. So yes, that’s of course a positive and we just need to do things in between also a bit better," Gyokeres added after the Villa reverse.

  "It’s football. If you score in the last few seconds or minutes, that is an unbelievable feeling, so it goes both ways. Today, unfortunately, it was the other way. It’s tough, but you learn from it. If we focus on what we can control and do in our favour and focus on the next game, we’ll be better, I think."

  Arsenal now turn their attention to the Champions League as they take on Belgian side Club Brugge in midweek before they face winless Wolves at Molineux next weekend as the Gunners seek to get their title push back on track.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• 'That's the league'

  Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, spoke about the impact of the defeat at Villa on Saturday, which combined with City's 3-0 win over Sunderland means the north London side sit just two points clear at the top of the table. "That's the league," Arteta started following the 2-1 defeat.

  "You go to Old Trafford, you go to St James Park, you go to Chelsea, you come here – we've been in a lot of difficult grounds and today the result could have been different.

  "The reality is not, and that's the step that we have to make. We've been 18 games unbeaten and still we are there, very close to each other. That's the level of the league and we know that.

  "That's the opportunity that we have ahead of us and that's it. Now it's time to bounce back. They have given me all the right reasons to think that we're going to continue to perform at the same level, because what the boys tried to do today, again, with the schedule that we had, it was amazing. So, [we] move on."

Sometimes, it can be painfully obvious why the Colorado Rockies own MLB's worst record and have been off to a historically woeful start to the 2025 season.

The conclusion of Thursday's game against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers was one of those times.

With a man on first and one out in the ninth inning, the Rockies had the tying run at the plate while trailing 3–1. Second baseman Thairo Estrada hit a line drive to left-center field, which was caught in the air with ease by Andy Pages. Tyler Freeman, who was the runner on first, seemed to get a poor read on the ball, and he was caught in between bases when Pages rifled a throw over to first base. Freeman tried to slide in before the ball reached the base, but he was doubled up to end the game.

Have a look at at the baserunning disaster that capped off Colorado's 63rd loss of the season:

The Rockies have now been swept by the Dodgers in each of their two series this season, and mistakes like the one Freeman made on the base paths Thursday won't help change their fortunes against their dominant divisional foes.

As Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw makes his seventh start of the season on Friday against the Washington Nationals, he is just 12 strikeouts away from becoming the 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 strikeouts over his career. Entering Friday's start, Kershaw has tallied 2,988 strikeouts throughout his storied career, 20th most in MLB history.

Over 100 years before Kershaw approached the 3,000 strikeout mark, Walter Johnson became the first pitcher to pitch 3,000 strikeouts over his Hall of Fame career from 1907-1927. His feat stood alone for decades, until Bob Gibson reached the 3,000 strikeouts mark almost 50 years later in 1974.

Johnson and Gibson's strikeout tallied would eventually be surpassed, and the current career strikeout leader is Nolan Ryan, who recorded an unfathomable 5,714 strikeouts during his career. Ryan, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, and Steve Carlton are the only four pitchers to reach 4,000 career strikeouts.

Kershaw will become just the third active MLB pitcher to reaching 3,000 strikeouts over his career, joining the San Francisco Giants' Justin Verlander and the Toronto Blue Jays' Max Scherzer. Scherzer was the most recent pitcher to record his 3,000th career strikeout, doing so in 2021.

Kershaw will notably also become just the fourth left-handed pitcher to reach 3,000 or more strikeouts, joining Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia.

Here's a full look at the 19 other pitchers Kershaw is slated to join in the 3,000 strikeouts club.

Pitcher

Total Career Strikeouts

Career Span

Innings Pitched

Nolan Ryan

5,714

1966, 1968-1993

5,387.0

Randy Johnson

4,875

1988-2009

4,135.1

Roger Clemens

4,672

1984-2007

4,916.2

Steve Carlton

4,136

1965-1988

5,217.1

Bert Blyleven

3,701

1970-1992

4,970.0

Tom Seaver

3,640

1967-1986

4,782.2

Don Sutton

3,574

1966-1988

5,282.1

Gaylord Perry

3,534

1962-1983

5,350.1

Walter Johnson

3,509

1907-1927

5,914.2

Justin Verlander

3,457

2025-present

3,467.2

Max Scherzer

3,408

2008-present

2,881.0

Greg Maddux

3,371

1986-2008

5,008.1

Phil Niekro

3,342

1964-1987

5,404.1

Fergie Jenkins

3,192

1965-1983

4,500.2

Pedro Martínez

3,154

1992-2009

2,827.1

Bob Gibson

3,117

1959-1975

3,884.1

Curt Schilling

3,116

1988-2007

3,261.0

CC Sabathia

3,093

2001-2019

3,557.1

John Smoltz

3,084

1988-2009

3,473.0

Since coming back from injury this season, Kershaw has averaged 3.3 strikeouts per start, but that average has risen to six strikeouts over his last two games. He has thrown 20 strikeouts this season, and likely will need just two or three starts to join the 3,000 strikeouts club.

From winning three Cy Young awards and the National League MVP in 2014, making 10 All-Star Games, and winning two World Series, to closing in on 3,000 career strikeouts, Kershaw has seemingly accomplished it all over his 18 years with the Dodgers.

New white-ball captain prepares to turn team’s results around in first assignment at the helm

Vithushan Ehantharajah28-May-2025During last year’s men’s Hundred, Harry Brook received a light-hearted but necessary reprimand from Sky Sports commentator Mel Jones.Brook, in his first season as captain of Northern Superchargers – his first leadership role in professional cricket – had made a habit of forgetting team news. On one occasion, Jones offered some polite advice: “Come on Harry, you need to get better at this – you’re going to do a lot more of them!”On Wednesday in Birmingham, in Brook’s first pre-match press conference as white-ball captain, he flexed his improvement, running through the XI for Thursday’s series opener against West Indies. Barring a momentary hesitation when moving from the middle order into the tail – “Bethell six… Jacks seven… ermmm… Overton eight” – a full team, in order, was read off the dome.Granted, this is the least you’d expect from an England captain in a sport so beholden to detail. But the bar is on the floor as far as English white-ball cricket goes. Every win, no matter how menial, should be savoured.Related

Jamie Smith to open as England, West Indies embark on another ODI reboot

Switch Hit: Zim sing while England win

Atkinson out of WI ODIs, but could return in time for India Tests

Harry Brook to shelve franchise cricket as England captain

Jofra Archer ruled out of West Indies ODIs due to thumb injury

Even more so on the field. Three poor global outings, an ODI record of 13 lost out of the last 17 – seven of them in a row – and the loose threat of not qualifying for the 2027 ODI World Cup mean the issues of the last era hang over this group. The first job of any new leadership team is to fix previous mistakes.And yet, arguably the biggest part of the last regime remains integral to this revamp. Jos Buttler’s part in the solutions to the problems he failed to avoid has him back in his most comfortable position behind the stumps. He has not kept in ODIs since 2023’s tour of West Indies, though he did marshal from that position during last summer’s T20 World Cup.”I think Jos is the best white-ball batter in the world,” crowed Brook. Whether that remains true, the fact is his numbers bear out that he is a better player with the gloves and without the captaincy, in every metric. His work with Gujarat Titans – “he’s been banging it in the IPL,” – is further testament to this particular combination of keeping without wider responsibility.Buttler was not at Edgbaston on Wednesday, another perk of being unburden by captaincy meaning he can lean on the fact sessions are optional. Having trained on Tuesday, Buttler opted for an extra night at home having only just arrived back from India at the start of the week.Both Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks got back to the UK in the last 48 hours, which is far from ideal but with them comes the variation in the slow-bowling department which was absent during the Champions Trophy and high on the wish list when Brook had his initial conversations with managing director Rob Key. Bethell’s return comes after injury, and as such is as you were. But Jacks’ – high-class and under-utilised – is a nod to doing things differently.Jamie Smith as an opener that straddles both camps, as a newer take on an old thought. An inkling head coach Brendon McCullum had during the Champions Trophy – where Smith averaged 8 at No.3 – that moving further up the order might suit him better. Pushing Smith towards the danger which, in this case, seems to be the new ball.”He [McCullum] actually said it in Pakistan to me, and a few lads… he just had this burning desire (sic) that Smudge could be an amazing opening batter in one-day cricket. So, we’re giving it a crack and see how he goes, hopefully he does well.”The travails at first drop against the white ball highlight the punt being taken. Smith’s professional opening experience amounts to 22 T20 and three first-class innings. Set against his success down at No.7 in Test cricket, and the fact a swap with Jacks, who is actually an opener, puts players in more familiar roles – it seems a peculiar move. But, crucially, a positive one in the minds of a captain, coach and management set-up who cannot quite fathom why a bunch of undoubtedly talented players have been in such a funk.The group will be challenged early on under Brook, as is his wont, and the loose promise to England’s new skipper at this juncture he will be afforded his full wares for each series. And while that is clearly at odds with the lay of the land, notably limited overs tours of New Zealand and Sri Lanka that sandwich the Ashes, patient improvement is the name of the game. Returning to those glory days set in motion by Eoin Morgan will take time.Nevertheless, West Indies arrive respectfully wary of their hosts for that recent history. Shai Hope had no problem lauding England as trend-buckers while also reiterating they are not here simply to be a character in someone else’s story. Indeed, they have their own redemption having missed 2023s ODI World Cup altogether. Now ninth in the ICC rankings, three points behind England, automatic passage to 2027’s edition is far from guaranteed.”As a opposition coming in to play against them, you certainly want to showcase your best skills because they kind of set the benchmark of one-day cricket,” Hope said.”But again, I’m not going to focus too much on what they’ve done in the past. I know they’re going to be looking at us as trying to start their new winning streak. It’s within our power to make sure that we don’t let it happen.”

Chelsea are in conversation with the representatives of a defender as midfielder Moises Caicedo offers his opinion on the potential transfer, according to a new report.

Chelsea play Bournemouth after Leeds United blow

Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon desperately seeking a response to their shock midweek defeat at Leeds, with Enzo Maresca’s title credentials under scrutiny after a damaging loss that left them nine points adrift of Arsenal.

The Blues suffered a humiliating 3-1 loss at Elland Road on Wednesday, falling two goals behind by halftime before Pedro Neto’s second-half strike proved insufficient.

The defeat represented their second loss to newly-promoted opposition this season, raising fresh doubts about their ability to maintain consistency and challenge Mikel Arteta for the Premier League.

Bournemouth present a challenge despite their own recent struggles.

The Cherries have endured a miserable November without a single victory, collecting just one point from four games while conceding 12 goals.

Tuesday’s narrow 1-0 home defeat to Everton extended their winless streak to five matches and marked their first loss at the Vitality Stadium all campaign.

Andoni Iraola’s side have plummeted from second to 14th during this barren spell, though they remain only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with significant room for optimism.

The hosts have collected 14 of their 19 Premier League points on home soil this season, establishing the Vitality as a fortress until Everton’s breakthrough.

Chelsea arrive as clear favourites based on superior stats and historical dominance, having won 15 of 23 meetings between the two clubs.

However, the visitors face selection headaches, with Caicedo still serving his suspension after picking up five yellow cards.

The Ecuadorian’s absence is a significant blow given his pivotal role protecting the defence, and Caicedo’s presence was sorely missed against Leeds.

Fabrizio Romano says 24-year-old has now played his last game for Chelsea

He doesn’t have a future in west London.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2025

Chelsea boast the division’s best away attacking record with 15 goals in seven games, averaging over two goals per match. Yet, their vulnerability without Caicedo was exposed ruthlessly by Leeds, with the midfield lacking its usual protection.

While the £150,000-per-week star continues to sit out, he’s at least making himself useful in other ways.

Chelsea hold talks with Joel Ordonez as Moises Caicedo offers opinion

That is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, who report on Chelsea’s serious interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

Chelsea have renewed contact with Ordonez’s representatives in recent weeks as they intensify their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with Caicedo also offering behind-the-scenes ‘thoughts’ about his former Independiente del Valle teammate.

The west Londoners are said to have tracked him since before his 2023 move to Belgium, maintaining long-standing interest in the player.

Caicedo and Ordonez developed their friendship during their time together at Independiente’s famed South American academy, and have remained close through international duty.

The Chelsea midfielder now appears to be playing agent, giving his verdict on Ordonez to the club’s hierarchy.

Liverpool represent significant competition for Ordonez’s signature, though.

Arne Slot’s side have monitored him closely over the past year as they desperately seek solutions to their defensive crisis. The Reds initially prioritised Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but understand he will not depart Selhurst Park during January, forcing them to explore alternative options.

Crucially, both Club Brugge and Ordonez himself are open to a winter transfer, with England emerging as the most likely destination.

Fresh discussions between the player’s camp and Chelsea have taken place recently, building on months of established communication channels, but Man City and Tottenham are also keen.

City and Spurs have shown admiration for Ordonez, closely assessing him in recent weeks as they evaluate their own defensive requirements.

However, Chelsea and Liverpool currently lead the race after laying more groundwork, and perhaps Caicedo’s presence could prove key here in the race for Ordonez’s signature.

An “elite” midfielder has now risen to the top of Ruben Amorim’s shortlist, with Manchester United very keen to strengthen in the engine room.

Man Utd eyeing new midfielder amid Mainoo's lack of minutes

Kobbie Mainoo has played just 171 minutes across nine Premier League matches this season, most recently being brought on in stoppage time to help Man United close out a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace.

Falling down the pecking order is far from ideal for the Englishman, who will have ambitions of going to the World Cup next summer, having played a vital role in the Three Lions reaching the final of Euro 2024.

The Devils’ Advocate co-host Joe McGrath has now claimed United should sanction a loan move this winter, saying: “We had a player worth – and is still worth – £80m or £90m. A young England international. He’s so good. We can’t let his standards drop and we need to let him go on loan.

Should that happen, the Red Devils will need to bring in a replacement, and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has now emerged as Amorim’s top target, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing the 23-year-old is their ‘clear favourite’.

There are a number of other options on the shortlist namely Adam Wharton, Joao Gomes, Conor Gallagher and Morten Hjulmand, with United clearly determined to bring in a midfielder.

Signing Anderson is now Amorim’s priority, however, even though it could take a huge bid to get a deal over the line, with the Tricky Trees planning to hold out for around £100m.

"Elite" Anderson would be statement signing for Man Utd

A number of top Premier League clubs are now queuing up to sign the England international, including Manchester City and Liverpool, so Man United would be making a real statement if they were able to win the race for his signature.

Man Utd copying Chelsea model as INEOS line up double new signing

INEOS have taken a page out of BlueCo’s book…

ByBen Goodwin Dec 2, 2025

It is no surprise so many teams are eager to sign the Forest star, given the impression he’s made for both club and country, with Thomas Tuchel recently lauding the central midfielder as “elite”.

The former Newcastle United man has also been in top form in the Premier League, completing a total of 736 short passes, the fifth-highest number of any player.

It is the correct decision to pinpoint Anderson as the top target, but United’s ability to compete for his signature will likely depend on whether they qualify for Europe, amid rival interest from some top clubs.