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Manchester United have now tabled a new offer for one of their summer transfer targets, according to an update from journalist Christian Falk.

Man Utd chasing Ugarte & others

This has been an exciting summer at Old Trafford so far, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe making his presence felt by bringing in Dan Ashworth as sporting director and signing Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.

Another strong rumoured target for United is Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte as the club look to bring in a younger alternative to Casemiro, who may potentially still have something to offer, but looked a long way past his best last season.

Ugarte is far from the only transfer target for Ratcliffe and INEOS, with Dani Olmo a player who United are believed to be pushing to sign. The attacking midfielder excelled for Spain at Euro 2024 while registering five goal contributions (three goals and two assists), and his good form could earn him a move to a huge club this summer.

It also looks as though United are looking towards the future, with some reports suggesting that they are looking to snap up highly rated Arsenal attacker Chido Obi Martin.

Man Utd table new offer for "leader"

According to Falk on X, Manchester United have made a new €35m (£29.4m) offer for Matthijs de Ligt, but Bayern Munich are still demanding far more for the centre-back:

This is clearly a development in the De Ligt saga, with the Dutchman having previously held talks with Erik ten Hag, but frustratingly from a United perspective, it doesn't look as though Bayern are going to budge in their valuation of the player.

While Yoro has already been brought in from Lille, it is encouraging to see that the Red Devils want more centre-back reinforcements, following lots of issues there of late, whether it be through injuries or players no longer playing at their best. Only Lisandro Martinez has represented a genuinely strong option in the past year or two, but even he has had his fitness issues.

If United could snap up De Ligt on top of Yoro, it could be the latest statement signing by Ratcliffe, with the Dutchman considered a generational defensive talent as a youngster, as well as being hailed by Didi Hamann, who said:

"It comes as a surprise that Bayern would let De Ligt go and I'm not surprised that somebody is happy to pay that fee. He's been brilliant and what I like about him, he's a leader."

Man Utd struck gold on "fabulous" star who's worth even more than Ugarte

Manchester United really have reaped the rewards of giving this star a chance to shine.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 22, 2024

It is easy to forget that the £259,000-a-week De Ligt is still only 24, and while he hasn't necessarily become the world star many expected by now, there could still be so much more to come from him.

Bruno Fernandes may have handed Manchester United an untimely injury headache ahead of their eagerly-anticipated Premier League clash with Arsenal.

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• Portuguese playmaker forced off against Everton
• Sat on the bench with ice strapped to his ankle
• Amorim's side due at the Emirates on Wednesday

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils are due at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday for a top-flight showdown with their old adversaries. United head into that game buoyed by back-to-back wins under new boss Ruben Amorim over Bodo/Glimt and Everton.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking to piece together another title challenge – they sit second in the table, but nine points back on leaders Liverpool. There will be all to play for when Amorim takes his troops to north London.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United will hope to have club captain Fernandes at their disposal, but saw him forced from the field just past the hour mark in a crushing 4-0 victory over Everton. The Portuguese did walk around the Old Trafford pitch and salute the home support at the final whistle, but spent time on the bench with an ice pack strapped to his left ankle.

• WHAT NEXT?

  The severity of that ailment remains unclear, with the Red Devils set to give their skipper as long as possible to prove his fitness. Fernandes rarely misses games for United, with only one previously being sat out through injury, and he has made 253 appearances across his five years in England.

Jamal Musiala rescued a point for Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich in a gripping 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund at Westfalenstadion on Saturday.

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• Dortmund draw 1-1 with Bayern
• Kane goes off injured early
• Gittens & Musiala on scoresheet

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  TELL ME MORE

  In a battle between the side with the best home form in the Bundesliga, Dortmund, and the best away record in the league, Bayern, the visitors started the brighter when Leroy Sane stung the hands of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. But the hosts hit the front in the 27th minute when Gittens evaded the clutches of Konrad Laimer, ran 45 metres with the ball, and smashed a shot past Manuel Neuer. Vincent Kompany's side – who lost Harry Kane to injury just after the half-hour mark – had plenty of chances to level, but Sane and Thomas Muller missed gilt-edged opportunities.

  However, the Bavarians' pressure finally told in the 85th minute when substitute Michael Olise's cross was neatly headed home by Jamal Musiala. In the first Der Klassiker of the season, both teams had to settle for a point but BVB lost their 100 per cent winning record at home in the league this term. Bayern, who remain unbeaten on the road, are seven points clear of second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt – who have a game in hand – and Dortmund are fifth.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Substitute Muller became the player with the most appearances for Bayern in Bundesliga Klassikers (league games against Dortmund) with 28, surpassing legendary keeper Oliver Kahn's 27.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE MVP

  While keeper Kobel was excellent in goal and Gittens' pace and finish was impressive to behold, 21-year-old Musiala was the best player on the pitch and took his header like a seasoned striker.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIG LOSER

  While he did nothing wrong, England captain Kane lost a great deal as he was forced off with injury just a third of the way into the contest. The 31-year-old has been prolific for Bayern since signing from Tottenham in the summer of 2023 and if he is out for a while, that is a huge blow for him and his team.

South Africa appeared clueless after Kallis left the field today and the allrounder’s absence is something the team needs to plan for in the near future when he finally retires

Firdose Moonda at Adelaide Oval22-Nov-2012When Mark Boucher was thought to be nearing the end of his career and the South African domestic landscape was scanned there seemed to be no other wicketkeeper in sight. Even though some of them where good enough, Boucher’s stature and legacy loomed so large, it was as though nobody could fill the space he would leave behind.The same can be said of Jacques Kallis. Retirement is not in the allrounders’ immediate plans. He hopes to play until at least the 2015 World Cup and for as long as he can contribute, which on current form appears to be endlessly, but it will have to come. Avoiding it is impossible because it serves up a reminder regularly: Kallis has been injured on each of South Africa’s three away tours this year.Boucher can also testify that things don’t always go according to plan and South Africa would do well to heed that warning because they don’t have one for life after Kallis. As the most complete “two-in-one-cricketer,” as Gary Kirsten has called him, Kallis actually does need to be replaced by two other players when he is unavailable. When he suffered a stiff neck in Wellington and could not play in the match, JP Duminy replaced him with the bat and Marchant de Lange was brought in as cover with the ball. That threw out South Africa’s team balance and they had to leave out Imran Tahir.His absence in the field today was also marked. South Africa’s bowling effort turned around when Kallis was brought on at first change. They went from conceding more than four runs an over to Australia’s openers to creating serious damage in the space of 16 balls, 12 of them bowled by Kallis.Both his yorkers resulted in wickets, a sign to the rest of the attack that a fuller length would not go unrewarded. When he left the field, the South African effort sagged visibly. It may have been the panic at losing another player mid-match whose role with the ball was being relied on, but the bowlers were consistently too short. The only tactic that remained was them trying to bounce Michael Clarke, but every other strategy seemed to have left them.Gary Kirsten wearily admitted that was the case. “When we did bowl a fuller length, we were more of a factor. We might have bowled a bit short early on and they left well. But someone like David Warner, we could have made him play more and I thought that Rory [Kleinveldt], when he got fuller, bowled really well,” he said.After the lunch break, perhaps when the news had been conveyed that Kallis would be taken for a scan and was unlikely to make another appearance on the day, South Africa completely lost it. In the ten overs following the interval, they leaked 100 runs as Warner and Clarke pounced. Imran Tahir was the guiltiest party as he continually offered up full tosses and had minimal impact.On a pitch that will only really offer Tahir something later on, he would not have been expected to get much turn. But it also would not have been expected that he would be so expensive. His 21 overs cost 159 runs the most by anyone who has bowled more than 20 overs in Tests. Kirsten was sympathetic without being harsh on his legspinners’ predicament. “He didn’t play the last Test so he was hoping to make an impact,” he said. “I don’t think it’s easy for a guy like that who is trying to find some form and trying to exploit everything.”Neither Morne Morkel nor Kleinveldt are senior players and when even Dale Steyn had to leave the field, Graeme Smith could have used a strategic partner to consult. Kallis is that person. None of the team apart from him has played a Test in Adelaide before and although that may not count for much in an age where information can be sourced, a quiet word from the stalwart here and there would have probably been appreciated.Kallis is more involved in team leadership these days. He is part of the think tank and the discussions that happen on the field and his vast knowledge is always of assistance. An intangible like that speaks volumes for what Kallis offers that cannot be explained by numbers.It should also serve as a wake-up call to South Africa about what they will be without. A player like Kallis can never be replaced instantaneously. From an experience perspective, South Africa have the likes of Smith, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Steyn to lean on. From an abilities one, they need to begin the search for someone who can develop into an all-round Test player.Of the players on the circuit now, those whose batting is almost as good as their bowling or vice versa are few. Chris Morris could become a player in the Kallis mould with time. Others include Wayne Parnell and Ryan McLaren although one needs to do serious work on his bowling and the other may be running out of time.A few spinning options have emerged like Jon-Jon Smuts but a genuine allrounder, the kind that once seemed to be coming off a conveyer belt in South Africa, is starkly lacking. Vacuums are too easily filled with things that should not be there and it is about time for South African cricket to realise that Kallis will leave one behind. As much as they value him now, they do not want to be in a situation where they value him more in absentia and the breeding grounds must be combed for someone who can step up.

Team also fined 20% of match fee for the offence

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jan-2022India have been docked a point on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table for falling short of their required over rate during the Centurion Test against South Africa. They were deemed to be one over short of their target, after allowing for unavoidable delays. As per ICC rules, teams lose one point for each over they are short.The players were also fined 20% of their match fee. The sanctions were imposed by match referee Andy Pycroft. The umpires for the Test, Marais Erasmus, Adrian Holdstock, Allahudien Paleker and Bongani Jele, had levelled the charge and India captain Virat Kohli accepted the offence and sanction, so there was no formal hearing.India had also lost two WTC points in August 2021 for maintaining a slow over rate in the Nottingham Test. Losing points over over-rate offences could prove costly in the run to the WTC final, which will be in 2023.Australia had a taste of this in the inaugural WTC cycle, which ran from 2019-21 – they were docked four points for a slow over rate during the 2020 Melbourne Test against India, and eventually just missed out on making the final, with India and eventual champions New Zealand going through.The WTC finalists are decided by percentage of points won, and based on that criteria Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan currently sit above India on the 2021-23 table.The change in the points system from actual points won to the percentage of points won was forced by the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused various series to be postponed or cancelled, meaning participating teams would not all play an equal number of matches during the WTC cycle.

From Brad Hinds, Australia

Cricinfo25-Feb-2013
Almost the same age but their careers appear to be heading in different directions•Getty ImagesIn the space of little less than half a year, the two most senior Australian cricketers will have reached the mortal age of 36; Ricky Ponting already has, and Michael Hussey next May. It’s an interesting time for these two batsman – both who have accumulated many accolades – especially as Australia traverse into a territory where they are no longer as dominant as they were several years ago; and where they must cement themselves once more with a core group of talented young players. The Ashes series may very well be the last hurrah for these two particular batsmen, and in light of that looming possibility, it has been interesting to witness the manner in which both Ponting and Hussey have individually gone about their performances out in the middle.For Australia, much of its success is supposed to be attributed to the way in which the top order can establish a solid foundation by which the middle order can capitalise and the bowlers draw upon. Particularly, many eyes center towards a side’s captain, especially in a series as important as the Ashes, to help lead that attack with confidence and positivity. But for Ponting, he’s been able to achieve none of that so far in the first three Tests, where he has scored only 83 runs across six innings at an abysmal average of 16, boosted by a single half-century during the second innings at the Gabba. It’s a stark contrast to the man who scored 568 runs in the 2006 Ashes series with a top score of 196 followed by a 142. It is also a very depressing outcome.There is little doubt that Ponting’s decline has been in progress for several years now – incidentally mirroring Australia’s own decline in the international rankings – but it is disconcerting to see Australia’s greatest run-scorer capitulate at home with as many accomplishments as he has earned. It is also rather surprising. Several months ago, during Australia’s tour of India, Ponting was by far the team’s best batsman. He played in those two Test matches as well as he ever has throughout his distinguished career with three consecutive scores of over 70. But time is running out for Ponting. At the age of 36, the curtains are close to closing, especially if his persistently poor form perpetuates any further. With the Ashes at stake, he also faces being branded by a terrible legacy; the first Australian captain to lose an Ashes series at home in almost 30 years and, more harrowingly, to lose three Ashes series in over 120 years.Despite what his numerous naysayers might say, Ponting is not deserving of such a tarnishing legacy. It’s hard to pinpoint where exactly he is going wrong in the area which he prizes above all else – a combination of rotten luck and an aging and weary mind bogged down by the pressures of captaining a declining side where talent is not consistently pulling through. It is interesting to note that for many batsmen who have carried the captaincy have found themselves in prolonged slumps that have raised question marks and uncertainties about their place in the side. Sachin Tendulkar is experiencing the best form of his life – at the age of 37. Perhaps it would be a wise decision on Ponting’s part to consider that move as well. As a specialist batsman at No. 3 or 4, he could very quickly turn his fortunes around with a much clearer mind and a more cheerful disposition.With that in mind, he need look no further than Hussey, who has come from death’s door and experienced what can no less be described as a transformation. It is interesting to compare the two batsmen – where they have come from in the past 18 months – and to see their performances today. Four years ago, in the 2006 Ashes, the two of them were Australia’s top two run-scorers. Today, only one of them shows any signs of that destructive form. Whereas Ponting came from a relatively stable and positive position from India not too long ago, Hussey has suffered from a prolonged slump in form over the past 18 months that very recently resulted in his batting average dropping just below 50 for the first time in his career. Indeed, his place within the side was so tenuous that he was lucky to have made the squad for the starting Test in Brisbane. He went on to make 195 – the highest score of his career – in Australia’s first innings. It very much set the tone of the summer for him.Though he may have scored in a single brilliant burst of batting prowess, talk still existed about whether or not he could transfer the good form through to subsequent innings. Indeed, Hussey made a futile 126 in the final Ashes Test last year at Lord’s but failed to carry on with it in future games. Fortunately, the same could not be said here. Since his heroic 195, he has hit scores of 93, 52, 61 and 116. He has become the first batsman in the history of the game to score six consecutive scores of over 50 in the Ashes. He has already made 517 runs at an average of 103.4 – the best series total of his career – with a maximum of four innings still available for him to play in. His performances over the past several weeks have been reminiscent of him at his very best in his early days, when his batting average of over 85 loomed as close to Bradman’s 99.94 as any mortal could hope to achieve.But it’s extended beyond merely just his scores; he has pulled (quite literally) Australia out of dire trouble right when they needed him, and he has rallied the tail behind him in order to secure healthy scores that have at least been vaguely competitive. Indeed, his 116 at Perth secured Australia that Test and revitalised their hopes of taking back the Ashes. As a batsman, Hussey is neither overly stylish nor unorthodox. He is a subdued player who could spend days out in the middle batting his way along in a timely fashion without ever getting bored. Such is the incredible scope of his concentration and commitment. One cricketing fan described it thus: “His application to scoring runs as opposed to practicing a ballet-like style and hoping for the best is a reminder of what one hears about Bradman – the attunement of the action to the purpose.”Like Ponting, Hussey’s future will depend on the success of the Ashes. But while Ponting may retire if the Ashes is lost, Hussey may retire when the Ashes is won. Such has been the grandeur of his recent success – and the unparalleled comeback he has achieved – that will characterize his own legacy and engrain into the minds of all his supporters and fearful opponents just how eerily close he is to Bradman’s class. If Australia win the Ashes, it isn’t hard to foresee Hussey retiring with success in lieu of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist at the peaks of their respective careers. Ponting’s career may be ending on a whimper, but Hussey’s is ending with an inspiring resurgence. It will be a long time before anyone will forget that 100 he made at the Gabba – his scream of satisfaction an act of defiance in the face of the overwhelming calls for his dumping from the team.

On a tricky surface at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a change of pace may help Mitchell McClenaghan solve what has been a season-long problem of leaking runs in the end overs

Deivarayan Muthu18-May-20172:57

Have Mumbai’s bowlers lost steam lately?

Twenty20 cricket is a freakish format, where your best-laid plans can go to waste if the execution is marginally wrong. Ask Mumbai Indians fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan. In the first Qualifier against Rising Pune Supergiant, McClenaghan clattered through the defences of Rahul Tripathi with a big inswinger in his first over. His first three overs went for 20, and he came on to bowl the 19th over with Rising Pune at 121 for 3 and desperate for a late dash. McClenaghan had sound plans against MS Dhoni and Manoj Tiwary, but his execution was awry. He leaked 26 runs and suddenly the game changed.McClenaghan began that 19th over aiming for a yorker first ball but overpitched and watched as Tiwary swung the beamer to the long-leg boundary. The next ball – a free-hit – offered plenty of width, and Tiwary hoisted it over the bowler’s head for a six. When Dhoni got the strike, McClenaghan finally nailed a yorker, which whooshed past the batsman’s feet. The fourth delivery was a length ball, which was swatted over the midwicket boundary. McClenaghan then switched to Plan B: bowl short and wide, and make Dhoni fetch it. While it appeared logical, McClenaghan ended up bowling two consecutive wides and then panicked and bowled two more length balls, one of which was taken for six. It allowed Rising Pune to run away with the advantage and barge into their first IPL final.McClenaghan is the third-highest wicket-taker this season with 19 wickets in 14 matches, but is prone to leaking runs in the slog overs. His five most expensive overs have all come between overs 15 and 20, and he has an economy rate of 9.50 in this phase of the innings, the second highest among bowlers who have bowled at least 15 overs. He has also bowled 15 extras in the end overs; only Bhuvneshwar Kumar (17) has bowled more.In the middle overs, his returns are worse: one wicket at an economy rate of 12.60. McClenaghan has been most penetrative in the Powerplay, claiming 10 of his 19 wickets in this period at an economy rate of 7.95. In fact, no bowler has taken more wickets than McClenaghan in the Powerplay this season.Mitchell McClenaghan: Decisive in the Powerplay, expensive in the slog overs•BCCISo, perhaps, a case can be made for Mumbai to extract the best out of him with the new ball. Remember, he opened the bowling in the first 22 ODIs he played for New Zealand, and claimed 48 wickets at an economy rate of 5.82 and strike-rate of 23.5.But, with Lasith Malinga himself missing his lengths and conceding at an economy rate of 12 in the slog overs, Mumbai have needed McClenaghan and Jasprit Bumrah. Of the pair, Bumrah has easily been the more impressive, giving away only 8.91 runs an over in this phase.McClenaghan’s regulation pace has allowed the batsmen to line him up better this season. Perhaps he could do well to mix up his pace more, like he did at the World Twenty20 in India last year. His accurate lengths and cutters were so effective that Tim Southee and Trent Boult did not get a game, and New Zealand ultimately made the semi-finals, where they were knocked out by England. Against Australia on a slow track in Dharamsala, McClenaghan cramped the right-hand batsmen with slower short balls, and fooled left-handed batsman Ashton Agar with legcutters. With Australia needing 22 from 12 balls in a chase of 143, McClenaghan took the wickets of Mitchell Marsh and Agar in five balls while conceding just three off a stellar penultimate over. Corey Anderson eventually closed out the eight-run win for New Zealand.Much like that tricky Dharamsala pitch, the M Chinnaswamy track hasn’t allowed batsmen to time the ball this season. Some balls have stuck in the surface, while others have skidded on. Many quicks have taken advantage of this with cutters and cross-seamers. A return to Bangalore might trigger happy memories for McClenaghan: only last month he dismissed Virat Kohli and Mandeep Singh in two slog overs in his side’s four-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore. He nabbed Kohli with a wide ball – possibly wider than a set of stumps outside off – for 62 and then had Mandeep dragging a back-of-a-length ball onto the stumps for a duck.McClenaghan has the skills and the smarts. He might even have a bunch of plans at the death against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday. But, it all boils down to execution. This time, though, there will be no second chances for him and his team: it’s boom or bust.

The date is December 2023. Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side have just suffered a dismal 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Now, the date is December 2024. Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side have just suffered a terrible 3-0 loss against the Cherries at home again. Deja Vu? Quite.

When Amorim was first announced as the new United boss it spread hope across the fanbase that has been rarely seen over the last decade or so. Then, when Marcus Rashford put the Red Devils 1-0 up within a minute of the Portuguese’s first match in the dugout, it looked like a genius decision to hire him.

Sadly, since then, it’s not gone particularly well for either Rashford or Amorim. The winger has been excluded from the last three match days squads while United have won just twice in the Premier League since.

There was, of course, that famous win at the Etihad last Sunday, but another poor week has followed that victory and hasn’t given the new boss much breathing room ahead of this busy festive season.

So, who was to blame this weekend? A fair individuals red, truth be told. One of them was Tyrel Malacia.

Tyrel Malacia's performance vs Bournemouth

This was a terrible afternoon at the back for United who shipped their ninth set-piece goal of the league season before conceding a penalty and then giving the ball away all too easily for Andoni Iraola’s team’s third goal of the encounter.

While Malacia was hooked at half-time and unable to prevent the second and third goals that occurred, he was the man who gave away the free-kick that led to Dean Huijsen’s opener early on in the first half.

That rather set the tone for what was a shoddy afternoon for the wing-back who was brought off at half-time for the third time during Amorim’s reign, leaving the pitch having won just one of his five duels during the encounter.

Such a shaky performance did not go down with fans or pundits alike, with Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst noting that he deserved a 3/10 for his display at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday.

This was about as far from a dreamy performance you can get, with Malacia’s nightmare stint in the northwest only seeming to continue, despite the change in manager.

The Dutchman’s colleague, Joshua Zirkzee, also wasn’t particularly great.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Joshua Zirkzee's performance in numbers

Zirkzee has flattered to deceive since being signed in the summer, let’s put it that away.

The hulking forward got his United career off to a dream start when he netted a late winner against Fulham during the opening Premier League match of the season. Since then, he has added just two league goals to his tally, notably netting twice in the 4-0 win over Everton at the start of the month.

That’s about as good as it’s got, however, for a sluggish-looking forward whose touch has been incredibly poor. He’s lacked grace, composure and the necessary quality to thrive as the leading man for United and it surely won’t be long before Rasmus Hojlund is given an extended period in the starting lineup.

Also receiving a 3/10 rating from the aforementioned Luckhurst, he pinpointed Zirkzee’s poorest moment as his “absolutely hopeless” attempt at marking Huijsen for the opening goal of the afternoon.

Amorim hasn’t been shy of hiding his feelings since becoming manager and was visibly irked by some of the work his striker was producing on Sunday. Indeed, that was most visible when, after losing an aerial duel, he withdrew the summer signing from proceedings just as United were preparing to defend a corner.

In truth, Zirkzee struggled to ever get in the game and made just six passes while only having 19 touches of the ball, far fewer than Malacia’s numbers as outlined earlier. Also losing possession ten times, it meant he surrendered the ball every 1.9 times he touched it. Dismal stuff.

Also failing to have a single shot on target, it’s clear that if Amorim is going to improve this side, he needs a better striker. How he must lust after Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Barca really want to sign him: Man Utd set for Beckham repeat with £35m ace

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing a player from Manchester United.

By
Matt Dawson

Dec 22, 2024

Esperance de Tunis have a glittering history, but may find themselves outmatched by more traditional powers

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One of four teams flying the flag for Africa in the Club World Dup, Esperance de Tunis have a wonderful history. They have 33 Tunisian top-flight titles, have won the Tunisian Cup 15 times, and have appeared in 14 straight CAF Champions Leagues. Success, then, is nothing new.

But it remains to be seen how well that might translate to a 32-team Club World Cup. While those 48 trophies are wonderful, they may find themselves challenged on the big stage. Still, there are plenty of reasons for excitement.

This is their fourth appearance at some iteration of the Club World Cup. They have yet to win a game at the competition but have held their own every time. For all of their disadvantages, they won't be pushovers. And perhaps being a tricky matchup, and representing a club with a wonderful pedigree might be enough.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.

Next up is Esperance de Tunis with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for the African side at the tournament.

• Getty Images
  

  The Basics

  DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Tunisian Professional League 1

  CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: Three previous appearances (2011, 2018, 2019)

  GROUP: D (Chelsea, Esperance de Tunis, Flamengo, Club Leon – TBD)

  OPENING MATCH: Flamengo – June 16, 9 p.m., Philadelphia

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• How they got here

  Esperance de Tunis qualified via the ranking pathway due to their consistent appearances in the CAF Champions League over the past four seasons. They might have lost the 2023-24 final, but have done enough otherwise to earn a spot in this summer's marquee soccer event.

• Getty Images
  

  The player to watch

  Esperance have attacking threats all over the pitch, largely thanks to their appeal to foreign players both in nearby countries and further afield. Rodrigo Rodrigues is the man to watch.

  He led Esperance in goals last season, and has enjoyed a fine career with stints in Brazil and Portugal. A word, too, for commanding center back Yassine Meriah, who captains the side and shepherds the best backline in the top flight.

• Esperance
  

  Realistic Expectations

  Everyone should dream. The Club World Cup is an interesting thing, and if Chelsea, Flamengo, and others elect not to play their big names, then Esperance could have a chance in every game they play. Realistically, though, anything more than a group stage exit would be a minor miracle – although the prize money will do them nicely.

Patrick Vieira is a player who will forever remain a club legend at Arsenal football club after his contributions during his near decade as a first-team star in North London.

The Frenchman joined the Gunners as an unknown quantity to many after his unsuccessful stint with AC Milan, but would end up becoming one of their best-ever midfielders – winning endless trophies along the way.

He would only cost £3.5m during the summer of 1996, making a total of 405 appearances at Highbury, before joining Juventus in 2005 for £13.75m – banking a profit of over £10m for the hierarchy.

However, despite the financial aspect, it was his performances on the field that saw the biggest benefit, with Vieira playing a huge role in winning four FA Cups and three Premier League titles during his period in the capital under Arsène Wenger.

Fast-forward nearly 20 years on from his departure, the hierarchy have the opportunity to land another Frenchman who could follow in the footsteps of the fan favourite should they win the race for his services.

Arsenal battling European giants for French star

According to TBR, Arsenal scouts have been monitoring the progress of 17-year-old Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi ahead of a potential move to the Emirates in the near future.

The youngster, who already features for the France U21 side, also has admirers from the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich with a huge battle for his signature set to take place.

However, given his age, he will be unable to make the move until he turns 18, with Bouaddi unable to make any move to join Mikel Arteta’s side until October 2025 at the very earliest.

It may be a long time to wait, but it would certainly be worthwhile, with the sensation already making 12 Ligue 1 appearances in 2024/25 to date despite his tender age – even making five starts in the Champions League – a real signal of his impressive qualities.

Whilst his talents could see him emulate the success of compatriot Vieira in North London, he could also bolster the figures of a current first-team star should any deal be agreed in the months ahead.

Why Bouaddi would be perfect for Odegaard

Martin Odegaard has often been one of Arteta’s shining lights in attacking areas during his tenure at the Emirates, struggling massively during the opening weeks of the season after the midfielder’s ankle injury.

However, since his return to first-team action, the Norwegian has already demonstrated his class, registering four assists and one goal, often featuring in a deep-lying number eight role and operating as more of a box-to-box option rather than a number 10.

Undoubtedly, he’s been a success in such a position, but Bouaddi’s ball-winning and progressive ability could take some of the defensive responsibility off Odegaard’s shoulders, allowing the former Real Madrid star to create further havoc in the final third.

Even though he’s only 17 years of age, the Lille superstar, who’s been dubbed a “10/10 talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed 90% of his passes this campaign, with 3.2 per 90 of which being into the final third, handing Odegaard the ammunition to increase his tallies.

On the other hand, defensively is where he’s excelled, winning an average of four tackles per 90, also completing 1.1 interceptions – highlighting why he could be the modern-day Vieira for Arsenal if a deal could be struck.

There’s no denying that Arteta and his side will face huge competition for his signature, but given his youth, he has the ability to build on his already impressive start to life as a professional.

No price tag has yet been mooted for Bouaddi’s services but it’s likely to be money well spent regardless, handing the Gunners another shell in their armoury as they look to end their two-decade wait for a top-flight title.

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By
Joe Nuttall

Dec 29, 2024