Tag Futebol

Nottingham Forest are reportedly plotting an audacious loan move for a top-level international player this summer.

Forest in slow summer transfer window

Since securing promotion to the Premier League back in 2022, Nottingham Forest have had a phenomenally high squad turnover and are often among the busiest sides in the division.

In their first season back in the top flight, they signed 30 players, headlined by the arrival of Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi. They then followed that up by adding a further 17 new faces across the 2023/24 campaign, including the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga and Murillo.

Nottingham Forest taking "last steps" to sign £10m+ ace "pushing" for move

The Midlands club are closing in on another reinforcement.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 26, 2024

By comparison, this season Nuno Espírito Santo's side have been dawdling, with just five new faces being welcomed to the City Ground. They have signed Elliot Anderson in a £35m move from Newcastle United, while Nikola Milenkovic has arrived from Fiorentina to replace Moussa Niakhate, who joined Lyon.

There have also been moves for Brazilian goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, as well as young pair Mark Stamenic and Eric Moreira from Red Star and St Pauli respectively. The club's biggest successes this summer to date have been their ability to keep hold of impressive defender Murillo as well as Gibbs-White, both of whom had been linked with moves away across the 2023-24 campaign.

Undoubtedly the two biggest stars at the City Ground, Forest are looking to build a quality side around them, and are reportedly plotting an audacious loan move to help Nuno do just that.

Nottingham Forest chase Arsenal man

That comes as The Sun report that the Reds are chasing an extraordinary move to sign out-of-favour Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The England international, who was Jordan Pickford's deputy at EURO 2024, fell out of favour at the Emirates Stadium following the arrival of David Raya last summer. He made just six Premier League appearances and just two after being dropped in favour of Raya, both coming against Brentford when the Spaniard was ineligible.

He seemed certain to depart this summer in search of first-team football, but the Gunners have struggled to find anyone willing to meet their reported £30m price tag, with both Newcastle and Chelsea having been linked previously but having since agreed deals to sign other goalkeepers.

Aaron Ramsdale (22/23) vs Forest goalkeepers 23/24
	Aaron Ramsdale	Matt Turner	Odysseas Vlachodimos	Mats Selz
Appearances	38	17	5	16
Clean Sheets	14	2	1	1
Save %	70.6%	67.5%	50%	57.4%

Now, The Sun claim that Forest are considering making an offer to take the former Arsenal no.1 on loan for the upcoming campaign, with Espirito Santo's side not willing to meet the asking price for a permanent deal.

They report that Forest are "willing to gamble" and see if the Gunners will let Ramsdale "leave on loan right at the end of the window", and believe that "paying all of Ramsdale’s wages plus a chunky bonus may give them a real chance" of pulling off the coup.

The goalkeeper penned a new deal at Arsenal in 2023, which means that he has just two years left to run on his £120,000-a-week deal at the Emirates Stadium, though the Gunners have an option to extend that deal by a further year.

Despite being second choice, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was quick to praise his backup shot stopper last season, dubbing his attitude "exceptional".

“He’s been exceptional around the place with the situation. Like everybody. We love him more for sure. We have him every day. We know him, we know his character and we are really happy to have him."

Ramsdale is undoubtedly a cut above the current options at Nuno's disposal, but the arrival of another two goalkeepers this summer would only muddy the waters further following the fight for the no.1 spot at the City Ground since their promotion.

A £16.8 million player has agreed to join Chelsea, and they've struck a deal with his club, with Todd Boehly now closing in on a tenth summer signing.

Chelsea undergo busy transfer window and squad overhaul

Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa), Renato Veiga (FC Basel), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City), Marc Guiu (Barcelona), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United) and Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal) have been announced as new Chelsea arrivals this summer, with Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian also set to join in 2025.

Chelsea close to agreeing deal for ace who BlueCo liken to Real Madrid star

The west Londoners think he could replicate a Galactico.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 31, 2024

Aaron Anselmino will complete a move to Chelsea from Boca Juniors as well, after completing his medical at Stamford Bridge this week, making it nine signings in total for new manager Enzo Maresca ahead of his first Premier League season in charge.

However, a lot of the aforementioned players are young and could be deemed as ones for the future, rather than immediate upgrades to Maresca's first team. Only Tosin, Dewsbury-Hall and Jorgensen look likely to go straight into the senior team, so there could still be work to do for co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

Most notably, Chelsea appear to be making serious moves for a new forward. The west Londoners are in ongoing talks with Napoli over striker Victor Osimhen, and Romelu Lukaku could be used as a makeweight, with the Belgian already agreeing a three-year contract and pay-cut to work under Antonio Conte again (Ben Jacobs).

Meanwhile, Chelsea have also submitted a concrete bid for Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, who could be an alternative to Osimhen if a deal cannot be done for the Nigerian.

There is also the possibility of adding yet more talent to Chelsea's ever-growing pool of young players with real potential. KRC Genk shot-stopper Mike Penders, who made his Jupiler Pro League debut last weekend in a 0-0 draw with Standard Liege, is the latest gem on their radar.

Reports earlier this week claimed Chelsea were closing in on a deal for Penders, who BlueCo believe could be the next Thibaut Courtois. The 19-year-old, who stands at a lofty 6 foot 7, now appears even closer to a Stamford Bridge move.

Penders agrees to join Chelsea as deal reached with Genk

According to HITC, Penders has agreed to join Chelsea and they've reached a deal with Genk. Indeed, the Blues will pay around £16.8 million to get him over the line, and he'll remain on loan at Genk for the 2024/2025 season to aid his development.

With both personal terms and an agreement struck between the clubs, it appears Chelsea are closing in on their tenth capture of the window, with the teenage talent appearing highly-rated by those within the club after the Courtois comparison.

In future seasons, he could well be competing with Jorgensen for the number one spot.

كشفت تقارير صحفية تطورات تخص مستقبل أحد ثلاثي فريق ليفربول، محمد صلاح، ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد وفيرجيل فان دايك، مع اقتراب عقودهم الحالية من النهاية.

ومن المقرر أن ينتهي العقد الحالي للنجم المصري محمد صلاح مع ليفربول في صيف 2025.

وصرّح محمد صلاح أكثر من مرة، بشكل علني لوسائل الإعلام في الفترة الأخيرة، بعدم وجود جديد يخص مستقبله وتجديد عقده في “الأنفيلد”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | ضد ليفربول.. الدوري الإنجليزي يعلن عن هدف شهر ديسمبر

وينطبق الأمر نفسه على فيرجيل فان دايك وترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، مع العلم أن وضع الأخير معقد بشكل أكبر كونه مرتبط بنادي ريال مدريد.

ولكن يبدو أن هناك أمرًا جديدًا يخص مستقبل أحد الثلاثي المذكور، وتحديدًا المدافع فيرجيل فان دايك، حسب صحيفة “telegraaf” الهولندية.

وأفاد الصحفي مارسيل فان دير كران بأن ليفربول من المقرر أن يكسر البنك من أجل تجديد عقد فان دايك مع النادي الإنجليزي.

وأشار إلى أن ليفربول قريب بالفعل من تمديد عقد فان دايك في صفقة ضخمة، قائلًا: “ليفربول سيفتح خزينة البنك في أحد الأيام لتمديد عقده مع النادي”.

هذا الأمر يعني أن تجديد عقد فان دايك سيكلف خزينة ليفربول الكثير من المال، لإتمام تلك الخطوة.

Hong Kong will be demoted down to the regional qualifiers

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Dec-2020A recalculation of the ICC T20I rankings has seen Singapore awarded automatic qualification to the global qualifiers for the 2022 T20 World Cup. Hong Kong have lost out as a result, falling back into regional qualifying.Hong Kong have suffered from the absence of a year of cricket, with the rankings calculated on the basis of results over a set period of time. With Hong Kong having a year of relatively favourable results wiped out, coupled with their loss of ODI status, they find themselves needing to battle an additional hurdle if they are to make it to the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022.Singapore, meanwhile will play the global qualifier, after having previously advanced to the global qualifier for the first time in 2019 where they upset Scotland in the opening match of the tournament. Coupled with a victory over Zimbabwe ahead of the October 2019 qualifier, it has given their ranking a sharp spike to have them leapfrog their regional rival Hong Kong.The 16 available spots in the global qualifiers will be filled by one team each from the Africa and East Asia-Pacific Qualifier respectively. They will be joined by two teams each from the Americas and Europe qualifiers. It will be the first time one of the competing teams – Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Philippines, Samoa, South Korea, Vanuatu and host-nation Japan – at the 2021 regional qualifier from East-Asia Pacific gets to that stage. Papua New Guinea, the side that has regularly emerged from that section of regional qualifying, has already been granted a berth in the global qualifier after having secured a spot in the 2021 T20 World Cup field to be played in India.The four teams that finish bottom at the T20 World Cup in 2021 will be granted automatic qualification to the global qualifier for the event in 2022, as will Zimbabwe, Nepal and the UAE along with Singapore, based on the T20 rankings. With the two upcoming T20 World Cups effectively switched around (the 2021 event takes place in India while the 2022 edition will be hosted by Australia), the teams that qualified for the 2020 World Cup in Australia will take their place at the 2021 event in India. Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Ireland, Namibia, Oman and Scotland will join ten Full Members at the World T20 in 2021, with Zimbabwe missing out as they were suspended by the ICC at the time.The global qualifier had been a 14-team event in 2019 in the UAE. But the 16 teams that advance to the next global qualifier ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup will be split into two separate 8-team events. The top two finishes from the dual 8-team global qualifiers will secure their places in Australia. The host sites for each of the 8-team dual global qualifiers have yet to be determined.

The number of star names on show in the tournament has been a topic of debate but there was concern about stopping local talent

Daniel Brettig19-Oct-2020Big Bash clubs are set to be permitted a third overseas player in their XIs for the next two tournaments after the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) dropped their longstanding opposition to the move on the basis that it would take away a spot from a local cricketer.Amid an ugly dispute between Cricket Australia and Channel Seven over the value of the BBL’s broadcast rights, the likely change in overseas player regulations – as part of a series of tweaks to the MoU between CA and the ACA – is a late but welcome chance for clubs to improve the quality of their playing lists this year.The likelihood of expanded Australian squads being required for international matches this year due to Covid-19 “hub” restrictions has raised the prospect of weakening BBL playing ranks to a greater degree than usual. It is one of the central complaints from Seven to CA about the BBL after the free-to-air network paid in the region of A$40 million a season for the competition as part of its A$450 million component of the A$1.18 billion shared deal with Foxtel in 2018 to broadcast cricket in Australia for six years.The BBL figure represents almost 60% of Seven’s total deal, which also includes the rights to broadcast all Test matches played in Australia, and runs in contrast to CA’s strategic position where international cricket sits at the top of the pyramid in terms of player payments and other investments by the governing body. CA has in recent weeks also committed to helping to finance “marquee” deals worth more than six figures for overseas players outside existing BBL club salary caps.CA had hoped to hold its first player draft ahead of the 2020-21 season but that was shelved in August amid the complexities created by Covid-19Dawid Malan (Hobart Hurricanes), Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder), Liam Livingstone (Perth Scorchers), Tom Banton (Brisbane Heat) and Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers) are the overseas players to have been announced by their clubs so far either on new or existing deals. Three overseas slots per team would mean an additional 20 players join the BBL from beyond Australia’s borders.Such an influx would help to cover for the likelihood of players such as Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis missing large chunks of the BBL due to international commitments. Clubs are eager to sign up David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, a trio who have often missed the BBL in recent years, and may well end up doing so again should they want to rest in between international commitments and scheduled tours of New Zealand and South Africa in early 2021.One area of intrigue will be whether CA finally convinces the BCCI to allow some Indian players to take part in the BBL – the IPL has long been the only domestic T20 event to showcase Indian cricketers, whether they are core members of Virat Kohli’s national team or not.Overseas names, of both the established star variety such as AB de Villiers, Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan and Dale Steyn and emerging talents such as Jofra Archer, Rashid Khan and Sandeep Lamichhane, have been vital to the growth of the BBL over its first nine seasons. But teams have always been limited to having only two overseas players at any one time in their 18-man squads, even though the rules were tweaked in 2019 to allow up to six overseas players to cycle through on shorter deals during a tournament.CA and the broadcasters have been eager to allow for another overseas playing spot, but the ACA’s opposition has remained until recently, when the change was again suggested amid negotiations for a range of provisional alterations to the MoU.In addition to the overseas players clause, the players’ association is also working with CA on plans to use some of this years’ untapped player payment pool cash to provide a range of additional support measures for players, particularly in the WBBL. These would include investment in hub facilities in Sydney, plus greater allowances for player access to their families and other means of mental health assistance during what is sure to be a trying summer.

Despite points deductions last season, Everton are on the hunt to bolster their side in a bid to prevent a fourth successive season battling relegation in the Premier League.

Sean Dyche has done a fantastic job transforming the Toffees in recent seasons, building his side on a foundation of strong defensive play and hitting sides on the counter – subsequently winning games by the odd goal.

However, ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, the boss is looking to strengthen in multiple key areas including in midfield, with numerous players linked with a summer move to Goodison Park.

Aston Villa’s Tim Iroegbunam looks the most likely to join the club, after journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the youngster was undergoing a medical ahead of a £9m move to Merseyside.

Despite the deal nearing completion, Dyche’s side are still looking to add more bodies to the midfield department.

One player in particular has been on the Toffees’ radar for the last couple of months, with Everton now finally making a move to sign him amid major competition from multiple sides around Europe.

Everton offer deal to former Premier League star

According to journalist Santi Aouna, Everton have made an offer to sign out-of-contract Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi.

The Nigerian, who featured 32 times for the Foxes last season, is yet to agree a new deal at the King Power Stadium, putting numerous sides on red alert.

Alongside the Toffees, Marseille and Lyon have both offered terms to the 27-year-old, with Monaco and Spanish side Sevilla also

registering interest in the talent ahead of his contract expiration on the 30th of June.

He’s a man in demand, but should Dyche’s side pull off a deal for the talented midfielder, it could spell the end of one player’s time at Goodison Park.

Why Ndidi would be an upgrade on Idrissa Gueye

Every Everton supporter will know how crucial Idrissa Gueye has been to the club in his two separate spells on Merseyside, with last season arguably his best in the blue of the Toffees.

He featured in 25 Premier League matches, registering his best goal return in a single campaign, offering a combative option alongside James Garner in the middle of the park.

However, Ndidi has the talent to dislodge the Senegalese fan-favourite as a perfect upgrade on him next season, producing some excellent stats in 2023/24, albeit in a lower-quality division.

The Nigerian contributed with five more combined goals and assists, providing Dyche’s side with an added goal threat as they aim to improve their lowly goal tally from last season, which saw them score the second-lowest amount of goals in the division.

He also managed to achieve a higher tally of progressive passes over the season, demonstrating his ability to play the ball forward and create opportunities for his teammates, further adding to the club’s attempts to score more goals.

Games

25

32

Goals & assists

4

9

Progressive passes

83

102

Aerials won

13

21

Clearances

16

36

The “incredible” talent, as previously dubbed by former boss Brendan Rodgers, would provide an added aerial threat to Dyche’s side, winning 21 aerial duels last season – boosting the Toffees’ presence from set-pieces, with the club managing to score 18 – the second most in the league.

Despite featuring in England’s second-tier last season, he’s previously featured for the Foxes in the Premier League, providing more top-flight experience as the club aim to improve on last season’s 15th-placed finish.

After a difficult year, Manchester United’s 2023/24 campaign ended on a high, which may have made Sir Jim Ratcliffe reconsider a handful of decisions.

One of those may be the future of Erik ten Hag, who’s still unaware of whether he’ll be returning to Old Trafford after his break or not.

Although the Dutchman’s future at the club isn’t guaranteed, the signing of multiple players most definitely is.

Man Utd want to sign a new centre-back

According to a recent report, Man United are interested in signing Tosin Adarabioyo.

The defender currently plays for Fulham; however, his contract expires this summer, which enables him to leave on a free transfer.

Because of this, the Englishman poses great value, and Man United have recently approached the player.

Chelsea and Newcastle United are also in the race to sign him, but the decision ultimately lands in the hands of Adarabioyo.

Adarabioyo would be a great partner for Martinez

There’s no doubt that when he’s fit, Adarabioyo is Fulham’s best central defender, and he’s proven that he can perform brilliantly in the top flight this season.

However, the 26-year-old was only able to showcase his ability towards the end of November, following groin surgery that saw him miss the start of the campaign.

Since then, the English defender has started 18 games over 20 appearances, keeping six clean sheets in the process.

The Cottagers' clean sheet tally for the entire season was ten, which proves that the number 4 is an extremely influential player in the side.

Goals

2

0

Touches

70.3

47

Pass accuracy

85%

93%

Possession lost

9.8

3.6

Tackles

1.1

1.1

Aerial duels won

2.9

0.4

Clearances

4

2.1

Adarabioyo would be an excellent partner for Lisandro Martinez, primarily as they’re both brilliant with the ball at their feet.

This fits the style of play that Ratcliffe wants his manager to utilise, as it enables United to assert their dominance over the opponent, which can’t occur if the defenders are wasteful in possession.

Furthermore, the two 26-year-olds are proactive players who aren’t afraid to get tight to an attacker, which should enable United to play a slightly higher line, which is shown by their tackles.

The former Manchester City player can also cover ground with ease, meaning the duo can work in tandem to defend with security. Due to Martinez’s aggressive play style, he can sometimes be caught out of position if he doesn’t win his duel, but this is where the Fulham ace has the ability to sweep in the event of a through ball.

With Tosin standing at 6 foot 5, which makes him extremely dominant in the air, it could prove is extremely beneficial at both ends of the field. The Argentine, in comparison, is a rather slender character at 5 foot 9 and as such the Fulham man would reign supreme for aerial duels won.

Having a player with a build like the “incredible” defender, as dubbed by football journalist Zach Lowy, is vital alongside Martinez, who can be targeted due to his lack of size.

Overall, it’s clear to see that Adarabioyo has the potential to step up and play for a top-six team, and a player of his quality on a free deal is certainly a steal that United must look to complete.

Man Utd in talks to hire manager who could make Hojlund as good as Kane

The Manager target finished above Ten Hag’s Man United this season.

ByTom Lever May 28, 2024

West Ham United's chances of securing a fourth successive season in European competition are slender, with Saturday's spirited and impressive draw against Liverpool in the Premier League widening the gap on seventh-placed Newcastle United.

Newcastle, whose season has been categorised by inconsistency and injuries, are four points clear in the final European football-qualifying position, holding a game in hand on the Hammers.

With trips to Chelsea and Manchester City still forthcoming for David Moyes, it would seem that a wonderful slice of history will draw to a close, though Saturday's result highlighted the immense quality that West Ham – and whoever will lead the club from the dugout next season – boast.

At the forefront: Jarrod Bowen. The England international, quite simply, is a brilliant and irreplaceable player.

Jarrod Bowen's stats vs Liverpool

Bowen has been in fine fettle this season. In fact, that's quite the understatement, with the dynamic forward scoring 20 goals and supplying ten assists, the latest of which came one apiece against Liverpool.

Minutes played

90'

Goals

1

Assists

1

Touches

32

Accurate passes

5/9 (52%)

Shots on target

3

Key passes

1

Dribble attempts

2/5

Tackles

1

Interceptions

1

Duels won

7/14

The 27-year-old only managed to complete five passes against Jurgen Klopp's deteriorating side but this hardly matters given his clinical attacking moments and persistent defensive commitment.

Within a system like Moyes', with West Ham ranking 15th in possession in the Premier League this season, such prolific authority has paid dividends – just imagine how Bowen might perform at the heart of a more expansive and progressive brand of football.

He must remain at the very kernel of the United project, though the same cannot be said for Angelo Ogbonna, who struggled against the Reds and must follow Moyes, should the Scotsman indeed leave when his contract expires this summer, out the door at the London Stadium.

Why Angelo Ogbonna must now be ditched

Ogbonna has entered the twilight phase of his career, nearly 36 years old, and while he has been something of a stalwart for West Ham after signing from Juventus in a £10m transfer in 2015, the Italian is out of contract this summer and to renew his terms would be a fatal error.

Having completed 247 matches for his east London club, the centre-back has been restricted to a bit-part role over the past several years, starting just five Premier League fixtures this term.

And it's deservedly so. His mobility has been eradicated by the passage of time, while his once-robust skill set has left him averaging only 0.9 tackles and 1.8 duels per match this season.

Against high-level opposition in Liverpool, Ogbonna's understandable fragilities were exposed, with The Evening Standard's Dom Smith giving the veteran a 5/10 match score and writing: 'Beaten in the air on a number of occasions and caught too high up as Liverpool easily bypassed him in the first half. Improved after the interval and was unlucky to be involved in the own-goal.'

As per Sofascore, the 6 foot 3 defender made five clearances and four tackles against Liverpool but he completed just 64% of his passes and was dribbled past. Were Liverpool not so profligate, his issues would likely have been compounded.

With Konstantinos Mavropanos and Nayef Aguerd both expected to return from injury imminently, Ogbonna may well have played his last match for the club, which will fare better with their younger and most durable titans in the starting mix.

Ogbonna has been a brilliant servant for West Ham and he got to kiss silverware before his departure, but that exit must materialise this summer as the club prepares for a new era. Make it happen, Tim Steidten.

West Ham could take Kudus to new heights with "perfect" Amorim alternative

This tactician would be a fantastic alternative to Ruben Amorim

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 27, 2024

كشف الإسباني أوجستي بوش، المدير الفني لفريق كرة السلة بالنادي الأهلي، عن قائمة اللاعبين المقرر لهم خوض منافسات بطولتي كأس السوبر المصري، وكأس السوبر المصري البحريني.

ووصلت بعثة الأهلي برئاسة محمد شوقي عضو مجلس الإدارة، إلى مطار البحرين منذ ساعات قليلة، وحظيت البعثة باستقبال حافل من السفارة المصرية والاتحاد البحريني.

وأكدت السفيرة المصرية لدى البحرين، أن تواجد بعثة الأهلي يشكل حدثًا مهمًا لما يحظى به النادي من شعبية كبيرة في البلد الشقيق، وكذلك يعد محطة هامة للتواصل والتنافس الرياضي بين البلدين.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي فريق كرة السلة بالنادي الأهليمع نظيره الاتحاد السكندري، يوم الخميس الموافق 28 نوفمبر، وعلى الجانب الآخر، يلتقي الأهلي البحريني والمنامة في لقاء كأس السوبر البحريني.

طالع أيضًا | خاص | اللجنة المنظمة لـ السوبر المصري البحريني لكرة السلة تحدد جنسيات حكام المباريات

ويتقابل الفريقان الفائزان من المباراتين في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري البحريني يوم السبت الموافق 30 نوفمبر. قائمة رجالة سلة الأهلي المشاركة في بكأس السوبر

عمرو زهران، إبراهيم زهران، إيهاب أمين، عمرو الجندي، مروان سرحان، سيف سمير، مؤمن خيري، مصطفى مكاوي، أحمد مهيب، جون دانييل روبيرسون، عبد الله محمد، عمر طارق، رامي إبراهيم، محمد خيري.

Glasgow Rangers ended a three-game winless run by securing their place in the 2024 Scottish Cup final after a solid display from the Ibrox side at Hampden on Sunday.

Hearts were swept aside 2-0 as the Light Blues looked comfortable through large spells of the game. It was a far better performance than the previous two matches in the Premiership, which now sees the club trailing Celtic by three points.

Cyriel Dessers was the hero at the national stadium, scoring two well-taken goals, sending Rangers through to a first Scottish Cup final showdown against Celtic since 2002. That time, the blue side of Glasgow won 3-2 courtesy of a last-gasp Peter Lovenkrands winner.

While the performance was good and several under-fire players stepped up to the occasion, it proved to be a disappointing one for Abdallah Sima, who was forced off after just 15 minutes with what looked like a hamstring injury.

Philippe Clement will be hoping Sima isn’t sidelined for too long, especially considering his record in front of goal this term.

Abdallah Sima’s statistics at Rangers

Michael Beale was the manager to bring Sima to Glasgow last summer, securing his services on a season-long loan deal from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The move has certainly been a shrewd one. In 38 games for the Light Blues, the 22-year-old winger has scored 16 goals while chipping in with two assists, all while missing 14 matches after sustaining an injury whilst on international duty with Senegal in January.

Abdallah Sima's Rangers stats – 2023/24
Metric	Europa League	Premiership
Goals	3	11
Assists	0	2
Key passes per game	1	0.9
Successful dribbles per game	1.8	1.3
Big chances created	0	2
Via Sofascore

There is no doubt he would have already broken through the 20 goal barrier by now had he remained fit. His influence came to the fore during the recent clash against Celtic where he netted a second-half equaliser after coming on as a substitute, and it is crucial he is fit for the title run-in.

He will return to Brighton this summer, yet could Clement perhaps try and wrangle a permanent deal for the youngster due to his impact at the club this season?

Abdallah Sima’s market value in 2024

The Senegalese winger is rated at £6.6m as per Football Transfers' xTV model (expected transfer value) and if he does recover in time to play a part in the final six games of the campaign, this could potentially rise between now and the start of the summer transfer window.

Clement may not have many funds to work with during the summer unless he ships out a few players, but if Sima were to be available for a realistic fee, he could be a worthy addition to the squad.

His current valuation may indicate Rangers will have to splash out £6m or more to sign him, which could be slightly outside their budget.

it is a reasonable market value considering his displays, but Rangers actually sold a player back in 1998 who was worth more than double Sima if adjusted for 2024 money; Gennaro Guttuso.

When Rangers signed Gennaro Gattuso

The late, great Walter Smith had led Rangers to nine league championships in a row during the 1996/97 campaign and was looking to bolster his squad that summer to do what no team in Scotland had done before, win ten titles in succession.

There were plenty of incomings that summer as Smith splashed the cash to sign Lorenzo Amoruso, Marco Negri and Sergio Porrini in a bid to make history.

Gattuso was also signed, brought in for nothing having previously spent time at Perugia, and it looked like the diminutive Italian could be a big part of the club’s future, such was his vast talent.

In his only full season at Ibrox, the youngster made 37 appearances, scoring four goals in the process, but it was to no avail as they ended the campaign without a trophy for the first time since the 1980s.

Despite playing 11 matches at the start of the following season, it was evident he wasn’t in Dick Advocaat’s plans for the future and was sold for nearly £4.2m to Salernitana back in his homeland.

Gennaro Gattuso’s transfer value in 2024 money

This fee represented a decent piece of transfer business for someone who was clearly going to be pushed aside for Advocaat’s own signings, and it turned out that the Gers hit the jackpot on the 5 foot 9 brute.

In 2024 – with Totally Money adjusted for inflation over the years – that transfer fee would now be worth a staggering £18.2m, proving how impressive a sale it really was for the Dutchman.

A few years later, however, many of the Ibrox faithful must have wondered what would have happened if the Gers kept the Italian midfielder as he began to shine for AC Milan.

What Gennaro Gattuso did after leaving Rangers

He joined Milan in 1999 and spent the next 13 seasons winning everything that was available to him, which included two Champions League titles and two Serie A crowns, making 468 appearances for the club in the process.

Of course, he was also part of the Italy squad which won the World Cup in Germany back in 2006, playing six of their seven games as they became champions of the world for the fourth time.

It was a career full of highlights, with the player emerging as a tough tackler and someone who was not to be messed with.

Journalist Jerry Mancini lauded Gattuso for his abilities on the pitch, saying: “He was a tenacious tackler and great at winning the ball back. A great leader and fought for every inch on the pitch.”

It would be interesting to see just what he would have achieved had Gattuso remained in Glasgow for another few years, but Advocaat’s decision to move him on certainly brought the club a decent financial windfall at the time.

It shows how good he was that his value was more than every single Rangers player currently since he moved back to Italy in 1998, and he certainly fulfilled his potential for both Milan and Italy over the next 15 years.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?