A segunda rodada do Campeonato Carioca chegou ao fim nesse domingo (21), com o Fluminense encarando a Portuguesa, o Flamengo jogando contra o Nova Iguaçu e o Vasco enfrentou o Sampaio Corrêa. Veja os resultados das partidas.
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⚽ FLUMINENSE 2 X 1 PORTUGUESA-RJ O Fluminense venceu a Portuguesa por 2 a 1 em Moça Bonita. Com o time alternativo, o Tricolor Carioca abriu o placar no primeiro tempo com Lelê, marcando mais uma vez no campeonato. Minutos depois, Isaac, cria de Xerém, marcou o segundo.
Na segunda etapa, a Portuguesa diminuiu com Ronaldo, mas a reação da Lusa parou por ai. Vitória do Fluminense.
⚽ NOVA IGUAÇU 1 X 1 FLAMENGO No Almeidão, em João Pessoa, o Flamengo ficou no empate contra o Nova Iguaçu. Com o time alternativo, já que o principal está em Orlando, o Rubro-Negro saiu atrás no placar com gol de Carlinhos no final da primeira etapa.
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Mas no segundo tempo, o Flamengo partiu para cima e chegou ao empate com Thiaguinho, que comemorou com a torcida, lhe rendendo um cartão amarelo. Na reta final do jogo, ele cometeu uma falta para impedir um contra-ataque do Nova Iguaçu e foi expulso ao levar o segundo cartão amarelo.
⚽ SAMPAIO CORRÊA 3 X 3 VASCO Em Saquarema, Sampaio Corrêa e Vasco fizeram um jogo movimentado de seis gols. O time da Região dos Lagos saiu na frente com Max, aproveitando vacilo de Halls. Minutos depois, Marcelo ampliou para os mandantes. Cauan Barros diminuiu para o Cruz-maltino no último lance da primeira etapa.
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Na segunda etapa, Orellano empatou a partida e deu o passe para a virada, com gol de Paixão. Mas a vantagem do Vasco durou pouco e Gabriel Agú igualou a partida novamente. Nos minutos finais o Cruz-maltino pressionou, mas não conseguiu o gol da vitória.
⚽ OUTROS RESULTADOS DA RODADA: Madureira 1 X 0 Audax Botafogo 2 X 0 Bangu Volta Redonda 2 X 3 Boavista
After Thomas Frank took the reins early in the summer, no Tottenham Hotspur fan would’ve predicted the incredible start he’s made – filling the gap after Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.
The Dane has only tasted defeat once in his first five competitive outings, winning the other four – most notably against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad.
However, this afternoon’s meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion will present another tricky clash for the 51-year-old to navigate if he is to keep up his tremendous start.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side are currently on a two-game winning streak over the Lilywhites – subsequently doing the double over them during the 2024/25 campaign.
If Spurs are to put such a run to an end, the manager will have to make sure one player hits the ground running after a quiet start to his career at North London.
Why Xavi Simons has struggled at Spurs
Xavi Simons was one of Spurs’ big-money additions made during the summer transfer window, joining Frank’s men in a £52m deal from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
The attacking midfielder’s arrival in England generated huge excitement, and understandably so, given the talent and potential he possesses at the age of just 22.
His tally of 19 combined goals and assists last campaign showcases that he’s able to either find a teammate or find the back of the net alone, subsequently adding a new dimension to the Lilywhites’ attack.
However, two games into his spell in England, he’s operated off the left-hand side rather than his natural number ten position – something which has undoubtedly limited his success to date.
Simons may have registered an assist in the Premier League, but the youngster still has so much more to offer, with Frank needing to give him the opportunity to star in a central position.
Should the manager make that call, he will have to drop one player from the heart of his side – leading to a decision which could be somewhat controversial for the fanbase.
The Spurs player who should be dropped to allow Simons to thrive
Since Frank took the reins during the off-season, the Dane has utilised a flat midfield trio, but that could all be about to change in the trip to face the Seagulls this afternoon.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Lucas Bergvall has arguably been the club’s shining light over the last couple of weeks, scoring in the victory against West Ham United last Saturday.
The Swede even claimed the Man of the Match award in the Champions League on Tuesday night, further showcasing how impressive he’s been during the early stages of the campaign.
He’s often featured alongside Pape Sarr at the heart of the side, but if Simons is to operate behind the striker, the 23-year-old may have to be the one to give way.
Like Bergvall, he scored in the clash at the London Stadium last Saturday, but he could well be sacrificed if the Dutchman does shift inside off the left flank.
It would be a controversial decision from Frank, especially after Sarr was labelled “sensational” by one analyst after his recent displays in the Premier League.
His performance against Villarreal in midweek was arguably one of his poorest of 2025/26, potentially leaving the door open for the manager to test out the big-money signing as part of his midfield trio.
Pape Sarr – stats against Villarreal
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Minutes played
69
Touches
34
Pass accuracy
77%
Possession lost
6x
Tackles won
1
Interceptions made
0
Shots taken
1
Duels won
1/3 (33%)
Stats via FotMob
Sarr was replaced with just over 20 minutes left of the European clash, registering just a 77% pass completion rate – highlighting his sloppy nature with the ball at his feet.
He also failed to make any interceptions against the Yellow Submarine, unable to offer the ball-winning presence which he’s so often showcased in North London.
The Senegalese international also tends to operate in a box-to-box role, potentially leaving the side too open should he play alongside – with Frank potentially utilising Joao Palhinha and Bergvall in a pivot slightly behind Simons.
Such a tactical dilemma is not necessarily a bad thing for the new manager, as it highlights the quality and depth he currently has at his disposal in the capital.
However, it’s crucial that the Dane gives out equal opportunities to keep the players happy, something which could see Simons finally get his opportunity in a number ten position against the Seagulls.
It's not Simons or Bergvall: Frank has found his own Dele in £20m Spurs ace
Tottenham Hotspur have hit the jackpot with one player who’s set for incredible things in his career.
The Lewis family have been tipped to pump more money into Tottenham, following the shock departure of ex-chairman Daniel Levy last week, and these funds could be put towards their recruitment plans.
That is according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, who shared news on a live broadcast that ENIC are planning a cash injection.
Levy helped to transform the Lilywhites into one of world football’s highest-revenue generating clubs over his 24-year tenure running the club, with Tottenham also moving to their state-of-the-art new stadium to seriously bolster their commercial appeal off the field.
World Football’s highest revenue-generating clubs — 2025
Value
Real Madrid
£1.2 billion
Man City
£727 million
PSG
£700 million
Man United
£668 million
Bayern Munich
£664 million
FC Barcelona
£659.5 million
Arsenal
£621.5 million
Liverpool
£620 million
Tottenham Hotspur
£533 million
Chelsea
£474 million
However, Levy attracted criticism for a perceived lack of transfer spending compared to Spurs’ Premier League rivals, and this was undoubtedly a factor in them winning just two major trophies since 2001.
Thomas Frank could now be backed by the ENIC and the Lewis family as CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, who is set for a more hands-on role after Levy’s departure, aims to deliver more success.
Tottenham signed an array of star players during the last window under Levy, with Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani chief among them.
The latter two are poised to make their Premier League debuts against West Ham in a crunch London derby clash this weekend, and according to ex-Levy employee Bryan King, ex-Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher could be a target to watch out for in this post-Levy era.
Tottenham tipped to sign Conor Gallagher in £45 million deal
They’ll have to wait until January, but King believes that Tottenham signing Gallagher from Atlético Madrid is a very realistic proposition.
As uncertainty continues to surround Yves Bissouma’s future, Gallagher could come as an excellent replacement for the Mali international who has fallen out of favour with Frank.
The England international can play as an attacking midfielder when required, known for his excellent ball-winning ability, energy and tenacity in the middle of the park, and would help to fill Tottenham’s ‘locally trained’ quota for European competitions.
The only caveat is whether Gallagher, given his Chelsea roots, would want to swap Diego Simeone’s side for an ex-rival.
If he decides that is worth the move back to London, Frank would undoubtedly be securing a real asset, and one who Moises Caicedo has called a “machine”.
O Corinthians venceu o São Paulo por 2 a 1 na Neo Química Arena, pelo jogo de ida da semifinal da Copa do Brasil. Renato Augusto abriu o placar no começo do segundo tempo, Luciano igualou o placar, mas o camisa 8 corintiano desempatou na reta final da partida. Após a vitória, o técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo concede entrevista coletiva. Acompanhe!.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCopa do BrasilEm noite de ‘Rei-nato’ Augusto, Corinthians vence o São Paulo e abre vantagem na semifinal da Copa do Brasil; veja o resultadoCopa do Brasil25/07/2023Fora de CampoProvocação de Luciano causa ira em torcedores do Corinthians e euforia entre tricolores nas redes sociaisFora de Campo25/07/2023Fora de CampoProvocações e palpite de ex-jogador: o clima pré-jogo para Corinthians x São Paulo nas redes sociaisFora de Campo25/07/2023
+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF
+ COMO FOI O JOGO
+ Timão avança? Veja datas e horários das semifinais da Copa do Brasil
PRÓXIMOS JOGOS DO CORINTHIANS
> Corinthians x Vasco – 29/07, às 18h30 (de Brasília) – Neo Química Arena – Campeonato Brasileiro
> Corinthians x Newell’s Old Boys – 01/08, às 21h30 (de Brasília) – Neo Química Arena – Copa Sul-Americana
> Internacional x Corinthians – 05/08, às 18h30 (de Brasília) – Argentina – Campeonato Brasileiro
> Newell’s Old Boys x Corinthians – 08/08, às 21h30 (de Brasília) – Neo Química Arena – Copa Sul-Americana
> Corinthians x Coritiba – 13/08, às 16h (de Brasília) – Neo Química Arena – Campeonato Brasileiro
يلتقي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، اليوم الأربعاء، مع الاتحاد السكندري، في لقاء يقام ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
ويواجه الأهلي نظيره الاتحاد السكندري، ضمن منافسات الأسبوع الحادي عشر من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز موسم 2025-2026 على استاد القاهرة.
طالع| قائمة الأهلي لمباراة الاتحاد السكندري في الدوري.. عودة نجم الفريق
ويعود الأهلي لخوض مبارياته في بطولة الدوري، بعد أن حقق الفوز على إيجل نوار بهدف دون مقابل، في ذهاب دور الـ32 من منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
ويتواجد الأهلي في المركز الرابع بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، ويمتلك 18 نقطة في رصيده بعدما فاز بـ5 مباريات وتعادل 3 مرات وتلقى هزيمة وحيدة.
بينما يحتل الاتحاد السكندري المركز السابع عشر في ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 8 نقاط من الفوز بمباراتين والتعادل بمثلهما وتلقي 5 هزائم. موعد مباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري في الدوري
تقام مباراة الأهلي مع الاتحاد السكندري اليوم الأربعاء الموافق 22 أكتوبر، في تمام الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري في الدوري
تنقل مباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري على شبكة قنوات أون سبورت، وتحديدا أون سبورت 1.
ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.
Aussie shares 230-stand with fellow centurion Ollie Price as Glamorgan rue decision to bowl first
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Apr-2025
Cameron Bancroft raises his bat on reaching three figures•Getty Images
Cameron Bancroft marked his first appearance as Gloucestershire captain with a century to lead his side to a formidable 368 for 3 on the opening day of the Rothesay County Championship Second Division game with Glamorgan at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.The 32-year-old Australian hit 163, off 267 balls, with 19 fours and two sixes, sharing a second-wicket stand of 230 with Ollie Price, who contributed a patient 101, as the visitors were made to rue their decision to bowl first under cloudless skies.The only wicket-takers were Ned Leonard, who struck twice, and Shoaib Bashir, although Zain ul Hassan and Timm van der Gugten were commendably economical as spectators basked in warm sunshine.Bancroft, who only flew into the country to start his third spell as a Gloucestershire player on Wednesday, rode his luck somewhat in the morning session when the Glamorgan seamers bowled without much fortune.On 2, he survived a huge appeal for a catch behind off Asitha Fernando and, having moved to 33, edged the same bowler fractionally short of the diving Kiran Carlson at third slip. A greater escape came on 48 when wicketkeeper Chris Cooke failed to hold a difficult one-handed chance wide to his right off ul Hassan.Those moments apart, Bancroft relished the unseasonable weather, producing an array of sweetly timed shots. He and Ben Charlesworth gave Gloucestershire a solid start with a stand of 62 before Charlesworth, on 19, aimed a big drive at Leonard and nicked through to Cooke.It was Glamorgan’s only success of the morning session as Bancroft went to fifty with a back-foot punch through the off side off ul Hassan to collect his eighth four and Price provided careful support in taking the score to 100 for 1 off 27 overs at lunch.Glamorgan turned to off-spinner Bashir in the afternoon session, but Bancroft greeted him with a glorious square-driven boundary and later a straight six as the England player’s first four overs went for 30 runs.Price had contributed 28 when the century stand with Bancroft was brought up. His partner moved to 99 with two fours through the off side off van der Gugten and two overs later a scampered single off Leonard took him to a 31st first-class ton off 166 balls, with 13 fours and a six. The innings had also taken Bancroft past 11,000 first-class runs.When Leonard opted to bowl short with six fielders on the leg side, the Aussie top-edged a pull for his second six, then made room for a four through the covers. All the while Price was accumulating steadily before reaching a half-century off 140 balls, with seven fours.It was 225 for 1 at tea, with Bancroft on 119 and Price 57. It was the latter who pressed the accelerator with a flurry of boundaries at the start of the final session to move into the nineties.The 23-year-old then cracked successive fours off Bashir to move to his fifth first-class hundred off 220 balls, with 15 boundaries. Two balls later he lost concentration and was pinned lbw on the back foot to make the score 292 for 2 with the second new ball about to become due.It was taken immediately, but did little to dampen Gloucestershire’s day as Bancroft and Miles Hammond batted positively, Hammond cracking five fours in no time to ensure there was no respite for the tiring Glamorgan bowlers.Bancroft progressed to 150 off 259 balls, having extended his boundary count to 16 fours and two sixes, before a tired looking waft at a wide ball from Leonard saw him caught behind.His innings had occupied six hours and 26 minutes. Hammond was unbeaten on 37 at the close of a largely one-sided day.
Giants will also want to turn their poor record against MI around as the WPL moves to Mumbai
Shashank Kishore09-Mar-20255:45
How can Mumbai stop the Deandra Dottin threat?
Who’s playingMumbai Indians (MI) vs Gujarat Giants (GG) Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7.30pm ISTWhat to expect: Top spot up for grabsRCB’s loss to UP Warriorz on Saturday night may have smoothened the passage into the playoffs for both MI and GG, but there’s still an extra edge to this contest as the top spot is still not booked.Giants have to win to entertain thoughts of finishing at No. 1. Mumbai have a game in hand and can get there even if they lose on Monday, but it would then mean a three-way tie should they beat RCB. They would want to avoid this logjam, having been in a similar position last year and then going down to RCB in the Eliminator.Related
The rise and roar of Kashvee Gautam
Mooney confident Gujarat Giants can challenge for WPL playoffs
GG are on a bull run, having won more games (three) over the past week than they did all of last season. But there’s one thing they haven’t done yet: beat MI, who have a 5-0 record against them in the tournament’s short history. If that wasn’t pressure enough, they now face the challenge of playing Harmanpreet Kaur’s MI in Mumbai, at the Brabourne Stadium, where they are yet to lose a single game.They have been the most explosive side in the middle-overs, courtesy Ash Gardner and new (old) signing Deandra Dottin. But MI have the best economy (6.6 runs an over) and average (17.9) in this phase. This battle will form the crux of the contest.The return to form of Harleen Deol, instrumental in GG’s stunning chase of 178 the other night against Delhi Capitals, bodes well. Kashvee Gautam’s all-round prowess and Beth Mooney’s unshackling at the top make them look more dangerous.MI look equally strong but have changed their batting combinations because of Yastika Bhatia’s prolonged lean run. In their previous game, Amelia Kerr was promoted to open with Hayley Mathews. It remains to be seen if this will be their plan at the back end too. If it is, it could mean a bigger batting responsibility for S Sajana and Amanjot Kaur in the middle order.Yastika Bhatia has been in poor batting form•WPL
Form guideMumbai Indians WLWWW Gujarat Giants WWWLLTeam NewsD Hemalatha’s poor run at the top of the order may force a change for GG. Simran Shaikh, who plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket, could get a look-in to inject some lower-order firepower.Gujarat Giants (probable): 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Phoebe Lichfield, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Ash Gardner (capt), 5 Deandra Dottin, 6 Simran Shaikh, 7 Kashvee Gautam, 8 Bharti Fulmali, 9 Tanuja Kanwar, 10 Meghna Singh, 11 Priya MishraMumbai have no reason to tinker with their XI.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Hayley Matthews, 2 Amelia Kerr, 3 Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Amanjot Kaur, 6 Yastika Bhatia (wk), 7 G Kamalini, 8 S Sajana, 9 Sanskriti Gupta, 9 10 Shabnim Ismail, 11 Parunika SisodiaKashvee Gautam has been a revelation this season•BCCI
Players to watch: Hayley Matthews and Kashvee GautamHayley Matthews started poorly – not having crossed 20 in her first three games – but is slowly beginning to show the sparks of positivity she brings to her batting, especially up front in the powerplay, where she has made two half-centuries in her last three innings. Matthews’ return to form prevents more headaches at the top of the order for the Mumbai team management, especially with Bhatia struggling.Seam-bowling allrounders offer the kind of balance Harmanpreet Kaur has been yearning for as India captain. With Pooja Vastrakar suffering from a stress fracture, Kashvee Gautam’s performances with bat and ball for GG might have put her in national contention in a World Cup year. She’s easily one of the breakout stars of WPL 2025, and is leading the wickets’ chart for GG at this stage. Can she help them make their maiden final?Stats that matter Nat Sciver-Brunt, the season’s second-highest run-getter, loves playing at Brabourne Stadium, having scored 196 runs and got out only once in four outings at this venue in the WPL. GG have the most wickets (13) among all teams in the powerplay this season. Gardner’s 17 sixes are the most by a batter this season. There is no MI batter in the top five. MI’s economy of 8.6 is the highest in the powerplay this season. They have also picked up the joint-highest wickets (9) in this phase.
اختار فابيو كابيلو، المدرب الإيطالي المخضرم، أفضل لاعب قام بتدريبه في مسيرته كاملة كمدير فني.
كابيلو يمتلك خبرة كبيرة، حيث درب العديد من الأندية الأوروبية الكبرى كريال مدريد، وإي سي ميلان ويوفنتوس وروما، وكذلك درب منتخبي إنجلترا وروسيا، قبل أن يعتزل التدريب في عام 2021.
وكانت تجربة كابيلو مع ريال مدريد على فترتين، حيث أشرف المدرب الإيطالي على الإدارة الفنية للفريق الملكي خلال موسم 1997، ثم عاد ليدرب ريال مدريد من جديد خلال موسم 2007.
وقاد كابيلو ريال مدريد للفوز ببطولة الدوري الإسباني بعد منافسة قوية مع برشلونة، لكن هذا الموسم كان شاهدًا على بداية سقوط جيل قوي للفريق الملكي.
أقرأ أيضًا .. الاتحاد البرازيلي يعرض على أنشيلوتي تمديد عقده.. والمدرب يرد
وقال كابيلو في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة آس عن رونالدو الظاهرة: “كان الظاهرة رونالدو نازاريو أفضل لاعب دربته على الإطلاق، لكنه كان يعشق الاحتفال كل ليلة وكان جامحًا”.
وأضاف كابيلو في حديثه عن رونالدو: ”كان وزنه حوالي 90 كيلوجرامًا ورفض أن يفقد وزنه، في لحظة ما أخبرت الرئيس أنه يجب علينا تركه يرحل، لم يكن هناك أي سبيل للمضي قدمًا وهكذا فعلنا، لكنني سأكررها مرة أخرى، كان أفضل من دربته على الإطلاق”.
وأتم المدرب الإيطالي: ”كان رونالدو يحب حياة اللهو كثيراً والأسوأ من ذلك أنه كان يجر زملاءه إلى هذا الأسلوب من الحياة، وتسبب لي في مشاكل ومع ذلك منحته الفرص، لكنه رفض فالحل كان الرحيل”.
رونالدو دخل في خلاف بالفعل مع كابيلو خلال موسم 2007 ولم يكن أسطورة البرازيل يلعب كثيرًا مع ريال مدريد، حيث فضل المدرب الإيطالي التعويل آنذاك على رود فان نيستلروي بشكل أساسي على حساب الظاهرة.
وسجل فان نيستلروي في موسم 2007، 25 هدفًا وقدم عروضاً كبيرة قاد بها ريال مدريد للفوز بلقب الدوري الإسباني.
According to Sky Sports, Celtic could move to sign a 24-year-old winger who “wins games on his own” alongside their interest in centre-forward target Mathias Kvistgaarden.
Celtic expected to go back in for Brondby striker Kvistgaarden
There has already been plenty of talk about Celtic’s summer transfer business ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after another successful Scottish Premiership triumph.
Brendan Rodgers’ side ended up comfortably beating Rangers to the league title, but over the coming months, there could be plenty of incomings and outgoings at Parkhead.
Dream Engels replacement: Celtic could land "sensational" £21m star
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ByBen Gray May 23, 2025
One summer signing already sealed is Kieran Tierney’s return to Glasgow, penning a pre-contract agreement from Arsenal when his contract expires.
There has also been plenty of speculation about a new centre-forward, with Kvistgaarden a long-term target at Celtic Park. Talking about his future, Kvistgaarden recently hinted that he is “ready” for the next challenge of this career with a move away from Brondby.
“I think I’m ready. I’ve made my mark at Brondby and in the Superliga, so I’m ready to take the next step. I don’t think that’s the goal for me – to remain and play with Brondby next season. I can say that without it being wrong.”
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has stated that Celtic are ‘expected’ to go back in with a move for Kvistgaarden this summer, ‘with the Swedish club sticking to their £10m-plus price tag’. However, it isn’t just Kvistgaarden who the Hoops have their eye on in the final third.
Celtic could sign 24 y/o Antwerp winger Balikwisha
According to Joseph for Sky Sports, another potential summer singing is Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
The 24-year-old has impressed the Hoops’ recruitment team and, as a result, Celtic could make a move for Balikwisha ahead of the 25/26 campaign.
Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter is another of interest to the club, although at this stage, Celtic have a plethora of wide men on the books. Jota, Daizen Maeda, Hyun-jun Yang, James Forrest, Nicolas Kuhn, Luis Palma and Marco Tilio are all under contract, however, they are open to offers for Palma and Tilio.
Balikwisha’s stats at Antwerp
Games
139
Goals
28
Assists
17
Red cards
1
Minutes played
9,909
Trophies won
3
Should Balikwisha arrive in Scotland, he will provide Rodgers with an option on the left, right and as a second striker, with the Belgian attacker someone who has been called a player “who can win games on his own”.
After signing for Antwerp from Standard Liege in 2021, Balikwisha has been a regular but has struggled with injuries in 24/25, something that Celtic may be wary about, should they go on to evaulate a transfer.
Celtic continued their dominance of Scottish football at the end of last month by claiming their fourth successive Scottish Premiership title with a 5-0 win over Dundee United.
Ryan Strain’s own goal gave the Hoops an early lead in the match before braces from Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah wrapped up a comfortable victory for Brendan Rodgers and his men.
The Glasgow giants, now, have the chance to complete a domestic treble for the second time in three seasons if they can beat Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup at Hampden Park at the end of this month.
It has been another successful season for Celtic, irrespective of the result against Aberdeen, as they have already won the Premiership and the League Cup.
Callum McGregor
Callum McGregor, the Hoops captain, has now won a staggering ten league titles for the club, to go along with eight League Cups and six SFA Cups, although he is yet to taste European glory at Parkhead.
The Celtic skipper turns 32 this summer and is currently contracted through to 2028, but the Bhoys may start to think about what life could look like beyond having him in midfield.
Why Callum McGregor would leave big boots to fill at Celtic
Aside from his leadership qualities and what he brings to the table as the captain, McGregor would leave big boots to fill at Parkhead because of the quality that he provides in the middle of the park.
The left-footed star is a metronomic midfield player who acts as the heartbeat of the team with his ability to dominate and dictate matches with his passes, allowing Celtic to control games in the Premiership.
McGregor has also added a goalscoring touch to his game this season, as shown in the clip above, with eight league goals to his name so far this term.
The bulk of the former Scotland international’s work on the pitch for Celtic, however, is what he does with the ball at his feet as a passer, rather than as a goalscorer, because he is a metronomic presence for the Hoops.
Callum McGregor’s passing quality (all comps)
Season
Matches played
Passes made per 90
Pass accuracy
24/25
42
73.6
94.3%
23/24
41
66.3
91.5%
22/23
34
72.5
92%
21/22
42
67.6
90.1%
20/21
44
68.9
90%
19/20
32
64.1
91.3%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, McGregor is an incredible passer who has proven, over the last six seasons, that he can consistently find his teammates at an exceptional rate whilst attempting plenty of passes per 90.
This shows that he can retain possession to help Celtic dominate matches, which then allows him to dictate the tempo of games to suit what the team needs.
This shows that McGregor will leave big boots to fill when the Hoops eventually decide that they need to replace him as a regular starter, whenever in the future that may be.
Celtic tipped as possible destination for international star
Former Scotland international Pav Nevin has suggested that there is a star currently playing in one of Europe’s major leagues who could be the next Callum McGregor at Parkhead, and it would be a shock move if it were to happen.
Nevin has claimed that Billy Gilmour is in a “strange” place in his career because he has failed to nail down a regular starting spot at Napoli, having had the same problems with Chelsea, Norwich, and Brighton in England.
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The pundit told the Daily Record: “So you’ve got two choices. Choice number one is accept that’s your career, that’s your life, that’s what happens. You are going to play with some great clubs, win some trophies, people are going to love you and you are going to play until you’re 40 because you’re going to be relaxed and that’s a good career for Billy.
“The other possibility, I wonder if Celtic and Rangers need a controlling, creative player. It is that one where, if he comes up to Celtic or Rangers, he takes over from Callum McGregor or becomes the new Barry Ferguson. That’s it.”
It would be a shock to see Gilmour arrive at Parkhead, because he came up through the ranks at Rangers before his move to Chelsea as a teenager, but he would not be the first player to tread that path.
In fact, current Celtic star Greg Taylor came through the Gers academy before his move to Kilmarnock, from where he then went on to sign for the Hoops, which suggests that it is not an impossible move, albeit it would still be a shock.
Why Billy Gilmour could be the next Callum McGregor
If the Scottish giants were to pursue a move for Gilmour, whether that is this summer or in the future, he could be the dream signing to replace McGregor in the middle of the park.
Like the Celtic captain, the former Rangers academy starlet is a deep-lying central or defensive midfield player whose main qualities revolve around his ability to pass the ball and dictate matches.
Gilmour is not a physical midfielder who patrols the park to make big challenges and win aerial battles. Instead, he is a diminutive star who can use his technical and athletic attributes to help his side dominate games on a regular basis.
The £13.6m-rated star, who currently plays for Napoli in the Serie A, has proven his quality as a metronomic passer during his time in Italy and England.
Billy Gilmour’s passing quality (all comps)
Season
Matches played
Passes made per 90
Pass accuracy
24/25 (Napoli)
27
59.1
89.4%
23/24 (Brighton)
41
77.1
91.8%
22/23 (Brighton)
17
60.5
90%
21/22 (Norwich)
28
46
83.4%
20/21 (Chelsea)
12
72.5
88.8%
19/20 (Chelsea)
11
65
88.7%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, his spell with Norwich, who were relegated from the Premier League that season, is the only time that he has not been an incredibly reliable and frequent passer in the middle of the park.
Typically, Gilmour is a midfielder who attempts and completes a high number of passes per 90 at an exceptional rate, which is what McGregor does for Celtic in midfield for Rodgers.
Callum McGregor
The 23-year-old star is significantly younger than the Hoops captain and this means that he could be the long-term heir to the Scottish star’s throne in the middle of the park in Glasgow, if the club signed him from Napoli.
Gilmour could, therefore, be McGregor 2.0 for Celtic because he has the passing quality and the experience at the very top level to suggest that he would be a star as a ‘controlling’ midfielder for the club, which is why they should consider making a shock move for his services.
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However, there is nothing to suggest that he is an active target for the club at this moment in time, so it remains to be seen what will happen to Gilmour and his future at Napoli. But, given Nevin’s comments, it is an interesting transfer to think about and one that could be viable in the future.