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O confronto do Botafogo  com o Atlético-MG, marcado para este sábado (16), às 21h traz um ingrediente que aguça a curiosidade. Mais uma vez, os botafoguenses enfrentarão os atleticanos em território mineiro em um dia no qual o adversário utilizará um uniforme com detalhe comemorativo.

O Galo usará um “patch” que exalta o título brasileiro de 1937, recentemente homologado pela CBF. Houve uma situação semelhante em 2008: os atleticanos estrearam uniforme comemorativo, mas saíram de campo derrotados pelos botafoguenses.

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Há 15 anos, o Atlético celebrava o centenário de sua fundação. Um uniforme em tom dourado e branco foi utilizado pela equipe comandada por Marcelo Oliveira.

No entanto, foi o Botafogo que teve uma noite dourada no Mineirão. Lúcio Flávio marcou dois gols e Jorge Henrique ampliou. Lenílson diminui para os atleticanos, mas logo Carlos Alberto colocou os alvinegros em vantagem novamente. Lenílson fez novo gol, mas um gol contra de Leandro Donizete definiu a goleada de 5 a 2 pela Copa Sul-Americana.

Meio-campista daquela partida, Túlio “Guerreiro” recordou-se dos confrontos com o Atlético-MG neste período.

– Tínhamos a base que vinha desde 2007 e quem chegou encaixou bem. Tínhamos um time que não tinha muita estrela, mas éramos bem entrosados. Naquele ano chegou o Zé Carlos, por exemplo. E lembro que a gente engatou uma sequência de jogos com o Botafogo na qual constantemente a gente saiu de campo vitoriosos. Em Copa do Brasil, Sul-Americana, Brasileirão… – disse, ao Lance!.

O Alvinegro também contava com o goleiro Castillo e nomes como Thiaguinho, Diguinho e Gil. Do lado do Galo, Mariano, Márcio Araújo e Jael atuaram naquela partida.

Às vésperas do confronto com o Atlético-MG, Túlio deposita confiança em especial no meio formado pelo Glorioso.

– Marlon Freitas é um cara que acompanho há muitos anos, desde que ele jogava no Atlético-GO. Um jogador muito habilidoso, tende a crescer ainda mais no Botafogo. Além disso, o Tchê Tchê é um atleta vitorioso, o Eduardo tem muito talento. O Botafogo está num caminho muito bom. Tem tudo para ser campeão brasileiro – afirmou.

O Botafogo tem 51 pontos e lidera a competição. O Atlético-MG tem 31 pontos.

Leeds United were willing to splash the cash to back Daniel Farke in the summer transfer window to bolster the squad for a season in the Premier League.

Whilst they may not have brought in the winger, Harry Wilson, that they wanted on deadline day, the Whites did add to the manager’s options in several key positions across the pitch.

Their work in the summer window has helped them earn eight points from their first seven Premier League matches. A very respectable return for a newly-promoted outfit.

Ranking Leeds United's summer signings

The Championship champions brought in ten new signings to improve the squad in the summer, and we have ranked them based on how they have looked so far.

We have gone for Noah Okafor in first place because the winger has scored two Premier League goals already and looks like he could be a real difference-maker in the final third, which could be the difference between being relegated and staying up.

1

Noah Okafor

2

Anton Stach

3

Gabriel Gudmundsson

4

Sean Longstaff

5

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

6

Lukas Nmecha

7

Lucas Perri

8

James Justin

9

Jaka Bijol

10

Sebastiaan Bornauw

Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and James Justin are all in the bottom three because they have played 18 minutes of Premier League football between them.

Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Anton Stach have been regular starters and established themselves in the XI fairly quickly, hence their rankings, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin still has a bit to prove with one goal and eight ‘big chances’ missed in all competitions, per Sofascore.

Whilst it remains to be seen how these signings will be remembered in the future, we can review how some of the club’s signings performed when they were last promoted to the Premier League.

The Whites splashed the cash to break their transfer record to sign Rodrigo for Marcelo Bielsa in the summer of 2020, and the transfer did not go exactly to plan.

How much money Leeds United lost on Rodrigo

Leeds reportedly paid a fee of £27m to sign the Spain international to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch, but he failed to provide consistent quality in the final third.

Rodrigo scored seven goals and provided two assists in 27 Premier League matches in the 2020/21 campaign, before a return of six goals and one assist in 31 games in the 2021/22 season, per Sofascore.

At the end of that second season, journalist Phil Hay said: “My criticism more and more is that the impact of that investment just hasn’t been felt. Not enough of their signings have made a difference.

“Even on Wednesday, watching Rodrigo against Chelsea, I still can’t work out what he is. Where does he really fit in and is he ever going to work. That’s a £27million player.”

The reporter could not work out where the left-footed forward would fit in, and it was fair to question his contributions after 13 goals in two seasons as a £27m club-record signing.

In that 2021/22 campaign, pundit and former player Michael Dawson also claimed that he was “hiding” and “non-existent” in a clash with Southampton in October 2021, which shows that pundits and journalists alike were unimpressed with his performances.

Rodrigo scored 13 goals in the 2022/23 campaign, as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League, and eventually left the club to join Al-Rayyan for a fee of just £3m.

This shows that the Whites had a howler with the signing of the Spaniard because he was criticised by pundits and journalists in his first two seasons at the club, scored goals in a season that the team struggled in, and then left for £24m less than what he was signed for.

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This Leeds United star has made an effortless transition to the Premier League in the same way that Kalvin Phillips did.

ByDan Emery Oct 7, 2025

It was a signing that did not prove to be value for money in the long run, and Farke and the 49ers will be hoping that none of this summer’s transfers are remembered as poorly as this one.

Elgar, Critchley make fifties but hosts are undermined by top and tail collapses

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay01-Jun-2025Will Smeed made light work of Essex’s meagre total as 2024 runners-up Somerset made it two wins from two to begin their Men’s Vitality Blast campaign.T20 powerhouse Smeed whacked 81 in 54 balls to canter to an eight-wicket victory, as they chased 148 with 25 balls to spare.Tom Lammonby also chipped in with 36, in a 96-run opening stand, as Somerset’s men avenged the defeat their club-mates suffered in the Women’s Vitality Blast earlier in the day.Matt Critchley and Dean Elgar’s half-centuries merely sugar-coated a second successive heavy defeat for Essex – having lost their opener at Hampshire by 106 runs.Essex chose to bat, it started badly and ended horrendously, but in the middle, Elgar and Critchley fashioned an 83-run partnership.Adam Rossington edged a Craig Overton nip-backer behind to the first ball of the innings before Michael Pepper top-edged a hook and Paul Walter was incredibly caught one-handed by Thomas Rew on the deep midwicket boundary edge.But having been 36 for three at the end of the powerplay, the Eagles recovered to 119 for three in the 14th over, though a mixture of smart placement and innovative hitting.Elgar was the master of playing the angles on the leg-side, with a pair of big sixes over square leg, in his 36-ball half-century.Critchley swung hard and often but found true class in his reverse scoops – two of which sailed for six – with two other maximums coming in his 54 in 31 balls.But Elgar’s departure, caught on the top edge, began a death-spiral – with the last six wickets falling for 29 runs in 35 sorry balls.In the over following Elgar’s demise, Ben Green took three wickets. Charlie Allison was well caught on the slide by deep midwicket Tom Lammonby, before the same fielder easily pouched Luc Benkenstein and Simon Harmer turned to deep square leg.Critchley’s reign ended when he was run out in the aftermath of a no-ball confusion, with Shane Snater – the only other batter after Elgar and Critchley to reach double figures – giving Australian quick Riley Meredith a deserved second wicket to end up with two for 18.Lewis Gregory polished things up by castling Sam Cook; Essex bowled out for 148.Somerset barely broke a sweat in their chase. Smeed set the tone with two boundaries in the first over of the innings, which Lammonby followed up with a loopy six over square leg.The pair continued to pepper the boundaries and ease towards victory, until Critchley caught and bowled Lammonby, followed by Tom Kohler-Cadmore slog-sweeping straight in the air.But Smeed reached his 13th Somerset fifty in 26 balls, barely taking a risk in his swings through gaps. He took that up to 81 in 54 balls to get his side over the line with a single.

تأهل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك إلى نهائي كأس السوبر المصري، بعد الفوز على بيراميدز بنتيجة 5-4 عن طريق ركلات الترجيح.

والتقى الزمالك مع بيراميدز، على ملعب استاد آل نهيان في نصف نهائي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري 2025 المقامة في الإمارات.

طالع.. بيراميدز يكشف طبيعة إصابة محمود مرعي أمام الزمالك في السوبر المصري

وتأهل الزمالك لمواجهة الأهلي، في المباراة النهائية المقررة الأحد المقبل، بعد فوز الأحمر على سيراميكا كليوباترا في نصف النهائي الآخر بهدفين مقابل هدف.

وسيطر التعادل السلبي على أحداث الوقت الأصلي للقاء ليتجه الفريقان إلى ركلات الترجيح والتي حسمت المتأهل.

وشهد اللقاء إهدار سيف الدين الجزيري، أخطر فرص الزمالك بعد تمريرة من عبد الله السعيد حيث سددها خارج المرمى.

وبعدها بدقائق أهدر إيفرتون دا سيلفا هدفا محققا لصالح بيراميدز بعد عرضية من محمد الشيبي داخل منطقة الجزاء.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي فريق بيراميدز مع نظيره سيراميكا كليوباترا، الأحد في مباراة تحديد صاحبي المركزين الثالث والرابع في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري 2025.

يذكر أن الأهلي، هو بطل كأس السوبر المصري 2024 بعد فوزه على الزمالك بركلات الترجيح. ركلات ترجيح الزمالك وبيراميدز في كأس السوبر المصري 2025

Manchester United’s poor start to the 2025/26 season has once again cranked up the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, with uncertainty now emerging around his future.

The 40-year-old took the reins last November, but was unable to catapult the Red Devils up the Premier League table – subsequently ending the year in a record-low 15th place.

However, after £200m worth of new additions during the off-season, he’s been unable to transform the side, already losing 50% of their top-flight outings to date.

His side even got knocked out at the first hurdle in the Carabao Cup, losing to League Two side Grimsby Town on penalties, something which has no doubt pushed him closer to the exit door.

Despite constant reports that no change of manager is expected in the immediate future, numerous managers are being lined up to potentially take the reins at Old Trafford.

Man Utd’s manager hunt to replace Amorim

Over the last couple of days, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been hugely linked with the role at United – understandably so given his recent form at Selhurst Park.

The Austrian has led the Eagles to an 18-game unbeaten run, beating Liverpool at the weekend and subsequently adding to their recent FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs.

However, he’s not the only boss currently in their sights at present, with the Red Devils hierarchy considering a move for Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola, according to The Sun.

Their report claims that the United board are hugely impressed with his work at the Vitality and could be tempted to make a move should Amorim be given his marching orders.

It also states that he’s part of the club’s current shortlist to replace the 40-year-old, currently sitting alongside Glasner, but it remains to be seen if they are set to pursue either of the aforementioned candidates.

Why United’s latest target would be their answer to Arteta

Whilst Arsenal are a club very few United fans are content with, many of the supporters must be feeling an ounce of jealously in the direction of the Gunners under Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard is nearing six years in charge at the Emirates, only winning one major trophy, but he’s transformed the side into consistent Premier League title contenders.

His side have finished as runners up in each of the last three years, but could go one further this time around, subsequently showing glimpses of a successful side – as seen by their late comeback against Newcastle United.

The 43-year-old has given the fanbase a reason to be proud of their club, something which Iraola has also done with the Cherries – but certainly on a different level to his compatriot.

He took charge of the South Coast outfit back in the summer of 2023, but has taken the club to new heights – achieving their best ever top-flight finish by ending the year in 9th last time around.

However, he’s certainly faced adversity in recent times, losing key players like Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi to many of Europe’s giants during the recent summer.

Despite the departures, he’s led the Cherries to 6th place after the first six outings, with their only defeat coming against Liverpool on the opening day at Anfield.

In the words of journalist James Horncastle – via John Brewin of the Libero podcast – he is the “best coach in the Premier League”.

Iraola, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one journalist, has achieved a 40% win rate at the Vitality, winning 38 of his 94 matches in charge – subsequently doing so on a shoestring budget.

There’s no doubt he would have a huge amount of money to play with at United, which in turn could allow him to make the desired changes to try and battle with his compatriot, who’s in charge of the Gunners.

The similarities to Arteta are there for all to see, with both being the same age and making a huge impact in England’s top-flight after their respective appointments.

Both also came from the Basque Country, with United having the chance to appoint an incredible manager should they decide to pursue a move for Iraola in the months ahead.

His stint at Bournemouth has made him one of the most talented young managers in Europe, but it’s unclear how much the Cherries would demand for his signature in the months ahead.

It remains to be seen if Iraola would be open to the job at Old Trafford, but if he can replicate such talents with the Red Devils – there’s no reason as to why they can’t rise up the table under his guidance in the future.

This season's Rashford: Man Utd star is now a big "problem" for Amorim

There is much for Ruben Amorim to fix at Manchester United.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 29, 2025

Lancashire Lightning continued their strong start to the Vitality Blast with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Worcestershire Rapids at Visit Worcestershire New Road.Rapids, having chosen to bat, were bowled out for 143 in 19.1 overs. Only Gareth Roderick (35 from 28 balls) resisted for long as the innings failed to recover from early damage inflicted by James Anderson and Luke Wood.Lightning reeled in the target with 15 balls to spare, reaching 146 for 3 thanks to a solid top-order effort headed by Keaton Jennings (42 off 37) and Liam Livingstone (41 not out off 22).Rapids won the toss but lost both openers in the first seven balls. Brett D’Oliveira edged his first ball, from Anderson, to slip and Wood struck with his first ball when he trapped Ed Pollock lbw.Jake Libby pulled Anderson for six and almost did the same to Wood only to be denied by a stunning one-handed catch by Jack Blatherwick just inside the long leg rope. Wood’s third wicket followed when Ethan Brookes pulled to midwicket and when, next ball, Adam Hose edged Tom Aspinwall to wicketkeeper Matty Hurst, the Rapids were 46 for 5, one ball out of the powerplay.Roderick and Ben Dwarhuis arrested the slide with a stand of 46 in 29 balls before the latter pulled Aspinwall to deep midwicket. Lancashire’s catching was top-drawer and when Matthew Waite sought six over fine leg off Blatherwick, Michael Jones judged the catch perfectly despite the pressure of knowing one backward step would take him over the rope.Roderick’s defiance ended when he sliced Anderson to third. That left Rapids’ last two wickets with 27 balls at their disposal. Jacob Duffy heaved Wood to the foot of the chestnut tree in a violent unbeaten 24 off 12 to at least give him something to bowl at but Rapids were well short.The home side desperately needed early wickets but took only one in the powerplay, Luke Wells, who edged Tom Taylor to wicketkeeper Roderick. Jennings and Matty Hurst added 63 in 46 balls and when Hurst was well-caught at long leg by Duffy, his belligerent cameo had, with Jennings, left Lancashire well in charge of the chase.Jennings bottom-edged a pull at Waite to the keeper but Livingstone smote D’Oliveira’s first two balls into the D’Oliveira Stand to reassert Lightning’s momentum. Despite fast-fading light, vastly experienced pair Livingstone and Ashton Turner saw their side comfortably home. They added an unbroken stand of 62 in 33 balls, Livingstone sealing the win with a pull into the aforementioned chestnut tree.

Crystal Palace are keen on signing an “insane” centre-back who once pocketed Erling Haaland, with it now being revealed he wants to leave his club in 2026.

Parish reveals why Guehi's Liverpool move fell through

Palace were expected to sell Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window, given that it was their last chance to cash-in for a sizeable fee, but the move fell through on deadline day, with Steve Parish recently revealing why he didn’t sanction the move.

The chairman said: “I decided in the end that, based on the advice that I got and with what I think, that we would have a better season if we kept Marc.

“If we were fighting between the difference of 10th and 14th, if that was going to be the difference between keeping Marc and letting Marc go, then probably we would have said right, ‘We should take the money.”

Crystal Palace now rivalling Tottenham for £43m former Real Madrid defender

Palace have joined the race for a new centre-back, with Marc Guehi poised to leave on a free transfer next summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Oct 15, 2025

With their captain still on the books, however, the Eagles are showing signs they could be capable of pushing for a European spot this season, sitting sixth in the Premier League table, having lost just one of their opening seven matches.

However, Crystal Palace will be powerless to prevent the 25-year-old from leaving on a free transfer next summer, meaning bringing in a new centre-back will be one of the most important tasks, and they are keen on signing Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck.

That is according to a report from SportsBild (via Sport Witness), which reveals the German wants to move when the January transfer window opens, amid concerns about losing his spot in the World Cup squad next summer.

The 24-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Inter this season, having failed to impress, which means the Italian club are open to sanctioning a departure for €20m to €25m (£17m – £22m).

"Commanding" Bisseck once pocketed Haaland

Despite struggling at Inter so far this season, the one-time Germany international could be a solid replacement for Guehi, having been lauded by Ben Mattinson last term, with the scout particularly impressed by his ball manipulation.

The Inter defender has also put in some top performances in the Champions League in the past, keeping Haaland quiet in a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium last season, during which the Norwegian was limited to just one shot on target and an xG of 0.33.

Bisseck is vastly experienced at the top level, having made 13 appearances for Inter en-route to their loss in the final last season, which suggests he could be a fantastic signing for Crystal Palace.

Roberto Firmino has weighed in on some of football’s biggest debates ahead of Liverpool’s blockbuster clash with Real Madrid, picking Mohamed Salah over Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr over Luis Diaz. The ex-Liverpool star praised both rivals but revealed his admiration for Vinicius’ energy and Salah’s unmatched consistency ahead of Champions League clash.

Firmino names Salah and Vinicius among favourites

Former Liverpool forward and Brazilian international Firmino has shared his picks between some of the world’s top footballers, siding with Salah and Vini when asked to choose between the duos Salah-Bellingham and Diazi-Vinicius. Speaking to , the Brazilian, who currently plays for Al Saddi in the Qatar Stars League, didn’t hesitate when asked to compare two of his former Premier League peers.

When asked who he would choose between Diaz and Vini Jr., Firmino responded: “It’s very difficult to choose so simply. But… Vini!” He also showed loyalty to his former teammate when asked to pick between Bellingham and Salah, replying: “Mo Salah.”

Firmino’s choices come ahead of the high-powered Champions League showdown between his former club Liverpool and Madrid, a fixture he described as “one of the best matches you can find in world football.” The Brazilian made it clear that his heart remains with the Reds, “as a Liverpool fan, I hope the Reds win.”

AdvertisementGetty ImagesFirmino 'a big fan of Vini’

The ex-Liverpool man also expressed admiration for Vinicius, both as a player and as a person, commending the Madrid forward’s attitude and skill while defending him from critics. “Vinicius is a great player. I had the opportunity to be with him on the national team and play against Real Madrid,” Firmino said. “Personally, he’s a really good guy. I think it’s normal for opposing fans to put pressure on him, but what I don’t like is when they bring up racism.”

The Brazilian also offered advice for his compatriot on how to handle off-field distractions, saying: “If I were him, I’d try not to listen too much to what’s being said outside the stadium. I’d try to focus on football regardless of what people say. I wish him all the best. I’m a fan of Vini, and I love him as a footballer.”

Salah still shining at Anfield

Firmino’s selection of Salah over Bellingham highlights not only his respect for Liverpool’s Egyptian icon but also his enduring bond with his former teammate. Salah and Firmino formed one of the most formidable attacking trios in modern football alongside Sadio Mane, powering Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League glory under Jurgen Klopp.

During his eight-year stay at Anfield, Firmino scored 111 goals in 362 matches. His connection with Salah on and off the field was central to Liverpool’s success, and his latest comments reaffirm the admiration he has for the winger’s professionalism and consistency.

While Bellingham has recently emerged as a superstar at Madrid, Salah remains Liverpool’s heartbeat. Firmino’s nod to his former teammate serves as a reminder of the Egyptian’s longevity and impact at the highest level, a player who continues to deliver even as Liverpool undergo a new era under Arne Slot.

The Brazilian, who now stars in Qatar’s top flight, continues to follow Liverpool’s fortunes closely and believes the Reds’ evolution under Slot could soon yield major results. Having seen Klopp step away in 2024, Firmino recently also hinted on the Diary of a CEO podcast that his former manager might one day return to the dugout: "I think he's taking a break, I think he's going to go back to coaching a club. Whether it's Liverpool, only he can say."

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AFPLiverpool vs Real Madrid set for UCL showdown

Firmino’s comments arrive just as Liverpool and Real Madrid prepare to renew one of football’s fiercest modern rivalries at Anfield. The Reds head into the Champions League encounter after a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Aston Villa, but their opponent is looking too dangerous under Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid remain in imperious form, winning 13 of their last 14 matches, and leading their league's table, after clinching the intense Clasico, and beating Valencia 4-0.

Arne Slot’s side will need all their firepower, including Salah’s leadership, to overcome Alonso’s relentless Madrid, who boast Kylian Mbappe's form, along with Vinicius, and Bellingham also in unstoppable form. The stage is set for another European classic, one that Firmino, watching from Doha, will surely be following with emotion and pride for both his former club and his fellow Brazilians.

He may have finally left the club, but former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy often came under huge fire during his tenure for his actions off the field in North London.

The 63-year-old spent over two decades in the role, but was constantly called into question for his lack of spending to help improve the first-team squad.

He was undoubtedly part of the reason for the Lilywhites’ failures on the pitch, with the club even going 17 long years without a piece of silverware during his tenure.

Levy often became known for offloading key talents on the books of the club, something which once again led to anger from the supporters – especially given his lack of funding after such departures.

One player in particular was sold without an immediate adequate replacement being signed in the same window, which undoubtedly contributed to his demise in the role.

Levy’s decision to sell Harry Kane from Spurs

No Spurs fan would’ve predicted the success Harry Kane would have had for the first-team in North London, after he made his first Premier League start back in 2012.

The Englishman was an unknown quantity to many despite rising through the youth ranks, but rapidly adhered himself to the supporters with his form in front of goal.

He rapidly became a first-team regular, with his first major taste of success coming in the 2014/15 campaign, scoring 31 times in his 51 outings for the Lilywhites across all competitions.

Such a year would be the fourth-best of his time in North London, with his highest goalscoring year seeing him net a total of 35 goals – subsequently winning the Premier League golden boot that year.

As a result of his tremendous goalscoring record, the 32-year-old remains their highest ever goalscorer, with his total of 280 goals breaking the record set by the late Jimmy Greaves.

However, he was sold in the summer of 2023, subsequently joining German side Bayern Munich for a fee in the region of £82m – the second highest in their history.

Whilst they received a mammoth fee for his signature, no new centre forward was brought into the club until 12 months later, with Dominic Solanke costing a club-record £65m from Bournemouth.

However, the former chairman also made a huge mistake in allowing one other former player to depart the club, with the 63-year-old unable to land the reinforcements after his move away.

Levy’s biggest mistake whilst at Spurs

After such dismal years on the pitch for a prolonged period of time, it was hardly a surprise to see numerous top-level talents moving away for pastures new.

Just like Kane, numerous players caught the eye for the Lilywhites, including Kieran Trippier who has to depart and join Atlético Madrid to fulfil his ambitions of winning trophies.

The right-back racked up over 100 appearances in North London, but failed to win a single trophy – subsequently claiming the LaLiga trophy in his second year in Madrid.

He wasn’t the only player to move to Spain to take his career to the next level, with Gareth Bale making the leap and joining Real Madrid in a £85m deal in the summer of 2013.

His move remains a club-record fee received for a player, but such a deal left a huge hole in the club’s forward line and understandably so given his record in North London.

The Welsh international, who was dubbed “world-class” by John Hartson, scored 73 goals for the club before his big-money transfer, with his final campaign in the Premier League by far and away his best.

He netted 26 times in his 44 appearances for the Lilywhites, further highlighting the task the hierarchy had in trying to replace such a top-level talent.

In an attempt to do just that, Levy decided to fork out around £60m on the signatures of Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela, but both ultimately failed to produce the goods in England.

The pair only scored 53 goals combined during their respective seasons at the club, with such a tally miles below the one Bale managed to achieve on his own.

21/22

20

11

2

12/13

33

21

8

11/12

36

10

13

10/11

30

7

2

09/10

23

3

5

08/09

16

0

0

07/08

8

2

1

Given his tally of 15 major trophies in Madrid, the player himself certainly made the right call in leaving the club, but it’s safe to say owner Levy should have tried harder to keep hold of the winger.

After seeing the replacements brought in to the club, there’s no question that Levy made a huge mess of the transfer, with such a decision one of his worst at the club.

Spurs already have dream Son heir who's yet to play in the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur could save themselves millions with a Heung-min Son replacement within their ranks.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 3, 2025

It seems that the Everton bubble has now well and truly burst under David Moyes.

Only one meagre win has been picked up in the Premier League by the Toffees across their last five contests in the demanding division, with Tottenham Hotspur applying a lot more salt to the Merseyside outfit’s wound when humbling them 3-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday evening.

Micky van de Ven’s quickfire double would kill the contest in the first half, before Pape Matar Sarr made sure of the three points when his late effort beat Jordan Pickford.

Unfortunately for Everton, Beto forgot to pack his shooting boots again, leading the line for his out-of-form side, with the number nine cutting an isolated figure once more.

Why Beto may be dropped

To his credit, he did try to acrobatically beat Guglielmo Vicario in the second half after a quick run forward by Iliman Ndiaye found him in space. Unfortunately, as is his luck at the moment, the Italian pulled off a jaw-dropping save to preserve his clean sheet.

That means the ex-Udinese attacker’s goalless run of form in the Premier League now stretches to six straight matches, with this audacious effort on goal his only real memorable contribution during the 3-0 defeat.

Indeed, Beto would only amass 14 touches of the ball during his 66-minute stint on the pitch, with the aforementioned Pickford even coming in with more, having tallied up a far greater 36 come the full-time whistle.

Even when the ball was at his feet, he did very little with it, with just four accurate passes accumulated, away from the imposing 6-foot-4 attacker, also only winning two of the six duels he went in for, as he let his side down aerially.

Van De Ven would have no trouble in the air; on the other hand, as his two headers sealed all three points for Thomas Frank’s very effective visitors.

While the commanding Dutchman stood out as a major positive both in attack and in defence for Spurs, Everton looked regularly ropey themselves when push came to shove defensively, with this underperformer at the back now fearing for his first-team spot, alongside a goal-shy Beto.

The 4/10 Everton flop who must now be dropped

It will certainly worry Moyes in the Toffees dug-out that his side haven’t kept a clean sheet in league action since facing off against Aston Villa in the middle of September.

To try and remedy his team’s ongoing defensive issues, the Glaswegian could be prepared to drop Vitaliy Mykolenko, who endured another torrid evening in the Premier League against Frank’s rampant away side.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

58

Accurate passes

27/38 (71%)

Accurate crosses

0/3

Successful dribbles

0/1

Possession lost

19x

Tackles won

0/1

Clearances

3

Ball recoveries

3

Total duels won

3/10

Dribbled past

2x

The more you read into the table above, the more damning Mykolenko’s poor day at the office becomes, with the Ukrainian full-back failing to register a single accurate cross, a single successful dribble, or a single successful tackle won across his disastrous 90 minutes.

To pile on the misery even more, the out-of-sorts number 16 also managed to lose possession a costly 19 times down the left flank across the entire duration of the 3-0 loss, while only 30% of his duels were also won. Safe to say, he won’t be looking back on his sixth Premier League start of the season with much glee.

Moyes could well have seen enough to be convinced to drop his 4/10 defender – as was the low post-match rating handed to him by Liverpool World’s Will Rooney – for Everton’s next league contest versus the top-flight’s biggest surprise package of the season so far in Sunderland, with the adaptable James Garner a potential candidate who could replace him, alongside summer recruit Adam Aznou.

It’s clear from Everton’s overall showing that things have become alarmingly stagnant and quick, as Moyes looked dejected when speaking to the media after the game.

He will surely be hoping for a much-improved performance from his downtrodden team at the Stadium of Light at the start of next month, as Beto and Mykolenko are both potentially moved out of his starting XI plans.

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