MatériaMais Notícias

Sem poder contar com Caio no último sábado (1), na vitória do São Paulo contra o Fluminense, Patryck foi o titular da posição na partida. Este foi o nono jogo do atleta como profissional na temporada e o quinto como titular. O jogador, por sua vez, chamou atenção de Dorival Júnior.

RelacionadasSão PauloCom clássico decisivo pela frente, São Paulo terá problemas no setor ofensivoSão Paulo02/07/2023São PauloDorival Júnior quer solução ‘caseira’ no São Paulo antes de buscar no mercadoSão Paulo02/07/2023São PauloANÁLISE: São Paulo ativa modo ‘ligado no 220’ e convence em vitória no MorumbiSão Paulo02/07/2023

Patryck começou a ser relacionado entre os profissionais em 2022, sob o comando de Rogério Ceni. Inclusive, sua estreia na categoria aconteceu justamente em um jogo contra o Fluminense. Neste partida em questão, jogou apenas os primeiros 30 minutos. Antes do intervalo, o técnico Rogério Ceni sacou o novato e promoveu a entrada de Wellington, explicando o motivo após o confronto.

– Naquele momento do jogo, a gente precisava de alguém mais ofensivo. Estava pensando em fazer no intervalo já. Se o Jandrei não precisasse sair, eu não iria trocar ele também. Tinha hora que ele tinha que adiantar na linha de quatro e ele esperava. Mas isso não é culpa dele. É culpa do pouco tempo que temos para treinar os jogadores. Não é culpa do garoto. Foi a necessidade – disse o ex-comandante tricolor.

ATUAÇÕES: Luciano marca e garante vitória do São Paulo no Morumbi

Para os tricolores paulistas apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

Nesta temporada, sem Welington, Patryck se tornou o reserva de Caio, que assumiu a titularidade na posição. Contra o Fluminense, neste jogo mais recente, deu conta do recado – e inclusive, mostrou as características ofensivas citadas por Ceni.

Após a partida, Dorival Júnior não poupou elogios. O treinador chegou a se referir ao atleta como ‘promessa’. Dorival destacou que Patryck está passando por uma boa evolução, crescendo e encontrando maturidade.

– Com exceção da primeira partida contra o América-MG, nas demais partidas o Patryck cresceu demais, encontrando uma maturidade. Marcou um dos principais atacantes do Campeonato Brasileiro, não lhe deu espaços, não permitiu nenhuma ação, estava sempre presente, encurtando espaços, obrigando e criando um desconforto para o Arias, que tem uma facilidade, uma mobilidade impressionante – explicou.

Porém, sobre o futuro do atleta, destacou que é importante ‘ter calma e tranquilidade’, muito pelo jogador estar ganhando maturidade e demonstrando cada vez mais potencial. Mas destacou: é animador.

– É um garoto que promete muito. Temos que ter calma, tranquilidade. Está ganhando maturidade, está ganhando confiança para poder jogar também chegando por trás, fazendo jogadas de fundo. Tudo é questão de tempo e que ele mantenha essa condição que ele vem apresentando. É bem jovem e já demonstra um potencial desses. É animador – concluiu.

Antoine Semenyo could be set for a reunion with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, with the ex-Bournemouth chief considering signing the Ghanaian for the second time. Semenyo has displayed terrific form at the start of the 2025-26 season as he has scored six league goals and is just behind Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.

• Dream start to new season for Ghana winger

  Bournemouth are currently fourth in the Premier League table, despite losing three of their four first-team defenders – Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Iliya Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain and Milos Kerkez to Liverpool – in the summer, and the key reason behind the Cherries' early success this term is Semenyo's sensational form. The Ghanaian has already scored six league goals and is attracting interest from several top clubs.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Semenyo wanted by top English teams

  According to , Semenyo held talks with Tottenham and Manchester United before ultimately deciding to pen a new contract with the Cherries over the summer. However, both clubs continue to remain interested in the attacker. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who signed Semenyo at Bournemouth back in 2023, is known to still be an admirer of the forward.

• Bournemouth set Semenyo price tag

  The report adds that Bournemouth rate their star player very highly and would ideally charge north of £75m ($101m) should clubs come in with offers over the next couple of transfer windows.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• AFP
  

  Chelsea among other clubs keen on Semenyo

  On Sunday, reported that Chelsea would potentially be willing to meet Bournemouth's demands for Semenyo in their search for a new forward.

Former England allrounder addresses accident and aftermath in documentary set for release this week

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Apr-20251:45

‘Flintoff’ on Disney+: An exclusive look at Freddie’s story

Andrew Flintoff, the former England allrounder, says he still “remembers everything” about the near-fatal crash he suffered while filming an episode of Top Gear, after addressing the incident and its aftermath in a new Disney+ documentary about his life and career.Flintoff, 47, was airlifted to hospital in December 2022, after the open-topped three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 that he was driving around Dunsfold Aerodrome overturned at 130mph. He was left with broken ribs and serious facial injuries, with the BBC paying him a reported £9 million in compensation after agreeing to “rest” for the foreseeable future.The documentary, directed by John Dower, is set for release on April 25, and in a Disney+ trailer that features previously unseen footage of the crash site, Flintoff is seen entering hospital for treatment on his facial wounds.”I remember everything about it,” Flintoff says. “It’s so vivid.”Flintoff retreated from public life for months in the aftermath of the accident, and in the trailer, he expresses his “frustration” with the media speculation about his crash.”This is what I’m left with … I’ve lived under the radar for seven months,” he says. “One of the real frustrations was the speculation, that’s why I’m doing this now, [talking about] what actually happened.”Everyone wants more, you’re just a commodity. I’m not saying I’m embracing them, but I’m not trying to hide my scars.”It’s almost like a reset, I’m trying to find out what I am now. I’ve always seemed to be able to flick a switch, I’ve got to find that switch again.’Flintoff’s return to the sport of cricket has been a key aspect of his rehabilitation. At the behest of his friend and former team-mate, Rob Key – now England men’s director of cricket – he made an incognito appearance at the 2023 Ashes, and went on to take up a series of roles within the game, including head coach of Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, and most recently head coach of England Lions.He has also appeared as the host of the rebooted ITV darts show, Bullseye, as well as filming a second series of his acclaimed series, Field of Dreams, in which he travelled to India with his team of new cricketers, and opened up about his struggles to recover from what happened.”‘I struggle with anxiety, I have nightmares, I have flashbacks, it’s so hard to cope,” he said during the series. “I genuinely should not be here with what happened.”It’s going to be a long road back and I’ve only just started. I’m going to need help. I really am. I’m not the best at asking for it.”The new documentary features also interviews with his wife, Rachael, former team-mates including his 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, and close friends including Jack Whitehall and James Corden.Speaking to the podcaster Joe Rogan, Top Gear’s co-host, Chris Harris – who witnessed the aftermath of the crash – said that Flintoff was lucky to be alive.”He’s a physical specimen, Fred, he’s a big guy – six foot five, six foot six, strong. And if he wasn’t so strong, he wouldn’t have survived.”He’s a great advert for physical strength and conditioning, because if he hadn’t been that strong, he’d have just snapped his neck, he’d be dead.”In a statement released after the crash, a BBC spokesman referred to an independent health and safety review of the show, and said: “[The review] found that while BBC Studios had complied with the required BBC policies and industry best practice in making the show, there were important learnings which would need to be rigorously applied to future Top Gear UK productions.”‘Flintoff’ is available exclusively on Disney+

Newcastle United haven’t made the best of starts to the 2025/26 season, but now that the elephant has been excavated from the room, Eddie Howe might feel a little more chipper about his side’s chances over the coming months.

Against Liverpool last month, Newcastle played with the passion and fervour and ability of an elite outfit. And that’s because the Magpies are of top class, so well coached and so well shaped by careful transfer business since Howe and PIF first arrived.

On the scoresheet at St. James’ Park that evening was Hugo Ekitike, who was billed as Alexander Isak’s potential replacement at Newcastle.

However, both ply their trade for Liverpool.

Why Newcastle wanted Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike has scored three goals and provided one assist since joining Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in July, proving that he has the prolific nature to partner his wide-ranging skill set.

Chalkboard

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

Regarded by analyst Ben Mattinson to be “one of the best strikers out there” last season, Ekitike has proven that his qualities are transferable, and it’s clear to see why he was earmarked to play in Isak’s stead under Howe’s wing.

Like Isak, Ekitike is a stylish and creative forward, bearing a tall frame and endowed with a fierce athleticism that serves as the backbone of his quality as a top goalscorer.

Sadly, both now ply their trade for league rivals Liverpool, and Howe will need to bring Yoane Wissa up to scratch as swiftly as possible, with the summer signing from Brentford having scored 19 Premier League goals last season.

However, the 28-year-old doesn’t boast as high a ceiling as his new strike partner Nick Woltemade, who some consider a talent who could even outstrip superstars such as Isak.

How Woltemade compares to Isak and Ekitike

Woltemade joined Newcastle from Stuttgart in a club-record £69m deal last week, with a deal struck out of the blue and all but confirming Isak’s sale to Liverpool.

The 23-year-old is still coming into his own, but he scored 12 goals from 17 appearances in the Bundesliga last season and received a call-up to the German national team, having now earned two caps.

However, it’s the underlying data which has attracted Newcastle’s attention and money, with data-driven platform FBref revealing Woltemade ranks among the top 5% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and successful take-ons, the top 15% for progressive carries and the top 18% for ball recoveries per 90.

He might not be quite the same as Isak and Ekitike, but perhaps that is a positive, allowing Howe to land his next star-in-the-making without signing a mere mimic of the striker just sold.

But in any case, FBref’s number-crunching has revealed that both aforementioned strikers bear a likeness to Woltemade, each blessed with skills that stretch beyond what is expected of a number nine.

A strong presence in the final third allows the towering striker to guide balls to teammates, found through his eight big chances created in the Bundesliga.

Indeed, hailed for his “absolutely ridiculous” quality in the final third by European football expert Zach Lowy, Woltemade is so much more than just a goalscorer, with sharp link-up play and intelligence that rivals that of Isak, albeit applied in a different manner.

Lowy went on to suggest that his prowess as a technically proficient target man is reminiscent of bygone superstars such as Karim Benzema and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, owing to his balance and improvisation and resourcefulness.

Wissa is the more refined attacking signing at Newcastle right now, but Woltemade has the capacity to become something truly special under Howe’s wing, taking samples from Isak and Ekitike’s skill sets and fashioning himself into a unique and effective forward for the Toon.

New Isak: Newcastle have "one of the best teenage prospects in the world"

Newcastle will need to replace Alexander Isak’s goals with a range of different attacking talents.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 3, 2025

Uncapped left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam has been called up to face Zimbabwe in Chattogram next week

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Apr-2025Following a defeat in the first Test against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh have had to make changes to their Test squad ahead of the second match in Chattogram next week. Anamul Haque returns to the fold while Nahid Rana steps aside to fulfil PSL commitments.Anamul replaced Zakir Hasan, who didn’t play in Sylhet. He is in line to play his first Test match in nearly three years, forcing his way back into the reckoning with his recent form. Anamul is the highest scorer at the ongoing Dhaka Premier League 50-over competition, having hit four hundreds – three of them unbeaten – in his last ten innings. He will hope to use that form to make a better impression for Bangladesh in the longest format considering he has played only five Tests since making hist debut in 2013 and has a highest score of 23.Rana’s exit – he has been picked to play for Peshawar Zalmi – provides room for uncapped left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam. Tanvir has played 41 first-class matches to pick up 134 wickets at an average of 27.06. He has six five-wicket hauls with a best of 8 for 51.Bangladesh, who are 1-0 down, play Zimbabwe in the second Test of the two-match series from April 28.Bangladesh squad for second Test vs ZimbabweNajmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-capt), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Tottenham Hotspur avoided an embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat last night, subsequently claiming a 3-0 victory over League One Doncaster Rovers.

The win keeps Thomas Frank’s hopes of claiming a trophy in his first year as Lilywhites boss alive, with a trip to face current holders Newcastle United awaiting them in round four.

It may have only been against a team two divisions below them, but the Dane will have been impressed with the relentless nature of the performance, which saw the Lilywhites have 55% possession.

Such an outing gave numerous fringe players a chance to stake their claim for a regular role in the starting eleven, with the Dane having some incredible strength in depth currently at his disposal.

However, the victory also allowed one other player to finally get the opportunity he’s craved to feature in his natural position after being forced to operate in an unnatural role as of late.

Xavi Simons’ performance against Doncaster

After joining in a £52m deal from RB Leipzig during the summer transfer window, Xavi Simons became a player with huge expectations at Spurs, but he’s so far struggled to reach the levels many hoped for.

He’s mainly operated in a wide left role, but he was handed a start in a more familiar central role against Doncaster last night – taking advantage of the opportunity handed his way.

The Dutchman featured for a little over an hour, but had a huge impact on proceedings – as seen by the underlying stats that he produced in North London.

Simons created seven chances and won four fouls – with both tallies being the most of any player on the pitch – subsequently highlighting the threat he posed to Grant McCann’s side.

He also completed 97% of the passes he attempted, with four of his efforts being into the final third – allowing him to create one big chance in the process.

Whilst he was unable to register a goal or assist last night, the 22-year-old looked a constant nuisance in the number ten role, with Frank needing to stick with him in such a position.

However, one other first-team player managed to impress, now arguably being just as important as the Dutchman, given his own impressive display against Donny last night.

The Spurs star who is becoming as important as Simons

Given the sheer volume of competitions this season, Frank needs to have every Spurs player up to scratch to try and allow for success in various tournaments.

His side have already claimed wins in three separate competitions in 2025/26, with the side already impressing in the Premier League, Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

Simons has started all but one game since making his big-money move to join the Lilywhites, but the Dutchman has rapidly developed into a key player for the Dane as a result of his creativity.

However, he’s not the only summer addition who’s already impressed in North London, with Joao Palhinha immediately exceeding all expectations placed upon him after his loan move to the club.

The Portuguese international joined from Bayern Munich, but to the disappointment of many, with the 30-year-old not seen as the man to improve the first-team squad.

He’s already scored twice despite his deep-lying role, with his latest effort coming against Doncaster last night – producing an incredible acrobatic effort which opened the scoring.

Palhinha also featured out of position at centre-back, but still managed to thrive, producing numerous incredible figures that helped the Lilywhites claim a crucial victory.

The former Fulham star completed 63 passes, at a completion rate of 90%, with the former of the two stats the most of any player who featured during the contest on home soil.

Despite his defensive role, he also managed to complete four passes into the final third, able to provide those ahead of him with the chances to impress in front of goal.

Minutes played

90

Touches

82

Passes completed

63

Pass accuracy

90%

Tackles made

2

Clearances made

6

Interceptions

1

Passes into final third

4

However, Palhinha dominated without the ball, making two tackles, six clearances and one interception – helping the Lilywhites keep their fifth clean sheet of the 2025/26 campaign.

As a result of his showing, the loanee was handed a superb 9/10 match rating by The Standard’s journalist Matt Verri, further showcasing how impressive he was during the victory.

After such a display, Frank simply can’t afford to drop the Portuguese international from his starting eleven, with the experienced talent on a phenomenal run of form in the first team of late.

Should he continue his current impressive form for the Lilywhites, there’s no reason as to why Palhinha can’t be as undroppable as Simons, with the pair able to catapult the side to new heights in the months ahead when operating together.

Fewer touches than Kinsky: Frank must bench 5/10 Spurs star after Doncaster

Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup last night with a win over Doncaster.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 25, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro e pré-eliminatória da Europa League são os principais destaques desta quinta-feira (17) de futebol. Confira onde assistir ao vivo e os horários das partidas.

RelacionadasCopa do BrasilQuando vão ser as finais da Copa do Brasil?Copa do Brasil16/08/2023Mais EsportesBrasil vence Austrália e segue liderando o torneio amistoso para a Copa do Mundo de basqueteMais Esportes16/08/2023Futebol InternacionalNeymar no Al-Hilal! Redação do Lance! opina se astro brasileiro acertou ou não ao seguir para a Arábia SauditaFutebol Internacional16/08/2023

LIGA DE EXPANSIÓN MX – APERTURA

00h05 – Correcaminos Uat (MEX) x Tapatio (MEX) – Star+

+ Assista aos jogos do seu clube do coração com aquela gelada! Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – 3ª RODADA DE PRÉ-ELIMINATÓRIA

13h – HJK Helsinki (FIN) x Qarabag (AZE) – Canal GOAT e Onefootball

CAMPEONATO PERUANO – CLAUSURA

15h – Atletico Grau (PER) x Sporting Cristal (PER) – Fanatiz.com
17h15 – Deportivo Binacional (PER) x Cesar Vallejo (PER) – Fanatiz.com

UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE – 3ª RODADA DE PRÉ-ELIMINATÓRIA

15h15 – Maribor (SLV) x Fenerbahçe (TUR) – Canal GOAT e Onefootball

CAMPEONATO EQUATORIANO – 2ª RODADA

16h – Libertad (EQU) x Delfin (EQU) – Star+
18h30 – Universidad Catolica (EQU) x Aucas (EQU) – Star+
21h – Tecnico Universitario (EQU) x Emelec (EQU) – Star+

BRASILEIRÃO SÉRIE B – 24ª RODADA

19h – Londrina x Atlético-GO – SporTV e Premiere
21h30 – Vila Nova x Mirassol – SporTV e Premiere

CENTRAL AMERICA CUP – FASE DE GRUPOS – 3ª RODADA

21h – Aguila (ELS) x Diriagén (NIC) – Star+
23h – CD Motagua (HON) x Olancho (HON) – Star+

Transfer deadline day is always an exciting one for fans all over England, but today could prove to be a huge day for Tottenham Hotspur in their quest to end the window on a positive note.

Up to now, the business conducted by Thomas Frank has been a huge success, spending around £155m on new additions, with Xavi Simons being the latest big-money signing in North London.

The Dutchman joined in a £52m deal last week, adding to the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus and a permanent move to land Frenchman Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

However, new boss Frank is evidently still hunting for further additions to help boost his chances of securing any form of success in Europe and or the Premier League this campaign.

Numerous names have emerged on their shortlist throughout deadline day, with progress being made on deals to land various top-level European talents.

Spurs’ hunt to land new talent on deadline day

Despite Simons’ transfer in recent days, Spurs have been hunting for the signature of Ademola Lookman over the last couple of hours – potentially costing a fee in the region of £43m.

The Nigerian, who scored 20 goals for Atalanta last season, has been desperate for a transfer this summer, potentially getting himself a move to North London before tonight’s deadline.

However, another name has emerged on their radar in recent hours, with Football Insider reporting the Lilywhites are keen on a late move for Conor Gallagher.

They claim that the Atlético Madrid star is available for €60m (£52m) in the coming hours, with Newcastle United also battling Frank’s side for a potential switch back to England.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kolo Muani

Alongside Lookman, Spurs are negotiating a deal with PSG for the signing of striker Randal Kolo Muani – despite the Frenchman looking certain to join Juventus this summer.

It’s been reported this morning that the Lilywhites are close to agreeing personal terms with the forward over a deal to North London – with a loan with an obligation to buy mooted before tonight’s deadline.

Such a deal has advanced after Dominic Solanke suffered a setback with his current ankle issue, with no timeframe currently placed on his return to first-team action.

Kolo Muani, who scored 10 goals in 22 appearances on loan in Italy last campaign, would offer another impressive option in the final third – potentially being aided by Gallagher in his quest for goals in 2025/26.

Whilst the former Chelsea star is primarily a ball-winning option, he’s also showcased his ability to break the lines and play key passes into attacking areas – having the tools to be a perfect box-to-box talent in Frank’s side.

His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign showcase the talent he possesses, with £52m potentially being an excellent price – should he replicate such figures in North London.

The 25-year-old, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries made (5.9) in LaLiga – showcasing his ability to regain possession should he move to Frank’s side.

However, in possession, the England international also impressed, making an average of 3.5 progressive passes per 90 at a pass completion rate of 85% – tallies which could provide Kolo Muani with constant chances in dangerous areas.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

3.5

Passes into final third

2.5

Tackles won

1.8

Interceptions made

1.1

Recoveries made

5.9

2.6 of his progressive passes last season were made into the final third, further showcasing his talent with the ball at his feet, offering added ammunition for the Frenchman should he join the Lilywhites.

£52m would be another huge investment from the Spurs hierarchy, but it’s a deal that could add further quality into Frank’s already impressive midfield department.

If he can replicate his numbers from LaLiga last season, it would be a sensational pickup and one that could allow Kolo Muani to adhere himself to the supporters in the process.

Frank's next Wissa: Spurs close to agreeing terms to sign £50m star

Tottenham are set for a frenetic finish to the summer transfer window.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hailed Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Fabio Capello as the coaches who “changed football,” while admitting he always wanted to play under Jurgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson. The AC Milan advisor also backed Ancelotti to lead Brazil to 2026 World Cup glory, saying "everything he touches turns to gold".

Ibrahimovic reflects on the managers who defined his career

Speaking at the European Club Association General Assembly in Rome, Ibrahimovic reflected on his glittering career and the managers who defined his success. The 44-year-old worked with several of football’s greatest minds during spells at Barcelona, Inter, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, including the likes of Massimiliano Allegri, Roberto Mancini, Ronald Koeman and Laurent Blanc. but he identified four other names that stand above the rest.

AdvertisementAFPGuardiola and Mourinho among coaches who shaped modern football

Ibrahimovic had a contentious relationship with Guardiola during his brief spell at Barcelona. He scored 22 goals in 46 appearances for the Spanish club before his acrimonious departure due to his issues with the current Manchester City boss. Nonetheless, he listed the Catalan among the best in his career.

“I had Capello, Mourinho, Guardiola, Ancelotti: these four are football and they changed it,” Ibrahimovic said. “I would have liked to be coached by Klopp and Ferguson,” he added, as he recalled his experiences working with world-class managers across Europe.

Ibrahimovic says Ancelotti can deliver World Cup glory for Brazil

The former Swedish striker reserved special praise for Ancelotti, his former coach at PSG, tipping him to lead Brazil to success in the 2026 World Cup. 

“I hope Brazil win for my friend Ancelotti. I’m rooting for them. Everything he touches turns to gold, let’s see if he can do the same with Brazil,” Zlatan said.

Ibrahimovic believes Ancelotti’s calm leadership and tactical flexibility could finally end the Selecao’s 24-year wait for a World Cup trophy, making him the first European coach to lift it with Brazil.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesInside Zlatan’s evolving role at AC Milan

Since being appointed as a consultant to Milan’s ownership group in December 2023, Ibrahimovic’s influence at the club has grown behind the scenes. While he often jokes about his vague job title, reports suggest he played a key role in convincing summer targets Christopher Nkunku and Ardon Jashari to join the Rossoneri project. At the ECA conference, he represented Milan’s management alongside senior RedBird figures, reaffirming his growing presence in football’s executive circles.

West Ham United have been linked with a move for Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, among others, as pressure continues to mount on Graham Potter.

Potter has recorded the worst win percentage of any West Ham manager in Premier League history apart from Avram Grant, who led the Hammers to relegation in 2011, so the tactician needs to turn things around quickly.

Worst West Ham managers in the Premier League

Win percentage

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12, Graham Potter

27.3%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

West Ham have also conceded more goals than any other side in the top flight so far, becoming the first team to hit double digits in that regard this season, with their lacklustre 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham bringing Potter right back down to Earth.

The east Londoners recorded their first victory of 2025/2026 with an impressive 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest prior to the international break, which turned out to be West Ham-linked manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s final game in charge at the City Ground.

However, West Ham’s weaknesses were laid bare for all to see during the London derby last Saturday, with goals from Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven rounding off what was a convincing display for the visitors.

With Crystal Palace, Everton and Arsenal still to come before the next international break in October, these next few weeks could prove vital to determine Potter’s future, amid links to an array of potential replacements.

José Mourinho was tipped with a potential West Ham move, but the Portuguese appears more likely to join Benfica. Meanwhile, ex-West Ham star and England legend Frank Lampard has also been mentioned as a candidate to succeed Potter.

Nuno, now a free agent after leaving Forest, could be West Ham’s best bet, as David Sullivan is rumoured to be an admirer (Alan Nixon). Reports also suggest that Nuno’s priority is to stay in England and wants an immediate return to management.

While some media sources have rebuffed claims that McKenna could join (Claret & Hugh), others state he was a guest of the West Ham boardroom during their 3-0 loss to Spurs (Football Insider).

Ex-West Ham player warns McKenna not to join amid "disarray behind-the-scenes"

Now, speaking to C&H, an unnamed former West Ham player has sent a stern warning to McKenna over taking the job — urging him against it as the club is in “disarray” behind-the-scenes.

Given how things have been since David Moyes’ departure, he could have a point.

Should Kieran McKenna stay at Ipswich?

The 39-year-old, despite suffering relegation with the Tractor Boys last season, is still one of England’s most exciting young coaches.

Back in 2024, McKenna was credibly linked with both Tottenham and Chelsea after two fine seasons at Portman Road — where he guided Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

His stock has fallen since then, especially amid Ipswich’s slow start to 25/26, but the gap between England’s first and second tier is considerable. All the newly-promoted teams have gone straight back down at the first time of asking since 23/24, so relegation is hardly a reflection on McKenna’s managerial prowess.

McKenna won’t want another league drop on his CV, but West Ham’s squad boasts an array of talent and the tactician could arguably work wonders with them.