برز نيكو شلوتربيك كواحد من أفضل مدافعي الدوري الألماني، وقد أثبت لاعب بوروسيا دورتموند نفسه كقائد حقيقي في خط دفاع العملاق الألماني.
ويتميز شلوتربيك بقدراته وبراعته الدفاعية والفنية إلى جانب سرعته، ويقدم اللاعب أداء ثابتا مع دورتموند منذ سنوات وجذب الآن اهتمام عدة أندية أوروبية كبرى بما في ذلك برشلونة.
واعترف سيباستيان كيل المدير الرياضي لبوروسيا دورتموند في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية عن اهتمام أندية مثل بايرن ميونخ وبرشلونة بخدماته: “أعلم أن نيكو يفكر جدياً في الأمر”.
أقرأ أيضاً.. موعد عودة فيرمين لوبيز للمشاركة في المباريات مع برشلونة
ويأمل كيل أن يوقع نيكو عقداً جديداً مع بوروسيا دورتموند نظراً لعلاقته الوثيقة مع النادي: “إنه مرتبط جداً ببوروسيا لذا أنا متفائل”.
واختتم: “هدفه هو النجاح والفوز بالألقاب، سنكون مرنين مالياً وسنبذل قصارى جهدنا ليبقى في دورتموند”.
ويثير شلوتربيك مدافع بوروسيا دورتموند إعجاب هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة ويرغب في ضمه لصفوف البلوجرانا كما أشارت تقارير صحفية، وقد يكون البديل المثالي للمدافع السابق إينيجو مارتينيز والذي انتقل لصفوف النصر السعودي.
Manchester United desperately needed attacking reinforcements during the summer window, after netting just 44 league goals in the Premier League during 2024/25.
Ruben Amorim wanted an overhaul in such a department, with incomings and outgoings needed to help change the club’s fortunes in England’s top-flight.
INEOS went into the transfer market and spent around £200m on an attacking trio of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, whilst allowing the likes of Rasmus Hojlund to depart.
Mbeumo has already wasted no time in hitting the ground running at Old Trafford, as seen by his tally of five goals in his first 12 league outings – the most of any player in the squad.
However, that hasn’t stopped the board from targeting added reinforcements, with numerous attacking talents still on the club’s radar ahead of the January window.
The latest on United’s hunt for reinforcements in January
Over the last couple of days, United have once again been touted with a move to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in the upcoming window.
The Red Devils are just one side who are currently in the race for the Cherries star, with the Ghanaian international currently having a £65m release clause in his deal at the Vitality.
However, Amorim’s men aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all keeping a close eye on his situation at present.
He’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with Borussia Dortmund talisman Serhou Guirassy another option being targeted by INEOS and Amorim ahead of January.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, United have been offered a €50m (£44m) deal to land the Guinean international, after his release clause became active.
It also states that Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City are just a handful of teams who can activate such a clause, but it’s unclear if the player himself would entertain a winter move.
Why United’s latest target would be Amorim’s own Haaland
Erling Haaland is a player who many United supporters have envied over recent years, with the Norwegian talisman constantly providing the goods for local rivals Manchester City.
It could have been so different, especially considering Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pleaded with the board to sign him during his tenure in charge at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old has since moved to the Etihad, with such a transfer allowing the forward to take his career to the next level – as seen by his remarkable goalscoring record since his move in 2022.
Haaland has racked up a staggering 143 goals in just 163 appearances, including a mind-boggling 22 goals in just 21 outings across all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s men.
During his time in England, he’s played against the Red Devils on nine separate occasions, finding the net eight times – with such a record one of the best for teams he’s faced.
However, Amorim could be about to land his own version of Haaland with a winter deal to land Guirassy, with the pair possessing numerous similarities.
Both would have moved to the Premier League from Bundesliga side Dortmund, whilst both have showcased their phenomenal goalscoring feats in recent years.
When comparing their respective stats from the current campaign, the Guinean international has managed to outperform the City star in key areas despite his own record in front of goal.
Guirassy, who’s been dubbed “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Lothar Matthaus, may have been outscored to date, but has posted a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate.
How Guirassy & Haaland compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Guirassy
Haaland
Games played
10
12
Goals & assists
6
15
Shot on target accuracy
59%
57%
Pass accuracy
72%
64%
Passes into final third
1.1
0.6
Carries into final third
0.8
0.7
Aerials won
2.9
2.6
Fouls won
1.3
0.7
Stats via FBref
Such a tally highlights his impressive ability in the final third, arguably taking advantage of more of the opportunities that have fallen his way in front of goal this season.
The Dortmund star has completed more passes this campaign, with more of his efforts being made into the final third – which could hand the United side an added creative threat in attacking areas.
His all-round dominance over Haaland is further reflected in his higher tally of carries into the final third and aerials won per 90 – both of which would improve the Red Devils’ attack tenfold.
£44m for a player of his quality in the current market would be an excellent deal for a striker who has consistently found the back of the net in the last few years.
Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Haaland in the Premier League, it would be a sensational deal and one that could help Amorim in his quest for success.
Best January deal since Bruno: INEOS make PL "warrior" Man Utd's top target
Manchester United have a new top target ahead of the January transfer window.
The final international break of the year has finally come to an end, and Chelsea are back in Premier League action.
Enzo Maresca’s side resume their campaign with a trip to newly promoted Burnley, in what could be something of a banana skin fixture.
What will make things even more difficult for the West Londoners is their ever-growing injury list, which has decimated their backline.
However, arguably more concerning than that, Cole Palmer has picked up another knock, although there is someone in the squad who could stand in for him, and no, it’s not Estevao.
The latest on Cole Palmer
After an impressive Club World Cup campaign and strong pre-season performances, it felt like Palmer was set for another exceptional year in West London.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
However, after playing the first game against Crystal Palace, he missed the next two due to a groin problem, and while he returned for the following couple of matches, he was again forced off against Manchester United with another groin problem.
The Englishman hasn’t featured for the side since then, although it did look like he would be back in the squad after the international break.
However, it would appear Maresca and Co can’t catch a break this season, as reports yesterday morning revealed that the former Manchester City prospect had broken his toe in an accident at home.
In his press conference a few hours later, the manager confirmed the injury and said his star player “is not available for this week and next week.”
That means that, on top of today’s game, the 23-year-old is definitely going to miss the Champions League clash with Barcelona and the London derby with Arsenal.
It’s undoubtedly a massive blow for Chelsea, but the silver lining is that, alongside Estevao, they have another young talent who could step in for Palmer.
Chelsea's Palmer replacement
While Estevao should start on the right for the upcoming games, Maresca could get some of what Palmer would provide in the ten by starting Facundo Buonanotte there.
Now, before the pitchforks and torches come out, nobody is arguing that the Argentine is as good a player as the Englishman; that would be absurd.
However, he is a highly talented young player who, based on his performances last season and what those in the know say about him, could replicate the 23-year-old’s capabilities.
For example, despite playing for a truly poor Leicester City side last season and being just 19 at the start of it, he was able to put in some impressive performances.
In 35 appearances, totalling 1701 minutes, the attacking midfielder, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “one of the most exciting South American talents to have moved to Europe in recent years,” scored six goals and provided three assists.
Appearances
31
2
2
Goals
5
1
0
Assists
2
1
0
Goal Involvements per Match
0.22
1.00
0.00
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.88 games, or every 189 minutes, which is not a bad rate of return considering the circumstances.
Moreover, the promising ace with a “left foot made of gold,” per Jacek Kulig, has also earned comparisons to some Argentine football legends.
For example, Premier League great Carlos Tevez told the press that the youngster “reminds me of Messi” a few years ago.
Finally, away from the numbers and appraisals, when the twice-capped international was in full flow last season, he looked like the sort of mercurial talent who, with the proper coaching and chance, could create game-winning moments for his side.
Ultimately, while he isn’t on the level of Palmer at the moment, Buonanotte is an undeniably talented youngster, and for the next few games, could provide cover for the Englishman.
Forget Delap: 18-year-old star is destined to be Chelsea's future number 9
The incredible youngster will be a superstar for England and Chelsea.
Paris Saint-Germain have reignited their pursuit for Atletico Madrid start forward, Julian Alvarez. With Luis Enrique pushing for a dynamic No. 9 and Alvarez open to a Ligue 1 switch, PSG believe he is the missing piece in their evolution. But Atletico’s massive €120m valuation threatens to turn the chase.
PSG rekindle their push for Alvarez
Alvarez’s name has re-emerged at the top of PSG’s agenda, and this time, the French champions believe the door is wider than ever. Earlier this month, Alvarez revealed to in an interview with L'Equipe that PSG had already attempted to sign him back in 2024 when he left Manchester City. Even though he ultimately chose Atletico Madrid, the conversations with PSG were real and serious, and that interest has not faded.
As reported by Sacha Tavolieri, Luis Enrique remains an enormous admirer of Alvarez’s all-round ability, his pressing intensity, positional intelligence, and capacity to operate both as a central striker and a roaming second forward. PSG want a new long-term No. 9, and Alvarez fits the profile exactly. Crucially, the Argentine is open to the move and is not considering a Premier League return despite interest from England.
The only obstacle are Atletico, who have placed a €120m (£105m/$139m) valuation on him, a fee PSG view as excessive. While agreeing personal terms with the Argentinian would be straightforward, negotiating with Los Colchoneros may prove to be the real challenge.
Advertisement
AFP
From Haaland's shadow to Spain's most effective forward
After joining City from River Plate, Alvarez grew into one of Europe’s most efficient forwards despite playing behind Erling Haaland. His two seasons under Pep Guardiola produced six major trophies, including a historic treble, and he contributed 36 goals in 103 matches. The 25-year-old even achieved the unprecedented feat of winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and World Cup in the same campaign.
But Alvarez wanted a platform where he could start every week, and Atletico gave him that. Since his €75m (£66m/$87m) move in 2024, he has repaid the investment with astonishing productivity with 29 goals and eight assists in his first full season, and already nine goals with four assists in 15 matches this year. His adaptability across attacking positions, ability to press from the front, and instinct for decisive moments have made him one of LaLiga’s standout performers.
Alvarez has also admitted that life in Spain keeps him in constant headlines, especially with Barcelona rumours swirling around. But when asked about PSG, he confirmed there were serious talks during his Atletico move and that he has never ruled out joining the French giants in the future.
Will PSG break the bank for Alvarez?
While Alvarez is open to the move, Atletico’s stance complicates the entire pursuit. The club believe his development, goal output, and contract running until 2030 justify their €120m asking price. PSG disagree and view that valuation as steep, especially since they want to strengthen other positions in the summer.
Coach Enrique’s admiration only intensifies PSG’s motivation. Enrique’s system often functions without a traditional centre-forward, as seen when Ousmane Dembele operated as a false nine during PSG’s treble-winning season. Gonçalo Ramos has not cemented the role, leaving a natural opening for a striker who offers high pressing, tactical fluidity, and intelligence between the lines. Alvarez embodies all of that, a forward who works tirelessly, links play beautifully, and strikes decisively.
PSG see him as a transformational signing. Atletico see him as non-negotiable unless a massive bid arrives. And Alvarez finds himself right in the middle, willing to listen if Paris make their move.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFP
What's next for Alvarez?
For Alvarez, the next step is about choosing the environment that maximises his long-term growth. He has already proven himself in England and Spain, winning trophies and delivering world-class performances in two very different systems. A move to PSG would hand him the keys to the No. 9 role under a coach who values his exact attributes and sees him as the centrepiece of the next attacking cycle.
But staying at Atletico also has merit, he is thriving, scoring freely, and is firmly trusted by Diego Simeone. The question is whether Atletico’s conservative, counter-attacking approach limits his ceiling compared to the technical, possession-heavy football Enrique offers.
What is clear is that Alvarez is entering his peak years. His next move or decision to stay will define the next chapter of his career.
Chelsea are weighing up the possibility of an early January move for one ‘magnificent’ forward with an agreement already in place for his arrival next year.
Liam Delap succumbs to another Chelsea injury blow
Liam Delap’s Chelsea career has descended into frustrating misfortune following another significant injury setback.
The 22-year-old suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder during Saturday’s goalless draw at Bournemouth, leaving the field in obvious discomfort after landing awkwardly following a challenge with Marcos Senesi.
Medical staff immediately applied a makeshift sling before Delap trudged directly towards the tunnel, his arm immobilised to prevent further damage.
Enzo Maresca then delivered a concerning post-match update that confirmed initial fears.
Reports suggest Delap faces approximately six to eight weeks sidelined, which comes as another devastating blow for the young forward after he was previously out of action for weeks with a hamstring injury.
Chelsea signed Delap from relegated Ipswich in June, beating the likes of Man United and Newcastle to his signature after an impressive maiden Premier League season.
The Winchester-born striker finished as Ipswich’s leading scorer with twelve goals across thirty-seven appearances last term, accounting for thirty-three percent of their total output despite their eventual drop to the Championship.
Estevao 2.0: Chelsea looking to sign "one of South America's biggest jewels"
Chelsea could pick up their next Estevao.
ByKelan Sarson 4 days ago
Delap also earned a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination and convinced Maresca – who previously managed Delap during his tenure overseeing Man City’s Elite Development Squad – that he represented an ideal target man.
However, the Englishman has since struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge, managing just sporadic appearances whilst failing to register a single Premier League goal for his new employers.
Player
Pedro
Guiu
Delap
Games
18
8
11
Minutes
1377′
280′
453′
Goals
4
1
1
Assists
3
1
0
His only Chelsea strike this season arrived against Barcelona in the Champions League, providing brief optimism before this latest injury.
Marc Guiu replaced Delap against Bournemouth but was rusty throughout, highlighting Chelsea’s lack of alternative options, and it has led to suggestions that Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha could arrive earlier than anticipated.
Chelsea weigh early January move for Emanuel Emegha
According to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea chiefs are evaluating whether to bring forward Emegha’s arrival from their sister club following Delap’s injury blow.
The Blues confirmed a deal worth around £22 million several months ago, that was scheduled to deliver Emegha to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Emmanuel Emegha for Strasbourg
However, Delap’s absence has prompted internal discussions about accelerating that timeline to January.
Strasbourg initially resisted any mid-season departure for their captain, but circumstances have shifted considerably.
Argentine forward Joaquin Panichelli has emerged as Liam Rosenior’s first-choice striker, demonstrating excellent form which suggests the Ligue 1 side could accommodate Emegha’s premature exit.
The 22-year-old Netherlands international stands at a towering 6 foot 5 and recently earned his maiden senior caps for his country, establishing himself as one of France’s most promising attacking talents.
Should Chelsea trigger the January switch, they would also likely compensate Strasbourg by funding an immediate replacement through BlueCo’s multi-club network.
Emegha, who’s been called ‘magnificent’ by critics, scored 14 French top flight goals last season and ended the campaign as one of Ligue 1’s top scorers.
He’s also bagged seven goals across 11 appearances in all competitions this season, so he’s a man bang on form right now regardless of Panichelli’s rise.
Directors from USAC called for “immediate and decisive intervention not to punish, but to rebuild what has been broken”
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Oct-2025Directors from an embattled USA Cricket (USAC) board have called for the ICC’s immediate intervention to remove a rival group of directors, including the chair Venu Pisike, as the fallout and divide from the board’s suspension continues to deepen. They have also asked the ICC to conduct an investigation into the organisation’s “collapse.”In a statement issued on Tuesday by two current directors, Arjun Rao Gona and Kuljit Singh Nijjar, and Patricia Whittaker, who was removed by USAC last year as an independent director (she is legally contesting the termination), have also asked the ICC to conduct a forensic audit of USAC dealings and make the findings public. Gona and Nijjar are elected directors.”We call for immediate and decisive intervention not to punish, but to rebuild what has been broken,” the trio said in the statement. “This is no longer a crisis of management; it is a test of integrity and courage.” The directors’ statement follows USAC’s media release last week, where the board complained it could not “comprehend” the ICC’s decision on September 23 to suspend it.Related
USA Cricket calls ICC suspension 'one of the most difficult moments' in its history
USA cricket crisis worsens as USAC files for bankruptcy
ICC suspends USA Cricket board
Pisike chaired a USAC Board meeting on October 1, after which USAC said it was filing for bankruptcy as part of a financial restructure. That decision was taken by five directors, including Pisike, Srini Salver, David Haubert, Pintoo Shah and Anj Balusu (USAC currently has nine directors after Whittaker’s exit). Four directors at that meeting – Gona, Nijjar, Nadia Gruny and Atul Rai – exited in protest.In a statement of his own issued on Tuesday, Rai said USAC’s public statement to its members on Friday was “not authorised by the Board” while alleging it was “clearly an abuse of power and authority.”The ICC Board decided to suspend USAC, citing “repeated and continued breaches of its obligation” as a member. The ICC’s major concern will be if the cycle of events since then could affect USAC securing NGB (National Governing Body) status from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), necessary for all sports that are part of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.The ICC’s Normalisation Committee drew up a six-step roadmap for that, starting with an organisational revamp of USAC where three new independent directors replace the existing Board, which would step down and pave the way for fresh elections. The ICC would simultaneously carry out a comprehensive review of the USAC constitution to bring governance and structural reforms to a body enmeshed in controversies since 2019 when it was awarded Associate status.Gona, Nijjar and Whittaker want the Normalisation Committee to take control of USAC immediately and “go beyond administrative control and conduct a full, independent investigation into the root causes of USA Cricket’s collapse, identifying every act of constitutional breach, misuse of authority, and conflict of interest.”The three have also suggested appointing five new independent directors once the USAC constitution has been amended.”Conduct a full forensic audit of all financial transactions, contracts, appointments, and legal decisions taken under the current regime, and publish the findings to the public to restore trust, confidence and transparency.”Safeguard players, competitions, and development programs during this transition, ensuring that athletes and fans do not suffer for failures of leadership.”
Nottingham Forest are on the lookout for solidity under Sean Dyche and could now be set to make an intriguing move courtesy of owner Evangelos Marinakis.
The Tricky Trees had a fairly ominous start to the Premier League campaign that culminated in the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo, which was followed by Ange Postecoglou’s short tenure at the City Ground that ended under acrimonious circumstances.
Now, Dyche is the man at the helm and there is a feeling that improvement is starting to take shape on the River Trent, characterised in clear fashion by their convincing victory over Leeds United before the international break.
Ultimately, Forest are still in the relegation zone and have their work cut out to ensure they survive in the top-flight this campaign, though the fact that players such as Elliot Anderson are earning rave reviews from Thomas Tuchel is a reason for some optimism in the East Midlands.
Paying tribute to the Three Lions midfielder, the England coach labelled him as ‘one of the best midfielders in the Premier League’ before a routine victory in World Cup qualifying over Serbia, emphasising the value of his services that the Tricky Trees have at their disposal.
Even then, a tricky fixture at Anfield awaits for Forest on the other side of the international break before a quickfire double header against Malmö and Brighton, requiring squad rotation to make sure Dyche has fresh options to choose from.
Stability is something that hasn’t always been easy to come by at the City Ground, and club owner Marinakis doesn’t wait around when it is time to make a decision, something he could again demonstrate in January.
Nottingham Forest set for intriguing Christos Mouzakitis pursuit
According to Tuttosport, Nottingham Forest are among a clutch of clubs that are keen on Olympiacos star Christos Mouzakitis, who is also wanted by Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, AC Milan and Napoli.
Intriguingly, the Greek giants are owned by Marinakis, and he is said to be the one who will have the final say on his next destination amid their £30 million asking price for the 18-year-old midfielder.
Mouzakitis is described by Tuttosport as a player who’s ‘already one of the greatest talents in Greek football history’, with a clutch of Premier League sides taking notuce.
However, Forest may well have an edge given their close ties to the teenager via their owner.
Known to idolise AC Milan veteran Luka Modrić, Mouzakitis is a recipient of the TuttoSport Goldenboy Web Award and has registered two assists in 13 appearances this season across all competitions.
Nevertheless, he is under contract until 2029, and Olympiacos will hold the cards should a bidding war start to take place for his services, making it a tough ask for any suitors to land their man for anything less than a premium.
Either way, Marinakis could be the defining factor for Nottingham Forest in this one, and it may be worth keeping an eye to see what developments occur over the coming weeks and months.
Nottingham Forest could also be set to allow a surprise departure
Gill was in sublime touch as India raced away to 52 for no loss in 4.5 overs before lightning and rain took over
Tristan Lavalette08-Nov-20255:57
Takeaways: Who won the Jitesh vs Samson debate?
No result India claimed a 2-1 series victory over Australia in an anti-climax after the fifth and final T20I was abandoned due to heavy rain and thunderstorms in Brisbane.After being sent in to bat, there had been intrigue over how India’s top-order would fare on a Gabba surface with plenty of bounce and carry. But with their nemesis Josh Hazlewood in Ashes prep mode and again not in the line-up, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill plundered 52 runs before play came to a halt after 4.5 overs.Abhishek did have luck having been dropped twice, but Gill was in sweet touch as he smacked 29 off 16 balls.The series ended the same way it began after rain ruined the opening T20I in Canberra. Australia dominated game two in front of 82,000 fans at the MCG, largely thanks to a rampant Hazlewood but India ultimately prevailed in the series after their spinners gained a stranglehold on slower surfaces in Hobart and the Gold Coast.The India T20I squad with the series trophy in Brisbane•Matt Roberts/CA/Getty ImagesIndia will head home well pleased ahead of their T20 World Cup title defence on home soil.”The way everyone chipped in every game, it was a complete team effort with the bat, ball and in the field,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav said.”I saw what happened with the women’s team winning the World Cup in India, having unbelievable support. When you play at home there is pressure but at the same there is a lot of excitement.”In their final hit-out in the format before the T20 World Cup, Australia’s aggressive batting approach against high-quality spin attacks has come under scrutiny although recriminations are unlikely amid Ashes hysteria.”I don’t think I can remember the last time we had so many rain interruptions,” Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said. “I think there are a lot of learnings to take forward, a lot of positives. The flexibility of our group and the squad that we’re trying to build in a World Cup year has been amazing.”Earlier, a grinning Marsh once again won the toss but his mood soon soured after the start India’s openers got.There was no settling in for left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis as Abhishek bludgeoned a trademark boundary over mid-off on the fourth delivery of the match.He tried to repeat the dose on the next ball only to miscue high into the air where Glenn Maxwell nestled under having trudged back from mid-off. A resigned Abhishek had already begun walking off only for the unthinkable to happen, with Maxwell spilling a straightforward catch.While Abhishek lived dangerously, Gill was in sublime touch as he stroked four boundaries off Dwarshuis’ second over with the best being a gorgeous cover drive. Gill was in the type of commanding form that had eluded him during a tough tour – which started with an ODI series defeat in his captaincy debut in the format – and he looked determined to finish on a high.Abhishek, on 11, received another life when he was dropped by Dwarshuis who ran in from fine-leg before compounding Nathan Ellis’ misery by smashing him over midwicket for six.Typical for Brisbane this time for year, bad weather loomed large and the players went off due to lightning before heavy rain cascaded onto the ground in a major disappointment for the sold-out crowd.
Glasgow Rangers officially confirmed that both CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell left their roles at Ibrox on Monday after the club’s underwhelming start under the new ownership.
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh revealed that the ownership believes that they need different people in those roles in order to bring success back to Ibrox in the months and years to come.
Thelwell was let go by the Gers after he played a key role, as sporting director, in the appointment and firing of Russell Martin, as well as the signings throughout the summer transfer window.
The former Everton chief was given the funds to retool the squad for the head coach in the summer, but after that appointment and the signings he made, Rangers won one of their first eight Scottish Premiership matches.
However, Thelwell would be far from the first sporting director to make some mistakes in the transfer market. Former Gers technical director Nils Koppen, for example, made his fair share.
One signing that officially went through in the summer but was sanctioned before Thelwell’s arrival was the permanent addition of Oscar Cortes.
Why Oscar Cortes has been a waste of money for Rangers so far
The 21-year-old forward initially joined on loan from Lens for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, and produced one goal and one assist in six games in the Premiership, per Sofascore.
That convinced the Scottish giants to sign him on a season-long loan with an obligation to make it permanent at the end of the season in the summer of 2024, which led to him signing for £4.5m earlier this year.
He is currently the ninth-most expensive signing in the history of the club, with that £4.5m move from Lens, and the Gers have simply not got enough back from him on the pitch to justify that expense.
In the 2024/25 season, the Colombian winger made ten appearances in the Premiership without delivering a single goal or assist for the team, whilst he also missed out on 22 matchday squads and was an unused substitute on six occasions, per Transfermarkt.
Despite his dismal form last term, Rangers had to sign him permanently for a hefty fee of £4.5m because it was an obligation that was put in place in the previous summer. That led to him leaving on loan to Sporting Gijon this season.
LaLiga 2
Oscar Cortes
Appearances
5
Starts
1
Unused sub
6
Goals
0
Key passes per game
0.0
Big chances created
0
Assists
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Cortes has struggled badly in Spain since his temporary switch to the second division outfit, with more games left sat on the bench than appearances in LaLiga 2.
His lack of goal contributions for the Spanish side means that he still has not provided a goal or an assist since registering one of each in a 5-0 win over Hearts in February 2024.
With over three years left on his contract at Ibrox, it remains to be seen whether or not the 21-year-old whiz will make a success of his Rangers career or not, but it is not looking good on current evidence.
With his form for the Gers and out on loan, Cortes currently looks like a big waste of money for the significant fee that the club agreed to pay Lens for him, unfortunately.
Whilst Thelwell did not have any say in that move, it was going through irrespective of anything he did after becoming sporting director in April, one of his own summer signings looks to be an even bigger waste of money than Cortes.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The former Light Blues chief opted to splash the cash on Portugal U21 international Youssef Chermiti, and the early signs from his Ibrox career are far from promising.
Why Rangers should not have signed Youssef Chermiti
Thelwell agreed a deal with his former club Everton to sign the striker for a fee of £8m. That made him the most expensive signing made by the Gers since they signed Tore Andre Flo for £12m in 2000.
When signing a player for that kind of outlay at Ibrox, it is fair to expect that they should be able to make a relatively immediate impact for Rangers, even if they are not the finished product, because Chermiti is their most expensive signing in 25 years.
Unfortunately, though, the Portuguese marksman has failed to prove his worth to the Light Blues on the pitch with his performances so far in the 2025/26 campaign, with just one goal to his name so far.
The former Premier League flop has produced one goal and one assist in 13 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, per Sofascore, which shows that he has not offered a regular threat at the top end of the pitch.
Chermiti’s form in the Premiership, in particular, has left quite a bit to be desired for a player who is the club’s most expensive signing in 25 years.
25/26 Premiership
Youssef Chermiti
Rangers rank
FotMob rating
6.48
16th
Goals
1
Joint-3rd
xG
0.3
14th
xA
0.2
15th
Dribbles per 90
0.4
14th
Dribble success rate
16.7%
14th
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, the Portugal U21 international ranks poorly in the Gers squad in a host of key metrics, and the only reason that he ranks highly for goals is that only two players in the squad have scored more than one league goal.
Chermiti, who was described as a “nothing player” by Portuguese journalist Kevin Fernandes, has simply not done enough with the game time that he has been given, domestically or on the European stage.
The ex-Everton striker was signed for almost twice as much as Cortes and appears to be heading in the same direction as the winger, as another expensive flop who is unable to make a significant impact on the pitch for Rangers.
Therefore, Chermiti looks on course to be an even bigger waste of money than the Colombian forward because he cost £3.5m more and has been just as underwhelming at the start of his Ibrox career.
"Rotten" Thelwell signing is Rangers' biggest waste of time since Dowell
This summer signing by Kevin Thelwell has been as bad as the deal to bring Kieran Dowell to Rangers.
Liverpool are reportedly continuing to eye a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, in what could be a stunning piece of transfer business.
The 25-year-old has matured into one of the best midfielders in the world currently, proving to be a key figure in PSG’s Champions League triumph last season and being hailed by former Portugal international Pedro Miguel Pauleta.
“It’s a huge pleasure to watch players of this quality. Is he the best midfielder in the world? He’s at a huge level, like Pedri at Barca. They remind me of Iniesta. Vitinha, he doesn’t lose the ball, he’s always well positioned. He knows how to do everything with the ball. He doesn’t make a mistake and doesn’t miss a pass. He has the confidence of his club. He’s a phenomenon.”
Vitinha has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent days, with one report even claiming that they are willing to table a monster £132m offer for him.
He is contracted with PSG until the summer of 2029, so big money will clearly be needed to prise him away, and a new claim has now emerged regarding the Reds’ interest in him.
How much PSG could sell Vitinha for amid Liverpool interest
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are “keeping a close eye” on Vitinha ahead of a potential move, with Reds scouts identifying him as “one of the most technically gifted midfielders in Europe”. Arsenal and Juventus are also in the mix.
The report adds that the Portugal star “fits the kind of profile that Liverpool have sought since the departure of Thiago”, in terms of his quality in tight areas and ability to dictate midfield battles. It is stated that an offer of around £115m could tempt PSG into selling – £18m cheaper than the above claim.
The idea of Liverpool signing Vitinha is a mouthwatering prospect, considering his status as a world-class footballer who is coming into the prime years of his career.
While the Reds are well-stocked in the middle of the park currently, the form of Alexis Mac Allister is a concern this season, with the Argentine looking jaded after playing so much football in recent years.
Granted, he is still only 26, so this is hopefully just a dip in form after injury problems, but he has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid and may need to be replaced at some point.
More than Wirtz: £36m Liverpool star is becoming a "serious issue" for Slot
Liverpool were condemned to a fifth defeat in six Premier League matches at the Etihad.
ByAngus Sinclair Nov 10, 2025
Either way, Liverpool should never pass up the opportunity to sign a player of Vitinha’s calibre, and the fact that he has some Premier League experience from his time at Wolves can only be a good thing.
FSG have signed a "Rolls-Royce" who could end Konate's Liverpool career