Boca Juniors have publicly confirmed their ambitious interest in signing Roma forward Paulo Dybala, sparking a frenzy of speculation in Argentina. Club director Marcelo Delgado described the potential transfer as a complex mix of "dream and reality" but insisted the Buenos Aires giants are prepared to make a significant effort to secure the World Cup winner.
Boca Juniors confirm ambitious Dybala plan
The prospect of Dybala swapping the historic monuments of Rome for the fervent atmosphere of La Bombonera has long been a topic of whispers in South American football, but those quiet rumours have now been given a voice by the Boca Juniors hierarchy. Delgado, a key member of the club's Football Council, has openly discussed the club's desire to recruit La Joya.
Speaking to the media regarding the club's future transfer targets, Delgado did not shy away when asked about the Roma playmaker.
“Dream, illusion or reality? Dybala is a mix of all of this,” Delgado explained. “We hope to be able to make the necessary effort to bring him here, regardless of whether there is a possibility or not. The only thing I know is that his contract expires in June 2026. We will evaluate the situation and see what happens.”
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Contract situation offers glimmer of hope
The Argentine forward is approaching the final six months of his deal with the Giallorossi, meaning he could start negotiating with clubs as of January with the view of making a free transfer at the end of the 2025-26 season.
While Dybala remains a key figure in Serie A, the lack of a contract renewal at the Stadio Olimpico has fuelled speculation that his time in Europe could be drawing to a close. Boca Juniors, led by president and club legend Juan Roman Riquelme, have made a habit of targeting elite veterans looking for an emotional return to South America. The arrival of Edinson Cavani previously proved that the club have the pull to attract global stars, and the hierarchy views Dybala as the next logical 'marquee' signing to elevate the club's status on the continental stage. However, the financial disparity between European wages and Argentine budgets remains the "illusion" part of Delgado's equation, requiring a massive financial package or a significant wage cut from the player.
The Leandro Paredes factor
Boca’s pursuit of Dybala is significantly strengthened by the presence of his close friend and World Cup-winning teammate, Leandro Paredes, who has already made the emotional journey home. The midfielder returned to Boca Juniors in July after activating a special clause in his own Roma contract, fulfilling his promise to return to the club while still in his prime. Since his arrival, Paredes has become the heartbeat of the Boca midfield, but his influence extends beyond the pitch.
Paredes and Dybala share a bond that goes beyond football, cemented during their time together in Italy and with the national team. It is an open secret in Buenos Aires that Paredes is acting as a de facto agent for the club. In multiple interviews leading up to his own return, Paredes publicly admitted to "driving Dybala crazy" about joining Boca, even joking that he told his daughter "Uncle Paulo" would eventually come with them.
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What comes next?
For now, Dybala remains a Roma player, tasked with navigating the demanding Serie A schedule. However, Delgado’s comments have undeniably placed pressure on the Italian club. By publicly declaring their intent to "make the effort," Boca Juniors have signalled that they are not merely passive admirers but active participants in the race for his signature.
As January looms, the situation will become clearer. If Roma fail to tie their talisman down to a new deal before the New Year, the "illusion" Delgado speaks of could rapidly solidify into a concrete proposal. In the meantime, he will line up for Roma when they take on Celtic in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Gio Reyna has been set a 2026 World Cup challenge. Former USMNT star Brad Friedel, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, has told the talented Borussia Monchengladbach playmaker what needs to happen in order to make Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for next summer’s tournament, with nobody – regardless of their ability – guaranteed a place in those plans.
Form & fitness challenges for Reyna
Reyna is unquestionably one of the most naturally gifted performers at the United States’ disposal. He has been tipped for the top since bursting onto the senior scene as a teenager, with a similar career path to fellow countryman Christian Pulisic being trodden when linking up with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
Over 140 appearances were taken in for BVB, scoring 19 goals, but those numbers would have been considerably higher were it not for a string of unfortunate injuries. A fresh start is now being embraced with Gladbach – with more tests on form and fitness fronts being faced there.
AdvertisementWill Reyna make the USMNT squad for 2026 World Cup?
Reyna did impress during his last international camp, registering goal number nine for his country in a friendly win over Paraguay, but questions continue to be asked of whether – having endured a tough time at the 2022 World Cup – he will be involved at another major tournament on home soil.
Quizzed on whether the creative 23-year-old is in a position where a World Cup berth is his to lose, ex-USMNT goalkeeper Friedel – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “With Mauricio it is different, you have to go and impress and then you have to improve. There is no ‘you did well for me last month, you did well the month before’. That’s not how he goes about his business.
“Once you impress, he will put a little higher bar on you and then you have to reach that bar. Then he will see if you can go again. The way that he performed, and I don’t know how he conducted himself in training, but let’s say it was positive, then they will watch him now with his club and see when he comes into camp again in March if he is lower. If so, he is already down in their minds again. If he comes in the same or higher, then he has impressed again.
“That’s how they work. It’s the metrics, it’s building a squad of players that need to win – which is a better word than ‘want’ to win. What he has done right now is very good for him getting his foot back in the door. It’s not his to lose. Everyone goes on a level playing field, which is very different to what the US has been previously.”
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Hot prospect: How Reyna can prove his worth
Reyna knows that he faces fierce competition for places, and that he needs to steer clear of more spells on the treatment table in order to prove his worth. Friedel has previously told GOAL of how a hot prospect makes another global gathering: “With Gio, a lot of unfortunate stuff from the last World Cup, then injury after injury after injury. Talented, talented player. For Gio, he needs minutes and he needs not to be injured. Then we can see before the World Cup if he is ready. If he is, if he has a run of four or five months with no injuries, playing lots of minutes, he’s in the squad.
“He’s a really talented player, one of the better ones we have. But he really does need to play. When I took the job at Besiktas, I was over at the Copa America and was watching. You could just tell there was something a little bit off. It’s not his ability, that is there. That’s not it. His body has unfortunately not cooperated with this sport.
“Hopefully for him it goes well. He’s a really good kid and I hope he just stays fit, gets a run of games and then it will be down to Mauricio choosing him or not. I don’t like to see anybody get left out because of injury.”
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Getty Images Sport2026 World Cup draw: When & where does it take place?
Excitement levels in the USMNT camp are about to build even further, with their opponents for the group stage of the 2026 World Cup set to be revealed when that draws take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on December 5.
Dele Alli has been warned that his future may now rest on the outcome of trial spells, with it “scary” how far he has fallen. That is the opinion of former Tottenham star Stephen Carr, who has been telling GOAL about what happens next for an ex-England international who has suffered a humbling tumble from grace and finds opportunities “very slim” despite becoming a free agent.
Free agent: Why Dele finds himself without a club
Dele has been without a club since seeing his contract at Serie A side Como torn up in September 2025. He had taken in just one substitute appearance for the Italian outfit, with said outing lasting less than 10 minutes after he picked up a red card against AC Milan.
The former Spurs star was also released by Everton when seeing his deal on Merseyside come to a close, with an injury-ravaged spell with the Toffees being endured. Dele has not played on a regular basis since early 2023, during a forgettable loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhat next: Where does Dele end up?
He is not ready to hang up his boots just yet, at 29 years of age, but is finding it difficult to drum up interest. Individual training programmes have been worked through, but match fitness and sharpness will be lacking.
With that in mind, Dele has been told that he may have to go on trial somewhere. Former Tottenham defender Carr – speaking in association with Casino.org, where you can find online poker – told GOAL when asked if the 37-cap England international has entered the last chance saloon: “It’s scary how he’s fallen. He’s only 29, just gone past being in his peak, but the amount of football he has played in the last few years is very low.
“It’s very hard. It’s no different to when you get injured, you do all the training and getting back fit takes time. He’s missed a lot of football. The way he sounds, it seems he still has the hunger. But his chances are getting very slim now.
“He’s had a few opportunities, it didn’t work out at Como. It’s very difficult to get back up to that pace, that standard, because the body gets used to that level and when you aren’t playing it, it’s very hard to catch up again. I think that’s where he’s at. I don’t know the ins and outs with him. He will pick up injuries. His body isn’t used to playing at the highest level now. Very difficult time. His body might be completely gone.
“Whether somebody else gives him an opportunity… He is a top player, has played for England, but that’s the past now. It’s about now and he hasn’t been playing, hasn’t been performing. It is last chance saloon for him. Whether he gets another very good opportunity, or whether his desire is there…
“Wherever he ends up, he isn’t going to get to pick. It could be a trial where you have to prove it. It’s whether he has the stomach for that. I’ve done it myself, going for a trial. For me, it didn’t bother me. It’s very difficult, it’s a different situation. I don’t know the lad, his personality or the people around him. He has fallen from grace dramatically. It’s very difficult to get back in. I know your head says it, but his body won’t be saying it because he hasn’t played in so long and he’s not used to it.”
On trial: Does Dele have hunger left?
Dele has been linked with a number of EFL clubs, including Wrexham and Birmingham. Quizzed on whether he needs to take a step back in order to move forward again, Carr added: “That’s the mentality thing. Do you have it in you to take a step back? I hope that he has. He is a top player, but on paper now you aren’t a top player and you have to prove yourself again. That comes down to the mental strength.
“Can you go out there and prove yourself? Maybe he can. He’s going to have to earn it again. Whether he is up to the task, who knows, but it is definitely getting to the end now. His chances are going to be slim, very slim.”
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GettyProven pedigree: Dele was once a global superstar
Dele is a two-time PFA Young Player of the Year and took in over 260 appearances for Tottenham during his time in north London. Issues on and off the field have made life difficult for a man that once attracted interest from Real Madrid, and it remains to be seen if he has another challenge left in him.
واجه داني كارفاخال قائد ريال مدريد بداية صعبة هذا الموسم، بعد تعرضه للعديد من الإصابات والمشاكل البدنية في الأسابيع الأخيرة.
وكان الظهير الأيمن المخضرم قد عاد للملاعب في أكتوبر بعد غيابه لفترة، وشارك ضد برشلونة في أول كلاسيكو هذا الموسم.
وتعرض كارفاخال لمشكلة جديدة في الركبة مما استدعى لخضوعه لجراحة بالمنظار، وأشارت مؤشرات أولية إلى أنه لن يلعب مرة أخرى في عام 2025.
ومع ذلك، ووفقاً لصحيفة “Ok Diario” فإن الظهير الأيمن المخضرم لريال مدريد داني كارفاخال يعمل بجد في مركز تدريبات النادي للعودة في أقرب وقت ممكن.
أقرأ أيضاً.. بيلينجهام يكشف تفاصيل تعافيه من إصابة الكتف
ولا يستبعد ظهير ريال مدريد المخضرم والجهاز الطبي إمكانية عودة كارفاخال للعب قبل نهاية عام 2025.
ويستهدف كارفاخال العودة ضد ديبورتيفو ألافيس في الدوري الاسباني يوم 14 ديسمبر أو لقاء إشبيلية في المباراة التالية على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو والتي ستكون الأخيرة لريال مدريد هذا العام.
ويتبع كارفاخال صاحب ال33 عاماً خطة صارمة تحت إشراف الجهاز الطبي لريال مدريد، وتقدمت حالته في الأسابيع الأخيرة بشكل ملحوظ ويمكن أن يتم تقليص فترة تعافيه.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former head coach has offered insight into the legendary forward’s mentality and shared why he believes the Portuguese captain could fire his national team to glory in next summer’s World Cup. Hugo Oliveira added that Ronaldo is still desperate to add to his ceaseless goal tally, and his hunger could well see him surpass his 1,000 career goals target.
Ronaldo to play sixth World Cup
Oliveira worked with the Portuguese captain during the qualification phase for the 2010 World Cup and was able to see how, even then, he possessed the mentality to become a footballing great. Ronaldo was 25 when Oliveira knew him best, but the competitive spirit has always been deep inside the forward, who went on to win five Champions League titles and a European Championship, amongst a swathe of domestic titles.
The one trophy that has eluded Ronaldo in his almost perfect career is the World Cup. The 40-year-old will likely have one last shot at lifting the golden trophy at next year’s tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and has spoken frequently of his desire to complete his cabinet of silverware.
The tournament will mark Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup, with the Al-Nassr forward still firing on all cylinders in qualifying. As well as breaking yet another record by becoming the player with the most World Cup qualifiers goals in history, Ronaldo has already helped his nation qualify for the tournament with games to spare.
The continued success of Ronaldo is testament to his mindset, and Oliveira believes the legendary number seven is still desperate for more.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportOliveira lifts lid on Ronaldo's mindset
Asked by why he believes Ronaldo is still performing at a high level at 40, Oliveira explained: “Because he’s still starving. He’s still starving. He’s hungry.
“He was a young lad, and now he’s the same. That mindset can be contagious to the Portuguese national team. Maybe his last World Cup could be an amazing way for him to finalise international Portuguese games.”
Portugal will possess one of the strongest squads in the competition and have depth in almost every position. The former coach believes that his nation has as good a chance as any and should be fighting for the title.
“I think we have a generation that has to fight for the competition. We are one of the top five national teams that will fight to win the competition,” he said.
The evolution of Ronaldo
Aside from the World Cup, the Al-Nassr forward is also chasing a huge milestone. The aim of reaching 1,000 career goals is one Ronaldo is unlikely to give up on and even as he ages, the striker has adapted his game in order to get the most out of his lethal abilities.
Ronaldo has changed throughout his career, beginning as a tricky winger at Sporting CP he developed into the best player in the world at Manchester United, using his raw pace and skill to complement his developing finishing ability.
At Real Madrid, he typically played on the left of the Los Blancos attack alongside Karim Benzema and the likes of Gareth Bale and Angel Di Maria. In his prime years, he maintained a high level of pace and was capable of finding the back of the net from impossible areas, winning the Ballon d’Or three years running from 2015 to 2017.
As he got older, Ronaldo converted to a more classic centre-forward and, having lost a yard of pace, relied on his shooting and aerial prowess to get him goals. Spells at Juventus, United, and Al-Nassr have all brought goals and yet more records as he continues to shine.
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Getty ImagesThe World Cup dream remains
The World Cup remains the missing piece of the puzzle for Ronaldo. Although, at times, he has played down his desperation to win the tournament, he will be doing all he can to lift the trophy next year. Portugal have two World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia to come next week as the nation looks to demonstrate their credentials to the world.
As they prepare to square off against Chelsea in search of a victory that could see them rise into the Premier League’s top four, Sunderland have been handed a major blow.
Le Bris delivers verdict on "really strong" Chelsea side
The Black Cats have been a joy to watch so far this season and last weekend featured yet another moment to remember for those in Wearside as they brushed past Wolverhampton Wanderers. In a game that many tipped to be a relegation six-pointer, Sunderland laid down a marker and now sit as high as seventh in the Premier League on 14 points.
One of their biggest tests now awaits, however. In search of back-to-back wins in the Premier League, Sunderland will travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea this Saturday.
The Blues just eased past Ajax in the Champions League and Regis Le Bris knows exactly how impressive Enzo Maresca’s side can be – telling reporters: It’s been a good start to the season. It shows we were consistent, flexible.
“Chelsea are really strong, it’s a top four team in the Premier League. They can play 60 games, they have depth, young and dynamic. It’s a good example for us. They are well coached and have individuals who can win a game. A big test.”
Victory over one of the Premier League’s big six would be Sunderland’s biggest statement yet, especially on the road. So far this season, for all their impressive form, they’ve won just once on the road and that came against a Nottingham Forest side in crisis.
Le Bris has already found the formula to success at the Stadium of Light, but replicating that form without home comforts should see Sunderland survive with ease. If the Black Cats are looking to commence that away form this weekend, however, then they’ll have to do so without one of their key men.
Premier League rule forces Alderete out of Chelsea game
As reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Sunderland will now be without Omar Alderete against Chelsea courtesy of the Premier League’s concussion protocols, which were introduced for the 2014-15 season. The rules state that once a concussion is diagnosed, players must follow a mandatory graduated return to play protocol, which is a staged program of activity that takes at least 14 days.
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Le Bris admitted that this could also see Alderete miss the Everton game on Monday 3 November, telling reporters: “The only one [injury concern]. is Omar – he is under concussions protocols. He is having daily assessments – we’ll keep monitoring him. We will see if he can make Everton.”
It’s frustrating news for Sunderland, who have quickly seen Alderete become an integral part of Le Bris’ backline since the start of the season. Without him, the Black Cats could turn towards the experienced and versatile Luke O’Nien, who’d be making his first Premier League appearance of the campaign.
Vincent Kompany’s new Bayern Munich contract runs until 2029 without a release clause but with a Champions League bonus. The Belgian, who led Bayern to the Bundesliga title in his first season, has been rewarded for his rapid success as the club look to secure their long-term future under the 39-year-old tactician.
Kompany signed long-term deal with Bayern until 2029
Bayern recently announced the extension of Kompany’s contract until June 2029, a major show of confidence in the Belgian manager after a stellar debut campaign in Bavaria. The new deal makes Kompany the first coach since Hansi Flick in 2020 to be offered a renewal by the club, underlining the hierarchy’s satisfaction with his work.
Bayern’s leadership finalised the agreement at the club's headquarters, marking the occasion with a celebratory toast. The 39-year-old’s deal was initially due to expire in 2027, but the two-year extension ensures long-term stability after several seasons of managerial turnover.
Importantly, Kompany’s new contract does not contain a release clause, a key move to safeguard the German club against potential future interest from Manchester City, his former club, or other top European sides. Instead, the deal features performance-based incentives, including a lucrative bonus if Bayern win the Champions League.
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The structure behind Bayern’s long-term faith
The ex-Burnley manager's immediate impact in Munich has been undeniable. After taking over from Thomas Tuchel in the summer of 2024, he guided Die Roten to a dominant Bundesliga title, finishing 13 points clear and scoring 99 goals in 34 matches – a return to the free-flowing, aggressive football that defines the club’s identity.
This season, Bayern’s resurgence has continued. They currently sit top of the Bundesliga with 24 points from eight games, boasting both the best attack with 30 goals and the best defence with only four conceded. Their recent 3-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach marked their 13th consecutive win across all competitions, equalling an elite European record previously held by AC Milan in 1992-93.
Such results have cemented Kompany’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young managers. His emphasis on tactical flexibility, ball progression through the backline, and vertical attacking transitions has rejuvenated a Bayern squad that looked disjointed under previous management.
Inside Kompany’s Champions League clause and Bayern’s ambitions
Bayern’s management see the Champions League as the next major frontier for Kompany. After the club’s quarter-final exit to Inter last season, the new clause offers tangible reward for continental glory, a €1 million bonus should the team lift the trophy, according to .
The clause symbolises Bayern’s renewed belief in a long-term project built around the former Manchester City captain’s modern footballing vision. Kompany himself spoke about his pride and motivation to build on their progress: “I’m grateful, honoured and would like to thank FC Bayern for the trust and the working environment they’ve given me from day one. It feels like I’ve been here a lot longer and that I know the club well. It’s been a great experience so far. We’ve started on a wonderful journey. Let’s keep working hard and celebrate much more success!”
His words reflect a growing harmony between the club's leadership and coaching staff, something that had been missing since Flick’s departure.
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Tough tests ahead for Kompany’s record-breaking Bayern
The Bavarians' focus now turns to a crucial ten-day stretch that could define their early-season momentum. Kompany’s men face three major fixtures: a DFB-Pokal clash against Koln on October 29, a Bundesliga showdown with Bayer Leverkusen on November 1, and a high-stakes Champions League meeting with Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain, on November 4.
Bayern are targeting a return to continental dominance after five years without a Champions League title. With Kompany now secured until 2029 and a strong blend of youth and experience in the squad, Bayern believe they’ve finally found the leadership stability to compete for Europe’s biggest prize once again.
If the Belgian can translate his domestic brilliance to Europe, that €1m bonus may be just the beginning of a golden era under his watch.
Australia international Matt Kuhnemann ripped through Middlesex’s top order either side of lunch as Glamorgan cruised to a ten-wicket victory in the Rothesay County Championship Division Two clash at Sophia Gardens.The left-arm spinner, available for this match only before his involvement in the World Test Championship final next month, ensured he left a lasting impression in Cardiff, returning career-best figures of 6 for 53.It is the first time since 2015 that the Welsh county have achieved three Championship wins on the bounce and the only time in their history that they have achieved the feat by winning each match inside three days. Victory propels Glamorgan, temporarily at least, into second place behind leaders Leicestershire and marks a truly remarkable turnaround for Sam Northeast’s men, who, after the opening three fixtures, sat 19 points adrift at the bottom of the table.With a soggy bank holiday Monday predicted in Cardiff and a first hour utterly dominated by the Middlesex opening pair of Sam Robson and Max Holden it was starting to look like a victory that might slip through the fingers of the home side.After Middlesex were asked to follow-on 228 runs behind the hosts, Robson appeared to be on a one-man mission to reduce the deficit as he flayed Glamorgan’s attack to all parts during the early exchanges – his first 28 runs came courtesy of boundaries as he raced to a half-century off just 40 balls, which included 10 fours.In an attempt to gain some control, Glamorgan turned to spin in just the 15th over of the morning. When Kuhnemann’s first ball was drilled disdainfully through extra cover for four by Holden it appeared little was about to change. However, with the score on 98, Kuhnemann found Holden’s inside edge and Asa Tribe took a sharp catch at short leg to begin the Middlesex slide.Robson soon followed, failing to pick a Kuhnemann arm-ball, the former England man trapped on the crease lbw for an entertaining 66 off just 58 balls. When the Aussie bowled Leus du Plooy through the gate, the game had suddenly been broken wide open with Middlesex reduced to 113 for 3.As lunch approached, Timm van der Gugten got in on the act for Glamorgan, Luke Hollman edging into the cordon where Kiran Carlson took a smart, low catch at second slip. It capped an extraordinary end to what was looking like being a rather chastening morning session for Glamorgan, four wickets had fallen for just 17 runs and 98 for 0 had suddenly become 115 for 4.Bright sunshine greeted the players as the afternoon session got underway, however, the upturn in weather failed to bring a change of fortune for Middlesex. Ben Geddes decided attack was the best form of defensive but his expansive drive off Kuhnemann was miscued and Zain-ul-Hassan took an excellent back-peddling catch at wide mid-off to give the spinner his fourth wicket.James Harris (2-65) removed Ryan Higgins and Zafar Gohar to leave the visitors reeling on 160 for 7 before Kuhnemann had Middlesex keeper Jack Davies caught on the midwicket fence for his fifth wicket of the innings.At 190 for 8, Middlesex were facing the prosect of an innings defeat but skipper Toby Roland-Jones refused to go down without a fight, unleashing a series of lofty blows on his way to 57 off just 42 balls with four sixes. He too was caught in the deep by Harris, this time off van der Gugten (2-29) before Kuhnemann dismissed No. 11 Dane Paterson to record his maiden six-wicket haul in first-class cricket.The Middlesex innings closed on 235, meaning Glamorgan required just 8 runs for victory, which they knocked off without any alarms after 2.2 overs.With attention now turning to the Vitality Blast, both sides will be back in County Championship action on Sunday June 22. Glamorgan visit pace-setters Leicestershire while Middlesex will look to get their promotion push back on track with a trip to bottom side Northamptonshire.
Celtic confirmed their place in the last four of the League Cup on Sunday afternoon with a comfortable 4-0 win over Partick Thistle away from home.
The Hoops strolled to a victory that was never in any serious doubt throughout the 90 minutes, thanks to goals from Hyun-jun Yang, Liam Scales, Sebastian Tounekti, and Luke McCowan.
After a promising debut against Kilmarnock last time out, creating four chances (per Sofascore), Tounekti caught the eye once again with his performance on the left flank.
Why Sebastian Tounekti is already a star player for Celtic
Brendan Rodgers handed the Tunisia international another start after his bow in the Scottish Premiership last weekend, and was rewarded with an impressive display.
Tounekti was a constant threat down the left side, particularly in the first half, and Premier Sports pundit Michael Stewart described him as the “danger man” for Celtic, because he “unsettles” defenders.
He was heavily involved in the opening goal for the Hoops with his excellent pass in behind for Benjamin Nygren to cross to the far post for Yang, as shown in the clip below.
The left-sided attacker then showed his quality in front of goal by scoring after a one-two with Kelechi Iheanacho, which is why the forward should be considered a star player for the team already, as he can create, he can dribble, and he can score goals.
Tounekti was far from the only impressive performer on the park for the Scottish giants, though, as Iheanacho showed that he is a player for the fans to be excited about.
Why Celtic fans should be excited about Kelechi Iheanacho
After the disappointment of deadline day, it would be hard to blame any supporter for not being too excited by the arrival of the Nigeria international on a free transfer after Sevilla were willing to terminate his contract.
The left-footed striker only scored four goals in 26 appearances in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, for Middlesbrough and Sevilla combined, which did little to help the lack of excitement around his signing.
However, Iheanacho’s first two performances have shown that he is a player who the supporters should be excited about, after scoring a 96th-minute penalty against Kilmarnock on his debut last weekend.
Vs Kilmarnock
Kelechi Iheanacho
Minutes
20
Touches
9
Shots
3
Goals
1
Passes completed
3/5
Duels won
0/2
Stats via Sofascore
The former Manchester City striker was rewarded with his first start for the club for this clash with Partick Thistle and delivered an impressive centre-forward showing.
Premier Sports commentator Rory Hamilton claimed that Iheanacho and Tounekti are players “to be excited about” moving forward this season, and both players combined for the third goal in the match for Celtic.
As you can see in the clip above, the Celtic striker did brilliantly to flick the ball round the corner to tee the winger up to score, showing great awareness, creativity, and technical ability.
That was not a one-off for Iheanacho in the match. He consistently held the ball up and produced impressive flicks to find teammates making advances towards the opposition’s box.
The 28-year-old star, who was handed a 7/10 player rating by GlasgowWorld, was a fantastic facilitator for his teammates with the creativity and reliability in his hold-up play, against Partick Thistle defenders who wanted to get tight and physical with him.
Iheanacho was as good as Tounekti, as both players showed that they were too good for the opposition to deal with, and supporters must now be excited about what the forward can produce over the course of an entire season if he can stay fit.
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Celtic have a brilliant midfield star who could be the club’s next Reo Hatate in the middle of the park.
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Hopefully, Rodgers will select both players in the starting line-up when Celtic kick off their Europa League campaign against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday night.
A former team-mate of the late Billy Vigar has revealed that Chichester City have been left "traumatised" by the fatal accident that killed the former Arsenal youth player. Vigar suffered a horrific head injury during an Isthmian League Premier Division game against Wingate and Finchley, which tragically took the footballer's life.
Vigar tragically killed in horror accident
Vigar was in action for Chichester City in an Isthmian League Premier Division clash against Wingate and Finchley on September 20, when he crashed into a concrete wall. The tragedy happened just 13 minutes into the match as Vigar tried to prevent the ball from crossing the goal line. Multiple ambulances and an air ambulance arrived at the venue and he was immediately taken to a hospital. The 21-year-old was placed into an induced coma and underwent surgery but unfortunately, his life could not be saved as he passed away.
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Vigar's accident has left Chicchester 'traumatised'
Speaking to the , Vigar's team-mate and goalkeeper Kieran Magee described the incident, saying: "It’s still very raw as to what we saw. An absolute freak accident, he’s collided with the concrete wall around the perimeter of the pitch. It was past the goal-line so at the end of the pitch. For the whole team that were playing at the time, not just us but the Wingate and Finchley players as well, it’s a traumatic memory for us.
"There were a few guys that stayed with him, and the physios from both clubs. There were a couple members of the crowd who were medically trained and came over, too. The paramedics turned up extremely quickly and took over from there. ‘We were with him until we couldn’t be. We knew it was serious very quickly. ‘It’s going to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind for a long, long time going forward."
The stopper added: "The kind of character he was, it felt like he had been here forever. His old team-mates feel exactly the same wherever he has been before. He was a really humble young lad. He’s had a lot of knockbacks in his career, he was really coming out of his shell and bonding with everyone. He was the most kind, normal bloke you could meet. He was just enjoying his football. He was a full-blooded player. He gave everything to every ball, never stopped running. You could see he was enjoying it."
Chichester set up fundraiser
The non-league club have set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to support Vigar's grief-stricken family. The GoFundMe campaign statement read: "Please give what you can and show the strength of the football community when we come together for one of our own. Rest in peace, Billy. You will never be forgotten."
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Arsenal paid tribute to Vigar
Arsenal paid tribute to their former academy players as Gunners stars wore a black armband as a mark of respect during their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Sunday at St James' Park.