After losing four points in the first phase, Abahani kept winning in the Super League phase

Mohammad Isam30-Apr-2025Abahani bank on experienceAbahani had dropped four points in the first phase, so they needed to keep winning in the Super League phase, where the top six teams from the first phase play each other once again. Mohammedan Sporting Club had pursued them right to the last game, setting up a finale at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.Abahani outclassed Mohammedan in the title-deciding game, winning by six wickets with 56 balls to spare. Mohammedan were mired in controversy last week. Towhid Hridoy was banned for one game for arguing with the umpire Sharfuddoula about an lbw appeal, but it was extended to two matches when he made an outburst in the post-match press conference on April 12.The BCB’s umpires committee chairman Iftekhar Ahmed reduced Hridoy’s ban to one game, which allowed him to play Mohammedan’s April 20 match against Agrani Bank. By now, umpire Sharfuddoula was among the two BCB employees to resign, reportedly in protest of the decision to reduce the ban. Enamul Haque was the other, who resigned from his post on the DPL’s technical committee.The BCB then announced that Hridoy would have to serve the ban for that game, which was followed by a group of players, led by Tamim Iqbal, to meet the BCB officials on April 25. Tamim called the incident “laughable”, after which the BCB reneged from their position. Hridoy was now available for Mohammedan’s next match against Gazi Group Cricketers on April 26. However, during that game, Hridoy was found guilty of reacting to his dismissal, for which he incurred another demerit point. It got to eight points in total, which meant he was now banned for four games. He didn’t appear in Mohammedan’s DPL finale against Abahani.Anamul finally gets his dueAnamul Haque finished the tournament with 874 runs in 14 innings, including four centuries and as many fifties. It was yet another massive season for the opening batter, who took his centuries tally across all formats to 51. Apart from the obvious celebration, bigger news was waiting for him. The national selectors picked him for the second Test against Zimbabwe, his first in nearly three years.Left-hand opener Parvez Hossain Emon finished on 798 runs, while Mohammad Naim made 618, his 176 being the highest individual score of the season. Amite Hasan was the other batter to cross the 600-run mark this DPL.Mosaddek, Rakibul take 30 eachIt was hard to get past Abahani in the middle overs throughout the campaign, as Mosaddek Hossain and left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan cut down the runs significantly. The pair took 30 wickets each, and finished as the joint-top wicket-takers for the season. Among fast bowlers, Mohammad Saifuddin took 24 wickets to finish third while left-arm quick Shoriful Islam picked up 21.Best matchMohammedan got into the position as title contenders thanks to their last-ball win against Gazi Group Cricketers in their penultimate match. Nasum Ahmed was their batting hero, hitting two sixes and a four in his unbeaten 13-ball 21, as they chased down Gazi Group’s 237-run target off the final ball.How the Super League unfoldedAbahani kept their nerve in the last game, but Mohammedan made a fair run for it. In the end, they needed a win in the league’s last game to get ahead in the head-to-head count. It was also an impressive season for Gazi Group and Legends of Rupganj, while Agrani Bank and Gulshan Cricket Club were good as first-timers.

It was Delhi Capitals’ second over-rate offence in IPL 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Apr-20258:27

‘Pant should look to play straight instead of going for outrageous shots’

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant has been fined after his team was found guilty of maintaining a slow over rate during their defeat against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Sunday.Pant was fined INR 24 lakhs because it was DC’s second over-rate offence in IPL 2025, while the rest of the playing XI including the Impact Player will be fined “either INR 6 lakhs or 25% of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser,” according to the tournament’s code of conduct.LSG had chosen to bowl first on a hot afternoon in Mumbai. They conceded 215 for 7 in 20 overs and lost the chase by 54 runs after being dismissed for 161. It was a tough game for Pant, who was dismissed for 4 of 2 balls, extending his poor run this season: he’s scored only 110 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 98.21.Related

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LSG remained on ten points after suffering their fifth defeat in ten games, while MI rose to second temporarily on 12 points after recording their fifth successive victory.Along with Pant, Shubman Gill (GT), Axar Patel (DC), Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals – RR), Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru – RCB), Riyan Parag (RR) and Hardik Pandya (MI) have also been penalised for slow over-rate offences so far this season. Unlike last year, however, the IPL has done away with bans for captains for repeat over-rate offences and will only levy demerit points and fines, in addition to in-game penalties.LSG’s next three games are against Punjab Kings (May 4), RCB (May 9) and GT (May 14), while MI play RR (May 1), GT (May 6) and PBKS (May 11).

Tottenham Hotspur’s antics in the transfer window over recent days have been constant, pulling off numerous high-profile additions throughout the summer.

Xavi Simons made his £52m move to join the Lilywhites at the end of last week, finally ending the club’s long-standing pursuit of a new attacking midfielder this summer.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze were Thomas Frank’s main targets for the position, but the hierarchy decided to turn to the Dutchman to help bolster the club’s attack.

Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel have both already arrived in such an area this window, strengthening the options at the manager’s disposal ahead of his debut campaign in the role.

However, with just a few hours left in the window, the board could be set to back the manager once again, subsequently targeting a move for another top-level forward.

Spurs’ hunt to land a new attacker on deadline day

Despite having an offer rejected earlier this summer, Spurs haven’t given up hope on a move for Manchester City star Savinho before tonight’s 7pm deadline.

It’s been reported that the Brazilian youngster still remains as a priority target for Frank, with a £70m transfer being mooted for the 21-year-old’s signature.

However, he’s not alone on their list, with Atalanta star Ademola Lookman another option for the Lilywhites this evening, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

They claim that the player himself is pushing for a move to North London, after previously stating his desire to depart the Italian outfit before the end of the window.

It’s also been suggested that the Nigerian forward could be available for around £43m – a potential bargain for a talent who registered 20 goals throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Why Spurs’ £43m target would be even better than Kolo Muani

In an attempt to bolster the front line, Spurs have turned their attention to PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani in recent hours – with a deal rapidly progressing throughout the day.

The Lilywhites have struck an agreement with Luis Enrique’s side to land the 26-year-old attacker, which will see the Frenchman join Frank’s side on a season-long loan.

It’s been reported that Spurs will pay a €5m (£4.3m) loan fee for his signature, with the deal not including any option or obligation to buy this time next year.

His tally of 10 goals in 22 appearances last season highlights the quality he possesses when in front of goal – hopefully handing the manager an option amid Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury.

However, a move for Kolo Muani may even be trumped in the remaining hours – especially if the hierarchy can strike up a late agreement for former Fulham star, Lookman.

The Nigerian has excelled in recent months – as seen by his goalscoring tally – which could make him a superb proposition for Frank and the rest of the frontline.

When comparing his underlying stats to those of Kolo Muani from 2024/25, he managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – highlighting why he’d be a better addition.

Lookman, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Squawka Sport, outscored the PSG star, whilst also achieving a better goal per shot on target rate – subsequently highlighting his added threat in front of goal.

However, in terms of chance creation, the Atalanta star has further dominated, completing more key passes per 90 and more passes into the final third – offering more of an all-round threat in attacking areas.

His talent in possession is further showcased in his higher tallies of take-ons completed and progressive carries made – which could allow him to beat the opposition before finding the back of the net.

£43m for a player of Lookman’s quality in today’s market is an excellent price, subsequently handing Frank the added attacking quality he’s craved throughout the summer window.

If he does join, he could potentially form a deadly partnership with Kolo Muani in North London – which could allow the Lilywhites to build on their Europa League triumph.

Imagine him with Kolo Muani: £70m star Spurs' top target on deadline day

Tottenham Hotspur look set to make another move after agreeing a deal for Randal Kolo Muani.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 1, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a vitória por 1 a 0 contra o Atlético-MG nesta quarta-feira (2), pela partida de ida das oitavas de final da Libertadores, o Palmeiras retornou de Belo Horizonte (MG) e já treinou na manhã desta quinta (3), na Academia de Futebol. O Verdão se prepara para enfrentar o Fluminense neste sábado (5), às 21h, no Maracanã, pela 18ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasHumor EsportivoFelipão e Hulk sofrem com memes após derrota do Atlético-MG para o PalmeirasHumor Esportivo03/08/2023PalmeirasPróximos jogos do Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, datas, horários e calendárioPalmeiras10/10/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras ainda pode contratar jogadores em 2023; entenda como e até quandoPalmeiras03/08/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Após chegarem de madrugada, os jogadores dormiram nos quartos do centro de excelência e acordaram para o café da manhã. Os titulares no Mineirão se dedicaram a atividades regenerativas, enquanto o restante foi a campo e realizou, primeiramente, trabalhos posicionais e, na sequência, uma movimentação técnica com objetivos específicos.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

Gabriel Menino valorizou o resultado conquistado na capital mineira, reforçando a importância da sequência de vitórias seguidas do Verdão. Entretanto, o camisa 25 reiterou que ainda ‘não tem nada definido’ e que a equipe irá trabalhar ainda mais para garantir a classificação no Allianz Parque. O duelo de volta acontece na próxima quarta (9), às 21h30, e o Palmeiras tem a vantagem do empate.

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– É muito bom voltar às vitórias, ainda mais em Libertadores. Não estávamos vencendo jogos e, depois de três vitórias, dá um alívio, nos sentimos mais confiantes. Fizemos uma excelente partida, cada um entregou aquilo que treinamos e conseguiu dar o seu melhor. Graças a Deus, o nosso time está performando igual ao começo do ano e isso é muito bom – disse Menino.

– Jogo de 180 minutos. Já fizemos a primeira parte, agora tem a segunda. Claro que não tem nada definido. Se eles fizerem um gol aqui, já corre o risco de ir para os pênaltis. Vamos trabalhar o dobro para que possamos sair vitoriosos e com a classificação.

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+ Palmeiras ainda pode contratar jogadores em 2023; entenda como e até quando

Por fim, o meia projetou a partida contra o Fluminense deste final de semana, prevendo um confronto equilibrado. Apenas três pontos separam as equipes na tabela de classificação do Brasileirão. O Verdão ocupa a terceira colocação, com 31 pontos, enquanto o Tricolor está na quinta posição, com 28.

– É muito bom enfrentar times grandes e será um jogo difícil contra o Fluminense. Independentemente de quem jogue, vai performar lá em cima como o treinador pede. Todos que estão no Palmeiras têm condições e são capacitados. Todo mundo está treinando hoje, demos o nosso melhor. Estamos um pouco cansados, é normal, chegamos tarde ontem. Mas tenho certeza de que até amanhã estará todo mundo 100% para entregar o dobro no sábado e conseguir os três pontos – concluiu.

O elenco volta a treinar nesta sexta (4), às 10h. Como visitante, o Palmeiras só foi derrotado duas vezes nos últimos 30 jogos de Brasileiro (são 14 vitórias, 14 empates, uma derrota em 2022 e uma derrota em 2023).

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoGabriel MeninoPalmeiras

Tottenham Hotspur are among the main contenders to sign a “tremendous” attacking midfielder, who has now been identified as a priority target.

Spurs looking to sign new attacking midfielder

It has been a solid start to the season for Tottenham, with Thomas Frank being left very impressed by his side’s performance in the 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, despite the fact they were unable to take all three points.

Frank said: “I think this is our best performance of the season. I actually think that overall, if there should have been a winner, it should have been us.

“So many crosses into the box, near chances, missed opportunities. We were physically strong and mentally strong, and that is so important if you want to achieve something.”

Related Tottenham plan "irresistible" offer for £68m midfielder amid Thomas Frank belief

The Dane thinks he could be a game-changing signing.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Sep 21, 2025

Summer signing Mohammed Kudus played a key role in Spurs clawing their way back into the game, with the Ghanaian grabbing two assists, having made a flying start to life in north London.

However, the Lilywhites remain keen on bolstering their attacking ranks even further, having now joined the race for Athletic Bilbao attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who has been identified as a priority target for the upcoming transfer window.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Tottenham have emerged as one of the main contenders for Sancet’s signature. However, there could be rival interest from a number of other Premier League clubs.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa are also named as potential suitors for the attacking midfielder, who could be an expensive addition to the squad, given that there is a €80m (£70m) release clause included in his contract.

Sancet could be "tremendous" signing for Spurs

There are some doubts over whether the 25-year-old would be a necessary signing, given that a deal would be very costly, and Frank is already relatively well-stocked in attacking midfield, having signed Xavi Simons in the summer.

However, the Athletic Bilbao star clearly has the talent to be a success in north London, having received very high praise from sporting director Rafa Alkorta, who said: “Oihan is at a tremendous level. I’m very happy for him. I’ve known him for years, I’ve followed his career, and I think he’s a very important player, probably more important than he thinks, and what he needs is continuity and luck with injuries.”

The Pamplona-born attacker has shown a very good eye for finding the back of the net in recent times, bagging 15 La Liga goals last season, while also impressing with his passing ability over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Non-penalty goals

0.50 (96th percentile)

Pass completion %

82.6% (88th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.22 (80th percentile)

Sancet could be a fantastic acquisition for Tottenham, but when James Maddison returns, Frank will be blessed with a number of attacking midfield options, so it may be best to invest the money into other areas of the squad.

Ellyse Perry has returned to New South Wales after six years playing her state cricket for Victoria.Although limited to 20 WNCL appearances for Victoria due to international commitments, Perry made 1052 runs at 75.14 alongside claiming 13 wickets.Her availability for NSW, who will be the defending WNCL champions, will also be restricted due to Australia duty. Next season she will be at the ODI World Cup during the early part of the season although there may be a window in January ahead of India’s visit for a multi-format series.While at Victoria, Perry has remained a Sydney Sixers player throughout in the WBBL.”The last six years I’ve spent in Melbourne and at Cricket Victoria have been extremely fond ones and I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and memories that I’ll cherish,” Perry said.”I’m really looking forward to being back in Sydney and closer to my family and longtime friends. It’s been lovely to stay in touch with CNSW through the Sixers and I feel very fortunate to be walking back into a world class program.”Leah Poulton, NSW’s head of female elite cricket, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ellyse back home to the Breakers. She’s not only one of the world’s premier cricketers, but also a role model and leader whose impact extends far beyond the field.”Pez’ professionalism, experience, and approach to the game make her an incredible asset to any team, and we’re excited to have her back in our program.”Perry has signed to play for Hampshire in July before linking up with Birmingham Phoenix for the Hundred in August.Australia have a quiet winter season and won’t be in action until an away ODI series against India in September which will provide preparation for the World Cup.

As rumours continue to surround Ruben Amorim’s future, Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign a much-needed midfield reinforcement in 2026.

Ruben Amorim sack update

Despite some reports suggesting that he has just three games to save his Man United job, Amorim reiterated that a meeting with club chiefs was nothing more than routine earlier this week.

Reports claimed that INEOS had already lined up the likes of Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva as potential candidates to replace their struggling manager, but Amorim has since shut down any rumours that he could be on his way out of the club.

The former Sporting Club boss also reiterated that now is not the time to change his 3-4-2-1 system, telling reporters: “No, no, no. Not once [have I thought about changing]. Not even the Pope [can make me], it will not change.”

It’s a decision that continues to split opinion. Amorim’s win-rate suggests that things wouldn’t get worse with a change in system, but he looks unlikely to change things up in the face of yet more disappointing form.

Before the manager changes once again at Old Trafford, INEOS may decide to change the players. Ahead of 2026, Old Trafford chiefs have reportedly set their sights on beating Arsenal to a talented midfield target, who would be an instant upgrade on their current options.

Man Utd racing Arsenal to sign Agoume

As reported by Caught Offside, Man United are now racing Arsenal to sign Lucien Agoume from Sevilla in the January transfer window. The Gunners already made an approach to sign the talented Frenchman in the summer, but their failed move has now potentially left the door ajar for the Red Devils to move in.

Praised for his “amazing” profile by analyst Ben Mattinson, Agoume is the type of player that United should do everything to sign when the chance arrives.

The midfielder is still just 23 years old and about to enter the peak of his powers. If Amorim is looking to replace an ageing Casemiro, then he should look no further than the Sevilla star.

Man Utd keen to sign £70m Champions League star with same agent as Mainoo

He’s a man in-demand…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 20, 2025

Jumping ahead of Arsenal in the race for the midfielder won’t be easy, but United already proved their attraction by landing Benjamin Sesko in the summer.

This could finally be the season for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta has been backed in a massive way in the transfer market, and the objective will be to win every competition the team are in.

Undoubtedly, the most exciting signing the Gunners made in the summer was Eberechi Eze, as his creativity and explosiveness could be just what the club needs.

Moreover, it looks like the North Londoners are brewing another version of the Englishman in a sensational, exciting academy gem.

What Eze will bring to Arsenal

There are a few things Eze will bring to Arsenal this season, and the first is his output.

Despite playing for a mid-table side last season, the Greenwich-born game-changer was able to amass an unreal haul of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes.

In other words, he averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, which should be music to Arteta’s ears considering his side’s goalscoring problems last season.

Appearances

43

Minutes

3303′

Goals

14

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

The next thing the 27-year-old brings to the table is his positional versatility.

While he spent most of last season playing as one of the two tens in Oliver Glasner’s system, he’s also more than comfortable playing out on the left, as we saw on Sunday, and can even play on the right.

Not only will this give Arteta more tactical flexibility, but it means Eze will be able to easily interchange with his teammates during games, making life for opposition defenders even harder.

Finally, the Palace legend will bring excitement to the team. =

The FA Cup-winning maestro can take players on, score from long distance, play quick one-twos and do so many other things that get fans on their feet.

In all, Eze looks to be an incredible signing for Arsenal, and in even more good news, Hale End appears to have spawned another version of him.

Arsenal's new homegrown Eze

Arsenal have a proud history of bringing Hale Enders into the first team; just look at Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

However, in this instance, we are talking about a youngster who is perhaps the most talked about prospect the club has ever had: Max Dowman.

Yes, despite being just 15 years old, it feels like practically everyone and their dog has been talking about the teenager in recent weeks and months.

It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, though, as those with a knowledge of youth football have been talking about him for years, with Hale End expert Will Balsam dubbing him the “biggest talent in England” late last year.

With that said, then, what makes him like a young Eze?

For starters, he has already demonstrated a brilliant ability to play in multiple positions, ranging from out on the wing to attacking midfield and even slightly deeper in central midfield.

On top of that, the Chelmsford-born gem is an output machine.

Appearances

25

Starts

23

Minutes

2104′

Goals

20

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

1.2

Minutes per Goal Involvement

70.13′

In just 25 appearances for the U18s, totalling 2104 minutes, he scored 20 goals and provided ten assists.

In other words, the superstar in the making averaged 1.2 goal involvements every game, or every 70.13 minutes while playing in an age group well beyond his – and he wasn’t even playing up top.

Finally, as fans who’ve watched him this season and in pre-season will tell you, he has the same ‘entertainer gene’ as the former Palace man.

For example, instead of making a safe pass backwards when on the edge of the opposition’s penalty area, he tends to prefer taking the defender on directly.

It was this that won him a penalty against Newcastle United in Singapore and then at home to Leeds United in the Premier League.

Ultimately, Eze looks like he’s going to be one of Arsenal’s most important players over the coming years, but in Dowman, they could have a generational talent on their hands.

Arsenal hit gold on "world-class" star worth way more than Eze & Zubimendi

Arteta and Arsenal have hit the jackpot with this sensational star.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 5, 2025

واصل والد لامين يامال، نجم فريق برشلونة، إثارة الجدل بعد خسارة مباراة الكلاسيكو مساء يوم الأحد في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم ضد ريال مدريد.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، في قمة منافسات الجولة العاشرة من الليجا، حيث خسر حامل اللقب بهدفين لهدف.

وشارك لامين يامال في مباراة الكلاسيكو الأولى لذلك الموسم ولكنه لم يتمكن من فعل أي شيء، ولم يقدم الأداء المطلوب منه.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | “تتحدث كثيرًا”.. لاعب ريال مدريد يوبخ لامين يامال بعد خسارة برشلونة

ورغم ذلك، حرص والد لامين يامال على استفزاز ريال مدريد بعد خسارة الكلاسيكو، بعدما لجأ إلى حسابه الشخصي بموقع إنستجرام عقب إطلاق صافرة النهاية.

وكتب والد لامين يامال: “نحمد الله أنه في عمر الـ18 عامًا فقط، نراكم في برشلونة”، مع استخدام رموز تعبيرية ساخرة.

ويقصد والد لامين يامال أن نجله لا يزال لديه مستع كبير من الوقت، لخوض المزيد من مباريات الكلاسيكو، متوعدًا ريال مدريد في معقل البرسا.

Gio Reyna “could play at most clubs”, USMNT legend Brad Friedel has told GOAL in an exclusive interview, with it possible that a move away from Borussia Dortmund could act as a “stepping stone” back towards another top team. Reyna has ended his six-year association with BVB in order to make a fresh start at Borussia Monchengladbach, with it up to him to prove that undoubted potential can be fully unlocked.

• Time for a change: Why Reyna left Dortmund

  Reyna has been one of the hottest prospects in U.S. soccer for quite some time, having moved to Germany in 2019 after starting out in the academy system at New York City FC. A senior bow was earned with Dortmund at 17 years of age, allowing him to break a youngest debutant record previously held by fellow countryman Christian Pulisic. Big things were expected of the classy playmaker.

  He did go on to make 146 appearances for the Bundesliga giants, but injury problems stunted his progress. A forgettable loan spell at Nottingham Forest in 2024 saw Reyna fail to make an impact in the Premier League. He returned to Signal Iduna Park with serious questions being asked of his future.

  A permanent transfer was finally completed in the summer of 2025, with Reyna opting to remain in a division that he knows well. A three-year contract was signed with Gladbach, meaning that there is still plenty of time for the 22-year-old to catch the eye of another elite outfit.

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  Future transfer: Reyna can reach the very top

  Friedel believes that path can be trodden, with the former USMNT goalkeeper – speaking in association with – telling GOAL: “Absolutely he could (join another top club). Look at his age. For whatever reason, his body has broken down in the manner it has. He needs to figure out why and then build.

  “He could play at most clubs. Sometimes when players get injured you see straight away that the clubs will realise and then make sure he’s out. Gio’s always attached to big clubs or somebody is looking. They know he can play, that’s not the issue. That’s a good thing. Everybody knows the talent is there. Now he has to figure out how to stay fit.”

• Word Cup dream: What Reyna needs to do

  If Reyna can steer clear of the treatment table, then he should get a chance to rub shoulders with the best in the business at a home World Cup in 2026. A move to Gladbach is intended to help get him the regular game time that ongoing development requires.

  Friedel previously told GOAL: “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 [Pochettino] choosing him or not. I don’t like to see anybody get left out because of injury.”

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  Injury issues: Familiar theme for Reyna at Gladbach

  Reyna has taken in two appearances for Gladbach so far, with a 4-0 defeat being endured on debut against Werder Bremen. He lost his starting berth for a meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and only managed 10 minutes off the bench in that contest.

  He has been nursing another fitness issue since then, with thigh problems causing concern, and all too familiar physical ailments are threatening to derail another bid to get his promising career firmly on track.