Latest news with #defensive midfielder
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manchester United told Real Madrid could meddle in midfielder deal
Real Madrid are on the hunt for a new defensive midfielder, as they seek to finally sign a Toni Kroos replacement. They hold a strong interest in Manchester City and Spain superstar Rodri Hernandez, but in fact, it could be another Premier League pivot that they make a move for. That is the opinion of former Premier League striker Troy Deeney, who has told talkSPORT (via CaughtOffside) that Real Madrid could look to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton next summer – provided that Manchester United fail to sign him from Brighton during the current transfer window. 'I think United have to get Baleba this window, or they don't get him. If he has another good season, I do think other teams with Real Madrid and the like will come in and go 'Bosh, we'll have him'. I think if Man United want him…if I'm Ruben Amorim I'm kind of bullish on that. I'd be saying 'get this deal done because then I can get you into Europe'. If they can sign him, he can move them up 10 spaces (in the Premier League standings).' Image viaBaleba would fit Real Madrid's transfer policy to a tee It's clear that Real Madrid want a new defensive midfielder, but they are unlikely to get anyone in before this summer's transfer window closes at the start of September. 2026 will almost certainly be the time to them to strike, and if Rodri is not available at that time, Baleba would be an excellent alternative. At 21, he would be a perfect fit for Real Madrid's transfer policy of signing younger players to become establish stars at the Santiago Bernabeu. They would also not be shy to pay Brighton's asking price for the Cameroon international, so it will be interesting to see whether he is someone that enters their thoughts going into 2026.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fagan hails Dunkley after Dogs win
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has hailed Josh Dunkley as the best defensive midfielder in the AFL following a match-winning turn against his former club the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on Friday. Dunkley was imperious in the middle against the team where he won an AFL premiership in his debut season in 2016. The 28-year-old notched 14 tackles and had 28 disposals to be among the Lions' best as the premiers won a fourth-straight match and improved their hopes of a top four finish. Dunkley joined the Lions ahead of the 2023 season and has played a leading role in the team reaching grand finals in each of his first two years at the club. "If I was picking an All-Australian team, and they wanted to pick a bloke in the midfield who's a really good defensive player, he's the best defensive midfielder in the competition," Fagan said. "And probably the best I've ever seen. "I haven't seen them all, but the way he values that part of the game is just incredible." Another midfield star for the Lions, Hugh McCluggage, also came in for praise after a typically impressive display in his 200th AFL match. "He's getting a little bit of acknowledgement these days about what a good player is," Fagan said of the 27-year-old. "He's never been an All-Australian, but in our eyes he's a star - not just because he's a good footballer. "He's a great team player, and he's an excellent leader, and he's an unbelievable person."
