Latest news with #wingers
The Guardian
12-08-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Football transfer rumours: Real Madrid's Rodrygo to join Manchester City?
Pep Guardiola is the foremost football genius of his generation, revolutionising the game with imaginative tactics such as having the best players and the most money. But he has a particular expertise when it comes to wingers: consider Jack Grealish, now binned to Everton; Savinho, in the process of being binned to Spurs; Jérémy Doku, once fun, now ineffective; Julián Alvarez, binned to be brilliant at Atlético Madrid; Ferran Torres, binned after two seasons; Nolito, binned to Sevilla after a season; all acquired for a combined total of roughly £234.4m. Consequently, one can only imagine Rodrygo's excitement at the prospect of joining Manchester City from Real Madrid, who have decided that, though he offers goals, assists, energy, effort, experience, selflessness, variety, balance and big-game performances, he simply isn't famous enough or attention-seeking enough to remain part of their squad. They value him at £87m – or, if he moves to the Etihad, £29.99 in two years' time. None of this is to decry Guardiola's expertise when it comes to midfielders: in other City news, James McAtee is the latest to be deemed sub-par, following Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Roméo Lavia out of the club. Nottingham Forest are close to agreeing a deal for the 22-year-old and, having paid £52m for Anthony Elanga, expect the price to be somewhere in the region of £9067m; Matheus Nunes, Nico González and Matteo Kovacic are all expected to remain in situ. Elsewhere Chelsea are, of course, in the market. They are contemplating a bid for Piero Hincapié, the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back, but any move may be affected by their apparent antipathy towards Newcastle. Having already deprived them of João Pedro and Liam Delap, they are now trying to give Liverpool £43m for Ibrahima Konaté because, as last season proves, a frequently injured and inattentive defender is a mark of champions. Though this profile would need replacing, Arne Slot might well repurpose some loot for the acquisition of Alexander Isak, who will only contemplate reintegrating or signing a new contract if he is informed there is no prospect of a move to Anfield. Meantime, the feelgood story of the summer continues apace as Eddie Howe seeks a centre-forward, any centre-forward, prepared to play for him. As such, Newcastle are talking to Rennes about Arnaud Kalimuendo … but so too are Brentford, whose negotiations are the more advanced. Stay tuned for yet more heartwarming hilarity. Howe is also interested in Bilal El Khannouss, Leicester's attacking midfielder, but so are Leeds, while Everton, having been rebuffed in various attempts to sign Tyler Dibling, will instead try for Tyler Durden. Should he fail to materialise, they too will contact the KP Stadium, with Abdul Fatawu the target. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Down the East Lancs Road and to Old Trafford where, holding a placard reading 'I AM THE TRUTH', Rasmus Højlund has chained himself to the Manchester United team bus; shortly afterwards, Ruben Amorim ordered its sending to the breaker's yard. However there is interest in the player from Italy, with Inter, Roma and Juventus joining Milan in the chase, but the smart money is on him joining his fellow reject Scott McTominay at Napoli and proving once again the old adage that when you leave United, the only way is stratospheric. Maybe they've got more in common with City than they think.
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Maple Leafs Star Mitch Marner Ahead Of William Nylander In NHL.com's Top Winger Rankings
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is the sixth-best winger in the NHL, according to NHL Network. In an article published on Wednesday, the site—with the help of NHL Network producers and analysts—revealed its top 20 wingers across the league. A few prominent players placed behind Nylander were fellow Swede Adrian Kempe (20), Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (17), Ottawa Senators' Brady Tkachuk (14), and Florida Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk (7). Nylander had a career year with the Maple Leafs, finishing second in goals with 45, behind Edmonton Oilers' forward Leon Draisaitl, who scored 52. He was also second in team scoring with 84 points in 82 games, only trailing Mitch Marner with 102 points. 'Nylander is one of four players to score 40 goals in three straight seasons for the Maple Leafs along with Auston Matthews (five straight, 2019-24), Rick Vaive (1981-84) and Lanny McDonald (1976-79),' wrote. 'Nylander also played all 82 games for the third straight season; his streak of 259 consecutive games played is seventh among active NHL forwards.' NHL 26 Trailer Features Mitch Marner Shooting On Maple Leafs — Does He Score? The time of year has arrived when Electronic Arts teases the latest installment of its popular hockey video game series. On Thursday, the company dropped a two-minute trailer for NHL '26 — and, as expected, they slipped in shots of players sporting their new teams' jerseys. Right in front of the 29-year-old on the list is Marner, who's now with the Vegas Golden Knights. He joined Vegas after a sign-and-trade with Toronto, which featured Nicolas Roy heading back to the Maple Leafs. Marner finished fifth in the NHL for points last season. Dallas Stars' forward Mikko Rantanen (4), Minnesota Wild's Kirill Kaprizov (3), Boston Bruins' David Pastrnak (2), and Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov make up the remainder of the NHL's top wingers. Nicolas Roy Ready for Top-Six Role With Maple Leafs Whenever Called Upon While the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their search for a top-six forward ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season, newly acquired center Nicolas Roy could help fill the gap in the meantime. A fascinating player who was left off the list was Matthew Knies. Although Brady Tkachuk led the Ottawa Senators to their first playoff birth in eight seasons, Knies finished last year with more points in the regular season (29 goals and 29 assists). However, it's worth mentioning that Brady had more playoff points (seven in six games) than Knies (three goals) in the first-round series between Toronto and Ottawa, which the Maple Leafs won in six games. Nylander tallied nine points (three goals and six assists) in the series. Two-Time Stanley Cup Winner Kyle Clifford Retires, Joins Maple Leafs In Player Development Role Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Kyle Clifford is calling it a career. Despite being on summer break, Nylander has had a massive offseason. First, he was named one of six players to represent Team Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan this February. The Swede was also awarded the GuldPucken this week, given to the top Swedish hockey player of the year. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News: Former Maple Leafs Star Mitch Marner Ahead Of William Nylander In Top Winger Rankings
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Minnesota Wild's Matt Boldy Ranked As Top-20 Winger In NHL
The NHL Network is putting together some lists of the top players in the NHL among different positions before the 2025-26 season starts. They just dropped the top-20 wingers in the NHL list. No surprise that Nikita Kucherov was number one for the second year in a row. Among the list, four of them were not ranked last year. Matt Boldy is one of those four. Boldy, 24, recorded 27 goals during the 2024-25 season and played in all 82 games. He recorded career-highs in assists with 46, points with 73 and game-winning goals with ten. In all six playoff games for the Wild, Boldy recorded five goals and seven points. He had one game-winning goal in the series as well. His impressive playoff performance and a great regular season has put him among some of the best wingers in the NHL. We will see what Boldy has in store for the 2025-26 season and if he can jump a little higher on the list next season. Wild's Marco Rossi Continues To Have A Big Offseason, Up 14 Pounds Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi is known for his work ethic. He has already had a big offseason by training with Hall of Fame center Joe Thornton. Son Of Former Minnesota Wild Forward Commits To University Of Minnesota Long-time NHL forward Matt Cullen's son just announced his commitment to playing hockey for the University of Minnesota. Wyatt is one of three Cullen brothers, all who play hockey. Former Minnesota Wild Forward Signs Two-Year Contract With The Pittsburgh Penguins The Minnesota Wild traded forwards Marat Khusnutdinov and Jakub Lauko, along with a 2026 sixth round pick, to the Boston Bruins for forward Justin Brazeau at the traded deadline.
BBC News
05-08-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Electric wingers' spark exciting Rangers into life
Brian Laudrup's name was not one many would have expected to be evoked when discussing Rangers wide men in the 3-0 thumping of Viktoria Plzen. Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson did admit it was ridiculously premature to suggest Djeidi Gassama or Oliver Antman could ever make the sort of impact the iconic Dane did at Ibrox. But the comparison served to underline the impression the dynamic wingers had made on him and the Rangers fans as they ripped the Czech side to shreds in this Champions League third qualifying round first has exploded onto the scene since signing from Sheffield Wednesday. His two fabulous goals, one in each leg, helped drag Rangers through a treacherous assignment against Panathinaikos and over the first hurdle on the road to the Champions Antman on the other flank offering similar pace, footwork and eye for goal just one day after joining the club, Rangers looked a team that had found a new gear."I can't remember the last time Rangers had two electric wingers on the pitch at the same time," said former Ibrox midfielder Andy Halliday on Sportscene. "For such a long period of time, it's been such a problem for Rangers." What made them so dangerous? Antman left his prints all over the game on his Rangers Finnish winger - signed from Go Ahead Eagles, where he scored six goals and provided 15 assists in 32 games last term - was unlucky not to score when he saw a goal-bound effort blocked on the line. He was brought down in the box after a surging run that resulted in the penalty that was tucked away by Cyriel Dessers. His cross was measured to perfection for Gassama to knock inthe third goal to give Rangers daylight in the tie. "I think you can see why we wanted to sign him," said Rangers head coach Russell Martin of the 23-year-old, who has agreed a four-year deal. "He's game, he's willing, he's really competitive and he has moments of real quality."Gassama's performance also drew praise from the head Mauritania-born 21-year-old has now scored four goals in as many games since joining from Sheffield Wednesday in July - 50% of what he delivered in 47 matches last of those goals have come in the Champions League, making them even more valuable to the Ibrox club given the potential riches on offer."We spoke about the need for some winger-to-winger goals and Gassama is really stepping up in terms of intensity, he really wants to score," Martin added."We showed him a lot of clips when we signed him where he ends up too far away from goal. He's taken on the information really, really well." What did the pundits say? Former Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands:"Antman has shown fantastic promise. He's looking very, very exciting and he has a bundle of pace. And I love how Gassama attacks the back post. "I love watching two wingers running in behind and they can make a fantastic partnership. It will definitely get fans out of their seats."Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday:"I was so impressed with Antman. He had everything. His work rate was excellent and he did a great job."You can already see why he got so many assists last season. He doesn't just drive it into the box, he tries to pick players out."Gassama is direct, quick and great 1v1. He was a constant threat and caused defenders a lot of problems."Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson:"The wingers gave Rangers an injection of pace in the final third was clearly missing against Motherwell. "Antman was sensational. He's very direct and lightning quick and I can't remember him giving the ball away. His decision making was spot on."Former Rangers forward Steven Thompson:"The penetration Antman has brought to this side has been absolutely brilliant. What an impact. They just look so much more dangerous."
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Johnston poised for £5m move to Flamengo'
Glasgow-born Republic of Ireland winger Mikey Johnston is closing in on a transfer to Flamengo after the Brazilian club made a formal approach to West Bromwich Albion of around £5m for the 26-year-old. (Express and Star) Mikey Johnston is travelling to Rio after West Bromwich Albion accepted a £5m offer from Flamengo, with Celtic having a sell-on agreement for the winger. (Barry Anderson on X) Advertisement Celtic are eyeing £3m-rated Swedish winger Isak Jansson after the 23-year-old's impressive campaign with Rapid Vienna. (Scottish Sun On Sunday) Rangers are chasing 22-year-old winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who is back with Crystal Palace after his loan spell with Sheffield United, but the Ibrox club want to either take him on loan or lower the asking fee of £10m. (Scottish Sun On Sunday) Rangers have checked details about 21-year-old winger Weslley Patati and are expected to submit an official offer to Maccabi Tel Aviv for the Brazilian in the coming days. (One) Besiktas have offered Wolfsburg £6m for Vaclav Cerny after Rangers failed to take up the option of signing the 27-year-old Czech Republic winger permanently after his loan when the German club asked for more than £10m. (Super Haber) Advertisement Jack MacKenzie, the 25-year-old left-back who has joined Plymouth Argyle from Aberdeen this summer, says there was never any prospect of him signing another Scottish club despite reports linking him with Rangers. (Sunday Mail) Burkina Faso winger Pierre Landry Kabore was not in Narva Trans' squad for their game on Saturday with the 24-year-old expected to join Heart of Midlothian this week. (Joel Sked on X) James Penrice's £2m transfer to AEK Athens from Hearts includes a sell-on agreement for the Edinburgh club to receive an additional payment for the left-back they signed from Livingston for free. (Edinburgh Evening News) Dundee United are poised to miss out on Kyle Vassell, with the 32-year-old striker in advanced talks with Colorado Rapids after leaving Kilmarnock. (Sunday Mail) Advertisement Dunfermline Athletic head coach Neil Lennon says they are closing in on a deal for 19-year-old defender Alasdair Davidson, who has been on trial after leaving Celtic, but he has decided not to pursue former Cove Rangers goalkeeper Balint Damus. (Daily Record)
