Tim Southee replaces Bharat Arun, who has moved to LSG ahead of the upcoming season
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-2025
Tim Southee played for KKR from 2021 to 2023•BCCI
Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast-bowling great, has been appointed Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) bowling coach for IPL 2026, as reported by ESPNcricinfo earlier.”We are delighted to welcome Tim Southee back to the KKR family, this time in a coaching capacity,” KKR chief executive Venky Mysore said in a statement. “Tim’s vast experience and technical expertise will be instrumental in shaping our bowling unit. His leadership qualities and calm approach make him an ideal mentor for our young bowlers.”Southee, who hasn’t retired as a cricketer but has taken on coaching assignments over the past year, including with the England men’s national team, said returning to KKR, who he represented as a player, felt like a natural step.Related
Shane Watson joins KKR as assistant coach
Abhishek Nayar appointed KKR head coach ahead of IPL 2026
“KKR has always felt like home to me, and it’s an honour to return in this new role,” he said. “The franchise has an incredible culture, passionate fans, and a great group of players. I look forward to working closely with the bowlers and helping the team achieve success in IPL 2026.”His appointment came amid significant changes to KKR’s coaching group, now headed by Abhishek Nayar.Former bowling coach Bharat Arun and spin coach Carl Crowe have both moved to Lucknow Super Giants, while Ottis Gibson, who served as assistant coach last season, has exited the setup. Shane Watson has joined as their new assistant coach, and Dwayne Bravo continues in his role as team mentor.Southee had a long but somewhat up-and-down IPL career as a player. Between 2011 and 2023, he represented Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians, before joining KKR in 2021, where he remained until 2023. He has 31 wickets from 43 matches in the IPL, with his best season coming with KKR, in 2022, when he claimed 14 wickets in nine matches.
As saídas de Cássio, novo goleiro do Cruzeiro, e Paulinho, que se despediu do Corinthians após coletiva realizada na manhã desta quarta-feira (29), abrem uma lacuna no vestiário. Ao lado de Fagner, a dupla era responsável por vestir a braçadeira de capitão e liderar o clube, seja dentro ou fora de campo.
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➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians
Sem a presença dos veteranos no dia a dia, a equipe comandada por António Oliveira terá que formar novas referências, mesmo que os principais candidatos tenham pouca experiência como atletas do Corinthians.
Questionado a respeito do tema, Paulinho afirmou que existem jogadores no atual elenco com perfil de liderança e indicou alguns nomes para assumir essa responsabilidade.
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Dentro de um grupo, pode-se formar vários (líderes). Mas eu vejo o Raniele, o próprio Garro. O Fagner, que é uma referência dentro do clube, é uma liderança. Ele é uma liderança na forma que vive a vida. O próprio Carlos Miguel pode surgir para isso. Liderança é normal surgir, mas não tem que ser forçada. Liderei calado nos últimos anos porque outros faziam melhor
explicou Paulinho
Mesmo com o futuro incerto no clube, o lateral-direito Fagner será responsável por conduzir essa reformulação no vestiário da equipe. Com contrato até o fim da temporada, o jogador negocia sua permanência com a diretoria corintiana, mas as partes ainda não chegaram a um acordo.
O técnico António Oliveira é um dos principais responsáveis por fazer lobby pela permanência do lateral-direito. Para o treinador português, o jogador tem que ser preservado.
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– Todos nós gostávamos muito do Cássio, mesma situação com o Paulo. As novas lideranças emergem. Como eu falei, elas não são impostas. Esse grupo não tem essa dificuldade, é um plantel de gente que gosta de aprender uns com os outros. Agora, sem Cássio e Paulinho, quero que preservem o Fagner. Ouço muito, mas é uma pessoa extraordinária, que se entrega de corpo e alma. Na minha opinião é top 3 do Brasil na posição. É um ídolo do clube por tudo o que já viveu e pelo respeito que tem do grupo – disse António Oliveira.
Pela quinta temporada consecutiva na final do Paulistão, o Palmeiras de Abel Ferreira terá apenas um treino antes de enfrentar o Santos pelo primeiro jogo da final do Paulista 2024.
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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
O sábado será especial na Academia de Futebol muito por conta da apresentação do meia Rômulo, que já se despediu do Novorizontino e vai fazer os primeiros trabalhos no alviverde imponente neste sábado.
A informação foi dada pelo portal ‘Nosso Palestra’, e agora o Verdão corre contra o tempo para tentar inscrever o ex-camisa 10 do Novorizontino na Libertadores. Rômulo deve ter a sua situação regularizada até às 15h (horário de Brasília) desta segunda-feira (1), para ser relacioanado para a estreia do Palmeiras na Libertadores, diante do San Lorenzo, na Argentina.
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Fã de Raphael Veiga, Rômulo é o quinto reforço do Palmeiras para esta temporada e chega com contrato de cinco anos, válido até o final de 2028.
➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários do Paulistão
Abel Ferreira deve confirmar o time titular que entra em campo neste domingo (31), na Vila Belmiro e o Verdão não deve ter mudanças dos últimos dois jogos, diante da Ponte Preta e Novorizontino.
يكثف النادي الأهلي تحركاته في سوق الانتقالات الشتوية بحثًا عن تدعيمات جديدة، في ظل رغبة الجهاز الفني في إضافة عناصر قادرة على تقديم الإضافة الفنية خلال المرحلة المقبلة، بما يتناسب مع طموحات الفريق محليًا وقاريًا.
وتعمل إدارة القلعة الحمراء على إنهاء عدد من الملفات المفتوحة خلال الفترة الحالية، مستهدفة حسم الصفقات مبكرًا لتجنب الدخول في صراعات تفاوضية مع أندية أخرى، وضمان الاستقرار قبل استئناف المنافسات الرسمية.
اقرأ أيضًا | “غناء الراب” يُهدد إتمام صفقة الأهلي الجديدة
وعلم بطولات أن الأهلي دخل في مفاوضات مكثفة مع الرجاء البيضاوي المغربي لحسم صفقة الظهير الأيسر يوسف بلعمري خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.
وبحسب مصادر خاصة، فإن قيمة الصفقة المطروحة من جانب الأهلي تبلغ نحو 500 ألف دولار، في محاولة لإقناع النادي المغربي بالموافقة على رحيل اللاعب خلال يناير، رغم تمسكهم بالحصول على قيمة الشرط الجزائي في عقده بقيمة مليون دولار.
وأكدت المصادر أن يوسف بلعمري أبدى موافقته المبدئية على الانتقال إلى الأهلي، ورحب بخوض تجربة جديدة خارج أسوار الرجاء خلال الفترة المقبلة.
ويحاول الأهلي استغلال تعثر مفاوضات الرجاء مع اللاعب بشأن تجديد عقده، من أجل ممارسة ضغط تفاوضي يسهل إتمام الصفقة في أسرع وقت ممكن.
وتسعى إدارة الأهلي إلى إنهاء الصفقة بشكل رسمي خلال الأيام المقبلة، في ظل قناعة فنية بقدرات اللاعب، ورغبة في تدعيم الجبهة اليسرى قبل المرحلة الحاسمة من الموسم.
O ex-jogador do Flamengo, Léo Moura, contou que fez de tudo para que seu filho fosse rubro-negro. Confira no player acima, o trecho da entrevista exclusiva ao Lance!.
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➡️Mengão vai subir a montanha! Aposte R$100 no Lance! Betting e ganhe R$300 para vitória do Flamengo sobre o Bolívar-BOL
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– Eu fiz de tudo que você possa imaginar. Eu fiz de tudo para que ele fosse rubro-negro, porque aqui em casa todo mundo é. Não tem ninguém na família que é (tricolor), fora o padrinho, que foi um dos responsáveis por isso. Não tem ninguém que é tricolor. Já fui em jogos. Levei ele no CT, na sala do Dorival. Falei: “Me ajuda”. A gente foi conversando e ele entendendo ali. Fomos em vários jogos, mas eu não via nele aquela vibração. Aí eu falei: “Vou ter que respeitar”.
Manchester United’s fans have been hugely disappointed over the last 12 years, with the club unable to reach the heights that were set under the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The Scotsman led the Red Devils to a staggering 13 Premier League titles, but since his retirement in 2013, the first-team have only been able to muster multiple second-place finishes.
Ruben Amorim will no doubt want to end such a drought, but the 2024/25 campaign was the polar opposite of what he would have had in mind after taking the reins in November.
The 15th-place finish was unacceptable, especially given the expectations of the fanbase, but the recent run of three wins in a row has highlighted glimpses of a turnaround in form.
However, the upcoming January transfer window will present a new opportunity for the manager to further invest in the squad and bolster the options at his disposal.
United’s hunt for added additions in January
Over the past couple of days, United have been named as one of the sides interested in a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jobe Bellingham in the January window.
The Englishman only moved to the Bundesliga during the summer, but after just two starts in 2025/26, he could be set for a quick exit to gain valuable minutes to aid his progression.
A £42m price tag has been mooted as a result, but other teams such as Crystal Palace and Sunderland are also in the race for his signature at present.
However, he’s not the only player in their sights, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao another top-level star who’s reportedly being scouted by the Red Devils hierarchy.
According to TEAMtalk, the Portuguese international would be “very keen” on a Premier League switch, with Arsenal and Chelsea just two other sides in contention for his services.
Their report also states that the 26-year-old does have a €150m (£132m) release clause in his contract, but it remains unclear if the Italian side would be willing to negotiate a cut-price deal.
Why United’s £132m target is even better than Mbeumo
The summer gave Amorim and United the perfect chance to improve the first-team squad, with the hierarchy forking out a fee in the region of £71m for attacker Bryan Mbeumo.
The Cameroonian international was a key target for multiple sides in the division, but ultimately, it was the Red Devils who came out on top to win the race for his services.
Many people raised eyebrows at the mammoth fee, especially after one solid year in the top-flight with 20 goals, but it’s safe to say the money spent looks worthwhile just a handful of games into his spell.
The 26-year-old has already found the net on five occasions within his first ten outings for the club, already sitting as the club’s top goalscorer at present.
Mbeumo has nailed his starting role down in Amorim’s system, but that could be about to change beyond January – especially if a deal is agreed for Leao.
There’s no denying it would be a hefty investment given the recent spending at Old Trafford, yet it could be one that takes the current first-team squad to the next level.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the current season, the Portuguese star has managed to outperform the current United star in countless key areas.
How Leao & Mbeumo compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Leao
Mbeumo
Games played
5
9
Goals scored
3
5
Minutes per goal
91
193
Progressive carries
4.1
3.1
Progressive passes
3.3
2.3
Take-ons completed
2.3
0.8
Pass accuracy
75%
74%
Key passes completed
1.9
1.8
Passes into the 18-yard box
1.5
0.8
Stats via FBref
Leao may have scored slightly fewer goals in 2025/26, but he has posted a better minute per goal ratio – showcasing his clinical nature within the final third.
With the ball at his feet, the Milan star has dominated Mbeumo, posting a higher tally of take-ons per 90 and subsequently achieving a higher success rate.
Finding a teammate is also another strong point of his game, as seen by his higher tallies of key passes and passes into the opposition box per 90 in 2025/26.
Such numbers would allow the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha to also hit the ground running in Manchester after their own big-money transfers this summer.
To top off his dominance over the current Red Devils star, Leao has produced more progressive passes and progressive carries per 90 – highlighting his ability to get the ball into forward areas at any given opportunity.
£132m is an absurd amount of money, with United having to break the current English transfer record to secure his signature if the Serie A side are unwilling to negotiate.
However, it’s evidently clear that the 26-year-old is a phenomenal talent, levels above Mbeumo, with the hierarchy needing to jump at the chance of landing him in January.
Not Cunha or Mbeumo: Man Utd gem is becoming one of the "best in the world"
Manchester United have yet another world-class star on their hands under Ruben Amorim.
Leeds United fans have been blessed with some outrageous attackers to cheer on over recent years.
The obvious names that immediately spring to mind here are the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, and Raphinha, but Pablo Hernandez is also deserving of equal levels of adoration from the Elland Road masses for the magic he regularly conjured up during his time in West Yorkshire.
Hernandez would notch up a stunning 36 goals and 39 assists for the Whites in the Championship during Marcelo Bielsa’s heyday at the helm, with the much-loved Leeds boss even going out of his way to laud his Spanish playmaker as a “silent leader” who can “harm the opponent” at a moment’s notice.
Unfortunately, though, the silky attacking midfielder would only go on to collect a measly two assists for the West Yorkshire titans in the Premier League.
Noah Okafor has already matched that same amount of goal contributions for the newly promoted Whites in the here and now, as the electric Swiss international attempts to go down in his new club’s history books as a similarly entertaining spark.
Okafor's promising Leeds start
Much like Hernandez, too, Okafor has already been showered with plenty of lavish praise when pulling on Leeds white.
Leeds-based content creator Oscar Mario has dubbed the ex-AC Milan attacker as a “difference-maker” for Farke’s side, with the two goals that he’s already confidently put away this season, undoubtedly placing him in the same bracket as the captivating Spaniard before him.
With Okafor also constantly looking to bomb forward with pace to carve out an opening – as seen in him ridiculously completing six successful dribbles versus Wolverhampton Wanderers – it’s very clear that he could go on to be a fan favourite in the same ilk as Hernandez, only this time, with the talent to be a success in the top-flight.
Yet, with no assists next to his name as of the time of writing, he hasn’t quite hit the same creative peak as the former Leeds number 19 just yet, with an unexpected creative force elsewhere in Farke’s camp perhaps more in line to be viewed as a Hernandez-type talent, with the star in question boasting league-best numbers in this regard.
The Leeds star showing shades of Hernandez
While Hernandez was known for firing home an audacious strike or two during his five-season stint in England, he is definitely more commonly remembered as an ace who could “change the course of a game” with an “exceptional” assist, as former Leeds player Noel Whelan once put it.
His 2018/19 offering in the second tier for Bielsa’s Whites saw the quick-witted midfielder create a mammoth 16 big chances in total, with Sean Longstaff potentially heading towards the same jaw-dropping numbers in the Premier League for Farke’s men this campaign, if his early scintillating form in the tough division is anything to go by.
Longstaff’s PL numbers for Leeds (25/26)
Stat – per 90 mins*
Longstaff
Games played
9
Goals scored
1
Assists
2
Touches*
46.2
Accurate passes*
27.1 (85%)
Key passes*
2.0
Big chances created
5
Tackles*
3.0
Ball recoveries*
3.0
Total duels won*
5.0
Stats by Sofascore
Indeed, Longstaff has looked a man reborn since leaving boyhood employers Newcastle United behind this summer for a modest £12m, with five big chances already created by Leeds’ new star man, putting him at the very top of the list of the Premier League’s most effective playmakers.
If he can keep this unbelievable run of form going, he could give Hernandez’s Championship peak a run for its money.
The “outstanding” number eight – as Farke has also already lovingly labelled him – further has the necessary bite in his game to be a long-term success at the very pinnacle of English football, with tackles and duels also won aplenty this season, when looking at the table above, away from just offering up an incisive pass.
Ultimately, Farke will just want all of his troops to come together and battle hard to ensure relegation is staved off.
But, with Longstaff in the same conversations as Bruno Fernandes in what he offers going forward, he will hope his unbelievable start in West Yorkshire can be kept up, as he strives to be the driving force that pushes his new side way away from the relegation zone come next May.
Farke has found a new Dallas-type player in “unbelievable” Leeds star
Daniel Farke has now stumbled upon Leeds United’s next Stuart Dallas-type figure in this unbelievable star.
تحدث أحمد عبد الرؤوف المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، عن مواجهة كايزر تشيفز الجنوب إفريقي ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.
ويلتقي الزمالك مع كايزر تشفيز، في الثالثة عصر غدًا السبت، في الجولة الثانية من عمر مواجهات دور المجموعات لبطولة الكونفدرالية.
وقال عبد الرؤوف خلال المؤتمر الصحفي: “نحن نمثل اسمًا كبيرًا في القارة، وندخل المباراة بهدف واحد وهو العودة بالنقاط الثلاث والبداية الناجحة في البطولة كانت مهمة لنا”.
وأضاف:” نأمل استمرار الانتصارات أمام كايزر تشيفز الذي نعرف جيدًا قيمته وإمكاناته، خصوصًا قبل خوض مباراتي المصري المقبلتين في القاهرة”.
طالع.. خاص | عقوبة ضد المهدي سليمان في الزمالك.. واجتماع منتظر
وأضاف:”غياب لاعبين بحجم عبد الله السعيد ودونجا بلا شك مؤثر، لكن الزمالك يضم عناصر قادرة على تعويض أي نقص، والمجموعة الحالية تمتلك الجودة الكافية لتقديم المطلوب داخل الملعب”.
وأكمل:”مررنا بظروف معقدة بعد السوبر المحلي، وفي لقاء زيسكو لم نستغل الفرص كما يجب واكتفينا بهدف، إلى جانب بعض الأخطاء التي نعمل على تصحيحها، لكن الأهم أننا خرجنا بالفوز”.
وأفاد:”كايزر تشيفز فريق منظم ولديه طريقة لعب واضحة، والجماهير تمثل عنصر قوة حقيقي لهم على ملعبهم، لذلك نتوقع مباراة كبيرة بين فريقين لديهما تاريخ وثقل”.
واستمر:”الحديث عن شكل المنافسة في المجموعة بناءً على نتيجة مباراة واحدة فقط غير منطقي، ما زالت أمامنا مواجهات مهمة، وأركز دائمًا على أن يكون أداء الفريق امتدادًا لتاريخ الزمالك وليس لمستقبلي الشخصي”.
وأتم: “أعلم أن الجماهير قد لا ترضى أحيانًا عن الأداء، لكن الانتصار غدًا سيمنح اللاعبين دفعة قوية لمواصلة المشوار بثبات”.
Derbyshire four-down at the close with an uphill battle awaiting them
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay31-Jul-2025
Rob Keogh made a fine century in a 208-run stand for the seventh wicket•Getty Images
Derbyshire 377 (Andersson 105, Chahal 6-118) and 52 for 4 trail Northamptonshire 550 for 9 dec (Broad 171, Keogh 125*) by 121 runsAllrounder Justin Broad hit a brilliant 171, his second score in excess of 150 this month amid a Northamptonshire run-fest against Derbyshire at Wantage Road as the hosts racked up a mammoth 550 for nine declared.Returning from a wrist injury, Broad struck 18 fours and a six, following his maiden first-class ton, 157 not out at Canterbury at the beginning of July. On a day of records, his 171 was the highest score ever made by a number seven from any team against Derbyshire.With Rob Keogh also striking an excellent unbeaten 125, the pair put on 208, the highest seventh-wicket partnership for Northamptonshire against Derbyshire as the visitors’ attack wilted in the afternoon sunshine.Luis Reece was the pick of Derbyshire’s bowlers, finishing with figures of three for 114.Northamptonshire declared 173 ahead and reduced Derbyshire to 52 for four at stumps, Indian legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal picking up two wickets in two balls. It leaves the visitors with a mountain to climb on a pitch offering turn and bounce, still trailing by 121 at the end of day three of this Rothesay County Championship fixture.Earlier, resuming on 265 for five, Broad and George Bartlett extended their sixth-wicket partnership to 127, also the highest for Northamptonshire against Derbyshire. But after posting 66, his highest score this season, Bartlett was trapped lbw by a Ben Aitchison delivery which nipped back and kept low.Broad and Keogh though looked relatively untroubled by a lacklustre Derbyshire bowling display throughout the morning as they focused on building a partnership and taking a first innings lead, picking up a handful of boundaries along the way. Broad, 64 overnight, deployed the pull against Zak Chappell and on drove handsomely, while Keogh swept and reverse swept against Joe Hawkins’ spin.Broad lunched nervously on 99, but despite flashing outside off stump against Martin Andersson after the break, he took a single off Hawkins to celebrate his first century at home.With the scoring rate accelerating, Keogh drove Andersson sweetly through midwicket to reach his second successive half-century off 112 balls and crunched Andersson through extra cover to bring up the 100 partnership and put Northamptonshire ahead. Broad then punched Blair Tickner down the ground for another boundary.Derbyshire plugged away, trying several short-term experiments to try to force a breakthrough. Andersson bowled consistently wide outside off-stump to Broad, while Aitchison reverted to bowling spin. Then for Chappell, three fielders were stationed in the area between mid-on and short midwicket.But Northamptonshire’s batters continued unabated, Keogh cutting Tickner to backward point to bring up the 150-partnership before passing the previous highest seventh-wicket stand (163) by Josh Cobb and David Willey at Derby in 2015.Frequent Northamptonshire milestones continued to keep the public address announcer busy, Keogh turning Andersson away for two to bring up his century, Broad taking a single next ball off Hawkins to reach his 150.In a scrappy passage of play before tea, Derbyshire’s tired fielders shelled three catches, but picked up one vital wicket in between. First, Keogh, on 101, swept Hawkins firmly to short midwicket where Madsen put down a straightforward chance. Then after Broad smashed Reece through extra cover, Caleb Jewell dropped one at backward point off an attempted reverse sweep.Undeterred, Broad and Keogh celebrated their 200 partnership, Broad swinging Reece for six into the sightscreen as Northamptonshire accelerated further. Broad’s 273-ball knock finally ended though when he hit Reece down the ground again but was caught just inside the ropes.George Scrimshaw won an immediate reprieve when Aitchinson failed to hold a one-handed grab at first slip off Reece. But his intentions were evident as he quickly went on the offensive against Hawkins.Tickner struck after tea castling Scrimshaw with a full and straight delivery, but Keogh found good support from Liam Guthrie (22), Northamptonshire declaring when Hawkins had the Australian caught hitting down the ground.Derbyshire’s reply started ominously when Jewell flashed outside off, Ricardo Vasconcelos snatching the ball at first slip.Promoted to opener Zak Chappell made 22 before Chahal’s double strike. First Chappell reverse swept straight to backward point, then Harry Came was lbw playing back to a slider. Finally skipper Wayne Madsen edged Keogh to Broad at first slip to further compound Derbyshire’s woes.
As has been widely reported, Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy is now the overwhelming favourite to become the new Celtic manager.
The Frenchman has held talks with the Celtic board over the weekend, as the Scottish champions continue to search for a replacement for Brendan Rodgers, who surprisingly resigned last month.
Nancy has won MLS Cup and Leagues Cup in charge of the Crew, also leading the Black and Gold to a first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup Final, and could be appointed Celtic manager sooner rather than later, after Columbus’ season came to an end in the first round of the MLS play-offs, ousted by cross-state rivals FC Cincinnati.
Across all 136 matches in charge of Columbus, as well as 79 as CF Montréal head coach beforehand, Nancy has always deployed a back three, usually a 3-4-2-1 shape, so it’ll be interesting to see if he sticks with that, in a Rúben Amorim-esque fashion, or is more adaptable, given the depleted squad at his disposal.
Currently seven points adrift Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, irrespective of who the new manager is, expect Celtic to be busy in the January transfer window, so here is the dream XI they could build should Nancy take over.
1 GK – Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel
Despite the fact he’s now 39 years old, Kasper Schmeichel remains a consistent performer in the Celtic goal.
To date, the Danish veteran has kept 33 clean sheets in 67 appearances for the Celts, conceding only 63 goals, seven of these shutouts coming in 11 Premiership outings so far this year.
On top of this, according to Squawka, he boasts a save percentage of 75.35% in the Premiership across this season and last, which does drop slightly to 69.57% when looking at the Europa League, albeit only Jari De Busser of Go Ahead Eagles and Ștefan Târnovanu of Steaua București have made more than his 16 saves in this season’s league phase.
Thus, with Schmeichel’s contract expiring next summer, following the World Cup, who knows what his future holds but, for now, Nancy can rely on the Great Dane.
2 RB – Alistair Johnston
Right now, Alistair Johnston is one of numerous key Celtic players sidelined due to injury, seeing just 26 minutes of action since suffering a serious hamstring tear against Kairat in mid-August, but, once fit again, will be a key figure in Nancy’s side, as he was in Québec three years ago.
3 CB – Cameron Carter-Vickers
Another major absentee right now is Cameron Carter-Vickers.
In the same match Johnston reaggravated his hamstring issue, the 2-1 Europa League victory over Sturm Graz, Carter-Vickers suffered a ruptured achilles tendon which will see him sidelined for around six months, all but ending his hopes of representing the United States on home soil next summer.
Since arriving under Ange Postecoglou in the summer of 2021, Carter-Vickers has been one of the first names on the team sheet at Parkhead, racking up 172 appearances in hoops, in the opinion of many, Celtic’s best centre-back since Virgil van Dijk, so Nancy will surely make him a central pillar, even if he’ll have to wait to do so.
4 CB – Axel Disasi: new signing
In the absence of Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey are Celtic’s current central defensive options, hence why they’re expected to target a reinforcement or two in January.
Well, according to reports, Celtic have been offered the chance to sign a trio of Chelsea exiles this winter, namely Raheem Sterling, Deivid Washington and, the one likely to be of the most interest, Alex Disasi.
The France international signed for the Blues for £38.5m from Monaco in the summer of 2023, putting pen to paper on a six-year contract, but has been completely frozen out by Enzo Maresca.
After spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, Disasi did not find a new club before the summer transfer window slammed shut, thereby in the proverbial wilderness at Cobham, so could be available on loan in January, and the arrival of his compatriot Nancy could tempt him north of the border.
5 LB – Kieran Tierney
Back at the very start of the summer transfer window, when Celtic supporters were optimistic and loving life, Kieran Tierney’s return was celebrated like a title triumph.
Since rejoining, the left-back’s minutes have been carefully managed, albeit a long-term injury suffered by deputy Marcelo Saracchi means that won’t be quite so straightforward.
Nevertheless, regardless of whether Nancy wants to play a back three or a four, he’ll surely relish working with Tierney.
6 CDM – Callum McGregor
Celtic managers come and go but no matter who is in charge, Callum McGregor is an omnipresent figure.
The 32-year-old has now made 538 appearances in hoops, winning 24 major honours, looking to add to his haul in December when he will lead the side out in the League Cup Final against St Mirren, having scored this thunderbolt against Rangers in the semis.
McGregor’s in-possession quality, off-the-ball work-rate and leadership skills will be invaluable for any incoming manager, so his name will continue to be written in permanent marker on the team sheet.
7 CAM – Benjamin Nygren
While many of Celtic’s summer signings have been underwhelming, Benjamin Nygren has been very impressive.
Many believed the Swede had been signed to replace Nicolas Kühn on the right-wing, but instead he has established himself as a first-choice member of the midfield trio, scoring six times already, including this winner against Sturm Graz, securing the Celts’ sole Europa League victory to date.
The 24-year-old then increased his stock further this weekend, bagging his third goal for Sweden as they were beaten by Switzerland at Stade de Genève. Thus, Nancy, or any other manager, will surely be impressed by what he’s seen.
8 CAM – Reo Hatate
There are plenty of candidates to complete Celtic’s midfield trio, with Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan among those vying for this spot, but Reo Hatate is still the Celts’ best option.
Since arriving in January 2022, the Japanese midfield maestro has scored 29 goals and registered 29 assists for the club, including this thunderous strike at Pittodrie in August.
Hatate’s form has been a bit up and down in recent times, but his quality remains undeniable, so he’ll be hoping to get back to his best under Nancy.
9 RW – Jota
We’ve already mentioned Carter-Vickers and Johnston, but the other Celtic star on the sidelines long-term is Jota.
Similar to Tierney, Jota returned to Celtic to a huge amount of fanfare in January, but suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury at Tannadice in April, so is expected to return around Christmas time, which will be a timely mid-season boost.
The Portuguese winger remains the Celts’ joint-record sale, moving to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia for £25m two years ago, but back in Glasgow, he will look to further enhance his reputation among the fan base.
10 LW – Diego Rossi: new signing
According to a report by Give Me Sport, Daizen Maeda will push to leave Celtic in January, having been denied the opportunity to depart during the summer, looking to cement his spot in Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan squad ahead of the World Cup; numerous Premier League clubs are reportedly interested.
Maeda would leave a huge void, but could Nancy replace him with a player he knows rather well?
Having starred at LAFC before an unsuccessful stint at Fenerbahçe, Nancy brought forward Diego Rossi to Columbus Crew, worth every penny of the $6.63m transfer fee paid, considering the Uruguayan international scored 45 goals in 101 games for the Black and Gold, including 16 in MLS last season.
Now, according to the Daily Record, he is top of Nancy’s shopping list, should he move to Glasgow.
A diminutive, versatile forward, Rossi has a similar profile to Maeda and has just a year to go on his contract in Columbus, so everything suggests he would be a shrewd addition. That said, they may have to pay a pretty penny considering he is worth £7.5m, as per Transfermarkt.