حقيقة انتقال رافينها إلى الدوري السعودي بعد كأس العالم

أصبح رافينها القائد الذي يعتمد عليه برشلونة في الفترة الحالية، بعد أن كان أحد أبرز المرشحين لمغادرة النادي والمساهمة في تحسين الوضع المالي.

وكان رافينها لاعباً مهماً تحت قيادة تشافي هرنانديز في برشلونة ولكنه لم يثبت نفسه كلاعب لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه في النادي حتى تولى هانز فليك المسؤولية ومنحه الثقة.

وأصبح رافينها أحد ركائز برشلونة وتغير وضعه جذرياً خلال الموسم الماضي، وكشفت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية حقيقة انتقال النجم البرازيلي للدوري السعودي بعد كأس العالم.

اقرأ أيضاً.. هاري كين يوجه صدمة جديدة لـ برشلونة لخلافة ليفاندوفسكي

ونفت التقارير حقيقة هذه الشائعات، وأصبح رافينها لاعب لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه نهائياً بالنسبة لبرشلونة بسبب شخصيته القيادية أيضاً.

ويشعر رافينها بالسعادة في برشلونة بينما تستقر عائلته بشكل جيد في المدينة، ويركز اللاعب بشكل كامل على الفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا مع البلوجرانا هذا الموسم وكأس العالم مع البرازيل العام المقبل.

وسجل رافينها هذا الموسم حتى الآن أربع أهداف وصنع ثلاث في تسع مباريات فقط مع برشلونة وغاب عن معظم الموسم بسبب الإصابة.

Corinthians atrasa salários enquanto sofre pressão de patrocinadora

MatériaMais Notícias

A crise nos bastidores do Corinthians cresce a cada dia. Com dificuldades financeiras, o clube voltou a atrasar o pagamento dos atletas do elenco, que estão com dois meses de direitos de imagem atrasados. A diretoria, em conjunto com o departamento financeiro, trabalha para quitar o montante devido, que é debitado todo fim de mês.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Ao mesmo tempo, o Corinthians enfrenta problemas no acordo com a VaideBet, patrocinadora máster da equipe. No dia 27 de maio, a casa de apostas esportivas notificou o Timão para que a instituição explicasse a suposta participação de um “laranja” na intermediação do contrato assinado entre as partes.

A empresa deu um prazo de no máximo dez dias para o Corinthians. Portanto, o clube paulista tem até a sexta-feira (7) para se defender das acusações. Vale lembrar que o presidente do clube, Augusto Melo, está em viagem pela Europa desde o fim da última semana, e deve retornar ao Brasil nesta quinta-feira (6), um dia antes do término do prazo.

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Para pedir esclarecimentos, a VaideBet utilizou uma cláusula prevista em contrato que determina que a empresa do ramo de apostas não pode ser envolvida em escandâlos.

A vinculação do nome da VaideBet com o presente escândalo envolvendo a diretoria do Corinthians e a intermediadora tornam a presente relação contratual excessivamente onerosa para o patrocinador, na medida que vincula a marca a uma situação negativa, causando desprestígio, potencial prejuízo e risco de baixo retorno do investimento realizado na entidade desportiva –


diz documento enviado pela VaideBet

Caso opte por encerrar o vínculo com o Corinthians, a VaideBet precisará arcar com 10% do montante restante do contrato, que hoje é R$ 310 milhões. Ou seja, R$ 31 milhões. No entanto, existe a possibilidade do acordo ser desfeito por justa causa, caso uma das partes não cumpra alguma das cláusulas preestabelecidas em contrato.

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NOVA PENDÊNCIA ENVOLVENDO PAGAMENTOS

O Corinthians atrasou o pagamento de uma das parcelas referente à compra do zagueiro Féliz Torres junto ao Santos Laguna, do México, negociado por R$ 31 milhões. O valor em atraso é de aproximadamente R$ 6 milhões.

Em janeiro deste ano, o clube paulista adquiriu 80% dos direitos econômicos do jogador da seleção equatoriana em seis parcelas. A primeira, paga como entrada, já foi realizada no ato da contratação. As demais parcelas serão dividas entre os seguintes anos: 2024 (duas), 2025 (duas) e 2026 (uma).

No entanto, essa situação não é novidade para a instituição. Em fevereiro, o Corinthians foi condenado na Fifa a pagar 3,45 milhões de dólares (R$ 17 milhões, na cotação da época) ao Argentinos Juniors, acrescido de juros, por dívidas no pagamento da compra de Fausto Vera.

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CorinthiansFutebol Nacional

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s Enormous Grand Slam vs. Yankees Had Blue Jays Fans Roaring

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is on fire in the ALDS, and he's helping the Blue Jays run away with the series against the rival Yankees.

Toronto took a 9–0 lead by the fourth inning on Sunday, thanks to a thunderous grand slam from Guerrero. Rogers Centre was roaring after Guerrero deposited a pitch from Will Warren into the seats. The superstar first baseman celebrated with a savage bat flip, chucking his lumber to the side before he gleefully took his trip around the bases.

Fans at Rogers Centre have been making plenty of noise throughout the series, and when the Blue Jays' star slugger unleashed the grand slam, the volume reached deafening levels. Have a look and a listen at the incredible moment in Toronto:

Everyone at the stadium knew that one was gone from the moment if left the bat, and they were already celebrating by the time it reached the upper deck.

Barring an unheard of collapse, the Blue Jays will head to New York with a 2-0 lead in the series and will be feeling plenty confident about booking a trip to the ALCS.

Former Red Sox World Series Champion to Join Banana Ball League

Former Red Sox outfielder and 2018 World Series champion Jackie Bradley Jr. has not played in the major leagues since the 2023 season. But instead of retiring, Bradley is taking a different path in an effort to extend his playing career.

Bradley was drafted with the No. 1 pick by the Indianapolis Clowns in the inaugural Banana Ball League draft on Thursday night. The exhibition baseball league, made famous by the Savannah Bananas, will play a 60-game schedule in 2026 featuring six teams: the Bananas, Clowns, Party Animals, Firefighters, Loco Beach Coconuts and the Texas Tailgaters.

The opportunity for Bradley to join the Banana Ball league, specifically with the Clowns, was a meaningful one. The Clowns' addition to Banana Ball next season is a revival of the club from their days in the Negro Leagues. The Clowns were disbanded in 1989, but have now been brought back to play in 2026.

"I feel like this was another opportunity to not only the league, but to be able to help the people behind me to…hopefully, catapult other African-American ballplayers to want to play the game," Bradley told ESPN.

The 2016 American League All-Star is not ruling out a return to the major leagues, but is also happy with where things stand in regard to his professional career.

"If there's an opportunity to go back, I would obviously weigh that," Bradley added. "If that's for my family, then I'm not going to rule out any opportunities. But it's not something I'm striving for. I'm very content with how my career has unfolded. I've been truly blessed. I'm just enjoying the moment."

Tottenham tipped to strike Grealish-like deal for player who’d ‘jump’ at chance to join

Tottenham have been tipped to strike a ‘similar deal to Jack Grealish’ in January as Thomas Frank edges closer to his first winter window at Spurs.

Tottenham make January plans with a forward the priority

The Lilywhites are preparing to make attacking reinforcements their primary objective during the January window, with media sources confirming significant funds will be available for the right target as Frank seeks solutions to his struggling side’s creativity issues.

Co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange will be drawing up a list of potential options spanning both domestically and abroad, if they haven’t already.

Reports suggest Spurs are more likely to pursue a wide forward rather than a central striker when the window opens, with Dominic Solanke slowly coming back to full fitness and Randal Kolo Muani starting to find his feet.

Premier League home form table

Team

Wins

Draws

Losses

Points

GD

16. Burnley

2

1

4

7

-2

17. Nottingham Forest

2

1

4

7

-5

18. West Ham

2

0

5

6

-9

19. Tottenham

1

2

4

5

-1

20. Wolves

0

1

6

1

-11

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a very strong candidate to join the north Londoners.

The Ghanaian winger has been sensational this season, bagging six goals and three assists in 13 Premier League appearances for the Cherries so far this term.

His ability to threaten from both flanks, combined with his blistering pace, makes him ideal. The possibility of Mohammed Kudus on one side and Semenyo is pretty tantalising in itself, as is the 25-year-old’s £65 million release clause, which will be active early next month.

If Spurs do opt to sign a centre-forward in January, all signs point towards FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa as their top target.

The 21-year-old Spanish international has seriously impressed in Portugal following his £15 million move from Atlético Madrid in 2024, scoring six goals across all competitions this season after his 27-goal haul last term.

Standing at a towering 6 foot 3, Aghehowa offers the physical presence and aerial threat Tottenham currently lack, though Porto president André Villas-Boas has publicly stated the forward is “not for sale at any price in winter,” with the club demanding at least £68 million for his services.

All that being said, the media remain adamant that a new attacker will arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next month, but a box-to-box midfielder also cannot be ruled out amid Yves Bissouma’s uncertain future.

The Mali international is yet to play a single competitive minute under Frank, largely due to injury, but it is worth noting that Spurs were open to offers for Bissouma in the summer.

Tottenham will entertain bids for the 29-year-old once again in January, but if they can’t find a suitor they’ll activate the one-year extension option in his contract to prevent a free transfer next year (The Mail).

If Bissouma does leave in the winter, Frank will need a replacement, and Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is available.

Tottenham tipped to strike Grealish-like deal for Conor Gallagher

Spurs did hold a serious interest in the England international before his switch to Atlético, with Diego Simeone’s side informing Gallagher that he can leave in January.

That is according to former Spurs scout Bryan King, who also believes that Tottenham could well sign Gallagher on loan in a ‘similar deal’ to Grealish at Everton.

King also thinks that the 25-year-old would ‘jump’ at the chance to move there, even despite his Chelsea connections.

Gallagher has made 70 appearances for Atlético since his 2024 move, scoring six goals and racking up another six assists.

He’s been in and out of Simeone’s eleven this season, and with the 2026 World Cup looming, he’ll be keen to battle his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s thinking.

The dynamic midfielder would offer a different option to the likes of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur in front of the back four, and he can play more offensively too.

Capable of pitching in going forward, signing Gallagher on loan would be a very astute bit of business.

Jamie Carragher says he’s always imagined “master” manager joining Tottenham

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has had his say on Tottenham and their managerial situation this week amid the pressure on Thomas Frank.

Tottenham urged to replace Frank after underwhelming start

Frank’s troubled tenure at Tottenham received a dramatic lifeline on Tuesday night as captain Cristian Romero’s shinned overhead kick in added time salvaged a 2-2 draw at Newcastle, ending a run of three consecutive defeats across all competitions.

The Argentine defender twice hauled Spurs back from behind at St James’ Park, first with a lovely diving header at the near post on 78 minutes before his bicycle kick rescued a point that looked unlikely when Anthony Gordon buried a controversial penalty just four minutes from full-time.

Despite the heroics, last night’s result does little to ease the mounting pressure on Frank, with certain sections of supporters still urging the board to make a change.

Tottenham remain 11th in the Premier League table with 19 points, having failed to win any of their last five matches across all competitions, and their performance in the North East wasn’t exactly convincing.

Their creativity problems persisted, with Spurs having just two shots on target that turned out to be both of Romero’s goals.

Reports suggest that the Lewis family, who recently pumped £100 million of capital into the club via ENIC shareholdings, are prepared to back Frank with new attackers in January to solve this glaring issue.

16. Burnley

2

1

3

7

-1

17. Nottingham Forest

2

1

4

7

-5

18. West Ham

2

0

5

6

-9

19. Tottenham

1

2

4

5

-1

20. Wolves

0

1

5

1

10

Tottenham are believed to be eyeing a move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, amid news of his £65 million release clause which will be active in the early stages of January.

Spurs are also ‘intent’ on trying to sign FC Porto sensation Samu Aghehowa, who’s scored 37 goals since the start of last season and has been compared to former Chelsea star Diego Costa.

Tottenham could prove 'irresistible' to manager who Levy was urged to hire before Frank

He’s on the verge of leaving his current club.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 2, 2025

However, doubts around Frank’s suitability for the job are ever-present among critics, with ex-Spurs defender Ramon Vega recently claiming that the Dane doesn’t have what it takes to lead the north Londoners.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is believed to be a tactician of interest to Tottenham, but Carragher believes that another Premier League manager would fit in seamlessly.

Jamie Carragher says he's always imagined Marco Silva at Tottenham

Speaking on the latest edition of The Overlap podcast, Carragher suggests that Fulham’s Marco Silva is potentially a match made in heaven.

The Portuguese, who’s out of contract in 2026, has worked wonders on a shoe-string budget after guiding the west Londoners back to Premier League football in 2022.

Fulham even briefly contended for a Champions League place last season, with the Cottagers now six points clear of the drop zone despite spending less than any other English side bar Aston Villa in the summer.

Those who’ve worked with Silva have called him a ‘master’ tactician as well, so you can’t help but wonder if the 48-year-old would do a better job in Frank’s stead.

With little sign of a contract extension, and Silva consistently criticising Fulham’s transfer policy in recent seasons, the door could well open for Spurs here.

Man City now expected to sign “unbelievable” PL star who nearly joined Liverpool

Manchester City are now expected to sign an “unbelievable” Premier League star, having moved into pole position in the race for his signature.

Man City keen to strengthen amid defensive struggles

Man City have looked potent from an attacking point of view this season, having already scored 32 Premier League goals, five more than any other club, with talisman Erling Haaland leading the way at the top of the goalscoring charts.

However, there have been some defensive frailties on display, with the Blues only just managing to edge out Fulham in a 5-4 thriller last time out, and pundit Clinton Morrison has made it clear that it is an issue Pep Guardiola will need to rectify.

Speaking after the victory at Craven Cottage, Morrison said: “You would never see this Arsenal team be 5-1 up and concede three goals. They need to get that sorted out.”

“Maybe, if they have a bit of money to spend in January, they need to look to strengthen at the back, especially in the right full-back area.”

A new right-back is of interest, with the Blues now ready to snap up Newcastle United star Tino Livramento, but they may also look at strengthening at centre-back.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, who recently told Football Insider that Man City have moved into pole position in the race for Marc Guehi’s signature.

Wyness said: “I think that he will end up at City and I think that’s where I expect him to be. There is a lot of interest but I think he’s actually shown me that he’s actually thought things through and acted quite sensibly and taken some decent advice. He handled the Palace thing quite well.”

And so I would expect him to move to City and I think he would be a great replacement, basically for John Stones is what we’re thinking about now.”

Man City now favourites to sign "incredible" £88m star, Pep's captivated by him

City have taken the lead in the race for a Premier League star, with Pep Guardiola a big fan.

ByDominic Lund Dec 2, 2025 Guehi could be "unbelievable" Stones replacement

Stones’ contract is set to expire next summer, and City may be in two minds about offering him an extension, given the centre-back’s terrible injury record over the past four seasons, missing a plethora of games for club and country.

Season

Games missed due to injury

2022-23

13

2023-24

12

2024-25

36

2025-26

3

Guehi, on the other hand, has been very reliable for Palace, having made 145 Premier League appearances over the past five campaigns, and he received high praise from football writer Ed Aarons amid links to Liverpool in the summer.

Ultimately, the move to Anfield fell through, despite Guehi completing a medical, and with the Reds enduring a torrid campaign, most recently drawing 1-1 at home to Sunderland, City should seize the chance to get one over on their rivals by signing the England international.

“Top-level” £35m maestro with shades of Yaya now a priority Man City target

Manchester City have now identified a “top-level midfielder” as a priority target, joining a number of Europe’s top clubs in the race for his signature.

Man City set sights on Yaya Toure-esque midfielder

Despite his well-documented fallout with Pep Guardiola, Yaya Toure is undoubtedly a Man City legend, winning three Premier League titles, three EFL Cups and one FA Cup during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

The Ivorian, who is now working as Saudi Arabia’s assistant manager, posed a threat going forward throughout his time in England, scoring a whopping 20 goals during the 2013-14 Premier League season, while also amassing nine assists.

Since then, City’s style of play has changed, with Guardiola’s side reliant on Erling Haaland to provide the majority of their goals, and the Norwegian certainly hasn’t disappointed so far this season, averaging 1.05 goals per 90 in the Premier League, having found the back of the net 15 times.

However, Man City have now joined the race for an up-and-coming central midfielder with shades of Toure, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they have identified Trabzonspor’s Christ Inao Oulai as a priority target.

Bayern Munich and Manchester United are also rivalling City for the 19-year-old’s signature, with all three clubs identifying him as one of their key teenage targets in Europe.

In his hometown of Yopougon in the Ivory Coast, the teenager is known as ‘Le Petit Yaya’, while City view him as a long-term partner for Rodri in midfield, and believe he could replace the Spaniard on a long-term basis.

Pep's a big fan: Man City leading race for "superstar" and ready to bid £65m+

City have moved into pole position in the race for a new defender, with a bid now being prepared.

ByDominic Lund 3 days ago

It could be difficult to get a deal over the line, however, with Trabzonspor unwilling to sanction a departure in January, and looking to receive £35m.

Christ Inao Oulai already a "top-level midfielder"

Former Premier League midfielder Michael Essien is a keen admirer of the Trabzonspor star, saying: “He’s a top-level midfielder, and he’s only 19 years old. I hope to see him one day wearing the Chelsea jersey.”

The two-time Ivory Coast international has emerged as a key player for the Turkish side this season, displaying his attacking prowess by chipping in with one goal and two assists in eight Super Lig matches.

Bernardo Silva’s future at Man City is up in the air, given that his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and it has been suggested that Guardiola is willing to let the Portugal international move on.

As such, it could be a savvy move to bring in a central midfielder with attacking qualities in January or the summer, and Inao Oulai is exhibiting very promising signs in the Super Lig.

Xabi Alonso responds to Liverpool speculation as Real Madrid boss faces sacking rumours while pressure mounts on Arne Slot amid Mohamed Salah relationship breakdown

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has left the door open to a potential future move to Liverpool, admitting that while he is focused on his current role, "you never know what can happen" in football, amid intense speculation linking him with a return to Anfield. The coach's response comes amid claims he is in danger of being sacked, while questions have been asked of Arne Slot's future at the Merseyside club.

Alonso and Slot under pressure

The former Reds midfielder has found himself at the centre of a managerial merry-go-round rumour mill. While Slot is currently feeling the heat at Liverpool due to his side languishing in 10th place in the Premier League despite significant summer investment, Alonso is navigating his own storm at the Santiago Bernabeu. Following a chaotic 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo, the Spaniard is facing a defining week, with a Champions League clash against Manchester City looming.

However, despite the immediate pressure in the Spanish capital, questions about a potential switch to the Premier League have persisted. Alonso reportedly turned down the chance to replace Jurgen Klopp in order to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, before eventually taking the Madrid job in the summer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMadrid boss addresses his future

When asked directly about the possibility of managing in England, specifically regarding a return to his former club Liverpool, Alonso offered a tantalising response that stopped short of a full denial.

"For sure, it's something to consider with the English clubs, with my former club," Alonso admitted. "But for now, this is the place that I want to be, and in the future, you never know what can happen."

Slot's situation grew even worse as the coach finds himself in a dressing room rift involving talisman Mohamed Salah, who sensationally criticised the Dutchman after their 3-3 draw against Leeds at the weekend. Alonso remained diplomatic, however, when asked about the situation.

"Those are decisions they have made at Liverpool. No doubt we're missing a lot of details. So it's not for me to give an opinion on that," he said.

Two giants in crisis

The comments come at a fascinating juncture for both clubs. Liverpool's title defence has crumbled spectacularly, leaving Slot on the brink. The Dutchman's relationship with Salah has fractured, with the Egyptian forward omitted from the squad to face Inter this week.

Meanwhile, at Madrid, Alonso is fighting to keep his own tenure on track. The defeat to Celta has left Los Blancos trailing leaders Barcelona by four points, and reports suggest a heavy defeat to Manchester City could be fatal for his prospects.

"The next one is the best one. I think I know myself, and the fans know Manchester City very well from facing them many times in recent years, but I see it as an opportunity more than anything," Alonso said.

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Alonso also touched upon his own player management challenges, drawing a parallel between the Salah situation and his handling of Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian forward reacted poorly to being substituted against Barcelona earlier in the season, a flashpoint that Alonso insisted he would not handle differently in hindsight.

"I would not change anything," he noted, reinforcing his stance on discipline – a trait that German legend Lothar Matthaus recently highlighted as a potential point of friction with Madrid's creative stars.

"It’s not about changing, it’s about adapting. I knew pretty much what it was, that’s why Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world. You need to adapt to it, to learn from it. After you have to perform, you have to have that interaction with the players. Some days are good, some days are not so good. But from every game, we take steps, and we are in this position now, and we have to face it with good energy, positivity, that’s the only way to turn it around."

The new Rutter: Leeds open talks to sign £21m star in “the last few days”

Daniel Farke looked long gone as Leeds United manager heading into an intimidating run of matches in the Premier League.

Not even the most optimistic Elland Road supporter would have expected the Whites to grab some much-needed points against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

Yet, after this trio of difficult clashes, Leeds are four points better off with a win and a draw secured, which also – most importantly – means they’re two points above the dreaded relegation zone.

Farke will just keep his fingers crossed that this high-energy approach can be replicated versus the likes of Brentford and Crystal Palace to come, away from turning on the style against some of the division’s flashier opponents.

More positive results ahead would give Leeds a huge boost in their bid to avoid relegation, with the January transfer window also providing the Whites with an opportunity to add some standout signings to help them secure their survival.

Where Leeds could strength in January

Even though there has been a dramatic upturn in form, when Farke once looked like a dead man walking, Leeds will still likely be active in the hectic window to come.

Indeed, rumours are already beginning to circulate that the Premier League newcomers have Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl on their radar as transfer season edges ever closer. Moreover, the relegation-threatened outfit has also been linked heavily with a move for AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez to bolster their centre-forward options.

Away from all this gossip, though, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also come out to state via his YouTube channel that Farke and Co have even made a concrete approach for an attacking playmaker in the form of Martin Baturina.

Romano stated: “In the last few days, Leeds has been in touch, the teams are starting to move.”

The £21m midfielder, who only signed for Cesc Fabregas’ Como in the summer, is struggling for consistent first-team minutes in Serie A at the moment. Yet, despite his predicament, he isn’t overly keen on a switch to West Yorkshire, according to Romano, with Como allegedly turning down the approach.

Still, transfer stories can change in the blink of an eye, so don’t write this one off completely.

How Baturina can become Farke's next Rutter

If Leeds were eventually successful in their mission to land the captivating 22-year-old, Farke could sign Leeds’ new version of Georginio Rutter, with the 15-time Croatia international capable of being a terrifying assist machine, much like the former number 24 was at Elland Road.

Rutter did manage to hammer home some memorable strikes when still situated at the Whites, with eight goals tallied up. But, it was his unerring ability to create chances for fun that made him really stand out as a fan’s favourite during his short, but sweet, 66-game stint at the club.

TalkSPORT’s Jeff Stelling would herald him as a “class act” at Leeds for the way he managed to make creating chances galore look effortless, with a bumper 18 assists coming his way across that string of matches.

In league action alone across the 2023/24 season, Rutter would muster up a ridiculous 22 big chances created, which led to the silky Frenchman securing himself a deserved £40m move to Brighton and Hove Albion.

While it hasn’t gone Baturina’s way at Como to date, with just one Serie A start handed to him by Fabregas this season leading to zero assists being tallied, it’s clear from his explosive time at Hadjuk Split that he has the same devastating ability to carve team opens that Rutter possesses.

Fabregas has already waxed lyrical about the 22-year-old’s “immense” nature to make things happen in “key moments” when first moving to Italy.

The clip above saw the £21m-rated midfielder calmly tee up his teammate for a golden opportunity in the Champions League back in 2024, with the assists flowing throughout his time at Split, leading to scout Jacek Kulig once hailing him as one of “the biggest talents” in Croatia.

League stats: Baturina vs Rutter

Stat

Baturina

Rutter

Games played

114

60

Goals scored

17

6

Assists

36

17

Big chances created

38

23

Stats by Sofascore

Albeit from a wider pool of matches than the Seagulls star, Baturina would see out his time in his native Croatia with a staggering 38 big chances created from 117 league contests, which trumps Rutter’s own creative prowess.

Analyst Ben Mattinson would weigh in with some praise of his own by stating that the new Como number 20’s passing range was “outstanding” throughout his much-talked-about Split stay, with Farke now hopeful – if a move can be pulled off – that Baturina can enhance Leeds’ attack even more, after the goals have started to come naturally against the likes of Chelsea and Arne Slot’s Reds.

Of course, there will also be a worry in the air that for £21m, Leeds are risking their money on a midfielder who hasn’t ignited into life in Serie A.

Still, the Whites were here before with Rutter when splashing the cash on him in a January window, and while it took time for him to acclimatise, he is now seen as a modern great. Could Baturina soon follow in his esteemed footsteps?

Leeds now make contact over signing "powerful" star who's been likened to Odegaard

He’s a wanted man.

By
Tom Cunningham

6 days ago

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