أكد سعد سمير مدافع فريق الكرة الأول بالنادي الأهلي، أنه لن يرحل عن أروقة القلعة الحمراء، مشيرًا إلى أنه كان يتمنى استمرار باتريس كارتيرون، ويطمح في التعاقد مع قائد الزمالك السابق ولاعب مصر المقاصة الحالي محمد إبراهيم.

وقال سعد سمير في تصريجات تلفزيونية بفضائية “إم بي سي مصر” عبر برنامج “اللعيب”: “نتمنى أن يستمر رينيه فايلر مع الأهلي الموسم المقبل، هو يسأل عليّ باستمرار، وأتمنى أن أختم حياتي داخل النادي، وأحمد ربي على تواجدي في القلعة الحمراء”.

طالع أيضًا | وكيل جيرالدو يوضح حقيقة رحيله عن الأهلي

وأضاف: “صفقة التعاقد مع محمد إبراهيم لو تمت ستكون الأهم في الموسم المقبل لـ الأهلي، هو لاعب مهم وجيد ويتميز بأنه يلعب في 3 مراكز تحت رأس الحربة”.

وأردف: “محمد إبراهيم شخصية متزنة وهادئة ويشبه النادي الأهلي”.

وتابع: “لو لم يغادر محمود حسن تريزيجيه النادي الأهلي لكان الأهم في صفوق الفريق حاليًا، وكان سيصنع الفارق”.

وأتم: “كنت أتمنى بقاء باتريس كارتيرون فترة أطول في الأهلي، الوقت الذي تولى فيه قيادة الفريق كان لها ظروفها الخاصة”.

واختتم: “كارتيرون لديه ميزة نفسية أنه يتعامل مع اللاعب على الناحية النفسية بشكل جيد”.

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West Ham fans have taken to Twitter in annoyance after Wilfried Zaha netted the equaliser against them in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, despite receiving a one-game ban from the FA for improper conduct.

The Ivory Coast international was faced with the FA’s wrath after sarcastically applauding referee Andre Marriner’s decision against Southampton last month, which saw him given his marching orders.

However, Zaha appealed the decision, which meant that the ban was suspended whilst the appeal was to be reviewed, allowing the 26-year-old to face the Hammers on Saturday.

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The former Manchester United winger was to be the difference maker, proving to be a thorn in Ryan Frederick’s side throughout and ultimately scoring a late equaliser after a deflection off Issa Diop.

Naturally, after he was handed a ban, West Ham fans on Twitter are annoyed that he was still allowed to play against them…

Liverpool got themselves back to the summit of the Premier League yesterday as Man City won the League Cup at Wembley.

A point was enough for the Reds to snatch back top spot, but in a game against an injury ravaged Man United, it will be a result a lot involved with Liverpool will be disappointed in.

Three first half injuries to United players threatened to completely ruin the hosts plans, but it was an injury to Liverpool’s own Roberto Firmino which proved to be the most telling of the game as the Brazilian left the field after only half an hour of play.

It was a bitter blow to Jurgen Klopp and his team, and once again highlighted the lack of quality the Reds have in the central striking position.

Daniel Sturrridge failed to impose himself on the game and it once again looks like the decison by Klopp not to take to the transfer marke in January to add some more qualitty to the ranks could come back to haunt him.

Of course, it is just one result and in the grand scheme 0-0 at Old Trafford is not too bad a result, but it showed the flaws in the depth of the squad which could cost them the title.

Rivals Man City will be looking on with gentle smirks on their faces after seeing the result and performance, and in a title race what could go down to the wire, it looks like City are the ones coming into their own at the right stage of the season.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer on a permanent deal? New signings to strengthen an already rejuvenated squad? What a time to be a Manchester United fan. Living in the moment, it sure is good again.

Still, on the run to the end of the Premier League and football leagues around the world, fans are beginning to look forward to the summer transfer window. That’s just the insatiable nature of the proverbial silly season.

Indeed, one name that has been thrown around for United is the young English superstar Jadon Sancho and it’s not hard to see why. The Dortmund star looks a real prospect and would be a statement signing for the Red Devils, helping form a wonderfully devastating attacking line with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.

However, it could be that (as per the Sun) the 18-year-old could look to play his football elsewhere. So, with this in mind, we look at TWO other potential players United could spend their money on.

Gareth Bale 

Since leaving the Premier League for La Liga, Gareth Bale has struggled to hit the height of expectations at the Bernabeu. Despite winning a number of Champions League and La Liga trophies, the Welshman has become the subject of negative abuse from the Real Madrid fans, and is even failing to break into the first-team under manager Santiago Solari.

Perhaps the best British footballer of all time, he needs saving in the Spanish capital.

Having an impressive record in Spain, scoring 77 goals and providing 42 assists in 147 La Liga appearances, as well as being Premier League proven, this one makes sense. Yes, he’d be expensive, but can you imagine the sight of Bale running at full pelt in front of the Stretford End?

He’s often been linked with a move to Old Trafford, after all. They almost seem too perfect for each other.

Memphis Depay 

After already having an under par spell at Manchester United, Memphis Depay should look to return to the Premier League with some unfinished business. Indeed, since leaving the Theatre of Dreams, the Dutch winger has enjoyed a much happier spell in France with Lyon.

Things were never going to work under Jose Mourinho but the idea of the current Norwegian genius in charge of the Red Devils working with such a supreme talent is truly exciting.

Having scored 30 Ligue 1 goals and grabbing 29 assists, Depay is showing that his spell at Manchester United – who are understood to have a buy-back clause – was a blip in what is an otherwise impressive career so far.

It can be argued that his spell at United didn’t work due to the lack of creative football produced, however with this current side, the fans will feel that the 25-year-old will fit right in and can finally show he has what it takes to be a Premier League player.

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Tottenham have been handed a huge boost ahead of their epic Champions League showdown against Borussia Dortmund, as Harry Kane is in line to return for the second leg.

So what’s the word?

While he certainly will not be available for selection on Wednesday night, Kane should be fit for the trip to Signal Iduna Park in three weeks, reports The Telegraph.

In fact, the report claims Kane’s recovery from an ankle injury sustained last month has been “remarkable”, and he is even eyeing a return in the trip to Burnley.

The Lilywhites take on the Clarets at Turf Moor on February 23, before facing both Chelsea and Arsenal within the following week.

Then comes the trip to Germany for the second leg, by which time Kane is expected to be fully fit.

The Telegraph’s report also claims Dele Alli should be fit for the Champions League decider.

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What’s the impact?

Well, not much needs saying on the boost Kane and Alli’s returns will bring in terms of individual performance, as both players’ qualities are unquestionable.

However, what may fly under the radar is the flexibility that their returns will offer Mauricio Pochettino, especially in the trip to Dortmund, where just one goal could decide the path of the rest of the season.

European away ties are unlike anything else, and soaking up pressure and playing on the counter-attack is now a real possibility for Pochettino against a Dortmund side that do tend to leave themselves exposed when they pour numbers forward.

With Kane up front, Alli and Heung-min Son just behind him and Christian Eriksen pinging balls from deep in a 4-3-3 formation, Spurs have all the tools to drop a counter-attacking master-class in the second leg to secure progression to the quarter-finals.

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According to the Daily Express, Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a £35 million summer bid for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

What’s the story?

Rice has been enjoying a breakout campaign at the London Stadium this season, becoming vital to Manuel Pellegrini’s side. As a reward for his fine performances, the Hammers handed the 20-year-old a new long-term contract in December.

The new deal does not appear to have put Spurs off of their pursuit for the youngster’s signature though. 

Rice has been sensational for West Ham so far this season, and has demonstrated remarkable consistency, maturity and discipline throughout the campaign so far. It is easy to see, then, why Mauricio Pochettino would be so keen to add the London-born ace to his squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.

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On the up

Having let Mousa Dembele join Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F in the recent January transfer window, there is a vacancy in the heart of the Spurs midfield. Pochettino’s side needs a new holding midfielder, capable of anchoring the team in the middle of the park and breaking up oppositions attacks. Rice has the ability and potential to be that man for years to come.

Rice has proven his worth in the Premier League, and is now ready to make the step up to a ‘big six’ club.

If Spurs are serious about retaining their standing as one of English football’s elite outfits, they must be prepared to spend big on players of such quality. Splashing out on Rice would make a statement, indicating that Spurs are a club still on the up.

Naby Keita has faced his fair share of criticism from the Liverpool fans this season.

Indeed, the midfielder has largely struggled to show his best form for the Reds.

It would be fair to say that there have been signs of improvement in recent weeks, though, particularly in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth last time out.

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was certainly pleased with Keita’s showing against the Cherries, with the German paying tribute to the central midfielder.

The Liverpool fans have been reacting to Klopp’s comments on social media and it would be fair to say that a number are in agreement.

Keita’s talent was never really in question, but there were fears that the 33-cap Guinea international would not be able to fully adapt to the Premier League.

The Liverpool fans have been frustrated in recent weeks after watching Manchester City move to the top of the table, but many are delighted with Keita’s recent form.

A selection of the Twitter reaction to Klopp’s comments can be seen below:

It wasn’t really that long ago Saido Berahino was being touted for big things in the Premier League.

After impressing at West Bromwich Albion, fame seemingly got to his head. Berahino wanted to reach the top quickly and disrupted his relationship with the Baggies in order to force a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, after not being allowed so, his downfall began. Berahino’s discipline was questioned, as rather than trying to keep on improving himself to become a top striker, he continued living a precarious lifestyle. His poor attitude coupled with lack of discipline caused big problems, as he started gaining weight and losing match-fitness.

While Tony Pulis rejected his bad attitude, Mark Hughes tried to reignite his flame upon joining Stoke City. Things turned worse when Berahino was handed a lengthy suspension for failing a surprise drug test by the FA. It turned out as the deathly blow on his international career for England.

However, rather than getting back on his feet and trying to find back his lethal touch, Berahino only delved into the darkness. Recently, he was arrested in London for drinking and driving at 3 AM, as per the Daily Mail.

Having scored only three league goals for them in over 50 appearances, Berahino’s Stoke City career is done.

They’ll surely sell him in the summer and considering his reputation, no prominent side will take him. However, Berahino’s downfall is all due to his recklessness, which killed what could’ve been potentially the career of a star England striker.

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Manchester City February Player of the Month Oleksandr Zinchenko has thanked fans for voting for him to win the accolade and in response, they’re absolutely lapping it up on Twitter!

The Ukrainian international picked up the award for his contributions last month in a City shirt and if it proves one thing, it’s that he’s becoming a firm fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium. Indeed, this isn’t the first time Zinchenko’s been lavished with praise this week – City fans were drooling over his Champions League performance against Schalke.

The 22-year-old fought off stiff competition from the likes of Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling for the prize as Pep Guardiola’s men recorded six victories in all competitions in February and notably set up a return to the Premier League summit in early March.

Zinchenko was, of course, a key part of this and thanked members of the Blue Moon army in a video posted by the club’s official Twitter account.

Some supporters responded by stating how “well deserved” the achievement was as his first POTM award in England, while others expressed their love for the man fast becoming a permanent fixture in their team’s regular starting Xl.

There have also been references as to how grateful fans are that the left-sided utility man decided to stay when he was linked with a move away last summer and droves likening him to teammate Kevin de Bruyne, not just for his looks!

Here’s the pick of the reaction from Citizens…

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The future of Tottenham Hotspur attacker Christian Eriksen remains up in the air.

Indeed, Eriksen will see his current contract with Spurs expire at the end of next season.

A recent report claimed that the London club had made a breakthrough when it comes to the Denmark international’s future.

However, the simple fact of the matter is that the 6ft ace is yet to pen an extension and there will surely be offers at the end of the season.

Eriksen is enjoying another fine campaign, scoring seven goals and registering 12 assists in 33 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions.

Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been credited with an interest, which will be a concern for Tottenham.

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The London club’s fans have recently been on social media commenting on the 27-year-old’s future and it would be fair to say that a number are desperate for some sort of announcement.

A selection of the latest Twitter reaction can be seen below: