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The AL East champion Blue Jays will officially be without their star shortstop Bo Bichette during their upcoming American League Division Series tilt with the Yankees.

Bichette hasn't played since Sept. 6 due to a left knee sprain. Should Toronto advance, he'd be eligible to return to their postseason roster for the American League Championship Series. The star shortstop led the 94-win Jays with a .311 batting average, plus 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 139 games over the regular season.

Toronto will lean on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer to power their lineup. Springer led the team with 32 homers this year as he slashed .309/.399/.560. Guerrero hit 23 homers and drove in 84 runs with a .292/.381/.467 slash line in the regular season.

On Friday, manager John Schneider mentioned Bichette was day-to-day still and his status for the ALDS was "coming right down to the wire." That sounds like a positive sign for the star shortstop's potential availability for the ALCS should the Blue Jays get past the Yankees.

The Blue Jays also left off pitchers Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer off their ALDS roster. They made 31 and 17 starts, respectively, for Toronto over the regular season. Toronto decided to go for additional left-handed pitching as a matchup favor against New York's lefty-heavy lineup.

First pitch between the Blue Jays and Yankees' ALDS series is set for 4:08 p.m. ET Saturday, where righthander Kevin Gausman will toe the rubber at Rogers Centre. Righthander Luis Gil will start for the Yankees.

كشفت صحيفة ماركا اليوم السبت، عن التحدي الذي ينتظر دين هويسن، مدافع نادي ريال مدريد ، خلال الفترة المقبلة مع الفريق الملكي.

ويمضي هويسن موسمه الأول كلاعب في صفوف نادي ريال مدريد، حيث تعاقد معه الفريق الملكي خلال صيف العام الحالي قادمًا من صفوف نادي بورنموث مقابل 58 مليون يورو.

وأصبح هويسن لاعبًا أساسيًا ولا غنى عنه في تشكيلة ريال مدريد وأثبت نفسه تحت قيادة المدرب تشابي ألونسو، والذي يعول كثيرًا على المدافع الشاب في طريقة لعبه.

ويمتاز هويسن بقدرته على اللعب بقدمين اليمنى واليسرى بنفس الكفاءة، إضافة إلى براعته الكبيرة في التمرير وكسر الخطوط، مما جعل اللاعب الشاب مدافع بدرجة لاعب وسط.

وأفادت ماركا، بأن هويسن ينتظره تحدي كبير حول القتال على مركز أساسي في تشكيلة ريال مدريد خلال الفترة المقبلة، وذلك في ظل تواجد أنطونيو روديجر.

ويعاني هويسن في الوقت الحالي من إصابة خفيفة، لكنه من المنتظر أن يكون جاهزًا في الفترة المقبلة، مما جعل ألونسو يعول على روديجر بشكل أساسي.

أقرأ أيضًا .. تيباس مهاجمًا ريال مدريد: من الصعب اختلاق هذه الأمور مثلهم وعاد روديجر مرة أخرى إلى التواجد في تشكيلة ريال مدريد الأساسية، بعدما غاب الدولي الألماني عن الملاعب خلال الفترة الماضية بسبب الإصابة.

وأشادت الصحيفة بثنائية إيدير ميليتاو وروديجر، والتي أتت ثمارها خلال مواجهة ريال مدريد وأتلتيك بلباو الأسبوع الماضي في الدوري الإسباني، حيث انتصر ريال مدريد بثلاثية نظيفة.

وأوضحت الصحيفة، أن تحدي هويسن مختلف في الوقت الحالي مع ريال مدريد، ليس من أجل إثبات نفسه في تشكيلة الميرنجي الأساسية، وإنما العمل على تطوير مستواه.

وأردفت ماركا قائلة، إن تواجد روديجر مع ميليتاو وكذلك هويسن يعطي متنفسا كبيرا لألونسو، والذي لديه عمق قوي الآن في خط الدفاع.

ويستعد ريال مدريد لمباراة سيلتا فيجو غدًا الأحد، وذلك ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ15 من بطولة الدوري الإسباني على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

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Um dos principais destaques do RB Bragantino, Juninho Capixaba evitou falar em favoritismo sobre o confronto com o Botafogo, pela terceira fase da Libertadores. Em entrevista ao “ge”, o lateral-esquerdo afirmou que os investimentos feitos por ambos os clubes não entram em campo.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

– Isso a gente deixa para a imprensa. Quando a gente entra nas quatro linhas, são 11 contra 11. Não entra investimento, não entra nada. São 11 jogadores tentando brigar pela sua equipe e buscando a vaga na próxima fase.

Após eliminar o Águilas Doradas na competição, Juninho enxerga o duelo entre equipes brasileiras com muito equilibro. No entanto, o jogador de 26 anos afirmou que pretende chegar mais longe na atual temporada.

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– A gente não olha muito para o adversário. Acredito que mudamos nossos objetivos, temos sempre que pensar melhor a cada temporada, melhorar. A gente quer colocar objetivos maiores para que possamos alcançar. A gente vê um confronto como um duelo de grandes equipes. Vamos nos preparar bem para chegar lá e, se possível, buscar a classificação, que é o nosso objetivo.

Nesta quarta-feira (6), o Rb Bragantino visita o Botafogo pelo jogo de ida em busca de uma vaga na fase de grupos da Libertadores. O duelo decisivo será na próxima semana, em Bragança Paulista.

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BotafogoJuninho CapixabaLibertadoresRB Bragantino

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O treinador do São Paulo, Dorival Júnior, vai aceitar o convite da CBF para assumir o cargo de técnico da Seleção Brasileira. A entidade está fazendo o possível para que o contrato seja aceito.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSão PauloAno de 2023 de Dorival Júnior pelo São Paulo foi fundamental para chamar a atenção da Seleção BrasileiraSão Paulo07/01/2024São PauloSão Paulo conquista virada heróica sobre o Carajás e garante classificação na CopinhaSão Paulo06/01/2024São PauloEntenda o que levou a CBF a tentar tirar Dorival Júnior do São Paulo para treinar a Seleção BrasileiraSão Paulo06/01/2024

Segundo o portal “UOL”, a CBF deve enviar o convite para Dorival nas próximas horas. A direção da entidade e o treinador já conversaram, há otimismo entre as partes e a contratação é dada como garantida. O anúncio deve ser feito ainda nesta semana.

No São Paulo, desde sábado (6), já era esperado o convite da CBF para Dorival. Neste domingo (7), a saída do treinador do Tricolor já é considerada inevitável.

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O Lance! tentou entrar em contato com Dorival Júnior, mas não houve retorno.

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CBFDorival JúniorSão PauloSeleção Brasileira

The Newcastle United starting lineup that takes to the field against Manchester City this coming Saturday in the Premier League will be an interesting one to predict.

Of course, Dan Burn will be unavailable owing to suspension, but another defensive alteration could see Nick Pope drop out of Eddie Howe’s plans for Aaron Ramsdale to start in between the sticks. After all, the ex-Burnley goalkeeper has shipped a leaky six goals across his last two league outings.

Moreover, Harvey Barnes might well feel he’s in line for a start, having scored Newcastle’s only goal last time out, as Brentford soured the mood even more on Tyneside when inflicting a 3-1 loss on the Magpies.

Moving into the near future, past Newcastle’s showdown with the Citizens, Howe also has the January transfer window hurtling into view now, if he wants to add more star quality to his ranks to try and fix their inconsistencies.

After Smit: Newcastle looking to bolster their defence in January

The PIF-backed Magpies could well splash the cash in January to try and jump up the table, away from their current lowly 14th position.

Indeed, rumours are already circulating that the Toon have AZ Alkmaar rising star Kees Smit on their potential shopping list, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that Howe and Co will need to fork out £22m to land the promising Dutch midfielder.

With two goals and four assists in all competitions this campaign, he could prove to be a worthwhile purchase, in giving the likes of Joelinton a run for his money centrally.

At the back, Newcastle are keen on landing a utility figure to boost their shaky defensive ranks in Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza.

Football Insider have speculated that his La Liga employers are now tempted to cash in on the 26-year-old when the window reopens, as his contract expires this coming summer.

Newcastle will believe they can pick up a similar Malick Thiaw-style steal by swooping for the four-time Spain international’s signature, as another defender who is untested in the Premier League prepares to take the English game by storm.

How Mingueza could be Newcastle's next Thiaw

Last season, on the way to the Toon clinching an impressive fifth spot in the final Premier League rankings, Howe often relied on the commanding duo of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn in the heart of defence.

This campaign, on the contrary, chinks have appeared in the Newcastle armour courtesy of their old guard, leading to the Tyneside giants starting with Thiaw over the likes of the Swiss international, who is proving to be an inspired pick-up from AC Milan for £30m.

The German has stood out as a determined battler, completely unfazed by the challenges of his new environment, winning 4.9 duels per game across his eight Premier League starts.

In stark contrast, the tried and tested Schar has won just four on average when sparingly used. Thiaw has been so impactful, in such a short space of time, that he has even been labelled as the “future of this club” at the back by Magpies’ captain Bruno Guimaraes.

History could repeat itself with the addition of Mingueza to the ranks in the coming months, with analysts Breaking the Lines boldly declaring that the 26-year-old is “one of the best right backs in Spain”, with Kieran Trippier perhaps feeling restless about his first-team minutes moving forward if the versatile defender is to leave Claudio Giráldez’s men behind, for a chance in England.

RB

35

3 + 4

RM

32

2 + 5

LB

13

1 + 1

CB

11

0

LM

6

1 + 2

RW

1

0

CM

1

0

Before delving further into Mingueza’s strengths as a malleable presence, he would easily usurp Trippier in the right-back spot when comparing their 2025/26 numbers side-by-side.

The Celta number 3 has one goal and two assists to shout about from eight La Liga starts so far this season, when predominantly being used in the right-back position, with a strong four big chances also created. His ex-Atletico Madrid counterpart has no goals and assists; on the contrary, despite making one more Premier League appearance, with zero big chances also worryingly created.

Therefore, yet another usual mainstay under Howe could fall to the wayside with Mingueza’s arrival, much like Schar has to stomach, ever since the fresh blood of Thiaw arrived on the scene.

Capable of playing as a centre-back and as a midfielder, too, it really does feel like Mingueza swapping Spain for Tyneside could be a move that initially goes under the radar, that’s then viewed as a masterstroke, much like Thiaw leaving Italy behind for St James’ Park is already being viewed as.

Newcastle want 'immediate' agreement for Brazilian with Wilson prepared to splash cash

PIF could spend big…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 15, 2025

Celtic have two weeks during the last international break of the calendar year to finally find a long-term successor to former head coach Brendan Rodgers.

The Northern Irish manager tendered his resignation after the 3-1 defeat to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership last month, ending his second spell in the dugout at Parkhead.

Rodgers, as shown in the graphic above, enjoyed a largely successful second stint with the Hoops, as he won the Premiership title in both of his full seasons in charge.

Experienced manager Martin O’Neill was brought in to take charge of the Scottish giants for an interim period, having been out of club management since the 2018/19 campaign.

Now, the Hoops need to finalise their search for their long-term successor to Rodgers to lead the team after the international break and, hopefully, into future seasons.

One of the managers who has been linked with a potential move to Parkhead is Wales national team head coach Craig Bellamy, who had a stint as a player in Glasgow.

What Craig Bellamy has said about a move to Celtic

It was reported at the end of last month that the Scottish giants were planning to make contact with the former Manchester City and Liverpool forward about the possibility of taking the job.

Unfortunately, for Celtic, though, Bellamy all-but-quashed speculation over his future by reaffirming his commitment to Wales, ahead of the World Cup next summer.

When asked about a move to Parkhead recently, the Welsh boss said: “I can understand the links. I played there. But to me, I love what I’m doing at the present time. I’m completely focused on what’s set to come. That’s all I’m focused on. It’s cliched but I couldn’t want anything else. It isn’t on my radar and it won’t be on my radar.”

Those comments suggest that Celtic will not be able to persuade him to ditch his country to be Rodgers’ replacement, which is understandable given that he has the chance to lead his country out at the World Cup in America next summer.

That is a possible blow for the Scottish giants because Bellamy could have been an intriguing appointment for the club, as he has done some brilliant work since taking over from Rob Page for Wales.

Wales national team

Rob Page

Craig Bellamy

Games managed

45

14

Goals scored

55

22

Goals scored per game

1.22

1.57

Points per game

1.33

1.57

Games without a goal scored

14

4

Games per goalless game

3.2

3.5

Stats via Transfermarkt

That mentality and way of coaching his team, the former Celtic forward has improved his country’s national team in his time in charge. They are scoring more goals and winning more points than they were before.

Whilst Bellamy may not be available for the Hoops in the international break, the club are reportedly keen on a manager who would be a dream alternative.

Celtic battling English side to land 4-2-3-1 manager

According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, Celtic are one of the teams battling it out to land Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy in the coming days or weeks.

The reporter claims that the Hoops have placed the former Manchester City U21 tactician on their shortlist of candidates, as they look to find their replacement for Rodgers.

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Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

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Nixon adds that English Championship side Middlesbrough are also eyeing a possible move for the Irish tactician, who typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, as they are in the process of losing Rob Edwards to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The journalist reveals that Celtic use their connections with the City Football Group to do background on possible manager targets, and Barry-Murphy worked with Manchester City’s U21s for several seasons, which may be why they are keen on a move for him.

Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops will make contact with Cardiff to discuss a deal for the 47-year-old coach, the League One boss could be a brilliant alternative to Craig Bellamy.

Why Barry-Murphy would be a dream alternative to Bellamy for Celtic

The Cardiff manager would be the dream alternative to the Wales national team manager because he has a similar style of play and way of working, with his 4-2-3-1 formation that sees his team play out from the back and take risks.

In fact, as you can hear in the clip above, Bellamy sees a lot of similarities between the way he wants Wales to play and the way that Barry-Murphy has Cardiff playing in League One, which he believes benefits him with the national side.

The Wales boss says that it is a “dream” for him that the Irishman plays a similar style, which is exactly why he would be a “dream” alternative to Bellamy for the Hoops this month.

On top of being similar to Bellamy in style, Barry-Murphy has done an impressive job at Cardiff. The Bluebirds were relegated from the Championship last season, finishing bottom, and he had to come in and turn the club around.

They are currently fourth in League One after 14 matches. Meanwhile, the two teams that came down from the Championship alongside them are below Cardiff in the table, with Luton in ninth and Plymouth in 24th.

Brian Barry-Murphy’s managerial career since leaving Rochdale

Season

Points per game

League position

25/26 (League One)

1.86

4th

23/24 (Premier League 2)

0.90

23rd

22/23 (Premier League 2)

2.27

1st

21/22 (Premier League 2)

2.08

1st

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Barry-Murphy also has experience managing a side to win matches consistently, as he won two Premier League 2 titles in charge of Manchester City’s U21s.

Whilst that was at U21 level, it does show that he is used to playing a style that leads to consistent wins, which has carried over to his time in charge of Cardiff so far, as they sit in the play-off places in League One.

Related Celtic told latest timeline to appoint Knutsen as first problem emerges

The Hoops are still searching for their next manager.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 9, 2025

Therefore, Barry-Murphy would be an intriguing appointment for Celtic as a dream alternative to Bellamy if they decide to press ahead with a move for his services.

Tottenham have been criticised as of late for a perceived lack of creativity, with it being clear they’re far from the finished article.

Tottenham travel to Everton after lacklustre Monaco draw

Thomas Frank’s side travel to Everton on Sunday with the aim of getting back to winning ways after two uninspired performances.

Their 2-1 loss at home to Aston Villa last weekend heightened concerns around Spurs’ inability to dominate matches or create openings on a consistent enough basis, as critics call for Frank to shake things up.

Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur have been in fantastic form individually, particularly the former, but questions surround whether they should be the north Londoners’ starting pair in central midfield every game.

Frank’s men are struggling to connect defence with attack, and this was on full display during their stalemate in France.

Goalkeeper Gugilelmo Vicario was by far their player of the match against Monaco, saving Spurs time and time again with a string of excellent stops — thwarting ex-Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun three times in the first 45 alone.

21

Shots

10

9

Shots on target

4

50%

Possession

50%

399

Passes

328

91%

Pass accuracy

89%

13

Fouls

12

0

Yellow cards

1

0

Red cards

0

1

Offsides

1

5

Corners

4

In terms of their attacking players, some believed winger Wilson Odobert had his “best game in a Spurs shirt” at the Stade Louis II, but the Frenchman was forced off through injury in the second-half and couldn’t make a further impact.

Even though Vicario has attracted criticism for his handling of crosses into the box this term, based off their 0-0 at Monaco, Frank’s goalkeeping department looks like one of the areas least in need of strengthening come January.

However, journalist Graeme Bailey reports that co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange now have the chance to bring in a pretty big name for that position.

Tottenham offered Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on loan

According to Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has been offered out to Spurs, with the 33-year-old told that he can leave in January.

Ter Stegen, who’s made just nine appearances in all competitions since the beginning of last season due to injury, has watched summer signing Joan Garcia take his number one spot.

The German, who is still captain of Barça regardless of his unavailability over the last 12 months, is close to returning from a back problem, but the La Liga champions have told his camp to find him a new club when the winter window opens.

Tottenham have been approached by intermediaries over signing ter Stegen as a result, with the Lilywhites handed an opportunity to strike a temporary deal.

A six-time Spanish champion with Barça and Champions League winner, ter Stegen’s proven top-level experience could be invaluable to a largely young Spurs dressing room.

However, his fitness issues, combined with a pretty lofty £280,000-per-week pay packet, makes this potential move a fairly risky one, even on loan.

Vicario’s heroics against Monaco prove that Frank already has that base pretty covered, and the club should really be prioritising new additions further forward.

Dominic Solanke’s fitness issues and concerns around Richarlison’s form have prompted reports that Tottenham are targeting a new striker in 2026, with ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney among the names linked as Frank looks to bolster his attack.

Paratici and Lange, after Tottenham failed to sign Savinho in the summer, could also look to target a new winger in the winter.

أعلنت رابطة البريميرليج عن قائمة اللاعبين المرشحين لجائزة أفضل لاعب في الجولة التاسعة لبطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وشهدت هذه الجولة أداءً فرديًا مميزًا لعدد من اللاعبين، مع أنديتهم خلال المباريات التي أقيمت على مدار الأيام الماضية.

ورشحت رابطة البريميرليج ثمانية لاعبين، مع غياب للاعبي فريق ليفربول بما في ذلك المصري محمد صلاح، وأيضًا للاعبي مانشستر سيتي.

وكان ليفربول قد تعرض لهزيمة من برينتفورد بثلاثية لهدفين، وسقط مانشستر سيتي في فخ الهزيمة أمام أستون فيلا بهدف دون رد.

اقرأ أيضًا | الإعلان عن المرشحين لـ التشكيل المثالي لعام 2025.. موقف محمد صلاح المرشحون لجائزة أفضل لاعب في الجولة التاسعة بالدوري الإنجليزي

بريندن آرونسون (ليدز يونايتد)

قدم المهاجم الأمريكي أداءً مميزًا مع فريقه ليدز وسجل هدفًا مساهًا في الفوز على وست هام بهدفين لهدف، وسدد ثلاث تسديدات، وله فرصتين، وثلاث مراوغات ناجحة من ثلاث محاولات.

إيبيريتشي إيزي (آرسنال)

ظهر إيزي بمستوى مميز مع آرسنال في المباراة ضد ناديه السابق كريستال بالاس، مسجلًا هدفه الأول في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز مع الجانرز، ليُعزز صدارته للبريميرليج بفارق أربع نقاط عن أقرب ملاحقيه.

زيان فليمينج (ولفرهامبتون)

سجّل فليمينج هدفين حاسمين، في أول 30 دقيقة، ليقود بيرنلي إلى فوزٍ مثير على ملعب مولينيو أمام ولفرهامبتون بثلاثية لهدفين.

مايكل كايودي (برينتفورد)

لعب كايودي دورًا حاسمًا في الهدف الافتتاحي المبكر لفريقه برينتفورد أمام ليفربول، حيث مرر رمية تماس مررها كريستوفر آجر إلى دانجو واتارا ليسجلها في المرمى، إلى جانب الأداء الدفاعي القوي له طوال المباراة.

بريان مبيومو (مانشستر يونايتد)

واصل مبيومو تألقه، مسجلاً هدفين في فوز مانشستر يونايتد المثير على برايتون بنتيجة 4-2.

أمادو أونانا (أستون فيلا)

قدّم أونانا أداءً مميزًا، في وسط الملعب في مباراة فريقه أستون فيلا أمام مانشستر سيتي في فيلا بارك.

ميكي فان دي فين (توتنهام)

سجل فان دي فين هدفين في الشوط الأول، ممهدًا الطريق أمام توتنهام للفوز 3-0 في مباراته أمام إيفرتون.

تشاكا (سندرلاند)

قدم تشاكا أداءً قويًا في خط الوسط، حيث حقق سندرلاند فوزًا أمام تشيلسي بهدفين لهدف، على ملعب ستامفورد بريدج، وساعد فريقه على الاحتفاظ بالكرة والتحكم في إيقاع المباراة في اللحظات الحاسمة.

Compared to some in the division, Leeds United are yet to be completely ravaged by injuries so far this season. That said, they have suffered from some absences here and there.

Lucas Perri has been out of Daniel Farke’s plans since featuring against Newcastle United through injury, but this setback hasn’t derailed the Whites too much, with Karl Darlow taking over in goal, resulting in a win and a draw being clinched.

Moreover, Jayden Bogle has managed to wriggle free of any injury difficulties – with Farke worrying he might have missed the AFC Bournemouth draw – only for the former Sheffield United man to win seven ground duels versus their Premier League foes.

Leeds are well equipped to deal with injury struggles; therefore, with Daniel James, another injury-prone figure, now taking up room in the Elland Road treatment room.

The latest on Dan James' injury setback

It’s well-known by this point that the Welshman has routinely looked out of his depth in the Premier League, whether that be with Leeds or at other clubs.

Glancing at his numbers in the top-flight, and then comparing them to his Championship statistics, it’s really night and day between the two of them.

Once labelled an “exceptional” talent by ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he has struggled to ever look Premier League-ready.

Indeed, in the EFL’s elite division to date, the 27-year-old attacker has a bumper 29 goals and 25 assists next to his name, notably finding his way into the PFA Team of the Season for 2024/25.

On the contrary, in the league above, it’s just 12 goals and 13 assists to shout about, with his sketchy injury record also a major cause for concern for the number seven when it comes to regular minutes this season.

Worries emerged earlier this week that the winger had suffered an ACL injury and while the full extent of his recently obtained ankle injury is yet to be fully revealed, it is alleged that he could only miss up to six weeks of action, having also sat out a total of ten games last campaign during Leeds’ promotion hunt due to a hamstring issue.

Despite the Welshman sliding down the pecking order somewhat, he will still be fondly remembered for his key role last season as promotion was achieved, despite said setbacks.

Yet, it’s clear now, from Leeds’ summer business, that upgrades have been purchased all over the pitch to help the top-flight newcomers adjust to the testing Premier League, with one signing already looking a better talent than James at the elite level.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse The "electric" star who is better than James

Both of Leeds’ early wins in the Premier League this season have been picked up courtesy of a whole host of Farke’s new purchases shining bright.

On the opening day, it was Lukas Nmecha – who joined from Wolfsburg this summer – who stole the headlines when converting a late penalty to hand his new employers a 1-0 win over Everton.

Then, it was the turn of Noah Okafor, who would seal a convincing 3-1 victory on the road against Wolverhampton Wanderers, after leaving AC Milan behind for England late into the hectic transfer window.

Unlike James, who relocated to Elland Road nervously after a stop-start time at the Red Devils, Okafor has arrived in England with his confidence full to the brim.

Indeed, he caused defences in the Austrian Bundesliga, Serie A, and the Swiss Super League all sorts of bother, before another top-flight adventure opened up for him.

Amazingly, playing for the likes of RB Salzburg, Milan, and Basel, Okafor notched up a blistering 81 goal contributions, which blows James’ own lacklustre numbers in the Premier League – another tough top-flight division in Europe – out of the water.

Okafor’s career numbers by position

Position

Games

Goals + Assists

LW

90

20 + 9

CF

79

26 + 16

RW

40

10 + 7

SS

2

0

LM

1

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Consequently, Leeds might no longer feel a need to persist with James, even with the knowledge that he can bamboozle defences with his pace and skill on his day, when they have a similar winger who is proven at the very top in their fresh number 19.

It’s safe to say that the Swiss is also bamboozling defences in England, evoking memories of a tricky Raphinha when he once plied his trade at Elland Road. Indeed, to rubber-stamp that comparison, Okafor notably made a ridiculous 12 dribbles in the opening 45 minutes of that game with Wolves, the most by any player in the first half of a Premier League game since Boxing Day 2019, when Wilfried Zaha achieved 13 vs West Ham.

James will, no doubt, be given his moment in the Premier League spotlight again when he wriggles free of his latest injury setback.

But, with faces such as the “electric” Okafor already impressing – as he was once labelled by scout Jacek Kulig – Farke won’t feel he has to show blind loyalty to his old guard going forward.

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Posts ByDan Emery Oct 2, 2025