Football
Brendan Rodgers delivers Rangers verdict after Celtic win in Premier Sports Cup final
Rangers delivered an exceptional performance against Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden Park, despite ultimately losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
Building on the momentum of a spirited 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Ibrox, the Gers gave their all on the pitch, pushing Celtic to their limits in a thrilling and hard-fought final.
Although Philippe Clement remains winless in six Old Firm clashes, the Rangers manager can take great pride in the effort and determination displayed by his team.
Rangers endured a heartbreaking defeat after battling through numerous challenges and forcing the game to penalties following a dramatic 3-3 draw in extra time.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledged Rangers’ impressive performance, noting that his team had to show resilience and character to secure the victory.
“I thought Rangers played well in the first half and we had to show heart to come back,” said Rodgers after the game, as quoted by BBC Sports.
“Over the last few weeks Philippe Clement has changed it a bit so it didn’t surprise us. When you’re a big club you want to be on the front foot and press and Rangers did that.”
The loss will undoubtedly sting for Rangers, but signs of progress under Philippe Clement are becoming evident.
Two consecutive high-intensity matches have demonstrated the quality within the squad, showing that the team can compete with top sides when executing their game plan effectively.
Rangers implemented a clear strategy to neutralize Kyogo Furuhashi’s threat, successfully limiting his impact.
They also displayed impressive energy in midfield, maintaining relentless pressure throughout the match. While they capitalized on some opportunities, their decision-making in key moments could still improve.
Clement can now reassure fans that the players are beginning to embrace his system and that the club is moving in the right direction under his guidance.
English Premier League
Chelsea ready talks with Everton over Chilwell and Dewsbury-Hall – report
The Merseyside club is actively assessing options in the loan market and intends to inquire about the availability of both players during the January transfer window.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s time at Chelsea has fallen short of expectations following his summer move from Leicester City, where he reunited with former manager Enzo Maresca.
Similarly, Ben Chilwell has had minimal game time this season, managing just 45 minutes across all competitions, which came in Chelsea’s 5-0 League Cup win against Barrow.
Everton has already filled their quota of four loan signings for the season, but the potential departure of Armando Broja would open up a slot for one of the Chelsea players.
With their January transfer funds limited by profitability and sustainability regulations, the Toffees are eager to create room for a loan deal before the window closes.
Additionally, CaughtOffside reports that while there is a broad agreement with Lyon for the permanent signing of Ernest Nuamah, the deal is still pending final approval from David Moyes. Personal terms are not expected to present any complications.
Everton’s attempt to return Armando Broja hits stumbling block
Everton’s attempt to recall Armando Broja from his loan spell has hit a snag, as Chelsea is now requesting compensation for the striker’s return.
David Moyes recently disclosed that the club is contemplating ending Broja’s season-long loan after the forward was ruled out for 10 to 12 weeks with a significant ankle injury.
Broja made the move to Everton last summer despite already recovering from an Achilles injury that had previously disrupted a potential transfer to Ipswich.
As part of the agreement, Chelsea committed to covering the Albanian international’s wages during his recovery.
English Premier League
Brighton now make contact over signing Cummings – report
The Seagulls are gearing up for an active January transfer window, aiming to bolster their squad in several key areas as Fabian Hurzeler seeks to revive their season following a disappointing spell of form.
With Evan Ferguson’s future at the American Express Stadium uncertain, Brighton is prioritizing the addition of a young striker and has identified Daniel Cummings as a potential acquisition this month.
However, Cummings isn’t the only forward on their radar. Brighton is also competing with Liverpool for FC Nuremberg’s Stefanos Tzimas, whose impressive displays in Bundesliga II have caught their attention.
Securing a new striker could prove essential if Ferguson departs, but Hurzeler is equally focused on shoring up the defense. The manager has reportedly set his sights on a fresh defensive target.
According to The Daily Mail, Brighton has expressed interest in signing Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, just seven months after the player’s move to Stamford Bridge.
Adarabioyo, earning £120,000 per week, has seen consistent action for Chelsea this season but has only started seven Premier League matches. The Seagulls are keen to secure a permanent deal and have reached out to their top-flight rivals to formalize their interest.
It remains uncertain whether Chelsea will approve the transfer. However, reports suggest that selling Adarabioyo could significantly aid the Blues in meeting financial regulations, potentially incentivizing them to strike a deal.
Tosin could be a quality signing
Tosin Adarabioyo has established himself as a reliable Premier League defender over the years. Recently, he has become a regular presence in Chelsea’s lineup, earning his place in Enzo Maresca’s plans. Known for his aerial strength, the Englishman ranks in the 82nd percentile for aerial duels won per 90 minutes over the past year, a quality that has drawn praise from journalist Zach Lowy.
While it might seem unusual for Chelsea to part ways with the 27-year-old so soon after signing him, the club could secure a full profit since they acquired him on a free transfer last summer. Considering Adarabioyo’s strong defensive capabilities, Brighton would do well to position themselves as frontrunners for his signature if he becomes available during this transfer window.
Football
Keith Jackson moots Hamza Igamane exit with £10m summer move suggested
Keith Jackson suggests that Rangers may struggle to turn down bids for Hamza Igamane during the summer transfer window.
According to the Daily Record journalist, interest in the Moroccan striker is likely to soar, especially if he delivers another standout performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League.
Jackson believes that if the Gers were to receive a £10 million offer for the 22-year-old, they would feel obligated to accept, securing a significant profit.
Speaking on Hotline Live (16 January), Jackson said: “I don’t think you’ll see Igamane in a Rangers shirt next season. He’s made such progress.
“And I think he’ll go down to Old Trafford… if he goes onto that platform against Manchester United and turns it on and looks like the player he’s looked like in the last few weeks, that’s when the interest will really start to skyrocket.
“They are going to get the kind of offers in the summer they’ll find impossible to resist. This is a guy we spent £1.5m on, if you can get a cheque of £10m after the 12 months, I’m afraid that’s the sort of business [that needs to be done].”
Hamza Igamane transfer game changer for Rangers
Hamza Igamane was a relatively unknown talent when Rangers took a chance on him, signing him from AS FAR in Morocco.
Early in the season, Philippe Clement rarely relied on the 22-year-old, with Cyriel Dessers continuing to lead the line at Ibrox. However, after inconsistent performances from the Nigerian striker, the Belgian manager opted to bench him, giving Igamane the opportunity to shine.
Rangers fans have been impressed with the Moroccan forward’s contributions, with nine goals in his last 10 Scottish Premiership matches. He found the net again in a commanding 3-0 victory over Aberdeen at Ibrox on Wednesday (15 January), helping secure second place for the team.
It wouldn’t be surprising if top European clubs expressed interest in Igamane during the summer transfer window. While selling him might be financially tempting, the young striker could play a pivotal role in restoring success to Rangers next season.
-
English Premier League2 weeks ago
Arsenal ‘agree terms’ with Premier League forward, could cost over £50m
-
Tennis1 month ago
Jimmy Connors shares honest opinion on Novak Djokovic hiring Andy Murray as coach
-
Tennis1 month ago
Andy Murray showcases his acting skills in a new TV commercial, portraying a fugitive on the run.
-
Tennis1 month ago
Andy Murray expected to miss Novak Djokovic’s first tournament of 2025
-
English Premier League2 weeks ago
Arsenal to sign “world-class” £58m “machine” who could be their own Gyokeres
-
English Premier League1 month ago
West Ham Board Split Could Save Lopetegui
-
English Premier League1 month ago
Premier League announce official Newcastle United decision after ‘unacceptable’ Ipswich Town claim
-
Championship1 month ago
Frank Lampard makes four changes to his Coventry City side to face Millwall at The Den