Aamer Jamal, the Pakistan allrounder, has been fined over a million rupees (USD 4000 approx.) for displaying a slogan showing support for former prime minister and Pakistan captain, Imran Khan.Jamal turned up for a Pakistan training day during the home Test series against England in December last year with “804” written on the underside of his floppy hat. That is the prisoner number for Imran, who has been incarcerated since August 2023 and is facing multiple long-term sentences for corruption and other charges. Imran says the charges are politically motivated. The number has become a popular and identifying rallying cry among his supporters, heard at his political party PTI’s rallies and even during a couple of PSL games last year.As Jamal was in training kit and not during a match day expressing a political message, it was not an ICC violation. But the PCB’s code of conduct mirrors that of the ICC.Related

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• Akram criticises PCB's social media video for leaving out Imran Khan

Jamal has been fined under clause 2.23 of that code which states:.The clause notes that players cannot “comment on any sensitive, communal, racial, sectarian, political etc” matter.The fine is thought to be an unusually large one for the breach, indicating that it could be setting an example, rather than specifically punishing a disciplinary breach.Imran was the prime minister until he was removed by a parliamentary vote of no confidence in May 2022. He and his party have been at odds with the current government of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Mohsin Naqvi, the current chair of the PCB, is a key figure in the current government as the interior minister and by constitution, is an appointee to the PCB of the prime minister.Under Naqvi’s predecessor at the PCB, Zaka Ashraf, the board released a celebratory video in which Imran had been edited out of some of Pakistan’s greatest cricket achievements. After much criticism he was edited back in. There had also been speculation around the Imran Khan enclosure at Gaddafi Stadium and whether it would be renamed during the recent upgradation work, but the enclosure remains under his name.Jamal was one of a number of players fined over the winter for various disciplinary and curfew breaches.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Pleno do Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) manteve a punição ao Corinthians, que terá de cumprir um jogo de portões fechados no Brasileirão pelos cânticos homofóbicos entoados pela torcida durante o empate por 1 a 1 com o São Paulo, na Neo Química Arena.

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A punição havia sido dada pela 3ª Comissão Disciplinar do STJD, mas a diretoria corintiana obteve efeito suspensivo, e o clube alvinegro teve o apoio da Fiel na derrota contra o Bragantino, pelo Brasileirão.

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Com a confirmação da penalidade, o Corinthians jogará sem torcida contra o Vasco, no final do mês, pois é a primeira do clube como mandante no Campeonato Brasileiro. Tendo como base a renda bruta média do Corinthians como mandante, o Timão deixaria de faturar cerca de R$1,5 milhão sem a renda da partida contra o Vasco.

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RELEMBRE O CASO

Durante o Majestoso contra o São Paulo, grande parte da torcida corintiana entoou cânticos homofóbicos contra o rival. Os alto-falantes e telões da Neo Química Arena veicularam mensagens de conscientização e ressaltaram que o Alvinegro poderia ser punido pelos cantos, mas os torcedores não pararam.

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O árbitro Bruno Arleu de Araújo relatou o ocorrido em súmula e o Corinthians foi enquadrado no artigo 243-G do Código Brasileiro de Justiça Desportiva, que trata sobre “praticar ato discriminatório, desdenhoso ou ultrajante, relacionado a preconceito em razão de origem étnica, raça, sexo, cor, idade, condição de pessoa idosa ou portadora de deficiência.

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Assim, o Timão se tornou o primeiro clube brasileiro punido com perda de mando de campo por cânticos homofóbicos após a implementação do novo Regulamento Geral das Competições da CBF.

American defender Noahkai Banks scored his first goal for FC Augsburg in their 3-1 win over VfL Wolfsburg. The 18-year-old center back marked his first Bundesliga start of the season with a milestone moment, opening the scoring just three minutes in to help secure Augsburg’s second league victory of the campaign.

Getty Images SportBanks capitalizes on set-piece opportunity

Banks demonstrated unexpected attacking instinct to give Augsburg a 1-0 lead in the third minute, reacting quickest to a floating cross following a corner kick. The defender showed impressive composure to control the bouncing ball before firing a powerful low shot beyond Wolfsburg goalkeeper Kamil Grabara. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations from the 18-year-old, who rushed toward the Augsburg supporters before being mobbed by teammates. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGoal strengthens case

Banks' goal and complete performance against Wolfsburg significantly strengthen his case for consistent starting opportunities in Augsburg's upcoming fixtures. The American had made just two substitute appearances totaling 32 minutes before this start, but his goal-scoring contribution and performance likely improves his standing. That is especially with Augburg struggling for form, as the Bundesliga club have only managed two wins out of their opening six league games.

Longtime coming

Born in Honolulu, the defender has been steadily progressing on both the club and country ranks. Last season he discussed what making it to Augsburg's first team. 

"I’m delighted to be given the chance to prove myself in the first team," Banks said. "It’s a childhood dream come true for me, and I’ll do everything I can to make it to the Bundesliga with FCA."

Banks’ rise hasn’t been confined to Augsburg. Internationally, he remains eligible for Germany but has so far represented only U.S. youth national teams. In 2023, he featured at the U-17 World Cup alongside top American prospects like Nimfasha Berchimas, Keryol Figueroa, and Cruz Medina, as the U.S. exited in the Round of 16 against Germany. He has since appeared up to the U-20 level, recording an assist against France, though he declined a call-up last summer to focus on preseason with his club. Most recently, Banks was called into the USMNT senior camp this September, though he did not feature in either match.

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Getty Images SportLooking ahead

Banks' breakthrough performance comes at an intriguing time for the United States Men's National Team. He wasn't called up for the October camp, but there are friendlies in November which he could be considered for. Augsburg's upcoming Bundesliga schedule includes challenging fixtures against FC Koln and RB Leipzig on Oct. 18 and Oct. 25, respectively. 

Everton’s return to Premier League action has been marked by cautious optimism.

The move to their new home at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was christened with a 2-0 victory over Brighton, where Jack Grealish, freshly arrived from Manchester City, stole the show with two assists.

David Moyes’ side followed that up with another professional 2-0 win in the EFL Cup against Mansfield Town, hinting at early momentum, before seeing off Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday’s 3-2 victory.

But the season’s opening-day loss at Elland Road offered a reminder of the challenges ahead.

The squad remains in transition, with several high-profile departures, including Abdoulaye Doucouré, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Ashley Young.

For Moyes, who guided West Ham to European silverware before returning to Merseyside, the task is clear: moulding this group into a side capable of competing in the top half of the table.

Alongside Grealish, the Toffees have added Villarreal forward Thierno Barry, Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Southampton prospect Tyler Dibling.

These signings inject fresh energy, but Everton’s attack still partly hinges on Beto, whose output has typically fallen short of expectations – albeit while having netted on Saturday against the Old Gold.

That quest for greater firepower has led Everton to monitor options across Europe.

Scouts have been busy in recent weeks, and one name in particular has begun to stand out.

Everton's search for a striker

According to Africa Foot, Everton are one of several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Franculino Dju, the FC Midtjylland forward enjoying a breakout season in Denmark.

The 21-year-old has exploded into form with nine goals and two assists in his first ten appearances of the 2025/26 campaign, with Nottingham Forest now particularly interested, alongside both West Ham United and Spurs.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig went as far as to describe the youngster as “unstoppable” after a blistering run of six goals and two assists across just three games.

Interest is not limited to England. Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Serie A outfit Fiorentina, are all tracking the Guinea-Bissau-born striker.

The report suggests it would take a fee closer to €20m (£17m) to convince Midtjylland to part ways with their starlet.

Everton were credited with interest earlier this month after sending scouts to Denmark to watch him in person.

With Beto struggling to deliver consistently, Moyes and his recruitment staff are eager to add more potency in the final third.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Dju, who joined Midtjylland from Benfica in 2023, represents exactly the kind of profile they have been missing: young, dynamic, and brimming with confidence in front of goal.

How Franculino Dju compares to Beto

The comparisons between Everton’s current lead striker and their latest target are telling.

Beto, now 27, has plenty of physical presence at 1.94m and rarely misses games through injury, but his Premier League numbers underline his limitations, having scored just 12 goals in 63 appearances.

Data from FBref shows him ranking in the 74th percentile for total shots per 90 (2.87) and the 97th percentile for aerial duels won (5.81 per 90), underlining his role as a traditional target man.

Yet despite his strength in the air and reliability in build-up, his finishing remains inconsistent. Dju offers a very different profile.

At 1.86m he has the physical attributes to compete in the Premier League, but crucially, he combines this with greater mobility and sharper instincts in front of goal.

Last season, he managed 11 goals and three assists in 28 league appearances – steady numbers for a player adapting to senior football.

This term, however, his output has surged: nine goals and two assists in just 11 matches, placing him among the most clinical forwards in the Superligaen.

Statistical comparisons between the two highlight why Everton may view the 21-year-old as an upgrade. Dju averages 3.32 shots per 90 compared to Beto’s 2.87, while his 1.50 shots on target per 90 also edge the Portuguese forward’s 1.35.

In terms of goal involvements, the contrast is even sharper: Dju contributed to 22 last season in all competitions, ahead of Beto’s return of 13.

These numbers underline his ability not just to get chances but to convert them into tangible results.

Beyond the metrics, there is also the question of trajectory. Beto, though still in his prime years, has plateaued since arriving in England.

Dju, meanwhile, is on an upward curve, attracting attention from clubs operating at the top end of European competition.

For Everton, securing him now would not only provide an immediate injection of goals but also represent a longer-term investment in a player whose value could soar further.

There is also a stylistic element to consider.

Moyes’ teams traditionally thrive with a hard-working forward capable of stretching defences, linking play, and applying relentless pressure.

Dju’s performances in Denmark suggest he has the energy and work rate to fulfil that role.

His background at Benfica, renowned for producing technically gifted attackers, means he also brings a level of composure and ball control that could help Everton build more fluid attacking movements.

Of course, competition for his signature will be fierce.

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, in particular, offer the allure of Champions League football, while Fiorentina and Stuttgart can point to their track records of developing young forwards.

Everton, however, have one advantage: the promise of regular Premier League minutes under a manager with a proven history of trusting players he believes in.

For a Toffees side eager to move on from their over-reliance on Beto, the appeal is obvious.

Franculino Dju may not yet be a household name, but his numbers, profile, and potential all point in the same direction.

If Everton can get a deal over the line, they may just have found the forward capable of unlocking a new chapter at their state-of-the-art new home.

Moyes' new Fellaini: Everton ready to bid for "on fire" £19m star

Everton are ready to make an offer for their next summer signing, in the mould of Marouane Fellaini

By
Will Miller

Aug 30, 2025

From selling cookies on the streets of Moreno to wearing Argentina’s iconic sky-blue and white, 21-year-old Lautaro Rivero’s journey reads like a football fairy tale. Once a street vendor helping his family make ends meet, the River Plate defender has now been called up to Lionel Scaloni’s senior squad and is eyeing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

• Lautaro Rivero's journey from streets to stadiums

  Argentina’s latest national team squad has turned heads, not just for its tactical mix, but for the emotional story behind Rivero.

  The 21-year-old centre-back, once a street vendor selling alfajores, a traditional South American cookies, to support his family, now stands on the brink of an international debut. Born and raised in Moreno, a suburb of Buenos Aires, Rivero grew up in a modest home alongside five siblings. His footballing dream began on the dusty pitches of local club Los Halcones, just blocks away from his home.

  Football became his escape and his purpose. “We are very humble and hardworking. My biggest wish is to see my family doing well,” Rivero said in an interview with River Plate in 2022. “Thanks to them, I’m here, fighting every day.”

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  A rising star at River Plate

  At just 14, Rivero’s potential was spotted by River Plate scouts, who brought him into their academy, a turning point that changed his life. Originally a left midfielder, his natural left foot prompted a move to centre-back position, where he quickly became a leader, even captaining several youth sides. By 2021, he earned promotion to the reserve team and, two years later, signed his first professional contract with River Plate.

  In 2024, his consistency and composure caught the eye of former first-team boss Martin Demichelis, who included him in River’s Copa Libertadores squad. Yet, breaking into a star-studded lineup proved challenging. Seeking regular minutes, Rivero was loaned out to Central Cordoba, where he thrived. His standout moment came in a historic 2-1 victory over Flamengo at the Maracanã, where he dominated defensively, a performance that brought him under the league's spotlight.

• Rivero's breakthrough season and national call-up

  Rivero’s rise didn’t stop there. In just one season with Central Cordoba, he made 30 appearances, scored two goals, and provided one assist, playing every minute of their Copa Libertadores campaign. His calm under pressure and sharp positional sense made him one of the most promising defenders in Argentina.

  Recognising his growth, River Plate activated their buy-back clause this summer, bringing him back for the upcoming Club World Cup. His performances also drew the attention of Argentina coach Scaloni, who has now handed Rivero his first senior call-up for the upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico on October 10 and October 13 respectively.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Rivero eyes 2026 World Cup spot with Albiceleste

  Still only 21, his rapid rise has positioned him as one of the brightest young defenders in South America. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Rivero is determined to cement his place in Scaloni’s evolving squad. River Plate fans are equally excited, viewing him as part of the club’s new generation of homegrown leaders. 

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been involved in one the biggest transfer sagas of the summer, refusing to play for the Magpies as he looked to push for a move to Liverpool.

The Swedish striker has been training on his own for the majority of the summer transfer window, with the Reds having a £110m bid rejected for Isak’s services.

Under contract at St James’ Park, Isak has refused to play for Newcastle, but isn’t the first Premier League star to do so.

10 Premier League stars who refused to play for their clubs

10

Cristiano Ronaldo

Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Man Utd in 2021 didn’t exactly go to plan, as 18 months later he signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

In the final days of Ronaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford, he was an unused substitute at home to Tottenham Hotspur. It later emerged that the Portuguese superstar refused to come on under Erik ten Hag and was demoted to train with the youth side.

9

Raheem Sterling

Liverpool

After coming through Liverpool’s academy and impressing at Anfield for the first team, Raheem Sterling wanted to leave the Reds in 2015.

Manchester City wanted to sign the winger and eventually did so for close to £50m, but it took Sterling to refuse to go and play for Liverpool in their pre-season tour. Sterling turned down numerous contract offers to stay with Liverpool and would go on to win four Premier League titles with City.

8

Paul Scholes

Man Utd

Paul Scholes has gone down as a Man Utd legend, however, the former Red Devils midfielder actually refused to play a game under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He was dropped for a clash with Liverpool in 2001 but was set to play the next match, a League Cup fixture against Arsenal. Scholes refused to show up, though, and was fined heavily by those at Old Trafford.

7

William Gallas

Chelsea

William Gallas didn’t just refuse to play for Chelsea when he was looking to leave Stamford Bridge, he also threatened to score an own goal, get himself sent off, or make deliberate mistakes if he was forced to play.

After five years with the Blues, the French defender was eventually sold to rivals Arsenal, although Chelsea did end up signing star left-back Ashley Cole from the Gunners.

6

Riyad Mahrez

Leicester City

Riyad Mahrez signed for Man City from Leicester City in the summer of 2018, but in the January, the winger went on strike and refused to play for the Foxes as he pushed for a move to the Etihad.

The Algerian was fined by Leicester but did eventually return after going on strike and was welcomed back by both team-mates and supporters.

5

Dimitar Berbatov

Tottenham

Man Utd eventually signed Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham on deadline day in 2008, however, the move wasn’t without controversy.

The Bulgarian striker got wind of Man Utd’s interest, however Spurs chairman Daniel Levy didn’t want to sell which ended up with Berbatov not playing for Tottenham against rivals Chelsea.

Levy and co complained about Man Utd’s move for the forward, but Ferguson got his man for £30m.

4

Dimitri Payet

West Ham

After starring at Euro 2016, West Ham rewarded Dimitri Payet with a new contract and Irons supporters loved him during his time at Upton Park.

That was until the beginning of 2017 when Payet refused to play for West Ham as he tried to force a move back to Marseille. He got his wish, with the Hammers bringing in £25m, but his West Ham mural was quickly removed.

3

Kieron Dyer

Newcastle

During his time at Newcastle, Kieron Dyer was involved in numerous controversies, including refusing to play under iconic manager Sir Bobby Robson.

Dyer didn’t play on the right side of midfield against Middlesbrough in 2004 and Robson was sacked by the Magpies weeks later. Dyer has since called that decision his “greatest regret” and admitted he “let Bobby Robson down”.

2

Carlos Tevez

Man City

After swapping Man Utd for Man City, Carlos Tevez would win the Premier League at the Etihad, however, it wasn’t without drama.

He refused to come on in September 2011 against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, with Roberto Mancini banishing him from the squad. Tevez did return months later and helped City win their first ever Premier League title.

1

Leonardo Ulloa

Leicester City

Shortly after winning the Premier League with Leicester City, Leonardo Ulloa refused to play for the Foxes again under Claudio Ranieri and felt “betrayed” by the Italian.

Ulloa was desperate to join Sunderland but didn’t get his wish, and after Leicester sacked Ranieri a month later in February 2017, the forward would return to the squad, even signing a new contract that summer.

Chelsea now hold a concrete interest in signing a “spectacular” Barcelona player, who has the same agent as Liam Delap, it has been revealed.

Blues making plans for 2026 after busy summer window

The Blues have spent extremely heavily under BlueCo ownership, with Football FanCast recently detailing some of their most expensive signings, which includes the likes of Moises Caicedo, who cost £115m, while Enzo Fernandez set them back £107m.

As expected, the west Londoners were once again extremely active in the summer transfer window, spending a whopping €328.15m (£285m), although they balanced the books with a number of big sales.

New signing

Cost

Joao Pedro

£55m

Jamie Gittens

£49m

Alejandro Garnacho

£40m

Jorrel Hato

£38m

Liam Delap

£30m

Estevao

£29m

Dario Essugo

£19m

Mamadou Sarr

£12m

Kendry Paez

£9m

Facundo Buonanotte

£2m (loan fee)

However, despite making several key additions to the squad, Enzo Maresca may feel more arrivals will be required in January, given that a new centre-back was not brought in following the injury blow to Levi Colwill.

Not only that, but it has now been revealed that Chelsea missed out on another target in the final stages of the January transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano telling GiveMeSport they made a late approach to sign Barcelona midfielder Femin Lopez.

A €40m (£35m) offer was made for Lopez, which was knocked back by the Spanish club, but the 22-year-old could still end up at Stamford Bridge in the future, with Romano detailing the Blues hold a concrete interest.

That said, it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, given that the Spaniard wants to stay at the Camp Nou, as Barca are his boyhood club, and he is held in very high regard by his current employers.

"Spectacular" Lopez could be Buonanotte upgrade

The signing of Buonanotte can perhaps be viewed as a little strange, with the 20-year-old arriving on loan from Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, and he has since been omitted from Chelsea’s Champions League squad.

Chelsea's last five loan signings prove Buonanotte is doomed to fail

It feels like Chelsea have made a mistake signing Buonanotte.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 4, 2025

That is despite the fact the youngster stated playing in Europe’s elite competition was a factor behind choosing to move to Stamford Bridge, saying: “Of course, I’ll get the opportunity to play in the Champions League for the first time, which will be a great challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to this season and hopefully I can help the club to achieve its goals.”

Unlike Buonanotte, who is yet to establish himself at the top level, having been relegated with Leicester City last season, Lopez has already proven himself at Barcelona, chipping in with eight goals and ten assists in all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.

Not only that, but the Barca academy graduate, who is represented by the same agent as Delap, has also received high praise from former manager Xavi in the past, who lauded him for his “spectacular mentality”, which suggests he could be an instant upgrade on Buonanotte in attacking midfield.

DC chose to bowl first in their season opener against LSG

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Mar-20252:25

Cricinformed: Should Pant bat higher up?

KL Rahul’s Delhi Capitals (DC) debut will have to wait as he missed the team’s opening match against his former franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam to be at the birth of his first child.New DC captain Axar Patel called correctly and had no hesitation in bowling first because they “don’t want to take a risk with the dew later on”.Axar’s counterpart was his former team-mate Rishabh Pant and the camaraderie between them was was evident at the toss. This is Axar’s first stint as full-time DC captain, though he did lead the team for one match last season.DC’s four overseas players were Tristan Stubbs, Mitchell Starc, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis. They are likely to bring in either Ashutosh Sharma or Karun Nair for the chase.”We have a very good squad and I am very excited. There is dew, but it is different everyday,” he said. “It is a big challenge [captaincy], but I have been with DC for a while and was in the leadership group. But I have to focus on myself. That is my thought process.”Pant, who until this season had only played for DC, said there was a “lot of emotion” with his old team, but is looking forward to a different experience. LSG named Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran and David Miller as their four overseas players. Their bowling attack had suffered huge blows with injuries to Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan and Akash Deep, and had an inexperienced look for the season opener. They are likely to bring in a fast bowler – Akash Singh or Rajvardhan Hangargekar – when bowling second.Vizag, which is DC’s second home ground has been a high-scoring venue. In the two matches here in IPL 2024, the first-innings scores were 191 and 272.Lucknow Super Giants: 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Mitch Marsh, 3 Nicholas Pooran, 4 Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), 5 Ayush Badoni, 6 David Miller, 7 Shahbaz Ahmed, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Ravi Bishnoi, 10 Prince Yadav, 11 Digvesh RathiDelhi Capitals: 1 Faf du Plessis, 2 Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3 Abishek Porel (wk), 4 Sameer Rizvi, 5 Axar Patel (capt), 6 Tristan Stubbs, 7 Vipraj Nigam, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mohit Sharma, 11 Mukesh Kumar

MatériaMais Notícias

A carreira de Alexandre Pato é formada por muitos altos e baixos. Agora, novamente no São Paulo, o atacante quer dar a volta por cima e o primeiro passo foi dado no empate sem gols do Tricolor contra o Bragantino, que marcou a reestreia dele pelo clube do Morumbi depois de muita expectativa pelo seu anúncio.

+ Veja tabela e simule as próximas rodadas do Brasileirão

Pato não entrava em campo desde julho do ano passado, quando jogou pelo Orlando City contra o NY Red Bulls. De lá para cá, o atacante sofreu uma lesão no joelho e começou o tratamento. De volta ao Brasil, escolheu o CT da Barra Funda para se cuidar e voltar a jogar. Desde as suas primeiras imagens nas instalações do São Paulo e usando a camisa do clube, a torcida tinha esperanças de sua contratação.

No entanto, com Rogério Ceni no comando, o negócio não parecia que ia sair. Até que veio a demissão do treinador, a chegada de Dorival Júnior, e pouco depois, o anúncio de Pato como novo atacante do São Paulo. Recebendo mais essa oportunidade, o jogador não conteve a emoção na saída de campo em Bragança Paulista.

ATUAÇÕES: Zagueiro da base se destaca em empate do São Paulo no Brasileirão

– Eu estava ansioso. Muito tempo parado, recuperando de lesão, e voltar é sensacional. Quero agradecer aos companheiros. Quero agradecer a fisioterapia, é muito legal. jogar de novo para mim. Chorei muito, mas hoje é o dia de sorrir. Todos são titulares, todos estão jogando e entendendo o que o professor Dorival pediu – disse Pato.

Agora, cresce a expectativa do camisa 12 ser mais utilizado por Dorival Júnior. Na entrevista coletiva, o treinador ressaltou a importância do jogador e revelou o que espera dele dentro do elenco são-paulino.

– Acho que é um momento importante da carreira do Alexandre. Espero que volte muito bem, são apenas os primeiros 15 minutos de uma reestreia. Muito cedo ainda, mas é um jogador que tem vivência grande, experiência acima do normal e pode contribuir muito para nosso grupo. Nosso grupo é jovem e é natural que necessite de muitas orientações, de correção de detalhes que, na maioria, são passados pela comissão, e, em outros momentos, pelos companheiros. Alexandre pode contribuir muito nesse sentido – disse Dorival.

Having already commenced talks to sign Tolu Arokodare, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly eyeing a late swoop to sign another impressive striker.

Latest on Wolves' Arokodare move

With Fabio Silva set to join Borussia Dortmund, Wolves have instantly shifted their focus towards Arokodare. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands club have commenced talks to sign the KRC Genk forward, who could hand Vitor Pereira’s frontline the added depth in quality that it’s been lacking since Matheus Cunha’s departure earlier this summer.

After scoring 23 goals in all competitions last season, the Nigerian forward could be the perfect partner to Jorgen Strand Larsen this season instead of becoming the Norwegian’s replacement.

Whilst Newcastle United have submitted two bids to sign the Wolves forward, both have been rejected and fresh reports have indicated that Strand Larsen will not be allowed to leave Molineux this summer.

The line from Wolves so far has been that Arokodare would simply be replacing Silva rather than anything else. Pereira also recently had his say on Strand Larsen’s future after he scored two goals in a dramatic Carabao Cup win against West Ham United.

Romano: £26m star now set for medical with deal sealed ahead of Wolves move

The Old Gold are set to land their man…

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 26, 2025

He told reporters: “If it’s my decision, of course [Strand-Larsen stays]. Of course. Because he’s a very important player. It’s not only about the technical and tactical, it’s about the character. He’s a player with character.”

However, the manager did also admit that every player has a price and recent rumours that Wolves have set their sights on a second striker alongside Arokodare would suggest that this saga is far from over.

Wolves now eyeing late Alberto swoop

According to Molineux News, Wolves are now eyeing a late swoop to sign Yuri Alberto, who Pereira is a huge admirer of. The pair worked together during Pereira’s time at Corinthians and could now reunite as those in the Midlands set their sights on a late move alongside Arokodare.

The talented striker struck 31 goals in all competitions for Corinthians last season and would be more than capable of firing Wolves to safety. But the rumours of his potential arrival should spark some concern about Strand Larsen’s future.

Whilst Arokodare is a target to replace Silva, a move for a second striker would indicate that Strand Larsen could be heading for the exit door with Alberto lined up as his immediate replacement. Of course, there’s still plenty of dominoes to fall for this to be the case, but Wolves will be bracing themselves for a frantic few days.

Dubbed “superb” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes last November, Alberto would at least be the calibre of forward good enough to replace a talent of Strand Larsen’s level.