Tag Futebol

Barcelona have been dealt a major setback ahead of El Clasico after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) dismissed their appeal against Hansi Flick’s red card. The German coach will serve a one-match ban following his dismissal against Girona, leaving assistant Marcus Sorg to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu in a much-awaited game of the Spanish league.

• Flick suspended after failed appeal

  Barcelona’s hopes of having boss Flick on the sidelines for the El Clasico have been dashed after the RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee rejected the club’s appeal, according to . The committee confirmed that Flick will serve a one-match suspension following his red card in the 2-1 victory over Girona, ruling that Barca’s evidence was insufficient to overturn the decision.

  The German coach was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession from referee Jesus Gil Manzano, first for sarcastically applauding stoppage time and then for gesturing in protest moments later. Barcelona argued that the report “did not correspond to what happened,” but the disciplinary body concluded that “no evidence whatsoever” disproved the referee’s account.

  “The request to annul the double caution must be rejected, and the disciplinary consequences arising from the expulsion of Mr. Hans-Dieter Flick must be maintained,” the committee stated. The decision invokes Article 120 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, confirming a one-match suspension with the corresponding fines.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Barca leadership rallies behind Flick

  Barca president Joan Laporta strongly defended his manager after the ruling, calling the referee’s handling of the situation “excessive” and “unfair.” Addressing club members during the General Assembly, Laporta said: “We’ve appealed both cards to our coach. The referee overstepped his bounds. I know it’s difficult to get his suspension overturned, but I’ve told the manager we’re with him.”

  Laporta also criticised the referee’s history of dismissing prominent players and coaches before major matches, adding: “This man has always sent off all the players who stand out. He has a CV to show for it. We always think nothing will happen… and it always ends up happening.”

  Flick felt remorseful about his touchline reaction, which was captured by cameras as he gestured in frustration following his dismissal, and he later also implored to set the right example. Laporta light-heartedly told him: “I told him he looked good while doing the gesture. But they pushed him to the limit with the cards.”

• Deco claims referees are harsher with Barcelona

  Barcelona sporting director Deco echoed Laporta’s sentiments, insisting that officials often treat the Catalan club with greater severity than others in La Liga. Speaking to reporters after the ruling, Deco said: “The referees against us are always more strict, they go much further to the limit.”

  Deco admitted that while the suspension would not serve as an excuse for the upcoming El Clasico, it highlighted a persistent sense of unfair treatment.

  “Winning with Barca is always more complicated, but it gives you greater satisfaction. We fought hard against many things. It won’t be an excuse, whatever the result against Madrid.”

  Flick’s absence comes at a crucial moment for Balaugrana, who trail Los Blancos by two points at the top of the table. His leadership on the sidelines has been key since his arrival, with the team showing improved discipline, pressing and attacking fluidity under his command.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Barcelona plan final appeal as Clasico looms

  Despite the committee’s ruling, Barca’s legal department reportedly has plans to file a final appeal to the Appeals Committee on Wednesday, leaving little time before Sunday’s showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.

  If the suspension stands, assistant coach Marcus Sorg is expected to take charge from the touchline while Flick watches from the stands. The German tactician’s absence would be both tactical and emotional, particularly against a Real Madrid side that has started the season in strong form.

  Barcelona are coming off a resounding 6-1 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League, a result that boosted morale heading into one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. The club remains optimistic that their final appeal could yield a reprieve, though precedent suggests the chances are slim.

  As the countdown to Clasico continues, the spotlight now shifts from Flick’s suspension to whether Barcelona can overcome adversity and maintain their title push without their coach on the bench, remains to be seen.

Left-arm seamer returns to Chelmsford after three previous seasons in 2017-19

ESPNcricinfo staff01-May-2025Mohammad Amir, the Pakistan left-arm seamer, has rejoined Essex for this season’s Vitality Blast campaign.Amir, 33, previously featured for the club across two spells, in 2017 and 2019, claiming 24 T20 wickets in 21 matches. The latter saw him take 10 at 20.10, with Essex – as County Champions – going on to win the Blast final and complete the double.For Pakistan, he has claimed 71 wickets at 21.64 in 62 T20Is, up to and including the 2024 T20 World Cup in June last year. He will arrive at Chelmsford having represented Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, for whom he has taken seven wickets in six matches.”I am very excited to join Essex once again,” Amir said. “I have always enjoyed my time at this club where I feel at home and the love I received from the team and the amazing supporters was overwhelming.”I look forward to contributing to the team and hopefully help the club achieve success this season.”Chris Silverwood, Essex’s director of cricket, was instrumental in the signing of Amir in his first stint as the club head coach in 2017, and said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mo back to Chelmsford and are very excited to see him in Essex colours again.”I know the experience and skillset he brings having worked with him with here before. He will certainly strengthen what is an already strong squad for our T20 Blast campaign this season.”Amir, who will wear the No.5 shirt, is available to Essex throughout the group stage of the competition, with an option to extend his stay should the club progress to the knockouts.

Nottingham Forest are keen to strengthen the ranks before the window shuts and have now opened talks with an experienced international over a move to the City Ground, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest draw at Selhurst Park amid managerial uncertainty

Creating a backdrop of intrigue, the furore over Crystal Palace’s expulsion from the Europa League that led to Nottingham Forest taking their place fanned the flames of an entertaining 1-1 draw between both sides at Selhurst Park last weekend.

Furthermore, Nuno Espirito Santo’s uncertain future and links with Ange Postecoglou replacing him at the City Ground haven’t quietened things down, albeit the Portuguese boss appeared to cool talk that he is set for an imminent exit.

He told Match of the Day: “I am a person that thinks a lot before saying anything. I say because I believe that things can improve but now is a moment to ignore the noise and focus on what I have to do. My job is clear.

“Of course, there will be resolution. Everything is going to be OK, for sure. It is the moment to sit down and talk. More important is how we play football and I think we are improving, trying to adjust some things and that is where my focus is.”

Speculation is rife over potential additions and AS Monaco midfielder Soungoutou Magassa is on Nottingham Forest’s radar to strengthen their midfield amid competition from West Ham United for his signature.

Matty Cash could also pitch up at the City Ground to provide competition for Ola Aina at full-back, and many suspect there will be more signings to come as Espirito Santo looks to build a squad capable of challenging for continental qualification once again.

Nottingham Forest open talks to sign Dominik Livakovic

According to The Guardian, Nottingham Forest have opened talks to sign Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and he is open to a Premier League move before the window draws to a close.

The Croatia international, who has been capped 66 times by his country, is wanted to provide competition for Matz Sels between the sticks and his current employers would be willing to let him leave Istanbul should the correct fee be put on the table.

Nottingham Forest "exploring" deal to sign "versatile" Premier League rival

Forest fans are more than familiar with his ability.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 21, 2025

Praised by Luka Modric for his role in Croatia’s penalty shoot-out victory over Japan at the 2022 World Cup, the 30-year-old kept nine clean sheets in 32 appearances last season, maintaining a save percentage of 66.2%.

Ante Budimir also lauded Livakovic’s “absolutely unbeliavable” contribution on that famous night in Qatar, though he has now fell out of favour under Jose Mourinho and could be set for an exciting new challenge.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have made their interest known over the last few years. However, Livakovic would provide genuine competition for Sels and Angus Gunn as the Tricky Trees juggle domestic and European endeavours.

The stadium used by Manchester United Women and the club's Under-21 men is officially being renamed from Leigh Sports Villag. The immediate change was approved by Wigan Council this week and reflects a renewed emphasis on community spirit and shared values. The rebrand comes just days after United Women set a new attendance record at the venue.

• Leigh Sports Village undergoes a rebrand

  Leigh Sports Village, the long-time home of Manchester United Women, has undergone a significant change. The stadium will now be called the Progress With Unity Stadium following approval at a Wigan Council meeting, although the overall site, which includes various health, sport and leisure facilities, will retain the original LSV name. The new stadium name takes immediate effect, with the venue continuing to host both United Women, the club's Under-21 team, and the Leigh Leopards rugby league team.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Wigan Council Leader explains the change in name

  Council leader David Molyneux MBE explained the reasoning behind the change, stating: "It's important to note that Progress With Unity isn't just our initiative, it has partnership working and the strength of our communities at its heart. In many ways, Leigh Sports Village encapsulates this approach; it is a complex of facilities to be proud of, hosting professional and grassroots organisations and delivering community-based services. We believe the new name for the stadium is therefore, an appropriate step to promote what we are trying to achieve here in our borough and be a figurehead for our shared values."

• Man Utd set Leigh Sports Village attendance record

  The timing of the name change adds extra significance after United Women's latest home match against Arsenal drew a record crowd of 8,665 supporters. That figure surpassed the previous high of 8,348 set in the same fixture last season. The rebrand is seen as a way to further strengthen the stadium's identity as a hub of both elite and community sport.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Man Utd to continue playing at Progress With Unity Stadium

  Marc Skinner's Manchester United will continue to use the Progress With Unity Stadium as their primary home ground, alongside occasional fixtures at Old Trafford. The venue will also keep serving rugby and grassroots events, ensuring it remains central to the borough's sporting life. Next up for the WSL side is the visit of reigning champions Chelsea on Friday, October 3.

The mood around West Ham United at the moment isn’t a particularly positive one, as Graham Potter’s side got their Premier League campaign underway with a demoralising defeat away to newly promoted Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

The game was a stark reminder that the club need to do more business before the window closes next month, as with the squad the way it is, a relegation scrap feels almost inevitable.

One of the areas most desperately in need of reinforcing is up top, as while he certainly tried, Niclas Füllkrug looked miles off the pace and like someone who will struggle all season.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the Hammers with an exciting centre-forward who’d be a massive upgrade on the German.

West Ham target a Füllkrug upgrade

While it’s undoubtedly true that West Ham have not done enough business this summer, it’s also true that some of the few deals they have completed have been pretty good.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, securing someone as experienced as Kyle Walker-Peters on a free in undeniably great work, and from what we saw in pre-season, and in flashes on Saturday, El Hadji Malick Diouf looks like he could be a real difference-maker this year.

Yet, to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap, the Eastenders need to bring in more talent, which appears to be what they’re trying to do.

At least that is according to recent reports, which claim West Ham are interested in Rodrigo Muniz.

In fact, it’s more than that, as the reports have revealed that the club have now made a bid for Fulham’s goalscoring Brazilian.

A potential price is not mentioned, but stories from earlier his summer claimed that the Cottagers could ask for as much as £43m to sell the 24-year-old.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Muniz has shown over the last year or so that he has what it takes to make it in the Premier League, and would be a massive upgrade on Füllkrug.

How Muniz compares to Füllkrug

Now, when it comes to centre-forwards, what matters most is their raw output, and if we compare Füllkrug’s to Muniz’s, there is only one winner.

For example, in his 36 appearances for the West Londoners last season, totalling 1355 minutes, the latter racked up an impressive tally of 11 goals and two assists.

That means that the Brazilian “revelation,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, maintained an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.53 games, or every 104.23 minutes.

In rather stark contrast, the Hammers’ German forward was only able to score three goals and provide two assists in 20 appearances, totalling 877 minutes.

In other words, the former Borussia Dortmund star averaged a goal involvement every four games, or every 175.4 minutes, which just isn’t enough to be leading the line for a club the size of West Ham.

Appearances

36

20

Minutes

1355′

877′

Goals

11

3

Assists

2

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.25

Minutes per Goal Involvement

104.23′

175.4′

Now, on top of the simple fact that the Fulham man is the far more dangerous striker, there are some other key reasons why he would be an upgrade on the Hannover-born poacher, such as his age.

At just 24 years old, the former Flamengo gem still has plenty of upside, and according to research from The Athletic, he is still three years away from hitting his peak.

The 24-capped German, on the other hand, is 32 and will be turning 33 midway through this season, which suggests that his struggles to keep up with the pace of the Premier League are only going to continue and worsen as the campaign goes on.

Moreover, he missed 28 games last season, whereas the Cottagers’ ace has missed just 22 across his entire career, so availability is something else that has to be taken into consideration.

Ultimately, Füllkrug is not a bad player, but he’s certainly not of the level required to be an important member of West Ham’s squad, and therefore, the board should do what they can to sign Muniz as his replacement before the window closes.

West Ham lodge major enquiry for "magic" £21m maestro who's keen on PL move

The Hammers have made an approach to sign a versatile midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Aug 18, 2025

يلتقي فريق النصر السعودي، اليوم الأربعاء، مع نظيره الزوراء العراقي، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال آسيا 2 موسم 2025 -2026.

ويحل النصر، ضيفًا على الزوراء العراقي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات لمسابقة دوري أبطال آسيا “2” لموسم 2025-2026.

طالع.. “لا أكرهه”.. روني يكشف سبب تفضيله لـ ميسي على كريستيانو رونالدو

ويدخل النصر، باحثًا عن الانتصار الثاني في البطولة بعد الفوز على دوشنبه الطاجيكي بخماسية نظيفة في الجولة الأولى.

وفي الجهة المقبلة، الزوراء يسعى لاستغلال عاملي الأرض والجمهور بعدما استهل مشواره بالانتصار على جوا الهندي بهدفين دون رد.

وسيخوض العالمي المباراة في غياب نجمه البرتغالي كريستيانو رونالدو، الذي فضّل الجهاز الفني بقيادة خورخي جيسوس إراحته لتفادي الإرهاق. موعد مباراة النصر والزوراء اليوم في دوري أبطال آسيا 2

تنطلق صافرة البداية في تمام الساعة التاسعة والربع مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية والعراق، العاشرة والربع بتوقيت الإمارات. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة النصر والزوراء اليوم في دوري أبطال آسيا 2

وتُنقل المواجهة حصريًا عبر قناة beIN Sports HD 2 إلى جانب قناة الكأس 5 كما ستُبث داخل العراق عبر القناة الرابعة العراقية ويمكن متابعتها من خلال تطبيقي TOD TV وbeIN Connect. معلق مباراة النصر والزوراء اليوم في دوري أبطال آسيا 2

ومن المقرر أن تنقل المباراة على قناة بي إن سبورت بصوت المعلق أحمد البلوشي، وقناة الكأس بتعليق منتصر الأزهري.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

With El Hadji Malick Diouf secured and Kyle Walker-Peters seemingly on his way, West Ham United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Bundesliga winner.

West Ham reach agreement to sign Walker-Peters

Swooping in with a quickfire deal following a break down in talks with Besiktas, West Ham now look destined to sign Walker-Peters this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers have agreed a three-year contract with the defender, who will be completing his first move since becoming a free agent after leaving Southampton earlier this summer.

The defender will follow the arrival of Diouf, who recently spoke for the first time since swapping Slavia Prague for the London Stadium – telling the official club website: “I’m really happy to be here and to make a progression for my career. I’m looking forward to working hard and joining my new team-mates.

“There were a lot of teams [who wanted to sign me], but I chose West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach [Graham Potter] and it was a good plan for me.

“Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. I think it is a dream for everyone. When they are here, they want to make everything good. I think they also have the personality to play here and if you are young, you want to continue your progression.”

Payet 2.0: West Ham in talks for £22.5m star who's "made for the big stage"

West Ham United have reportedly made contact to sign a player for just £22.5m, and he could be as good as Dimitri Payet in East London.

Jul 18, 2025

With one recent signing set to turn into two, West Ham aren’t done there. Those at the London Stadium now reportedly want to land their biggest signing of the summer in the form of a Bundesliga winner.

West Ham join Xhaka race

According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, West Ham are now battling Nottingham Forest in the race to sign Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen. The former Arsenal man looks set to be on the move ahead of next season and has attracted interest from the Hammers, Forest, Sunderland, Fulham and Crystal Palace as a result.

In a hectic Premier League battle, West Ham could yet welcome a former rival who finally discovered his best form at Bayer Leverkusen following a spell full of ups and downs at Arsenal. There were times when he was deemed important at The Emirates, but there were far too many times that his relationship with home fans was tested beyond its limit. A break-up, in truth, always seemed likely.

Ever since swapping the Gunners for Leverkusen, however, the Swiss midfielder has thrived and even became an invincible Bundesliga winner in the 2023/24 campaign.

Dubbed “aggressive” by former manager Xabi Alonso during what was an extraordinary Leverkusen campaign, Xhaka’s redemption arc could now be destined to end in London and at West Ham.

Aston Villa have now been credited with an interest in signing a “world-class” £21 million ace who is already in talks with Manchester City.

Aston Villa line up replacements for Ollie Watkins

In recent weeks, Ollie Watkins’ name has been mentioned in regards to a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United. It’s been reported that the 29-year-old is considered a key target for Ruben Amorim, and Watkins himself is said to be keen on the move to Old Trafford.

Aston Villa "ready" to move for "special" £60m star with Emery a "big fan"

The Villans are poised to make an approach for a forward, who would jump at the opportunity to move to Villa Park.

ByDominic Lund Jul 21, 2025

Ideally, Villa would like to keep hold of the England international, but it has also been claimed that they have placed a £60 million price tag on Watkins’ head. Should the forward leave, Villa would need to find a suitable replacement, and according to recent reports, there are two names under consideration.

Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri revealed over the weekend that Villa could look to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani should Watkins depart Villa Park. The 26-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus but has now returned to France, where it looks as though he has no future.

Villa are not the only team interested in Kolo Muani, as Manchester United and Newcastle are also keen and have held talks over a possible move.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is also a target for the Villans, as Unai Emery is a big fan of the forward after the pair worked together at Villarreal. Jackson is said to be open to a move to Villa, as he would be interested in working with Emery once again.

Aston Villa keen on Denzel Dumfries despite Man City talks

But signing a new striker is not all that the Midlands side are focused on, as according to reports relayed by Birmingham Live, Aston Villa are interested in signing Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan.

The 29-year-old, who has been with the Serie A giants since 2021, signed a new contract in November last year, extending his stay until 2028. However, his new deal has a release clause worth €25 million, which is roughly £21 million, and that runs until the end of July.

Dumfries, who has been labelled “world-class” by renowned analytics company StatMuse, is weighing up his future, as he’s yet to settle on a permanent agent. The Dutch international has been linked with a move to Barcelona as a potential replacement for Jules Koundé, but perhaps more worryingly for Villa, Football Transfers reported earlier this month that Man City have held talks to sign Dumfries this summer, as the Blues are in the market for a new right-back.

Apps

179

Goals

22

Assists

26

Villa do already have Matty Cash and Andres Garcia at their disposal for the right-back spot, but Emery might feel it is time for a new arrival who can be deployed in various formations as a wing-back and full-back.

Manchester United are looking to add to their squad while not overstepping the mark financially, and they have now reportedly made an enquiry for a Brazil international, according to reports.

Man Utd eye shock Dominic Calvert-Lewin deal

The Red Devils and INEOS are looking to add to the pack after Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers and find themselves pushing to land Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Diego Leon has also finalised his move to the club.

Reports suggest a deal could be finalised by Monday that would see the Cameroon international head to Old Trafford. At the same time, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins and Nigeria hitman Victor Osimhen have also been touted as potential offensive recruits.

However, Manchester United could sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a squad rotation option. However, journalist Ben Jacobs believes he may need to lower his wage demands before a deal for the ex-Everton striker can become viable.

He stated: “Calvert-Lewin’s wage demands are very high, and therefore it is unlikely that Man United will move in that direction unless the demands decrease or they have a hole in the squad later in the window. As a free agent, the player will be rigid on his demands.”

Premier League experience will become paramount for the Red Devils in their rebuilding phase. Ruben Amorim is likely to have one game a week to manage most weeks, offering the possibility of focusing solely on the club’s league position without external commitments.

Related INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

Posts 1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 21, 2025

Cup football will also present a chance at silverware. Nevertheless, there is plenty of work to be done in the market before Manchester United are back challenging for honours, though their latest pursuit wouldn’t be a bad step in the right direction.

Man Utd make Douglas Luiz enquiry

According to reports relayed by FootballTransfers, Manchester United and therefore INEOS have submitted an enquiry regarding Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz’s availability following a frustrating campaign that has seen the Brazil international be placed on the transfer list.

Everton and Fulham are also in pursuit of the ex-Aston Villa man, who made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Old Lady last season.

He has previously been lauded as a “very underrated” engine room presence by Paul Merson, with the former Arsenal man claiming Luiz was every bit as good as the likes of Declan Rice and Rodri while he plied his trade in the West Midlands.

Douglas Luiz in 2024/25 – key statistics in Serie A (Fotmob)

Tackles won

8

Duels won

36

Pass accuracy

90.4%

Recoveries

31

Long ball accuracy

75%

Earning £138,000 per week in Turin, there is also talk that Luiz could be used as a part of a swap deal that would see Juventus land Jadon Sancho, albeit aforementioned striker Vlahovic is also mentioned, making the saga a possibility and nothing more.

Injury problems hampered the 27-year-old last term, and a return to the English top-flight could now be on the cards, though there would be other considerations to take into account for Manchester United.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are two existing deeper-lying midfield options, while Kobbie Mainoo can also operate in the six, so Amorim would potentially need to think about cutting someone loose to ensure his side had the space to acquire Luiz.

It’s already been a busy summer at Celtic, so how many more signings will they make?

On Friday, Benjamin Nygren was presented at Parkhead, arriving from Nordsjælland for a reported fee of £1.3m.

He is the club’s third summer edition, after Ross Doohan and Kieran Tierney, but are the Hoops in the market for another full-back, one that Nygren would enjoy playing alongside?

Celtic's left-back latest

Greg Taylor’s contract at Celtic officially expires on Tuesday, and his six-year stay in Glasgow will come to an end, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that he has ‘agreed’ to join Greek Super League side PAOK Thessaloniki on a Bosman.

During his time at the club, Taylor made 216 appearances, 199 of which were starts, and was the undisputed first-choice left-back the vast majority of the time.

Taylor arrived from Kilmarnock to replace Tierney in 2019, the inverse is the case this time round but, with the returning hero infamously injury-prone, Brendan Rodgers will need a more than competent deputy.

Thus, as reported by Mark Pirie of the Daily Record, Keita Kosugi – who is valued at £2m by Football Transfers – is their first-choice target, with Celtic touted to sign him.

Sportbladet have previously documented Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in the full-back, while Djurgården’s sporting director Bosse Andersson told the same Swedish outlet that Kosugi will only be allowed to leave for “quite a lot of money”.

Nevertheless, this looks like a deal Celtic could get done.

How Keita Kosugi would improve Celtic

Just 19 years old, Kosugi joined Djurgården in March 2024, following a successful trial with the Stockholm-based side, and these are his statistics for the club so far.

Keita Kosugi Djurgården career statistics

Statistics

Kosugi

Appearances

45

Starts

42

Minutes

3,708

Goals

5

Assists

2

Conference League starts

16

Conference League goals

2

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table outlines, from the moment he arrived, the Japanese teenager has been a first-choice starter for Djurgården, a key figure in the team that reached last season’s Conference League semi-finals, scoring against Víkingur Reykjavík and Rapid Wien en route.

Scout Elijah Michiels describes his performances as “excellent”, praising his “crossing abilities….great overlapping runs and fast acceleration”.

So, let’s take a look at his statistics from last year’s Conference League.

Keita Kosugi Conference League 24/25 statistics

Statistics

Kosugi

UECL rank

Minutes

987

14th

Completed passes

403

46th

Progressive carries

23

28th

Touches

653

25th

Tackles

23

18th

% of dribblers tackled

85.7%

8th

Blocks

22

3rd

Interceptions

12

24th

Clearances

46

15th

Statistics courtesy of FBref.com

As the table outlines, Kosugi ranked highly for a wide variety of metrics in last season’s Conference League.

This includes defensive statistics, tackles and blocks, but also progressive carries, emphasising his attacking capabilities.

Han June of Football Asian labels him “one of Asia’s hottest young prospects”, outlining his “fearless defending”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout notes that ‘pace…work rate and technique’ are his primary attributes, all of which make Kosugi ”a modern defender’.

Meantime, writer Kai Watson notes that he is a “promising attacking threat”, which could see him link up well with new arrival Nygren down the left-hand side. The latter man scored 16 goals in 2024/25, with four of those coming from just eight outings on the left wing.

The Swede, who is capable of operating on either flank, would surely thrive with a dynamic, overlapping full-back in support, meaning, should Kosugi arrive, he could form an unstoppable partnership with his fellow new recruit.

Related Ajer 2.0: Celtic make enquiry to sign "imposing" £5m titan

Celtic are reportedly pursuing a deal to sign the central defender this summer.

Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jun 27, 2025