Category Uncategorized

In a list of best baseball ideas of the past 50 years, the Home Run Derby has to rank near the top.

What once was a mere sideshow to the All-Star Game's festivities has come to exist on the same plane as the event itself. The Derby submits for fans' consideration something that was true in the 1920s, 1950s and 1990s, and something that continues to be true in modern times: the majesty of the home run is like nothing else in North American sports.

It has created superstars—New York Yankees right fielder and designated hitter Aaron Judge's 2017 performance, for instance, put him on the pop-culture map. It has driven ratings in a barren portion of the sports calendar. It has done, consistently, for MLB what the Slam Dunk Contest once did for the NBA.

Styles of play are temporary, but since Cleveland Forest Citys third baseman Ezra Sutton hit the first big-league one on May 8, 1871, home runs have proven immortal.

Here's a look at the Home Run Derby's single-event and all-time record-holders for home runs.

Who has the most home runs in a single Home Run Derby?

That record is held by rookie Toronto Blue Jays third baseman and designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. during his 2019 coming-out party in Cleveland. Amazingly, in a quirk of the competition's bracketed format, Guerrero did not win—he would have to wait until 2023 to do that.

HOME RUNS

PLAYER

TEAM

YEAR

91

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Toronto Blue Jays

2019

82

Randy Arozarena

Tampa Bay Rays

2023

81

Julio Rodríguez

Seattle Mariners

2022

74

Pete Alonso

New York Mets

2021

72

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Toronto Blue Jays

2023

61

Julio Rodríguez

Seattle Mariners

2023

Giancarlo Stanton

Miami Marlins

2016

60

Joc Pederson

Los Angeles Dodgers

2019

59

Trey Mancini

Baltimore Orioles

2021

57

Pete Alonso

New York Mets

2019

Who has the most home runs in the Home Run Derby all-time?

No player in the 21st century has embraced the Home Run Derby quite like New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. Alonso bested Guerrero in that epic 2019 Derby and went on to win it again in the summer of 2021. Additional Derby trips in 2022 and 2023 have made him the most prolific home-run hitter in its history.

HOME RUNS

PLAYER

TEAM(S)

YEAR(S)

207

Pete Alonso

New York Mets

2019, ’21 to ’24

163

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Toronto Blue Jays

2019, ’23

142

Julio Rodríguez

Seattle Mariners

2022 to ’23

106

Albert Pujols

St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels

2003, ’07, ’09, ’15, ’22

99

Joc Pederson

Los Angeles Dodgers

2015, ’19

Juan Soto

Washington Nationals

2021 to ’22

91

Todd Frazier

Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox

2014 to ’16

83

Giancarlo Stanton

Miami Marlins

2014, ’16 to ’17

82

Randy Arozarena

Tampa Bay Rays

2023

81

Prince Fielder

Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers

2009, ’12

So far, two participants have been announced for the 2025 Home Run Derby: Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and Seattle Mariners catcher and designated hitter Cal Raleigh. Each will need to bash at least 57 home runs to crack the top 10 in a single derby, and two-time Derby participant Acuna needs at least 18 to break into the career top 10.

Manchester United’s midfield pivot has been something that Ruben Amorim has seemingly found a formula he likes. The Portuguese manager has caused lots of debate with his infamous 3-4-2-1, with the wing-backs being one thing to spark such conversation.

However, the makeup of his pivot has been interesting to see, too. This season, it seems as though the former Sporting boss has landed on captain Bruno Fernandes and the experienced Casemiro as his ideal duo in midfield.

It is a new role for Fernandes, who has played most of his career as a number ten.

As for Casemiro, he has done well this season. Yet, against Crystal Palace at the weekend, he looked exposed at times.

Why Casemiro can struggle in the pivot

Brazil legend Casemiro has certainly adapted well to playing in Amorim’s system.

Not too long ago, he was told to “leave the football before the football leaves you” by Jamie Carragher. Now, he is a regular starter for United at almost 34 years of age.

Indeed, Amorim has put a lot of trust in the former Real Madrid star this season. He’s played in 12 Premier League games, missing one due to a suspension.

Since the middle of September, he’s started every game in the league he’s been available for, and has even scored three times.

However, there are struggles that the United number 18 can experience in midfield.

Physically, Casemiro is a little behind the eight ball at times and can get exposed, often being left in the dust and opposition midfielders coasting past him.

Coming up against the Eagles last Sunday, it was an issue in the first half for the 82-cap Brazil international. As Goal journalist Calum Preston Kelly pointed out, he “struggled to prevent Palace dictating play in the first half.”

The energetic duo of Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada found it all too easy and were able to breeze past him countless times, having looked “haunted” up against the Englishman, in particular.

Perhaps this is an issue Amorim would like to nip in the bud before long. It might well make a change of personnel in the pivot to have a true impact.

United’s ready-made Casemiro alternative

There are options if Amorim wants to switch things up in midfield.

Chalkboard

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

Mason Mount briefly played next to Bruno Fernandes away to Fulham at the start of the season, and Manuel Ugarte is another player who could slot into the side.

Yet, the obvious answer is Kobbie Mainoo. Amorim continues to ignore his obvious talent, despite being called a “future £100m+ footballer” by Alex Turk and starting in the final of Euro 2024 just 18 months ago.

It has been a tough campaign for the Stockport-born midfielder. He’s only played nine times in the Premier League, and is yet to start a game.

He’s featured for just 171 minutes, averaging 20 per game that he has played in.

Let’s not forget, though, the skill Mainoo possesses. He is a master in small spaces, able to break the press with his carrying ability and drive forward.

He’s also intelligent off the ball and is a strong dueller. Those were all on show on his Premier League debut against Everton, where he had 61 touches and won five duels.

Touches

61

Pass accuracy

83%

Passes completed

38/46

Ground duels won

3/5

Aerial duels won

2/3

Ball recoveries

3

Dribbles completed

2/3

The skills Mainoo could bring to United’s pivot would surely only benefit Amorim’s side. He is more physically up to speed than Casemiro and is less likely to get outrun.

On top of that, he brings different qualities on the ball which could add a new dynamic to midfield.

Plus, he still has an eye for goal like his fellow midfielder.

Mainoo has seven goals in a United shirt, with the most important one coming in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, which turned out to be the winner against Manchester City.

Mainoo has to get his chance in the United midfield soon enough. Their number 37 simply must be playing football every week, to continue on the path he was on just one year ago.

Don’t forget, he was trusted to start England’s biggest game in years.

With Casemiro’s occasional struggles out of possession, the starlet could be the Red Devils’ answer to their issues in midfield.

Bruno upgrade: Man Utd make £70m bid for "most complete player in football"

Manchester United could acquire a perfect upgrade in the midfield department in 2026…

ByRobbie Walls Dec 3, 2025

This season is shaping up very nicely for Chelsea indeed.

On the domestic front, Enzo Maresca’s side managed to keep Arsenal within touching distance by holding them to a 1-1 draw on Sunday despite Moises Caicedo being sent off in the first half.

Then, in the Champions League, their thumping 3-0 win against Barcelona last week has stood them in good stead to qualify for the next round.

Moreover, and especially in that game, Estevao has started to really show what he is capable of, so fans should be excited about reports linking Chelsea to another star winger who has been compared to the Brazilian.

Chelsea target an Estevao-type winger

Even though there were pretty high expectations for Estevao coming into this season, few would have predicted him to have started as well as he has.

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, in the Premier League, he provided an assist on his first start against West Ham United and then scored the winner against Liverpool.

In the Champions League, he has been even better, racking up three goals in five appearances, of which only three have been starts.

So, with how well he has been performing, it’s less surprising to hear that the club are now interested in a player who has been compared to him: Harvey Barnes.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Chelsea are said to be incredibly keen on the Englishman.

In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the Blues have already submitted an offer of around €60m for the player, which is about £53m.

However, there are two problems: Manchester United have made the same offer, and the Toon do not want to sell.

It could therefore be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Barnes’ ability and output, one Chelsea should fight for, especially as he has been compared to Estevao.

How Barnes compares to Estevao

Now, while they are both wingers plying their trade for huge clubs in the toughest league in the world, fans might find it hard to see why Barnes would be comparable to Estevao.

After all, last season he didn’t do all that much for Newcastle, and so far this season the Brazilian has been a breath of fresh air for the Blues.

However, while he is not getting as much attention as he perhaps should, the English “menace,” as dubbed by journalist Mikey Stafford, has been on fire for the Toon this year.

For example, in 20 appearances across all competitions, totalling 996 minutes, he has scored seven goals and provided two assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.22 games, or every 110.66 minutes.

Moreover, his close control and technical ability are far better than most think, as his sensational goal against Brentford demonstrates.

Finally, FBref also lists the Blues’ Brazilian gem as the eighth-most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the former Leicester City star in the Champions League this season.

The best way to understand how that conclusion was reached is to look at some of the underlying metrics where the pair ranks closely.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.73

0.70

Progressive Carries

5.17

5.59

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.34

0.29

Shot-Creating Actions

3.44

3.79

Goals per Shot on Target

These include things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shot-creating actions, crosses into the penalty area, progressive carries and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while they certainly have their differences, Barnes is showing shades of Estevao in his game this season and on top of that, has rediscovered his goalscoring ability.

Therefore, so long as the price does not get ridiculous, Chelsea should do what they can to sign him once the window opens.

Chelsea star who saved Caicedo is their "most underappreciated player"

The underrated Chelsea ace made sure Caicedo’s red card didn’t cost Enzo Maresca’s men against Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 30, 2025

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has admitted that he found it strange how Queens Park Rangers played the final moments of their historic game against Manchester City in May 2012, adding fuel to a longstanding conspiracy theory peddled by Wayne Rooney that Manchester United were done out of the title. Sergio Aguero's last-ditch winner famously secured the title for City instead.

Rooney questions QPR's approach

Rooney has always openly questioned whether QPR allowed City to win the game in question at the Etihad Stadium a little too easily. Roberto Mancini's team, who had hauled Manchester United back in during a rollercoaster title race up to that point, needed three points in their final match of the season to be sure of a first English league championship in 44 years. But QPR, who were fighting relegation, led 2-1 going into the final stages.

It meant that because United won their own fixture away at Sunderland, they finished their season as champions. But City were still playing and had enough time to turn things around, through Edin Dzeko and then Aguero. What has always rankled with Rooney is that QPR survived relegation, even in defeat, because of Bolton’s 1-1 draw with Stoke. He has implied that they may have already before the end of the game they were safe, although that has always been unclear.

"Paddy Kenny should have done better for a couple of the goals," Rooney said in 2022. "City get the second goal and QPR kick it straight back to them and that's never been questioned – I find that strange. Djibril Cisse celebrating after the game with the City players, but yeah listen it's a historic moment in the Premier League so I'm sure that, if you are not involved as a Manchester United player, that's probably one of the greatest moments in the league."

AdvertisementAFPDean adds weight to Rooney's claims

Speaking on, brought to you by , Mike Dean gave his opinion on what happened that day. He was the referee for the game and considered it odd the way QPR surrendered possession so easily after City had got back level at 2-2 through Dzeko's equaliser.

"[City] make it 2-2, and [QPR] just kick it back and give it to them. And we [the match officials] were like, 'What's going on, why are they giving the ball back straightaway?' I said [that] in the ear piece. To kick off and give the ball straight back to them. Neil Swarbrick, the fourth official, said, 'Keep switched on, something is going to happen.'

"You just knew something was going to happen. You could just tell. What was strange about it, once QPR found out they were safe, Jamie Mackie was on the pitch celebrating while the game was still going on."

Rooney was also appearing on the show and cheekily added: "They had loads of ex-City players in there as well," referencing Shaun Wright-Phillips, Nedum Onuoha and Joey Barton in the QPR side – Barton had earlier been sent off for violent conduct.

Cisse denies foul play

QPR and former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse was seen celebrating with City players afterwards, but recently denied that had anything to do with wanting the club to win the title over United. He told this year that it was only because close friend Samir Nasri was in the City team, combined with QPR's own survival.

"I was celebrating with Samir Nasri," he said. "I didn't celebrate with Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero or anybody else. I celebrated with my brother, Samir, who had been a friend of mine for 15 years.

"Manchester United lost the Premier League title because they dropped points throughout the season. It was nothing to do with me or QPR. What Rooney said isn't cool. He took out his frustrations on me. It's not my fault. If we had wanted Man City to win the league, would it not have been a little risky to have waited until the very last minute to let them score? We could have let them win 4–0 or 5–0 and gone home. But we played a strong team, the manager wanted to win that game. It wasn't our reserve team."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

AFPMan City still await Premier League charges verdict

Theoretically, United could still be retrospectively awarded the 2011-12 Premier League title. The season falls within the period of time for which City face at least 115 charges for alleged financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018.

A verdict is still to be given on the case that has dragged on for years, with the long-awaited hearing concluding almost 12 months ago without any further updates. Nobody really knows what sanctions and punishments could be applied if City, who fiercely deny wrongdoing, are deemed guilty. But nothing, including titles being stripped, is off the table at this stage.

One of the most sought-after players in free agency this year did not play in MLB last year.

Twenty-three-year-old Roki Sasaki plied his trade in 2024 for the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball, winning 10 of 15 decisions with a 2.35 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 111 innings. These numbers have stateside executives salivating—and allow Sasaki to express considerable discretion in how his free agency plays out.

On Monday evening, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that Sasaki has a special request for the teams he's meeting with: he does not want them to bring any of their players to the meetings.

That tracks with Sasaki's unconventional approach to free agency, which agent Joel Wolfe said via Nightengale is driven by his desire to be great.

"‘He's a guy that wants to be great. He's not coming here just to be rich. He wants to be one of the greatest, ever," Wolfe said.

Per the rules governing player transfers between NPB and MLB, Sasaki is required to sign between Jan. 15 and 23 if he wants to play this season.

Worcestershire quarter-final prospects dented after falling well short in chase of 234

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-Jul-2025Superb scores in the 80s for third-wicket pair Will Luxton and James Wharton helped Yorkshire maintain their slim quarter-final hopes in the Vitality Blast with a dominant 41-run win over fellow strugglers Worcestershire Rapids at Headingley.Wharton, a T20 centurion against the Rapids here in 2023, top-scored with 88 in Yorkshire’s 233 for 6. He shared 134 inside 12 overs with Luxton, whose 81 represented a career best score. Both faced 47 balls.All seven bowlers used by Worcestershire captain Brett D’Oliveira went at nine or more runs an over before their night got worse. New Zealand overseas fast bowler Will O’Rourke struck twice in two balls twice en route to his his maiden five-wicket haul, 5 for 22, in a 192 all out reply.Yorkshire have now won three of nine North Group games, drawing level on 12 points with Worcestershire. They suffered their sixth defeat in nine, with D’Oliveira’s opening 56 off 33 unrewarded.Jonny Bairstow, opening for the first time in this season’s Blast, miscued the contest’s fourth ball from new-ball seamer Tom Taylor to mid-off, falling for 4. Yorkshire’s other big gun, Dawid Malan, followed for 8 at the start of the fifth over when he pulled Ben Allison’s seam out to deep square-leg with the score on 42.Luxton lofted Australian overseas quick Ben Dwarshuis over cover for the first of two early sixes and Wharton hit the left-armer for four fours to end the powerplay at 67 for 2.Four times in the previous three games at Headingley this season had sides topped 200.Luxton and Wharton ploughed on and brought up their century stand in the 13th over of the innings, Yorkshire 142 for 2. Both had just reached quickfire fifties, and the visitors will rue two Allison drops in the deep with Luxton on 9 and 74.Allison did remove him caught at deep cover shortly after the second drop before Wharton and Jordan Thompson – he hit three sixes in the last over in 22 off 8 – were run out at the death.The Rapids needed to posted their highest ever T20 total to win this game. England Under-19 opener Isaac Mohammed made a breezy start with 17. But when he miscued a slower ball from O’Rourke behind to Bairstow, it was 24 for 1 at the start of the third over.Worcestershire needed everything to go their way to have a chance of overhauling this target. And hardly anything did on a true pitch with a lightning outfield.Kashif Ali clothed O’Rourke’s second ball to mid-off before the big Kiwi took a stunning one-handed catch diving to his left at short third off Matt Milnes. At 37 for 3 in the fourth over, the visitors had a mountain to climb.D’Oliveira and Ethan Brookes at least helped them reach base camp with an 83-run stand, the former hitting a trio of sixes all around the ground. But just when hopes started to increase, with D’Oliveira reaching 50 off 33 balls, Brookes was lbw on the reverse against Jafer Chohan’s legspin – 120 for 4 in the 12th.And when D’Oliveira dragged O’Rourke out to deep midwicket in the next, at 132 for 5, it was game over.Dwarshuis clattered a consolatory 42 not out, but Milnes bowled a wicket maiden in the 17th and O’Rourke had both Matthew Waite and Taylor caught at deep midwicket and cover as Yorkshire’s win was secured.

Following Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Nashville SC in Game 1 of the MLS Cup Playoffs, Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul – Messi’s longtime national team teammate – praised the captain’s influence and form. He added that Messi’s decision to remain with the Herons beyond this season has given the squad an extra spark heading into the postseason.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'We just have to keep enjoying him'

  With Messi's future secured, Inter Miami now carry momentum – and confidence – and aim to make noise in the playoffs. De Paul underscored the importance of Messi’s contract renewal for the locker room’s morale.

  “Knowing we’ll be together for a few more years gives us extra motivation,” De Paul said. “We just have to keep enjoying him.”

  “It makes me really happy to see what he’s doing…There will never be another like him. Having him on my team every week is an advantage.”

Advertisement

• Messi overcomes back concerns

  Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano also praised Messi’s impact after his two-goal showing in the playoff opener against Nashville SC. While concerns arose over a possible back injury, Mascherano downplayed them, saying too much was made of Messi’s brief absence from training. Messi showed no signs of slowing down on the pitch, guiding Miami to a crucial home win that places them on the brink of advancing to the second round.

  “Everything that happens around Leo always takes on a bigger scale,” Mascherano said postmatch. “Sometimes there’s a lot of noise around him, so we preferred to protect him. At this stage of the season, less can be more – it’s about making sure he doesn’t take unnecessary risks and that any discomfort doesn’t get worse.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'It was already agreed'

  Mascherano also confirmed that Messi’s contract extension had been agreed upon for some time, even if it hadn’t been made official until recently.

  “The club and Leo decided to make it formal before the playoffs to focus fully on the sporting side,” he said. “We were calm, because even if it wasn’t announced, it was already agreed.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Slow start

  The coach acknowledged that Miami struggled early in the match, especially with their high pressing, but praised his team for adapting quickly.

  “It took us a bit to get our pressing right, but as the minutes went by, the boys adjusted really well,” he said. “In fact, the first goal comes from pressure, with Tadeo [Allende] winning the ball and allowing us to break quickly.”

Manchester United supporters have been starved of huge success for over a decade now, with no manager able to win the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Countless managers have tried and failed to replicate such feats, with Ruben Amorim the latest to try and end the decade-long drought for league glory.

However, it’s safe to say the 40-year-old has failed miserably at the task, as seen by his record of nine defeats in his last 15 top-flight matches in charge of the Red Devils.

The former Sporting CP boss arrived with huge expectations, but he’s failed to live up to them, with his recent slump on the field potentially spelling the end to his time at Old Trafford.

It would be a surprise to no one around the world that he could be replaced in the near future, potentially opening the door for one man to take the reins at the Theatre of Dreams.

The favourites for the Man Utd manager role

Over the last couple of days, former England boss Gareth Southgate has emerged as a potential candidate to take over as United manager should Amorim lose his job.

It’s been reported that the 55-year-old would be open to the role after previously being linked with the role on various occasions throughout his managerial career.

However, he’s not the only option currently in the hierarchy’s sights, with former Barcelona boss Xavi also under consideration, according to one outlet in Spain.

They claim that the Spaniard is emerging as one of the favourites to take over in Manchester, with the 45-year-old currently without a job after leaving Barcelona back in May 2024.

Despite the interest in his services, they may have to act quickly, with Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad also approaching him about taking over after Laurent Blanc was sacked.

Why United’s latest target would be their own Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has been a boss who has constantly proven his worth against United over recent years, often causing the Red Devils fanbase pain in the Manchester Derby.

In his 30 outings against the club, he’s won 63% of the matches – with his tally of 19 wins the fourth-most he’s achieved against any side in his managerial career to date.

His time at the Etihad has seen him win six Premier League titles since he took the reins back in the summer of 2016 – subsequently dominating England’s top-flight after his appointment.

There’s no doubt the fans of the Red Devils must wish they had themselves a manager of such a calibre, especially given the dismal levels they’ve had to endure over the last couple of seasons.

However, that could all be about to change with the potential appointment of Xavi in the near future, with the Spaniard possessing a very similar route to his compatriot in his managerial career.

Both starred at Barcelona as players before making the jump into management, with both going on to lead the Catalonian outfit in LaLiga and the Champions League.

Guardiola has made the move to England and succeeded, with Xavi having the chance to do the same if he does get offered the United job in the weeks ahead.

His stats during his time in charge of the Spanish giants are nothing short of remarkable, potentially having the quality to take the Red Devils back to their former glory.

The 45-year-old, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Guardiola himself, achieved a 70% win record for Barca, winning 71 of his 102 matches in charge of the club.

Games managed

102

Wins

71

Draws

16

Losses

15

Points gained

229

Points per game

2.3

Win percentage

70%

Goals scored

198

Goals against

87

He also achieved a staggering 2.3 points per game record, conceding just 87 times in the process – highlighting his ability to create a well-drilled and defensive outfit – something which the Red Devils have greatly lacked.

Xavi also managed to win the LaLiga title back in the 2022/23 campaign, potentially making him the perfect man to end United’s extended wait for a league triumph.

It remains unclear how long Amorim will be given to turn things around, but it’s evident that the 40-year-old is on borrowed time given the recent form in the Premier League.

However, there’s no denying that other options are being lined up by the board, with the former Barca boss potentially the perfect boss to fill the void at Old Trafford.

Arteta 2.0: Man Utd now targeting "best coach in the PL" & it's not Glasner

Manchester United appear to be targeting a manager who could replace Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 30, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O plano do Botafogo para apresentar uma novidade no seu setor ofensivo nesta segunda-feira (31) foi frustrado. De acordo com o “ge”, o Alvinegro chegou a encaminhar acordo com João Pedro, do Fenerbahçe. No entanto, o Grêmio entrou na disputa e levou a melhor.

O jogador de 31 anos e o clube chegaram a entrar em acordo quanto a bases salariais e tempo de contrato. O atacante ficaria até o fim de 2024.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Líder!

+ Tchê Tchê elogia Gustavo Sauer, protagonista na vitória do Botafogo sobre o Coritiba: ‘Merecia essa resposta’

João Pedro chamou atenção da diretoria alvinegra por atuar como meia e centroavante. Ele seria um reserva para Eduardo e Tiquinho.

Revelado pelo Atlético-MG, o atleta rodou pelo exterior. No Santos, foi campeão da Recopa em 2012.

O Botafogo contratou até agora duas novidades. O meia Diego Hernández e o lateral Mateo Ponte chegaram ao clube. Ainda faltam um goleiro e um centroavante para esta janela.

Liverpool target Marc Guehi has been told he could join Real Madrid as the Crystal Palace captain prepares to discuss a free transfer away from Selhurst Park. The England defender was set to join Liverpool in the summer before a move collapsed. Instead of sulking, the 25-year-old has delivered his best football yet, spearheading Palace’s record-breaking run under Oliver Glasner.

Guehi central to Palace form

Palace are unrecognisable from the club that once clung to Premier League survival, flying under Glasner. Nineteen games unbeaten in all competitions, the longest run in their history, has brought silverware in both the FA Cup and Community Shield, and now a first taste of European glory. On Thursday, the Eagles marked their continental debut in style, swatting aside Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 away from home in the Conference League.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportHargreaves hails a 'dream' defender

Former England and Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves couldn’t contain his admiration for Guehi while analysing Palace’s latest European triumph on

"He’s a fabulous player but he’s probably even as nice a lad as he is a player," Hargreaves said. "The way he handled that situation, he could’ve thrown his toys out of the pram like some others players did, and got their move but he has been the ultimate professional. He knows he is the captain of the football club, they’ve helped him, and he will get his move probably at the end of the season and he could probably go anywhere…Real Madrid."

He added: "[Guehi is] a dream. On the ball he’s really good, he can defend really well. He’s only 25. He’s the oldest 25-year-old I’ve ever seen because he’s so level-headed. He’s so composed and so reliable."

Guehi puts summer transfer saga behind him

It’s Guehi's maturity, combined with his leadership at Selhurst Park, that has Europe’s elite circling. Liverpool may regret not closing the deal when they had the chance, with Real Madrid potentially ready to pounce when Guehi’s contract winds down. Guehi’s former Palace colleague Joel Ward added his voice, applauding the defender’s mindset.

"What happened in the summer is in the past," Ward said. "I think, for me, one of Marc's biggest strengths is the way in which he handles situations. He’s got such a great support network around him in his family."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportPalace emerge as surprise package

Palace sit second in the Premier League table, the only unbeaten side left in the division. While Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City grab headlines, Glasner’s team have quietly become the story of the season. With Everton next up on Sunday, the Eagles are out to extend their streak and keep the pressure on the league’s big guns.