Latest news with #SportingBraga
The National
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
Celtic considering £3m transfer swoop for Dutch defender
Celtic are considering a £3million move for Dutch central defender Justin de Haas. The Scottish champions are in the market for defensive reinforcements after sending Maik Nawrocki out on loan to German side Hanover 96. Gustaf Lagerbielke is on the cusp of completing to a move to Sporting Braga, while Stephen Welsh is expected to return to Belgium after spending the second half of last season at KV Mechelen. Japanese defender Hayato Inamura completed a permanent move last week, but could go straight back out on loan. Assessed by Celtic scouts 25-year-old de Haas has attracted interest from a number of European sides after a strong season in Portugal with Famalicao A former youth prospect with AZ Alkmaar and PSV, the six-foot-four pivot moved on loan to Dinamo Zagreb before a permanent switch to NK Lokomotiva.
The Herald Scotland
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Celtic considering £3m transfer swoop for Dutch defender
Celtic are considering a £3million move for Dutch central defender Justin de Haas. The Scottish champions are in the market for defensive reinforcements after sending Maik Nawrocki out on loan to German side Hanover 96. Gustaf Lagerbielke is on the cusp of completing to a move to Sporting Braga, while Stephen Welsh is expected to return to Belgium after spending the second half of last season at KV Mechelen. Japanese defender Hayato Inamura completed a permanent move last week, but could go straight back out on loan. Assessed by Celtic scouts 25-year-old de Haas has attracted interest from a number of European sides after a strong season in Portugal with Famalicao A former youth prospect with AZ Alkmaar and PSV, the six-foot-four pivot moved on loan to Dinamo Zagreb before a permanent switch to NK Lokomotiva.
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Teenage star Estevao in spotlight as Palmeiras face Chelsea
PHILADELPHIA: Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira conceded on Thursday that his side faced an uphill battle in Friday's Club World Cup quarter-final against Chelsea, with their teenage winger Estevao in a unique position as he prepares to move to the European giants. "To say that Chelsea are better than Palmeiras is simply being realistic," Ferreira told Thursday's press conference. "They came here and bought our best player. What more can I say? But no one plays alone in my teams. We run, fight, suffer and win for each other." All eyes will be on the 18-year-old Estevao, who is set to play for the Brazilian side against Chelsea, the very club he will join after the tournament. The highly-rated winger was signed by Chelsea last year for an initial 34 million euros (US$39.97 million), with performance-related bonuses potentially taking the fee to 67 million, according to British reports. Estevao admitted the situation had been a distraction, saying, "It's been hard balancing the emotions of playing my final games for Palmeiras while also thinking about my future at Chelsea." Despite his undeniable talent, the teenager has yet to score or register an assist in the Club World Cup. Ferreira, who previously managed Chelsea forward Pedro Neto at Sporting Braga, likened the two players to each other, describing Estevao as "a spectacular kid" and noting similarities in their left-footed style and versatility. He added with a smile, "I wish him all the best — just not tomorrow." The Palmeiras boss said that Estevao remained committed to the club for the remainder of the tournament. "While he's with us, he has tasks and commitments to fulfill. After that, he'll be free to return to Chelsea. Until then, he'll give his best, and there's no better way to say goodbye than by helping us in this World Cup. "And I hope he gives his best so that Chelsea can see all his potential and quality. It will be an opportunity for him to show all his talent." Chelsea, the UEFA Conference League winners, come into the match at Lincoln Financial Field as heavy favourites, boasting a squad brimming with international stars despite missing midfielder Moises Caicedo due to suspension. Palmeiras will look to Estevao and their team unity to overcome the odds in what promises to be a compelling encounter, hoping to deliver another shock win in the tournament after Al Hilal and Fluminense knocked out Manchester City and Inter Milan respectively in the round of 16. "The fact that Chelsea are favourites does not mean that we do not also have weapons and ambition. We must face our opponents within our means, within our strategy, within our game plan," Ferreira said.
Morocco World
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Moroccan Goalkeeper Alaa Bellaarouch Set to Join Sporting Braga
Rabat – Sporting Braga have reached a deal with Strasbourg for Moroccan international Alaa Bellaarouch, making him the Portuguese side's first summer signing. Although Braga did not reveal the terms, Portuguese daily A Bola reports that the club will pay $300,000 for 50% of the player's rights and offer him a five-year contract that runs through 2030. The 23-year-old endured a stop-start year in France, where pubic bone inflammation limited him to just three reserve-team outings after a breakthrough 2023-24 campaign of 19 Ligue 1 matches. Braga is seeking a successor to long-time goalkeeper No. 1 Matheus Magalhaes, and believes the former Mohammed VI Academy graduate can regain form and eventually claim the starting spot. Head coach Carlos Carvalhal plans to begin next season with Czech youngster Lukáš Horníček as the first choice, easing Bellaarouch in as the season unfolds. The two goalkeepers will compete alongside veteran Tiago Sá, while Portugal Under-21 keeper João Carvalho is expected to head out on loan in search of regular minutes. For Bellaarouch, it's a chance to restart in a strong league and rebuild his confidence. For Braga, it's a cheap bet on a young Morocco international with potential to grow into a first-team option. Tags: alaa bellaarouchsporting braga
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cruz Azul found their next sale to Europe
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. Erik Lira remains one of the most attractive names from Cruz Azul for a potential sale to Europe. At 24 years old, the midfielder has sparked the interest of teams such as Sporting Braga from Portugal and AZ Alkmaar from the Netherlands, according to reports from international media. Although his renewal with La Máquina seemed to distance him from the Old Continent, his outstanding performances with the Mexican National Team in the Nations League have fueled rumors about his departure. With 128 matches played for Cruz Azul, Lira has proven to be a key player in the team's lineup and a fan favorite. However, he has made it clear that his priority is to win the coveted tenth star with the club before considering a move abroad. 'I want to win the Tenth here, and I won't leave until I achieve the Tenth,' declared the midfielder, generating great excitement among the sky-blue supporters. 📸 Manuel Velasquez - 2025 Getty Images
