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Former Orlando Pirates defender Siyabonga Sangweni has lauded the club's decision to hand Happy Jele a new contract. 

The experienced defender recently signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers with the option for an extra season with his previous contract having expired at the end of June this year.

Jele, who has been on the books of Pirates since 2006, is among the oldest players in the current squad at the age of 34 and he is set to turn 35 midway through the 2021/22 campaign.

Having played with Jele at Pirates between 2011 and 2016, Sangweni stressed the importance of having the veteran defender in the squad. 

“I applaud Pirates for keeping Happy. Those people who say he’s finished don’t know what they’re talking about,” Sangweni told Sowetan. 

"He’s still an important player not just for motivating youngsters but on the pitch as well.

Jele is one of the most decorated Pirates players in the PSL era having won eight major trophies with the club including two league titles and three MTN8 trophies. 

Sangweni feels that the former Bafana Bafana international's experience will be important for the team as they look to mount a serious challenge for the PSL title in the upcoming campaign. 

“I played with Happy. I know how committed he is to his career. His experience will be vital for the club this season," the former Lamontville Golden Arrows centre back added.

"His advantage is that he also plays at right-back, so you can’t say he no longer has a role to play.’’

The man nicknamed Magents operated as a right-back after joining Pirates from lower division side Walter Stars 25 years ago, before being converted into a centre back due to his height.

Jele is also the only surviving member of the history-making double treble-winning Pirates side which dominated South African football between 2010 and 2012.

His experience in continental competitions will be vital for the Buccaneers once again with the team set to participate in the Caf Confederation Cup after finishing third in the PSL.

Magents helped the Soweto giants reach the 2013 Caf Champions League and 2015 Caf Confederation Cup finals. 

Cesc Fabregas shared the touching - and rather embarrassing - story of his first encounter with Lionel Messi as he paid tribute to the soon-to-be ex-Barcelona idol. 

The Catalans announced this week that Messi, 34, would not be continuing at Camp Nou due to La Liga salary restrictions which make renewing his contract impossible. 

And Fabregas, who came up with the Argentine at La Masia, took the opportunity to say farewell to his former team-mate, who has written himself into club history over the past decade. 

'You left me on the floor'  

"I will always remember the day you came to the dressing room at 13 years old and we were told an Argentine kid had come to try out," Cesc wrote in a series of messages published on his Twitter account. 

"You sat down and never said a word. The coach told me to go in strong in a one-on-one exercise against you, you looked so small that I thought I'd take the ball off you in a second."

The ex-Barca, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spain star, however, was quickly proved wrong, becoming one of the first in a long line of markers in Europe to suffer Messi's outrageous abilities on the ball. 

"Silly me, you left me on the floor and from there I knew you were something special," he continued. 

"My dream had always been to play in the Barca first team, but to do that with you and with Geri [Gerard Pique], that always made that dream a lot more special. 

"In the end it came true and just for the fact that I felt like I did playing at false 9 alongside you and seeing the connection we had, that made it all worth it. You leave as the best player of all time. Barca will never be the same without you. 

"Thank you for everything you have given and everything that you are, because behind that competitive animal there is a spectacular, humble, kind and generous person. 

"I wish you, Anto, Thiagui, Matu and Ciro all the best. I am sure you will be happy wherever you go. I love you."

Where next? 

While Messi's 21 years in Catalunya may be coming to an end, his brilliant form last season with Barca and heroics in delivering Argentina the Copa America in July confirm that he remains amongst the world's very best even at 34. 

Few teams could thus hope to match the star's wage demands even without a transfer fee changing hands, and French giants Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be on the verge of closing a deal. 

Messi will hold a press conference on Sunday where, it is expected, the forward will reveal further deals both concerning his split with Barca and his future in the game.

Further reading 

Jorginho has delivered his verdict on Romelu Lukaku's proposed move to Chelsea, with the Blues closing in on a deal that will bring a Belgium international striker back onto their books for £98 million ($136m).

Goal has been able to confirm that a deal for the Inter frontman has been agreed in principle, with those at Stamford Bridge now working hard on pushing a big-money transfer through ahead of the 2021-22 Premier League season.

Few additions are required in west London, given that Thomas Tuchel has Champions League-winning talent at his disposal, but Jorginho admits that any world-class performers will be embraced with open arms as a proven goalscorer edges his way back to England.

What has been said?

Quizzed on the transfer talk by TNT Sports , Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has said: "A player like Lukaku, who has been enjoying great seasons and was a champion in Italy, for sure is a player who would contribute a lot.

"Anyone who comes to contribute would be worth it. Let’s see what happens next."

Why do Chelsea want Lukaku?

The Blues are splashing out considerably more for Lukaku than they paid to Anderlecht when first acquiring his services back in 2011.

They only spent £10 million back then, but handed an inexperienced forward just 15 goalless appearances before sanctioning loan moves and a permanent transfer elsewhere.

Lukaku has starred outside of west London for West Brom, Everton, Manchester United and Inter, with a Serie A title triumph enjoyed last season.

He forms part of the Premier League's 100-goal club and has found the target on 64 occasions through just 95 appearances for Inter.

Can Chelsea win more trophies in 2021-22?

Tuchel oversaw a memorable Champions League triumph last season, while also reaching the FA Cup final and securing a top-four finish.

The intention is to build on that success, with the likes of Lukaku being targeted to aid that cause.

Jorginho is among those to have got a taste for winning, having also helped Italy to Euro 2020 glory over the summer, and a man said to be in Ballon d'Or contention is eager to add to his medal collection in 2021-22.

He has added on his ambition: "My focus is to win more titles. It's something gratifying and addictive.

"The Golden Ball, I don't even comment. There's nothing to comment on. It's just about working hard on the field, lifting trophies and taking medals home. My focus is on that."

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer affirmed that Anthony Martial's condition was "better than what you fear" after seeing the French forward make his first Manchester United appearance since March 21.

A 25-year-old frontman picked up an untimely knee problem when on World Cup qualifying duty with his country and sat out the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign and this summer's European Championship as a result.

It has been a long road back to fitness for a man that continues to see questions asked of his future at Old Trafford, but he was able to take in 45 minutes of pre-season action during a comfortable 4-0 friendly win for United over Everton.

What has been said?

Delivering his assessment of Martial to the Red Devils' official website, Solskjaer said: "Anthony has had a bad spell with injuries, of course these were his first 45 minutes. 

"He’s been training well with us but as players who’ve been out for a while, they need some more sharpness, need some more work. 

"He tried to do the right thing; it didn’t come off all the time, but it’s better than what you fear sometimes when he’s been injured for five months – since March."

Martial took in 36 appearances for United last season, but only 17 of those were Premier League starts and he managed just seven goals across all competitions.

When will new arrivals be ready?

United have moved to further bolster their ranks this summer, with Martial facing increased competition for attacking berths from England international Jadon Sancho, who joined for £73 million ($101m) from Borussia Dortmund.

At the back, Martial's fellow countryman Raphael Varane is set to slot in at centre-back alongside club captain Harry Maguire, with Solskjaer hoping to get a good look at both of his big-money signings before taking in a Premier League opener against Leeds on August 14.

He added: "The medical with Raphael [still] has to be done. He’s isolating at the moment. 

"He had to wait for visas, so unfortunately that took a few more days than expected but we’re going to follow the protocols and the rules, so it’s taken a few more days than we hoped for. 

"Jadon is in for Monday and hopefully then he’s in decent nick and can be involved [against Leeds]."

What about those that have had Covid-19?

Solskjaer will hope to be at full strength against Leeds, but Covid-19 continues to disrupt best-laid plans around the world.

Dean Henderson has been recovering from a bout of coronavirus, while Jesse Lingard is now in self-isolation after testing positive.

Solskjaer said: "Jesse, he feels okay, and hopefully it’ll stay that way, but when you get the positive test you’ve got to isolate even if you’re feeling well. 

"Dean, he was positive early on and then he’s negative in his testing [now] but he’s not felt as energised or sharp as he has done. 

"So he’s still fatigued and feeling the after effects so you never know, you’ve seen so many effects of this virus so he’s got a few days still to rest and then we’ll check up on him."

Further reading

Lionel Messi and Barcelona shocked the world when it emerged that the star Argentine would be leaving the club, after a contract that had been agreed in principle was fractured by the club's financial peril at the last moment.

The Catalan side announced that their talismanic midfielder is set to depart, with Messi's future now looking increasingly uncertain.

And now, Messi has announced that he will hold a press conference where he will speak to the media and provide clarity on his next steps. Goal has what you need to know about the press conference and more.

When is Messi's press conference?

Messi's press conference will take place at 11am BST (6am ET) on Sunday, August 8.

He will be address reporters at Camp Nou.

Where can I watch Messi's press conference?

The press conference will be available to watch on Barca TV+ with a live English translation, or on the club's official website.

What will Messi talk about in his press conference?

Messi is expected to clear up questions about his future himself, just days after contract negotiation discussions over a renewal at Barcelona broke down.

Barcelona stated that "financial and structural obstacles" are the reason why they could not close a new contract with Messi.

It was understood that the Argentine was set to sign a new five-year deal at Camp Nou earlier this month, but the talks were scrapped after it emerged that Barcelona were unable to afford him, even after he was open to a significant wage deduction.

Barcelona then announced in a shock statement that because a deal could not be agreed, Messi would be departing the club.

While it has been suggested that Barcelona's actions are merely a negotiation tactic, president Joan Laporta has stated that there is no chance left of Messi now staying at Camp Nou, despite both the club and player's wishes.

Laporta said in a press conference: "I don't want to generate false hope. 

"During the course of negotiations we know that the player has had other offers. There was a time limit. 

"If fair play continues to be rigid, the player needs some time to see what he is going to do and look at other options. 

He continued: "Leo wanted to stay at Barca. We wanted him to stay. 

"I want to thank everyone that has been in the negotiations. There were lots of aspects that needed to be negotiated. 

"He is the best player in the world and has other offers, of course. "

Where will Messi go next?

Messi's future still looks uncertain for now, but details about his next steps could be clarified in his press conference.

Lionel Messi's next club: Where will Barcelona legend transfer in 2021?

PSG have been reported to be interested in signing the legendary midfielder, with head coach Mauricio Pochettino even suggesting to reporters that a potential transfer for Messi would not mean the likes of Kylian Mbappe being ousted.

Pep Guardiola revealed that Manchester City do not have plans to make a swoop for the Argentine, themselves just completing a British transfer record fee for Jack Grealish, but admitted that even he was surprised by the news of Messi's departure.

And then there is the unexpected outcome of Messi ultimately remaining at Camp Nou, and should he stay, he woulf once again be part of Ronald Koeman's squad.

Nigeria prospect Sam Edozie is set to make his competitive debut for Manchester City against Wilfred Ndidi and Dan Amartey’s Leicester City in the Community Shield on Saturday.

Edozie was among the players who impressed Pep Guardiola during City's pre-season training with a goal in each of the three friendly matches he played in.

The 18-year-old joins Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez and Ferran Torres to lead Manchester City’s attack at Wembley.

He will be looking to secure his first win and silverware on his maiden outing with the first team.

Edozie joined City from Millwall at the age of 16 in 2019 and he is also a member of the team that clinched the 2020 FA Youth Cup.

After that, he made appearances for Man City U23s and U18s last season and both went on to win their respective league titles.

Born in England to Nigerian parents, the teenage winger is still eligible to play for either the Three Lions or the Super Eagles on the international scene.

For Leicester City, Ghana’s Dan Amartey and Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi are included in the starting XI while Kelechi Iheanacho and Zambia’s Patson Daka are starting on the bench.

In the absence of the African duo up front, Brendan Rodgers opted for the services of Jamie Vardy, Harvey Barnes and James Maddison as his front three.

Atletico San Luis will take its unbeaten start to the new Liga MX campaign on the road when it travels to face winless Pumas UNAM.

Watch Pumas UNAM vs Atletico San Luis on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Los Pumas are still looking for a first victory of the season, with just one point from a possible six, and will hope to kickstart the new term against their visitors.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Liga MX matches can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

An opening draw with Atlas followed by defeat to Monterrey means it has been just the one point for Pumas so far - and if the recent friendly with Everton is factored in, the club has failed to find the net in its last three games.

With Gabriel Torres back from the Gold Cup with Panama, Johan Vasquez - a bronze medalist at Tokyo 2020 - and Alfredo Talavera are the only other faces still returning from international duty. Carlos Gutierrez and Washington Corozo remain injured.

Predicted Pumas UNAM starting XI: Gonzalez; Mozo, Gutierrez, Moreno, Velarde; Lira; Rogerio, Battocchio, Meritao, Rodriguez; Dinenno.

Unbeaten so far this term, Los Atleticos are enjoying a start to the campaign that has put them firmly in the hunt for the reclassification at this early juncture.

With no players out on international duty for their country, they have effectively a full deck from which to choose - and are unlikely to tweak the formula too much, meaning German Berterame and Adam Bareiro will likely lead the line once again.

Predicted Atletico San Luis starting XI: Sanchez; Chavez, Pinuelas, Bilbao, Diaz, Clemente; Lozano, Guemez, Waller; Bareiro, Berterame.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Swallows FC look set to continue their signing spree by securing the transfer of Kaizer Chiefs defender Yagan Sasman and Mamelodi Sundowns duo of Keletso Makgalwa and Jody February.

The Soweto giants have already signed Mwape Musonda, Austin Muwowo, Monnapule Saneng, Khethukuthula Ndlovu and Thandani Ntshumayelo in the current PSL transfer window. 

It has been reported that the Beautiful Birds are looking to sign Sasman, Makgalwa, and February on loan from their respective clubs. 

However, Swallows chairman David Mogoshoa has explained that he wants to sign the trio permanently and not on loan.

“They are still here, so far, nothing has been finalised,” Mogoshoa told Sowetan. 

“I was on holiday. I’m coming back tomorrow to finalise paperwork with their current clubs. We don't want loan deals. We want them to be here permanently, the coach likes them and we will sign them.”

Sasman was put on the transfer list by Chiefs last month along with Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and Lazarous Kambole, with the trio having struggled for game time during the 2020/21 season.

Swallows have since identified the 25-year-old left-back as a direct replacement for Sifiso Hlanti at Swallows, with the Bafana Bafana international having recently moved to Chiefs on a free transfer. 

While Makgalwa will fill the void left by fellow winger Kgaogelo Sekgota, who has also joined Chiefs if the move for a permanent deal succeeds.

His Sundowns teammate February would leave the Tshwane giants without playing a single competitive match for the team having served as the fourth choice keeper last season.

The Ajax Cape Town academy product would compete with the likes of Thela Ngobeni, Virgil Vries, Sanele Tshabalala and Rhuwano Wynne in the Beautiful Birds' goalkeeping department.

Lastly, Mbulelo Wambi and Dillon Solomons, have been training with Swallows since last week and they have reportedly impressed the club's coach Brandon Truter.

Wambi, who is a central midfielder by trade, was released by TS Galaxy at the end of last season, while winger Solomons was on the books of Cape Town All Stars last term.

Swallows are scheduled to start their 2021/22 campaign with an MTN8 clash with their Soweto rivals, Orlando Pirates on August 14.

Thiago Alcantara has revealed that he played through pain in almost all of his debut campaign at Liverpool, with niggling hamstring complaints holding him back.

Big things were expected of the Spain international midfielder when he joined the Reds in 2020 from German giants Bayern Munich.

A testing season for all concerned at Anfield saw a talented 30-year-old take a while to find his feet, as questions were asked of his value to the cause, but Thiago claims there were mitigating circumstances.

What has been said?

The Spain international has told Liverpool's official website when asked for an update on his fitness: "The last season I started with – from a long time before that – some pain up there in the hamstring, between the glutes, old pain. 

"I was never clean to play because I was always with that pain and there's a point during the end of the last season that I started to feel [it] more and more. And with the national team, I couldn't even sprint in some terms, I couldn't do some actions. 

"So I try to start the pre-season, always in agreement with the medical team, to [do] individual work to clean the area a bit more and to be without more pain. 

"So we are at that point now that we try to take it out and, at the same point, to stay with the team."

Is there more to come from Thiago?

Thiago eventually settled on Merseyside as the 2020-21 campaign wore on and filled a more prominent role as Liverpool secured a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.

He took in 30 appearances across all competitions, with 24 of those outings coming in the Premier League.

Just one goal was recorded by a man that has shown in the past that he can make more of an impact in the final third, with Thiago acknowledging that he can take his game to greater heights in 2021-22.

He added: "I'm never pleased with my performance, I always want more and more and more and more. 

"The minimum we have to give is how we ended with these wins, with these extraordinary moments. But at the end, it was just about pushing because of the situation that we had.

"We weren't happy enough, so we were pushing to be as happy as we could. But now we start from zero and we want everything, we want to win everything again."

Liverpool have further friendly dates against Athletic Club and Osasuna to come, before opening their new domestic season away at Norwich on August 14.

Further reading

Nigeria's Leon Balogun and Zambia's Fashion Sakala were missing as Rangers went down 1-0 to Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Saturday.

The home side scored the only goal of the game in the second half through Jamie Robson to stun the Premiership heavyweights as Sakala and Balogun were not included in the matchday squad.

Dundee came close to getting an opener in the fifth minute when Logan Chambers shot low from the edge of the box, but his right-footed effort was collected by Jon McLaughlin.
 
The visitors could not capitalise on a seventh-minute chance when Joe Aribo put the ball in Alfredo Morelos' path, but his first shot was blocked.

Soon after, Aribo recovered the ball for his side and his cut-back was collected by the Colombian, but this time around the ball flew over the bar.
 
James Tavernier swiftly moved forward in the 12th minute down the right-wing and set up Aribo, whose shot from distance was blocked by Dundee United's Calum Butcher.
 
Aribo was lucky to continue with the game after a rough 50-50 challenge on the ball which forced referee Don Robertson to stop the game for him to get medical attention and, after a while, he resumed his duties in the 19th minute.
 
Dundee's Jeando Fuchs did well to intercept a John Lundstram pass that could have breached their defensive line. Then, Robson did well to win the throw-in contest against Aribo in the 22nd minute, as the hosts looked more solid, especially in stopping Rangers' attacks.
 
Ryan Kent created himself some space on the left wing before he produced a cross that found Morelos at the far post, but the forward's header went out slightly off target in the 27th minute.
 
Dundee's calls for a penalty in the 36th minute were dismissed after Charlie Mulgrew's shot hit Connor Goldson's stomach and the home side claimed the Rangers defender handled the ball in his attempt to clear.
 
Rangers' Tavernier tried to find the back of the net with a 25-yard strike in the 43rd minute, but he was denied by the crossbar.
 
Dundee United were forced to make a change in the 49th minute when Logan Chalmers was injured and Adrian Sporle was brought on to fill his place.
 
Four minutes after the hour mark, Dundee United - who had barely settled in the second half - broke the deadlock through Robson's hit.

His combination with Sporle down the left-hand side caught Rangers off guard as the scorer tapped home with tangible composure.

A combination between Morelos and Aribo in the 76th-minute almost worked well for Rangers, who were desperately looking for an equaliser, but Ryan Edwards was alert to make a last-ditch challenge that stopped Rangers' dangerous move towards the goal.

Rangers - who have failed to score only once in their last 44 Premiership matches - saw another goalscoring chance go to waste when Tavernier failed to find the back of the net even after he was spotted in a promising spot by Borna Barisic.

As a result of the defeat, Steven Gerrard's side have seen their 40-game unbeaten league run come to an end.

Chelsea have agreed a deal in principle for Romelu Lukaku, with the Inter man's £98 million ($135m) return to Stamford Bridge set to be officially announced early next week, Goal has learned.

The Blues have pursued the Belgian attacker across the summer amid the Serie A champions' need to offload players amid rising debts.

Now, Thomas Tuchel's side look to have secured their target, with the forward poised to return to the Champions League holders a decade on from his first arrival in west London.

What is the deal for Lukaku?

Lukau's move to Chelsea - in a switch that will make him the seventh-most expensive transfer of all-time - will see him become the latest face to depart San Siro in the wake of title-winning coach Antonio Conte and Achraf Hakimi.

A small proportion of the fee will be tied up in add-ons, with final details to be formalised across the weekend, as Conte's successor Simone Inzaghi continues to complete his preparations for the Nerazzurri's Scudetto defence.

The former Anderlecht graduate will become the first major outfield signing of Chelsea's summer, following goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli's arrival on a free transfer from neighbours Fulham.

Lukaku's career so far

Having started in his home country with Anderlecht, Lukaku first moved to England when he was snapped up by Chelsea in 2011.

He failed to leave an impression during his first spell with the club, however, making just eight top-fight appearances before he was loaned out the following season to West Brom.

A second loan stint away from the club followed in 2013-14 at Everton, where he found much greater success, facilitating a full-time switch to Goodison Park at the end of that campaign.

Having established himself as a Belgium international, Lukaku continued to rise through the ranks with an impressive three-year spell on Merseyside, before a record-breaking switch to Manchester United took him back to the upper echelons of the Premier League.

Yet even as his country prospects flourished, he often found himself made something of a scapegoat at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho - and in 2019, after just two years, he was allowed to leave by successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, to join Inter.

In Milan, Lukaku rediscovered his finest form and translated it into success on the pitch, first helping the Nerazzurri re-establish their credentials in 2019-20, before helping to drive them to an impressive Serie A triumph last term.

Now, his career path looks to have come full circle, and brings him back to where he began his continental adventure - and directly into the heart of a Blues side determined to prove their unlikely Champions League triumph last term was no fluke.

Further reading

Lionel Messi's Barcelona exit looks to be officially confirmed after Ronald Koeman took to social media to pay tribute to the Argentine, mere minutes after the club confirmed that the player would speak to the media later this weekend.

The forward had been widely expected to renew with the Blaugrana after lapsing into free agency earlier this summer, but the Catalan outfit's financial situation ultimately saw them confirm a parting of the ways on Thursday.

Amid intense speculation over where the attacker will play this coming season, with Paris Saint-Germain presumed to be the frontrunner, Koeman - who took charge in La Liga ahead of last season - has offered his best wishes for the future to the 34-year-old, admitting it is "hard" to think he will not play for his old club again.

What has been said?

"[It's] still hard to understand that you will not play for Barcelona anymore," Koeman wrote on Twitter, shortly after news broke that Messi would hold a Camp Nou press conference on Sunday.

"Thanks for everything you have done for our club Leo. I really enjoyed the full season we worked together.

"I am impressed with your work ethic and desire to win. It makes you the best player in the world. For now, I wish you and your family the best!"

Koeman seemingly confirms final decision

The news that Messi would face the media later this weekend following Thursday's events looked to have potentially sparked hope of a last-minute reversal of fortune for Barca and the man who has come to define them over the past decade-and-a-half.

But Koeman's comments seem to confirm that the Argentine will not wear their strip next season, with a move to PSG widely tipped as his most likely course of action.

It leaves Barcelona struggling to plug the void left by the 34-year-old on the eve of a campaign that could well come to make or break their future in the modern landscape of La Liga.

Further reading

Juventus have agreed a cut-price €3 million (£3m/$4m) deal for Kaio Jorge, with the Brazilian teenager's agent revealing that Liverpool and Tottenham were keen on a player that is "a little Lautaro Martinez, a little Roberto Firmino" before Serie A giants swooped in.

A highly-rated 19-year-old forward is bidding farewell to Santos in his homeland as he prepares to open an exciting new chapter in his career with European heavyweights.

Turin has been chosen as his next destination, but he could have ended up in England had Premier League giants pushed a little harder and stepped up their interest in a player that boasts considerable potential.

What has been said?

Jorge's representative, Andrea Bagnoli, has told Calciomercato of the scramble for his client's signature: "I know that he was followed with interest by Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Tottenham, but all the top clubs were informed."

Quizzed further on whether the Bianconeri have got a bargain, Bagnoli added: "I really think so, because Juve jumped at the opportunity by taking advantage of the situation of his contract which would expire in a few months. 

"He was followed by several European clubs, but in the end the most decisive club always wins."

Who can Jorge be compared to?

Juve believe they have pulled off quite a coup in acquiring Jorge, with many of the opinion that he is capable of becoming a household name.

Bagnoli sees the youngster following in some illustrious footsteps, with there a number of fellow South Americans that his game can be likened to.

"A little Lautaro, a little Firmino; he is a player with their characteristics, but by finding him the right position and giving him experience he can also turn into a Neymar," Bagnoli said.

"The work he will do with [Massimiliano] Allegri will certainly be fundamental."

Jorge made his senior debut for Santos at 16 years of age and has hit 17 goals for them through 84 appearances, with those exploits catching the eye of ambitious sides further afield.

Further reading

Club America will hope to pick up its second Liga MX Apertura win of the season as it hosts Puebla on Saturday.

Watch Club America vs Necaxa on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

A 2-1 win over Necaxa last time out helped Club America pick up maximum points while Puebla is looking to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat to Guadalajara.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Liga MX matches can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Club America is still without four key players due to their inclusion in Mexico's roster for the Olympics.

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, Jorge Sanchez, Sebastian Cordova and Henry Martin are all on international duty.

Federico Vinas and Nicolas Benedetti are also unavailable due to injury.

Predicted Club America starting XI: Jimenez, Layun, Valdez, Aguilera, Fuentes, Sanchez, Aquino, Suarez, Fidalgo, Lainez, Martinez. 

Puebla does not have the same international issues as Club America as none of its players are away at the Olympics.

It also has good news in the form of the return of both Juan Segovia and Christian Tabo, who return from suspension.

Predicted Puebla starting XI: Silva; Reyes, Segovia, Gularte; Araujo, Salas, de Buen, Corral; Parra; Escoto, Tabo.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Tigres UANL will be hoping to pick up its second win of the nascent Liga MX Apertura season on Saturday when it hosts Santos Laguna.

Watch Toluca vs Tigres on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Tigres has a win and a loss so far in 2021-22, with Santos Laguna slightly better, picking up four points from its first two games.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Liga MX matches can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

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Team news & rosters

Tigres head coach Miguel Herrera will receive a huge boost this weekend thanks to the return of French duo Andre-Pierre Gignac and Florian Thauvin.

Both players missed last week's 3-1 defeat to Toluca, which was Herrera's first loss since taking charge of the team.

Guido Pizarro was sent off in that game and misses out against Santos Laguna.

Carlos Salcedo is also unlikely to feature after picking up an injury on international duty with Mexico at the Olympics.

Predicted Tigres starting XI: Guzman, Venegas, Salcedo, Reyes, Chaka, Vigón, Carioca, Aquino, Lopez, Thauvin, Gonzalez.

Santos Laguna started the season with a convincing 3-0 win over Necaxa, but could not continue that strong start as it was held at home by Cruz Azul.

Like Tigres, Santos Laguna also had involvement at the Olympics, with forward Eduardo Aguirre called into the Mexico squad.

Predicted Santos Laguna starting XI: Acevedo; Torres, Doria, Otero, Orrantia, Valdes, Gorriaran, Prieto, Campos, Carrillo, Ocejo

Last five results

Head-to-head

Brazil defended their Olympic title at Tokyo 2020 after they edged out Spain in extra-time during the men's gold medal match at International Stadium Yokohama.

Matheus Cunha's first-half finish was cancelled out by Mikel Oyarzabal's volley on the hour-mark in Kanagawa Prefecture, forcing an additional half-hour between the Selecao and La Rojita.

Former Barcelona star Malcom proved to be the hero for Brazil as he bundled home a dramatic winner 12 minutes from time.

What happened in the gold medal match?

Spain, with the likes of Real Madrid playmaker Marco Asensio and Barcelona midfielder Pedri pulling the strings, started lively enough and looked to get on the front foot.

They were, however, stunned by a contentious penalty call in the closing stages of the first half.

Cunha collided with Unai Simon when competing with a cross whipped into the box, with a free-kick initially awarded against the Brazilian.

The match officials were, however, encouraged to review said incident on a pitchside monitor, with Australian referee Chris Beath deciding that a spot-kick should be the eventual outcome.

Everton forward Richarlison stepped up to take and, after a staggered run up, blazed his effort high over the crossbar.

Brazil were, however, to get their noses in front two minutes into stoppage-time when Dani Alves kept the ball alive at the back post and Cunha produce a composed finish after slipping between two defenders with a cushioned touch off his chest.

Spain made changes at the interval and found a way back into the game just past the hour mark when Oyarzabal struck a stunning volley.

He was picked out at the back post after escaping his marker and sent an acrobatic scissor kick fizzing into the net.

Brazil regained control from that point and always looked the more likely to find a winner - with Richarlison hitting the woodwork at one stage.

They had to be patient, though, and were in danger of seeing the contest settled from 12 yards when Malcom made his decisive contribution.

The 24-year-old, who is now with Russian giants Zenit, stepped off the bench to surge beyond Jesus Vallejo in the 108th minute and drill a low shot off the boot of Simon and into the roof of the net.

Further reading

Thomas Tuchel has picked out the Chelsea legends that he would most like to add to his current squad at Stamford Bridge, with an iconic goalkeeper and a predatory finisher getting the nod.

The Blues tasted Champions League glory last season, with the club's class of 2021 emulating the efforts of those from 2012 that made history by securing European football's grandest prize for the first time.

Two men that figured prominently in that success under Roberto Di Matteo have been selected by Tuchel as those he would welcome back into the fold if given a chance, with Petr Cech and Didier Drogba earning the German's full respect.

What has been said?

Asked by Chelsea's official website to name the legends he would sign if presented with a time machine, Tuchel said: "Tough question! 

"I work every day with Petr Cech and he’s great to have around, so I’ll choose Petr with all of his experience. 

"He works here as a Technical Advisor but he also helps out sometimes with our goalkeepers and I think it would have been fun to have coached him as a player.

"I watched a documentary about him and Didier Drogba recently and both of them had such fantastic winning mentalities when they were playing, so focused and dedicated and for sure, they would be an asset to any team."

What did Cech and Drogba win at Chelsea?

Chelsea signed Cech from Rennes in the summer of 2004 and would see him spend 11 memorable years between the sticks in west London.

The Czech goalkeeper took in 494 appearances for the Blues before heading to Arsenal.

He helped Chelsea to four Premier League titles, four FA Cup successes, three League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League.

Drogba boasts a similar roll of honour, with the Europa League all that is missing from his Chelsea CV.

The iconic Ivorian striker took in two spells with the Blues, with the first of those proving to be the most memorable.

Snapped up by Jose Mourinho in the same window as Cech, Drogba plundered 157 goals through 341 appearances - with that haul including 100 efforts in the Premier League.

He left in 2012, after being a Champions League final hero, but returned two years later to help himself to another seven goals and two trophies.

Further reading