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The clubs that narrowly missed out on getting the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney takeover treatment have been revealed by a Wrexham director.

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• Famous faces arrived at Wrexham in 2021
• Have overseen a meteoric rise in North Wales
• Various other clubs were initially considered

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Humphrey Ker was charged with the task of helping Hollywood superstars to find a suitable sporting venture once they decided that a surprising foray in the world of football would be made. They eventually settled on Wrexham, and the rest is history.

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• Getty/FX
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Red Dragons have enjoyed a meteoric rise under Reynolds and McElhenney, with a third successive promotion in the process of being chased down. Wrexham has also benefited from their presence as a city, while an award-winning documentary series has opened up a window to the world.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Things could have been very different had one of the other teams that were considered during the selection process leapt to the front of the queue ahead of Wrexham. Ker has explained why sides in England, Scotland and Ireland ultimately missed out.

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HUMPHREY KER SAID

  Ker, who is now community director at SToK Racecourse, has told the from ex-Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster: "We looked at Aldershot because they are alphabetically the first team in the National League. I told him [McElhenney] about the National League, and he was like ‘what is this Aldershot?’, and so I was like ‘we’ll look into Aldershot’. We looked at Hartlepool, I think lots of people know that, Carlisle United.

  "I don’t think I’ve ever brought this up before, initially, he wanted to do it in Ireland or Scotland, because he’s from Ireland, so he was like ‘what about Shamrock Rovers?’ I was like, look… the League of Ireland has great clubs, historic clubs, it would be brilliant in many ways, but it would be like throwing a brick into a pond – if you put your time and energy and resources into a League of Ireland club, you win the League of Ireland instantaneously, no-one can come close to you and there’s no drama there.

  "Scotland is interesting, you could start with like an Arbroath or Queen of the South, down near the bottom and then build them up, but you will always have this thing where you probably get them into the Premiership, but you’re going to run into Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and then, obviously, Celtic and Rangers, we’ll get hammered every time we play them, we might beat other people, it’s going to be a bit strange.

  "The thing with the longest room for growth, I think, is English football. No offence Aldershot, but Aldershot is a bit of a rogue shout."

Leeds United will be hoping to return to the Premier League at the second time of asking this campaign after failing to secure an immediate top-flight return last season.

Daniel Farke’s side missed out on the automatic spots, before suffering play-off final heartbreak against Southampton at Wembley – confining them to another year in the Championship.

Star talents Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville subsequently departed Elland Road in the summer, joining Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United, respectively – bringing in funds of around £65m in the process.

The aforementioned pair combined for 49 goals in the Championship last campaign, undoubtedly a huge miss for Farke, but his side have started the 2024/25 season in the right way – sitting in third and just a couple of points off the summit.

Subsequent transfers have allowed other players to step up and take responsibility in the final third, to try and make the current year one to remember for the Whites.

Leeds United’s attackers in 2024/25

Striker Joel Piroe has often left the fanbase wanting more after his £10m transfer from Swansea City last summer.

The Dutchman arrived having scored 20 goals or more in each of his two seasons in Wales, but despite registering 13 goals, it wasn’t enough for some supporters.

However, he’s already started 2024/25 with a bang, scoring six times, currently sitting as Farke’s top scorer and being the go-to man in front of goal.

Brenden Aaronson has integrated himself back into the first team after spending last season on loan at Bundesliga side Union Berlin following the relegation back to England’s second tier.

The American international has made 16 appearances in all competitions since his return to Elland Road, scoring four and registering one assist as he looks to finally start to repay the board’s trust in forking out £25m for his signature in 2022.

Largie Ramazani was one of the new additions brought in over the summer, looking to soften the blow following the sales of Rutter and Summerville.

The Belgian joined from Spanish side Almeria for a fee in the region of £10m, already making an immediate impact for Farke’s side in the Championship.

He’s notched three goals and one assist in his opening eight matches, looking to hold the key to success during his opening campaign in Yorkshire.

Despite the trio’s early season form, the hierarchy are targeting reinforcements in attacking areas to bolster their chances of promotion back to the Premier League come May.

Leeds United transfer news

As relayed by CaughtOffside this week, Leeds are said to be plotting an ambitious January move to sign Manchester City talent James McAtee, but face huge competition from various top-flight sides for his services.

Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Leicester City and Southampton have all been credited with interest and undoubtedly hold an edge given their status.

However, Farke could offer more game time to the 22-year-old and potentially allow the talent, who’s previously been dubbed “special” by boss Pep Guardiola, to progress his development.

The Englishman could be the Whites’ new version of fan-favourite Raphinha, who made 67 appearances for the club before departing for Barcelona during the summer of 2022 for £55m.

The Brazilian captured the hearts of the fanbase with his creative talent in the final third, with his deadly left foot causing chaos in central and wide areas.

McAtee, who earns £15k-per-week at the Etihad, possesses very similar qualities to the 27-year-old as a versatile left-footer himself, having notably showcased his talents with Sheffield United during his first loan spell with the Blades during the 2022/23 season.

That campaign saw the young playmaker score nine times and register three assists in 37 Championship outings, as the Bramall Lane outfit secured promotion.

His solo run against Blackpool a couple of years ago is just a glimpse of what he is capable of, potentially allowing the fans to fall in love with him as they did with Raphinha.

Given his stature, it would undoubtedly be a huge deal for Leeds should they be able to complete it, massively supercharging their own promotion ambitions with a player – who like Raphinha – can dazzle either in a right-wing berth, or in a central role.

The competition will be fierce, but the Elland Road hierarchy must pull out all of the stops if they are to secure either a temporary or permanent deal for the talented youngster in January.

Better than Joseph: Leeds missed out on a "world-class" star in the making

Leeds United were once interested in a deal to sign the teenage sensation.

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By
Dan Emery

Nov 20, 2024

Some inspired seam bowling from Western Australia’s Matthew Kelly and Joel Paris produced a stunning New South Wales batting collapse at Bankstown Oval to turn a near-certain draw into a possible Sheffield Shield win for the visitors.With both teams vying for a spot in the final, the middle-session on day three of this rain-affected penultimate-round fixture may prove to be pivotal in the course of the season.Kelly picked up wickets in three successive overs leaving the home side limping their way to tea at 5 for 55, as a hitherto benign pitch seemingly turned into a minefield.Kelly’s swing firstly undid Blues’ skipper Kurtis Patterson without playing a shot before Jack Edwards and Hayden Kerr were also sent packing.At the other end Paris started the rot by picking up the crucial wicket of opener Daniel Hughes caught at second slip.Jason Sangha’s lone knock kept the innings together with the 22-year-old digging in to end the day unbeaten on 66.An injured Moises Henriques, who came in at No. 8, led a brief revival only to tickle a catch down the leg side off the bowling of rookie spinner Corey Rocchiccioli on 23.Chris Tremain swiped three sixes late in the day to reach 41 not out, and lift the home side closer to the follow-on mark of 207 in an unbroken stand of 67 with SanghaThe two sides are among five states with five wins apiece vying for a spot in the March 31 season decider.After the entire day two was lost due to rain, Western Australia resumed at 3 for 231 and continued on comfortably enough before closing their innings half an hour after lunch.Hilton Cartwright looked set for a ton but his watchful 209-ball innings ended on 81 when he was caught hooking a Tremain delivery while seeking to up the scoring rate.Tremain’s second wicket came a day and a half after his first with day two lost due to ongoing showers.Cameron Bancroft had top-scored for WA with 117, before he was dismissed by Tremain late on Tuesday.The hard-hitting D’Arcy Short was the only Western Australia batter who failed to reach double figures when he was caught and bowled by Kerr for 1.Aaron Hardie remained unbeaten on 37, while allrounder Edwards was the pick of the Blues’ attack returning 3 for 58 off 21 overs.

Lionel Messi is still refusing to confirm his 2026 World Cup plans, with the all-time great leaving Argentina and the rest of a global audience guessing on whether he will form part of a global title defence from the reigning champions next summer. The mercurial No.10 remains part of Lionel Scaloni’s squad for now, but says he does not “want to be a burden”.

MLS schedule causes concern for Messi

It is difficult to imagine how the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could ever be anything but a positive presence for his country, but the 38-year-old is aware that plying his trade in MLS may leave him short on match sharpness heading into a summer tournament.

Messi is currently approaching the end of another domestic campaign in the United States, with Golden Boot-winning exploits allowing him to guide Inter Miami into Conference semi-finals of the MLS Cup play-offs.

AdvertisementGettyMessi's Argentina record: Appearances and goals

Ultimate glory there would see Messi end another memorable season on a high, with a new contract being committed to in South Florida. He is now tied to terms with the Herons through 2028. While having plenty of games at club level left in him, questions of Messi’s international future have been asked for some time.

He has taken in a final outing on home soil, having helped Argentina through World Cup qualification, and is expected to bow out after gracing FIFA’s flagship event in 2026. He has already earned 195 caps for his country, while scoring 114 goals.

Is Messi a burden? GOAT keeping Argentina guessing

Messi is yet to reveal whether he will make himself available to Argentina next summer, having helped them to the most prestigious of prizes at Qatar 2022, with MLS seasons getting underway in the spring. Many of those that he is due to come up against in the United States, Canada and Mexico will head to the World Cup on the back of a full domestic campaign.

With that in mind, Messi has told when asked again about his potential involvement. He said when having it put to him that having another World Cup fast approaching is “very exciting”: “Yes, obviously it is. It's a special World Cup. It's special to play with the national team, especially in major official competitions, and even more so considering what a World Cup means, especially after having won it.

“But as I was saying, I don't want to be a burden, so to speak. I want to feel physically fit, to be sure I can help and contribute to the team. Our season is different from the European one. We'll have a pre-season in between, with few matches leading up to the World Cup, and we'll see how things go day by day to see if I really feel physically fit enough to be where I'd like to be and be able to participate.

“But obviously, I'm aware that it's a World Cup, and it's special, and that the World Cup is the biggest competition there is. So, I'm excited, but I'm taking it one day at a time.”

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GettyLife after Messi: Argentina happy with squad depth

Argentina have started to plan for life after Messi, with injury-enforced absences for the veteran forward allowing others to stake a claim for an iconic playmaking post. Scaloni is happy with the depth that his squad now boasts.

He has said of eventually ending up in a position where a talismanic presence can no longer be called upon: “The team is now in a moment where it can play in the same way with Leo or without Leo, which used to be more complex in the past as we had to change some players. But now we don't have this necessity and the team works in the same way, that's good.”

Messi is currently with the Argentina squad as they prepare for a friendly date with Angola. With that camp being held in Alicante, the former Barcelona superstar has taken in a secret visit to Camp Nou – ahead of that stadium being reopened after an elaborate upgrade. He is delighted to have revisited familiar surroundings and admitted that he and his family hope to return to Catalunya on a permanent basis at some stage in the not-too-distant future.

وجه أحمد حجازي لاعب منتخب مصر ونادي نيوم السعودي، رسالة قوية إلى حسام حسن المدير الفني للفراعنة، وذلك عقب تصريحاته التى صرح بها في أحد البرامج التليفزيونية.

وكان حسام حسن قد قال في تصريحات عبر أحد البرامج التليفزيونية: “فرصة أحمد حجازي في التواجد مع المنتخب تبلغ 1%”.

ورد أحمد حجازي في منشور عبر صفحته الشخصية قائلاً: “أقسم بالله لو معاك 0%”.

طالع أيضاً.. حسام حسن: أنا أهلاوي.. هناك شروط لضم إمام عاشور وهذه نصيحتي لـ زيزو بشأن مستقبله

واندلعت الأزمة بين أحمد حجازي والجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر، بعدما قرر مغادرة معسكر الفراعنة في وقت سابقٍ لظروف خاصة به.

ورد أحمد حجازي أنه لم يعتذر عن معسكر المنتخب، لكن تم استبعاده من المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر.

MatériaMais Notícias

A informação de que Carlinhos sofreu uma grave lesão e se tornou uma baixa no Botafogo abriu caminho para jovens acirrarem a disputa pela lateral esquerda. Jonathan Silva e Hugo serão as opções que o técnico Enderson Moreira terá à disposição a partir do confronto com o Nova Iguaçu, marcado para a próxima segunda-feira (7), pela quarta rodada do Campeonato Carioca.

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Embora tenha perdido um jogador com vivência, a dupla agrega alguns pontos para o Alvinegro. Por serem jovens, ambos estão ávidos por mostrarem serviço e pedirem passagem entre os titulares. Além disto, trata-se de jogadores que atuaram pela base do clube e sabem bem o nível de exigência dos torcedores.

Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW

Jonathan Silva foi o escolhido para substituir Carlinhos na partida contra o Madureira. O lateral aproveitou as brechas por seu lado e deu o passe para Raí definir a vitória por 4 a 2 no Nilton Santos.

O jogador de 23 anos teve um início promissor com a camisa alvinegra. Depois disto, transferiu-se para o futebol europeu, mas não conseguiu se firmar no Almería (ESP) e no Las Palmas (ESP). De volta ao Botafogo, é visto no clube como um jogador que tem versatilidade.

Hugo, por sua vez, tem 20 anos e rende grandes expectativas da diretoria do Botafogo. Seu vínculo com o clube foi prorrogado até 2024.

A temporada do jovem foi afetada por uma lesão na clavícula que o tirou por dois meses de campo. Aos poucos, se recuperou e foi ganhando chance entre os titulares e retomou a briga por espaço na lateral esquerda. Hugo tem a seu favor o fato de gostar de partir para cima, jogando mais avançado.

O Botafogo lidera a competição com sete pontos em três jogos. A equipe supera o Flamengo e o Vasco (que têm a mesma pontuação) no saldo de gols.

Since being handed his Liverpool debut by Jurgen Klopp back in 2016 when he was just 18 years old, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been an integral figure for the Reds.

He’s played over 300 times in total, mostly at right-back, and has wowed fans with his impressive attacking output, scoring 23 goals and producing an astonishing 92 assists.

His attacking prowess from the right flank has helped Liverpool lift nearly every major trophy possible, including the Champions League and the Premier League on two occasions.

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“An outstanding talent and he has turned into a world-class football player,” Klopp said of Alexander-Arnold just before he left the club at the end of last season.

“He’s one people will talk about 20, 30, 40 years,” the German added.

Sadly for Liverpool fans, a future without their star right-back is now a reality. The Englishman is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and has now officially confirmed that he’ll be heading to Real Madrid.

So, with that now finally out in the open, here are five players the Reds could turn to as a replacement for their iconic academy graduate.

1 Denzel Dumfries Inter

In the later stages of last year, it was reported that the Reds had an agreement in place to bring Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries to Anfield in the summer. Dumfries was initially out of contract at the end of the season at the time of the reports, meaning he could have been brought to Merseyside on a free transfer.

However, in November of 2024, he penned new terms at the San Siro, making this a deal that’s rather trickier to complete.

Last season, the 28-year-old Dutchman, who joined Inter in 2021 from PSV, racked up four goals and six assists in 36 appearances for Inter, helping them lift the Serie A title.

Dumfries has also been linked with Manchester United and Aston Villa, both of whom reportedly tried and failed to land him in the summer transfer window.

2 Jeremie Frimpong Bayer Leverkusen

Another Dutch right-back who has been on Liverpool’s radar is Jeremie Frimpong, according to the Liverpool Echo.

In 2024, it was said that the Reds were one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on the Bayer Leverkusen star, who was a key player for Xabi Alonso’s side as they lifted the Bundesliga title for the first time in their 120-year history last term.

Like Alexander-Arnold, Frimpong is an attack-minded full-back. Last season, he hit 14 goals and produced 12 assists in all competitions.

However, Frimpong usually plays as a right wing-back, which could pose an issue for Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who typically plays with a traditional back four.

3 Vanderson Monaco

While Frimpong and Dumfries can be considered more attacking full-backs, AS Monaco’s Vanderson is quite the opposite.

Though he does nab the occasional goal or assist, the Brazilian is a truly outstanding defender. According to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles and the 97th for interceptions when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

And according to reports in Spain, the 23-year-old, who recently made his senior debut for Brazil, is one of the names Liverpool are considering as a potential replacement for Alexander-Arnold.

Speaking about the player during the start of his second season at Monaco in September 2022, former Monaco boss Philippe Clemente described him as “very ambitious and a huge perfectionist”.

“Every day he wants to be better than the last,” Clemente said.

4 Pedro Porro Tottenham Hotspur

According to more recent reports elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro is “right at the top” of Liverpool’s list of potential Alexander-Arnold replacements.

Porro, 25, has been one of the Premier League’s outstanding full-backs over the past two seasons, impressing with his defensive stability, smart wing play and eye for goal – the latter of which was best demonstrated by his thumping long-range strike against Burnley, which won Spurs’ Goal of the Season award last year.

Of Liverpool’s proposed right-back targets, Porro is arguably the most similar to Alexander-Arnold. Both players are excellent progressive passers, boast exceptional outputs in the final third and are extremely comfortable in possession.

However, what’s most interesting about Liverpool’s links with Porro is that the Spaniard and Alexander-Arnold are both thought to be wanted by Real Madrid. Indeed, Porro has not been shy about his desire to play for Los Blancos one day.

So if Madrid do move for Alexander-Arnold, do Liverpool fans really want to then bring in a player who they know will still be dreaming of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu himself? Maybe not.

5 Conor Bradley Liverpool

In life, sometimes you find that the thing you’ve been looking for has been right in front of you all along. For Liverpool, that thing could be Conor Bradley.

Like Alexander-Arnold, Bradley came through Liverpool’s academy and was handed his first-team debut by Klopp in January 2024. Since then, he’s gone from strength to strength, filling in for the England ace on a number of occasions, including in the Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.

Bradley, while nowhere near as attack-minded as his teammate, is a tenacious tackler and a good header of the ball. He offers the sort of defensive solidity that Alexander-Arnold has often been criticised for during his Liverpool career.

Last season, for example, albeit within far fewer minutes, Bradley went the whole season without making an error – which FBref defines as a mistake leading to a shot. Alexander-Arnold made five of those, which was the most of any player in Liverpool’s squad.

Bradley’s not glamorous, but he’s already shown himself to be a solid player when called upon, and at just 21 years of age, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Plus, he wouldn’t cost the Reds a penny, which is always a bonus.

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson thinks the Northern Ireland international is the man for the job. “I think Conor Bradley has the makings of an outstanding full-back if Trent were to leave,” he recently told SportsCasting. “He’s shown that he’s ready to start more for the first team and already has a number of good displays to point to.”

Chelsea are in League Cup action for the first time in the 2024/25 campaign as they prepare to welcome League Two leaders Barrow to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night. Enzo Maresca’s side come into this clash off the back of successive wins in the Premier League over Bournemouth and West Ham United, scoring four goals and keeping two clean sheets.

The Italian head coach may target this competition as a trophy that can be won in his first season, after Mauricio Pochettino led the club to the final last term.

This particular clash, however, provides the manager with an opportunity to rotate his squad and offer minutes to some of the fringe players in the group.

Chelsea set to start rarely-seen flop

According to GIVEMESPORT, Mykhailo Mudryk will be given ‘one more’ chance to prove to Maresca that he has a future at Stamford Bridge in this game against Barrow on Tuesday night. The report claims that the Ukraine international will be handed an opportunity to shine from the start against lower league opposition and that it could be make or break for his career in London.

It states that the Blues ‘seriously’ considered cashing in on the former Shakhtar Donetsk forward during the summer transfer window, and that there is a chance that he could be moved on in January if he cannot establish himself as a regular fixture for the club in the Premier League.

This is why this match against Barrow is a potentially defining moment for the winger, because a poor display in this cup clash may end his chances of breaking into the first-team at league level. Chelsea reportedly splashed out a significant fee of £88.5m to sign the prospect from Ukraine at the start of 2023, and he has yet to live up to the hype.

Mykhailo Mudryk's Chelsea struggles

Despite earning more per week (£100k) than Nicolas Jackson (£60k) and Noni Madueke (£50k), Mudryk has produced little in the way of quality for the Blues. Jackson and Madueke have combined for seven goals and two assists in the Premier League so far this season, with the former having scored four goals in five games so far.

Meanwhile, the Ukraine international has appeared in just two of the club’s five matches, starting once, and failed to provide a goal or an assist in his 62 minutes on the pitch.

As you can see in the table above, Mudryk has failed to nail down a regular starting berth on the flank since his big-money move to Stamford Bridge at the start of 2023. The 23-year-old winger has not done enough to convince Maresca that he has a long-term future as a starter for Chelsea, so far, with his lack of quality in the final third, particularly in comparison to players like Jackson and Madueke – who earn far less per week in wages.

Tuesday’s clash with Barrow now looks like it could be make or break for his career with the club, as a poor performance could push him further down the pecking order ahead of the January window.

Chelsea star was slammed by Lampard last season, now he's undroppable

Chelsea star now undroppable after being torn into last season

By
Connor Holden

Sep 23, 2024

Everton are planning to send loanee Armando Broja back to Chelsea after the striker picked up an injury that will keep him out for 10-12 weeks.

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Broja to miss 10-12 weeks with injuryEverton want to terminate loan dealChelsea ask for full payment to terminateFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Everton signed Broja on loan after the striker was told that he was not in Enzo Maresca's plans for Chelsea for the season. The Albanian striker has not had the best time at Goodison Park either as he has only played five Premier League clashes and has not scored or assisted in any of the games. Broja has now picked up an ankle injury and will miss up to 12 weeks of action, as per new boss David Moyes.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Guardian has now reported that Everton are set to discuss terminating Broja's loan this January as they want to free up a loan spot on their roster with the Toffees having used their full allocation of four loan signings this season. However, Chelsea are in no mood to allow the same unless Everton pays the remaining cost of the loan before terminating the deal.

DID YOU KNOW?

When Everton signed Broja, the Albanian striker had been suffering with an Achilles injury and the two sides had come to an agreement that Chelsea would bear Broja's wages for whatever duration he missed with the Toffees. Everton are looking to exploit the same agreement, however, the Blues are clear that the injury is now different and they are no longer liable to pay Broja his wages.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BROJA?

Regardless of which club is paying him, Broja's season is likely over as he will return in the latter part of April and will likely not hit his fitness goals until the end of the season. If he does stay at Everton, however, there is a slight possibility of him featuring for a game or two.

MatériaMais Notícias

As renovações são a prioridade para o Botafogo nesse fim de ano, mas não apenas o que diz respeito ao time profissional. O Alvinegro concluiu, nesta terça-feira, o novo contrato de Rikelmi. O atacante de 20 anos foi adquirido junto ao Juventus-SP e assinou até dezembro de 2024.

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+ Destaque do sub-20, Juninho iniciará temporada 2022 com o time principal do Botafogo

Inicialmente, Rikelmi estava emprestado ao Alvinegro até o fim de novembro. Era um desejo do Glorioso de continuar com o atleta e as negociações estavam acontecendo há algumas semanas. O Alvinegro exerceu a opção de compra de R$ 300 mil, que será paga em várias pequenas parcelas durante o ano. O clube de General Severiano adquiriu 50% dos direitos econômicos do atleta.

A tendência é que o atacante faça parte do elenco profissional na pré-temporada comandada por Enderson Moreira, assim como Juninho, outro destaque do time sub-20 na temporada.

Na temporada, Rikelmi fez quatro gols e deu duas assistências em 45 partidas disputadas. Baixinho, se destaca pelas jogadas de velocidade e dribles no lado do campo. O novo contrato do jogador já está registrado na CBF.

O Botafogo também olha com carinho para as situações de Vitinho e Vitor Marinho, jogadores que deixaram o clube e retornaram ao Resende, clube que pertencem, após o fim do período de empréstimo. A compra da dupla está praticamente atrelada a uma possível venda de Marcelo Benevenuto ao Fortaleza.