Juventus have confirmed the permanent signing of on-loan defender Lloyd Kelly from Newcastle, ending his stay with the Premier League club.
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Juventus confirm Kelly signingDefender had already been on loan at clubShort-lived stay at Newcastle officially endsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Fabrizio Romano reports that Juventus have confirmed their obligation to buy clause included within the loan deal has been activated, meaning the defender has officially left Newcastle for Serie A.
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The Serie A giants will pay €17.5m plus add-ons for Kelly, who has made 13 appearances for The Old Lady since signing on a temporary deal in January.
DID YOU KNOW?
Kelly only signed for Newcastle last summer when his Bournemouth contract expired but he struggled for playing time at St James' Park. He made just 14 appearances on Tyneside and will now not be returning.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR KELLY AND JUVENTUS?
Juventus sit fourth in Serie A with three matches remaining. Kelly will hope to feature as his side aim to secure a Champions League spot.
Chelsea have a plethora of players to get off the wage bill before the last summer deadline day on September 1, and their success in selling unwanted players will likely have a real effect on their recruitment plans.
Chelsea players likely to be sold this summer
Alfie Gilchrist, Renato Veiga, Lesley Ugochukwu, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi could all leave Chelsea this summer, according to a report by The Athletic, with all of these players also missing out on a place in Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad.
"I am told" – Journalist says insiders are shocked by who Chelsea have let go
Many are apparently surprised.
By
Emilio Galantini
Jun 12, 2025
Despite actually making the cut to represent Chelsea at the CWC, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and defender Trevoh Chalobah may have key decisions to make about their futures at Stamford Bridge as well.
Dewsbury-Hall started just two of his 13 Premier League appearances last season, playing the vast majority of his minutes in the Conference League, while Chalobah could still be sold by Chelsea despite arguably being one of their best performers during the second half of 2024/2025.
“I suspect that they will try and sell him [Chalobah] because I think that’s what the whole bringing him back was about,” said Telegraph reporter Matt Law on the London is Blue Podcast last month.
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
“I know that they are obviously interested in bringing in one defender. I don’t think it will be two defenders, so I think it will be one defender rather than two unless there are a lot more sales than planned, but I do fear that Trev will be on the up for sale list again. No one can be surprised because it’s the same thing that happens every year.
“I mean, it’s literally, it’s like Groundhog Day with Trev. He becomes the best player of the second half of the season, then they try and sell him.”
Armando Broja is also on the chopping block, with the striker failing to break into the Chelsea first team or replicate his stellar 2021/2022 form, when he enjoyed a productive loan spell at Southampton.
Chelsea to sell Armando Broja for just £17 million this summer
The Albania international commanded huge promise at one point, so much so that Chelsea once put a £50 million price tag on the Cobham academy graduate’s head (The Telegraph).
Now, following two failed loan spells at Fulham and Everton, Chelsea are prepared to sell Broja for just £17 million as they attempt to get him off their books.
Armando Broja
That is according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who writes that Broja remains in-demand among some circles. The 23-year-old has actually received several enquiries from teams in the Bundesliga and abroad, so Chelsea have an avenue to offload him for good.
The striker would count as pure profit through the lense of PSR given his status as an academy player, but it’s been quite the fall from grace for Broja, who must now look to kickstart his career away from west London.
da brdice： Celtic have been incredibly busy in the early weeks of the summer transfer window as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
da bwin： Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan have already been unveiled as new additions to the team, with both players set to officially join as free agents at the start of next month.
As you can see in the graphic above, the Scotland international is returning for a second spell at Parkhead, having left the Hoops to join Arsenal in the Premier League in the summer of 2019.
Celtic are also set to complete the signing of FC Nordsjælland winger Benjamin Nygren, who is due to put pen to paper on a contract that could last five years.
Brendan Rodgers is also in the market to land a senior number nine, after a deal for young Fulham forward Callum Osmand, having been left with just Adam Idah since Kyogo Furuhashi left the club in January.
Celtic sold the Japan international to Rennes for a reported fee of £10m at the start of the year, ending what was a very successful time for him in Glasgow.
Celtic hit gold with Kyogo Furuhashi
The Scottish Premiership giants paid a fee of £4.3m to sign the attacker from Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021, with Ange Postecoglou at the helm, and it is fair to say that they got their money’s worth.
Kyogo went on to rack up 85 goals and 19 assists in 185 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops in three-and-a-half years at Parkhead before his move to France in January.
That included a stunning return of 34 goals in the 2022/23 season, as you can see in the clips above, and these statistics show that the club hit gold by snapping him up for a fee of just £4.3m.
Kyogo also stepped up for the Light Blues in big moments during his time in Glasgow, as evidenced by his haul of eight goals in 17 games against Rangers.
Kyogo Furuhashi favourite Scottish opponents
Opposition
Appearances
Goals
Hearts
14
11
Rangers
17
8
St Johnstone
11
8
Aberdeen
13
7
St Mirren
13
6
Dundee
8
6
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Hearts are the only team the Japanese striker scored more goals against for Celtic than Rangers in his time at the club.
Taking all of this into consideration, and the £10m fee they got for him in January, it is clear to see that the Hoops hit the jackpot by signing Kyogo in 2021.
The Scottish giants did not sign another striker to take his place in the January window, but they are now reportedly eyeing a star who would be a dream replacement for the Japan international.
Celtic confident of deal for Premier League striker
According to Football Insider, Celtic are confident that they will be able to win the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson this summer.
The report claims that they believe that they can strike a deal to land him on a season-long loan ahead of Premier League teams Everton and Nottingham Forest.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It adds that Rodgers is pushing for the club to sign the Ireland international to bolster his options at the top end of the pitch for the 2025/26 campaign.
Former scout Mick Brown explained why the Hoops are a good option for the striker, telling Football Insider:
“Celtic can offer attractive opportunities to players like Ferguson. They’re going to be playing in the Champions League and competing for trophies, which would be valuable experience for a player of his age.”
Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson.
It is now down to the club to agree a deal with Brighton before convincing the striker that a move to Parkhead is the best next step in his young career.
Why Celtic should sign Evan Ferguson
The Hoops should sign the Premier League youngster this summer because he is a talented number nine who is more valuable than his 2024/25 campaign suggests.
On the face of it, signing a striker who just scored one goal in 23 games for Brighton and West Ham combined is not too appealing. However, it is worth keeping in mind that a knee injury kept him out from April to August last year, which meant that he missed all of pre-season and played catch-up all season.
Ferguson’s form in the previous two Premier League seasons for Brighton, with a pre-season under his belt, suggest that he has the potential to be a dream replacement for Kyogo at Parkhead.
Possibly the biggest problem Kyogo had at the end of his Celtic career was his finishing, as he missed 46 ‘big chances’ in his last 18 months, scoring 27 goals in that time.
The Brighton youngster, whose finishing was hailed as “phenomenal” by James Milner, has shown that he has the quality to be very efficient in front of goal at Premier League level in recent years.
Evan Ferguson’s Premier League career
Season
xG
Goals
Differential
22/23
5.67
6
+0.33
23/24
3.97
6
+2.03
24/25
1.36
1
-0.36
Total
10.29
13
+1.89
Stats via UnderStat
As you can see in the table above, Ferguson outperformed his xG in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns for the Seagulls, which speaks to his ability to find the back of the net effectively at the very top level.
These statistics show that the potential is there for him to come in as an upgrade on what they had with Kyogo in the number nine position, because he is a clinical finisher who may not miss as many ‘big chances’ as the Japan international.
The Premier League forward would also bring more physicality to the table than Kyogo, as he has won 44% of his aerial duels in the 2023/24 campaign – when he last played regularly.
Whereas, the former Hoops marksman won 33% of his aerial battles this season in the Premiership, and 26% of them in the 2023/24 campaign, which suggests that Ferguson would be more effective as a target man for the team to hit when they need to play a longer pass to break a press or clear the ball from danger.
Worth more than Kyogo: Celtic have hit the jackpot on "incredible" star
Celtic have hit gold with this star who is now worth even more than Kyogo Furuhashi.
ByDan Emery Jun 24, 2025
Overall, the 20-year-old attacker’s finishing quality and physical attributes could make him a dream replacement for Kyogo, as well as being an upgrade on him. The largest sticking point could well be a price tag, however, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £21m.
Tottenham Hotspur are a side that have fallen below the expectations set for them in the Premier League in recent years, as seen by their standings last campaign.
The Lilywhites ended the year in a measly 17th position, only one place above the relegation zone and becoming the first side to survive in the division after losing 22 matches.
As a result, Ange Postecoglou lost his job, with Thomas Frank the man tasked with building on their European triumph and transforming their league form.
The Dane has already wasted no time in the role in North London, targeting countless players who could help improve the current situation at the club.
Whilst no first team additions have yet been agreed, work has been conducted behind the scenes, in an attempt to catapult the side to added success in 2025/26.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Mohammed Kudus has been a player firmly on their radar in recent days, even making a £50m offer for the West Ham United star, but the offer was swiftly rejected.
The Ghanaian was said to be wanting a move to join Frank’s men this window and The Athletic’s David Ornstein has since revealed that a £55m total agreement has now been struck for the 24-year-old.
However, despite the interest in the former Ajax star, moves have been made elsewhere, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling once again in their sights, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.
He claims that the Lilywhites have made an approach for the 19-year-old star, despite suffering relegation back to the Championship with the Saints last season.
He also claims that Nottingham Forest and West Ham are other teams keeping tabs on the teenage star, who could be available for around £55m this summer.
Why Spurs’ £55m target could be a bigger talent than Kudus
Over the last couple of months, Spurs have showcased the attacking threat they possess, registering 64 goals in their 38 league outings last season.
Brennan Johnson ended the year as the club’s top scorer, notching 18 goals across all competitions, including in the Europa League final, subsequently ending the club’s 17-year drought.
Other players such as Dominic Solanke and James Maddison also managed to achieve double figures, highlighting the strength in depth currently at Frank’s disposal.
However, such depth clearly isn’t enough, especially considering the rumours around moves for Kudus and Dibling over the last couple of weeks.
Both would represent impressive options for the Dane, but given the nature of the fees touted for each player’s signature, it is crucial they land the right one during the off-season.
When comparing their respective stats from the Premier League last time out, the Saints’ youngster managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, despite the relegation – highlighting why he’d be a better addition.
Dibling, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Ivan Juric, managed to register a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst matching the Hammers star for goals per shot on target – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses.
Games played
33
32
Goals & assists
2
8
Shot on target accuracy
32%
28%
Goal per shot on target
0.2
0.2
Progressive passes
3.1
2.7
Passes into final third
1.9
1.6
Carries into final third
2.4
2
Fouls won
2.4
2.2
He also managed to register more progressive passes per 90, and more passes into the final third, subsequently having the tools to provide some of the aforementioned talents with added opportunities in front of goal.
The teenager’s dominance doesn’t end there, producing a higher tally of carries into the final third, whilst also drawing more fouls – showcasing the threat he poses to the opposition at any given time.
Whilst £55m may appear to be a huge risk for such a young talent, he’s already showcased he can thrive despite featuring for a side who fell well below the expectations set in 2024/25.
There’s no denying that Kudus would also represent an excellent pickup, but ultimately, Dibling has already outperformed him and has the tools to rapidly develop further, given his tender age.
Spurs eyeing "immense" £40m Kudus alternative who'd be their own Rodrygo
Everton are in the infancy of their summer transfer window plans but could be about to step things up a notch after making an approach for a Club World Cup star, according to reports.
Everton close in on Thierno Barry and announce new contract
David Moyes and his side have been slow off the mark this summer as they take time to assess where to strengthen before advancing, though supporters will be relieved to hear the Toffees are closing in on a deal to sign Villarreal striker Thierno Barry.
Set to arrive for around £30 million, he could kickstart a period of significant change for Everton as they finally begin to experience life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Michael Keane has also put pen to paper on a one-year extension on Merseyside and will help shore up Moyes’ backline after rejecting interest from elsewhere to stay at the club.
Everton defender Michael Keane
Upon renewing his terms, the 32-year-old stated: “I love Everton and have been massively proud to play for this club since the day I joined so I’m delighted to extend my stay here. The manager wants a competitive squad and I still feel I have a lot to give to Everton.
“We’ve been through a difficult few years but it’s an exciting time ahead for us as players and our brilliant fans. We’ve got a world-class new stadium to play in, and our form under the manager last season shows there’s a lot of reasons to be positive. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
Everton’s first five Premier League matches
Leeds United (A)
Elland Road
Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
Molineux
Aston Villa (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Liverpool (A)
Anfield
While some things stay the same, Everton’s latest target could open up the possibility of a change in the guard involving a key position if reports are to be believed.
Everton rival Man Utd for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor
According to Globo, Everton have made an approach to sign Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor to compete with Jordan Pickford for a starting slot after losing Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia this summer.
John in action for Botafogo.
Manchester United are also keen on his services, and both clubs have moved to sound out his camp over a potential swoop amid recent reports he may be available for only £6 million.
Everton hold advanced talks to sign "superb" free agent in bargain deal
The Toffees have stepped things up…
ByTom Cunningham Jul 5, 2025
Labelled a “warrior” by Botafogo counterpart Philipe Sampaio, John has kept ten clean sheets in 29 appearances this campaign and was instrumental in Botafogo’s run to the last 16 stage of the Club World Cup.
Naturally, his displays have created a wealth of interest in his services, though it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to battle it out with club icon Pickford for the number one jersey under Moyes.
Either way, Everton are beginning to motor in their hunt for signings, and it feels like the Friedkin Group’s reign in charge could be about to take off.
The Pakistan left-arm spinner and surprise-weapon batter looks back to his dream Asia Cup outing
Matt Roller22-Oct-2022″For two days, I had to switch my notifications off,” Mohammad Nawaz says, laughing, as he recounts the aftermath of a match that will forever be his own. Even if he never scores another run or takes another wicket in his Pakistan career, he will always have that night in Dubai in the Asia Cup.”It was a highlight of my career so far,” he says, speaking at Lahore’s Pearl Continental Hotel before travelling to Australia for the T20 World Cup via a tri-series in New Zealand. “The hype of the game is there all over the world, and when you perform against India, a lot of texts and notifications are going to come to your phone. I had to switch them off and just relax and sleep.”It was the sort of night every allrounder dreams of having. Nawaz’s first over, the fifth, cost eight runs and Suryakumar Yadav hit the first of his second for four over extra cover, but from that point, Nawaz conceded 17 runs in 18 balls and dismissed Suryakumar, arguably the world’s top in-form T20 batter, when he top-edged a sweep to deep backward square leg.Related
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In T20 cricket, Mohammad Nawaz's case is a curious one
“He [Suryakumar] is the kind of player who plays everywhere,” Nawaz says. “If you’re a little bit off, he can punish you. When I was bowling to him – and at the other end was [Virat] Kohli as well – every ball, I was just thinking, ‘I have to be accurate. Let him play however he wants, but don’t give him any loose balls.'”Relentlessly hitting a good line and length, Nawaz finished with 1 for 25 from his overs as India set Pakistan a target of 182 to win. Having only batted 14 times in his previous 32 T20Is, he was not expecting to play a major role in the chase – at least, not until taps on the shoulder arrived from Saqlain Mushtaq and Babar Azam. “I was sitting there and then my coach and captain said I must pad up,” he says.”There was a right-left combination. When I went in, I was just very clear in my mind that we needed ten runs per over. I had worked in the nets. I was just thinking that I have to execute that and bring that hard work into the game. When left-handed batsmen are at the crease, it’s a little difficult for the opposition.”With Shadab Khan: “We grew up playing together and have really good chemistry,” Nawaz says about pairing up with him•AFP/Getty ImagesHe walked out at 63 for 2 in the ninth over, with 119 required off 68 balls, and had licence to go hard: he steered his second ball away for four off Yuzvendra Chahal, then swung his third for six over midwicket off Hardik Pandya. By the time he was out, slapping Bhuvneshwar Kumar to long-off, he had made 42 off 20 and set the game up for Pakistan to sneak home with a ball to spare.”It depends how you utilise the opportunity,” Nawaz says. “They were saving me for that, because I had to counter the legspin and use the boundary dimensions as well. One side was a little bit shorter. I had a clear mind. I knew that I had to play a cameo so my team could come out of a difficult situation.”Pakistan vs India, people follow this game all over the world and there is so much hype. As a player, to perform in this kind of game, your confidence grows. You learn a lot from big games because the pressure grows.”Nawaz has become an integral member of Pakistan’s T20 set-up since the last World Cup as a like-for-like replacement for Imad Wasim, another left-arm fingerspinner who could contribute with the bat and bowl in the powerplay. “He is a senior player and whenever we’re together, we try to pass on things: his arm ball is something that I ask him about,” Nawaz says.”I’m used to bowling in the powerplay. I used to in domestic games and in the PSL as well, for Quetta Gladiators. When I bowl with the new ball, if I am bowling the second over, I sometimes try to swing the ball but it depends on the conditions. Most of the time I just stay with trying to turn it.”Nawaz had to turn notifications on his phone off for two days after his heroics against India•Surjeet Yadav/AFP/Getty ImagesHe has formed a strong partnership with Shadab Khan, bowling in tandem in the middle overs. “For the past year, we’ve been working together really well. We grew up playing together and have really good chemistry. It’s been working for the team because we’ve been getting wickets in the middle overs and putting opponents on the back foot.”Nawaz has also been used increasingly often as a floater, batting in the middle overs to take down opposition spinners, as he did in Dubai. He batted at No. 4 with success in consecutive games at the end of the tri-series with Bangladesh and New Zealand, making unbeaten scores of 45 off 20 and 38 off 22 as Pakistan won their last group game and the final.He will have the chance to play India again on Sunday in front of a sold-out crowd at the MCG, if the weather plays nice. “As a team, we are very excited,” Nawaz says. “It’s going to be a big day again. We try to take it like a normal game and just work on whatever we need to. Everything else is not in your hands.”Our first sport is cricket and people die for cricket here. They support us a lot and expectations are high – very high. It is challenging, but as a player I enjoy it. When the whole nation is supporting you and behind you, if you perform well, it’s a good way to spread happiness on their faces. We always try to do that.”My message for the fans is: keep supporting us. Their support is very important for us, always. We’ve got a good bowling unit and some top-quality batsmen, so team morale is very high. Hopefully, we can put in some good performances and, , win the World Cup.”
Manchester United are looking to add to their squad while not overstepping the mark financially, and they have now reportedly made an enquiry for a Brazil international, according to reports.
Man Utd eye shock Dominic Calvert-Lewin deal
The Red Devils and INEOS are looking to add to the pack after Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers and find themselves pushing to land Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Diego Leon has also finalised his move to the club.
Reports suggest a deal could be finalised by Monday that would see the Cameroon international head to Old Trafford. At the same time, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins and Nigeria hitman Victor Osimhen have also been touted as potential offensive recruits.
However, Manchester United could sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a squad rotation option. However, journalist Ben Jacobs believes he may need to lower his wage demands before a deal for the ex-Everton striker can become viable.
He stated: “Calvert-Lewin’s wage demands are very high, and therefore it is unlikely that Man United will move in that direction unless the demands decrease or they have a hole in the squad later in the window. As a free agent, the player will be rigid on his demands.”
Premier League experience will become paramount for the Red Devils in their rebuilding phase. Ruben Amorim is likely to have one game a week to manage most weeks, offering the possibility of focusing solely on the club’s league position without external commitments.
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Cup football will also present a chance at silverware. Nevertheless, there is plenty of work to be done in the market before Manchester United are back challenging for honours, though their latest pursuit wouldn’t be a bad step in the right direction.
Man Utd make Douglas Luiz enquiry
According to reports relayed by FootballTransfers, Manchester United and therefore INEOS have submitted an enquiry regarding Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz’s availability following a frustrating campaign that has seen the Brazil international be placed on the transfer list.
Everton and Fulham are also in pursuit of the ex-Aston Villa man, who made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Old Lady last season.
He has previously been lauded as a “very underrated” engine room presence by Paul Merson, with the former Arsenal man claiming Luiz was every bit as good as the likes of Declan Rice and Rodri while he plied his trade in the West Midlands.
Douglas Luiz in 2024/25 – key statistics in Serie A (Fotmob)
Tackles won
8
Duels won
36
Pass accuracy
90.4%
Recoveries
31
Long ball accuracy
75%
Earning £138,000 per week in Turin, there is also talk that Luiz could be used as a part of a swap deal that would see Juventus land Jadon Sancho, albeit aforementioned striker Vlahovic is also mentioned, making the saga a possibility and nothing more.
Injury problems hampered the 27-year-old last term, and a return to the English top-flight could now be on the cards, though there would be other considerations to take into account for Manchester United.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are two existing deeper-lying midfield options, while Kobbie Mainoo can also operate in the six, so Amorim would potentially need to think about cutting someone loose to ensure his side had the space to acquire Luiz.
Lalas also pushed back on claims from Pulisic, Tim Weah that ex-USMNT stars criticize players unfairly
Lalas dismisses characterization of criticism as "evil"Questions Pulisic involving his father in public disagreementMeola also hit out at Mark Pulisic for jumping into frayWHAT HAPPENED
Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas questioned Christian Pulisic’s decision to involve his father, Mark, in the back-and-forth between current and ex-national team players, suggesting the forward should handle criticism on his own.
Despite a summer in which he was entangled in controversy and the subject of harsh criticism, Pulisic maintains he made the right decision to withdraw from the 2025 Gold Cup. In the latest episodes the PULISIC docuseries, his father, Mark, echoed his son's comments and challenged previous USMNT stars to reflect on their own accomplishments before calling out the current team for its struggles.
"These guys want clicks and social media," Mark Pulisic said in the documentary. "Don't get me wrong, I respect all of them. I mean, they were players that I looked up to. But quite frankly, the guys before us didn't win anything either. I think they should look in the mirror and look at their last performances for the national team before they start talking sh*t.
"It's jealousy. You know, people want to be in issues, and they'll find any reason to bring him down. But Christian doesn't give a sh*t what anyone says."
That sparked a response from Lalas.
“Don't bring your dad to a fight,” Lalas wrote in a column for FOX Sports. “I get that Mark Pulisic, like other dads out there, has been involved directly in bringing up, in this case, Christian. I get that he's a former coach. But who brings their dad to a fight? If you're angry at me or Landon or anybody else who is being critical of you, that's fine.
“You have a platform, you have a microphone – some would say bigger than anybody else out there – to get that off your chest, but you don't need to bring your dad. Never once has it even occurred to have my father defend me from the slings and arrows that are inevitable, but well done. You got me to watch, and you got exactly what you wanted.”
Lalas also pushed back on accusations from Pulisic and Tim Weah that ex-U.S. stars criticize players unfairly for attention. He argued that their complaints only fueled the very attention they claimed to resent, while rejecting the suggestion that his analysis crossed into something more sinister.
“First and foremost, if you're going to accuse people of doing things for clicks and for attention or to watch a show, well played,” Lalas wrote. “That's exactly what you just did, and it's exactly what happened… We are evil? That's a whole other level. I don't feel evil. I don't think that I am, and I don't think that any of the other guys that you may have been referring to are evil in our criticism. But if they were, I sure as hell wouldn't respect them.”
AdvertisementWHAT TONY MEOLA SAID
Another U.S. legend, Tony Meola, shares a personal history with Mark Pulisic as they played together. Meola advised him to stay out of the media disputes.
"I've been friends with Mark Pulisic for a long time. We played together at the youth level. You gotta stay out, Mark," Meola said on the Call it What You Want podcast. “I know you’re a dad, I know you get emotional, your kid is at the top of the heap, right? I’ve got other friends in other major sports in America that their kids right now are in top of the heap.They listen to this all the time about their kids.
"You can’t respond. Stay out. Christian is a big boy. He will be able to do this on his own. He will be able to carry this team.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Meola and Lalas’ comments highlight the increasingly tense relationship between current USMNT stars and the previous generation of players who now work in media.
Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
The USMNT will face immediate tests during the next FIFA international window with friendlies against South Korea on Sept. 6 and Japan on Sept. 9.
Jay Shah could end up being the ICC chair for two terms of three years each instead of three terms of two years each, which is the current norm, after he takes over on December 1. This after the ICC Board, which met in Dubai over the weekend, recommended that the term – for the chair and the independent director – be changed.In a statement on Monday, the ICC said that the recommendation will now be “circulated for approval” among its members, comprising Full and Associate Members.While no reason behind the recommendation was made public, it is understood that the move is part of the ICC’s drive for better governance. The ICC Board believes it will provide security and stability to both the chair and independent director, who sit on the ICC Board, without having to worry about elections every two years. Also, while the overall term of six years remains the same, there will be more continuity.Shah, who is 35, was elected unopposed to replace outgoing ICC chair Greg Barclay, who has served two of his three terms since being elected in 2020 for the first time. The independent director’s position, meanwhile, has been lying vacant since former Pepsico chair Indra Nooyi finished her three terms earlier this summer.There were changes to the ICC men’s cricket committee, too, with New Zealand businessman Scott Weenink appointed Full Member representative, and Scott Edwards, the 28-year-old Netherlands captain, named Associate Member representative.In a statement issued by the Royal Dutch Cricket Association*, Edwards said, “I am extremely excited and grateful to have the opportunity to join the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. Having been in the ICC Associate Member system, and playing with and against many Full Member and Associate Member sides over the past six years, I believe I have a good understanding of the challenges Associate countries and players face. I look forward to representing these countries to the best of my ability.”The women’s FTP – the second, after the one announced in 2022 – will be out soon•Getty Images
Women’s FTP for 2025-2029 to be out soonThe ICC Board has approved the next women’s future tours programme (FTP) for the 2025-2029 cycle, which will be announced in a few days. It will be the second FTP for women following the one announced in 2022.The ICC chief executives’ committee (CEC) also approved shifting the calendar for the women’s rankings annual update from October 1 to May 1 each year. In order for the rankings to reflect, the teams will have to play a minimum of eight matches per format (ODIs and T20Is) as opposed to the six currently. This is because of the increase in the volume of women’s cricket.The mechanism for Associate teams to gain ODI status has also been formalised. Currently, there are 16 women’s teams with ODI status. Apart from the 11 Full Members, five Associate Members – Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and USA – were included in the 2022-2025 cycle. For the 2025-2029 cycle, the top-two Associate teams that qualify for the women’s ODI World Cup qualifier 2025 will gain ODI status, while the remaining three slots will be filled based on the T20I rankings at the time of annual update [May 1, 2025]. This will mean that their ODI status will hinge on their T20I performances.The creation of two annual T20I tournaments between 2025 and 2028 for Associate teams has also been approved. This is to boost competition ahead of the 16-team women’s T20 World Cup in 2030.
da winzada777： Thomas Frank’s appointment at Tottenham Hotspur has started a new era at the football club, looking to build on the progress made by Ange Postecoglou.
da imperador bet： The Aussie won the Europa League in his final game in charge, securing their place in the Champions League and handing the supporters a memorable night at the end of a dismal season.
Such a decision to sack him may have appeared harsh, but it now hands the former Brentford boss the opportunity to create new history for the club in North London.
With the summer transfer window once again open for sides to make new additions, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting moves to hand him with the tools he desires.
Numerous areas of the pitch are in need of investment to help provide quality and depth in key areas, especially if they are to be competitive in the Premier League and Europe.
The latest in Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
After Frank’s arrival, winger Bryan Mbeumo has been largely touted with a move to follow his former manager across the capital to join Spurs this window.
However, if they are to land the 25-year-old’s signature, they will have to fend off interest from Manchester United, with the Red Devils seemingly in pole position at present.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match
Another name has entered the frame within the attacking department in recent days, with Rennes star Arnaud Kalimuendo firmly on their radar, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been in talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over a deal for the 23-year-old, who’s scored 18 times across all competitions in 2024/25.
It also states that he’s valued at around the €25m (£21.3m) mark, but will face competition for his signature, with sides in Spain and Germany also wanting a move for the 23-year-old this summer.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s next Wissa
As previously mentioned, Mbeumo was a key part of Frank’s success at Brentford, but striker Yoane Wissa also thrived under his guidance and reached levels never seen in his career before.
Brentford's YoaneWissacelebrates scoring their first goal
The DR Congo forward made 35 appearances in the league last time around, registering a total of 19 goals and four assists, forming an excellent partnership with the Cameroonian.
Like his current teammate, he’s been linked with a move to join Spurs this window, potentially following the manager in moving to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
However, they’re not alone in their hunt, with Nottingham Forest once again emerging in the race after having an offer rejected for him back in January.
If Frank is unable to land a reunion with Wissa, he should pursue a move for Kalimuendo, with the Frenchman having all the tools to be a threat in the Premier League.
Arnaud Kalimuendo celebrates for Stade Rennais.
The Rennes ace, who’s been labelled “one of the most prolific” stars by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, backing up the claim made about him.
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher take-on success rate – handing Frank the all-round option he’ll need in North London.
Most goals scored by U23 STs in Europe’s top-five leagues (2024/25)
Player
Club
Games
Goals
Arnaud Kalimuendo
Stade Rennais
33
17
Hugo Ekitiké
Eintracht Frankfurt
33
15
Emanuel Emegha
Strasbourg
27
14
Benjamin Sesko
RB Leipzig
33
13
Mika Biereth
Monaco
16
13
Liam Delap
Ipswich Town
37
12
Thierno Barry
Villarreal
35
11
Joao Pedro
Brighton
27
10
Stats via Transfermarkt
Kalimuendo’s dominance doesn’t stop there, also registering more carries into the final third and more passes into the opposition area per 90, handing the attackers around him the chance to thrive too.
Whilst Wissa may appear to be a solid option given his time under the manager at the GTEC, a move for the Frenchman could allow the boss to land his next attacking star.
If he can transfer his skillset across to England, it would be a superb signing, having the potential to explode into an elite level talent given his tender age.
He's more exciting than Tel: Spurs now confident of signing £70m "monster"
The outrageously talented attacker will be incredible for Spurs.