Frank's new Wissa: Spurs make approach for "one of the most prolific" CFs

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.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 17, 2025

Liverpool's pre-season tour gets off to losing start as Rafael Leao runs riot for AC Milan in Hong Kong

Rafael Leao made the difference for AC Milan as the Serie A giants overcame Liverpool 4-2 in a closely-fought pre-season encounter in Hong Kong.

  • Leao with goal and assist
  • Liverpool show promise but defeated by Milan
  • Wirtz starts for Reds
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    Liverpool tasted defeat in the first game of their pre-season tour courtesy of a strong counter-attacking display from Milan at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo scored for the Reds, who showed glimpses but ultimately came out second-best on the day as Leao shone with a well-taken goal and assist.

    The Reds continued their tributes to the late Diogo Jota, which were prevalent in their emotional opening fixture at Preston North End. On Saturday, they wore special shirts containing a patch saying 'Diogo J 20'.

    It was Milan who started the brighter of the two sides, as Leao opened the scoring in the 11th minute after an earlier warning shot. The Portuguese winger was freed by Christian Pulisic on the break down the left, and despite being forced out wide by Virgil van Dijk, the 26-year-old rifled the ball into the top corner. He paid tribute to former Portugal team-mate Jota with a muted celebration.

    Mohamed Salah had a great opportunity to equalise after he was played through by new man Florian Wirtz, but the Egyptian was unselfish and played a ball back towards the German which was cleared away before it could reach him. However, Liverpool would be level before the half-hour mark courtesy of the right boot of Szoboszlai. Assisted by ever-impressive 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, Szoboszlai nonchalantly clipped the ball over the lead of Mike Maignan and into the top corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area.

    Liverpool dominated first-half possession but Milan could have gone in ahead at half-time had Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Leao not combined to waste a golden opportunity on the counter-attack.

    The pair would combine again to have their say early in the second period though, Leao this time breaking on the break and finding Loftus-Cheek, who showed poise to calmly finish into the bottom corner. Soon the Italian side would score a third, Noah Okafor this time powering into the net after another rapid counter-attack.

    Liverpool pushed to get back into the game and substitute Jeremie Frimpong would prove a threat playing higher up on the right wing, forcing a good save before Gakpo headed home expertly to halve the deficit in stoppage time. However, any chance of a last-gasp equaliser was quashed when a defensive lapse allowed Okafor to score his second with the last kick of the game. This would ultimately prove Milan's day.

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    THE MVP

    The game's outstanding player was Milan's Leao. The Portuguese international has been touted as one of the world's most exciting forwards for several years now and he showed exactly why. An outstanding individual goal opened the scoring early on, before he broke forward on the counter to assist Loftus-Cheek for his side's second. He even had a role to play in the third goal with a backheel in the centre circle to set off a counter attack. Milan's threat waned after their danger man was withdrawn just after the hour mark.

  • NEW FACES

    Wirtz made his second appearance following last week's behind-closed-doors friendly with Stoke City and showed several glimpses of his undoubted quality in 45 minutes on the pitch in his new colours. A moment where he broke through the centre of midfield and played through Harvey Elliott stood out, as did a clever through-ball to Salah which could have led to a goal. Liverpool clearly have a very accomplished new signing on their hands, though he was playing in the slightly unfamiliar position of false nine on this occasion.

    Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong were introduced at half-time as they continue to build connections with their new team-mates. Frimpong stood out and almost got on the scoresheet after a brilliant take out of the sky got him in behind the defence, only for the Dutchman's fierce strike to be thwarted.

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    ONES TO WATCH

    Ngumoha is just 16 years old but has already stood out throughout pre-season, and he did so once again against Milan. Following up a goal against Stoke, he registered an assist for Szoboszlai's goal and looked comfortable among his esteemed team-mates out on the left wing in the first half. He also forced Maignan into a smart save after a rapid stepover earned him some space on his weaker left foot.

    We also saw appearances by rising Liverpool stars such as Luca Stephenson, Trey Nyoni, Tyler Morton and Ben Doak, who all aimed to show glimpses of their quality in hope of finding a more regular role to play in Slot's squad next season.

رابطة الأندية تعلن عقوبات الجولة 11 من الدوري المصري الممتاز

أصدرت رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة عقوبات الجولة الحادية عشر من المرحلة الأولى وذلك طبقًا للائحة مسابقة دوري Nile ولائحة المخالفات والعقوبات ونظام ضبط الجودة لموسم 2025-2026.

وكان الأهلي قد حقق الفوز على فريق الاتحاد السكندري بهدفين مقابل هدف، ليحتل صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز برصيد 21 نقطة. 

طالع.. بينها هدف لاعب الأهلي.. رابطة الأندية تعلن الأهداف المرشحة للأفضل في الجولة 11 من الدوري المصري عقوبات الجولة 11 من الدوري المصري 

مباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري:

إيقاف مروان عطية فهيم غلاب، لاعب الأهلي، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

إيقاف أحمد نبيل كوكا، لاعب الأهلي، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 2500 جنيه؛ وذلك للطرد لحصوله على إنذارين في نفس المباراة.

توقيع غرامة مالية على الأهلي قيمتها 150000 جنيه ومنع المتواجدين من حضور مباراة واحدة وذلك بسبب السباب الجماعي من الجماهير ضد نادي منافس.

مباراة المقاولون العرب وإنبي:

إيقاف عمر طارق مصطفى داوود، لاعب فريق المقاولون العرب، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

إيقاف أجيري جواكيم، لاعب فريق المقاولون العرب، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 2500 جنيه؛ وذلك للطرد لحصوله على إنذارين في نفس المباراة.

مباراة غزل المحلة وكهرباء الإسماعيلية:

إيقاف محمد عبد اللطيف عوض الله أحمد، لاعب فريق غزل المحلة، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

إيقاف أحمد حامد عبده شوشه، لاعب فريق غزل المحلة، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

إيقاف عصام أمين سليمان الفيومي، لاعب فريق كهرباء الإسماعيلية، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 2500 جنيه؛ وذلك للطرد لحصوله على إنذارين في نفس المباراة.

إيقاف وسام إسماعيل محمد دسوقي، مدرب حراس مرمى فريق كهرباء الإسماعيلية، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك للطرد لحصوله على إنذارين في نفس المباراة.

توجيه لفت نظر لعصام أمين سليمان لاعب فريق كهرباء الإسماعيلية وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه وذلك بسبب عدم تنفيذ تعليمات الحكم أو التزمر والاعتراض على قرارات الحكم.

مباراة الجونة والبنك الأهلي:

إيقاف ممدوح إبراهيم إبراهيم سلامة، مدرب حراس مرمى فريق الجونة، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

مباراة زد إف سي وبتروجيت:

إيقاف أحمد إبراهيم عبد العزيز رضوان، لاعب فريق زد إف سي، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

إيقاف ماتا ماجاسا، لاعب فريق زد إف سي، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

توقيع غرامة مالية على فريق زد إف سي قيمتها 50000 جنيه وذلك بسبب حصول اللاعبين على عدد ستة بطاقات في نفس المباراة.

مباراة سيراميكا كليوباترا وطلائع الجيش:

إيقاف هيثم شعبان توفيق، المدير الفني لفريق طلائع الجيش، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

مباراة المصري وسموحة:

إيقاف صلاح محسن، لاعب فريق المصري، مباراة واحدة، وتوقيع غرامة مالية عليه قيمتها 5000 جنيه؛ وذلك بسبب حصوله على الإنذار الثالث.

مع تطبيق المادة 54 من لائحة مسابقة دوري nile لموسم 2025-2026، الخاصة بحالات الإنذارات على الأجهزة الفنية والإدارية والطبية واللاعبين.

He's Rashford 2.0: Emery wants Aston Villa to sign "special" £42m star

It will be fascinating to see the future of Marcus Rashford this summer, but it does not seem like he will return to Aston Villa.

The Manchester United forward enjoyed a successful loan spell at Villa Park in the second half of last season, but a return to the club on a permanent deal seems unlikely.

In mid-May, BBC Sport reported that the winger thinks his boyhood club ‘would be prepared to sell him for £40m to anyone this summer’. Reading between the lines, you certainly get the impression that a permanent deal at Villa Park is off the table for Rashford.

If he does end up going elsewhere, the Villans will need a replacement for the electric England international.

Aston Villa eyeing up Rashford alternative

Replacing a player with the impact and star quality of Rashford will not be easy for Monchi and Co this summer, especially with potential PSR restrictions looming over them.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, it seems as though manager Unai Emery has identified his ideal target.

According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the West Midlands club are ‘keeping very close tabs’ on Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres.

He is a player who ‘has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs’ since leaving Manchester City, with ‘Villa seriously interested’ in adding him to their squad.

FC Barcelona'sFerranTorresin action

This is a move driven by manager Emery. It appears that the Villa boss would ‘absolutely love’ for his side to sign the Spain international this summer.

As for a fee, it was reported by a Spanish news outlet in May that he could cost around the £42m mark for any potential transfer to happen.

How Ferran Torres compares to Rashford

If Torres were to make the move to Villa Park this summer, he would add instant quality to their attack and bring Premier League experience, too. Of course, since leaving Man City, he has represented Barcelona, where, last season, he impressed.

FC Barcelona'sFerranTorrescelebrates scoring their second goal

Breaking into a Barca front three that contains Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and, of course, Lamine Yamal, is not easy. Yet, Torres still showed his quality last season, with 19 goals and seven assists in 45 appearances.

In La Liga, he played 27 times, scoring ten times and grabbing six assists. However, perhaps the most notable game of the 2024/25 season from the Spaniard came against his former side, Valencia, in the Copa del Rey. Torres scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 rout at the Estadio Mestalla.

It certainly would not be easy to step in for Rashford if the Spaniard moved to Villa. The 27-year-old only played 17 games for the club, but had an incredible impact in such a short amount of time.

The boyhood Man United star played 940 minutes, the equivalent of 10.4 full 90-minute games. He scored four goals and registered six assists in that time, leaving him with a goal-to-game ratio of 0.96.

Stepping into Rashford’s boots will certainly be a challenge for Torres. However, he already had a taste of the Premier League with Man City. In 28 English top-flight games, he scored nine goals and grabbed three assists.

Many Villa fans will surely be hoping the Spain international is essentially the second coming of Rashford, and the stats on FBref are there to back that up. The pair are statistically similar to each other over the past 365 days.

There are some noticeable stats which best showcase the similarities between the pair. For example, Torres last season averaged 3.09 shot-creating actions each game compared to Rashford’s 3.55 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.

Goals per shot on target

0.45

0.36

Key passes

1.54

1.77

Progressive passes

2.85

2.15

Shot-creating actions

3.09

3.55

Goal-creating actions

0.57

0.25

Take-ons completed

0.89

1.14

Stats like that show just how involved in the attack Torres is, which can certainly be said for Rashford, too. In that sense, and the fact that he maintains a similar creative output to the Englishman, suggests he would be a fantastic replacement. He is, as football scout Antonio Mango said, a “special” player.

For around £42m, Torres could be a bargain for the Villa Park side. He is, in many ways, the second coming of Rashford, and should seamlessly be able to step into his shoes. Emery wants to sign him, and the price is fair. This seems like a brilliant deal for Villa.

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1 ByKelan Sarson Jun 24, 2025

£80m striker, 3 Premier League stars: AI predicts Man Utd's next signings after Cunha

Manchester United have made a start on their summer transfer business ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

Matheus Cunha has become the first signing at Old Trafford from Wolves, with the Red Devils triggering the forward’s £62.5m release clause.

However, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe aren’t stopping there when it comes to more additions, although they may have to raise funds through the sales of players ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Grok, the AI tool on X, has named Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Casemiro as stars who could be sold to raise funds, and it has also predicted five more signings Man Utd could make between now and the end of August.

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ByBarney Lane Feb 26, 2025

AI predicts 4 players Man Utd will sign this summer

1 Bryan Mbeumo Brentford (£60m)

After Cunha, Man Utd are looking to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, with the pair potentially playing behind a striker at Old Trafford under Amorim.

Mbeumo scored 20 goals for the Bees last season, his best ever year in front goal, and the Red Devils have already made an offer worth an initial £45m.

However, AI feel as if that figure needs to worth an initial £60m, although reports elsewhere have claimed Brentford want around £70m to part ways with their star man.

2 Viktor Gyokeres Sporting CP (£80m)

Should Mbeumo arrive to partner Cunha behind a striker, Man Utd could look to replace current centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund for Viktor Gyokeres.

A player who Amorim knows well from his time at Sporting CP, Gyokeres has been a goalscoring machine in Portugal but now looks set to return to England.

Man Utd can’t offer the Sweden international European football, however, AI believe a transfer could still go through in the region of £80m, which is thought to be his release clause.

3 Jarrad Branthwaite Everton (Undisclosed)

At the back, Man Utd have been predicted to win the race to sign Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Currently, Amorim has the likes of Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez, but in his 3-4-3 system, there could be room for another, with Branthwaite a long-term target at Old Trafford.

Reports earlier in 2025 said a £50m offer was being prepared by Man Utd, however, AI don’t state a fee it would take to sign the England international.

4 Antoine Semenyo Bournemouth (£60m)

Finally, another Premier League attacker in Antoine Semenyo has been backed to make the move to Old Trafford.

The Bournemouth forward impressed playing on both the left and right under Andoni Iraola, scoring in both games against Man Utd in 24/25.

Games

3

Wins

2

Draws

1

Losses

0

Goals

2

AI state that Semenyo’s ‘speed, physicality, and goal-scoring ability’ make him a shrewd option to potentially replace the likes of Rashford, Sancho and Antony.

He's a dream Isak alternative: Liverpool exploring move for £160m forward

FSG’s transfer ethos – getting their work done nice and early – often leaves Liverpool somewhat in the corner of the room while rivals party late into the market, enjoying the thrill of Fabrizio Romano and the rest’s transfer updates.

There are worse problems to have, it must be said. And the real success is found on the field. Liverpool are on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, having already added Jeremie Frimpong.

Now, it’s time to sign a centre-forward, for Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota left plenty to be desired as Arne Slot’s focal frontmen last season, actually paling in comparison to Liverpool’s wider forward.

Mohamed Salah

38 (38)

29

18

Luis Diaz

36 (28)

13

7

Cody Gakpo

35 (23)

10

5

Diogo Jota

26 (14)

6

4

Darwin Nunez

30 (8)

5

3

Federico Chiesa

6 (1)

0

0

Luis Diaz was even called into play as a makeshift number nine for much of the campaign, his false-nine-type qualities proving invaluable for the Reds as they marched toward the Premier League title.

Who, then, to sign? Targets like Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen would all do a job, but Alexander Isak is the cream of the crop, and sporting director Richard Hughes would rake in the plaudits if he got that one over the line.

The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool

It’s pretty clear Liverpool will sign a striker this summer. However, who that player might be is less certain. Liverpool can dream, though, and signing Isak would be an incredible way to cap off a wonderful summer.

As per transfer insider Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record to sign Isak this summer, with Newcastle United valuing their striker at over £150m.

The “unstoppable” Isak, hailed by pundit Ally McCoist as “the best out-and-out forward in the league”, was outscored only by Mohamed Salah in the Premier League last season, his 23-goal return illustrating his elite ability.

However, Newcastle’s position on their talisman’s unavailability has been absolute (insofar as any stance can be absolute in the transfer market). Liverpool can dream, and it appears they will try, but don’t hold your breath.

Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal

Luckily, Liverpool are one of the most astute transfer operators, and they’ve already lined up the perfect alternative.

Liverpool line up Isak alternative

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have sounded out a potential move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer, and while the La Liga side would be looking for an unrealistic £160m figure, Anfield hold a trump card.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez

Indeed, Diego Simeone is interested in bringing Nunez to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, and previous reports even suggest personal terms have been agreed for around a month. As a result, TEAMtalk suggest that a swap deal is an avenue they are exploring this summer.

This would no doubt be a difficult one to get over the line, but Liverpool’s interest is long-standing and the Argentina forward would be perfect for Slot’s system.

Why Julian Alvarez would be perfect

Alvarez had been tracked by Liverpool during his time at Manchester City, where he scored 36 goals and laid on 19 assists across two trophy-laden campaigns, earning an £81.5m transfer to Atletico Madrid last summer.

His first term in Spain was his finest yet, posting 29 goals and seven assists across 55 matches, blending newfound potency with his robust and dynamic attacking style. Making a direct comment on his exploits in Spain, journalist Roy Nemer even described the player as “the best forward in the world.”

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of strikers across Europe last year for passes attempted, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

Already something of a nomad, the 25-year-old has demonstrated continual development and would now prove the perfect alternative to Isak, who is actually considered by the data-driven site as being one of Alvarez’s most comparable players.

River Plate

122

54

31

Manchester City

103

36

19

Atletico Madrid

53

29

6

Argentina

44

12

33

Liverpool need a new goalscorer to perch at the front of their ship, but they also need a centre-forward who will play with flair and bring the attacking players together.

One of the Merseysiders’ attacking staples is that when the frontline clicks, they perform in concert, effectively unplayable. Isak aligns perfectly in this regard, but Alvarez too could dovetail into Slot’s set-up and provide a higher level of goalscoring threat while using his technical skills and off-the-ball intelligence to open up a new dimension.

Isak’s completeness is echoed by Alvarez, but the roots of the South American’s style are shaped by a natural quality in front of goal. As per Sofascore, he only missed seven big chances in La Liga last season, scoring 17 goals and creating nine big chances too.

And this isn’t a simple anomaly. Across his two campaigns in the Premier League, the 2022 World Cup winner scored 20 goals from 44 starts, only missing 14 big chances.

It’s pretty clear he’d prove an upgrade on Nunez, and while Isak is FSG’s first-choice pick, Alvarez might just be the perfect fallback if ambitious efforts to bring Isak over from St. James’ Park don’t pull through.

The winds of change are blowing at Anfield, all right, but there’s more still to come for the Premier League champions, who are packaging a proven squad with exciting additions who might just solidify Slot’s early success, shaping it into a dynasty.

Huijsen was better: How Spanish media rated Trent's first game post-Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 19, 2025

Captain Southee may not play all upcoming subcontinent Tests

If he was left out of a match Tom Latham would step up to the lead the side

Andrew McGlashan12-Aug-2024Tim Southee, New Zealand’s Test captain, may be left out of some of team’s upcoming matches on the subcontinent if conditions dictate a different balance to their side.Southee will lead a 15-player squad, which includes five-spin bowling options, for the one-off Test against Afghanistan and two matches against Sri Lanka, which ESPNcricinfo understands will both be staged in Galle, but he is no certainty to feature in them all or the three Tests which follow against India.Should Southee, who only took six wickets in four home Tests last season, not be part of an XI vice-captain Tom Latham would step up to captain the side.Related

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“Test tours to the subcontinent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity,” head coach Gary Stead said.”While we’re going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests. Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the workloads of the pace-bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served.”The squad announced on Monday does not cover the India series in October and November, but it’s likely a very similar group of players will be involved.There had been some doubt over whether Kane Williamson would play the Afghanistan Test, which will be staged in Greater Nodia, but he has been included for the first occasion the two teams will play each other in the format.ESPNcricinfo LtdOffspin allrounder Michael Bracewell returns 18 months after last featuring for the Test side. Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner are also included while Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips will likely play important roles with the ball.Alongside Southee, the pace options are Matt Henry, Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke. The latter two impressed on their Test debuts last season while Henry was outstanding against Australia with 17 wickets in two matches. Kyle Jamieson was not considered as he continues his recovery from a stress fracture of the back.”It’s always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance and I know Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of Test cricket in the sub-continent,” Stead said.”Michael’s had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the Blackcaps across all three formats. His all-round skills, and ability to take the ball away from the left-hander make him a great asset, especially on what we expect will be turning wickets in India and Sri Lanka.”Saqlain Mushtaq will rejoin New Zealand as bowling coach for the three away Tests, while former England wicketkeeper James Foster returns as an assistant coach.The Afghanistan Test, which is not part of the World Test Championship, takes place between September 9-13 and the Sri Lanka matches between September 18-22 and 26-30.New Zealand play nine Tests from September to December with a home series against England starting in late November. They are currently third in the WTC as they push to reach next June’s final at Lord’s.New Zealand Test squad to face Afghanistan and Sri LankaTim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Healy out of WBBL, faces race to be fit for India series

The Australia captain has picked up a knee injury and won’t feature again for Sydney Sixers

AAP17-Nov-2024Alyssa Healy is racing the clock to play in Australia’s looming ODIs against India after being ruled out of the remainder of the WBBL with a knee injury.Sydney Sixers on Saturday said Australia’s captain would not play for them again this tournament, after picking up an injury in her left knee. Australia’s three-match ODI series starts four days after the WBBL final, leaving Healy in significant doubt for international duties.Related

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Healy did not keep in Sixers’ last-start loss against Brisbane Heat because of body management, and had entered the tournament with a foot injury that ended her T20 World Cup early. Australia host India in three ODIs, before travelling to New Zealand over Christmas for three more one-dayers.It’s understood Healy will be assessed in the next fortnight ahead of those two series, with a squad to be announced next weekend.The injury is not believed to be serious enough to have her in any current doubt for the multi-format Ashes, which begin with an ODI at North Sydney on January 12.Healy had warned on her return from her foot injury that she may need to be managed through the summer.”There are higher powers sitting above that are quite vocal in what can and can’t happen, which I completely understand,” Healy said earlier this month.  “Being skipper as well is a fairly big role for me. I want to be available for as much of the summer as I can.”I’ve hardly played a game for the Sixers for the past two seasons, and it’s a place I really enjoy playing cricket.  I want to be available for every game that I possibly can, but the reality is that might not be the case.”It’s going to be managing the pain, function and what I can and can’t do [all summer]. How I pull up from games is going to be really important as well.”Healy’s injury comes as a serious blow to Sixers, who face the prospect of needing to win their last three matches to make the WBBL finals.If Healy does miss international matches, Tahlia McGrath would be expected to deputise as captain again after doing so in the World Cup.

Dravid: 'Indian cricket extremely powerful because talent comes from all over the country'

Rahul Dravid says Indian cricket has evolved into an “extremely powerful” force, thanks to the growing talent pool that now extends to even the remotest corners of the country.Dravid, who coached India to the T20 World Cup triumph in June, said a strong club cricket culture has a lot to do with bucking the old trend of city cricketers dominating the passage to the national team.”If you look at Indian cricket today, Indian cricket is extremely strong, it’s extremely powerful,” Dravid said during the 50-year celebration of Mount Joy Cricket Club. “One of the big reasons for that is that talent comes from everywhere, from all over the country.””If you go back to the time of, say, GR Vishwanath or even when I was starting out, most of the talent came from the big cities or a few states.”Even if there were talented boys in smaller places, they had to come to the big cities to play cricket. But today I think you see in Indian cricket that boys are coming from everywhere.”Dravid said it’s getting reflected in the standards of domestic cricket in India.”You just look at the standard of the Ranji Trophy. In the old days when you played in the South Zone, other than playing Hyderabad or Tamil Nadu, I think it is fair to say, without being disrespectful, that a lot of other teams you could take it not for granted but you could certainly take it a little bit more lightly.”I don’t think there is any team in the South Zone today that you can walk in and say you will beat comfortably.”Hailing the club cricket structure in the country, particularly in Karnataka, Dravid said the system has allowed the sport to remain accessible to all.”We need clubs to be strong. We need cricket not to be concentrated in the hands of a few people. We need cricket to be egalitarian, we need it to be all over the place.”You cannot have talent or facilities concentrated only in one or two places. To get the best out of talent, we need to ensure that young boys and girls are getting access to good infrastructure in every part.”Dravid briefly revisited his club career to underscore the need for that system to thrive.”After the practice, HAL [Hindustan Aeronautics Limited] would give us two eggs and one small glass of milk. I would always stay back for that glass of milk and those eggs. Not because I wanted the milk and eggs. But because I wanted to sit and listen to the likes of BK Kumar or Nandan talking about cricket. And it used to be great fun to listen to them and learn so much from them.”

Às vésperas de jogo decisivo na Copa Sul-Americana, Bruno Lage tenta cartada para tornar Botafogo ainda mais incisivo

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da heads bet: O Botafogo inicia a semana lidando com um desafio de olho na caminhada da Copa Sul-Americana. A equipe alvinegra tenta ser incisivo para que seu poderio ofensivo se sobressaia e garanta a vitória no primeiro jogo das quartas de final, contra o Defensa y Justicia, da Argentina.

da betsul: Para isso, a equipe tenta garantir poder de decisão para o o confronto que acontecerá na quarta-feira (23), às 19h (de Brasília), no Nilton Santos. O técnico Bruno Lage tem alternativas para escalar o Glorioso.

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Lage testou Júnior Santos no empate em 0 a 0 com o Guaraní, do Paraguai, na competição. Depois, deu oportunidades aos jovens Janderson e Carlos Alberto. Recentemente, o clube contratou Diego Costa para ampliar seu leque ofensivo.

Prestes a encarar um jogo decisivo pela Sul-Americana, o técnico Bruno Lage tenta encontrar o melhor atalho para dar força ofensiva ao Botafogo. Após o empate em 0 a 0 com o São Paulo, o português traçou um panorama sobre o que tem à sua disposição.

– O Janderson é o exemplo perfeito daquilo que é um jovem valor e que nós não podemos colocar uma pressão tremenda em cima dele. Ele tinha feito no Santos uma boa entrada, depois não me recordo agora o jogo, mas foi a opção. Quis ver outros jogadores naquela posição, optei por ver primeiro o Júnior (Santos), porque o Júnior já tinha jogado naquela posição e o Carlos Alberto também vinha a desempenhar muito bem naquela posição e depois tinha uma entrada muito boa no último jogo internacional. E senti que hoje a equipe poderia iniciar da mesma forma que iniciou a segunda parte, e o Janderson fez um jogo seguro – afirmou, ao fim do empate em 0 a 0 com o São Paulo.

Outra opção testada na reta final, Diego Costa também foi vista com entusiasmo pelo treinador.

– Destes 20 minutos que ele jogou, vamos começar a aumentar para que ele tenha um rendimento mais sustentado e um volume de jogo maior – afirmou.

O Botafogo direciona sua rota para a Copa Sul-Americana.

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