Sheffield United are pushing for some late arrivals and could now be set to step up talks to bring a talented midfielder to Bramall Lane, according to a report.
Sheffield United turn to Danny Ings to provide firepower
After a dismal start to the EFL Championship campaign, Ruben Selles has turned to experienced forward Danny Ings to ignite his flailing attack after he left West Ham United under freedom of contract at the end of last season.
The 33-year-old has signed a one-year deal at Bramall Lane after impressing during a trial spell, and former Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith believes he could be an ideal addition to offer an element of variety in the final third.
West Ham's Danny Ings against Manchester City.
He stated on 72+: “It’s a decent move for Sheffield United. The one thing that they do need is a bit of experience in the group, I think Danny Ings will bring that.
“The key element for him is keeping himself fit which I believe he has done for the last couple of years, he’s just not had the game time that he probably craves and hopefully he gets that at Sheffield United.”
Manchester City defender Callum Doyle has been floated as a Blades target, albeit their lack of positive in recent times is unlikely to win any favour among a frustrated support.
Sheffield United could land the next Rak-Sakyi with move for "special" ace
Sheffield United could gift Ruben Selles his own Jesurun Rak-Sakyi with this summer move.
ByKelan Sarson Aug 6, 2025
Ultimately, recruitment can be the way out of a poor start by Selles in the dugout, though plenty of clubs will be fighting to sign players on the market between now and Monday’s deadline.
Nevertheless, Sheffield United fans can rejoice at some good news as they close in on a midfield signing that will add much-needed freshness in the engine room.
Sheffield United advancing in pursuit of Alex Matos
According to journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Sheffield United are advancing in negotiations to sign Chelsea midfielder Alex Matos before the deadline passes.
At this stage, it is unclear whether the 20-year-old will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge on loan or whether his departure could be a permanent one after struggling to break through in West London.
Praised by Mauricio Pochettino for his “potential” while the Argentinian coach was in charge at Chelsea, Matos spent time out on loan at Oxford United last term and made 21 appearances across all competitions.
Versatile by nature, the former U’s man can feature in central midfield, wide on the right or as a number ten, while he has even enjoyed the occasional appearance as a centre-forward during his young career.
Sheffield United can look forward to his industrious presence in the engine room if they can close a deal for the Bedford-born man, who made 29 tackles on Championship duty last term, per Fotmob.
Time is of the essence for the Blades to recruit new faces and Matos could be an intelligent buy to offer a fresh perspective in the middle of the park.
No empate sem gols entre Santos e Atlético-MG, pelo Brasileirão, o terceiro jogo seguido sem vitórias não foi a única dor de cabeça para o treinador Odair Hellmann. O Lucas Lima sentiu câimbras, e o estreante Luan Dias teve dores na coxa. Por conta disso, o camisa 97 do Peixe deve ser avaliado pelo Departamento Médico do clube.
– Queria passar pra vocês, por exemplo, hoje, no segundo tempo, da dificuldade que tivemos em relação a parte final, dos trinta em diante, que a gente não conseguia ter a força ofensiva ou a transição, o Lucas estava com câimbra já no finalzinho do jogo, e o Luan provavelmente sentiu a posterior, vai fazer exame pra ver. Então nós ficamos no final da partida com praticamente dois jogadores a menos – relatou o comandante alvinegro.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSantosVÍDEO: Os melhores momentos do empate entre Santos e Atlético-MG pelo BrasileirãoSantos23/04/2023SantosOdair Hellmann lamenta desfalques do Santos e reforça necessidade de apoio ao ÂngeloSantos23/04/2023SantosOdair explica sistema com três meias e lamenta falta de atacantes de velocidadeSantos23/04/2023
+ ATUAÇÕES: Santos tem atuação irregular, e Ângelo sai vaiado em empate com o Atlético-MG
O próximo compromisso do Santos na temporada será contra o Botafogo-SP, pela Copa do Brasil. Com uma vantagem confortável de 2 a 0, o Peixe pode tentar adotar uma postura de cautela para os jogadores que estão com um desgaste. Sobre o tema, o técnico santista reforçou que exames e análises feitos pelo clube vão ditar essa possibilidade.
– Vamos visualizar essa sequência e como a gente vai fazer. Temos Soteldo de volta para quarta, temos Mendoza de volta. São características de jogadores importantes para o grupo e vamos olhar os jogadores para saber como vai ser a condição deles para o próximo jogo – concluiu Odair Hellmann.
O duelo do Santos contra o Botafogo-SP será disputado na próxima quarta-feira (26), às 19h, na Vila Belmiro. Com a presença no estádio só de mulheres, crianças até 12 anos e pessoas com deficiência, os times definem quem passa para a próxima fase da Copa do Brasil.
> Clique aqui e veja como apostar na Copa do Brasil
Liverpool are believed to be targeting a new player who is similar in style to a recent Arsenal signing once they wrap up the signature of Hugo Ekitike, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
Liverpool closing in on Ekitike
The Reds are closing in on the addition of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, and it is seemingly a matter of time until he is confirmed as the Premier League champions’ latest signing for an initial fee of £69m.
That doesn’t mean that Liverpool are done yet, however, with Arne Slot and his players departing for their tour of Asia, ahead of one pre-season game apiece in Hong Kong and Japan, against AC Milan and Yokohama FM respectively.
Hugo Ekitike.
While Newcastle United are remaining stubborn in their efforts to keep hold of Alexander Isak this summer, the Reds are still making it clear that they would like to sign the Swede, even though they have already broken the British transfer record for Florian Wirtz.
While attacking reinforcements are the order of the day for Liverpool currently, it looks as though their focus will move elsewhere as the window goes on, with funds available to spend and depth required in certain areas.
Liverpool want Mosquera-like signing
Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey claimed that Liverpool will target a new centre-back this summer – one who is similar to imminent Arsenal signing Cristhian Mosquera, having shown an interest in him.
“Liverpool are not finished even with Ekitike, far from it. Even with Ekitike and Wirtz, they want more in the last third but they are happy with how things are going. Nunez and Diaz leaving will free up space, and, if as expected they both depart, expect to see another wide forward too, if not another central option.
“That aside, they are still working on a central defender – irrespective of the Konate situation. They did like (Cristhian) Mosquera before Arsenal launched their bid for him. I believe they will sign someone of similar stature to him – someone who can learn from Van Dijk and Konate.”
Van Dijk and Marc Guehi
Bringing in a central defender is vital for Liverpool, especially following Jarell Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen, and former Valencia man Mosquera would have been a strong option, having been lauded as “elite” by analyst Harvey Diamonds.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi arguably stands out as the best choice for Liverpool currently, amid links with him this summer, with the England international knowing the Premier League extremely well and still a relatively young player.
Appearances
34
37
Starts
34
37
Minutes played
3060
3320
Clearances per game
4.6
3.3
Aerial duel wins per game
2.0
1.1
Tackles per game
1.8
1.5
Pass completion rate
84.1%
91.2%
Goals
3
1
Assists
2
0
Admittedly, he would be an expensive signing, with the Eagles demanding big money for a prized asset, but he could be an ideal alternative to Mosquera.
Steven Croft, Lancashire’s veteran allrounder and stalwart of their 2011 Championship-winning side, has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 39.Croft stepped down from first-class and List A cricket at the end of the 2023 summer, and had been on a T20-only deal for this summer’s campaign. However, he has now confirmed his full retirement with immediate effect, and will instead move into Lancashire’s coaching staff on a full-time basis.His final appearance came earlier this month, in Lancashire’s defeat to Sussex in the Vitality Blast quarter-final, and was his 600th match for the club across formats. He made his Lancashire debut in 2005, and went on to make a total of 19,183 runs, as well as claim 199 wickets with his offspin.In 2011, he scored the winning runs against Somerset at Taunton, as Lancashire ended a 77-year wait for the County Championship, and four years later, he captained the T20 team to their maiden T20 Blast title at Edgbaston, beating Northamptonshire in the final.Between June 2006 and July 2018, Croft played 148 consecutive T20 matches for Lancashire, which is an English record. He finishes his career as Lancashire’s leading T20 run-scorer with 5,486 runs.”My dream as a boy was to play one game for Lancashire, in the end it became 600,” Croft said. “So, after just over two decades of playing for the club, I have taken the decision to retire as a player.”I can confidently say I have realised my dream and more, and what a ride it has been. To go with the games, runs, wickets and catches, I have played alongside some of my heroes and many greats of the game.”There have been so many highlights along the way, too. Winning the County Championship in 2011 will stay with me forever. The 2015 T20 Blast too, what a great night that was! But also, being awarded my county cap and being appointed club captain were special moments.Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s Director of Cricket, added: “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to congratulate Steven on an incredible Lancashire career.”Steven epitomises everything good about this club. He is an outstanding individual who always puts the team first and anyone who has watched him knows that Steven puts his heart and soul into every game and his record speaks for itself.”To be such an influential member of our side – as well as contributing to so many match-winning performances – over such a long period of time is something he should be very proud of.”Players like Steven don’t come around too often and whilst we will miss his skill and experience on the field, we’re thrilled that he will continue to play a vital role in continuing to develop the exciting young players we have at Emirates Old Trafford, working across the Men’s First Team, Second XI and Academy.”Even over the last 12 months, I’ve been really impressed with how quickly he’s taken to coaching and the impact he’s had in a short period of time. I am looking forward to seeing him develop these skills in the next chapter of his career.”
Stars slip to heavy defeat as Davies rips through old side’s batting lineup
ECB Reporters Network10-Jul-2024
Charli Knott top-scored after taking two cheap wickets•Getty Images
Freya Davies’ impeccable four-for set up Southern Vipers’ no-nonsense seven-wicket bonus point victory over South East Stars to cement their place at the top of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy table.Former Stars fast bowler Davies hadn’t taken four in an innings since taking 4 for 23 in a T20 for England against New Zealand in March 2021, and last haul of four or more in 50-over cricket was a six-for for Sussex Women in 2018.But she extracted great pace to take 4 for 14 at Falkland Cricket Club, to restrict Stars to 120, with local star Ava Lee and Charli Knott both grabbing two wickets apiece.Knott – on her penultimate appearance – then made sure the chase was straightforward with a classy 57, as holders Vipers avenged their Charlotte Edwards Cup semi-final defeat to Stars in style.Vipers chose to bowl, and after a rain delay which knocked the overs down to 46 a side, they ruthlessly sliced through the Stars’ batting.Mary Taylor made the initial breakthrough when she found Tash Farrant edging a drive behind to Megan Sturge, who was keeping wicket for the first time due to a finger injury to Rhianna Southby.But Davies was the bigger danger in dumping the visitors to 22 for 4 with her swing bamboozling Bryony Smith, Alexa Stonehouse and Kalea Moore.The ball to bowl Smith and the one which Moore gloved behind were particular snorters in an often unplayable first seven-over spell of 3 for 10.Alice Davidson-Richards and Bethan Miles recovered things somewhat by putting on 35 but another collapse of 25 for 4 stymied Stars.This time it was the Vipers’ spin which took hold as Miles and Aylish Cranstone were undone by Knott’s smart offbreaks, before the Australian turned Elastigirl to incredibly catch Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones in the leg-side deep.It was the start of two wickets in an over for Lee – playing on the ground she began playing on at Under-11s for Falkland – as the England Under-19s spinner had Davidson-Richards caught behind.Chloe Hill and Ryana Macdonald Gay held things up with a patient 34-run partnership for the ninth wicket before Hill was run out at the non-striker’s end and Dani Gregory was Davies’ fourth victim and Sturge’s third.The reply was emphatic from Vipers. Where Stars had only scored six boundaries in their entire innings, Vipers, led by Knott, had equalled that inside 14 overs.Stars were also not helped by an apparent hamstring injury suffered by Farrant in the first over, which forced her to leave the field.Knott and Ella McCaughan put on 46 for the first wicket inside eight overs before the latter was outfoxed by a big turning offie from Moore.Georgia Adams, after a 43-run alliance with Knott, and Emily Windsor fell but Knott was graceful in dispatching width to reach a 56-ball fifty, her third half-century and fifth score over 40 for the Vipers.It was only right that Knott would cut the winning runs as Vipers romped to the target in 23 overs.
He is expected to be out of competitive cricket for at least three months
PTI12-Jun-2024
Shardul Thakur last played for India in the Centurion Test in 2023•ICC via Getty Images
India fast-bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur has undergone a successful foot surgery, but is expected to be out of competitive cricket for at least three months.Thakur shared a post-surgery photo on his Instagram account on Wednesday, captioned “operated successfully”. It was his second foot surgery; the first one was five years ago in 2019.
The problem recurred during India’s South Africa tour in December-January.He last played for India in the first Test in Centurion in that series. Although he managed to make a return in the Ranji Trophy last season, helping Mumbai win their 42nd title, it is understood he had requested the BCCI for longer breaks between matches to ensure adequate recovery and preparation time.In IPL 2024, playing for Chennai Super Kings, he managed to pick up only five wickets in nine outings at an economy of 9.75.Since Thakur is a Grade C annual contract holder of the BCCI, the board paid the expenses for his treatment. There are chances he could be back before or right on time for the upcoming domestic season.
Liverpool may now have to do battle with Real Madrid and Barcelona for the signature of a £80m midfielder this summer, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Florian Wirtz race heating up
The transfer window is yet to officially open, but the Reds are clearly looking to get their business done early, with a deal for Jeremie Frimpong looking like it is edging closer to completion, and the Dutchman’s Bayer Leverkusen teammate could follow him to Anfield.
Indeed, Florian Wirtz has emerged as a major target for Arne Slot’s side, who have now taken the action of submitting a concrete contract offer for the German, but a deal will not be cheap, as the total package could amount to over £250m all-in.
Wirtz is being targeted to bolster the attacking midfield area, having consistently provided goals and assists for Leverkusen ever since breaking into the first team at a very young age.
Season
Bundesliga appearances
Goals
Assists
2020-21
29
5
6
2021-22
24
7
10
2022-23
17
1
6
2023-24
32
11
12
2024-25
31
10
13
As such, the 22-year-old could be an exciting addition to the attack, but there have also been suggestions that Slot is also looking to strengthen in a slightly deeper area, with Brown telling Football Insider that Liverpool are now racing Real Madrid for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Barcelona have also been “having a look” at the FA Cup-winning midfielder, who has a huge asking price of £80m, which could pose a problem for the Reds, and Brown believes the Merseysiders may also have some concerns over certain aspects of his game.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
The former scout said: “Adam Wharton’s quality is unquestionable, there are no concerns there. In the Premier League, that’s very, very important.
“On the other side of things is his ability to cover the ground, and he seems to me to be a yard short in terms of covering the ground. So that’s going to be a concern for the likes of Liverpool or Man City – albeit not a major one.”
Wharton is a "generational talent"
Brown suggests the Palace star may not yet be the full package, but he is still very young, and the 21-year-old has been tipped to be capable of going on to achieve big things by members of the media, who have lauded the midfielder as a “generational talent”.
Despite not playing in as advanced a role as Wirtz, the England international also has attacking tendencies, given his ability to advance the ball further up the pitch, averaging the second-highest percentage of forward passes in the Premier League this term.
Approach made: Liverpool make contact to sign "ridiculous" £51m PSG target
The Reds have now made a move to sign a forward, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.
ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025
Brown’s phrasing suggests Real Madrid’s interest is not advanced, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s prospective move underlines the allure of moving to the Bernabeu, so Liverpool could find it tough to win the race for Wharton if the Spanish side come calling.
Not only that, but Madrid are also in the race for Wirtz, with the European giants keeping an eye on the German, which will be another cause for concern.
The mood at Liverpool right now is pretty good. Arne Slot’s side have been crowned Premier League champions, after all.
However, now that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave his boyhood club has been confirmed, that same mood has unquestionably soured, with the vice-captain expected to join European rivals Real Madrid when his contract expires in less than two months.
Monday morning’s announcement took the wind out of the fanbase’s sails; even the most optimistic of supporters will have known deep down that the 26-year-old was likely to join the Spanish giants, but FSG have the chance to make it all better in the coming weeks.
Yes, Liverpool are gearing up for a summer of significant spending, bolstering Slot’s squad ahead of next season’s title defence. The Reds are hoping to challenge for silverware across other fronts too.
The best way to help fans forget about the heartbreak of losing Trent to Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid? Bringing in some top-brass signings.
Liverpool'sTrentAlexander-Arnoldwalks off the pitch
Sadly, Alexander Isak isn’t likely to be among such arrivals.
Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak
With Darwin Nunez reportedly expected to be sold this summer, Liverpool are in need of a new striker. Newcastle United’s Isak is right at the top of the shopping list, but if financial plates fail to shift, FSG simply aren’t going to lodge a formal offer.
Mohamed Salah is the only player in the Premier League to have outperformed Isak in front of goal this season, so you can imagine how good Liverpool would be with both players combining for the same cause.
However, Liverpool’s interest is unlikely to advance to something more concrete, with reports suggesting that the Magpies will look for a payment in the £150m ballpark.
1
Mohamed Salah
28
18
46
2
Alexander Isak
23
6
29
3
Bryan Mbeumo
18
7
25
4
Erling Haaland
21
3
24
4=
Cole Palmer
15
9
24
Liverpool need to strengthen across a range of areas, and signing Isak would be to the detriment of the greater vision. Jurgen Klopp’s decision to drop out of the race for Jude Bellingham and instead target multiple midfield additions would be something to recall at this point.
And anyway, it’s not like Isak’s the only exciting striker on the market.
Liverpool scouting new striker
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko this summer, though Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping close tabs on him.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It’s understood that Liverpool had scouts present during Leipzig’s recent draw against Bayern Munich, in which Sesko scored, and though the Gunners have conducted extensive groundwork into the potential signing, a move to Merseyside definitely can’t be ruled out.
Indeed, it’s alleged that Liverpool and Arsenal have held talks with the player’s camp ahead of a possible summer switch.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
Valued at £70m, Sesko – labelled “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – might be a raw talent but he’s one who could be willed into a world-class shape under the wing of Slot.
Why Benjamin Sesko is perfect for Liverpool
Sesko is only 21 but has already been making waves in the Bundesliga, hitting 27 goals and seven assists across his first 62 appearances.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoshoots at goal
In fact, Sesko has clinched 39 goals and eight assists across just two campaigns for Leipzig, hitting 21 goals in all competitions this year.
He’s got the trappings of something special, and it’s hardly surprising that FSG should want to pursue his signature instead of that of Isak, who would cost around £80m more than the Slovenia international.
Harking back to that earlier point concerning Bellingham: Liverpool pulled out of the race for Borussia Dortmund’s prodigious midfielder in April 2023, a decision met with dismay from many of a Reds persuasion.
Real Madrid'sJudeBellinghamcelebrates
Where was the ambition? How were Liverpool so resigned to their slumped position? After all, the 2022/23 campaign was one of endurance for a Liverpool side falling apart, ultimately failing to qualify for the Champions League.
But, FSG stuck by their guns and their decision proved the right one. Liverpool welcomed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo instead, four stars who have each played instrumental roles in winning the Premier League this season.
Back to the present, moving for Isak would leave to similarly anticipated financial ramifications, limiting Liverpool’s scope for improvement this year. And change is needed.
Not only is Alexander-Arnold’s departure going to raise questions about right-back depth, but Liverpool need a left-back, maybe a central defender too.
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold
Moreover, with Diogo Jota joining Nunez in falling by the wayside this season, it wouldn’t be remiss for FSG to consider more than one attacking addition.
Sesko, have no doubt, would be Liverpool’s main man if he signed, though. The 21-year-old has already been remarked to be “rewriting the laws of physics” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his extraordinary power and precision with both feet.
Sesko, as per FBref, ranks among the top 8% and 4% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-on and aerial duel success rates, his “elite athleticism,” as has been praised by analyst Ben Mattinson, and tenacity lending itself to such metrics.
Not just a sharpshooter, and further evidence as to why he could be the perfect Isak alternative, who has been described as “the complete striker” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.
The Sweden star’s pace and link-up play is second to none, also ranking among the top 7% of strikers for progressive carries and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90.
While moving for Sesko would be something of a risk, he’s scored 13 Bundesliga goals this season having missed just ten big chances. He’s powerful and purposeful and intelligent besides, the perfect Isak alternative and for less than half the cost.
Kerkez upgrade: Liverpool could sign £21m star who's a left-footed Trent
Liverpool are looking to sign a left-back in the transfer market this summer.
Arsenal were finally back in action on Tuesday night, and after months off with a hamstring injury, so was Bukayo Saka.
The Hale End icon didn’t start the Premier League game against Fulham, but he did come off the bench midway through the second half and then, just seven minutes later, scored what ended up being the winning goal.
It was a cameo that reminded everyone of just what the Gunners have been missing since December, and if they are to get past Real Madrid in the Champions League, it’ll no doubt be in part down to him.
In even more exciting news, Andrea Berta seems intent on supporting Saka next season by signing an international star who’d be his dream teammate next season.
Arsenal's transfer targets
Following what is likely to be another season without any silverware, it’s no surprise that the transfer rumours around Arsenal are already coming thick and fast, with one of the most significant in recent days concerning Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian is supposedly another one of Berta’s targets, as not only has he seriously impressed for Wolverhampton Wanderers this season, producing 19 goal involvements in 29 games, but he worked with the Italian during his time with Atlético Madrid and has a release clause of around £62.5m in his contract.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhareacts
Someone who could join for free in the summer is Bayern Munich ace Leroy Sané, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season and has reportedly held “concrete” talks with the North Londoners.
However, with the German set to turn 30 midway through next season, fans might want the club to sign a younger winger for the long term, which is what appears to be happening with Nico Williams.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to the Guardian’s Ed Aarons, Arsenal are currently “exploring a summer move” for the Athletic Bilbao gem, who has a release clause worth about £48m in his current contract.
In fact, he goes a step further, revealing that, as one of “his first acts as the club’s sporting director”, Berta has already “held talks” with the player’s representatives.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
It could still be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ incredible ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be unreal alongside Saka.
Why Williams would be a dream for Saka
When it comes down to it, there are a couple of intertwined reasons why Williams would be such a good signing for Arsenal and, specifically, Saka, with the first being his raw output.
For example, in just 37 appearances last season, the “world-class” talent, as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy, scored eight goals and provided 16 assists, which comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.54 games.
Appearances
37
38
Goals
8
9
Assists
16
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.64
0.42
Then, this season, he’s scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances, which comes out to a slightly reduced but nonetheless impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.37 games.
Having a player who is this productive on the left wing will not only reduce the burden on the Gunners’ mercurial number seven, but with how frequently the Spaniard scores or assists, he will likely see his own tally increase.
Moreover, the fact that he’s so dangerous will force opposition defenders to focus on both wings instead of doubling up on the Englishman as they do today, which should open up space for the 23-year-old, which is the second reason he’d be a dream teammate.
Finally, according to FBref, the Bilbao dynamo sits in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for successful take-ons per 90, which again, should see him pull defenders away far more than the North Londoners current left-wing options do.
Ultimately, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Williams this summer, as his output is spectacular, and even when he’s not scoring or assisting, he has the ability to make things happen, which will make him a dream to play with for Saka.
Their best CF since Aubameyang: Arsenal in talks to sign £58m "powerhouse"
The unreal goalscorer would be a game-changer for Arsenal.
Their spinners have the worst average and economy rate among all teams this season
Deivarayan Muthu23-May-2024In the lead-up to IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had a problem of plenty when it came to their overseas combination. But then Wanindu Hasaranga’s injury left them with plenty of problems in the middle overs.SRH first tried out Mayank Markande before turning to Hasaranga’s (almost) like-for-like replacement Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, but neither of them has produced the kind of output SRH might have hoped for. Shahbaz Ahmed, who is primarily playing as a batter at SRH, has also leaked runs with the ball when it has been thrown to him.Here’s a rundown of options available for SRH should they want to rejig their combination against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the second qualifier in Chennai.
Can Viyaskanth do the job in the middle overs?
Viyaskanth, the 22-year-old legspinner from Jaffna, is arguably the biggest success story of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). He impressed Mahela Jayawardene at MI Emirates in the 2024 ILT20, and Kumar Sangakkara at RR, when he was a net bowler with them last IPL. But he hasn’t posed much of a wicket-taking threat in this IPL, though three games is a very small sample size.Related
Can rejuvenated Royals stall slam-bang SRH in Qualifier 2?
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Royals need more from batting powerplay; slower cutters the way to go for SRH
Viyaskanth has picked up just one wicket in ten overs so far at an economy rate of 8.60, but the concern for SRH is that their Indian spin options – Markande and Shahbaz – have fared worse, going at more than ten runs an over. As for Washington Sundar, the offspinner, he has featured in just two games so far, the last of which was on April 20, when he took some tap from right-hand batters Prithvi Shaw and Jake Fraser-McGurk.The average (54.38) and economy rate (11.20) for SRH spinners are the worst among all teams this season. If they end up bowling in dewy conditions at Chepauk on Friday, those numbers might rise further. Even overall, SRH have the worst economy rate (9.98) in the middle overs (7-16) among all ten teams this season.In the last game SRH had played in Chennai, against CSK, they left out Markande, for an extra batter, but Jaydev Unadkat performed the role of a (quick) spinner, bowling offbreaks and offcutters into the pitch to handcuff CSK’s batters. So, perhaps, there is a case for SRH to pick an experienced Unadkat over a rookie like Viyaskanth and free up the overseas slot for an extra batter.Aiden Markram has played nine innings for 199 runs this IPL•BCCI
Should Markram or Phillips come in?
That extra overseas batter could be Aiden Markram or Glenn Phillips. Both batters can also bowl offspin, but RR have just one left-hand batter in their middle order – Shimron Hetmyer – and they often try to delay his entry point as much as possible.It’s also hard to imagine SRH tossing the new ball to a part-time offspinner against Yashasvi Jaiswal, especially when they have Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Pat Cummins in their ranks.Moreover, Phillips hasn’t played a single game so far this season and if SRH finally pull him out of the bench, they run the risk of him rocking up cold in a knockout clash. Phillips was last in action in a Test match in March. Markram, meanwhile, has played nine matches this season and could possibly return to No. 4 as their anchor. Bringing Markram back could somewhat reduce SRH’s reliance on Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shahbaz, who had moved up the order in Markram’s absence.
Jansen or Farooqi – the left-arm (and left-field) options
Like Phillips, Afghanistan left-arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi is yet to play a game in IPL 2024 while Marco Jansen, the other left-arm seamer, struggled for form and rhythm in the three matches he played. Plus, Chepauk hasn’t offered much new-ball swing and if SRH really need to pair up T Natarajan with another left-armer, Jaydev Unadkat, who has a number of slower variations in his repertoire, seems like the frontrunner.