Tag Futebol

تمكن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الاتحاد السكندري، من تسجيل الهدف الأول أمام الأهلي، في اللقاء الجاري بينهما الآن.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع الاتحاد السكندري على ملعب استاد القاهرة ضمن منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز

طالع.. فيديو | زيزو يسجل هدف الأهلي الثاني أمام الاتحاد السكندري

وتشير النتيجة بتقدم الأهلي بهدفين مقابل هدف، حيث سجل ثنائية الأحمر أشرف بن شرقي وأحمد سيد زيزو.

وسجل فادي فريد، مهاجم زعيم الثغر هدف تقليص الفارق في الدقيقة 68 من عمر اللقاء.

وجاء الهدف بعد تمريرة رائعة من أبو بكر إليادي لاعب الاتحاد السكندري إلى فادي فريد داخل منطقة الجزاء والذي أسكنها الشباك. هدف الاتحاد السكندري الأول أمام الأهلي

Arsenal fans were promised an unprecedented summer transfer window and boy did they get it.

New striker? Tick. Viktor Gyokeres is your man. Bukayo Saka back-up? Hello, Noni Madueke. An improvement on the left flank? Eberechi Eze has arrived.

This certainly feels like the best opportunity the Gunners have had to win the Premier League title since Mikel Arteta arrived.

The trouble is, Liverpool have also gone big, breaking the British record transfer fee on two occasions in the same summer, first to bring Florian Wirtz to Anfield and then on deadline day, finally getting the Alexander Isak deal done. It’s a scary proposition for the rest of the division.

What Arsenal will need is consistency. They will need to not only be dogged but they will also require no bad performances. They simply cannot afford another Rob Holding situation.

The Rob Holding story of 2022/23

What a campaign it was for the Gunners in 2022/23. The football played was arguably the best of the Arteta era and they could, perhaps should have walked away with the title in their arms.

They went on to miss out on the title to Manchester City by just five points and it was arguably because of their run of form at the back end of the campaign.

It all started with a clash against Sporting CP in the Europa League. William Saliba picked up a rather innocuous injury and was forced off. The ramifications of that event in March 2023 were not realised until the campaign was said and done.

Saliba didn’t play another minute of the season and Holding was the deputy. While he helped marshal Arteta’s side to back-to-back 4-1 wins over Leeds and Crystal Palace, the Gunners only won five of their last 11 league matches, meaning they missed out on the title.

Holding, although he scored against Man City, was particularly to blame during their 4-1 defeat at the Etihad in late April, with Jamie Carragher explaining after proceedings that Haaland vs the Arsenal defence was a “physical mismatch”.

Unsurprisingly, Holding’s part in Arsenal’s title defeat saw him leave the club that summer. He headed to Crystal Palace and to sum up his decline, he played just 90 minutes in an Eagles shirt.

Seemingly scarred from that run of games, Arteta has since bolstered his backline significantly. Saliba came off in the defeat at Anfield and despite their loss, Cristhian Mosquera – a new signing from Valencia – performed superbly well. The difference between him and Holding was seismic.

Yet, two years on from that incident, Arteta must learn again. No passengers are allowed if they are to finally get over the line.

Arsenal's new Rob Holding situation

After signing Gyokeres, Madueke and Eze this summer, it certainly feels as though the Arsenal side is more polished. It has more firepower and more variation as they attempt to beat Man City and Liverpool.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Gyokeres, while he was starved of service at Old Trafford and Anfield, has scored twice already in Arsenal colours, while Eze and Madueke look vibrant in their limited minutes too.

Who doesn’t look vibrant and full of energy is Gabriel Martinelli, arguably Arsenal’s new Holding.

That verdict might well be harsh but the fact of the matter is that the Brazilian has regressed significantly. He looks like the weak link and if he starts regular matches this term, he could be the reason the Gunners miss out again.

Reports last week claimed that Arsenal would have been happy to sell Martinelli this summer, provided an asking price of £60m was met. However, to rubber-stamp the winger’s fall from grace, suitors were only willing to pay £40m.

It wasn’t long ago that the forward was described as “a talent of the century” by Jurgen Klopp. It wasn’t long ago either that he was finishing as one of Arsenal’s top scorers.

In that 2022/23 term where everything was firing, he netted 15 times, finishing as joint-top scorer in the squad alongside Saka and Martin Odegaard.

It was hardly a surprise that club legend Robert Pires saw similarities between himself and the wide forward; “Gabriel Martinelli looks like me. He looks a lot like me because he’s a dribbler, he scores goals, and he is quick,” Pires stated back in 2024.

Since then, even if he has scored in the Bernabeu, the 24-year-old really should have kicked on but he has failed to deliver consistent numbers. He scored eight times in 2023/24 and on ten occasions in 2024/25. Those aren’t disastrous numbers but it’s a reduction in output just as it looked like he was ready to explode and realise his immense potential. It’s rather remarkable that just seven months ago, Pires also stated that he thought Martinelli could have got into the Invincibles starting lineup.

While certain sections of the fanbase have been on the attacker’s back for a few years now, the penny seemed to drop with his performance at Anfield in the 1-0 defeat.

Having not played a single minute during the 5-0 win over Leeds, Martinelli was handed a start off the left against Liverpool and really disappointed.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Starting at right-back was Dominik Szoboszlai, a midfielder by trade, but the Brazil international failed to really do anything to trouble the Hungarian.

We’ve seen Martinelli really enjoy this fixture in the past. He’s had the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold on several occasions but there wasn’t a single moment where he ever looked like he’d get the better of Szoboszlai.

It was sad to see in all honesty. He had completed just six passes by the time he was hauled off on 70th minutes and in that time he didn’t have a single shot or complete a key pass.

Minutes played

70

Touches

15

Accurate passes

6/7 (86%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Dribble attempts

0

Crosses

0

Duels won

2

Speaking during the aftermath of the game, Theo Walcott stated: “Szoboszlai was incredible, but the reason why he was incredible, he wasn’t tested at all. You’ve got a centre mid at full back. For me, that’s music to my ears.”

For Martinelli, he only continues to falter. Against United, he also struggled, completing just three passes and only one key pass.

If Arsenal are going to improve this season and win the league, then Arteta must learn from that Holding situation. Eze and Madueke represent upgrades and must play.

If not, then the Gunners could be staring at a repeat situation where one of their players lets them down in their quest to be crowned champions of England.

Eze upgrade: Arsenal gem who left for £0 is now "one of the world's best"

The outrageous talent would be unreal alongside Eze at Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 5, 2025

The washout means Wednesday’s match between England and Afghanistan is a knockout, with the loser certain of exiting the competition

Firdose Moonda25-Feb-2025 – Match abandoned due to rainThe much-anticipated Champions Trophy match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi was washed out without even a toss, forget a ball being bowled, after persistent drizzle. The match was called off at 5.10pm local time, three hours and ten minutes after the scheduled start of play at 2pm and two hours and 22 minutes before the cut-off time for a 20-overs-a-side game, 7.32pm local time. This was due to be the teams’ first meeting at a Champions Trophy.The result means that if Australia and South Africa win their final group matches, against Afghanistan and England respectively, they will progress to the semi-finals. Wednesday’s match between Afghanistan and England is a knockout, with the loser certain of exiting the competition. The winner will have to beat their next opposition to make it through to the final four. As a result, one of the matches between Australia and Afghanistan on Friday and South Africa and England on Saturday could be a virtual quarter-final. Both Afghanistan and England have to win both their matches to qualify for the semi-finals.With no XIs named for this encounter, South Africa kept their cards close to their chest on Heinrich Klaasen’s availability. He missed their opening match against Afghanistan with an elbow injury and now has three more days to recover before the game against England on Saturday.This was due to be the first meeting between Australia and South Africa since the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final, which Australia won, and means that they continue to have the advantage over South Africa in ICC events. In nine matches, Australia have won four, South Africa three, there was a tie at the 1999 World Cup and now, their first washout.

قبل أيام قليلة من ظهوره الأول في ملعب التتش، تتوالى الشهادات في حق الدنماركي ياس سوروب، المدير الفني الجديد للنادي الأهلي، الذي يستعد لبدء مغامرته الأولى في الكرة المصرية وسط ترقب جماهيري كبير.

ويعد سوروب من الأسماء التي تركت بصمة واضحة في أوروبا، ليس فقط بالنتائج، ولكن بأسلوبه الإنساني والإداري الذي أكسبه احترام اللاعبين والإداريين على حد سواء.

المدير الرياضي السابق لنادي جينت البلجيكي، بيتر فيربيكي، والذي عمل مع ياس سوروب في الفترة التي قاد فيها الفريق، تحدث في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات عن المدرب الجديد للأهلي، كاشفًا عن ملامح شخصيته عن قرب.

اقرأ أيضًا | عبد المنصف: الزمالك رفض منحة الأهلي.. وهذا سبب غياب ممدوح عباس

قال فيربيكي: “ياس يتمتع بالكثير من الصفات الرائعة، فهو رجل بأخلاق عالية في التعامل، يعرف كيف يتواصل مع الجميع بطريقة راقية تجعلك تحترمه منذ اللحظة الأولى”.

وأضاف: “هو مدرب بارع يعرف كيفية إدارة اللاعبين من خلال شخصيته القوية، ويملك قدرة كبيرة على تحفيزهم بطريقة ذكية ومتزنة دون الحاجة إلى الصدام أو الانفعال”.

وتابع: “ودود ولطيف في التعامل مع الجميع، سواء مع الصحفيين أو الجهاز المعاون أو الإداريين، لكنه في الوقت ذاته صارم وواضح حين يتعلق الأمر باتخاذ القرارات داخل الفريق”.

ووقع سوروب على عقود قيادته للنادي الأهلي لمدة عامين ونصف، ليقود الفريق بعد عماد النحاس الذي نجح في مهمته المؤقتة وإعادته إلى المنافسة على لقب الدوري المصري.

Chelsea’s summer business has been impressive to say the least. Enzo Maresca has wasted little time in building a team which he believes can go far in both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

Expectations have certainly been heightened after the club won the inaugural Club World Cup stateside earlier this month.

The Blues weren’t expected to cause much of an upset against PSG in the final, but a Cole Palmer double and a Joao Pedro effort ensured the trophy would be heading to London.

If the Stamford Bridge side get off to a good start this season, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Maresca still has plenty of work to do in the transfer window to make sure his squad is exactly the way he wants it.

That means there will likely be another few incomings over the coming weeks. More importantly, however, is the need for the manager to move on several players who don’t feature in his plans this season.

Let’s take a deep dive into all the latest transfer news surrounding the club, shall we?

Latest Chelsea transfer news

Firstly, Maresca is still keen on bolstering his attacking options. Despite having signed Jamie Gittens, Pedro and Liam Delap, the Italian isn’t stopping there.

According to ESPN, Chelsea have shown interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak amid the news he wants to leave the Magpies this summer.

Liverpool appear to be frontrunners for his signature, but should the Blues somehow convince Isak that his future lies at Stamford Bridge, it would eclipse any of the club’s transfers this summer.

Elsewhere, Maresca is still keen on bringing Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho to the club.

The Telegraph state that the Blues are monitoring the situation with the Argentinian winger at Old Trafford as his future looks in doubt.

Garnacho could be available for a fee in the region of £40m should Maresca make a concrete move for the player. Given his age and Premier League experience, this type of fee makes a deal much more appealing.

Regarding outgoings, Chelsea haven’t sold many of their wantaway stars just yet. João Félix is attracting interest from his former club Benfica, although if a deal were to happen, it would mean a significant loss for the Premier League side.

Indeed, the Portuguese outfit wants to acquire 50% of Félix’s rights for a fee of around €25m (£21.7m).

Christopher Nkunku is another player that Maresca is looking to get rid of before the league season gets underway. Both Nottingham Forest and Man United have joined the race for the French attacking midfielder.

The Blues have set his asking price at £43m, which could tempt various clubs to come in and make an offer for the former RB Leipzig star.

As for incomings, one deal that looks close to completion is that of Xavi Simons. The Dutchman has been a key target recently, and it finally looks as though Maresca has his man.

Chelsea close to agreeing personal terms

Fabrizio Romano shared an update regarding the club’s progress on a move for the Leipzig sensation.

“Understand Chelsea and RB Leipzig are now in advanced talks for Xavi Simons.” Said Romano on X.

Transfer Focus

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

“Negotiations club to club progressing well, still work to do but heading positive direction. Xavi, keen on Chelsea project with personal terms talks also advanced.”

No concrete transfer fee has been mentioned as yet, but barring any last-minute hitches, this deal should be over the line sooner rather than later.

That means Chelsea have yet another young, hungry attacking prospect ready to showcase their talents in the Premier League.

Can Simons become Chelsea’s very own Florian Wirtz?

Why Chelsea want to sign Xavi Simons

Liverpool made their own statement of intent by splashing out around £116m to sign Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. If all works out, he could be the signing of the summer.

Simons won’t cost that much – having been touted at around £56m – but the two players are similar in style, being able to operate as an attacking midfielder.

Indeed, throughout the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign, Wirtz was the fourth-most comparable player to Simons due to their likeness as players.

Not only that, but the pair also registered similar statistics across a range of metrics, including goals and assists (16 vs 22), shots per 90 (2.09 vs 2.83), shot-creating actions per 90 (4.52 vs 5.66), carries into the final third (72 vs 72) and crosses delivered into the opposition penalty area (79 vs 101) during the Bundesliga last term.

Both Simons and Wirtz have strengths including key passes, dribbling and through balls, according to WhoScored. The duo also both love to dribble, counting this as a key skill set, while they both like to provide layoffs to teammates.

As such, making a move for Simons this summer would allow Maresca to have someone who is just like Wirtz in his squad, for a fraction of the price.

Ahead of the 2024 European Championship, analyst Ben Mattinson lavished plenty of praise on Simons, saying that he is “destined for greatness”, while describing him as a “superstar” who can become “one of the best in the world in the future.”

During that tournament, he scored once and provided three assists as the Netherlands reached the semi-finals.

Simons has starred on the big stage for club and country over the previous three years and should he seal his move to Chelsea, Maresca may just have the final piece of his attacking jigsaw.

Aged just 22, the Dutch starlet is ready to take the next step-up in his career and what better club to do it at than Chelsea.

Wirtz may have made the headlines, but Simons could certainly match his displays next season. Watch this space.

Perfect for Isak: Chelsea agree personal terms to sign £70m "game-changer"

Chelsea have agreed personal terms to land a “game-changer” of a signing

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 26, 2025

Newcastle United remain in a tough situation when it comes to their new striker next season. With Benjamin Sesko seemingly off to Manchester United, according to David Ornstein on Wednesday, the Magpies can rule themselves out of the race for yet another target.

Of course, Alexander Isak is still a Newcastle player. The striker has been embroiled in a transfer saga this summer, and was subject to a bid of £110m from Liverpool earlier in the window. Eddie Howe’s side rejected the offer, although Sky Sports say they are ‘braced for a second offer’ from the Premier League champions.

If Liverpool, or indeed another club, sign Isak this summer, it would leave Newcastle in need of a new striker. They have recently been linked with a couple of names.

Newcastle’s alternatives to Isak

A recent report from Give Me Sport has linked the Magpies with two players who they could turn to if Isak is to leave St James Park this summer. One of those is Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, and ‘there is confidence a deal can be done’ for the DR Congo international.

Transfer Focus

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

As well as a move for Wissa, the North East side could make a move for Aston Villa and England international striker Ollie Watkins. The Magpies are ‘plotting’ to bring the 29-year-old up North before the transfer window slams shut.

It is believed that Howe views Watkins, who has also played for Brentford, as a ‘perfect partner’ for Wissa, with the English manager looking at deploying two strikers more often.

As far as the price for the Torquay-born striker goes, Villa could ask for as much as £60m.

Why Watkins would be a good signing

There is no doubt that Newcastle would be signing a top-class striker if they were to bring Watkins to the club this summer. In fact, football statistician Statman Dave described him as “one of the best 9s in the world”, showing just how high his reputation is.

Indeed, the England international has a fantastic record in the Premier League. In five top-flight seasons, totalling 184 appearances, he’s already scored 75 goals and grabbed 36 assists. His best campaign came in the 2023/24 season, where he bagged 19 goals and assisted 15.

However, it is not just for the Villans that Watkins has put in some consistently terrific performances. In an England shirt, the 29-year-old has scored five goals in 18 games, with the most memorable one, of course, coming in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.

Replacing Isak is no easy thing to do, and if the Swedish striker does leave St James’ Park this summer, it will be Watkins’ job to do just that. The Newcastle number 14 was described as the “best striker in the Premier League right now” by Jamie Carragher last season.

He has an impressive record in the competition, with 54 goals and ten assists in just 84 games. Last term, he found the back of the net 23 times, the second consecutive year he has managed to his 20 or more goals in a single season.

However, one of the biggest downsides to Isak is his injury record. He has missed 39 games with six separate injuries during his stint at Newcastle so far. Compare that to Watkins, who has missed three in his entire career, and that is a huge upgrade.

On top of that, their underlying numbers via FBRef are not too dissimilar. For example, Watkins last season averaged 0.39 goals per shot on target and 0.42 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes. Comparatively, Isak averaged 0.46 goals per shot on target and 0.46 goal-creating actions each game.

Goals and assists

0.83

0.95

Goals per shot on target

0.39

0.46

Expected goals

0.53xG

0.66xG

Goal-creating actions

0.42

0.46

Ball recoveries

1.49

1.8

There is certainly a case to be made that Watkins is an upgrade on Isak. His all-round play is excellent, as shown by the goal-creating action stats. On top of that, he is always available, unlike the Newcastle centre-forward, who has struggled with injuries.

Watkins is a consistent and high-level Premier League number nine who has the potential to maintain the number of goals Isak is involved in. For £60m, this could be a steal if they end up losing Isak.

He's better than Sesko: Newcastle considering offer for £68m "monster"

Newcastle have an intriguing fallback, should they fail to sign Benjamin Sesko.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 5, 2025

The seamer picked up nine wickets in the match to strengthen his case as India’s third seam-bowling option

Shashank Kishore08-Sep-2024

Two balls across two innings defined Akash Deep’s impressive outing in the Duleep Trophy game, where he returned a match haul of 9 for 116 for India A against India B.The first one was Nitish Kumar Reddy’s wicket, courtesy of late seam movement that squared him up to hit the top of the off stump. The second was a set-up that involved playing with Washington Sundar’s mind.After troubling him with the ones that straightened from around the wicket, Akash switched back to over the wicket and bent the ball back off the seam from the same spot to beat his inside edge and rattle the stumps.”The balls I bowled to Nitish Reddy [in the first innings] and Washington Sundar [in the second innings],” Akash said when asked to pick his favourite wicket from the match. “I had been bowling a lot to him [Washington] from around the wicket in the nets. He has been batting a lot against me and had got used to it. So I wanted to do something that I hadn’t done against him before.”Related

India B fight past Rahul's defiance to register comfortable win

Pant and Sarfaraz's thrilling double-act hands India B advantage

Saini makes a stand for India B, but Rahul helps steer India A ahead

Magnificent Musheer revives India B from 94 for 7

Such planning of his dismissals is something he has learnt from Mohammed Shami. His chats have been around trying to have batters guessing which way the ball will move from the same spot. Shami’s set-up of Ben Stokes at last year’s World Cup is possibly a good example.”When you bowl to a left-hander from around the wicket, the ball moves naturally towards the shine,” Akash explained. “I spoke to him [Shami] about how to get the ball to come back in [with the angle]. I have seen him do that.”He advised me not to focus too much on bringing it in. He said it will automatically come over time and when it does, it will become a wicket-taking ball. Because if it keeps going out and then you are able to bring it back in with the shine, it’s tough for batsmen. But he has cautioned me against trying it a lot. But as a bowler, if you’re able to do it, then batters will have a tendency to chase balls away as well.”This ability to generate lateral movement both ways stood out, as much as Akash’s ability to bowl long spells even when at times it felt as if there wasn’t much happening off the pitch. Akash sent down 41 overs across both innings, comfortably the most among all the bowlers in this match. He put this down to the conditioning work he did at the NCA over the past month.”My last proper match was my Test debut in March,” he said. “In the IPL, I played just one game. As a fast bowler, it’s difficult to come back [after such a long stretch]. I was at the NCA for a month, I played a lot of practice games keeping in mind the kind of situations we will face in a real match, so that the muscle memory is used to the rigours of a first-class match.”Akash’s memorable Duleep Trophy outing sets him up nicely to be in the race for the third seamer’s slot for the upcoming home Tests, if Shami continues to remain unavailable. Asked if this performance will help him add to his maiden Test appearance against England, especially with a Test tour to Australia coming up, Akash said he wanted to stay in the present.”I think of every match as my last match,” he said. “I don’t think too far ahead. What happens [the selection] is not in my hands. I’m here in the present, thinking about my process. I’ve now finished a match, tomorrow is a rest day so how can I recover well? I think more about those things. I’m only thinking in the present.”Is he satisfied with his performance?”As a player, the moment you’re satisfied, you won’t learn. As long as that hunger is there to learn, you should not be satisfied. Getting wickets and the final result is different. The ball that I wanted to bowl, how much of it was I able to execute properly? What could I have improved? That’s what I was thinking about all the time.”

Both teams have seen enough of each other in recent times to treat the contest as a serious game of cricket, and not much more

Sidharth Monga08-Jun-20244:48

Rohit: Only openers’ batting position is fixed

The 2011 ODI World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan in Mohali was such a significant occasion that the then India coach Gary Kirsten and the rest of the staff left the meeting room to give the players a moment to themselves.”After the show [a presentation by the team analyst] is over, Gary says the support staff is mostly non-Indian,” R Ashwin writes in the book . “They value this team, and it’s a big game for them too, but they can’t even begin to imagine how big playing Pakistan in a World Cup is for us players. He says they’re all leaving now, so we can be alone and conduct the rest of the meeting ourselves.”That was about two hours before the match, which was to be played in the presence of the highest political leaders of both countries, many celebrities, and packed stands. Sachin Tendulkar gave a rousing speech, about how he had been thinking for the last two-three years of facing Pakistan in the semi-final or the final and winning the trophy. Everybody left the meeting with goosebumps.Related

Imad Wasim passed fit to play India

Pakistan's predicament adds spice to India match-up in New York

The curious case of Pakistan's World Cup 15

India versus Pakistan, but different

2011, though, was a different world. These matches used to happen rarely and organically. Now, there’s a World Cup every year and groups are planned so India and Pakistan play in the league stage. The occasion remains significant, but the edge is taken off a little.Results in ‘big matches’ have become a millstone around the current Indian team’s neck, though they don’t necessarily play poorly in such fixtures. On the eve of the match against Pakistan, Rohit Sharma was asked whether anything was different about games where expectations and stakes are higher. Small markers such as how their brains work in the lead-up, how well they sleep, how they feel during warm-ups. Not much, said Rohit.”Nothing has changed from last seven months because we played them [Pakistan] in the Asia Cup, the ODI World Cup, and now the T20 World Cup,” Rohit said. “Earlier it was a different ball game because we used to play them every maybe once in four years, or two years, now it’s a different ball game. We literally played seven months back in Asia Cup and the World Cup and here we are again now.”So, for me, I think nothing changes. I want to approach this as another international game where I get myself collected and make those decisions on the field. I am sure everyone will have their own way of dealing with games like these, but I have my process. Being a captain, I have to make decisions on the field. So, I think what’s more important for me is to just think about what I need to do right now, or this particular over – not to even think of how much do we need to get after 20 overs, or how much we need to bowl them out for. I think it’s about that one over, how we want to finish that over, staying in the present, and literally just nailing down maybe over by over, and think about what you need to do in that particular over, and that is where the skill of captain comes into play.”I’m sure other captains think differently. Everyone has their own way but this is how I like to think about that one particular over. Because this is literally a place where you can’t think too far ahead. Game changes every over here. So, you need to think about that particular over and how you can win that one over and then move on to the next over. I know there’s a lot of thinking that needs to go in this kind of thought process, but I’m okay with that.”Gary Kirsten has been on both sides of the India-Pakistan rivalry•ICC via Getty ImagesRohit was not part of the semi-final 13 years ago but he has won a World Cup final before and a few games against Pakistan too. India’s coach in 2011 is Pakistan’s coach in 2024. A bowler who took a five-for that day in Mohali is now a selector, and Wahab Riaz couldn’t keep himself from bowling in the nets on Saturday.Not only has he been India’s coach in the past, Kirsten has also worked with players such as Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill as director of cricket at Gujarat Titans in the IPL. When asked if his experience brings valuable intel, Kirsten said Pakistan’s players didn’t need it.”That’s a good question and the way I’d answer that is I think these players have seen enough of each other and how they play,” he said. “In the end we want to make sure that we get our game right. Look at the conditions and what is required on the conditions because I think that’s going to be a big day tomorrow.”Kirsten said the vibe also felt different. “I think it is a little bit different because it’s not in India or Pakistan,” Kirsten said. “I went for a ride early this morning, which I like doing most mornings, and I certainly rode around the stadium a little bit and I kind of felt that there’s going to be a good vibe there tomorrow. So that’s going to be exciting for us all to have that many people that have come out to support the two teams.”If Rohit is going to approach it as any other international match, Kirsten’s advice is to embrace the occasion. “Well, not to hide from the fact that it’s a big game, but to treat cricket like cricket should be treated,” he said. “Every game you need to play well, you need to hit the ball in the right areas, you need to score enough runs, you need to take your catches and field well. I don’t think it’s ever changed the game. It changes a little bit because of the formats, but that’s certainly what we’re going to go out and try to do tomorrow. If we play a really good game of cricket with our abilities, we have a good chance of winning the game.”

Leeds United are close to securing their first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window. The Whites are now back in the Premier League following promotion success in the 2024/25 campaign, and are now seemingly ready to splash the cash in order to survive, something that has been a struggle in recent seasons for newly-promoted sides.

Highly reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano gave his famous “here we go” tagline to Leeds’ move for Jaka Bijol.

The Slovenian centre-back will join the club for £18.7m from Italian side Udinese, as their first major signing of the summer.

Daniel Farke’s side are now lining up their next signing, who could prove to be an even better addition than their new centre-back.

Leeds' next signing after Bijol

It is certainly an early statement of intent from the Yorkshire side. Bijol is an “immense” player according to Sky Sports’ Dougiue Critchely, so for Leeds to have all but confirmed his move to Elland Road is a strong start to the window.

Transfer Focus

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

Things could be about to get even better for the 2024/25 Championship winners. TEAMtalk are now reporting that Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz is a target, with Leeds ‘ready to make a fresh push’ for the 24-year-old Brazilian.

However, this will not be an easy deal to do, with the report describing it as ‘difficult’.

The two clubs are some way apart in their valuation of the striker at this stage. Whilst the West Londoners want upwards of £50m, Leeds are hoping to do a deal around the £35m mark. Thus, ‘there remains lots of talking to be done’ in order for this transfer to progress.

Why Muniz would be a good signing

Bringing Muniz to Elland Road could be a huge addition for the Whites this summer. Crucially, he is a Premier League-proven player, with a track record of scoring goals in the English top flight during his two seasons at Craven Cottage.

Last term, the former Flamengo player found the back of the net on eight occasions in 31 appearances, grabbing an assist along the way, too.

He played just 950 minutes, the equivalent of ten full 90-minute games, meaning he was not far off a goal per game on average.

There is no doubt that Bijol is an excellent addition for the Whites. Pundits like Critchley rate him highly, and he helped keep eight clean sheets in 34 games last season for Udinese, captaining them at times, too.

He will certainly help to strengthen at the back at Elland Road, and will add some more leadership to Farke’s squad. That will be invaluable going into what will be a tough campaign in 2025/26, avoiding relegation.

However, perhaps there is a strong case to be made that Muniz will be an even better signing for Leeds, and for one reason. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer, having notched up nine in 2023/24 and, of course, eight last term.

In the last two seasons, all six newly-promoted sides have been relegated, and Leeds have a chance to buck that trend. Well, an experienced top-flight striker will count for lots. They will surely need his goals.

Of those six relegated sides, he was outscored by two Luton Town players in 2023/24, namely Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo, who scored 11 and 10, respectively. Last season, Liam Delap, now a Chelsea player, scored 12 goals, and the evergreen Jamie Vardy outscored him by one.

That said, Muniz was not always a regular starter and did actually score considerably more goals per 90 minutes which bodes well should he become Farke’s number one choice.

Liam Delap

Ipswich

12

0.42

Carlton Morris

Luton

11

0.35

Rodrigo Muniz (2023/24)

Fulham

9

0.51

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

9

0.29

Rodrigo Muniz (2024/25)

Fulham

8

0.75

Jacob Bruun Larsen

Burnley

6

0.33

Brereton Diaz/McBurnie

Sheffield United

6

0.25 & 0.42

Paul Onuachu

Southampton

4

0.34

Generally speaking, you need a top striker to regularly score goals and help keep you in the Premier League. Well, Muniz could be the guy for Leeds.

Not only did he score eight times in ten full 90-minute games last term, but his non-penalty expected goals of 0.75 per game as per FBref, was among the best 5% in the top flight.

He has the potential to explode if given a run of games by Farke. He could become a “revelation” in a Leeds shirt, a word football talent scout Jacek Kulig once used to describe him. £50m is a big investment, but it could be worth it if Leeds stay in the top flight.

A Chris Wood repeat: Euro club in talks to sign "dynamite" £13m Leeds star

This Leeds United attacker is in talks to move on from Elland Road this summer.

ByDan Emery Jun 16, 2025

Over the last couple of years, Chelsea have been known to splash the cash in the transfer market, with Enzo Maresca the beneficiary of the investment from the hierarchy.

Since the takeover in May 2022, the board has invested over £1.3b into players to improve the first-team squad, whilst also keeping one eye on the future with the funds spent on youngsters.

Given the previous history in the window, it would be no surprise to anyone if the Blues spent heavily once again this summer as they look to provide the manager with added reinforcements.

With Champions League football potentially on the cards in 2025/26, added squad depth is also needed to compete, opening the door to further summer arrivals.

One position in particular is in serious need of investment this summer, with Maresca still yet to land any targets he desires after taking the reins last year.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker

Ever since the Italian took over from Mauricio Pochettino, he’s been demanding a new talisman at the top end of the pitch to help him in his quest to fight at the top end of the Premier League table.

Benjamin Sesko is one player who’s been largely touted with a move to Stamford Bridge over the last 12 months, with his name emerging on the list once again ahead of this summer.

The RB Leipzig star was named on a shortlist of strikers who the club are targeting in the coming months, a decision which is understandable given his record of 20 goals in 41 appearances this season.

However, he’s not alone on that list, with Ipswich Town centre forward Liam Delap also a name mentioned with a big-money transfer to West London.

According to Graeme Bailey, the Blues are leading the race for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the hierarchy willing to trigger his £30m release clause to reunite the pair after their time together at Manchester City.

Why a £30m PL star would be better than Sesko for Chelsea

Senegalese international Nicolas Jackson has been Chelsea’s number one striker over the last couple of seasons, but injuries have massively restricted him throughout 2024/25.

He’s only made 27 league appearances, scoring just nine goals, with Maresca desperately needing a new talisman in forward areas to catapult them to success in the near future.

Such form has led to links to Sesko, but if they are to complete any deal for the 21-year-old sensation, it would set them back at least £60m given his tender age and goalscoring record.

However, the recent emergence of a move for Delap could provide a cheaper alternative for the hierarchy, but it would also hand Maresca a better option in forward areas.

The fact the pair have previously worked together is a huge advantage in their pursuit, but when also comparing his figures to those of Sesko, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of a superb addition he would be for the Blues.

The Ipswich ace, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has matched the Slovenian for goals scored, showcasing the attacking threat he possesses – offering that clinical edge the side have lacked.

He’s also managed to achieve a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst registering more shot-creating actions, further offering Maresca an added threat should he move to the Bridge.

Games played

32

29

Goals scored

12

12

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

42%

Shot-creating actions

2.3

1.9

Take-ons attempted

3

2.9

Carries into final third

1.6

1.1

Fouls won

1.8

0.6

Delap has proven his all-round nature in the Premier League this season, attempting more take-ons and also completing more carries into the final third than Sesko – with the Englishman undoubtedly a better option.

There’s no denying that both players would improve the current centre-forward department in West London, further bolstering the ranks ahead of a potential title charge in 2025/26.

However, if they are to have the greatest chance of edging closer to such a feat, it’s evident from the figures produced that the Tractor Boys star is the man whom the hierarchy need to pursue a move in the coming months.

He can revive Palmer: Chelsea ready move for "the best player in the world"

Chelsea could look to revive Cole Palmer’s form by making a big-money signing.

ByConnor Holden Apr 25, 2025