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There is no chance that Paul Skenes is happy with how the first two seasons of his MLB career have gone, at least on a team level.

Personally, the LSU product has thrived, following up the 2024 Rookie of the Year award with the ‘25 National League Cy Young. Skenes has solidified himself as one of baseball’s elite pitchers in short order. Of course, one player can only do so much to turn around a basement dwelling team like the Pirates, who have gone 147–159 in their two seasons with Skenes in the rotation.

Even through those struggles, Skenes has said all the right things. After capturing his first Cy Young, he even tried to paint an optimistic picture about a season that saw Pittsburgh fall out of contention early on, and how it could wind up being a silver lining for his development, according to Associated Press writer Will Graves.

That is little salve for the two brutal seasons that Pirates fans have endured, but it is a fair point—especially for a tinkerer like Skenes who is always looking to continue upgrading his arsenal.

Paul Skenes threw seven pitches through the 2025 season

A look at Skenes’s pitch data, per Baseball Savant, shows how Skenes developed from year one to year two.

Skenes’s devastating four-seam fastball is still his bread-and-butter pitch, which he threw over 39% of the time in each season. In 2025, he relied more on his sweeper and change-up than his rookie season, and added a “splinker”—a combination splitter and sinker that he throws just under 10% of his time. Meanwhile, his splitter remains a key pitch but was thrown less frequently than in ‘24, and he has a curveball and slider that can keep hitters offguard.

Pitch type	2024 pitch %	2025 pitch %
Four-seam fastball	39.2%	39.6%
Sweeper	10%	15.9%
Split-finger	28.4%	13.6%
Changeup	5.4%	10.6%
Splinker	N/A	9.6%
Slider	6.2%	5.7%
Curveball	10.8%	4.7%

Last February, Skenes was also working on a two-seam fastball and a cutter, further indiciation that he isn’t done yet trying to perfect his already impressive pitch mix.

Paul Skenes stats through two MLB seasons

Stat	2024	2025
Wins-Losses	11–3	10–10
ERA	1.96	1.97
Innings	133.0	187.2
Strikeouts	170	216
Home Runs Allowed	10	11
WHIP	0.947	0.948
WAR	5.9	7.7

Liverpool wobbled again without Mohamed Salah – who was named on the bench – during a trip to Leeds, with the points being shared in a six-goal thriller. Ao Tanaka snatched a stoppage-time equaliser for the hosts in a 3-3 draw at Elland Road after Hugo Ekitike had earlier bagged a quick-fire brace for the Reds. Leeds had remarkably battled back from two down before Dominik Szoboszlai fired the Reds back in front and looked to have won the game, only for there to be an even later sting in the tail that cost Arne Slot's side dearly.

After surviving a couple of early scares, Liverpool took control of the game without ever becoming dominant. The best of the first-half chances fell to the men from Merseyside, with Curtis Jones crashing the first of those against the crossbar in the 16th minute as his curling effort from the edge of the box left the woodwork rattling.

Virgil van Dijk really should have done better just before the half-hour mark when planting a free header over the top, while Cody Gakpo saw a swift counter-attack late in the first-half result in a low shot deflecting narrowly past the post. Slot’s side got their noses in front within three minutes of the restart, with a stray pass from Joe Rodon allowing Ekitike to burst through one-on-one and roll a composed finish into the bottom corner. The Frenchman grabbed his second less than two minutes later as he just about stayed onside to meet Conor Bradley’s low cross and bundle beyond Lucas Perri.

The hosts were given a lifeline with 17 minutes left on the clock when Ibrahima Konate slid in recklessly on Wilfried Gnonto and, following a VAR review, Dominic Calvert-Lewin made no mistake from the penalty spot. Elland Road was rocking again in the 75th minute as Anton Stach restored parity, but those spirits were dampened again 10 minutes from the end when Szoboszlai latched onto a pass from Ryan Gravenberch and calmly rolled into the back of the net. Leeds were not to be denied, though, and Tanaka played his super-sub role to perfection as he crashed home from close range after the ball dropped his way at the back post.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Elland Road…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Alisson (6/10):

  The Brazilian showed some smart reflexes in tricky wet conditions and could do nothing about Leeds’ goals, with the efforts of those in front of him leaving a lot to be desired.

  Conor Bradley (6/10):

  Caught out of position at times, but recovered well when pegged back. Was booked for a rash challenge late in the first-half, but made amends when teeing up Ekitike’s second goal.

  Ibrahima Konate (3/10):

  Still looks far from convincing when facing his own goal, with a couple of boots swung at fresh air. Slid into a needless challenge which gifted Leeds a penalty and failed to block their equaliser.

  Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

  Enjoyed the physical battle that Calvert-Lewin provides. Was rarely troubled in the opening 45 and could have scored had he kept a free header down. Left frustrated at those around him.

  Milos Kerkez (6/10):

  Put in a brave block very early as Leeds pushed for an opener and lashed a wild shot a long way off target from miles out. Worked hard throughout without offering much.

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  Midfield

  Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):

  Provides cover for the back four and is happy to slip into a defensive berth when required, as he cleverly snuffed out any danger. Provided the perfectly-weighted pass for Szoboszlai’s goal.

  Curtis Jones (7/10):

  Lively and alert from the off, he always wanted the ball and was happy to drift all over the pitch. Rattled the crossbar with a dipping shot early on. Unlucky not to get an assist.

  Florian Wirtz (6/10):

  Still looks short on confidence, as he waits on a first competitive goal, with the German happy to move the ball on instead of trying something himself.

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  Attack

  Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):

  The Hungarian is not a winger so naturally drifts inside off the flank, leaving Liverpool short on width and an out ball. Fired a first-half free-kick over the bar but showed nerves of steel to roll home late on.

  Cody Gakpo (5/10):

  Gets into good positions and is a willing runner down the channels, but needs to improve his end product. Over-hit too many crosses.

  Hugo Ekitike (7/10):

  Held the ball up well, with quick feet and clever flicks posing problems. Delivered a clinical finish for his first goal and displayed a poacher’s instinct with his second.

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  Subs & Manager

  Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

  Stepped over Gravenberch's pass, which allowed the ball to run through for Liverpool's third.

  Joe Gomez (5/10):

  Allowed Brenden Aaronson to slip past him for Leeds’ second goal, with the Reds full-back retreating too far before addressing the ball.

  Wataru Endo (N/A)

  On too late to make an impact.

  Alexander Isak (N/A)

  Almost headed home to make it 4-3 but wasn't to be.

  Arne Slot (4/10):

  Can't seem to get anything right at the moment. Decided not to introduce Salah off the bench and his side simply cannot be allowing Leeds a way back in when 2-0 up and cruising. Poor.

England’s Ollie Robinson has emerged as an unlikely figure in Australia’s Ashes preparation after bowling to his former Sussex team-mate Steven Smith in the New South Wales nets on Thursday.Robinson has taken 21 wickets in seven Ashes Tests but has not featured for England since February 2024, falling out of favour after his body let him down in one match too many. He took 39 wickets at 24.74 for Sussex in the County Championship this year, but never appeared in serious contention for a Test recall and was also overlooked by England Lions.

Chelsea have taken serious interest in one of Europe’s most promising young forwards amid his stalled new contract talks, and a move to Stamford Bridge may well be on the cards for him next year.

Enzo Maresca has somehow guided his side to third in the Premier League table, just six points behind league leaders Arsenal, which is made all the more impressive by the sheer amount of injuries they’ve had so far this season.

Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernández, Roméo Lavia, Pedro Neto, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Andrey Santos and Josh Acheampong have all been sidelined due to injury or suspension at least once this season, forcing Maresca into a league-high 93 squad rotations.

Much was made about how the Club World Cup, which forced Chelsea to play an unbelievable 65 matches in 53 weeks, could impact the fitness of Maresca’s players, and it is safe to say 24/25’s intense fixture schedule had a long-lasting impact.

While Chelsea spent nearly £300 million in the summer, Maresca was left dissatisfied with his current options, especially at the back.

Rank

Club

Gross Spend

Sales

Net Spend

20.

Bournemouth

£136.7m

£202.5m

+£65.8m

19.

Brighton

£67.7m

£127.5m

+£59.8m

18.

Brentford

£92.8m

£152m

+£59.2m

17.

Wolves

£105.6m

£126.5m

+£20.9m

16.

Chelsea

£296.5m

£314.4m

+£17.9m

Chelsea have been linked with both a new goalkeeper and centre-back heading into 2026, while other media sources suggest that they could also look to sign a head-turning winger despite their current abundance of wide forwards.

One of their top attacking targets is believed to be Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz.

The Turkey international has been nothing short of a revelation at Juve, finishing 2024/2025 with 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions. He also ended the campaign as their best-performing regular by average match rating per 90, according to WhoScored, with a host of sides linked as Yildiz’s long-term future remains uncertain.

The 20-year-old wants a significant pay rise on his current deal to bring him in line with Juve’s top earners, as befitting his star player status, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea ‘really’ like Yildiz as these new deal discussions continue.

Juventus 2-0 Parma Calcio

8.88

Juventus 4-3 Inter Milan

8.51

Juventus 3-1 Udinese

7.55

Juventus 0-0 Torino

7.38

Atalanta 1-1 Juventus

7.10

via WhoScored

Now, according to TEAMtalk, there’s been another update.

Chelsea plot fresh Kenan Yildiz talks after rejected bid and 'very exciting proposal'

The same outlet previously reported that Chelsea had a £62 million bid rejected in the summer and recently made a ‘very exciting proposal’ to his entourage.

In another development, TT writes that Chelsea want to have fresh discussions with Yildiz, on the condition that they’re given encouragement he does, in fact, want to pursue a new challenge.

Right now, it is simply a waiting game from Chelsea’s perspective, as they await the outcome of new Juve contract talks with Yildiz which have currently stalled due to wage demands. The main obstacle in Maresca’s way is Juve’s seismic £79 million valuation of the player, which would more than likely increase in the event of an extension.

That being said, Yildiz represents exactly the type of elite young talent Chelsea should be targeting to elevate their attacking options to a title-challenging level.

Yildiz has averaged a goal contribution every other game this season, bagging three goals and four assists from 14 outings in all competitions, and he’s even been compared to Juve legend Alessandro Del Piero.

The winger loves to cut in from the left, boasting wonderful control technique and the ability to beat a man before unleashing a shot at goal.

Jacek Kulig, an expert on world football’s most elite young talent, has also praised the young forward’s dribbling ability, saying he has “high on-the-ball bravery to make spectacular solo runs”.

Yildiz’s rumoured wage demands of around £5.2 million per year would see him easily fit into Chelsea’s wage structure as well, even sitting between the likes of Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens.

Liverpool are reportedly continuing to eye a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, in what could be a stunning piece of transfer business.

The 25-year-old has matured into one of the best midfielders in the world currently, proving to be a key figure in PSG’s Champions League triumph last season and being hailed by former Portugal international Pedro Miguel Pauleta.

“It’s a huge pleasure to watch players of this quality. Is he the best midfielder in the world? He’s at a huge level, like Pedri at Barca. They remind me of Iniesta. Vitinha, he doesn’t lose the ball, he’s always well positioned. He knows how to do everything with the ball. He doesn’t make a mistake and doesn’t miss a pass. He has the confidence of his club. He’s a phenomenon.”

Vitinha has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent days, with one report even claiming that they are willing to table a monster £132m offer for him.

He is contracted with PSG until the summer of 2029, so big money will clearly be needed to prise him away, and a new claim has now emerged regarding the Reds’ interest in him.

How much PSG could sell Vitinha for amid Liverpool interest

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are “keeping a close eye” on Vitinha ahead of a potential move, with Reds scouts identifying him as “one of the most technically gifted midfielders in Europe”. Arsenal and Juventus are also in the mix.

The report adds that the Portugal star “fits the kind of profile that Liverpool have sought since the departure of Thiago”, in terms of his quality in tight areas and ability to dictate midfield battles. It is stated that an offer of around £115m could tempt PSG into selling – £18m cheaper than the above claim.

The idea of Liverpool signing Vitinha is a mouthwatering prospect, considering his status as a world-class footballer who is coming into the prime years of his career.

While the Reds are well-stocked in the middle of the park currently, the form of Alexis Mac Allister is a concern this season, with the Argentine looking jaded after playing so much football in recent years.

Granted, he is still only 26, so this is hopefully just a dip in form after injury problems, but he has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid and may need to be replaced at some point.

Related More than Wirtz: £36m Liverpool star is becoming a "serious issue" for Slot

Liverpool were condemned to a fifth defeat in six Premier League matches at the Etihad.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 10, 2025

Either way, Liverpool should never pass up the opportunity to sign a player of Vitinha’s calibre, and the fact that he has some Premier League experience from his time at Wolves can only be a good thing.

FSG have signed a "Rolls-Royce" who could end Konate's Liverpool career

New Zealand veteran posts career-best 163 to set up 105-run win

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay30-Jul-2025Suzie Bates staged a batting masterclass as Durham beat Somerset by 105 runs in a one-sided Metro Bank One Day Cup contest at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.The 37-year-old Kiwi registered a superb career-best innings of 163, eclipsing her previous highest List-A score of 151 made for New Zealand against Ireland in Dublin in 2018, as Durham raised an imposing 315 for 9 after winning the toss. At her imperious best, Bates amassed 18 fours and three sixes and shared in stands of 71 with Hollie Armitage, 66 with Beth Heath and 78 with Phoebe Turner for the second, fifth and sixth wickets respectively to make it a day to forget for Somerset’s bowlers, who conceded 38 boundaries in all.The pick of Durham’s bowlers, Phoebe Turner claimed 3 for 45, Katie Levick took 3 for 57 and Mady Villiers 3 for 30 as Somerset were dismissed for 210 in 40.2 overs, Jess Hazell top-scoring with a 55-ball 50 and Bex Odgers contributing 47 in a losing cause.There was little evidence of what was to come when Mollie Robbins had Emma Marlow held at backward point with the score on 22 in the fifth over. Initially playing and missing on a surface offering early assistance to seam, Bates had to wait six overs to post a boundary, scoring the majority of her runs in an arc between point and third man as she battled to establish herself.But Somerset’s seamers found the going tougher thereafter, Bates and Armitage posting a 50 stand in 56 balls to build momentum and advance the score to 93-1 inside 20 overs. Only when Somerset turned to spin, did they begin to make headway, Chloe Skelton bowling Armitage and Emily Windsor and Liv Barnes having Mady Villiers stumped, three wickets falling in four overs as the visitors lurched to 107 for 4.Beth Heath announced herself by plundering sixes at the expense of Alex Griffiths and Elllie Anderson as Durham quickly reasserted themselves, the fifth wicket realising 50 in just 39 balls as the pendulum swung back again. By the time the hard-hitting Heath chopped on and lost leg stump to Laura Jackson, she had contributed a run-a-ball 32 and helped force the home bowlers onto the back foot once more.Having raised 50 from 64 deliveries, Bates then moved up through the gears, dominating a partnership of 78 with Phoebe Turner, who expertly rotated the strike in contributing 25. By now hitting through the ball cleanly, Bates moved to three figures via 112 balls, raising that landmark with a leg-side single off Mollie Robbins. By the time Anderson had Turner held in the deep, Durham were 251 for 6 in the 45th and flying.Bates lifted Robbins over the rope behind square to equal the 148 she scored for Hampshire against Warwickshire at Basingstoke in 2018 – her highest score in England – and then hit the same bowler over the mid-wicket boundary to go to 150 in fine style.Having faced 140 balls and scored more than her team’s runs, Bates succumbed in the 48th over, holing out to short fine leg off the bowling of Laura Jackson with the score 290 for 7. Even then there was no respite for the hosts, lusty hitting from Katherine Fraser and Sophia Turner serving to carry Durham out of sight.Somerset made a decent start to their reply, reaching 49 for the loss of Niamh Holland in 10 overs, but their progress was slowed by spin thereafter, Katie Levick and Villiers restricting scoring to build pressure and force the required rate up above seven an over for the first time. Villiers then struck an important blow, pinning Sophie Luff in the crease for 19 with the score 75 for 2.Odgers had played nicely in raising three sixes and a brace of fours and advancing her score to 47 when she was bowled by a startling Phoebe Turner yorker. Turner struck again later in the same over, Fraser taking off to hold a brilliant diving catch at backward point and send back Fran Wilson as the home side slipped to 88 for 4 in the 18th.When Fraser found the outside edge and Griffiths was caught at the wicket, Somerset were 108 for 5 in the 23rd, requiring a further 208 to win at just under eight an over. It proved too big an ask, despite Hazell and Jackson staging a defiant sixth wicket stand of 53 to hold up Durham and deny them a bonus point.

As they continue their search for a new manager, Rangers have reportedly set their sights on bringing the next boss’ first new face to Ibrox when the transfer window swings open.

Latest on Rangers' manager search

The main focus for Rangers right now is finding their next manager and if recent reports are anything to go by, that’s likely to be a returning Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool legend has reportedly held “positive” initial talks with those at Ibrox and will be discussing further details about a potential return for the first time since leaving for Aston Villa in 2021.

The 49ers have turned towards the last manager to win the Scottish Premiership with the Gers following the failure of their Russell Martin appointment. The summer appointment lasted just 123 days after winning just once in seven league games.

To say that it’s not the start that the new owners would have hoped for is an understatement, but they’ve now got the chance to start afresh if Gerrard makes his return.

That’s not to say talks will be simple, though. Recent reports have indicated that Gerrard wants more control over transfers and a budget to operate with when the January transfer window arrives if he is to join Rangers again.

The 49ers already welcomed more than 10 fresh faces in the summer, with many yet to make their mark, but may need to spend once again in January to let Gerrard mark his stamp on the side. What that could also see is a return for summer targets that Kevin Thelwell missed out on, including one Championship star.

Rangers targeting Pierce Charles

As reported by Ibrox News, Rangers chiefs are now targeting a move to sign Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday in 2026 after missing out on the shot-stopper’s signature in the summer. The Gers reportedly saw a £1m offer turned down by Sheffield Wednesday, despite the fact that money would have been enough for owner Dejphon Chansiri to pay players and staff on time.

Now, having maintained an interest in the goalkeeper, Thelwell could reignite Rangers’ interest in 2026. Gerrard could yet play an unexpected role in any deal too, after initial reports suggested that Charles was not keen to join the Gers if ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl was handed the vacant managerial role.

Ryan Jack thrilled as Fabrizio Romano shares Rangers manager talks from Ibrox

The Gers are making moves at Ibrox.

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 9, 2025

With Gerrard the likeliest to arrive at this stage and Charles’ former goalkeeper coach Sal Bibbo keen to secure a reunion at Ibrox, the 20-year-old is still one to keep an eye on.

Described as an “amazing” prospect by Newcastle United star Anthony Elanga, Charles could bring Jack Butland’s tenure as Rangers’ No.1 to an end and provide the Gers’ next manager with an instant boost next year. Whether it’s Gerrard or another option who benefits from that boost is the big question.

أضاف لاعب منتخب مصر، عمر كمال، هدف الفراعنة الرابع أمام هايتي، في المباراة المقامة حاليًا بين المنتخبين، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين، لتصبح النتيجة 4-1.

ويواجه منتخب مصر نظيره هايتي، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الأولي من عمر مباريات بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا المقامة في قطر.

وسجل عمر كمال، هدف مصر الرابع أمام هايتي، في الدقيقة 73 من عمر اللقاء، برأسية من داخل منطقة الجزاء بعد كرة عرضية مرسلة من ركلة ركنية من الجانب الأيسر. هدف مصر الرابع أمام هايتي.. عمر كمال

طالع.. فيديو | حمزة عبد الكريم يسجل هدف منتخب مصر الثالث أمام هايتي

وكان منتخب مصر تقدم بثلاثة أهداف عن طريق حمزة عبد الكريم وبلال عطية وعبد العزيز الزوغبي، بينما أحرز لمنتحب هايتي، نيكولاي أوليفر بيير.

ويشارك منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا المقامة في دولة قطر، خلال الفترة من 3 إلى 27 نوفمبر 2025.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر، في المجموعة الخامسة من بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين مع منتخبات إنجلترا وفنزويلا وهايتي.