Fourteen wickets fell on an attritional day two at the Kia Oval as Surrey edged themselves ahead against Essex in a top-of-the-table contest that could have a significant bearing on the destination of this year’s Vitality County Championship title.Division One leaders Surrey, resuming on 248 for eight, at least made sure of a batting bonus point before being bowled out for 262 but second-placed Essex, missing an ill Jordan Cox, were then dismissed for 180 in their own first innings.And, on a well-grassed pitch giving assistance to the quicker bowlers, Surrey then struggled to 44 for three in their second innings but still took their overall lead to an already handy 126.Only Paul Walter, who top-scored with 64, and Matt Critchley, with a determined 48, held up the Surrey seam attack for any length of time – but Jamie Porter, Shane Snater and Eathan Bosch all struck new-ball blows for Essex before bad light lopped 27 overs from the day’s allocation.Cox’s absence was particularly unfortunate for Essex, with the in-form 23-year-old – who has scored 763 championship runs at an average of 69.36 this season – reportedly needing to have an appendix operation after leaving the field yesterday feeling unwell.Dan Worrall and Jordan Clark took 3 for 40 and 3 for 33 respectively for Surrey, with Worrall chiefly responsible for Essex’s initial slide to 113 for five. Clark followed up his crucial early strike to remove former South Africa Test captain Dean Elgar for a 19-ball duck by later ending Walter’s combative 64 and finishing off the innings by having Bosch caught at mid on for 12.Walter, who struck Clark for six and also hit eight fours – several of them booming off drives – was eventually eighth out when he miscued a hook to deep square leg.Essex began badly with Nick Browne edging Worrall to third slip on 12 and fellow opener Elgar following in the next over when Jamie Smith held on again in the same position as the probing Clark found reward for his sustained accuracy with the new ball.Tom Westley made 11 before losing his off stump to a magnificent ball from James Taylor but Critchley and Walter then added 52 either side of lunch, with Critchley hooking Tom Lawes for six to go to 32.Worrall returned to remove Critchley with an outswinger prodded to second slip, and Worrall struck again when Michael Pepper (1) slashed straight to square cover.Simon Harmer offered some lower order resistance, pulling Taylor for four and then on-driving him next ball for another boundary, but on 16 was pinned leg-before by the same bowler.And Lawes, in his first appearance for two months due to a heel injury, looked more dangerous in his second spell and had Snater caught by Taylor at long leg for six.Tea was taken immediately after Clark wrapped up the Essex innings but Surrey then lost both openers in quick succession as Dom Sibley was bowled off stump for 11 by an absolute beauty from Porter and Rory Burns edged Snater to second slip to go for eight.Bad light first forced the players off at 5.09pm, with Surrey on 36 for two, and on a resumption at 5.37pm Dan Lawrence was adjudged lbw for 10 to Bosch, playing no stroke to one angled back into him.But only two overs were possible in this mini-session before more bad light drove the players off again at 5.51pm, umpires Peter Hartley and Graham Lloyd then waiting patiently for more than an hour until the light improved enough for a final four overs to be bowled from 7.02pm.At stumps at 7.17pm Smith had moved on to 11 not out, with Ben Foakes unbeaten on four and having already taken a blow on his right hand from a Porter lifter.

The former India coach says Gambhir has the “tools, experience and goods” for being the head coach

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jul-20240:38

Gambhir: ‘Our responsibility to have Bumrah fresh for important games’

Ravi Shastri believes having Gautam Gambhir as the new India head coach is “refreshing” because he is “contemporary” and has “fresh ideas”.”He’s contemporary, he just had a great season in the IPL,” Shastri said on Gambhir on the ICC Review. “I think he’s the right age where he’s young, he’ll come with fresh ideas. He knows most of the players, especially in the white-ball format, having been part of teams in the IPL. So I think it’s refreshing.”And we know with Gautam, he’s a no-nonsense guy. He’ll have his ideas as well. And the good thing for him is he’s got a mature team. He’s got a settled team, a mature team. I think even though you might think you’re mature, you might benefit from some fresh ideas. So I think it’ll be interesting times.”Related

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Gambhir takes over from Rahul Dravid after India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign, and his first assignment will be the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka that starts with the three T20Is on Saturday in Pallekele.Gambhir takes over in all formats fresh on the back of an IPL win with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – he was team mentor and was credited with rallying the players together, for making Sunil Narine open again with the bat and lifting the confidence of newcomer Harshit Rana, among other things. With the Indian team too, he will have the big task of managing both junior and senior players, across formats.”Obviously, player management becomes the key as a coach,” Shastri said. “So it’ll be interesting to see how he goes. I think he’s got the tools, he’s got the goods for the job and he’s got the experience.”Shastri said Gambhir’s “most important task” will be to understand his players as people and their “temperaments”.”It’s a question of just understanding his players as quickly as possible,” Shastri said. “What their strengths are, what kind of human beings they are and what kind of temperaments do they have. What are their personalities. A lot goes behind the scenes to understand a human being.0:50

Gambhir: Any team would want to have Rohit and Kohli

“I think that will be his most important task, which I think again should not be a problem because he’s contemporary. He’s seen these guys from the outside, he’s dealt with a lot of guys who might have played with KKR as well and for Lucknow [Super Giants] when he was there.”And he’s been around the circuit, the moment he finished cricket – and that was not too long ago – and he still is around, plays a lot of the legends cricket as well.”In Tests, Gambhir’s major assignments will be the five home Tests starting in September (two against Bangladesh and two against New Zealand) followed by five Tests in Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. In the white-ball formats, the ICC trophies he will be eyeing are the Champions Trophy in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026.Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja have retired from T20I cricket, but Shastri did not see that as a problem for India, given the resources waiting on the fringes.”I think a lot of the players that won this T20 World Cup will still be around two years later,” he said. “You mentioned the three players who were retired, but barring them, I think most of the others will be still fit to be in that T20 World Cup team two years down the line in India.”So I don’t think there’s much to be done there. In fact, you will get a problem on your hands because you’ll have to choose from the new lot that’s coming and there’s some real exciting talent there.”So I think it’s the other way around. It’s how do you get those guys in there who are bursting at the [seams] to get it. There’s a queue out there and that will be his biggest challenge, but it’s a good headache when you have that kind of talent.”

Leeds United have a lot of big decisions to make on players currently at the club between now and when the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

The Whites need to decide which players are ready to make the jump from the Championship to the Premier League, and which ones need to be moved on.

Journalist Mike McGrath recently reported that Dan James is set to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at Elland Road to remain at the club.

This is a big show of faith from Daniel Farke and the club as it shows that there is a belief behind the scenes that he will play a key role in the Premier League next term.

The Wales international plundered 12 goals and nine assists in the Championship last season, but there is still a question mark over his ability to make an impact at the top level.

Why Dan James may struggle next season

There is no doubt about the former Swansea star’s quality at Championship level, given that he produced 25 goals and 16 assists in two seasons with Leeds, but he has yet to prove himself consistently in the Premier League.

James has played four Premier League seasons in his career to date, with Manchester United, Leeds, and Fulham combined, and has never been a consistent performer in front of goal.

In those four campaigns, the Welsh speedster never managed more than four goals or more than six assists in the division, which is a far cry from the kind of form he has displayed in the second tier.

After a return of four goals and four assists in 31 Premier League starts in the 2021/22 campaign for Leeds, the Whites decided to send him out on loan to Fulham for the 2022/23 season.

Appearances

24

Goals

2

Key passes per game

0.4

Big chances created

3

Assists

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.3

Aerial duels won

0

As you can see in the table above, James struggled badly during his time with the Londoners, with just three goal contributions in 24 games before his return to Elland Road to play in the Championship.

This suggests that there is no guarantee that the Wales international will be a key player, at least as a regular starter, in the Premier League for Farke next season.

With this in mind, it may make sense that Leeds are reportedly interested in adding another option to the squad in that area of the pitch this summer.

Leeds enquire about deal for Serie A forward

According to TuttoJuve reporter Mirko Di Natale, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Timothy Weah from Juventus.

The journalist claims that the Whites have already made contact with the Italian giants to make an enquiry about a possible move for the USA international this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Di Natale adds, though, that there is plenty of competition for his signature because fellow Premier League side Everton and French outfit Marseille are also eyeing him up.

It has previously been reported that Nottingham Forest also have an interest in the versatile wide player, who is said to be valued at around £12m by Juventus.

It now remains to be seen whether or not the Championship champions are ready to move further with their pursuit of the 25-year-old ace, who could come in as an upgrade on Dan James.

Why Leeds should sign Timothy Weah

The Whites should push to strike a deal for Weah, for a fee of around £12m, before the end of the summer transfer window because he could be a quality addition to the group.

At a minimum, the American forward would provide James with real competition for his place and potentially push him to improve by taking away any complacency he may have.

However, the potential is there for Weah to arrive at Elland Road as an upgrade on the Welsh attacker if Farke unleashes him as a right winger on a regular basis.

In the 2024/25 campaign, he played 22 times as either a full-back or a wing-back on both flanks, and was only given 16 outings as a winger or as a forward. In those 16 games, Weah scored five goals and provided two assists in the Serie A, which speaks to the kind of quality he can provide when played in his natural position.

The American star, who once scored against James and Wales at the 2022 World Cup, has shown that he can make a big impact in a major European league when played in the forward areas, and his form in comparison to the Leeds winger’s form in his last season in the Premier League further backs that up.

Pass accuracy

88%

71%

Dribbles completed

0.71

0.67

xG

0.19

0.22

Goals

0.27

0.22

Chances created

1.04

0.89

xA

0.07

0.09

Assists

0.11

0.11

As you can see in the table above, Weah posted more impressive attacking statistics than James did in that Premier League campaign, despite playing as a full-back for a lot of his time on the pitch for the Old Lady.

He managed five Serie A goals in total for Juventus, despite his constant position changes, whilst James has never produced more than four goals in a top-flight season.

These statistics suggest that the USA international, who was once hailed as “wonderful” by former boss Brendan Rodgers, has the potential to offer even more than James at the top end of the pitch from a right wing position.

The 25-year-old star has shown that he can compete at the top level, as further evidenced by a return of one goal and one assist in five starts in the Champions League last term, and this suggests that the forward is ready to hit the ground running in the Premier League.

Therefore, Leeds should swoop to sign Weah this summer because he could immediately improve the team, as an upgrade on James, as a player who has already proven his quality at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

More pointless than Meslier: £11m Leeds flop set to be sold for millions

Leeds United are reportedly set to sell a flop who is even more pointless than Illan Meslier at Elland Road.

ByDan Emery Jul 2, 2025

Chelsea are believed to be closing in on an agreement for their fourth exit of the summer, with BlueCo attempting to trim the club’s bloated books.

Enzo Maresca’s side have already waved goodbye to Kepa Arrizabalaga, who signed for Arsenal in an official £5 million deal earlier this week, with the 30-year-old joining defender Basir Humphreys and fellow keeper Marcus Bettinelli out of the Stamford Bridge door.

Chelsea ready to sell £80m duo after agreeing Pedro and Gittens deals

Enzo Maresca’s side need to balance the books.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 2, 2025

Humphreys sealed a £12 million permanent move to Burnley in May after spending the 2024/2025 campaign on loan at Turf Moor, helping Scott Parker’s side achieve promotion back to the Premier League, while Bettinelli replaced Scott Carson at Man City.

These departures have yielded around £19 million in total transfer fees, but given the club have spent around £140 million already this summer, they’ll need to orchestrate more exits in an effort to stay in line with PSR and UEFA’s FFP regulations.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Liam Delap’s £30 million switch from relegated Ipswich, Joao Pedro’s now-confirmed £55 million move from Brighton and Gittens’ pending £55 million arrival from Borussia Dortmund could yet be followed by more incomings, so player sales will become an absolute necessity before deadline day on September 1.

Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi are all on the chopping block this summer, according to The Athletic, while Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke are also linked with high-profile exits lately.

Arsenal are seriously looking at Madueke as a back-up option/competition for star winger Bukayo Saka, and given the plethora of transfers conducted between both sides over the last few years, there is every possibility the England international could be next out of the door.

“Noni Madueke is one of the players Arsenal are looking at,” said David Ornstein to The Athletic.

“Arsenal have long been searching for back-up/competition for Saka. They first looked at Mbeumo, that didn’t work out, so they had to look at alternatives — Madueke is among them.

“A lot appeals to Arsenal about that profile because he can play on the other side too, he’ll be known to many of the Arsenal players, he’s London based and Chelsea are always open to conversations about trading.”

Chelsea close to finalising Djordje Petrovic transfer to Sunderland

Chelsea could also trim their backlog of shot-stoppers down even more, with both Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic up for sale (Simon Phillips).

The latter played a key role on loan at sister club Strasbourg last season, and Petrovic has received plenty of interest this summer. Many suitors have reportedly phoned his representatives to gauge the possibility of a transfer (Simon Phillips), which is no surprise considering his “world-class” talent, as described by Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior.

Now, as per Sky Sports Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri on X, it appears one of them are now closing in on a deal for the Serbia international.

Indeed, it is believed Sunderland are now close to finalising Petrovic’s signing from Chelsea, which could be for around £22 million if all goes to plan.

If done, this is a very solid move for the 25-year-old, as he’ll likely accumulate far more game time between the sticks for Regis Le Bris’ men, and could have the opportunity to play a vital role in helping Sunderland maintain their newly-found top-flight status.

Mikel Arteta’s squad at Arsenal is shaping up to look rather different ahead of their opening Premier League game of 2025/2026 against Man United.

Arsenal plan £51m Chelsea hijack as key target now eyes Barcelona move

Andrea Berta has shifted focus.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

The Gunners have been repeatedly linked with a new defender, winger and striker in the last week, but sporting director Andrea Berta will also be working to offload some players in a bid to fund their recruitment drive and trim the wage bill.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Marquinhos, Kieran Tierney, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand and Jorginho have officially left the club already, with the latter terminating his contract early so he can play for new side Flamengo at the Club World Cup.

Meanwhile, reports are beginning to suggest that Arsenal have hit a stumbling block in negotiations over a new contract for Thomas Partey (CaughtOffside), so the Ghanaian could end up following the aforementioned names out of the club’s exit door if a resolution cannot be found.

Berta also has some key decisions to make on the futures of Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The former impressed alongside William Saliba while Gabriel was out injured last season, and plays a crucial role for Poland at international level, which has attracted keen interest from Serie A heavyweights AC Milan (La Gazzetta dello Sport).

Kiwior simply has to decide whether he wants to continue playing second fiddle behind Arteta’s preferred centre-back pairing, but the writing appears to be on the wall for Zinchenko.

The Ukraine international scarcely featured last season, making just 15 Premier League appearances, mostly off the bench, and he’s widely expected to have already played his last game in an Arsenal shirt.

Oleksandr Zinchenko holds "positive" talks to join Atlético Madrid

An emissary from Milan reportedly held talks with Arsenal over Zinchenko last week (La Gazzetta), but they’re not the only elite contenders for his signature.

According to CaughtOffside, the 28-year-old wants to leave, and Zinchenko has held “positive” talks with Atletico Madrid over an Arsenal exit. The north Londoners are prepared to green-light his exit for just £13 million, and there is a sense that Diego Simeone’s side could move forward in quick fashion to hold negotiations with Arsenal – even if they have other left-backs like Liverpool’s Andy Robertson on their agenda.

Atlético have Zinchenko, Robertson, Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell and Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne on an extensive target list as Simeone looks to reinforce the left-back area, but if the La Liga side end up moving on from Arsenal’s surplus defender, Milan are still in contention for him.

Berta will be keen to make some money back off the £30 million fee splashed on Zinchenko’s signing in 2022, but more importantly, this interest gives Arsenal a chance to trim his £150,000-per-week wages off their already-large wage bill.

Leeds United now know what their opening set of fixtures in the Premier League look like, with August appearing to be a tough starting month for the already nervous Whites.

Indeed, top-flight stalwarts Everton, Arsenal, and Newcastle United all come in quick succession for Daniel Farke’s men to get the new season underway, with Leeds fans just praying an early result can be picked up to ease the expected anxiety around Elland Road.

Of course, there is still some time to go before Leeds’ Premier League adventure kicks off, with the off-season handing the newly promoted team plenty of opportunities to snap up some top-flight-ready talents.

Leeds in talks to sign £17m star

Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha – who both played in the Serie A and the Bundesliga last season – have already entered the building but there is plenty more on the way for Leeds.

Indeed, the West Yorkshire titans could be about to secure an even better signing than their new 6-foot-3 Slovenian, with a Premier League-proven battler now on their shopping list.

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Leeds are in talks regarding the signature of Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back Igor Julio.

The report states that significant funds have come Leeds’ way after the glory of promotion, with the Whites desiring a player of Igor’s characteristics to try and consolidate as a Premier League-capable outfit.

Valued at around the £17m mark according to Transfermarkt, it will be intriguing to see who comes out on top in the race to land the Seagulls’ number three, with the report revealing that Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers are other keen parties from England.

Leeds will hope they can put their newfound millions to good use by landing the Brazilian, with Igor already having an upper hand over his potential new teammate in Bijol in being instantly ready for the challenge ahead of the English top-flight.

Why Igor would be an even better signing than Bijol

Of course, plenty will be expected of Bijol on his arrival in England, but it will take him time to get up to speed with his daunting new environment.

On the contrary, the imposing South American already has two top-flight campaigns under his belt on the South Coast, with the 27-year-old consistently sticking out as a reliable member of the Seagulls camp when thrown into action.

Games played

24

13

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches*

70.4

63.9

Accurate passes*

55.3 (94%)

50.8 (93%)

Ball recoveries*

4.4

3.2

Total duels won*

3.0

1.8

When glancing at the table above, it’s clear that the Brazilian shines with the ball planted at his feet, with a stunning 94% pass accuracy averaged during his debut Premier League campaign for Brighton.

This unerring ability to pick out a pass under pressure will stand him in good stead to shine under Farke’s wing, therefore, with Leeds defensive mainstay Joe Rodon successfully completing 92% of his passes last season.

This is where Bijol falls flat in comparison, with the Slovenian only average an 84% pass accuracy across the same time span.

On top of that, Igor has even more top-flight experience on his side when weighed up next to the ex-Udinese man, notably when on the books of Fiorentina.

104 Serie A appearances came his way when plying his trade in Florence. To add context, Bijol falls short of that amount by 14 games.

Of course, Bijol will have a key role to play next season as Leeds adjust to their new level.

But, having also recently been lauded as an “animal” by ex-Seagulls coach Inigo Calderon, picking up Igor could be just what Leeds crave in winning a battler ready to roll his sleeves up for the cause, with the 27-year-old well aware of what it takes to be a success in such a gruelling division.

Big Piroe upgrade: Leeds in the race to sign "deceptively quick" £21m star

Leeds United are reportedly in the race to sign a striker who could be an upgrade on Joel Piroe.

ByDan Emery Jun 28, 2025

أكد أوريلين تشواميني، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، على صعوبة مواجهة فريقه يوم غدًا الثلاثاء أمام أوليمبيك مارسيليا، والتي ستكون ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ريال مدريد يستضيف مارسيليا مساء يوم غدًا الثلاثاء، على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو، ضمن الجولة الأولى من دوري أبطال أوروبا مرحلة الدوري المعروفة بدور المجموعات.

طالع.. تقارير: محمد صلاح يعود لطاولة ريال مدريد وسط غموض موقفه في ليفربول

وقال تشواميني خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص باللقاء: “نعلم أنها ستكون مباراة صعبة ضد خصم قوي، علينا أن نلعب بمستوانا للفوز بالمباراة”.

وأضاف تشواميني في حديثه: “مارسيليا فريق كبير في الدوري الفرنسي، أتوقع مباراة صعبة في دوري أبطال أوروبا مع فرق قوية، لا أعرف إن كان جميع الإسبان يعرفون أولمبيك مارسيليا، لكنه فريق مشهور جدًا في فرنسا، طلب ​​مني الكثيرون تذاكر لحضور المباراة غدًا، بصفتي فرنسيًا ومشجعًا لريال مدريد، أتطلع بشدة لهذه البطولة”.

وعن كيليان مبابي أوضح: ”الحقيقة هي أن كيليان سجل بالفعل عددًا كبيرًا من الأهداف العام الماضي ويواصل ذلك هذا الموسم، كفريق لقد تحسنا ويمكننا الفوز بالمباريات، كيليان يلعب بمستوى مذهل كما يفعل كل موسم، معه لدينا فرصة أفضل للفوز”.

وعن هوس مبابي للفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا أردف تشواميني: “نعلم أنه لم يتمكن من الفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا بعد وهو هدف للنادي، كيليان يريد الفوز دائمًا، وسنحاول جميعًا تحقيق ذلك معًا، أولًا هناك مباراة الغد ويجب أن نكون مستعدين بدنيًا وذهنيًا”.

وعن ذكرياته ضد مارسيليا عندما كان لاعبًا مع موناكو، تابع: ”أتذكر تلك المباريات التي كان عليك فيها التسجيل وأنا مع موناكو في فيلودروم، الفريق قوي جدًا، الأجواء مختلفة ونعلم أنه يجب علينا تقديم مباراة جيدة جدًا للفوز”.

وعن وصوله إلى 150 مباراة مع ريال مدريد قال تشواميني: “إنه حلم، أحاول الاستمتاع بكل شيء كلاعب في ريال مدريد وآمل أن ألعب المزيد من المباريات، وأن أفوز بالألقاب، وأن أستمتع بكل موسم هنا”.

وأضاف: ”عندما تلعب مع ريال مدريد نكون تحت ضغط دائم، لا داعي للمزيد، علينا الفوز بكل لقب في كل موسم وسنبذل قصارى جهدنا بالتأكيد، ونسعى للفوز بالألقاب، في العام الماضي، لم نفز بالكثير وآمل أن نفوز بالمزيد هذا العام”.

وأوضح عن الفارق بين كارلو أنشيلوتي وتشابي ألونسو: “لا أنكر أننا نتدرب ضد الخصوم، ولكن هناك تغييرات ومنهجيات لعب مختلفة. هناك لاعبون غيروا مراكزهم، ​​أعرف مارسيليا وسيشكلون لنا مشاكل، إنهم لاعبون موهوبون للغاية وعلينا أن نثبت أنهم فريق قوي”.

وأردف: “مع المدرب تشابي منذ البداية، فزنا بالمباريات وأعتقد أننا تحسنا كفريق وكأفراد، أعتقد أن الجميع يشعر بالارتياح، أحاول اللعب بمستواي ومساعدة فريقي قدر الإمكان، نريد الفوز بكل شيء هذا الموسم وإذا لعبنا بمستوانا، فلدينا فرصة جيدة لتحقيق ذلك”.

وعن رأي جمهور فرنسا في تشواميني كلاعب تابع: “لا أعتقد أنهم يقللون من شأني، وظيفتي هي اللعب للفوز بالمباريات والألقاب، ربما هناك من لا يحبذ قيامي بعملي كما ينبغي، الأهم أن يكون زملائي ومدربي وناديي فخورين بي ولا أفكر في أي شيء آخر”.

وعن تحسن ريال مدريد دفاعيًأ هذا الموسم، واصل: “فزنا بالكثير مع كارلو، إنه من أفضل المدربين في التاريخ، يطلب منا تشابي القيام بأشياء مختلفة ولديه منهجية مختلفة، نحن نحسن أداءنا في كل مباراة ونسعى لتحقيق ما يريده، علينا أن نستمر على هذا المنوال للفوز بالمباريات”.

وعن قرارات التحكيم، استكمل: “يحاولون بذل قصارى جهدهم في كل مباراة، لكنهم يرتكبون أخطاءً مثلنا، الأهم هو الفوز وقد فعلنا ذلك، لا شيء يقال عن الحكام والجميع رأى ما حدث. علينا أن نتطلع إلى الأمام”.

وعن إمكانية إنهاء يال مدريد دور المجموعات من دوري الأبطال في المراكز الثمانية الأولى اختتم تشواميني: ”إذا فزنا بجميع المباريات، سنكون في الصدارة، سنرى ما سيحدث، الأهم هو مباراة الغد وآمل أن نبدأ البطولة بأفضل طريقة ممكنة”.

Manchester United are a club with huge ambitions this summer, looking to reach the next under the guidance of boss Ruben Amorim, who is set to enter his first pre-season with the club.

The 40-year-old was appointed as manager back in November, subsequently having to work with the players who were already on the books before his arrival.

However, the summer window has allowed the manager to make his own mark on the squad, having the funds to make the additions he wants to reach the next level at Old Trafford.

Matheus Cunha is a player who has already cost £62.5m during the off-season, as Amorim looks to add further quality to his attacking department at the Theatre of Dreams.

Along with the frontline, other areas of the pitch are set to receive investment from the hierarchy, with additions expected across the side in an attempt to rise up the Premier League table.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

The backline has also numerous players being linked with a move to join United, with Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo even being subject to an offer in recent days.

As for the midfield department, Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha another player who’s been of key interest, as Amorim looks to add depth to his first team squad.

However, the German isn’t the only midfielder on their radar, with Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi also a player in their sights, according to CaughtOffside.

They claim that the Red Devils have made an enquiry to the Serie A outfit over a potential deal for the 25-year-old, who made 47 appearances across all competitions last season.

It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £30m this summer, potentially taking the next step in his career after making just nine league starts throughout 2024/25.

Why United’s £30m target would be perfect for Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been United’s club captain over the last couple of years, leading by example at Old Trafford and thriving within the final third under various managers.

The Portuguese international has been leading talent within the midfielder department, notching a total of 37 combined goals and assists throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

He was undoubtedly the shining light in what was a dismal year for the club on the pitch, with it unthinkable to imagine where the Red Devils would’ve been without his contributions in attacking areas.

The £47m paid for his signature back in 2020 now appears to be a bargain, racking up just shy of 300 appearances for the club and hopefully many more in the club’s quest to return to their former glory.

However, he could potentially reach the next level at the club should the hierarchy land Frattesi this summer, with the Italian able to operate in a deep-lying role and hand Fernandes with the tools for success in attacking areas.

His stats from his season on Serie A is evidence of the talent he possesses, potentially handing Amorim a box-to-box option at the heart of the squad.

Frattesi, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders in Serie A” by journalist Fabrizio Romano, has completed 84% of the passes he’s attempted, averaging 2.3 progressive passes per 90 – having the tools to provide the Portuguese international with chances in attacking areas.

Davide Frattesi’s stats for Inter in Serie A (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	28
Goals & assists	6
Pass accuracy	84%
Progressive passes	2.3
Progressive carries	1.7
Tackles won	1.3
Tackle success rate	56%
Stats via FBref

He’s also averaged 1.7 progressive carries per 90, and ranking in the top 7% of Italy’s top flight for carries into the opposition box, subsequently able to provide the captain with endless opportunities.

The Italian has also won 1.3 tackles per 90, at a success rate of 56%, having the ability to regain possession, before playing the ball into forward areas – potentially being the perfect box-to-box option in the Red Devils side.

£30m for a player who’s consistently performed at the highest level in Italy could prove to be an excellent price, handing Amorim a new dimension to the heart of the side.

Frattesi also has the potential to improve further in the years ahead given his tender age, potentially providing an exciting talent in their quest to return to their former glory.

Mbeumo will love him: Man Utd submit £43m bid to sign "phenomenal" star

Manchester United appear to be making key moves in the transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 2, 2025

The board is taking a cautious approach after Stokes tore his hamstring during the tournament

Matt Roller16-Aug-2024

Gus Atkinson has played just one game for Oval Invincibles this season•Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Gus Atkinson will miss the final of the men’s Hundred after being made unavailable by the ECB ahead of England’s Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.Atkinson took 22 wickets in his debut series against West Indies and was named Player of the Series. He has only featured once for Oval Invincibles this year, returning figures of 0 for 28 in 10 balls against Trent Rockets on Wednesday night, and will not feature in Sunday’s final at Lord’s as he prepares for the Test series.”Gus has been withdrawn, which is quite understandable,” Sam Billings, the Invincibles’ captain, said. “It’s disappointing for him but Saqib Mahmood has been phenomenal for us all tournament and showed his class the other night. He’ll stay in the side.”The Invincibles are also missing Spencer Johnson through injury, but Tom Curran will return after he was rested on Wednesday.The ECB is taking a cautious approach to England players’ availability after Ben Stokes tore his hamstring playing for Northern Superchargers, ruling him out for the rest of the summer. Chris Woakes has already been withdrawn from the tournament, though Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett (both Birmingham Phoenix) and Jordan Cox (Invincibles) are available this weekend ahead of the first Test.Related

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“Jordan will be available and I think that’s great for him,” Billings said. “I’ve been in that position before where as a young player, you get withdrawn and miss out on playing time. For anyone to play in a final at Lord’s in the leading domestic competition in the country, in front of a packed house is perfect preparation for international cricket.”Jofra Archer, who is being managed carefully after long spells on the sidelines with back and elbow issues, is expected to be available for both Saturday’s eliminator and Sunday’s final, if Southern Brave qualify. He was made unavailable for two group-stage games to manage his workload, but Brave captain James Vince is not anticipating any restrictions in the knockouts.”I’ve not heard otherwise, so I’m hoping that’s the case,” Vince said. “Obviously we’ve got tomorrow to take care of first, but as I understand it, he is available for both should we make the final. I can’t give you 100% confirmation because I don’t know that myself, to be honest. But there’s not much travel involved and it’s only 20 balls [per match] so I’m sure he’ll be fine.”In the women’s Hundred, Chamari Athapaththu is unavailable for the Invincibles in their eliminator against London Spirit on Saturday, having linked up with Sri Lanka’s squad for their ODI series in Ireland. Laura Harris has returned to the squad as cover, while Megan Schutt has also been with the squad throughout and will come into contention.

Liverpool have played the long game recruitment-wise, and boy, does it look to be paying off now.

12 months ago, rival supporters were no doubt sneering at the Reds’ lack of transfer activity, with the Anfield side – who had seen the great Jurgen Klopp replaced by Arne Slot – expected to implode with only Federico Chiesa brought in to bolster the ranks.

A new manager normally calls for a mass overhaul, but instead, the Dutchman merely tweaked and tinkered, ultimately steering an already talented squad to Premier League glory at the very first attempt.

A quiet 2024 window now looks to have paid even greater dividends for the imperious champions, with £187m already dished out on five signings this summer, while further high-profile deals could lie in store for the financially secure outfit.

Recent reports have indicated that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is expected to be on his way to Anfield, while Newcastle United man Alexander Isak remains the dream target for those on Merseyside.

Whether that ‘dream’ becomes a reality is anyone’s guess, however, with alternatives to the Swede still under consideration.

Latest on Liverpool's transfer dealings

They say to strengthen while on top, and that appears to be exactly what Richard Hughes and co are plotting, with reports outlining that a £120m move could be in the offing for that man Isak.

The Magpies are adamant that the former Real Sociedad striker won’t be sold, however, hence why Liverpool are keeping their options open, with speculation even hinting at controversial interest in Manchester United outcast, Marcus Rashford.

That admiration for the Englishman is unlikely to go any further, however, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike the man being lined up in case Isak can’t be prised from St James’ Park.

Transfer Focus

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

As revealed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Reds made contact with the Bundesliga side regarding a potential move for the 23-year-old, amid that parallel interest in Isak.

That has been followed by further reports in France, which suggest that Ekitike has even agreed personal terms with the club, after signing off on a six-year contract with the Merseyside outfit.

The suggestion is that he only wants to join Slot’s side, despite the rival pursuit from Newcastle.

Games (starts)

32 (26)

33 (31)

Goals

6

15

Mins per goal

359min

172min

Big chances missed

11

16

Assists

2

8

Big chances created

7

12

Key passes*

0.6

1.3

Successful dribbles*

1.4

1.6

Total duels won*

42%

41%

A price tag of around €80m (£70m) has been mooted. Watch this space.

Why Ekitike could have shades of Coutinho

It is no secret that Isak is the man that Liverpool want, with there likely to be a sense of Ekitike being left to feel like second choice, should a deal for the former France U21 international be pursued instead.

A move for the Frankfurt man may well be more with one eye on the future, however, with there no immediate rush to propel him into the starting lineup at Anfield, not least with Slot already boasting a title-winning forward line.

Fresh off the back of scoring 22 goals in all competitions last season, Ekitike could be slowly integrated into the team in 2025/26, before truly exploding in years to come. Already looking like “one of the best strikers out there”, as per analyst Ben Mattinson, there is no telling the heights that he could reach.

In many ways then, such a deal could evoke memories of the purchase of a young Philippe Coutinho back in January 2013, with Liverpool forking out £8.5m to sign the then 20-year-old from Inter Milan, ahead of rival interest from Southampton.

Like Ekitike – who only scored four goals in 33 games during a difficult stint at Paris Saint-Germain – Coutinho hadn’t exactly flourished during his time in Italy, making just 47 appearances and scoring only five times in total at the San Siro.

It was a loan switch to Espanyol in January 2012 that appeared to reinvigorate the Vasco de Gama youth product, as he scored five times in just 16 games in Spain. Ekitike, meanwhile, joined Frankfurt on an initial loan 18 months ago, scoring four times in just 14 league games at the tail-end of 2023/24.

Like Coutinho, Ekitike appears to have flourished away from the bright lights of an elite club like PSG, although that’s not to suggest he can’t thrive second time around by joining another European giant in Liverpool.

What particularly stands out regarding the “world-class” talent – as per scout Jacek Kulig – is the creative ability that goes along with his ball-striking prowess, having registered eight assists and created 12 ‘big chances’ in the Bundesliga last time out, as per Sofascore. For comparison, only Mohamed Salah provided more league assists (18) back at Anfield.

That blend of creativity and quality in front of goal was also evident during Coutinho’s fruitful stint for the Reds, having scored 54 goals and registered 44 assists in 201 games, prior to his £142m exit to Barcelona.

Where the pair – who can both operate centrally or in that left channel – are also alike is in their ball-carrying prowess, with Ekitike ranking in the top 4% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

For Coutinho, his final season in the Premier League for Liverpool saw him rank in the top 1% and the top 4% of midfielders for those same two metrics, respectively, having possessed that gift for breezing past an opponent with ease.

Having been an exciting young prospect initially under Brendan Rodgers, the Brazilian playmaker ultimately emerged as a central figure for the club over the next few years, with the chance there for Ekitike – alongside Florian Wirtz – to enjoy a similar progression when Salah’s impact ultimately begins to wane.

A better signing than Ekitike: Liverpool in talks to land £50m PL striker

Liverpool are considering their options amid links to both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 16, 2025