Category Uncategorized

Afghanistan captain hopes the ACB “will try harder to give us opportunities against good teams in the future”

Vishal Dikshit and Daya Sagar08-Sep-2024Apart from hoping to play Test cricket more frequently going forward, Hashmatullah Shahidi wants “one good home venue” in India instead of going from place to place, as they currently cannot play international cricket back home in Afghanistan.Afghanistan will host New Zealand for a one-off Test starting on Monday in Greater Noida, near Delhi. Their other home Tests since becoming a Full Member have been in Dehradun, Lucknow and Abu Dhabi. Sticking with one home venue will make them a stronger and more effective team in red-ball cricket, Shahidi said.”If you see, India is our home and when we host teams, the other nations have played more cricket than us here,” Shahidi said while addressing the media the day before the Test. “So hopefully we will get one good venue here in India and we stick with that. If we stick with one venue, it will be more effective for us.Related

• Cricketing nomads Afghanistan hurt by lack of dedicated home venue

• Greater Noida under the weather ahead of Test debut

• Three uncapped players in Afghanistan squad for NZ Test

• Rashid takes a break from Test cricket on medical advice

“And one more thing, if you see our players, they have good record in first-class cricket because we play in our own grounds [in Afghanistan]. We know our own conditions very well. So hopefully that time comes in future that teams come to Afghanistan. Then our average will be even higher than what it is right now and hopefully our cricket board and BCCI give a good venue for us in India and we play a lot of cricket in one venue.”Afghanistan have played nine Tests in their six years at this level, and even though they are slotted to play 22 Tests in the current FTP – from 2023 to 2027 – only a handful are against the top sides. In the current FTP, Afghanistan have so far played against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ireland, and after the New Zealand game, have Tests scheduled against Zimbabwe (six), Ireland (three), India (one), Australia (one) and West Indies (one).”In six years, nine games is not, I cannot say it’s a lot,” Shahidi said. “If we get a lot more chances with the good teams, we will improve, and our cricket board is doing that job. Like with New Zealand, if you see their history of Test cricket and where they are in the rankings right now, it’s a good opportunity for us and hopefully our cricket board will try harder to give us opportunities against good teams in the future. I think if we get more chances on regular basis, we will improve a lot because if we see as a team and as a country, we are brave people and we always accept challenges.It all looked rather wet and forlorn the day before the Test in Greater Noida•Daya Sagar/ESPNcricinfo

“If we get three- or four-match series in one time, I think it will be very good for us as a side. If you look at our past, we get one Test match and we start preparing for that ten days before. So it’s not easy to come to red-ball cricket. Playing matches will make us even better on judging the ball and playing good cricket in red-ball format, compared to playing in the nets. So if we play three-four games back to back I think it will be better.”Ranked 12th in the ICC Test rankings, Afghanistan are a force in the white-ball formats, ranked ninth in ODIs and tenth in T20Is. They took down teams like England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup last year and made it to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in June this year after beating New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh.”About Test cricket, 100% we want to improve,” Shahidi said. “We want to show to the world our best format is Test cricket. And I mentioned before that we accept all kinds of challenges, and I am telling the boys also that these opportunities are very big opportunities for us, each and every one to show our skill, to show our talent and make… if I am a batsman, make a big score, big runs. So your name will be among the big names in the future. So if you want that, this is the place and time to show. I think we have that ability to do it and need to show it.”At this stage, it’s not clear how much red-ball action Afghanistan will get from this Test as a weather threat looms over the game, with rain and moderate thunderstorms forecast for the coming week.

Sri Lanka have given their women’s T20I side a youthful overhaul ahead of the three-match series against West Indies, making six changes to the side that competed in last month’s T20 World Cup qualifiers. Among them are the under-25 trio of Imesha Dulani, Sachini Nisansala and Kaushini Nuthyangana – they have eight T20Is between them – and the uncapped 17 year-old Rashmika Sewwandi. There are also recalls for the veteran pair of Oshadi Ranasinghe and Ama Kanchana, who last turned out for a T20I in September and February 2023 respectively.Making way are Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera, Hansima Karunaratne, Anushka Sanjeewani and Achini Kulasuriya. Of these, the omissions of Sanjeewani and Kulasuriya are likely to raise eyebrows after both had made their mark in the recently concluded ODI series against the West Indies.Kulasuriya had taken three wickets across the first and second ODIs before being rotated out in the third. Her economical spells had also played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run in the qualifiers. Sanjeewani meanwhile had seemingly smashed her way out of a lean patch with a match-defining 46-ball 55 two days ago.On the whole, the exclusions and their replacements have seen the average age of the squad drop from 29.4 to 26.25. Sewwandi, a batting allrounder, joins 15 year-old Shashini Gimhani – who made her debut in the qualifiers – in the 16-member squad, while there are now just six players above the age of 30.Despite these changes though, the batting unit remains as solid as ever, led by Chamari Athapaththu. Vishmi Gunaratne, still just 18, has already nailed down a spot at the top of the order, while the likes of Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Nilakshi de Silva and Kavisha Dilhari were all in the runs during the West Indies ODIs. There could also be game time for Dulani and allrounder Sewwandi, along with Nuthyangana, who is the only recognised wicketkeeper in the squad.The spin department as ever is stacked, and will be headed by the experienced trio of Ranasinghe, Inoshi Fernando and Sugandika Kumari. They will be supplemented by wristspinner Gimhani and left-arm spinner Nisansala – fresh off a five-wicket haul in her last ODI – while also being able to call on the services of Dilhari and Athapaththu. Meanwhile Kanchana, Kawya Kavindi and Sewwandi are the seam bowling options.The first T20I will take place in Hambantota on June 24 followed by the second and third matches on June 26 and 28.

Sri Lanka women’s T20I squad

Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Nilakshi De Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Inoshi Fernando, Sugandika Kumari, Ama Kanchana, Rashmika Sewwandi, Imesha Dulani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Sachini Nisansala, Kaushini Nuthyangana

Fire must wait to confirm their knock-out place while Phoenix kept their top-three hopes alive

ECB Media10-Aug-2024

Katie Levick removed Jess Jonassen and Hayley Matthews in the penultimate set•ECB via Getty Images

An inspired bowling performance by Birmingham Phoenix flipped the formbook against Welsh Fire to keep the Phoenix squarely in the mix as The Hundred reaches the business end.Marshalling her attack superbly to defend a modest 121, Phoenix skipper Ellyse Perry was once again the catalyst, claiming wickets in successive balls to remove Sophie Dunkley and Sarah Bryce after Charis Pavely had early induced a thin edge from Tammy Beaumont.Those wickets checked the Fire’s progress but from 42 for 3 the overseas stars Hayley Matthews and Jess Jonassen got together to repair the innings. They put on 46 together, with Jonassen playing beautifully down the ground, check-driving what would turn out to be the only six of the Fire’s innings.But with 34 needed from 27 balls, leg-spinner Hannah Baker scuttled a straight one past Jonassen’s attempted reverse sweep, and the squeeze was on.Fellow leggie Katie Levick, daring to give it some air, then encouraged the dangerous Georgia Elwiss to pick out deep mid-off, before returning for the penultimate set of five to claim the key scalp of Matthews for 35 (38), caught at extra cover looking to clear the infield.With 14 needed, a nerveless final set from Emily Arlott iced the match.Earlier in the piece, the Phoenix’s innings was held together by the Netherlands right-hander Sterre Kalis, who started circumspectly in cahoots with Sophie Devine before unfurling eight fours en route to her first half-century of the tournament.Although Matthews’s off-breaks – 3 for 32 from her full quota – kept the Phoenix middle-order in check, their total on a turning pitch was just good enough, ensuring that the Phoenix are alive and kicking going into the tournament’s final week.Kalis, named the Meerkat Match Hero, said: “Obviously we struggled a bit at the start on a used pitch and I probably let the bowlers bowl a bit too much to me, rather than getting out there with more intent, but I stuck around and finally got some away and felt alright!”I’m really happy with the opportunity to go in up top, it was something I really wanted this year and to get an opportunity is something I really appreciate.”Credit to Pez [Perry] early on and then the spinners. It wasn’t the highest total to defend, so the bowlers did an amazing job to restrict them. Two more games to go. A good win for us today and hopefully we can stay in the competition.”

Following the news that Kevin De Bruyne is set to depart as a free agent this summer, Manchester City have now been handed a fresh concern by Real Madrid’s reported interest in signing one of Pep Guardiola’s star men.

Guardiola preparing for Man Utd revenge

In what will now go down as De Bruyne’s final Manchester derby, Guardiola and his Manchester City side will be seeking revenge over their rivals after Amad Diallo’s shock last-gasp winner left them on the losing side earlier in the campaign. In what has been a campaign to forget, the Citizens will be hoping to at least compile the misery on Manchester United.

Forget Foden: Pep already has the perfect De Bruyne replacement at Man City

Manchester City will lose Kevin de Bruyne this summer, handing Pep Guardiola a task to replace him.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 4, 2025

Guardiola reiterated that his side are currently in a good place ahead of the chance to earn revenge against their rivals, telling reporters: “Good. The last two games we were good and hopefully we continue in the last eight games in the Premier League and prepare. The people rest and tomorrow we’re going to prepare the game.”

However, the Spaniard’s main focus was on De Bruyne’s announcement and how he will miss the Belgian’s quality, saying in his pre-match press conference: “Sad day. It’s a happy day for the fact of the pleasure that I live this time that I have with him. He gave all of us his humanity and of course his influence in all our success. The last decade would not be possible to imagine without him.”

That said, De Bruyne may not be the only star man that Guardiola is left bidding farewell to this summer, with Real Madrid now readying a shock move to sign one particular Manchester City star.

Real Madrid readying Bernardo Silva move

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are now readying a move to sign Bernardo Silva this summer, with the midfielder keen to leave the Etihad and end an incredibly successful tenure in the Premier League. Like De Bruyne, Silva has played a pivotal part in City’s dominance over the years as a jack of all trades at Guardiola’s disposal.

After a difficult campaign, however, the Portugal international could be among those allowed to leave the club in what would arguably be coming at the right time for all involved.

Once dubbed “irreplaceable” by Guardiola, Silva is now struggling to keep up with the pace of the Premier League and must make way for a much-needed rebuild at Manchester City this summer. And if that means a move to Real Madrid, then not many could argue over whether a player of his success deserves such a move.

da supremo： Manchester United slumped to another defeat in the Premier League this season when they were beaten 4-3 by Brentford in a dramatic clash on Sunday.

da bet7： The Red Devils have now lost 16 times in the top-flight this term and sit 15th in the table as it stands, winning just ten, and there is no denying that it has a dismal domestic campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s side could still win the Europa League and secure Champions League football for next season, but United will know that they need to improve their domestic form.

On the same day that Manchester United were thrashed by the Bees, Red Devils loanee Antony added another goal to his collection for Real Betis, with the stunner against Espanyol.

The Brazilian forward, who joined Real Betis on loan in the January transfer window, has now scored three goals in his last four appearances for the Spanish side, whilst his parent club continue to struggle.

Antony's impressive form on loan at Real Betis

The left-footed flop started the season with zero goals and zero assists in 12 appearances in the Premier League and the Europa League combined for Manchester United.

Antony, who produced three goals and two assists in 38 matches for the club in the 2023/24 campaign, was allowed to go out on loan in January because he had not performed well enough at the top end of the pitch over the previous 18 months.

Three goals and two assists in 50 games is not a good enough return for an attacking player who reportedly cost the club a fee of £86m from Ajax in the summer of 2022.

Perhaps the weight of that transfer fee has been too much for Antony to carry during his time at Old Trafford because his performances for Real Betis are those of a star who is playing with the weight off his shoulders.

Antony (24/25)

LaLiga

Conference League

Appearances

13

7

xG

2.66

0.76

Goals

4

3

Big chances created

8

4

Key passes per game

2.5

1.0

Assists

2

2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Brazil international has made an instant impact in Spain in both LaLiga and the Conference League with his exciting performances at the top end of the pitch.

He has been directly involved in 11 goals in 20 matches, with seven goals and four assists, in those two competitions, which shows that he has provided a huge threat in the final third from a right wing position.

Despite his impressive burst of performances for Real Betis in recent months, Manchester United could find a winger who is miles better than him by landing a player they have an active interest in.

Man Utd preparing bid for Premier League star

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of the clubs that are interested in a deal to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Arsenal are also eyeing up a possible swoop for the Cameroon international ahead of next season.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

It states that Newcastle United are also keen on the Bees sensation but his club’s valuation of up to £65m is said to make it a difficult deal for the Magpies to do this summer.

The outlet does, however, reveal that Manchester United are preparing an opening offer to sign the forward from Brentford, although it remains to be seen how much that bid will be, and that they could sell the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony to fund a deal.

INEOS and Amorim must push to win the race for his signature, amid competition from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, because he could come in as a forward who is miles better than Antony.

Why Manchester United sign Bryan Mbeumo

Whilst Antony has caught the eye with his goals and assists for Real Betis since January, the former Ajax star remains an unproven quantity in the Premier League.

As aforementioned, the £86m signing did not provide enough quality, through goals and assists, in the top-flight during his time with Manchester United before being sent out on loan at the start of this year.

Mbeumo, on the other hand, has shown that he has the ability and the consistency to make a big impact in the Premier League, which would make him miles better than Antony has been for the club at that level.

The Brentford star, who has scored 68 goals for the club in all competitions to date in his career, has been in sensational form for the Bees in the current campaign and could be a terrific addition to Amorim’s squad.

No Manchester United player has scored more than eight goals in the Premier League this season, and no Manchester United winger has scored more than seven goals in the division, which illustrates how desperate the Portuguese coach is for an influx of attacking talent in the summer transfer window.

Bryan Mbeumo

24/25 Premier League

Appearances

35

xG

10.82

Goals

18

Big chances created

16

xA

8.84

Assists

6

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Brentford star has been in incredible form in the top-flight with a return of 24 goal involvements, and more than twice as many goals as any Red Devils star has managed.

Mbeumo, who was once described as “incredible” by reporter Dom Smith, has scored more goals this season than Antony has managed in his last four league campaigns combined (17) for Real Betis, Manchester United, and Ajax.

This suggests that the £65m-rated star would be miles better for United than Antony has been, or would be next season, because he carries a significantly greater goal threat and has already proven himself in the Premier League.

Therefore, INEOS must ensure that the bid they are reportedly preparing to make is enough to tempt the Bees into cashing in on their star forward, because he has the quality to be an exceptional addition to Amorim’s squad heading into the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

Related He'll be amazing with Bruno: Man Utd agree personal terms to sign £53m star

Manchester United are closing in on a “special” star who would thrive alongside Bruno Fernandes.

Posts 2 ByDan Emery Apr 28, 2025

أكد سيد عبد الحفيظ، مدير الكرة السابق بالنادي الأهلي، أن المرحلة الحالية تتطلب تكاتفاً ودعماً كبيراً للفريق قبل المواجهة المرتقبة أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا في الدوري الممتاز، مشدداً على أن الانتقادات في هذا التوقيت لن تكون في مصلحة النادي.

وقال عبد الحفيظ في تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب” على قناة “MBC مصر”: “ما أراه إن هذا التوقيت يحتاج إلى تكاتف أكثر، الفترة الماضية انتقدنا الفريق، لكن الآن نحن على وشك مباراة هامة جدًا قد تعيدك للمنافسة”.

وتابع سيد عبد الحفيظ: “أنا كمنتمي للأهلي أتساءل، هل من مصلحة الأهلي أن ننتقد الآن؟ لا، المفترض أن نجتمع الآن قبل مواجهة سيراميكا كليوباترا لأنها مباراة هامة”.

وأضاف: “مشكلة الأهلي في اللاعبين أنفسهم، عليهم أن يعرفوا المعنى الحقيقي للأهلي والسمات الحقيقية التي تميز النادي، وأن من يدخل الفريق يأخذ من سمات النادي وليس العكس، وهي أن اللاعبين يكون قلبهم على قلب بعض، هذه هي الروح التي تجعلك تكسب بطولة”.

طالع أيضًا | شوبير يوضح موقف فيتوريا من تدريب الأهلي.. ويوجه اللوم للجمهور

وأردف: “بداية الأهلي المتعثرة قد تحدث، لاعبو الأهلي ليسوا في حالتهم الجيدة، في موسم 2010 -2011 كان هناك أسماء كبيرة في الأهلي وكانت نفس الحالة السيئة، ثم عادوا وانطلقوا انطلاقة قوية، لذلك أطلب من الجميع الاتحاد والاجتماع خلف الفريق في الفترة الحالية لنتخطى هذه الفترة”.

وبسؤاله عن إمكانية توليه منصب المدير الرياضي للنادي الأهلي، أجاب عبد الحفيظ: “لا يجب أن تسألني هذا السؤال خاصة وأن هناك من يعمل في هذا المنصب الآن منذ فترة قليلة، فلا بد أن يأخذ فرصته وما زال الوقت مبكرًا جدًا”.

ومن المقرر أن يواصل الأهلي مبارياته في الدوري المصري بخوض لقاء قوي أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا، في إطار مواجهات الجولة السابعة من المسابقة المحلية، وذلك يوم الجمعة المُقبل الموافق 19 سبتمبر.

Allrounder Heather Graham, who was a stand-by for the series, is unavailable following an illness

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Mar-2024

Darcie Brown has played seven ODIs and nine T20Is in the last year•ICC/Getty Images

Grace Harris has replaced Darcie Brown in Australia’s ODI squad for their tour of Bangladesh.Brown was ruled out because of a navicular stress injury in her left foot. A Cricket Australia statement said that an exact timeframe for Brown’s return will be determined in due course.Harris had previously been selected only for the T20Is but will now leave sooner. Her WPL stint with UP Warriorz has already ended after they failed to qualify for the playoffs. Australia have not brought in a replacement for Brown in the T20I squad.Related

Jonassen omitted for Bangladesh tour, Vlaeminck recalled

Harris doesn't want to be the big dog, just the best she can be

In another update, allrounder Heather Graham, who was a stand-by for the series, is now unavailable following an illness.Jess Jonassen had been omitted from Australia’s squad, which was announced last month, and Tayla Vlaeminck had earned a recall.Australia will play three ODIs and as many T20Is in their first ever tour of Bangladesh, starting March 21. The ODIs will be part of the Women’s Championship.Australia are currently at the top of the table with ten wins in 15 games and Bangladesh are placed seventh with four wins from 15 games.Updated Australia squad for Bangladesh tourAlyssa Healy (capt), Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck

The Bangladesh head coach feels the BPL has not helped develop T20 cricket in the country

Mohammad Isam24-Feb-2024

Most BPL teams rely on overseas players for important roles•BCB

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has hit out at the state of the Bangladesh Premier League, indicating that it has not helped develop T20 cricket in the country.Hathurusinghe pointed at the lack of local representation in key batting and bowling roles in the BPL, with the teams often relying on their overseas players for big moments. He also said the ICC should step in to ensure there are regulations in place when it comes to players participating in multiple tournaments in the same window.”We [Bangladesh] don’t have a proper T20 tournament,” Hathurusinghe told ESPNcricinfo. “This sounds very odd. When I am watching the BPL, I sometimes turn off the TV. Some players are not even of the [required] class. I have a big issue with the current system. The ICC need to step in. There has to be some regulations. A player is playing one tournament and then he is playing another tournament. It is like a circus. Players will talk about opportunities, but that’s not right. People will lose interest. I have lost interest.”Hathurusingha said that the Bangladesh players must be given central roles in the BPL.”We need to have a tournament where our players can do things like batting in the top three… Bangladesh bowlers bowling in the death,” he said. “Where will we learn these things otherwise? We have only one tournament.”This season Chattogram Challengers, Sylhet Strikers and Durdanto Dhaka have relied on overseas players for their top three, while Comilla Victorians, Khulna Tigers and Rangpur Riders have used more local players.When it comes to bowling, Comilla, for example, have 12 bowlers in their squad. At the death, they have used eight overseas bowlers. Khulna and Dhaka too have relied more on overseas bowlers during this period. Chattogram, Rangpur, Barishal and Sylhet have used more local bowlers.Abu Hider’s five-wicket haul for Rangpur against Fortune Barishal also underlined just how under-utilised local bowlers are. After missing several games, he took five wickets in his second outing.Khulna called up Jon-Russ Jaggesar, a 37-year-old offspinner from Trinidad and Tobago, whose last competitive game before the BPL appearance was in September 2022. Khulna had spinners Nasum Ahmed, Arif Ahmed and Habibur Rahman in their squad. Left-arm spinners Taijul Islam and Rakibul Hasan played five and two matches respectively for Barishal, who got Keshav Maharaj after he was done with the SA20 stint.Hathurusinghe said the BCB should organise a separate tournament only for local players before the BPL so they could get more T20 experience.”My suggestion is that we have another tournament before the BPL,” he said. “The franchises do what they want. Some of the best players are not playing. Then how do you expect the Bangladesh team to be up with the other teams? I am fighting a steep battle.”

“Hopefully tomorrow he’ll turn up at the ground and be OK to hold a bat,” says James Anderson

Vithushan Ehantharajah04-Feb-2024Joe Root should be fit to bat in England’s fourth-innings chase of 399 in the second Test against India after spending most of day three off the field nursing a damaged finger.Root sustained a blow on his right little finger in the eighth over of the day, after an edge from Shreyas Iyer off the bowling of James Anderson bounced short of him. Root was immediately in pain and spent large periods of time off the field in the morning session. He did not emerge from the dressing room for the rest of India’s second innings.It meant, after bowling two overs to start the day’s play, England were short a bowling option. Nevertheless, they rallied to dismiss India for 255, with the inexperienced spin trio of Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir combining for eight wickets to limit England’s target to 399 to win in Visakhapatnam for an unlikely 2-0 lead in the series. They will resume their innings on day four on 67 for 1 after Ben Duckett fell to Ravichandran Ashwin.Related

• Bazball may be facing its toughest task yet

• A Gill century that showed his struggle and growth

• Gill puts India ahead but England hopeful of Bazball miracle

Anderson, who took 2 for 29, said Root’s absence from the field was precautionary. England’s medical team spent the day treating and icing Root’s finger. At the time of writing, they did not see a reason to send him for a scan.”His finger is not great,” said Anderson. “He took a blow in training this morning and again on the field. It’s just making sure that is as good as it can be for when he bats. Hopefully tomorrow he’ll turn up at the ground and be OK to hold a bat.”He was just making sure he could do everything he could to help us out in the second innings, just making sure it’s as good as possible for tomorrow. There’s a chance we will need him with the bat so it’s making sure he can hold a bat.”I don’t think there’s concerns. It’s making sure he’s as good as he can be. There’s no point risking it for an external blow, no point risking it further out in the middle, so it’s making sure he’s good enough to bat.”Given the injury is external, Root will be able to bat in his usual position at four – or five, as it is now, after Rehan was promoted up the order to bat three. At the close, Rehan was unbeaten on 9 and Zak Crawley was not out 29.

Leroy Sane has received a new contract offer from Bayern Munich but it's still uncertain whether he will renew as Arsenal monitor the situation.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Sane out of contract this summerBayern make improved offerArsenal linked with free transferFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Bayern have submitted a new contract offer to Germany international Sane, whose current deal is due to expire this summer. His agent, Pini Zahavi, was spotted having dinner with sporting director Max Eberl this week and it looks like those discussions have been positive, with a final decision on the renewal now expected in the coming days.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Sane's contract situation has seen Premier League sides like Arsenal and Tottenham be linked with free transfers during the summer window. The 29-year-old previously spent four seasons at Manchester City, though his final campaign was curtailed by an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He won two top-flight league titles in England as well as three Carabao Cups and an FA Cup.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sane bagged 12 goals in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, making it the fifth season in a row where he has hit double figures since he joined Bayern.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR SANE?

Sane has a big decision to make in the coming days. Bayern are thought to want a resolution before they start their Club World Cup campaign next month, where they will take on Auckland City, Boca Juniors and Benfica during the group stages in the USA.