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Awesome foursome of Gayle, Bravo, Russell and Pollard can’t prevent title defence from flopping

Deivarayan Muthu04-Nov-20216:49

Are West Indies playing an outdated brand of T20 cricket?

October 7, 2012. Marlon Samuels devours Lasith Malinga and Sri Lanka as West Indies win their first T20 World Cup title. Their coruscating T20I reign begins there and runs until…….November 4, 2021, when it comes to a grinding halt at the hands of Sri Lanka in the UAE.It was Chris Gayle who led West Indies’ rousing celebrations nearly a decade ago in Colombo, with press-ups and jigs as Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard all cheered him on. The quartet go on to become the face, heart, and soul of T20 cricket around the world.Once the West Indies board underwent a revamp, with Ricky Skerritt taking over from Dave Cameron, their grand plan was to get the old rock band back together in 2019. Pollard was appointed West Indies’ white-ball captain under a new administration, Bravo decided to come out of T20I retirement for his last dance. Gayle pushed himself on to another World Cup, becoming the oldest player at the tournament at 42. You can probably hear Russell’s knee rattle when he runs into bowl, but he, too, is in for another tilt at the world title.

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On Thursday, West Indies, the defending champions, are up against Sri Lanka, who had to play the qualifier to make the tournament proper. Former captain Daren Sammy keeps repeating on the TV commentary that West Indies’ legacy is on the line. After losing three tosses, Pollard finally wins one and opts to bowl first in Abu Dhabi. But his bowling attack never really turns up, as has been the case throughout the tournament.Related

• West Indies crashed and burned in the 2021 World Cup. How do they turn their T20I fortunes around?

• Akeal Hosein's time to shine

• Is this the last time we see Chris Gayle for West Indies?

• As it happened – Sri Lanka vs West Indies, Men's T20 World Cup, Super 12s

• Dwayne Bravo confirms international retirement after West Indies exit

West Indies’ success in 2012 and 2016 was built around a versatile attack. Samuel Badree gave nothing away in the powerplay; he was superbly backed up by Sunil Narine (in 2012) and Suleiman Benn (2016) in the powerplay. In 2016, Bravo was at the peak of his T20 powers while Carlos Brathwaite and Sammy also pitched in with the ball.In this edition of the tournament, their bowling attack has been fragile although Jason Holder’s late inclusion in the main squad did make it look slightly better. Ravi Rampaul, who was part of West Indies’ title-winning team in 2012, is now 37-years-old. Sure, he bowled some tough overs for Trinbago Knight Riders on his return to the CPL, but it was a gamble to pick him as one of the frontline seamers after just one good season.ESPNcricinfo LtdFabian Allen was originally lined up to do the role that Benn did with the ball five years ago, but an injury sidelined him from the tournament. Akeal Hosein had one of the best economy rates in the most recent CPL, however, couldn’t find similar control in the UAE. Bravo was in hot form for Chennai Super Kings in their run to the IPL title, but cooled off so much that he conceded 42 runs in his four overs against Sri Lanka. It was his third-worst analysis in what could be his second-last T20I.

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All up, West Indies’ attack picked up only 14 wickets in four innings at an average of 37.71. Only India and Netherlands have taken fewer wickets in the tournament, having played one game fewer.Oshane Thomas, who bowled with renewed vigour for Barbados Tridents in the CPL, could have added some extra pace and fizz to the attack, but West Indies were rigid with their combination and didn’t use him at all.

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How about their batting? It was just as one-dimensional, with their high-risk six-or-nothing approach failing them in the UAE. West Indies’ dot-ball percentage of 45.70 was the third worst in the tournament, behind Namibia and Scotland. Lendl Simmons epitomised West Indies’ batting struggles when he dawdled to 16 off 35 balls in a match-losing innings against South Africa.The big four – Gayle, Pollard, Russell and Bravo – couldn’t get the big hits away either. Against Sri Lanka, Gayle chipped left-arm seamer Binura Fernando to mid-on. Russell was bounced out by Chamika Karunaratne while both Pollard and Bravo were done in by sharp wrong’uns from Wanindu Hasaranga.Success was limited for West Indies in the UAE•ICC via GettySri Lanka aced their match-ups and Pollard would later admit that West Indies lacked enough game-smarts.The old band is now breaking up and the search for a new one is already on. In a way, the fading seniors have already passed the baton to Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran, who hit 81 and 46 respectively even as West Indies crashed out. Pollard has tipped them to be the future batting leaders, but the prospects do look bleak on the bowling front. Who is the next big T20 spinner after Sunil Narine? Who is the next big T20 fast bowler from the Caribbean?Pollard, Gayle, Bravo and Russell transformed West Indies into the first great men’s T20I team and revolutionised the format, but winds of change are already beginning to blow through Caribbean cricket.

Kohli and Co have the opportunity to add to the list of memorable moments that contests between the two teams have produced

Mark Nicholas02-Aug-2021Once, in an almost proper game in 1996, I bowled a ball to Sachin Tendulkar. It was at Arundel: the prettiest place, lush green within and the Sussex downs rolling out beyond. India needed six to win against the Duke of Norfolk’s XI, and as captain I called upon myself for the denouement. Fair enough, I thought, bowling to Tendulkar when it doesn’t happen every day. My team, my toy.Before delivering an offbreak, I suggested that he might delight the crowd by hitting it flat into or over the sightscreen. He smiled. In I stepped and out he stepped, to thrash the thing gun-barrel straight and violently hard at the very centre of the screen. The noise when it clattered 15 feet up the white board some 70 metres away was every bit as stunning as that which came from the great man’s bat.The first sighting of Sachin live was early in 1992, at the WACA in Perth. He made a hundred against the bullies – Merv Hughes, Craig McDermott et al. I had never seen the like, neither had the folk in the bleachers, who were at first gobsmacked and then starry-eyed. He looked 15 (he was not even 19) and diminutive; apologetic almost. His back-foot play was remarkable, given the fast and bouncy pitch was hardly a cinch for a boy from the maidans of Mumbai. The legend had preceded him but the power and thrill of that innings was barely believable.Related

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A year and half earlier, in the Old Trafford Test of 1990, he made a hundred against hard-nosed English pros – Angus Fraser and the like. He was 17 then – ridiculous really. At Lord’s in the opening Test of that series he took a fantastic outfield catch – sprinting, stretching, reaching, grabbing and then rising to his full height, ball in a single hand, with the grin of a child who had successfully stolen an apple from a tree. Not that Sachin was the story of Lord’s, far from it.The story was Graham Gooch, who made 456 runs in the match and led England to victory. I mention this because I was run out for 0 against Sussex – at Arundel by coincidence – and watched many of those runs on television while sulking in a large room at the back of the pavilion.Graham Gooch’s 333 and 123 in the 1990 Lord’s Test made him player of the match, but Mohammad Azharuddin and Kapil Dev took some of the limelight away with their heroics•Getty ImagesYet it is not Gooch who fills the memory. He has to share it with Mohammad Azharuddin and Kapil Dev, two of the most gifted men to play the game. Azharuddin creamed a hundred all around the ground that Denis Compton had adorned with a similar flair in the years after the Second World War; Kapil ensured that India avoided the follow-on by smashing Eddie Hemmings for four consecutive sixes to pass the 200 deficit mark. Each was hit straight and high and disappeared into the building works at the Nursery End. As MCC had demolished a stand, so Kapil demolished a bowler.After the Australians, India was quite the visit. My first memories were of The Oval in 1971, when the door was shut on England’s run of 26 unbeaten Test matches. Abid Ali cut to the boundary at 2.42pm on the fifth afternoon and India’s first victory in 22 attempts on English soil was complete, as was the winning of the three-match series. The names ring loud and clear – Sunny and Vishy; Mankad, Wadekar and Sardesai; Rooky, Ekky, the master close catcher, and the three spinners Bedi, Venkat and the amazing Chandrasekhar. Solkar’s catch at short leg to get rid of Alan Knott off Venkat is frozen in memory, tumbling away to his left and holding on one-handed, eyes fixed firmly on the ball, with Engineer jumping in joy behind him. There was a wizardry about these spin bowlers that was hardly less magical after Venkat had stepped into Erapalli Prasanna’s mighty boots.Chandrasekhar’s long and whippy polio-affected bowling arm enabled him to hurry the ball through at near medium pace and create incredible revs, especially with his mesmerising googly. In that match he claimed 6 for 38 between lunch and tea on the fourth day, the consequence of which was to send this young lad into the back garden to see how it was done. With each attempt the ball flew over the neighbour’s fence, and before long a feeble imitation of Prasanna and Bedi ensued instead.Eknath Solkar, close catcher par excellence•Getty ImagesThree years later India were back, this time with Prasanna in the side. He made no difference. On pitches that were reluctant to let spin bowling into the game, the English seam attack proved all-conquering, so much so that Bob Willis, who was 12th man for the second Test, at Lord’s, came on with drinks when India were 30 for 7 to discover that the general chat was about letting the India batsmen score a few in the hope of entertaining the crowd. “In short,” said Bob, “some of us felt a bit sorry for them, because Geoff Arnold and Chris Old got it going sideways in increasingly helpful conditions. Only the English, patronising in manner, could feel such a thing! Thankfully, the bowlers were having none of it and finished off the tail for just 12 more runs.” The victory was by an innings and 285, England’s largest ever margin against India. But this was no more excruciating than being 0 for 4 at Headingley in 1952 against Fred Trueman, on his debut and on leave from the RAF. A pity indeed because Vijay Hazare and Vijay Manjrekar had shared a partnership of 222 in the first innings, an Indian record for the fourth wicket that held until 1997-98. That match was Len Hutton’s first as England captain, and better still, the first time the selectors broke with amateur tradition and appointed a professional. Hutton was not to let them down.Wind forward to 1979 and Sunil Gavaskar at the Oval once more. When Mike Brearley declared England’s second innings, asking India to make 438 to win the match, no one could have imagined the possibility of it. Except Gavaskar. The result shows India nine short, eight wickets down and moral victory secured. But it shows nothing of Gavaskar’s flawless innings, of his concentration and sheer willpower. It was a performance that had this same young lad, now a rookie with Hampshire, glued to the television screen and urging him on. Upon his dismissal for 221 came a groan of despair in the living room at home for it was written in the tea leaves that India would fall short.Sunny, like his brother-in-law Viswanath, was brought up “listening to Polly Umrigar scoring centuries on All-India radio.” For a long while, they were two of only three men to make a double-hundred for India against England. The other, ten years older than both, was a dashing fellow and cricketer in the Compton/Keith Miller mould – Mansur Ali Khan, the Nawab of Pataudi. “Tiger” as they called him was coached by Frank Woolley, played for Sussex at 16, lost an eye in a car crash at 20, and a year later became the youngest Test captain in history. In a country of eagle eyes this one-eyed man was king for 13 years. Vishy, incidentally, made 222 against England in Madras, a single run pipping the other chap in the family to the bragging rights.One duck, two duck, three duck, fore: the scoreboard records India’s ignominy at Headingley in 1952•PA PhotosDaft, improbable turning points cobbled together a glorious day at Lord’s in the midsummer of 1983 as the rank outsiders humbled the clear favourites. West Indies had both the previous World Cups under their belt and India were, well, just a little light on might.Sunny went with thousands still queuing to get in; Srikkanth was briefly fun, brandishing his sword as would a musketeer; Yashpal Sharma fell on the stroke of lunch and Kapil fell to, wait for it, Larry Gomes! Oh dear, just 183 on the tally.Gordon Greenidge shouldered arms to a straight one but that was okay, whispered the thousands, because it brings to the stage… Viv Richards! Large applause. Richards dismissed the medium-pacers as if he were in a festival match at a ground surrounded by white tents and popping champagne, but hubris is a telling thing and a top edge had Kapil running back to the grandstand and clinging on over his shoulder: a fine catch and a galloping celebration from those around him. Even those of no faith began to think of miracles and duly one came, as spirits were transported to the wild parties back home. Mohinder Amarnath was Man of the Match for his cunning, though Madan Lal got Viv and two more. In summary, few Indian days had been more worthy of a National Bank Holiday. I would like to say I was there but alas…Back to Lord’s again, 1996, and my first adventure in television commentary with the Indian team. This was memorable for the 568 balls faced by Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid on their first appearance at the scene of the legend of 1983. It wasn’t England’s most incisive attack but it was a Test match and it showcased the fledgling gifts of two of the game’s most substantial and popular performers. Ganguly made 131 with 20 boundaries – most of them either side of point. His bat flourished from the off, unlike Dravid’s, which flowered the longer he was at the crease and the sunshine warmed his back. It is easy to remember both men being up for the fight but in such very different ways. To this day, they remain hugely important figures in Indian cricket – Ganguly as president of the board; Dravid as director of operations at the National Cricket Academy and, until very recently, coach of the India A and Under 19 teams. Lucky lads.Ganguly and Dravid made a dream debut at Lord’s in 1996•Getty ImagesThere’s lots more. Anil Kumble bringing hope and occasional glory to Northamptonshire, where Bedi had toiled willingly many years before. Ravi Shastri in Welsh colours and squealing “No!” as Greenidge charged one of his flightier left-arm spinners for Glamorgan and thundered it over the stand at the Mumbles and probably onto the beach. Kevan James – solid county pro – becoming the first and only first-class cricketer to take four in four balls with his left-arm swingers, against the 1996 Indians at the old Northlands Road Hampshire ground and then making 103 with the bat. His five-wicket bag included Tendulkar and Dravid, by the way. Oh, Kevan’s days!Gavaskar blocking a hundred on the same small field and then slogging another 66 to finish a masterclass and make a strong point to the media, who had been on his back. Dhoni for the first time. Then Dhoni again and again. Dhoni persevering with Jasprit Bumrah in one of his early ODIs and getting reward for the faith. How magnificently good that looks now! And Virender Sehwag, of course, the most exciting of cricketers to talk about on air.Now to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and company, who are no less of an attraction than those who have gone before. This is a very good Indian side, perhaps the best, and the variety of cricketers in their number offers a fine chance to do something special in English conditions.There can be no doubt about Kohli’s place in the pantheon and it is high. He is yet to conquer England, however, and has an express wish to do so. His ongoing head to head with James Anderson is a treat in itself. England would like a little spice in the pitches for the seamers, as there was spice for the spinners in India earlier this year. We shall see. India’s seam attack is no sinecure for English batting, particularly in its present state.Talk of these two countries makes one think of the originator in the relationship, one of only three men to cross the divide. Ranjitsinhji helped stir the wind that spread the seeds of cricket over a wider territory. Having learnt the game at Rajkumar College, he went to Cambridge University and eventually, with prejudice aside, won a blue. His keen eye, suppleness of body and natural touch inspired prose and imitation. The fact that he was an Eastern prince added to the romance. With the agreement of the Australian captain, Harry Trott, he was chosen for England in the Manchester Test of 1896 and played a great innings – 154 not out – which often had led me to wonder if Trott regretted his kindness. After all, they say that no good turn goes unpunished. In 1904, Ranji returned home to concentrate on affairs of state and made only irregular appearances on the cricket field.Another Indian prince, Duleepsinhji, too made his name in cricket in England, and the first Nawab of Pataudi played for both countries, thus fostering a long and still unbroken bond between two nations whose gift to the game has transcended whatever else might have come between them. We can but hope that the coming series reflects the spirit and performances of those who lit up the past.

Despite Leeds United having enjoyed a superb 2024/25 campaign in the Championship, this summer is a vital one for their future, desperately needing to get their business spot on.

Promotion to the Premier League brings in huge money for the football club, but there is a huge gap between the two divisions, with additions needed to bridge the gap this window.

Daniel Farke will need signings in key areas of the pitch to allow him to have the best possible chance of securing survival from the Premier League for the first time in his career.

The German has attempted to achieve such a feat with Norwich City in the past, but has so far been unable to do so, with this season crucial for his tenure at Elland Road.

With the new season already less than two months away, work has already begun behind the scenes in Yorkshire to help the manager in his quest throughout 2025/26.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over recent days, a new striker has been on the agenda for Farke, as he looks to add another dimension to his already potent attack, which helped claim promotion to the Premier League.

The likes of Jamie Vardy, Rodrigo Muniz and Callum Wilson have all been touted with a switch to Elland Road, but no deals have yet been completed this summer.

However, a new name has entered the mix in recent days, with Wolves striker Fabio Silva the latest player on their shortlist, according to ABC Sevilla via Birmingham World.

It’s reported that the Whites have entered talks with fellow Premier League outfit Wolves over a deal for the 22-year-old talisman, who only has one year left on his contract.

His current situation at Molineux remains unclear, but he’s demonstrated his quality over recent times, scoring 10 times in LaLiga this season whilst spending the year on loan at Las Palmas.

Why Leeds’ latest target could be their own Sesko

Beto is another striker who’s been hugely linked with a summer move to join Leeds, with the Everton talisman yet to reach his full potential at his current side, Everton.

The 27-year-old joined the Toffees in a £30m deal back in the summer of 2023, but has been unable to take the starting role on a consistent basis, often having to settle for time on the bench.

He’s managed to score eight times in the Premier League this season, subsequently being outscored by fellow target Silva, with the Whites needing to shift their focus to the Portuguese star.

The 22-year-old has been ranked as a similar player to RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko by FBref, with the Slovenian international linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United this summer.

He’s also valued at around £60m this summer, highlighting the impressive nature of Silva’s play if he’s been compared to such an impressive big-money talent.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the 2024/25 campaign, Silva has managed to match or better Sesko in various key areas, highlighting how much of a crucial addition he would be to Farke’s side.

Silva, who’s been labelled “generational” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, may have scored fewer goals, but has achieved a better goal per shot on target rate – highlighting the clinical threat he poses in front of goal.

How Silva compares to Sesko in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Silva	Sesko
Games played	24	33
Goals scored	10	13
Shot on target accuracy	44%	43%
Goal per shot on target	0.4	0.3
Shot-creating actions	2.1	1.9
Carries into opposition box	1.1	0.5
Aerials won	2.7	2.6
Passes into opposition box	0.7	0.3
Stats via FBref

The Wolves loanee has also registered more shot-creating actions and won more aerial battles, offering Farke’s side an all-round option within attacking areas.

His dominance doesn’t stop there, completing more passes and carries into the opposition box, handing other players around him the opportunity to impress in Yorkshire.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Portuguese sensation would set the club back this summer, his talents are there for all to see – potentially being a bargain if he can reach Sesko’s levels.

Given the fact he’s outscored Beto, the hierarchy must look to prioritise a move for the Wolves star, with the youngster having the opportunity to improve further given his tender age.

Better than Beto: Leeds set to make bid for "one of the best CFs in the PL"

Leeds United could finally be about to land a talisman to catapult them to Premier League survival.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 11, 2025

As soon as promotion to the Premier League was officially confirmed earlier this year, the powers that be at Leeds United knew that they would need to be busy this summer.

The Whites have been fairly quick out of the blocks so far, as they have wrapped up the free transfer signing of Lukas Nmecha and signed Jaka Bijol on a permanent deal from Udinese.

Improving the team’s options at the top end of the pitch is a priority for the Championship champions, and they have already started their efforts to do that by signing Nmecha.

In May, Football Insider claimed that the club have doubts over whether or not Joel Piroe has what it takes to make the step up to the Premier League next season, and that they are not going to build their attack around the Dutchman.

This suggests that the former Swansea star is unlikely to be the first-choice number nine option for Daniel Farke when the new campaign gets underway.

However, the only new centre-forward signing so far has been Nmecha, and he does not appear suited to firing the team to safety as a regular starter next term.

Why Lukas Nmecha may not be a regular starter for Leeds

The Whites have taken a gamble on the former Manchester City academy prospect on a free transfer, after a rough few seasons for the former Germany international.

Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Nmecha has only played 24 games in all competitions for Wolfsburg in Germany, scoring five goals in that time.

24/25 (Wolfsburg)

8

20

3

23/24 (Wolfsburg)

39

4

2

22/23 (Wolfsburg)

17

18

4

21/22 (Wolfsburg)

9

31

10

20/21 (Anderlecht)

0

37

18

19/20 (Wolfsburg + Middlesbrough)

4

25

0

18/19 (Preston North End)

0

41

4

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old striker has consistently struggled with injury issues over the past four seasons, missing far too many games and not delivering enough quality on the pitch.

These statistics suggest that Nmecha is unlikely to be available to be a regular starter for Farke, nor does he have the goal return to suggest that he can step up to be a regular goalscorer in the Premier League.

Therefore, the German forward may be more suited to being a squad option, who can come off the bench or start the odd game, rather than being the replacement for Piroe as a regular in the XI.

That thought process is further backed up by a new report that claims that the Championship champions are eyeing up another number nine signing.

Leeds make contact to sign Premier League striker

According to iNews writer Mark Douglas, Leeds United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer before the end of the summer transfer window.

The reporter writes that the Whites have already made initial contact with the former England international to discuss a possible move to Elland Road when his contract at Everton expires at the end of this month.

Transfer Focus

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

Douglas adds, however, that his future at Goodison Park is not set in stone as of yet, as the striker wants to remain at the club, but has yet to agree to an extension on Merseyside.

The journalist reveals that West Ham United and Leeds are both looking to take advantage of his potential availability, as they have both picked up the phone to make contact.

However, neither team have progressed anything beyond that at this point, which may suggest that they are waiting for final confirmation on his future at Everton before taking it any further.

Why Leeds should sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The Whites should push to win the race for the English striker’s services if he becomes available on a free transfer this summer because the forward would come in as an immediate upgrade on Nmecha at Elland Road.

Calvert-Lewin does not have the best injury record out there, having missed 21 games since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, but Nmecha has been absent for 16 more matches in the same period, suggesting that the Everton man is likely to be more reliable as an option for Farke.

The Toffees marksman has played 38 games or more in five of the last eight seasons. Meanwhile, Nmecha has only played more than 25 times in three of the last eight seasons, and has only featured in more than 37 matches once in his career, in the 2018/19 season with Preston.

As well as potentially being available more often, Calvert-Lewin could also be an upgrade on the German striker because of the proven Premier League quality that he would provide.

The 28-year-old star has been a staple of the English top-flight over the last eight seasons or so, and has proven that he can score goals at that level.

Appearances

239

71

Goals

57

16

Games per goal

4.19

4.44

xG per 90

0.47

0.51

xA

14.85

3.09

Assists

15

0

As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin has scored goals and created goals more regularly than Nmecha has in the Bundesliga, which suggests that he would offer more to Farke’s team in front of goal next season.

As well as his ability in the final third, the Everton forward also provides physicality up front. Just last year, journalist Connor O’Neill claimed that the “sensational” striker “bullied” Liverpool defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate with his physical play.

Calvert-Lewin won 51% of his aerial battles in the 2024/25 campaign, winning 3.3 per match, which further speaks to his ability to hold his own in contests with Premier League centre-backs, something that will be important to the Whites as they battle relegation.

Overall, Leeds should sign the Toffees frontman because he is a known quantity who would give Farke a reliable, proven, top-flight striker as an upgrade on what he already has.

Best signing since Raphinha: Leeds close to landing "exceptional" £21m star

Leeds United are closing in on a deal for a star who would be their best signing since Raphinha.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 23, 2025

Chelsea started their Club World campaign with a 2-0 victory over LAFC, but it was far from the most entertaining watch from a Blues perspective.

The limited numbers inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium likely didn’t help the drab pre-season feel of the fixture, yet certain performances would have still worried the select few Chelsea supporters watching on regardless, with Noni Madueke noticeably struggling down the left wing.

Enzo Maresca desperately needs more reinforcements down the left channel, therefore, and transfer rumours constantly coming out from Stamford Bridge seem to indicate that fresh blood will soon be purchased.

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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025 Chelsea still have "world-class" star as top priority

As per an update by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg on social media, Chelsea still holds winning the services of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens as a major priority this summer, but they will have to pay £55m.

Transfer Focus

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

An agreement has been sealed on the player side, according to Fabrizio Romano, but the more time goes on, the more Blues supporters will be anxious that a deal to win Gittens could unfortunately fall flat.

Indeed, other targets are now being sought after on the left, with an enquiry lodged to snap up rising Lyon star Malick Fofana as a way to bolster even more.

However, whilst Fofana is no doubt being looked at as one for the future, Chelsea will be overwhelmed with excitement as to what the Dortmund attacker could be capable of on his expected arrival in West London, with Gittens having already been dubbed “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley.

How Gittens can be Chelsea's next Hazard

Bursting with energy and an electric dribbler, the young Englishman might well become Chelsea’s next Eden Hazard if everything goes to plan.

Hazard was only a year older than Gittens when making his Blues debut back in 2012, having also been hotly tipped for greatness on the books of Lille. Now, the much-loved Belgian is viewed as a modern-day icon at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca will be aiming to restore Chelsea to their past glories when Hazard was routinely galloping down the left channel, with two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy heading the Blues’ way when the slick 5-foot-9 attacker was performing at his peak.

Adding Gittens could well be a big step forward in allowing Chelsea to compete for top-flight honours once more, with his overall numbers in the Bundesliga lagging behind Hazard’s were when he was about to leave France behind for a new challenge in England.

Games played

194

107

Goals scored

50

17

Assists

53

12

Goals per game

0.25

0.15

Assists per game

0.27

0.11

Hazard was somewhat in a league of his own towards the end of his Lille stay, with a remarkable 38 goals and assists picked up during his final season in France.

But, Gittens has shown flashes of his obvious excellence at Dortmund to be viewed as a potential next iteration of the celebrated Belgian, notably ranking within the top 1% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, showcasing he’s one of the best dribblers around, just like Hazard.

12 of his 17 Black and Yellow strikes came in 2024/25, and it included four being hammered home in the esteemed Champions League.

Hazard was equally a dependable performer on the big occasion for Chelsea, with ten strikes next to his name in Europe’s elite competition.

The similarities don’t end there, however, with the former Manchester City youth product also capable of performing as an attacking midfielder or a right winger if needed.

Hazard’s main explosiveness for the Blues did primarily come down the left, but a surprisingly large portion of his goals in London did actually come from the number ten spot, as seen in 21 of his 110 goals for Chelsea coming from this more central position.

With so much hype next to his name – with Critchley further lauding the 20-year-old as “England’s best LW” currently – the worry might well be that Gittens flounders under the intensity of his new spotlight.

Yet, Hazard had even more fanfare surrounding his name when he took the jump from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, with Dortmund’s standout star now desperate to follow in his revered footsteps.

Better than Gittens: BlueCo make approach to sign £50m star for Chelsea

Chelsea love signing a highly-rated winger don’t they, with the Blues seeking to sign a “magnificent prospect” as Jamie Gittens alternative.

1 Jun 17, 2025

The South Korea international has officially joined the Black and Gold, becoming the latest star in Los Angeles

LAFC officially sign Spurs icon SonForward signs through 2027, options through 2029Sets MLS transfer record at reported $26.5MFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Tottenham Hotspur forward and South Korea star Son Heung-Min has joined Los Angeles FC on a permanent transfer through 2027 with club options through June 2029. The club officially introduced him at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

Son will occupy an international roster slot and will be eligible to play upon receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). The 33-year-old reportedly becomes the most expensive transfer in MLS history, surpassing Atlanta United's deal of Emmanuel Latte Lath earlier this season. 

reported that the fee is approximately $26.5 million.

Over 10 years with Tottenham, the South Korea international scored 173 goals across all competitions, registered 101 assists, and became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021-22. 

"Just because I had a successful career in Europe doesn't mean I will here," Son said in Los Angeles. "So I want to see this as a new challenge and do my best and all that. I want to give back to the ownership and the team and the club, and do the best I can and leave when the time comes as a legend of the club.

"I'm here to win, and I will perform, and I will definitely show you something exciting. I will definitely show some exciting football, and we definitely will have success."

LAFC management praised Son's track record, and noted the impact he can have for the team and in the community.

“Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football,” said LAFC co-president and GM John Thorrington. “His ambition, ability, and character align perfectly with our values at LAFC. We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career. Sonny is a proven winner and a world-class individual, and we are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community – both on and off the pitch.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Son becomes the latest global superstar to sign for LAFC, following in the footsteps of former Tottenham teammates Gareth Bale and Hugo Lloris, the latter of whom he is reuniting in Los Angeles.

“I’m incredibly proud to be joining LAFC, a club with big ambitions in one of the most iconic sports cities in the world,” Son said. “Los Angeles has such a rich history of champions, and I am here to help write the next chapter. I’m excited for this new challenge in MLS. I have come to L.A. to lift trophies and give everything for this club, this city, and its fans. I cannot wait to get started.”

Son will undoubtedly pull in viewers given his popularity as captain of the Korean national team, especially given the fact that nearly 30 percent of the nation’s Korean population of 1.8 million live in California.

"I've obviously played with former teammates like Hugo Lloris, Gareth Bale, and national team player Kim Moon-Hwan also played for LAFC," Son said. "And the conversations that I've had with them were great because also Hugo was helping and advising about how great Los Angeles is.

"And as a Korean, to know that Koreatown here in Los Angeles has so many Koreans here in this country, I'm very proud to be part of the club and the city here. We'll make them proud with my performance and do the best I can to represent the Koreans in Koreatown and here in LA."

Internationally, Son has scored 51 goals and represented South Korea in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups and four AFC Asian Cups. In 2018, he led South Korea to a gold medal at the Asian Games.

“Bringing Sonny to LAFC and to our city has been a dream of ours for several years,” LAFC lead managing owner Bennett Rosenthal said. “My partners and I are huge admirers of Sonny the player and Sonny the person. His signing is a statement of our commitment to excellence on the pitch and our ambition to continue to build our reputation as a world class club on the global football stage. Sonny as a player and person will inspire not only our fans in LA and the incredible community in Southern California, but millions of fans around the world.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Son recently lifted the 2025 UEFA Europa League title with Tottenham earlier this season.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LAFC?

The take to the pitch on Saturday against the Chicago Fire in their return to MLS action after the opening stage of the Leagues Cup. The game could serve as a potential debut for Son.

تحدث البولندي فويتشيك تشيزني، حارس مرمى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة عن زميله خوان جارسيا، وعلاقته به ومدى الترابط بينهما ونصيحة بوفون الذي تعلمها منه من خلال حواره عبر صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية.

وقال تشيزني عن زميله خوان جارسيا: “إنه حارس مرمى رائع، وبالنسبة لي هو بالفعل من بين الأفضل في العالم من حيث القوة البدنية”.

وعن خوض لقاء الكلاسيكو: “لا أعلم، أتمنى ألا يضطروا لرؤيتي فأنا أريد أن يتعافى خوان سريعًا من إصابته، أعرف دوري هذا الموسم وبالنسبة لي، سيكون أعظم إنجاز لي أن يقدم خوان جارسيا موسمًا رائعًا وناجحًا، لذلك من جهتي لا توجد منافسة أو تنافس بيننا، أحاول فقط دعمه بأفضل طريقة ممكنة، أستطيع لكنني آمل أن يعود في أقرب وقت ممكن، هذا لا يعني أنني كسول ولا أريد اللعب، أحب اللعب لكنني أتمنى فقط أن يعود قريبًا”.

وحول المنافسة على المشاركة أساسيًا: “أنا سعيد جدًا بما حققته في مسيرتي، ولذلك أتقبل بكل سرور أن أكون عونًا أكبر لحارس مرمى في بداياته، ثم أحاول إثبات جدارتي لعام آخر، عندما تتاح لي الفرصة أو في حالة طوارئ كهذه، يكون الجميع مصابًا، ألعب، وأكون سعيدًا باللعب، وأقدم أفضل ما لدي، ولكن كما قلت نضع أهدافًا في بداية الموسم”.

وأكمل: “الآن أريد أن أفعل هذا، أريد الفوز بهذه الكأس، أو تلك، هدفي الأكبر هو مساعدة خوان وأحاول القيام بذلك بأفضل طريقة ممكنة، مع كل الضغوط التي تصاحب اللعب لنادي مثل برشلونة، لا أعتقد أنه يحتاج إلى ضغط لاعب كبير يحاول المنافسة على مقعده”.

وعن الأشياء التي يريدها أن تتواجد بـ جارسيا: “لديه كل شيء تقريبًا، لا أريد أن أبالغ في الحديث عنه لأنه لا يزال أمامه الكثير من العمل ولكن من الناحية البدنية، فهو بالفعل من بين الأفضل في العالم، بالطبع يجب أن تكون في المكان المناسب ذهنيًا للتركيز في كل مباراة، كل ثلاثة أيام، هذه تجربة جديدة له لأنه من الأسهل بكثير اللعب يوم السبت”.

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واستطرد: “العقلية مهارة مختلفة للتركيز كل ثلاثة أيام ولعب 60 مباراة على أعلى مستوى لكن خوان ذكي وهادئ للغاية، لذلك أنا متأكد من أنه سيحقق ذلك وسيقدم موسمًا رائعًا وسأحرص على أن يكون أكثر هدوءً لأنني أعتقد أنه في هذا الدور تحت الضغط العالي، فإن الهدوء هو أحد أهم صفات حارس المرمى”.

وأوضح: “بدنيًا لا أستطيع تعليمه الكثير لأنه حارس مرمى أفضل مني مع ذلك، أحيانًا أثناء التدريب، تكون هناك تفاصيل حول التمركز أو أمور أخرى لكن لا يمكنني تعليمه الكثير إنه حارس مرمى رائع، ما أملكه ويفتقده هو الخبرة وأريد أن أنقلها إليه، إذا قرر النادي تجديد عقدي مع علمه بقدومي فربما لهذا السبب يعتقدون أنني أستطيع مساعدته ليصبح حارس مرمى أفضل، لذلك سأحاول فعل ذلك”.

وعما فعله بوفون معه: “أنا لا أتنافس أبدًا معه، جميعهم أصدقائي المقربون وعندما كنت ألعب، كانوا يدعمونني، وعندما كانوا يلعبون كنت أسعد لأجلهم، وجود بوفون معي كان قدوتي في صغري، ومشاهدته وهو يتدرب يوميًا وكيف كان يتصرف داخل الملعب وخارجه وكيف كان يتحدث مع زملائه كانت تجربة تعليمية عظيمة بالنسبة لي وربما كان هو من تعلمت منه أكثر من غيره، معه لم تكن هناك منافسة وكنا ندعم بعضنا البعض”.

وعن تكرار ما فعله بوفون معه تجاه خوان جارسيا: “قليلًا أعتقد، بعد تجربة وجود شخص كان الأفضل لي أنني أشعر بواجب رد الجميل لـ خوان، ربما لا تستطيع أن تتعلم مني بقدر ما أستطيع من جيجي لكن الأمر مشابه تمامًا”.

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin has a massive task ahead of him, there is no doubt.

His first few interviews since being unveiled as the new Ibrox boss have been positive, and it is clear the former Southampton manager has a distinct style of play.

This is something that the club have lacked under previous managers, including Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Philippe Clement. Those two set up teams well in Europe, but domestically was a different story.

It may well be the opposite in Martin’s case. But given how poor the Gers have been in the Premiership since winning the title in 2021, this could well be a sacrifice many of the supporters are willing to make.

Martin will need every department to click at the start of next season, as a good start is imperative.

He needs his defence to be solid and reliable. A midfield full of players simultaneously able to win the ball back and move it forwards into the final third, and a front three able to get the better of a low block and take their chances.

In that regard, having someone of Alfredo Morelos’ ability would work wonders next season, especially as he would shine in Martin’s system.

Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers statistics

The Colombian talisman was a scourge for defenders, both domestically and in Europe, across his five years at Ibrox.

Between 2018 and 2023, he played 269 matches for the Light Blues, scoring an impressive tally of 124 goals for the club. Add in another 57 assists, and it is clear that Morelos was not only a clinical finisher, but he was also able to link play with those alongside and behind him.

Not since he departed have Rangers been able to call on a player with these abilities. Sure, Cyriel Dessers may have scored 51 times in just over 100 games, but the Nigerian striker often takes two or three chances to get on the scoresheet.

Morelos refined his game after a productive opening few seasons at Ibrox. Indeed, when the club won the domestic title during 2020/21, Morelos ‘only’ scored 11 league goals.

He played slightly deeper than in previous seasons, linking up with the likes of Ianis Hagi, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent in order to create chances for them too.

Danilo has shown glimpses of his deep-lying abilities when given a chance, but the Brazilian hasn’t enjoyed a consistent run in the team to make a proper difference.

In Morelos, Rangers had a striker who established himself as a cult icon during his spell at Ibrox.

If Martin wishes to get the fans onside quickly, signing a player who is similar in style and stature to Morelos might be a good start.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

45

12

7

2021/22

42

18

8

2020/21

44

17

13

2019/20

47

29

9

2018/19

48

30

12

2017/18

43

18

8

He could well have some money to spend this summer thanks to the 49ers investment. This should allow the new manager to bring in several transfer targets, which will bolster the squad.

Could his first signing be a young striker who is ready to take the next step in his career?

Rangers search for a new striker

While Dessers, Danilo and Hamza Igamane are all options for Martin, it is likely one is sold this summer.

Now, according to the Daily Record, Rangers have made Maccabi Tel Aviv centre-forward Dor Turgeman their number one target 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.

The youngster could be available for a fee in the region of £4m, and reports from Israel claim that the Glasgow side have already opened talks with the player regarding a move to Scotland.

Getting deals done over the line quickly will be key for Martin, especially as the Gers face a Champions League qualifier in six weeks.

Could Turgeman be a dream first signing? He certainly has all the tools required to succeed in Europe.

Why Rangers must sign Dor Turgeman

Last season, the highest scorer for the club was Dessers with 29 goals across all competitions. The next best tally from a striker was 16 by Igamane. While Danilo could only muster six goals through another injury-ravaged campaign.

Adding in another player who has the ability to score 20 or more goals next season is vital, especially if Martin wishes to challenge for the league title.

On that note, Turgeman would be an ideal signing this summer. The 2024/25 campaign was arguably his breakout for the Israeli side. Across 44 matches, the 21-year-old netted 20 goals and grabbed six assists for his club side.

He was praised by analyst Kai Watson as far back as February 2024, who said: “He’s played mostly as a striker but can definitely do a job on the wing. He’s quick, agile and has brilliant balance when driving with the ball.

“A very exciting player to watch and one that would have fans off of their seats.”

Last season certainly proved exactly what he can do and now is the chance for him to make a move and perform at a club like Rangers.

The club needs players who are willing to fight for every ball and win every duel. His manager, Zarko Lazetić, claimed that Turgeman was a “beast on the pitch”, and this sort of profile fits in with Martin’s style.

Like Morelos, the Israeli striker is capable of dropping deeper and generating chances for his team. Indeed, in the top flight last term, Turgeman created ten big chances for Maccabi, while he also recorded three assists and averaged 0.7 key passes per game.

For a fee of £4m, it is evident that Rangers would be getting a striker who closely resembles Morelos, perhaps without the disciplinary issues.

By selling Dessers in the coming weeks, Martin will be able to clear room for the youngster, who will be hoping to make his mark on Scottish football.

If the new owners and manager are serious about taking Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football, signing Turgeman should be a priority. That’s a certainty.

Rangers' top 15 goalscorers of all time

Rangers have had plenty of natural goalscorers at Ibrox over the last 150 years.

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 26, 2024

Visitors lead by 165 overnight, with hopes of pushing for third consecutive win

ECB Reporters Network31-Aug-2024Fifties by Jake Libby, Brett D’Oliveira and Adam Hose ensured Worcestershire would make Essex bat again in their rollercoaster match at Chelmsford.When bad light took the players off the field with 20 over remaining on day three of the Vitality County Championship match, Worcestershire had turned a 138-run first-innings deficit into a 165-run lead.Libby laid the foundations for the recovery with a 112-ball 65 at the top of the order. But it was an 80-run stand for the sixth wicket between D’Oliveira (51 from 71 balls) and Hose (64 off 91) – the pair coming together with two runs still required to erase the arrears – that gave Worcestershire hope of securing a third successive victory to move clear of the relegation area.Simon Harmer spearheaded the mercurial Essex attack, sending down 26 overs in the foreshortened day and taking 3 for 110, including the wicket of Hose to an extraordinary delivery. Essex will be looking for a first victory in four games on the final day to maintain their fading interest in the title race.Nightwatchman Joe Leach lasted just four balls on a grey, overcast morning before Sam Cook ended his 21-ball nought by inducing a thick edge through to the wicketkeeper. Gareth Roderick narrowly avoided a pair before he was turned around by Jamie Porter on six and nicked to second slip.Libby found good support from Kashif Ali in a 51-run third-wicket stand until Paul Walter was introduced and with his fourth ball had Ali following the ball across him through to slip.Libby survived a couple of scares but reached his fifty from the 90th ball faced, his eighth four helped on its way high over the wicketkeeper’s head. His latest partner Rob Jones took a liking to Harmer, hitting four successive boundaries, two of them identical shots on the sweep.However, the 55-run fourth-wicket stand was broken soon after lunch when Libby drove loosely at Cook and was caught low down at backward point. And six runs later, Jones went for another sweep against Harmer, this time more uppishly, and Dean Elgar completed the dismissal when running back from square leg.That left Worcestershire five down and still two runs short of making Essex bat again. That landmark was duly achieved and built on as Hose and D’Oliveira dug in obdurately initially to the extent that Porter came on for three overs and went off again without conceding a run. The first fifty of their partnership took 16 overs.The run-rate rose steeply with 31 runs added by the pair in the next four overs before Matt Critchley switched ends to give Harmer a rest and first ball had D’Oliveira fencing to second slip. Harmer’s rest spanned the tea break but his first ball after the interval brought the downfall of Hose, who padded up outside off-stump to a ball that turned prodigiously as it hit the crease to leave him bewildered to see the bails lying on the ground behind him.Harmer had a third wicket to his name when Ethan Brookes went to reverse-sweep, as he had successfully on several occasions in the first innings This time, however, the ball popped up off an edge to Robin Das diving full-length at short leg to cling on one-handed.With the floodlights on and the light deteriorating appreciably, Essex declined the option of taking the new-ball when it was due after 80 over, sticking with their spinners. The gesture proved in vain as the umpires deemed it too dark to continue an over later.

Darwin Nunez appears to be edging closer to a move away from Liverpool, with Napoli leading the chase to secure the forward’s services. TalkSPORT have revealed that the Uruguayan international is actively pushing for a transfer to the newly crowned Serie A champions with Napoli boss Antonio Conte also making the 26-year-old his primary target this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Liverpool eager to offload Nunez
• Napoli are eager to get his services
• Reds have set a £59 million price tag

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool, fresh off their 2024/25 Premier League triumph, are understood to be open to offloading Nunez in order to reinvest in a new frontman. While no formal bid has been received from Napoli as of yet, Anfield officials expect an official offer to arrive in the coming days.

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• GOAL/Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Reds have set their valuation of the striker at approximately £59 million (€70 million). Should the Italian side meet that asking price, Liverpool are prepared to part ways with Nunez before the close of the transfer window, as they are lining up a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Nunez arrived on Merseyside in 2022 from Benfica for a club-record fee that could rise to £85 million. Since then, he has registered 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 appearances across all competitions. While many Liverpool fans have admired Nunez for his physicality, work rate, and ability to trouble defenders, frustration has grown over his erratic finishing. During the most recent campaign under new manager Arne Slot, he started only eight league matches and managed just seven goals, hardly the return expected from a marquee centre-forward.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR NUNEZ?

  With Napoli ready to offer him a fresh start under a proven manager, all signs now point toward an imminent exit for the Uruguayan. Though clubs from the Saudi Pro League have reportedly shown interest in luring Nunez away from Anfield, the striker is said to prefer continuing his career in Europe.