BCB set to meet new sports head as calls for reform grow louder

ICC to participating boards: “Contingency host options within the Asian region are being considered – tournament dates to remain the same”

Mohammad Isam10-Aug-2024Representatives of the BCB are likely to meet Asif Mahmud, the youth and sports adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, on Sunday to discuss the upcoming women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the country in October. The bigger talking points in Dhaka’s cricketing circles, however, is who among the main officials will remain in the BCB, and whether the new government will reform the board, too.Many in Dhaka believe that, as in 2007, the interim government could appoint an ad-hoc committee to run the BCB. ESPNcricinfo understands that the ICC will accept such a body as long as there is no direct government interference, especially if elections are held later on. The ICC will not interfere until that point. If, however, there is fear of government interference, the ICC will investigate the issue and take a stance. The ICC board had recently suspended Sri Lanka Cricket, from November 2023 to January 2024, because of government interference in its functioning.In case a new board is put in place, the ICC will ask the BCB to appoint a representative to attend all ICC meetings. When a committee of administrators appointed by the Supreme Court of India took over the BCCI’s administration some years ago, the CEO attended ICC meetings on the BCCI’s behalf.’Contingency host options within Asia being considered’

On Saturday, the ICC sent a mail to the boards of the teams participating at the women’s World Cup, saying, “The ICC is continuing to monitor the situation in Bangladesh and is working closely with BCB. Contingency host options within the Asian region are being considered. In case it is not possible to stage the event in Bangladesh, ICC will be in contact with the Board should the question of relocation need to be considered.”
The ICC has also said that the tournament dates will remain the same.

Currently, the BCB headquarters in Mirpur is mostly functional, with its employees running the show. The BCB’s chief executive, Nizamuddin Chowdhury, is in charge, but board directors including president Nazmul Hassan haven’t showed up since August 5, when prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India, effectively ending the 15-year rule of her party, the Awami League. Several of the BCB’s directors have direct or indirect affiliations with the Awami League.The BCB, however, cannot function properly without its board of directors, especially with an ICC event looming. Speaking anonymously to ESPNcricinfo, a BCB director said very few of his colleagues are expected to show up in the coming days.”The BCB is an elected body but if there’s any directive from the government about a change in the BCB, we have to accept it,” he said. “I don’t think many directors will appear in the BCB. If a meeting is called, the number could be five or eight [out of 24].”Related

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Another board director, also requesting anonymity, said the main concern was the women’s T20 World Cup. “The BCB board is still there. We will hopefully get a guideline from the government, possibly tomorrow, when the board is supposed to meet the new sports adviser. We are not worried about ourselves but we have a few events coming up, like the World Cup.”Hosting the tournament could be problematic if the ICC wants a security guarantee from Bangladesh right away. The interim government took oath on August 8, and while the police force is not fully functional, many are hoping it will be up and running soon.BCB directors ‘had their own agendas’While the World Cup is a short-term issue, there are bigger problems in Bangladesh cricket that have remained unanswered for a decade and a half. Bangladesh remain a low-to-mid-table team in men’s cricket and have enjoyed very little success at major ICC events. Their only major success was the Under-19 World Cup win in 2020. The men’s team failed to win any of its Super Eight matches at the recent T20 World Cup, and won just two of its nine matches at last year’s ODI World Cup.Anti-government protestors display Bangladesh’s national flag after storming prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s residence•AFP/Getty ImagesSenior coach Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, who is known as the guru of Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal and several other leading Bangladesh cricketers, feels the BCB directors have deserted the country’s cricket at a critical time.”If they were true servants of cricket, they would be here. I don’t think they were serving cricket,” he said. “They had their own agendas, which they tried to implement. We have seen what they did to cricket, whether it is club cricket or BPL. They have spoiled the whole thing.”BCB is not a disciplined organisation. I have seen it from up close. BCB never made the best use of its opportunities. Some made intentional mistakes. We have to reduce the indiscipline within the BCB. Only then we can tackle every crisis.”The buck stops with the leadership. If that was fine, the rest sits in place. If we are going to talk about reform, we have to think about ICC’s governance policy. We want a BCB whose vision will allow us to dream big. There has to be transparency and accountability. We have a lot of people who can do this.”Fahim is one of several high-profile voices, including former national players Mohammad Ashraful and Imrul Kayes, who want change in the BCB. There is growing consensus among fans, too, that the BCB must fall in line with the new government’s mandate for reform.

It's not Wirtz: Liverpool could sign best forward since Salah in £126m star

Mohamed Salah is a player who’s exceeded all expectations at Liverpool Football Club, taking the club to new heights in the eight years he’s spent at the club.

The Egyptian joined the Reds in a £34m deal from Roma back in the summer of 2017 and has since registered over 400 appearances, breaking all sorts of records along the way.

He notched a total of 29 goals and 18 assists in his 38 Premier League outings, matching the record for the most combined goal contributions – highlighting his impact within the final third.

Liverpool's MohamedSalahreacts after conceding their second goal

The 2024/25 campaign was the fourth time the 32-year-old had claimed the division’s Golden Boot award, with his efforts undoubtedly leading Arne Slot’s side to title glory.

However, many other attackers on the books have struggled to make a similar impact at Anfield, with the manager needing to delve into the transfer market as a result.

Liverpool’s deals to land new attackers over recent years

The likes of Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz have all been signed by Liverpool in the last couple of seasons, costing a pretty penny in the process.

The trio have set the hierarchy back around £180m, but have struggled to deliver to the same level as Salah – scoring just 28 between them, lower than the Egyptian managed alone.

All three of the players have been linked with a switch away from Merseyside over the summer months, showcasing how much they’ve struggled to deliver on a consistent basis.

Saudi Arabia, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been touted as possible destinations for the current Reds attackers, but it’s unclear if the hierarchy would be willing to allow them all to leave.

However, if they were to leave the club, it would provide vital funds for Slot to land targets he wants to improve the side, leading to noise about potential additions.

The player who could be Liverpool’s best attacker since Salah

In recent days, Florian Wirtz has been labelled as a potential addition for Liverpool, with talks already being held to land the 22-year-old attacking midfielder.

Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtzreacts

The Bayer Leverkusen star has impressed throughout 2024/25, registering 30 combined goals and assists, with Bayern Munich also interested in his signature this summer.

However, it’s been claimed that the youngster only wants a switch to Anfield this summer, potentially linking up with current teammate Jeremie Frimpong in the process.

Despite the links to Wirtz, the Reds have also been linked with a move for Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez over the last few weeks, with a real emphasis on improving the club’s front line.

The Argentine has also impressed massively this campaign, registering 36 combined goals and assists, offering a versatile option that can play right across Slot’s frontline.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez

He only joined the LaLiga outfit from Manchester City last summer, but could be on the move again, should any side agree to pay his lofty £126m release clause during the off-season.

Alvarez, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one journalist, has enjoyed the best year of his career, helping Diego Simeone’s side register a third-placed finish in Spain’s top-flight.

Games played

37

35

30

36

31

Goals & assists

23

14

7

18

22

Goals per 90

0.6

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

51%

38%

38%

42%

47%

Shots on target per game

1.3

1

1

1.1

1.2

Take-on success

52%

50%

34%

45%

49%

Aerials won

40%

39%

37%

25%

20%

When delving into his underlying stats, he’s outperformed current Liverpool stars Gakpo, Diaz and Nunez, whilst also being a better option than Wirtz for the Reds.

He’s registered the most combined goal contributions, handing Slot the added dimension in attacking areas to give the side the best chance of retaining their title.

Alvarez has also managed a higher shot on target rate than the quartet, showcasing the clinical edge that he could provide the squad in 2025/26 should he complete a switch to Merseyside.

The £105m fee mooted for his services is certainly a huge investment, but one that could allow him to follow in the footsteps of Salah and become a fan-favourite under Slot.

alvarez-atletico-madrid

If he gets anywhere near close to the levels produced by the Egyptian, he will be a sensational signing, one that would allow Slot to have another deadly attacker at his disposal ahead of next season.

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Gambhir: 'I would love to coach the Indian team'

Gambhir says there is “no bigger honour”, but it’s not clear yet if he has applied for the job

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jun-2024Gautam Gambhir “would love to coach India” if he is given the opportunity.Gambhir, fresh from playing a key role – as mentor – in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) run to the IPL 2024 title, has been contacted by the BCCI for the job after Rahul Dravid’s tenure ends following the conclusion of the ongoing T20 World Cup, though it’s not confirmed whether he has applied for it. The deadline was May 27, a day after the IPL final.”Look, I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team,” Gambhir said during an interaction with children at an event in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. “You are representing 140 crore Indians. And more across the globe as well. And when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that?”Related

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It was in response to a question, where a youngster also asked Gambhir how he would help India win a World Cup.”How can I help India win the World Cup – I think it’s not me that will help India win the World Cup, it is 140 crore Indians that will help India win the World Cup,” Gambhir said. “If everyone starts praying for us, and we start playing and representing them, India will win the World Cup. The most important thing is to be fearless and yes, I would love to coach India.”Dravid, it is learned, has communicated to the BCCI his decision not to seek another tenure. VVS Laxman, who had been expected to succeed Dravid, had made himself unavailable last year due to personal reasons.Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, had hinted that the board wants an Indian to get the job, and is in the process of “identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks”.Gambhir will have to leave his job at KKR if he ends up as the new India coach due to the BCCI’s conflict of interest rules. He recently told that he wanted to continue working with KKR to make them the most successful IPL franchise in history.Gambhir, 42, has no experience of coaching at international or domestic level, but has been a mentor at two IPL teams: Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022 and 2023 – they qualified for the playoffs both times – and KKR in 2024.During a stellar international career, Gambhir was an important part of India’s T20 World Cup win in 2007 and the ODI World Cup win in 2011. He also captained KKR for seven IPL seasons, from 2011 to 2017, during which they won two IPL titles, in 2012 and 2014.

Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal submit opening £1m+ offer for "exceptional" gem

Arsenal have now submitted an opening offer for an “exceptional” young player, and they’ve had a response, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Gunners set sights on new goalkeeper

After initially usurping Aaron Ramsdale in the starting XI, David Raya has established himself as a key player for the Gunners, making 36 appearances in the Premier League this season, but there are signs that Mikel Arteta has now started looking at bringing in a long-term heir.

Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia is among the main targets, with the north Londoners recently holding talks over a deal for the Spaniard, who would prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of signing for Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Garcia has been a target for quite some time, having initially agreed to join Arteta’s side last year, and while they seem well-positioned to get a deal for the Spaniard over the line, Romano has now revealed that a move has been made for a different goalkeeper.

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Dominic Lund

May 11, 2025

In a recent update on X, the transfer expert stated that Arsenal have now submitted an opening offer of £1.25m for Chelsea goalkeeper Freddy Bernal, but the Blues were not convinced by their rivals’ proposal.

The Gunners’ rivals have knocked back the bid, given their eagerness to keep hold of Bernal, who is clearly impressing for the Blues at youth level, having also attracted the attention of several other unnamed clubs.

Arsenal’s remaining Premier League fixtures

Date

Newcastle United (h)

May 18th

Southampton (a)

May 25th

"Exceptional" Bernal catching the eye at youth level

Given that he is just 16-years-old, the Chelsea ace is likely to be some way off a first Premier League start, but he has caught the eye with his performances for the U18s, having been lauded for his “exceptional distribution” by scout Felix Johnston earlier this season.

The youngster was also the only Chelsea youngster to be named in the England U17 squad earlier in the campaign, highlighting his potential, so it is little wonder the Gunners are keen on taking him to north London.

That said, with the Blues knocking back Arsenal’s offer, it seems unlikely they will be able to prise the teenager away from their London rivals, and Garcia could well be a preferable option, considering the 24-year-old is already proven at a much higher level.

The Espanyol star made 35 appearances in La Liga last season, during which time he caught the eye of football scout Ben Mattinson, who appeared to suggest he could be the perfect heir for Raya, given the similarities in their play-styles.

'Best chance' for 'babies' South Africa to win World Cup – van Niekerk

‘We’ve got the best team we’ve picked in a very long time, but anything can happen in a semi-final,” she said

Annesha Ghosh in Sydney04-Mar-2020After a heartbreak in a final-ball thriller in the 2017 ODI World Cup semi-final and a group-stage exit in the 2018 T20 World Cup, South Africa are faced with a moment of truth again. A team that for long has exuded promise on paper but come up short at vital phases, must now make the most of the “best chance” they’ve had in recent memory of winning a maiden T20 World Cup.”We’ve said from the start that this is the best chance South Africa has ever had to win a World Cup,” an emotionally charged Dane van Niekerk said on the eve of their semi-final against hosts and defending champions Australia.”We’ve got the best team we’ve picked in a very long time. It’s a semi-final; anything can happen. What happens on the day, we’re going to focus on what we do well and forget about the records. It doesn’t matter in a high pressure game like tomorrow. Hopefully, we can get one up on them for the first time in, I guess, forever.”South Africa will play in the semi-finals for just the second time in seven editions, on the back of topping Group B with three straight wins, including against last edition’s runners-up England. In contrast, Australia have not had it straightforward in the tournament, losing to India and doing just enough to avert a disastrous defeat against Sri Lanka.The odds might favour the visitors, but with uncertainty around the match-fitness of their star allrounder Marizanne Kapp, who is battling a respiratory tract infection, and given the pedigree of the opponents, van Niekerk is well aware that “babies” South Africa will need to put their best foot forward to qualify for the final at the MCG on Sunday.”It will probably be up there with one of the toughest games we’ve had,” van Niekerk said. “Australia have been in so many semi-finals and finals. We are babies compared to them when it comes to the experience.”It’s probably up there as one of the toughest games and one of the most competitive that we’ll be part of, bar the England game. The England game was quite competitive and stressful. We’re just excited to get out there – we just want to show the world what we’re made of as a South African cricket team.”South Africa’s standout performers in the league stage have come from both the bowling and batting departments. Opener Lizelle Lee clubbed a century against Thailand, young batter Laura Wolvaardt struck a fifty against Pakistan, Shabnim Ismail has often pegged the opposition back in their pursuit with her tight lines and pace, while spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has also been penetrative with the new ball.The onus of orchestrating Australia’s undoing at the SCG rests, though, to a great extent on lesgpin-bowling allrounder van Niekerk and Kapp, given their familiarity with Australia and local conditions as members of the WBBL franchise, Sydney Sixers.

We don’t want the heartache of 2017 again. It was very tough for a lot of the players and management, we’re definitely going to do everything we can tomorrow to make sure we don’t have that feeling again

“Mentally, it’s a personal mindset shift,” van Niekerk said. “We’ve spoken a lot about how the Big Bash and the Super Leagues have helped a lot, you start to play against and with the best players in the world and you stop doubting yourself as a cricketer.”It’s very easy to not be in the big three in the world and think that if you don’t play for Australia or England that you’re not good enough. But when you start playing with and against them, you see that your skill holds up really well against those big names. We’ve got record-breakers within our side as well, the Big Bash has helped with confidence as individuals.”We have fond memories and love playing at the SCG, it’s our home away from home. I have to stay true to South Africa but this is probably my second favourite ground in the world. It’s given us a lot of good memories with the Sixers, we understand the deck better than people who haven’t played here.”We understand the ground and it helps in our favour. I thanked Cricket Australia and the Sixers – they helped us a lot with a lot of inside information bringing us over for the Big Bash.”All factors considered, the strongest driving force towards vying for nothing short of a win on Thursday, in van Niekerk’s view, remained as much the prospect of a glorious future for South African cricket as the hurt of heartbreaks that mired their past.”I think about 2014 – we were shell-shocked that we got into the semi-finals,” said van Niekerk. “You go there wanting to do well in a tournament, but it’s different to say you’re going to come and win a World Cup. I don’t think we quite understood then what it meant mentally, physically. We’ve been on tour 54 days already, it’s not as if we’ve just come over here and are on a 20-day tour.”We’ve played the most international cricket out of everyone, it just shows the preparation and learning how to go about it. That’s helped us a lot in this World Cup. We don’t want the heartache of 2017 again. It was very tough for a lot of the players and management, we’re definitely going to do everything we can tomorrow to make sure we don’t have that feeling again.”

Chelsea told they may sign "incredible" Ballon d'Or contender for £80m fee

Chelsea are huge admirers of an “incredible” Ballon d’Or contender, and they have now been informed they may be able to sign him for a fee of £80m this summer, according to a report.

Blues keen to strengthen in attack

BlueCo have spent heavily to strengthen Chelsea’s attack since their arrival at Stamford Bridge, but after some concerning performances over the past few weeks, it is looking increasingly likely at least one new forward will be brought in this summer.

A striker is of particular interest, given Nicolas Jackson’s struggles in front of goal, and a £60m offer is now being prepared for Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, while they are also in talks to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

It would be fair to say Enzo Maresca’s side have also lacked a creative spark in recent weeks, failing to score in away trips to Arsenal and Brentford, which means the manager may also be keen on bringing in a new playmaker.

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Lyon’s Rayan Cherki certainly fits the bill in that regard, with the Blues now willing to submit a £20m bid for the Frenchman, who ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders for assists per 90 over the past year.

Cherki is an up-and-coming talent, but Chelsea have also been informed they could sign one of the world’s most established forwards this summer, namely Barcelona star Raphinha, who could now be available for £80m.

FC Barcelona'sRaphinhacelebrates scoring their fourth goal

The west Londoners are huge admirers of the Brazilian, and intermediaries have now hinted a deal could be possible this summer, with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal also monitoring the situation.

Saudi Pro League sides are also keen on the 28-year-old, but he is currently happy at the Camp Nou, and Barcelona are looking to offer him a new contract to ward off the interest from elsewhere.

"Incredible" Raphinha is a Ballon d'Or contender

In the aforementioned report, it is detailed that Thierry Henry believes the Barca forward is a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or, given his very impressive performances in both La Liga and the Champions League this season.

TEAMtalk’s James Marshment has also hailed the Brazil international for his “incredible” goal and assist tally, which has played a major role in Barcelona reaching the Champions League semi-finals and going four points clear at the top of La Liga.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

La Liga

30

15

11

Champions League

12

12

7

Copa del Rey

4

1

4

Supercopa

2

2

1

It almost goes without saying that Raphinha would be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, but it seems likely they will have to qualify for the Champions League to stand any chance of competing for his signature.

Imagine him & Van Dijk: Liverpool lead race for 'world's most in demand CB'

Liverpool will lift the Premier League title this season – maybe even this month.

Arne Slot will lift the trophy in his first season as first-team boss, and Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will get their hands on it for a second time before gearing up to defend their title after signing much-anticipated contract extensions.

Though Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be just one month away from finishing his playing career on Merseyside, FSG will be delighted with their success in tying down the outfit’s two biggest legends ahead of Slot’s second term.

Liverpool will be looking to defend their Premier League title while challenging for the other pieces of silverware, which proved too much to secure this year.

Liverpool managerArneSlotbefore the match

New signings will flow through, for sure, but the importance of extending the skipper’s stay cannot be understated and deserves a closer look.

Van Dijk's new Liverpool contract

Van Dijk’s new deal will see him stay as the leader of Slot’s squad for the next two seasons, earning a rather decent salary too, some £400k per week.

The 33-year-old always wanted to remain at the club but for whatever reason talks dragged on interminably. It also bears noting that he was approached by a number of hopefuls – including the lucre of the Saudi Pro League’s heavyweights – but made it clear that Liverpool is his home and that FSG had promised him investment and a project apt for silverware over the next few years.

He’ll go down as one of the definitive defenders – if not the – of his era, inspirational and effective at Liverpool’s back.

With Alexander-Arnold expected to move to Madrid and Robertson in danger of being replaced this summer, Van Dijk could consolidate his Liverpool career with a staggering number of appearances, eclipsed only by Salah and Jordan Henderson since the Klopp era began.

1.

Mohamed Salah

395

2.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

349

3.

Andy Robertson

339

4.

Virgil van Dijk

314

5.

Alisson Becker

292

He’s a true legend and will go down as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s long history. Van Dijk certainly isn’t done yet, but FSG would be prudent to replace him this summer, signing a new star who can be willed into shape over the next few years alongside the Dutchman.

Before finally taking his place.

Liverpool chasing Van Dijk heir

Van Dijk might be staying put, but he’s not getting any younger and Liverpool will need to prepare for his eventual departure. Signing Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen this summer would be a pretty good way to go about that.

The young Spain international has been riding the crest of a wave since transferring from Juventus to England’s south coast last summer, and according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, has been placed right at the top of Liverpool’s wish list.

Chelsea have made contact with the 20-year-old’s reps but it’s FSG who lead the race at the moment, having held discussions with the player’s camp for several weeks.

A wide range of suitors are keen, though, for Huijsen has been incredible under Andoni Iraola this year and has a £50m release clause that all parties expect to be activated this summer.

Why Liverpool are desperate for Dean Huijsen

Huijsen is young and his data pool shallow, but from the evidence of the past few years, for Roma (on loan) and now Bournemouth, it’s already clear that he’s got the potential to become a superstar.

AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsenduring the warm up before the match

Dutch-born, Huijsen was reared in Spain before making the move from Malaga’s youth scene to join Juventus’ academy aged 16.

He looked promising, alright, but the Old Lady could do with an extra penny and cashed him in to Bournemouth last summer, claiming £15m for their young prospect.

Huijsen has flourished on English soil, and no mistake. Already labelled a “world-class” player in the making by one analyst, he’s featured prominently for the Cherries this term and indeed attracted the attention of every high-profile club worth their salt as the market beckons.

As per FBref, the rangy star actually ranks among the top 15% of defenders in the Premier League this year for goal involvements, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for interceptions and clearances and the top 20% for aerial battles won per 90.

He’d contrast nicely with Van Dijk over the next couple of years before finally taking the Netherlands captain’s place in the seasons to come.

Matches (starts)

32 (32)

26 (21)

Goals

2

2

Assists

1

1

Clean sheets

13

6

Touches*

89.4

60.5

Pass completion

92%

84%

Ball recoveries*

3.2

3.4

Tackles + interceptions*

2.7

3.0

Clearances*

5.2

5.8

Duels (won)*

4.7 (67%)

3.9 (56%)

It’s also worth noting that Huijsen is a two-footed centre-back who has plied his trade on the left side of the pitch this season, further material for the argument that he should be a priority for the Reds this summer.

Huijsen might not be as commanding in the duel but he shares many technical and defensive qualities with the Anfield captain, thus in good hands to maximise his potential if moving to Liverpool instead of, say, Chelsea.

There is also, of course, the elephant in the corner that is Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool contract.

Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool

Konate has been a formidable partner alongside Van Dijk this season, but he’s a meagre year away from free agency and negotiations for an extension have become protracted.

Liverpool won’t want to lose the Frenchman on a free, and thus could cash in this summer, something that might strike Huijsen as compelling, for he would be in with a great chance of slotting right in as Van Dijk’s star partner in the rearguard.

Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana in action with AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsen

Analyst Ben Mattinson has remarked that Huijsen is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” but Liverpool’s current position at the front of the race makes a telling comment on the state of things at Anfield.

It’s a big summer up ahead, and if Huijsen is brought in to shore up an already impressive backline, Liverpool might just be able to reach even higher next year.

Slot's own Saka: Liverpool step up move for "special" £85m key target

Liverpool are set to reward Arne Slot and his squad with a host of exciting signings this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 17, 2025

Real Madrid legend Guti launches bizarre attack on Lamine Yamal over Barcelona wonderkid's 'Ibiza' fashion choice on media duties with Spain

Real Madrid legend Guti has launched a bizarre attack at Lamine Yamal, with the Barcelona wonderkid seeing his “Ibiza” fashion choices criticised.

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  • Teenager helped La Roja to Nations League final
  • Attended press conference after semi-final win
  • Youngster told he needs to be better advised
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Teen sensation Yamal was, after putting in another eye-catching performance, sent on post-match media duty after helping Spain to prevail in a 5-4 thriller with France in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.

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  • Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The youngster attended said press conference looking relaxed, as he sported a cap being worn backwards, and answered questions politely after seemingly enhancing his claims to the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

  • WHAT GUTI SAID

    That Golden Ball bid suffered a blow when losing a final showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, and Guti has questioned why Yamal was allowed to step out in front of the cameras when looking unprofessional.

    The former Real Madrid midfielder told : “I don't know if this is the first time I've seen a guy with a cap backwards. I don't like that because he's with the Spanish national team!

    “When he goes to Ibiza, or wherever he wants, he can do it. But not with the Spanish national team at a press conference. I don't like it.”

  • Getty

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Ex-Spain international Guti added on Yamal needing to be better advised by those around him: “This is the reality. And it's not his fault. It's the fault of the people standing next to him who don't say ‘no way’.”

    “It's not Lamine's fault, he ultimately does what he wants. It's the fault of him being there and having to tell him, 'Hey, no, not wearing a cap at a press conference with the Spanish national team’.”

Santos não libera Marcos Leonardo para jogos da Seleção Brasileira sub-20

MatériaMais Notícias

da stake casino: O Santos não liberou o atacante Marcos Leonardo para a Seleção Brasileira sub-20 e o atacante será ‘desconvocado’. O clube enviou oficio à CBF nesta quinta-feira, dizendo que não poderia ficar sem um de seus titulares.

A informação foi divulgada inicialmente pelo UOL. O LANCE! tentou contato com o Santos, mas não obteve resposta até a publicação desta matéria.Os amistosos, marcados para os dias 19, 22 e 25 de abril, não são Data-FIFA. Portanto, os clubes não são obrigados a liberar seus atletas para a disputa dos jogos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSantosSantos teve aumento de 427% no gasto com contratações, aponta relatórioSantos06/04/2023SantosAtacante comenta adaptação ao sub-20 do Santos e projeta clássico contra o Palmeiras pelo BrasileirãoSantos06/04/2023SantosCom críticas à gestão, Conselho Deliberativo aprova contas do Santos em 2022Santos06/04/2023

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A série de amistosos da equipe comandada por Ramon Menezes tem rendido dores de cabeça à CBF, que convocou jogadores sem consultar os clubes. Agora, a entidade tenta administrar uma enxurrada de pedidos de ‘desconvocação’ que recebeu nos últimos dias. Palmeiras e Vasco são exemplos de outros clubes que, assim como o Santos, solicitaram à entidade a liberação de seus atletas.

continua após a publicidade

Labuschagne battles, Renshaw out cheaply on 17-wicket day

South Australia lost their first three wickets without a run on the board and the theme continued

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff16-Feb-2024Bowlers held sway on a chaotic 17-wicket first day of the Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval. On a decidedly difficult green-tinged pitch, the ball reigned supreme as the home side were routed for 132 and Queensland struggled to 112 for 7, with out-of-form Test No.3 Marnus Labuschagne top-scoring with a 112-ball 38 in his first Shield match as captain.After a disappointing Test summer when his form came under the microscope, Labuschange defended for his life against the Redbacks in his only Shield match before the tour of New Zealand.Related

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Like most batters on day one, Labuschange looked shaky and survived multiple scares during his battling stay at the crease. He fell to Nathan McAndrew late in the day as South Australia closed in on an unlikely first-innings lead.Opener Matt Renshaw endured another failure in his last match before going on the New Zealand tour as a spare batter.Dismissed for 2 in both innings against Tasmania earlier in February, Renshaw was out for 8, caught off the outside edge by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey off Jordan Buckingham.Renshaw’s best score from his past 12 innings in first-class cricket, domestic one-dayers and T20s is the 40 he made in last month’s BBL final.The day started as it finished – with wickets tumbling. After winning the toss, South Australia were quickly on the ropes at 0 for 3 in the fourth over.In-form Queensland quick Xavier Bartlett carried his sparkling form from the recent ODI series against the West Indies into the Shield, dismissing maverick opener Jake Fraser-McGurk and Nathan McSweeney.But Carey and captain Jake Lehmann saved the Redbacks from complete embarrassment, putting on a crucial 64-run fourth-wicket stand. Lehmann and Carey were the only South Australian batters to reach double figures in the hosts’ 40.3 over innings.In reply, Queensland stumbled to 13 for 3 and 77 for 5 before mounting some late resistance but again lost wickets towards the close.

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