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Cricket Australia is creating a new role for a national pace-bowling coach to oversee the management of fast bowlers across international and domestic programmes, in a bid to prevent the spate of injuries that have been occurring and ensure a more coordinated approach to the handling of Australia’s quicks.The new role, which would be based in Brisbane, comes after a limited-overs tour of the UK where six fast bowlers were injured and six others were unavailable, although the role was devised before that tour. A debate is also raging within Australian cricket about whether the current contracting model for the best male cricketers is fit for purpose in the age of franchise cricket, with the management of fast bowlers front and centre in that discussion.Daniel Vettori is Australia’s current bowling coach travelling with the team and will continue in that position. The new job will be largely Australia-based and focussed on the management of contracted fast bowlers as well as Under-19 and Australia A quicks, although the successful candidate will tour with the men’s international side at various stages.Related

• Adam Griffith appointed CA national fast bowling coach

• Andrew McDonald handed contract extension as Australia men's head coach until 2027

• Australia Test players rested for T20Is against Pakistan with captain to be named

• Australia quicks' unbroken summer could be an 'outlier'

• Green out for the season as he takes surgery option

Vettori is highly regarded within the Australian set-up but is not working for CA around the year, as he has been allowed to take contracts as the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and Birmingham Pheonix in the Hundred. It has meant that the likes of Clint McKay and Rob Cassell have been seconded into the Australian team as bowling coaches on an ad-hoc basis in recent times, but the new role would create some continuity. There would also be some consistency within the Australia A coaching staff, which has cycled through a multitude of different coaches in recent years on a series-to-series basis.Australia’s fast-bowling stocks have long been one of its great strengths, but the reliance on the big three in Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in all forms and recent injuries to the next crop, as well as the stress fracture to Cameron Green, have only served to highlight the importance of managing the next generation.Green, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Riley Meredith, Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis all picked up injuries on the tour of the UK, while Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Will Sutherland were all unavailable as they recovered from differing ailments. Cummins also didn’t travel in order to do a block of training at home, focussing on getting his body right for the upcoming summer.While there were a variety of injuries, there have also been some common themes including side strains, and soft tissue and back stress injuries that continue to plague Australia’s fast bowlers. Green has become the fourth Australian fast bowler behind James Pattinson, Dwarshuis and Jason Behrendorff to undergo significant spine surgery to stabilise vertebrae in his back and prevent future stress fractures.Xavier Bartlett was one of the bowlers to pick up an injury on the UK tour•AFP/Getty Images

The injuries led to a situation where West Australian youngster Mahli Beardman was called up for the UK tour with just one List A game to his name, which raised some eyebrows among the state associations.There has been some friction between CA and the state associations over the management of some of Australia’s fringe fast bowlers in recent years, with the demanding international playing schedule meaning more players are required than ever before. Franchise opportunities have only added to the burden as individual players want to maximise their earnings during the winter months while the national and state teams would prefer them to manage their bodies in preparation for national and domestic duty.The new pace-bowling role has been designed to be a central point under Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald to coordinate an approach to managing Australia’s current and next generation of quicks to avoid some of the friction.One of the key job descriptions in the advertisement is “performing a lead role in the case management (including load planning and monitoring), off tour preparation and individual skill development of CA contracted pace bowlers and pace bowlers of national interest”.Spencer Johnson suffered a side strain in the Hundred and has yet to return to playing•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

This has been a crunch point in recent years. CA’s high-performance team has been able to manage its contracted fast bowlers fairly successfully, but issues have arisen when the men’s team has needed to look beyond their contracted players. CA currently has nine contracted fast bowlers among a list of 23, not including the pace-bowling allrounders Green, Aaron Hardie and Mitchell Marsh.But ahead of the UK tour, where the selectors wanted to rest Cummins entirely in order to prepare for India, and have Hazlewood and Starc play the England portion only, they needed bowlers for the six T20Is. With contracted bowlers Morris and Richardson unavailable, Johnson was selected alongside Bartlett and Ellis.But CA were unable to tailor Johnson’s preparation as an uncontracted player. He played 39 T20s and a first-class game between December and August including the BBL, Sheffield Shield, internationals, the IPL, T20 Blast, MLC and the Hundred without a break to do a pre-tour build in the same mould as Hazlewood and Starc were. He suffered a side strain in the Hundred and has yet to return to playing. There was a similar occurrence in 2023 where Johnson played the MLC, Global T20 in Canada and the Hundred before making his international debut for Australia, only to tear his hamstring on his ODI debut bowling more than four overs for the first time in five months.Under the current memorandum of understanding, CA only offers up to 24 central contracts but there is a pool of money for players to qualify for a contract upgrade if they play enough games in the 12-month financial year. There is a thought within Australian cricket that that model is outdated, and the men’s team would be better served contracting 30-plus players initially each year and carefully tailoring the 12-month playing and preparation schedules for a large group of fast bowlers in particular to avoid injuries and situations like the one the arose in the UK.

أجرى تشابي ألونسو مدرب ريال مدريد لقاء صحفياً للحديث عن لقاء ريال سوسيداد غداً على ملعب أنويتا في إطار منافسات الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

وقال ألونسو في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “بعد الاستراحة، حان وقت أنويتا، الأمر مرهق، الجميع يقدم أداء جيدًا، ولم يتعرض أحد للإصابة”.

وسئل ألونسو عن تصريح هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة والذي قال إن الغرور يقضي على النجاح: “نريد أن نكون ناجحين بصفات إنسانية، وأن يكون الجميع في قارب واحد، مستعدين للتجديف عند الحاجة، نبدأ بتحديات صعبة ونريد من الجميع أن يسيروا في نفس الاتجاه”.

وعلق ألونسو على حالة جود بيلينجهام: “أريد أن أكون متفائلاً بعض الشئ وآمل أن يكون جاهزاً قبل أكتوبر، إنه يتدرب بشكل جزئي دون احتكاك، يبذل مجهود كبير للتعافي، لنرى إن كان بإمكانه اتخاذ خطوات للأمام الأسبوع المقبل وسننتظره عند الشعور بالتحسن”.

وسئل ألونسو إذا كان التوقف كان إيجابياً أكثر من المعتاد: “الأهم هو وصول اللاعبين في الوقت المحدد وبصحة جيدة، كان لدينا عدد أكبر من اللاعبين هنا عن المعتاد، نحن بصدد مواصلة تعزيز صفوفنا”.

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وعقب ألونسو حول قدرة فينيسيوس ومبابي ورودريجو اللعب معاً: “بإمكانهم ذلك، فعلوا ذلك منذ زمن طويل، هذا ليس مستبعداً، عدم نجاحنا في ذلك حتى الآن لا يذكر، لا يمكن استخلاص استنتاجات من ثلاث مباريات فقط”.

ورد ألونسو على تقارير تتعلق برغبة منتخب الأرجنتين للشباب في الحصول على ماستانتونو في كأس العالم للشباب المقبل: “إذا كان الأمر بيدنا فإنه سيبقى معنا”.

وحول موعد عودة كامافينجا وميندي أجاب ألونسو :”إدواردو في جدول زمني مشابه لبيلينجهام وقادر على فعل كل شئ وسيتم ضمه للقائمة قريباً، حصل على الضوء الأخضر وأمام ميندي بضعة أسابيع أخرى”.

وعن فريق ريال مدريد وإذا كان وصل للمستوى الذي يطمح له ألونسو :”مازالنا في طور البحث، نريد إجراء تغييرات وتشكيل فريق جديد، بدنياً نحن أفضل، هناك إيقاع معتاد باللعب كل ثلاث أيام ونحتاج للاعبين جدد”.

وأثنى ألونسو على كيليان مبابي بعد أدائه الممتاز مع فرنسا وريال مدريد وإذا كان هو القائد للفريق: “إنه في حالة ممتازة، كروياً وشخصياً، يتطلع بشوق لموسمه الثاني بعد أول مواسمه ويتقبل دوره، ليس بالضرورة أن يكون مبابي القائد فقط”.

وذكر ألونسو عن خطة اللعب بثلاث مدافعين: “كان ذلك لأن كأس العالم سياق مختلف عما عليه الآن، كنا بحاجة لخطة لعب، لا إلى بناء ما نريده الآن، لم نكن بحاجة لثلاث مدافعين مركزيين بل إلى لاعب وسط واحد، لم أنسى ذلك، لدينا خمسة مدافعين مركزيين وبالنظر لجودة اللاعبين يمكننا تحقيق ذلك، عدم حدوث ذلك في ثلاث مباريات ليس قاطعاً لان الطريق مازال طويل”.

وحول السبع مباريات الذين ينتظرهم ريال مدريد حتى فترة التوقف الدولي المقبلة وانطلاق الأبطال ومباراة الديربي: “لا أتعامل مع الأمر كذلك، كل مباراة مهمة للغاية ونقاط قد تكون حاسمة على المدى الطويل ويجب أن نعطي كل شئ وزنه”.

وأتم ألونسو حول خطة إدارة كارفاخال وأرنولد: “لحسن الحظ، لدينا منافسة قوية داخل الفريق، هناك تحديات وهم جاهزين، كذلك في مراكز أخرى، من يستحق المشاركة سيلعب وسيتكرر الأمر طوال العام”.

وختم حول البرازيليين الذين لم يتم استدعائهم للمنتخب وحالتهم البدنية وموقف إندريك: “لم يغيب فينيسيوس بسبب الإيقاف،رودريجو يتحسن أكثر فأكثر وإندريك قريب جداً وميليتاو يعود من إصابة طويلة ويتحسن أدائه عند اللعب، لن يبقوا هنا مرة أخرى ولكن إذا حدث ذلك، سيكون الأمر أفضل لكني أعتقد أن أنشيلوتي سيستدعيهم مجدداً”.

Pakistan were dumped out of the tournament after just three games, following defeats to the USA and India

Danyal Rasool04-Jul-2024

Gary Kirsten and Pakistan had a forgettable T20 World Cup•ICC/Getty Images

The uncertainty around the future of Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam as well as the fate of the selection committee lingers as head coach Gary Kirsten and selector Wahab Riaz submitted their tour reports to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi following Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. Pakistan were dumped out of the tournament after just three games, with defeats to the USA and India proving terminal to their campaign.The end of Pakistan’s World Cup was followed by a fierce – and a somewhat frenzied – backlash in the country. The selection committee of seven, widely viewed as being de facto headed by Wahab, was one of its central targets, while a perceived tactical ineptitude and culture of conservatism under the captaincy of Babar has also come under scrutiny. There remain unanswered questions about the selection of the squad itself, particularly around the continued non-selection of specialist legspinner Abrar Ahmed despite Shadab Khan’s indifferent form.Related

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PCB likely to make changes to selection committee after dismal show in T20 World Cup

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However, as ESPNcricinfo reported last month, the PCB has chosen to take its time before launching into any major decisions. Pakistan do not have a white-ball engagement until November, allowing the PCB to wait till Kirsten and Wahab – who was also the senior team manager for the tournament – handed in their reports.It is understood the PCB remains open to a change of captaincy, though sticking with Babar has also not been conclusively ruled out. This partly stems from a lack of obvious candidates to replace him; when Naqvi decided to sack Shaheen Shah Afridi, he ultimately returned to Babar – who had only been replaced a few weeks earlier. That was following yet another poor showing at an ICC event – the ODI World Cup in India in 2023.Now that Kirsten and Wahab have submitted their reports, any decisions regarding the “surgery” Naqvi had reportedly been prepared to conduct do theoretically move closer. However, the PCB has consistently refused to put a timeline on any action, insisting they wish to make a considered decision rather than a quick one.

The squad will be led by Shubman Gill and will play five matches in Zimbabwe from July 6

Shashank Kishore24-Jun-2024

Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma impressed in IPL 2024•BCCI

Shubman Gill has been named captain of India’s T20I squad for the five-match series in Zimbabwe that begins on July 6. Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande all received their maiden India call-ups after impressive performances in IPL 2024.Dhruv Jurel has also been picked as the second wicketkeeper, his first call-up to the T20I squad after making his Test debut earlier this year against England.Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson are the only two players from India’s T20 World Cup squad who are also travelling to Zimbabwe; all of the other World Cup players have been given a break after the tournament ends on June 29.Rinku Singh, Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed, the other travelling reserves in India’s T20 World Cup squad along with Gill, are also in the squad for Zimbabwe. The team is likely to leave for Zimbabwe on July 1 and will be coached by VVS Laxman in the interim, with Rahul Dravid’s tenure ending with the T20 World Cup.The squad does not include Tilak Varma, who has played 16 T20 internationals since his debut in August last year. ESPNcricinfo learned Tilak had injured two fingers on his left hand ahead of Mumbai Indians’ final league game of IPL 2024 and is undergoing rehab at NCA in Bangalore. He was part of India’s most recent bilateral series, against Afghanistan this January, and also had a successful IPL season for Mumbai – 416 runs at a strike rate of 149.64.Abhishek’s inclusion comes on the back of a successful IPL 2024 for Sunrisers Hyderabad: 484 runs at a strike rate of 204.21 and 42 sixes, the most in the season. He had also played a pivotal role in Punjab’s run to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali title in November, with 485 runs at a strike rate of 192.46 as an opener.”It feels great to get this opportunity,” Abhishek said in a statement. “Finally my hard work has paid off. I will give my best and perform well for India.”Playing in his sixth IPL season, Parag had a breakout year for Rajasthan Royals, scoring almost as many runs in IPL 2024 as he had in five previous seasons. Offered a chance to bat at No. 4, Parag scored 40 or more in seven out of 14 innings; only Virat Kohli had 40-plus more scores (nine) this season. Parag’s 573 runs in 16 innings made him third on the leaderboard for most runs, behind Kohli (741) and Gaikwad (583).Reddy, a 21-year old seam-bowling allrounder, is believed to have impressed the selectors with his temperament in the Sunrisers top order. He made 303 runs in IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 142.92, while also delivering 13.1 overs for three wickets. Reddy, like Abhishek and Parag, was a part of the BCCI’s target group of young players who have been under the NCA’s watch over the past year.Deshpande was the top wicket-taker for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024, with 17 wickets and an economy rate of 8.83.India play five T20Is against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 6, 7, 10, 13 and 14.India’s squad for T20I series in ZimbabweᏚhubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Reddy, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande.

Manchester City have a wonderful chance to claim their third FA Cup victory under the leadership of Pep Guardiola at Wembley this afternoon.

Success came in 2019 and 2023 before they lost the final to Manchester United last year. The Spaniard will be keen to end the campaign on a high.

He will, however, be expecting a much better performance than the one that was delivered against Southampton in the Premier League last week.

The 0-0 draw against the club bottom of the table, having conceded 82 goals, was disappointing to say the least, particularly with Erling Haaland back in the starting line-up.

James McAtee was particularly poor during the game.

James McAtee’s game in numbers vs Southampton

The Englishman was unleashed on the right wing against the Saints, but if it was an audition to keep his place in the team next season, he failed.

The attacking midfielder lasted only 45 minutes during the game as he was subbed off at the interval. Throughout the first half, he made just one key pass, registered zero total shots, and won only one total duel.

It was clear the entire team were not quite at the races, but this was a chance for McAtee to prove to Guardiola he was worthy of a place in his plans next term.

This poor performance likely means he will drop to the bench for the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace later today.

The question is, who comes in for the youngster?

Why Man City must unleash Savinho against Crystal Palace

Savinho entered the fray last weekend with just 14 minutes left, but he registered more shots and dribbles than McAtee did during the first half.

Since joining City from Troyes last summer, the winger has scored twice and grabbed 12 assists, proving to be a solid signing by the manager, as he has provided plenty of creativity on the flank.

Metric

McAtee

Savinho

Goals

3

1

Assists

0

8

Shots per game

0.8

2

Big chances created

2

11

Successful dribbles per game

0.1

1.9

Key passes per game

0.2

1.6

Aged only 21, the Brazilian will only get better. That’s for certain. The £46m-rated, per Transfermarkt, youngster has established himself as one of Guardiola’s key players this season.

His displays are even more impressive when compared to those in a similar position across Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions over the past 365 days.

Indeed, Savinho ranks in the top 6% for progressive carries, progressive passes received, touches in the opposition penalty area, and successful take-ons when compared to other wingers per 90.

Furthermore, he also ranks in the top 11% for shot-creating actions and assists per 90, which indicates that he should start the cup final against Palace.

At the start of the season, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson claimed that the 21-year-old could turn into a “superstar” after several encouraging displays.

Nine months later, Savinho’s City career has gone better than expected. If he can play a key role in the final this afternoon, he could use this to build on ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

New signings will be expected; That’s a certainty. But in Savinho, City have a potential world-class sensation in the making and that is why he must be unleashed ahead of McAtee in the cup final to improve the team’s chances of ending the campaign with a bit of glory.

He'd be amazing with Wirtz: Man City set to submit bid for £50m star

As Manchester City seek to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, would the addition of another “fantastic” midfielder build an unstoppable trio?

May 16, 2025

Florian Wirtz is the name on everyone’s lips at Liverpool right now, with FSG having taken the lead in the race to sign the Germany international, who is also being courted by Bayern Munich.

That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who broke the news this evening that the Bundesliga champions are fearful of Anfield, in fact growing resigned to the fact that the 22-year-old will join Liverpool if he switches club this summer.

Manchester City had a strong interest in bringing him in, but have taken a step back given that Wirtz’s employers are believed to value him in the ballpark of €150m (£126m).

However, Spanish sources believe the Reds would need to cash in on some existing quality in order to facilitate a move, and with Barcelona hoping to sign Luis Diaz, some differing cogs might fall into place.

While Darwin Nunez is also expected to depart Anfield, Diaz, 28, has been one of Arne Slot’s most important players, but should be sold this summer nonetheless.

Why Liverpool should sell Luis Diaz

Diaz joined Liverpool from FC Porto in January 2022 for a fee rising to £49m, ostensibly as Sadio Mane’s successor, for the Senegalese superstar left for Bayern Munich the following summer.

He’s ebbed and flowed, partly due to a crushing injury suffered during his first full season, but who can say Diaz hasn’t enjoyed a special season under Slot’s wing, prolific and dynamic in a Premier League-winning team?

Luis Diaz – Liverpool Career by Season (all comps)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

49

17

8

23/24

51

13

7

22/23

21

5

3

21/22

26

6

5

Stats via Transfermarkt

However, he’s hardly irreplaceable, and entering the penultimate year of his contract besides. The Colombian has played as a left winger and a makeshift centre-forward this year, and Cody Gakpo holds down the fort on the flank and FSG are searching for a new number nine.

If Barcelona are serious about their interest and willing to pay a €80m (£68m) fee, as has been suggested in Spain, to pull Diaz from Merseyside, this would be something the club should consider, especially as they are searching for new attacking cogs.

Though Wirtz is the dream, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes will be hedging his bets until the moment of truth, and indeed appears to have identified an alternative who could still prove an upgrade on Diaz, one of the Premier League’s standout wingers.

Liverpool reignite interest in PL star

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are still interested in signing Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon, nearly one year on from exploring a deal for the England international as the Magpies sweated over PSR limitations.

Gordon, a boyhood Liverpool fan who was released from the academy before joining Everton aged 11, had informed his inner circle that he wanted to make the move make to Merseyside, and though he’s now signed a new long-term deal at St. James’ Park, would still be open to the transfer.

Of course, the reality would be far more strenuous for the Reds given the 24-year-old is valued at £100m by his side, who are in a good position to qualify for the Champions League ahead of the weekend’s culminating round of Premier League fixtures.

Why Anthony Gordon would be an upgrade on Diaz

Whether Liverpool would have the means to sign both Wirtz and Gordon after adding full-backs on both sides of the backline and with the ongoing need for a new striker remains to be seen. However, it’s unlikely all of this would happen.

Instead, Gordon could be signed as a contingency if things don’t fall into place regarding Wirtz, and the Newcastle man has enough quality to still prove an upgrade on the high-flying Diaz.

Gordon might not have had quite the same year as the 2023/24 campaign, in which his talismanic performances helped Newcastle through injury woes, sealing an individual accolade as United’s Player of the Year.

He hit 28 direct goal involvements, which is more than Diaz has ever achieved in a single campaign for Liverpool. Moreover, Gordon is four years younger than Anfield’s man, thus with plenty of scope for growth.

Of course, this isn’t to say he hasn’t enjoyed a good year on Tyneside, scoring nine goals and adding seven assists from 32 starts across all competitions.

He also ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this season for successful crosses made into the penalty area per 90, as per FBref, which is a weapon Liverpool could certainly do with if they are to sign a recognised focal frontman this summer.

But his most interesting tool, aside from some immense physicality and athleticism, the cornerstones of his skill set, is his fluidity, used across different attacking areas since leaving Everton for Newcastle in a £45m deal back in January 2023.

Anthony Gordon – Newcastle Career by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Left winger

71

18

17

Right winger

13

1

6

Centre-forward

8

2

0

Attacking midfield

4

1

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see, Gordon’s been ferried about the frontline during his time in Eddie Howe’s system, though it’s clear he’s at his rip-roaring best when in his natural left-sided berth, with blistering speed and tricky feet allowing him to get the better of even the meanest defenders on the continent.

This is a further illustration of how he could replace Diaz, whose excellent season at Liverpool boils down to his ability to provide relief as a striker, thus allowing Gakpo to play off the wing.

Gordon’s price tag is further evidence that he has what it takes to become a superstar in red. Not just a potent threat, the English winger averages one tackle and 4.4 successful duels per game this season, bringing a tenacious attitude that emphasises his dynamic underlying qualities.

He’s also younger now than Diaz was when he first signed for Liverpool (25 years old). While Liverpool’s chiefs would be wary of spending £100m on an attacking player who failed to hit double figures in goals or assists this season, Gordon’s talent is unquestionable, having described himself as a “nightmare to play against.”

Transfer Focus

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

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If a deal for Wirtz falls through, this is the one to go for.

Related Bigger talent than Salah: Liverpool make offer to sign "world-class" star

Liverpool are ready to defend their Premier League title by attacking the transfer market.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair May 23, 2025

Attempting to solve their left-back problem at long last, Manchester City are now reportedly in constant contact with one £30m target who Kyle Walker has recently got to know fairly well.

Man City planning major overhaul

Whilst Kevin de Bruyne’s pending departure is likely to be an emotional one at the Etihad, Manchester City may have to get used to bidding farewell to club veterans in the coming months as the Blues commence a much-needed overhaul.

City boss Pep Guardiola has already paid tribute to De Bruyne’s time at the club as the Belgian prepares to leave, whilst revealing that it was the club’s decision. The Spaniard told reporters: “The decision has been made for the club, and the club is the club. Me, Txiki [Begiristain, sporting director], and the club, so this is what it is. It was not easy for me to tell him it won’t continue.

Man City could now make £51m summer bid for "insane" goalscoring midfielder

The Sky Blues are now very keen on signing a central midfielder, who Pep Guardiola has personally identified as a target.

ByDominic Lund Apr 11, 2025

“The last year and a half, he was out injured because he gave everything for the club. Everything he had in his body and his mind, he’s done it, so there’s no doubt about it.”

The focus has since shifted towards replacing De Bruyne and whilst some may see that as mission impossible at the Etihad, a number of candidates have already emerged. Recent reports have mentioned the likes of Florian Wirtz and even Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White regarding players on City’s radar and there’s no doubt that both have their own standout qualities.

When comparing the two, however, it must be said that it’s Wirtz who would steal the most headlines having become one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders during his time at Bayer Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, away from their need to replace De Bruyne, Manchester City must also finally sign another left-back this summer – allowing Josko Gvardiol to move back into central defence and ending Rico Lewis’ unsuccessful role down that side.

Man City in constant contact with Theo Hernandez

On that front, one name that has recently emerged as a potential solution is Theo Hernandez. According to The Boot Room, Manchester City are now in constant contact with Hernandez’s representatives over a summer move from AC Milan and are racing to secure his signature alongside Tottenham Hotspur.

A Champions League winner who could reportedly be available for as little as £30m this summer, Manchester City may well get themselves a bargain solution by signing Hernandez this summer. There’s no doubt that he would be an instant upgrade on Lewis and a player who could match Gvardiol’s quality or allow the Croatia star to move into the middle.

Minutes

2,254

2,647

1,720

Assists

3

0

2

Tackles Won

22

33

19

Ball Recoveries

111

119

89

Dubbed “electric fast” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Hernandez will have the chance to find out all about Manchester City whilst at AC Milan if he speaks to former captain Kyle Walker, who had plenty of pace of his own, often relied upon to halt counter-attacks as City dominated possession.

The England international is currently on loan at the San Siro and whilst he may yet leave on a permanent basis, he could first bring back the gift of Hernandez this summer.

A Swiss journalist has delivered a brutal verdict on Leeds United star Noah Okafor, claiming that the forward is “not a team player” and that he “prioritises his own interests”.

The £3.7m-a-year man arrived at Elland Road in the summer and has since settled in well, but couldn’t avoid the criticism from media in his home country. Daniel Farke will be hoping that Okafor is able to quiet any of the noise this Sunday when Leeds square off against Nottingham Forest in a crucial relegation six-pointer.

Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, Farke urged his players to “enjoy this challenge” at the City Ground this weekend.

It’s the type of challenge that Leeds have already overcome more than once this season. Since returning to the Premier League, those in Yorkshire have picked up 11 points and have done enough to avoid the bottom three at this stage.

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Having been eased aside by Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, however, the pressure is likely to increase with a similar defeat against a struggling Forest side. It’s an early relegation six-pointer and another chance for Okafor to prove any doubters wrong.

Swiss journalist slams selfish Noah Okafor

After the forward was left out of the latest Switzerland squad, Swiss journalist Tobias Wedermann has claimed that Okafor is “not a team player” and “prioritises his own interests” in a shock rant.

The Leeds star has been in an ongoing dispute with Switzerland manager Murat Yakin since Euro 2024 and was once again snubbed for an international call ahead of the November break.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Okafor hasn’t been called up since last November and recently had his say on the situation, saying: “Since then, I never spoke with the coach, not even a phone call or a message, also with the (Swiss Football Association’s) sporting director Pierluigi Tami.

“They don’t even call me or ask me. For me, it makes no sense. I can say it makes me sad because they don’t even text me or call me to see how I am. For example, when I moved to Leeds, ‘Congrats’ or something like that, because I play now in the best league in the world.”

With two goals in seven Premier League games as one of Farke’s starting attackers, Okafor’s absence for Switzerland continues to become more baffling, and he now faces the prospect of missing the World Cup.

Farke already has his answer to Gibbs-White in "underrated" Leeds star

INEOS are now reportedly prepared to spend more than £100m to sign Raphinha from Barcelona under one circumstance at Manchester United in 2026.

The Red Devils owners have not been afraid to spend big on transfer fees in the last six months, despite their cost-saving measures off the pitch. Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to back Ruben Amorim, who has shown signs that he could yet turn things around at Old Trafford, and that could yet result in further much-needed reinforcements.

INEOS have already seen the majority of their summer signings settle into life at Old Trafford, with Bryan Mbeumo even picking up the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for October to match Amorim’s Manager of the Month achievement. The former Brentford forward scored three goals and assisted one other to earn the award.

After watching Mbeumo pick up the award and claiming the Manager of the Month prize himself, Amorim told reporters: “The credit is not mine, the credit is for my players. They did really well, and our goal is to win the next one because it means we win football matches.”

The former Sporting CP boss, more than anyone, will be well aware that there’s still a long way to go, however, and INEOS must still back the Red Devils in the transfer market.

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On that front, those at Old Trafford have already been linked with 2026 moves for the likes of Elliot Anderson and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. Anderson would be a particularly impressive signing, given how he’s starred in a struggling Nottingham Forest side as of late, whilst Vlahovic would undoubtedly add depth to Amorim’s frontline.

Neither of those players would be as impressive as Raphinha though, who has scored twice against Man United throughout his career.

Man Utd prepared to spend over £100m on Raphinha

According to reports in Spain, INEOS are now prepared to spend €120m (£105m) to sign Raphinha if Man United qualify for the Champions League this season. Qualification for the competition would hand the Red Devils further financial freedom and the ability to attract stars such as the Barcelona winger.

The Brazilian would instantly become Man United’s record signing at £105m, finally dethroning the £89m fee that they paid to sign eventual flop Paul Pogba in 2016.

Unlike the Frenchman, Raphinha may well prove to be worth every penny after becoming one of the best wingers in the world at Barcelona and finishing fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Whether a club-record bid would be enough to lure Barcelona into a sale is the big question. Manager Hansi Flick should be desperate to keep hold of his winger, having told reporters last season: “He has good dynamics with the ball and he has had an extraordinary match. His offensive and defensive dynamics, and his good technique, are something special. I have never had a player like him and he helps us a lot.”

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is gearing up for another important Premier League test at home to Brentford on Wednesday, looking to extend the club’s incredible unbeaten run.

Arsenal set for Brentford after 1-1 draw at Chelsea

It’s been 17 matches since the Gunners last tasted a single defeat in all competitions, and a lot has changed since that 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s English champions are now all but out of the title race, despite barely playing a third of 2025/2026, while Arsenal are flying high and five points clear atop the table.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

10-man Chelsea came the closest to beating Arteta’s side last weekend, taking a 1-0 lead through Trevoh Chalobah at Stamford Bridge, only for in-form makeshift number nine Mikel Merino to equalise with his 20th goal this calendar year.

Arsenal’s imperious early-season has been made all the more impressive when factoring in their extensive injury list this term.

Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, William Saliba, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz have all been sidelined at various points, with Arteta doing very well to adjust.

In Havertz’s case, the £280,000-per-week star hasn’t played at all this season since Arsenal’s opening day win over Man United at Old Trafford.

The Germany international, after just coming back from a hamstring problem which kept him out for months at the back end of 2024/2025, sustained a knee injury against United, with Havertz hauled off after just half an hour.

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Havertz required surgery with the former Chelsea star working hard to come back.

Reports suggest that Havertz has impressed Arsenal rehabilitation staff with his recovery, but he still hasn’t been available since August.

Mikel Arteta without Kai Havertz for 'weeks' after Arsenal injury update

The 26-year-old was, at one point, contending to be fit for Arsenal’s 4-1 triumph over Tottenham in the North London derby (Standard Sport).

Havertz was seemingly on the verge of a return to the field, but according to Arteta in his latest pre-match press conference, it will now be ‘weeks’ before the attacker makes his long-awaited return.

News of this setback for Havertz comes as a blow for Arsenal, with Arteta yet to have the desired conundrum of choosing how to fit both him and Gyokeres into his new Arsenal system on a regular basis.

Unable to display his best throughout 2025 due to consistent injury problems, Arteta will be desperate to have Havertz available once again as soon as possible.

With both Gabriel and potentially Saliba unavailable for Brentford too, summer signings Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera will likely partner one another yet again tomorrow evening.