Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has his eyes on both Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes and Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi, according to reports, but he could also look to bring in another highly-rated player with the duo.
Berta targeting Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi for Arsenal
Earlier this week, journalist Eduardo Burgos broke news that Berta personally wants both Guimaraes and Zubimendi, not either or, to come in and bolster Mikel Arteta’s midfield ahead of next season.
Berta blow as £327k-per-week star rejects Arsenal offer and signs new deal
His final decision has been made.
ByEmilio Galantini Mar 13, 2025
While Arsenal are struggling to finalise a deal for Zubimendi right now, with advanced talks stalling (CaughtOffside), they haven’t completely given up the chase either, and it is believed that the Gunners could strike a deal for Guimaraes for around £59 million if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League.
News of Berta plotting moves for both midfielders was then backed up by reports closer to home, with GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs sharing that Guimaraes has been put forward by Arsenal’s new transfer chief as a serious option.
Arsenal’s interest in the Brazil international with Zubimendi appears pretty concrete at this stage, which comes as good news considering Thomas Partey and Jorginho are set to leave when their contracts expire this summer.
Chelsea (home)
March 16th
Fulham (home)
April 1st
Everton (away)
April 5th
Brentford (home)
April 12th
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Jacobs, sharing a further update on the club’s plans for what could be a record-breaking summer under Berta, says another Newcastle United star Alexander Isak remains firmly on their radar.
Arsenal may sign Alexander Isak with Guimaraes and Zubimendi
The £120,000-per-week striker has dazzled as one of the English top flight’s standout forwards this season, and despite the potential cost involved in their mooted double-swoop for Zubimendi and Guimaraes, it is believed Berta may also try to sign Isak for Arsenal alongside the pair.
“So Zubimendi is very much the Edu target, but Berta is going to be looking at Bruno Guimaraes,” said Jacobs to GiveMeSport.
“And my understanding is that Arsenal may try for both Zubimendi and Guimaraes, plus Isak or [Benjamin] Sesko.”
The Swede has scored 22 goals in just 32 appearances across all competitions, so Arsenal are well aware of his quality, but a deal for him could be too much to ask. Newcastle value their man at around £150 million, so the Gunners would need to smash their transfer record to even hope of prising Isak away from St. James’ Park.
Arteta personally wants Isak, according to other reports, but Sesko may be a much more realistic target considering the release clause in his contract.
Manchester City are looking to sign an exciting young gem who has been described as the next Ousmane Dembele, according to a new report.
Dembele thriving at Paris Saint-Germain
After years of failing to live up to the £135.5 million fee that Barcelona paid Borussia Dortmund for him, Ousmane Dembele is finally proving just why he was once considered one of the best young players in the world.
Sadly for Barcelona, however, he’s not doing it for them, but instead for Paris Saint-Germain, whom he joined in the summer of 2023.
After a solid first season in the French capital, Dembele has kicked into overdrive this term, having scored 30 goals and provided six assists in all competitions, which is by far and away the best return of his career.
Not only has his goal return put him firmly in the race for the European Golden Shoe, but has helped storm into a now-insurmountable lead in Ligue 1, as well as the Champions League quarterfinals.
Speaking about the 27-year-old back in February after PSG beat Brest in the Champions League, former Chelsea and Liverpool star Joe Cole described him as Europe’s current best player.
“Dembele, they’ve got probably the most in-form player, let alone winger, in European football,” said Cole, according to TNT Sports. “And when he’s on form, with his attributes, he’s unstoppable.”
PSG head coach Luis Enique, meanwhile, said of Dembele: “Ousmane is in a huge moment of confidence and he’s now like the PlayStation [player] with the light above him!”
Man City want the next Dembele
While Dembele will no doubt be high on the wish list of many of Europe’s big clubs this summer, he’s unlikely to be going anywhere – both because of his good form in Paris and the fact his contract runs until 2028.
So instead, one of those clubs, Manchester City, seem to have turned their attention to his proposed successor – 15-year-old wonderkid Johan Martinez, as they look to the future under Pep Guardiola.
Pep can replace Foden by unleashing Man City's 17-year-old "serious talent"
Man City have plenty of talented youngsters waiting to make their breakthrough for the senior side
ByRoss Kilvington Mar 23, 2025
According to Football Insider, Man City have set their sights on Martinez ahead of a potential summer swoop, having impressed the club’s scouts.
Dubbed very exciting in the report, Martinez plays as a winger in the academy of Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle – the same academy from which Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo emerged – and has been likened to Dembele because of his skill and ability to play with both feet.
Liverpool and Brighton are also interested in Martinez, as are some clubs from Germany and Italy, according to a separate report from TEAMTalk’s Rudy Galetti,
Of course, at such a young age, it’s impossible to tell right now quite just how Martinez will develop, however, all signs point to a promising future.
One thing’s for sure, though, if City do land him, they’ll be hoping he can be closer to the Dembele of PSG and Dortmund, rather than the Dembele of Barcelona.
This final feels especially weighty, since it pits the two best teams not just of Test cricket’s last two years but arguably of its last decade
Karthik Krishnaswamy06-Jun-20236:47
Do Australia have an edge in the WTC final?
Big picture – final flourish for Warner, Starc, Ashwin, Kohli, Pujara?Is it world cricket’s most prestigious match? Or is it a final that should be more than a one-off contest but cannot be, thanks to the constraints of a calendar that is squeezing Test cricket to the margins, awkwardly positioned between two events that are, in hugely contrasting ways, more important, and tacked onto the end of an exclusionary league that isn’t even a proper league, in which nearly every team plays fewer Test matches than they used to?The answer, perhaps, is that it is both. For all its flaws, it’s the final of the World Test Championship, and for the 22 players who’ll feature in it, could be career-defining, and it could end with joys and regrets that they hold onto for the rest of their lives.This final feels especially weighty, since it pits the two best teams not just of Test cricket’s last two years but arguably of its last decade.Related
India face a rehash of the R Ashwin debate in WTC final
Pat Cummins 'aiming to play all six' Tests over English summer
WTC final FAQs: Dukes ball, reserve day, a first-of-its-kind Oval Test
Quiz: Who was India's leading run-getter during this WTC cycle?
Lyon: 'I've never conquered this game of cricket and never will'
India were Test cricket’s dominant side, with all their key players at or approaching their peaks, during the 2019-21 cycle, during which they lost only one series, to New Zealand, before losing the final to the same team. They’ve had to chart a more tortuous route to the final this time, and some of the great names in their ranks have lost some of their old invulnerability, but they remain a superb team that will treasure this chance to do to Australia what New Zealand did to them two years ago.Australia will feel they should have been part of that 2021 final – they missed out because an over-rate penalty consigned them to third place rather than second on the points table. They’re here now, though, as league-table toppers, and they start with a clear edge. They are, like India, an all-weather side, but they’re especially good in conditions that favour pace over spin. More crucially, they start with fewer key players out injured. Australia will miss Josh Hazlewood, while India will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, two once-in-a-generation players. The fact that India still look formidable is a credit to the depth of talent in their system.This final may also represent something of a final flourish for the era-defining players that crowd the two sides. Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc and David Warner are all 33 or older, as are R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav, with Mohammed Shami less than three months shy of joining them. They’ve all played upwards of 50 Tests, barring captains Cummins and Rohit who are set to reach that milestone on Wednesday.Two golden generations, then, are gunning for what could be their last shot at a Test world title. Some dreams are set to come true, and some others to shatter.Form guideAustralia DWLLD (last five Tests, most recent first) India DLWWWIn the spotlight – Cummins and ShamiPat Cummins endured a difficult tour of India in February-March, on and off the field. He picked up three wickets in two Tests at an average of 39.55, and left the tour midway to spend time with his seriously ill mother, who died when the fourth Test was in play. In his absence, Australia made a stirring fightback from 2-0 down, winning the third Test and drawing the fourth, and stand-in captain Steven Smith came in for widespread praise for his tactical acumen. While Smith said he no longer held full-time leadership aspirations, and reaffirmed that this was now “Pat’s team”, Cummins’ captaincy might still come under some scrutiny at The Oval, where he’ll also want to restate his credentials as the world’s best fast bowler, particularly with Hazlewood out injured.5:05
Will Warner shine? Will Green adapt?
Bumrah might contest Cummins’ claim to being the world’s best fast bowler, but he’ll play no part in this final. Bumrah’s absence leaves India without their No. 1 strike weapon and could potentially upset the balance of their attack too – it’s harder for them to pick four fast bowlers, even if conditions dictate it, if Bumrah isn’t around. It is imperative, then, that Mohammed Shami brings all his class and experience to play. His record in England – 38 wickets in 13 Tests at 40.52 – is deceptive, because he’s often bowled brilliantly in the country without enjoying a lot of luck, and India will hope he’ll figure out a way at The Oval to not just beat the bat frequently but find its edge too.Team news – Bharat or Kishan?With Australia confirming that Scott Boland will take the injured Hazlewood’s place, their XI almost picks itself. With Peter Handscomb dropping out of the squad after an excellent spell as a horses-for-courses middle-order batter in India, Travis Head will move back to No. 5 and allow David Warner, who missed the last two Tests in India with a fractured elbow, to return as opener alongside Usman Khawaja.Australia (likely): 1 David Warner, 2 Usman Khawaja, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Cameron Green, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Scott Boland.Ajinkya Rahane is set to return to Test cricket for the first time since January 2022, his experience likely to get him the nod over Suryakumar Yadav with the incumbent No. 5 Sheyas Iyer out with a back injury. KS Bharat’s superior glovework won him the nod over Ishan Kishan during the home series against Australia, but in English conditions where keepers spend far less time up to the stumps negotiating sharp turn and inconsistent bounce, India could be tempted to back Kishan’s counterattacking skills and left-handedness. The biggest question they face, though, is whether to play four fast bowlers and just one spinner in Ravindra Jadeja, or pair him with R Ashwin.India (possible): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 KS Bharat/Ishan Kishan (wk), 8 R Ashwin/Shardul Thakur, 9 Umesh Yadav/Jaydev Unadkat, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Mohammed Siraj.Pitch and weatherSpin often plays a crucial role at The Oval. Since the start of 2012, during which time the ground has hosted 10 Tests, fast bowlers have averaged a collective 30.57 at The Oval and spinners 34.83. Of the English grounds that have hosted at least five Tests in this period, The Oval is where fast bowlers have achieved their worst collective average, while spinners have done better only at the Ageas Bowl (31.27) and Headingley (32.43).These numbers, though, could have something to do with Oval Tests tending to take place in August and September, when the weather is warm and dry and the pitches have undergone wear and tear over the long English summer. The ground has never previously hosted a Test match as early as June.Oval pitches typically tend to offer plenty of bounce, which could enthuse bowlers, both fast and slow, on either side, as well as allow batters to play their shots if there isn’t too much sideways movement.The forecast promises a clear, bright start to the Test match, with maximum temperatures in the early 20s Celsius. There could be rain on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, though – the scheduled fourth, fifth and reserve days.Stats and trivia India have won their last four Test series against Australia – two at home and two away – all by 2-1 margins. Australia (0.411) and India (0.400) have near-identical win-loss ratios at The Oval. Australia have won seven and lost 17 of their 38 Tests here, while India have won two and lost five of their 14. Virat Kohli is 21 short of becoming the fifth India batter to score 2000 Test runs against Australia. Sachin Tendulkar (3630), VVS Laxman (2434), Rahul Dravid (2143) and Cheteshwar Pujara (2033) are the others to have reached the mark. In three Tests at The Oval, Steven Smith has scored 391 runs at an average of 97.75, with two hundreds and an 80 in five innings.Quotes”Think this puts a bit of a bookend on the last few years, then feels like it starts afresh with an Ashes series. Think the first final was a bit of foreign concept and it probably wasn’t until we missed out that we thought that would be nice to be part of. So there’s been a bit more on it in the last couple of years and pretty pumped to be here.” “No, actually the way he is batting at the moment, I don’t think he needs any advice. It’s just about his preparation, how he’s prepared in the last five or six days since he’s come back from the IPL […] Gill is somebody who likes to bat, likes to spend a lot of time in the middle. I know even though it was the T20 format, you saw he got big hundreds [in the IPL]. He likes to be out there in the middle and face that challenge. That is what he likes and that is what I will also hope [he does in the WTC final]. And team India will also hope that he spends a lot of time in the middle and plays well like he’s been doing in the last six or eight months. So to be honest, not really too much to tell him. It’s just about giving him that confidence because he’s a very confident player.”
Inter have informed former star Christian Chivu that he will replace Simone Inzaghi as head coach after they missed out on Cesc Fabregas.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Inter make out-of-the-box move for Inzaghi's replacementThey have identified a former player to take chargeChivu chosen after Como rejected their Como approachFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to a report by Gianluca Dimarzio, Inter have made a surprise move for former player and current Parma manager Cristian Chivu as their new coach. The Nerazzurri wanted to sign Cesc Fabregas, but Como have rejected that move. Parma have given Chivu and his entourage permission to negotiate, as they will now look forward to hiring a new coach.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
After the 5-0 humiliation against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, Inzaghi informed the club of his decision to leave for Al-Hilal. Apart from Fabregas, Inter were also considering Genoa boss Patrick Vieira as Inzaghi’s successor, however, the latest developments suggest Parma boss Chivu is all set to take charge.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the 2009-10 season, Chivu won the treble with Inter as a player under the leadership of manager Jose Mourinho. He spent seven years with the club overall, retiring at the end of that spell with three Serie A titles to his name.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CHIVU?
If the deal goes through, Chivu will be on the Inter bench for the Club World Cup. Their campaign begins with a game against Monterrey on June 17.
Stand-in captain Jake Libby notches another fifty but injury-hit Derbyshire land their punches
ECB Reporters Network25-Jun-2023Anuj Dal again enjoyed himself at Worcestershire’s expense as bottom-placed Derbyshire put their injury problems in the bowling department behind them to bring about a collapse by the home side on day one of the LV=Insurance County Championship encounter at New Road.Dal had scored a hundred and a fifty plus picking up a five-for in the corresponding fixture in 2022 after scoring a century in the match between the teams at the Incora County Ground. He continued in that vein by returning figures of 18.3-5-45-5 as Worcestershire, who were 105 for 1 at one stage, were dismissed for 237 in 83.3 overs.The Peakites were without frontline bowlers Saranga Lakmal, Zak Chappell and Sam Conners and in addition Ben Aitchison limped off after being unable to complete an over. But Derbyshire, who signed Surrey’s Conor McKerr on loan for a third spell at the club, stuck to their task against a Worcestershire side who themselves had fitness problems.Club Captain Brett D’Oliveira, Jack Haynes and Kashif Ali were all ruled out and it meant handing a debut to rookie pro Rehaan Edavalath in addition to India pace bowler Navdeep Saini.Stand-in skipper Jake Libby continued his rich vein of form by top-scoring with 78 to take his run tally to 373 in his last three knocks. But only fellow opener Gareth Roderick and Adam Hose offered him much substantial support.Saini, who played for Kent in the Championship last summer, struck with his first delivery to dismiss Harry Came and Derbyshire ended on 32 for 2 after losing Luis Reece to the final delivery of the day from Dillon Pennington.Libby opted to bat after winning the toss and he and Roderick scored freely against the Kookaburra ball which is being used during the next two rounds of Championship matches.They completed their third successive half-century stand since joining forces at the top of the order in the previous Championship game against Sussex. The partnership was worth 70 when Roderick was bowled through the gate by Aitchison with a delivery that nipped back.The game started to swing in Derbyshire’s favour once Azhar Ali was dismissed to the final delivery before lunch when he drove at Dal and was caught at slip.Edavalath came out for his maiden innings at the start of the afternoon session but lasted only three balls before he missed a straight delivery from Dal and was lbw for nought.Libby completed an excellent half century from 106 balls with a push through the covers for two off Dal who bowled a probing 10 over spell either side of lunch of 10-2-32-2.Hose has been in prime form in Championship and T20 cricket and he again looked in good touch and helped Libby add 54 in untroubled fashion. But Hose edged Nick Potts to slip and Libby’s fine knock was brought to an end by Dal with keeper Brooke Guest holding onto the chance. Libby has now scored 614 first class runs this summer, the third highest figure on Division Two.Ed Pollock, recalled to the Championship side, got his head down but was dismissed to the last ball before tea when he shouldered arms to Dal and was bowled.Matthew Waite showed positive after the interval, striking Aitchison for three boundaries in the first over to bring up the 200. But he was bowled on 19 by a delivery from McKerr which nipped back a long way.Joe Leach clipped McKerr tamely into the hands of mid wicket and Josh Baker pushed forward to Luis Reece and was bowled. Dal completed his five-for by shattering Pennington’s stumps.Saini made the perfect start as Came offered no shot to a delivery angled into him and was bowled and then Reece edged the final delivery of the day from Pennington to first slip.
Glasgow Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson has enjoyed a strong start to his short-term stay in the dugout after replacing Philippe Clement at Ibrox.
The former Scotland international secured a Europa League last 16 win over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on penalties before overseeing a dramatic 3-2 win over Celtic last time out in the Scottish Premiership.
The Light Blues took the lead thanks to goals from Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande, but they needed a last-gasp winner from Hamza Igamane after the hosts battled it back to 2-2.
Vaclav Cerny had one of his quieter games, having scored four goals in six appearances before that match, and he has been speaking about his future with the Light Blues beyond the end of his current loan spell.
The Czechia international has said that he “definitely” wants to extend his stay at Ibrox, whilst speaking during the international break, but has also admitted that there has been “no contact” about a possible deal.
Cerny, therefore, is still in the dark in regards to whether or not he will be at Rangers or Wolfsburg, or somewhere else entirely, at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Why Rangers should sign Vaclav Cerny permanently
The Ibrox bosses should be doing everything that they can to secure a permanent deal for the left-footed star in the upcoming summer transfer window, or an extension on his loan if a permanent move is not possible.
Vaclav Cerny
Since joining the Gers on loan from the Bundesliga outfit last summer under Clement, Cerny has been in electric form for the Scottish giants on the right flank with his ability to score goals and create chances for the team.
The 27-year-old magician has racked up 17 goals and seven assists in 44 matches in all competitions for the club so far this season – making him the second-top scorer at Ibrox behind Cyriel Dessers (22).
As you can see in the clip above, Cerny has the pace to get away from defenders in counter-attacking situations, whilst also having the quality and composure in front of goal to tuck chances away.
The Czechia international has only provided two assists in 27 matches in the Premiership so far this term for Rangers, but that does not paint the whole picture of his creative performances.
Appearances
27
Goals
11
Big chances created
6
Key passes
68
Assists
2
Dribbles completed
41
As you can see in the table above, Cerny has created an eye-catching 68 chances and six ‘big chances’ in his 27 games, which suggests that his teammates have let him down with their wasteful finishing in front of goal.
The Wolfsburg loanee is valued at £7.5m by Transfermarkt and Rangers must pounce on a permanent deal for him if that is close to the value the Bundesliga side hold him at, because of his terrific performances in the final third this season.
Rangers will also have to deal with potential outgoings from Ibrox, with clubs interested in their star performers, amid a report linking Nicolas Raskin with a move away.
The latest on Nicolas Raskin's future
According to TEAMtalk, there are several teams eyeing up the Belgium international ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, thanks to his displays for the Light Blues this season.
The report claims that Aston Villa, Brentford, and Leeds United – who signed Glen Kamara from Ibrox in 2023 – are all interested in signing Raskin from Rangers later this year.
Nico Raskin
It also reveals that teams in Germany and Italy are also keeping tabs on his situation, along with the English teams, and that Rangers ‘will do well’ to avoid cashing in on the central midfield star.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
TEAMtalk states that the Scottish giants have placed a significant price tag of at least £20m on the Belgian starlet’s head, and it remains to be seen whether or not any of the interested parties are prepared to pay that for him.
Nicolas Raskin's soaring market value
Rangers have hit the jackpot with the former Standard Liege man since he made the move to Ibrox from his home country to sign for Michael Beale’s side in January 2023, joining in the same window as Todd Cantwell.
Todd Cantwell
The Gers reportedly paid Norwich City a fee of £1.5m to sign Cantwell and the English midfielder racked up 14 goals and 12 assists in 64 matches before being sold to Blackburn Rovers for just £500k last summer.
That was a gamble that, ultimately, did not pay off for Beale or Rangers as the attacking midfield star was sold for a third of the price that they paid for him.
Raskin, who scored against Celtic last time out, was reportedly signed for a fee of £1.32m from Standard Liege, and that gamble is one that could be set to pay off.
Rangers reportedly value the Belgium international at a staggering fee of £20m, which means that his value has soared by a whopping 1,900%, from £1.32m to £20m, and it means that he is currently worth £12.5m more than Cerny, despite the Czech winger’s impressive form this term.
Appearances
26
10
Goals + assists
6
2
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.8
5.2
Ball recoveries per game
5.4
8.0
Ground duel success rate
59%
46%
Aerial duel success rate
59%
57%
As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old star has provided impressive defensive performances in midfield in the Premiership and the Europa League to earn that interest from abroad and his huge valuation.
Rangers have, therefore, hit the jackpot with Raskin because they have turned a £1.32m investment into a £20m-rated asset who is now worth even more than their star loanee, as well as being worth 1,900% more than the fee they paid for him.
UCL club chasing "quick" Rangers star and he could now leave with Igamane
A concern for the Gers…
ByTom Cunningham Mar 25, 2025
Whilst the Light Blues should want to keep hold of their best players in every transfer window, selling Raskin for a big profit would be a huge success story for the recruitment team and, potentially, convince other young prospects to join Rangers to follow in his footsteps.
The Uruguayan coach compiled an impressive record, with 17 wins, eight draws and just two losses
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Cruz Azul likely to trigger buyout clause in Larcamón’s contract
He has a 10-3-6 record with NecaxaHe won the 2022-23 Champions Cup with LeónFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Cruz Azul has officially announced the departure of Vicente Sánchez as the head coach of the men’s first team. In a statement released Friday, the organization confirmed that both parties agreed to end Sánchez's tenure.
"By mutual agreement, the tenure of Professor Vicente Sánchez as the head of our men's first team has come to an end today. His leadership, along with the institutional coaching staff, was instrumental in securing the club’s seventh CONCACAF Champions Cup title," the club said in a statement.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Cruz Azul confirmed that a new head coach will be announced in the coming days. According to multiple sources, the leading candidate is Argentine manager Nicolás Larcamón, currently in charge of Club Necaxa.
Talks between the clubs are reportedly in their final stages, with Cruz Azul expected to trigger the $2.5 million buyout clause in Larcamón’s contract.
The intention is to finalize the appointment swiftly, as the club gears up for the 2025 Apertura tournament and prepares for its participation in the Intercontinental Cup, to be held later this year in Qatar.
Larcamón, who previously managed Puebla and León, has built a reputation for developing competitive squads within Liga MX. His arrival at Cruz Azul is expected to usher in a new era, as the club seeks to build on recent success and establish itself as a dominant force both domestically and internationally.
AFPDID YOU KNOW?
Despite leading the team to continental glory with a resounding 5-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Champions Cup final, Sánchez's position had already been under scrutiny. The Uruguayan coach compiled an impressive record during his 27-game spell: 17 wins, eight draws and just two losses.
At one point, he orchestrated a 19-match unbeaten run that lasted until the second leg of the semifinals against Club América – a match that ultimately sealed his fate.
Though successful on the pitch, Sánchez reportedly struggled to gain the full backing of the club's front office.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CRUZ AZUL?
With Larcamón expected to take charge, Cruz Azul has already begun shaping its roster ahead of the upcoming Apertura 2025 tournament. The club is working to provide its soon-to-be head coach with the right reinforcements to mount a serious title challenge.
Among the names generating the most buzz are Serbian striker Luka Jović, currently with AC Milan, and Argentine midfielder José Paradela, who plays under Larcamón at Necaxa. Both are reportedly high on the wish list as the club looks to bolster the squad.
La Máquina is set to kick off its campaign on July 12, hosting Mazatlán FC at home.
Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has urged head coach Ruben Amorim to consider giving Antony another chance at Old Trafford.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Van Der Sar wants Antony to return to Man UtdAntony was loaned out by Amorim in January Brazilian had stunning loan spell with Real BetisFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Legendary former Manchester United goalkeeper Van Der Sar spoke about the club's transfer plans this summer and had a piece of advice for head coach Amorim, urging the Portuguese to consider giving Antony another lifeline at Old Trafford following his stunning six-month loan stint at Real Betis.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
After being signed for a gigantic £85 million fee back in 2022, the former Ajax prodigy failed to justify his price tag and live up to the demands of the Premier League. Midway through last season, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils appointed Amorim. However, Antony couldn't break into his starting XI and had to find an exit route, which he found in the form of Real Betis. In Spain, the winger thrived, scoring nine goals and delivering five assists in 26 games as he found his mojo back.
Despite his return to form and proving to be a real game-changer at the Benito Villamarin Stadium, the 25-year-old reportedly has no future at United. In fact, they are even ready to accept a huge loss on their initial £85m investment as they are ready to accept bids worth as low as £30m.
WHAT EDWIN VAN DER SAR SAID
Van Der Sar recently provided his thoughts at an event, stating: "Luckily, I'm not in a position anymore to dictate at a club which kind of players have to come, but they're on the right track by signing a more experienced striker, maybe with another one on the way.
"The two players they signed in the winter break were good, so they should be fine if they give faith to the manager. "Maybe [Alejandro] Garnacho's going to go, I would say bring Antony back, but I'm not sure if that's realistic."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?
The Brazilian international's future remains up in the air. United are adamant that they do not want to bet on Antony for a second time, while Real Betis are desperate to find solutions to sign him ahead of next season, even if it's on loan again. Reports suggest that he has attracted interest from elsewhere, with Juventus considering a potential move. Bayer Leverkusen, who appointed Ten Hag as Xabi Alonso's successor, are also planning to reunite Antony with his former manager.
Both teams have had setbacks in the recent past and have turned to the next generation to try and fix them
Alagappan Muthu11-Jul-20232:06
Deep Dasgupta picks India’s playing XI for the first Test
Big pictureA Test series begins with both teams hoping for a fresh start. There will be interest as well in some of the new players who are about to take their first steps in red-ball cricket. These may be two low-key matches happening at a time when the biggest market in the cricket world will be fast asleep but there is a chance that the gains made over these next few weeks in the Caribbean could reverberate through the annals of time.India are in transition. West Indies are in shock. Two great cricket nations trying to capture their best form have turned to the upstarts among their number to lead the way forward.Related
Rohit: 'Gill will play at No. 3' against West Indies
Time to temper expectations as India enter Test transition
Shai Hope: 'We can't just wake up one morning and be a great team'
Yashasvi Jaiswal is 21. He is preparing to open the batting for India on Test debut. Alick Athanaze is 24. He is preparing to live up to the faith that no less than Brian Lara has in him. There are others vying to prove themselves as well. Ajinkya Rahane has the words vice-captain next to his name but he’ll know only consistent runs will keep him in the side. Rahkeem Cornwall comes with all the potential in the world and though he has lived up to some of it with his offspin, a batting average of 18 from nine Test does not tally with just how good he can be.Plenty of focus will be on the kind of pitches that will be used in these games. Windsor Park in Dominica is hosting a Test match for the first time in over six years. And given the discrepancy between the two pace attacks – West Indies can call on quicker, taller and more experienced fast bowlers through the course of this series – they have an excellent opportunity. Not to mention seamer-friendly pitches might also help negate India’s biggest threats with the ball – R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.West Indies haven’t beaten India in a Test series since April 2002. They’ll be hungry to change that.Form guideWest Indies: LLWDL (last five completed matches, most recent first) India: LDLWWIn the spotlightThis feels like a pivotal year for Rohit Sharma. He already seems to have been phased out in T20 cricket. And the way India perform under his captaincy in the upcoming ODI World Cup may well determine how long he continues in that format. So Tests are, all of a sudden, looking like his most stable source of game time, especially after that bumper tour of England in 2021 where his defence was almost on par with his offence. India take pride in winning away from home and as an opening batter, Rohit has the chance to lay the foundations for that.Tagenarine Chanderpaul began his Test career by staring down the might of the Australian bowling attack on their own turf. It didn’t take a lot of time for him to put the lessons he learned on that tour to good use, scoring a double-century in his third match. The 27-year-old has his father’s stance and more importantly his hunger as well. Now to see if he has Shivnarine’s fondness (seven centuries at an average of 63.85) for Indian bowlers.Tagenarine Chanderpaul converted his maiden Test hundred into a double, against Zimbabwe•Associated PressTeam newsShubman Gill was always destined to slip down into India’s middle order in Test cricket, and this might be the tour where that happens. He’ll own the No. 4 slot eventually but for now No. 3 will do. Jaiswal, who averages 80 from 15 first-class games, with a penchant for converting fifties (2) into hundreds (9), will partner Rohit at the top of the order. Picking the pace attack though is much more of a problem, with only Siraj guaranteed a spot.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Shubman Gill, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 KS Bharat/Ishan Kishan (wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Shardul Thakur, 10 Jaydev Unadkat/Navdeep Saini/Mukesh Kumar, 11 Mohammed SirajWest Indies will have a good mix of orthodox batters at the top and some agenda pushers in the middle order, and if they all click together, they can really make it hard for the opposition. Their bowling, of course, is their biggest strength and all of their frontliners appear fit and ready for battle.West Indies (probable): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), 2 Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 3 Raymon Reifer, 4 Jermaine Blackwood, 5 Alick Athanaze, 6 Jason Holder, 7 Rahkeem Cornwall, 8 Joshua de Silva (wk), 9 Kemar Roach, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Shannon GabrielPitch and conditionsIt is a long time since West Indies has been a fast bowlers’ paradise. Both venues for this series are more known for producing slow pitches that lead to attritional cricket. Weather wise, there is some rain forecast on the first, second and fifth days of the Test.Stats and trivia India’s pace attack on the Test tour of the West Indies carries a total experience of 88 Test wickets between them; Mohammed Siraj, the leader of the pack, has 52. West Indies have played five Tests at Windsor Park but have won only one of them. Quotes”Looking at the wicket, I think we might go in with two spinners and three seamers. The last Test match played here was in 2017 and the spinners picked a lot of the wickets (18 of 38). Having trained here for days, we noticed there has been a lot of bounce. Think we will play a 3-2 combination.”
Jobe Bellingham was instrumental as Niko Kovac's side came from behind to beat an expansive Sundows side in an enthralling Club World Cup contest
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Dortmund overturned an early Sundowns lead, won 4-3 to all but clinch a knockout spotJobe Bellingham ran the show in first Dortmund startSundowns threatened, still have a chance to make knockout stagesWatch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowGettyTELL ME MORE
Dortmund are through to the Club World Cup knockout stages, but it didn't come easily as they barely survived in 4-3 win against heavy underdogs Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Sundowns were the more assertive side early on, and good value for their lead. Their opener came from a moment of individual brilliance. Lucas Ribeiro turned his man, accelerated through the midfield, and slotted past a stranded Gregor Kobel.
But Dortmund found their way back into a game – if only due to a number of Sundowns errors. Felix Nmecha finished into an empty net after a giveaway from the goalie. The second came in a similar fashion, a poor Sundowns pass leading to a well-constructed Dortmund move and easy header for a wide-open Serhou Guirassy at the far post.
The rest of the game was the Jobe Bellingham show. He scored his side's third on the stroke of half time after a nice piece of skill and angled shot. He then set up the decisive fourth on the hour mark. The Sundowns made a late push, grabbing two goals late, but Dortmund saw it out with relative ease to secure a crucial CWC win.
AdvertisementDID YOU KNOW?
Bellingham scored his first goal for Dortmund in his first start for the club. It was also the first goal of the calendar year for the 19-year-old, who secured a $34.6 million (€30 million) move from Sunderland earlier this month.
THE MVP
It took him a while to get going, but this was eventually Bellingham's game in his first start for the club. He was the best player on the pitch for most of the contest, and involved in the last two goals that ultimately killed the game off for Niko Kovac's side. The comparisons to his older brother won't stop, but the early signs suggest he can carve out his own legacy.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
THE BIG LOSER
Ronwen Williams did a pretty good job of letting the Sundowns' early lead slip away. The veteran goalkeeper started the Dortmund comeback single-handedly with an errant pass into the feet of a grateful Nmecha. He made things worse soon after with a dangerous ball into the midfield that led to Dortmund's second. A few saves can't be discredited, but he made some decisive mistakes on the day.
Also on Dortmund's end, what is going with Gio Reyna? It makes no sense, at this point, why the attacking midfielder was selected for the CWC squad. Kovac suggested before the tournament that substitutions would be situational, and there may yet be a need for his inclusion. But through two games, there are few signs that the American has a role to play. If only there were another tournament he might have played in this summer…