Without reading ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball commentary or watching the highlights again, can you get all six right?
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Sep-2019
You can read our ball-by-ball commentary of Yuvraj Singh’s feat here.And relive all the sixes below:
#OnThisDay @YUVSTRONG12 caught
in the 2007 #T20WorldCup. pic.twitter.com/1hvwKE2CBf
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) September 19, 2019
In August in cricket, there were some major overhauls and some surprising results
Andrew Fidel Fernando02-Sep-2019The outrage
It’s the month after the World Cup ended and, all over the world, coaches are being thrown out like mouldy, month-old takeaways. Mickey Arthur split with Pakistan, Ottis Gibson with South Africa, Steve Rhodes with Bangladesh, while Chandika Hathurusingha wishes SLC had straight up fired him, instead of putting him through an even more intense ordeal (more on that later).The biggest indignity of all, though, came out of India, where Ravi Shastri was asked to interview for his own rightful job like some kind of coaching pleb. Who the hell do they think they are? Thankfully, the committee to appoint the coach at least had the sense to make the whole process seem completely like a sham that was always going to end with Shastri remaining in the job.The ballad of Hathu
Meanwhile, in the Wild West of cricket (i.e. Sri Lanka), the sports minister and cricket board officials have publicly criticised Hathurusingha, but have been unable to untangle from him, because Hathurusingha appears to have an iron-clad contract. Where the story gets crazy is that although the board suspended Hathurusingha from working with the national team, he has insisted on remaining in Sri Lanka instead of returning to Sydney (where he lives with his family), because he doesn’t want to give the board’s lawyers any leeway to argue that he has voluntarily abandoned his post.The summary, essentially, is that many of the very same board officials who pursued and hired Hathurusingha less than two years ago are being urged by the sports minister to sack him, citing a lavish salary, but have run into trouble because of the contract they themselves had negotiated, leading to what resembles a hostage situation in some ways.Folks, bear with me here, but could it be that the SLC is inept? And call me a cynic, but is it possible a Sri Lankan politician is acting to the detriment of cricket as he pursues his own popularity? Let’s keep a close eye on this situation in order to find answers to these as-yet unanswered burning questions.You better believe that the contents of this urn are what triggered the Big Bang•Getty ImagesGet hype
Before Copernicus revolutionised astronomy in the Western world, it had been widely believed that the universe revolved around the Ashes. Although strains of that thinking may have persisted into the modern day, could it be possible that we are now getting an Ashes series that’s finally worth the hype? Jofra Archer’s rocket-fuelled arrival, England’s 67 all out followed by an epic chase and Ben Stokes’ all-time great innings have set the contest alight. Sure, it needs two more good Tests, and Archer may still require 400 further wickets in order to justify some comparisons with some of the greatest ever, but maybe the planets are coming into rare alignment for this rivalry. Or maybe Copernicus had no idea what he was talking about.Full-throated redemption
Show me a fan who says they have never made fun of Ishant Sharma, and I shall show you a liar. How we laughed at his long, fruitless spells. “Not bad luck – just bad,” we said. “Worst cricketer to play 50 Tests,” we giggled. Beyond the cricket, we ridiculed that Kermit-the-frog voice, that gangly physique, the terrible metalhead hair, the overwrought angry celebrations, and that Adam’s apple that might be better described as an Adam’s watermelon. But over the last 18 months, he is making the cricket world eat its words. He averaged 21.80 across 11 Tests in 2018, and took eight wickets – including a five-for – in his first Test outing this year. He’d go on to make a maiden Test fifty in the first innings of the next game. The only way he could rub it in further for all those years of abuse is if he were to go house by house and personally insult every fan back.The too-nice guys?
Seven weeks on from the World Cup final, not a single member of the New Zealand squad has yet expressed serious annoyance at being World Cup runners-up despite having tied the final. In fact, they have started to express gratefulness at having been part of that game. There’s a point at which this amount of sweetness become suspicious. What dark secrets are they covering up?Next month on The Briefing:- Video emerges of Kane Williamson shoving plastic straws directly into sea turtles’ throats.- Archer gets 400 wickets in two Tests. Suck it, Dale Steyn.- SLC officials discover that if they sack Hathurusingha, the entire board is contractually obliged to wear their trousers on their heads like hats for a year. “How did we let that clause in there?” one of them asks the others. “Guys, are we maybe not very good at our jobs?”
The India captain seems to love batting against West Indies; only Sachin Tendulkar has more centuries against a single opposition
Bharath Seervi11-Aug-20198 – Number of centuries against West Indies in ODIs. Only Sachin Tendulkar has more hundreds against a single opposition, which is nine against Australia. Kohli has eight tons against two other teams – Australia and Sri Lanka. Tendulkar also has eight hundreds against Sri Lanka. No other batsman hs more than seven centuries against a single opposition.ESPNcricinfo Ltd34 – Innings taken by Kohli to complete 2000 ODI runs against West Indies, which is the least by any batsman against a single opposition. The previous record was 37 innings by Rohit Sharma against Australia. Kohli is the first batsman to score 2000 runs against West Indies. The previous record was 1930 by Javed Miandad, whom Kohli passed in this innings.72.57 – Kohli’s average against West Indies, the best among all batsmen with 1500-plus runs against a single opposition. He has five hundreds in his last eight innings against West Indies.
Virat kohli another master class in one day cricket @imVkohli @BCCI .. what a player
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) August 11, 2019
8 – Kohli is now the eighth highest run-getter in ODIs. He went past Sourav Ganguly’s tally of 11,363 runs in this innings to take eighth position. Now only Tendulkar sits above him among Indian batsmen on the list.11 – Number of innings without a century by Kohli in ODIs before this knock. He played nine innings in the World Cup in England and Wales without getting to the three-figure mark. The last time he went more innings in a row without a century was 13 in 2015, which had also spanned the World Cup.
His return to international cricket was low key, but the opening batsman certainly made a mark in Hyderabad
Deivarayan Muthu in Thiruvananthapuram09-Dec-2019WWE wrestler Randy Orton’s signature finishing move is the RKO. It involves approaching the opponent from nowhere, grabbing the head, and slamming the chin on the floor. Orton has done that to opponents from behind their backs, on top of tables, and even in mid-air. The thing about the move is that it comes out of nowhere and blindsides the opponent.On Sunday night, in front of a capacity crowd in Thiruvananthapuram, West Indies opener Lendl Simmons pulled off the cricketing equivalent of the RKO. “Simmons, where did he come from?” asked a local reporter. Out of nowhere.Before West Indies’ tour of India, to face Afghanistan first and then India, Simmons had last played an international in June 2017. Fellow Trinidadian Samuel Badree had taken the new ball for West Indies in that game. Badree is no longer active in international cricket, and in IPL 2019 he had been hired by Delhi Capitals as their spin-bowling coach. More recently, in CPL 2019, Badree was commentating on Simmons’ batting.ALSO READ: Simmons leads batting charge as West Indies level seriesSimmons wasn’t even supposed to be part of CPL 2019, although he is second only to Chris Gayle in terms of most runs scored in the league over the years. Simmons found no takers at the CPL draft earlier this year, after having fetched the biggest bid in 2018.Then, with Colin Munro being away with New Zealand on international duty, Kieron Pollard’s Trinbago Knight Riders signed him up as a replacement player for the first half of the season. And, after regular captain Dwayne Bravo was sidelined from the entire tournament with injury, Knight Riders drafted him into the squad as a permanent member.Simmons had a point to prove. That he still has it in the CPL. He scored 430 runs in 11 innings at an average of nearly 40 and strike rate of 150.34. Simmons’ hot form in a misfiring Knight Riders batting line-up nearly took them to the final. On the back of his stellar run in the CPL – and under a new management – Simmons was back in the West Indies fold for the India trip.
I’m a bit old school, take my time initially. My job in the powerplay is to go hard. Easier to bat outside the powerplay, knock the ball around and get the odd boundary
After missing the first two T20Is against Afghanistan with illness, Simmons had a low-key return, making an 11-ball 7 in the decider against Afghanistan in Lucknow and then 2 in four balls in the series opener against India in Hyderabad.However, with the series on the line in Thiruvananthapuram, Simmons stepped up on a tricky track and kayoed India with an unbeaten 67 off 45 balls. Simmons was uncertain against swing and the lack of pace in the early exchanges and had a life on 6 when Washington Sundar dropped him off Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He managed a mere nine runs off 13 balls by the end of the powerplay in a challenging chase of 171 on a grippy, dry pitch. At the other end, the in-form Evin Lewis had moved to 30 off 23 balls.Having seen off Bhuvneshwar’s new-ball spell, Simmons got stuck into India’s spinners. After launching Washington, the offspinner, over the sightscreen, he pulled off his version of the helicopter shot against Yuzvendra Chahal, the legspinner. Simmons dared to hit against the break and clear the longer boundary. The approach was fraught with risk, but when Simmons is in his groove, he has the power to clear any boundary. It is that power that has made him a T20 – and now T10 – globetrotter.Lewis, though, was dismissed by Washington in the next over as India sensed a way back into the game. However, Simmons slammed the doors on the hosts and levelled the series 1-1.Lendl Simmons and Nicholas Pooran celebrate victory•BCCIOnce Shimron Hetmyer entered at No. 3 and began clearing the boundary, Simmons sat back briefly and just dinked the ball into the gaps, ensuring that the asking rate was always within West Indies’ grasp.West Indies reached 113 for 2 in 14 overs, and were in need of 58 runs in the last six overs, with eight wickets in hand. Sure, they had captain Pollard waiting in their dugout, but they were without Fabian Allen, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots’ finisher in the CPL. And Brandon King was playing just his sixth international. Plus, India had Chahal to match up with Pollard.Simmons had no problems in dealing with Chahal. He took the chase deep and targeted India’s gun bowler, hitting 20 off ten balls from him. He raised a 38-ball fifty in the 15th over, when he jumped across off and slugged Chahal against the break for another six. Simmons then ran down the track to Bhuvneshwar and crunched him through extra-cover to silence the crowd. West Indies eventually completed the chase with considerable comfort.”[I] like playing against India, it’s a good challenge,” Simmons told after winning the Man of the match award. “[I] haven’t played international cricket for a while, good to be back on the circuit, playing for the West Indies.”Those guys can go at it from ball one, they have a different type of talent. I’m a bit old school, take my time initially. I understand my game, understand my role in the team. My job in the powerplay is to go hard. Easier to bat outside the powerplay, knock the ball around and get the odd boundary. [Nicholas] Pooran and Hetmyer were getting boundaries easily so I played the different role.”Some of Simmons’ strokes revived memories of innings against India in the T20 World Cup semi-final more than three years ago. In fact, that was Simmons’ last T20I half-century before Sunday. That had come out of nowhere as well. He made it to the tournament as a replacement player for the injured Andre Fletcher, flying across continents and hitting the ground running in Mumbai.Simmons will now return to the scene of his previous T20 World Cup heroics, with an eye on the next World Cup in Australia. That’s later, though. For now, India must have an eye on him – he can blindside opponents, you see.
Also: how concussions are different from say, a broken arm, and why even the possibility of one should require strict action
Sidharth Monga25-Nov-2019What is a concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that results in temporary loss of normal functioning of the brain. It is usually caused by a blow to the head or a blow to some other part of the body that results in rapid movements of the head. It is not always accompanied with external signs of head trauma, nor is a normal brain scan a reliable test of concussion.Why are there substitutes for concussion and not other injuries?
Pain caused by other injuries is conspicuous and more obviously debilitating. Concussions are not that straightforward, and if unattended, can leave players susceptible to a second impact because of reduced brain function. Such second impacts can lead to severe neurological complications, and can in some cases be fatal. It is, therefore, critical to take off the field a player who has a concussion or even suspected concussion to eliminate that risk. However, this is a competitive sport played by elite competitors. Cricket, in particular, tends to carry a problematic idea of “courage”.It can be difficult to convince a player to come off or a team to play with effectively 10 men when the symptoms are not that obvious. In a way, despite being more lethal than other injuries, the symptoms – or a possibility – of concussions are easier to brush off.So, the ICC wants to “lessen the cricketing consequences of a decision to rule a player out”, allowing players the chance to receive proper treatment for blows to their head.What happens during a concussion test?
The symptoms of a concussion typically include nausea, dizziness, visual problems, lack of consciousness, lack of balance or co-ordination, disorientation, confusion, momentary loss of memory. Players are asked if they are feeling a headache or nausea. They are checked on balance. Their memory can be tested by asking the cricketing version of Maddocks questions, such as “what city are we in”, “what session of the day is this”, which two bowlers are in the attack at present”. They might be asked to read signboards.In rugby, doctors maintain baseline scores on these criteria and test concussions suspects on them. Cricket hasn’t yet made baseline testing a matter of routine, but some teams already do that.Even if a player is allowed to continue, a video review of the injury is carried out to look for immediate symptoms that might have been missed in the direct observation. If such symptoms are present in the video review and not being reported by the player, he still needs to go off the field.India physio Patrick Farhart signals for a new helmet as he assesses Hanuma Vihari•Getty ImagesHow come Steven Smith and Hashim Amla continued playing then?
Amla, in the World Cup 2019 opener, and Smith, in the Lord’s Ashes Test, did carry on batting and later developed concussion symptoms. It is not atypical even in other contact sports for a player to develop concussion symptoms belatedly, which actually makes it an even trickier injury to handle. A concussion can only be properly ruled out 48 hours after the first blow.The absence of symptoms doesn’t mean the absence of concussion, which is why rugby is extremely strict with how it deals with it. A rugby player involved in a collision that typically leads to concussion has no choice but to go off for testing. Although it advises regular observation, and a SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) test at the first available moment when the player is off the field, cricket is not yet as strict as rugby. Smith, for example, decided by himself that he wanted to carry on. As did Mushfiqur Rahim when he waved off the physio during the Eden Gardens Test.When asked about this, an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo: “The concussion protocol in cricket varies from rugby to some extent as cricketers have protective gear in the form of helmets, and hence a lesser proportion of head knocks result in concussions.” While that might be true, examples of Smith, Amla, Liton Das and Nayeem Hasan – who all continued to bat for varying lengths of time before availing a concussion substitute – is evidence that might push ICC more towards rugby protocols.Is a physio qualified to give a concussion test?
Ideally, you want a doctor to do it but, at the moment, not all teams travel with a team doctor. For example, Australia do and India don’t. While the ICC has not made it mandatory for teams to travel with a doctor, a physio still remains pretty qualified to take medical fitness decisions on behalf of his team.However, the ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo of the work being done to regularise the process: “The ICC requires that a doctor who has knowledge of concussion management and the ICC Concussion Management Guidelines be available on match day to provide the necessary support to participating teams . The ICC has also been focussing on the professional development of all team healthcare personnel, in particular, the capability of team physiotherapists to oversee healthcare decisions such as concussion.”In time, perhaps the “if required” might be removed and an independent doctor or a team of doctors might become a mandatory presence at all ICC matches.Can the system be gamed?
Perhaps yes, but you would always expect a team to name their best players in the starting XI; any further change will, at least in that team’s estimation, weaken the side. The only conceivable advantage a team can gain by gaming the system is if it realises it has misread a pitch and picked a wrong combination. Not only will it be diabolical to go to such an extent, but the ICC match referee will also likely strike down any such request. The match referee is empowered to disallow a replacement that is not “like for like”. Such assessment depends on the role the said replacement is likely to play for the rest of the match. If al allrounder replaces a batsman, he will not be allowed to bowl. A spinner might not be allowed to replace a fast bowler unless he just bats.How long does it take to return for a concussed player?
Unlike rugby, cricket doesn’t lay down a minimum requirement of time off training, but it tends to agree with the rugby’s stipulation of a week away. Says the ICC protocol: “Generally, concussion symptoms will settle within two-three days and a player diagnosed with a concussion is ready to return in about a week but, in some individuals, this time might be shorter or longer. Medical oversight, as occurs in elite teams, is essential if a player is to return to play within a week or on a subsequent day of a multi-day match.”
Liverpool miss Roberto Firmino. The attacking maestro was one of the most unique Premier League stars in the business, so selfless and dynamic as he pulled Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane’s strings.
He won it all, the full gamut, but Firmino, now 33, left for the Saudi Pro League when his contract expired in 2023. Anfield’s frontline has never quite been the same.
His replacement, Darwin Nunez, 25, has failed to live up to the lofty price tag and appears set to depart himself this summer, so addressing the issue at number nine is now one of the most pressing concerns for FSG’s sporting director Richard Hughes.
Luckily, Liverpool have registered their interest in the perfect heir to Firmino’s one-time place in the line-up after a huge development.
Latest as Liverpool chase new forward
As per Football Insider, Liverpool are monitoring Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Brazil international is hoping for a change of scenery and is believed to have been identified by FSG as the perfect replacement for the outgoing Nunez.
Cunha has been transparent in his desire to leave Molineux for pastures new this summer, though it’s unlikely the Old Gold will allow him to leave for anything less than the £62.5m release clause inserted into his new contract, signed last month.
Transfer Focus
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That would place the in-demand star among the most expensive signings of the FSG era, behind only that of Darwin Nunez (£86m) and Virgil van Dijk (£75m), as well as ahead of Dominik Szoboszlai’s £60m capture.
Liverpool's new Firmino
The longing for Firmino in all his pomp has remained strong over the past several years. Nunez has hardly nailed down the number nine spot and indeed faces an exit in the coming months to close a largely disappointing stint on Merseyside.
But in Cunha, Liverpool could find a dynamic and multi-faceted new forward to restore their frontline to the top of its game. Salah can’t do it all alone, you see, and his haul of 32 this year actually accounts for 30% of his side’s goals in all competitions.
Cunha, who can play as a centre-forward or off the left flank, could certainly help such matters, having scored 15 goals and laid on four assists for relegation-threatened Wolves this term.
Below, we’ve put together a table comparing Cunha’s metrics in the Premier League this season against Firmino’s during the 2019/20 campaign, when Liverpool last won the top-flight title.
Goals scored
0.55
0.27
Assists
0.17
0.24
Total shots
3.61
2.98
Shot-creating actions
4.12
3.43
Progressive passes
4.70
3.34
Progressive carries
3.86
2.71
Successful take-ons
2.06
1.57
Ball recoveries
4.62
4.10
Tackles + interceptions
2.02
1.33
BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards said it best: “His football IQ is absolutely sensational. He’s the one who can unlock the doors. He finds the little pockets of space and makes the right decisions at the right times.”
Now you see the similarities, now you see that Cunha could be Cunha reborn on Merseyside. Both players encapsulate a range of areas that leave them a cut above the majority of their positional rivals.
Anfield has already been treated to Cunha’s expertise this term, the Brazilian scoring an absolute pearler in the anxiety-inducing meeting between the sides in February, Liverpool only just hanging on to their win.
It was a lovely goal, but the comparisons between Cunha and his countryman Firmino are found more accurately through shared silkiness on the ball, deft movements and sharp intelligence that merge together to create a truly special skill set.
Having also won 5.7 duels per game this year, as per Sofascore, and created 12 big chances for his teammates, the 25-year-old could be the next big thing at Anfield, playing centrally to feed the likes of Salah and Cody Gakpo while wreaking havoc himself.
An “incredible” player, as per former boss Gary O’Neil, Cunha won’t come cheap, but Liverpool could revive the spirit of Firmino with this signing, and FSG need to get it done.
Better than Kerkez: Liverpool will have £40m bid accepted for "insane" star
Liverpool are ready to sign a new left-back this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Apr 1, 2025
One final push. The Premier League title race has entered the last stretch, and Liverpool’s advantage at the summit is almost unassailable.
Barring a dramatic decline, Arne Slot’s Reds will be crowned champions by May, second-place Arsenal trailing 12 points behind. Focus is already being turned ahead to the summer transfer window, with the gaffer sure to want to avoid any bouts of second-season syndrome.
Liverpool need reinforcements in a range of zones. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid should give rise to a concerted approach for a successor, but it’s on the other flank that bringing someone in is a more pressing need.
It’s early days yet, but Milos Kerkez is the name on most fans’ minds.
Liverpool's interest in Milos Kerkez
Liverpool have been linked with Bournemouth’s Kerkez for several months now, Slot having grown concerned about Andy Robertson’s decline and Kostas Tsimikas’ unshakeable reputation as the second-fiddle man.
Kerkez has been a “revelation” for the Cherries this season, so says Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, bringing a potent and sparky style to the left side of Andoni Iraola’s backline.
Now, things are starting to shift. As per The Times, Bournemouth will demand a fee of £45m for their 21-year-old star this summer, who has three years remaining on his current deal.
In short, chairman Bill Foley is ready to play hardball, even if the Hungarian, good friends with Dominik Szoboszlai, wants the move.
However, FSG rarely place all their eggs in one basket and could move for a different up-and-comer, one who might even have a higher ceiling than Liverpool’s ostensible top target.
Liverpool eyeing Kerkez alternative
Kerkez is a talented guy, but he’s not the only exciting left-back on the market. According to Football Insider, Liverpool are also interested in Ajax star Jorrel Hato, 19, and have been informed that a £40m bid would convince the Dutch giants to sell.
Hato’s propensity to impress across central and wide defensive berths makes him an attractive proposition indeed for Slot’s Liverpool. For one so young, £40m is a tall order but the lofty potential is clear.
However, Arsenal, Chelsea and Los Blancos are all keen too, so the Anfield side will need to act swiftly if they are to complete the signing of a supertstar in the making.
Why Jorrel Hato would be perfect
A buccaneering defender, Hato is aggressive and brave, rooted in his defensive virtues but eager to travel about and progress play forward.
Described as an “exceptional athlete” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Hato has been something of a revelation for Ajax, who are nine points clear at the top of the Dutch Eredivisie, two seasons without winning the title.
Already, he’s featured 104 times for the first team, racking up four goals and nine assists, with Mattinson unsurprisingly highlighting his “insane quality on the ball”.
FBref have the data to back it all up: the teenager ranks among the top 20% of full-backs across relevant leagues over the past year for ball recoveries and the top 6% for through balls per 90.
While Hato wouldn’t come cheap at £40m, it may be that he would make a better signing than Kerkez, for Hato could be shaped by Slot’s craftsman hands, nurtured into a player capable of serving across multiple defensive roles.
At 6 foot, the Dutchman is a powerful and commanding player, perhaps with a more structured style of play that could see him dovetail into Slot’s system without eliminating a natural attacking edge that has actually topped Kerkez’s own haul this term.
Jorrel Hato vs Milos Kerkez (2024/25)
Stats (* per game)
Hato
Kerkez
Matches (starts)
24 (23)
29 (29)
Goals
2
2
Assists
6
5
Touches*
66.6
57.8
Pass completion
90%
81%
Big chances created
5
6
Dribbles*
0.3
0.6
Ball recoveries*
4.0
4.6
Tackles + interceptions*
2.8
2.6
Clearances*
2.0
2.7
Duels (won)*
4.5 (55%)
3.8 (51%)
Stats via Sofascore
Hato might have the properties to perform as a centre-back in the long run, but he’s played the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign as a full-back and would be the perfect understudy for Robertson, 31, next season.
Well, understudy with a view toward leapfrogging the veteran. Hato’s tactical qualities lend themselves to success across multiple roles, but he’s got the ball-playing ability and sinewy athleticism to pass the tests the Premier League has to offer and indeed flourish in the years ahead.
Robertson, indeed, may be flagging but has still served as a starting member of a potentially title-winning team, completing 89% of his passes in the Premier League.
His style of play has worked so well for Liverpool over the years, though, that it might be that Hato’s somewhat similar approach could bear dividends for the Reds as they move into their second iteration under Slot’s wing next season.
Harking back to the table above, Hato is showing signs of being a more able and reliable defender than Kerkez, who is no rookie himself, with an endless gas tank and an unwavering sense of tenacity besides.
Such prodigal talent has seen Hato become one of Europe’s most exciting youngsters. Indeed, last month, he became a part of his side’s prestigious 100 club, the youngest to achieve the feat at 18 years old – Matthijs De Ligt was the previous holder at 19 years and 199 days.
The exciting thing is that he’s got so much potential still to tap into. With Slot, his compatriot, guiding him to the fore, it could be a match made in heaven for Liverpool as they look to get even better next year.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
A tough ask; they are heading for the Premier League title, after all. But to consolidate this position of strength under Slot’s management, this is just the type of signing needed. Kerkez is great, Hato’s just better, and a mite cheaper at that.
Slot is already brewing Liverpool's very own homegrown Frimpong
Liverpool’s vice-captain looks set to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Apr 1, 2025
Everton responded well at the weekend, clawing back to draw against Arsenal after losing the Merseyside derby at Anfield, a result which ended David Moyes’ nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Things have changed at Goodison Park, which is preparing for its emotional swansong not in the throes of a relegation battle but instead playing with a freedom that has come from Moyes’ return to the dugout and the consequent tactical and mental improvements.
However, Everton’s owners, The Friedkin Group, know that a range of signings are needed this summer, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and loanee Armando Broja both set to leave in a few months, bagging a striker has got to be the first port of call.
Everton join race for coveted striker
It’s an ambitious one, but TEAMtalk have revealed that Everton have joined the race for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with neighbours Liverpool also keen, along with many more top-flight sides.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, both the Toffees – and Brighton and Hove Albion – are said to have gathered ‘updated information’ on the youngster in recent days, with the two clubs keeping ‘close tabs’ on his situation.
Delap has been one of the Premier League’s breakout stars this season despite his team’s woes. That plays into the forward’s suitors’ favour, though, for his £40m release clause activates upon the Tractor Boys’ relegation.
And Ipswich will be relegated. Valiant fight, but the gulf in quality between England’s top two tiers continues to yawn wider, and now a team like Everton could strengthen further at their rival’s expense by stocking up with a young striker, 22, who’s demonstrated his high-ceilinged potential superbly this year.
Why Everton want Liam Delap
Tussling with such high-profile competition, you’d be forgiven for taking the news that Everton are interested in Delap with a pinch of salt.
Ipswich have played well in the Premier League this season, competitive after back-to-back promotions, but it has proved a step too far for Kieran McKenna’s men, whose defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday has stretched the gap from safety to 12 points.
Delap, of course, got his name on the scoresheet in that 2-1 loss, and it was a fine goal at that. The 6 foot 1 striker is powerful and athletic, ranking among the top 17% of positional peers across Europe over the past year for progressive carries and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Is it any surprise that the Manchester City youth product has been described as a “wrecking ball” by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones? These talents highlight exactly why the Toffees should make a concerted push for his signature, especially since FBref have suggested that Moise Kean is among his most tactically similar players.
Kean flopped hard during his stint on Merseyside but has built himself back up in Italy, thriving for Fiorentina. He’s scored 22 goals and provided five assists for La Viola this season, also hailed for his “remarkable” hold-up play by Serie A reporter Marco Messina.
Matches (starts)
28 (27)
30 (29)
Goals
17
12
Assists
3
2
Shots (on target)*
3.1 (1.4)
2.0 (1.0)
Big chances missed
14
10
Pass completion
72%
62%
Big chances created
4
3
Dribbles*
1.4
1.2
Duels won*
4.8
4.7
Above, you can see Kean and Delap’s statistics across respective league campaigns this year. Both rank similarly across clinical, ball-carrying and duelling metrics.
It’s also important to note that Delap is competing within the Premier League, an ostensibly tougher division, for imperilled Ipswich, whereas Kean’s Fiorentina are eighth, fighting for European qualification.
Delap boasts a profile that seems perfect for Moyes’ dynamic but gritty system, and if TFG manage to pull this off, it might just go down as one of the biggest coups in Everton’s modern history.
Everton struck gold on “constant threat” who’s worth more than Longstaff
Everton made a good investment with the signing
ByJoe Nuttall Apr 7, 2025
Chelsea and chairman Todd Boehly will be looking to find a new club for one player who’s attracted criticism for his “horrendous” attitude behind-the-scenes, according to a new report this week.
Chelsea set for mass summer sale in transfer overhaul
Enzo Maresca will have many key decisions to make when the transfer window reopens for business, as a host of players are set to return spells out on loan and face uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea chiefs "adamant" they'll sign £60m star after Real Madrid decision
Los Blancos have had a real influence on BlueCo’s transfer plans.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 2, 2025
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi all appear very likely to leave Chelsea this summer, either on loan again or permanently, while Trevoh Chalobah is also expected to depart, regardless of the Blues activating their recall clause for him in January.
Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Tottenham (home)
Today
Brentford (away)
April 6th
Ipswich Town (home)
April 13th
Fulham (away)
April 20th
Everton (home)
April 26th
Mykhailo Mudryk has been linked with a move to Sevilla after his failed drugs test as well, and versatile forward Christopher Nkunku actually agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich in the winter, only for his Bundesliga move to fall through.
In-form goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, amid Chelsea’s links with Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher, has also refused to rule out remaining at sister club Strasbourg beyond this season.
“We’ll see after what could happen this summer. It could be a very good option to stay here if Strasbourg qualify for the UEFA Champions League,” said Petrovic on his Chelsea future.
“I always had confidence in my ability to improve. I have progressed more than I thought (at Strasbourg), but I can still improve more between now and the end of the season.”
It is set to be a big summer of transfers again at Chelsea, and they’ll be getting busy early. The Premier League confirmed that the window will be open from June 1st to June 10th, allowing BlueCo to conduct business before the Club World Cup, and there is every reason to believe that outgoings could occur in this period.
Joao Felix attitude slammed as Chelsea look to sell
AC Milan loanee Joao Felix is another who’s set to return to London after his temporary stint in Serie A, which really hasn’t gone according to plan.
Despite a promising start, the Portugal international’s form has seriously tailed off in recent months, and Fabrizio Romano confirms that Milan have no intention of signing Felix on a permanent deal.
Now, reliable journalist Simon Phillips has shared what sources have told him about Felix’s “horrendous” attitude behind-the-scenes – which could be the reason why his career has stunted since a mega-money move to Atlético from Benfica a few years ago.
He adds that Chelsea are looking to sell the attacking midfielder again this summer, with Felix even separately linked to a surprising Galatasaray transfer.
“An SPTC source has been speaking with some Atlético Madrid staff members as well as some current Portuguese internationals, and we have heard that Felix’s talent as a youngster was the best they’d seen at that level from a Portuguese player but according to the source, it is his attitude and arrogance that let’s him down and is ‘horrendous’,” wrote Phillips, via his Substack.
“I guess this could explain a lot and why he floats from club to club trying to find a new home.”
Questions will now really be asked of Boehly and why Chelsea elected to re-sign him on a permanent deal just last summer.
Chelsea have now made contact to ask for information about a “world-class” player, ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop, according to a report.
Blues pushing for Champions League
Despite the drab 0-0 draw against Brentford at the weekend, the Blues remain in a strong position to end their two-year hiatus from the Champions League, sitting fourth in the Premier League table with just seven games left to play.
Should Enzo Maresca achieve his aim of Champions League qualification, the campaign will probably go down as a success, but there are still issues the manager will need to address in the summer transfer window.
One problem position has been goalkeeper, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen being used interchangeably, and there have been suggestions Maresca could bring Djordje Petrovic back into the fold next season.
New target: Chelsea eye move for £50m star who's "similar to Bellingham"
The Blues have set their sights on an “incredible” midfielder, who has been compared to Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
ByDominic Lund Apr 7, 2025
Petrovic has impressed on loan at Strasbourg, meaning he could also be given another chance at Stamford Bridge. Nonetheless, the option of bringing in a new goalkeeper from elsewhere remains on the table.
According to a report from Italy (via Chelsea Chronicle), Chelsea have now asked for information about AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop.
Aston Villa and Manchester United have also been named as potential suitors for Maignan, whose future at the San Siro remains up in the air, given that he is yet to sign a new deal to extend his stay with the Italian club.
Reports have valued the goalkeeper at £67m, but there is a feeling he could be available for half that price, should he refuse to put pen to paper on a new deal, with his contract currently set to expire in 2026.
"World-class" Maignan could be real upgrade on Sanchez
Sanchez has been extremely error-prone for the Blues this season, making five mistakes which have directly led to goals in the Premier League, the joint-highest number of any player in the top flight.
As such, it is little wonder Chelsea are thinking about signing a replacement in the summer window, and there are indications Maignan could be a real upgrade on the Spaniard, considering he has been lauded as “world-class” by members of the Italian media.
Not only that, but the Frenchman could be well-suited to Maresca’s passing style of play, given that he has expressed a willingness to get on the ball over the past year, ranking in the 80th percentile for touches, when compared to his positional peers.
It is clear that Sanchez will need to be replaced this summer, and Maignan has proven he could be a solid replacement, although it may make more financial sense to give the nod to Petrovic, who has put in some very impressive displays in Ligue 1 this season.