Tag Futebol

The Darwin Nunez era has come to an end. However Liverpool fans choose to remember it, they can’t argue that it wasn’t eventful.

The Uruguayan centre-forward arrived on Merseyside to much fanfare, with Jurgen Klopp having hand-picked the raw and powerful talent after his immense breakout year with Portuguese giants Benfica, scoring 34 goals across 41 matches in 2021/22.

That included an eye-catching performance against Liverpool in the Champions League, with goalscoring games against Barcelona and Bayern Munich preceding it.

When Nunez arrived, many thought he would follow in his footsteps of his countryman Luis Suarez. It was expected this maverick of a striker, oozing quality, would leave his mark on Merseyside.

But that wasn’t the case at all.

Why Liverpool had to sell Darwin Nunez

Nunez was given ample chance to make it work at Anfield, but ultimately, two of the finest modern coaches in Klopp and now Arne Slot have failed to unlock this enigma of a number nine.

At times a maverick, Nunez’s wastefulness and ability to get lost in the flow of matches ultimately led to his downfall, with Slot only starting him once in last term’s Premier League edition since Boxing Day. Across 47 matches in all competitions last year, the 25-year-old only scored seven goals.

And when Slot remarked that he “can’t accept if a player doesn’t give everything” following clear dejection when the striker missed a crucial chance against Aston Villa in February.

It’s for these reasons that an initial £46m fee has been agreed with Al Hilal for the transfer of the South American, who is now expected to have a medical with the Saudi Pro League side.

Touted as a talisman, Nunez leaves with a share of fond memories but plenty of moments that left something to be desired. A replacement is needed.

Liverpool preparing bid for Nunez upgrade

As per Spanish sources, Liverpool are preparing a fresh bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, having seen an initial £110m offer rejected last week.

This has since been corroborated by Fabrizio Romano.

The press over in Spain believe that Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record that they set with the £116m signing of Florian Wirtz in June by pressing ahead with a move for Isak, who, aged 25, wants to join the Anfield side.

Everything hinges on the Magpies’ success in signing a replacement, and with Manchester United having won the race for Benjamin Sesko, uncertainty reigns with that one.

Why Liverpool want Alexander Isak

Having signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for a £79m fee this summer, many observers might consider a record-breaking move for Isak somewhat superfluous on FSG’s part, but Liverpool are depleted up top in regard to numbers, and Isak would be the cream of the crop.

Not just a devastating goalscorer but an artful and athletic player, considered by his United teammate Nick Pope for being “like a wizard” on the ball, Isak is the real deal, and would be worth every penny as Slot looks to build and sustain a dynasty.

The £120k-per-week talent might even have enough talismanic aura about him that he steps up as Liverpool’s new inspiration, something that will weigh heavily on Slot’s mind as the 33-year-old Mohamed Salah enters the penultimate year of his journey on Merseyside.

Scoring 27 goals and supplying six assists for Newcastle last season, Isak certainly plays his role as the line leader with aplomb, and his goal against Liverpool to seal the Carabao Cup title at Wembley underscores his Steven Gerrard-esque quality, stepping up when his side need him most.

Gerrard had such desire and self-belief, and he had it in spades. The Liverpool legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, having played 710 matches for the Reds, scoring 186 goals and supplying 155 assists for his teammates.

But he was often the man for the big occasion, chipping in with his biggest career hauls against some of Liverpool’s biggest rivals, with Newcastle, Chelsea, Man United, Everton and Arsenal all featuring prominently on that list.

Newcastle

27

10

8

18

Bolton

23

7

9

16

Man City

26

6

10

16

Everton

33

10

4

14

Man Utd

35

9

5

14

Arsenal

34

6

8

14

Aston Villa

27

13

0

13

Moreover, who could forget that FA Cup final performance, releasing a howitzer of a strike to force extra time against West Ham United in the 2006 FA Cup final.

The 45-year-old also inspired Liverpool’s historic Champions League triumph the year before, and stood proud as Anfield’s leader, through thick and thin, across the wide span of his unforgettable career.

Isak might not be cut from the same positional cloth, but the centre-forward has that rare quality that few players across the globe boast: the knack at grabbing games by the scruff of the neck and pushing his team forward, through to victory.

He showed as much against Liverpool at Wembley only earlier this year, after all, while his record against the so-called ‘Big Six’ is also nothing to be sniffed at.

A man for the big occasion, the Swede has scored six times in five meetings with Spurs, four in six against both Chelsea and Liverpool, while also netting two apiece against both Manchester City and Arsenal, across six and five encounters, respectively.

Regarded by journalist Harry de Cosemo for having “hero status” on Tyneside, Isak could immortalise himself in Liverpool by completing a transfer to Slot’s side, adding not just world-class ability but a willingness to step up and lead.

Just like Gerrard did. Time and time again.

More important than Isak: Liverpool begin bid for "world-class" £87m star

Liverpool have entered the race to sign a highly-coveted Luis Diaz heir.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 7, 2025

Liverpool have long been an ambitious club, but it feels like FSG recognised just how big a superpower Arne Slot’s Anfield side are, having unleashed the dogs in the transfer market this summer.

Giorgi Mamardashvili has arrived to provide competition for Alisson Becker between the sticks, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez will redefine Liverpool’s wide berths over the coming years.

Florian Wirtz, who joined in a British-record £116m deal last month, has been called “the best midfielder in the world” by former Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes.

And Hugo Ekitike will now join from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m package, bringing his intelligent, all-action striking style to the team.

But that doesn’t mean the Premier League champions are done and dusted just yet this summer.

Liverpool's next move in the summer transfer market

Liverpool have bolstered heavily this summer, but, as has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, they aren’t done just yet.

Transfer Focus

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

With Darwin Nunez up for sale, Ekitike will need a strike partner, and Liverpool are gearing up to make an incredible signing that might just top all others this summer.

Indeed, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still weighing up a new bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, though it would take a new British-record bid worth £130m to even tempt Eddie Howe into parting ways with his talisman.

Bailey stated: “Liverpool aren’t going away. If there’s a chance of getting him, Liverpool are going to be there. I think the approach was more to say to Isak and Newcastle, ‘don’t forget, we are here and ready to make our move’. That was intrinsically behind it. If Liverpool think it’s doable, a bid could go in, it’s not beyond the realms of fantasy. They’ve already come in and made it clear they’ll pay £120m, so it’s already a bid in everything but name.”

Last week, Liverpool approached Newcastle for Isak before forging ahead with a bid for Ekitike, rebuffed as they were. Even so, the Reds may yet return to sign their dream target.

How Isak compares to Ekitike

If Liverpool have the financial means to sign Isak this summer (and it appears that they just might), Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes might just come together to pull off something special.

Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m fee in 2022, and he’s gone from strength to strength since then, now recognised as one of Europe’s leading centre-forwards.

Since his Premier League debut, he’s even managed to hit the back of the net at a more clinical rate than Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, which highlights just how incredible a deal this could be for the Reds.

1.

Erling Haaland

97

85 (0.88)

2.

Mohamed Salah

108

66 (0.61)

3.

Alexander Isak

86

54 (0.63)

4.

Ollie Watkins

112

50 (0.45)

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

101

38 (0.38)

Moreover, the Sweden international is dynamic and well-rounded as a marksman. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, and the top 7% for progressive carries per 90.

A far cleaner striker than Ekitike, Isak would unquestionably be the most exciting signing of Liverpool’s remarkable transfer window, hailed for his “limitless potential” by Toon boss Howe.

To think that Isak, 25, still has lofty heights to scale in spite of his meteoric rise in the Premier League over the past few years is quite a thing.

Certainly, Slot’s first-class coaching could unlock some depth of his skill set he doesn’t even know sits latent within.

Intelligent, industrious and ever enterprising, Isak would rock the footballing world, were he to move to Merseyside this summer.

If Liverpool were to complete a deal for Isak this summer, it would immediately relegate Ekitike to the second fiddle up top. If that doesn’t make the decisive comment on who’s more exciting, what does?

A bigger star than Ekitike: Liverpool enter race to sign £100m winger

Liverpool are consolidating their position at the top of the Premier League this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 22, 2025

It’s set to be a busy summer transfer window at Newcastle United.

Ahead of the Toon Army’s Champions League return, Eddie Howe will want to bolster his squad, to avoid the mass injury crisis he endured during the Magpies’ last continental campaign two seasons ago.

James Trafford is poised to arrive from Burnley for £40m, thereby seemingly taking over from Nick Pope as the number one goalkeeper, but could Newcastle be about to make some attacking additions too?

Newcastle targeting a new right-winger

As reported by David Ornstein of the Athletic, Newcastle have had a £45m bid rejected by Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga.

Meantime, speaking on the Totally Football Show, Daniel Storey outlines how Newcastle actually bid £5m more for the Swedish international last summer, who has since enjoyed a “really good season”, and that owner Evangelos Marinakis “will have absolutely none of that”, believing that the “proven, young” winger is worth closer to £60m.

So, with this deal seemingly unlikely to come to fruition, Steve Kay of Football Transfers claims that the Magpies are ready to submit a bid worth £50m to West Ham for winger Mohammed Kudus.

They add that Howe has identified the Ghanaian as a ‘key target’ amidst his ‘uncertain future’ in East London.

Meantime, Jacob Steinberg and Will Unwin of the Guardian note that Kudus’ contract contains an £85m release clause, although he could be available for closer to £60m, given the Hammers’ ongoing concerns surrounding Profitability & Sustainability rules, with Tottenham also looking to do a deal with their fierce rivals.

Transfer Focus

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

So, could Kudus swap the East End for the North East?

Why Mohammed Kudus would be a success at Newcastle

Since joining West Ham from Ajax for a reported fee of £37m two summers ago, Kudus has scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 80 appearances for the Irons.

His performances have come in for widespread praise, with host Dan Woffenden labelling him “electric”, while Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines describes him as an “explosive, skilful player”, adding that he possesses a “great burst of acceleration”, while his direct dribbling means he has the potential to become a “world-class winger”.

Adam Scully of Total Football Analysis agrees, asserting that Kudus’ primary attribute is ‘undoubtedly his dribbling ability’, impressed by his ‘sumptuous talents and low centre of gravity’.

Well, statistics from the Premier League since the Ghanaian’s arrival certainly back up these observations.

As the table outlines, since arriving in the Premier League, Kudus has topped the charts for attempted take-ons both seasons, while only Jérémy Doku, Eberechi Eze and Matheus Cunha have also featured in the top ten both times.

This goal against Freiburg in the Europa League is rather reminiscent of former Newcastle United hero Hatem Ben Arfa.

During his time on Tyneside, the Frenchman scored 14 goals in 86 appearances, but his occasional flashes of brilliance made him, as noted by Louise Taylor of the Guardian, ‘the sort of footballer fans adore’, praising his ‘exquisite touch… superior vision, perfect balance and elusive movement’.

Meantime, Jean-Baptiste Caillet of Opta’s the Analyst asserted that he was ‘France’s best dribbler since Zinédine Zidane’, while Peter McVitie of Goal will always remember his ‘dazzling firepower’ and ‘awesome displays of skill’.

All of Ben Arfa’s talent was never made more abundantly clear than during this goal against Bolton Wanderers in April 2012.

Fair to say, Kudus and Ben Arfa – both left-footers who can operately centrally or on the flanks – share similar characteristics. Both could be described as precocious talents, who are occasionally unstoppable but often lack consistency.

Thus, if Elanga proves unattainable, Newcastle should do all they can to snap up Kudus, given that the Ghanaian would get Geordie supporters off their seats, if nothing else!

He'll take Isak to new levels: Newcastle set to launch bid for £60m star

Newcastle are hoping to make an attacking signing after missing out on Joao Pedro.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 1, 2025

Public disputes with players have become the norm for Manchester United managers in recent times, stretching back to Jose Mourinho’s falling out with Paul Pogba, to Erik ten Hag’s exile of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Marcus Rashford, too, was also something of an issue during the Dutchman’s final full campaign, having notably been forced to sit out the FA Cup trip to Newport County following a night out in Belfast.

That has since been followed by the breakdown of the Englishman’s relationship with Ruben Amorim, with the 27-year-old having not been seen in a United shirt since being left out of the Manchester Derby in early December, alongside Alejandro Garnacho.

Despite working his way back into favour since then, the young Garnacho looks destined to follow a similar path to his senior colleague, with Amorim reportedly telling the 20-year-old – in front of his teammates – to find a new club, following the Europa League final.

While that decision may prove to be one that United regret if the Argentine goes on to shine elsewhere, the former Sporting CP coach is rightly showing a zero tolerance attitude with regard to any player who is trying to rock the boat.

With a price tag of £60-£70m mooted, the mercurial winger is almost certain to leave this summer – as noted by Fabrizio Romano – with a replacement perhaps already being lined up.

Man Utd's search for a forward

It’s no real secret that the top end of the pitch is Amorim’s priority this summer, with Matheus Cunha already in the door, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo seemingly set to follow, should a deal be agreed.

With the likes of Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony all expected to be on their way, however, alongside Garnacho, further firepower is surely still needed – not least with Rasmus Hojlund also the subject of interest from Inter Milan.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have indicated that United could be ready to battle Bayern Munich for the ambitious signing of AC Milan star, Rafael Leao, with the Portuguese international seeking an exit from the San Siro.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that both the Red Devils and the Bundesliga champions have already begun talks over a potential move for the 25-year-old, with the player said to be a ‘priority target’ for the Old Trafford side.

A potential sticking point could be the asking price, however, with the Serie A outfit likely to demand in the region of €100m (£84m), with three years left to run on his existing deal.

The former Lille man – who has also courted interest from Chelsea, reportedly – will certainly not come cheap, although he could represent the perfect upgrade as far as Amorim’s attacking options go.

How Leao compares to Garnacho

A man with Sporting CP connections – like Amorim, Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes – Leao rose through the youth ranks in Lisbon, prior to sealing a switch to France in the summer of 2018.

Following just a solitary season in Lille, however, the 6 foot 2 sensation has since spent the last six years in Italy, racking up 132 goals and assists in 260 games for his current side to date.

While typically a winger by trade, Leao’s flexibility to feature centrally could ensure he proves a particularly valuable option for Amorim, with the wantaway star comfortable operating in any of the forward roles in the 40-year-old’s 3-4-3 system.

Such adaptability is beautifully merged with the forward’s mesmeric ability, particularly as a ball-carrier, with Portugal boss Roberto Martinez hailing him as “one of the best players in the world in exploiting spaces and in one-on-one duels”.

That is evidenced by the fact that he notably ranks in the top 5% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, with the lively Garnacho, for instance, ranking in just the bottom 30% in that regard.

Games (starts)

36 (23)

34 (25)

Goals

6

8

Goal conversion

7%

12%

Big chances missed

14

8

Assists

2

8

Big chances created

4

10

Key passes*

1.0

1.7

Pass accuracy*

83%

77%

Successful dribbles*

0.7

1.7

Total duels won*

38%

50%

As showcased above too, it is Leao who also comes out on top across a string of other metrics, having notably missed just eight ‘big chances’ in Italy last season, while Garnacho missed 14 in the Premier League.

Equally, the Milan man also racked up 25 goals and assists in all competitions in 24/25, placing him ahead of Garnacho’s own return of 21 goal involvements across all fronts back in Manchester.

While Leao does boast the benefit of being five years older than his attacking counterpart, his remarkable consistency has seen him rack up ten assists in each of the last four Serie A campaigns, scoring a total of 43 league goals in that time.

Garnacho could get to that level eventually, although with United in desperate need of instant improvement, the Portuguese speedster could represent the ideal upgrade that Amorim is in need of.

A better signing than Mbeumo: Man Utd plot move for "ridiculous" £29m star

Manchester United can forget about Bryan Mbeumo with a move for another attacking star.

3 ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2025

Leeds United are tooling up for a return to the Premier League and could now be closer to making their first signing of the summer window, according to reports.

Leeds United look towards Premier League comeback

Following playoff heartbreak against Southampton, Daniel Farke finally led his side to the Championship title this time around and will now focus on navigating the challenges top-flight football has to offer.

The Whites could have a transfer budget of over £100 million to play with this summer, which may go a long way to securing the survival that the 48-year-old craves in charge at Elland Road.

Ipswich Town act as an example that capital spent doesn’t necessarily guarantee a sustained place among England’s footballing elite, but there are valuable lessons to learn from promoted sides’ ill-fortune over the past few years.

Looking to buck that trend, Leeds are eyeing a statement move for former star Kalvin Phillips and have held internal talks to hatch a plan that could tempt him back to Yorkshire from Manchester City.

Evan Ferguson is another potential Whites signing with Premier League credentials that could thrive in the correct surroundings. Admittedly, he has stalled since his injury troubles, though his age may work in his favour if a deal were to be agreed.

Big upgrade on Piroe: Leeds in the race to sign £34m "monster"

Leeds United would land themselves a Joel Piroe upgrade if they successfully signed this goalscoring monster.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025

Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy have been mentioned as free agent options to bolster Farke’s frontline. Again, any possibility of a swoop would depend on whether they would fit the wage bracket at Elland Road.

Focusing on the foil behind the main men, Leeds and the 49ers have now stepped up their pursuit of a talented attacking midfielder to support their pool of centre-forward options.

Leeds United hold talks over Emiliano Buendia move

According to TBR’s Graeme Bailey, Leeds have now held talks to sign Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia. Having spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, the former Norwich City man is “open” to a move to Yorkshire and is someone who Farke trusts as his side look to retain their Premier League status.

Five most similar players to Emiliano Buendia (FBRef)

Eliesse Ben Seghir

Monaco

Enzo Millot

Stuttgart

Facundo Buonanotte

Leicester City

Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

Xavi Simons

RB Leipzig

Labelled “delightful” by Dean Smith, Buendia registered five goals in 34 appearances across all competitions at his parent club and in Germany, though it is clear he needs to find a platform to gain regular minutes after a series of injury troubles.

Now, it remains to be seen if Leeds can pull off what would be regarded as a bit of a coup should they come to an agreement on a deal with the 28-year-old.

Buendia was regarded as one of the Premier League’s most talented stars outside the ‘Big Six’ not too long ago, so there is every chance Farke could reignite the Mar del Plata-born man.

Earlier this week, the Whites were said to be preparing a £16.8 million offer for the man in question, indicating there could be something in the water.

The dust has barely settled on Leeds United’s jubilant promotion-winning campaign, but the transfer rumour mill is already going into overdrive at Elland Road.

The Whites have been linked with a whole host of varied names since regular Championship action halted, with the likes of Everton centre-forward Beto and Tottenham Hotspur attacker Richarlison being linked, but the Brazilian is not the only wanted figure playing for the North Londoners.

Of course, after playing a huge role in the Whites sealing a triumphant return to the Premier League on loan, Manor Solomon is now being eyed up by the West Yorkshire titans on a permanent basis, with Spurs perhaps willing to part ways with the 25-year-old.

The latest on Solomon joining permanently

There were plenty of risks attached to the Solomon deal last summer, considering the 5 foot 7 attacker was horrendously injury-prone at Ange Postecoglou’s men during the 2023/24 season.

But, despite missing 277 days of action last campaign in North London owing to injury, this season has been more of a smooth sailing experience for Solomon on the contrary, with this last-gasp strike below away at Plymouth Argyle on the final day handing Daniel Farke’s men the title.

That would be Solomon’s final goal of his loan stint, with the former Fulham man closing out his celebrated spell donning Leeds white by amassing ten goals and 13 assists from 41 total clashes.

Unsurprisingly, therefore, the Whites want Solomon back for good ahead of their daunting Premier League voyage, with reports seeming to suggest that Leeds’ wish could be granted if they’re willing to fork out £20m.

This would show Leeds mean business competing amongst the big boys once more, but an even more impressive coup could be on the horizon at Elland Road soon in the midfield areas.

The "exceptional" star who'd be a bigger coup than Solomon

After all, splashing out £20m isn’t too far off the record-breaking move for Georginio Rutter that Leeds sanctioned back in January of 2023, with the Frenchman costing a high £35.5m, but eventually proving he was worth every penny.

There would be a worry in the air that Solomon would struggle with his recurring injury demons back up a level, but away from potentially offering the 25-year-old a permanent deal, snapping up the services of former £45m sale Kalvin Phillips would be way more of a coup if he can recapture his finest Leeds form again.

Indeed, journalist Graeme Bailey has added to the rampant speculation recently by revealing that a reunion could finally be on the cards, stating that £13m-rated Phillips is ready for a move back to home soil this summer with Leeds considering a move.

Leeds would, no doubt, welcome their former homegrown gem back with open arms, especially with the hole that’s going to be left behind centrally by loanee Joe Rothwell returning back to AFC Bournemouth, alongside Phillips’ wealth of Premier League experience being a much-needed bonus.

Games played

29

20

Games started

28

18

Goals scored

1

0

Assists

2

1

Touches*

65.0

62.1

Accurate passes*

41.0 (85%)

38.9 (82%)

Big chances missed

0

1

Big chances created

5

1

Total duels won*

5.3

4.9

Phillips has wobbled at Manchester City and blown hot and cold on loan at West Ham United and Ipswich Town, but it’s been quickly forgotten about how well-rounded of a midfielder the Leeds-born star looked whilst still at Elland Road.

Keen to get stuck into a duel whilst also picking up four goal contributions across 49 appearances in the top-flight for Leeds, the “exceptional” star – as he was once lauded by football talent scout Antonio Mango – would be a welcome addition to the ranks if he can get back to the top of his game, away from impressively tasting action in the relentless league a total of 92 times.

To add context, Solomon has just 24 appearances next to his name. Therefore, if Leeds could win back the services of their much-loved ex-number 23 for a cut-price, he would surely go down as a more luxurious coup than the loan talent.

Even better than Dan James: Farke lining up Leeds move to sign "fast" star

Leeds United are reportedly eyeing up a new winger who could be even better than Dan James.

ByDan Emery May 9, 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.

Related Chelsea chiefs "adamant" they'll sign £60m star after Real Madrid decision

Los Blancos have had a real influence on BlueCo’s transfer plans.

Posts 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.

The opener got a rare chance to show what he’s got because of an injury to Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and he went on to hold Bangladesh’s innings together

Mohammad Isam23-Aug-2024Shadman Islam spent a minute short of five and a half hours at the crease in Bangladesh’s first innings in Rawalpindi. He held together an overseas Test innings for Bangladesh after the opposition declared on 448 for 6. An unheralded red-ball opener, Shadman’s steadfast 93 should do his career a world of good in the longer run and in the immediate term served Bangladesh quite well.The visitors ended day three on 316 for 5, still 132 runs adrift of Pakistan’s total, but the mood seem to have shifted slightly in Bangladesh’s favour. Shadman saw off crucial periods, particularly on the second evening, and then again after Bangladesh lost two early wickets on the third morning. He added 94 runs for the third wicket with Mominul Haque, before a 52-run stand for the fourth with Mushfiqur Rahim.Shadman waited out 23 overs before he hit his first boundary of the third day, a flowing drive off Shaheen Shah Afridi. It was a long time coming but it looked so natural from Shadman when it did come. He followed that up with another in the same over and then got a third in nine balls off Salman Ali Agha, whom he took a liking to.Related

• Bangladesh pacers vs Pakistan batters: a song of ice and fire

• Shadman, Mushfiqur, Litton cut down Bangladesh's deficit

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Shadman struck Agha, the offspinner, for four boundaries in two consecutive overs in the second session. He struck two off a Naseem Shah over too, the second shot of which was his best of the day. It was a cut shot that he had waited an eternity to connect. It took him into the nineties, but then he got slightly bogged down before Mohammad Ali pried open a gap between his bat and pad, a minute before the tea interval.Mominul enjoyed watching Shadman’s even keel throughout the day, particularly talking about how the left-hander was playing a Test match after a long time, and how often these comeback matches can be tough on the batter.”He has been in the setup for so long but I have honestly forgotten the last time he played a Test match,” Mominul said. “I am sure everyone forgot about it. It is very difficult for a player like him to get into the team and perform straightaway. You can see how mentally strong he is. We would have loved it if he reached a century. We all wanted it for him. It was an important knock for him.”He played within his game. He only played shots that he was confident playing. He made the ball old [count]. He didn’t chase anything away from his body. He stuck to his strengths and slowly built our innings. He set the tone of our innings.”Mominul said the pair hardly spoke during their stand, focusing mainly on getting Bangladesh out of trouble after the early wickets.

“Shadman played one of the best innings in my opinion. It came against four top-quality fast bowlers in foreign conditions. The way he played and stuck to his gameplan, it was outstanding”Mominul Haque

“We didn’t talk much or think too deeply at that point. We tried to get runs. Plain and simple. You have to play for runs in every format.”I tried to be positive. I waited for my zone, like I was patient about anything on my legs. Like I drove only those in front of me, nothing away from my body.”Shadman played one of the best innings in my opinion. It came against four top-quality fast bowlers in foreign conditions. The way he played and stuck to his gameplan, it was outstanding.”Shadman had come into this Test only because Mahmudul Hasan Joy was ruled out due to a groin injury. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto had said before the Test that Shadman had come into the game with form on his side, having got an 88 on the BCB High Performance XI’s tour of Darwin.Shadman made his Test debut in 2018 but, before Rawalpindi, had played only 13 Tests, the last of which came more than two years ago. He had missed 18 matches in this period, often being tagged the backup opener behind Saif Hassan, Joy or Zakir.In domestic cricket, he had gone on to 13 centuries out of the 45 times he has gone past fifty. Last year, he made 1,000-plus runs for the second time in his first-class career. But Test cricket is a different proposition and breaking into this team was a long hard slog.If he can show the same solidity in the second innings in Rawalpindi, with the Test still in the balance, it will go a long way in bolstering his case.

They have also lost the experience of Robin Uthappa in the middle, and Mayank Agarwal could be the answer there

Srinidhi Ramanujam18-Dec-20224:51

How can CSK replace Dwayne Bravo?

Who they’ve got
Super Kings finished ninth in the ten-team tournament in 2022 but – true to reputation – have retained most of their players. Dwayne Bravo is the biggest name they let go of – he will be their bowling coach instead. They have retained their star allrounder Ravindra Jadeja despite rumours suggesting the marriage might be over. MS Dhoni, at 41, still remains captain but they will be keen to identify and groom someone to take over after the 2023 edition.

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Current squad: MS Dhoni (capt, wk), Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Deepak Chahar, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh TheekshanaWhat they have to play with
Super Kings have INR 20.45 crore (USD 2.4 million approx.) to spend at the auction. They have seven slots available, including two for overseas players.What they need

• Two Indian batters, of which one should ideally be a back-up wicketkeeper to Dhoni.
• It won’t be bad for them if they can get hold of a strong overseas quick as well as an Indian quick, because that department looks a little thin despite Mukesh Choudhary’s success last season.
• And while they are at it, why not an Indian wristspinner too?

The likely targets
Sam Curran isn’t new to Super Kings’ set-up, having worn the yellow jersey in 2020 and 2021 for 23 matches. With Dwayne Bravo not around anymore, Curran could be the overseas quick who can bowl at the death and also chip in with the bat lower down the order. He was picked by Super Kings for INR 5.5 crore in 2020.Mayank Agarwal is another obvious target, like Curran. Though primarily a top-order batter, Agarwal dropped to the middle order last year to accommodate better strikers at the top. With Robin Uthappa, one of Super Kings’ main Indian middle-order batters last season, retiring Agarwal could be a great fit.Josh Little made a big impact in the T20 World Cup in Australia this year, picking up 11 wickets in seven matches at a great economy of 7.00 for Ireland. That included a hat-trick [Kane Williamson, James Neesham and Mitchell Santner] against New Zealand.Jaydev Unadkat could be a contender for a team that likes experienced hands, and Unadkat has worked with Dhoni and Stephen Fleming at Rising Pune Supergiants in IPL 2017. He had a memorable season then, claiming 24 wickets in 12 matches.