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This is set to be just the start of an influx of Celtic signings this summer.

On Friday, Benjamin Nygren was unveiled as a Celtic player, arriving from Nordsjælland for a reported fee of £1.3m.

He is the Hoops’ third recruit of the summer so far, after Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan, but many more will follow, with Brendan Rodgers actually pushing to sign another winger, who might actually be a bigger talent than Nygren.

Celtic's search for new wingers

It could be all change in terms of Celtic’s wide attackers this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

First, Jota will be sidelined until at least Christmas, after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at Tannadice in April.

Meantime, Nicolas Kühn seems likely to leave the club during this window, given that RB Leipzig and Como are both currently battling for his signature, with reports outlining that the German is available for around £15m.

So, the arrival of Nygren alone is unlikely to be enough, hence why, according to a report by Dutch outlet Gazet van Antwerpen, via the Daily Record, Celtic’s ‘main focus’ is Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp.

They claim that the Belgian club have ‘lowered their asking price’ from around £5m to around £4.5m, with Antwerp ‘in need of a financial boost’.

The 24-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at Bosuilstadion, while the Reds also failed to qualify for Europe next season, defeated 2-1 in a play-off by Royal Charleroi back in May, leaving them far from in a strong negotiating position.

So, could Balikwisha become the eighth Belgian to play for Celtic, joining current midfielder Arne Engels, while following in the footsteps of the likes of Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, Charly Musonda, Dedryck Boyata, Jason Denayer and Joos Valgaeren?

How Michel-Ange Balikwisha would improve Celtic

Balikwisha has actually just endured a pretty miserable year or so due to injury, first requiring knee surgery in January 2024, which actually scuppered his potential move to Glasgow back then, before seeing a miserly 149 minutes of action this season, before 9 March, due to a thigh issue.

Nevertheless, he did start each of Antwerp’s final ten Jupiler Pro League fixtures to end the campaign, scoring four goals, and has been a pivotal figure for the Reds in the past.

Back in 2022/23, just 21 at the time, Balikwisha scored ten goals in all competitions as Antwerp won their first Belgian top-flight title since 1957, also picking up the Coupe de Belgique, the youngster on target during the final victory over Mechelen, before netting again against the same opposition in the Supercoupe de Belgique victory a few months later.

On top of this, Antwerp then qualified for the Champions League group stages for the very first time too, with Balikwisha bagging the clincher during the play-off round victory over AEK Athens, before also scoring when Shakhtar Donetsk visited during the group phase themselves.

So, it is clear that the Belgian wide attacker possesses plenty of high-level experience, but let’s assess how he compares to, potential, future teammate Nygren.

Appearances

44

32

Minutes

3,437

2,751

Goals

10

16

Assists

8

4

Shots on target %

38.2%

48.8%

Crosses

157

31

Big chances created

7

6

Take-on success %

54.65%

56.8%

Average Sofascore Rating

7.56

7.42

As already alluded to, the season before last was used for Balikwisha’s statistics, given that he barely featured during the most recent campaign due to injury.

What the table outlines is that these two wingers are actually, stylistically, very different, with Nygren much more of a goal threat, hence why he scored more goals and registered a higher number of his shots on target.

Balikwisha, on the other hand, is a creator from wide, accumulating more assists and big chances created, as well as an exponentially greater number of crosses, which is possibly the most telling statistic.

Analyst Will Glavin agrees with this, describing the Belgian as “creative, direct​​​​​​​ and technically sharp”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout notes that he operates best as an “inside forward”, highlighting his “pace, dribbling and finishing” as his strengths.

Elsewhere, analyst Ben Mattinson labels him “two-footed” and “capable of beating a defender either way”.

Thus, it is clear that Balikwisha is a high-quality talent that Celtic should do everything in their power to secure this summer.

When compared to Nygren, he is proven at Jupiler Pro League level which, according to Global Football Rankings, is the eighth-strongest division in the world, while the Danish Superligaen is a little bit lower at 13th.

Similarly, the Belgian boasts Champions League experience, something Nygren does not possess, having played in the Conference League, but no higher in terms of UEFA club competitions.

Thus, fitness permitting of course, this all suggests Balikwisha would be more likely to come in and have an immediate impact.

​​​​​​​

Dream Kuhn replacement: Celtic weighing up bid to sign "electric" £12m star

With Nicolas Kühn seemingly set to leave Celtic this summer, could Brendan Rodgers sign an “absolutely electric” replacement?

ByBen Gray Jun 27, 2025

Liverpool will sign Jeremie Frimpong in the coming weeks (perhaps even sooner). The Bayer Leverkusen star was swiftly identified by FSG as the perfect player to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will join Real Madrid when his contract expires next month.

Though some fans will point toward Frimpong’s advanced role in Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side and reserve judgment until a personal gauge on his defensive ability can be delivered, there’s no question he’s an exciting profile, different to Trent but still a “monster in the final third,” as said by The United Stand’s Beth Tucker.

With the balanced Conor Bradley already making headway in Arne Slot’s team, this contrast of profiles on the right could work a treat for the Merseysiders as they look to defend their Premier League title and challenge for silverware across other fronts.

But it stings that Liverpool have been forced into replacing Alexander-Arnold all the same, with the atmosphere around the vice-captain souring since he intimated his decision to the world earlier this month.

Especially when Los Blancos constantly prove to be the scourge of the Anfield side, with their success in signing Dean Huijsen proving a double whammy.

Why Liverpool wanted Dean Huijsen

Liverpool have two of the finest defenders kicking about today in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, but the skipper is nearing the twilight of his Premier League career and the latter has just one year remaining on his current deal.

And you can bet your bottom dollar Real Madrid have a vested interest in bringing him to the Spanish capital.

Huijsen was one of Liverpool’s top targets for the summer, but the Bournemouth centre-back has indeed agreed to join Alonso’s new crew, so will partner with Trent in the Madrid backline.

Slot’s side were thought to have had the lead in the young Spaniard, whose breakout campaign in England has drawn plenty of praise, talent scout Jacek Kulig hailing his “extraordinary rise.”

The prototypical modern centre-half, Huijsen’s technical control, rangy physique and natural intelligence make him the perfect player to slot right into the Liverpool project – and he’s left-footed besides.

However, this one’s done, and FSG need to turn their attention elsewhere. Luckily, sporting director Richard Hughes is on the case.

Liverpool make new CB a top target

Liverpool need to sign a centre-back, to be sure. Konate’s actually the last senior signing in that area, arriving from RB Leipzig for £36m four years ago.

Slot needs a rising star, and he might just find one in Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, with the 23-year-old understood by Spanish sources to be the Premier League champions’ favourite now that Huijsen’s out of reach.

The defender still has four years left on his current deal and is a player of significant potential, with Chelsea quoted at £59m when asking about the Ecuadorian’s availability back in January.

What Piero Hincapie would bring to Liverpool

Hincapie has made 164 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring seven goals, assisting five more, winning an invincible domestic double last season.

Described as a “prodigy” by journalist Jose de Jesus Ortiz two years ago, Hincapie has made incremental progress in Germany, signing from Argentine club CA Talleres as a 19-year-old in 2021.

24/25

45

3

2

1x

23/24

43

1

1

2x

22/23

43

1

1

0x

21/22

33

2

1

0x

With Van Dijk set to stay for the next couple of seasons, Hincapie could make a shrewd career move by moving to Merseyside and serving as the defensive great’s understudy before ascending to superstardom himself.

He certainly has the attributes to make his mark. As per FBref, the 6 footer ranks among the top 15% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal involvements, the top 16% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, the top 17% for progressive passes and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90.

As you can see, he’s got the skill and gifted approach to make a real difference in Slot’s squad, capable even of becoming an even better player than Huijsen.

Also hailed as an “absolute beast” who “can become one of the world’s best centre-backs” by journalist Antonio Mango, Hincapie might have even outperformed Bournemouth’s star defender this term.

Matches (starts)

30 (25)

32 (28)

Goals

3

2

Assists

1

2

Touches*

64.4

78.5

Pass completion

84%

89%

Key passes*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

3.4

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.9

2.6

Clearances*

6.0

3.3

Duels (won)*

3.8 (57%)

5.2 (62%)

Left-footed, he’d also be a suitable successor for skipper Van Dijk, who has renewed his Liverpool contract by two years but turns 34 this summer.

There’s indeed a case to be made that Hincapie is playing at a superior level to Huijsen right now. That’s not to discredit Los Blancos’ new recruit, who already coats himself with the trappings of something special, world-class, but rather, highlights the quality of Leverkusen’s rising star, whose dynamism and athleticism have even permitted him to play on the left flank 11 times this term.

Hincapie is more active in the duel and more accurate too, with several years more experience that have tuned his completeness to a degree that would see him thrive alongside Van Dijk before finally taking his place.

If Liverpool are able to engineer a deal for a figure not too far north of Huijsen’s £50m release clause, something they were willing to meet, this could prove to be an exceptional deal for the Reds.

Having proven himself and then some as one of the best young defenders in the game, Hincapie could veritably explode under Slot’s wing in the Premier League.

He'd be incredible with Kerkez: FSG want to sign £50m "tank" for Liverpool

Liverpool are looking to make sweeping changes in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair May 19, 2025

Wasting no time feeling sorry for themselves after missing out on the Premier League title, Arsenal are now reportedly ready to jump ahead of their rivals and match the price-tag to sign one particular gem.

Arsenal's summer transfer plans

Arriving with plenty to do, there’s no doubt that new sporting director Andrea Berta will be looking to make quite the statement at Arsenal this summer. Whilst injury issues have far from helped Mikel Arteta’s side this season, there is no denying that their squad simply hasn’t been strong enough – especially going forward. And that must change next season.

Bukayo Saka

1,454

6

10

Gabriel Martinelli

1,956

7

4

Kai Havertz

1,839

9

3

Leandro Trossard

2,264

8

5

Involved in 52 Premier League goals between the four of them this season, Arsenal’s struggles have far from been helped by a frontline which has been hit with injuries and disappointing form – making Berta’s first task in the job clearer than ever.

On that front the transfer rumours have already been coming thick and fast too, with names such as Hugo Ekitike and Ollie Watkins just two options who have found themselves among the headlines in recent weeks.

Their own Bruno Fernandes: Arsenal holding talks over "exciting" £66.5m ace

The creative maverick could be Arsenal’s missing piece.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

Of course, Watkins is not a new name on Arsenal’s radar either. The Aston Villa striker found himself at the centre of their interest in the January transfer window, only for the Gunners to opt out of a move worth £60m.

Now, months on, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Berta decides to perform an Arsenal U-turn as his first act as sporting director. Watkins undoubtedly has the ability to transform Arteta’s frontline and may yet be the first of a number of new names arriving at The Emirates in the coming months.

Arsenal ready to match Wesley's price-tag

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now ready to match Wesley’s €35m (£30m) price-tag in order to jump the queue ahead of the likes of Chelsea and secure the right-back’s signature. Having already reportedly made contact with the Flamengo gem, the Gunners must now make their official move when the transfer window swings open.

Dubbed “immense” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Wesley is certainly one to watch. At just 21 years old, he’s impressed enough for Flamengo’s senior team to earn the attention of the Premier League.

With a decision to make, the defender must assess his options and pick his next club. The big question will be whether he’d receive much-needed game time at Arsenal amid competition from Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Both players have the experience that Wesley lacks, as the youngster would become Arteta’s fifth full-back signing as Gunners boss.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the Flamengo gem looks likely to steal more and more headlines in the coming months.

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.

Brook scored a triple-century while Root went past 250 as England declared for 823 in Multan. Here are some key numbers from their innings

Sampath Bandarupalli10-Oct-20240:57

England rewrite the record books in Multan

1 England became the first team to post 800-plus runs in an innings against Pakistan in Tests. The previous highest against Pakistan was 790 for 3 by West Indies in 1958 in Kingston.It is also the highest total by any team in Pakistan, with the previous highest being 765 for 6 by Pakistan against Sri Lanka in Karachi in 2009.454 The partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook is now the highest for England in Test cricket, bettering the 411-run stand between Peter May and Colin Cowdrey against West Indies in 1957, also for the fourth wicket.Related

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It is also the highest partnership in Tests against Pakistan, going past the 446-run stand by Conrad Hunte and Gary Sobers for the second wicket in 1958 in Kingston.3 Number of partnerships in Test cricket, higher than Root and Brook’s 454 in Multan. It is now the highest stand by a visiting pair, surpassing the partnership of 451 runs by Don Bradman and Bill Ponsford against England for the second wicket at The Oval in 1934.1 Root and Brook also put on the highest stand for the fourth or a lower wicket in Tests as the previous highest was 449 between Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh against West Indies in 2015 in Hobart.ESPNcricinfo Ltd3 Instances of two batters scoring 250-plus runs in the same Test innings, including Root and Brook in Multan. Hunte and Sobers for West Indies against Pakistan in 1958 were the first to do so, while Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara replicated the feat against South Africa in 2006.Root and Brook are only the second England pair with double hundreds in the same innings, after Graeme Fowler and Mike Gatting against India in 1985 in Chennai.1 Root and Brook are the first pair from England to share multiple partnerships of 300-plus runs in Test cricket. They put on 302 against New Zealand in Wellington last year, also for the fourth wicket. Only eight pairs before Root and Brook have shared two or more 300-plus run stands in Test cricket.310 Balls needed for Brook to complete his triple-century. It is the second-fastest in Test cricket, behind Virender Sehwag, who took only 278 balls for his triple against South Africa in 2008. The previous fastest for England was by Wally Hammond, off 355 balls, against New Zealand in 1933.Harry Brook became the first England batter in 34 years to score a triple-century•Getty Images823 for 7 England’s total against Pakistan in Multan is the fourth highest by any team in Test cricket. England has accounted for three of the four 800-plus totals, while Sri Lanka’s 952 for 6 against India in 1997 is the highest.6 Number of Pakistan bowlers to have conceded 100-plus runs in England’s first-innings in Multan. Only once before did six bowlers concede 100-plus runs in a Test innings – Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in Bulawayo in 2004.1 Maiden over in England’s innings – by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the fifth over of the innings. England’s innings of 150 overs (900 balls) is the longest, with as few as one maiden in a Test innings. The previous longest was 709 balls by South Africa against England in 1939, where none of the 88.5 eight-ball overs was a maiden.12664 Test runs by Root. He is now the leading run-scorer for England in Test cricket, surpassing Alastair Cook’s tally of 12472. Root is now fifth in the list of highest run-getters in Test cricket.317 Brook’s score against Pakistan in Multan is the fifth-highest for England in Test cricket. Brook is also the first England batter to score a triple hundred since Graham Gooch against India in 1990 at the Lord’s.4 Centuries by Brook in all four Test matches he played in Pakistan. He is the first batter to hundreds in four consecutive Tests on Pakistan soil. Brook is only the fifth batter with hundreds in four consecutive Tests against Pakistan, after Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis, David Warner and Kane Williamson.3 Double hundreds in Asia for Root, the most by a visiting batter in Tests. Root’s previous two double tons in Asia have come in Sri Lanka and India in 2021. He is only the third batter with double tons in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, after Sehwag and Jayawardene.

He is slotted ahead of Latham and isn’t fussed about the low returns so far

Deivarayan Muthu23-Jan-2023Daryl Mitchell prides himself on being an adaptable player. Ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, head coach Gary Stead had so much faith in his adaptability that he bumped him up to the opening slot along with Martin Guptill after Mitchell had originally been picked in the side as a finisher. In the World Cup semi-final against England in Abu Dhabi, Mitchell was particularly slow off the blocks in the powerplay, but he ramped up the pace to seal a famous victory for New Zealand.Now, ahead of this year’s ODI World Cup, Mitchell has been given a new role – a promotion to No. 4 ahead of Tom Latham. Mitchell has batted at the spot six times – five of which have come in Pakistan and India – managing only 93 runs at an average of 15.50 and strike rate of 72.09. But he isn’t fussed about the low returns and backs himself to slot into the new role.”I’m just proud to be representing New Zealand in whatever position I bat in,” Mitchell said on the eve of the third ODI in Indore. “If you’ve followed my career, you can see that I’ve batted in many positions across all three formats. So, I’m just doing my job; [there are] some good days and bad days. That’s the nature of the game we play and yeah really looking forward to tomorrow, as a group, to come out and put in a good performance and walk away with a win in the ODI series.”Watch LIVE in the UK and USA

You can watch the third ODI between India and New Zealand LIVE on ESPN Player in the UK and on ESPN+ in English and in Hindi in the USA.

Having also batted at different positions for his domestic teams – Northern Districts and Canterbury – Mitchell is ready do any job for New Zealand in ODI World Cup in India later this year. He is also pushing his case as a seam-bowling allrounder in the absence of Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme who have become free agents. In the first ODI in Hyderabad, Mitchell was New Zealand’s most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 30 in his five overs when India amassed 349.”For me, it’s something that I guess as a skillset is to adapt to different numbers in the line-up as well as different situations and I’m a competitor at heart,” he said. “That’s why I play the game and I love competing to try and win those moments. That’s what drives me whether I open the batting or batting at No. 3, 4, 5 or 6. For me, that doesn’t worry me and it’s about getting stuck in and being really proud to represent the country, which is something I dreamt of doing since I was a little kid. And I’m very fortunate to be in this position. I do it with a smile on my face, and puff my chest out, and try and take them on.”Mitchell’s current role at No. 4 has often left him starting against spin. Though he has been dismissed by spinners four times in his last five ODI innings in the subcontinent, Mitchell is still one of the better players of spin in the New Zealand line-up. He uses his long reach to meet the pitch of the ball and is particularly strong at hitting down the ground.”I’m 31 years of age now and [I] know how my game works and how I want to go about the middle phases of one-day cricket [against spin],” Mitchell said. “Always in Test cricket, you do face a lot of spin, so yeah I’m comfortable with how I go about my game and again, it’s about trying to win little moments for the team and hopefully that means we can win games of cricket.”The absence of the seniors – Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Tim Southee – for the ongoing series in India as well as the five ODIs in April-May in Pakistan, which will clash with IPL 2023 – will give New Zealand an opportunity to test out different combinations ahead of the ODI World Cup. Williamson (Gujarat Titans), Boult (Rajasthan Royals) and Southee (Kolkata Knight Riders) are set to be handed NOCs to feature in the entire IPL 2023.”I think everyone in this room knows that games of cricket like the other day [in Raipur] happen,” Mitchell said. “It’s the nature of the game. Yeah, you lose the toss and get put in on a slightly challenging surface and you’re five down for not many. Us as a group, we’re pretty level and it’s something we pride ourselves on. The group is really excited about tomorrow and about not having Tim and Kane here, I think it’s a great opportunity for our group to test out some new formations and different balances, and give different guys experience over here in India that a lot of us haven’t had.”

Pakistan’s most effective batsmen have not been their prettiest – think Javed Miandad, Saleem Malik and Saeed Anwar. But these five combined runs with elegance

Shamya Dasgupta10-Aug-2020Majid Khan
Majid’s last Test had a fun batting order: Mohsin Khan (pretty), Mudassar Nazar (not pretty), Majid Khan (pretty), Javed Miandad (not pretty), Zaheer Abbas (pretty) and Saleem Malik (not pretty). Unfortunately, Majid fell for a 13-ball duck in that game. But he had made a name as a batsman most pleasing to the eye over the course of a near-20-year-long Test career. Right-handed Majid was elegant in the way left-hand batsmen usually are, with flowing drives and pulls, his bat coming down in a graceful arc. What gave him an air of sophistication was the somewhat laidback appearance at the crease, which led to more than one critic suggesting that it didn’t matter to him enough. It certainly did. A long and quite successful career at first-class and Test level proves that.Zaheer Abbas
One of Pakistan’s absolute greats, Abbas was, at his best, almost the perfect batsman, beautiful to watch and someone his team could count on to lead the charge – not always a given with batsmen so pleasing to the eye. Abbas finished with a Test average of 44.79. In Australia, it was 40.62, and in England, where he also found a happy, long-term home with Gloucestershire, it was 56.06. He wasn’t quite so successful in India, strangely, or New Zealand and the West Indies. But wherever he played, Abbas wowed onlookers like few could at the time, certainly among right-handers. In many ways, he was the anti-Viv Richards. Both Richards and he scored a lot of runs and dominated attacks, and were equally stylish in their different ways, but Richards was more hammer ’em while Abbas was knife through butter. He was especially alluring because he hit so many boundaries and looked, at times, like he was worried about hurting the ball when banishing it.Is there a prettier off-drive in the game than Babar Azam’s?•Getty ImagesMohsin Khan
Mohsin Khan walked away from the game at the age of 31 to become an actor in India. He left with some pretty impressive performances and numbers to his name, but they don’t tell of how, in late 1983, he seemed like he could make himself taller than he was at the crease and get on top of the bounce from Dennis Lillee, Geoff Lawson, Rodney Hogg and Carl Rackemann to score 390 runs at 43.33 in a five-Test series in Australia. At the time, pace and bounce were the weaknesses of many an opening bat from the subcontinent, but Mohsin – tall and loose-limbed, with in-vogue long hair – was cut from a different cloth (and even in the regulation whites of the time, he looked more stylish than his team-mates). He could have played on, surely, and had he done so it would have only made Pakistan that much more appealing a side.Mohammad Yousuf
From the mid-1980s, we jump straight to the late-1990s and 2000s, and to the man who started out as Yousuf Youhana but really came into his own after changing his name to Mohammad Yousuf. Like Abbas before him, the best part about Yousuf was how well he balanced a hunger for runs with grace and grandeur. With 7530 runs in 90 Tests, at an average of 52.29, and 9720 in 288 ODIs at 41.71, he is among Pakistan’s top five run-getters in both formats. Like the other three, Yousuf was supple, graceful, and – what’s the best word? – calm. Calm himself, of course, and so unhurried, so in control, so peaceful that he created a sense of serenity while he was out in the middle. Was it the exaggerated backlift? Was it the time he seemed to create between bowler releasing ball and batsman doing something about it? Or was it, maybe, Younis Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq on either side of him in the batting order? Yousuf stood out. An unusual run-machine who rarely ever looked clumsy.Babar Azam
Some say he should be included in the current Fab Four – lose one of Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli and Joe Root. That, or just make it the Fab Five because there can’t be a list of great current-day batsmen without this young man. It’s tough to say exactly why he sets the pulse racing because Azam is not quite as obviously magnificent as the other four stylists on this list. He isn’t even built like them; not as languid nor as nimble. The thing about him is that he never looks ugly, or gauche, not for a moment. His statements on style aren’t as conspicuous as, say, Williamson’s, but you’ll find them – enough to be bowled over – if you are attentive. Think soft-shouldered suits and a dollop of the blasé. That’s Azam.

The Boston Red Sox are surging in the month of July.

Boston has won 10 straight games, sweeping the Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Rays prior to the start of the All-Star break. The recent surge has the Red Sox sitting just three games out of first place in the American League East. Officially, the Sox are 53-45 and in third place in the East behind the New York Yankees and the first-place Toronto Blue Jays.

Former New York Yankees star and current Fox baseball analyst Alex Rodriguez sits on a panel with the network alongside his former teammate Derek Jeter and Red Sox great David Ortiz.

And on Tuesday night, when it came time to talk about the Red Sox, Rodriguez was clear about what the franchise's surge means in the broader context of the sport. And it made him absolutely sick to say out loud.

"Bottom line, boys, if we zoom out, it's great for baseball when the Boston…I can't believe I'm saying this…when the Boston Red Sox are good," Rodriguez said on Tuesday night.

Rodriguez added that the trade of Rafael Devers could end up being a good thing for the Red Sox in the long run, as he referenced two specific examples from his own playing days.

"Sometimes when you clear a clubhouse of whatever perceived energy…I remember when [Ken] Griffey Jr. left us in Seattle, we got better. And then when I left the next year, we got even better. And sometimes you need the big brother to get out so all the other big brothers can excel and thrive and they're doing that in a beautiful way."

The Red Sox open the second half of the season with a series in Chicago against NL Central's first place Chicago Cubs. The Red Sox will then take on the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies before hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers later this month.

Three brutally tough series out of the break will tell the tale of whether or not the Red Sox are for real.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including a big match for Chris Richards' Crystal Palace against Manchester United.

Another weekend, another batch of storylines to latch onto. Life for Americans playing abroad remains a chaotic, ever-shifting universe – but right now, the stars are shining.

This slate could bring more of the same. Chris Richards is the headliner as Crystal Palace take on Manchester United, while Christian Pulisic’s status looms over everything, with the American star potentially set to miss more time through injury. And then there are the others. Ricardo Pepi continues his hunt for minutes at PSV, and a cluster of No. 9s across Europe will look to make their case at a moment when Folarin Balogun has hit a rough patch in front of goal.

GOAL US previews the main storylines among Americans abroad this weekend… 

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  Chris Richards to have his moment

  First, the big one. Playing Manchester United isn’t what it used to be. Ruben Amorim’s side has improved of late, but they remain toothless in attack. They struggle to score, and while Crystal Palace aren’t elite, there are few reasons to fear this United team. Even so, it’s a significant matchup for Richards.

  It has been a curious few weeks for the USMNT center back. A month ago, he was earning deserved plaudits for his national team form and consistent performances for Palace. Since then, things have become a bit muddled. Oliver Glasner has taken a few public swipes at Mauricio Pochettino for calling Richards into the October camp despite a calf knock. The defender missed time as a result and went down late in Palace’s last Premier League game.

  Still, he has been back in training and is expected to be ready for United. A win would push Palace into the top four – potentially as high as third if results fall their way. It’s a big opportunity.

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  Pulisic looks to build on a massive derby day

  Pulisic’s status is suddenly uncertain again, with talk of a fresh knock casting doubt over his availability for Milan’s clash with Lazio. Max Allegri admitted Thursday that the American is questionable, and with the schedule tightening, it’s unclear whether Milan will risk him. It’s an all-too-familiar storyline for a player whose biggest obstacle has always been staying on the field.

  And the timing couldn’t be more frustrating. Pulisic is coming off one of his best performances of the season – and arguably his most important – after bossing the Milan derby last week. He scored the only goal in the 1-0 win and controlled large stretches as a drifting second striker, a reminder of just how influential he can be when fully fit. With seven goal contributions already in Serie A, he has a legitimate claim as one of the league’s form players.

  But that’s the challenge. For all the quality Pulisic brings, his ability to maintain that level has consistently been shaped by injuries arriving at exactly the wrong moments. This latest concern threatens to interrupt a run of form that had him looking like one of Serie A’s best.

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  Ricardo Pepi back to scoring goals

  The USMNT suddenly have a few real questions at striker. Folarin Balogun has generally delivered in a national team shirt – even if his club form is uneven – and Haji Wright has pushed for minutes despite his recent dip in goals. But then there’s Pepi, who was Pochettino’s preferred No. 9 early on and was scoring freely for PSV just a year ago.

  In truth, the former FC Dallas standout is still working his way back from a serious knee injury, even if he’s technically available every week. The sharpness isn’t fully there; he’s still a half-beat slow, still thinking before he shoots. Yet Wednesday’s Champions League cameo against Liverpool served as a reminder of why he remains such a valuable option. Pepi was disruptive off the bench, unsettled Virgil van Dijk, and gave PSV a presence up top – even without a goal.

  Guus Til, naturally a No. 10, has been getting the starts in recent weeks, leaving Pepi to make his case in limited minutes. A weekend matchup with lowly Volendam should offer a clearer opportunity. For Pepi, who badly needs a confidence-restoring performance, it feels like an important chance to find his scoring touch again.

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  Things get trickier for Weston McKennie

  Weston McKennie remains one of the trickiest USMNT players to evaluate. On one hand, he’s starting every week for Juventus and looks firmly back in the “indispensable” category after appearing close to a summer exit. On the other, new manager Luciano Spalletti- a recent Serie A title winner with Napoli – hasn’t exactly unlocked some bold new tactical identity. What he done is trust McKennie, who repaid that faith with a Champions League goal on Tuesday night.

  The takeaway is simple: McKennie has a role, and a significant one. He has played nearly every minute under Spalletti and, even if he hasn’t been spectacular, has done enough to keep his place. The next step is finding a bit more end product. A weekend matchup with struggling Cagliari should give him the platform to show it.

Manchester City are now reportedly ready to hijack Manchester United’s move to sign a Premier League star worth as much as £100m in 2026.

Man City make Semenyo a top target

It’s not just their local rivals that Man City are looking to frustrate. The Citizens are also reportedly interested in signing Antoine Semenyo and have made the Bournemouth star a top target. In what would deal Liverpool an untimely blow, City could land one of the most in-form wingers that the Premier League has to offer.

It’s clear that Semenyo likes the idea of linking up with Erling Haaland, too, after saying: “Haaland is number one. You see it on TV, scoring all these goals and thinking, surely he’s not like this in person… That man is tall, my goodness. Tall, strong, fast, can finish.

“He’s got everything you need as a striker. I remember Man City just bopping, and I’m thinking, okay this is normal that they bop it. Ruben Dias wraps the ball to him, the ball’s like this high, I’m thinking ‘how’s he going to deal with this?’ just takes it on his chest like this – I am thinking: Haaland, the man.”

It’s also easy to see why City have set their sights on another direct winger. Aside from the improved Jeremy Doku, Pep Guardiola’s wide men have struggled to leave their mark, with Savinho receiving his fair share of criticism from those at the Etihad in recent weeks.

The Brazilian was part of a much-changed Man City side against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, but to say that he failed to make his opportunity count would be an understatement.

Alas, it’s not just wide men that Guardiola wants. The Spaniard and Man City have now reportedly turned their focus towards midfield star Elliot Anderson, who is represented by the same agency as Omar Marmoush.

Man City ready to hijack Man Utd's Anderson move

As reported by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Man City are now ready to hijack Man Utd’s move for Anderson. The Citizens have made the Nottingham Forest star a top target and could splash out as much as £100m to secure his signature in 2026.

Man City now considering move for £65m forward who Pep called "extraordinary"

City have identified a forward as a priority target ahead of the January transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Nov 27, 2025

The England star is quickly becoming one of the most wanted players in the Premier League and that should come as no surprise.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has quickly made the Forest star one of his main men and has showered him with praise a number of times, telling reporters: “He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent. He is fulfilling his role in the best way possible so we are very happy with him.”

Man City now frontrunners to sign "world-class" £80m star, Pep's a big fan