Tag Futebol

Smriti Mandhana had a poor WPL 2025, both as captain of a team that didn’t make the knockouts and as a batter with mediocre returns. WPL winners in 2024, RCB finished second-last this time, just above UP Warriorz, and that too on net run-rate.Mandhana’s demeanour at her final press conference of this season after an 11-run win against against Mumbai Indians, however, gave us a wise and pragmatic captain who had ended on a high, and not a sullen leader after a disappointing season. She became slightly philosophical, too, almost summoning the cricketing gods as she rued her team’s failure to clinched some of the crucial moments.”Yeah, we were just having a joke post the match that we started the season on a high, ended it on a high and midway we just lost somewhere,” Mandhana said after the game on Tuesday. “Pretty much that sums up our season. But yeah, having lost a lot of players from last season post the auction, definitely we had our thinking shoes on in between the auction and the season. But the way we started, I really thought that we are in it.”Related

• Mandhana, Wareham, Rana breach Brabourne fortress to deny MI top spot

The defending champions started with two wins before stuttering to five straight losses that cost them a knockout spot.Injuries to Asha Sobhana, Shreyanka Patil and Sophie Molineux, and Sophie Devine opting for a break didn’t help, and the big setback was that RCB didn’t win even one out of their four home games, in stark contrast to 2024 when they won three out of five in Bengaluru.What hurt them further was that at home, where local fans again filled the stands, RCB lost two matches by agonisingly close margins: by four wickets with one ball to spare to MI and then the Super Over loss to Warriorz.”I think in Bangalore, a lot of things didn’t go our way,” Mandhana said. “But I am really proud of the way the team showed the character. Losing a lot of close matches is not easy on a team and I think we lost first two to three matches, which were pretty close. But everyone was really positive, which is something I am really pleased [about] as a captain. You win or lose. Sometimes in franchise cricket, these things go your way, and you win it. But when it doesn’t go your way, and the team sticks together, that is a team for me.”5:25

Mel Jones: ‘Phenomenal’ Perry played a different sort of innings

What also didn’t work for RCB at home was the toss. Teams opted to chase as the league moved from Vadodara to Bengaluru to Lucknow to finally Mumbai, and with the lack of dew and big totals in the first innings, chasing teams won most matches.RCB, in their home leg, lost all four tosses and were inserted by oppositions. At their home stretch also came Mandhana’s own lean patch, which meant the team largely relied on No. 3 Ellyse Perry for the bulk of the runs. But their totals were never enough.Perry’s prolific run placed her second among the run-scorers this season and on top in the WPL overall.”Sometimes, there’s something called cricketing god, which I believe a lot in,” Mandhana said. “You do a lot of things right and in the last two or three overs, things don’t go your way. We won [the title] last year by winning those moments. And this year, in the first two matches in Bangalore, we couldn’t make those moments ours, which is, I feel, a turning point for us, especially the first two matches.”Looking back, I wouldn’t want to throw anyone under the bus saying that would have changed it. We all, together as a team, could have contributed a lot more. Me as a batter in the mid phase, I was not able to score a lot of runs.”I think especially the Bangalore leg, losing the toss, not many teams could actually put up more than 160, but we could do that only because the way she [Perry] batted out there. Just really good to have her around the team, around all the Indians as well, because [there’s] a lot to take from her, lot to learn from her. And I am sure a lot of people in the team watch her and try and take a lot of things from her. And I hope that it only goes well for Indian cricket because people like that make you work really hard.”Richa Ghosh struck at 175.57 in WPL 2025•BCCI

The other positive for RCB was the big hitting of Richa Ghosh, whose strike rate of 175.57 was the best in the team (minimum 30 balls faced). She smashed 13 sixes and 25 fours on her way to 230 runs off 131 balls. She ended the RCB campaign also in style, particularly when going after Shabnim Ismail. Ghosh scooped and reverse scooped Ismail and reverse swept Hayley Matthews for boundaries on her way to 36 off 22 on Tuesday.”She is just amazing to watch,” Mandhana said of Ghosh. “I have seen her grow throughout the last three seasons of WPL and with the Indian team. The way she can change the game single-handedly is a sight to watch. When she is out there, the other dugout can’t sit peacefully, and no equation is less or more for her.”I mean, for us to chase 223-odd runs [against Warriorz] and just losing by ten runs and the way she batted… For batters like us, we see the smaller side [of the boundary], but for batters like Richa, they just see the ball and hit with their power.”The variety of shots is something she has really worked on. People always just relate Richa with a lot of power, but the cuts, the reverse sweeps today, which she switch hit. A lot of things have gone in, a lot of work, and her work ethics have been really good for the past year. [I am] really happy for her, and I hope she keeps going because [Ghosh] batting like that is amazing signs for Indian cricket.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Para quem buscou tentar buscar “passar pano” para a atuação do Palmeiras diante do Santos, no último sábado, basta acompanhar as entrevistas de Luan e João Martins após a partida. Ambos foram bastante incisivos ao analisarem o desempenho do Verdão no empate em 0 a 0, na Vila Belmiro. O resultado não somente exemplificou o que foi o desempenho palmeirense, mas também permite com que os rivais se aproximem na classificação do Brasileirão. Esses últimos tropeços devem fazer falta lá na frente.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasGómez passa por avaliação no hospital, mas retorna para São Paulo com o PalmeirasPalmeiras21/05/2023BrasileirãoVÍDEO: Assista aos melhores lances do empate em 0 a 0 de Santos e Palmeiras pelo BrasileirãoBrasileirão21/05/2023PalmeirasJoão Martins evita colocar atuação ruim do Palmeiras na conta do cansaço: ‘Não conseguimos nos adaptar ao contexto do jogo’Palmeiras21/05/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Tanto o zagueiro quanto o auxiliar de Abel Ferreira descartaram colocar a culpa do mau desempenho na conta de outros fatores que não fossem o próprio jogo. Luan não escondeu que não gostou do que o time fez. Ele bateu na tecla da lentidão nas saídas de bola e na falta de inspiração no ataque. Já João, que criticou o campo, descartou a questão do cansaço e falou abertamente da falta de capacidade da equipe em se adaptar ao que a partida pedia. Para ele, os jogadores não conseguiram perceber que não era ocasião para propor ou impor um padrão de jogo.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

O excesso de jogadas individuais e a insistência em carregar a bola foram fatores que também se juntaram a esses citados pelos personagens palmeirenses. Assim como o dia ruim de Dudu, que até tentou mais do que os outros, mas errou muito, ou como Raphael Veiga, que praticamente desapareceu no duelo e fez uma de suas piores atuações em muitos meses. Não é exagero dizer também que o Santos teve uma “pegada” maior. Quando um jogador do Palmeiras pegava na bola, pelo menos três santistas já estavam no lance para tentar recuperar a posse.

continua após a publicidade

A verdade é que os times poderiam jogar 500 minutos, que a bola não balançaria a rede, tamanha a falta de inspiração de ambos. Mas o resultado não era ruim para o Santos, foi ruim apenas para o Verdão, que briga pela liderança do Brasileirão. Seu adversário direto neste momento, o Botafogo, venceu o clássico contra o Fluminense e subiu para 18 pontos. Com a vitória, o Alviverde chegaria a 17, um a menos, porém ficaria próximo do líder. Com o empate, acabou ficando com apenas 15 pontos, três atrás do Fogão.

Não precisamos ir muito longe para buscar uma atuação ruim do Alviverde. No rodada anterior do campeonato, diante do Bragantino, o desempenho também foi ruim. Naquele dia, porém, o time de Abel Ferreira conseguiu abrir o placar com muito custo. O problema é que alguns minutos depois sofreu o empate e acabou saindo de campo com apenas um ponto no Allianz Parque. Ou melhor, com menos dois pontos.

continua após a publicidade

+ Luan analisa erros do Palmeiras no clássico e lamenta atuação ruim: ‘Queríamos os três pontos’

Aquele já era um jogo em que provavelmente a comissão técnica irá lamentar ter deixado de levar mais dois pontos. Em casa, em um gramado bom, diante da torcida, logo após uma grande atuação contra o Grêmio… Ou seja, vários elementos a favor de uma vitória. Sem contar os outros resultados da rodada, como a derrota do Botafogo, que permitiria ao Palmeiras alcançar a liderança do Brasileirão pela primeira vez em 2023.

Com isso, era importante que o jogo contra o Santos pudesse funcionar como uma forma de “recuperar” os pontos perdidos em casa. Isso, claro, sem menosprezar o adversário gigante em um clássico estadual. No entanto, diante do retrospecto recente com oito vitórias seguidas e longa invencibilidade, o natural seria pensar em um triunfo do Palmeiras, que obviamente é um time bastante superior neste momento.

+ João Martins evita colocar atuação ruim do Palmeiras na conta do cansaço: ‘Não conseguimos nos adaptar ao contexto do jogo’

A vitória não veio, como já dito acima, mas mais do que se preocupar com o distanciamento do Botafogo, o Palmeiras agora se preocupa com a chegada de rivais que virão forte para a disputa do título. Caso do Atlético-MG, que agora está a apenas dois pontos do Verdão (vantagem já foi de seis) e será o adversário da próxima rodada do Brasileirão. Ou podemos também citar o Flamengo, que pode atingir 12 pontos neste domingo e ficar a apenas três do Alviverde. Se não fossem esses tropeços, a situação poderia (e deveria) estar confortável, mas agora já é tarde e os resultados deixaram essa “tropa de choque” chegar para a briga. Time que briga por título não pode perder ponto “bobo” pelo caminho.

Peirson made 82 and Steketee added 48 not out after Bartlett took 5 for 32 as Victoria crumbled with the bat

AAP07-Dec-2024

Jimmy Peirson made a brilliant 82•Getty Images

Jimmy Peirson has batted Queensland towards hope of their first Sheffield Shield victory of the summer against Victoria, after a helter-skelter day two at the MCG.On a day where 15 wickets fell in the first two sessions, Queensland went to stumps at 195 for 8 in their second innings and leading by 244.Peirson was out pulling for 82 just before the close, but not before combining for a crucial 119-run eighth-wicket partnership with Mark Steketee, who made 48 not out.The two-and-a-half-hour vigil between the pair was at complete odds with the rest of the day, and left the low-scoring match hanging slightly in Queensland’s favour ahead of Sunday’s play.After Victoria began on Saturday at 43 for 2, they lost Peter Handscomb in the first over when he edged Xavier Bartlett to Matt Renshaw at second slip.That set the tone for the next four hours of play, as Bartlett finished with 5 for 32 and rain hovered around the MCG for part of the morning.Only Marcus Harris (42), Handscomb (24) and Tom Rogers (11) reached double figures for Victoria as they were all out for 123 to concede a 49-run first-innings deficit.The chaos then continued into Queensland’s second innings. In-form Fergus O’Neill took two wickets in his first over to remove Bryce Street and Angus Lovell, while having another lbw shout turned down.Renshaw looked in imperious form for Queensland, driving in the air and punching the ball off his pads. But he too fell inside the first 10 overs, caught down legside off O’Neill as Queensland’s batting began to falter.Jonathan Merlo also claimed a brilliant one-handed diving catch at point to remove Ben McDermott, as one of three quick wickets for quick Sam Elliott.Queensland then found themselves 67 for 7 just before tea, and a drought-breaking first win of the season against ladder-leaders Victoria was looking shaky.Enter Peirson.He and Steketee became the only batter to look comfortable all day, with the wicketkeeper-batter driving the Victoria quicks when they erred too full. Peirson also cut and pulled well as the innings went on, and hit spinner Todd Murphy for two boundaries through the covers in one over.Steketee also did some damage, hitting four boundaries in his knock and sending Murphy deep over the long-on boundary.And while Peirson was set up by late by Mitch Perry and caught in a stacked legside field, he and Steketee had given Queensland the slight advantage.

Manchester United are in a race with Liverpool to sign an “outstanding” £30 million midfielder, according to a new report.

Man Utd make contact for Martinez as INEOS ramp up summer plans

As the transfer window hits the midway point of July, the Red Devils will be disappointed that they have just got one senior signing through the door. The next arrival at Old Trafford appears likely to be Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, despite the fact that the Premier League giants are struggling to agree a fee with the London side.

Man Utd now in formal talks with Aston Villa to sign "world-class" £40m ace

Man Utd have finally begun official talks.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 16, 2025

After that, United are still in the market to strengthen their midfield and forward line, and despite Andre Onana still being at the club, they could now be targeting a new goalkeeper. That is because, according to journalist Gaston Edul, United are in talks with Aston Villa over signing Emiliano Martinez.

The Red Devils are said to have advanced their interest in the Argentina goalkeeper but have yet to make a formal offer, with the Villans looking to get around £40 million for their shot-stopper, while United are hoping they can agree a deal in the region of £33 million.

Interest in Martinez comes as questions about the form and fitness of Onana have come into focus. The Cameroon international had a very turbulent 2024/25, and he could be missing at the start of the 2025/26 season after picking up a hamstring injury.

Man Utd join race for Wolves star Andre

As the Red Devils begin talks to sign Martinez, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, relayed by TEAMtalk, Man United have registered their interest in signing Andre from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The report states that as well as United, arch-rivals Liverpool are also interested in signing the Brazilian and, like United, have approached Wolves to make their interest known. It goes on to add that even though Wolves only signed Andre last summer, they would be willing to sell should they receive a fee of £30 million.

The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed “outstanding” by former Wolves player Andy Thompson, joined the Midlands side for a fee of £21 million last summer, meaning the Premier League side would be making a small return should he leave for £30 million in this transfer window.

Apps

33

Starts

31

Passing accuracy per game

37.7 (93%)

Touches

52.2

Big chances created

1

Key passes per game

0.5

Interceptions per game

1.1

Tackles per game

2.8

Clearances per game

0.9

Andre, who has been capped 12 times by Brazil, played 33 times for Wolves in the Premier League last season, 31 of which he started. The midfielder operated at the base of Wolves’ midfield, and his potential arrival at Old Trafford would likely see him replace Casemiro, who looks set to stay at United but may not feature regularly.

Andre is under contract until 2029, so Wolves are under no pressure to sell the midfielder, which makes the reported asking price somewhat of a question mark.

Without a doubt, Liverpool have enjoyed an incredible summer transfer window, with FSG spending like never before to establish Arne Slot’s dynasty.

The Dutch coach replaced Jurgen Klopp and won the Premier League last season, and he did so having welcomed only Federico Chiesa to Anfield for a £12.5m fee. Well, Chiesa only started one league game all season and is expected to depart in the coming weeks.

However, the Italian’s not the only one facing the exit doors this summer.

Liverpool's transfer plans

As Liverpool kicked off their pre-season tour with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, they could not call upon Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez, with the respective forwards set to be sold.

While Liverpool have already spent £79m on forward Hugo Ekitike this summer (breaking the British transfer record to reel Florian Wirtz over too), there’s more to come.

We all know that Alexander Isak is on Liverpool’s radar, having informed Newcastle United of his desire to explore a transfer to Anfield. He did not travel with the Toon for their pre-season tour.

However, talkSPORT have now revealed that Liverpool have ‘signalled their willingness’ to pay for the Sweden international, who has rejected the Magpies’ proposals of a new contract. That comes amid rival interest from Al Hilal, albeit with Saudi Arabian officials believing that he ‘wants to join Liverpool’.

If Liverpool want Isak, they will likely have to break the British record once again, forking out some £130m.

Why Liverpool still want Alexander Isak

This would be a truly remarkable transfer. And it’s beginning to look more and more probable.

Isak, 25, joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022, and he’s now renowned as one of the deadliest goalscorers in the world, hailed by Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson for being “the most complete striker” in the Premier League.

While Liverpool’s acquisition of Ekitike might make it feel like this signing would be redundant, this isn’t the case. The respective forwards are both technically sound, but bring different things to the table and could actually become an unstoppable partnership.

Ekitike, 23, is principally a central striker but is known for his pace and power, capable across a range of positional roles. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 10% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Utilising these attributes, Ekitike could bring out the best in Isak, allowing him to focus more on his incredible goalscoring. There’s no question that the United man surpasses his prospective teammate in ball-striking.

Alexander Isak’s Record at Newcastle (all comps)

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25

42 (41)

27

6

23/24

40 (36)

25

2

22/23

27 (18)

10

3

Data via Transfermarkt

The £120k-per-week Sweden native, moreover, has the wealth of Premier League experience, which could prove vital for Ekitike’s development.

With both players in Slot’s system, the coach can manage workloads and utilise the respective strengths of both to the greater effect of his ambitious Liverpool team. The sum is greater than the individual parts, after all.

Given that both strikers are so dynamic, there’s no reason why they couldn’t cohabit at the front of the ship for Liverpool, especially if Nunez is sold in the coming weeks.

Related Bigger loss than Diaz or Nunez: Barcelona charge into race for £70k-p/w Liverpool star

The Reds could lose a key man.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2025

Manchester City are preparing for another tilt at the Premier League title and could now be set to fight some of Europe’s heavyweights to sign a premium talent, according to a report.

In surprise fashion, the Blues suffered an early exit from the Club World Cup after a 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the last 16 and all focus at the Etihad Stadium will now revolve around potential incomings and outgoings.

Addressing what squad changes could occur in the aftermath of the tournament, Daily Mail’s correspondent Jack Gaughan believes up to eight players could leave Manchester City to make way for reinforcements under Pep Guardiola.

He stated: “I think there could be as many as eight going if you include Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips.

“They’ve got to get rid of four foreign players because of the homegrown problems they’ve got in the Champions League. If they don’t, Guardiola is going to have to leave people out of the squad and he doesn’t like doing that.”

Of course, a large part of why there are plenty who are now at risk of leaving the club is due to their spate of arrivals between January and the summer, but who else could join Manchester City if all goes to plan?

Related Pep's fed up: Man City boss requests signing of £65m star to replace Ederson

Pep Guardiola wants to sign an “incredible” goalkeeper to replace Ederson this summer.

Posts ByDominic Lund Jul 3, 2025

Amid doubts over Ederson’s future, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is wanted by Guardiola in what would be a landmark change of the guard between the sticks.

However, it appears that Manchester City aren’t just looking to strengthen for the immediate term and a young midfielder has now crept onto their radar after some impressive recent displays.

Manchester City keen to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit

According to Manchester City News, Manchester City are one of many clubs keen on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit after his breakthrough campaign that has led to the Netherlands Under-19 international claiming the UEFA Under-19 European Championship player of the tournament.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United provide domestic competition for his signature, while Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Marseille are keeping close tabs on the continent.

Kees Smit in the Eredivisie – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Chances created

23

Successful dribbles

10

Touches in opposition box

40

Duels won

53

Recoveries

59

Journalist Graeme Bailey added some context to the situation, stating: “Kees Smit is a player, a real player I am being told and Manchester City know all about him. Will he leave this summer? That is the question but I think there is a real chance and City do like him – one to keep an eye on.”

Last campaign, Smit registered an impressive tally of ten goals and seven assists in 43 matches across all competitions, combining his exploits with Alkmaar’s senior side and second string.

While still in the infancy of his career, the Heiloo-born man is a talent on an upward trajectory and Manchester City will hope to convince him that the Etihad is the best place to continue his development.

Team-mates pay tribute to Warner after low-key final innings against India in St Lucia

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jun-2024

David Warner last international innings was a first-over dismissal against India•ICC/Getty Images

David Warner’s 15-year international career drew to a close when Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in St Vincent on Monday night, eliminating Australia from the T20 World Cup at the Super Eight phase. It meant a low-key end for Warner, who was not certain when walking off the field in St Lucia that his time in an Australia shirt had drawn to an end.Warner’s retirement has been gradual: he played his final ODI in November’s World Cup final victory over India and his last Test against Pakistan in January, and has long signalled that this T20 World Cup would be his final tournament. He has also left the door open for a return for next year’s Champions Trophy but it looks like an outside bet.His final appearance, against India, was an anti-climax: he made six runs off six balls, edging Arshdeep Singh to slip where Suryakumar Yadav took a good low catch. He punched his bat with his right hand in frustration, then walked off the pitch with his head bowed: not knowing whether this was his last game, there was no guard of honour or standing ovation.Related

Stats – Rohit rewrites record books with whirlwind 41-ball 92

Rohit powers India into semis; Australia's hopes take a hit

Australia 'hoping that Bangladesh can get the job done' for them

After the game, he was pictured chatting to Virat Kohli on the outfield at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground and Josh Hazlewood said that the timing of Warner’s send-off from his team-mates would depend on the result of Afghanistan’s late game against Bangladesh.”Nothing’s been said yet,” Hazlewood said. “It might be said after this [press conference] before the [evening] game, but I think we’ll wait until after the game and then we’ll [acknowledge] the career that’s been. It’s been unbelievable. We’ll definitely miss him around the group, out in the field and off-field – an amazing all-format career.”On Warner’s farewell, Hazlewood said: “We’ve had a little taste of it. It’s sort of been a slow burn with Test cricket and ODI cricket, and now T20. Life without him, we’ve sort of gotten used to it a little bit in New Zealand. It’s always different when you lose a player that’s been there for so long. But we’ll move on and push forward.”Speaking before Australia’s elimination, his opening partner Travis Head said it would be a “disappointing” way for Warner’s career to end. “We’ll be disappointed if it ended like that, where we have to watch another game. A lot has been said about what he’s contributed to Australian cricket at the top of the order in all formats.”He goes down as our best multi-format player. He’ll be missed at the top of the order, but let’s hope [tonight] is not the end of it. We’ll wait and see but we’ll give him a send-off tonight if that is the case later on. It might be a bit of a late one if the fixture finishes the way it has. But a lot has been said about how good Davey has been at the top of the order.”Hazlewood acknowledged that with Cameron Green the only player in Australia’s squad younger than 28, there will be a changing of the guard ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup – though suggested it will not be a total overhaul. “They come around pretty quick, the T20 World Cups, every two years,” he said.”There might be a couple of changes, but a lot of the guys still play in franchise cricket if they’re not playing for Australia, so they’re available to be picked. There’s some class players in our 15, and we’ve got a couple on the bench as well. You’d think it’d be an actual slow change… I don’t think there’d be anything drastic.”

Yet again in his glorious Manchester City reign, Pep Guardiola is overseeing a rebuild. Following a largely underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, it is a case of out with the old and in with the new.

Indeed, having previously phased out the likes of Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero in the past, the Catalan coach is now repeating the process in relation to his treble-winning side of 2023.

The great Kevin De Bruyne is on his way to Napoli by all accounts, while Kyle Walker – fresh from his own sojourn to Serie A – is expected to seal a permanent exit this summer, after eight years at the Etihad.

With doubts also emerging over the futures of Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish, among others, there could well be a fresh feel to the Citizens next season, having already begun the overhaul with four new additions in January.

That quartet appear to be just the start of things, if recent reports are anything to go by, with the Premier League giants seemingly closing in on a first move of the window, amid the imminent arrival of Tijjani Reijnders.

Latest on Man City's transfer search

While the search to replace that man De Bruyne has dominated talk in recent weeks – amid interest in the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and the Liverpool-bound, Florian Wirtz – a further priority also lies in finding a suitable partner for Rodri in that number eight berth.

Transfer Focus

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

The Manchester outfit did only recently fork out £50m for the signing of Nico Gonzalez from Porto, albeit with the Spaniard seemingly deemed as a replacement rather than a partner for his compatriot, having been dubbed a “mini-Rodri” by Guardiola.

With that in mind, sporting director Hugo Viana has turned his attention elsewhere in the bid to bolster those midfield ranks even further, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealing that City have a “verbal agreement in place” for AC Milan star, Reijnders.

The signing of the 26-year-old – for what is expected to be a package of around €70m (£59m) – could well be followed by the capture of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, with Romano also outlining that personal terms have been agreed with the playmaker.

The suggestion is that City will lodge a bid “in the next hours” amid their desire to get the deal done, amid rival interest from Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, with prior reports indicating that Cherki could be available for as little as £25m.

Why Cherki would be a good signing

It may go against the Guardiola grain to be signing a “maverick” talent like the Lyon starlet, as hailed by pundit Rio Ferdinand, although the Citizens are in need of a fresh creative source, in the wake of De Bruyne’s imminent exit.

With the aforementioned Grealish – and England teammate, Phil Foden – providing just 11 goals and assists between them in the Premier League last season, the onus is on finding a suitable supplier for main man, Erling Haaland.

In many ways, Guardiola’s side are still seeking to find a suitable successor to Riyad Mahrez in the forward line, with one-time Leicester City hero having racked up 78 goals and 59 assists in 236 games prior to his 2023 exit, a return that included 28 goal involvements in all competitions during his final season.

Described as a player who can “change the game” by his manager, the now 34-year-old was simply a genius during his time in English football, possessing a wand of a left foot and an ability to create something out of nothing down that right flank.

Those are traits which the veteran no doubt shares with young Cherki, with the France U21 international – who qualifies to play for Algeria, like Mahrez – also a creative weapon. Equally, like Mahrez too, the left-footer is comfortable operating down the right flank or in a number ten berth.

Hailed as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, Cherki is fresh off the back of a campaign that ended with a remarkable haul of 32 goals and assists from just 44 games, including 19 goals and assists in Ligue 1.

Such form in France’s top-flight saw the 21-year-old notably create 22 big chances and average 2.5 key passes per game, during his 30 league outings, as per Sofascore, having also averaged 1.6 successful dribbles as a sign of his breathtaking ability to beat his man.

Non-penalty goals

0.35

0.19

Assists

0.49

0.47

Shot-creating actions

6.44

5.44

Passes attempted

60.63

54.66

Pass completion

78.5%

82.2%

Progressive passes

9.08

3.56

Progressive carries

4.67

3.66

Successful take-ons

2.12

1.17

Touches in opposition box

5.82

5.16

Progressive passes received

8.11

11.34

When comparing his recent heroics with Mahrez’s final Premier League campaign, it is easy to see their statistical and stylistic likeness too, with the pair both ranking highly for assists and shot-creating actions per 90, indicating their unique ability to generate opportunities in the final third.

That desire to make things happen is also evident with regard to the ‘passes attempted’ metric, with that knack for conjuring a moment of magic seemingly needed to help replace the likes of the “predictable” Grealish, as described by Gary Neville.

With Mahrez having repeatedly delivered the goods for City in previous years, Guardiola could now find his heir apparent by plucking Cherki from Lyon.

"World-class" star now pushing to join Man City quickly; £59m+ offer needed

There has been a development in Man City’s pursuit of a key target…

ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025

Chelsea have now held internal talks over a move for a “world-class” star after a surprise recent development, according to a report.

Blues' Champions League pursuit back on track

The Blues’ form has been shaky since the turn of the year, but they are now back on track in their pursuit of qualification for next season’s Champions League after defeating Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Cole Palmer was back among the goals, netting a stoppage-time penalty to seal his side’s victory, which solidifies them in fifth place with just three games left to play.

As such, the west Londoners should be in a strong position to attract some top players this summer, and they are once again looking at bolstering their forward options, with signing a new winger on the agenda.

Related Chelsea hold talks with Ajax chief as BlueCo step up move to sign £42m star

It could be another busy summer for the Blues.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 3, 2025

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens are among the main targets in wide areas, and there is also a feeling that Enzo Maresca could look at strengthening through the middle, despite having Palmer at his disposal.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which states Chelsea are now holding internal talks over a move for Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to exit the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer this summer.

De Bruyne is very much the one that got away for the Blues, but he could now be in line for a return to Stamford Bridge. There is some surprise in Manchester that the Belgian is now open to remaining in the Premier League or Europe, as City had expected him to depart for Saudi Arabia or the USA.

The likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa could provide competition for his signature, while there also remains a possibility he makes the move to the MLS, with Chicago Fire now said to be in advanced talks.

Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Newcastle United (a)

May 11th

Manchester United (h)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (a)

May 25th

"World-class" De Bruyne still impressing at City

In many ways, it is a surprise that Man City are willing to let the 33-year-old leave on a free transfer this summer, given that he is still impressing, despite his age, most recently bagging a crucial goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

During his time with Chelsea, the £400k-per-week maestro never really managed to stand out, but he has been a revelation at the Etihad Stadium, amassing a stunning 72 goals and 121 assists in 285 Premier League appearances for the Blues.

Former footballer Paul McVeigh has also lavished the Belgium international with praise recently, describing him as “world-class” and “one of the greatest midfielders ever to play the game.”

As such, while there will be some concern about De Bruyne’s age, there are plenty of signs he could still have a lot left to give at Premier League level, and City’s loss could be Chelsea’s gain.

Liverpool are closing in on the Premier League title, but Arne Slot has no time for sentiment and is now set to replace one of his star names this summer by bringing in an in-form player, per reports.

Liverpool set themselves up for exciting summer with title almost guaranteed

Despite Everton’s valiant effort at Anfield, Liverpool prevailed in Wednesday night’s Merseyside Derby to restore their 12-point advantage over Arsenal at the Premier League summit.

Arne Slot will have witnessed his side produce better performances this campaign, though few have yielded such an important result as the Dutchman leads his side ever-closer to a second title of the modern era.

Uncertainty reigns over the future of Liverpool trio Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. The former is reported to be on his way to Real Madrid, while the other two mentioned have yet to put pen to paper on deals that expire in only a couple of months.

Prompting action on the transfer front, Slot wants to bring Rayan Cherki to Anfield this summer and the French playmaker could be available at under £25 million after striking an agreement to leave Lyon.

Working on the premise that Alexander-Arnold does depart for Spain, Freiburg right-back Kiliann Sildillia is also on Liverpool’s radar despite alternative interest from Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion.

102 touches, 89% passes: Liverpool ace is becoming as important as Salah

One Liverpool star is becoming as important as Mohamed Salah after the Merseyside Derby.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 3, 2025

Careful consideration needs to be applied to any arrivals that do come in to replace established squad members on Merseyside. The Reds will likely head into next term defending the Premier League title, making them a prime target for scalps in Slot’s second season.

Leaving nothing to chance, the ex-Feyenoord boss is now in the hunt to sign an in-form defender who could become the long-term successor to one of their star assets.

Liverpool want Milos Kerkez to become Andy Robertson successor

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are on track in their pursuit of Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez replacing Andy Robertson at left-back, and the Hungary international may arrive at Anfield this summer should they meet his £45 million evaluation.

Seeking competition within his backline, Slot and company are aware the 21-year-old is ready for a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, even if the Cherries plan to play hardball in negotiations.

Andy Robertson vs Milos Kerkez – Premier League statistics in 2024/25

Andy Robertson

Appearances

28

Chances created

38

Successful crosses

32

Tackles won

21

Duels won

53

Milos Kerkez

Appearances

30

Chances created

27

Successful crosses

26

Tackles won

23

Duels won

116

Broadly speaking, one or the other hold the monopoly on certain statistical metrics. However, having both compete for the first-choice left-back berth at Liverpool for the next while to come would be exciting for supporters to witness.

Eventually, Kerkez will take over the mantle due to his status as an upcoming star, so it makes sense for the Reds to address £160,000 per week earner Robertson heading into his twilight years soon enough rather than ignoring the inevitable possibility that he will succumb to age-based decline.