Despite already reinforcing their midfield with arrivals such as Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, reports are now claiming that Leeds United have submitted an opening offer to sign an ex-Barcelona star.
Farke "happy" to welcome Perri at Leeds
Several problem areas have already been addressed at Elland Road this summer as Leeds prepare for their Premier League return. But welcoming a new goalkeeper remained on the list until the 49ers completed yet another impressive move to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon. And Daniel Farke has instantly welcomed the shot-stopper’s arrival.
The Brazilian represents a replacement for Ilan Meslier, who was relieved of his duties at the end of last season following one mistake too many. Just where his future lies is now the big question, with Leeds seemingly moving on to bigger and better things.
When compared, it’s Perri who instantly stands out. The 27-year-old has Europa League experience to his name and already squared off against rivals Manchester United last season. Having lost out against the Red Devils last season, though, he will have his sights set on getting one over on those at Old Trafford.
Olympique Lyonnais'LucasPerricelebrates their second goal scored by Olympique Lyonnais' Rayan Cherki
With their goalkeeper problem now solved, however, the 49ers have now reportedly made their first move to sign yet another impressive midfield reinforcement.
Leeds submit opening offer to sign Kessie
According to Saudi Arabian newspaper Al Riyadhiah, relayed by there are claims the 49ers and Leeds have submitted an opening offer to sign Franck Kessie from Al-Ahli this summer. The 28-year-old midfielder captains the Saudi Pro League club and is entering his third season at the heart of their midfield, but could now be on his way out.
Having starred for both Barcelona and particularly AC Milan, Kessie’s arrival would be an incredibly impressive coup by all involved at Elland Road. But it’s unlikely to come without plenty of negotiating on the salary side of things.
Leeds in pole position to sign 18-goal star who's keen to join
The Whites could yet get their man.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2025
As things stand, Kessie earns a staggering £12m-a-year in Saudi Arabia and unless he takes a significant pay-cut, he will be out of Leeds’ price range given that their current highest-earner is Patrick Bamford at around £4m-a-year.
That said, if the midfielder is willing to lower his salary then Leeds should go all out to secure his signature this summer. His experience would prove to be invaluable and at 28, he is more than capable of returning to the top level with a flourish.
A player who was previously dubbed a “complete player” by former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli, Kessie could now be one to watch.
It’s fair to say Ruben Amorim’s reign at Manchester United to date has been a bumpy ride full of many ups and downs.
Amorim has collected 17 victories from the Old Trafford hot-seat, but that has been followed up by a worrying 17 losses being tallied up, which included a soul-crushing Europa League final defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
Matheus Cunha
Even with the pain of this loss out in Bilbao still hurting – with no European football on the menu this coming season – the Red Devils have been able to flex their muscles in the transfer market, as seen in the notable £62.5m capture of Matheus Cunha.
But, what’s around the corner for the Red Devils?
Man Utd in surprise talks to sign £70m star
Well, Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly also edging closer to a switch to the red half of Manchester despite their aforementioned problems, with a hat-trick of standout purchases from within the Premier League perhaps on the cards if another deal is also secured.
As per a report by Football Insider, United have been in surprise talks recently over snapping up Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
It’s stated that a move was being explored after United had held talks with the 6 foot 5 man mountain’s agent, but it is looking more likely that Branthwaite will pen a contract extension at the Toffees, over moving to nearby Manchester.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Yet, as has been seen in the manic transfer window so far, many twists and turns can occur, with United known to be keen admirers of the £70m-rated centre-back for some time now, having been linked with the one-time England international last summer.
A move might well finally happen for Branthwaite and the Red Devils, with Amorim’s strugglers hopeful that the strong Everton number 32 can go on to be their modern-day iteration of Rio Ferdinand if a deal is finalised.
How Branthwaite can be Man Urd's next Ferdinand
It’s been nearly 23 years now since Ferdinand crossed enemy lines to leave Leeds United behind for the Theatre of Dreams for £30m.
Rio Ferdinand
But, even nearly two decades on, Ferdinand is still seen as the cream of the defensive crop from United’s recent and more success-laden years, with a mammoth 189 clean sheets coming his way from a stacked 504 Premier League outings, away from his ridiculous trophy collection boasting six top-flight title successes.
As it did at Elland Road over 20 years ago, Branthwaite’s exit would certainly upset the Everton masses if he were to shortly walk away from Merseyside, having showcased himself, just like Ferdinand, to be one of England’s finest young centre-halves.
Ferdinand did already have 54 Premier League clashes under his belt in West Yorkshire before sealing a major switch to link up with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, and now Branthwaite will surely fancy a similar big move to elevate his game to the next level.
Games played
75
Goals scored
4
Assists
1
Goals conceded
92
Clean sheets
21
After all, the now-retired United number 5 was only a year older than Branthwaite is now when he first made the leap to Old Trafford, with the 22-year-old also definitely capable of adjusting to the pressures of the Theatre of Dreams when glancing at his standout numbers from the table above.
Branthwaite would be able to chip in with goals and assists aplenty too, just like Ferdinand in his pomp, with his output during his breakout 2023/24 season seeing him fire home three strikes, away from further proving his imposing nature in the air by winning 3.9 duels per game throughout 2024/25.
Once lauded as a “colossal” presence by Statman Dave, on top of also being labelled as a “beast” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, this could be yet another signing that helps United push out of their current mire.
A positive new horizon could soon come Amorim and Co’s way as Branthwaite potentially goes down as a modern icon at the back, whilst Cunha and Mbeumo also aim to be heroes in their own right.
He'd be perfect for Mbeumo: Man Utd prepare bid for "exceptional" £28m ace
Manchester United appear to be making serious moves in the transfer market.
Insofar as anything is conclusive during the first few weeks of the summer transfer window, Liverpool have been issued a rather unequivocal no in regard to Alexander Isak.
Arne Slot would love nothing more than to front his project with Newcastle United’s “world-class assassin”, as Isak has been referred by pundit Alan Shearer, but PIF want a package in the region of £200m to free him from his £120k-per-week contract.
It’s not going to happen, in all likelihood. However, that doesn’t mean Liverpool will shelve their interest in a new number nine. There are alternative options on the market.
Liverpool are spending liberally this summer, no doubt, but this is hardly a scattergun approach from Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes; more so, the execution of meticulous planning.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot
The expeditious nature of their activity highlights FSG’s thought-out strategy, with the club-record signing od Florian Wirtz the perfect representation of that fact.
Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz
Wirtz is now officially a Liverpool player. Last week, the Merseysiders agreed a £100m fixed fee – which could rise to a British-record £116m – for Bayer Leverkusen’s star man; now, the Premier League champions have officially announced their marquee move.
After some protracted negotiations, Wirtz is finally Liverpool’s and will bring his “truly generational talent” – as has been said by sports media professional Cristian Nyari – to Slot’s side, a daunting thought for the club’s rivals both domestically and abroad.
But not for Liverpool. While Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave for Real Madrid upset more than a few, here we have a surpassing playmaker of a different breed, one who could spearhead years of sustained success.
Florian Wirtz
And while Liverpool might not be able to secure Isak’s services this summer, there’s every chance that Wirtz could be leading the supply line for another first-rate centre-forward.
Liverpool lining up new striker
Several alternatives are on the line for Liverpool, including Hugo Ekitike, but as per Rousing the Kop, Liverpool have identified Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as the perfect option to sign this summer, should Isak remain out of reach.
Osimhen, who completed a successful loan move with Galatasaray last season, is looking to leave Naples this summer and is believed to have a £60m release clause in his contract.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
The Turkish giants are looking to bring him back for good, while suitors in the Saudi Pro League continue their long-time bid to bring the 26-year-old over to the Gulf.
However, Liverpool could give him a place at the front of one of football’s most exciting projects.
Why Liverpool want Victor Osimhen
With Darwin Nunez set to depart – curiously, Napoli are chasing a deal for the Uruguay star – Liverpool could find they have a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Serie A champions for their profitable number nine.
Napoli star Victor Osimhen
After scoring 37 goals across 41 matches for Galatasaray last year, winning the Turkish Super Lig, the rangy and powerful frontman has kept his instruments sharp as he targets a statement move.
Osimhen has proven himself by now as one of Europe’s most reliable goalscorers, and though the Premier League would ostensibly present him with the highest calibre of opposition, across the span of a season, that he has faced in his career, with Wirtz by his side there will be more than enough support to maintain top levels of scoring.
24/25 – Galatasaray
41
37
8
23/24 – Napoli
32
17
4
22/23 – Napoli
39
31
5
21/22 – Napoli
32
18
6
20/21 – Napoli
30
10
3
Osimhen’s complete attacking skill set and unflappable mentality suggest that not only could be a dream for Wirtz, but he’d ensure even the most ardent of Liverpool-supporting Isak fans are able to forget about Newcastle’s talisman.
Having spearheaded Napoli’s Scudetto-winning season of 2022/23, Osimhen established himself as one of the game’s true elite, even labelled as “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave back in February.
Isak might be a bit more dynamic in his mobility, but the Nigerian is hardly a sluggish forward, having ranked among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe last season for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for progressive carries, the top 16% for ball recoveries and the top 9% for aerial battles won per 90, as per FBref.
He’s a “transitional monster” described by analyst Ben Mattinson, with incredible off-the-ball awareness and positioning that should see him rake goals in by the dozen at Liverpool, with the likes of Wirtz and Mohamed Salah creating chances for him.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtzreacts
As per Sofascore, Wirtz, who is principally a central attacking midfielder but has the capacity to drift across most attacking areas, assisted 12 goals and created 17 big chances across the 2024/25 season.
In fact, deeper examination shows the German maverick to have averaged 2.1 key passes per game across his entire campaign, for club and country, which is a truly remarkable feat and the perfect illustration of how he will enhance the performance of someone like Osimhen.
To put that in perspective: Alexander-Arnold has averaged 1.9 key passes per fixture across the span of his own career – and, frankly, we all know just how peerless his playmaking has been at Liverpool.
Wirtz has proven himself across several seasons in the Bundesliga, winning the division’s Player of the Year award in 2023/24 after playing an instrumental part in Leverkusen’s invincible prize-winning campaign.
He’s only just getting started, and if allowed to forge a relationship with Osimhen, there’s no telling how deadly Liverpool could be next year.
He could surpass Salah: Liverpool now prepared to sign another £100m star
Liverpool are in the market for a centre-forward this summer.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is certainly not hanging about when it comes to improving his squad.
After a first trophyless season since 2016/17, the Spaniard has begun the summer transfer window with a bang.
Manchester City managerPepGuardiolabefore the match
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss looks to have completed a deal for Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for a fee in the region of £46.3m, while Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is close to signing on a deal worth at least £25m.
Why Man City are signing Reijnders and Cherki
Reijnders could turn into a bargain given how impressive he was for Milan last season. Across 54 games for the Italian side, he scored 15 goals and grabbed five assists.
This came despite the club missing out on European competition after finishing eighth in Serie A last term.
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders.
The Dutchman may prove to be an ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who leaves at the Etihad end of the month. In Cherki, Guardiola has also secured a player for a fee which may well turn out to be one of his finest deals.
The Frenchman shone for France in their Nations League defeat to Spain on Thursday evening. Making his debut when he came on with just 30 minutes left, the winger scored and provided an assist in the 5-4 defeat.
For a combined fee of just over £70m, it is certainly money well spent by the Spaniard as he looks ahead to the Club World Cup and next season.
There is a player at the club who is worth more than the pair put together, however, and he shone throughout 2024/25.
The Man City star who's worth more than Reijnders & Cherki
Brazilian winger, Savinho, made the move from Troyes to City last summer after impressing on loan at Girona.
Not many expected him to settle in as well as he did, as the youngster went on to register 14 goal involvements – two goals and 12 assists – in 45 games for the club.
Savinho’s PL stats for Man City last season
Goals
1
Assists
8
Big chances created
11
Successful dribbles
1.8
Shots per game
1.9
Key passes per game
1.6
Via Sofascore
Such was his impact at the start of last season, former Arsenal midfielder turned pundit, Paul Merson, claimed that the winger could turn into a “superstar” for City.
Indeed, when compared with his peers across the big five European leagues, Savinho ranks in the top 4% for progressive carries (6.61) and in the top 4% for successful take-ons (2.69) and touches in the attacking penalty area (7.57) over the previous 365 days.
These statistics are evidence of his stature among the best wide players on the continent, and he will only go from strength to strength next season.
According to the Football Observatory, Savinho is currently valued at €100.5m (£85m) after an excellent debut season in the Premier League.
Therefore, he is worth more than what look to be two of City’s newest arrivals, demonstrating how good he has been since the start of last season.
Market Movers
Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?
Guardiola will be hoping that Reijnders and Cherki can make similar sorts of impacts at the club when the 2025/26 campaign begins in August. No doubt about that.
Forget Cherki: Man City also open £42m talks for "one of the best" #10's
City are now making moves for another attacking midfielder…
Everton meet Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday, closing the 2024/25 campaign in good form, two successive wins sealing a 13th-place finish in the Premier League.
Taking the wheel of a sinking ship, David Moyes has done a brilliant job, steering the Toffees away from relegation danger and ensuring they could say farewell to Goodison Park in a good moment.
Iliman Ndiaye scored twice as Southampton were defeated on Merseyside at the weekend, underscoring his value as one of the division’s most underrated stars.
It’s crucial the Friedkin Group keep him on the books next year, with a few industrious signings sure to create a secure fluency to take Ndiaye and his team to the next level.
Everton chasing Premier League midfielder
Fans will no doubt hope for a flashy new forward or too, but Moyes is a pragmatic manager in the best sense, and will be focused on making under-the-radar improvements too.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, we’ve already seen a plethora of EFL stars linked with a Merseyside switch, with Ben Knight and Sunderland’s Dan Neil two potential options.
On that evidence, it seems that one such upgrade could come in midfield, and those claims are bolstered by Football Insider who are reporting that if Everton lodge a bid worth £12m for Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff, it is likely to be accepted with both clubs eager to agree a deal.
Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff
The Englishman is about to enter the final year of his contract, and this is certainly one to keep a close eye on.
Why Everton should sign Sean Longstaff
Longstaff, 27, is thus far a one-club man, but his playing time has been limited under Eddie Howe this season, starting only eight times in the league, largely because the Magpies have such a robust starting midfield trio.
But Longstaff is a good player in his own right, with an aptitude in transitional play. Indeed, the box-to-box star is capable of breaking down opposition attacks and recycling possession by pressing forward.
Newcastle United's SeanLongstaffin action with Bromley's Jude Arthurs
Hailed as an “unsung hero” for the Toon in the past by pundit Paul Merson and as “unbelievable” by Alan Shearer, Longstaff could do the dirty work in order to promote opportunities for players like Ndiaye, creating that roundedness and energy that Moyes’ teams need to fire on all cylinders.
FBref help to underline the player’s metrics, revealing the secrets behind his success. The data-driven site show that Longstaff ranks among the top 1% of Premier League midfielders this season for tackles won in the attacking third, the top 4% for dribblers tackled and the top 8% for blocks made per 90.
What this tells us is his willingness to roam into more advanced areas and win the ball before knocking it further forward and into the path of, say, Ndiaye.
Matches (starts)
32 (28)
Goals
9
Assists
0
Shot (on target)*
1.1 (0.6)
Big chances missed
3
Pass completion
85%
Key passes*
0.6
Dribbles*
2.0
Ball recoveries*
5.2
Tackles + interceptions*
2.1
Duels won*
5.3
The Senegalese winger has forged quite the campaign for himself, such a dangerous presence in the final third, scoring nine Premier League goals and missing only three big chances.
Clinical as you like, Ndiaye could do with some more creative support, and while Longstaff wouldn’t plug that gap, his tenacious attitude toward turning play over and ability to apply his combativeness to offensive areas of the field denote his suitability within Moyes’ project.
And, of course, highlight the effect he could have on Ndiaye.
Widening the Everton midfield’s reach would allow Ndiaye to play with more comfort, also allowing those such as Dwight McNeil and Charly Alcaraz to supply Ndiaye more directly and ensure Everton go from strength to strength at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Most exciting deal since Richarlison: Everton could sign “world-class” star
David Moyes will look to bring in one or two exciting names to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is drawing up his shortlist of potential summer targets and is now looking to beat rivals Rangers to the signature of a talented England youth international, per a report.
Celtic look to shape their squad ahead of next season
The Bhoys are closing in on the Scottish Premiership title and know that only a point is needed in their next league fixture against Dundee United to cement their achievement.
Of course, the opportunity to take another step towards winning a domestic treble is also firmly in sight as St Johnstone stand between Celtic and a place in the Scottish Cup final.
Nevertheless, individuals connected with the reigning champions are already looking ahead to the summer window. Next campaign will see the return of Champions League qualifiers, so expect plenty of business to be done early doors involving incomings and outgoings.
Celtic’s recent interest in Stoke City star Million Manhoef has made headlines, but his £10 million price-tag alongside competition from Sheffield United, Burnley, Genk and Club Brugge may throw up a couple of obstacles.
On the same token, the Bhoys’ search for attackers could lead to West Ham United striker Danny Ings. His £125,000 per week wages would likely need to drop significantly, though he is set to be a free agent once the window opens.
Celtic want "tricky" £3 million star who Rodgers has personally sought out
Celtic could land an exciting summer signing.
BySean Markus Clifford Apr 14, 2025
Financially, Celtic find themselves in rude health and are expected to splash the cash once again, though there is always an eye for a bargain at Parkhead should circumstances align.
Tapping into that school of thought, the Hoops are now in a race with several competitors to bring in a Premier League starlet that could be on the move.
Celtic look to strike deal for Crystal Palace starlet Jesse Derry
According to Football Insider, Celtic want to sign Crystal Palace youngster Jesse Derry this summer following news that he has rejected the offer of a professional contract at Selhurst Park.
Rangers are also in the hunt for the England youth international, while Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have all scouted the 17-year-old across the last few months.
Jesse Derry’s impressive 2024/25 campaign – all competitions
Appearances
20
Goals
9
Assists
2
Predominantly a winger, Derry is capable of playing on either flank, through the middle or as the creative foil for the main striker, illustrating his versatility which has been praised by analyst Ben Mattinson.
Available for a minimal compensation fee, he is said to be open to a move abroad after coming through the ranks at Crystal Palace, who now appear powerless in their attempts to retain the starlet.
Celtic have an excellent record when it comes to cherrypicking developing talent on the market, but it remains to be seen whether Derry would be offered first-team opportunities in the event he ends up at Parkhead.
Either way, supporters can take encouragement from the fact that movement seems to be taking place behind the scenes ahead of the summer window.
Virat Kohli did too, a little bit, as the India vs South Africa T20 World Cup final gave us many memories to cherish
Alagappan Muthu29-Jun-20241:23
Flower: ‘Fascinating game of cat and mouse from Rohit’
A catch for the ages
It went up and there was sky. It came down, and there was SKY again. Suryakumar Yadav on the long-off boundary in the 20th over, with 15 runs to defend, pulled off a catch that will be talked about like Kapil Dev’s from 1983.Related
T20 World Cup 2024 – a zero for Bumrah, and other curious numbers
South African cricket begins the long process of pulling itself back together
Sometimes sports can be messy and without any explanation
History weighs heavy as South Africa die another death
Rohit: It's not what we did today, it is what we have done for three-four years
It was a full toss from Hardik Pandya. A wide full toss. Perhaps a mangling of a wide yorker. David Miller connected more off the bottom of the bat, but still it flew. Suryakumar was haring to his left. At full tilt. He was stretching. He shouldn’t have had any balance out there going as fast as he was, but he did. Somehow. The ball came down just in front of him and he caught it. But he wasn’t done. Because he was so close to the rope. Barely inches from it. So he tossed the ball up, high enough that he could step over the boundary, collect himself, step back in, and keep control of the ball all the way through. Catches win matches. This one won a World Cup.
Genius at play
It was an old ball. It looked scruffy. It shouldn’t be doing these things for a fast bowler. But Jasprit Bumrah is not just a fast bowler. He is miracle made flesh. With South Africa needing 21 from 15 balls, he went wide of the crease. He landed it outside off. It screamed in between bat and pad and brought down Marco Jansen’s castle with him looking utterly bewildered. This was movement off the pitch. The seam pointing in. One side of the ball ragged. The other slightly less so. Reverse? The things Bumrah does escapes the realm of sense and meaning. No one can be that good when this much is on the line.
Klaasen goes boom
One of these days, Heinrich Klaasen is going to hit a cricket ball so hard it breaks in two. He hit five sixes during a hair-raising knock. One of them, with the wind, just flew flat and hard over extra cover. Another went into the wind, and still had enough on it to clatter on to the roof. The power he has is unbelievable. Klaasen hit 70% (seven of ten) of South Africa’s boundaries while he was at the crease and four of them in a single over against a previously unhittable Axar Patel. It was remarkable and he was doing it with such ease. In a World Cup final. In a South Africa shirt. For a little while, it really did feel like the curse was going to be broken.Suryakumar Yadav pulled off a catch that will be talked about like Kapil Dev’s from 1983•ICC/Getty Images
The trap that wasn’t, but was
Quinton de Kock hitting over square leg is inevitable. And that swing of his bat. Starts up high. Comes down smooth. Fully uninhibited. In the old days, Sanath Jayasuriya used to be the master of this shot. And he used to play it the same way. On instinct. So when de Kock had the opportunity to unleash it, in the 13th over of the game, he took it and found six. India immediately stationed a man there. It wasn’t meant to be a trap, because it was right there in plain view, but it worked like one. Arshdeep Singh bowled the same ball. De Kock played the same shot. Only Kuldeep Yadav was there to catch it.
Kohli pulls up the anchor
Virat Kohli was playing a strange innings. He was 14 off five. Then he was 36 off 43. He’d hit only four boundaries in 48 deliveries. He and India were working on the theory that a par score would be enough. This was a final. That does things to people. So a man who had embraced a more attacking game went back to find that old trusty anchor and dropped it all the way down. Then the 18th over came along. A six and a four off Kagiso Rabada. The same dose to Jansen. India got 33 runs in two overs. Kohli finished with 26 off his last 11 balls. Later that night, he was crowned champion.
Babar Azam-led Karachi Kings have dynamic batters in their side but Mohammad Amir’s recent form is patchy
Danyal Rasool and Umar Farooq27-Jan-2022
Quetta Gladiators
Captain: Sarfaraz Ahmed Coach: Moin KhanFull squad: Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt), Shimron Hetmyer, Will Smeed, James Faulkner, Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Umar Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Ben Duckett, Khurram Shahzad, Luke Wood, Abdul Bangalzai, Asher Qureshi, Ali Imran, Ahsan Ali, Dan Lawrence, Ghulam MudassarLast season: Finished bottom (eliminated after group stage)Gladiators appeared to have the firepower to challenge for the title last season, but a combination of poor fortune – they lost each of their first six tosses – and a star cast that underperformed doomed them well before the business end of the tournament. Dale Steyn, in particular, found himself off the pace, and in a number of tight games, the bowlers found the pressure getting to them as they looked to defend totals.Sarfaraz’s mounting frustration, often publicly directed at them, gave off the image of a disjointed, demoralised side, but a number of below-par showings as a team meant the other five franchises pulled away fairly quickly. While the other fellow Karachi strugglers Multan Sultans upped their game in Abu Dhabi, the Gladiators wilted further, with a 110-run thumping at Sultans’ hands in their penultimate game perhaps a fitting reflection of how the season had gone for them.What’s changed for the season? Plenty, and perhaps not enough at quite the same time. Azam Khan has been traded out for Iftikhar Ahmed, who’s in the form of his life, and might yet become the Gladiators’ X-factor. Umar Akmal returns to the PSL for the first time since he helped the Gladiators to the title in 2019. James Vince and Sohail Tanvir have moved to the franchise from the Sultans, while instead of Steyn, the overseas fast bowler this time is Englishman Luke Wood.But a side that reached three of the first four finals doesn’t quite appear to have made the wholesale changes required to correct their recent slump. Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah are a touch too similar to truly balance out a bowling attack; the cloud hanging over Hasnain concerning his bowling action is concerning enough as it is.James Faulkner was successful in Abu Dhabi but his medium left arm might not carry the same potence in Pakistan. The absence of Jason Roy and Vince from the start could be an issue, with no obvious opening replacements of a similar calibre. Moin Khan and Sarfaraz Ahmed continue as coach and captain respectively, who have overseen both the rise and then the fall of this franchise. If they can orchestrate another successful season, it might be their most salient achievement yet.Player to watch Umar Akmal has at times become the subject of ridicule and outrage within Pakistan cricket, but when it comes to the PSL, few Pakistani batters match his consistency. He remains in the top 15 highest scorers in the competition’s history despite not playing the last two seasons; no players with fewer games has more runs than him. His 604 runs have come at a strike rate of 137.91; of the Pakistan batters with more PSL runs, only Asif Ali (164.29) and Sharjeel Khan (144.74) outpace his scoring rate. Suggesting Umar is the same player he was before this lengthy absence, or that he’s even as sharp, would be foolhardy, but he nevertheless remains an intriguing cricketer to keep an eye on over the next month.Key statSarfaraz is the only player to have captained his side in every PSL season. His record since being appointed Quetta Gladiators skipper at the inception of the league reads 32 wins, 29 losses.Babar Azam will lead Karachi Kings in PSL 2022•Pakistan Super League
Karachi Kings
Captain: Babar AzamCoach: Peter MooresFull squad: Babar Azam (capt), Imad Wasim, Lewis Gregory, Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Amir, Aamer Yamin, Sharjeel Khan, Joe Clarke, Umaid Asif, Ian Cockbain, Rohail Nazir, Mohammad Imran Junior, Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Talha, Talha Ahsan, Tom Lammonby, Shahibzada Farhan, Jordan Thompson, Chris Jordan, Faisal Akram, Qasim AkramLast season: FourthWon three out of their first five games, but stumbled midway, losing three successive games. They edged Lahore Qalandars on net run-rate to eventually qualify for the playoffs after beating Quetta Gladiators by 14 runs on the last day of the group stage. However, they were thrashed by Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator, where Hazratullah Zazai smashed a 38-ball 77. They had a strong squad last season, headlined by Babar Azam and Sharjeel Khan, but the bowling attack couldn’t make much of an impact. Mohammad Amir managed only five wickets in 11 matches while conceding 8.37 runs an over.What’s changed for this season?They lost Arshad Iqbal and Waqas Maqsood, but Chris Jordan’s return will boost the bowling attack that will also include Amir and Aamer Yamin. The major change is Babar taking over captaincy from Imad Wasim. Lewis Gregory will add all-round value to the side while fellow Englishman Ian Cockbain brings strong form from the BBL. Tom Lammonby, another uncapped English player, lends further firepower to the batting line-up. The 21-year-old has a strike rate of 152.02 in T20 cricket and can provide an extra bowling option with his left-arm medium pace.Player to watch Amir’s PSL form has plummeted after he lost his place in the national side and subsequently announced his international retirement. In the last two PSL seasons, he has picked up only 15 wickets in 22 matches at an average of 45.06 and economy rate of eight. He has been demoted from Platinum category to Diamond this season and the onus is now on him to remedy those numbers and step up.Key statJoe Clarke has scored 1490 runs in 51 T20s since 2020, at a strike rate of 167.04, the second-best among the 83 players with 1000-plus T20 runs during this period. Clarke is coming off a successful stint with Melbourne Stars in the BBL, where he struck four consecutive fifties. Clarke was also part of the first leg of PSL 2021, where he had scores of 46 and 54, both at a strike rate of 200.
O Bonsucesso estreia nesta quinta-feira (9) no Estadual sub 20. O Rubro-Anil enfrenta fora de casa o Carapebus, às 15h, no Estádio Municipal Carlos Mota da Silva.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasLiverpool-URU x Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, escalações e horário do jogo pela LibertadoresPalmeiras09/05/2024FlamengoNa Libertadores, Tite iguala piores campanhas do Flamengo no séculoFlamengo09/05/2024CorinthiansPresidente do Corinthians se reúne com representantes do Sevilla e conversa sobre LamelaCorinthians09/05/2024
A competição já faz parte do planejamento dos profissionais para a disputa do Estadual da Série B2, que será realizada no segundo semestre deste ano, além da Copa Rio, em julho. As equipes sub-16 e sub-20 também estão jogando a Copa União de Futebol de Base.
Além de buscar o título, o objetivo é que alguns jogadores possam ser aproveitados no time principal. O técnico da equipe sub-20, Vinicius Almeida, também comandará o elenco profissional.
continua após a publicidade
– Estamos jogado a Copa União de base e o Estadual Sub 20 para conquistar os títulos, mas também vemos como uma grande chance de verificar nos jovens potencial para integrar nosso elenco principal. O Bonsucesso tem a Copa Rio e o Estadual como prioridade e o trabalho já começou. A cada treino que realizo no sub-20, penso na frente e como podemos agregar ao profissional. Sem dúvida é uma motivação a mais para os meninos. Daqui a pouco no segundo semestre podem estar na equipe de cima – disse Vinicius Almeida.
A integração entre as equipes de formação e o time principal é um dos trunfos da diretoria para fortalecer o time e também tornar a operação do clube sustentável economicamente.
continua após a publicidade
– Hoje podemos dizer para nossos jovens atletas que o clube é visto por todo o Brasil e oportunidades podem surgir. É claro que temos nossas ambições esportivas e o principal projeto do ano é subir de divisão no Estadual. Mas para as finanças também é importante revelar e negociar atletas – explica George Joaquim Ferreira Machado, presidente do Bonsucesso.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s future at Anfield has come into question after his team dropped points in their 3-3 draw with Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Dutchman, who won the title in his first season, has lost ten of his 23 matches in all competitions, including six in the top-flight, this term.
On top of that, Mohamed Salah has claimed that his relationship with the manager has broken down after being on the bench for the third straight game against Leeds.
The Salah situation and the poor results this season have put pressure on the former Feyenoord tactician, with the club reportedly looking at potential replacements.
Liverpool have admiration for national team manager
Dave OCKOP reports that Steven Gerrard has been sounded out as a potential interim to come in and steady the ship if FSG decide to part ways with Slot in the coming days or weeks.
Manager Focus
Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.
The report claims that Liverpool are also admirers of Germany national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann, previously of Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim.
It adds that the 38-year-old manager is expected to lead his country to the World Cup in America, Canada, and Mexico next summer, though, which means that he will not be available immediately.
Bayern's Julian Nagelsmann
Dave OCKOP suggests that the German tactician may be available after the World Cup, though, which is where Gerrard stepping in as an interim option could make sense.
If Liverpool were to eventually bring Nagelsmann in as their long-term replacement for Slot, he would be the perfect appointment to get the best out of Florian Wirtz.
Why Nagelsmann would be perfect for Wirtz
To say that Wirtz has not lived up to expectations in a Liverpool shirt so far would probably be an understatement, as he has yet to deliver a single goal or assist in the Premier League, per Sofascore.
The Reds splashed out £116m to sign the attacking midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer transfer window, and he has racked up no goals and three assists in 19 appearances in all competitions.
Slot has simply been unable to get the best out of the huge-money signing, who produced 16 goals and 14 assists for Leverkusen last term (Sofascore), but Nagelsmann could come in to get him flying at Anfield.
Wirtz’s form for Germany at international level is proof that he could shine for the Reds if Nagelsmann replaces Slot in the dugout, because he has proven that he can perform in that system.
Caps
27
3rd
Goals
8
1st
Assists
6
2nd
Goals + assists
14
1st
As you can see in the table above, the Liverpool attacking midfielder has been the most impactful attacker of the manager’s reign with the national team, providing more goals and assists combined than any other player.
For further context, Wirtz scored no goals and provided three assists in his first ten caps for Germany before Nagelsmann took the job, which shows that the ex-Bayern boss can get the best out of him.
The 38-year-old boss was once described as the “best young coach in Europe” by reporter Josh Bunting in 2022, and it is still hard to argue with that assessment in the present day.
Mikel Arteta, 43, and Xabi Alonso, 44, are two of the brightest young coaches in the game, managing Arsenal and Real Madrid, yet they have won as many league titles combined (one) as Nagelsmann has, having won the Bundesliga with Bayern, and he is five and six years younger than them.
The German boss won 2.31 points per game during his time with Bayern, per Transfermarkt, whilst Slot has won 2.00 points per game across 79 matches with Liverpool to date.
This suggests that Nagelsmann could come in as an upgrade on the Dutchman as an all-round manager, whilst also being the perfect appointment to get the best out of Wirtz at Anfield.
As bad as Konate: Slot must axe 6/10 Liverpool star who made 0 tackles
Liverpool blew a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Leeds United at Elland Road.
ByAngus Sinclair Dec 6, 2025
Therefore, it could be a good move for FSG to bring Gerrard in as an interim appointment with a view to landing Nagelsmann next summer, if they decide that parting ways with Slot is the route that they want to go down in the coming weeks.