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It’s been a frankly extraordinary few seasons for Ipswich Town.

The club appointed an inexperienced manager in Kieran McKenna, who has led them to back-to-back promotions, making it back into the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

However, while much of the club’s recent success is down to the man management and tactical nous of the Northern Irishman, the players and brilliant transfers conducted in recent windows can’t be forgotten.

For example, in the summer of 2023, the Blues signed several exciting talents who have since become essential players for the club, including one star whose value has skyrocketed 120%.

Ipswich's brilliant 2023 signings

So, before we get to the player whose value has more than doubled since joining the club, let’s take a look at a couple of other brilliant signings made in 2023, starting with a loan acquisition: Omari Hutchinson.

Yes, a year before he made a permanent £20m switch to Portman Road, the former Chelsea prospect joined McKenna’s revolution on a season-long loan and made quite the impression as his subsequent transfer would suggest.

In all, the Redhill-born talent made 50 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals, providing six assists, and winning the club’s Young Player of the Year Award to boot.

However, the 20-year-old was not the only savvy pickup in 2023, as another player who arrived for nothing was former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, who joined on a free transfer in September.

The once-capped Congolese international was limited to just a handful of appearances for the first half of the season due to injury and fitness concerns, but once he was given a run of starts in February, his ability was impossible to deny.

By the end of the campaign, he was the club’s starting right-back, and while a thumb injury has seen him sidelined since October 4th, the Bunia-born gem started the first six league games of this season, showing that he can and likely will have a large part to play this year.

However, there was another exciting player the club signed and paid for last season that has just grabbed the headlines and has seen his valuation more than double.

George Hirst's valuation in 2024

Yes, the player in question is English striker George Hirst, who joined Ipswich from Leicester City for about £1.5m in July 2023.

The Sheffield-born poacher impressed on loan with Portsmouth in the 2021/22 season, but with just two appearances for the Foxes, there were some question marks over how he would fare in the Championship, but to say he has exceeded expectations at Portman Road so far would be an understatement.

For example, while injuries limited the “unique” marksman, as dubbed by McKenna, to just 29 appearances for the club last season, he still managed to rack up a seriously impressive haul of seven goals and seven assists, meaning he maintained an average of a goal involvement once every 2.07 games.

Appearances

58

Minutes

3216′

Goals

15

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.43

Minutes per Goal Involvement

128.64′

Moreover, while knee surgery in the summer has limited his game time this season, the “powerful” 25-year-old, as dubbed by journalist Alan Biggs, looked brilliant on his first start against Brentford over the weekend, scoring and assisting a goal in the first half.

Unsurprisingly, these impressive performances for the Tractor Boys have seen the poacher’s valuation soar, with Transfermarkt now pricing him at €4m, which converts to around £3.3m, or 120% more than he cost the club just over a year ago.

Ultimately, Ipswich made several clever signings last summer, and while he might not be a household name at the moment, Hirst looks more than ready to make an impact in the Premier League this season.

8/10 Ipswich star was really let down by Clarke’s horror show

Ipswich’s star performer’s display ultimately amounted to nothing against Brentford.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 27, 2024

Al-Hilal have made their feelings known about perceived 'suspicious' refereeing, urging the Saudi Pro League to consider importing match officials.

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Al-Hilal slate refereeing standardsUpset by two penalties not awarded in drawCalling on Saudi Pro League to import officialsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

In the wake of Friday's 1-1 draw with Al-Riyadh, leaving the champions a point behind leaders Al-Ittihad having played a game more, Al -Hilal issued a strongly-worded statement criticising the officiating. Al-Hilal expressed a strong desire to see "foreign refereeing crews" that are "known in major global leagues" imported into Saudi Arabian football.

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Although the statement was prompted by two potential penalies that were not awarded, even after VAR reviews, Al-Hilal insist those are only the "latest incidents" in a "series of refereeing cases", accusing officials of a reluctance when it comes to overturning on-field decisions.

WHAT Al-HILAL SAID

Al Hilal said: "Al-Hilal Club wishes to express its astonishment at the suspicious refereering decisions witnessed in the first-team's match in the Roshn Saudi Pro League, despite the presence of the latest technologies to assist in making fair decisions. The latest incidents occurred in the team's recent match against Al-Riyadh Club, where two penalty kicks, clearly validated by VAR footage from multiple angles, were ignored. This is part of a series of refereeing cases characterized by their obstinacy, with a reluctance to revert to VAR technology or two award penalties, despite the clarity of the situation.

"The club clarifies that its stance remains firm on the importance of bringing in foreign refereeing crews to officiate its matches, provided they are top-tier referees known in major global leagues. The club hopes that it will not penalized by the recruitment of obscure referees as a result of its rejection of the demands by Manuel Navarro, Chairman of the Referees Committee of the Saudi Football Federation, who has repeatedly asked the club's officials to revert to Saudi referees."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Al-Hilal have a midweek AFC Champions League game against Emirati club Al-Wasl coming up, before a huge top-of-the-table Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Ittihad, who could go four points clear if they beat Al-Wehda on Saturday evening. With the last two Saudi champions going head to head, it has the potential to be a major moment in the title race.

Arne Slot addressed Virgil van Dijk's future at Liverpool and insisted that he looks forward to a long partnership with the "outstanding" defender.

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Van Dijk's contract ends in less than six monthsDefender recently refused to commit his future at AnfieldHowever, Slot hinted that the Dutchman could pen an extensionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Van Dijk, alongside fellow key players Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is currently in the final months of his contract at Anfield. However, there is still a strong belief within Liverpool that the Dutch international will extend his stay, especially given that his performances continue to be at an elite level.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT SLOT SAID

Speaking in a pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of an FA Cup tie, Slot did not hold back in his praise for Van Dijk’s influence at the club.

"Virgil deserves every compliment he gets," Slot told reporters.

"He's been outstanding for this club for so many years and, since I've been here, he's been outstanding for me as well. Yesterday [in the 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur] was an example of that. He was, in a good way, aggressive, led the team with and without the ball, he was sharp and ready. It was no coincidence it took 80 mins for Tottenham's first shot on target. Virgil, just like many others, has had a good season but he wants to make it a great season."

When asked about Van Dijk’s future at Anfield, Slot belted out an optimistic response and said: "Good health is the first thing I wish him, and I hope to continue working with him for a long time, although I don't think that will surprise you."

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Despite the positive outlook from Slot, Van Dijk himself has been more reserved when discussing his future. Following Liverpool’s recent Carabao Cup semi-final win, the Dutch international was questioned about his next move but offered little clarity.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he stated: "I am feeling good, what the future brings I have no idea. Anyone who says they know, they are absolutely wrong."

This lack of certainty has left some Liverpool fans anxious, especially given his previous hints about wanting to continue competing at the highest level for several more years.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

After a commanding performance against Tottenham to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool will now shift their focus to the FA Cup. Their next challenge comes in the form of a fourth-round clash against Championship side Plymouth Argyle this weekend, as they continue their pursuit of silverware under Slot’s leadership.

Nine-day tournament starts in Edgbaston on July 29 2022 with the gold medal match scheduled for August 7

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Nov-2021Women’s cricket will debut at next year’s Commonwealth Games with a re-match of the 2020 T20 World Cup final. Australia and India are set to lock horns again on July 29 as a nine-day tournament kicks off in Edgbaston with the gold medal match scheduled for August 7.Seven of the eight teams in this competition were confirmed in April earlier this year. The final one will be determined through a qualifying tournament that will be taking place in January 2022. Their first match of the Games will be against England on July 30. The next day will feature a match that brings the entire cricket world to a standstill. India vs Pakistan.The teams have been split into two groups of four and the top two from each group will qualify for the semi-finals which take place on August 6.Save the date: It’s Australia vs India at the Commonwealth games on July 29 2022•Getty ImagesEngland were an automatic pick into the Games as a result of their being the hosts. The other six teams were chosen based on their place in the ICC T20 rankings as of April 1 last year. Barbados became the West Indian representative on the basis that they won the domestic title in 2020. The 2021 competition had to be postponed.”We have seen tremendous growth of the women’s game over the past few years and the Commonwealth Games will undoubtedly be another major moment on that journey,” ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said.This is only the second time that cricket finds a place in the Commonwealth Games, and it will be kicking off the 22nd edition of the event along with Netball.

Manchester United fan/pundit Mark Goldbridge has been left confused by one of the club’s summer signings after an Erik ten Hag decision in the game against West Ham United. It was another disappointing weekend for the Red Devils, as their lack of finishing and a controversial refereeing decision cost them all three points in London.

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The Man Utd star struggled on Sunday against West Ham United.

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 28, 2024 Pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag

Defeat to the Hammers means it is now four losses in the Premier League for United this season, and it was another game that showed their poor finishing at the top end of the pitch is costing them week in and week out.

However, Ten Hag was left upset and feels his side have felt injustice three times this season after questionable refereeing decisions: “Three times this season we feel injustice. We have to score; we created so many chances, we should have been two or three goals up.

“In the second half, we were forcing it, but we allowed them into the game. When you are losing 1-0, you need big personality and character in the team, and we showed resilience to get back into it. It is unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty.”

Meanwhile, Gary Neville believes the pressure on Ten Hag will become “unbearable” if United lose to Chelsea next Sunday: “I don’t think there can be another defeat next Sunday at Old Trafford. I genuinely don’t.

“I think it’s getting to that point now where there is a real worry. I’m worried because the results, the lack of goals, the lack of performances, it’s stacking up week after week after week, and there will be some sort of reasons given [on Sunday] – I’m not going to say excuses – but reasons given around missing chances. But they keep missing chances. These are the players that have been recruited over the last couple of seasons mainly.

“It’s a sobering time because the feeling was after winning the FA Cup final and investing well, having a more smooth transfer window, that now it’s looking like here we are again at that moment where it’s going badly wrong. It’s getting to that point where it’ll become unbearable.”

After the game against West Ham, Goldbridge was left baffled by one of the club’s latest additions, as he didn’t feature against the Hammers.

Goldbridge stunned by what Ten Hag has done with Manuel Ugarte

Mark Goldbridge was left confused by the signing of Manuel Ugarte after he didn’t feature for Manchester United in their game against West Ham on Sunday. Ten Hag decided to go with a midfield of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes for the game against the Hammers, despite Ugarte performing very well on Thursday night in the Europa League against Fenerbahçe.

Ugarte, who is on a weekly wage of £120,000 at Old Trafford, was named amongst the substitutes, but he failed to add to his four appearances in the Premier League already. United made three substitutes in the game, and given the situation, as towards the end of the match they were chasing a result, Ten Hag opted against using the Uruguayan, and the fact Casemiro scored their only goal also may have played a part.

Apps

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4

Minutes played

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Goals

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However, Goldbridge has been left confused by Ugarte’s signing after he failed to appear against West Ham. He took to X after the game and labelled Ugarte’s addition as a “baffling signing”, as United are struggling for form and they are not using their biggest signing of the summer, ending by describing the situation as “weird”.

According to Islamabad police, his name was removed from the FIR after the alleged victim retracted her earlier statement

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jan-2022All charges against Pakistan legspinner Yasir Shah, who was named in a case concerning the alleged rape of an underage girl, have been dropped. According to Islamabad police, Yasir’s name was removed from the First Information Report (FIR) after the alleged victim retracted her earlier statement.”The victim admitted that Yasir Shah’s name was included in the FIR due to misrepresentation,” a supplementary report from the Islamabad Shalimar police station, where the FIR was first lodged, said. “Yasir Shah has nothing to do with the alleged rape case.”The case against Yasir was registered by the girl’s aunt, who alleged that Yasir’s friend Farhanuddin had raped her niece at gunpoint, and that Yasir had threatened the girl’s aunt when she attempted to register a complaint against Farhanuddin. The case against the pair was registered on December 19 under Sections 292-B (child pornography) and 292-C (punishment for rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code.Earlier this week Farhanuddin fled from the courthouse after his pre-arrest bail application was rejected by a district and sessions court.Shah, 35, has not made any public comment on the situation, while the PCB earlier said: “We have noted that some allegations have been levelled against one of our centrally contracted players. The PCB is presently gathering information at its end and will only offer a comment when in possession of complete facts.”

USMNT aces Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie have been told, by an AC Milan icon, that American players are treated "no different" to anyone else.

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American players claimed bias in EuropeExploits helping to change that mindsetStar turns in Serie A are leading the wayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

United States internationals on the books at Serie A giants Milan and Juventus have spoken out in the recent past at supposed bias that they claim still exists in Europe when it comes to star turns from the other side of the Atlantic.

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An exciting crop of American talent is, however, helping to change that mindset. Pulisic, who is already fondly known as ‘Captain America’ has become a talismanic presence at San Siro while McKennie’s versatility is being put to good use in Turin.

GettyWHAT MASSIMO AMBROSINI SAID

Milan legend Massimo Ambrosini – speaking to , who offer the latest UEFA Champions League odds here – exclusively told GOAL when asked about the treatment of stars from the States: "I think not taking American players seriously is an old thing. I remember Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. I used to follow American footballers and they are no different to other players.

"Here we have Yunus Musah as well as Christian Pulisic and during the last Juventus game there were four American players on the pitch including Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie. They have a great side and are hosting the next World Cup, so they need to have a good team!"

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WHAT NEXT?

Pulisic and McKennie have both seen new contracts speculated on during the 2024-25 campaign, with their value to causes at Milan and Juventus being recognised. They also have important roles to play for the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino heading towards the 2026 World Cup.

In Chelsea’s latest UEFA Conference League outing, it was FC Noah that faced their wrath, in an 8-0 thumping at Stamford Bridge.

In this game which bought goals galore, the Blues held 58% possession, took 31 shots (18 of which were on target), created 11 big chances and generated 5.80 xG.

Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring before Marc Guiu made it two less than a minute later. Axel Disasi made it three with a headed finish, with Joao Felix adding two more, alongside an absolute pearler from Mykhailo Mudryk, putting Chelsea 6-0 up at half-time.

The hosts added two more before the end of the game, with Christopher Nkunku grabbing both, getting himself on the scoresheet, and taking his overall tally to ten for the season, in just 16 appearances, and 686 minutes played.

But it was a man of the match display from Felix that stole the headlines, not only scoring a brace but also gracing Stamford Bridge with his usual tricks and flicks.

Joao Felix's performance in numbers

The 24-year-old attacker has found himself on the cusp of the Chelsea side, coming from the bench in Premier League games, and starting in cup competitions, making ten appearances since his arrival for the Blues, scoring five goals and providing one assist.

Minutes

90

Goals

2

Assists

0

Touches

58

Accurate Passes

29/37

Key Passes

2

Crosses

1/2

Long Balls

5/8

Shots

7

Successful Dribbles

5/7

Ground Duels Won

6/9

Felix was at the hub of creation for Chelsea on Thursday night, taking over the playmaking duties of Cole Palmer, completing five of his eight long passes, making two key passes, taking seven shots, completing five of his seven dribbles, and, of course, scoring his two goals.

But what the Portuguese did off the ball was just as impressive, ghosting between the lines to receive things, often being the out ball for Chelsea defenders, but also tracking back, working hard, and winning six of his nine ground duels, showing his willingness to fight for his teammates and regain possession.

That said, the performance of Mudryk, so often the outcast, so often the scapegoat, also caught the eye.

Mykhailo Mudryk's performance in numbers

The 23-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Blues in all competitions this season, and his wonderful goal last night takes him to a tally of two strikes and five assists for the season across 738 minutes.

Much like Nkunku, the winger has found himself on the outskirts of the Premier League team, coming from the bench in those games and starting in the cup competitions. It’s hardly a surprise either with his performances under Mauricio Pochettino and indeed early on in Maresca’s reign described as “useless” by talkSPORT’s Andy Jacobs.

Therefore, his display against European minnows Noah certainly spoke volumes of how much he has improved under their new Italian manager to date.

The Ukrainian speedster was given an 8/10 match rating by Football.London, who praised his ‘genuinely unstoppable’ effort which was probably the best goal of the game. That certainly takes some doing in a match where the back of the net is rattled eight times.

Minutes

90

Goals

1

Assists

0

Touches

44

Accurate Passes

23/29

Key Passes

4

Long Balls

1/2

Shots

3

Successful Dribbles

2/4

Ground Duels Won

3/6

Mudryk certainly dazzled, making as many as four key passes in the game, and deserved to be rewarded with an assist, to go alongside his goal.

But the Ukraine international also managed two successful dribbles of his four attempts and won three of his six ground duels, both areas Chelsea fans want him to improve upon, and provide consistency.

With Jadon Sancho currently out with an injury, the former Shakhtar man will be looking to break into the Premier League side for more minutes with just Pedro Neto ahead of him for the left-wing spot.

There is a possibility that Neto goes over to the right, replacing Noni Madueke, to get the Ukrainian in the side against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea leading race to sign "monstrous" £66m Nkunku upgrade

Chelsea are leading the race for a new goal machine, as they look to upgrade on Nkunku

ByConnor Holden Nov 7, 2024

Real Betis' Johnny Cardoso joined Christian Pulisic in an exclusive USMNT club after scoring against Real Madrid on Saturday.

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Real Betis beat Real MadridCardoso scores Betis' first goalJoins Pulisic in exclusive USMNT clubFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Cardoso became just the second American man to score against Los Blancos in 20 years, following Pulisic's effort in the 2021 Champions League semi-final for Chelsea.

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Cardoso scored Betis' equaliser in a game they went on to win 2-1. Former Real star Isco netted the winner from the penalty spot as they moved up to sixth in La Liga.

DID YOU KNOW?

Cardoso is enjoying his first full season at Betis since signing from Internacional in January 2024. The midfielder has made 31 appearances, scoring twice, across La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Europa Conference League.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR CARDOSO AND REAL BETIS?

Betis take on Vitoria S.C. in the first leg of their Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday before hosting Las Palmas in the league next weekend.

Newcastle United have seriously struggled in the final third this season. Eddie Howe’s side have scored just 13 goals in 11 Premier League games this season, which is the joint-fifth lowest total in the division and the fewest of any team in the top half.

Alexander Isak, who last season netted 21 times in the top flight, has just four so far this season, while wingers Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon have managed just four and two goals respectively.

Addressing his team’s poor goal return following their defeat to Brighton last month, Howe said: “We’re going through a phase where we’re not scoring, but the positive is we’re creating chances.”

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves, it’s back to hard work on the training pitch,” he added.

While things have picked up slightly in recent weeks, with the Magpies having scored six in their last three games in all competitions, including three in a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, Newcastle will no doubt be looking to bring him in some offensive reinforcements in both January and next summer.

Ibrahim Maza wanted at Newcastle

One attacking talent Newcastle and PIF are reportedly eyeing for a move next year is Hertha BSC’s Ibrahim Maza. According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Magpies are one of a number of Premier League clubs “interested” in the 18-year-old attacking midfielder, alongside Brentford, Fulham, Leicester City, and West Ham.

Plettenberg claims that if Hertha, who were relegated to Germany’s second division in 2023, fail to achieve a return to the Bundesliga this term, “a departure at the end of the season seems likely.” Maza, who Plettenberg described as “one of the rising stars of the 2. Bundesliga,” is valued somewhere between £8 and £16.7 million.

Hertha are currently 11th in the 2. Bundesliga, having won five, lost five, and drawn two of their 12 games so far. Maza has been a ray of hope for Cristian Fiel’s side, however, having scored four goals and provided two assists in all competitions.

Who is Ibrahim Maza?

Maza has spent his entire professional career with Hertha, having initially joined the Old Lady as a boy in 2018. He made his first-team debut for the club in a defeat to Bayern Munich in April 2023 and has since been a regular fixture in Fiel’s first-team squad.

Born in Germany, he previously represented a number of the country’s youth teams, but now plays for Algeria at senior level, for whom he is eligible through his father. Maza received his first call-up last month for the Fennec Foxes last month and made his debut in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo.

Speaking about Maza after his call-up, Algeria boss Vladimir Petkovic said of the teenager: “He’s a talented and technically gifted player with a high footballing IQ, despite his youth”.

“His early-season statistics speak volumes about his potential and ability to influence the game with deadly runs and build-up play,” he added.