Century on debut powers new team to record-equalling 334 for 5 and 131-run win

ECB Reporters Network22-Apr-2023

Paige Scholfield’s century powered Stars to a commanding win•Getty Images

South East Stars 334 for 5 (Scholfield 111, Davidson-Richards 73, Chathli 48) beat Thunder 203 (Dottin 51, Davies 3-27) by 131 runsA debut century by Paige Scholfield propelled South East Stars to a record-equalling 334 for five in a convincing 131-run victory against Thunder in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy opener at Emirates Old Trafford.Scholfield, playing her first game for the Stars after signing from Southern Vipers, blasted 111 from just 90 balls, hitting five sixes and 11 fours, as she helped add 143 off 115 balls for the fourth wicket with Alice Davidson-Richards who contributed a classy 73.The Stars’ total equalled the highest score made in just over three seasons of regional cricket and the Thunder never threatened to chase down the required runs as they were bowled out for 203 in 42 overs.The first half of the Stars’ innings had been a fairly even contest on a good wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Kira Chathli and Ryana Macdonald-Gay steadily compiling an opening partnership of 52 until the latter was bowled for 18 by a big inswinging delivery from Deandra Dottin, the former West Indies all-rounder who has returned to Thunder for a second season.Chathli perished for 48 after driving left arm spinner Alex Hartley to Kate Cross at mid-on, and when Stars’ skipper Bryony Smith swept leg spinner Liv Thomas into the hands of Fi Morris on the midwicket boundary for a hard-hitting 35 off 31 balls, the game was finely poised with Stars 130 for three in the 27th over.Scholfield injected immediate impetus into the visitors innings hitting three of her first six deliveries to the boundary and she received great support from Davidson-Richards who paced her innings expertly as their alliance blossomed.The pair pounced on anything bowled short or wide to reach a 56-ball fifty partnership while their century stand arrived from only 92 balls with the under-pressure Thunder not helping their cause by dropping Scholfield on 63 and Davidson-Richards on 48 as the runs flowed.Davidson-Richards had struck two sixes and eight fours before eventually departing for 73 to a fine catch at long leg by Thomas off Tara Norris in the 46th over but Schofield went on to reach a fabulous century from 85 balls and was undefeated on 111 when the innings ended.Thunder used eight bowlers in an attempt to stem the flood of runs as the Stars hammered 132 from the final 10 overs, with Cross the pick of the home attack conceding 45 off her 10.Thunder needed a positive start to their challenging run chase but instead lost England opener Emma Lamb caught behind by Chathli off Phoebe Franklin for six and Scholfield then added to her great day by nipping one back to bowl Morris for 18.Not to be outdone, Davidson-Richards produced a seaming delivery of her own to bowl Ellie Threlkeld for 14 to leave Thunder 68 for three in the 19th over.Naomi Dattani made a steady 33 until trapped lbw by Dani Gregory before the afternoon was enlivened by some big hitting from Dottin who reached her maiden Thunder fifty off 37 balls before skying a steepling catch that was well judged by Scholfield – who else? – off Gregory for 51.From 143 for five the Thunder innings fell away quickly from that point with Freya Davies (three for 27) picking up a trio of wickets and MacDonald-Gay two, as the Stars clinched victory with eight overs to spare.

A special century from Prabhsimran Singh knocked Delhi Capitals out of IPL 2023 and pushed Punjab Kings up to sixth place, well within reach of a playoff spot.In demanding batting conditions, the Punjab opener, who had begun the season with a highest IPL score of 16, found ways not just to survive but to keep scoring quick runs in a way nobody else managed to. It felt like a coming-of-age innings.

How it started

When there is pace in the pitch, it’s easy to hit through the line and keep scoring runs steadily. When it is not there, it’s hard to even get the ball off the square. So you get your runs in fits and spurts.Kings suffered 22 balls for no runs in the powerplay, but hit seven others for 32 runs (5×4 and 2×6).A lot of this work was the result of Prabhsimran’s enterprise. His role in the team is to do whatever is necessary to maximise the field restrictions. And he performed admirably, switch-hitting spin for sixes and moving around all over the batting crease, just to throw the bowlers off their plans.But then his role changed. From being the guy who could not place any price on his wicket, he became the guy who simply could not get out. So he settled in. Got used to the pitch. And by around the 11th over or so, he was finding ways to hold his shape and exert complete control over his shots.Prabhsimran was 53 off 44. Then he was dropped on 68. Then he was 102 off 61.Prabhsimran Singh soaks in the applause as he walks back after his ton•BCCI

That’s 49 in 17 balls. On a pitch where none of his team-mates crossed 20, and only two others managed to score at better than run-a-ball. This was a spectacular display of perseverance, even if he did have a tiny bit of help.In conditions where the ball isn’t coming onto the bat, all you have to do is take pace off, hit a hard length and, most importantly, target the stumps. Do not let the batter free his arms.Prabhsimran though was basically invited to free his arms. According to ESPNcricinfo’s data, a majority of the balls he faced (33) were either outside off stump or worse, wide outside off stump. And he took 60 runs from them including seven fours and three sixes.Capitals should have known better. The chance they created – the catch that Rilee Roussouw dropped – was the result of a mis-hit to a ball that arrived in line with this body. They didn’t learn. And they were punished.

How it ended

Capitals had a great start to the chase. They came out knowing 168 was a tricky target, and that they had to knock off a significant portion of it within the powerplay. David Warner helped them accomplish that goal, taking them to 65 for 0 in six overs. He cruised to a 23-ball fifty, scoring 42 of those runs in boundaries. But the thing is, Capitals only faced six balls of spin in that period.It didn’t make sense why Kings would have let any of that happen on a pitch where the ball was both stopping on the batters and turning more than a fair bit.Eventually, Shikhar Dhawan turned to spin and the game changed.Cornered by Harpreet Brar (4 for 30) and Rahul Chahar (2 for 16), Capitals lost three wickets for two runs between the ninth and the 11th overs. ESPNcricinfo’s forecaster quantified this swing in momentum – in a mere eight balls, Kings went from a lowly 20% chance of winning this game to 78% favourites.By the end, Capitals needed seven players to combine just to reach the total they allowed one batter to get. These were not the conditions to give away a century.

When David Moyes assesses his Everton squad this summer, he will know that reinforcements will be required across a range of positions.

That said, there are several stars who need to be at the core of the Toffees’ exciting future project. Jarrad Branthwaite would be open to extending his contract, report Sky Sport, however, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the teams tracking the centre-back this season.

He’s not the only one who The Friedkin Group will need to keep on Merseyside, however. The Farhad Moshi era might have ended in dysfunction, but there was plenty of promise to be found during the 2023 summer transfer window, setting the club for future success.

Everton's summer transfer window

Last summer, Everton signed Ndiaye from Marseille for a £15m fee as Sean Dyche attempted to pump new life into his frontline. Ndiaye certainly proved a bright spark amid a dreary few months, even being described as “dynamite” by pundit Jamie Redknapp in October.

He’s Everton’s top scorer this term with eight goals from 28 matches in all competitions, having also found new life since Moyes’ arrival, scoring in three successive top-flight wins before picking up a medial ligament injury against Liverpool.

This is a cruel blow to a player who was going from strength to strength, but Moyes and co can be excited for the future with this one, for he ranks among the top 17% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers this season for pass completion, the top 7% for successful take-ons, the top 1% for ball recoveries and the top 14% for tackles plus interceptions per 90, as per FBref.

A fan favourite and a mercurial winger, capable of dazzling things on the ball, Ndiaye is the real deal and will no doubt pique the interest of high-class suitors down the line. It’s crucial Moyes keeps him on the books.

However, Ndiaye isn’t the only one, with Orel Mangala bringing a ball-playing angle to the side before his cruel season-ending injury suffered last month; he’s a loanee, but his performances across the first half of the campaign will hopefully see the buy clause activated.

Tim Iroegbunam offers promise too, albeit having missed plenty of action due to injury.

More recently, Jake O’Brien has begun to show that his outfit hit the jackpot in bringing him to England last summer too.

Everton have hit the jackpot with Jake O'Brien

A monstrous presence at 6 foot 6, O’Brien crossed the Channel to join Lyon in 2023 after failing to break into Crystal Palace’s first team, where he was hailed as a “revelation in defence” by journalist Zach Lowy.

The 23-year-old’s mix of physicality and natural goalscoring sense makes him perfect for Moyes’ philosophy, indeed being hand-picked by Dyche – whose football isn’t all that different from the more refined Scotsman.

O’Brien is averaging goals at 0.13 per game in the Premier League while ranking among the top 1% of full-backs for clearances and the top 2% for aerial duels won per 90.

On that note, the Irishman’s value within this system has been underscored by Moyes’ decision to field him consistently at right-back, with O’Brien not making a single starting appearance in the Premier League before the managerial change in January.

Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson have both struggled with injuries across the 2024/25 campaign while Ashley Young remains an important member of the squad but at 39 years of age lacks the athleticism and vigour of a younger man. Moyes has yet to start the veteran, who played 17 times from the outset under Dyche’s wing.

Given Young has spent so much time on the field this season, it might be worth taking a look at how the respective right-backs compare in England’s top flight this season.

Premier League 24/25: Ashley Young vs Jake O’Brien
Match Stats (* = per game)	Young	O’Brien
Matches (starts)	24 (17)	10 (7)
Goals	1	1
Assists	3	0
Clean sheets	6	2
Touches*	43.0	43.2
Pass completion	73%	76%
Big chances created	4	1
Dribbles*	0.2	0.2
Ball recoveries*	2.2	3.8
Tackles + interceptions*	2.9	1.6
Clearances*	2.0	4.8
Duels (won)*	3.3 (57%)	4.1 (61%)
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see, O’Brien is proving to be a crisper defender in the duel and shows promise with his confidence, willing to get on the ball just as much as the creative Young, also making far greater clearances in a further illustration of his natural defensive skills.

Coleman’s injuries have limited him to just two Premier League starts this season. With the long-serving skipper turning 37 in October, it may be that O’Brien’s emergence has ended the careers of such veterans.

Indeed, both players have entered the final few months of their respective contracts, totalling £95k per week combined. This isn’t the most significant chunk, but it’s not pennies either.

With Patterson hoping to bounce back from his fitness problems, there may not be a place in this new world order for such players, who have earned their flowers but are being replaced by a younger and fitter generation.

Coleman’s only started nine Premier League matches since the start of last season, and while Young is still defying his twilight years with a regular role, this new full-back is proving his worth and then some, with Toffees writer Ell Bretland noting the “security of having O’Brien in there is ideal.”

O’Brien proved to be an invaluable asset for a below-par Lyon side last term that came on leaps and bounds in the latter stages, avoiding a shocking relegation which felt more than possible in the opening months.

And again, for Everton, the Republic of Ireland international is proving to be a ‘revelation’ for Moyes’ team, capable of taking the baton from Young and Coleman.

Moyes has found Everton's next Ross Barkley in "special" talent

Everton are showing signs of significant growth with the Scotsman back at the helm.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 28, 2025

Some of the most exciting young players on the planet are set to be on show in the U.S. this summer

The much-discussed Club World Cup is now just days away from getting underway in the United States, and while the competition will see established superstars such as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi face off, it also offers the opportunity for some of the best young players on the planet to strut their stuff on the global stage.

It's not unusual for previously little-known teenagers to become a household names the world over thanks to their performances during a summer tournament, and while the Club World Cup isn't yet at the level of its international counterpart given the expanded format is only making its debut in 2025, there will still be plenty of eyes watching out for the next superstars of the game to emerge.

But who are those who need to be on your radar ahead of Saturday's kick-off in Miami? GOAL breaks down the top 10 NXGN-aged (born in 2006 or later) starlets to keep track of over the next month…

AFPEstevao Willian (Palmeiras)

Fans outside of South America have likely seen the umpteen viral clips of Estevao Willian in action for Palmeiras over the past 12 months, but the Club World Cup will offer many their first chance to watch the most exciting Brazilian talent since Neymar play a match in full.

Having already agreed to join Chelsea for a fee of £56m ($71m) this summer, it wasn't initially known whether Estevao would represent the Blues or his boyhood team at this tournament. However, the decision was made for the 18-year-old to use the Club World Cup as a farewell to Palmeiras, for whom he has already scored 26 goals in 78 competitive appearances.

A fleet-footed forward who was nicknamed 'Messinho' as he came through the ranks in Sao Paulo due to his similarities in style to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Estevao will come up against the legendary Argentine and Inter Miami in the group stages as he aims to show the world just why everyone at Stamford Bridge is so keen to get him to west London ahead of next season.

AdvertisementAFPFranco Mastantuono (River Plate)

Real Madrid fans, meanwhile, will be licking their lips at the prospect of catching their newest teenage signing from South America in action during this tournament. Franco Mastantuono has been turning heads for over a year with his performances for River Plate, and he will bid farewell to his boyhood club this summer after a deal was agreed for him to move to the Spanish capital after the Club World Cup.

Madrid are set to pay €40m (£33m/$45m) to sign Mastantuono after pushing themselves ahead of Paris Saint-Germain to the front of the queue for the 17-year-old midfielder. The youngest goal-scorer in River's storied history, Mastantuono has taken his game to new levels in 2025, with his superb free-kick goal against Boca Juniors in the Superclasico an illustration of both his talent and confidence on the biggest stage.

He has also just become the youngest player to ever make their debut in a competitive match for Argentina, and this summer promises to be a real coming-out party for one of the very best teenage players on the planet.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowGetty Images SportIan Subiabre (River Plate)

River aren't finished when it comes to producing young stars, though. The same academy that has recently nurtured Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Claudio Echeverri and Mastantuono has plenty more where they came from, with Ian Subiabre set to be the next teenager to take the Monumental by storm.

The 18-year-old, who can play either as a winger or central striker, has started to earn regular opportunities with the River first team, while Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been credited with interest in signing Subiabre. Given the success of some of his predecessors, don't be shocked if he becomes a household name in the not-too-distant future.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Alvaro Montoro (Botafogo)

While River possess the most-talked about Argentine academy right now, the work being done at Velez Sarsfield shouldn't be ignored. World Cup winner Thiago Almada is the pick of a number of high-quality youngsters who have emerged from the current Primera Division champions' youth sector over the past decade or so, and there is a suggestion that Alvaro Montoro could be the pick of the lot.

Likened to Andres Iniesta as he came through the ranks at Velez, Montoro scored three goals in five Copa Libertadores games this season before he was snapped up by the reigning South American champions, Botafogo, ahead of their appearance at the Club World Cup.

As such, given he is so new to the Brazilian side's squad, Montoro might have to be patient for opportunities during the tournament. However, if the 18-year-old attacking midfielder does see the pitch in the U.S., he will be keen to show just why Borussia Dortmund, among others, were so keen to bring him to Europe before Botafogo swept in.

Nat Sciver-Brunt dominant with bat and ball in crushing win

ECB Reporters Network04-Jun-2023

Nat Sciver-Brunt was in belligerent mood once again•Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The Blaze maintained their 100% record in the Charlotte Edwards Cup as a crushing defeat of Sunrisers saw them clinch a direct route to the final at Worcester next Saturday with England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt starring with bat and ball at a sun-drenched Trent Bridge.Sciver-Brunt smashed 58 from 30 balls and took 2 for 16 as winless Sunrisers were bowled out for 114 in reply to the Blaze’s 198 for 6, giving the east midlands side a bonus-point victory to make their position as group leaders unassailable, meaning they avoid the semi-final eliminator at Finals Day.England team-mates Sarah Glenn, with 43 not out from 29 balls and two wickets for just nine runs from her legbreaks, and Tammy Beaumont (41 from 30) delivered as well, with overseas player Nadine de Klerk boosting her tally to 13 as the competition’s leading wicket-taker, the South African taking 2 for 10 from three overs, strike bowler Sophie Munro grabbing 2 for 18.Eva Gray, Kate Coppack and Abtaha Maqsood picked up two wickets each for the Sunrisers, for whom England Under-19 captain Grace Scrivens top-scored with 20.Opting to bat first, the Blaze lost Sarah Bryce – Friday’s matchwinner against Northern Diamonds with 67 from 43 balls – for effectively a first-ball duck after she inside-edged Gray on to her stumps, having watched two leg-side deliveries called as wides. Otherwise, the powerplay could hardly have been more one-sided as Beaumont and Sciver-Brunt peppered a fully-extended Trent Bridge boundary as first on the card in a double-header ahead of Notts Outlaws’ meeting Lancashire Lightning.They powered the Blaze to 77 for 1 from the opening six overs, a team record not only under their new identity but as Lightning and Loughborough Lightning too.Sciver-Brunt completed her second Blaze half-century and looked in the mood for more as she and Beaumont added 102 in 53 balls for the second wicket, but after sweeping Maqsood’s legspin for her first six, perished attempting a repeat, finding deep square leg, Blaze reaching halfway at 112 for 2.A fine over from Coppack then changed the tone of the innings as the right-arm seamer had Beaumont leg before sweeping and dismissed Marie Kelly by the same method as the right-hander swung across the line for a second-ball duck. It took three lean overs before Glenn rediscovered the tempo with three boundaries in the same Jo Gardner over as the Blaze moved to 149 for 4 from 15.Maqsood picked up a second wicket as Georgie Boyce was stumped but Glenn, who survived difficult chances on 29 and 40 on the way a career-best score in this format, added 35 in 21 balls with de Klerk before the South African top-edged Gray to mid-off, helping Blaze post the third-highest total in the competition this season.It put Sunrisers under scoreboard pressure from the start and though 46 runs in the powerplay was respectable they came at a cost of three important wickets as Mady Villiers chipped Glenn’s legspin straight to mid-off, Alice Macleod was pinned in front by Sciver-Brunt and South African Dane Van Niekerk top-edged to cover in the same over.At 64 for 4, southeast regional side Sunrisers were well behind the required rate at the halfway stage and seen Amara Carr depart to Glenn as skipper Kirstie Gordon took a good catch running round from midwicket.Three wickets in the space of five balls hastened the inevitable Blaze win as Florence Miller was run out at the non-striker’s end before de Klerk took two in three balls to remove Gardner leg before and Scrivens, the England Under-19 captain, who batted nicely before skying one to midwicket.Grace Ballinger had Gray caught at short fine leg before Coppack and Kelly Castle held things up, adding 28 in a little under five overs before Munro bowled both in the final over.

وجّه النجم النرويجي إرلينج هالاند، مهاجم مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي، رسالة تهنئة إلى نادي الهلال السعودي، بعد فوز الأخير بنتيجة 4-3 في مواجهة مثيرة جمعت الفريقين ضمن دور الـ16 من بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025.

وكتب هالاند عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “إكس”: “لم تسر الأمور كما أردنا هذه المرة. تهانينا للهلال وأتمنى لهم التوفيق فيما هو قادم”.

جاءت هذه الرسالة في أعقاب الأداء القوي الذي قدمه زعيم آسيا خلال المباراة، والتي شهدت تنافسًا حادًا حتى الدقائق الأخيرة، حيث تمكّن الهلال من إقصاء بطل أوروبا في واحدة من أبرز مفاجآت المونديال.

طالع أيضًا | الهلال السعودي يفقد لاعبه حتى نهاية كأس العالم للأندية

الهلال حسم التأهل بعد نهاية الوقت الأصلي بالتعادل 2-2، قبل أن يسجل هدفين في الأشواط الإضافية مقابل هدف وحيد للسيتي، ليضمن “الزعيم” بطاقة العبور إلى الدور ربع النهائي.

ويستعد الهلال لملاقاة فلومينينسي البرازيلي يوم الجمعة المقبل، 5 يوليو، في مباراة منتظرة تُقام عند الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.

On a day where as many as 15 wickets fell in Alur, West Zone drove themselves into a commanding position by stumps on day two of the Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone.Having been bowled out for 220 – they added just four to their overnight 214 for 8 – West stormed back courtesy Arzan Nagwaswalla. The Gujarat fast bowler picked up 5 for 74, his sixth first-class five-for, to skittle Central for just 128.Rinku Singh, whose omission from India’s T20I squad for West Indies became a raging debate among fans on Wednesday night, top-scored with 48, while Dhruv Jurel, his Uttar Pradesh state mate, scored 46. Both players were among Nagwaswalla’s victims as West pocketed a 92-run lead.West then consolidated their position courtesy a 95-run stand between Cheteshwar Pujara and Suryakumar Yadav, before Central had some respite in the last half hour. Saurabh Kumar, who had earlier in the innings accounted for Priyank Panchal, dismissed Suryakumar after he’d made a robust 58 as he chipped one straight to short extra cover.As he did in the first innings, Pujara battled hard and lent solidity to the innings. He will hope to build on his unbeaten 50 on day three along with Sarfaraz Khan, who will be keen to make amends for his first-innings duck.Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz’s Mumbai team-mate, however, couldn’t impress as he fell for a 26-ball 25 to go along with his 26 in the first innings. Shaw was cleaned up by Yash Thakur*, shouldering arms to one that decked back in sharply.Jayant Yadav picked up three wickets to keep South Zone to 195•PTI

On a see-saw day at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where rain and bad light had the players indoors for much of the afternoon, North Zone kept themselves in the game after their bowling unit combined to skittle South Zone for 195.Vaibhav Arora and Jayant Yadav picked up three wickets apiece as South Zone collapsed on either side of a 110-run stand between top-scorer Mayank Agarwal and Tilak Varma, who on Wednesday celebrated his maiden call-up to India’s T20I squad.Agarwal struck a 115-ball 76 and was the first wicket to fall. Washington Sundar, who managed just 12, fell soon. Varma’s wicket in the next over turned the tide. R Sai Kishore hit 21 to narrow the deficit, before Arora picked up two of the last three wickets to help North Zone secure a three-run lead.South Zone struck twice before Ankit Kalsi and first-innings top scorer Prabhsimran Singh ensured no further damage as North ended on 51 for 2, effectively 54 ahead with two full days remaining.0900GMT The report had erronously stated Shaw getting out to Yash Thakur twice in the match. This has been corrected.

There have not been many positives this season for Glasgow Rangers. The Ibrox side won’t win any domestic silverware, trailing their arch-rivals by 16 points in the Premiership title race, also being knocked out of the Scottish and League Cups.

Barry Ferguson did mastermind a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League first leg of their last-16 clash, but even the most optimistic Rangers supporter will feel glory in Europe is beyond them.

Vaclav Cerny has been a hit since joining the club on loan from Wolfsburg, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, although finances will likely prevent the Gers from securing his signature on a permanent basis.

Hamza Igamane has also been another bright spark for the club. Costing just £1.7m from Moroccan side AS FAR last summer, the 22-year-old has since netted 13 goals in all competitions, despite this season being the first outside his native Africa.

One of the most underrated players since he returned to the starting XI in October has been Nico Raskin.

The Belgian has missed only two games between September and the time of writing, establishing himself as a key member of the team.

How Nico Raskin has grown in importance at Ibrox

Against Celtic at the start of the year, Raskin was given the captaincy due to James Tavernier missing the game through injury.

During the 3-0 victory, Raskin provided an assist while also making two key passes, creating a big chance and winning 60% of his ground duels throughout the game.

He controlled the midfield, making four interceptions and three tackles which nullified Celtic and contributed to the stunning Old Firm win.

The midfielder has struggled with his injury problems during his first year or so at the club, but his performances this season have proved he is now indispensable to any future success at Ibrox.

Raskin may not offer too much in the final third, but in terms of providing effective support in the heart of the midfield, he has been crucial.

In the Premiership, the Belgian has averaged 3.6 tackles per game, along with averaging 7.8 ball recoveries, 1.6 interceptions and 1.4 clearances each match in the top flight.

If he continues this current form until the end of the campaign, the new manager might have to fend off interest from other clubs this summer.

Indeed, these impressive performances for the Light Blues have seen Raskin’s market value soar since joining the club.

According to Transfermarkt, the Belgian is currently worth around £5.5m and this value should only continue to rise over the coming months ahead of the summer transfer window.

He has the highest market valuation in the entire squad apart from Cerny, who will depart this summer once his loan spell ends.

Whoever comes in to take charge of the Gers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign must utilise Raskin in his desired position, as he could be an ideal choice to take over the captaincy from Tavernier, especially following his display against Celtic in January.

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?

Having also starred in continental competition, shining against Fener last week and standing out against Spurs, he’s certainly following in the path of a Europa League hero from a few years ago.

Rangers' European hero is now worth less than Raskin

Joe Aribo may have only been at the club for three seasons, yet he developed from a raw talent to a player who scored in a major European final.

Glimpses of his talent were on show during the Gers title-winning 2020/21 campaign, where he registered 15 goal contributions – eight goals and seven assists – as the club went the entire league season undefeated.

2023/24

40

4

1

2022/23

27

2

0

2021/22

57

9

10

2020/21

43

8

7

2019/20

49

9

8

2018/19

39

10

5

2017/18

34

6

3

2016/17

22

0

7

From a personal point of view, the following season was even better. Indeed, the Nigeria international scored nine goals while chipping in with ten assists across all competitions, helping the Gers reach the 2022 Europa League final.

He opened the scoring in that match against Eintracht Frankfurt, becoming just the fourth player in the club’s history to score in a European final. Unfortunately, Rangers lost the game on penalties to the German side.

With Giovanni van Bronckhorst needing to raise some funds that summer in order to bring in the players he wanted, a few were moved on.

How Joe Aribo is playing in 2025

Calvin Bassey departed the Ibrox side in 2022, with Ajax signing him for a club-record fee after an impressive campaign.

This bolstered the coffers, but when Southampton came in for Aribo, a deal was concluded that could rise to around £10m, and it was too good to turn down, that’s for sure.

This fee proved to be a significant profit on the midfielder, although they would have a big gap to fill.

Aribo hasn’t exactly proved his worth on the south coast, however, struggling to adapt at times.

The “exceptional” gem – as so dubbed by his manager Ivan Juric recently – scored just twice for the Saints in his first season.

He helped them secure a place back in the Premier League last term, defeating Leeds United in the playoff final, but they look set to drop back down into the second tier.

Now part of a team that could end with the fewest points in Premier League history, Aribo has netted three top-flight goals. As a result, his value has decreased since making his move south of the border three years ago.

Now, according to Transfermarkt, Aribo is currently worth £5m and if he fails to perform in the Championship next term, this could drop even lower.

This valuation is even lower than Raskin’s at the time of writing, indicating that the Gers have struck gold by selling Aribo when they did, maximising the best possible transfer fee for the former Charlton Athletic midfielder.

The new manager will be aiming to bring in his own players for cheap, before making millions on them after a few years at Ibrox. That’s a certainty.

49ers must move on Rangers star who earns more than Raskin & Hagi

Rangers should move on from the reportedly highly-paid star in the summer window.

ByDan Emery Mar 10, 2025

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke sent his top scout to a place he knows well last weekend to find bargain signings ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a recent report.

Leeds eye new centre-forward as Bamford nears exit door

Despite the fact that the Whites sit top of the Championship table and have scored the most goals in the division, Farke and co. are keen to strengthen their forward line this summer. Patrick Bamford, who was linked with an Elland Road exit in January, looks set to be coming to the end of his time at the club, as injuries continue to cost him regular minutes.

Leeds and 49ers want to sign new 23 y/o int'l forward likened to Mitrovic

Leeds know all too well about Aleksandar Mitrovic’s talents.

ByBarney Lane Mar 24, 2025

His potential departure would leave Leeds light, and therefore, the 49ers are already working on new arrivals. Southampton striker Cameron Archer was heavily linked with a move to the Yorkshire side in January, and he is believed to remain on their list of potential targets.

Meanwhile, according to a report from Africa Foot, the Whites are also keen on signing Almeria striker Ibrahima Kone. This would be an easy enough transfer to complete for the Championship side, as Kone has a release clause worth £8.4 million.

But the list of potential new strikers doesn’t stop there, as Leeds are also interested in signing Vladyslav Vanat from Dynamo Kyiv. However, there is a long list of teams also keen on signing Vanat, with Premier League duo West Ham and Fulham keeping a close eye on the centre-forward.

Farke sends top Leeds scout to Germany

With competition for Vanat and a near £10m price tag on Kone, Farke also has his eyes on cheaper alternatives. According to journalist Alan Nixon, relayed by Football League World, Farke sent his top Leeds scout to Germany to look for bargain deals in the final weekend before the international break.

Leeds are still on course to seal promotion to the Premier League, and the boss appears keen to get ahead of the rest and therefore wanted his scouts to watch Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 games last weekend, as he believes there are always bargains to be found in the country where he broke through in management.

The 48-year-old, who is closing in on 100 games in charge of Leeds, has managed at several levels in Germany and has shopped there before, with Ao Tanaka perhaps the biggest success story in recent times.

Swansea City

H

Luton

A

Middlesbrough

A

Preston

H

Oxford

A

Stoke

H

Bristol City

H

Plymouth

A

It is unclear if the scouts found any potential targets, but it probably won’t be the last time Farke sends his scouts on a mission in the next few weeks, as he will want all preparation to be complete should his side seal that expected promotion to England’s top tier.

It is likely the 49ers will significantly back Farke in the transfer window if they go up, but the Leeds boss will face significant pressure if the wheels come off from here.