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يواجه نادي برشلونة الإسباني فريق باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي مساء اليوم الأربعاء في الجولة الثانية من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وسيستضيف ملعب مونتجويك مباراة بين اثنين من أبرز المرشحين للتتويج بلقب دوري أبطال أوروبا في بودابست في 30 مايو المقبل.

وعاد لامين يامال إلى الملاعب بعد غيابه عن آخر خمس مباريات، وكان قد دخل إلى الملعب قبل نصف ساعة من نهاية المباراة وأحدث ثورة كبيرة وصنع هدف الفوز لزميله البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي خلال الفوز على ريال سوسيداد بهدفين لهدف.

اقرأ أيضاً.. لابورتا: نريد الثأر من باريس سان جيرمان.. ولا أعذار

وتدرب لامين يامال بشكل طبيعي هذا الأسبوع إلى جانب بقية زملائه وأصبح جاهزًا تماماً للمشاركة ضد باريس سان جيرمان حامل لقب دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ونشر لاعب برشلونة صاحب القميص رقم 10 عبر حسابه الرسمي على “إنستجرام” معلناً عودته وينتهي الفيديو برسالة تحدي لباريس سان جيرمان: “لقد عدت وعادت المهمة أيضًا”.

جدير بالذكر أن لامين يامال حصل على المركز الثاني في ترتيب الـ30 لاعباً المتنافسين على جائزة الكرة الذهبية من جانب مجلة “فرانس فوتبول” الفرنسية.

England find reverse-swing to make key inroads after Leach’s early breakthroughs

Andrew Miller15-Oct-2024

Kamran Ghulam made a hundred on debut•Getty Images

There has been precious little for Pakistan cricket to cheer in recent months, but on the opening day of the second Test in Multan, Kamran Ghulam provided a moment of unbridled joy as he brought up a gutsy century in his maiden Test innings, to carry the fight for his embattled team.Though he fell late in the day for 118, bowled by Shoaib Bashir as he looked to stay proactive with the close of play looming, Ghulam’s debut efforts helped to lift Pakistan to 259 for 5 – scarcely riches by the standards that England were dishing up on this very same surface last week, but the beginnings of a score nonetheless.Despite Pakistan’s experience in the first Test, when their first-innings 556 ended up on the wrong side of an innings defeat, Ghulam’s resolute efforts – allied to a career-best 77 from Saim Ayub and an atypically entrenched 37 not out from Mohammad Rizwan – kept Pakistan on course for the sort of 300-plus score that could yet be competitive if their spin-heavy attack can take advantage of a pitch that had been heavily watered and dried with industrial fans in the four-day turnaround between Tests.The danger for Pakistan, however, may yet come from the weapons that they won’t be able to deploy. Despite two early wickets for Jack Leach, who has now claimed nine in three innings on this surface to reassert his status as England’s senior spinner, their most pronounced threat came through a mid-afternoon spell of reverse-swing, excellently harnessed by a three-pronged seam attack. Uniquely, all three hail from Durham, among them Ben Stokes, who was back to lead the team for the first time since his hamstring tear in August. In opting to ditch both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for this contest, much will be resting on their lone quick, Aamer Jamal, if Pakistan hope to utilise similar skills.All such considerations can wait for now, thanks to the efforts of Ghulam, who – at the age of 29 – was the second oldest Pakistani to record a debut century. He achieved the feat with a gleeful swing through the leg-side off Joe Root, after an anxious wait in the 90s that had encompassed the evening drinks break. A few more moments of delay could not perturb him, however, after more than a decade of service in Pakistan’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, in which time he might have assumed that his haul of more than 4500 runs at 49 would forever be overlooked.His innings had begun at 19 for 2 in the tenth over, after Leach – thrown the ball early after Stokes’ quick assessment of the surface – had become the first England spinner to strike twice so early in a Test match since Johnny Briggs in 1889. His impact threatened another meltdown to match Pakistan’s fourth-evening collapse in the first Test, but Ghulam proved his mettle from the outset, showcasing his familiarity with the arid conditions and his faith in the methods that had finally got him noticed.His first boundary was a composed launch for six back over Leach’s head, and in easing through to his first half-century from 104 balls, he recorded a milestone that had eluded his more illustrious compatriot, Babar Azam, in the 18 out-of-form innings that had resulted in his omission.Brydon Carse produced a key breakthrough with the old ball•Getty Images

Ghulam had faced just two deliveries of fast bowling in his first 120, however, when Stokes brought himself into the attack midway through the afternoon, and the challenge instantly went up a notch. In his first over, Stokes found a fat edge that flew at a catchable height through the vacant slip cordon, and when a second edge fell short soon afterwards, Root found himself donning a helmet four yards from the bat in a bid to make any further chance count.The breakthrough, however, arrived at the other end. Ayub’s reputation had suffered in this series, largely as a consequence of his hopelessly misfiring opening partnership with Abdullah Shafique, which at least reached double-figures for the first time in nine innings. It didn’t get much further, however, as Leach bowled Shafique for 7 to reduce Pakistan to 15 for 1, before Shan Masood clipped on the up to Zak Crawley at midwicket for 3.In isolation, however, Ayub has been a qualified success at the top of Pakistan’s order, and this was his third half-century in four first innings, following his twin fifties against Bangladesh last month. But, with tea approaching, and England beginning to make the ball talk, Matthew Potts threatened his outside edge with a diet of hooping outswingers from over the wicket, before Stokes pouched a firm push through the line at a very straight silly mid-off (168 for 3).After tea, Brydon Carse, energetic as ever, roughed up Saud Shakeel with an excellent short ball, then found his edge for 4 with an even better 140kph/87mph delivery that fizzed through to Jamie Smith behind the stumps. And England’s position could have been stronger still had Ben Duckett clung on to a loose slap from Ghulam, on 79, as he chose to take the attack to the returning Leach and almost paid the price at mid-on.The value of Stokes’ economy with his seamers throughout a morning session was brought to bear in the evening, with Carse helping to keep Rizwan under the cosh for 19 deliveries without scoring before Potts took over and so nearly landed an innings-altering blow. His first delivery to Rizwan, on 6 at the time, zipped past the outside edge and into Smith’s gloves, but England declined to use a review – even though replays showed that the ball had grazed the splice of his bat.England’s endeavours were worthy of another breakthrough before the close, and though he had once again been the weaker link in the attack, Bashir obliged with a critical strike late in the day. Armed with the second new ball, he skidded a good-length delivery past Ghulam’s tired charge, and clipped the top of leg to prise a critical opening that could yet make the difference in Pakistan’s quest for a serviceable first innings.

علق الإعلامي أحمد شوبير على أزمة التحكيم في الدوري المصري خلال الفترة الأخيرة، حيث تناول في تصريحاته عبر برنامجه الإذاعي عدداً من الحالات الجدلية في المباريات، مؤكدًا أن بعض الحكام يفتقدون الخبرة والذكاء المطلوب في اللقاءات الكبرى.

قال الإعلامي أحمد شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأحد: “تتذكرون ليلة مباراة الأهلي الأخيرة مع سيراميكا، عندما كنت على الهواء هنا في الإذاعة، قلت لكم: محمود وفا حكم هايل وحكم ممتاز، لكن المباريات الحساسة لها حسابات أخرى، الأفضل أن تستعين بحكم دولي مخضرم لديه خبرة وتضعه في هذه المباراة، وبذلك أنت تحمي حكامك”.

وتابع: “أود أن أوضح أنني لا أهاجم محمود وفا إطلاقًا، فهو حكم مميز جدًا، لكن هناك مباريات يا جماعة تحتاج إلى ذكاء وخبرة وفطنة، حتى لا يقال أصل وفصل، وحتى إذا حدثت أخطاء من الحكام الدوليين، فلا مشكلة، لكن الوقاية خير من العلاج”.

وأضاف: “في مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا الأخيرة، كان هناك اعتراض من الأهلي على ثلاث كرات، واعتراض من سيراميكا على كرة واحدة. الأهلي يقول: لدي هدف لم يُحتسب، وضربتا جزاء لم يُعد فيهما الحكم إلى تقنية الفار، وسيراميكا يقول: لدي ضربة جزاء لم تُحتسب. فدخلنا في جدل كنا في غنى عنه”.

وتابع: “محمود البنا كان يدير وقتها مباراة مودرن وإنبي، مباريات قوية وممتازة. فلماذا لم يتم وضعه في مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا، ويتم تكليف وفا بمباراة مودرن وبعدها يحصل على لقاء آخر أخف؟ الأمور كانت ستصبح أهدأ بكثير”.

وواصل: “لكن في النهاية هي وجهة نظر، ورئيس لجنة الحكام يرى أن وفا يقدم مباريات جيدة، وكذلك الغندور، لكن مثلًا، مباراة الزمالك والإسماعيلي أدارها أمين عمر، ورغم أن الزمالك دائمًا يتحفظ على وجوده، إلا أنه حكم دولي. وحتى عندما استدعاه الفار لضربة جزاء صحيحة للزمالك، احتسبها دون تردد، وكان القرار صحيحًا 100 في الـ100”.

طالع أيضًا | طه إسماعيل: الأهلي يمر بأزمة مانشستر سيتي.. ووفرة النجوم “مشكلة”

وأضاف: “الأهلي أرسل خطابًا رسميًا يؤكد أن لديه ضربتي جزاء لمحمد علي بن رمضان وطاهر محمد طاهر، وأن كرة تريزيجيه تجاوزت خط المرمى ولم تُحتسب، وكان لابد أن يستدعي الفار الحكم محمود وفا”.

وأشار: “لكن في النهاية، فاز الأهلي بالمباراة 1-0 ومرت بسلام، ولم تحدث مشاكل. صحيح أن الأخطاء لم تؤثر على النتيجة، لكن لو كانت أثرت كنا ما زلنا نتحدث عنها حتى الآن، وسيراميكا يرى أن الأخطاء أثرت على النتيجة من وجهة نظره، ويؤكد أن لديه ضربة جزاء صحيحة لم تُحتسب”.

وأكد: “فاركو اشتكى من الحكم حماده بعد مباراة الفريق أمام الاتحاد السكندري التي انتهت بالتعادل، وطالبوا بإبعاده عن المباريات، لجنة الحكام ردت عليهم بشكل ودي وقالت: أنتم محقون، لم يكن هناك تدخل من الفار في الحالة، كذلك غزل المحلة أصدر بيانًا بعد مباراة المصري التي خسرها 2-1، وهاجم الحكم محمود بسيوني، رغم أنه من أفضل الحكام الدوليين”.

وتابع شوبير: “كنت متفائلًا جدًا بالتحكيم هذا الموسم، لأن المجهود المبذول من اللجنة والحكام كبير جدًا، لكن أين تكمن المشكلة؟ المشكلة في عقلية بعض الحكام، أتحدث عن فاركو واتحاد، عن بيراميدز والإسماعيلي، عن المحلة والمصري… تقريبًا لا توجد مباراة خالية من المشاكل”.

واستمر: “المحلة قال: لن ألعب مباراة يديرها محمود بسيوني. نادٍ آخر قال: لن ألعب إذا كان الحكم أمين عمر، أندية أصبحت تختار الحكام! وهذا ليس من حقها إطلاقًا، من حقك أن تقدم شكوى، لكن ليس من حقك أن تقول: لن ألعب”.

واستطرد: “حتى نادي زد أصدر بيانًا واشتكى من التحكيم في مباراتين أمام الإسماعيلي وبيراميدز. وقالوا إن الحكم لم يطرد أحمد سامي رغم تدخله الخطير بالركبة على رأس مهاجم الإسماعيلي”.

وختم شوبير تصريحاته قائلًا: “التحكيم موهبة مثل اللاعب، مثل المغني، مثل الفنان. ليس مجرد لياقة بدنية أو سرعة جري، الأهم أن يكون لدى الحكم موهبة، وأنا أوجه كلامي للحكام الشباب: أحيانًا ألمح نبرة غرور أو ثقة زائدة في طريقة التعامل مع اللاعبين أو في صوت الصفارة، هذا غير صحيح، اقرأوا الفاتحة قبل المباراة واجعلوا نيتكم النجاح، وربنا سيكرمكم، لقد حذرت وسأظل أحذر: ما يتعلمه الحكام في التدريبات يجب أن يطبقوه داخل الملعب”.

Leeds United have welcomed Sean Longstaff to Elland Road as their latest arrival of the summer transfer window, after they officially announced a deal for the midfielder on Friday night.

Fabrizio Romano reported that the Whites have paid a fee in excess of £12m to Newcastle United to bring the experienced midfield star to West Yorkshire ahead of next season.

The Magpies academy graduate may not be the only central midfielder to come through Thorp Arch this summer, though, as Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach has also been linked with a move to the club.

Leeds have reportedly held talks with the Bundesliga club and agreed personal terms with the players, but they are yet to agree a fee for his services.

Leeds enquired about LaLiga star

Whilst they appear to be heavily pursuing a deal for Stach, the Championship champions also have other options on their shortlist of targets to bolster their options in midfield.

Transfer Focus

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

According to The Athletic, Leeds United made contact with Getafe over a potential deal for versatile star Christantus Uche several weeks ago this summer.

The report claims that the Whites enquired about his situation and did not opt to make an official offer for his services, although it remains to be seen if they are planning to submit a bid for him later in the window.

It adds that the 22-year-old talent has a release clause of around £22m (£21.6m) in his contract with the Spanish side, which means that Leeds could trigger that to land him.

The Athletic also reveals that the Nigeria international, who made his debut for his country in May, is open to the idea of joining a Premier League club.

Leeds could find their own Joelinton

Daniel Farke could unearth his own version of Joelinton by signing Uche and moulding him into a midfield destroyer to bolster his team ahead of next season.

The Brazil international joined Newcastle United as a striker for a reported fee of £40m from Hoffenheim in 2019 under Steve Bruce, before Eddie Howe spotted his potential to be a central midfielder.

Since making the transition, Joelinton has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top midfield destroyers, making 2.8 tackles and interceptions and winning 5.7 duels per game in the division last term.

Uche has started more games as a striker (18) in his career than any other position, but has also started 15 times as a defensive midfielder in the past, and U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed that he could be turned into a “midfield monster”.

Tackles won

0.76

Top 11%

Duels won

8.13

Top 13%

Aerial duels won

3.31

Top 28%

Interceptions

0.36

Top 25%

Ball recoveries

3.96

Top 8%

Possession won in the final third

0.90

Top 11%

Fouls committed

1.98

Top 29%

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old star thrived out of possession in LaLiga for Getafe last season, ranking highly among forwards in a host of defensive metrics, notably winning duels and recovering the ball off the opposition to regain possession for his side.

Meanwhile, the Leeds target only scored four goals in 33 appearances, along with six assists, which does not suggest that his future lies as a prolific centre-forward option, just like when Joelinton scored two goals in 38 Premier League games in his first season at Newcastle as a striker.

Therefore, Farke could be the coach to help Uche follow in Joelinton’s footsteps by transitioning from a low-scoring, defensively savvy, centre-forward into a ‘midfield monster’, as Antonio Mango put it.

The Getafe attacker has played in midfield before, as aforementioned, and has the strong physical and defensive attributes to suit playing as an enforcer in front of the back four, which is why this is a move that could be a very interesting one for Leeds to make.

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It may now be down to Leeds to decide whether they want to go through with a swoop for Stach or if they want to activate Uche’s release clause, so there could be an intriguing few weeks to follow.

Liverpool exceeded expectations with Arne Slot at the helm last season, winning the Premier League and comfortably at that.

It’s been a fruitful start to the transfer window for the Reds, who don’t want last year’s triumph to stand as a flash in the pan, and are instead packing Slot’s squad with enough quality to last for many years to come.

However, Trent Alexander-Arnold has left for pastures new in the Spanish capital and a few more exits could yet happen.

For example, Luis Diaz has been courted by Barcelona and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, and with just two years remaining on his current deal, he may be among the sold this summer.

Liverpool don’t want to part with the Colombian maverick, something they informed Barca in no uncertain terms, but the transfer window is a long process indeed, and if he does go, the Reds must be ready to pounce on an alternative.

Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, it seems, is reportedly at the top of the shopping list.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

Liverpool have clearly preempted Diaz’s departure for a while, having bid to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January before the Georgian left winger completed a £59m move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain.

In fact, the efforts to sign Gordon from Newcastle one year ago speak of a longer-running desire to secure a new wideman to serve as Diaz’s eventual heir.

Gordon, 24, has come off the back of a frustrating campaign in spite of his side’s silver-laden success, but he was immense in 2023/24, picking up 28 direct goal involvements, and has a connection to Anfield given he was released from Liverpool’s academy when he was just 11 years old.

But Newcastle reportedly seek at least £80m to part with the Three Lions star, and is this something that Liverpool can justify spending, given the other areas of the field that still need reinforcing?

Should Diaz go, Liverpool will need to replace him. But given that there’s a much cheaper alternative on the market, it might be better for sporting director Richard Hughes to shelve the interest in Gordon.

Liverpool open talks for new winger

As per reports in Spain – via Sport Witness – Liverpool have opened talks with Real Betis as they consider a bid for teenager winger Jesus Rodriguez.

In direct competition with Aston Villa, Liverpool have learned they will need to meet his €50m (£43m) release clause if they are to bring in one of La Liga’s brightest young talents.

Though FSG have made their initial enquiries and indeed have been scouting Rodriguez, it’s worth noting little of substance has since emerged, and this is one which could drag into the later stretches of the transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse Why Liverpool should sign Jesus Rodriguez

Rodriguez might only be 19, but he’s already proven himself to be one of the most exciting talents in Spain, breaking into Real Betis’ first team last season, featuring prominently across the latter half of the term, actually starting 15 times in the Spanish top flight.

The left-sided forward would be a far more astute purchase than Gordon, but one whose natural qualities and fast start to life on the senior stage could see him leapfrog the Englishman, all the while at a cost of less than half what Liverpool would need to pay Newcastle.

With Cody Gakpo already performing so well on the left flank at Liverpool, does it really make sense to fork out an excessive figure on a player who might not even knock him off his starting perch?

That’s why Rodriguez would be perfect, having been hailed for his “explosive” style of play by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

It’s such snappy performances that could lead Rodriguez to become Liverpool’s own version of Gordon, one whose tactical brain remains malleable in its footballing infancy, and thus could see Slot bend it in whichever direction he pleases.

League Stats 24/25 – Jesus Rodriguez vs Anthony Gordon

Stats (* per game)

Rodriguez

Gordon

Matches (starts)

21 (15)

34 (28)

Goals

2

6

Assists

0

5

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.4)

1.7 (0.6)

Big chances missed

2

10

Pass completion

76%

81%

Key passes*

0.4

1.5

Dribbles*

1.4

1.1

Ball recoveries*

4.7

3.6

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Duels won*

4.1

4.4

Data via Sofascore

Of course, Rodriguez isn’t as refined and complete in his skill set as Gordon is right now, but the Betis man is also five years the England international’s junior, still in his teenage phase.

What’s curious is that he is crisp on the ball and combative in the duel, two staples of Gordon’s tactical approach, which have seen him bloom into one of the Premier League’s finest.

Moreover, he’s proven on the continental stage his propensity for success: as per FBref, the young Spaniard ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Conference League last year for successful take-ons and the top 16% for tackles per 90, highlighting both his pace and his willingness to get stuck in.

His fleet-footedness certainly suggests there’s a first-class player in there, and with Liverpool looking to sign a striker as well this season, this might prove the perfect signing to add a bit of depth while maintaining the harmony of Slot’s squad.

Slot won’t want to upset the tactical togetherness and coherence Liverpool have right now, nor will he want to take a big chunk out of the coffers before a new centre-forward has been brought in.

Rodriguez could be the perfect man to sign, should Diaz leave this summer.

Related He's a dream Isak alternative: Liverpool exploring move for £160m forward

Liverpool are hoping to sign a new centre-forward to replace the outgoing Darwin Nunez.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 19, 2025

After spending more than ever at Anfield, FSG are reportedly looking to show the door to a number of players this summer. One Liverpool star has already rejected the chance to leave, however.

Liverpool's summer business off with a bang

When Liverpool won the Premier League in the 2019/20 campaign, they decided to settle for what they had – enduring a quiet transfer window in the summer that followed. Soon enough, Manchester City were back on their throne as a result. Five years on, however, FSG have learnt from that harsh lesson and are investing more than ever to build what could be a dominant Liverpool side.

Having already signed Jeremie Frimpong, the Reds are set to welcome his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate, Florian Wirtz, for a British record fee. Simply put, it has so far been a statement summer from Richard Hughes and Michael Edward, who are not stopping there.

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Wirtz has been one of the most talented players in his position for the last two years, recovering from an ACL injury to help Leverkusen to an invincible domestic season before performing at similar levels last season. Now, by joining up with the likes of Mohamed Salah, he could finally take his seat among the very best that European football has to offer.

Appearances

92

Goals

34

Assists

35

Although their spending will excite Liverpool fans, it is unlikely to come without sacrifice this summer. With Giorgi Mamardashvili, Wirtz and Frimpong arriving – potentially among others – the likes of Darwin Nunez and now Andy Robertson have been linked with moves away.

The Scot has most recently attracted the interest of Atletico Madrid, as per Fabrizio Romano, and talks are already reportedly underway. Of course, it’s in Madrid that Robertson could square off against Trent Alexander-Arnold in what would add an interesting narrative to a derby already so fierce.

It’s not just Robertson attracting interest, however, as FSG have now seen one big-money player reject the chance to leave this summer.

Alisson rejects Galatasaray move

Despite the fact that FSG have already welcomed his replacement for years to come in Mamardashvili, it looks as though Alisson Becker is set to stay put. According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Alisson has rejected a “concrete enquiry” from Galatasaray and will be staying put at Anfield in the coming months instead of joining the 25-time Turkish Super Lig winners.

The Reds initially agreed a deal to sign Mamardashvili last summer before loaning him back to Valencia. Now, a year on, he’s set to join up with his new teammates.

Given that Caoimhin Kelleher has already left for Brentford, there will be a place in Arne Slot’s squad for Mamardashvili, but Alisson is not budging. The £150,000-a-week goalkeeper has seemingly made the decision to keep hold of his No.1 spot even as his long-term replacement arrives.

Chelsea’s transfer plans for the summer window are now in full swing, having just reached an agreement for the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, but their striker search may not be over with the Englishman.

Chelsea could sign second striker after Liam Delap

Earlier this week, Chelsea shook hands on a £30 million deal for Delap, fresh off the back of his 12-goal haul for Kieran McKenna’s relegated side.

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The ex-Man City starlet was a beacon of light in an otherwise dismal Ipswich side, and his £30 million release clause was always going to result in club’s poaching Delap from Portman Road after his excellent 2024/2025 campaign.

Delap had offers from Man United, Newcastle and Everton as well as Chelsea, but the latter jumped into pole position after their qualification for next season’s Champions League, with the striker now set to bolster Enzo Maresca’s forward line.

Maresca knows the centre-forward well from their time together at City, and Delap was academy teammates with Cole Palmer, so the 22-year-old already has plenty of connections at the club and should get settled quickly.

Delap is set to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of his proposed switch to Stamford Bridge, but according to recent reports, he may not be their only new addition up front.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported that Chelsea are still “pushing” to sign Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Hugo Ekitike, regardless of Delap’s arrival, following other claims that BlueCo could bring in two number nines before summer deadline day on September 1.

Chelsea’s pursuit of a double-striker deal is described as very possible, especially after their qualification for the Champions League, with player sales also likely to play a key role.

Chelsea in pole position to sign Hugo Ekitike after opening talks

According to CaughtOffside, despite his mammoth £84 million asking price, Chelsea and Liverpool remain interested in Ekitike as we enter the mini-transfer window open from June 1 to June 10.

After opening talks, it is believed Chelsea are currently in pole position to sign Ekitike ahead of Arne Slot’s side, following the Frenchman’s excellent haul of 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances across 24/25.

Despite never quite making it at PSG, the 22-year-old has displayed his obvious quality in the Bundesliga, and those who’ve worked with Ekitike have showered praise on him, so he’s an option worth considering after Delap.

Called an “amazing” talent by French football expert Julien Laurens, Ekitike’s reserve team coach at Reims, Franck Chalencon, has shared exactly what Chelsea can expect from him.

“He’s a very clever player which has seen him to adapt and understand the expectations of professional football,” said Chalencon.

“His main quality? His instinct for goal. It’s very rare that Hugo plays a game without creating a chance himself at any occasion. In front of the goal, his ratio is excellent. But he’s not only a striker, he can play on the wing, too. Very technical. He knows what to do with the ball, when to keep it, when to give it.”

Chelsea are reportedly preparing a bid to sign a new striker target who’s been “surprising” on-lookers with his form this year, as manager Enzo Maresca and Stamford Bridge chiefs begin to make transfer plans for the summer.

Chelsea's rumoured striker targets for the summer window

Nicolas Jackson is still yet to score a single Premier League goal this calendar year, while Christopher Nkunku was left out of the matchday squad entirely for Chelsea’s last game against Fulham.

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Maresca’s shortage of prolific strikers has forced the Italian to get creative in recent weeks, with Pedro Neto even being utilised as a centre-forward in that time. Chelsea’s boss will be very eager to fix this hole in the squad ahead of his second full campaign in charge, and it is believed the west Londoners are eyeing a few top striker targets for next season.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea have the likes of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, Ipswich Town starlet Liam Delap, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and long-term target Victor Osimhen on their radar.

Sesko is a “very serious” potential signing for Chelsea, following another excellent campaign with Leipzig in the Bundesliga, while Delap is likely to be up for grabs this summer after Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.

The latter’s contract has a £30 million release clause tied with Ipswich’s relegation, so Delap could be a very astute option after his impressive season in an otherwise struggling team at Portman Road.

However, other elite clubs who are on the look-out for number nines will be fully aware of the 22-year-old’s exit clause too, and Sesko’s, which is rumoured to currently stand at around £62 million.

With Arsenal, Man United and Tottenham also in the market for proven forwards, according to reports, the competition will be fierce, so Chelsea may also have to think outside the box when it comes to solving their striker woes.

Chelsea preparing £43m bid for Como star Assane Diao

According to reports out of Spain, it is now claimed that Chelsea are targeting Como’s new striker, Assane Diao.

The Senegal international only just signed for Cesc Fabregas’ side in January, and has enjoyed a rip-roaring first few months of his Serie A career with eight goals from his last 15 top flight matches.

There is now a belief that Chelsea are preparing a £43m summer bid for Diao after being impressed by his excellent form at Como, with the 19-year-old “surprising” critics after a prolific start.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Diao, so he’s clearly turning heads in the Premier League, with journalist Antonio Mango also calling the teenage talent “ridiculous” within his first few weeks as a Como player.

As concerns over Alexander Isak’s future continue to rumble on, Newcastle United are reportedly poised to join the race in pursuit of signing a forward who has matched their star man for goals this season.

Newcastle braced to stand strong in Isak saga

As much as they’ll be desperate to avoid it, the Isak rumours aren’t going away anytime soon. Instead, Newcastle are likely to face a summer-long saga which will end one of two ways. The Swedish star is one of the most wanted strikers in European football and with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly on his list of suitors, there is no doubt that he’ll have a decision to make in the coming months.

That said, his price tag certainly reflects the amount of interest in his signature. Reportedly pricing their star man at as much as £160m this summer, Newcastle are keen to at least get bang for their buck if Isak departs or preferably simply scare away the suitors.

As good as Murphy: Newcastle star just proved he's as undroppable as Isak

The Newcastle United star showed why he is as undroppable as Alexander Isak.

ByDan Emery Apr 8, 2025

When asked about his future and a potential new deal at St James’ Park, Isak told reporters in the build-up to Newcasle’s Carabao Cup final success: “That will probably be a talking point once the season finishes, but we will really see because no talks have been held yet.

“Really, about my future, it is not really something I think about. During a season I just focus on the job and it’s probably the worst time to think about anything else. All of our focus is just on Sunday, doing good and hopefully bringing the trophy back to Newcastle.“

Until he puts pen to paper on a new deal, then the anxiety around Isak’s Newcastle future is likely to remain in Tyneside. It does at least look like the club are preparing for the worst, however, having identified a potential replacement who’s arguably as good as the former Real Sociedad man.

Newcastle poised to battle for Vangelis Pavlidis

According to reports in Portugal, as relayed by Sports Witness, Newcastle are now poised to battle Chelsea to sign Vangelis Pavlidis from Benfica this summer, who has a release clause worth as much as €100m (£87m).

The forward has stepped into Darwin Nunez’s role ever since he left Benfica for Liverpool in 2022 and has exceeded the struggling Anfield star ever since. Now, he may have done enough to earn himself a Premier League move of his own, especially if Isak calls it quits at Newcastle this summer.

Appearances

46

35

Goals

24

24

Assists

10

5

Involved in more goals than the 29 that Isak has managed, Pavlidis has also matched the Swede’s total of strikes in all competitions and looks like a player destined for great things this summer.

Dubbed “decisive” by analyst Data Foot on X, the 26-year-old is at the peak of his powers and could yet become Benfica’s most successful recent export by doing what Nunez has failed to do in the Premier League.

Newcastle, meanwhile, could splash the cash to welcome a potential replacement for Isak should he depart this summer.

Their batting template remains in the spotlight, after failing even in conditions where it might have been expected to bear fruit

Sidharth Monga16-Jun-20241:31

Mumtaz on Babar’s innings – ‘Bizarre and baffling’

This space is not going to give into the exceptionalism that Pakistan cricket is more prone to this kind of a thing than any other cricket, but they have ended this disappointing campaign on a tragicomic note. It was like the middle order was hell bent on vindicating the RizBar way of playing white-ball cricket, and in these conditions it might well have been. And yet, in the end, even the RizBar way needed some fearless hitting from Shaheen Shah Afridi to relieve the pressure. It leaves you none the wiser about the course Pakistan should take.If we were to be left with Pakistan cricket’s improvisation on the chicken-and-egg situation of whether RizBar are so regressive because of a weak middle order or whether the middle order is so ordinary because RizBar don’t let them play at all in flat conditions, did we really need Pakistan to play the World Cup? To be fair to him, Babar Azam took the demotion, pushed up a more attacking left-hand opener, and still the results haven’t been great.In their final match, where the best they could achieve was a consolation win, Pakistan were staring at embarrassment when Babar showed his class, his ability to bat at a run a ball on a difficult surface, but eventually it wasn’t enough. It took Afridi’s sixes to settle the nerves.Related

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Afridi provided glimpses of what might have been: back to taking wickets in his first over, back to setting the game up for what can be a menacing pace attack. Of all the World Cups, this one had conditions where Babar and Mohammad Rizwan might have been justified in playing the way they do, but Rizwan cracked under the asking-rate pressure against India when the game was his to take home.A day before this match, Imad Wasim spoke about the mindset needed to play while-ball cricket at par with other excellent modern teams. He spoke about how Pakistan used to rule T20 cricket before they became a regressive unit. He spoke of the need to get rid of the fear of failure.When asked if it is insecurity from the decision-makers or the highly emotional reaction of the fans that nurtures this fear, Babar pointed at perhaps a question of quality. He said the selections have been consistent, that in fact there has hardly been much churn when he has been captain. In 85 matches that Babar has captained, 27 players have batted from Nos. 3 to 7, including Babar himself and Rizwan. By comparison, in 96 matches since the start of 2020, India have tried 32 players from Nos. 3 to 7.Babar Azam had to anchor the chase with wickets falling at the other end•AFP/Getty Images”I think we are playing the same eight-nine players for the last four years,” Babar said. “They should not fear on that front. They are being backed. They are being given opportunities. But as a player, you have to step up a little. Look, the mindset should be how you want to play. Now you can’t hit every ball, you can’t hit a six on every ball, you can’t even get a wicket on every ball. You need to assess the conditions, what’s required here.”Tell me how many matches have been played here [in the USA] and has there been any outstanding batting? There’s been a struggle, but you need to be proactive about what’s required here. You need partnerships, you need to bowl at good, hard length. It’s not that you come with a set mindset and follow just that.”I am not denying that we have to think out of the box. Every player has to think. It’s not that one person has to do it. Every player has to think because cricket has become very fast. We have to move with the times. With modern cricket, you must have game awareness. You know that you have to take it deep here, you have to take a bit of load. You know no matter how much you do, you can’t score at 150 here. You try to build the innings. I think it’s more game awareness and common sense that is required here.”That sounds like an acceptance that in other, more standard, T20 conditions, Pakistan need to move with the times. If this failure results in course correction, this World Cup could yet be an important event in Pakistan cricket.However, it will rankle them that they failed to make it out of round one in conditions that suited their style of cricket. There can be some allowance made for the USA defeat because they got put in and the scoring trend through the match suggests that only the first five-six overs were difficult, which is a significant portion of the game. Against India, though, they won the toss, they got the best of the conditions, and the one batter who got in neither killed the chase nor took it deep.It might also be time to crack the whip a little because the job security Babar mentioned hasn’t seemed to work for the top order or the middle order.