أعلنت منذ قليل هوية الفائز بجائزة ياشين لعام 2025، والتي تمنح لأفضل حارس مرمى في العالم، والمقدمة من مجلة “فرانس فوتبول”.
ويُقام اليوم الإثنين، حفل جائزة الكرة الذهبية “بالون دور” في العاصمة الفرنسية باريس، ويشهد توزيع جوائز الأفضل، وعلى رأسها أفضل لاعب في العالم.
وتوج الإيطالي جيانلويجي دوناروما، حارس مرمى مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي، بجائزة ياشين لأفضل حارس مرمى للعام 2025.
وفاز دوناروما بالجائزة عن الأداء المميز مع فريقه السابق باريس سان جيرمان، والذي توج معه بالدوري الفرنسي ودوري أبطال أوروبا، وكأس فرنسا، وكأس الأبطال الفرنسي.
وتم ترشيح 10 حراس مرمى للفوز بجائزة ياشين، أليسون بيكر(ليفربول، منتخب البرازيل)، ياسين بونو (الهلال السعودي، منتخب المغرب)، لوكاس شوفالييه (ليل الفرنسي سابقًا باريس سان جيرمان حاليًا، منتخب فرنسا).
اقرأ أيضًا | رسميًا | لامين يامال يفوز بجائزة كوبا لـ أفضل لاعب شاب 2025
وكذلك، تيبو كورتوا (ريال مدريد، منتخب بلجيكا)، جيانلويجي دوناروما (باريس سان جيرمان سابقًا ومانشستر سيتي حاليًا، منتخب إيطاليا)، إيميليانو مارتينيز(أستون فيلا، منتخب الأرجنتين).
إلى جانب يان أوبلاك (أتليتكو مدريد، منتخب سلوفينيا)، ديفيد رايا (آرسنال، منتخب إسبانيا)، ماتز سيلس (نوتنجهام فورست، منتخب بلجيكا)، يان سومر (إنتر ميلان، منتخب سويسرا).
وكان الأرجنتيني إيمليانو مارتينيز، حارس مرمى أستون فيلا الإنجليزي، هو الفائز بالنسخة الماضية من جائزة ياشين، عن أدائه في العام 2024.
وقال دوناروما بعد التتويج واستلام الجائزة من مواطنه المخضرم جيانلويجي بوفون حارس مرمى إيطاليا ويوفنتوس السابق: “إنه لشرف لي أن أستلم هذه الجائزة، أنا سعيد للغاية بجميع النتائج التي حققتها الموسم الماضي، لقد كانت رائعة”.
مضيفًا: “أود أن أشكر الفريق بأكمله وزملائي السابقين، لقد كان موسمًا رائعًا، أركز الآن على مغامرتي الجديدة، أود أن أشكر مانشستر سيتي، لدينا الكثير من الأهداف التي نسعى لتحقيقها، آمل أن أتمكن من تحقيقها جميعًا وتحقيق العديد من الانتصارات معًا”.
وأتم: “شكرًا أيضًا لعائلتي بأكملها، في أسوأ الأوقات، كانوا دائمًا بجانبيـ شكرًا لوالديّ وإخوتي وزوجتي وابني، شكرًا لكم جميعًا، لأن بفضلكم أنا هنا الليلة”.
Matheus Cunha has shared a cryptic update on his injury status as the Brazilian continues his recovery during the international break. Cunha was forced off the pitch in Manchester United's 3-2 win over Burnley in their last Premier League clash and the striker later withdrew from the Brazil national team. The new United signing is now eyeing a return to action ahead of the Manchester derby next weekend.
Cunha shared a cryptic injury update
Suffered injury against Burnley
Aiming to return to action ahead of derby
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WHAT HAPPENED?
United initially felt that their summer signing could spend a prolonged spell on the sidelines, however, later reported that Cunha's knock is far less severe than first thought. Now, the belief within the camp is that the 26-year-old could even make it back in time for the crunch clash against Manchester City at the Etihad on September 14.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Amid speculation over his condition, the Red Devils star has now shared an update on his injury status, as he continues with his recovery. Cunha is not the only United star who has suffered an injury setback. Mason Mount’s fitness is also a growing concern, with the midfielder’s unspecified injury casting doubt over his participation in the derby. Mount soldiered on for half an hour against Burnley before being replaced at the break by Kobbie Mainoo.
WHAT CUNHA SAID
On his Instagram story, Cunha posted a photograph of himself working out on an exercise bike and wrote: "The time is flying".
IG:@cunha
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WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
Amorim's side will now aim to make it two wins in a row as they face an under-fire Manchester City side next Sunday.
The half-centuries from Kamindu and Asalanka ended up as mere footnotes in the game as WI won with five balls to spare
Andrew Fidel Fernando13-Oct-2024
Evin Lewis and Brandon King scored 74 runs in the powerplay for West Indies•AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala
West Indies 180 for 5 (King 63, Lewis 50, Pathirana 2-27) beat Sri Lanka 179 for 7 (Asalanka 59, Kamindu 51, Shepherd 2-39) by five wicketsBrandon King and Evin Lewis crashed 107 off 55 balls at the top of the order, to set West Indies beautifully on course to their target of 180, in the first T20I against Sri Lanka. Although the hosts’ middle-overs bowlers slowed West Indies’ progress, they were never in serious trouble.They had plenty of batting to see the chase through, and Sherfane Rutherford finished it off with a four off the first ball of the final over.Shamar Joseph was the most economical of West Indies’ bowlers, conceding only 27 from his four overs. Though King and Lewis later outshone them, Sri Lanka had two half-centurions too, in Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka, whose 82-run stand was the most substantial of the innings.King, Lewis blast the powerplayLewis struck the first boundaries, launching Chamindu Wickramasinghe for a six and four at the end of the first over, but it was King who made the greatest impression while the fielding restrictions were in play. King’s standard move was to run at the bowlers and blast them down the ground. So good was his hand-eye coordination, that he did it twice against seamer Asitha Fernando in the second over, before taking aim at the spin of Maheesh Theekshana in the third over.By the end of the powerplay, King had eight fours (some of them edged, to be fair), and 39 runs off 20 balls. Lewis, who had blasted boundaries off Wickramasinghe almost exclusively, had 31 off 16 balls. And West Indies had 74 off the first six.They kept swinging, and by the end, Lewis made 50 off 28, and King 63 off 33. The requirement was fairly simple after their onslaught.Shamar Springer celebrates his maiden T20I wicket•AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala
WI quicks strike earlyBy contrast, Sri Lanka’s top order had failed to prosper on a helpful surface, thanks in part to sharp bowling from West Indies’ quicks. Romario Shepherd caught the edge of Pathum Nissanka’s bat three times, conceded fours behind the wicket and then had him caught by the keeper on the third occasion, to make West Indies’ first breakthrough. Kusal Perera was then bowled by Shamar Joseph early in the following over.When Kusal Mendis was also bowled by an excellent quicker delivery from Gudakesh Motie, leaving Sri Lanka at 58 for 3, it felt as if West Indies were about to carve open the game.Kamindu may be good at cricketBut then perhaps it’s time to admit that Kamindu appears to know what he is doing on a cricket field. Having recently become the fastest batter since 1950 to 1000 Test runs, he produced 50 off 41 here in the shortest format, outdone in his team only by Asalanka who clubbed 59 off 35, Kamindu would also bowl two overs for 14, switching arms when necessary. He took the wicket of the opposition’s top scorer, King, with his left-arm spin, and collected figures of 1 for 14.
There is no doubt that, as things stand, Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s most important player.
Despite still being just 23 years old, the Hale End icon has already amassed a staggering tally of 70 goals and 71 assists in 263 appearances for the club.
On top of being a bona fide star for Mikel Arteta, the mercurial number seven is also one of England’s most important players and already has 44 senior caps to his name.
We are sure that there isn’t another player in the Three Lions squad the Arsenal faithful would rather have in their team, although we’re equally sure they wouldn’t mind nabbing Chelsea’s Cole Palmer as well.
So they should be delighted about reports heavily linking them with an international star who has been compared to both Saka and Palmer.
Arsenal target Saka & Palmer hybrid
There is still just under a month left until the summer transfer window comes to a close, but Arsenal have already been far busier than usual.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Andrea Berta has made six first-team additions so far, with the likes of Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke coming to bolster the squad, while Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi have made their way to North London as marquee signings.
However, even though the Gunners have been more active than most fans expected they would be, the club still appear keen on making more additions to the team.
At least that is according to a recent report from Football Transfers, which reaffirms Arsenal’s concrete interest in Eberechi Eze.
In fact, it goes further than that, revealing that even though the potential sale of Fabio Vieira to VfB Stuttgart would have to be sorted first, an offer for the Crystal Palace star is ‘imminent.’
Interestingly, while the England ace has a release clause worth £68m in his current deal until August 15th, stories from earlier this month claimed that the North Londoners’ first offer will likely be worth around €60m, which is about £52m.
It’ll likely be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but Eze has proven he’s worth the effort, especially as he’s been compared to both Saka and Palmer.
How Eze compares to Saka and Palmer
In this instance, the primary comparisons to Palmer and Saka stem from FBref, which analysed players in similar positions in the Premier League last season and concluded that the Crystal Palace star was the fourth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Chelsea ace and the ninth most similar to the Hale End gem.
Non-Penalty G+As
0.52
0.54
Shots
3.48
3.41
Goal-Creating Actions
0.35
0.42
Interceptions
0.38
0.31
Successful Take-On %
48.6%
45.1%
You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which the Englishman ranked closely to his two compatriots.
In the former Manchester City gem’s case, these metrics included non-penalty goals plus assists, goal-creating actions, successful take-on percentage, interceptions and more, all per 90.
Non-Penalty Expected Goals
0.31
0.31
Shots
3.48
3.44
Passing Accuracy
74.2%
75.5%
Live Passes
29.5
33.5
Tackles Won
0.76
0.78
Clearances
0.35
0.42
Successful Take-Ons
2.33
2.14
Carries into the Final Third
1.67
1.67
In the case of the North Londoners’ crown jewel, the underlying numbers included metrics such as non-penalty expected goals, passing accuracy, live passes, shots, tackles won, clearances, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
The comparisons to Saka are particularly encouraging as it paints a picture of a player who has the ability to be just as devastating in attack, while also being willing and able to help out in defence, which sounds like just the sort of attacker Arteta loves.
With all that said, while the comparisons to his two compatriots are certainly a positive sign, they aren’t the only reason the Premier League runners-up should be going out to sign the former QPR gem.
Another, just as important reason would be his output last season, as in just 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes, the midfield “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists.
In other words, the 27-year-old maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, for a team that finished the season in mid-table.
Ultimately, it might not be an easy transfer to pull off, but Eze is such an incredibly gifted player that Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign him, especially given the comparisons to Saka and Palmer.
Arsenal can hand Arteta his own Isak-level signing in £100m Eze alternative
The incredible international could be a real game-changer for Arsenal.
Pakistan captain relieved after change in tactics helps bring end to barren home run
Danyal Rasool18-Oct-2024Not quite vindication just yet, but certainly relief. That was the tone Pakistan captain Shan Masood tried to strike after Pakistan had skittled England out for 144 in Multan. It gave them their first home win in four years, and on a personal note, Masood his first Test win as captain.”This was a very important win for Pakistan cricket,” he said. “The recent results were unacceptable. There is relief. This is a long process and journey. It won’t be fixed overnight. It’s been three years and 10 months since we last won a Test at home. That’s not acceptable for Pakistan cricket. We pride ourselves on how well we play this game and how we see ourselves as a team. For us to get a result and hopefully start something here in our own conditions is exciting. Going through that adverse situation for years and still getting a result: that’s the character you want from your players, staff and cricket board. Everyone’s responded well after the [first Test] loss which is very heartening.”Following an innings defeat that intensified focus on Masood’s captaincy and a seemingly endless losing streak, the newly established selection committee overhauled Pakistan’s template overnight. Fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah were dispatched from the squad, and Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were brought in from the cold – none of them having played any first-class cricket since January. The same pitch as the first Test was recycled and reused.Masood, though, said Pakistan had not changed their line of thinking on the one subject that really mattered. “I said that in defeat, and I’ll say it in victory: 20 wickets is non-negotiable in Test matches,” he said. “Conditions in the 4th innings are only batting-friendly about 10% of the time. We have to understand our conditions and think first about what combinations get us 20 wickets. We need big first innings with the bat and then the bowlers to back us up to give us a lead. The lead took the third-innings pressure off us, and the 75-run lead helped us because where we scored 220-odd [that] resulted in a nearly 300-run target.”Sajid Khan and Noman Ali took all of the 20 wickets in the Test•Getty ImagesMasood acknowledged the central gamble at the heart of Pakistan’s winning tactic this week though. Perhaps the most important act of the game was the flip of the coin before the first ball was bowled. Ben Stokes called tails, as he always does, and when the coin pointed the other way, the gambit had paid off.The rest was taken care of by two of the spinners they brought in, with Sajid and Noman splitting all 20 wickets between them – the first time two players have been responsible for all opposition wickets since 1972, and just the second time in Pakistan’s history. In the second innings, no other bowler even turned their arm over as England were wrapped up in 33.3 overs.”Today, we were solely focused on how to take eight wickets,” Masood said. “Since I’ve come in, we’ve had no issue taking risks. We’ve tried to play cricket that brings results, and we’ve lost a lot of matches doing that, too. When the selection committee came in, all of us had one concern: to take 20 wickets. We’d only taken 20 wickets once in my tenure. We looked at conditions and realised playing on a used surface and giving spinners an advantage [could work]. We thought why not try something different.”You’ll have to give credit to Noman and Sajid, the way they came back. It looked like two seasoned campaigners were bowling for Pakistan. These risks need to be taken to try and take 20 wickets, no matter what kind of pitch we do it on.”It’s been a familiar refrain for Masood this series, one where the result has justified the somewhat extreme methods Pakistan adopted. This is, as he pointed out, just the second time in seven Test matches under his captaincy that Pakistan have managed to take 20 wickets. He said Pakistan would be guided by the most efficient route from hereon, no matter how.It is a subtle departure from the message of belligerent positivity that Masood has preached for the best part of his stint, but at some point, idealism had to be abandoned at the altar of pragmatism. It leaves the question of what Pakistan do in Rawalpindi, a surface that has never been amenable to prodigious turn. And though Masood did say Pakistan would need to understand conditions at each specific venue, there was little attempt to conceal what Pakistan really wanted from the pitch for the third Test.”I would [like it to spin]. I don’t know if I’ve seen it turn in Rawalpindi, so that’s an issue. We’re hoping the sun can play its part and the wicket can be on the drier side. But it remains to be seen. We’ll go there on [Sunday] and have a look. The groundsmen are already there and working on a Test match pitch. We’ll try to create a good Test wicket where both teams can pick up 20 wickets.”
Newcastle United’s summer transfer window is kicking into life, all right, with Eddie Howe determined to package a squad with enough quality to challenge across the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Last season was one of staggering success for the Magpies, who deservedly beat Liverpool at Wembley in March to lift the Carabao Cup, so ending 70 years adrift from that matchless trophy-winning feeling.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match
On the last day of the top-flight term, the Toon also secured their place in next year’s elite European tournament after finishing fifth in the league.
However, Newcastle’s 2024 summer window still lingers in the minds of all affiliated. It’s something of a miracle that Howe led his troops to glory in spite of the market setbacks.
The new campaign is a little over a month away, and United are planning to make a series of signings despite their slow start to the window.
That slow start has started to gather some pace, in fairness, but more is needed if Howe’s to piece together Newcastle’s dream squad for the 2025/26 season.
The goalkeepers James Trafford becomes the new No. 1
Newcastle have maintained a vested interest in Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford for a while now, and though Howe has been bruised by a number of setbacks in the market, this one looks like it will glide through to the finish line in a potential £30m deal.
Hailed as a “world-class keeper” by Clarets boss Scott Parker, the Englishman will jockey for a regular starting berth with Nick Pope, who has been a staple of the Howe era but missed ten Premier League matches last year due to injury.
Newcastle, for sure, aren’t strapped for options between the sticks. Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie all form a bloated chunk of the St. James’ Park first-team squad.
Profit and Sustainability technicalities have played heavily into the unique situation, but there’s no question that Trafford would sit atop the pile if signed this summer.
Full list of goalkeepers: James Trafford, Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie
The defence Howe finally lands a new centre-back
Amid the long list of rejections this summer is likely to be Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who was the subject of four failed bids from the Tynesiders in 2024 and has entered Newcastle’s sights once more this year.
But Liverpool appear to hold the lead in the race, and Newcastle have thus swivelled their attention to Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, who, aged 22, is valued in excess of £50m.
Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini
The dynamic defender will complete a backline already replete with depth and quality. A fully-fit Sven Botman could provide the right-footer with a formidable partner, while Fabian Schar and Dan Burn offer high-level competition that will be vital across a multi-front campaign.
And Howe’s diligence and planning over the past few years has also limited the attention required on the flanks. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall make for one of the most exciting young partnerships in the game, while Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier bring leadership to the fold.
Full list of centre-backs: Fabian Schar, Giorgio Scalvini, Jamal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Dan Burn
Full list of right-backs: Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth
Full list of left-backs: Lewis Hall, Matt Targett
The midfield Magpie midfielders remain the essence of Howe's system
Newcastle’s defence is in pretty good nick, but not so much as the midfield, which has been pieced together masterfully over the past few years. When Sandro Tonali gelled with Bruno Guimaraes after last winter’s blip, United reached new levels, establishing the form that would lead to silver-tinted glory.
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has certainly sung their praises, saying of the midfield: “One of the best in the league. Probably just behind Liverpool’s or maybe even on par with Liverpool’s. They’ve got a blend of everything and incredible players. I think they’ve got some of the best players in the world in that position.”
Tonali’s redefinition as a number six promoted the ball-playing focus of Howe’s game and allowed Guimaraes to operate in a more advanced, fluid role. Joelinton’s undying energy was magnified but Sean Longstaff, who has been linked with a summer sale could exit to please PSR. Leeds United have already tabled an offer.
In his stead, Newcastle have been named suitors for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, with the England international valued at £50m. His completeness and athleticism would be the perfect counterpoint to a midfield already rich with contrasting quality.
Newcastle would likely look to whittle down Atletico’s asking price, but it’s an exciting time for the Toon, who already are so strong in the centre, with Joe Willock and the young Lewis Miley looking to play their part too.
Full list of central midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Conor Gallagher, Joe Willock, Lewis Miley
The forwards Sweeping changes built around Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak remains Newcastle’s talisman, and PIF’s £200m price tag for the Sweden star should keep him at St. James’ Park for at least one more year.
He does need competition though, since Callum Wilson has packed up and left at the end of his contract. There have been a few blows in that regard so far, but Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has recently been lined up. The sticking point, of course, is that the Bees want £50m.
And despite signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a £55m deal, more is needed, to be sure. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes hold down the fort pretty well on the left flank, but Newcastle are still interested in signing another name to enrich the ranks.
And that would be Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, who is set to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer. His £40m price tag might put the Magpies off, for this would take their spending over £200m after having bagged Elanga already.
Instead, a loan move looks like it could be the order of the day, one which would provide creative relief and allow a deal for someone like Wissa to be pursued too.
Centre-forward
86
34
8
Left winger
28
6
4
Right winger
7
4
0
Attacking midfield
3
1
0
The recent rumours surrounding Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike make for compelling reading, but it’s just hard to envisage a world where Newcastle win the race for the £85m-rated centre-forward while keeping Isak on the books too.
And Isak is staying. Thus, a more pragmatic, but still impressive, deal for a Premier League-proven and positionally dynamic player in Wissa could prove the order of the day for Newcastle as they look to polish off this remarkable squad of Magpies.
Full list of right wingers: Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy
Full list of left wingers: Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jack Grealish
Full list of strikers: Alexander Isak, Yoane Wissa, William Osula
Elanga's new Gibbs-White: Newcastle leading race for £40m "magician"
Newcastle are hoping to make more signings after landing Anthony Elanga.
Next season feels like it’s set to be a massive one for Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca’s side will be going into it as Conference League and World Champions, and while they won’t be the favourites to win the Premier League, there will undoubtedly be an expectation that they will challenge for the title.
Fortunately, the board are properly backing the team so far this summer, with exciting signings like Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro
Moreover, the Blues have even been linked with Eberechi Eze, although, based on reports, it now appears they’re turning their attention to someone who’d be a far better signing.
Chelsea target big Eze upgrade
It’s been a busy summer of business for Chelsea so far, and one of the players who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge has been Eze.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Crystal Palace star has also been heavily touted for a move to London rivals Arsenal, but reports from earlier this month revealed that the Blues have been in contact with the player’s representatives.
The England international has a release clause worth £68m in his current deal and would undoubtedly bring some real quality and flair to Maresca’s squad, but it now looks like BlueCo are rapidly advancing towards a deal for another attacker, who’d be an even better signing.
Eberechi Eze for Crystal Palace
At least that’s according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who claims that Chelsea are incredibly keen on signing Xavi Simons.
In fact, Plettenberg has revealed that personal terms are not an issue as the player is “open to the Chelsea project” and that “very good talks also took place with RB Leipzig yesterday.”
The German journalist claims that the Bundesliga side are now just “waiting for an offer” for the player they value at around £52m, per other reports.
While that’s still a lot of money to spend on one player, Simons has proven he’d be worth it over the last couple of seasons, and a better signing than Eze to boot.
Why Simons would be a better signing than Eze
So, while both players are brilliant, there are several reasons why Simons would be the better signing for Chelsea this summer, and the first is their output in the league, which is ultimately their bread and butter.
Simons vs Eze in the league
Players
Simons
Eze
Appearances
25
34
Minutes
2157′
2603′
Goals
10
8
Assists
7
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.68
0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvement
126.88′
162.68′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
In his 25 Bundesliga appearances last season, totalling 2157 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem scored ten goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.47 league games, or every 126.88 minutes.
In contrast, the Eagles star scored eight goals and provided as many assists in 34 Premier League appearances last season, totalling 2603 minutes, which comes out to a lacklustre average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 162.68 minutes.
In addition to performing better in the league, the Flying Dutchman also shares some statistical similarities with the incredible Cole Palmer, which can only be a good thing.
For example, Squawka ranks them very closely for key metrics such as goals, assists, chances created, take-ons completed and more, all per 90.
These numbers help convey that the Amsterdam-born “game-changer,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is someone capable of impacting the game in more ways than just goals and assists, as evident in some of his highlight reels.
Finally, and this is especially important when it comes to the Blues, the former PSV Eindhoven monster is still just 22 years old, and therefore, he’d be able to develop and continue improving alongside the likes of Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Joao Pedro and then hit his peak around the same time as them.
Ultimately, while Eze would be a good signing for Chelsea, Simons would simply be the smarter one with more upside a few years from now, and therefore, they should do all they can to get him to West London this summer.
Chelsea star says yes to joining Madrid; his exit can fund Simons & Rodrygo
Losing the international star would be far from ideal for Chelsea.
Nottingham Forest now hold a strong interest in signing a “superb” defender, who is also a target for Premier League rivals Manchester United, according to a report.
Nottingham Forest's ambition underlined by Gibbs-White renewal
Evangelos Marinakis has made no secret of the fact that he has big aspirations for Forest, and Morgan Gibbs-White made it clear that the owners’ ambition was one of the main reasons he decided to extend his contract, despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
With the Tricky Trees set to take part in the Europa League next season, it is important they have tied Gibbs-White down to a new contract, and one of the key tasks to follow will be bringing in a replacement for Anthony Elanga.
Bologna’s Dan Ndoye has emerged as the main target, and the deal is now edging closer to completion, with Fabrizio Romano giving his trademark ‘here we go’ on Monday afternoon.
As such, Nuno Espirito Santo can perhaps now turn his attention towards strengthening other areas of his squad, and the Europa League side have now joined the race for a defender.
That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which reveals Nottingham Forest now hold a strong interest in signing Fiorentina’s Pietro Comuzzo, who is also being targeted by Man United and Sunderland.
Given Comuzzo’s impressive performances last season, he is attracting strong interest from the Tricky Trees, although none of the interested Premier League clubs have submitted an offer as things stand.
Should Forest decide to formalise their interest, it could take a big offer to prise the centre-back away from Fiorentina, as the Italian club value him at £38m.
"Superb" Comuzzo could be ready for Premier League move
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the 20-year-old as “superb” last season, while also praising his composure and consistency, and for good reason, given that the youngster managed to hold down a regular spot in the Fiorentina starting XI.
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The Italian made 44 appearances in all competitions, which is no mean feat at such a young age, and he scored a remarkable goal in Fiorentina’s 3-2 victory against Udinese back in May.
Comuzzo is showing very promising signs at Fiorentina, and he could be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, but a £38m asking price is a little on the pricey side, given that the starlet is yet to prove himself at the highest level.
As many as eight of the ten IPL franchises are understood to be represented in the process, and have already held extensive talks with counties
Matt Roller12-Dec-2024The ECB has pledged to avoid an “IPL takeover” of English cricket after the latest deadline in the Hundred’s sales process arrived with significant American interest. Prospective investors were given until Monday to submit bids in the second round of the process, with each host county or club now preparing to choose their two preferred partners for a joint venture.As many as eight of the ten IPL franchises are understood to be represented in the process by either their owners or co-owners, and have held extensive talks with counties in the past two months. But there has also been serious interest from private equity and US-based sports investors, including some who are already involved in English football.ESPNcricinfo understands that Avram Glazer, the co-owner of Manchester United, has submitted two second-round bids. Cain International, founded by Chelsea co-owner Jonathan Goldstein, and Knighthead Capital, who own Birmingham City, have also reportedly been involved in the second round of talks with host counties.Related
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The ECB, which hopes to raise a minimum of £350 million from the sales process, has indicated that it would ideally prefer a spread of investors to a scenario in which all eight have similar backgrounds. In an interview in the new edition of , the board’s chairman Richard Thompson said there was “a huge amount of American money” on the table.”This isn’t going to end up being an IPL takeover,” Thompson said. “There’s a huge amount of American money involved – very sophisticated investors who understand franchise sport. We invented sport, they invented the franchise, and they’re looking long-term.”They know we’ve got the best time zone in the world. And if you’re looking to maximise the media rights, you look at the fact that rugby and football have got such incredibly successful domestic products, and we haven’t, really. They can see how unvalued that is.”A lot of those American investors have had huge success investing in the Premier League and feel that the way that English law is structured, the way there is this tribalism and passion for sport in this country, they’ve seen that success play out through football and think, ‘well, that can play out just as easily in cricket, if we invest well’.”IPL franchises have invested heavily in the three major T20 leagues that have launched in the last two years. Between them, they have stakes in four out of the six Major League Cricket (MLC) franchises, three of the six ILT20 franchises in the UAE, and all six teams in South Africa’s SA20.
“If we make decisions that actually leave some value on the table, that will be for the good of the sport, and that’s an important principle… In other processes, you talk about maximising value; here, we’re talking about optimising value, and that’s a subtle change but it’s really important”Tim Bridge, leader of the sports business group at ECB’s financial advisors Deloitte
Sanjay Govil, a tech entrepreneur who owns Washington Freedom in MLC, is also understood to have submitted multiple bids for stakes in Hundred franchises. CVC Capital Partners, which owns Gujarat Titans in the IPL, and Ares Management are both understood to be among the private equity firms still involved in the process, with both interested in Oval Invincibles.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny, the Hollywood actors and co-owners of Welsh football club Wrexham AFC, are understood to have been in contact with the ECB and its financial advisors regarding their interest in Welsh Fire. It is unclear if they submitted a second-round bid before Monday’s deadline.The money raised from the sale of 49% stakes in each of the eight Hundred franchises will be split among the 18 counties and MCC, barring 10% ring-fenced for recreational cricket. Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, recently described the sale as “a once-in-a-generation” chance to secure “a significant capital injection” into English cricket.The level of interest in the Hundred was described as “unprecedented” by Tim Bridge, the leader of the sports business group at Deloitte, one of the ECB’s financial advisors, at a recent Lancashire members’ forum. “The level of interest really does make us have initial confidence that we’re going to reach a very successful outcome,” he said.The owners of Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, among others, are understood to be bidding for stakes•BCCIHe also suggested that some counties may not choose to partner with the highest bidder. “If we make decisions that actually leave some value on the table, that will be for the good of the sport, and that’s an important principle… In other processes, you talk about maximising value; here, we’re talking about optimising value, and that’s a subtle change but it’s really important.”Lancashire, who have spoken to potential partners from the US but retain their desire to work with an IPL franchise, are among the host clubs to have indicated a preference to keep hold of their 51% stake in their Hundred team. Others include MCC (London Spirit), Surrey (Oval Invincibles) and Warwickshire (Birmingham Phoenix).After each host club has shortlisted two potential investors, they will resume discussions which will run into the new year. In late January, each club will nominate a preferred partner and enter into a period of exclusivity with them, with the ambition of signing detailed contracts by the start of April.One source suggested that the nascent threat of a boycott of the Hundred by players disillusioned by the ECB’s new policy on no-objection certificates has had no impact of note on the second round of bids.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has made no secret of the fact that he would like to see the club bring in more attackers before the end of the summer transfer window.
At the time of writing, Lukas Nmecha is the only attacker signed by the Whites so far, having joined on a free transfer from Wolfsburg early on in the window.
The Championship champions have still yet to replace Manor Solomon, who returned to Spurs at the end of his loan spell last season, with a new winger to bolster the squad.
However, Farke is reportedly on course to land a new option to pick from in the centre-forward position, in the form of free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that the former England international is set to undergo a medical before completing a switch to Elland Road.
It currently remains to be seen whether or not he will be signed in time to make his debut against his former club at Elland Road in the Premier League on Monday.
What Dominic Calvert-Lewin could bring to Leeds
Above all else, Calvert-Lewin is a proven Premier League striker who has been there and done it in the division over a number of years at Everton.
The 28-year-old star scored 71 goals in 273 matches in all competitions during his time with the Toffees, as per Transfermarkt, and will bring experience that Farke does not currently have in that position with Nmecha and Joel Piroe.
Even when he is not at his best from a technical perspective, the 6 foot 2 marksman will also provide a physical presence in the number nine position for Leeds. As per Sofascore, the forward won 3.3 aerial duels per game at a success rate of 51% in the top-flight last term, which shows that he can hold his own against towering defenders.
However, there may be some understandable concerns about his goalscoring record over the last four seasons or so, as he has been far from prolific of late.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Premier League career
Season
Appearances
Goals
24/25
26
3
23/24
32
7
22/23
17
2
21/22
17
5
20/21
33
16
19/20
36
13
18/19
35
6
17/18
32
4
16/17
11
1
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin has not hit double figures for goals in the Premier League since the 2020/21 campaign, when fans were not allowed in grounds, and only scored three times last season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Everton.
This suggests that Leeds will need plenty of creativity in their side to ensure that enough chances are created to boost the English striker’s output, and a fresh report suggests that they could be on course to add a big creative threat.
Leeds have held talks to sign Championship star
According to CaughtOffside, Leeds United have already held talks with the representatives of Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss.
The report claims that the Whites have already offered contract terms to the Morocco international, with a £50k-per-week deal waiting for him at Elland Road if he opts to make the move.
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It adds that the number ten has a £24.5m release clause in his contract with the Championship side, and that the West Yorkshire outfit are willing to pay it to snap him up this summer.
CaughtOffside reveals, though, that Newcastle United, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the 21-year-old playmaker, which means that it will not be an easy deal for Leeds to get over the line.
It is now down to the Championship champions to convince El Khannouss that a move to Elland Road is the best next step for him, and this report suggests that is exactly what they are trying to do at this moment in time.
Why Calvert-Lewin would love El Khannouss
Signing the Leicester playmaker shortly after agreeing a deal to sign Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer could make a lot of sense, because they have the potential to strike up a partnership for the Whites in the upcoming season.
El Khannouss is an attacking midfielder who plays behind the striker, as a number ten in Farke’s 4-2-3-1 system, and this means that he would be directly behind the former Everton man and tasked with supplying him with chances to score.
Leicester City's BilalElKhannoussin action
As aforementioned, Calvert-Lewin has not been in the best of form in front of goal in recent seasons, which means that it is imperative that the Whites supply him with plenty of opportunities to get him back on the goal trail and back to his best.
El Khannouss may have been relegated from the Premier League with the Foxes in the 2024/25 campaign, but he was still able to showcase his quality at the top end of the pitch.
The 21-year-old talent delivered three goals and five assists in all competitions for Leicester, per Sofascore, but his underlying numbers in the Premier League were even more eye-catching.
24/25 Premier League
Bilal El Khannous per 90
Percentile rank vs AMs & wingers
xAG
0.19
Top 46%
Assists
0.12
Bottom 35%
Passes attempted
43.85
Top 15%
Progressive passes
5.28
Top 14%
Passes into the final third
3.67
Top 10%
Key passes
1.73
Top 37%
Through balls
0.45
Top 16%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, El Khannouss ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of creative metrics in the top-flight, but was not rewarded with the assists that his excellent play deserved.
These statistics show that the Moroccan youngster is an attacking midfielder who likes to find his teammates in dangerous positions in the final third, with progressive passes, key passes, and through balls to cut open opposition defences on a regular basis.
Leicester City's BilalElKhannoussin action with Crystal Palace's Chris Richards
His creative prowess was on display for Leicester in their opening game of the Championship season against Sheffield Wednesday, as he recorded two assists and created three ‘big chances’ in a 2-1 win for his side, per Sofascore.
The £24.5m-rated talent would be a dream for Calvert-Lewin, therefore, because he has the creativity, the passing quality, and the Premier League experience to be a dream number ten for the striker to play ahead of.
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Whilst it will then be down to the forward to make the most of those chances, the former Everton man will be delighted to have a player who can consistently tee him up for shots at goal.