Rohit Sharma is set to join the India side in Australia on November 24, and will play the two-day pink-ball tour game from November 30 in Canberra, ahead of the day-night Test in Adelaide. The India Test captain was not available for the first Test in Perth as he stayed back in India for the birth of his second child.In the absence of Rohit, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team at the Optus Stadium. “I spoke with Rohit earlier,” Bumrah said at his press conference on the eve of the first Test in Perth. “But I got a little bit of clarity on leading the side after coming in here.”Rohit’s return is a boost to the India team, who will have to rely on some fringe players for the series opener in Perth. The two-day pink-ball fixture against the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval could serve as valuable prep for Rohit and the Indians as the hosts are likely to include some international players and Test hopefuls.Related

• Bumrah and Cummins keen to stand out as fast-bowling captains

• Rohit Sharma to miss first Test in Perth

In the last two seasons the Prime Minister’s XI fixture has a four-day contest featuring West Indies in 2022 (which was also a day-night game) and Pakistan in 2023, having traditionally been a limited-overs match, but the India game has been trimmed to just two days.Rohit will be hoping to find some form, having managed only 91 runs in six innings at an average of 15.16 against New Zealand at home recently.India had last played a day-night Test, against Sri Lanka, in Bengaluru in March 2022, when they won by 238 runs. When India last played a day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval, they folded for 36 in their second innings but they bounced back spectacularly to win the series 2-1.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's ambitions of winning the Ballon d'Or have been brandished 'realistic' by a former Real Madrid star. Steve McManaman, who also left Liverpool to join the Spanish giants, believes the England star has what it takes to become the best player in the world, as long as he can overcome some major hurdles standing in his way.

• Alexander-Arnold's big Ballon d'Or ambition

  During an interview in 2024, Alexander-Arnold revealed his desire to become the first full-back to ever win the Ballon d'Or. When asked between winning the Golden Ball or the World Cup with England, he answered: "I'd say win a Ballon d'Or.Because I believe I can. I want to be the first full-back to ever do it. It's only after the morning after you retire that you're able to look in the mirror and say, 'I gave it everything I got'. It doesn't matter how many trophies you win, or how many medals you've got, it matters what you give to the game and if you reach your full potential."

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  Mbappe and Vinicius standing in Trent's way

  In an exclusive interview with GOAL, former Liverpool and Real star McManaman claimed that Alexander-Arnold's hopes are indeed 'realistic', but he is not the only Galactico who has eyes on the Ballon d'Or.

  "It could be realistic. The only thing I'd say is most Ballon d'Or winners are forwards at this moment in time," McManaman said. "He's going to need to be successful before he's even spoken about as a Ballon d'Or contender. He's made the move to Madrid, they've started the season well and he's started well. Trent wants to be a Ballon d'Or contender and to win it, but so does Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe! The most important thing is for them to be successful, we'll wait and see."

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  Real Madrid set to snub Ballon d'Or ceremony again

  Though Alexander-Arnold, Mbappe and Vinicius are all targeting Ballon d'Or glory, Real Madrid are expected to boycott the ceremony for a second year running. Los Blancos pulled out of France Football's 2024 event after learning that leading contender Vinicius had lost out to Rodri, while the 2025 award is expected to go to Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain or Lamine Yamal.

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• What next for Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid?

  After being overlooked for the England squad this month, Alexander-Arnold was back on the bench for Madrid's 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday. The former Liverpool star, who came on in the 82nd minute of that win, will hope to get a chance from the start when Xabi Alonso's men begin their 2025-26 Champions League campaign at home to Marseille on Tuesday night. 

استقر يانيك فيريرا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، على التشكيل الذي سيخوض مباراة الأهلي، مساء اليوم الإثنين، والتي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.

طالع | تشكيل الزمالك أمام الأهلي اليوم في الدوري المصري.. ثلاثي هجومي

ومن المقرر أن يتواجه الزمالك مع الأهلي، على استاد القاهرة الدولي، في إطار الجولة التاسعة من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، إذ تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

طالع بعد ارتباطه بـ الأهلي.. رئيس بوجون البولندي يحسم الجدل حول التعاقد مع توماس توماسبيرج

ويتصدر فريق الزمالك، جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 17 نقطة، من الفوز في 5 مباريات والتعادل في لقائين والخسارة في لقاء.

وعلى الجانب الآخر، يدخل الأهلي اللقاء وهو في المركز الثامن في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 12 نقطة، من الفوز في 3 مباريات والتعادل في مثلها والخسارة في لقاء.

ويشهد تشكيل الزمالك المتوقع أمام الأهلي، وفقًا للتدريبات الختامية للفارس الأبيض، تواجد محمد إسماعيل في الدفاع وعودة خوان بيزيرا بعد الغياب عن مباراة الجونة الماضية للإيقاف. تشكيل الزمالك المتوقع أمام الأهلي

حراسة المرمى: محمد صبحي

خط الدفاع: محمود بنتايج وحسام عبد المجيد ومحمد إسماعيل وعمر جابر

خط الوسط: نبيل دونجا وعبد الله السعيد وناصر ماهر وخوان بيزيرا وشيكو بانزا أو “أدم كايد”.

الهجوم: عدي الدباغ.

MatériaMais Notícias

Não raramente, costumamos definir o jogo de futebol como um duelo de ’11 contra 11′, como se as individualidades fossem o fator mais importante para definir o vencedor de uma partida. Vanderlei Luxemburgo, técnico do Corinthians, é adepto dessa tese e defende que o jogador deve solucionar problemas em campo sozinho, através do improviso.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansRóger Guedes cobra mudança de postura após derrota do Corinthians e dispara: ‘O time tem que jogar mais’Corinthians11/05/2023CorinthiansRoni lamenta derrota do Corinthians e espera melhora física e mental da equipe para o MajestosoCorinthians11/05/2023VídeoVÍDEO: os melhores momentos da vitória do Botafogo sobre o Corinthians pelo BrasileirãoVídeo11/05/2023

A derrota do Timão por 3 a 0 para o Botafogo, porém, deixa uma importante lição para o técnico, que sofre neste início de trabalho à frente da equipe. Diante de um time cujo ataque se baseia em movimentos coletivos, como a equipe de Luis Castro, a defesa corintiana sofreu e passou a sensação de passividade. O buraco, no entanto, é mais embaixo.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Cássio comete pênalti infantil, Corinthians sofre na criação e é amassado pelo Botafogo

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

Marcando por encaixes individuais, o popular ‘cada um pega o seu’, a defesa corintiana foi facilmente envolvida pela saída de bola do Botafogo, que montou uma armadilha simples e eficiente para superar o 4-1-4-1 de Luxemburgo: atrair a marcação e passar a bola no espaço vazio.

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O Botafogo construía seus ataques com zagueiros e laterais praticamente alinhados, além de um primeiro volante como opção de passe mais à frente. O segundo volante, se posicionava atrás da marcação de Yuri Alberto, que apenas fazia ‘sombra’. Gabriel Pires e Marlon Freitas se alternavam na função, o que também confundiu a marcação alvinegra.

A ideia era atrair a marcação ‘individual’ de Maycon ou Matheus Araújo com o segundo volante, que aproximava da bola como uma ‘isca’. O passe seria colocado pelos zagueiros e laterais no espaço deixado pelo marcador corintiano, para o primeiro volante que se deslocava para o ataque.

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A sensação de passividade na defesa não foi a causa da desorganização, e sim consequência: o meio-campo, que deveria estar postado, sempre encontrava um espaço provocado pelos volantes do Botafogo. Até identificar e cobrir esse buraco, o time adversário já infiltrava com o primeiro volante recebendo o passe à frente. Não tinha como corrigir isso dentro de campo, de maneira ’empírica’, como Luxemburgo prega.

Luxa ainda chegou a afirmar na coletiva que não há problema com a defesa corintiana, já que dois gols sofridos foram de bola parada e um foi em transição ofensiva.

O discurso do treinador, fora da realidade, expõe a falta de planejamento da diretoria e evidencia a crise física, tática e mental da equipe, que vê a luta contra o rebaixamento no Brasileirão cada vez mais real.

Tudo sobre

AnáliseBotafogoCorinthiansLuxemburgo

The former USMNT striker highlighted the significance of the national team's victory over Japan, noting signs of pressure on the coach

Victory could be turning point in Pochettino's USMNT tenureGomez says there were signs of pressure affecting the manager Tactical approach finally maximized player strengthsGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Former USMNT and MLS striker Herculez Gomez said U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino is already showing signs of strain despite the United States’ 2-0 win over Japan. Gomez argued that while the coach is known for his calm, collected demeanor, he showed he was under pressure based on his actions and comments to the media.

“Massive,” Gomez said on the when asked how big this win was for Pochettino. “First time in Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure we can see the pressure getting to him. He could say, ‘It's not getting to me’, he can say ‘It doesn't bother me,' but he was taking – I would say not shots – but he felt defensive. And he's doing his front of the U.S press. I could only imagine what he's faced in Paris, what he's faced in England, what he has faced in other places he's been in, like La Liga – this should be nothing.

"But he felt slightly, he felt like he had to be a little bit more defensive. And the only thing that can cure the ails of the fan base, the only way to ensure the worries of certain pundits is winning."

Despite Pochettino's attempts to downplay the significance of criticism, Gomez said that the manager's tactical change showed his awareness of the criticism and need for improved results.

“So he did what he needed to do," he said. "I thought it was very intelligent of the coaching staff to see the players they had at their disposal and say, 'You know what, we've got to do what we can with what we have. ’ They changed the formation, 3-4-2-1, more catered to the players and how they play at their club teams… He played to the player's strengths."

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The ESPN FC broadcaster pointed out that the doubts surrounding Pochettino's leadership were well-founded, highlighting the manager's decision to field 15 different starting lineups within a single year. 

“This [win] was very much needed for the coaching staff,” Gomez added. “This was fresh air. They were being doubted, and I think for good reason… In October, it’ll be one full year [under Pochettino's leadership]. So there were these doubts, there were these cracks that people were starting to see. It gives a relief to the coaching staff.”

Despite acknowledging the importance of the result, Gomez made it clear that his fundamental concerns about Pochettino's suitability for the position remained unresolved. Gomez stressed that the coach has yet to field what he considers an optimal squad, often missing key pieces even when the decisions were his own.

“Because you don’t have a Messi, you have to be the equal to the sum of the parts," he said. "And he didn’t have those parts, so I wanna give him the benefit of the doubt, but he’s not helped his cause. Now this [win] is going to help.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The USMNT beat Japan 2-0 with goals from Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun to win their first game in seven tries against a team inside the FIFA top 30 rankings during Pochettino's tenure.

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Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

Following their win over Japan, Pochettino and the USMNT will regroup in October against Ecuador and Australia.

Both sides unchanged after England’s emphatic eight-wicket win in opening Test at Christchurch

Andrew Miller05-Dec-20242:14

Why is Brydon Carse like Paul Mescal in Gladiator 2?

Big picture: The Basin revisitedTwenty-one months later, there’s still so much to unpack from that last extraordinary contest between New Zealand and England at Wellington. A packed crowd at the Basin Reserve had been invited in for free to witness one of the most extraordinary finishes in Test history – one that left even the vanquished James Anderson smiling at the absurdity of it all, after he gloved another bumper from the indefatigable Neil Wagner to traipse off to a defeat by the barest of all margins.It was the best of Bazball, but arguably the worst of Bazball too… utter commitment on the one hand to the cause of entertaining, engaging Test cricket, but – after enforcing a needless follow-on that loosened their grip on the game – the first example, too, of Brendon McCullum’s charges going “too far” in their exploration of the limits of attacking cricket. “We look at the bigger picture of what everyone’s enjoyed and seen here today,” Ben Stokes said after that loss. “It’s probably bigger than the disappointment at the moment.”Do they dare feel quite so flippant about Test setbacks anymore? That loss was followed soon afterwards by two further defeats from winning positions in the 2023 Ashes, and until their victory in last week’s first Test at Christchurch, England had won seven, lost seven in 14 previous matches in 2024. Seeing as Stokes had launched that match with another apology to his team for losing his cool during their 2-1 series loss in Pakistan, it’s clear that something has hardened in the interim. Now, he’s reserving his rattiness for the ICC’s over-rate adjudicators, which probably won’t get him very far on the WTC front, but it might just be a more galvanising outlet for his frustrations.And yet, what might have been had New Zealand held their chances in Christchurch? An extraordinary eight drops in England’s first innings mean the teams are probably all-square in the generosity stakes now – and given that five of those came off the bat of the “jammy” Harry Brook, it’s little wonder the rest of that match was one-way traffic.Brook’s 171 was a formidable knock in spite of the let-offs – and it hoisted his record in New Zealand to precisely 500 runs at 100.00. Now, however, he’s back at the scene of, quite possibly, his most domineering knock of all. His first-innings 186 back in 2023 began, much like last week’s effort, with England on the ropes, at 21 for 3 after Matt Henry and Tim Southee ripped out the top-order in the space of 40 balls. But for the rest of a truncated opening day, it was one-way traffic. Had the weather not lopped off 25 of the day’s overs while he was sitting pretty on 184, Brook would surely have surged past his double-century there and then, and – who knows – maybe that Multan triple-century wouldn’t have been his first either.New Zealand bounced back then, as they can now – and Kane Williamson’s ominous form on his return from a groin strain was hugely encouraging in that regard. But their flaws at Christchurch extended beyond their fielding lapses. Despite Devon Conway’s important contributions to that epic series win in India, he is averaging 21.10 across the past 12 months, while Tom Blundell’s form is of even greater concern. He’s managed one fifty in 25 innings since that epic Wellington win, when his vital 90 was instrumental in turning the tide.And then there’s the question of Tim Southee, into the final approach of his magnificent Test career, but so visibly the weak link in Christchurch as Brook and Ben Duckett took turns to take him down. Nevertheless, he still had his moments, particularly in that window of opportunity, early in England’s first innings, when the clouds had rolled over and the ball was talking loudly. England’s flaws against the moving ball, be it spin in Asia or seam and swing elsewhere, have not been adequately disproved in their uneven displays this year. If there’s a way back into the series for New Zealand, it’s surely to be found on a good length, and nipping back through the gate.Harry Brook gives the thumbs-up on his return to the Basin Reserve•Getty Images

Form guideNew Zealand LWWWL
England WLLWLIn the spotlight – Brydon Carse and Will O’RourkeBrydon Carse’s ten-wicket haul at Christchurch confirmed what we had already gleaned from his formidable displays in Pakistan: England have found themselves a real contender here. His pace and aggression was once again unstinting, while his accuracy was barely less of a factor in his penetrative displays across both innings. His match haul of 10 for 106 emulated that of Ryan Sidebottom at Hamilton in 2008, the last England seamer to claim ten wickets in an overseas Test, and caps a remarkable resurgence following the betting ban in the summer that prevented his debut from occurring any sooner. His three-month sidelining may have been a blessing in disguise, given that he’s hit these winter tours with a freshness that Gus Atkinson is arguably lacking after his summer’s exertions, but the challenge of backing up last week’s efforts will be a significant one all the same.With a little more luck on his side, Will O’Rourke might have delivered figures to rival those of Carse. He’s not quite as tall as the much-missed Kyle Jamieson, currently sidelined for a year with another stress fracture, but he used his 6ft4 frame to wonderful effect at Christchurch, generating speeds in excess of 145kph to hassle England’s batters to a far greater extent than his match haul of 2 for 165 would suggest. Three of those eight first-innings catches went down off his bowling, and even with 104 to defend second-time around, he struck with his first ball to dislodge a rampant Ben Duckett, then came within a whisker of delivering Joe Root’s first Test pair. No-one was ever entirely comfortable with his sharp pace and bounce, even when the runs were pouring in the victory charge. A blank slate and a fair wind at Wellington is the least he deserves.Team news: Both sides unchangedNew Zealand have a few worries, and not simply their catching. A stronger all-round batting contribution, bolstered by big scores from Conway and/or Blundell wouldn’t go a miss, nor would Southee getting fully into his groove. Nevertheless, the hosts have opted for an unchanged side for this second Test, in keeping with captain Tom Latham’s assessment post-defeat in Christchurch that no major overhaul of their approach was required.New Zealand: 1 Tom Latham (capt), 2 Devon Conway, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Rachin Ravindra, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Glenn Phillips, 8 Nathan Smith, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Will O’RourkeOllie Robinson (the Durham version) has arrived in New Zealand as a wicketkeeping replacement for Jordan Cox, but it looks like it will have been a futile search for a valid passport. England named an unchanged XI two days out from the toss, with Ollie Pope having proved more than adequate behind the stumps – just as he did in similarly emergency circumstances against Pakistan in 2022. Factor in his vital 77 from No.6, and Jacob Bethell’s precocious debut at No.3, and England seem to found a handy balance in adversity. England have opted against rotating their seamers, while Stokes is expected to be fit to bowl after sustaining a mid-over back niggle in New Zealand’s second innings.England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Jacob Bethell, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ollie Pope (wk), 7 Ben Stokes (capt), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Gus Atkinson, 10 Brydon Carse, 11 Shoaib BashirPitch and conditions: Another run-fest in store?England may be forewarned after the placid conditions they faced on day one in Christchurch, having won the toss and bowled on an apparent greentop. This Wellington deck “is green, but I’m not sure if it’s as green as what last week was,” said Chris Woakes, two days out from the Test. With a brown tinge in places, it looks set to dry out further and is likely to prove full of runs, if the events of England’s last visit to Wellington are any guide. Speaking on match eve, Latham didn’t expect the pitch to turn, based on first-class games played this year.Stats and trivia New Zealand have won 23 and lost 21 of their previous 68 Tests at the Basin Reserve, with 24 draws. Six of those wins, however, have come in their last eight Tests at the venue since 2017, with one draw against Sri Lanka in 2018, and a loss in their most recent outing against Australia in February. Tim Southee, who has a maximum of two Tests left in his career, needs five more sixes to reach 100 in Tests, having struck two in defeat in Christchurch. Southee also needs 13 wickets to reach 400 in Tests, although that is as many as he has claimed in nine Tests this year. The Test will feature four of the top-five batters in the ICC’s rankings, with Joe Root and Harry Brook occupying positions 1 and 2, with Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell at 3 and 5.Quotes”Looking at the surface here, looking at the games that have been played here this year, we saw last year that the wicket took a little bit of spin which surprised us a little bit. Going by the games here, the Wellington first-class games, I think the balance that we’ve gone in with is the right balance for this wicket. We obviously have some spin options in that top seven anyway. We think it’s the right fit and the guys are looking forward to the challenge.”
“”I don’t regret doing it. It ended up being a good game and we were only ever one run away from winning. It would be nice to be in that situation this time, and scratching my head wondering whether we enforce the follow on or not.”

Glasgow Rangers are in a three-club battle to bring an “aggressive” Premier League player to Ibrox this summer, according to an update from journalist Santi Aouna.

Martin buoyed by Rangers win

The Gers won 4-2 at home to Alloa Athletic in the second round of the Scottish League Cup on Saturday, and while some weren’t wholly convinced about the performance, manager Russell Martin found plenty of positives.

“There will be a lot of players who finish the day in a much better place than they were before, they have got some minutes in the tank and there will be a lot of learning for them. I am happy we won, and we are through because these can be difficult games but of course there’s a lot to work on and improve.

“I think there was a lot of good intention, so a lot of the guys were really trying to do what they have been asked to do and the stuff we worked on. There’s a lot to be pleased with and also lots to improve which is exciting because these are the guys at the minute who have been supporting the group that have been playing the most minutes and they have been playing really well and deserved the opportunity to play today and a lot of them will be in a better place.”

Martin will know the importance of more signings for Rangers this summer, not least at left-back, with Jefte set to move on and Martin confirming his interest in Brentford’s Jayden Meghoma. It isn’t just the Bees full-back that the Gers have their eye on in that position, though.

Rangers in battle to sign "aggressive" Alex Moreno

According to Aouna on X, Rangers and Martin are among the clubs interested in signing Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno this summer, but Real Betis are in pole position to get their man and Girona are also keen.

Moreno could be a statement signing by Rangers, even though Betis look the most likely to snap him up, having proven himself in the Premier League, making 55 appearances in the competition. At 32, the Spaniard has a huge amount of experience at a high level and has been lauded by Villa manager Unai Emery in the past.

“In the attacking third, he is getting into he box and finding not only crosses, but passes as well – very good. Now, what we’ve decided for him – because of his quality I knew before from Spain – I like sometimes the one side using the right or left back higher. We are doing it with the left-back higher than the right-back because to like use Moreno higher and more aggressive in attack.”

Martin's desperate to keep him: Rangers bracing themselves for "huge blow"

The Gers could lose one of their key men.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 16, 2025

As mentioned, signing Moreno, on £35,000-a-week may be wishful thinking currently, but if they could strike a deal, it would be strong business. If not, another left-back, like Meghoma, is needed.

Manchester City have now made contact over the signing of an £87m “superstar”, as manager Pep Guardiola is obsessed with him, according to a report.

Man City eyeing new forward amid Grealish uncertainty

Jack Grealish played a major role in Man City’s famous 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, but it would be fair to say the winger has otherwise failed to justify his astronomical price tag, and he is now set to exit the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Former scout Mick Brown believes it is a near-certainty the Englishman will leave City, saying: “I know he’s going to move from Man City, there’s no question about that, so the opportunity is there.”

Brown names Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur as potential suitors for Grealish, while there have also been widespread links to Everton over the past few days, so there is certainly no shortage of interest from rival Premier League clubs.

Man City eye half-price £40m swoop to sign "incredible" star who Pep loves

He’d be an ideal alternative to Morgan Gibbs-White…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 27, 2025

As a result, despite already signing Rayan Cherki this summer, Guardiola may want to bring in another new forward this summer, and an approach has now been made over a La Liga star.

That is according to a report from Spain (via TEAMtalk), which states Man City have made contact over a deal for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who has become Guardiola’s ‘big obsession’ to bolster his frontline.

City may have to break the bank to get a deal over the line, however, with Madrid set to hold out for a fee of £87m, amid rival interest from the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Should the Blues be able to sign the Brazilian, they would be ‘fulfilling’ Guardiola’s dream, but formal negotiations are yet to get underway.

"Superstar" Rodrygo could be huge upgrade on Grealish

Grealish has remained a fan favourite, despite flattering to deceive over the past few seasons, and the love is very much reciprocated, with the 29-year-old praising the City faithful at an Oasis concert in Heaton Park.

However, after scoring just one Premier League goal last season, it is clearly best for all parties if the winger is moved on, and there are plenty of signs that Rodrygo could be an exciting replacement.

Luka Modric has dubbed his former teammate a “world-class superstar”, and he remained a consistent source of goals and assists for Real Madrid across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
La Liga	30	6	6
Champions League	12	5	2
Copa del Rey	5	0	2
Supercopa	2	2	0

It will be a shame to see Grealish leave City, given his connection with the club, but Rodrygo is much younger than the winger at 24-years-old, and he could be the perfect long-term replacement.

Newcastle United have made a habit of spotting Premier League talent before it reaches its full peak, and they may be about to do it again.

Two years ago, they moved decisively for a 21-year-old winger who, while already a Premier League regular, had yet to hit his top level.

His arrival was met with scepticism, but now he is one of their most valuable assets and an England international.

That player was Anthony Gordon, signed from Everton for around £45m in January 2023.

The deal was framed as an investment in a player whose best football was ahead of him.

Newcastle’s patience has been rewarded.

Gordon’s pace, directness, and work rate have been crucial in Eddie Howe’s high-tempo system, and his trajectory has vindicated the club’s willingness to back promise over proven elite output.

Fast-forward to this summer, and the club appear poised to repeat the formula.

Another move is in the works for another young, attack-minded Premier League player. One who has endured an injury-disrupted couple of years but retains a reputation as a difference-maker when fit.

Newcastle set to sign a new midfield spark

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are set to complete the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with a full agreement for around £40m close.

Transfer Focus

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

Toon reporter Craig Hope revealed on Wednesday morning that Ramsey “wants to join” and there is confidence he will be a Newcastle player “before the weekend”.

The 24-year-old, described by journalist Charles Watts as “special,” looks set to bolster a midfield currently light on numbers.

Howe admitted to the Evening Chronicle that he was concerned about the depth in midfield after Sean Longstaff’s sale to Leeds United and Joe Willock’s injury in pre-season against the K-League XI.

“We want six – and now we are down to four,” he said.

The lack of cover has been so noticeable that Harrison Ashby, traditionally a right-back, was deployed in midfield during the Sela Cup match against Atlético Madrid.

Ramsey would offer a blend of forward thrust, ball-carrying, and defensive industry, making him a natural fit for Howe’s style.

The timing is intriguing too. Newcastle’s opening fixture of the new season is away at Villa Park, the ground where they suffered a bruising 4-1 defeat last season.

Shades of Gordon in the numbers

Injuries have undoubtedly slowed Ramsey’s progress.

He missed 36 games during the 2023/24 season through various setbacks, followed by ten more in 2024/25.

Still, when available, he has shown he can influence matches at the highest level.

His Premier League debut came as a 19-year-old in September 2020 in a 3-0 win over Fulham, and he netted his first league goal just over a year later against Arsenal.

The parallels between Gordon’s rise at Newcastle and Ramsey’s potential are clear, particularly when looking at each player’s best season at their respective clubs – Gordon’s 2023/24 at Newcastle and Ramsey’s 2022/23 at Villa.

According to FBref, Gordon leads in some attacking metrics, reflecting his role as a wide forward: he averaged 4.30 progressive carries per 90 compared to Ramsey’s 3.12, and produced 4.45 shot-creating actions per 90 to Ramsey’s 2.76.

His touches in the attacking third were also higher (22.8 per 90 to Ramsey’s 14.4), underlining his advanced positioning.

Yet Ramsey edges Gordon in other areas. He attempts slightly more progressive passes (3.35 to Gordon’s 3.15) and has a higher pass completion rate (81.9% to Gordon’s 76.1%).

His defensive contributions are also more prominent – 2.35 tackles and 1.64 blocks per 90, compared to Gordon’s 1.71 tackles and 0.84 blocks.

These figures point to a player who can both break up play and transition his team into attack efficiently.

There’s also the market reality. Gordon’s current value sits at £56m via Transfermarkt after his growth under Howe; Ramsey’s is £28m

Should Ramsey adapt quickly, Newcastle could again find themselves with a player whose price doubles within a couple of seasons.

Gordon himself has spoken recently about feeling “refreshed” and having “got [his] appetite back for football” – words that could just as easily be Ramsey’s in a year’s time if things go to plan.

Gordon thrived when placed into a high-intensity, attacking side with clear tactical demands. Ramsey could benefit from the same clarity after two injury-hit campaigns in the Midlands.

The first test of Ramsey’s potential impact could come almost immediately.

Facing his former club on the opening weekend, in front of a raucous Villa Park crowd, would be a trial by fire, but also an opportunity to show exactly why Newcastle have spent big to secure his signature.

Much like Gordon before him, Ramsey arrives with a mixture of promise and unanswered questions.

Can he stay fit? Can he adapt to a slightly different role? And can he take the leap from a talented Premier League player to one capable of shaping Newcastle’s biggest matches?

If history is any guide, Howe and Newcastle’s recruitment team will back themselves to get it right.

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Chelsea are poised to register yet another summer sale, which could take BlueCo’s total summer transfer income to the near £180 million mark.

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Most recently, young defender Ishe Samuels-Smith completed a reported £6.5 million move to sister club Strasbourg, where he will link up with Chelsea loanees Mamadou Sarr, Mike Penders and Kendry Paez in Ligue 1.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea also sold Mathis Amougou to Strasbourg for around £12.5 million, with Enzo Maresca’s side using BlueCo’s multi-club ownership model to their serious advantage.

Alongside both Amougou and Samuels-Smith, Chelsea agreed permanent exit deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic and João Félix, which have contributed to bringing in an estimated £158 million to the Stamford Bridge coffers.

This series of sales helps to balance out Chelsea’s £230 million spend on recruitment this summer, with their £87.5m windfall from winning the Club World Cup and £80 million earnings from Champions League qualification putting them in a solid financial position.

It could even help Chelsea make more new signings, with journalist Simon Phillips reporting that they remain in the market for a new goalkeeper, centre-back and potentially a striker to replace Nicolas Jackson.

In the meantime, departures remain a crucial theme of Chelsea’s current transfer activity.

Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Tosin Adarabioyo, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Alfie Gilchrist and Jackson stand out as players who could still leave Chelsea before deadline day, with striker Armando Broja now closing in on a move to Turf Moor.

The Albanian has been one to watch for a while, and Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg reported all the way back in June that he was receiving several approaches from Bundesliga clubs.

However, it is now Burnley who appear poised to sign the out-of-favour striker, with BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella sharing an update on the situation.

Chelsea poised for near-£180m boost as Armando Broja nears Burnley move

Fabrizio Romano has already given the ‘here we go’ to this transfer, but Kinsella reports it is not as advanced as that.

Chelsea and Burnley have reached a broad agreement over Broja, amounting to around £20 million, and they’re in advanced talks, but the player and Clarets are yet to find a compromise on personal terms with discussions ongoing.

As Burnley wait for the 23-year-old’s green-light to complete a deal, BlueCo will be praying for this move to go through.

If it does, barring a late disaster, Chelsea will take their transfer total through players sold to around £178 million – gifting Maresca’s side a near-£180 million boost with more players still expected to leave.

Chelsea’s expertise as a selling club is often underrated by critics, and for those who ask why they can consistently spend serious cash in the transfer market, their outgoing activity is a key component.