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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. 

Liverpool don’t want to sell Luis Diaz this summer, but they might have to. Keeping a player on the books whose heart is set elsewhere is an ill-fated move, and the Colombian wants to leave Anfield.

You can see his case. Aged 28, Diaz is one of the finest wingers in the game, but he earns a comparatively modest salary at Liverpool and has entered the second-to-last year of his contract.

Diaz wants a pay rise, but Liverpool aren’t inclined to give him one, instead willing to see out his contract.

He was a crucial part of last season’s success. Diaz scored 17 goals and supplied eight assists across all competitions for Liverpool, his best return for the club.

His electric pace, tenacious fight and versatility proved perfect for Arne Slot as the Dutch coach led the Reds to the Premier League title.

But Bayern Munich are persistent in their bid to sign the Colombian winger, having already seen a £58.5m bid knocked back this summer.

However, Sky Germany confirm that the Bundesliga champions continue to push, and with Liverpool set to sign a new striker, perhaps his sale for a mammoth fee wouldn’t be such a bad thing in the long run.

The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been one of the more coveted names on the market this summer. Manchester United and Newcastle United have both shown an interest, but it’s the Reds who will likely prevail, the Frenchman submitting a transfer request on Thursday to seal a deal with the Anfield side.

Valued at €100m (£85m) Ekitike will cost a pretty penny, all right, but he’s worth it, already regarded “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

While Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been sporting director Richard Hughes’ first choice, the Magpies have rejected Liverpool’s advances, so the Reds have stolen their top target instead.

He’s not as good as Isak, but the 23-year-old does have sky-high potential, the genuine chance to make headway over a number of years at Liverpool and reach that pedestal.

While Diaz spent a fair share of time as a makeshift striker in 2024/25, he is at his core a left-sided forward. With Darwin Nunez supposedly off as well, Liverpool might need to sign a winger to go alongside Ekitike.

Liverpool line up Luis Diaz heir

According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Liverpool have retained an interest in signing Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, having come close to signing him one year ago.

The England international, 24, is valued at £75m and any concrete move is dependent on Diaz’s future. However, the long-standing interest and Gordon’s Merseyside affiliation could see him push for a return to Anfield, having left Liverpool’s academy as an 11-year-old.

While Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is also on Liverpool’s radar, with preliminary talks having taken place, Gordon might be the man to go for.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

In Cody Gakpo, Liverpool have a prolific and proven left winger. However, Diaz’s departure would call for a direct replacement, and while Rodrygo would be a stunning signing, Arsenal also have a vested interest, and Real Madrid are seeking upwards of £87m.

Gordon would be a more than acceptable fallback. A high-speed runner with a dogged approach to his football, the Newcastle star has bloomed into one of the Premier League’s finest over the past couple of years, with teammate Bruno Guimaraes describing him as “special”.

Technically sharp and physically robust, he certainly fits the mould that Diaz would leave behind, and this dynamic skill set could be the perfect thing for a young striker in Ekitike, who will need support as he steps into the cauldron of fire that is the English top flight.

Ekitike will, of course, have the likes of Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz to lead the supply line, but in Gordon, Liverpool could retain the sense of energy and completeness that Diaz brings to the table.

And anyway, the Toon talent has already demonstrated in the Premier League that he’s capable of throwing down with the likes of Diaz, and indeed Rodrygo, whose skill has led Luka Modric to describe him as a “world-class superstar” in La Liga.

Let’s dig a little deeper. Now, we’re going to skew the data a tad. Gordon’s 2024/25 campaign left plenty to be desired, but he was a force to be reckoned with the season prior.

Looking at that 2023/24 term, comparing it to Rodrygo and Diaz’s league efforts last term, we can see that he’s got the potential to make quite the impression at Liverpool.

Quite the effort. Gordon’s performances, notching 21 goal contributions across Newcastle’s injury-hit year, led to the honour of the club’s Player of the Year. It was his first full season on Tyneside, and an illustration of his capacity for high-level performances.

And while his high duel rate, creativity and potency in the final third would elevate Ekitike as he makes his maiden way in England, the centre-forward could certainly return the favour, with a style of play that is truly layered and vast.

Indeed, as per FBref, Ekitike ranked among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Whichever way you look at it, it’s hard to imagine Liverpool’s transfer window being anything other than a success. Slot proved his worth last season, and now he’s being rewarded with the parts to create a lasting squad of champions.

Better than Isak & Ekitike: Liverpool make £142m "monster" a dream target

Liverpool have two primary candidates to bolster their forward line; Alexander Isak & Hugo Ekitike.

1

By
Matt Dawson

Jul 17, 2025

Everton manager David Moyes finally completed a deal to bring Thierno Barry to the club from Villarreal.

A fee of £27m was spent to sign the Frenchman, but given his eye for goal in La Liga last term, it could turn into a bargain.

Next up for Moyes is adding another midfielder or two to his squad in the coming weeks. John McGinn has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside.

He isn’t the only midfield option that Everton have been linked with, however, as Moyes also has his eyes on two former Premier League stars.

Everton’s search for a midfielder

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Everton are showing interest in bringing Douglas Luiz back to England this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

He has been discussed internally at Everton, alongside McGinn, while Moyes could be set to target an ambitious move for Joao Palhinha – with the Portuguese also named as one of those under consideration.

The Bayern Munich midfielder hasn’t settled in Bavaria, which could open the door for Moyes to make a swoop this summer.

This experience abroad will have enhanced Palhinha’s skills, no doubt about that. The question is, could he be a better signing than McGinn for the Toffees?

Why Everton must sign Joao Palhinha

McGinn would be a fine signing, for that there is no doubt. Across 203 Premier League appearances, the Scot has scored 17 goals and grabbed 25 assists for Villa.

He will turn 31 in October, however, and while McGinn certainly has a few years left at the very top of the game, Moyes would be best to make a move for Palhinha, who offers more from a defensive point of view.

The Toffees conceded 53 goals last season across 42 matches. Not the worst return, but there is room for improvement.

When compared to his positional peers during his final Premier League campaign for Fulham in 2023/24, Palhinha ranked in the top 1% for tackles (5.07) per 90, while also ranking in the top 8% for interceptions (1.53) and in the top 10% for blocks (1.9) that season.

He may have only started six Bundesliga games for Bayern last term, but the Portuguese midfielder still won 58% of his total duels contested, while losing possession just 3.4 times per match.

Accurate passes

33.2

Tackles

4.6

Interceptions

1.4

Total duels won

7.6

Possession lost

9.1

Balls recovered

5.9

Hailed by journalist Dom Smith as “world-class” in November 2023, it was always going to be difficult for Fulham to keep one of their star men.

After just a single season in Germany, it appears as though Palhinha could be available this summer.

McGinn would offer plenty in the final third, but with Barry arriving, plus at least another couple more attacking players, Moyes must add some solidity to the midfield, especially after losing Abdoulaye Doucoure.

As such, signing a player such as Palhinha could turn into a stroke of genius by the manager given his previous success in the English top flight.

The dream squad Everton can build: £88m quintet & "beast" sign after Barry

A look at how Everton’s dream squad could shape up next season

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jul 10, 2025

Much will depend on the fee, but if it is within the club’s price range, Palhinha could be a fantastic signing, turning out to be even better than McGinn.

Moyes' own Palmer: Everton enter race for "special" £35m McAtee alternative

Everton are making sweeping changes in the summer transfer market.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 11, 2025

Tottenham supporters will be hoping for a busy summer after their Europa League triumph in May, and their wish has been semi-granted thus far with two months remaining of the transfer window.

Tottenham in talks for £38m attacker who Levy thinks could be the next Mbeumo

Spurs are “advanced” in their pursuit.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Thomas Frank’s side are currently attempting a potential swoop for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, as reliably reported elsewhere, with positive talks underway between all parties as the African edges towards a London Stadium exit.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also held talks over Kudus, though, so Spurs may not have it their own way, and an intriguing three-way London battle for the 24-year-old’s signature could be about to unfold.

Chelsea are noted as serious rival contenders in particular, as noted by Stamford Bridge reporter Simon Phillips, via his Substack.

“Chelsea are working to try and sign Mohammed Kudus right now! But they may have to be quick due to Tottenham advancing on the deal. Newcastle are also keen as well as clubs in Saudi,” wrote Phillips.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“On the player side, we’ve heard that he wants Chelsea but is also content to go to Spurs. He is just keen to move after not seeing eye to eye with Graham Potter.”

A move for Kudus would follow Tottenham’s cut-price £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel, who joined from Bayern Munich after an initial six-month loan spell, and their imminent signing of Kawasaki Frontale defender Kota Takai.

Tottenham agreed a £5 million deal to sign Takai recently – a J League record fee for a Japanese player (Fabrizio Romano).

He was identified by Johan Lange as a young player who could follow in the footsteps of Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr and Destiny Udogie (Alasdair Gold), and he’s expected to play a role in the senior matchday squad.

Kota Takai expected for Tottenham medical next week

Frontale have already confirmed that Takai will be leaving the club, and Sky Italia reporter Luca Bendoni now claims that the centre-half will soon touch down in N17.

Takai is expected to land at Tottenham “as soon as next week” to complete his move to the Lilywhites, with Frank on the verge of welcoming his second summer signing after Tel.

Takai played a key role for Frontale last season, helping them reach the AFC Champions League final, where they narrowly lost out to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

Frontale also knocked out Al-Nassr en route to the final, with Takai helping to silence the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran during their 3-2 victory over the Saudis.

The 20-year-old’s performances have done enough to impress scouts, and his development in the Premier League will be a very intriguing story.

Now that Rangers have a manager in place, their transfer window activity can begin in earnest.

Last week, Russell Martin was unveiled as the 20th permanent manager in Rangers’ 153-year history, but he faces a big task to guide the Gers through Champions League qualifying this summer and then, ultimately, aiming to topple their rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

That will all be a tough task, but could Martin land his dream midfield signing early into his tenure in Glasgow?

Rangers' chasing midfield reinforcements

While recruitment as far as new players are concerned hasn’t been Kevin Thelwell’s first priority since heading to Rangers, attention can now finally turn to who could improve the squad at Ibrox.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, according to a report by Alan Nixon of the Scottish Sun, Martin would like Rangers to sign midfielder Flynn Downes this summer.

The 26-year-old played for Martin at Swansea and Southampton, initially on loan when the Saints gained promotion from the EFL Championship last year, before he made his move from West Ham to the South Coast permanent a year ago for a reported £18m fee.

That sky-high price tag could prove to be a severe stumbling block, considering Rangers’ record signing of all time is the £12m paid to sign Tore André Flo in 2000, while the highest fee they’ve paid in the modern era is £7.5m for Ryan Kent in 2019.

Nevertheless, after Southampton were instantaneously relegated from the Premier League after just one season back in the top-flight, there could potentially be a fire-sale at St Mary’s, with Downes possibly amongst those sacrificed.

So, could he be reunited with his former manager north of the border?

How Downes compares to Lundstram

Signing English players from down south is certainly not a new strategy for Rangers, with John Lundstram certainly one of the more successful of their imports of the modern era.

After failing to make a senior appearance for Everton, the midfielder, fair to say, was a bit of a journeyman, playing for Doncaster Rovers, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient across two spells, Blackpool, Scunthorpe United and Oxford United.

He belatedly burst onto the scene at Sheffield United, making 62 Premier League appearances for the Blades, a key figure as Chris Wilder’s team finished ninth in 2019/20 as a newly-promoted club.

Nevertheless, it was only once he got to Glasgow that Lundstram truly found a home.

In total, the midfielder featured over 150 times for Rangers, scoring 11 goals, including the late winner against RB Leipzig that booked the club’s place in the Europa League Final, winning the Scottish Cup and League Cup, starting all three finals.

He ultimately departed for Trabzonspor on a Bosman last summer but, should Downes arrive, Rangers supporters would be hoping he could have a similar impact to that of his compatriot.

Host Dan Woffenden describes Downes as “class”, while Roshane Thomas of the Athletic labels him an excellent passer, also documenting how he ‘thrived under manager Russell Martin’ when the pair were together at Swansea.

Meantime, Chris Beaumont of Total Football Analysis praises the midfielder’s ‘fantastic engine’ and ‘physical presence’, asserting that he is one of the ‘hottest midfield prospects’ in English football.

So, let’s assess his statistics in the EFL Championship from the 2023/24 campaign.

Minutes

2,550

163rd

Completed passes

2,019

29th

Pass completion %

93%

3rd

Short passes completed

1,152

12th

Touches

2,419

50th

It is worth mentioning that statistics from Downes’ season in the second-tier were used due to how generally hopeless Southampton were in the Premier League this season, thereby providing a data set that is uninformative.

Also worth noting that, according to Global Football Ranking, the Championship is the 11th strongest league in the world, compared to the Scottish Premiership down in 43rd, thereby offering a slightly more comparable level.

Thus, what the numbers do underline is that Downes is a high-quality passer, ranked third for pass completion percentage, while more than half of these passes were short, between five and 15 yards.

So, in Martin’s system that prioritises possession, he could be exactly the midfielder Rangers require, potentially having an equally enormous impact at Ibrox to that of Lundstram.

Martin could land dream 1st Rangers signing who's "very similar" to Raskin

Rangers could replace Raskin with a South American starler

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 8, 2025

Continuing their search for a new manager, the 49ers and Rangers have now reportedly added another name to their shortlist alongside Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti.

Rangers' manager shortlist shrinking

The Gers have been considering their options ever since deciding to part ways with Philippe Clement and even handed Barry Ferguson the interim role to buy themselves some time for the rest of the season. With the season now over, however, those at Ibrox have a decision to make between a number of reported candidates.

One name that can at least be ruled out is Ferguson. Although the interim boss showed some promise in European action, his Ibrox record was always unlikely to be enough for the permanent job.

After Hagi & Balogun: 49ers must ruthlessly axe "struggling" Rangers flop

Rangers must move on from this flop after they released Ianis Hagi and Leon Balogun.

ByDan Emery May 22, 2025

Nonetheless, he admitted the honour of taking charge if only for a short spell, saying in a recent statement: “I’ve already lived the dream as a player and as captain of Rangers, and to do so as head coach in these last three months has been an enormous honour.

“There have been some ups and downs, but I have loved this experience and given it my all throughout. The backing I have received has been phenomenal. I said, no matter how this period panned out, I would always remain a committed supporter of the club, and I look forward to remaining a Rangers ambassador. I wish whomever becomes the new manager every success in the job.”

Narrowing Rangers’ shortlist down to just a few names, the Gers must get their next decision right. According to reports, it’s Steven Gerrard who is the favourite to become the next Rangers manager and arrive for his second stint in charge.

The former Aston Villa manager recently left Saudi Arabia after a difficult spell in charge of Al Ettifaq, but could be given an instant opportunity to get back to familiarities at Ibrox. Meanwhile, Davide Ancelotti – son of Carlo Ancelotti – has also been heavily linked with what would be his first managerial job away from his father.

There’s every chance that it could be neither of those options, however, with another name now reportedly added to the shortlist.

Rangers add Gattuso to list of candidates

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Rangers have now also identified Gennaro Gattuso as a managerial option alongside Gerrard and Ancelotti. The Italian is well known around Ibrox thanks to his spell at the club from 1997 to 1998 and could now make his return away from the pitch and in the dugout at the home of the Scottish giants.

Whilst Gattuso’s playing career was undeniably iconic – Gerrard himself admitted the Italian’s style “really angered” him in their 2005 Champions League final meeting – his managerial career hasn’t quite hit the same heights.

Often implementing a 4-2-3-1 system, the longest that the Italian has lasted at a club is two years, with spells at Napoli, Valencia and AC Milan all ending fairly unsuccessfully. Now at Hajduk Split until at least 2026, Rangers would also face the problem of getting Gattuso out of his current role.

On their list nonetheless, Gattuso could be an interesting name to watch if neither Gerrard nor Ancelotti take the Rangers job in the coming months.

Everton could be an appealing destination for players on the move this summer and they could now be close to one of their first signings at Bramley Moore Dock following recent developments.

Everton making inroads ahead of exciting summer window

The Toffees are in a secure place under David Moyes and optimism is beginning to grow ahead of next campaign, with several arrivals mooted to be on the way.

Financially, Everton are expected to have a healthy budget to play with in comparison with recent years, even if they will need to bare PSR regulations in mind like most of their other Premier League competitors.

With that said, Moyes has told the Toffees’ hierarchy to sign Evan Ferguson alongside Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap as part of a two-pronged striker solution to firm up his pool of offensive options.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to become a free agent, so it is anticipated by many that he could be the first domino to fall in a long line of Everton stars that could exit during the off-season.

Everton’s long list of potential departures

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Contract expiry

Seamus Coleman

Contract expiry

Ashley Young

Contract expiry

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Contract expiry

Idrissa Gana Gueye

Contract expiry

Joao Virginia

Contract expiry

Asmir Begovic

Contract expiry

Michael Keane

Contract expiry

Orel Mangala

Loan expiry

Jesper Lindstrom

Loan expiry – option to buy

Armando Broja

Loan expiry – option to buy

Jack Harrison

Loan expiry

Carlos Alcaraz

Loan expiry – obligation to buy

Ultimately, change is in the water on the blue half of the Mersey. Moyes has taken his side to a comfortable footing in the league standings, but their habit of dicing with the bottom three in recent years is something supporters want to become a thing of the past.

Savvy additions are needed to combat that scenario, and Everton could now be closing in on a smart summer addition following recent reports.

Everton confident they can sign Tom Fellows from West Bromwich Albion

According to TBR, Everton are confident they can sign Tom Fellows from West Bromwich Albion and have received a boost in their pursuit due to the fact the 21-year-old wants to move to Bramley Moore Dock.

After running out of time to sign him in January for £12 million, it is anticipated that a fee of £15 million plus add-ons would be enough to lure the playmaker away from the Hawthorns this summer.

Everton now racing Inter Milan to sign "devastating" £20m Serie A attacker

The Toffees want to cut a deal.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 18, 2025

Labelled “wonderful” by Tony Mowbray, Fellows has registered two goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances this campaign as his side remain with an outside chance of sneaking into the EFL Championship playoff slots.

Logically, stepping up to the Premier League would be the next step for the winger/playmaker, and Everton may be a match made in heaven due to their similar upward trajectories.

All parties appear to share a determination to get a deal done, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Fellows arrive on Merseyside over the next few months.

Celtic are well down the line in their hunt for the Scottish Premiership title and could now be set to offload one of Brendan Rodgers’ signings at the club come the summer window, per reports.

Celtic are set for movement in both directions this summer

The Bhoys are closing in on a fourth Scottish Premiership title in succession and could also land a domestic clean sweep should they advance by St Johnstone and one of Heart of Midlothian or Aberdeen in the latter stages of the Scottish Cup.

Continuing their proactive nature off the pitch, Celtic expect Kieran Tierney to arrive from Arsenal on a pre-contract ahead of 2025/26, replacing the outgoing Greg Taylor amid the latter opting not to sign an extension at Parkhead.

In light of Rodgers’ admission that the Scotland international is set to leave, Dinamo Zagreb have put a lucrative proposal on the table to Taylor that may see him earn a significant increase in wages if he opts for a switch to the reigning Croatian champions.

Alternatively, Celtic could move for £5 million-rated Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha to provide an extra dimension on the flanks. Daizen Maeda has recently transitioned to a central-striking role, and it is likely the Japan international will remain the preferred option in attack should he remain at the club.

Celtic and Rodgers can now sign "excellent" long-term target for just £4.2m

The Hoops tried to snap him up mid-season.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 5, 2025

Exciting times are on the horizon for the Bhoys, but they must trim where possible to ensure they have a balance when registering players for next campaign’s Champions League qualifying play-off round.

Now, Rodgers and company could have the opportunity to sell one of his first signings upon returning to Glasgow, per recent developments.

Celtic could sell Luis Palma as he wants permanent departure

According to Futbol Centroamerica, Celtic winger Luis Palma has no intention of staying at Parkhead once his loan spell at Olympiacos comes to an end.

The Hoops now want to sell the Honduras international to the Greek giants for the £3.3 million option inserted in his initial deal, though they are also open to dropping their price lower.

Appearances

48

Goals

10

Assists

10

From a personal standpoint, sources close to £16,000-per-week Palma have cited mistreatment while in Glasgow as a reason behind his desire to move on in the summer. Should Olympiacos activate his clause, it is believed that he will join the club on a four-year contract.

Labelled “a brilliant lad” by Rodgers, the 25-year-old has registered one goal and an assist during his temporary stint in Greece. Ultimately, despite moments of brilliance at Celtic, his style of play never really fitted the high-octane framework his parent side operate within.

Jota and Maeda are said to offer adequate cover on the left flank, so it comes as no surprise that the Scottish Premiership champions are now willing to cut their losses on Palma after failing to find a place for him in their plans.

The 21-year-old has been appointed Guyana’s vice-captain as they prepare to defend their four-day title in the West Indies Championship

Deivarayan Muthu29-Jan-2025Guyana’s Matthew Nandu had a rousing start to his career, scoring a century on first-class debut and almost repeating the feat on List A debut, in 2023. He then suffered a slump in form but is rising again, having topped the run-charts for Guyana in the 2024 Super 50 competition, with 260 runs in six innings at an average of 43.33. The 21-year-old has now been appointed Guyana’s vice-captain as they prepare to defend their four-day title in the West Indies Championship, which will kick off on January 29.Guyana will open their campaign against Barbados at Providence. Nandu has fond memories of his 126, spanning over eight hours, against the same opposition on debut in North Sound almost two years ago.”Before making my debut I was nervous but after I got a hundred it was a special feeling,” Nandu recalled, speaking to ESPNcricinfo during a camp at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai in December 2024. “Yes, not many people can say that they have a hundred on debut, but I think we can now leave that behind and keep moving forward. “I don’t want to look back at the past, I want to continue looking at tomorrow and what it brings.”Nandu prepared for West Indies’ domestic season by facing a variety of spinners on a variety of surfaces, including black and red, in Chennai. He hopes he can incorporate the Chennai lessons against spinners in the Caribbean.”I’ve been able to figure out ways to score off the spinners in the middle, especially against left-arm spin, and the coaches have given me some good pointers,” Nandu says. “I think what the coaches have passed on over this past week and a half, it’s been very helpful towards my game. I came here with an open mind, looking to learn as much as I possibly can and try and incorporate as much as I can towards my game. So, when I get the time to go back home and put in the work, I’ll definitely focus on the things that I learnt here and try and make it more consistent towards my game.”Related

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Brathwaite: West Indies had to be 'brave' on pitch where 'you are going to get out'

Warrican dominates a series made for spinners in Multan

While Guyana continues to produce new heroes – Shamar Joseph is the latest poster boy of the region – cricket isn’t as popular in Canada, where Nandu grew up. Nandu played a number of sports, including baseball, basketball and ice hockey, when he was young, but he was always hooked to cricket, which is in his blood. Matthew is the son of Arjune, the former West Indies Under-19s and Guyana legspinner, who played four first-class matches before he moved to Canada. His uncle Richard Jodah has also represented Guyana in youth cricket.During the off-season in Canada, Nandu used to travel to Guyana and went onto emulate his father by playing for both West Indies Under-19s and Guyana. Against Papua New Guinea in the 2022 Under-19 World Cup at Diego Martin in Trinidad, he made 128 off 134 balls to go with two wickets with the ball.”I’ve had my dad work with me since I was a kid, so he’s played a big part in my journey as well; I’ve had the support from my mom and my brother and my uncle as well,” Nandu says. “I’ve been working hard towards my game since I was about nine-ten years old, fell in love with the game and found my way in Guyana, playing trials and stuff like that to get to the next level, so just looking to continue moving forward and taking one game and one opportunity at a time.”Matthew Nandu hones his defence at the CSK Academy in Chennai•Super Kings AcademyWhile these are still early days in his first-class career, Nandu has displayed stickability, which was the calling card of his hero and Guyanese great Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Nandu also idolises current West Indies ODI captain Shai Hope, who had handed out his maiden CPL cap at Guyana Amazon Warriors.”He’s not playing now but I looked up to Shiv Chanderpaul growing up,” Nandu says. “I think right now, it’s Shai Hope – the way he goes about his game and his mannerisms on and off the field. I feel special that Shai was the one who gave me the [CPL] cap and hopefully I’m looking forward to that happening in the future.”Shai was very open. He always wanted to share his knowledge with me, and I tried to work as much as I could with him, to learn as much as I can. And he was always open to share his experiences, and I took that with both arms.”You can be fairly certain Nandu wasn’t talking about getting another cap from Hope for any other team in domestic or franchise cricket.”Well, yeah, it [playing for West Indies] is the ultimate goal, but I think it’s one thing, getting to the level is one thing…but staying there and performing every game is another thing,” he says. “So, it comes more so with the mindset and working on that every day, every game. Just want to continue to have that right mindset.”