All posts by h79snht.top

‘Who knows what cricket is going to look like in even two years’ time?’ says England Test captain

Vithushan Ehantharajah25-Jul-2024

Ben Stokes acknowledges that international cricket is sprinting into an uncertain future•Stu Forster/Getty Images

Ben Stokes has called for more player input over the international schedule, ahead of an overloaded 12-month period for England’s red- and white-ball sides.Speaking ahead of the third and final Test against West Indies, England’s Test captain reiterated his long-held criticisms of a congested fixture list, further complicated by the rise of franchise cricket. Having previously worried about its effect on the quality of cricket, Stokes is wary of the negative impact it could have on the development of England teams as a whole.While Stokes’ focus is on building towards the Ashes in the winter of 2025-26, the limited-overs set-up is looking towards a new dawn, with a decision to be made imminently on the futures of head coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler. Such are the commitments ahead for both squads, it is highly unlikely that each will progress at a similar rate.Related

Ollie Pope: England aiming to become 'more and more ruthless'

Harry Brook at ease with expectations as comparisons with KP swirl

Switch Hit: Big-league Bash

Unchanged England seek 3-0, as Test cricket desperately seeks a contest

Akeem Jordan replaces injured Jeremiah Louis in WI Test squad

After the conclusion of this series in Edgbaston, the Test team will reconvene for a three-match series against Sri Lanka which begins at Emirates Old Trafford on August 21. The day after the third Test is due to finish in September, England begin a T20I series against Australia.That is followed by an ODI series against the same opponents that finishes just eight days before the start of a three-Test series in Pakistan. Three days after that tour concludes, England begin an ODI series in Antigua, which ends in St Lucia eight days prior to the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.The start of 2025 offers some respite with no overseas Tests in the first half of the year, but England will play five white-ball matches in India as preparation for the Champions Trophy in February. The home season then plays host to four visiting teams, with an ODI series in Ireland running parallel to the India Test series.England are blessed with a playing pool that can be adequately split for the obligations that await. But the pull on their multi-format players such as Harry Brook, Mark Wood and even Jofra Archer, who is mooted to return to the Test side in 2025, will become a problem, particularly as they continue to seek opportunities on the T20 franchise circuit.Stokes believes his role as Test captain allows him to have a firm hand on the tiller when it comes to what is best for his team. But he acknowledged problems on the horizon and urged boards such as the ICC, who produce the Future Tours Programme (FTP), and the ECB, who rubber-stamp it, to collaborate more with players at an uncertain time for the game’s ecosystem.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“I hope not,” answered Stokes when asked if his ambitions with the Test team will be hampered by the schedule. “It is something that does need to be addressed.”Who knows what international cricket is going to look like, with all the franchise stuff that is going on as well? It does need to get looked at. The landscape is constantly changing. I don’t think anyone can put their hand on their heart and say they know what cricket is going to look like in even two years’ time.”I think some consultation might be quite nice, obviously to Jos (Buttler) and myself. The FTP could maybe see the people playing in it consulted, and I think we could have some good input in that.”Asked whether he had been consulted on the recent FTP running from 2023-27, Stokes was tight-lipped: “Yes and no. Make of that what you will.”He was similarly guarded when asked about his own white-ball career, unwilling to entertain the question on the eve of a Test match. Having reversed his ODI retirement to play in the 2023 World Cup, he subsequently opted out of the T20 World Cup last month to focus on his Test duties. He also refused to acknowledge reports in last week that he has signed a bumper £800,000 deal with MI Cape Town in the SA20, which clashes with the India white-ball series at the start of next year.

تخطى قائد منتخب البرتغال، كريستيانو رونالدو، غريمه التقليدي ليونيل ميسي، نجم منتخب الأرجنتين، بعدما سجل هدفين في مباراة اليوم ضد أرمينيا، في تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم.

وخاض منتخب البرتغال مباراته الأولى في تصفيات القارة العجوز المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم، في مجموعته، ضد أرمينيا حيث حقق فوزًا بخمسة أهداف دون رد (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وتمكن كريستيانو رونالدو من تسجيل هدفين في تلك المباراة، ليرتفع رصيده إلى 38 هدفًا في إطار تصفيات كأس العالم، في مشواره الاحترافي.

كان رونالدو قد دخل تلك المباراة وهو على قدر متساوي مع ليونيل ميسي فيما يخص عدد الأهداف التي سجلها كل منهما في تصفيات كأس العالم، بعدما سجل الأرجنتيني هدفين ضد فنزويلا يوم الجمعة الماضي.

ولكن رونالدو نجح في فك الشراكة وسجل هدفين اليوم، ليتفوق على ميسي الذي خاض مباراته الأخيرة مع الأرجنتين في ملعبهم، وأثار الغموض حول موقفه من خوض كأس العالم 2026.

ويتبقى أمام رونالدو الوصول إلى رقم اللاعب الأكثر تهديفًا في مرحلة التصفيات وهو كارلوس رويز، الذي سجل مع منتخب جواتيمالا 39 هدفًا.

The new Premier League season kicks off on Friday August 15 as Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield, and as always the eyes of Fantasy Premier League players will be on Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian King has been a near permanent fixture in FPL teams since his Reds debut, but has faced more competition for the top scorer crown in recent years, with the likes of Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer challenging his dominance.

Related AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

Posts 1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

To help you select your teams for opening night, we’ve asked AI tool ‘Grok’ to predict the ten best FPL assets for the 2025/26 season based on total points.

10 James Maddison (Midfielder, Tottenham) Estimated FPL Points: 130–160

Grok believes a breakout season is on the horizon for England and Spurs star Maddison, expecting an uptick on his end product to around ten goals and 12 assists, with plenty of potential for bonus points due to his chance creation and dribbling ability.

The former Leicester City star has the added bonus of taking several of Spurs’ set pieces, and will hope to take centre stage in Thomas Frank’s new look attack.

9 Eberechi Eze (Midfielder, Crystal Palace) Estimated FPL Points: 140–170

Eze managed 161 points in 2024/2025 and if he stays put under Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park there is no reason he can’t replicate that feat at the bare minimum.

The FA Cup hero has been linked with a move to Arsenal however, which could reduce his ceiling if he is forced to rotate with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

8 Bryan Mbeumo (Midfielder, Brentford) Estimated FPL Points: 140–180

Grok predicts the Brentford star’s move to Manchester United will go through in the coming weeks, but after ranking as the second-highest FPL scorer in 2024/2025 this is actually expected to reduce his points potential.

Indeed, a reduction in role and no penalty taking duties at his new club leads to a prediction of 10–15 goals and 8–12 assists.

7 Bruno Fernandes (Midfielder, Manchester United) Estimated FPL Points: 150–190

Fernandes has a stunning 62 goals and 51 assists in 195 Premier League appearances, proving himself as one of the most potent midfielders in FPL.

His creativity and penalty taking duties make him a must-own asset whenever Manchester United hit a good run of form or some appetising fixtures.

6 Alexander Isak (Forward, Newcastle United) Estimated FPL Points: 160–200

Isak had his finest season yet in 2024/25, scoring 23 times and recording six assists despite missing a few games through injury.

The Sweden international has now improved his goal tally in each year of his Newcastle career, and his sure fire status as the penalty taker and head of the Magpies’ attack makes him a very safe FPL pick.

Isak in the Premier League

22/23

23/24

24/25

Starts

17

27

34

Goals

10

21

23

Assists

1

2

6

Shots per game

2.3

2.6

2.9

Dribbles per game

1.5

1.4

1.2

5 Bukayo Saka (Midfielder, Arsenal) Estimated FPL Points: 170–210

“Saka’s assists and consistent performances in 2024/2025 made him a key FPL asset,” writes Grok, predicting further success on the creative front due to the arrival of a clinical number nine, such as Viktor Gyokeres.

The England star takes Arsenal’s penalties and has a good record from the spot in the top flight, with just one of his four career misses coming in the league.

4 Florian Wirtz (Midfielder, Liverpool) Estimated FPL Points: 180–220

It may be a surprise to see Liverpool’s record signing crack the top five, but Grok believes he will reach a minimum of 15–20 goal involvements in his debut Premier League campaign, due in large part to a thriving relationship with Salah.

The Germany superstar may have to compete for minutes however, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s running from the number ten position an important part of Arne Slot’s system.

3 Erling Haaland (Forward, Manchester City) Estimated FPL Points: 200–240

Grok expects a bounce back season for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City after a miserable 2024/25 campaign by their own lofty standards.

Haaland is predicted to score a minimum of 22 goals, but will rack up fewer bonus points than Salah due to his role as a pure number nine.

2 Cole Palmer (Midfielder, Chelsea) Estimated FPL Points: 220–260

Palmer led all players in 2023/2024 with 244 points and followed that up with 214 last season, proving he has the consistency to be one of the best assets in FPL.

As the “creative hub” in Enzo Maresca’s system Grok sees another fruitful campaign for the Blues’ new number ten.

1 Mohamed Salah (Midfielder, Liverpool) Estimated FPL Points: 300–350

No surprises here, as the AI tool predicts Liverpool’s Salah to continue his dominance as the go to captain choice most weeks in FPL.

Salah registered 344 points last season, and will now have even more weapons at his disposal with the addition of Wirtz.

Van der Gugten triple-wicket maiden puts seal on impressive display from visitors

ECB Reporters Network06-Jun-2024

Sam Northeast was in fine touch•Getty Images

Glamorgan 177 for 7 (Northeast 67, Carlson 54, Brooker 3-31) beat Middlesex 173 (Andersson 57, Crane 3-28, van der Gugten 3-30) by three wicketsSam Northeast made it over 400 runs in his two visits to Lord’s this season as Glamorgan beat Middlesex by three wickets to win their first ever T20 encounter at the home of cricket.Northeast, who made a record red-ball score of 335 on the hallowed turf in the County Championship back in April struck 67 in 45 balls (1×6 8x4s) as the visitors chased down a target of 174 with 10 balls to spare, despite 3 for 31 for Middlesex quick Henry Brookes.Northeast was aided by Kiran Carlson (54), whose landmark came in only 21 balls with five sixes.Earlier Middlesex were given a wonderful start by Martin Andersson 57, from 34 – his first T20 half-century as he and skipper Stephen Eskinazi (48) shared an opening stand of 108. However, Mason Crane (3 for 28) began the collapse before Timm Van der Gugten’s triple-wicket maiden (3 for 30) including the scalps of Luke Hollman, Tom Helm and Brookes saw Middlesex collapse to 173 all out.Eskinazi provided early impetus before Andersson, employed as a pinch-hitter in the continued absence of Leus Du Plooy, smote Van Der Gugten back over his head for six.Another followed before he was dropped at short fine leg on 29, Dan Douthwaite the unlucky bowler, the ball travelling to the fence. To rub salt in the wound, Andersson struck three further boundaries in the over.With Eskinazi plundering two sixes off Crane the hundred stand came up in the ninth over. However, Andersson’s dismissal stumped attempting a reverse sweep, ending a stand of 108, changed everything.Max Holden went cheaply to Crane and when Eskinazi fell in identical fashion later in the over the hosts hit the skids.Only Luke Hollman cleared the ropes in the remainder of the innings and Van der Gugten’s party piece in the 19th over, helped by a stunning catch from wicketkeeper Cooke left Middlesex looking well short.Noah Cornwell had Eddie Byrom caught at slip from the first ball of Glamorgan’s reply, but Carlson came out bristling aggression, striking first Helm and then Brookes for six.Helm switched to the Pavilion End only for Carlson to club him straight for another maximum as the 50 came up inside five overs.Pace gave way to spin but all were alike to the 26-year-old who planted successive balls from Josh De Caires over extra cover into the Compton Stand to race to 50 in 21 balls.The fun ended when he holed out at deep mid-on from the bowling of Ryan Higgins and when Australian Test opener Marnus Labuschagne was trapped in front by Hollman, at 84 for 3 the Seaxes sniffed a way back.De Caires bowled the dangerous Colin Ingram to heighten the intrigue, but first Northeast and then Cooke were given lives in the 13th over bowled by Hollman, wicketkeeper Davies missing a regulation stumping to reprieve the former on 44, before the latter was spilt at backward point.Middlesex paid for their profligacy, Northeast reaching 50 from 38 balls, while Cooke, who made an unbeaten 113 in this fixture last season, thrashed a Higgins delivery over extra cover for six.Northeast’s first six came soon afterwards and though he and Cooke fell before the end Glamorgan got home.

Arsenal transfer chiefs are not about to give up their pursuit of new attacking signings any time soon.

In comparison to the previous two Premier League seasons – where they scored 91 and 88 over the course of 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 respectively – Mikel Arteta’s side only managed a meagre 69 over the domestic campaign just gone.

Related £150k-per-week Premier League star in London after agreeing Arsenal move

Arsenal are about to make a signing.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025

Their lack of firepower, which was largely down to injuries to attacking players and the absence of a prolific striker, was a key aspect of Liverpool running away with last season’s domestic crown.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Bukayo Saka was out for months in total during 24/25, while Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard also suffered from lengthy lay-offs. This has made the signing of potential forward reinforcements a vital item on sporting director Andrea Berta’s to-do list this summer, and that applies both further forward and in the wide area.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is a top target for Arsenal in that regard, and they’ve already held reported talks this summer over a move for the Brazilian. However, his £77 million price tag and high salary make him a very ambitious target.

The Gunners have looked at alternatives, like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg last month.

Alongside Mitoma, another Premier League star under serious consideration at Arsenal is West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.

Arsenal plan bid for Mohammed Kudus after talks with him

The Ghanaian has an £80m-plus release clause which is reportedly active from July, but amid West Ham’s eagerness to offload him so they can fund their own transfer plans, Graham Potter’s side would accept around £60 million.

That is according to Graeme Bailey, who also told TBR this week that Arsenal have held talks with Kudus in the last week.

As a result of these discussions, Arsenal are now believed to be plotting a potential bid for the former Ajax star, but it is unclear what his stance would be on a move across London to the Emirates.

Kudus was deployed in a wide variety of roles under both Julen Lopetegui and Potter last term, including as a second striker, centre-forward and CAM, as well as on either flank as a winger/midfielder.

He bagged five goals and four assists in 35 total outings, but what’s more impressive is the player’s outstanding take-on ability.

As per WhoScored, only Man City sensation Jeremy Doku completed more successful dribbles per 90 than Kudus in the top-flight last term, indicating he could offer Arsenal an entirely different dimension.

Arteta also wouldn’t lose Kudus to the Africa Cup of Nations midway through 25/26, as would be the case with many other African stars, considering Ghana failed to qualify for the first time since 2004.

Crystal Palace are now in talks over signing a 32-year-old international on a free transfer, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace stepping up transfer plans

The Eagles have been waiting for clarification on their participation in the Europa League for next season, and with reports now emerging that they could be allowed in the competition, the club are likely to go ahead with their transfer business.

Related "I've been told" – Crystal Palace could receive "reliable" Newcastle player in Guehi swap

The Eagles could get a player in return.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jun 11, 2025

It’s already been reported in the early parts of this transfer window that Palace have made an approach to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting. The Portuguese side want £40 million for his services, and his arrival could be seen as a replacement for Marc Guehi, who is continuing to be linked with a move to Newcastle United.

In fact, Andrew Musgrove has now revealed that Palace could be open to the idea of letting Guehi leave as long as they get Matt Target in a swap deal. That is because Ben Chillwell has returned to Chelsea, and the Eagles want another option behind Tyrick Mitchell, with some cash coming their way as well.

They are not the only defenders the club are looking at, as it’s also been reported by The Sun that Oliver Glasner is pushing the South Londoners to sign Strahinja Pavlovic from AC Milan. Glasner is a big fan, and while Milan value the Serbian at £40 million, Palace may look to start the bidding at around the £25 million mark.

Crystal Palace now in talks to sign goalkeeper Walter Benitez

It appears that Glasner wants to strengthen the spine of his team, as according to reporter Uriel Lugt, relayed by Ben Jacobs, Crystal Palace are also in talks to sign goalkeeper Walter Benitez.

The 32-year-old has been at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven since July 2022, but he is now coming to the end of his contract this month, and the Eagles are looking to swoop in and sign him on a free.

Benitez has been a regular in the PSV side since joining the club and, in the last two seasons, has been a key performer in the club winning the Eredivisie, the Dutch Cup and the Dutch Super Cup. In the 2024/25 season, Benitez, who has been capped by Argentina, kept nine clean sheets in 34 league games.

Walter Benitez’s PSV stats

Apps

134

Goals conceded

152

Clean sheets

43

His potential arrival at Selhurst Park would see him go up against Dean Henderson for the number one spot. That is because Matt Turner’s loan spell at Palace has now come to an end after playing just four games for the club, which all came in the cup competitions.

Despite being older, Benitez may be seen as an upgrade to Turner, as his experience and track record of winning and playing in Europe is something that Glasner will want to have more of in his squad as they look ahead to the 2025/26 season.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to tackle the summer transfer market following the confirmed arrival of Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement in the dugout.

Tottenham announce as Thomas Frank as their new manager

Spurs were repeatedly linked with Frank after chairman Daniel Levy made the tough decision to sack Postecoglou, with the Australian helping to end their 17-year wait for a major trophy but also guiding them to 22 Premier League defeats last season.

Related Tottenham may be offered "quick" £26m defender in Radu Dragusin swap deal

Spurs apparently agreed a deal for him in January.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

On Thursday evening, Frank was officially unveiled as the Lilywhites’ fifth manager since 2019, after Spurs triggered his £10 million release clause and reached an agreement on his backroom staff.

“Thomas has extensive experience in English football having joined Brentford in 2016 – since becoming one of the longest-serving current managers in the Premier League,” a club statement said.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“During his time at Brentford he transformed the Club, moving them up from the Championship to an established Premier League side, consistently and significantly outperforming expectations for an extended period of time.

“In Thomas we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development, and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.”

On paper, Frank is arguably a perfect for the north Londoners, having worked wonders with limited resources at Brentford whilst also operating under a data-driven recruitment model.

However, the Dane also has zero experience managing a team of this magnitude, nor does he boast any silverware or Champions League know-how, yet he is the man who is about to lead Tottenham into Europe’s most prestigious competition next term.

If Frank is to become a success at Spurs, Levy will need to back him in the transfer market, and this summer is set to be another crucial one.

Frank’s side are reportedly trying to hijack Man United’s move for Bryan Mbeumo, but that is not all.

The 51-year-old has already recommended Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to Tottenham, according to GiveMeSport, and it is now reported that he’s also a fan of Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

Thomas Frank "pushing" Tottenham to move for Morgan Gibbs-White

That is according to journalist Sebastien Vidal, who claims that Frank is “pushing” for Tottenham to sign Gibbs-White in a “statement” move.

The England international, despite this report that a £51 million deal is possible, is likely to cost far more. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have him under contract for another two years, with other reports claiming Forest could demand as much as £100 million for him this summer.

Gibbs-White was a superstar player for Forest during their unlikely push for Champions League football last season, bagging seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions, so Spurs will have to seriously dig deep into their pockets to get them talking.

Ask an Arsenal fan what the team needs this summer, and we reckon the vast majority will say a striker.

It’s undoubtedly true that Mikel Arteta’s side need more help up top to either replace or challenge Kai Havertz next season, but arguably just as important is a new left-winger.

Compared to Bukayo Saka on the right – who missed over three months of football – the Gunners’ options on the left weren’t able to have the same sort of impact on games.

Fortunately, reports have now linked the club with a renowned international who’s been compared to the incredible Lamine Yamal and would be a perfect upgrade on Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal's winger search

Arsenal seem to recognise their need for wide reinforcements this summer, as over the last few weeks and months, they’ve been linked with a host of sensational talents, like Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The former has been unreal for Paris Saint-Germain this season, scoring 21 goals and providing 19 assists in 58 games, but such a rate of return has seen the Parisian value him at a whopping £101m.

Fellow Ligue 1 superstar Cherki, on the other hand, could be available for around £30m this summer, and should Manchester City not get their man, then that’d be a bargain fee, as in 44 appearances, he’s scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists.

However, while both wingers would be brilliant additions to the squad, Arteta and Co may want someone more experienced to come in and replace Trossard, someone like Leroy Sané.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal are one of several English sides interested in the Bayern Munich star this summer.

The report has revealed that ‘senior figures at the club have held talks with 29-year-old’ and that should he not decide to renew his contract with the German giants, the Gunners are a real option for him ahead of next season.

It might not be the most exciting transfer imaginable, but Sané is a proven winner, who’d not only be free but an upgrade on Trossard and someone who’s won comparisons to the phenomenal Yamal.

How Sané compares to Trossard and Yamal

Before looking at how Sané stacks up against Trossard, it’s worth examining this comparison to Yamal and where it has come from.

Well, in this case, it stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and in this instance, has come to the conclusion that the Barcelona gem is the eighth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Bayern ace across the last 365 days.

The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, expected assists, key passes, live passes, switches, tackles and tackles won, blocks and more, all per 90.

Sané & Yamal

Statistic per 90

Sané

Yamal

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.87

0.75

Expected Assists

0.34

0.37

Key Passes

1.98

2.02

Live Passes

47.5

47.2

Switches

0.11

0.13

Tackles

1.26

1.32

Tackles Won

0.82

0.88

Blocks

0.44

0.38

Carries

43.2

46.9

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

However, while a comparison to one of the most exciting players in the world is certainly encouraging, how does the former Manchester City star compare to the Gunners’ Belgian wideman, as he’d be one of his main competitors for game time next year?

Well, when it comes to their raw output from this season, it’s the German “superstar,” as dubbed by football scout Antonio Mango, who has the better record, as in just 2377 minutes across 45 appearances, he’s scored 13 goals and provided six assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.36 games, or far more crucially, every 125.10 minutes, which is nothing to sniff at.

In contrast, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star has scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 56 appearances, totalling 3455 minutes this season.

Sané’s vs Trossard 24/25

Players

Sané’s

Trossard

Appearances

45

56

Minutes

2377′

3455′

Goals

13

10

Assists

6

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.42

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.10′

172.75′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

That comes out to an okay but far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.8 games, or every 172.75 minutes, which is not what you want in a title-chasing team.

Speaking of titles, the Essen-born dynamo would also bring with him a real know-how when it comes to winning them, as across his time with City and FC Hollywood, he’s won six league titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a handful of other trophies.

Ultimately, picking up Sané for nothing this summer would be an excellent decision by Arsenal, as he’d be an ideal upgrade on Trossard, he’d bring a winning mentality, and then there is the added bonus of his similarities to Yamal – it feels like a no-brainer.

Related Berta's answer to Mbeumo: Arsenal now favourites to sign £59m "powerhouse"

Arsenal could sign their answer to Bryan Mbeumo this summer.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 3, 2025

Manchester United will want to improve all areas of the pitch during the summer transfer window, needing to right the wrongs of the 2024/25 campaign, which was certainly one to forget.

The Red Devils lost in the Europa League final and also finished 15th in the Premier League, with no European football present at Old Trafford next season.

Such a failure will certainly have an impact on finances at the club, restricting any funds that boss Ruben Amorim may have had at his disposal had they claimed victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, it could be a blessing in disguise, handing the manager the opportunity to work closely with his players and mount a serious charge for the Premier League’s top four in 2025/26.

Regardless of the terrible form, the hierarchy look set to give Amorim the benefit of the doubt and hand him funds to change their fortunes, with numerous players already on the manager’s radar.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap have been on United’s radar in recent days, with the hierarchy holding talks with the Cameroon international over a switch to Old Trafford this summer.

The club have been quoted a fee in the region of £50m for the 25-year-old star, who’s managed to score 20 goals in the Premier League this season, but could face competition from Newcastle United for his signature.

However, the other end of the pitch is also in need of investment, with Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford emerging as a summer target, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the club are exploring potential reinforcements to bolster the ranks, with the future of Andre Onana at United uncertain given his recent showings.

It also states that it’s unknown how much Scott Parker’s side will demand for the signature of the 22-year-old, who kept a staggering 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season, but prior reports this year suggest it may be around £30m.

Why Trafford could be the next Sancho

Winger Jadon Sancho joined United in a £73m deal from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021, but it’s safe to say his time at Old Trafford has been a disaster.

The Englishman has made 83 appearances for the club, scoring just 12 goals and being sent on various loan spells – including back to the side which the Red Devils landed him from.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at fellow Premier League side Chelsea, but could well be back in Amorim’s side ahead of next season if the Blues trigger his £5m cancellation fee after originally joining with an obligation to join permanently.

He’s only scored four times in his 40 appearances across all competitions in West London, with the club undoubtedly set to lose a small fortune on their investment in the near future.

However, the club could land a repeat of Sancho in a summer move for Trafford, with the goalkeeper following a similar path in his career to the winger over recent years.

The pair both came through Manchester City’s academy, before moving elsewhere to make their name and potentially costing the Red Devils a small fortune in the process.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the shot-stopper would set the hierarchy back this summer, it’s one they should look to avoid with better options available in the market.

How Trafford compared to Onana in the PL (2023/24)

Statistics (per 90)

Trafford

Onana

Games played

28

38

Goals conceded

62

58

Save percentage

65%

75%

Saves made

3.7

3.9

Clean sheets

2

9

Clean sheet percentage

7%

23%

Pass accuracy

65%

73%

Stats via FBref

Trafford, who’s been labelled “world-class” by current boss Parker, was unable to better current ‘keeper Onana in numerous key areas during his last stint in the Premier League, even dropping to number two in the pecking order as a result.

Whilst there’s no denying that a new goalkeeper needs to be on the agenda this summer, Amorim and the board should be exploring other options, with a more experienced head needed between the sticks.

Given the similarities between him and Sancho’s career path, it’s another reason as to why they should steer clear – needing to find value for money elsewhere given the financial constraints.

Related He's like Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd expect to sign £30m star after Cunha

Manchester United could follow Matheus Cunha by signing Ruben Amorim’s new Viktor Gyokeres.

Posts 1 ByDan Emery May 27, 2025

Liverpool’s success during 2024/25 has been nothing short of sensational, winning the Premier League with ease and being unlucky not to have added a Carabao Cup to their list of honours.

Arne Slot has produced a side that has made easy work of other sides in the division, losing just three times in their 35 matches – the best record of any side in the top-flight.

The Dutchman hasn’t made wholesale changes from the previous management, utilising all the players who were at the club after his appointment last summer.

However, despite the excellent run endured in recent months, he has the opportunity to make changes to his squad and take them to the next level ahead of 2025/26.

With just a couple of weeks until the transfer window opens, the manager and the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting added reinforcements to bolster his already impressive squad.

The latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of new signings this summer

Over the last couple of months, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been a player who has constantly been touted with a switch to join Liverpool this summer.

However, it appears they’re set to miss out on the 26-year-old, after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he’s agreed a deal with fellow Premier League side Arsenal over a £50m switch.

Such news will be a disappointment to the fanbase, but they’ve quickly moved on to other options, with Athletic Club’s Mikel Jauregizar now their top target, according to Anfield Watch.

The report states that Slot and staff behind the scenes have been impressed with his showings in LaLiga this campaign and are ready to make an offer for his signature.

It also claims that any move could depend on outgoings in the coming months, but that the 21-year-old will be the player they go after if sales are made.

Why Liverpool’s target would be better than Gravenberch

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been a key part of Slot’s side this campaign, starting all but one league game to date, and cementing his place alongside Argentinian international Alexis Mac Allister.

It’s a stark change from last season as he struggled to break into the side, making just 12 Premier League starts under former boss Jurgen Klopp.

His £34m transfer fee was seen as a waste of money given his lack of action in 2023/24, but now it appears to be a bargain given his importance under his compatriot.

He will likely remain an integral part of Slot’s plans once again next campaign, but his game time could dramatically decrease should the Reds secure a summer deal for Jauregizar in the coming months.

When comparing the Spaniard’s stats to those of Gravenberch this season, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, highlighting what a phenomenal addition he would be for the club.

The youngster, who’s been labelled “Mr Consistent” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more passes into the final third – highlighting his ability to get the ball into forward areas.

However, he’s also dominated defensively, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making more blocks per 90 – handing the manager that added defensive reinforcements he’s been desiring.

How Jauregizar compares to Gravenberch in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Jauregizar

Gravenberch

Games played

30

34

Goals & assists

3

4

Passes into final third

4.5

4.3

Tackles won

2

1.1

Blocks made

1.1

1

Aerials won

1.3

0.8

Fouls won

1.7

1.4

Stats via FBref

Jauregizar has also won more aerial duels this season, whilst drawing more fouls per 90 – handing the side a restbite option should they find themselves under the cosh.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Spanish youngster would set the club back, it’s evident that from the stats produced that he would be a phenomenal addition to the Reds squad.

If Slot is to maintain such success and claim a second title next campaign, it’s vital that the hierarchy work tirelessly to complete a deal – potentially seeing Gravenberch face stiff competition to maintain his starting role.

Related Dream Frimpong alternative: Liverpool make enquiry for "world-class" star

Liverpool could forget about Jeremie Frimpong with a move for another defensive star.

Posts ByEthan Lamb May 10, 2025