Chelsea are set for a short pre-season after winning the Club World Cup final, with just five weeks separating their 3-0 win over PSG in New Jersey and their first Premier League game of 2025/2026 against Crystal Palace.

Chelsea hold talks with £100k-per-week England star this week

Enzo Maresca is prioritising one key area.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 17, 2025

They have scheduled just two pre-season matches as a result of their CWC triumph, needing to fit a holiday in for both players and staff after what was a successful but very long campaign.

Chelsea will take on both Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan on August 8 and August 10 respectively, but as things stand, these are the only friendlies they’ll play before facing Palace in the top flight a week later.

It remains to be seen how Enzo Maresca’s side will fare given their minimal preparation, but the Italian did get a chance to try out new tactics during their CWC campaign in the US.

He also managed to give some of his major summer signings a run-out. Joao Pedro seriously impressed at the tournament in particular, scoring three goals in three CWC games, including a brace in their semi-final against Fluminense and a goal in the final against PSG.

Despite Chelsea’s need to sell players and balance out the squad due to a pact with UEFA (Kaveh Solhekol), Maresca could still add more fresh faces before their new season kicks off against Palace.

This will be dependent on departures (Simon Phillips), but perhaps Djordje Petrovic’s £25 million move to Bournemouth has freed up space for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to come in.

The France number one was a serious target for Chelsea earlier in the window, and they tried to complete a deal for him before competing in the CWC. However, Milan and Chelsea failed to find an agreement, despite Maignan’s eagerness to join.

Despite reports to the contrary, Chelsea could go back in for Maignan before deadline day on September 1, with Robert Sanchez also told he’s free to find a new club away from Stamford Bridge (Graeme Bailey).

Mike Maignan very keen to join Chelsea, he's a top target

TEAMtalk have another update on the situation this week, claiming Maignan remains a top target for Chelsea.

The 30-year-old is also “enthusiastic” about joining Maresca’s side this summer, even if negotiations previously failed, with the main roadblock being Milan’s £22 million asking price – a figure deemed too high by Chelsea considering both his age and his contract situation.

However, given Maignan’s pedigree as one of world football’s most commanding shot-stoppers, £22 million is surely a price worth paying – especially if they sell Sanchez.

Every title-winning side in history have one thing in common – the presence of a world-class keeper. Maignan, who’s been lavished with praise by his fellow top-level players, arguably stands out as the best option by far this summer.

“He is physical, quick, he has clean technique. He is very strong. He is one of the best in the world,” said Liverpool keeper Alisson about Maignan’s quality.

“The quality of goalkeepers has really increased – Mike Maignan is within this elite.”

England 329 for 5 (Livingstone 124*, Salt 59, Bethell 55, Curran 52, Forde 3-48) beat West Indies 328 for 6 (Hope 117, Carty 71, Rutherford 54) by five wicketsIn the battle of captain’s centuries, there was one clear winner. Liam Livingstone’s devastating 124 not out from 85 balls trumped Shai Hope’s far more sedate 117 as England sealed victory in the second ODI by five wickets.That it was Livingstone’s maiden 50-over century is one thing. But leading an inexperienced group, the responsibility he assumed to see England home in a chase of 329 – and thus square the series at 1-1 – in such jaw-dropping fashion is worthy of the highest praise.The tourists looked up against it after Phil Salt’s 59 and Jacob Bethell’s 55 – his maiden international half-century – had beenthe only scores of note in the top four. But a watchful stand between Livingstone and Sam Curran (52) evolved into a match-twisting epic of 140 from just 107 balls.The acceleration at the end that brought victory with 15 balls to spare is showcased best in the breakdown of Livingstone’s approach into the final 10 overs, with 100 still to get. He headed into this period on 46 from 57, before striking 78 off his final 28 deliveries.Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie – 4 for 41 in the first ODI – was taken down for 14 and 16 at the start of the back straight to nurse his worst figures of 0 for 71. Jayden Seales was carted for 26 in an over, before debutant Shamar Joseph was thumped for 24. No one was safe. All in all, Livingstone thumped nine sixes among his 14 boundaries.Aside from a hacked edge from Livingstone on four that flew between Hope and a wide first slip, there was little Hope could do to turn back the tide. Earlier in the day, his 17th century had seemingly done the main graft to put West Indies at a commanding position at the halfway stage with 328 for 6, meaning England needed to complete the second-highest ODI run-chase in the Caribbean.Hope arrived at the start of the fourth over and batted through to the end of the 47th. There was vital support from Keacy Carty – whose 71 came in a third-wicket stand of 143 – and Sherfane Rutherford – his punchy 54 providing the majority of 79 for the fourth. Cameos from Shimron Hetmyer and Matthew Forde helped ransack 93 from the final 10 overs, even if Livingstone’s final flourish make that look well below par.Shai Hope made his 17th ODI century to propel West Indies to 328 for 6•Getty Images

Livingstone’s decision to bowl after winning the toss was immediately vindicated by the removal of both West Indies openers in the first 19 deliveries. John Turner was responsible for both initial strikes for his first wickets in international cricket, the second of which was the prized wicket of Evin Lewis. The hero of the first ODI was snared down the leg side for just four following Thursday’s match-winning 94.But things unravelled, characterised by England’s use of nine bowlers for only the second time in ODIs. That they could have dismissed Hope on 60 also cut them deep.From 12 for 2, consolidation was the initial aim for Hope and Carty, who could have been removed on eight. An English squeeze involved three fielders at backward point, but Bethell – the middle of them – could only palm a skewed drive from Carty which would have given Turner a third dismissal.The pair made it out of the Powerplay on 41 for 2, a figure bumped up in the 10th over by Hope’s first boundary – a stunning back-foot launch over extra cover for six off Turner. A brace of straight drives off Saqib Mahmood – the only change to the XI from the first ODI, with Jamie Overton sitting out – and a second six, lofting Adil Rashid over cover, was then followed by some quiet rotation.Once satisfied the early losses had been offset, risks were taken to lift the run-rate. However, having cleared midwicket after Bethell dropped short to bring up his 42nd fifty-plus score, from 66 deliveries, it was a botched defensive push that should have brought his innings to an end on 60. A edge of Bethell bounced out of the hands of Salt behind the stumps.Carty was soon moving to his fourth ODI fifty from 62 deliveries. He was then given two lives when a top-edge took Turner over the boundary at deep fine leg, then the fielder dropped a far simpler chance off the very next ball. Both came as Archer nailed his short-ball plans.That miss would only cost three runs, as Rashid returned to bowl Carty through the gate at the start of the 31st. But that brought Rutherford to the crease, who ended up striking seven boundaries – three of them sixes – for a fifth half-century from just 35 deliveries.Though he was dismissed a ball later – caught at deep cover attempting to replicate the six over the same region that took him to fifty – Hetmyer’s breezy 24 off 11 kept the pressure on. He was also dropped on 2 by Will Jacks down at long-on.Related

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• Livingstone shows there's more to him than hitting sixes

• Marcus Trescothick defends quality of English white-ball cricket after crushing defeat

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• Jason Holder: England's frequent tours are 'boosting West Indies' survival'

Once Hetmyer was dismissed, caught by Archer at gully off a Rashid googly, Hope pressed down on the accelerator. After leaning into a drive off his 118th delivery to move to 100, he smeared Rashid for a four and six to wide long-on as 13 was taken off the 36-year-old’s final over.Hell-bent on throwing his bat at everything sent his way, Hope misread a slower delivery from Archer that was well-taken by Livingstone charging in from long-off. Forde then picked up the baton for the final straight, striking three successive sixes off Mahmood in the final over to lift the hosts to 328 for 6.Though England shot themselves in the foot with four drops, they were also guilty of spurning opportunities to make immediate amends with the bat. Salt looked on his way to redemption, carrying the start of the innings on his back, shrugging off the loss of Jacks in the fifth over to contribute 36 of England’s first fifty runs.When Shamar Joseph, making his ODI debut with his namesake Alzarri rested, bounced out Jordan Cox for an agonising 4 off 19 deliveries, Bethell arrived to take England to 107 for 3 by the 20-over mark.Both were culpable for relinquishing control. Salt skied the first ball of Forde’s new spell at the start of the 21st for 59, then Bethell dumped Roston Chase into the hands of long-off after reaching a maiden international fifty.But the duo of Livingstone and Curran, players still with much to prove despite their experience, refused to panic. Curran initially took the reins as the aggressor, starting smartly with a six off Motie having noticed an extra fielder in the outfield meant the umpires would call it a no-ball. He contributed 31 of the initial 50 for the fifth wicket before Livingstone, after five overs without a boundary heading into the final 10, decided it was going to be all on him.The starter pistol was set with a charge off Motie down the ground to bring up Livingstone’s fifty from 60 deliveries, before he signed off the 41st over with a slog-sweep over deep midwicket off the very next delivery. Back-to-back sixes in Motie’s next over – the second bringing up the century stand from 92 – also found the grass banks.Pace was then put back on the ball, which played further into Livingstone’s favour. When Curran was dismissed a ball after the skipper had nudged his 77th ball down the ground to move to 100, Dan Mousley played his part to a tee – simply dabbing singles. The most important came at the start of the 48th over, giving Livingstone the strike for the honour of hitting the winning run.

Nottingham Forest are now reportedly willing to pay as much as £26m to complete the signing of a “superb” midfielder this summer.

Nottingham Forest confirm exit & Sels up for award

The Reds are preparing for the new Premier League season, but one player who has sealed a move away from the club is youngster Dale Taylor.

The 21-year-old attacker has completed a permanent move to Blackpool from Forest, with Head of Football Development & Talent Management, Craig Mulholland, wishing him well upon his departure.

“We are delighted to see Dale get such a positive move. His development journey at Forest has been strong and it is credit to Dale, and all of the excellent staff who have worked with him along the way. We have agreed a deal which is great for Dale, Blackpool and also provides us with a positive return on the investment the club has made over many years.”

In other Forest news, goalkeeper Matz Sels’ superb 2024/25 campaign has been rewarded with a nomination for the prestigious Lachine Trophy – an award given to the best ‘keeper in Europe over a 12-month period. The likes of Alisson and Gianliugi Donnarumma are also up for the prize, among others.

Nottingham Forest eye £26m move for midfielder

In terms of transfer news, Sky Italia [via Sport Witness] claim that Nottingham Forest are happy to pay £26m to sign AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah this summer.

The Reds are intending to “close the deal quickly”, securing the services of the 22-year-old in time for the start of the 2025/26 season.

Musah has the ability to be a brilliant signing for Forest if they agree to sign him, with the USA international already achieving so much in his career.

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The midfielder has already made 153 appearances in La Liga and Serie A combined, as well as winning 47 caps for his country, and scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “superb” in the past, too.

Forest need to add depth in the middle of the park, as they look to tackle both Premier League and European commitments this season, and Musah could be ideal, providing strong competition for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson and Nicilas Dominguez.

Yunus Musah’s international stats

Caps

Goals

USA

47

1

England Under-18s

8

2

England Under-17s

9

2

England Under-16s

8

0

England Under-15s

7

0

The American is still so young, despite already picking up a huge amount of experience, and he would feel like a statement signing by Nuno’s side, having made seven Champions League appearances for Milan last season.

عقد بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي مؤتمراً صحفياً والخاص بمباراة برينتفورد الأحد المقبل في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات نشرتها “سيتي إكسترا” عن لياقة لاعبيه للمباراة: “سنتدرب بعد ظهر اليوم، لكن الأمور تبدو جيدة، أنهى الجميع المباراة ضد موناكو دون مشاكل”.

وذكر جوارديولا عن استبعاد فودين من قائمة إنجلترا الأخيرة: “توخيل يعرف احتياجات المنتخب ألف ومليون وتريلون مرة أفضل مني، كل ما يمكنني قوله أنه إذا لعب فودين كما اعتاد، سيعود للقائمة وأنا سعيد بانضمام اللاعبين للمنتخب لكني أسعد عندما يعودون بصحة جيدة”.

وتحدث جوارديولا عن ما يقدمه فودين لمانشستر سيتي: “يقدم الكثير، هو أفضل لاعب لدينا في المساحات الضيقة، في الثلث الأخير من الملعب، بلا منازع، حسه في التمريرات الحاسمة وحسه في التسجيل في المساحات الضيقة وطريقة تألقه في الهجوم ورغبته في التسجيل، إنه أفضل ما لدينا”.

وعلق جوارديولا عن برينتفورد: “برينتفورد مشابه تماماً الآن لما كان عليه مع توماس فرانك، هم يقدمون أداء رائعًا ومن الصعب اللعب في هذا المكان، في الوقت نفسه أتطلع للمباراة الأخيرة قبل فترة التوقف الدولي”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ظهير أرجنتيني على رادار مانشستر سيتي لتعويض ريان نوري

وقال جوارديولا عن استقبال مانشستر سيتي هدفًا أمام موناكو بعد استبدال رودري: “هل تزعم أنهم سجلوا لأن نيكو جونزاليس كان في الملعب وليس رودري؟ كيف تثبت ذلك، لذا يجب تغيير الموضوع”.

وحول قدرة مانشستر سيتي على استبدال رودري بلاعب واحد رد جوارديولا: “لا يمكن اللعب بـ12 لاعبا، أعلم أن رودري لا يعوض في كثير من الأمور، لم يستطع اللعب قبل ثلاث أيام لأن ركبته كانت في حالة سيئة للغاية، أود أن أخبركم أنه بسبب غياب رودري عن الملعب استقبلنا الهدف ضد موناكو لكن لا يمكن إثبات ذلك، لأنه لو شعرت بذلك، لكان رودري موجود في الملعب لكن رودري لا يستطيع اللعب في بعض المباريات، ربما 90 دقيقة، لمباريات عديدة، نيكو جونزاليس قدم أداء رائعا ضد بيرنلي وهو يتعلم ويتحسن”.

وأشاد جوارديولا بتحسن أداء دوكو هذا الموسم: “في الثلث الهجومي الأخير، إنه رائع، إنه الأفضل، لاعب يقدم تمريرات حاسمة أكثر من أي وقت مضى لكنه لا يزال شاباً وسيتحسن”.

وتحدث جوارديولا عن إحباط هالاند بعد مباراة موناكو: “جميعنا شعرنا بالإحباط، نريد الفوز، لكننا لم نتمكن من ذلك، قدمنا الكثير من الأشياء الجيدة وأشياء أخرى يمكن تحسينها لكن هذا طبيعي وسنعمل على التحسين، نريد الفوز وسنحت لنا فرص لتسجيل الهدف الثالث، نعم لا مشكلة في ذلك كما أعتقد، المشجعون يحبون فوزنا ونحن صادقون”.
وتحدث جوارديولا عن تقدم مانشستر سيتي منذ فترة التوقف الدولي في سبتمبر: “تقدمنا كثيراً، الأمر الأكثر سعادة أن الفارق تحسن وأعشق هذا الشعور، كان لدي شعور سابق بأننا قادرون على تقديم أداء أفضل وأحب هذا الشعور كمدرب”.

وسئل جوارديولا عن معاناة رودري بعد إصابته في الرباط الصليبي: “قلت له، ربما لم يفهم أن الأمر لا يتعلق بستة أو سبعة أشهر، ساعود وسألعب وسأكون مثل رودري السابق، لا، سيكون رودري جيد في كأس العالم 2026 مع إبانيا، الموسم المقبل سيكون هناك ما هو أفضل من رودري، الأمر يعتمد على كيفية التعامل معه هذا الموسم خطوة بخطوة، هذا طبيعي، مسألة وقت وسيعود بعد غيابه لمدة عام”.

وسئل جوارديولا عن نيكو جونزاليس: “ضد بيرنلين كان أفضل بكثير من مباراة هدرسفيلد لكن يمكنه تقديم أداء أفضل، لكنه صغير جداً، ليس رودري الذي قضى سنوات طويلة معنا، نيكو قضى عام واحد وهناك العديد من الأمور سيتعامل معها تدريجياً لأنه منفتح الذهن وقابل للتدريب بشكل لا يصدق وليس هناك كثير من اللاعبين مثله من تجربتي كمدرب”.

The Croatian is still producing midfield masterclasses at 40 years of age, while the egalitarian environment at Barcelona is reaping rewards

Play has resumed in Europe after the international break and, along with Liverpool in England, we still have five teams boasting flawless records in the other ‘Big 5’ leagues.

Unsurprisingly, defending champions Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain continue to lead the way in Germany and France, respectively. In Italy, Napoli have also made the perfect start to their Serie title defence but a resurgent Juventus are keeping pace with Antonio Conte’s team, while Real Madrid are four from four in Spain despite playing with 10 men for an hour on Saturday.

Of course, there were plenty of other major talking points over the weekend, so who were the big winners and losers from the latest round of action across the continent? GOAL breaks it all down below…

WINNER: Luka Modric

AC Milan threw Luka Modric a surprise 40th birthday party last week. On Sunday, he scored the only goal of the game as AC Milan beat Bologna at San Siro to make it two wins in a row after their embarrassing loss to Cremonese on the opening day of the new Serie A season.

"It was a great way to celebrate," Modric told after becoming the oldest midfielder to ever score a goal in Italy's top flight. "We won, which is the most important thing, and now we have to focus on the next matches.

"It was a good move, Ale (Alexis Saelemaekers) gave me a great ball and it was easy to score, it was more his pass than my finish.

"I just hope people will not remind me of my age anymore!"

There seems little chance of that, though, as what Modric is doing at the age of 40 is truly extraordinary. 

Not only is he already looking like a fantastic free transfer for a Milan side that lacked both quality and character last season, he also appears to have every chance of representing his beloved Croatia at next summer's World Cup, having helped his country continue their 100 percent start to qualifying during the recent international break.

Maybe he really is a magician, as the Gazzetta dello Sport labelled him on Monday morning.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWINNER: Hansi Flick

Barcelona obviously have several special players. La Masia remains a precious goldmine, saving the cash-strapped Catalans an absolute fortune in the transfer market.

However, it's also abundantly clear that in Hansi Flick the Blaugrana are blessed with one of the best coaches in world football. Indeed, it's hard to overstate just how good a job the German is doing at Barcelona.

Since taking over in the summer of 2024, he's had a ridiculous amount of off-field nonsense to deal with, from registration rows to incessant stadium setbacks. For example, Saturday's Liga clash with Valencia was played at the 6,000-seater arena beside their training ground because the revamped Camp Nou is still not ready to open.

Despite the constant distractions, though, the senior squad continues to go from strength to strength – and Flick is the key factor in that regard.

The former Bayern Munich boss is a bold tactician, with his high-risk high line continuing to reap rewards, but he's also an outstanding man-manager who treats everyone equally – as the 6-0 rout of Valencia underlined.

Raphinha is one of the most influential and important players at the club but Flick had no issue benching the Brazilian for the game at the Johan Cruyff Stadium after he arrived late to training the day before the game.

The message was that nobody gets special treatment at Flick's Barca. Everyone is treated equally and, for that reason, they're all willing to work together towards a common goal – which is why Raphinha accepted his punishment without complaint before responding in the best possible manner by scoring twice after coming on as a second-half substitute.

So, while the construction work at Camp Nou may be behind schedule, Flick has already built a brilliant Barca team in every sense.

AFPLOSER: PSG's injury issues

One would be hard pressed to find anyone that feels sorry for Paris Saint-Germain. They have one of most expensive squads in world football, with the added bonus of being in a position of being able to regularly rotate players in between big European games because PSG are so far ahead of every other team in France that it's farcical.

However, last season's treble-winners are "in a bit of a difficult moment", as Luis Enrique put it, ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League opener against Atalanta.

Having already lost Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue to injury during the international break, PSG saw the other member of their first-choice forward line, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, forced off just half an hour into Sunday's clash with Lens.

Obviously, PSG still won the game, with Bradley Barcola scoring twice to underline the Parisians' strength in depth – and make it four wins from four in Ligue 1. However, Kang-In Lee and Lucas Beraldo also had to come off at the Parc des Princes, meaning the reigning European champions are short on numbers as they begin their title defence.

Of course, if last season's Champions League taught us anything, it's that the majority of games in the league phase are inconsequential. It's possible to lose four times and still progress. Still, the scale of PSG's fitness problems suggest that Luis Enrique's men might yet end up paying a heavy price for their participation in last summer's FIFA Club World Cup…

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WINNER: Footballing brothers

Lilian Thuram was a fantastic footballer, easily one of the finest defenders of the modern era. His sons Marcus and Khephren are pretty good, too, though – as both proved in Saturday's sensational Derby d'Italia.

With just under a quarter of an hour remaining in a thrilling encounter in Turin, Marcus nodded home a Federico Dimarco corner to put Inter 3-2 up. However, Khephren levelled matters with a fine header of his own just minutes later before Vasilije Adzic hit a long-range winner for Juventus in the dying seconds.

Unfortunately, Inter coach Christian Chivu had to put some mischievous members of their media in their place for trying to make a controversy out of the fact that the Thurams shared a joke or two at the full-time whistle – but there was no spoiling what was a wonderful occasion for Lilian and and his two boys.

"Both Marcus and my father tell me I'm not good with my head and should score more headers, so I was glad to score with my head today!" an ecstatic Khephren told afterwards. "Marcus told me with his eyes well done, because he's a great brother as well as a great player. He was proud of me."

Remarkably, the Thuram brothers weren't the only set of siblings from France to score at the weekend.

On Saturday evening, Kylian Mbappe maintained his red-hot start to the new Liga season with the opening goal in Real Madrid's hard-fought 2-1 win at Real Sociedad.

The following day, his teenage brother Ethan came off the bench to earn Lille a 2-1 victory over Toulouse with a 98th-minute strike that sparked scenes of wild celebration at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Unsurprisingly, Kylian was among the first to congratulate his younger brother, labelling Ethan "STARBOY" in a post on Instagram. 

MatériaMais Notícias

Se tornou rotina no cotidiano do elenco do São Paulo assistir vídeos para estudar como os adversários atuam e, principalmente, para que o técnico Dorival Júnior passe as suas ideias.

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Adotado logo após o novo comandante assumir, no fim de abril, o uso do vídeo para orientar o plantel tricolor foi uma maneira do treinador compensar o pouco tempo no cargo e, principalmente, o pouco tempo também para treinamentos.

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Não é para menos. Com a maratona de partidas e viagens desde que assumiu (fez por exemplo apenas um jogo como mandante entre os quatro que se sentou no banco), Dorival tem no vídeo um aliado pela praticidade. A ferramenta pode ser usada em qualquer ocasião ou local.

E de cara a prática parece que veio para ficar no Tricolor. Nos textos informativos sobre os treinos divulgados pelo clube, quase sempre consta o início das atividades nos campos do CT da Barra Funda após os jogadores assistirem ‘as aulas televisuais’ do professor. Foi assim, por exemplo, na última sexta-feira (5).

Logo após o vídeo os jogadores foram a campo para o aquecimento sob a supervisão da preparação física.

Na sequência, os atletas realizaram um treino técnico, divididos em grupos de defesa e ataque. Enquanto os defensores realizaram um trabalho de posicionamento, os atacantes fizeram um treino de troca de passe e finalização ao gol.

Na sequência, Dorival Júnior dividiu o elenco em dois novos grupos. Enquanto uma parte fez um trabalho tático, coletivo, de 11 contra 11, utilizando metade do gramado, a outra parte fez trabalhos de bola parada. Assim como ontem, o treino de hoje contou com alguns atletas do Sub-20.

+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados da Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!

The final has been allocated to Lahore, but will be played in Dubai if India make the title round

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Dec-2024Dubai has been confirmed as the venue for all matches of the Champions Trophy 2025 involving India, including one of the semi-finals and possibly the final, too, if India get there.The schedule, officially released by the ICC on Tuesday, specifies that “semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify” and will be played in Dubai, and, similarly, “semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify”. Also, Lahore has been finalised as the host city for the final, but “if India qualifies for the final it will be played in Dubai”. Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days, an ICC statement confirmed.As reported by ESPNcricinfo on Sunday, the decision to host India’s matches at the eight-team Champions Trophy away from Pakistan, the official host country, and in the UAE was finalised after Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, met with Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak in Pakistan. Sheikh Nahyan is a senior UAE minister and also the head of the Emirates Cricket Board.Related

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Champions Trophy: India vs Pakistan on February 23 in UAE

Naqvi, the PCB chairman, said, “We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport.”Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.”The marquee Pakistan vs India match in the group stage will be played on February 23, a Sunday. The other two teams in that group are Bangladesh and New Zealand. India will face Bangladesh on February 20, and New Zealand on March 2.ESPNcricinfo LtdPakistan, the defending champions of the tournament, will start things off on February 19, against New Zealand in Karachi. Pakistan’s last league match, against Bangladesh, will be played in Rawalpindi on February 27.The second group has Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa. The matches for both groups – apart from the India games – will be played across Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.The two semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and March 5, and with both games being allocated reserve days, it’s not impossible that they end up taking place on the same day, though Dubai is usually dry at that time of the year.The hybrid model was finalised after the parties involved agreed that, in return, Pakistan’s matches at ICC events hosted by India till 2027 will also be at neutral venues. In all cases, knockout games such as the semi-final and the final will also be held at neutral venues.The agreement begins with the Champions Trophy, and will apply to the 2025 women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It will also apply to the 2028 women’s T20 World Cup, the first tournament of the next events cycle that has now been awarded to Pakistan.

Whilst Liverpool have found themselves linked with a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo in recent weeks, sporting director Richard Hughes reportedly wants the Reds to sign a recent treble winner instead.

Ekitike "ready" for Premier League step

Although Liverpool are not done on the transfer front, Hugo Ekitiké represents a significant standout in an impressive list of incomings.

Alongside Florian Wirtz, the Frenchman has arrived for big money from the Bundesliga to take the Reds’ spending close to the £300m-mark. The pressure will be on after sealing a move worth £69m, with £10m in potential add-ons, but Ekitike is ready to take the Premier League step.

The talented striker told Liverpool’s official website: “I think that was the right moment. I came to the Bundesliga hungry, I wanted to show that I’m a good player and I can make the difference on the pitch.

“I think I did well last season. Now, I feel ready to make a bigger step and to play on the highest level, to improve myself, to see what I can do. That’s why I think it’s the right timing for me and the perfect moment to come here.”

The new arrival has been straight into action and has already met his new teammates on Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Hong Kong. Alongside the rest of the fresh faces in Arne Slot’s squad, Ekitike will now be desperate to hit the ground running.

Back in Merseyside, meanwhile, Liverpool may not be done with incomings. Following the news that Alexander Isak has asked to leave Newcastle United, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on signing the Swede in a package that could cost as much as £250m, including agents fees and wages.

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Then, the Reds could turn their focus towards replacing Luis Diaz if he leaves for Bayern Munich. And Hughes already has his preferred option in mind to do exactly that.

Hughes now wants Bradley Barcola instead of Rodrygo

As reported by ESPN, Hughes now wants Liverpool to sign Bradley Barcola, who’d come as an alternative to Rodrygo, but the transfer chief also understands that any deal to welcome the Paris Saint-Germain star is unlikely to take place this summer.

The Frenchman has just won the treble at PSG and played his part in their first-ever Champions League success. As such, both luring him away from the Parc des Princes and negotiating a deal with PSG will likely prove to be a tough challenge ahead of next season.

The one factor which could leave the door ajar for the Reds to come swooping in, however, is the amount of competition for places in Barcola’s way in Paris. The 22-year-old must compete for a spot against Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whilst Diaz’s potentially vacant role could be awaiting him at Anfield.

It’s clear to see why Hughes wants Barcola over Rodrygo, given how impressive the Frenchman was at PSG last season. A player who scout Jacek Kulig described as “exciting”, Barcola would thrive at Anfield.

Ben Dwarshuis hit Sydney Sixers to an unlikely last-ball win over Sydney Thunder, taking 15 from the last over to take his team past the victory mark.On the same night that Sam Konstas was bowled for a duck in his last innings before a likely Boxing Day Test debut, Dwarshuis hit Sixers home at Engie Stadium.Chasing 164 for victory, Sixers looked shot when they needed 47 from the final four overs. But Jordan Silk (36* off 25 balls) helped them take 17 from a Nathan McAndrew over, before Dwarshius provided the late heroics with 20 not out from eight balls.After launching Lockie Ferguson for six from the first ball he faced, Dwarshuis took charge with 15 needed from Chris Green’s final over. Green’s first three balls were hard to get away but he was hurt by two straight wides outside off. Then with seven needed from two balls, Dwarshuis smashed Green over the long-on rope for six, before taking a quick single off the last ball to finish the job.Earlier, Cameron Bancroft hit an unbeaten 70 from 52 balls to help Thunder reach 163 for 5. Bancroft was the favourite to return to the Test team when Cameron Green was ruled out for the season, before a nightmare summer with the bat pegged him back.Cameron Bancroft top scored for Sydney Thunder with 70 off 52•Getty Images

In his past 15 innings across all formats before Saturday night, Bancroft passed 20 twice as Nathan McSweeney and Konstas both went past him in the pecking order. But Bancroft looked back to being in good touch against Sixers, hitting three sixes and five fours. His innings helped keep Thunder’s innings together, as Oliver Davies also banged 47 from 34 for the hosts and hit three straight sixes off Todd Murphy.Playing for the first time since being called into Australia’s Test squad, Konstas went to cut a short ball from Akeal Hosein and bottom-edged it on to his stumps. The 19-year-old’s duck came after he had set the BBL alight on debut five days earlier, smashing the fastest 50 in Thunder’s history against Adelaide Strikers.It has been one of the few times he has missed out on making a score this summer, since making a splash with twin tons to start the Sheffield Shield season for New South Wales.Konstas said axed Test opener McSweeney had been among the first to congratulate him, following an initial call from chief selector George Bailey.”I was so thrilled and called my parents straight away, and they were very emotional,” Konstas said on Fox’s BBL coverage. “Mum was in tears so I was trying not to cry. Dad was super proud. It’s been an amazing journey with all the ups and downs.”I’m very excited. I want to be challenged and I’ve got a few plans against [India’s] bowlers. I feel like I’m moving really nicely so hopefully I get that opportunity.”

Fabrizio Romano anticipates Liverpool will spend more money this summer. They’ve spent a fair bit already, but then why not?

Arne Slot surprised a few when he led the Reds to the Premier League title last season, surprised a few when he did it having spent very little in the 2024 summer market, bringing over a £12.5m man in Federico Chiesa, who sat in Mohamed Salah’s shadow all year long.

But that was all. And so now that Liverpool are Premier League champions, having invested nominally over the past two years, they have been granted by FSG a war chest which has been used on a range of thrilling signings.

Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have buttressed the wide banks; Florian Wirtz is a Liverpool player, leaving Bayer Leverkusen along with Frimpong in a deal worth £116m. That’s a British record. Giorgi Mamardashvili, a 24-year-old goalkeeper with lofty ambitions, has completed his move from Valencia too.

And now, Hugo Ekitike is on the cusp of sealing his own move, there or thereabouts completing Liverpool’s frontline.

Hugo Ekitike and what comes next

Ekitike is all but a Liverpool player. Only the official announcement remains. The Eintracht Frankfurt forward is 23, and he is already “one of the best strikers out there”, as analyst Ben Mattinson has put it.

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes no doubt feel they have hit the jackpot.

Ekitike will prove a big upgrade on Darwin Nunez, who is expected to leave Liverpool this summer. But more is needed at the front of the ship.

Chiesa may also be on the move after his disappointing debut season, and Luis Diaz is the subject of Bayern Munich’s focused interest. A £58.5m bid was knocked back last week, and the Bundesliga champions plan to return with an improved offer.

Diaz, 28, wants a better contract, but one does not appear to be forthcoming. He has less than two years remaining at Liverpool, so cashing in for a hefty fee might be the track to go down.

And anyway, Liverpool have set their sights on the perfect replacement.

Liverpool in talks with Diaz replacement

Over the past several weeks, Liverpool have emerged as contenders for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who is slated to leave Xabi Alonso’s side this summer after being informed he had slipped down the pecking order.

And now, according to Foot Mercato, Liverpool have been engaged in recent talks with the player’s camp as they look to complete a stunning transfer, although official contacts with Real Madrid have yet to take place.

The 24-year-old is also wanted by Arsenal and has been priced at £87m by Los Blancos, so there’s a lot to consider on FSG’s part.

Why Liverpool want Rodrygo

Rodrygo is a talented forward, but he’s been limited somewhat at Real Madrid over the past year, rarely playing in his favoured left-sided attacking role and overshadowed by the likes of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Still, in spite of his going 17 matches in a row without a goal before the 2024/25 season wrapped up, Rodrygo managed to notch 25 goal involvements across the campaign – the same as Diaz – and showcased his slick technical quality, ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion and the top 14% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

This completeness of style has even led to FBref’s data-driven algorithms linking Wirtz and former Reds target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia being two of his most comparable players, and if through the lens of these comparisons that we better understand why FSG are so intent on bringing him over to Merseyside.

Rodrygo has the natural silkiness of movement that aligns with Paris Saint-Germain’s Kvaratskhelia, who is regarded as one of the game’s pre-eminent current ball carriers. Mattinson had also praised him, saying of the Georgian: “Superstar ability but works like a dog off the ball.”

And then Rodrygo is also blessed with a certain creative flair and incisiveness in front of goal that isn’t too dissimilar to Liverpool’s record signing, who, across the past two campaigns with Leverkusen, has posted 34 goals and 35 assists across all competitions.

24/25

31 (25)

10

13

23/24

32 (26)

11

12

22/23

17 (11)

1

6

21/22

24 (22)

7

10

20/21

29 (25)

5

6

The Brazil forward provides potent support each year, but his La Liga form left something to be desired last year. As per Sofascore, though, he only missed one big chance, converting six more.

At his finest, Rodrygo is regarded to be “on a different level”, as said by talent scout Jacek Kulig, in the same way that Wirtz and Kvaratskhelia demand awe when at their rip-roaring best.

Wirtz, indeed, is incredibly sharp in the crucial moments, often making the right decision as he places a weighted pass into a teammate’s pocket of space, or making the perfect shimmy as he skips to the side and unleashes a pinpoint strike on goal.

While Rodrygo has work to do until he reaches that level, which he is capable of, you’d think that at Liverpool on the left, he would have the freedom and renewed confidence to go from strength to strength.

After all, the versatile forward has demonstrated over a number of years his aptitude in the Champions League, so often coming up trumps on Europe’s biggest stage.

With the athleticism of a superstar like Kvaratskhelia and the innate attacking sharpness of Liverpool’s new star recruit, Rodrygo could be exactly what Slot is looking for, and must be signed if Diaz does indeed go.

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