All posts by h716a5.icu

It’s a 20-year-long relationship that’s often been friendly and sometimes fraught, but always intriguing

Mohammad Isam21-Nov-2019

Late 1990s: The Dalmiya touch
When we discuss the history of Bangladesh cricket, the late Jagmohan Dalmiya features prominently.Between 1997 and 1999, Bangladesh Cricket Board bigwigs Saber Hossain Chowdhury and Syed Ashraful Haq spoke to Dalmiya again and again, explaining their ambition of becoming a Test-playing nation.Dalmiya first agreed to send India to play the 1998 Independence Cup tri-series in Dhaka, before inviting Bangladesh to a tri-series in India a few months later. Dhaka soon became the venue for the ICC Knockout Cup (later the ICC Champions Trophy), and soon after their participation in the 1999 World Cup, the ICC sent a team led by Dr Ali Bacher to take stock of the situation in Bangladesh. The report was a favorable one, and with cricket diplomacy on in full swig, the vote in June 2000 went Bangladesh’s way and they became a Full Member.Were Bangladesh ready for Test cricket? Did Dalmiya do what he did for political gains? These are questions that have done the rounds endlessly over the years – especially when Bangladesh have faltered at the highest stage – but it’s true that Dalmiya became such an important part of Bangladesh cricket that he was accorded motorcades more than once during his visits to Dhaka those days.After England refused to be part of Bangladesh’s inaugural Test, the BCCI stepped in and a match was set for November 10, 2000, in Dhaka.Jagmohan Dalmiya played a crucial role in Bangladesh earning Test status•Getty ImagesNovember 2000: Ganguly, also at the beginning
Bangladesh’s entry to the Test arena took place at a time of great upheaval in Indian cricket, with the corruption scandal hogging the headlines. Ganguly, just four years old in Test cricket, became the captain, and the Dhaka Test was his first as leader. He strode out for the toss with Bangladesh captain Naimur Rahman, with Sheikh Hasina, then in her first term as Bangladesh’s prime minister, present on the first day.Now the BCCI boss, Ganguly, arguably the most popular Indian cricketer in Bangladesh, has made the pink-ball Test happen within days of taking charge, and in attendance at what is a historic occasion will be Hasina, also the current prime minister, as well as a number of Bangladeshi players who were a part of the 2000 Test.The new FTP: Finally, a Test match in India
For much of Bangladesh’s existence as a Test-playing nation, they have had to wait to play Test cricket in India. Particularly when India toured Bangladesh for bilateral series in 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2014, the question of “when will Bangladesh tour India” was a running track. The BCCI never said it explicitly, but it was understood that they were not keen on hosting a side that didn’t promise much on the field, or in terms of commerce.But the 2014 agreements vis-a-vis the future tours programme effectively put the BCCI in a commitment to host Bangladesh, and by mid-2016 it was announced that in February 2017, Bangladesh would be playing their first Test in India. It was played in Hyderabad, and India won by 208 runs.Mushfiqur Rahim celebrates Bangladesh’s maiden T20I win over India•BCCI2014: How India changed its stance
Five years before Ganguly’s ascension as the BCCI head, Bangladesh’s first proper bilateral tour to India took shape as part of a deal between the two cricket boards. Although it was much later that the schedule was set for November 2019, BCB chief Nazmul Hassan had confirmed in February 2014 itself that the board had signed a members’ participation agreement with the BCCI for four India tours.It was part of the negotiations that most boards had with the BCCI, Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board after the Big Three developments came out in January that year. The BCB didn’t immediately take sides and were initially very apprehensive of what appeared to it as something that wouldn’t end well for Bangladesh. But in the weeks that followed, the negotiations resulted in agreements – and the BCCI has lived up to its promise on all of them.The last few years: An off-field rivalry
Until their 2-1 ODI series win in 2015 at home, Bangladesh were down 33-3 in all international matches against India. The Mustafizur Rahman-inspired series win in Dhaka, however, remained a one-off as India have continued to be dominant in these contests. Still, Bangladesh have pushed them in the last three years, mainly in white-ball cricket, and there have been a number of last-over finishes – in Bengaluru, in Colombo and in Dubai, and they beat India for the first time in a T20I earlier this month.But the improved on-field competition has resulted in somewhat nasty exchanges, at times, between the cricket fans of the two nations. Social media is often inundated with abuse between the two sets of supporters, so much so that Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe Mortaza had to call for calm ahead of their 2019 World Cup match in Birmingham.2019: History in Kolkata
Virat Kohli, reportedly, agreed to play the day-night Test in Kolkata within “three seconds” of Ganguly speaking to him about it, and Hassan didn’t take much longer after his first conversation with his BCCI counterpart. But, while Hassan agreed in principle, he – and the board – left it to the Bangladesh players and team management to take the final decision during their training camp in Mirpur in late October. Within 24 hours of huge upheaval in Bangladesh cricket, the team came on board.

Every dot ball and every six matters that much more in such a condensed format

Barny Read in Abu Dhabi17-Nov-2019For most, the Abu Dhabi T10 is a learning exercise. It is a young tournament, with a format still learning how to walk. There are some, such as three-year veterans Eoin Morgan and Darren Sammy, who can draw on T10 muscle memory but, largely, the teams are learning on the job.It makes for intriguing viewing, especially seeing how the eight captains go about maneuvering their sides through blink-of-an-eye cricket.Some things are a given: win the toss and put them in, bowl into Abu Dhabi’s slow pitch and make batsmen hit to the bigger boundaries square of the wicket. But many other aspects are brand new.Karnataka Tuskers captain Hashim Amla put it like this after his debut: “By and large the game just goes on… the decisions are made for you.”It’s easy to see what he means, the three-game match-days moving at such a pace that they can appear to drift by without your full knowledge, each fixture blending into the other upon reflection at the close.It requires a captain’s full attention, such is the significance of every ball as T10’s fine margins are heightened by the large gains of every dot ball, every six and every wicket.”Every ball is an event, which I really like. It can swing around so quickly,” Delhi Bulls coach Stephen Fleming said. “You’ve really got to be as accurate as you can for those 60 deliveries and small mistakes are going to count.”One man fully embracing the challenge of captaincy is England international Dawid Malan. “It’s good fun, I absolutely love it,” he said. “I love the challenge of trying to be one step ahead, of thinking ahead. It’s just about staying level and being as consistent as you can.”Malan, who leads the Qalandars, knows that “bowlers win you games, batsmen set you up” and so do his counterparts, with the importance of your performance in the field so vital in professional cricket’s most condensed format.”I try and speak to [the bowlers] and [tell them] just bowl your best ball,” Team Abu Dhabi’s Moeen Ali said. “I try and just make things clear for the bowlers, something I’ve been doing at Worcester and it works quite nicely.”Northern Warriors captain Sammy agrees, saying that T10 is “not a game you think too much” about until you’ve got the ball in your hand.”I think when you’re in the field, as a bowling unit, that’s when the thinking really comes in because if you have five or six specialist batters, they’re supposed to bat 60 balls for you,” he said.”For us, I won’t dwell on [the result] too much. If we had two or three days in between games, then you could sit down and discuss. We need to be positive and think of the next game.”It raises an interesting point as to how teams analyse performances while learning the sport as they go, as well as instilling a team ethos and camaraderie in such a short period of time.The games come thick and fast during a 29-match, 10-day tournament and with players flying in just days out from the first ball – and even halfway through in the case of those involved in the recently concluded Afghanistan vs West Indies series – it isn’t easy to create a team environment that breeds unique brands of cricket.For Fleming, it is a common concern in franchise cricket that, like everything else in T10, is brought into sharper focus due to its compressed nature.”It’s a franchise question every time: ‘What do you try and achieve in a short space of time?’ And you can waste a lot of time trying to get an environment that is tight.”The former New Zealand captain has quickly become aware of how important a player’s instincts and skills are when in the middle. “You pick players from the start that you think will gell, so there’s an aspect of that in the draft, and then it’s about backing your skills.”There’s not a lot you can do to get a lot of gain out of it. Two weeks is just not enough time so it’s really a skill-based competition and creating an environment where the players feel they can be as good as they can be or why you bought them so that’s a lot to concentrate on.”

Celtic failed to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership when they were beaten 1-0 by St. Johnstone away from home on Sunday.

The Hoops had the chance to move 16 points clear at the top of the division after their city rivals Rangers had been beaten 2-0 on Saturday by Hibernian, but failed to pick up a singe point of their own a day later.

Celtic had 26 shots on goal, nine of which were on target, and did not do enough to beat Andrew Fisher, who saved all nine of those efforts on target, between the sticks for the Saints.

The likes of Nicolas Kuhn, who was substituted at half-time in the match, Daizen Maeda, and Jota all ended the game without helping the team to find the back of the net.

It was an off-colour performance from Jota on the left wing as he played 76 minutes without scoring a goal or creating a ‘big chance’ for his teammates, although he did register a shot on target and two key passes.

Why Jota has been a great signing for Celtic

The Hoops swooped to sign the Portuguese forward on a permanent deal from Rennes in the recent January transfer window for a reported fee of £8m, 18 months on from his £25m move from Parkhead to Al Ittihad.

His performance against St. Johnstone was not reflective of his form since making that return to Glasgow from France at the start of the year, though, as he has been a great signing for Brendan Rodgers so far.

The 26-year-old talent has scored four goals, created three ‘big chances’, and assisted two goals in six starts and three substitute appearances in the Premiership since his £8m switch, which shows that he has been incredibly productive in the final third for the Scottish giants.

Goals

0.71

Top 4%

xG

0.52

Top 4%

xG on target

0.76

Top 1%

Shots on target

1.60

Top 1%

Assists

0.32

Top 16%

Chances created

2.13

Top 20%

As you can see in the table above, his statistics also place him very highly among his positional peers in the Premiership, as he has been one of the most frequent scorers and creators in the division per 90.

These statistics also show that he is well on his way to replicating the kind of form that earned him his £25m move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 in the first place.

As you can see in the graphic above, Jota consistently provided a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the Premiership during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns under Ange Postecoglou earlier in his Celtic career.

Whilst the Hoops managed to bring the former Benfica man back to the club in January, the Bhoys did lose a talent last summer who could have become Jota 2.0 at Parkhead in Rocco Vata.

Why Rocco Vata deserved more chances at Celtic

The Irish youngster came up through the academy system at Parkhead and only made six appearances in the first-team before he left the club at the end of his contract last summer to sign for Watford.

After four appearances in the Premiership under Postecoglou in the 2022/23 campaign, Vata was not given many chances to impress at senior level by Rodgers last season.

The teenage sensation made two appearances, one in the Premiership and one in the SFA Cup, and played 29 minutes of football in the first-team, scoring against Buckie Thistle in his 26 minutes of cup action.

Vata, who was valued at £43k by Transfermarkt at the end of his Celtic career, scored 12 goals in 15 Lowland League matches in the 2023/24 campaign and scored in his only appearance that lasted more than three minutes for the first-team, but that was not enough to earn him any more outings for Rodgers.

The Ireland international took his chances, limited as they were, when they came and excelled as a goalscorer at youth level, yet still did not get more than three minutes of Premiership football in the entire season, leading to his move to Watford last summer.

Rocco Vata's soaring market value

At the time of writing (07/04/2025), Vata is currently valued at £854k by Transfermarkt and this means that his value has soared by a whopping 1,886% in the 2024/25 campaign from the £43k he was rated at by the end of his time in Glasgow.

His market value has skyrocketed as a result of his exposure to regular first-team football with Watford in the English Championship, as the Hornets have been willing to offer him the senior minutes that his promise at Celtic suggested that he deserved.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

The 19-year-old talent has racked up 31 first-team appearances and 1,282 minutes of action in all competitions so far this season, including 27 outings in the Championship, after his 29 minutes of football for the Hoops this term.

Vata, whose screamer against Premier League side Fulham in the FA Cup is shown above, has shown that he has what it takes to play regular football at senior level, and that he can contribute at the top end of the pitch.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the Irish whiz, who has been playing on the left wing of late for Watford, had an “exciting” future ahead of him during his time at Parkhead, and his potential is finally starting to shine through.

Appearances

27

Starts

10

xG

2.35

Goals

3

Big chances created

4

Assists

3

As you can see in the table above, Vata has been directly involved in six goals in ten starts in the second tier for Watford so far this season, which shows that he is well on the path to delivering goals and assists on a regular basis.

His return of 23 goals in 34 matches for Celtic’s B team showed that he had the potential to be a Jota-esque figure on the wing, by finding the back of the net on a regular basis, whilst he has now added creativity to his performances with the Hornets.

The Hoops, therefore, messed up when they failed to keep him at Parkhead last summer because they lost a player who could have developed into their next version of Jota on the wing, with the quality that he displayed at youth level in Glasgow and at Watford this season.

Not Engels: Rodgers has already found Celtic's new McGregor in teen star

Celtic may already have their next Callum McGregor and it is not Arne Engels.

ByDan Emery Apr 5, 2025

Celtic could have had their own homegrown star, whose value is now soaring at an exceptional rate, but they will now have to watch from afar as his career develops in England.

After a dire return to Premier League action on Thursday night last week, Tottenham Hotspur fans finally had something to celebrate yesterday afternoon.

It wasn’t a vintage performance, and there was a moment when it looked like it could end in a draw, but Ange Postecoglou’s side managed to pick up three points at home against Southampton.

One of the stand-out performers for the home side was Brennan Johnson, who scored a brace and won the penalty that Mathys Tel put away in the game’s final moments.

The Welshman now has 16 goals across all competitions this season and is the club’s top goalscorer, so it’s good news that recent reports have touted a player who could be Tottenham’s next Johnson for a move to N17.

Tottenham's transfer targets

With how poorly this season has gone and the number of injuries the team have had to contend with, this summer has to be a massive one for Spurs in terms of incomings, and based on the last few weeks of rumours, it certainly seems like it will be.

For example, according to reports from late last week, the club are looking to bring in some more defensive reinforcements in the shape of Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie, who could be available for £60m and would come with title-winning experience.

On top of that, Daniel Levy and Co appear intent on adding to the attack, with the £60m Eberechi Eze back on their list of top targets.

Transfer Focus

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

The Crystal Palace star has scored six goals and provided 11 assists so far this season and would undoubtedly improve the attacking options at Postecoglou’s disposal next year, as would the most recent star touted for a move to N17: Antoine Semenyo.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, the Lilywhites are incredibly keen on signing the Bournemouth star this summer.

In fact, the report has revealed that Spurs ‘are in a fierce battle’ to secure the Ghanaian’s signature with Premier League rivals Manchester United.

On top of having to contend with the Red Devils, the North Londoners will also have to cough up a significant amount of money to get their man as the Cherries will only entertain selling at around €50m, which is about £43m.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line for Spurs, but given Semenyo’s immense ability, it is worth fighting for, especially if he can be their next Johnson.

Why Semenyo would be Johnson 2.0

So, while we are not saying they are the same player, there are some undeniable parallels between Johnson and Semenyo, especially if the latter moves to Spurs.

The first is that both would have moved to Spurs from other Premier League sides who are outside the traditional ‘big six’ but appear to be on positive trajectories, with Bournemouth looking good for a top-half finish.

The second similarity is that both players can be devastatingly effective from the wing.

Appearances

35

41

Goals

9

16

Assists

6

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.42

0.48

For example, while he hasn’t got as many goal involvements as the Welshman, the “sensational” Ghanaian, as dubbed by journalist Thierry Nyann, has still managed to rack up nine goals and six assists in 35 appearances, totalling 3003 minutes.

That means the 25-year-old is currently averaging a goal involvement every 2.33 games, or every 200.2 minutes.

Finally, while the former Nottingham Forest star has settled into a right-wing role, both players are positionally versatile and have shown an ability to play all over the pitch in the past.

Ultimately, while it could be an expensive transfer to get over the line, Semenyo has more than proven himself in the Premier League this season.

Therefore, Spurs should do all they can to sign him in the summer.

Spurs are brewing a dream Maddison replacement in 17-year-old "cheat-code"

The teenage sensation could be a star for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 4, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have mapped out their timeline to find a replacement for Ange Postecoglou, with chairman Daniel Levy also earmarking two “top candidates” for the potentially vacant Spurs job.

Tottenham could sack Ange Postecoglou regardless of Europa League

As reported by The Mirror’s John Cross earlier this week, an impressive campaign in the Europa League might not necessarily save Postecoglou.

Tottenham talking about hiring "class" Iraola alternative who Guardiola loves

The City boss has called him “one of the best” around.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 16, 2025

The consensus was that Postecoglou is relying on a good run in Europe to save his job at Tottenham, as per reliable sources like Fabrizio Romano, but it is now believed that might not even be enough after a truly torrid Premier League campaign.

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

The Australian admitted in a recent press conference that he’s aware of this growing sentiment, so the pressure is truly on for him to turn the tide and somehow convince a discontented fan base that he’s the right man to take Spurs forward.

Behind-the-scenes, Tottenham are doing due-diligence on potential replacements for Postecoglou.

Bounemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi, ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić, Thiago Motta, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are all rumoured Spurs managerial targets,

If the Lilywhites fail to get past Eintracht Frankfurt in their Europa League quarter-final second leg on Thursday, with the tie currently level on aggregate, we’re very likely to see even more reports linking prospective managers to the Tottenham hot seat.

It is unclear whether Levy and new CEO Vinai Venkatesham are open to relieving Postecoglou of his duties before the end of 2024/2025, which would mean they could end up appointing Ryan Mason as interim boss again.

However, it has now been revealed when Spurs would aim to have a new manager in by.

Tottenham set Ange Postecoglou timeline with top candidates identified

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, if Postecoglou is sacked, Tottenham want a manager in before the first summer transfer window on June 1st – as they’d be very keen to work on targets with their new tactician already appointed.

Levy and co want any prospective boss to have the opportunity to work on new arrivals “early” in the off-season, and aim to sign-off on a hire “as soon as possible”, in the event Postecoglou is shown his P45.

As things stand, both Iraola and Silva are their two “top candidates”, even if the former is reportedly more inclined to remain at Bournemouth (The Telegraph).

Other reports state that Silva is emerging as a frontrunner for the Tottenham job off the back of Iraola’s stance (talkSPORT), following yet another impressive campaign at Craven Cottage where he’s led Fulham to European qualification contention.

Over the course of 2024/25, Postecoglou has led Spurs to 21 defeats in all competitions, with 17 of them coming in the top flight.

Regardless of injuries, numbers like these are unacceptable for a club like Tottenham, and any new manager will have a serious task on their hands to revitalise the mood around N17.

Newcastle United responded to their demoralising 4-1 loss on the road to Aston Villa by easily getting the better of ten-man Ipswich Town 3-0 back at St James’ Park.

The Champions League aspiring side are now up to third in the Premier League standings off the back of this straightforward victory, with the result also finally sending the Tractor Boys back down to the Championship after they had been agonisingly waiting on.

Of course, Alexander Isak had to get in on the goalscoring action for Eddie Howe’s Magpies, with his penalty late into the first half getting the ball rolling for what was a comprehensive home victory.

Isak's performance in numbers

Isak is now up to a stunning 26 goals in all competitions, courtesy of his opener versus Kieran McKenna’s relegated visitors, but it was not the most impressive all-round showing from the Swede away from coolly converting his spot-kick.

Indeed, the forward would only manage to muster up 37 touches of the ball away from his decisive penalty beating Alex Palmer, with the ex-Real Sociedad man also managing to spurn two big chances to try and make Newcastle’s lead even more emphatic.

William Osula will be looking to keep Isak on his toes after finding the back of the net himself as a second-half substitute, but the 25-year-old’s starting spot is still very much set in stone, considering his blistering ability to fire home opportunities when he’s at his best.

There is another figure in Howe’s main XI who will also be confident that his spot is nailed on as secure, especially after his classy afternoon against Ipswich further cemented his worth to the Magpies’ cause.

The 10/10 ace who is now as undroppable as Isak

Minus that glaring blip at Villa Park, Newcastle have been a joy to watch in recent weeks if you’re of a Tyneside persuasion, with Howe’s men winning eight of their last nine games in all competitions away from the 4-1 loss to Unai Emery’s side.

Newcastle just seem to have a wonderful squad cohesion at the moment, with Dan Burn always putting in titan-like displays at the back, alongside Kieran Trippier chipping in with some crucial assists when the heat is ramped up.

The former Tottenham Hotspur full-back would of course play a huge role in the Magpies shocking Liverpool at Wembley in the EFL Cup final, with his corner kick delivery perfect for the head of Burn to convert during the 2-1 victory.

There was a sense of deja vu in the air at St James’ Park on Saturday as Trippier would tally up one of his assists on the day when picking out the reliable man mountain once more, alongside also teeing up Osula for his first-ever Premier League strike.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

2

Touches

156

Accurate passes

113/122 (93%)

Key passes

3

Accurate crosses

3/12

Total duels won

5/12

The ageing defender was constantly involved in Newcastle attacks when bombing down the right flank, with Trippier ending the contest with a mind-blowing 156 touches amassed, on top of 113 accurate passes being registered.

The Magpies number two isn’t any spring chicken at 34 years of age, but Howe will surely want to keep him around past this season despite his veteran status, particularly if he can conjure up more top-drawer showings like this one.

Unbelievably, football journalist Lee Ryder would hand out a faultless 10/10 match rating to Trippier after the dust had settled on the win, stating that his performance was massively ‘influential’, which is why he is now as undroppable as Isak.

Newcastle will just hope the assists keep flowing from Trippier when the Toon travel to a dangerous Brighton and Hove Albion side to kickstart May, knowing full well that more heroics to come from their loyal servant could see a Champions League place become a reality.

Newcastle boss Howe holds direct talks with "fantastic" £30m striker target

The Magpies are in the hunt for attacking reinforcements.

1 BySean Markus Clifford Apr 26, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have avoided relegation back down to the Championship and will be competing in the Premier League once again next season.

Vitor Pereira has left the club to safety and will now have the chance to bring his own players to Molineux in his first summer transfer window with the Old Gold.

The Portuguese head coach, however, may also have to contend with some of his star players moving on from the club, including Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Why Rayan Ait-Nouri could leave Wolves

The Telegraph recently reported that Wolves want to offer the defender a new deal, but that there is still doubt over his future at the club due to interest from elsewhere.

It was revealed that Manchester City and Liverpool have both sent scouts to watch the Algeria international, who is valued at £50m by Wolves, in action this season.

Ait-Nouri, who produced three goals and two assists in all competitions last season, has improved his output at the top end of the pitch, with a return of five goals and seven assists for the Old Gold this term.

His form has attracted interest from two of the best teams in the Premier League, which is why he could be on his way out of the club in the summer if significant bids come in for him.

Journalist Graeme Bailey recently revealed that Wolves are keeping tabs on Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin, and a move for the Englishman could allow the club to forget all about Ait-Nouri.

Why Wolves should sign Dennis Cirkin

Wolves should swoop to sign the Black Cats star in the summer transfer window because it would ease the blow of losing the Algerian left-back to Liverpool or Manchester City.

Transfer Focus

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

Cirkin, who was hailed as “eye-catching” by pundit Sam Parkin, was described as “the best full-back in the Championship” by journalist Josh Bunting, which speaks to how impressive the full-back has been in the second tier.

The 23-year-old ace, who has helped his side to keep 11 clean sheets in 30 starts, is an excellent defender who could offer more solidity down the left flank than Ait-Nouri currently does for Pereira.

Appearances

34

36

Tackles per game

2.4

2.5

Interceptions per game

0.7

1.2

Clearances per game

1.7

2.6

Ground duel success rate

55%

55%

Aerial duel success rate

42%

44%

Red cards

1

0

As you can see in the table above, the Sunderland dynamo has the potential to offer more to the team from a defensive perspective because he makes tackles, interceptions, and clearances more frequently, while also winning a higher percentage of his aerial contests.

Cirkin can also maraud forward to make an impact at the top end of the pitch, having scored three goals and provided two assists in the Championship this term, which means that he could still offer a threat going forward as well.

Of course, the caveat is that the former Spurs youngster is currently playing in the second tier and is an unproven quantity in the Premier League, but he is a young player with time left ahead of him to develop and improve and has shown plenty of promising signs in a Sunderland shirt.

The new Gibbs-White: Wolves planning move for £50m Premier League talent

Wolverhampton Wanderers might be about to land their next Morgan Gibbs-White if this deal is successful.

ByKelan Sarson May 7, 2025

Therefore, Wolves could forget all about Ait-Nouri, and sanction a sale for the defender, if they can strike an agreement with the Black Cats to bring the impressive Cirkin to the Molineux this summer.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and the recruitment team have reportedly reached a transfer fee agreement over signing another player this summer, with the club wasting no time in kickstarting their expected busy summer window.

The positions Arsenal want to strengthen this summer

According to a recent update via Sky Sports, Arsenal will have “at least” £100 million to spend on new signings when the window reopens, which does not include any funds raised by player sales.

Talks advancing: Arsenal pushing to sign "deadly" £65m Premier League star

The Gunners are making progress in their pursuit of a forward, who has enjoyed a fantastic 2024-25 campaign.

ByDominic Lund May 19, 2025

Once outgoings are taken into account, with Arsenal ready to sell Jakub Kiwior for £29 million and Oleksandr Zinchenko widely expected to depart the Emirates, among others, then it is likely Berta will have even more money to reinvest in the squad.

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

It is believed by some media sources that Arsenal are targeting a second-choice keeper, full-back, midfielder, left-winger, striker and a potential alternative to Bukayo Saka, as per GiveMeSport, and they’ve already made significant progress on a couple of these aims.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal from the La Liga side (Fabrizio Romano), with the Spain international finally agreeing to make the switch to England after months of talks.

Following Zubimendi, reports have claimed that Arsenal are advancing in talks for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, as Berta looks to end their long search for a prolific striker very early into his tenure as director.

While there are suggestions that Sporting want Gyokeres’ final price tag paid within two years, which poses an obstacle for Arsenal to overcome in negotiations, it has now been stated that both sides have at least shaken hands on that valuation.

Arsenal agree £59m deal with Sporting CP to sign Viktor Gyokeres

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via The Mirror), Arsenal have reached an agreement with Sporting to sign Gyokeres for £59 million – which comes as a pretty bold claim.

The Monday headline from O Jogo’s front page also reads that Gyokeres is “on his way to Arsenal”, indicating that Mikel Arteta is on the verge of striking a full deal for the free-scoring Sweden international.

Despite some previous reports to the contrary, O Jogo believes that the Gunners still need to agree personal terms with the 26-year-old. While it isn’t completely sealed in that sense, Sporting’s demands have apparently been settled already, which comes as some very good news for Arteta if accurate.

The former Coventry City star’s links to N5 don’t appear to be going away any time soon, and there is little doubting he’d be an exciting signing for Arsenal after two phenomenal back-to-back campaigns in the Primeira Liga.

Gyokeres boasts 96 goals and 28 assists from 101 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese heavyweights, so £59 million could be considered one of the bargains of the summer for a player who’s been bagging goals for fun in one of Europe’s major leagues.

Liverpool mean business this summer. The season isn’t yet over, and Trent Alexander-Arnold has not yet completed his free transfer to Real Madrid, but sporting director Richard Hughes has already tied Conor Bradley down to a new long-term deal and is finalising a move for Jeremie Frimpong.

That’s only scratching the surface, too. Developments earlier in the week, confirmed by The Athletic, have revealed a vested Liverpool interest in Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, with contacts made as Manchester City and Bayern Munich also race for the playmaker’s signature.

Wirtz would be a staggering signing, one of indisputable intent and ambition from FSG. The German’s creativity is exactly what is needed to replace Alexander-Arnold’s unique output.

The 22-year-old might be “the best midfielder in the world” to former Leverkusen star Patrick Helmes, but he’s not the deeper profile Arne Slot may yet require to truly complete his title-winning team.

Why Liverpool should sign a midfielder

Up until the Premier League title was clinched at the end of April, Slot had only employed four different midfield rotations across the league campaign, more often than not utilising the same trusted trio.

Alexis Mac Allister has been a monstrous all-round star, sixth in the division for tackles (with 95), while also creative and influential. A real general for Jurgen Klopp and now Slot.

Further forward, Dominik Szoboszlai’s output still leaves something to be desired, but his matchless energy and enthusiasm as an overwhelming attacking midfielder have been crucial facets behind the seasonal success.

The star of the show, it must be said, has been Ryan Gravenberch, whose rise within his countryman’s project has been a startling thing.

Matches (starts)

26 (12)

35 (35)

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

4

Touches*

28.8

66.4

Pass completion

83%

89%

Key passes*

0.6

0.7

Dribbles*

0.9

1.0

Ball recoveries*

2.8

5.3

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

3.5

Duels (won)*

2.8

5.0 (58%)

Gravenberch has been nominated (alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk) for the PFA Premier League Player of the Year, and rightly so.

He’s lifted himself from a middling maiden term after Liverpool failed to sign their one midfield target last summer and has been the centrepiece of a title-winning season.

After struggling in the wake of Fabinho’s sale to the Saudi Pro League last season, Liverpool have surely found their heir for the ages, with the Brazilian anchor leaving Merseyside in 2023 with his head held high, one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.

But now, to add the depth and dynamism needed to compete across multiple fronts, Slot is ready to sign some competition.

Liverpool plan bid for new midfielder

As per TEAMtalk, the powers that be at Anfield are preparing to lodge a formal offer for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who has been a revelation in south London over the past 15 months or so.

Wharton, 21, is also being targeted by Chelsea, with his modern, dynamic role in the middle of the park bespeaking a future at the very highest point of the footballing pyramid.

It’s understood the Eagles value their touted prospect at more than £60m, with Palace chairman Steve Parish notorious for his tricky negotiating at the business table.

Why Adam Wharton would be perfect for Liverpool

If Chelsea stumble and fall in their bid to return to the Champions League, Liverpool may well find themselves in pole position to complete a deal for Wharton, a player considered to be a “special talent who will soon bring Palace a lot of money” by scout Jacek Kulig.

After his role in Crystal Palace’s incredible FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, you can bet his stock has skyrocketed. It was a fine illustration of the kind of dynamic quality Liverpool would be securing, winning five duels, making four clearances and three tackles, as per Sofascore.

The ace has only made 36 Premier League appearances, but he’s already established himself as not only a key part of Oliver Glasner’s team, but an attractive option for the finest outfits across the continent.

He would be the perfect competition for Gravenberch, potentially with the skill set to outstrip Liverpool’s Dutchman. Maybe he even has the potential to overtake Fabinho in the all-time power rankings, too.

Wharton isn’t the finished product, but he’s on his way to becoming one of the most exciting midfielders in England. For sure, his smooth ball-playing skills, intelligence, and silkiness when carrying the ball forward himself are all facets that point toward an elite future.

Respected journalist Henry Winter has already hailed the former Blackburn Rovers prospect as a “passing machine,” swinging his deliveries forward carefully, surgically.

As per FBref, Wharton ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues this season for progressive passes and shot-creating actions, the top 18% for through balls and the top 6% for ball recoveries per 90.

Might it be fair to claim he could be as good as Fabinho, bringing his own deep-lying style to a new Liverpool chapter?

He’s athletic and composed, having also. In his heyday, Fabinho did the basics to a tee, working so hard to protect his backline and charge the centre so too enable Klopp’s patent gegenpressing style.

So too does Wharton flourish away from the limelight, operating in the unseen spaces in the very centre of the pitch, but performing with such seamless aplomb that he invariably draws attention for his twists and turns, his skips, his lunging challenges.

Sofascore have recorded Wharton to have averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.0 interceptions per top-flight match this season, while also avoiding a single error across the campaign.

Fabinho, before his late-Liverpool-career decline, was similarly dependable, covering plenty of ground and playing the ball forward with conviction. During Liverpool’s title-winning campaign of 2019/20, the South American completed 87% of his passes and averaged 0.7 key passes per game, highlighting a crispness but also a determination to progress play.

Stars like Wataru Endo and ex-captain Jordan Henderson have played important roles, but neither drew upon the natural ability of Fabinho, a player whose signing made such an impact on Klopp’s legacy.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s engine room is already well stocked for the next few years, but if there’s room in the transfer chest to pull out some coins to sign Wharton, this is a deal Slot would relish, getting his hands on a player capable of lifting Liverpool to the next level, maybe even mirroring Fabinho.

He plays a lot like Wirtz: Liverpool plot huge move to sign £85m "magician"

Liverpool are ready to throw the kitchen sink at a marquee attacking signing this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 17, 2025

With Champions League qualification secured, Newcastle United are now reportedly readying a double swoop worth over £100m to sign two impressive additions this summer.

Newcastle seal Champions League qualification

It wasn’t done the easy way, but Newcastle secured their place in next season’s Champions League on the final day of the season despite losing against Everton. In the end, it was Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa which helped the Magpies avoid the worst-case scenario. Eddie Howe won’t care how his side did it, however. All he will be thinking about is the chance to step into the dugout among Europe’s elite for the second time in three seasons.

Having more than played his part as club captain this season, Bruno Guimaraes expressed his delight after earning a place back in the Champions League on the final day. The Brazilian told reporters: “Feel very well, feel unbelievable. I think for me, it has been an unbelievable year. First year as a captain, played 38 of 38 games in the Premier League. I’m very, very happy.

“Winning a trophy for this club. What a season. I will always remember this one. I’m very, very happy and proud of our team, of myself, of these fans. Next season, we go back again. We never stop. We’ve won a cup, but we want more.”

After struggling to maintain their form last season, the current campaign couldn’t have gone much better for those at St James’ Park. As Guimaraes reiterated, however, they’ll be keen to ensure that this is just the start.

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ByJoe Nuttall May 28, 2025

What that success has done too, is hand PIF the chance to spend big again at long last. With their PSR problems eased, Newcastle could finally hand Howe the reinforcements that he’s been needing, including the addition of two excellent Premier League stars.

Newcastle readying double Mbeumo and Guehi swoop

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are now readying a double move to sign Bryan Mbuemo and Marc Guehi from Brentford and Crystal Palace. Both deals would make significant statements of the Magpies’ intent and both would cost hefty fees.

Mbeumo will reportedly cost in the region of £50m-60m, whilst Guehi has been valued at as much as £65m by Crystal Palace ahead of the summer transfer window, although the Magpies hope a compromise can be reached with the Eagles for their long-term target.

With PSR problems eased, however, spending may not be an issue for PIF, who could show off their financial power for the first time since initially arriving at St James’ Park.

Signing Guehi would particularly be a long time coming, given that Newcastle were heavily linked with the defender’s signature last summer. His arrival would also allow Howe to move Dan Burn back to left-back and form an impressive partnership between Sven Botman and his potential new arrival.

Meanwhile, Mbeumo needs little introduction these days after scoring 20 goals in all competitions for Brentford and keeping up with the talented Alexander Isak throughout the campaign.

Starts

38

34

Goals

20

23

Assists

7

6

Expected Goals

12.3

20.3

It’s clear that the Brentford star would instantly take Newcastle’s frontline to another level just as Guehi would hand the Magpies the defensive boost that they’ve been searching for since last summer.