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Overseas star makes decisive contribution as Hampshire claim 31-run victory on DLS

ESPNcricinfo staff13-May-2025

Hampshire batters Maia Bouchier and Charli Knott made important contributions to the victory•Hampshire County Cricket Club

Hampshire 213 (Knott 64, Southby 46) beat Somerset 182 (Luff 74, Adams 3-36) by 31 runs (DLS)Overseas star Charli Knott undermined Somerset with bat and ball as Hampshire won an absorbing Metro Bank women’s One-Day Cup contest by 31 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern Method at the Cooper Associates Ground in Taunton.The Australian all-rounder top-scored with 64 from 102 balls and staged stands of 46, 40 and 42 with Maia Bouchier, Georgia Adams and Rhianna Southby for the second, third and fourth wickets respectively after Hampshire had won the toss. Southby contributed a useful 46 from 64 balls and Bouchier made 39 as the visitors were dismissed for 213 in 50 overs, Alex Griffiths taking 2 for 24 and weighing in with a catch and two run-outs.Knott then took 2 for 25 with her offbreaks as Somerset were reduced to 109 for 8 inside 33 overs. Skipper Sophie Luff threatened a remarkable fightback, scoring a defiant 74 and sharing in a stand of 69 for the ninth wicket with Ellie Anderson to briefly put the outcome in doubt, but Adams removed her to finish with 3 for 36 as the home side were dismissed for 182 in 46 overs. Hampshire’s spinners took eight wickets between them as the visitors extended their lead over The Blaze at the top of the table to five points.No doubt with a point to prove following a below-par performance against Surrey last time out, Somerset produced a disciplined performance with the ball on a worn pitch to successfully restrict their opponents on this occasion. Anderson bowled Ella McCaughan with new ball and Mollie Robbins hit her straps at the other end as Hampshire’s top-order batters struggled to find the boundary in a 10-over powerplay that saw them post 44 for 1.Spin is undoubtedly Somerset’s strong suite and pace off proved effective in frustrating the visitors during the middle overs, Bouchier chipping a delivery from Amanda-Jade Wellington to Griffiths at short mid-wicket and departing for a 43-ball 39 with the score on 69 just as she was threatening to cut loose.Having played second fiddle in a partnership of 46 with Bouchier, Knott took centre stage, grafting her way to 50 via 79 balls in the face of accurate spin bowling from Wellington and Charlie Dean as Hampshire reached 107 for 2 at the halfway stage. With the game finely balanced, Somerset enjoyed a moment of outrageous good fortune, the stooping Griffiths deflecting a straight drive from Knott onto the stumps to run out the unfortunate Adams for 14.Change spinners Chloe Skelton and Heather Knight continued to build pressure and Knott, frustrated by a lack of progress, skied the former to Luff at mid-on to afford Somerset a crucial breakthrough. The Australian had registered her highest score of the summer, but with her went Hampshire’s best chance of posting a truly challenging total. From a position of strength at 151 for 3 in the 37th over, the visitors fell away badly, their last seven wickets falling for the addition of just 62 runs.Abi Norgrove was run out for 11, Skelton produced sharp turn to bowl Nancy Harman for six, Lynsey Smith was held by Anderson at mid-wicket off the bowling of Griffiths and Southby, having moved to within four runs of a half century, lost her off stump to Dean as Somerset turned the screw. Griffiths then removed Freya Davies and Bex Tyson was run out off the final ball to reinforce the feeling that the visitors had fallen short.But that all changed when Somerset’s inability to construct substantial partnerships was laid bare. Eager to impress against former team-mates, Davies bowled Emma Corney for 15 with the score on 24 and Somerset’s chase was further undermined when Knight, having made 23 and advanced the total to 51, dabbed a ball from Tyson to point, set off in pursuit of a notional single and was comprehensively run out by Bouchier’s pick up and throw as she attempted to return to the crease.Desperately in need of a partnership to calm their nerves, the home side plunged ever deeper into trouble, Smith inducing the experienced Fran Wilson to hit tamely to Bouchier at cover point in the sixteenth. Attempting to break the shackles, Dean then pulled a short delivery from Tyson straight down the throat of Daisy Gibb at deep backward square as Somerset lurched to 63 for 4.Having forced their opponents onto the back foot, Hampshire’s spinners then kept up the pressure by bowling a disciplined line, in the process pushing the required rate up to nearly six an over. Introduced at the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion end, Knott struck in her first over, pinning Katie Jones lbw for nine as the slide continued unchecked.There appeared to be no coming back from the wreckage of 80 for 5 at the halfway stage of the innings and it was 87 for 6 when Griffiths offered Adams a straightforward return catch. Knott had fellow Australian Wellington caught at deep mid-wicket via a leading edge before rain forced the players off with the score on 10 for 7.When play resumed, Somerset required a further 112 to win and had one over fewer in which to chase an unchanged target. Adams had Skelton held at silly mid-on immediately following the resumption, but there was hope for Somerset while the indomitable Luff continued to offer stiff resistance. Somerset’s captain went to a dogged 50 from 83 balls and finally found a reliable ally in the form of Anderson, who scored at nearly a run a ball as the ninth wicket alliance realised 50 from 54 balls to make Hampshire think again.The stand was worth 69 and Somerset were within 36 runs of pulling off an astonishing against-the-odds victory when Tyson persuaded Anderson to hit straight to mid-wicket, Bouchier taking her third catch of the innings to reduce the home side to 178 for 9 in the 45th over. Hampshire breathed a collective sigh of relief when Adams ended Luff’s 108-ball innings in the next over.

“Once we realised that the surface wasn’t what we had anticipated, then we needed to build towards that 180 score,” says SRH head coach Daniel Vettori

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-20252:14

Knight: At the moment, SRH are all or nothing

Not for the first time in IPL 2025, the “where’s plan B” question has been asked of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batting.”At the moment, it’s all or nothing,” Nick Knight said after SRH’s latest loss, to Mumbai Indians (MI) at home. The margin was seven wickets with 26 balls in hand, but the outcome was evident by the ninth over of the match when SRH, asked to bat first, were 35 for 5. Despite the situation, plan B came later when Heinrich Klaasen and Abhinav Manohar added 99 runs for the sixth wicket.”If you see the way some batters have batted, they are just following the same pattern,” Varun Aaron said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show. “Yes, you can hit a few shots along the ground, you don’t have to hit everything in the air; a four is a good shot, but if you’re going to hit everything in the air, you’re going to get out more often than not. Especially when the wickets are like this, when they are slowing down towards the back end.”But that’s the formula that worked for SRH the previous season, when they broke existing IPL batting records and went all the way to the final, where they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).Related

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Knight: 'Klaasen is batting far too low. Six overs or a tick over, get him out there'

Knight attempted to provide that perspective. “These discussions have got to be a little bit careful. It’s not like you can put [a] one-size-fits-all [answer] here. You can’t say Gujarat Titans [GT] are the best, they are doing it this way and everyone’s got to follow,” Knight said. “What Gujarat Titans are doing best is that they are using their resources the best. Their type of players play like that. It suits their style. When you look at Abhishek [Sharma] and Travis Head, I don’t want to see them hitting [along] the ground. I am more than happy to see them hitting aerially. Because that’s what they do, that’s what they do well.”What I am slightly concerned with about SRH is when that doesn’t work and you find yourself two-down quickly, that’s when you’ve got to move it back for a little while. That’s when you’ve got to reassess it a little bit, you’ve got to say, ‘okay, that’s perhaps not working, we will try plan B for a bit and then go back to plan A’. It’s got to be a bit [balanced]. At the moment, it’s all or nothing. There are times when you have to rejig your attitude, the approach a little bit, and then get back on it.”Daniel Vettori, the SRH coach, acknowledged that, and also said that plan B was exactly what SRH had attempted to turn to once the early wicket fell.”We wanted to bowl first,” he said at the press conference after the game, but, after losing two wickets inside three overs, “the assessment was that it was not the 250-260 wicket it has been the last couple of games”. “Once we realised that the surface wasn’t what we had anticipated, then we needed to build towards that 180 score. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to do when you’re 24 for 4 after the powerplay.”0:42

Knight: Klaasen batting far too low for SRH

Knight agreed. “If you’re four down for 13, it’s game over. I wonder if when you’re two down, whether you can just hold it back a little bit, have a partnership there with Klaasen or someone, then you don’t need Abhinav [Manohar] as your Impact Sub, then you can use an extra bowler, then you might be able to get an earlier partnership. Those sorts of little things can play out in important moments in your game.”As things stand, SRH are down at No. 9, only above Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with six games left to play in the league stage. They aren’t out of contention yet, but it’s not looking bright.”There’s been a lot of teams that find themselves in this situation, and there’s been a few teams that were able to resurrect their seasons [in the past],” Vettori said, holding out hope. “You look back to RCB last year after a difficult start. So if we can take inspiration from a team like them, and Mumbai’s done it on a few occasions, but ultimately, it’s just going to take one performance, and we haven’t been able to put a collective performance bar the two games we’ve won. We’ve got to improve dramatically in all three facets.”The next opportunity to do that will come on Friday night, when they play the only team that’s worse off than them, CSK, in Chennai.

Queensland captain confirms Khawaja will play in the Sheffield Shield final after last week’s fitness saga

Alex Malcolm25-Mar-2025Captain Marnus Labuschagne has confirmed that Usman Khawaja will play for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield final and believes last week’s public spat will high performance manager Joe Dawes will “improve his performance” rather than distract him.Khawaja, 38, has been the subject of an unusual media drama in the lead-up to the final after missing the last match of the regular season against South Australia at Karen Rolton Oval.Related

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Dawes spoke last Wednesday claiming Khawaja did not have any hamstring issues that they were aware of and said, “it’s just disappointing he didn’t play a game for Queensland when he had an opportunity to.”Queensland Cricket board member Ian Healy had also made strong comments on his SEN radio show saying, “It’s just this pick and choose mentality that has been evident in his later years that Queensland haven’t been happy with.”Khawaja fired back in an emotional and lengthy press conference, saying the accusations of him not having an injury were “categorically untrue” and that he was disappointed and disheartened by claims that he didn’t want to play for Queensland despite spending five days in Melbourne at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix while the Shield game was going on.Labuschagne confirmed that Khawaja would definitely play in the final at Karen Rolton Oval on Wednesday and was confident that Australia’s Test opener wouldn’t be distracted after a turbulent week.”No, not at all,” Labuschagne said at the captains’ pre-game press conference. “If anything, it’ll probably improve his performance. He just loves the big moments. He’s been an amazing player for a long time, so I don’t think he’s going to have any issues with going out there and performing at his best.”Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne and South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney pose with the Sheffield Shield trophy•Getty ImagesSouth Australia captain Nathan McSweeney, who was Khawaja’s opening partner for the first three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series and is a former Queensland team-mate, said he had spoken to Khawaja in the lead-up to the final and expected him to perform well.”He wanted to see if he could get a tee time at Kooyonga,” McSweeney said. “So I did send him a cheeky text. But he’s all good. “He’s a professional player, has been for a long time now, and I think he’ll be definitely ready here tomorrow, and he’ll be a massive wicket for us.”Queensland’s staff put together a video of former Shield winning players sending their well wishes to the current team, which the squad watched on the big screen at Karen Rolton Oval before training on Tuesday.Labuschagne would not confirm Queensland’s final XI, but they will need to make at least one change from the side that drew with South Australia to accommodate Khawaja’s return. The concern for Queensland will be trying to take 20 wickets after claiming just 12 in four days last week, with Labuschagne taking four of them with his part-time medium pace.How a drawn final is decided

In the event the Sheffield Shield final ends in a draw, the title will be decided on first-innings bonus points which are accrued across the first 100 overs.

Batting teams earn 0.01 of a bonus point for every run scored over 200 in the initial 100 overs; bowling sides get 0.1 of a bonus point for every wicket in the first 100 overs. For example, the batting side scores 350 all out in 90 overs they earn 1.5 points and the bowling side 1 point.

Should bonus points be tied and the match drawn, SA will win the Shield given they finished top of the ladder and earned hosting rights for the final.

“The wicket is probably not as hard as it was for last week’s game here,” he said. “I think there’s probably a little bit more moisture in it. The grass is probably a fraction longer. But obviously [curator] Trent [Kelly] hasn’t cut it yet, so we’ll have to wait and see whether that gets cut in the morning.”I think, all in all, last week would have been a really good cricket wicket for a five-day game. South Australia had us in a position where if they really wanted to try and win the game, they probably could have pushed down that route.”Even last week, on that wicket that was quite flat, there could have been a result. So I don’t think there’s going to be any problem with trying to get a result this game.”South Australia squad: Nathan McSweeney (capt), Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Henry Hunt, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Conor McInerney, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Henry ThorntonQueensland squad: Marnus Labuschagne (capt), Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja, Angus Lovell, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler, Jack Wildermuth

استقر حسام حسن، المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر، على تشكيل الفراعنة أمام غينيا بيساو، في التصفيات المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026.

ويلتقي  منتخب مصر مع غينيا بيساو، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي،  ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة والأخيرة من منافسات المجموعة الأولى لـتصفيات كأس العالم.

وسيغيب عن صفوف منتخب مصر، أمام غينيا بيساو، محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول والذي فضل الجهاز الفني إراحته والثنائي حمدي فتحي ومروان عطية بسبب الايقاف للحصول علي الإنذار الثاني.

وتأتي تلك المرة لتكون الرابعة لمنتخب مصر التي ينجح فيها التأهل إلى كأس العالم بعد نسخ 1930 و1990 و2018.

منتخب مصر،  يتصدر ترتيب المجموعة الأولى برصيد 23 نقطة، بينما منتخب غينيا بيساو في المركز الرابع برصيد 10 نقاط.

(محدث) تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام غينيا بيساو في تصفيات كأس العالم.. محمد صبحي أساسيًا تشكيل منتخب مصر المتوقع اليوم أمام غينيا بيساو

حراسة المرمى: مفاضلة بين محمد الشناوي ومصطفى شوبير.

الدفاع: محمد حمدي – رامي ربيعة – ياسر إبراهيم – محمد هاني.

الوسط: مهند لاشين – أحمد سيد زيزو – تريزيجيه.

الهجوم: مصطفى فتحي – إبراهيم عادل – أسامة فيصل.

Zimbabwe are set to host Ireland for an all-format tour consisting of seven matches in February, the board announced on Friday. The tour will begin with a one-off Test match from February 6 to 10 in Bulawayo, before the white-ball leg in Harare. The teams will play three ODIs on February 14, 16 and 18 and as many T20Is on February 22, 23 and 25. Originally, this series was pencilled in for two Tests along with six white-ball games in the ICC men’s Future Tours Programme (FTP).Zimbabwe are currently in the final leg of their multi-format home series against Afghanistan, where they lost both T20I and ODI series 2-1 and 2-0 respectively and secured a draw in the high-scoring, rain-affected first Test. The tour concludes with the ongoing second Test, on January 6.Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni stressed on the significance of hosting back-to-back full tours.”We are delighted to welcome Ireland for what promises to be an exciting and competitive tour,” he said. “Hosting two full tours in quick succession is a testament to our commitment to providing our players with regular international cricket and to our efforts in growing the game in Zimbabwe.”

Ireland tour of Zimbabwe

• One-off Test: Feb 6-10, Bulawayo

• 1st ODI: Feb 14

• 2nd ODI: Feb 16

• 3rd ODI: Feb 18

• 1st T20I: Feb 22

• 2nd T20I: Feb 23

• 3rd T20I: Feb 25

(Both ODIs and T20Is in Harare)

Zimbabwe and Ireland have played only Test against each other, in July 2024 in Belfast. The hosts Ireland won the match by four wickets. Zimbabwe last hosted Ireland in late 2023 for six white-ball fixtures. They lost the T20Is 2-1 and the ODIs 2-0.

Topping earns maiden Test call-up for Ireland

Morgan Topping has earned a maiden call-up to the Test and ODI squads for this tour for Ireland. The right-hand batter represents Northern Knights and plays in the top order in domestic cricket.*Legspinner Gavin Hoey, after making his international debut against South Africa last October, has retained his place in the ODI squad and is also in line for a Test debut. Topping and Hoey are the only non-capped players in the Test squad.Fast bowlers Barry McCarthy, whose last international appearance was the Test against Zimbabwe last July, and Gareth Delany – who last played in a T20I in June last year – have returned from injuries. While McCarthy features in all the squads, Delany is included in the T20I squad.Andrew White, national men’s selector, said: “After a break since the series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi, it will be great to see us get back into action in a few weeks’ time. Since 2007, there has been some wonderful contests against Zimbabwe and this should be no different – and it’s exciting to have all three formats on this tour.”Morgan Topping gains his first international call up at senior level having recovered from injury which prevented him making his debut against South Africa last year. He has demonstrated key attributes needed to perform at international level over recent Wolves and Academy fixtures and we wish him well.”It’s going to be exciting to see our two young spinners and the likes of Ross Adair again in action alongside the experienced players and we do, of course, have the return of Josh Little who had a big impact the last time we were in Zimbabwe.”We also have Gareth Delany and Barry McCarthy returning from injury, while Craig Young misses out in the T20 format on this occasion.”It promises to be a very busy cycle ahead – from 2026 to 2028 we will see three white-ball World Cups, however, we have 2025 free from ICC events to build towards this key period.”Ireland Test squad: Andrew Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrine , Barry McCarthy, Peter Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.Ireland ODI squad: Paul Stirling (capt), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig YoungIreland T20I squad: Paul Stirling (capt), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White*

Up to 5mm of rain is also forecast on Thursday – match eve – although clear conditions are expected through the Test match

Tristan Lavalette20-Nov-20244:38

Australia SWOT analysis: Formidable attack, but top-order questions

By the time Josh Hazlewood fronted the cameras for his press engagement, the sun finally emerged over Optus Stadium in a welcome sight for the ground staff after unseasonal damp weather hit Perth just days before the first Border-Gavaskar Test.WA Cricket head curator Isaac McDonald has been striving to produce a fast and bouncy wicket that emulates last summer’s Australia-Pakistan Test, where the pitch deteriorated as the match wore on with rearing deliveries contrasted by balls that crept low on big cracks.But McDonald’s plans have taken a turn due to intermittent rain in recent days. Up to 5mm of rain is also forecast on Thursday – match eve – although clear conditions are expected through the Test match.”Yesterday, we pretty much lost the whole day of prep with it [pitch] being under cover,” McDonald told reporters on an overcast Wednesday morning. “We saw the forecast early on, and we started prep a little bit earlier than we normally would.”Related

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Wet weather in Perth this deep into spring is unusual, with the famously warm Western Australia capital usually almost totally dry from November through to April. But the unexpected rain has forced McDonald to adapt.”It’s been quite conditions-based,” he said. “At the moment, we’re leaning towards rolling it a bit more on top to get that firmness, and that happy medium between bat and ball. [It] would be nice if the sun pops out, but we’re really comfortable as a curating team.”McDonald said 8-10mm of grass would be left on a pitch that he didn’t believe would deteriorate like last year’s surface.The Optus Stadium pitch has been under cover because of unseasonal rain in the lead-up to the India Test•Getty Images

“I don’t think this weather is going to make this pitch fall apart,” he said. “There’ll be some deterioration. Grass will stand up during the game and offer that variable bounce. But in terms of big-snake WACA cracks, unfortunately, I don’t think the weather’s going to get us there.”Hazlewood had been almost unplayable against Pakistan last year, as he relentlessly targeted the cracks late on day four to finish with 3 for 13 from 7.2 overs in the second innings. Pakistan were routed for 89, and that capped off Australia’s fourth win in as many Tests at the 60,000-seater ground.”I love playing in Perth. The wicket is always a nice one to bowl pace… [it’s] bouncy and a few cracks potentially,” Hazlewood told reporters amid the sunshine on Wednesday afternoon. “I think the conditions suit us. We’re probably more used to it with that bounce and pace.””I love playing in Perth. The wicket is always a nice one to bowl pace… [it’s] bouncy and a few cracks potentially” – Josh Hazlewood•Getty Images

With Australia’s XI settled after the selection of new opener Nathan McSweeney, the focus in this prolonged series build-up has shone on India, whose line-up is largely unknown despite them having started their preparations in Perth over a week ago.”There are no real secrets behind those closed doors. We have seen a lot of them, we play with them all the time, [and] we play against them,” Hazlewood said. “It’s going to come down to bowling in that area, and batting with patience and trying to outlast them.”While the make-up of India’s batting order remains to be seen, Hazlewood and his fellow bowlers won’t have to come up against the formidable presence of Cheteshwar Pujara, who ground down Australia’s attack in India’s famous series victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21.”I’m pretty happy that Puj isn’t here. He’s obviously one that bats time, [and] makes you really earn his wicket every time,” Hazlewood said.”[But] there’s always young, fresh guys coming into the Indian team that they’re under so much pressure to perform with so many guys nipping at their heels all the time. Whoever they pick in that XI, they’re unbelievable players. It doesn’t really matter who they pick; they’re all great players.”Australia had last won a Test series against India in 2014-15, when Hazlewood had made his debut in the second Test in Brisbane. He underlined the length of Australia’s barren run against India in the format, and said his side were looking forward to end that.”There’s only a couple of us from that series when we won 2-0…. everyone’s really determined [to win this time],” he said. “It’s one that we need to tick off as a group. I think the added fact that it’s a five-Test series, it’s going to be a bit more gruelling. If you win a series against India, in any part of the world, you know you’ve earned it.”

You can understand a few disgruntled and impatient Arsenal fans right now, even if Andrea Berta has concluded some fabulous deals in the transfer window to date.

While Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke have all arrived, the Gunners boarded their flight on Saturday for their pre-season Asia tour without a new striker.

Some supporters may deem that a failure but Berta and Co are making progress. Viktor Gyokeres is poised to arrive at the Emirates Stadium, provided there are no late hiccups.

Arsenal have long needed a striker and you sense that the fanbase will not be content with how this summer has played out until one signs on the dotted line.

Still, there could yet be a late twist in the tale.

Arsenal looking at Gyokeres alternative

Last weekend, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Arsenal had made a breakthrough in their negotiations with Sporting regarding Gyokeres.

He revealed that Arsenal were ‘in the process of completing a move’ for the Swede and were taking the final steps in negotiations with the Lisbon club. It’s widely thought that the remaining hold up on the deal concerns the add-ons attached to the move. Frederico Varandas, the club’s president, is said to be hankering over how realistic those add-ons are.

Still, according to The Express’ Ryan Taylor, the Gunners remain ‘relaxed’ about the situation.

Before their pursuit of Gyokeres ramped up, the dream target for Arsenal and indeed for many other clubs was Alexander Isak.

Transfer Focus

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

Gyokeres’ international colleague has been the subject of interest from the north Londoners for some time now but amid recent interest from Liverpool, who are reportedly willing to slap £120m on the table, a new update has emerged concerning Arsenal.

Indeed, according to the club insider AFC Camden, ‘Isak’s representatives made contact with Arsenal in recent weeks’.

While this doesn’t mean a deal is necessarily on the table, particularly as it’s well documented Newcastle don’t want to sell, it’s interesting to see that the Gunners have been in talks as recently as this summer.

Last summer, the same source suggested that Mikel Arteta had told Martin Zubimendi to wait for Arsenal’s advances and lo and behold, the deal has now come to fruition. Perhaps this one might have legs too.

How Gyokeres compares to Alexander Isak

It’s safe to say that Arsenal need to score more goals next season. For the first time since the 1923/24 campaign, no player in the famous red and white scored double figures in a league campaign.

Yes, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz endured multiple months out with injury, but it rubberstamps Mikel Arteta’s biggest problem heading into 2025/26.

If it’s goals you’re after, then few do it better than Gyokeres. No player in Europe’s biggest leagues last season scored more goals than Gyokeres’ 54. He netted those in 52 outings, underlining exactly why Arsenal are after him.

It’s not as though he hasn’t done it in England, either. At Coventry City he led an ultimately failed promotion charge, scoring 22 goals in 2022/23 for the Sky Blues.

Yet, Isak has a special set of qualities that illuminate exactly why so many, including analyst Raj Chohan, have decided that he is “the best striker in the world.”

The Newcastle attacker may not have enjoyed a 50-goal season but he was still spectacular last term, bagging 27 in all competitions and finding the net on 23 occasions in the Premier League. Only Mohammed Salah scored more than the Swede in the English top-flight.

But it’s not just his goalscoring ability that makes him such a joy to watch. As some have already made reference to, he’s a bit like Thierry Henry. They’ve got that flair and exuberance, that willingness to run and dart down the channels, cutting inside in a similar fashion before unleashing hell on a goalkeeper.

“How many times did you see Thierry go through on goal and panic? It’s the same with Isak, if he goes through on a one-on-one you’re just always confident he’ll score,” Peter Crouch once said.

“Alexander Isak is giving me little vibes of Thierry Henry, to be honest. He’s looking so sharp right now. Those two finishes for those two goals [vs Southampton] make it seem like the easiest thing in the world,” said Nedum Onuoha on BBC Sport’s Final Score.

For those of an Arsenal persuasion, nothing brings more excitement than a player who plays in a similar manner to their all-time top goalscorer.

Isak season by season @ Newcastle
Season	Games	Goals	Assists
2022/23	27	10	3
2023/24	40	25	2
2024/25	42	27	6
Stats via Transfermarkt.

It’s for that reason, and indeed Isak’s success in the Premier League already, that many would view him as the biggest superstar out of the two. He’s been doing it at the elite level for a number of years now, and he’s used to dominating the best defenders in the game.

After the Toon defeated Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, a game in which the Swede shone, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville noted that Isak had “Gabriel and Saliba on toast”. Considering the Gunners duo are two of the best centre-halves in the league, it was special praise indeed.

So, while a move to bring Isak to the Emirates is incredibly unlikely, there’s no doubting just how good a signing it would be.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s rooted strategy in signing exciting young talents and developing them into high-class players capable of thriving in the Premier League preceded the glittery early days of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.

But perhaps the Londoners lacked a bit of experience to help guide them through the stormy spells any season will bring. The lowly top-flight finish ended Postecoglou’s frenzied spell at the helm, a two-year stint that elicited every range of emotion from the Spurs faithful and culminated with triumph in the Europa League, thus restoring Tottenham’s place in the Champions League.

While the Lilywhites have created a foundation with their historic victory over Manchester United, it’s crucial that the secured silverware is used as a springboard for sustained success over the coming years.

In order to do this, Tottenham are going to need to hit the mark with their transfer priorities, piecing a team together that is fit for purpose at the highest level of the Premier League.

Spurs' transfer priorities this summer

Uncertainty continues to reign over Cristian Romero’s future in the English capital. The Argentina centre-back is being chased by Atletico Madrid, who are willing to spend around £60m to bring him over to La Liga.

Frank is desperate to keep hold of his defensive anchor. However, the Danish tactician does seem keen on bolstering his ranks with a slick attacking full-back – the £45m-rated Antonee Robinson is on the radar – and a winger to replace Heung-min Son, should the iconic captain leave.

While he wouldn’t have strictly been a direct replacement, the powers that be down at N17 were desperate to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as Tottenham’s new goalscoring winger supreme, but he’s rejected advances from all but United and is edging closer to a transfer to Old Trafford.

Midfield is in less need of reinforcements, but the pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze denotes an interest in signing a creative midfielder to contest for a starting berth with the likes of James Maddison.

However, with Eze fixed in Arsenal’s sights, Daniel Levy seems to have shifted his attention elsewhere.

Spurs join race for sought-after midfielder

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham have joined the race for SL Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu, who is anticipated to be available this summer for the right price.

Kokcu would fetch a €40m (£34m) fee, having impressed across his two terms with Benfica. Spurs are alongside Manchester United, Tottenham and Inter Milan in their interest; however, the player is thought to favour a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.

The 24-year-old worked under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, but Frank’s new project, offering the promise of Champions League football, could see the Londoners sign an exciting new creative presence.

Why Spurs wants Orkun Kokcu

Kokcu is still young in his professional career, but he has already accomplished so much. Joining Benfica from Feyenoord for around €30m (£25m) in June 2023, he’s chalked up 19 goals and 22 assists over 98 appearances in all competitions.

Once heralded as “one of the best midfielders in the country” by football legend Jaap Stam, while plying his trade in Holland, Kokcu opted against taking a move to one of Europe’s elite and instead focused on fostering his talents with Benfica, now more complete for it.

And given that he’s been praised as a “leader” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, this rising star might turn out to be the galvanising midfield force to spearhead the Frank era.

Who knows, maybe he’ll even come to be an upgrade on Maddison.

League Stats 24/25 – Orkun Kokcu vs James Maddison
Stats (* per game)	Kokcu	Maddison
Matches (starts)	33 (30)	31 (21)
Goals	7	9
Assists	7	7
Shots (on target)*	1.9 (0.7)	1.3 (0.5)
Big chances missed	2	5
Pass completion	86%	87%
Big chances created	12	6
Key passes*	2.3	1.3
Dribbles*	0.3	1.1
Ball recoveries*	5.6	2.5
Tackles + interceptions*	1.6	1.4
Duels won*	3.0 (47%)	4.3 (53%)
Data via Sofascore

As you can see, Kokcu is more than capable of matching Maddison’s immense creative qualities – an aptitude which has indeed seen the England international hailed as a “magician” by the likes of statistician Statman Dave in the past.

Moreover, the 28-year-old playmaker’s two terms with Tottenham have been frustratingly defined by regular injury setbacks. Given that Kokcu is four years his junior, there’s plenty of scope for growth with Frank might want to take advantage of.

While Spurs’ man is somewhat more combative than Kokcu, the Turkey talent is even more creative and clinical besides. Indeed, having missed just two big chances in the Primeira Liga last season, scoring seven goals, he’s got the goalscoring edge that could be channelled in a similar fashion as his counterpart here.

And the proof is in the pudding, for Kokcu, indeed, has demonstrated his ability to stand out against high-level Premier League opposition.

While Maddison is an incredible, dynamic midfielder, he’s got his flaws, and in Kokcu, Tottenham could get their hands on a pass master with the ever-widening scope that is required for success at the highest level.

After all, he managed to throw down with the heavy hitters in last season’s Champions League, finishing the campaign ranked among the top 15% of midfielders for goals scored and shot-creating actions, the top 19% for progressive passes and the top 13% for completed through balls per 90, as per FBref.

Tottenham might not be able to sign one of their top targets in Eze, but by moving for Kokcu, Frank could get his hands on an astute signing who has so much room for growth – potentially even turning out better, more consistent, than Maddison.

Dele 2.0: Spurs open talks to re-sign the Championship's "best full-back"

Tottenham are looking to make some shrewd signings ahead of the 2025/26 season.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 4, 2025

Celtic look set to lose one of their top talents within the next week or so as Nicolas Kuhn is closing in on a permanent exit from the Scottish Premiership champions.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that the club have agreed a fee of around £16.5m with Italian side Como for the left-footed sensation.

The journalist adds that the former RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich youth prospect has already agreed to sign a long-term contract with the Serie A outfit this summer.

Kuhn has reportedly turned down a potential return to Leipzig, who were interested in signing him, and has a medical scheduled with Como for next week, which suggests that an official confirmation is not imminently expected.

It does appear, though, that it is only a matter of time before Celtic confirm that the German winger will not be playing for the club next season, which will come as a blow to Brendan Rodgers.

Why selling Nicolas Kuhn is a blow for Celtic

Whilst the Hoops are set to rake in a significant sum of money for the 25-year-old talent, it is always a blow when a high-quality player moves on, and that is what he is.

The 2024/25 campaign was his first full season in Glasgow, having joined from Rapid Vienna in the January transfer window last year, and he really hit his stride on the right flank.

Kuhn ended the season with a return of 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, which shows that he provided quality in the final third on a regular basis for Rodgers.

The left-footed magician’s form in the Premiership, as Celtic won the league title, was particularly impressive, as the forward showcased his ability to both score and create goals.

xG

0.46

Top 10%

Goals

0.62

Top 8%

Shots on target

1.30

Top 14%

xA

0.34

Top 10%

Assists

0.43

Top 10%

Chances created

2.49

Top 12%

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn ranked very highly among his positional peers in a host of key attacking metrics, which shows that he scored and created goals at an exceptional rate.

These statistics illustrate why it will be a big blow for Rodgers when this sale goes through, because he is losing a player who has proven that he can make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch for Celtic.

The Hoops have, of course, already signed Benjamin Nygren on a permanent deal to bolster their options on the flanks, but he does not have the creative quality to fully replace what Kuhn offered.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the Sweden international only managed a return of two assists in 30 Superliga appearances, to go with his impressive haul of 15 goals.

Therefore, Celtic may need to dip into the market to sign another wide option who can provide creativity as well as a goal threat, now that Kuhn appears to be on his way out of the club.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that the Scottish giants are interested in Stoke City forward Million Manhoef, who is valued at £10m by the Championship side, and they should now reignite that interest.

Why Celtic should sign Million Manhoef

The Premiership champions could brilliantly replace Kuhn ahead of the 2025/26 campaign by pushing ahead with a swoop for the Netherlands U21 international, as he would arrive with a similar profile.

Like the German star, the Stoke attacker is a diminutive left-footed right winger who has the quality to both score and create goals in equal measure, as evidenced by his form for the English side last season.

He has not delivered the kind of numbers that Kuhn managed for Celtic yet, as he has not had the chance to play in a team that is as dominant domestically as the Hoops are, which means that there would be a degree of risk.

However, Rodgers can afford to take more of a risk with a player like Manhoef because the club have already brought in Nygren to potentially play on the right wing and, as aforementioned, his haul of 15 goals last season suggests that he could be a good option.

The Stoke star ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of five goals and five assists in 28 Championship starts, but it is his underlying numbers behind those headline statistics that are even more promising for Celtic.

xG

7.74

Top 9%

Goals

5

Top 21%

Shots on target

26

Top 9%

xA

4.83

Top 14%

Chances created

52

Top 9%

Assists

5

Top 20%

As you can see in the table above, Manhoef excelled at getting into goalscoring positions and at creating chances for his teammates, ranking highly among his positional peers, but was not clinical enough with his finishing.

Pundit David Prutton claimed it would be a “tremendous” move for Manhoef to sign for Celtic, and these statistics suggest that the potential is there for it to be a tremendous move for all parties.

The Dutch wizard, who only recorded five assists from 12 ‘big chances’ created in the Championship, could thrive in a team that dominates games week-in-week-out, as Celtic do.

He has been playing for a midtable team, in Stoke, who do not challenge at the top end of the division in the second tier in England, which suggests that he has not had the opportunity to play in a side that is consistently on the front foot.

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Therefore, Celtic could brilliantly replace Kuhn by gambling on a swoop for Manhoef, who appears to have the potential to explode as a scorer and a creator of goals in a better team than the one he is currently playing in.

The last time Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League, they had a summer transfer window to remember, landing numerous players who went on to star at Elland Road.

Additions such as Raphinha, Rodrigo and Robin Koch all moved to the club that summer, all playing a crucial role in their ability to take the top-flight by storm under Marcelo Bielsa.

Daniel Farke has the chance to replicate such success this window, looking to add depth and quality to the squad after their title-winning campaign in the Championship throughout 2024/25.

The hierarchy have already wasted no time in making new signings, as Lukas Nmecha has already arrived at Elland Road, with a deal for Jaka Bijol set to be announced after completing his medical.

There’s no denying that further reinforcements are needed to hand the Whites the best chance of making the step-up and being competitive in England’s top flight.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions

Over the last couple of days, striker Vladyslav Vanat has emerged as a potential option for Leeds, offering a clinical outlet for the side after netting 17 goals for Dynamo Kyiv this season.

He’s not the only player on their radar this window, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz being a surprise option for Farke, with a loan to buy offer mooted ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, moves have been made elsewhere, which has seen Wolves star Hugo Bueno become a key target on their radar, according to Spanish outlet Marca via Sport Witness.

The report claims that he’s set to return from his loan spell at Feyenoord this summer, with the West Midlands outfit evaluating what to do with the Spaniard after the Whites’ interest.

It also states that Farke’s side will face competition from the Dutch side who want to sign him permanently, handing the club and the player a huge decision to make in the coming weeks.

Why Leeds’ latest target would be the perfect Firpo replacement

Junior Firpo has set the Championship alight this campaign, playing a vital role at both ends of the pitch in the club’s success and ability to claim promotion.

The Dominican international featured in 32 league matches this season, registering 14 combined goals and assists, a simply staggering tally for a left-back.

However, winning the time with the Whites appears to be his final contribution for the club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the month.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he had agreed a three-year deal with Spanish side Real Betis, looking certain to return to his former side after a six-year absence.

The supporters shouldn’t worry about his pending departure, with Bueno offering a superb option for Farke, outperforming the Dominican in numerous key areas.

The Spaniard, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs, has managed more progressive carries and key passes per 90, highlighting the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered more crosses, handing the talents ahead of him with the chance to improve their own tallies in the final third.

Games played

20

32

Goals & assists

3

14

Progressive carries

4.6

2.2

Pass accuracy

86%

80%

Key passes made

1.7

1.66

Take-on success

52%

38%

Crosses completed

3.7

2.1

Tackles won

1.2

1.1

Blocks made

0.9

0.8

Defensively, he’s also starred, making more tackles per 90, alongside more blocks made – offering an added defensive presence to Farke’s side in the Premier League.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Bueno would set the hierarchy back this window, but given the interest from elsewhere, it’s crucial they work quickly to avoid missing out.

Losing Firpo would be a bitter blow given his form this season, but it’s clear that the Wolves star has more talent and huge potential to improve given his tender age.

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