Category Uncategorized

Hardik Pandya captains the side which will play five games against West Indies in August, with Suryakumar Yadav named his deputy

Alagappan Muthu05-Jul-2023

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma have played together for India in age-group cricket•ICC via Getty

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma’s stellar performances in the IPL have paved a way to the Indian T20I squad with the two quick-scoring left-handers chosen as part of a 15-member squad to play against West Indies from August 3. It is their first call-up to the senior side in the shortest format.Hardik Pandya captains the team which will play five games in the Caribbean and the USA, with Suryakumar Yadav named his deputy. Some of the other heavy hitters are missing though. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli haven’t represented India in T20Is since their semi-final exit at the 2022 T20 World Cup. Ravindra Jadeja, the hero of the 2023 IPL final, was absent as well. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has not been picked either.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

This is the first squad chosen by the newly installed men’s senior selection panel and they appear to have bought into the idea of needing batters who can go big from ball one, starting with the two rookies. Jaiswal has already developed a reputation as a powerplay smasher, with a particular emphasis on taking apart the first over of the innings. Varma, who had a fan in Mahela Jayawardene even before he faced a ball of IPL cricket, has only grown in stature since then. The middle-order batter averages almost 40 from 47 T20s, without compromising on his strike rate, which is a healthy 142.54.Shubman Gill and Hardik might act as failsafes if things go wrong but Ajit Agarkar, the new chief of selectors, and his panel have put their trust in a line-up that hits boundaries first and asks questions later. Rinku Singh, who became a revelation by playing that very same brand of cricket in this year’s IPL, remains on the outside. This despite the squad looking light on finishers with Hardik being the only recognised option.India last played T20Is in February 2023, against New Zealand, and seven members of that squad have been sidelined. They are Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma, who has been left out without getting a go in the XI.Related

Avesh Khan ready for reboot after being 'all over the place'

'I visualise every night how I can bat' – elated Tilak Varma on maiden India call-up

Samson, Gaikwad and Mukesh called up to India ODI squad for WI tour

Pujara dropped; Jaiswal and Gaikwad in India's Test squad for WI

The bowling group will be led by Yuzvendra Chahal, who is India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, and he will have two other wristspinners, including his old friend Kuldeep Yadav, for company. Axar Patel ticks the fingerspin requirement.The seam attack looks a bit inexperienced but it does contain variety with Arshdeep Singh providing swing and seam from a left-arm angle and Umran Malik providing raw pace. Mukesh Kumar retains his place in the T20I team as well having earlier secured his first-ever Test call-up. Avesh Khan, who played the last of his 15 T20Is in August 2022, has been given another shot. IPL winner Deepak Chahar, who returned from injury to play the latter half of the campaign for Chennai Super Kings, wasn’t picked.Sanju Samson, who is part of the ODI squad on tour, and Ishan Kishan are the wicketkeeping options.India’s tour of West Indies begins with the first of two Tests in Dominica on July 12. Then they play three ODIs from July 27 to August 1 before moving on to the T20Is, the final two of which will be played in Florida, USA.

أعلن مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي، برئاسة محمود الخطيب، عن رئيس بعثة الأحمر في الإمارات للمشاركة في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

ويخوض الأهلي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري بصفته بطل الدوري المصري، والمقرر أن تنطلق الخميس المقبل بمشاركة الزمالك وبيراميدز وسيراميكا كليوباترا.

وقرر الأهلي تكليف خالد مرتجي، أمين الصندوق لرئاسة بعثة الفريق الأول للكرة بالقلعة الحمراء في الإمارات.

طالع.. بالتوقيت الشتوي.. مواعيد مباريات السوبر المصري 2025

ومن المقرر أن يجري مرتجي، التنسيق مع وليد صلاح الدين مدير الكرة للاطمئنان على كافة الترتيبات وتوفير كل سبل الراحة للاعبين والجهاز الفني، قبل السفر ظهر غد للمشاركة في البطولة.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع سيراميكا كليوباترا يوم 6 نوفمبر المقبل الساعة 5 م بتوقيت القاهرة، 7 بتوقيت أبو ظبي على استاد هزاع بن زايد بمنطقة العين.

MatériaMais Notícias

da dobrowin： O técnico Abel Ferreira, do Palmeiras, fala em entrevista coletiva após a vitória sobre o Bahia por 1 a 0, em jogo válido pela 30ª rodada do Brasileirão. O gol do Verdão foi marcado por Raphael Veiga, que ultrapassou Edmundo no ranking de maiores artilheiros do clube na história do Brasileirão. Agora, o camisa 23 ocupa a 5ª posição da lista com 35 gols. Com este resultado, o Alviverde subiu mais uma posição na tabela de classificação e assumiu a vice-liderança do campeonato. Veja a entrevista de Abel Ferreira no player acima!

continua após a publicidade

da bwin： + Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

+ Veja a classificação e simule os jogos do Verdão no Brasileirão

+ Veja mais detalhes sobre Palmeiras x Bahia pelo Brasileirão

PRÓXIMOS JOGOS DO PALMEIRAS – DATA, HORÁRIO E LOCAL
Botafogo x Palmeiras – Campeonato Brasileiro – Data e hora: 1/11 (quarta-feira), às 21h30 (hora de Brasília) – Local: Estádio Nilton Santos
Palmeiras x Athletico-PR – Campeonato Brasileiro – Data e hora: 4/11 (sábado), às 21h30 (hora de Brasília) – Local: Allianz Parque
Flamengo x Palmeiras – Campeonato Brasileiro – Data e hora: 8/11 (quarta-feira), às 21h30 (hora de Brasília) – Local: Maracanã
Palmeiras x Internacional – Campeonato Brasileiro – Data e hora: 11/11 (sábado), às 21h (hora de Brasília) – Local: Allianz Parque

da winzada777： Birmingham City were an absolute joy to behold at the very top of League One last season.

da bet7k： Chris Davies’ rampant Blues would only lose three of their 46 league fixtures, leading to a colossal 111-point total being reached, with standout figures such as Jay Stansfield very much raising the excitement levels with a bumper 19 strikes tallied up in third-tier action.

Come the end of their very enjoyable League One marathon, Birmingham would go on to accumulate a mightily impressive 84 goals.

They won’t be receding into their shell when heading back up to the Championship, with plenty of fresh strikers now being linked to make the switch to St. Andrew’s to boost their already frightening firepower, which includes a promising Premier League-bound talent.

Birmingham monitoring situation of £10m striker

According to a report from GIVEMESPORT, the super-confident Blues are now monitoring the situation of Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph.

GIVEMESPORT states that Birmingham have been interested in the Spanish hotshot for some time now, with Davies’ men potentially seeing this opening in the summer transfer window as the perfect opportunity to strike up a deal.

RC Strasbourg are also noted as an interested party- on top of a January £10m bid from Real Betis being mentioned – but Birmingham have successfully flexed their muscles recently to win a similarly expensive striker from a Premier League side.

Of course, Stansfield cost £15m to pick up from Marco Silva’s Fulham last summer, with everyone at St. Andrew’s hopeful that Joseph can go down as an unbelievable success story much like the former Cottagers forward.

How Joseph can be Stansfield 2.0

It was somewhat of a gamble to fork out £15m for Stansfield’s services, considering the electric number 28 only had 21 strikes next to his name in senior action in the EFL before confirming a permanent Birmingham stay.

Now, that lavish fee doesn’t look too steep, with Stansfield an integral part of the Blues’ promotion story.

When moving up a division, Birmingham will be keeping their fingers crossed that Joseph can play an equal starring role, but this time around he could be the exact figure they desire in helping Davies’ men consolidate themselves as a Championship-worthy outfit.

After all, despite fading into the background at times last season under Daniel Farke’s wing, Joseph would still chip in with three goals and three assists in league action. This is a more than respectable return when you weigh up the fact that the 21-year-old only started 11 Championship contests.

With Leeds now in the big time, Joseph will be worrying that his first-team opportunities will become even more sparse. Therefore, a move to St. Andrew’s could be just what the Spain U21 international needs to kick on as he aims to follow in the footsteps of Stansfield, a fellow young striker who was also on the periphery of his then employers, Fulham, before finally becoming a main striker option in the West Midlands.

Joseph’s G/A numbers for Leeds/Spain

Club played for

Games

Goals

Assists

Leeds

73

6

3

Leeds U21s

33

19

3

Leeds U18s

4

1

1

Spain U21s

11

8

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

That was the case even as Stansfield scored a blistering 38 goals for both the Fulham U18s and U21s combined, with Joseph not that far behind on a healthy total of 20 on the youth pitches at Thorp Arch, away from also hammering home six strikes in the senior ranks.

Staggeringly, Stansfield would only ever reach two senior goals at Craven Cottage, but all of that is firmly at the back of his mind now as Birmingham’s leading star.

The “dynamite” Leeds forward – as he was once glowingly labelled by U23 scout Antonio Mango – will want to be held in the same high esteem soon, rather than fighting it out for scraps at Elland Road.

Therefore, another statement striker deal could soon be on the cards at St. Andrew’s, as Joseph possibly joins and fires in the goals to make Birmingham’s transition to Championship life as smooth as possible.

Related Birmingham City want to beat EFL rivals to sign Klarer 2.0 this summer

Birmingham City could land their next Christoph Klarer by signing this gem from Germany.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 18, 2025

The deal includes the two Tests in Galle and the pair of ODIs which provide preparation for the Champions Trophy

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jan-2025The Seven Network has stepped in to secure the rights for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, just 12 days before the first Test begins.Australian cricket fans were at risk of being plunged into a television black hole for the two Tests and two ODIs after no network had acquired the rights.But Seven, which broadcasts home Tests, women’s internationals, and the Big Bash League, will take on the entire tour through their free-to-air stations and on the 7plus app. The first Test in Galle, which starts on January 29, runs concurrently with the day-night Women’s Ashes Test at the MCG.Related

• Smith's assist in Connolly's selection, ten years on from childhood photo

• Extra ODI added to Australia's tour of Sri Lanka

• 'It doesn't look great': Kuhnemann's Sri Lanka tour in jeopardy after thumb injury

“What this summer has shown us is that Australians absolutely love their cricket, and we cannot wait to deliver even more action as Australia takes on Sri Lanka,” Seven’s head of cricket Joel Starcevic said.Every men’s Test tour has been broadcast back to Australia for the past three decades. The last Test not shown in Australia was during the Pakistan tour in 1994.But this will be the first non-Ashes full overseas men’s Test tour shown on free-to-air TV in Australia since Mark Taylor’s team played in South Africa back in 1997, when Seven also had the rights. In 2023 they broadcast the World Test Championship final between Australia and India at The Oval.Foxtel has had a stranglehold on rights for Australia’s overseas matches since broadcasting tours of India and Pakistan back in 1998. They broadcast Australia’s most recent Test series in Sri Lanka in 2022.However, Foxtel has not regularly broadcast Test series from Sri Lanka not involving Australia, and therefore do not have a long-running agreement with them.Foxtel recently agreed to a sale to British-based sports streaming platform DAZN, but that is still to be finalised over the first six months of 2025.Amazon has won the rights to ICC events in the 2024-2027 cycle, including this year’s WTC final, but the streaming giant’s Australian arm is yet to dip its toe into bilateral series.

Ahead of his milestone 100th ODI, Bairstow acknowledged the “ups and downs” in his journey

Matt Roller09-Oct-2023Jonny Bairstow will win his 100th ODI cap for England when they play Bangladesh in Dharamsala on Tuesday. It is an achievement he said will make him “immensely proud” and a milestone in a journey he acknowledged has not always been easy: “There’s been a few ups and downs, hasn’t there?”It has been a career of two halves in this format. Bairstow found things difficult during his first six years as an ODI cricketer, spending three years out of the side after his first seven appearances and then forcing his way into the squad more regularly, generally as batting cover for the first-choice side.But since his promotion to open the batting in 2017, firstly when Jason Roy lost form in the Champions Trophy and then when Alex Hales was suspended due to his involvement in the infamous Bristol street fight, Bairstow has become one of the world’s best. His strike rate of 107.34 as an ODI opener is unmatched in the format’s history.Related

Topley relieved England stuck to their attack first ask questions later ODI blueprint

Malan slams 140 as England roar back with Bangladesh demolition

Buttler dismisses 'defending champions' tag: 'It's irrelevant to me'

Buttler slams 'poor' Dharamsala outfield, urges players to be careful in the deep

Morgan plays down prospects of Jofra Archer featuring at World Cup

In that light, it might come as a surprise that Bairstow has not reached this milestone already. Six members of this England squad have more caps than him in the format, and his debut came back in 2011 when he hit 41 not out off 21 balls to rescue a rain-reduced run chase against India in Cardiff: “I think we’ve just found a player,” Alastair Cook, who was England’s one-day captain at the time, said.Bairstow had been called into the squad the previous day, along with another uncapped 21-year-old batter in Jos Buttler. “It’s a fantastic achievement for Jonny,” Jos Buttler reflected on Monday. “He’s been a huge part of the one-day team for a really long period of time.”The longevity he’s shown to play 100 caps is fantastic. He’s been one of the best openers in world cricket, in 50-over cricket, for a long time. He’s been a great servant for us and he’s got plenty more ahead of him as well. We’re delighted to have him in the team; he’s a fantastic player and his record shows that.”In 2015, Bairstow was widely considered unfortunate not to feature in England’s first squad of their new era in white-ball cricket, as Eoin Morgan and the team’s management looked to blood the group of players who would feature for them in the 2019 World Cup.

“There was a period where he was out of the team and any time he got his opportunity, he scored runs and banged the door down to make sure he’s one of the first names on the team sheet”Jos Buttler on Jonny Bairstow

But he was called into the squad the day before the final ODI and hit 83 not out off 60 balls, the first of several innings over the following two years in which he stated his credentials for more regular inclusion. It presented a dilemma for Morgan, who was determined to introduce the consistency of selection that England had often lacked and enable his regulars to thrive.Morgan is in Dharamsala this week, covering the tournament as a pundit. “Jonny, for a long time, was the example as to how you want a strong cricketing team to play – certainly in my early days as captain,” he said on Monday.”You want people banging down the door, and also asking continuous questions of the players within that XI, simply because it should be a tough place to get into and it makes selection a lot harder. Jonny did that for about a year and a half and would come in sporadically and perform brilliantly.”Buttler added, “As he’s always done, any time he’s been challenged, he comes back very strong. There was a period where he was out of the team and any time he got his opportunity, he scored runs and banged the door down to make sure he’s one of the first names on the team sheet.”Jonny Bairstow impressed on his very first outing in ODIs, in 2011 as a 21-year-old•Associated PressBairstow’s partnership with Roy is undoubtedly England’s greatest in 50-over cricket, and statistically stacks up with the best of all time. While they have played in an era that has favoured attacking opening batters, with flat pitches and two new balls, their legacy was confirmed four years ago when they helped England win their first men’s World Cup in the format.”Him at the top of the order with Jason Roy have just been phenomenal. They complemented each other unbelievably well, scoring in different areas – although being very imposing cricketers,” Morgan said. “To play in the manner that he has for 100 games, completely selflessly, and just get better and better is unbelievable.”There has been a shift heading into this World Cup, with fitness and form contributing to Roy’s omission from England’s final squad and Dawid Malan’s promotion to open the batting. England’s heavy defeat to New Zealand in Ahmedabad was only the third time they have opened together, and Bairstow acknowledged there has been a slight shift in approach.”Naturally, that change does have an impact,” he said. “I’ve played with Dawid for a number of years. There’s a change in the way he plays compared to Jason. That’s not to say it’s a bad thing at all, but naturally, it will take a little bit of time to bed in and to get used to different tempos and styles.”Bairstow has been short of runs since returning to ODI cricket at the end of England’s home summer, with 52 in his last four innings. But there were signs against New Zealand that he is returning to form – not least when he flicked the second ball of the tournament over square leg for six, off Trent Boult.England will hope that Bairstow’s landmark coincides with things clicking for him in Dharamsala on Tuesday. It is a game that they cannot afford to lose after their drubbing on the opening night.

Coming back after a 42-day break from cricket, he was India’s joint top-scorer without ever finding his fluency

Shashank Kishore28-Aug-2022The noise levels had soared by several decibels as Virat Kohli walked out to bat, third ball of India’s chase. As he stood marking his guard, the giant screen played a package of his imperious cover-driving against Mohammad Amir during the 2016 Asia Cup. Kohli took a fleeting glance at it before settling into his stance.As the first delivery tailed in, he left it alone, trusting the bounce. He looked at the spot from where the ball had lifted, giving it a wry smile. The surface was a little tacky. There was grip if the bowlers were willing to dig it in, like Hardik Pandya had done during Pakistan’s innings. Ravindra Jadeja had got it to turn sharply from leg to off. With India chasing only 148, maybe this was Kohli’s opportunity to dig in and not go after the bowling straightaway, despite the chatter around intent and India’s new batting template.Related

Virat Kohli: 'Time away from game taught me a lot, when I came back I wasn't desperate'

Kohli 'made a conscious effort to strike at a higher pace' but rush of wickets forced slowdown

Dravid: With Virat, people get a bit obsessed with statistics

India vs Pakistan – cricket, not hype, takes centre stage ahead of Round 2

Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli: one flies as the other fights

Kohli was returning from a month-long break where he hadn’t picked up a bat. His ferocious intensity can lift the team. It can lift the entire stadium. As it did when he was among the first players to bound out to the nets in India’s first training session four days ago.Starting Wednesday, whatever he’s done on the field has been closely captured, reeled, storied, and shared widely: his towering hits, his exchanges with Babar Azam, his 50-metre sprints, the goals he’s scored in warm-up football.On Sunday too, he was among the first to walk out for India’s pre-match routines. The pleasantries with the opponents were done. He was a picture of concentration amid the noise. He took throwdowns initially, and then proceeded towards the boundary edge to take some catches. Within 10 minutes, Kohli was in and out. He wasn’t going to drain himself in the afternoon heat.It was a big occasion. His 100th T20I. He was about to become only the second player, after Ross Taylor, to play as many games in all three formats. Rahul Dravid invited Kohli to give the team a pep talk. He spoke passionately, and the huddle dispersed with a chorus of claps. With that, Kohli’s comeback was officially underway.He had played just four T20Is this year prior to this game. He hasn’t been a part of India’s changing template consistently, and so there’s this matter of having to buy into the philosophy, and then fit into it, which can be easier said than done. Perhaps it would have been a cakewalk for the Kohli of 2016, when he could flick on a switch and kill chases with ridiculous ease. Or blast his way out of the blocks while batting first and smash both pace and spin.Back to the present, though.It’s the second ball of his innings. Kohli’s instincts draw him into a drive. Except the ball isn’t quite there and it hits the seam and nips away. By the time Kohli has played the ball, he knows he’s in trouble, but a diving Fakhar Zaman grasses the chance at slip to the collective despair of the western block of the stadium, which is dominated by Pakistan fans in green.You begin to imagine what could have been had the chance been taken. ‘Kohli out for duck after opening up about mental-health struggles’? ‘Kohli’s much-anticipated return ends in damp squib’? There was potential for an explosion of headlines, memes and judgments. But luck has smiled on Kohli and he gets off strike next ball with a nudge to fine leg. He is off the mark.Virat Kohli slowed down against spin before chipping Mohammad Nawaz straight to long-off•AFP/Getty ImagesNow he’s up against Shahnawaz Dahani, the reason why Pakistan are defending 147 rather than 135. Kohli plays out three dots and then mistimes a lofted hit that plonks into the outfield after beating mid-off. Dahani is quick and zippy, and Kohli hasn’t managed to get him away. Whether he feels it or not, you feel the pressure.Square leg is in, and fine leg is out. The short ball could be coming, and it does. Kohli belts out a roar after getting into excellent position to wallop it to the midwicket boundary. He’s up and running.Or is he? Next ball, Kohli gets a thick inside edge. On another night, this may have rolled onto the stumps. Tonight it rolls down to short fine leg. India, 10 for 1 after two overs, have made a nervy start.It remains that way. KL Rahul is gone, Rohit Sharma is scratchy. In the next over, Kohli top-edges Haris Rauf for six over the keeper’s head. More luck. Surely it’s his night?Kohli is chewing gum, smiling, fist-bumping Rohit. The ball isn’t always flying where he wants it to, but he’s still in the contest. There’s a sliced drive over backward point off Dahani in the fifth over. He had been looking to go over cover only for his bat to turn in his hands.Multiple times over the last two years, Kohli has played imperious innings that haven’t lasted as long as they promised to. This innings is promising to be different – scratchy but enduring. But then he flicks a switch and plays a majestic flat-batted pull over wide mid-on. He stands and admires the shot until the ball crosses the boundary, and turns back to look at the replay on the giant screen. He’s nailed it off the sweetest spot on his bat.It’s been a perfectly imperfect Kohli knock – hard to categorise in any way.But in some respects, we’ve seen this innings before. At the end of the powerplay, he’s batting on 29 off 24. Then the spinners come on and the fields spread. Against Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, he scores 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1. In that time, India lose Rohit. A seemingly straightforward chase is turning rather tricky.Then Kohli steps out, and chips Nawaz straight to long-off. Just like that, his stay is over. A perfectly imperfect end to a perfectly imperfect innings.

With Liverpool approaching their return to competitive action under unprecedented circumstances, Arne Slot will take pride in what his side has managed to do in the transfer window up until this point.

Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, among others, will add considerable strength on top of a squad that managed to claim Premier League glory in his debut campaign.

Nevertheless, there is more to come at Anfield, and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is the dream target for Liverpool, even if they are more likely to turn their attention towards Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike due to financial demands relating to the former.

Speaking of Ekitike, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the France Under-21 international wants to come to England in light of interest from the Reds, albeit there are also clubs around Europe and in Saudi Arabia circling.

He stated: “There is movement on Hugo Ekitike, with interest from Saudi, but the priority of the player remains England. And with Newcastle interested in Hugo Ekitike, there is still interest also from more clubs. Because clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea have been calling for the player for weeks, since June, for example, being informed on the situation of Hugo Ekitike.”

Hughes lining up Liverpool move for £34m Guehi alternative who's Konate 2.0

Liverpool’s search for a new centre-back continues, amid uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future

ByRobbie Walls Jul 13, 2025

Moving away from the search for attacking prowess, Liverpool could also move for Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, solidifying the thought that they could look to strengthen the engine room.

Recent developments could point them in that direction, but not in the way supporters would expect, given previous events this window.

Liverpool could be offered Arda Guler in exchange for Alexis Mac Allister

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool could be offered Real Madrid star Arda Guler as the La Liga giants look to sign Alexis Mac Allister, and it is claimed the Argentina international may be tempted by the prospect of working with former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso.

However, the 26-year-old hasn’t shown any major signs of wanting to change clubs and is said to be ‘happy’ in England, though Los Blancos may throw Turkish sensation Guler into the mix to try and bring down the cost of any potential deal with the Reds valuing their star at £86m.

Alexis Mac Allister in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

49

Goals

7

Assists

6

Arda Guler in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

49

Goals

6

Assists

11

Intriguingly, Guler, who has previously been labelled “tremendous” by Carlo Ancelotti, has outperformed £150,000 per week earner Mac Allister in the field of goal contributions, certifying that he would be able to replicate his creative influence at Anfield.

However, the latter is someone who Arne Slot believes holds a unique standing in the football world, so it is hard to envisage the Dutchman entertaining any notion of a sale under any circumstances.

It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to describe the last few years as being incredibly hectic for Chelsea.

The Blues have seen new ownership come, have spent an enormous amount of money in a relatively short space of time, and have been through their fair share of managers.

However, even though there have been more than a few bumpy moments in terms of performances and results, it looks like the team are finally on the right track.

Enzo Maresca led his side to a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, and on top of securing Champions League football, led them to Conference League glory.

Following the Argentine’s impressive first campaign, the board have already backed him in a big way this summer, with the likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens all making their way to the King’s Road.

The wheeling and dealing looks far from finished there, though, so here’s what Chelsea’s dream squad could look like if everything goes according to plan this summer.

The Goalkeepers Emiliano Martínez takes the gloves

While Robert Sanchez improved towards the end of last season, it would be fair to say that many fans would still like to see an upgrade signed this summer.

That seems to be the opinion of the board as well, with reports linking them with Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning shot-stopper Emiliano Martínez.

The Argentine, who won last year’s Best Fifa Men’s Goalkeeper, is reportedly also a target for Manchester United and could end up costing around £40m.

That would see Sanchez become the number two, and with Đorđe Petrović looking set to join Bournemouth for around £25m, Filip Jorgensen could be third choice.

Full list of goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen.

The Defence Chelsea add promising depth

Chelsea managed to produce the third-best defence in the Premier League last season, conceding just two more goals than Liverpool and nine more than Arsenal.

So, instead of wholesale change, they would be wise to trim the fat and add a couple of exciting prospects to the group.

Funnily enough, that seems to be the approach the Blues are taking, with Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga looking likely to leave, while Jorrel Hato could make his way to West London from the Netherlands.

Alongside the West Londoners, the “exceptional” Ajax gem, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has been linked with a host of clubs and could be available for around £40m.

Appearances

111

Starts

102

Minutes

9121′

Goals

4

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.11

Minutes per Goal Involvement

701.61′

Points per Game

1.86

It might sound like a lot to spend on a 19-year-old, but he’s already made 111 first-team appearances for the Amsterdam side, has six caps for the national team and can play as either a left-back or centre-back.

The young Dutchman probably wouldn’t start many games, at least not right away, but he’d be brilliant depth and help ensure Marc Cucurella isn’t played into the ground.

Full list of centre-backs: Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile.

Full list of right-backs: Reece James, Malo Gusto.

Full list of left-backs: Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato.

The Midfielders Chelsea add an exciting talent

Arguably, Chelsea’s most stacked area of the squad is the midfield, and there isn’t a whole lot that needs to be done there this summer.

So long as they remain fit, the incredible Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández will remain the first choice for the middle of the park.

At the same time, Andrey Santos and Roméo Lavia are excellent rotation options.

Moving up into attacking midfield and to the man who has to be the first name on the team sheet: Cole Palmer.

Appearances

96

Minutes

7770′

Goals

41

Assists

28

Goal Involvements per Match

0.71

Minutes per Goal Involvement

112.60′

While he is capable of playing out wide and on the wing, he can have a far greater impact on proceedings as the most advanced midfielder, and with a tally of 41 goals and 28 assists in 96 games for the Blues, Maresca will want him where he can have the most significant impact.

However, the club appear to be after someone who can cover for the sensational talent, and based on reports, that player could be Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentine ace had a very public falling out with Manchester United and was told he would be sold this summer, and one of the clubs interested in the £60m ace is Chelsea.

While it might not be a move that excites the fanbase, the Madrid-born international wasn’t too bad last season, racking up 11 goals and ten assists in 3568 minutes, and spending most of the campaign in attacking midfield.

In all, Chelsea have an incredible array of midfield talent, and the United star could be great depth.

Full list of midfielders: Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garncaho, Moises Caicedo, Roméo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Enzo Fernández, Andrey Santos, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The Attackers Chelsea go huge on the frontline

Chelsea have already gone big when it comes to attacking signings this summer.

Delap cost them £30m from Ipswich Town, Pedro cost a cool £60m from Brighton & Hove Albion, and Jamie Gittens cost around £48m from Borussia Dortmund.

With all of that business in mind, plus the likes of Pedro Neto and Estavão looking ready for the new season, it makes sense for the club to be looking to sell a few players.

The most notable departure is undoubtedly Noni Madueke, who is set to join Arsenal for around £52m, but it also looks like João Felix could be on his way for close to £17m.

If the board can then get rid of Raheem Sterling as well, that would leave them with plenty of room in the wage budget to further bolster the attack, which seems to be the plan.

One of the names linked with the team this summer has been Malick Fofana, who has a price tag of around £50m.

The young Frenchman would be another signing for the future, but with a tally of 17 goal involvements in 41 games last season, he could still make an impact from the bench.

Finally, if Chelsea are able to amass their dream squad this summer, then they’ll surely get their hands on Hugo Ekitiké.

The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been linked with a £85m move to Stamford Bridge this summer, and while that is a lot of money, it would be money well spent.

In 48 appearances last season, totalling 3644 minutes, the 23-year-old marksman scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists to boot.

Appearances

48

Minutes

3644′

Goals

22

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

In other words, the Reims-born dynamo whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” averaged a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.

Just imagine how dangerous he’d be playing in the same team as Palmer; that duo could be enough to fire the Blues into a title charge.

Full list of wingers: Pedro Neto, Estavo, Jamie Gittens, Malick Fofana.

Full list of strikers: Hugo Ekitiké, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea "close" to agreeing "excellent" player's exit after Thursday update

The west Londoners need to trim their squad.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 10, 2025

The 56-year-old will take charge of the franchise from the Global Super League, which begins on November 26

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Oct-2024

Mickey Arthur has previously served as the head coach of South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan•ICC/Getty Images

Rangpur Riders have appointed Mickey Arthur as their head coach. The 56-year-old will take charge of the franchise from the Global Super League, which begins on November 26. He will also be in charge of the Rangpur side during this season’s Bangladesh Premier League.Arthur has recently worked with the Dambulla Aura team in the Lanka Premier League. He is also currently Derbyshire’s director of cricket. Arthur has previously been the head coach of South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.”We have signed Mickey Arthur for the GSL and BPL this year,” Rangpur team director Shanian Taneem said. “It is a one-year deal. He will take care of us for these two tournaments this year. He is a great addition to our side. The local players are really excited to be coached by him. We have been in touch with Mickey for the last seven-eight days to build the squad for GSL and BPL. He is very active, always gladly helping us.”I think he is perfect for Rangpur Riders’ culture. He is a very friendly guy. He will be of great benefit for the Bangladeshi cricketers in particular. He has huge experience. He has already taken care of so many international sides like Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan.”Arthur has also coached in the BPL previously, with the Dhaka Dynamites side in 2015.