Category Uncategorized

West Ham United are now keen on a summer move for an “exceptional” Premier League player, who could be available for a fee of around £15m, according to a report.

West Ham chasing new defenders

Signing a striker may be the first port of call for Graham Potter this summer, with Lille’s Jonathan David recently being identified as the manager’s top target, but the manager is also interested in refreshing his defensive options.

Millwall’s Japhet Tanganga is one of the players on the shortlist, having emerged as a key player for the Lions in the Championship this season, although it remains to be seen whether West Ham will be able to lure him away from a rival club.

West Ham open talks with striker's agent amid potential £62m discount

He could leave for millions less than his release clause.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 21, 2025

Tanganga has Premier League experience from his time with Tottenham Hotspur, and there are now suggestions the Hammers could also be eyeing a player who is currently plying his trade in the top flight.

According to a report from The Sun, the Irons are keen on a move for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who could be keen on a move away from his current club this summer, with the Saints looking extremely likely to drop to the Championship.

Harwood-Bellis has recently changed agent, which can indicate a player is set to pursue a move, and Southampton would be likely to demand a fee of around £15m, which would make him an affordable option for West Ham, who are keen on new additions at the back.

Harwood-Bellis impressing for club and country

It has been a far from ideal season for the Saints, who look set to be relegated from the Premier League, but the 23-year-old has been one of the only shining lights in a poor side, ranking among their most consistent performers.

The Englishman’s form earlier this season earned him a Three Lions call-up, and he certainly made the most of the opportunity, scoring the fifth goal in a 5-0 battering of the Republic of Ireland.

The former Manchester City man has been a consistent goal threat over the past year, ranking in the 85th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90, while his defensive ability has also been on display, placing in the 99th percentile for blocks, when compared to his positional peers.

The Southampton ace has also been lauded as “exceptional” by members of the media in the past, and his performances this season indicate he definitely deserves another chance in the Premier League.

As such, West Ham should pursue a deal for Harwood-Bellis this summer, particularly considering a £15m asking price is very reasonable, and the Saints are set to be in a weak negotiating position if they drop back down to the Championship.

نشر الحساب الرسمي لنادي ليفربول لكرة القدم، عبر موقع إكس، مقطع فيديو لنجمي الفريق محمد صلاح وفيرجيل فان دايك، خلال خضعوعهما لمسابقة معلومات سريعة.

وبدأ ليفربول مشواره في الموسم الجديد من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، 2025/26، يوم الجمعة الماضي حيث فاز على بورنموث بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدفين.

ويستعد ليفربول لخوض مباراته الثانية في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، يوم الإثنين المقبل على ملعب “سانت جيمس بارك” وذلك ضد نظيره نيوكاسل يونايتد.

وسُئل محمد صلاح وفان دايك عمن قدم للآخر أسيستات أكثر من الثاني، حيث يُعد المصري الأكثر بعدما صنع للآخر 3 أهداف، في حين صنع الهولندي للنجم صاحب الـ33 عامًا، مرتين.

فيما كان السؤال الثاني عمن خاض دقائق أكثر من الآخر، خلال الموسم الماضي من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ورد فان دايك أنه لم يخض مباراة ليفربول وبرايتون الموسم الماضي في الدوري الإنجليزي، وهو الأمر الذي منح الأفضلية لـ محمد صلاح، الذي رد مازحًا بأن المدرب آرني سلوت استبدله في اللقاء نفسه (في الدقيقة 91).

اقرأ أيضًا | بعد تحقيق إنجاز لاعب العام.. محمد صلاح يكشف عن مكان غريب لجوائزه الفردية

وكانت الإجابة الصحيحة هي محمد صلاح، الذي خاض 3380 دقيقة في موسم الدوري الإنجليزي الماضي، مقابل 3330 دقيقة لـ فان دايك، ورد المصري ضاحكًا: “شكرًا أيها المدرب”.

أما عن اللاعب الذي ظهر أكثر في الدوري الإنجليزي، مقارنة بالثاني، بشكل عام، حيث تساوى محمد صلاح وفان دايك بواقع 302 مباراة لكل منهما.

وفيما يخص أكثر من لديه منشورات عبر موقع إنستجرام في 2025، حيث تساوى الاثنين كذلك بواقع 56 منشورًا، رغم أن محمد صلاح كان يلجأ إلى نشر صور سيلفي كثيرًا بعد الفوز بالمباريات.

وعن اللاعب الأكثر تواجدًا في تشكيل الموسم من جانب رابطة اللاعبين المحترفين، كان فان دايك بواقع 5 مرات، مقابل 4 مرات لـ محمد صلاح.

وعلى صعيد المقارنة بين اللاعب الأكثر صناعة للأهداف والذي حافظ على نظافة شباكه، في الموسم الماضي من الدوري الإنجليزي، كانت الأفضلية لـ محمد صلاح بواقع 18 أسيست، في حين أن فان دايك كانت لديه 14 مرة حفاظًا على الشباك.

أما اللاعب الذي مثّل عدد أندية أكثر من الآخر، فهو محمد صلاح بواقع 6 فرق (المقاولون، بازل، تشيلسي، فيورنتينا، روما وليفربول)، مقابل 4 لـ فان دايك.

Salah 🆚 VVD

The Egyptian King and the skipper go head-to-head in our quiz 🤔💭 pic.twitter.com/mZPjXFMrse — Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 22, 2025

Also, can Sri Lanka and Netherlands still qualify?

S Rajesh01-Nov-2023

India
With 12 points already in the bag and three games still to come, India are almost through to the semi-finals. Another win will confirm qualification, but even if they lose all three, Afghanistan will have to win their three remaining games, while New Zealand and Australia will have to win two each. If those three teams have higher net run rates than India, then they, along with South Africa, can qualify ahead of India.South Africa
South Africa have as many points as India but have played one extra game. Two more points will confirm qualification, but even with 12, their exceptional NRR should keep them safe.Related

Pluck or luck: New Zealand trust in the 'Kiwi' way

Australia
After a slow start, Australia have come into their own with four wins on the trot. Three more wins will confirm the qualification, but two will also do if one of those comes against Afghanistan. Given that they also play Bangladesh, who are already out of the tournament, Australia are favourites to qualify.New Zealand
New Zealand won four games at the start but lost their next three matches. The huge loss to South Africa has also brought their NRR crashing down, while the numerous injuries are doing their chances no favours.If they win their last two and finish on 12, New Zealand will still have an excellent chance of qualifying, but a defeat on Saturday against Pakistan will put both the teams on eight points each from as many games, while a defeat by 84 or more runs (in a chase of 301) will push them below Pakistan on NRR. Afghanistan will get to eight too if they beat Netherlands on Friday, while Sri Lanka might also be in the mix.All of this means the next ten days will be crucial for all these teams. New Zealand’s last game is against Sri Lanka, and even if they win that one after losing to Pakistan, it could still come down to net run rates.Afghanistan
Afghanistan are the only team other than those in the top four that can still get to 12 points. However, two of their three remaining games are against Australia (in Mumbai) and South Africa (in Ahmedabad). Two wins in those three matches will keep them in the mix if the top four teams don’t all get to 12 points. A win on Friday against Netherlands will take them level with New Zealand on points, but they will also need to win by a significant margin to improve their net run rate, which is currently a poor -0.718.One of the teams that could benefit from New Zealand’s loss to South Africa is Pakistan•Associated Press

Pakistan
New Zealand’s walloping by South Africa has opened up the points table, and one of the teams that could benefit is Pakistan. They are now only one win behind New Zealand, and a victory against them on Saturday will mean both teams are level on eight points from eight games. Pakistan’s last match will be at Eden Gardens against bottom-of-the-table England. Depending on other results, Pakistan’s qualification chances could hinge on that result.If Pakistan lose on Saturday, their chances will hang by a thread: Australia will have to lose all their matches and stay on eight, while other results involving Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will have to go in Pakistan’s favour as well.Sri Lanka
If Sri Lanka win their three remaining games, they will finish on 10, but even then they will need other results to go their way. A defeat against India will mean they can end up with a maximum of eight points. For them to still be in contention, several other results will have to work in their favour, but it’s still possible for multiple up to seven teams to finish on eight points, fighting for two slots.Netherlands
Netherlands have the same points tally as Sri Lanka, but their NRR is much poorer. Wins in all their remaining games will give them a chance, but eight points is unlikely to cut it for them.England
England could still finish on eight points if they win their remaining games, and join the melee if several other results align, but with a net run rate that currently stands at -1.652, their best bet will be to try to make it to the top seven and qualify for Champions Trophy 2025.

MatériaMais Notícias

da pinup bet： Após ter sido vendido pelo Palmeiras ao Real Madrid por 72 milhões de euros (R$ 407 milhões), o atacante Endrick tem viagem planejada para a Espanha. A reportagem do LANCE! apurou que a joia palmeirense de 16 anos estará nesta semana na capital espanhola para visitar as instalações doCT do Real Madrid, em Valdebebas. A visita faz parte do acordo selado entre os clubes na última semana.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras fecha acordo com loja de varejo para patrocínio do time femininoPalmeiras20/12/2022PalmeirasPalmeiras quer a contratação do meia Claudinho e deseja avançar no negócio ainda nesta semanaPalmeiras20/12/2022PalmeirasCom multa milionária, atacante puxa fila para ser ‘novo Endrick’ do Palmeiras na CopinhaPalmeiras20/12/2022

da aviator aposta： + Confira quem sai, quem fica e as movimentações do Palmeiras no mercado

O jogador só irá de maneira definitiva para Madrid em 2024, quando completar 18 anos. Dessa forma, ele fica no Verdão por mais uma temporada e meia.

+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Paulistão 2023

Endrick não foi inscrito pelo Alviverde na Copa São Paulo de Futebol de Júnior de 2023 e faz parte dos planos do técnico Abel Ferreira para o elenco principal na próxima temporada. O atacante deve ser peça importante no sistema da equipe, ao lado de Raphael Veiga, Dudu e Rony.

No dia 15 de dezembro, Palmeiras, Real Madrid e Endrick acertaram os últimos detalhes da negociação. O valor total será de 72 milhões de euros (R$ 407 milhões), sendo que 60 milhões de euros (R$ 339 milhões) serão divididos entre o Palmeiras e o jogador, e o restante será por conta do Real Madrid, que bancará intermediários e impostos envolvidos na transferência. A quantia recebida pelo Alviverde tem uma parte fixa (maior) e outra que envolve bônus por metas alcançadas por Endrick. Os valores dessa divisão não foram confirmados ao LANCE!.

O contrato de Endrick com o clube espanhol será até 2027, mas com renovação para mais três anos, ou seja, 2030.

Aos 16 anos, Endrick foi promovido ao profissional em 2022 após ser peça-chave para o Palmeiras na base, sendo o protagonista no inédito título da Copinha, onde foi eleito o craque da competição. Vale lembrar que o atacante assinou seu primeiro contrato profissional em julho, quando completou idade para isso.

*ERRATA – Conforme noticiado anteriormente pelo LANCE!, o atacante Endrick, do Palmeiras, ainda não está em solo espanhol. Correção feita às 18h25.

continua após a publicidade

The Pakistan captain is relishing the opportunity to play India in front of what is expected to be a record crowd in Ahmedabad

Danyal Rasool26-Sep-2023

Pakistan may have endured a tumultuous Asia Cup campaign where they finished last in the Super Four stage, but Babar Azam was keen to remind everyone they were the top-ranked ODI side in the world just days earlier. And while Pakistan missed out on a semi-final spot at the last ODI World Cup, Babar was adamant that their goal this time around was not just making it to the top four but going beyond.”The top four is a small goal for us,” he said at a pre-departure press conference. “We want to come out as winners. We did not have enough time to put together a camp before the World Cup because we had been playing for too long continuously. Instead, we gave the players a break so they could come back refreshed and with the hunger to win. You play well when you have that hunger.”Before the last two games in the Asia Cup, we were doing really well with the same team. Although we could not deliver the way we could, we have learned from our mistakes, as individuals and as a team. We have discussed all our mistakes as a team with the support staff and put it behind us. Asia Cup was a different tournament, the World Cup is entirely different.”Related

Pakistan vs New Zealand World Cup warm-up game to be played behind closed doors

Pakistan squad receive visas less than 48 hours before flying out to India

Hasan Ali replaces injured Naseem Shah in Pakistan's World Cup squad

The build-up to the tournament has been rife with on and off-field disruptions for Pakistan. A side that looked among the favourites just weeks ago has had to play whack-a-mole with issues that began to suddenly snowball. A chastening defeat to India at the Asia Cup was followed by injuries to Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, with the former being ruled out of the World Cup. Shadab Khan’s loss of form has also led Pakistan to shore up their legspin ranks by retaining Usama Mir rather than Faheem Ashraf.In addition, problems off the pitch have also rumbled along in the background. Pakistan were forced to cancel a training and bonding camp in Dubai before the World Cup because visas to India were not finalised until Monday, less than 48 hours before the team was due to depart for the tournament. To boot, the players and the PCB remain in a deadlock, which is now approaching its fourth month, over the signing of new central contracts.”We try our best to block out the noise and play with our 100% attention,” Babar said. “I try to make sure that the noise does not get to the team and I handle all issues I can outside the dressing room. The visas are now here, so we are good to go. As far as the contracts are concerned, they are still being negotiated, but we are hopeful we will get a good outcome as I believe the PCB always has our interests at heart.”There is no ill will in the dressing room. There are discussions after every loss but they get twisted into something else entirely [in the media]. The entire team is like a family and there is love and respect there.”Pakistan’s clash against India, on October 14 in Ahmedabad, remains a major talking point. Even the professionally media-trained Babar wasn’t able to hide his excitement at the prospect of playing in front of a potentially record crowd in Ahmedabad. Despite going much of the press conference stressing that this World Cup was about the whole competition and not just one marquee game, he couldn’t help drawing attention to the very game he had earlier tried to downplay when asked about his personal goals.”I am excited to play in Ahmedabad as it will be jam-packed,” Babar said. “I will try my best to perform up to my potential. Whenever you are playing a big tournament, it is a very exciting opportunity. It is a chance to become a hero as every World Cup performance gives you a different kind of confidence. Everyone is at their best during the World Cup, so whenever you perform there, it is an altogether different feeling. Performances come when you do not take pressure.”But Babar was quick to rein himself back in. “I am not worried about my individual accolades,” he said, settling back into that familiar rhythm. “I want to make sure whatever I do helps the result for the team.”And with that, he was off, to be seen next in India, virgin territory to be trod for all but two of his team-mates. Pakistan were vocal about their desire not to play in Ahmedabad a few weeks ago, but it says something about their captain’s ambitions that he’s now adamant he wants to lead his team out in that stadium twice.

Everton have yet to get going in the transfer window, with only Carlos Alcaraz joining the club.

He was on loan last season, and therefore, he isn’t exactly a brand-new signing, but David Moyes and TFG will be working tirelessly behind the scenes to bolster his squad ahead of the first season at their new stadium.

While the Toffees face an away trip to Elland Road to face Leeds in their match, the opening game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will take place a week later when Moyes’ men face Brighton.

Between now and then, supporters will no doubt be longing for some new additions.

Everton ready to hijack move for Ligue 1 star

With Alcaraz through the door, it’s looking likely that Everton will make another signing in the shape of Fulham defender Kenny Tete, with the BBC reporting that talks are in progress.

A right-back by trade, Moyes could also be in the market to sign a left-back from Ligue 1.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, according to Leeds Live, the recently promoted club are keen on signing defender Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille this summer.

However, the report goes on to state that Everton are ready to hijack the move for the Swedish defender, who has just one year left on his current contract.

As such, Moyes could perhaps land a bargain should he convince the left-back to swap Lille for a move to Merseyside, rather than Leeds.

Adding some depth to the squad is a priority, which means a swoop for £6m-rated Gudmundsson could be ideal.

Given the fact that he would be moving from Ligue 1, the Swede could turn into Iliman Ndiaye 2.0.

How Gudmundsson could replicate Ndiaye at Everton

Ndiaye moved from Ligue 1 side Marseille last summer, going on to become one of the club’s key players last term.

Indeed, the winger netted 11 goals across all competitions for the Toffees, helping the club preserve their Premier League status for yet another season.

Goals

9

Assists

0

Big chances created

3

Key passes per game

0.5

Shots per game

1.1

Successful dribbles per game

2.1

The Senegal international also ranked in the top 9% for successful 1.96 take-ons (2.52) per 90 when compared to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing why Leeds writer Joe Donnohue has described him as a “fun” player who’s also a “risk-taker”. He’s also competent defensively, however, ranking in the top 11% for tackles per 90 (1.96) over the previous 365 days.

It proves that talent can be found at a reasonable price in France, so might Gudmundsson be the next player to move across the channel?

The 26-year-old would be a great signing. He made 45 appearances for Lille last term, which included nine in the Champions League.

An attacking full-back, he was notably impressive in the competition. When compared to his peers, the Swede not only ranked in the top 19% for progressive carries (2.96), but he also ranked in the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.66) last term.

Those are strong metrics, particularly considering the sheer quality of opposition he played against, with Lille coming up against Real Madrid, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid, defeating the two Spanish sides in the process.

Defensively, the 26-year-old won 54% of his total duels in Ligue 1 last season, along with being dribbled past on just 0.4 occasions per game, showing his strength in one-on-one battles.

Ndiaye made a wonderful impact after moving from the French top flight. If Moyes signs Gudmundsson this summer, the Swede has all the qualities to follow in his footsteps.

He's Ndiaye 2.0: Everton enter race to sign "wonderful" star

Everton have yet to make a signing this summer to bolster their squad.

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 21, 2025

Former Manchester United player Eric Bailly is returning to La Liga after rejecting a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

Bailly to return to La LigaFormer Manchester United defender snubs move to Saudi ArabiaMedicals to be completed todayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Oviedo are set to sign Bailly. The defender travelled to Spain yesterday and is set to undergo his medicals on Monday. In the process of signing for Oviedo, the 31-year-old has snubbed a move to Saudi Arabia.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Bailly gained immense popularity after his move to Manchester United back in 2016. Under the mentorship of Jose Mourinho, he, along with his teammates, lifted the Europa League, United's only continental trophy in the last 10 years. In 2023, he joined Besiktas and the following year signed for Villarreal in La Liga. His contract expired at the end of the season, and now he is set to sign for newly promoted La Liga side Oviedo, who finished third in Segunda Division last term.

DID YOU KNOW?

Bailly played the most games in his career for United – as he clocked 113 appearances at Old Trafford.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BAILLY?

Bailly will join training at Oviedo after his medicals and will be expected to feature for them in the upcoming La Liga games, especially the one against Real Madrid on August 24.

No clear favourites and the vast range of conditions in India mean the 2023 edition is deliciously set up to intrigue – but there remain some things that have brought teams success of late. Here’s a rundown

Sidharth Monga04-Oct-20232:08

What will this World Cup be remembered for?

Not on boundary countback. This World Cup will not be won that way, given the change in rules.That low blow out of the way, this is an intriguing World Cup not least because it is the most open one since Australia started making a mockery of the tournament in 2003. Because of this even field, the vast range of conditions in India, the unavailability of teams’ best XIs at various points in the years between the World Cups, and the recency of trends, it is extremely difficult to bridge the gap between cricket the story and cricket the sport.Still there are certain things that can inform our understanding of what the teams are trying to do to win matches in this World Cup. For starters, they are not bowling spin early. There’s a good reason for it. The new white ball seems to be doing more. More so in India. And for longer. What used to be some shape for one or two overs is now considerable seam and swing for about eight overs in India.Related

India vs Australia: when the World Cup bursts into life

This World Cup will be won on the simple things – wicket-taking bowling, keen fielding and good captaincy decisions

Scriptless Sri Lanka put hopes on hold

Pakistan brace for Netherlands challenge amid form, injury and off-field concerns

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

That’s why you will see bowling teams attacking wholeheartedly in the early exchanges. More so when they are defending, because under floodlights – and before the dew kicks in – is the best time to bowl in India these days. The average cost of a wicket in the first ten overs in matches between the sides playing this World Cup has been 31 and 32 the last two years. In 2019, it was 41. The last time the new-ball bowlers had so much for two years in a row was way back in 2005 and 2006.It is great that most teams are blessed with some pretty good seam and swing bowlers who can make use of the new ball. It will be interesting to see if the batters will look to be watchful or counterattack, as we saw Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill do in their second Asia Cup match against Pakistan after they struggled in the first.India and Australia, in fact, have been leading the way against the new ball in recent times. No side has scored as quickly in the first ten overs across the past year or so as Australia and India have: 7.26 and 6.61, respectively.Not leaving it late in the big chasesIf they are chasing a big total, expect the batters to meet fire with fire. Himanish Ganjoo, cricket analyst and an ESPNcricinfo contributor, has worked out that teams of late are not leaving themselves too much to do in tall chases. There is strong data to support it. Since 2016, in successful chases of above 300, the run rate of the winning side has tended to remain uniform, while the sides batting first have tended to increase their run rate only gradually.The middle overs are where England seem to be making up for sedate starts with the bat•Getty ImagesIt perhaps flies in the face of conventional understanding that anything is possible with wickets in hand in the last 20 overs. In fact, teams batting second have been okay with losing wickets if they can keep abreast with the asking rate: looking at high totals, the first three wickets of sides batting first contribute 60% of the runs, but only about half in the second innings. The sixth and seventh wickets play a bigger role in chases, which is probably why you see sides valuing depth so much.If this informs a chasing strategy, is there something to be gleaned by the fielding side too? In the lead-up the World Cup, I asked Ian Bishop and Tom Moody if it would be smart to try to choke early through spin, and then have seam bowlers operating when the dew is in and the asking rate is high. They both went for the conventional wisdom: wickets. Go for what will get you wickets. If the recent trend of the ball gripping in the second innings continues, it will only support the conventional wisdom.Win the middle overs – a key to successAs ever, teams that do better in the middle overs tend to win. That’s why you see batters like Virat Kohli press more in the middle overs than they did before. That’s why you see focus on point-of-difference bowlers who can pick up wickets through the middle overs. These are the overs where England seem to be making up for sedate starts with the bat, and after non-penetrative new-ball spells. Their spinners have a decent strike rate, the fourth-best between the two World Cups.Pakistan might have the best pace attack, but they need to make up for lukewarm numbers of their spinners•Getty ImagesIt might not show in the numbers because the two haven’t played that much together, but two highly uncommon bowlers in Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah give India a big advantage in the middle overs. And still they might have cause for concern if the pitches keep offering spinners some grip: their batters have not been great against fingerspin.If India and Australia are great in the early goings, they can stutter in the middle overs. England and South Africa are superb from 11 to 50, but they are not the best with – and against – the new ball. Pakistan might have the best pace attack, but they need to make up for lukewarm numbers of their spinners, and also the middle order.The difficult pitches worked a treat for the 2019 World Cup, but it was also a predictable World Cup in terms of tactics: stable start, mid-overs press, extreme pace, and wristspin. This one is more deliciously set up in its unpredictability and the variety of tactics available, especially given how much the conditions tend to change through the course of a match in India.Keep your eyes and ears open. It’s going to be a wild one.

Also, how did Delhi Capitals bat so freely on that pitch?

Alagappan Muthu17-Oct-2020Is Jadeja the Super Kings’ new finisher?Ravindra Jadeja’s batting has come on big time. So much so that his contributions down the order have been the cornerstones of a few Test match wins for India.But aggressive batting? Being able to walk in and start hitting out? That’s a very difficult skill to pull off.Jadeja was in that zone against the Capitals, smoking Anrich Nortje, the fastest bowler in the IPL, to all parts. After his unbeaten 33 off 13 balls, he has, in total, 136 runs off 63 balls in the 16 to 20 over phase. That puts him behind only AB de Villiers, Rahul Tewatia and Kieron Pollard in this year’s IPL.ESPNcricinfo LtdWhy did Super Kings pick Jadeja over Bravo for the final over?MS Dhoni had hidden Jadeja away all through the chase, presumably because of Shikhar Dhawan and his left-handedness. Because of Dhawan, the Super Kings could use only two overs of spin in the first ten. They could only bowl five overs of spin all innings.And yet, with the match on the line, with 16 to defend off the last over, Dhoni went to Jadeja. Even though death-overs specialist Dwayne Bravo had an over left.In real time, it felt like Dhoni was gambling. But at the presentation he said, “Bravo was not fit. So he went out and he was not really able to come back. That was the reason. The option was Karn [Sharma] or Jaddu so I went ahead with Jaddu.”The Super Kings might have hoped the batsmen would go for big shots and get caught at the boundary. Axar Patel did… and cleared the boundary three times to seal the victory.Was the Sharjah pitch really that slow?Prithvi Shaw fell to a new ball that was holding up in the pitch. An in-form Faf du Plessis found it hard to hit Patel off his length.It felt like, even though the ground has short boundaries, the wear on the pitch might hamper batsmen.The Super Kings certainly worked on that assumption. They touched a scoring rate of seven an over for the first time off the last ball of tenth over – the second-latest for any team in Sharjah in this IPL.But the Capitals, in the second innings, hit 7.71 runs an over, as the powerplay ended and kept ramping it up.Ricky Ponting, in his mid-match interview, said there was some dew on the pitch. Dhoni also said it was easier to bat in the second innings.Why is du Plessis looking so much better than his colleagues?He is one of the few at the Super Kings who like data. One would guess he sits down with the analyst and looks up match-ups and that sort of thing, and he’s the one leading their faltering top order.The reason he has been able to do that is perhaps because he has been looking to attack first.He moves around in his crease to create his own angles. He’s very good at lifting balls over the infield, especially over cover (60 off 35) and midwicket (55 off 27). He’s very good on the slog (47 off 17). He knows these strengths. He’s maximising on them.ESPNcricinfo LtdWhat’s the secret to Rayudu’s big hitting?Shane Watson said India missed out by not using Ambati Rayudu as their No. 4 at the World Cup. That was after Rayudu took down Jasprit Bumrah in the opening game of the IPL. And again, against the pace of Nortje and Kagiso Rabada, he looked like a boss.A large part of his success is because he is a batsman who targets the off side for boundaries. He’d hit 17 fours and five sixes before Saturday. Fourteen of those have come on the off side: mid-off – 2 sixes, 3 fours; covers – 5 fours; point – 2 fours; third man – 2 fours.Most teams put three men on the boundary on the leg side when the field restrictions are done, and if anyone makes that mistake against Rayudu, he takes full toll.

da 888casino： It feels as if things are finally starting to fall into place at Arsenal.

da leao： For example, Sporting Director Andrea Bertas has been able to secure new long-term contracts for Gabriel Magalhães and Myles Lewis-Skelly, but that’s not all.

He has also seemingly secured the services of Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga while also pursuing several exciting striker targets.

The forward who seems to be most heavily linked with a move to the club is Benjamin Sesko, and if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal could be moving to sign someone who’d be a dream teammate for the Slovenian star.

Arsenal target Premier League superstar

Signing a new striker was always going to be an objective heading into this summer, as while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are talented and useful players, neither has ever been, nor is likely to become, prolific.

The list of centre-forwards supposedly targeted by the club includes the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak, but the goalscorer who has arguably been linked most with the club, and therefore feels like the most realistic to end up in North London, is Sesko.

The RB Leipzig star was a target for the Gunners as far back as last summer, and while the German outfit is still holding out for a sizable fee, recent reports suggest that the 22-year-old could make his way to the Emirates for around £70m this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

It would be an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad and one made all the better by the capture of another target: Eberechi Eze.

Yes, according to a recent report from insider Hand of Arsenal, Arteta was involved in direct talks with the Crystal Palace star’s camp on Saturday.

Talks have not been held directly with the South London side, and although there’s no mention of a fee, it has been widely reported that the Englishman has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract.

It wouldn’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, but given Eze’s ability and track record, it’s one worth pushing the boat out for, especially as he could be incredible alongside Sesko.

Why Eze would be a dream for Sekso

The first reason Sesko would love to play alongside Eze at Arsenal is incredibly straightforward: his output.

The Crystal Palace star has long been an effective player for the South London side, but in recent seasons, he’s really stepped it up when it comes to goals and assists, with this season being a particular high point for him.

For example, in just 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes, the “dangerous” playmaker, as dubbed by Oliver Glasner, was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, which for someone in a midtable side, is unreal.

Eze’s 24/25

Appearances

43

Minutes

3303′

Goals

14

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Just imagine what the Leipzig gem could do with a player as effective as the Englishman playing behind him or off to his left; he’d surely see his own goal and assist tallies soar.

Moreover, he’s not just stat padding against the weakest teams or in meaningless games, as the 26-year-old opened the scoring in the semi-final of the FA Cup this season and then scored the winning goal in the final, demonstrating exactly why teammate Tyrick Mitchell thinks he’s “one of the best players in the Premier League”.

The second reason that the Slovenian would love the former QPR gem is that he’s not afraid to do the dirty work when needed.

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 5% of attacking midfielders or wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for passes blocked and in the top 11% for ball recoveries per 90, which could free up the former RB Salzburg star to focus all his attention on scoring goals.

Finally, the fact that the Greenwhich-born dynamo can play as a ten or off the left of a front three should help him get more minutes with the Leipzig star and, in turn, build up more chemistry and a better understanding with him.

Ultimately, while it would be a lot of money, Arsenal should do all they can to sign both Sesko and Eze this summer, as together, they could help Arteta and Co finally get over the line next season.

Related Better move than Norgaard: Arsenal agree personal terms to sign £17m phenom

The exciting prospect could develop into something special at Arsenal.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 30, 2025