West Ham have held loose talks to sign a striker who’s allegedly spoken with Thomas Frank about joining Tottenham, according to a report this week.

West Ham identify striker targets ahead of January

West Ham are accelerating their pursuit of centre-forwards ahead of the January transfer window, with Nuno Espírito Santo making the signing of a number nine one of his absolute priorities.

The Hammers currently languish in the relegation zone with just 13 points from 15 Premier League games, having scored a meagre 17 goals all season, even if they’ve enjoyed a recent mini-revival under Nuno.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man United 1-1 West Ham

Brighton 1-1 West Ham

Niclas Füllkrug’s potentially imminent departure has intensified the need for another option upfront, with the German flop expected to complete a return to the Bundesliga after managing just three goals in 29 appearances since his £27 million arrival from Dortmund last year.

Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee is one option under consideration by West Ham.

The Dutch forward has struggled for opportunities under Ruben Amorim and was previously labeled a “future West Ham player” last year, and you can make a case that Zirkzee’s versatilitywould suit Nuno’s system far better than Fullkrug.

West Ham are also monitoring Midtjylland sensation Franculino Dju, who has scored a pretty incredible 21 goals in 30 total appearances this season.

The 21-year-old represents a younger, longer-term investment compared to more experienced alternatives, while Union Saint-Gilloise’s Promise David continues to attract West Ham interest after his impressive performances for the Belgian champions.

West Ham 'set to sign' prolific Tottenham starlet as Mark Noble seals 'coup' of a deal

The Hammers sporting director played a key transfer role.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 6, 2025

A bigger name option who’s been repeatedly linked comes in the form of ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney.

The Al-Ahli striker, who’s been on fire in Saudi Arabia with 50 goal contributions (42 goals, eight assists) in 62 appearances, is reportedly under catching West Ham’s eye prior to January.

Toney has only managed to make one England squad since moving to the Middle East last year, and with the World Cup looming, reports suggest he could be tempted to move back to the Premier League.

West Ham hold 'informal' talks to sign Ivan Toney

According to some media sources, Toney has even spoken to Frank directly about a potential move to Tottenham next month.

However, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, both Spurs and the Irons could be set for disappointment.

Writing for TEAMtalk, Bailey says that West Ham have held ‘informal’ talks to sign Toney, but a move back to England for the 29-year-old hinges on Thomas Tuchel.

The Three Lions boss wasn’t impressed by Toney the last time he was called up in the summer, so the prospect of him playing his way into the World Cup squad is already slim at best.

Because of this, the forward and his camp aren’t anticipating a call-up, regardless of where he moves from now until the squad selection.

This lack of hope threatens to quash any hope of West Ham, or indeed Spurs, signing Toney, with a potentially huge financial bill also coming as a major roadblock.

If Toney returns to England under two years after his Saudi move, the attacker would be forced to pay massive taxes, but if he waits until the summer, the fees would be more kind in that regard.

It therefore makes more sense for the player to wait until later in 2026 to consider a move back to the UK, by which point Spurs or West Ham may have already signed their desired new target man.

Taking this into account, a potential move to the London Stadium for Toney is seen as a long shot.

Striker greenlights January exit with West Ham bid expected ahead of immediate move

He wants to leave.

ByEmilio Galantini 4 days ago

Aston Villa are planning talks to complete the signing of a “fantastic” player with a huge future, with Donyell Malen potentially part of the deal.

Aston Villa want Douglas Luiz reunion

The Villans continue to work hard on new signings ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, as they look to push on and get back into the Champions League.

Arguably the most intriguing current Villa-related transfer story has seen them linked with a move for former midfielder Douglas Luiz, with the Brazilian seemingly allowed to leave Juventus this summer.

Luiz was a popular figure during his first stint at Villa Park, bagging 46 goal contributions in 204 appearances from the middle of the park, and Unai Emery described him as a “very important” figure. For that reason, he could love the idea of bringing him back to the club this summer.

Elsewhere, Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has been linked with a move to Villa before next season gets started, with the Spaniard not a key man at the Camp Nou. He has Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City, and he could add much-needed firepower, potentially even replacing Ollie Watkins at the heart of Emery’s attack.

Aston Villa ready talks for "fantastic" £18m forward

According to a new report from Aksam [via Sport Witness], Aston Villa are interested in signing Besiktas star Semih Kilicsoy this summer, with talks planned over a possible move to the club. The likes of Newcastle United and Leeds United have also been mentioned as suitors for the 19-year-old recently, who could be on the move for around £18m.

It is also claimed that Malen could head in the opposite direction as part of a swap deal, with the Dutchman falling out of favour at Villa Park.

Kilicsoy is a player with a big future in the game, having already achieved plenty at the age of 19, becoming an important figure for Besiktas.

The young centre forward has 16 goals in 85 appearances at senior level for his current side – he netted an impressive 42 times in 64 outings for the Under-19s – and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “fantastic” in the past.

While Kilicsoy isn’t yet the finished article, given his tender years, he could be a great squad signing for Villa from the off, before maturing into more of a star figure as the years pass.

Big McGinn upgrade: Aston Villa make contact to sign £138k-p/w "engine"

Aston Villa are set to target a new midfielder this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 9, 2025

If the Villans were able to sign him and a more experienced striker this summer, it will stand them in good stead moving forward, especially if Watkins moves on to pastures new.

It’s far from an ideal situation, but it has come to the stage in the season where Premier League action is more of a hindrance than anything else for Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim needing to find a way to keep his players motivated domestically.

With a crucial Europa League first-leg tie against Athletic Bilbao just a matter of days away, the Red Devils are faced with an unwanted trip to Bournemouth later today, having notably slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

There is a sense that Amorim’s men have almost thrown in the towel on the Premier League front, following that 15th loss of the campaign, although the meeting with the Cherries could be another useful exercise to at least test out those on the fringes.

Sunday 27 April

Bournemouth (A)

Premier League

Thursday 1 May

Athletic Bilbao (A)

Europa League

Sunday 4 May

Brentford (A)

Premier League

Thursday 8 May

Athletic Bilbao (H)

Europa League

Sunday 11 May

West Ham (H)

Premier League

Friday 16 May

Chelsea (A)

Premier League

Sunday 25 May

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

Equally, one form of motivation could be the current rumblings regarding potential transfer targets – namely Matheus Cunha – with the final weeks of the season providing a perfect audition period for a number of first-team and academy stars.

The changes Amorim could make vs Bournemouth

The trip to the south coast may also allow members of Amorim’s ranks to stake their claim for involvement in Thursday’s pivotal European encounter, with positions certainly up for grabs all across the park.

Indeed, there is now real competition in the defensive unit, not least with the academy duo of Tyler Fredricson and Harry Amass having caught the eye against the Old Gold a week ago.

That youthful pairing could again feature this time around, with Amorim likely not wanting to take a risk with the likes of Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro, particularly with Diogo Dalot the latest defender to be struck down by injury.

Meanwhile, following a rare rest against Vitor Pereira’s side, Bruno Fernandes may be called upon to try and ignite the Red Devils this afternoon, with the Portuguese skipper still leading the way for goals and assists this season at Old Trafford.

That pursuit of goals – and the absence of Joshua Zirkzee – could see Chido Obi handed a first senior start following his summer switch from Arsenal, with the 17-year-old a wise replacement for Rasmus Hojlund, considering that he is ineligible to feature on Thursday night.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The teenage Dane could well be joined in the attacking unit by another man who came off the bench last time out, with Mason Mount running out of time to stake his claim for one of the two number ten berths.

The Man Utd star who could soon be replaced by Cunha

The suggestion is that Cunha – should a deal progress – will be brought in to play in one of those two roles off the main centre-forward, with the Brazilian catching the eye with 26 league goals across the last two campaigns combined.

If United are to fork out to meet his reported £62.5m release clause, such an outlay would suggest that the 25-year-old will then be a regular fixture in Amorim’s starting lineup next term, leaving the likes of Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and, of course, Mount to fight it out for the other playmaking berth.

With Fernandes dropping deeper of late, there has been something of a vacancy in the number ten role, although even then the returning Mount has still been restricted to a substitute berth, with that limited action set to be impacted even further if Cunha is to arrive.

Games (starts)

32 (27)

Goals

11

Big chances missed

4

Assists

10

Big chances created

10

Key passes*

1.8

Pass accuracy*

85%

Tackles*

1.3

Interceptions*

0.4

Successful dribbles*

0.6

While it is evident that the Englishman is being gradually eased back into the action following his recent absence – having only returned last month following an almost four-month spell on the sidelines – now is the time for Amorim to finally unleash the former Chelsea man from the outset.

Indeed, following what has been an injury-hit two years at Old Trafford – which has yielded just one goal and one assist in total – Mount now needs a run of games to stake his claim and justify the public faith that his new boss has placed in him.

Since first walking in the door, Amorim has repeatedly singled out the £55m midfielder for praise, having hailed the England international as a “proper footballer” back in late November.

While Mount’s cruel injury blow in the early knockings of the December Manchester derby has since hampered his progress, his recent return to fitness has afforded him a month or so to now kick on and finally begin to justify his exorbitant price tag.

Currently looking like another victim of United’s infamous number seven curse, the 26-year-old “pressing monster” – as lauded by Statman Dave – needs to showcase why he could represent a potential partner to Cunha, and not the man whom the Brazilian will replace.

Changes are likely to be in store this afternoon, and Mount’s recall to the starting lineup needs to be one of them. It’s approaching now or never for his stop-start Manchester United career…

Best signing since Bruno: Man Utd pushing to land "best ST on the market"

Man Utd are in desperate need of a new centre-forward this summer

ByRobbie Walls Apr 24, 2025

Aston Villa’s transfer activity this summer has been a careful balancing act, reflecting both ambition and necessity.

After losing academy graduate Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle and contending with persistent Premier League profit and sustainability regulations (PSR), Unai Emery’s side have sought reinforcement across multiple positions.

The Midlands outfit have already added Evann Guessand from Nice, but there remains a pressing need to bolster creativity and experience in midfield, particularly in the event of Morgan Rogers’ departure.

The club’s early campaign has been patchy, with a draw against Newcastle followed by a 1-0 defeat away at Brentford.

Despite summer interest from Newcastle and Manchester United, Ollie Watkins continues to lead the line.

However, there is a growing recognition that midfield reinforcement is required to support their talismanic striker, which in turn will unlock the team’s full attacking potential.

Previously, Aston Villa have gambled on other technically gifted Brazilian midfielders, exemplified by Philippe Coutinho’s arrival after struggling for form at Barcelona.

Now, another South American talent is emerging on the radar, with the potential to recapture that same blend of flair and influence.

Villa enquire about potential Rogers replacement

According to journalist Santi Aouna, Aston Villa have opened discussions with West Ham regarding the possibility of signing Lucas Paquetá.

The 27-year-old Brazilian, who has amassed 55 caps and 11 goals for his national side, is considered one of several midfield options should Villa need to replace Morgan Rogers before the close of the transfer window.

West Ham are understood to be holding out for a fee in the region of £60m, with initial inquiries suggesting Villa would need to meet a minimum valuation of £40m before talks could commence.

Paquetá has undoubtedly experienced a turbulent period at the London Stadium, having faced betting allegations in August 2023.

Although he was cleared of all charges in 2025, the episode is reported to have affected him profoundly.

Transfer Focus

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

Nevertheless, he continues to be highly rated.

Former West Ham player Declan Rice praised the attacking midfielder’s abilities, describing him as “mind-boggling” in terms of quality and vision.

Clubs including Crystal Palace, Manchester City, and Tottenham have reportedly monitored the player, though news of Spurs’ recent acquisition of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons will reduce the likelihood of any continued interest.

For Villa, Paquetá represents a chance to combine proven Premier League experience with the technical finesse necessary to complement both new arrivals and established stars such as Watkins.

Why Paquetá could be Villa’s next Coutinho

Tactically, Paquetá offers Aston Villa a multifaceted solution.

Primarily an attacking midfielder, the Brazilian excels in creating and progressing offensive sequences, with metrics that underline his all-around capability.

According to FBref, last season, he ranked in the 74th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (2.89) and the 79th percentile for progressive passes (6.16), demonstrating his ability to influence both goal-scoring opportunities and build-up play.

Additionally, he boasts the 84th percentile for touches in the opposition penalty area and the 75th percentile for tackles per 90, illustrating a willingness to contribute defensively – a balance Emery prizes in transitional play.

His aerial ability is also notable, with the 89th percentile for aerial duels won per 90, making him a threat in both open play and set-piece scenarios.

The comparison with Coutinho is plain to see.

Before arriving at Villa Park, the Brazilian struggled to live up to his colossal pricetag at Barcelona before briefly flourishing on loan at Bayern Munich.

When at his best, Coutinho combined exceptional vision, dribbling, long-range shooting, and set-piece delivery, ultimately making him a dangerous attacking asset.

Paquetá, arriving at a stage in his career where his technical maturity and Premier League familiarity intersect, could offer a more immediate and sustained impact than his predecessor.

From a squad composition perspective, Paquetá could integrate seamlessly with Villa’s existing framework.

He would complement Watkins in attack, add creativity in the final third, and relieve pressure on newly-signed Guessand, allowing Emery greater flexibility in rotation and tactical setups.

The midfielder’s proficiency in linking play and breaking lines would enhance Villa’s transitional play, which has been a key focus under Emery’s management.

If the deal progresses, it would also signify Villa’s commitment to international-level talent capable of impacting the Premier League immediately.

After losing Ramsey, and with ongoing interest in Rogers from external clubs, adding a player of Paquetá’s calibre would send a clear message regarding the club’s ambitions.

Aston Villa are prepared to invest in both technical skill and experience to remain competitive domestically and in this year’s edition of the Europa League.

Ultimately, a successful move for Paquetá could mirror the allure of Coutinho’s signing while avoiding the pitfalls that hindered his predecessor.

Villa would acquire a player with vision, creativity, and finishing ability, tempered by Premier League experience and tactical maturity – qualities capable of elevating both the midfield and the team’s overall attacking profile.

For supporters, it represents an opportunity to witness Brazilian flair integrated into a system designed for consistency and results, potentially bridging the gap between raw talent and polished Premier League performance.

Emery's own Grealish: Aston Villa agree terms for "magical" late signing

Aston Villa are ready to welcome one or two late signings to their squad as the transfer window draws to a close.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 29, 2025

تحدث كودي جاكبو، لاعب فريق ليفربول، عن فوزهم العريض في مباراة اليوم ضد وست هام في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، على ملعب الأخير.

واستضاف ملعب “لندن الأولمبي” مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات الجولة التاسعة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث فاز ليفربول بخمسة أهداف دون رد.

وشهدت المباراة أداءً عالميًا من جانب محمد صلاح، الذي سجل هدفًا وصنع هدفين.

وتمكن محمد صلاح من صناعة الهدف الثاني لصالح ليفربول، الذي سجله كودي جاكبو، قبل أن يسجل الثالث بنفسه، ثم يصنع الخامس لـ ديوجو جوتا.

وقال جاكبو، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “قدمنا ​​أداءً جيدًا مرة أخرى اليوم وتمكنا من تسجيل بعض الأهداف، كانت مباراة جيدة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | محمد صلاح يحرج ليفربول بعد تألقه أمام وست هام.. ويتجاهل الكرة الذهبية من أجل هدف آخر

وأضاف: “لقد نجحنا في تسجيل الكثير من الأهداف (17 هدفًا في آخر 4 مباريات خارج ملعب ليفربول)، نحن نعمل كثيرًا على محاولة صناعة الفرص وتسجيل الأهداف”.

وأردف: “ربما كان بإمكاننا تسجيل المزيد اليوم لكننا نعمل بجد للقيام بذلك، لقد قلنا قبل المباراة أننا نريد أن نفعل كل شيء للحفاظ على نظافة شباكنا، لقد فعلنا ذلك بشكل جيد حقًا في بداية الموسم ولكن في الأسابيع الأخيرة استقبلنا بعض الأهداف، نأمل من اليوم فصاعدًا أن نعود إلى نظافة شباكنا”.

وعن تمريرة محمد صلاح الحاسمة لهدفه، قال الهولندي: “ربما كانت مهارة، أو ربما كانت حظًا، لا أعرف، لكنه مرر الكرة إليّ وقمت بتسديدها”.

أعرب علاء حبيل لاعب منتخب البحرين، عن سعادته بعد الفوز في مباراة اليوم على عمان بهدفين مقابل هدف، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الخليج “خليجي 26″، والتتويج باللقب.

والتقى منتخب البحرين مع عمان، على أرضية استاد جابر الأحمد في المباراة النهائية لبطولة كأس الخليج 2024 “خليجي 26” المقامة في الكويت.

وقال علاء حبيل في تصريحات عبر قناة “صدى البلد”: “نبارك للبحرين، المباراة النهائية لم تكن بالمستوى المطلوب، ولم يُقدم المنتخب نفس المستوى الذي كان عليه من بداية البطولة، شيء طبيعي كان على اللاعبين نوع من الضغط، لكن الحمد لله في النهاية الأهم هو حصد البطولة”.

طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | منتخب البحرين يقلب الطاولة على عمان بثنائية ويتوج بطلًا لـ كأس الخليج “خليجي 26”

وتابع: “الحمد لله أن البحرين لا زالت ولادة باللاعبين الموهوبين، وحققنا اللقب للمرة الثانية، وإن شاء الله نستمر في حصد الألقاب جيل بعد جيل”.

وأتم: “مستوى البحرين لم يكن مُقنعاً في تصفيات آسيا، لكن للأمانة ما رأيناه في كأس الخليج مختلف تمامًا، وأظهر اللاعبون الوحوش الوجه الآخر من القتال والإصرار على تحقيق اللقب، في بداية البطولة لم يكونوا مرشحين وهذا منحهم دافع أكبر”.

اكتمل قبل قليل عقد الفرق المتأهلة إلى دور الـ16 ببطولة كأس مصر 2024-2025 بعد أن أسدل الستار على مواجهات دور الـ32.

وحجز الزمالك مقعده في دور الـ16 ببطولة الكأس موسم 2024-2025، بفوز على أبو قير للأسمدة بهدفين دون رد.

واختتمت المواجهات بفوز لفريق بيراميدز على المنصور بثلاثية دون رد، في اللقاء الذي أقيم على ملعب استاد 30 يونيو (الدفاع الجوي).

ويغيب الأهلي عن النسخة الحالية من البطولة تنفيذًا لعقوبة الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم بعد انسحابه من النسخة الماضية. 

وشارك في دور الـ32 لبطولة كأس مصر أندية الزمالك وبيراميدز والمنصورة وبتروجيت والمقاولون العرب وإنبي وحرس الحدود والإسماعيلي وطنطا وغزل المحلة وسبورتنج وفاركو والترسانة والبنك الأهلي وبترول أسيوط والمصري ووادي دجلة ومودرن سبورت والشمس وسموحة ومنتخب السويس وطلائع الجيش والأولمبي والجونة والقناة والاتحاد السكندري وتيم إف سي وأبوقير للأسمدة وزد وديروط وسيراميكا كليوباترا ولافيينا.

طالع | مواجهات دور الـ16 من كأس مصر 2025

وشهدت منافسات الدور الحالي تحقيق مفاجأة بإقصاء نادي الاتحاد السكندري على يد فريق تيم إف سي الذي ينشط بدوري القسم الثالث. الفرق المتأهلة إلى دور الـ16 من كأس مصر

– المقاولون العرب

– زد

– الجونة

– فاركو

– إنبي

– طلائع الجيش

– الإسماعيلي

– البنك الأهلي

– سيراميكا كليوباترا

– سموحة

– غزل المحلة

– مودرن سبورت

– تيم إف سي

– الزمالك

– المصري

– بيراميدز.

وجهت إدارة نادي الفتح السعودي صدمة قوية للمدرب البرتغالي جوزيه جوميز، المدير الفني للفريق، برفض طلباته المتعلقة بتدعيم صفوف الفريق خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الحالية.

يأتي هذا الرفض بسبب الوضع المالي للنادي وصعوبة الحصول على شهادة الكفاءة المالية.

وبحسب ما نشرته صحيفة “الشرق الأوسط”، أبلغت إدارة نادي الفتح المدرب جوميز بعدم قدرتها على إجراء تغييرات في قائمة اللاعبين الأجانب خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الحالية، وذلك بسبب الحاجة إلى توفير سيولة مالية كبيرة، بالإضافة إلى ضرورة الحصول على شهادة الكفاءة المالية التي تُشترط لتسجيل اللاعبين الجدد.

وأكدت أن جوميز طلب من الإدارة تغيير أربعة لاعبين على الأقل في كل مركز من مراكز الفريق، بهدف تعزيز قوة الفريق وانتشاله من وضعه الحالي في جدول الترتيب، إلا أن الإدارة أكدت للمدرب حرصها على تلبية طلباته، لكنها أوضحت أن الأمر يتوقف على توفر السيولة المالية وموافقة عدة لجان، من بينها لجنة الاستدامة المالية، بالإضافة إلى الحصول على شهادة الكفاءة، وموافقة برنامج الاستقطاب في رابطة دوري المحترفين على فسخ عقود بعض اللاعبين الحاليين.

طالع أيضًا | طارق السيد: زيزو رفض عرضًا مغريًا من الريان القطري.. ونجهز لضم 3 صفقات جديدة

في وقت لاحق، قلّص المدرب جوميز مطالبه واكتفى بطلب تدعيم خط الهجوم فقط، من خلال البحث عن بديل للمهاجم جانييني الذي يعاني من إصابات متكررة.

ومع ذلك، لا يزال تنفيذ هذا الطلب مرتبطًا بنفس الأسباب المالية التي تمنع الإدارة من تلبية متطلبات المدرب الفنية.

واستبعدت المصادر إمكانية التعاقد مع أي لاعب أجنبي جديد خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الحالية، إلا في حالة توفر سيولة مالية، وذلك من خلال تحصيل مستحقات متأخرة للنادي من أندية أخرى عليها مستحقات لصالح الفتح نتيجة بيع عقود لاعبين سابقين.

وردت المصادر ذاتها على ما تردد بشأن اهتمام نادي الفتح بالتعاقد مع اللاعب أحمد سيد زيزو لاعب الزمالك، ونفت ذلك، وأكدت أن “زيزو” ليس من بين الأسماء التي أوصى بها جوميز.

كما أكدت أن جوميز تعهد منذ رحيله عن الزمالك بعدم التعاقد مع أي لاعب من النادي المصري احترامًا للعلاقة التي تربطه بناديه السابق.

يُذكر أن جوميز كان قد رحل عن تدريب الزمالك من أجل خوض تجربة جديدة توفر له جميع الإمكانيات لتحقيق النجاح، ولكنه يبدو أنه قد تعرض لصدمة نتيجة عدم تنفيذ مطالبه من قبل إدارة الفتح.

أعاد ظهير نادي الهلال، فتح باب الجدل بين جماهير الكرة السعودية، بعدما نشر رسالة غامضة تزامنًا مع توقف منافسات دوري روشن السعودي بسبب مشاركة المنتخب السعودي في بطولة كأس العرب.

وكتب البرتغالي جواو كانسيلو كانسيلو منشورًا لافتًا عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “إنستجرام”: “أنا لا أعتمد على الآخرين في حياتي، ولا أتملق أحداً، ولا أنحني لأحد، ولا أسعى وراء أحد لأحظى بالتقدير، أنا شخص واقعي، لا يسهل التلاعب بي، لدي رأيي الخاص، إذا لم يعجبني الوضع سأنغلق على نفسي بدلاً من التظاهر بالابتسامة لإرضاء الآخرين”.

وتابع في رسالته: “هكذا أنا، منذ ولادتي، بهذه الشخصية والطباع، ولهذا السبب لا يحبني الكثير من الناس”.

طالع أيضًا | يشعر باستياء شديد.. نونيز يخطط للرحيل عن الهلال في أقرب وقت

هذه الكلمات أثارت تساؤلات واسعة بين أنصار الهلال، الذين حاولوا فهم الرسائل الخفية وراء هذا الطرح، وما إذا كان يعكس شعورًا بعدم الارتياح أو ضغوطًا يعيشها اللاعب داخل أروقة الفريق، خاصة في ظل ازدحام الموسم بالمنافسات المحلية والقارية.

يُشار إلى أن الهلال كان قد تعاقد مع كانسيلو في يوليو الماضي قادمًا من مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي، ونجح منذ انضمامه في ترك بصمة واضحة، حيث خاض 44 مباراة في مختلف البطولات، أحرز خلالها 3 أهداف وقدم 14 تمريرة حاسمة.

Muttiah Muralitharan, pointed out two things about Ajantha Mendis – one that Mendis is far more talented than he was when he debuted and two, that Mendis will take the pressure off him and perhaps extend Murali’s Test career

Jamie Alter in Colombo26-Jul-2008

	Instead of placing his middle finger behind the ball, as he does for the googly, Mendis positions it at the lower edge of the seam on the right side for the doosra © AFP

Not since Michael Clarke’s first match has a Test debut been so anticipated and turned out to be so spectacular. Like Clarke against India in Bangalore in 2004, Ajantha Mendis has burst onto the five-day scene in style, becoming the first Sri Lankan to take eight wickets on Test debut. Muttiah Muralitharan, who took 11 wickets at the SSC, pointed out two things after Sri Lanka handed India their third largest defeat; one, that Mendis is far more talented than he was when he debuted and two, that Mendis will take the pressure off him and perhaps extend Murali’s Test career.There is plenty of evidence supporting his first claim. Offspinners (Mendis falls under that category, believe it or not) don’t usually bowl googlies. Yet there was Mendis, slipping it in silently between top spinners and various cutters. Mendis’s googly is rather unconventional, when you analyse it through the slow-motion replays. He releases the ball from the back of his wrist with the seam up, and he flicks the middle finger to spin the ball.Nothing summarised the impact Mendis has had on this Test more than the over in which he brought India’s first innings to a sad close. The whole over was magnificent as Mendis set up VVS Laxman with two legcutters and then finished him off with a googly.Laxman, who had batted supremely for a stand-alone half-century, pushed the first ball to cover but waved back the single. The second ball cut away and beat Laxman, who pushed the bat forward hoping to defend. He was beaten yet again off the third as he played down middle stump. The fourth was an orthodox offbreak and Laxman turned it to forward short leg. And the fifth was just absurd.It was Mendis’s googly, two-fingered and bowled with the wrist-spinner’s action. The ball looped up outside off stump and dragged Laxman forward on the defensive. It then spun in sharply past bat and pad and crashed into the stumps. Laxman held his shot in bewilderment for a few seconds and then tucked his bat and walked off. Later the googly also accounted for Rahul Dravid, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh.Watching highlights of Mendis run rings around India during the final of the Asia Cup recently was stunning, but to see him live, in cream, on a Test field, explains a few things. He is a rare breed, like Jack Iverson and John Gleeson, and should thrive in Test cricket. His ‘flicker’ ball – let’s settle on that, because that’s precisely what it is – could be to cricket what the knuckleball is to baseball: the erratic, unpredictable delivery that stymies big bats with its killer efficiency. It bamboozled Dravid yesterday, and that wicket set into motion a most stunning surrender to a lethal spin duo.

	Previously when teams played Murali in Sri Lanka they had the option of playing him out and making runs at the other end. That is not possible any more. In tandem, Murali and Mendis gave India’s batsmen no room to breathe. It was like a pressure cooker, Murali bounding in, wide-eyed, and Mendis harrying in, arm flailing. India simply choked

Murali’s second remark could also be true for Mendis compliments his senior partner well. With all the attention focused on Mendis’s every move, Murali quietly chipped away from either wide of the stumps in his 23rd Test at the SSC. Never in Murali’s career has he had a spin partner who bowls so well in tandem with him. Murali and Mendis are different because of their range of variation. Mendis is quick and wicket-to-wicket while Murali is slow through the air, relying on flight and turn to flummox the batsmen.Sample the differences in the dismissals of Laxman and Gautam Gambhir in the second innings. This time it was the length that got Laxman. Two deliveries in to his post-lunch spell, Mendis skidded one in – as opposed to turning it loopily – and Laxman was struck flush on the back pad. It was a quick delivery. Murali later dismissed Gambhir with lovely flight, drifting it in, luring him out of his crease, only to be deftly stumped.Murali reinvented spin bowling and created a new genre. Last year he started bowling more around the stumps and that new tactic has worked for him. Here he towered over India’s batsmen, bounding in and taunting them with offbreaks and doosras that were near unplayable. Dinesh Karthik perished to a doosra; quick offbreaks took care of Sourav Ganguly and Kumble. His slowness and guile meshed easily with Mendis’s line and assortment.India had a tough time picking Mendis’s doosra because they didn’t have much time to decide what to play. This is something Gary Kirsten, India’s coach, identified yesterday. Like for his googly, Mendis uses a flick of the middle finger for his doosra. But instead of placing his finger behind the ball, as he does for the googly, Mendis positions it at the lower edge of the seam on the right side. If he develops his offbreaks with the same action, he will be tougher to handle. Another feature of his bowling is his wicket-to-wicket method; if the ball misses the bat, chances are you’re lbw or stumped. On television, Mendis’s cluster of deliveries is stunning, making you wonder how he can be so accurate with that bag of tricks and varying hand and wrist movements.

	Never in Murali’s career has he had a spin partner who bowls so well in tandem with him © AFP

Previously when teams played Murali in Sri Lanka they had the option of playing him out and making runs at the other end. That is not possible any more. In tandem, Murali and Mendis gave India’s batsmen no room to breathe. It was like a pressure cooker, Murali bounding in, wide-eyed, and Mendis harrying in, arm flailing. India simply choked.But the two spinners are undoubtedly aided by intelligent field placing. Mahela Jayawardene is in a different league as captain compared to Kumble, and there was something almost uncanny in his decisions. All through the first innings he had the placements spot on – there was one waiting for the hook from Virender Sehwag, while short cover, deep square leg watched for mistimed sweeps. Today he employed a forward short leg and leg slip when Murali bowled to Sachin Tendulkar and Tillakaratne Dilshan’s excellent timing worked a charm.World-class spinners have always had a hold on certain batsmen and teams – just ask the English how much they worry about getting dominated by blonde wrist spinners and unorthodox doosras, especially those pitched on leg stump. Ask India about Mendis after this series and see what they have to say.