Bayern Munich are looking to pounce on the opportunity to lure Nico Williams to Bundesliga, amid lack of registration guarantees from Barcelona.
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Bayern back in race for Nico Williams
Plan to submit increased offer for Bilbao star
Want to capitalise amid Barca's financial troubles
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to of Germany, Bayern Munich are intensifying their pursuit of Nico Williams, aiming to capitalise on the winger’s hesitation over a move to Barcelona. The Bavarians are on the lookout to bolster their attack, specifically the left wing, and are seemingly not giving up on the Athletic Club star just yet.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Bundesliga giants have reportedly increased their offer to €12 million net per season in a second bid to lure the Spanish international. While Barca and Williams have agreed on a six-year contract and are prepared to activate his release clause in the coming days, the deal remains stalled due to demands from the player's agent. With both Barca and Bilbao returning to training on July 13, a final decision is expected soon.
DID YOU KNOW?
In their quest to sign a new winger, Bayern have been linked with numerous names over the past few weeks. They remain linked with Luis Diaz, another player on Barca's radar, while they also expressed interest in signing the Chelsea-bound Jamie Gittens. AC Milan's Rafael Leao and Dutch star Cody Gakpo are said to be in the frame, too. Meanwhile, speculation has been rife with Bayern's determination to get a deal over the line for Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade, although he is being looked at as a Harry Kane backup rather than an out-and-out winger.
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WHAT NEXT?
La Liga president Javier Tebas insisted on Tuesday that Barcelona are not in any sort of position to successfully register Williams, reiterating that the Catalans must return to the 1:1 financial rule before they can dream of new arrivals. Bayern, having lost Leroy Sane and with Thomas Muller set to depart, too, are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements. The situation will become clearer in the coming days, and it's anyone's guess as to where Williams ends up playing next season, despite his preference to play for the league champions.
The pair shared an unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 76 off 46 balls to successfully chase down 138
Firdose Moonda30-Mar-2024Eighteen-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne scored her first T20I half-century as Sri Lanka levelled the three-match series against South Africa with a seven-wicket win in Potchefstroom. Gunaratne and Kavisha Dilhari shared an unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 76 off 46 balls to successfully chase 138 after South Africa opted to bat first under stand-in captain Nadine de Klerk. This was Sri Lanka’s fourth-highest successful chase.Laura Wolvaardt, the regular skipper and match-winning centurion from the first match, was ruled out through illness but Anneke Bosch proved to be a handy replacement. She scored 50 off 32 balls and had support from Marizanne Kapp, with whom she put on 58 for the second wicket. South Africa were 84 for 1 in the tenth over when Bosch was dismissed, sparking a collapse. They lost their next seven wickets for 47 runs.The squeeze was started by Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu, who finished with 1 for 18 and an economy of 4.50, and the advantage was pressed home by seamer Achini Kulasuriya, who took 2 for 26. South Africa will be concerned with the three run-outs in their innings and that no one outside the top three, other than de Klerk, reached double figures. Debutant Karabo Meso, who is 16 years old and was part of the Africa Games squad that won the silver medal in Accra earlier this month, was dismissed for a second-ball duck by Athapaththu, who did more of a job with the ball than bat.Athapaththu was caught behind by Meso off Tumi Sekhukhune for 6 to leave Sri Lanka in early trouble on 25 for 1 after five overs. South Africa kept the pressure on through Chloe Tryon, who conceded just 4.66 runs per over, and bowled Harshita Samarawickrama at the halfway stage, with Sri Lanka still 82 runs away from victory.Gunaratne also saw experienced No. 4 Hasini Perera dismissed for 1 but held her own and struck eight fours on her way to 50 off 52 balls to put Sri Lanka within touching distance of the win. She went on to add another four and the only six of the Sri Lankan innings off what turned out to be the penultimate ball of the match. Sri Lanka reached the target inside 19 overs to leave the series balanced at 1-1 ahead of the decider in East London on Wednesday.
Rashid reiterated they’re happy to play the team, but have no direct control of things that happen beyond cricket
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jun-20242:53
Rashid Khan: ‘Cricket is the only source of happiness back home’
Rashid Khan wishes “we could do something and wish there was a solution for it” but can’t do much about “some things which is not under the control of anyone in cricket.” The Afghanistan T20I captain was responding to whether beating Australia at the T20 World Cup on Saturday night in St Vincent gave them extra satisfaction.The backdrop to the question was in relation to Cricket Australia’s decision to not play Afghanistan bilaterally due to “a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls” in the country. Earlier this year, Cricket Australia postponed a scheduled three-match T20I series with Afghanistan. CA have also postponed the hosting of a one-off Test for the same reason.”Well, we are sportsmen, and we love sports,” Rashid said at the post-match press conference. “People back home love sports. And I mentioned earlier, cricket is the only source of happiness back home. That’s the only source left in Afghanistan where people could celebrate. And if we keep that source away from us, I don’t know where Afghanistan will remain.Related
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“We sportsmen only think about the cricket. Everyone is saying sports bring the nation together and bring everyone together. So, for me, we’re always happy to play against any side, and that’s the only way where our cricket can improve day by day. Some things which are not under the control of anyone in cricket, and that’s something we can’t do anything about it. Wish we could do something, and wish that was a kind of solution for it, we would have been happy, but I don’t know what’s the solution for that.”Rashid had threatened to withdraw from the Big Bash League in 2023 after CA decided to postpone their ODI series. Rashid’s public stance joined a chorus of protests from Afghanistan’s male cricketers soon after ACB had termed CA’s statement over refusing to play Afghanistan due to the human rights crisis as “pathetic”.Rashid Khan reiterated Afghanistan are happy to play Australia•ICC/Getty Images
Rashid eventually softened his stance and put his name up in the drafts but was forced to miss the tournament through injury. On Sunday, Rashid reiterated they’re happy to play the team, but have no direct control of things that happen beyond cricket.”We’re happy to play any side, but as I mentioned earlier, some things, government, and political things, I don’t know much about these things, and I don’t like it as well. So, I have no answer for this, but my only thing always in mind is I love to play against the big teams. I love to travel all around the world to play and I have received so much so much love from everyone.”Whenever I go to Australia for Big Bash, I think I have got so much love and support from the fans there. They have given me so much love. In 2022 T20 World Cup, when we were playing in Adelaide against Australia, I got more support than them. And that was so satisfying.”Rashid reminisced the love and support he received in the aftermath of his father’s passing during the BBL in 2019, and termed fans in Adelaide [he plays for Adelaide Strikers] as “family”, while maintaining “cricket isn’t the solution for politics.””Playing in Australia, I’ve got massive support in every city. The hospitality I got in Australia, especially during the tough days in 2019 when my dad passed away, that was the hardest time for me when I was in Australia. And the amount of love and support I got from everyone in the team, and also the fans [was immense], I think I call them a family.”But as I said, I love to play all around the world. And those things which are not under the control, and cricket is not the solution, I don’t think we can bring sports into that. If there is another solution, you can take that. But don’t think cricket is the solution of politics and things like that.”So, yeah, if we play in the World Cup, why don’t we play in bilateral series? I think we’re happy to play against the best side. We learn from them. We get better day by day. But that’s the only thing I can say.”
Leeds United have issued an unreserved apology to fans after being told by German authorities that supporters will not be permitted to attend their pre-season friendlies in the country. Despite months of planning and written assurances from organisers, local police denied permits, leaving fans and the club frustrated just weeks before the Premier League restart.
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Leeds fans banned from attending Germany pre-season friendliesClub apologises after late U-turn by local German authoritiesSupporters can attend Stockholm, Dublin and Elland Road friendliesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Leeds arranged an eight-day pre-season camp in Germany ahead of their return to the Premier League. The club believed fans could attend and received written assurances from the German FA and tour partners. However, just a week before the tour, local authorities denied permits for public attendance, live updates, or streams, citing logistical issues post-Euro 2024. Leeds have now released an apology to their fans and told them not to travel to Germany.
On Friday morning, Leeds released a statement, which read: "Leeds United will travel to Germany in pre-season as part of preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 Premier League season, after the technical success of the camp last year helped us win the Sky Bet Championship title.
"Opponents and venues for fixtures were arranged earlier this year, and written assurances secured from both the German FA and our tour operator as well, given last summer we were asked at short notice by the police and local authorities not to bring supporters due to a resource strain following UEFA Euro 2024.
"Frustratingly, despite having matches agreed for a number of months, we have in the last week been informed that the police and local authorities will once again not grant a permit for us to play matches in front of spectators, will prohibit us from providing live updates and video streams, and have requested we discourage supporter travel.
"This comes despite multiple attempts to find a solution including offering various assurances, pursuing alternative scenarios that would allow for fan attendance, and even evaluating moving camp to a different location on short notice. Unfortunately, those efforts were fruitless due to the last second nature of our change in circumstances.
"This result is deeply frustrating to all of us, just as it is sure to frustrate and anger you, our loyal supporters, to whom we apologise unreservedly for this outcome.
"We remain excited about our summer friendlies against Manchester United, Villarreal CF, and AC Milan, with tickets available for all three matches, and the opportunity for supporters to travel with the team to Sweden and Ireland.
"Ticket information for our friendly against Villarreal will be released in due course."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This marks a second straight summer in which Leeds fans have been shut out of pre-season fixtures in Germany. Leeds attempted to explore alternatives, including relocating the camp, but were unable to secure a solution in time. The Leeds United Supporters Trust criticised the decision per the BBC, and is seeking formal clarification from the German authorities.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LEEDS?
The fans of the Premier League side can still attend three other friendlies: against Manchester United in Stockholm, AC Milan in Dublin, and Villarreal at Elland Road on August 2. Leeds will look to make the most of the closed training camp and focus on preparations before they kick off the 2025/26 Premier League season at home to Everton on August 18.
Well, that probably wasn’t the return from the international break that Tottenham Hotspur fans had been hoping for.
Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to West London to try and get one over Chelsea in the Premier League last night, but instead of coming out swinging as they have so often, and sometimes to their own detriment, this season, they were utterly dismal.
Granted, it looked like Pape Matar Sarr had equalised in the second half, but he fouled Moises Caicedo in the buildup, and it was chalked off, much to the chagrin of the increasingly under-pressure Australian, who made his feelings clear after the game.
There were incredibly disappointing performances across the pitch for the visitors, but there was one player who might as well have stayed in the dressing room and, as such, has to be dropped ahead of the weekend’s game against Southampton.
Spurs' poor performers
Before getting to the player in question, it’s only fair we go over some of the other starters who let the fans down last night, as, unfortunately, there were quite a few, including Cristian Romero.
The fiery World Cup winner can sometimes be exactly the sort of player you want in an intense derby, but instead of marshalling the backline and making life difficult for the Blues’ attack, he seemed off the pace, overly emotional, and was running back towards goal more often than he should have been and picked up a 5/10 match rating from journalist Alasdair Gold.
However, there is an argument that the Argentine’s defensive partner, Micky van de Ven, had an even worse game at Stamford Bridge.
The former Wolfsburg gem was ironically starting his first league game since the reverse fixture against the Pensioners in December, and whether it was rustiness or something else, he looked even more lost than Romero.
For example, it was his clearance that came off Jackson early in the first half and almost opened the scoring, and then in the second half he was pulled out of position by the striker for Enzo Fernández’s goal and was fully deserving of the 5/10 rating he received from Gold.
At the other end of the pitch, it was another night to forget for the club’s record signing, Dominic Solanke.
The former Bournemouth star did make the right runs at times but simply wasn’t a factor for the vast majority of the game, and while he has to rely on the service of his teammates to an extent, the best strikers in the world will often make their own chances.
Dominic Solanke and Ange Postecoglou
However, while the Basingstoke-born poacher was certainly ineffective, another starter was even worse and must be dropped.
The Spurs star who has to be dropped
In reality, you could make a serious argument about any of the aforementioned players being dropped for the weekend, but when it comes down to it, James Maddison put in the most frustratingly dismal display for Spurs last night.
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The former Leicester City star, who is a part of the club’s leadership group, started in a midfield three with 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, so while they can certainly help out with attacks, the onus to get the midfield ticking was on him.
Unfortunately, he did not achieve this in the slightest, and instead of pulling the strings and taking advantage of a Chelsea side who had won just four of their ten league games since the turn of the year, he practically disappeared from the encounter.
It might sound harsh, but it’s an opinion shared by Gold, who also awarded the Englishman a 5/10 on the night, writing that even when he did try to make something happen, ‘nothing came off for him.’
Unsurprisingly, his lacklustre showing is reflected in his statistics.
Minutes
81′
Expected Goals
0.05
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.06
Assists
0
Touches
41
Key Passes
1
Crosses (Accurate)
2 (0)
Shots on Target
0
Duels (Won)
5 (0)
Dribbles
0
Lost Possession
4
Offsides
2
In 81 minutes of inaction, the 28-year-old amassed a paltry combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.11, failed to score or assist a goal, took 41 touches but played just a single key pass, failed in 100% of his crosses, failed to take a shot on target, didn’t attempt a single dribble, lost the ball four times, lost 100% of his duels and was offside twice.
Ultimately, it was a dreadful performance from the entire Spurs team, but Maddison was particularly disappointing and, therefore, must be dropped from the starting lineup.
Walker repeat: Spurs in real danger of losing incredible £67m "monster"
The brilliant defender would be a massive loss for Spurs.
As John Hastings is forced to retire at 33, we look at the several Australia fast bowlers who have debuted before the age of 25 and struggled with injuries
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2017Bruce Reid played his last Test at just 29•Getty ImagesBruce Reid
Debuted at 22 years
Last international at 29 years
Games: 27 Tests, 61 ODIsIt was after left-arm quick Bruce Reid’s career ended prematurely that Australia began trying to protect young fast bowlers. Reid, who was 6.6-foot tall, became Australia’s spearhead in the mid 1980s and had an impressive average of 24.63. But his slight frame was put under too much stress by the rigours of fast bowling, and after repeated injuries, he played his last Test at just 29.Jo Angel
Debuted at 24 years
Last international at 26 years
Games: 4 Tests, 3 ODIsAnother 6.6-foot quick, Angel looked a dangerous proposition in his early career, particularly on wickets that offered extra bounce, such as the WACA, his home pitch. While it was below-par performances that saw him dropped from the team initially, it was a succession of injuries that prevented him from making a comeback. He lost some of his pace, though he was still able to have a successful first-class career.Damien Fleming picked up some strange injuries, such as a strained patella•PA PhotosDamien Fleming
Debuted at 24 years
Last international at 31 years
Games: 20 Tests, 88 ODIsDamien Fleming won a World Cup and had some memorable performances in ODIs, but in Tests, his career never took off the way some expected when he announced himself with a hat-trick on debut. Injuries were a major reason for that. When he retired, Christian Ryan wrote of Fleming, “Fleming injured body parts that sounded more like pasta dishes. A strained patella here, a swollen rotator cuff there. Then maybe a stiff neck for variety, or a broken finger, or a bout of knee tendinitis. Fleming had ’em all.”Nathan Bracken
Debuted at 24 years
Last international at 32
Played 5 Tests, 118 ODIsNathan Bracken was injured before he could even make his Test debut. He was in Australia’s touring squad for the 2001 Ashes, but had to go home midway due to a shoulder injury. He became a regular in the one-day squad, but then had to undergo knee surgery. His knee was in such bad shape, the doctor said that during the surgery the cartilage came off like “old paint peeling off a wall”. Despite that, Bracken managed a comeback in limited-overs cricket and even became the No.1-ranked ODI bowler in the world. He had to reduce his pace significantly and bowled with the wicketkeeper standing up to the stumps, relying on cutters and slower balls to restrict the batsmen and take wickets. A recurrence of his knee problems forced him to retire early.Shaun Tait’s shoulder-heavy action took its toll on his body•Getty ImagesShaun Tait
Debuted at 22 years
Last international at 32 years
Games: 3 Tests, 35 ODIs, 21 T20IsShaun Tait is one of the quickest bowlers to have played the game and bowled the second fastest recorded ball ever when he sent one down at 161.1kph in a 2010 ODI against England. But the quest for speed and a slingy, shoulder-heavy action took its toll on Tait’s body. Having played just three Tests, he quit the longer format when he was just 25. After further injuries, he retired from ODIs at 28 and focused just on Twenty20 cricket for the rest of his career.Mitchell Starc
Debuted at 20 years
Still active
Games: 36 Test, 68 ODIs, 22 T20IsAt just 27, Mitchell Starc is already being wrapped in cotton wool by Cricket Australia, rested from even series as high profile as one in India so that he can be fit for the Ashes. A list of his injuries provides explanation for the board’s caution. In his short career, Starc has injured almost every part of his right leg, his left knee and shin and sustained a stress fracture in his back. He’s been out for extended spells, the longest one being six months in 2015-16, when he underwent a second surgery on his right ankle.James Pattinson
Debuted at 20 years
Still active
Games: 17 Tests, 15 ODIs, 4 T20IsIn 2011, Australia fans had reason to feel optimistic, with Pat Cummins and James Pattinson both debuting and looking like they would form a dangerous pace attack in the ears to come. But Pattinson picked up serious injuries at an early age. In his short career, he has already spent 38 months out with injuries. A recurrence of chronic back problems ruled him out of the 2017-18 Ashes, and he only returned to playing first-class cricket this November.John Hastings suffered several injuries before a lung condition ended his career•Getty ImagesPat Cummins
Debuted at 18 years
Still active
Games: 5 Tests, 36 ODIs, 18 T20IsAnyone who watched Pat Cummins’ Test debut, against South Africa in 2011, would never have expected that seven years later, he would have played just 14 Tests. Cummins had pace and the ability to get seam movement at a young age, but injuries to his foot and back kept him out for long spells, and he did not play a second Test till 2017, when he made what he called his “second debut”. Australia were, understandably, cautious in ushering Cummins back to international cricket after his early injuries, only considering him for limited-overs games until the India tour in 2017. Since that tour, Cummins has had another back injury, which kept him out of a Test series against Pakistan in the UAE in 2018.John Hastings
Debuted at 24 years
Retired from Tests and ODIs, active on the T20 circuit
Games: 1 Test, 29 ODIs, 9 T20IsJohn Wayne “Duke” Hastings started off on the Australian domestic circuit as a 24-year-old, burly fast bowler with an ability to contribute with handy lower-order runs. Hastings was not an express quick like a number of others on this list, but suffered a spate of injuries as his career progressed. Debuts for Australia in both ODIs and T20Is were followed by a serious shoulder injury that ruled him out of the entire 2011-12 season, after which he took to the county circuit, representing Durham and Worcestershire. His purple patch at the international level came in 2016, when his 29 wickets from 15 ODIs made him the top wicket-taker among pace bowlers for the year. A back injury in early 2017 led to his decision to retire from both first-class and List A cricket, and he joined a growing band of cricketers who ply their trade as T20 professionals in franchise competitions around the world. In 2018, a mystery lung condition led to his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Bangladesh started promisingly but then subsided as the hosts overcame a significant injury scare while Ben Stokes nears a return for England
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Oct-20231:43
Pujara: Jadeja is more accurate than a bowling machine
–Fixtures | Squads | Points table | Tournament IndexTop Story: Jadeja, Kohli lead India to fourth win in a rowThe sameness to a Virat Kohli innings in a middling chase is no criticism of his batting. The beauty of it lies in the repetitive nature of it, a mark of his hunger to make every start count. On Thursday, it helped deliver ODI century No. 48, which takes him that much closer to the man who he hoisted on his shoulders on that famous April night in 2011, before delivering an epic line that made a country of more than a billion shed happy tears.Kohli’s knock, which turned into a race between his hundred and a victory towards the end, was preceded by a run-torrent from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. The pair’s 88-run opening stand in a chase of 257, which seemed well short of a par score, was an exhibition of batting aesthetics dreams are made of. Rohit, with his lazy elegance, ferocious cuts and monstrous pulls did the early running, and Gill took over the mantle to slowly get into top gear.Click here for the full reportMatch analysis: Jadeja, the gladiator who goes to bankRavindra Jadeja again showed his value to India•Getty ImagesThe skills of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav are irreplaceable, but Hardik Pandya performs a role for India nobody else can do: a seam-bowling allrounder good enough to hold down his place for batting alone in many other sides. Pandya was down and getting treatment.Pandya tried to run in to bowl again, but eventually went off the field and off for scans, the results of which the whole nation will await. The anxiety around the injury is understandable. There are back-ups for the best of the batters, there are bowling back-ups, and the other allrounder has a like-for-like replacement. However, does anyone have the body of work the other allrounder has?There might be others answering to the job description of Ravindra Jadeja, but there aren’t many that are doing the job as well as him. Looking at his flamboyance, Jadeja will be the last person you’d think of as a banker, but that is what he is for India.Read the full piece from Sidharth MongaMust Watch: Kohli’s manufactured hundred2:13
Did Kohli chase his milestone? Pujara okay if it doesn’t hurt the team
News headlines India were given a significant injury scare against Bangladesh when Hardik Pandya left the field with an ankle problem, but Rohit Sharma was hopeful it wasn’t serious. Ben Stokes feared his World Cup was over after picking up a hip injury shortly before the tournament began, but is now ready to return just as England need his inspiration to keep their campaign alive. Allrounder Angelo Mathews and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera will join Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad as travelling reserves.
Match previewAustralia vs South Africa, Bengaluru (2pm IST; 8.30am GMT; 7.30pm AEST)5:06
Should Australia change their batting order to be more effective?
It’s that strange time in the long group stage of the World Cup where the nebulous concept of momentum appears to matter more than a side’s actual position on the points table. Pakistan are ahead of Australia every way you slice it – on points, on net run rate.But given Pakistan’s penchant for panic the moment anything goes wrong, and Australia’s ability to strike when they most need it, this is a contest between a team primed to make a charge, and one that can feel their opponent’s breath on their necks. As any Pakistan supporter will tell you, the one team they don’t want to play when they really need a win is the one in yellow.After hidings against India and South Africa, Australia demonstrated they weren’t about to give up on their campaign with a whimper. A complete performance with bat, ball and in the field sank Sri Lanka, earning them their first points and improving their negative net run rate.Full previewTeam newsAustralia (probable) 1 David Warner 2 Mitchell Marsh 3 Steven Smith 4 Marnus Labuschagne 5 Josh Inglis (wk) 6 Glenn Maxwell 7 Marcus Stoinis 8 Mitchell Starc 9 Pat Cummins (capt) 10 Adam Zampa 11 Josh HazlewoodPakistan (probable) 1 Abdullah Shafique 2 Imam-ul-Haq 3 Babar Azam (capt) 4 Mohammad Rizwan (wk) 5 Saud Shakeel 6 Mohammad Nawaz/Shadab Khan 7 Iftikhar Ahmed 8 Usama Mir 9 Hasan Ali 10 Shaheen Shah Afridi 11 Haris RaufFeature: Rockstar Afridi needs a new hitTo begin with, this is a slightly imperfect analogy. Shaheen Shah Afridi is, and has always been, more than that one-trick pony. His overall numbers this year do not speak of a dip: nearly two wickets a game, and average, strike rate and economy mirroring to a freakish degree his excellent career numbers.It’s just that the one trick has been so potent and spectacular, and so established, that it has become somewhat of a monster. Time and again since Afridi’s return from the serious knee injury he suffered last year, he has fed it.But especially during the Asia Cup and this World Cup so far, it hasn’t quite landed right.Read the full story from Osman Samiuddin
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has only been in the role for four months, but he’s already made some impressive additions to help bolster the first-team squad.
His first signing as Red Devils boss saw him complete a £30m deal for left-back Patrick Dorgu from Italian side Lecce, looking to put an end to their crisis in such an area.
The Dane may have already received a red card, but when he has been available, the 20-year-old has impressed, with arguably his most impressive coming in the 4-1 triumph over Real Sociedad.
Dorgu
Given his tender age, he has the ability to nail down his place in the side for many years to come, whilst also having the potential to improve further down the line.
He could be aided in his attempts in wide areas by one player who’s been on the club’s radar in recent days ahead of the opening of the transfer window in a couple of months.
Man Utd enter talks to land £55m talent
According to GIVEMESPORT, United have entered talks to sign Southampton’s teenage sensation Tyler Dibling ahead of a potential move next season.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at St Mary’s despite the Saints’ struggles this season, featuring in 25 Premier League matches and often being the shining light.
Southampton's TylerDiblingcelebrates scoring their third goal with Mateus Fernandes
He’s so far managed to register two goals but is able to operate in either of the two central roles behind the striker or a wing-back role in Amorim’s system – making him a superb versatile option.
However, the side who are bottom of the Premier League set a £55m price tag for his services in recent months, with United having to fork out a small fortune if they want to sign him this window.
Despite the huge fee, he could prove to be a solid addition for the Red Devils, allowing them to forget about missing out on a player who’d previously worked under Amorim.
How Dibling compares to Quenda in 2024/25
Ever since the 40-year-old replaced Erik ten Hag at the helm as United manager, winger Geovany Quenda has been touted as a potential signing given his time under him at Sporting CP.
However, the 17-year-old won’t be moving to Manchester in the near future, after Chelsea agreed a deal in the region of £42m for the teenager, with the Portuguese talent spending next season on loan at the Liga Portugal outfit.
He’s signed a seven-year contract with Enzo Maresca’s side, with the Blues investing in yet another young player for the future, ending United’s pursuit of the star.
However, it could see them targeting Dibling, offering an impressive option for Amorim, especially if his stats from the current campaign are anything to go by.
The 19-year-old has matched or bettered Quenda in numerous key areas, showcasing his quality and highlighting how much of a superb signing he would be for the Red Devils.
Games played
25
26
Goals & assists
2
5
Pass accuracy
84%
82%
Successful dribbles
2.3
1.4
Dribble success
53%
49%
Fouls won
2.6
1.3
Duels won
7.1
4.4
Dibling, who’s previously been dubbed “incredible” by journalist Kaustubh Pandey, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but he has managed to complete more dribbles per 90 this season.
He’s also won more duels and fouls per 90, having the pace and direct nature to cause the opposition endless problems, only getting better with age, with Dibling still just 19.
Missing out on Quenda would undoubtedly have been a huge disappointment to many supporters, especially with the youngster moving to one of their Premier League rivals.
However, Dibling has showcased he’s just as capable of filling the void at Old Trafford, with the £55m fee potentially a bargain if he continues on his current trajectory.
Man Utd thought they had their new Beckham, but Ten Hag sold him for £9m
Manchester United certainly made a mistake selling a player who could’ve been their next David Beckham.
Tottenham Hotspur are now “in the running” to sign a “freak of nature” midfielder this summer, having conducted scouting missions this season, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Spurs eyeing move for midfielder
Tottenham’s midfield has looked solid at times when everyone is fully-fit, with the trio of James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall performing well in the recent 1-0 victory against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Maddison bagged the winner in the narrow victory over the Red Devils, which saw the Lilywhites rise to 12th place.
However, Ange Postecoglou clearly feels some additional depth is required, given that the manager has been left short on midfield options at times this season due to the injury crisis he has had to deal with.
Several targets have been identified by Spurs, with the likes of Palmeiras’ Richard Rios and Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso on the shortlist, and there is now a feeling they are also keen on signing one of the Championship’s stars.
Manager stalls new contract after Tottenham express interest in hiring him
Ange Postecoglou has been under serious pressure in recent weeks.
By
Emilio Galantini
Feb 15, 2025
In a recent interview with Football Insider, ex-scout Mick Brown stated Tottenham are one of the clubs keeping a close eye on Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham, who could leave this summer if the Black Cats receive a big offer.
“Crystal Palace and Tottenham have had scouts watching him this season so they’ll be two of the teams in the running if he is going to leave. So it’ll be up to them to assess whether he’s ready to make that jump.
“From a Sunderland point of view, knowing the way the owners want to operate, I think if they get a huge bid for him then they’ll let him go.“
Sunderland'sJobeBellingham
Amid links to Arsenal last month, the Sunderland star was thought to have a price tag of £20m, but the asking price could theoretically rise if he continues to impress over the course of the next few months.
Bellingham emerging as key player for Sunderland
The Black Cats are pushing for promotion to the Premier League this season, and the 19-year-old has established himself as a key player, making 28 appearances in the Championship, during which time he has picked up four goals and three assists.
Not only is the teenager a threat going forward, but he has also done a stellar job defensively over the past year, ranking in the 90th percentile for aerials won and the 87th percentile for clearances, when compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level.
Fellow Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil has lauded his teammate in the past, saying: “He’s an absolute freak of nature, physically. I have never seen a 17-year-old that size. Technically, he is a top, top, player as well.”
As such, it is exciting news that Tottenham could be in the race to sign Bellingham in the summer, and they should continue to monitor his performances between now and the end of the season.
Manchester City conceded two late goals as Real Madrid came from behind to win 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie, courtesy of match-winner Jude Bellingham.
Manchester City
Game stats
Real Madrid
55%
Posession
45%
11
Shots
20
4
On target
8
9
Fouls
6
6
Corners
5
Man City player ratings
Ederson – 5
Was on course for a fine evening of work before gifting Real Madrid and former Blue Brahim Diaz their second by uncharacteristically conceding possession late on.
Josko Gvardiol – 7
Once again the defender was at the heart of all of City’s impressive work going forward and even got an assist to his name for Haaland’s opening goal.
Nathan Ake – 6.5
Faced a difficult time up against Vinicius and didn’t always have things his own way, but Ake stood firm for the majority of his time on the pitch before he was replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
Ruben Dias – 7
City have missed their commanding defender and even as injuries fell around him, Dias often remained solid despite shipping what were frustrating goals.
Manuel Akanji – 7
Summing up their injury issues, Akanji became the second City player forced off with injury at the break to add to Pep Guardiola’s woes. Prior to that, however, the Swiss – to his credit – did well up against an energetic Vinicius Junior.
John Stones – 8
In the defensive midfield role as Guardiola’s latest attempt to replace Rodri, Stones’ performance puts him in good stead to once again feature in what could provide a crucial solution for Man City at the heart of their midfield.
Savio – 5
The Brazilian endured a frustratingly quiet game for his standards, struggling to get on the ball and make the desired impact as Real Madrid pushed him back with offensive outlets of their own.
Kevin de Bruyne – 6.5
For all his hard work when he got himself on the ball, De Bruyne struggled to do exactly that one too many times. In the end, his lack of influence proved costly on a big night for his side.
Bernardo Silva – 6
A midfielder who’s struggled to maintain his standards at times this season, Silva once again performed below what he is capable of just when Guardiola needs his most experienced men to step up.
Jack Grealish – 7
Forced off after just 30 minutes, Grealish didn’t need beyond the half hour mark to make his mark on Real Madrid having played Gvardiol in behind in the build-up to Erling Haaland’s opener.
Erling Haaland – 9
In truth, there wasn’t a lot more that Haaland could do. Finding the opening effort in routine fashion, the forward then stepped up to take responsibility from the penalty spot and score what many believed would be the winner.
Substitutes: Phil Foden – 7, Rico Lewis – 6.5, Mateo Kovavic – 6.5
Real Madrid player ratings
Thibaut Courtois – 7
Although it was a rarity, the goalkeeper did well – as ever – to keep out the majority of Manchester City danger. Up against Haaland, the Belgian could do nothing to stand in the way of both goals.
Federico Valverde – 7
You wouldn’t know that Federico Valverde was out of position based on his performance up against the Premier League champions – albeit the hurt champions – with the midfielder enjoying an impressive display.
Aurelien Tchouameni – 7
Like Valverde, Tchouameni performed well out-of-position and highlighted how Madrid have been doing well to solve problems of their own in recent weeks.
Raul Asencio – 6.5
A young defender alongside an out-of-position midfielder, not many will have any complaints about Asencio’s performance at The Etihad as he largely kept Manchester City at arm’s length.
Ferland Mendy – 6
Whilst he didn’t struggle defensively, Mendy was guilty of spurning a chance that should have been converted in the opening period which Carlo Ancelotti would have wanted to fall to almost anyone else.
Rodrygo – 7
Mbappe and Bellingham will get the credit, but Rodrygo stood out in his own right throughout a frantic affair.
Eduardo Camavinga – 7
As the old guard in Real Madrid’s midfield bow out, Camavinga has stepped up on the biggest stage to make his mark in their place.
Dani Ceballos – 6.5
Back on English soil, Ceballos loses marks for conceding the penalty on what was otherwise an well-rounded evening from the former Arsenal man.
Jude Bellingham – 7.5
The match winner to turn a quiet game into an electric evening, Bellingham was always likely to have his say at The Etihad and that he did.
Vinicius Junior – 7
In front of fans who were quick to remind him about his recent failures, Vinicius was among the stars of the show as he laid down a marker in front of an on-watching Rodri.
Kylian Mbappe – 7
Although wasteful at times, Mbappe still made his mark with a well-timed equaliser in somewhat scrappy fashion.
Substitutes: Luka Modric – 6, Brahim Diaz – 8, Fran Garcia – 7