Manchester City are now willing to make an unexpected decision about Rodri’s future at the club in an attempt to sign Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid in 2026.
The Citizens were in a ruthless mood against Liverpool before the international break, with Pep Guardiola overseeing his 1000th game as a manager in classic, dominant style.
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It was the first time that the Citizens have sent a damning statement to the rest of the Premier League about their title credentials this season and former player Micah Richards believes that they could yet beat Arsenal to the crown once again.
What has made City’s quietly impressive form even better is the fact that they’ve coped without Rodri. In the Spaniard’s absence last season, they looked a shadow of their controlled best. This time around, as Rodri continues a stuttered recovery from an ACL injury, Nico Gonzalez has provided Guardiola with the perfect replacement.
It’s allowed City’s Ballon d’Or winner to slowly work his way back to his best, but has also welcomed some interesting reports about his long-term future at the Etihad. Some in Spain have even gone as far as to suggest that Rodri could yet be sacrificed as part of another £100m+ deal.
Man City willing to spend £100m+ to sign Bellingham
According to those reports in the Spanish media, Man City are now willing to spend €150m (£133m) to sign Bellingham in 2026 and could be prepared to use Rodri as a makeweight in any potential deal with Real Madrid.
There’s been more unrest at the Bernabeu since the arrival of Xabi Alonso, with Vinícius Jr particularly struggling with the Spaniard’s call for discipline, and that has opened the door for a number of potential exits.
Whether Bellingham is among those is the question that many will be asking. There’s no doubt that he — as one of the best midfielders in the world — would take City back to the level that resulted in Premier League dominance not so long ago.
Former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has been one of many iconic names to hand Bellingham plenty of praise in recent years, having told Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast earlier this week: “I think Jude is a fantastic player.
“If I have to compare, we were talking about Kaka. He is this kind of player, a really intelligent player, who is physically really strong, fantastic to arrive in the box at the right time.”
Every current manager in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked
Chris Woakes has been ruled out of “any further participation” in England’s ongoing fifth Test against India at The Oval after suffering a suspected shoulder dislocation while fielding on Thursday’s opening day.*Woakes chased a ball from mid-off towards the boundary near the end of the day, and his left hand appeared to slip on the damp outfield as he attempted to steady himself. He landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and stayed down clutching it. He received medical attention from Ben Davies, the England physio, before using his jumper as a makeshift sling on his way to the dressing room.He went for scans overnight after receiving treatment in the dressing room on Thursday evening. On Friday morning, an ECB statement confirmed that he wouldn’t be taking part in the Test at all – even as a batter – and “will continue to be monitored” by the medical staff during the game and “a further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series”.Related
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ESPNcricinfo understands that Woakes’ injury is severe enough that he is considered a doubt for this winter’s Ashes series, which starts on November 21 in Perth. At 36, he is England’s most experienced seamer and while his bowling average in Australia is above 50, he was expected to be part of their touring squad. He is considered highly unlikely to play again this summer.”It’s a big shame, last game of the series, and when anyone gets injured, it’s a shame,” Gus Atkinson said after the first day’s play. “I’m hoping it’s not too bad, and whatever it is, he’ll get full support from everyone.”Woakes bowled 14 overs on the first day, taking 1 for 46, and his injury will leave England a bowler short for the rest of the match. He has taken 11 wickets at 52.18 in the series, bowling 181 overs, and is one of only two seamers – along with India’s Mohammed Siraj – to have featured in all five Tests.Atkinson, who is playing his first Test of the series after recovering from a hamstring strain, said that he was ready to “push the limits” in Woakes’ absence. “Definitely, I feel fresh, I feel good,” he said. “I know I’ve only got this one game to play so I can push the limits a bit.”
Two decades. For a club of Arsenal’s prestigious standing, 20 years without touching the Premier League trophy is inexcusable.
Mikel Arteta has changed the narrative in north London, raising this club from the rubble and turning them into bona fide contenders. But contenders are not champions, and that is the next step.
Two decades. Too long. But Arteta has changed things, alright, and there’s a building momentum about the Gunners which is leading toward silverware.
Three times in a row, Arsenal have finished the Premier League season as runners-up, but last weekend’s slender win over Fulham has seen them shift three points clear at the top, ahead of Manchester City and stretching clear of Liverpool, with the defending champions having lost three games on the bounce.
Careful, calculated progress on the transfer front has built Arteta’s vision, and the signings struck this summer may prove decisive in finally restoring glory to the Emirates.
The jackpot has been struck multiple times, but Martin Zubimendi may well be the cream of the crop.
Martin Zubimendi's start to life in London
Arsenal have made some top signings this summer, strengthening across the park and stepping that bit closer toward the silver-laden success that the Arteta era deserves.
Zubimendi is the man who makes it all tick, and he might come to prove the signing of the summer – not just for Arsenal, but across the Premier League.
Arriving from Real Sociedad for £60m in July, the deep-lying midfielder has added quite the dimension to Arteta’s engine room. He is 26 years old and mature, and it shows.
Crisp, tempo-setting passing is his forte. FBref data records that Zubimendi ranks among the top 9% of midfielders in the Premier League this season for pass completion and the top 12% for passes attempted per 90. He’s a maestro, plain and simple.
Zubimendi’s work platforms the show-stopping success of the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. There is such balance coursing through Arsenal’s team, and if they do manage to get their hands on the Premier League title this term, Zubimendi will be will be lauded as one of the biggest difference-makers.
While Zubimendi has been one of the best number sixes in the top flight, there are some who would rival him for that crown. Among them, a former Arsenal star.
You probably know who.
The former Arsenal star who's rivalling Zubimendi
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones made an interesting point after his struggling side returned to winning form against Eintracht Frankfurt. He said that an elite central midfielder makes the bedrock of a successful, title-winning outfit.
And over at Arsenal, Zubimendi is that man, but it’s interesting to note that Granit Xhaka is rivalling the Spain international for newly-promoted Sunderland.
He knows the Premier League well. After all, Xhaka arrived at Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2015 and made 225 appearances in the division before leaving for Bayer Leverkusen and then returning to English shores and taking the captaincy at the Stadium of Light.
He went through all the emotions at Arsenal, but left the club regarded as an important piece of their modern history. Combative, tenacious and never afraid to channel his power and strike on goal, Xhaka was almost unplayable on his day, and Arteta will be happy that he has found his new version of the Swiss machine in Zubimendi.
Now 33, most were uncertain he would thrive after joining Regis Le Bris’ side this season, so late into his career and surely content with winning silverware over in Germany under Xabi Alonso’s wing.
But the new Real Madrid boss has fuelled his lieutenant with a late-career fire for more, and, as the statistics will show you, he has been an integral part of Sunderland’s success this season, going punch for punch with one of the division’s finest in Zubimendi.
Having started all nine of Sunderland’s matches, Xhaka would stake a compelling case for being in the Premier League Team of the Year so far; the Wearsiders are fifth in the standings, and they have lost only two of their nine matches.
Matches (starts)
8 (7)
8 (8)
Goals
2
0
Assists
0
3
Touches*
69.6
69.9
Accurate passes*
53.8 (90%)
44.1 (82%)
Key passes*
0.8
1.2
Big chances created
1
4
Dribbles*
0.1
0.3
Recoveries*
3.3
4.8
Tackles + interceptions*
2.8
3.1
Duels won*
3.5 (51%)
6.2 (62%)
Zubimendi is not defined by statistics. He is an immense midfielder, elegant and intelligent, and has even been hailed as “one of the best Emirates era signings” by Arsenal content creator Jamie Kent.
But even so, we cannot take anything away from Xhaka’s start to the season. The man has been hailed as a “genius” signing for the Black Cats by Sky Sports’ Don Goodman, and you can see why.
Arsenal are happy to see him succeed. It’s nice to watch Xhaka return to England and do so well. There’s a man who played an important role in the ascension of this outfit in modern times. He’s firing on all cylinders, but would Arsenal replace their Spanish summer signing with the veteran? We need not answer that one.
20 years is too long to go without the Premier League title. Too long for a club like Arsenal. But they are getting there, piece by piece.
It’s too early to say with total conviction, but the Londoners stand as good a chance as they’ve ever had to claim the title this year, and with Zubimendi orchestrating in the middle of the park, they might just reach their goals.
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Bryan Mbeumo arrived at Manchester United with huge expectations from the fanbase, after the hierarchy forked out a whopping £71m, including add-ons for his signature.
The Cameroonian has already matched those expectations in the Premier League, as seen by his tally of five goals within his first nine encounters at Old Trafford.
His latest showing against Brighton and Hove Albion was arguably his best for the Red Devils, scoring twice and leading Ruben Amorim’s men to a third successive league victory.
The 26-year-old also created two chances and completed four dribbles – with both tallies the highest of any player on the pitch from both of the starting elevens.
There’s little debate that he’s taken the responsibility of being the club’s biggest offensive threat, surpassing the levels previously set by one other first-team member.
The change of Bruno’s role & lack of impact against Brighton
For large periods of the 2024/25 campaign, Bruno Fernandes was often United’s go-to man for goals and assists – undoubtedly saving the club from an unthinkable relegation battle.
The Portuguese international ended the year on a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions, a tally which was by far and away the highest of any player in the squad.
However, the attacking midfielder has been forced to drop into a slightly deeper number eight position to accommodate the likes of big-money addition, Mbeumo.
Such a decision has taken the responsibility off his shoulders, with a more all-round performances now expected from the Red Devils’ first-team captain.
His deeper position has seen a slight decline in his performance level, as seen by the latest display against Brighton at Old Trafford, with the 31-year-old enduring somewhat of a quiet afternoon.
Bruno only completed six passes into the final third against the Seagulls and only completed 50% of the dribbles he attempted – subsequently being unable to match the levels from 2024/25.
He was also dribbled past on three occasions, whilst also losing nine duels – the most of any player – showcasing the lack of positive impact he’s had in his new position.
As a result, one other player within the first-team squad has taken the responsibility of providing the goods alongside Mbeumo within the final third in recent weeks.
The United star who’s becoming Amorim’s next Bruno
Whilst it’s still early days in 2025/26, United look like a different team compared to last campaign, with Amorim deserving huge credit for the work done during the off-season.
After the first nine games of the new Premier League season, the Red Devils rank second for expected goals (xG), showcasing the threat the side now possesses in forward areas.
Amorim’s men have also registered the highest average of shots on target per 90, with such a record enabling the side to score 15 goals in the first nine matches of the new league campaign.
As previously mentioned, Mbeumo has played a key role in such success, as seen by his tally of five goals and one assist – working out at 40% of the side’s goals to date.
However, the Cameroonian international has been joined at Old Trafford by Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian joining the Red Devils in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He also arrived with huge expectations this summer, after he registered a total of 21 combined goals and assists in the Premier League whilst being involved in a relegation battle.
The 26-year-old has partnered Mbeumo in the number ten role behind the striker, which has subsequently resulted in Bruno dropping into his deeper role over the last couple of months.
However, Cunha has taken to such a task like a duck to water, arguably replacing the Portuguese international as one of the Red Devils’ leading talismen.
He netted his first goal for the club in the recent triumph over Brighton, with such an effort getting the ball rolling for Amorim’s third league victory in a row.
Cunha, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, also produced numerous impressive figures that showcase his class within the final third.
Minutes played
81
Touches
62
Goals scored
1
Passes completed
89%
Chances created
2
Shot on target accuracy
100%
Dribbles completed
2
Chances created
2
Along with his goal, the attacking midfielder completed 89% of the passes attempted and registered two chances created for his teammates – showcasing his ability to provide for those around him.
He also placed 100% of his shots on target, whilst also completing two of his three dribbles – highlighting his incredible all-round ability within the final third.
Whilst it may be early days in his career at Old Trafford, Cunha has already captured the hearts of the fanbase and cemented himself as a key player within Amorim’s ranks.
Should he continue in such vein, there’s no reason why he can’t soften the blow of Bruno’s drop in form and lead the side to new heights in the near future.
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Big picture: Series secured, ranking points on the line
One crushing victory, one challenging chase, and a couple of boxes ticked for the Harry Brook regime. Joe Root’s ODI magnum opus in Cardiff tied a bow on the series – England’s first bilateral success since beating Ireland 1-0 ahead of the 2023 World Cup – and means the new-look white-ball set-up finally has some traction after an insipid start under all-formats supremo Brendon McCullum.The fact England still got over the line despite a far-from-perfect performance in the second game may be cause for greater satisfaction. At Edgbaston, West Indies simply failed to turn up. But after regrouping, they took advantage of some sloppiness in the field to put England under pressure at Sophia Gardens, initially via Keacy Carty’s third hundred in his last four ODIs and then the incision of Alzarri Joseph with the ball.England’s chase was in peril from the outset at 2 for 2 and they really ought not to have found a way back from 133 for 5 chasing 309. However, Root, benefiting from a pair of missed run-out opportunities and some luck with the DRS, gradually unfurled an innings of fitting greatness as he put himself top of the pile for England in one-day cricket, his unbeaten 166 shutting the door on West Indies – as well as assuaging some of his “guilt” about how things slid under Brook’s predecessor, Jos Buttler.Brook probably didn’t need a reminder of Root’s qualities, but a renewed demonstration of his hunger for the format as England begin to build towards the 2027 World Cup can be no bad thing.And it is with the World Cup in mind that both teams will approach the third game in the series – even with the forecast for a summer deluge in south London on Tuesday. England, currently eighth in the ICC rankings, held a slender three-point advantage over ninth-placed West Indies a few days ago, but that has now grown to nine. A 3-0 defeat for Daren Sammy’s side, having previously been held to 1-1 by Ireland, would leave them uncomfortably placed alongside Bangladesh in the race for automatic World Cup qualification.Sammy said before the series that “every ODI game from now until the deadline for qualification is important”, emphasising the added incentive after West Indies missed out on the last two ICC 50-over tournaments. Weather permitting, it would be a timely moment for them to secure a first ODI win over England in England since 2007.Joe Root and Adil Rashid steered England home with a 24-run eighth-wicket stand•PA Photos/Getty Images
Form guide
England WWLLL West Indies LLWLW
In the spotlight: Saqib Mahmood and Shai Hope
Various members of England’s top order have taken centre stage over the first two games – notably Root and Jacob Bethell – but it’s worth noting the importance of Saqib Mahmood to their bowling effort. In the first game Mahmood undermined West Indies with the new ball, in the second he limited them at the death, leaving him as the joint-leading wicket-taker with six at 11.50, and an economy of 4.14. It continues an impressive run of white-ball form for England, going back to his prolific T20I showing in the Caribbean before Christmas, and means Jofra Archer has not been missed.Shai Hope has set high standards since taking over as West Indies ODI captain (he averages 52.46 in charge of the team alongside a career mark of 49.75) and demonstrated how important he is to his side’s fortunes with 78 off 66 balls in Cardiff. The worry is that this tour, which included defeat to Ireland, has seen West Indies take a step back after the improvements of 2024 – albeit selection was hampered by IPL rescheduling. It comes just at the point when Hope’s workload is only going to increase, having recently been made T20I captain as well.
Team news: Rutherford available for WI
England will likely want to stick with a winning formula, but could bring in Luke Wood for his first ODI appearance in two years if they want to manage the workload of their fast bowlers.England: 1 Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, 3 Joe Root, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Jos Buttler (wk), 6 Jacob Bethell, 7 Will Jacks, 8 Brydon Carse, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Matthew Potts, 11 Saqib MahmoodSherfane Rutherford has been added to the squad after making the trek from India in the wake of Gujarat Titans’ elimination from the IPL playoffs and could come straight into the middle order. West Indies did not train on Monday and it remains to be seen whether Evin Lewis is fit to return at opener after being hit on the groin before the first ODI.West Indies: (possible) 1 Brandon King, 2 Evin Lewis/Jewel Andrew, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 5 Shimron Hetmyer/Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Justin Greaves, 7 Roston Chase, 8 Matthew Forde, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Jayden Seales
Pitch and conditions: Raining sixes, or just raining?
Another excellent batting surface should be in prospect at the Kia Oval, although it might count for little if the weather forecast doesn’t improve. A strong chance of rain during the morning and afternoon may mean a reduced-overs contest is the best we can hope for.
Stats and trivia
West Indies have won two of their five ODIs against England at The Oval, most recently in the 2004 Champions Trophy final.
Root became the first Englishman to 7000 ODI runs during his 166 not out in Cardiff.
Roston Chase needs 47 runs to reach 1000 in ODIs.
Quotes
“I think watching 50-over cricket and thinking about it over the last year or two, we all realise there’s so much time. Coming from T20, that’s not something you always have the luxury of.” It’s been a learning curve for England’s ODI novices, but Will Jacks believes he’s getting used to the rhythms.
An epic contest came down to the final ball, but Shubham Dubey was unable to get the three runs that would’ve sealed a memorable RR win
Ekanth04-May-20251:24
Rayudu: Royals should have persisted with spin against Russell
One run was all that separated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a rollercoaster of a game that could have gone either way until the last ball. Riyan Parag hit six sixes in six balls, five of which came in a 32-run over against Moeen Ali, and Shubham Dubey tonked Vaibhav Arora for two fours and a six with 22 needed in the final over.With three needed off the final ball, Dubey drilled the yorker from Arora to long-off and took off to try and force a Super Over. Jofra Archer, the non-striker at the other end, got a head start but was found well short thanks to a sharp throw from Rinku Singh.The win keeps KKR’s playoffs hope alive in IPL 2025. It was built on Andre Russell’s 25-ball 57 that helped them score 85 in their last five overs after a slowdown against spin. Moeen and Varun Chakravarthy had RR on the ropes in the chase but Parag almost turned things around with a takedown of his own.Related
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Parag breathes life into RR’s chaseDisappointment was written all over Parag’s face, however, when Varun flattened Wanindu Hasaranga’s off stump. RR were nearly out needing 136 off 73 balls at the time and the required rate touched 13 with only three fours coming in the next four overs. But the last two of those helped Parag get into a rhythm.Then came the 32-run over against Moeen. Four of those sixes came over square leg or midwicket. When Moeen went wide, the ball sailed over long-off. Parag’s next ball was from Varun and reverse-swept for six more.Shimron Hetmyer played within himself and was going at just over a run a ball for the majority of his innings but his presence was reassuring as proved by the two boundary-less overs after his dismissal.Rana creates the openingHarshit Rana returned with figures of 0 for 28 off two overs and conceded a boundary off the first ball. He then bowled three full balls and peppered in two short ones to dry up the runs. The second bouncer went off Hetmyer’s bat into the hands of the keeper.KKR brought Narine back with RR 43 needing off 24. He went for just five and nearly had Parag caught at deep midwicket.Rana built on the pressure despite bowling a no-ball with yorkers and slower ones. Parag was nearly run out on the third legal ball. He holed out to long-on slapping a wide cutter very next ball and RR slipped to 173 for 7.Russell was introduced in the penultimate over and, like he did in the last game, tried to land six yorkers. He didn’t nail all but went for just 11.Arora’s wide-yorker plan started the final over with three runs. Shubham went 6-4-6 when Arora went short and wide before faltering with back-to-back yorkers. Arora, nonetheless, stuck with it last ball and it paid off.1:44
Katey Martin breaks down how Parag took down KKR bowlers
KKR go up and down gearsThe day started with Sunil Narine and Rahmanullah Gurbaz stepping down the leg side quite often. Narine fell cheaply and Gurbaz mistimed a few but picked up four boundaries and a six, with the majority on the leg side. Yudhvir Singh, who conceded boundaries against all top-order batters, was the costliest bowler in the 56-run powerplay.Rahane started well, as he drove and flicked Madhwal for four and six. But he slowed down considerably – from 18 off 8 to 30 off 24 – mainly due to RR’s spin choke.Theekshana dismissed Gurbaz slog sweeping but it was Hasaranga who first denied batters pace and forced them to apply power. Parag then brought himself on and bowled three overs straight. He got Rahane with a 76kph side-arm ball.Meanwhile, Angkrish Raghuvanshi kept KKR going with conventional shots. He slashed, pulled and drove to pick up boundaries. He got a reprieve off Theekshana before Russell took him down, but fell next over to Archer for a 31-ball 44.2:04
Rayudu: KKR have to sort out their middle order and bowling changes
Russell mania at the deathKKR had needed a late push in their own innings and got it from Russell, who said he felt like a 27-year-old, and was hitting like one after coming in at 111 for 3 in the 13th over. He started slow – 2 off 9 balls – but blasted off once spin made way for pace. He hit all of his six fours and four sixes in the last five overs, in which KKR scored 70.Madhwal was the first bowler to be taken down, first on the leg side, with a six and a four and then a slap through cover point in a 15-run over. Archer then missed two yorkers, overpitching and bowling in the slot next, and was hit downtown for a six and a four.Theekshana’s spin was brought back in the 18th. He created a chance that Parag dropped at long-off and then had a mistimed slice land safely at mid-off. The strike then rotated from Raghuvanshi to Russell and it led to a hat-trick of sixes. Theekshana went wide all three balls, short on the first two and full on the third, but was hit in the arc between cow corner and long-off.Archer created two more chances next over. Raghuvanshi was was caught at deep square leg but Russell got a reprieve from Parag at long-off again. That was just before Russell capitalised on a missed yorker from Archer to bring up a 22-ball fifty and belt a slower bouncer down the ground.The final over started with three wides and an edge that landed safely at deep extra cover. The wide yorker was then abandoned for bouncers, till Rinku pulled one in front of midwicket. Two missed yorkers then went for sixes, as both the 18th and 20th overs went for 20-plus runs.
The ICC had already announced a cash prize of USD 2.24 million for the winners of this Champions Trophy
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Mar-2025
Rohit Sharma and his triumphant squad•ICC via Getty Images
The BCCI has announced a cash reward of INR 58 crore for the Champions Trophy-winning India squad. India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the title clash in Dubai on March 9.”Winning back-to-back ICC titles is special and this reward recognizes Team India’s dedication and excellence on the global stage,” BCCI president Roger Binny said. “The cash award is a recognition of the hard work that everyone puts in behind the scenes. This was also our second ICC Trophy in 2025, following the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup triumph and it highlights the strong cricketing ecosystem in place in our country.”Related
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The ICC had already announced a cash prize of USD 2.24 million for the winners of this Champions Trophy and an additional $34,000 for each match won (for every team), excluding the semi-finals and finals. The total prize pot of $6.9 million is a 53% increase from the 2017 edition. The runners-up New Zealand won $1.12 million, while the losing semi-finalists South Africa and Australia walked away with $560,000 each. In addition, all eight teams were assured of $125,000 each for competing in this Champions Trophy.India have enjoyed one of the most dominant periods for any men’s team at ICC tournaments. They posted 23 wins in 24 completed matches in the last three ICC men’s limited-overs tournaments. The only loss was the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia, which ended their ten-match winning streak in that tournament. Since then India had completed unbeaten campaigns at the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Whilst Manchester United’s summer clear-out has taken time to get going, reports are now indicating that they’re finally set to sell one of their unwanted stars this month.
Latest Man Utd exit news
The Red Devils have enjoyed a solid summer on the incomings front, but the same can’t be said for their business going the other way. As things stand, they are yet to outright sell a single player despite all their efforts and despite coming off the back of their worst-ever Premier League season. Several players have found themselves on Ruben Amorim’s unwanted list, but INEOS have so far failed to shift all of those.
It’s a list that includes Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho, who desperately need moves this month. Whilst reports have remained positive regarding a deal for Chelsea to sign Garnacho, showing Sancho the door has proved to be a far more complicated task than expected.
Amorim has had his own say on Manchester United’s unwanted players, telling reporters: “I think again, I know that it is not a good thing to have players in this situation, but it’s clear they want to play in a different club, and that is clear.
“So we try to arrange everything for both parts to be happy, so I have to try to imagine to have the training with the guys that I think are going to be the future and the other guys are training and preparing for the next chapter.”
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With that said, although it remains to be seen whether Sancho lowers his demands to secure an AS Roma move, there is at least some positive news regarding another likely exit at Old Trafford.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are now “advancing” talks to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United this month after holding positive talks with the Danish forward. United have reportedly been informed about the talks and are ready to get a deal over the line if an agreement is reached between Hojlund and the Italian giants.
Despite reports suggesting that Hojlund wants to stay put at Manchester United, the arrival of Benjamin Sesko has ultimately cost him his place in Amorim’s side and a sale has, therefore, always seemed likely.
After arriving under Erik ten Hag for an eye-watering £72m in 2023, Hojlund will undoubtedly go down as an Old Trafford flop, with just 26 goals in 96 games very much highlighting his struggles.
After being on the fringes of the Test side for some time, Inglis took his opportunity with both hands
AAP31-Jan-2025Josh Inglis was like a “kid on Christmas morning” when he learned he’d be making his Test debut – and then he batted like Rudolph guiding Santa’s sleigh.On day two of the series opener against Sri Lanka, Inglis became the first Australian in a decade to score a century on Test debut, his 102 from 94 balls helping Australia to an imperious 654 for 6 declared.It had been a tremendous debut years in the making for Inglis, a 55-time white-ball international routinely stuck behind wicketkeeper Alex Carey for Test opportunities.Related
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Stats – Australia's new Asian high, Khawaja's big effort and Inglis' dream debut
Sri Lanka's spinners find no answers to Australia's proactive gameplan
But a strong start to the Sheffield Shield summer increased the 29-year-old’s chances of being called up as a specialist batter for the two-match series in Galle. When he heard a knock on his hotel room earlier this week, Inglis knew the wait was finally over.”I thought, ‘This could be ‘Dod’ [selector Tony Dodemaide], I think the cleaners have already been’,” he explained at stumps on Thursday. “[Partner] Megan was in the room with [son] Oscar and I went out into the hallway and he told me. I ran in like a kid on Christmas morning to Megan and told her the good news. It was nice.”After Usman Khawaja (232) was dismissed, Inglis brought up his century on the 90th ball he faced – the second-fastest century by a debutant in Test history. He punched Nishan Peiris to deep extra cover to reach triple figures in the second session and gestured to his family in the Galle crowd.
Only Shikhar Dhawan ahead of Josh Inglis! #AUSvSL pic.twitter.com/TQalok7QiS
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 30, 2025
Walking down the wicket, Inglis embraced batting partner Carey, who has had a box seat to the West Australian’s long journey for a first cap. “It was nice to share that moment with him,” Inglis said.A member of the ODI team that won the 2023 World Cup in India, Inglis looked comfortable in the conditions from the outset. He notably struck Jeffrey Vandersay for four to mid-on on the first ball he faced, unfazed that the legspinner had trapped legendary Steven Smith (141) lbw the previous delivery.Just after lunch, Inglis became the third Australian in a row to bring up a half-century in his first Test knock after Sam Konstas and Beau Webster did the same in the India series. But he was not done there, whacking Vandersay over long-on for six to move into the 80s, and finishing that over with a four through the covers.”I just tried to be really proactive and put the bowlers under pressure when I could and tried to get down the other end,” Inglis said.By the time he hit Prabath Jayasuriya to cover, Inglis had become the 21st Australian – and first since Adam Voges in June 2015 – to score a century on Test debut.His promotion to the XI had not been without controversy, given it came at the expense of star teenager Konstas – dropped to allow Travis Head to move to the top of the order. But Inglis has now given selectors a headache, with Head likely to slot back to No. 5 in home conditions and Konstas vying for a recall at the top.For now, he just seems content to take the moment in. “I’m just really happy, it probably hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said.
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has made no secret of his desire for the club to bring in more attackers before the end of the summer transfer window.
Lukas Nmecha, who joined on a free transfer from Wolfsburg early on in the window, is the only attacking player to come through the door at Thorp Arch so far.
This means that the Whites have yet to replace Manor Solomon, who returned to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season, with a new winger.
Farke has made it clear that he does not believe that Leeds have done enough to improve their options at the top end of the pitch to compete for Premier League survival.
The Whites are reportedly active in the market to bring in attacking players, though, as they have reportedly held talks with free agent striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
He left Everton at the end of his contract earlier this summer and is said to have spoken with Leeds, Newcastle United, and Manchester United over a return to the Premier League.
Why Calvert-Lewin should not be the main number nine for Leeds
If the Whites are able to get a deal over the line for the free agent marksman in the coming days or weeks, he should not be the main number nine signing for Farke.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Football FanCast explained why his Premier League experience could be a useful addition to the squad in light of Patrick Bamford’s exclusion from the team this year, and that is why he could be a very shrewd free addition as a back-up option.
However, Calvert-Lewin’s injury history and goalscoring record in recent seasons do not suggest that he is the player they should hang their hat on to lead the line week-in-week-out to avoid the drop.
The 28-year-old striker has, as shown in the clips above, shown that he can score goals in the Premier League. However, the forward has only scored more than five goals in all competitions once in the last four seasons for Everton, per Sofascore.
This does not suggest that Calvert-Lewin is likely to be a prolific or reliable goalscoring option for Leeds in the number nine position, whilst his fitness record also does not make for good viewing.
Calvert-Lewin’s recent injury record
Season
Injuries
Games missed
24/25
2
15
23/24
3
6
22/23
4
29
21/22
2
33
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, the former England international has missed a lot of matches through injury in the last four seasons and Farke would not be able to rely on him to be available consistently over the course of a season.
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates their third goal, an own goal scored by Tottenham Hotspur's Archie Gray
This is why Calvert-Lewin should not be signed to be the main number nine at Elland Road, but an experienced and useful back-up option instead.
Leeds identify Premier League star as top target
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz is Leeds United’s number one target for the number nine position this summer.
The reporter adds, though, that the Championship champions have yet to reach an agreement with the Cottagers over a deal for the Brazilian marksman.
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It has been reported that Fulham value Muniz at a fee of around £50m and it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are prepared to pay the money it will take to snap him up.
Jacobs claims that the Whites have not given up on a deal to sign the 24-year-old star to bolster their options in the centre-forward position, though, which means that there is still hope.
But it is now down to Leeds to formalise their interest with an offer that is enough to tempt the Cottagers into cashing in on the attacker, who would be way better than Calvert-Lewin for Farke.
Why Muniz would be better for Leeds than Calvert-Lewin
Muniz would be a way better signing for Leeds to lead the line as the main number nine signing to help push them towards survival in the Premier League in the upcoming campaign.
The Brazilian forward has only missed 11 games through injury in the last two seasons for Fulham, per Transfermarkt, whilst the former Everton man was absent for 21 matches in that period.
Fulham'sRodrigoMunizcelebrates after the match
This suggests that the £50m-rated attacker is more likely to be consistently available to Farke over the course of the season, as he appears to be less prone to injuries than the free agent dynamo.
Muniz, who was hailed as “seriously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has also proven that he can score goals at an efficient rate in the Premier League over the past two seasons.
Rodrigo Muniz Premier League stats – Fulham
The Leeds target scored nine goals from 8.72 xG in the 2023/24 campaign for Fulham and eight goals from 5.81 xG last term, as per Sofascore, which shows that he can ruthlessly finish chances in the top-flight.
24/25 Premier League
Muniz
Calvert-Lewin
Appearances
31
26
xG
5.81
6.75
Goals
8
3
Goals per game
0.3
0.1
Big chances created
5
16
Assists
1
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Muniz significantly outperformed Calvert-Lewin in front of goal in the Premier League last season, scoring five goals more from almost one less expected goal in the division.
These statistics suggest that the Fulham ace would be way more reliable in front of goal for Leeds than the wasteful English striker, who missed far too many ‘big chances’ in the top-flight before his exit from Merseyside.
Leeds need to be ruthless and reliable at the top end of the pitch if they want to buck the trend of newly promoted teams all being instantly relegated in the last two seasons, which is why it is important that they bring in a striker who can finish chances effectively.
Therefore, Muniz, who has a good fitness and finishing record, could come in as a perfect signing to lead the line for the Whites, and he is clearly a way better option than Calvert-Lewin would be as a first-choice striker signing to bolster the squad.
Rodrigo 2.0: Leeds leading race to sign "ridiculous" £9m star
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