Seamer will bolster T20 squad after departures of Xavier Bartlett and Wes Agar
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jul-2024
Tom Rogers has spent the last two BBL season with Melbourne Renegades•Getty Images
Kent have signed Melbourne Renegades seamer Tom Rogers for the second block of Vitality T20 Blast group games.Rogers, 30, has several years’ experience in the Big Bash League with Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes but this will be his first stint in county cricket. In all T20 cricket, Rogers has taken 60 wickets at 24.78 with an economy of 8.38.”We’re pleased to have got Tom on board to sure-up our bowling options going into the ‘business end’ of this South Group stage,” Kent’s director of cricket, Simon Cook, said. “He has a lot of experience and has skills that will be useful to us with both the ball and the bat, too.”Rogers will reinforce Kent’s bowling in the Blast, with Xavier Bartlett having only been made available for the first eight group games and Wes Agar returning to Australia early due to a shoulder injury.Kent are currently second from bottom in the South Group, having won two games, but could still fight their way into contention for a top-four spot.”I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in the Vitality Blast and I’m excited to be joining Kent,” Rogers said. “We know that every game is vital for us now, and I want to do my part in getting results as a Spitfire in the near future.”
The start of Newcastle United’s pre-season fixture list is fast approaching.
Eddie Howe’s team will be back in action on 19 July, taking on Celtic at Parkhead, and 10,000 Georgies will be joining them in Glasgow for the game, which should make for quite the atmosphere.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe reacts
In the meantime, the Magpies have been busy in the transfer market, looking to bolster their squad ahead of a return to the Champions League, so will it be a busy week of unveilings on Tyneside?
The latest on Newcastle's transfer activity
As has been widely reported, Anthony Elanga is on his way to the North East to complete a £55m move from Nottingham Forest.
The winger scored six goals and registered 11 assists in the Premier League last season, now set to become the Magpies’ second-most expensive signing of all time, behind only his Swedish international teammate Alexander Isak.
Newcastle are far from done there though, because, according to a report by GIVEMESPORT, they are ‘working to sign’ and ‘remain hopeful’ of landing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi.
The report adds that Howe wants to ‘prioritise the addition of a centre-back’, while Chris Waugh of the Athletic documents that those inside the club believe the England international ‘would be an ideal addition’, noting their long-standing interest, having unsuccessfully bid for Guéhi both last summer and in January.
Well, speaking on the Athletic FC podcast, Crystal Palace correspondent Matt Woosnam believes the club captain could leave Selhurst Park this summer, mainly due to the fact he has just one year remaining on his contract, valued at around £60m.
Palace’s summer plans are somewhat on hold at the moment, as they wait to find out whether or not they’re allowed to compete in the Europa League; a decision is belatedly expected this week.
Meantime, Arsenal are attempting to sign Eberechi Eze for around £67.5m which, should he depart, would increase the Eagles’ determination to keep hold of their other star player Guéhi.
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Nevertheless, with Liverpool also seeking to sign the centre-back, it appears very possible that he could be on the move, so will the 24 year old end up on Tyneside?
Why Guehi would be a better signing than Elanga for Newcastle
Guéhi’s performances have earned widespread praise, with then-England manager Gareth Southgate describing his displays at Euro 2024 as “exceptional”, starting six of the seven matches last summer, including the final at Olympiastadion in Berlin.
England defender Marc Guehi
Meantime, Nathan Jackson of Total Football Analysis notes that the 24-year-old stands out for all defensive metrics, while Sam Tabuteau of Breaking the Lines praises his ‘resilience’ and ‘composure’, asserting that he is impressive both in and out of possession.
This would be such a transformational addition for Howe, given that he had very few options at centre-back last season, largely due to Sven Botman’s injury issues, with Dan Burn alongside Fabian Schär by far the most-used partnership.
So, let’s see how Guéhi compares to Newcastle’s current central defenders.
Guéhi vs Newcastle centre-backs (PL 2024/25)
Stats (per 90)
Guéhi
Schär
Burn
Botman
Appearances
34
34
37
8
Minutes
3,060
2,938
3,330
414
Pass accuracy
84%
85%
89%
89%
Tackles
1.8
1.2
1.1
2.7
Aerial duel success %
54%
44%
66%
61%
Ground duel success %
63%
48%
50%
71%
Interceptions
0.9
1.4
0.7
1.1
All statistics courtesy of Squawka
As the table outlines, when compared to Schär and Burn in particular, Guéhi’s statistics are very impressive.
The fact Botman made just eight appearances skews the data somewhat, boosting his per-90 statistics, while it will come as a surprise to no one that Burn comes out on top in terms of aerial duels.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehiin action
Nevertheless, as well as being a top-class player, Guéhi would be transformational for Newcastle because centre-back is such an obvious area of need.
At the other end of the park, Elanga too will be a shrewd addition, but Howe’s team have scored plenty of goals without him.
Jacob Murphy continues to exceed all expectations, enjoying a career-best campaign in which he scored nine goals and supplied 14 assists in all competitions. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon has been deployed on the right wing on occasion too and is a fine player himself, now a regular part of the national team.
So, while Elanga’s arrival is certainly worth getting excited about if you’re a passionate member of the Toon Army, getting Guéhi over the line might be the key bit of business.
Newcastle set to "prioritise" new striker signing after Elanga and Trafford
أصبح المغرب أول منتخب إفريقي يحسم تأهله لمنافسات كأس العالم 2026، بعد الفوز بخماسية نظيفة على النيجر في إطار تصفيات أفريقيا المؤهلة لمونديال 2026.
ونجح ياسين بونو حارس مرمى الهلال السعودي، في أن يقود منتخب بلاده بنجاح، وقد بذل جهداً كبيراً طوال التسعين دقيقة لينهي المباراة بشباك نظيفة، للمرة الـ 4 من أصل 6 مباريات في التصفيات.
وقدم ياسين بونو أداء رائعًا في مونديال قطر 2022، وقاد منتخب بلاده لاحتلال المركز الرابع في البطولة، وتألق أيضاً في كأس العالم للأندية الأخيرة مدافعاً عن ألوان الهلال السعودي.
أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | المغرب أول المتأهلين إلى كأس العالم 2026 بخماسية أمام النيجر
وذكرت صحيفة “أوليه” الأرجنتينية أن ياسين بونو يمثل للمغاربة ما يمثله ديبو مارتينيز حارس مرمى نادي أستون فيلا للأرجنتينيين.
Yassine Bounou sobre Armani: “Estoy muy contento por él. Fue decisivo en los últimos partidos” 🧤🔴⚪
El arquero de Marruecos, reconocido fanático de River, opinó sobre la actualidad del Pulpo, que fue clave en las últimas series por penales del equipo 🥅🧤
وفي تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “أوليه” عن ياسين بونو بعد التأهل والأداء القوي الذي قدمه منتخب المغرب، حيث رد على سؤال حول توقعاته وأهدافه لكأس العالم القادمة: “في الحقيقة نحن متحمسون، كأس العالم أهم حدث لجميع اللاعبين لذا نحن سعداء للغاية”.
ورد بونو على سؤال يتعلق بالأسطورة الأرجنتينية ليونيل ميسي الذي تصدر أغلفة الصحف العالمية لخوضه آخر مباراة رسمية له مع الأرجنتين ضد فنزويلا على أرضه: “لا أجد كلمات تصف كل ما قدمه ميسي في كرة القدم”.
وأكمل عن نجم إنتر ميامي :”بالنسبة لي كان شرفاً عظيماً أن أتمكن من مواجهة ميسي عن قرب وأن أستمتع باللعب ضده وأن أتحمل كل هذا، لذا تهانينا”.
Celtic players are slowly starting to filter back in for pre-season, and they could be joined by yet another new addition sooner rather than later, according to reports.
Celtic's transfer state of play with pre-season already underway
Several Celtic stars were spotted being put through their paces at Lennoxtown earlier this week, and it is anticipated that the bulk of the main group will join before long, but who could accompany them from elsewhere over the coming weeks?
Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan and Benjamin Nygren have already been announced. Fulham youngster Callum Osmand is set to follow the trio to Celtic and has already been spotted at their training base before being officially confirmed as a new asset.
With Greg Taylor out of contract and set to depart, Djurgarden left-back Keita Kosugi is the latest name on the Bhoys’ radar as they plot a replacement for the Scotland international.
Despite some swift moves to bolster their pool of talent, Chris Sutton believes Celtic should be doing more in the transfer market with the Champions League qualifiers around the corner.
He explained: “Unless Celtic are going to start paying silly money, I’d imagine they may have to wait, perhaps even until the end of the window, for some of the key targets.
Celtic in talks to sell international defender for 7-figure loss
Is it the right time for him to leave?
1 ByHenry Jackson Jun 27, 2025
“But it still feels a little lacking to me at this precise point of proceedings and, at the very least, Rodgers will surely want the majority in his squad for the start of the domestic season.”
Managers will never be content with that they’ve got, there will always be an appetite for as many useful options as possible to offer cover across the pitch.
Either way, Sutton’s wish could now have been granted as Celtic are now on the brink of bringing in a talented central defender.
Celtic set to land Hayato Inamura with medical scheduled
According to Sponichi, Celtic are set to land defender Hayato Inamura from Albirex Niigata, and he will travel to Europe to undergo a medical before signing on the dotted line at Parkhead.
The 23-year-old took on his final fixture in current club colours against Machida Zelvia this weekend, and is set to become the ninth Japanese player to join the Hoops once his move is ratified.
Hayato Inamura’s record at Albirex Niigata
Appearances
35
Goals
1
Assists
2
Predominantly a central defender, Inamura is also capable of featuring at left-back and has two years left on his current deal at the Denka Big Swan Stadium. He is considered an impressive talent back home, evidenced by the fact he shares an agent with two of Japan’s top stars in Europe – £20m Arsenal man Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mainz star Kaishū Sano.
Enjoying a productive J League campaign, the Tokyo-born man has won 63 duels and 75% of his tackles and would likely arrive in Glasgow for a nominal fee, although the specifics on that front haven’t yet been confirmed.
Either way, Celtic appear primed to venture back into a market that has been a happy hunting ground in recent years, so there is every chance Inamura will become a shrewd addition with plenty of potential to develop.
Pitches in the USA and the Caribbean may not always be conducive to 200-plus totals
Nagraj Gollapudi05-Jun-20242:04
Ponting: World Cup important for cricket to grow in the USA
Having been “spoiled” by a glut of record-breaking 200-plus totals in IPL 2024, teams and batters will need to “lower expectations” in the T20 World Cup 2024. This advice comes from former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who felt that pitches in the West Indies – co-hosting the 20-team World Cup with the USA – are likely to “slow down” towards the latter half when the Super Eights and knockout matches will be played.Ponting’s comments come days after Sri Lanka were bowled out for 77, their lowest T20I total, in their defeat to South Africa in New York. They were flattened by the South African pace battery, led by Anrich Nortje’s career-best 4 for 7. There were 127 dot balls in the entire match, the most at a men’s T20 World Cup game.Related
Klaasen on New York pitch: Batters need to suck it up
Nortje: Don't need 20 sixes to make an entertaining game
Ponting: You want 'natural winners' like Warner at World Cups
South Africa also survived a tense phase in the chase and took 16.4 overs to complete the six-wicket win. It was the first T20I at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, cricket’s first modular venue, and the first impressions were of it being not being T20-friendly. But Nortje had disagreed, saying “you don’t need 20 sixes” for an entertaining game. Heinrich Klaasen, who anchored the chase, felt batters needed a blend of Test and ODI skills “to get over the line” with the ball moving and bouncing inconsistently off a drop-in pitch.Ricky Ponting: “240 was a total you were aiming to get in the IPL. It’s probably not going to be that for the first part of the tournament in New York”•Saikat Das/BCCI
Ponting, speaking to ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday, highlighted another contributing factor. “Being a day game, the ball swung and seamed a little bit. So batsmen will have to keep that in mind, how they start their innings and maybe just lower expectations on scores. 240 was sort of a score that you were aiming to get in the IPL. It’s probably not going to be that for the first part of the tournament here in New York. So that sets a whole lot of different challenges.”The ICC knew that building a cricket stadium from scratch in New York would be ambitious. They hired the head curator of the Adelaide Oval, Damian Hough, to prepare and fit four drop-in pitches at the venue along with six drop-in pitches at a separate nearby facility in Cantiague Park. The new ground was barely a couple of weeks complete when it hosted its first match, a warm-up between India and Bangladesh on June 1.During the US leg of the T20 World Cup, eight of the 16 matches, including the marquee India versus Pakistan contest on June 9, are scheduled to take place in New York. All of them are day games. India play three of their four group matches in New York starting with the one against Ireland on Wednesday.Ponting, who arrived in New York this week from Australia and is part of the ICC’s commentary panel, believed that expectations needed to be tempered especially considering it wasn’t that long ago that a different high-profile T20 tournament was throwing up scores in excess of 250.”I’ve heard Damian Hough quoted post the first game here in New York about his whole vision for this wicket was to try and even up the contest between bat and ball,” Ponting said. “And certainly, there’s no hiding the fact in the first game [between SL and SA] it was probably just a little bit swayed in the bowler’s favour. But the other thing we have to be a little bit mindful of is we have probably all been a little bit spoiled of watching the run fests in the IPL over the last couple of months where we had probably the extreme opposite.”India captain Rohit Sharma echoed similar sentiments at the media briefing on Tuesday.”Certainly, it doesn’t look like a place where you can score easily,” he said. “So, we’ve got to be a little mindful of that and see what best we can do. We are all coming off playing an IPL where a lot of runs were scored. So, it’s important to have that balance, understand what is required here. It’s certainly not going to be an IPL kind of scores here. We are very mindful of that. And we just need to assess as quickly as possible and then bring your game into the picture.”As head coach at Delhi Capitals, Ponting was “almost embarassed” after eventual champions Kolkata Knight Riders scored 272 against his side in April. In a chat with The Cricket Monthly soon after, Ponting said a score of 300, which he once felt was impossible, was now in play mainly because of the impact player rule in IPL.”I actually think on the back of the 50-over World Cup [in India last year], the wickets through this last IPL were just outstanding,” he said. “And the grounds are obviously not getting any bigger and these modern-day players are becoming very adept at power-hitting and going from ball one and carrying it on. So as this tournament progresses, we will see the wickets get a whole lot better here. But we also got to keep in mind what the curator’s trying to do here. He is trying to even up the contest. So the teams are just going to have to adapt and adjust and play accordingly.”‘Wickets in Caribbean could slow down toward back end’While he is confident that teams would be able to score over 200 as the T20 World Cup carries on, Ponting felt the pitches in the West Indies are likely to become slow towards the business end of the tournament.”The Caribbean in itself is a little bit of the unknown as to what the wickets are going be like there,” he said. “I know that having Shai Hope in my team at the Delhi Capitals, he was talking about how they hadn’t had any cricket on most of those [nine] venues in the Caribbean for a few months. It was all about trying to prepare the wickets and get the wickets as good as they can be.”In previous years, certainly in CPL competitions as well, the wickets have been quite low and quite slow and aided spin. They will try to get away from that. I have got a feeling that the wickets will probably start really good in the Caribbean, and they might start to slow down towards the back end of the tournament, but we will have to wait and see there.”
Right, Andrea Berta, what have you got for us? Arsenal fans will hope that once the transfer window ends, a striker has signed on the dotted line.
There aren’t many dead certainties in football or sport in general, but the addition of a new centre-forward would undoubtedly boost Mikel Arteta’s hopes of winning silverware next season.
Truth be told, the record of the club’s strikers was not awful in 2024/25. Kai Havertz was on for a 20-goal season if he didn’t sustain a hamstring injury over the winter and Mikel Merino, for all the discussion surrounding him, had a terrific end to the campaign.
The Spaniard notably scored against Real Madrid and once all was said and done, finished the season with six goals in 12 games as a striker. It wasn’t a flash in the pan either as he netted for Spain during the recent set of international fixtures.
That said, they cannot rely on those two again heading into 2025/26.
Arsenal's hunt for a new striker
So, what’s the latest? Well, talks were opened to sign RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko a few weeks ago and it’s reported that Arsenal are indeed still pushing to sign the Slovenian powerhouse this summer.
Sky German’s Florian Plettenburg revealed last week that there remains a ‘positive’ feeling around the deal, but there is no agreement in place yet. A sticking point continues to be the price tag with Leipzig looking for something between £68m and £85m.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As a result, Arsenal are continuing to do work on Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swede now very much keen on signing for the Gunners amid interest from Manchester United. The latest on that deal is that the Sporting striker is reportedly now ‘dreaming’ of heading to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
But, what if there was a better option than both? Well, that player would well be out there over the forthcoming months.
Indeed, according to one GOAL transfer correspondent, Arsenal are one of the teams to have held talks over signing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen this summer.
The Nigerian is attracting plenty of interest with Galatasaray, Juventus, PSG, Chelsea, Manchester United, Milan and Real Madrid said to have had contact with the forward.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhenreacts
Osimhen was valued at over £100m last summer but Napoli struggled to find a suitor and as a result, he spent the campaign on loan at Galatasaray.
Now, his value has fallen to around £63m which would be a more attractive price than Sesko’s valuation, in particular.
But, who would be the better signing?
How Osimhen compares to Sesko and Gyokeres
Sesko is very much a raw talent. While he bagged 21 goals in all competitions throughout 2024/25, only 13 of those came in Bundesliga action. For someone who could cost over £80m, you could argue that Arsenal may well end up overpaying here.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
However, you cannot argue with his skill set. He’s tall, he’s quick, he’s physical and he’s already been described as the “new Erling Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig.
As for Gyokeres, well, you’re probably going to get goals. There are not very many players on the planet capable of scoring at the rate he’s been scoring at over the last few years.
Since trading Coventry for Lisbon, the Sweden international has been on fire at Sporting. He scored 54 goals in 52 games this season, adding to the 43 in 50 he netted throughout 2023/24. He’s a rampant goal machine, that is evident. However, there is a lingering question: can he do it in a top five league? There are some doubters.
Osimhen, on the other hand, has proven over a number of years now that he can perform at the highest level of the game. He’s a ready-made option and there’s a reason most of the top clubs in Europe are looking at him.
Like Gyokeres, Osimhen was playing in a lower quality league this season – the top-flight of Turkey – but he was incredibly destructive. The 26-year-old scored 26 goals in 30 league matches and added another 11 in as many games in cup competitions.
It follows the trend of Osimhen scoring a bucket load of goals wherever he goes. It was at Lille where the “monster” forward, as he’s been described by analyst Ben Mattinson, first became something of a household name.
Goal tallies: Osimhen vs Gyokeres since 2020
Season
Osimhen
Gyokeres
2020/21
10
5
2021/22
18
18
2022/23
31
22
2023/24
17
43
2024/25
37
54
Stats via Transfermarkt.
The Nigeria international scored 18 in 38 for Les Dogues and in a Napoli shirt, has 76 in 133 outings, an average of 19 per season.
For some, it might be crucial to learn that 65 of those goals have come in Serie A, where he notably led Napoli to the title in 2022/23, becoming a cult hero in the process.
An immense physical presence, the aforementioned Mattinson has also labelled him as a “beast in the air”, highlighting his ability to “hold up play”.
In contrast, that’s an area where Gyokeres perhaps struggles more with Mattinson indicating that the Swede has a “heavy first touch” and “doesn’t anticipate contact or shield the ball well.” Those are red flags in his eyes and as a result, it does indicate that Osimhen could be the better option.
He’s an animal in front of goal, has clever movement like Gyokeres and can offer something else in the build-up play too. That final factor could well be decisive for Arteta who enjoys a forward who isn’t just a one-trick pony.
Big Havertz upgrade: Arsenal held talks on Wednesday to sign £67m "monster"
The prolific marksman would be a massive hit at Arsenal.
Attention is already turning to the new 2025/26 Premier League season, with promoted sides Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland looking to buck the recent trend and avoid relegation at the first time of asking.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, will be the defending champions, whereas Pep Guardiola is leading a Manchester City rebuild. Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will finally be hoping that this is their year, while Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to improve on their terrible domestic campaigns last time around.
Grok, the AI tool on X, relayed by Birmingham World, has already predicted the 2025/26 Premier League table, looking at how many points each team will collect, including their goal difference.
AI 2025/26 Premier League table in pictures:
AI Premier League table 2025/26
Rank
Team
Games
Points
GD
1
Liverpool
38
88
+42
2
Arsenal
38
80
+30
3
Man City
38
78
+28
4
Newcastle
38
72
+22
5
Chelsea
38
68
+18
6
Aston Villa
38
65
+12
7
Nottingham Forest
38
62
+10
8
Tottenham
38
60
+8
9
Brighton
38
58
+6
10
Fulham
38
55
+4
11
Man Utd
38
54
+2
12
Everton
38
52
0
13
West Ham
38
50
-2
14
Bournemouth
38
48
-5
15
Brentford
38
46
-8
16
Leeds Utd
38
42
-12
17
Crystal Palace
38
40
-15
18
Wolves
38
38
-20
19
Burnley
38
34
-25
20
Sunderland
38
30
-30
The next 10 Ballon d'Or winners predicted by AI
Who could win the Ballon d’Or across the next ten years?
Starting the countdown at the bottom of the table, AI thinks Championship playoff winners Sunderland will finish in 20th place.
They believe Regis Le Bris’ side will accumulate 30 points, though, 18 more than Southampton, who were 20th in 24/25.
19 19th: Burnley (34 points, -25 GD)
Another newly promoted side, Burnley are believed to be the next side to go down. Scott Parker worked wonders at Turf Moor in his first campaign, conceding just 16 goals in 46 games and ending on 100 points.
However, potentially losing some of those defensive stars, including goalkeeper James Trafford, could see the Clarets struggle.
18 18th: Wolves (38 points, -20 GD)
Wolves have been flirting with the bottom three in the 23/24 and 24/25 seasons, and AI thinks 25/26 is the year they are going down.
After losing Matheus Cunha to Man Utd, the Old Gold will need to replace their top scorer and could struggle under Vitor Pereira.
17 17th: Crystal Palace (40 points, -15 GD)
Crystal Palace manager OliverGlasnerapplauds fans after the match
Just avoiding the drop are the 24/25 FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. AI claims that the fixture congestion from Europe could see them struggle in the Premier League.
Another problem for the Eagles is player sales, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta all being linked with moves away from Selhurst Park.
16 16th: Leeds United (42 points, -12 GD)
Leeds United manager DanielFarkecelebrates after the match
AI feels that Leeds United, the Championship title winners, could buck the trend and avoid relegation by finishing on 42 points.
If they do, the Whites, who won the second tier title in stoppage time on the final day, will be the first side since the 2022/23 season to get promoted and remain in the Premier League.
15 15th: Brentford (46 points, -8 GD)
Brentford managerThomasFrankbefore the matc
Despite a top 10 finish in 24/25, Brentford are next on the list, with AI believing Bryan Mbeumo’s potential departure could result in a drop-off for Thomas Frank’s side.
Mbeumo scored 20 of the Bees’ 66 goals last season but could be on his way to Man Utd, which may see them slide down the table.
14 14th: Bournemouth (48 points, -5 GD)
Another side who finished in the top 10 last season, Bournemouth, could also be in line to lose some of their star players.
Already selling Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo are also in demand, with AI feeling that any sales will negatively impact the Cherries.
13 13th: West Ham (50 points, -2 GD)
West Ham United manager GrahamPotter
One side that AI feels will slightly improve from 24/25 is West Ham, who finished 14th in the previous campaign on 43 points.
Graham Potter is preparing for his first full season in charge at the London Stadium and will be looking to make his mark in the transfer window.
12 12th: Everton (52 points, 0 GD)
Everton manager DavidMoyesbefore the match
Another team AI think will finish one place higher than 24/25 is Everton. David Moyes came in and steadied the ship for the Toffees and will be leading them at their new stadium in 25/26.
It is added that keeping hold of star defender Jarrad Branthwaite and adding depth to the side is key, though.
11 11th: Manchester United (54 points, +2 GD)
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
Things couldn’t have gone much worse for Man Utd in 24/25, so AI does have them finishing higher but still in the bottom half with 54 points.
‘Integrating new signings and addressing defensive frailties’ under Ruben Amorim in a 3-4-3 system could still see the Red Devils struggle, ending 12 points and four places better off.
As results on the pitch continue to encapsulate their struggles even after the Premier League season has concluded, Manchester United have reportedly already set their sights on some key upgrades.
Man Utd defeated by ASEAN All-Stars
Whilst other clubs have taken a much-needed rest following a frantic Premier League season, Manchester United are currently in Asia on a post-season tour. But even outside of Europe, they haven’t been able to escape their problems. Just one week after suffering defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Devils were humiliated by ASEAN All-Stars earlier this week to only add to their misery.
In a game which featured several mainstays, including Andre Onana, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United’s Asian fans would have been expecting Ruben Amorim’s side to get back to winning ways, albeit only in a friendly.
What they received instead, however, is the experience that many around Old Trafford have become accustomed to. And like those at Old Trafford, they reacted by booing the defeat that they were witnessing – boos that Amorim has since admitted his side need to hear.
The Manchester United boss told reporters after yet another defeat: “I’m always guilty of the performance of the team, no matter what. Since I’ve been here from the first day, I am guilty. The boos from the fans is something that we need, maybe. Because every game we lost in the Premier League, they [fans] were always there [supporting].
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“It’s like the way of playing, if they see that it’s not working, they will change the way they behave. But I felt when we finished and walked away, the supporters were with us. But, again, let’s wait for the next season.”
The defeat once again highlighted just how desperately Manchester United need to get things right this summer, perhaps starting with a signing that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly not giving up on.
Man Utd set to hold more Joan Garcia talks
According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now set to hold new talks to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia in the coming days, with Ratcliffe failing to give up on the deal despite interest from Barcelona, who are the current favorites to get a deal done. Reports from Spain have even claimed that Garcia has even chosen Barcelona, but Man Utd are looking to hiajck a move.
The interest of the Red Devils comes as little surprise, given they had discussions for the keeper last month. Garcia, with a release clause worth just €25m (£21m), ticks the box for the type of bargain that United must target this summer as they look to replace Onana.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Joan Garcia
Andre Onana
Starts
38
34
Clean Sheets
8
9
Saves P90
3.68
2.59
Save Percentage
75.5%
68.9%
If there are any concerns that Garcia wouldn’t be a major upgrade on Onana, then the numbers should put those concerns to bed in an instant. The Spaniard has enjoyed an excellent season at Espanyol and has been praised by Ben Mattinson since the very start, with the analyst dubbing him “dominant” back in August.
For just £21m, the deal makes perfect sense for Manchester United if they want to end their goalkeeper struggles once and for all in the coming months.
Everton are planning for a busy summer, with The Friedkin Group willing to back David Moyes as he whips his side into shape.
The Scottish manager has been brilliant since replacing Sean Dyche in the dugout, but there’s only so much he can do without investment across numerous positions, angling the Toffees toward a state of confidence and coherence, capable of competing at the upper end of the Premier League.
There’s no question the Merseysiders need more goals as they step into the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, and Moyes appears to have found his man already, with Everton joining the race for a Serie A striker.
Everton join race for new striker
It’s no secret that Everton are in need of a new centre-forward, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin approaching the end of his current contract, while Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is likely to return to his parent club.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
With that in mind, Caught Offside report that Everton have joined the hotly-contested race for Valentin Castellanos, a 26-year-old striker plying his trade for Lazio.
The reliable goalscorer would be allowed to leave if Lazio received a fee of around £30m, although in truth, suitors may well be put off by such demands.
Lazio's Valentin Castellanos celebrates
In any case, Everton know they have their work cut out with this one: Nottingham Forest, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all eager to make their move this summer.
What Castellanos would bring to Everton
Castellanos, a two-cap Argentina international, played out the early years of his career in his homeland before transferring to the MLS in 2018, where he would remain in the Big Apple with New York City F.C. until moving on loan to Girona in 2022.
A prolific season in Spain led to a permanent move to Lazio, and after scoring just four Serie A goals last season, Castellanos has now posted 14 across 39 appearances this term, supplying eight assists.
There’s an athletic grace to his football that would certainly add a dimension to Moyes’ attack, contrasting with the powerful strides of Beto and Calvert-Lewin’s target man style, should the veteran forward renew his contract.
As per FBref, Castellanos ranks among the top 9% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shots taken, the top 12% for goal-creating actions and the top 20% for progressive carries per 90, praised for his “extraordinary” technical ability by Lazio boss Marco Baroni.
The nine’s performances in the Europa League this year have also led the data-driven platform to compare him to Richarlison, Everton’s former talisman who left for Tottenham Hotspur in a £60m deal back in 2022.
It’s difficult to analyse the Brazilian’s performances from this term, for his availability has been limited due to injury, but Richarlison did enjoy heightened success under Ange Postecoglou’s wing last year, with his energy, versatility and snapping bite making for an intriguing option.
League Stats – Castellanos vs Richarlison
Stats (* per game)
Castellanos (24/25)
Richarlison (23/24)
Matches (starts)
28 (27)
28 (18)
Goals
10
11
Assists
3
4
Shots (on target)*
3.6 (1.4)
2.2 (0.9)
Big chances missed
13
7
Pass completion
70%
71%
Key passes*
1.0
0.6
Dribbles*
0.6
0.4
Duels won*
4.8
2.9
Stats via Sofascore
It’s an option Castellanos could provide for Moyes to have an even greater effect.
Richarlison’s tenacity and ability to add a direct threat while using his movements and physicality to upset defenders differentiates him from the rabble of forwards across the continent. Fitness setbacks have been his nemesis in recent years, but his underlying talent level remains strong.
However, while Everton might be interested in completing a deal, it doesn’t make sense to take a backwards step when every aspect of the club is currently angled forward, to a new beginning.
Richarlison injured for Tottenham
Castellanos could be the man to lead Everton over the coming years, bearing Richarlison’s prolific quality and multi-facetedness.
Though the Argentine could perhaps be a bit more clinical with his shooting, there’s enough about his overall game that Moyes would delight in working with him, adding a layer to an Everton team firmly rooted in structure and solidity and purposeful pragmaticism.
Everton managerDavidMoyescelebrates after the match
After renewed promise since the harsh winter of Dyche’s final days abated, Everton have got an appetite for a new level of success.
Showing intent and bringing players such as Castellanos into the fold, instead of returning for a former star in Richarlison, who has flattered to deceive since leaving, is surely the way forward.
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Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has shared his verdict as Spurs reportedly close in on the appointment of a 52-year-old, with the ex-England international expressing his delight for chairman Daniel Levy.
Tottenham ponder new manager after 20 Premier League defeats
The Lilywhites set a dismal record over the weekend, surpassing their previous number of total Premier League defeats in a single season.
Tottenham: £4m-per-year manager enters pole position to replace Postecoglou
The Australian could still leave Spurs if they win the Europa League.
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Ange Postecoglou’s side have now lost 20 league games this term, following a 2-0 home defeat to FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace, and this torrid number is quite simply inexcusable for a ‘big six’ club.
Tottenham’s final Premier League fixtures
Date
Aston Villa (away)
May 16th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
Spurs also find themselves 17th in the table with no wins from their last five. The terrible form of relegated trio Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton has seemingly rescued them from flirting with a drop to the Championship, which makes for seriously grim reading from Postecoglou’s perspective.
Some reports suggest Postecoglou is set to leave Tottenham this summer, even if the Australian ends their 17-year wait for a trophy and qualifies for the Champions League by winning the Europa League final.
A host of tacticians have been tipped to potentially replace Postecoglou, with Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) all on Tottenham’s rumoured managerial shortlist, according to reports in the last month.
In the meantime, while none of these possible appointments appear close, one hire which is becoming more anticipated by the week is the return of ex-managing director Fabio Paratici.
The Italian’s worldwide ban by FIFA is due to end on June 30th, and this has prompted many reports linking him with a return to N17.
Corriere della Sera recently stated that Paratici will re-join Tottenham after talks with AC Milan broke down, and some media outlets closer to home claim that Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been recommended to Spurs by the 52-year-old already.
Robinson thrilled by potential Paratici return to Tottenham
Speaking to Tottenham News, ex-Spurs keeper Robinson has shared exactly why he believes Paratici’s potentially imminent comeback is a welcome boost for the north Londoners.
“His recruitment has been excellent,” said the pundit, who regularly features on Sky Sports.
“Listen, he’s had an official ban, but I think his fingerprints have been all over a lot of Tottenham signings. You can’t work in an official capacity, but there’s nobody saying you can’t ring your mate up and make a phone call and recommend him a player.
Fabio Paratici attends Tottenham Hotpsur's away clash in the Premier League against Crystal Palace.
“Anyone can do that. You look at the signings that he’s had, you look at Kulusevski, Bentancur, Romero, Vicario. The signings that he’s brought to the club have been a success.
“I think from the outside looking in, it’s somebody that Daniel Levy trusts. So if he comes back in an official capacity, I think that’ll be a good thing for the club if he can work with whatever manager’s in charge next season and get the recruitment right for the style of play that the manager wants to achieve.
“It’s vitally important, as we’ve seen this season with Ange, you have to have a set of players that fit the system that the manager wants to play, or else it’s not going to work.”