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يعتقد ديفيد جيمس، حارس مرمى ليفربول السابق، أن النادي لديه بالفعل بديل ليحل محل محمد صلاح، جناح الفريق، وتحدث عن مستقبل المحترف المصري.

وأدلى محمد صلاح بتصريحات مؤخرًا أعرب خلالها عن عدم رضاه على وضعه الحالي في ليفربول، وأشار إلى انقطاع علاقته بالمدير الفني آرني سلوت.

وجاءت تصريحات صلاح في ظل استمرار جلوسه على مقاعد بدلاء ليفربول لثلاث مباريات متتالية في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

بالإضافة إلى ذلك قام آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول، باستبعاد محمد صلاح من قائمة الفريق للمباراة أمام إنتر ميلان في دوري أبطال أوروبا المقرر خوضها غدًا الثلاثاء.

وقال حارس مرمى ليفربول السابق جيمس، في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية: “لم يكن ليفربول مضطرًا للتجديد مع محمد صلاح، ولم يكن محمد صلاح مضطرًا للتوقيع مع ليفربول”.

وأضاف: “أعني، في النهاية، كانت الصفقة التي وقعها ستكون مناسبة لكلا الطرفين، وأعتقد أنه لو جاء وقت مناسب، وأعلم أن ليفربول ليس الوحيد في هذا، لكن معظم أسباب التعاقد مع اللاعبين ستكون الأرقام التي يُحققونها”.

وواصل: “لذا، يمكن تصوّر وضع لا تكون فيه أرقام محمد صلاح بالمستوى الذي يحتاجه ليفربول، وإذا وُجد طرفٌ راغب في التعاقد معه في مكان آخر، فأنا على يقين بأنه عبر الحوار، خصوصًا وأن لمحمد صلاح رأيًا في الأمر، سيكون ليفربول مستعدًا للسماح برحيله”.

وأشار: “بموجب العقد، لا أعتقد أنني أستطيع تصوّر موقف يُبقي فيه محمد صلاح في النادي لمجرد الحصول على راتبه، أعتقد أنه سيكون هناك موقف، من خلال المُحادثات، لأنني أعلم أن الحوار مع ليفربول دائمًا ما يكون جيدًا، حيث سيجلس الطرفان ويناقشان المُستقبل”.

واستطرد: “ومع ذلك، إذا بدأ محمد صلاح في فعل ما يريده ليفربول منه، وأنا متأكد من أن محمد صلاح يرغب في القيام به وبدأ في تسجيل الكثير من الأهداف، فقد يكون ليفربول مجبرًا بسبب وجود طرفٍ راغب محتمل، لأن أي نادٍ سيتحرك للتعاقد معه، والنادي السعودي منطقيًا بحكم امتلاكه للمال، قد يُقدّم عرضًا لا يستطيع ليفربول رفضه”.

وأتم جيمس تصريحاته: “أعتقد أيضًا أن ليفربول لديه بالفعل لاعب جاهز ليحل محل محمد صلاح”.

When Arne Slot spoke in his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United, it was pretty sobering for the head coach to suggest that the focus is on securing a place in next year’s Champions League proper, and not battling to defend their hard-won Premier League title.

Slot’s right, of course, with Liverpool so far removed from last year’s indomitable success that talk of mounting a challenge against high-flying Arsenal would be scoffed at by even the most ardent supporters.

Among Liverpool’s biggest problems this season has been a struggle in the build-up, especially on the right side. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence is keenly felt, and sporting director Richard Hughes is looking to replace the former vice-captain’s creativity.

Liverpool looking to replace Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool have technically replaced Alexander-Arnold already, signing Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5m this summer. However, neither Frimpong or Conor Bradley boast the same playmaking ability as the 27-year-old, who plies his craft for Real Madrid after leaving Anfield at the end of his contract in June.

The £116m signing of Florian Wirtz was meant to help the passing of the creative torch, but Wirtz’s struggles have been well-documented this season, and, as analyst Raj Chohan puts it, “the build-up combination is horrible” on Liverpool’s right-hand side this season.

Those around him know Wirtz has world-class potential in the Premier League and could become a superstar playmaker, a poster boy. However, he doesn’t really operate down the right lane, and this is where Slot and Hughes need to fix Liverpool’s progressive passing.

Perhaps that’s why FSG are showing an interest in signing Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, having shortlisted the France international this week, according to German outlet BILD.

Olise, 23, has only gone from strength to strength since swapping Crystal Palace for the Allianz Arena in 2024, and if Liverpool want to secure his signature, ostensibly as Mohamed Salah’s long-term replacement, they will need to pay over £100m.

BILD believe that Liverpool have placed Olise back onto their shortlist despite Bayern’s not-for-sale stance.

What Olise would bring to Liverpool

Alexander-Arnold’s influence at Liverpool cannot be understated. Quite simply, he is a one-of-a-kind type of player, and his departure to Santiago Bernabeu was always going to be more than just a blow to the Anfield side’s pride.

1

Trent Alexander-Arnold

64

2

Andy Robertson

60

3

Leighton Baines

53

4

Graeme Le Saux

44

5

Kieran Trippier

38

Olise might not be a right-back, but he would prove the perfect Salah replacement at right wing in that he would not try to mimic the Egyptian’s clinical output, and instead bring his own flavour to Merseyside.

At Bayern, the former Palace star has posted 29 goals and 34 assists across 76 matches. He is regarded as “one of the best players in the world” by teammate Serge Gnabry.

Physical and athletic, Olise is also near matchless when it comes to creating for his peers, setting up passing patterns and adding pressure in the final third with unplayable passing.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists and shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive passes, the top 12% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.

That is not to say he’s a one-trick pony, with fearsome ball-striking qualities that the Premier League’s many defenders and goalkeepers know only too well.

He has proven himself to be a superstar in the English game, and since levelling up in Germany, Olise has fostered the playmaking brilliance that would see him reinvent Slot’s right flank and rekindle the presence of Trent at Anfield.

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After a dismal defeat against ten men last Monday, Manchester United bounced back with a 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils were behind at half-time after a Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty, but two goals from set pieces were enough to ensure they would take all three points back to Manchester.

Both goals were impressive finishes from United. First, the lesser-spotted Joshua Zirkzee got himself on the scoresheet with a fantastic finish.

He controlled a Bruno Fernandes free-kick on his chest before superbly volleying low and hard into the back of the net.

That was the strike which drew United level, and the goal which won them the game, from Mason Mount, was just as good. The Red Devils’ number 7 walked onto a Fernandes layoff from yet another free-kick, driving his effort through the Palace wall and into Dean Henderson’s goal.

Despite the result and an energetic second half showing, it was far from a perfect afternoon for United. Ruben Amorim’s side could only muster an expected goals tally of 1.25 xG, and just 0.26 xG in the second half. It was an important win, but there is still a lot to improve on.

Indeed, it was a tough day at the office for some United players, including young defender Leny Yoro.

Leny Yoro's day to forget vs Palace

Young French defender Yoro did not have the best outing at Selhurst Park on Sunday lunchtime. It was his foul on Mateta, a challenge late from behind his countryman, which led to Palace’s penalty and Oliver Glasner’s side taking the lead.

Indeed, there were bright moments against the South Londoners for the former Lille star, who has struggled to find his best form for the majority of this season. He made a crucial block in the first half to prevent Palace from scoring, an important moment in the game.

Yet, it was still not the day Yoro would have hoped for. His foul on Mateta, which was ultimately quite a clumsy challenge, and the fact that he won just three duels from the six he contested, meant Amorim took him off for Noussair Mazraoui after Zirkzee’s goal.

Despite what is a tough moment for Yoro, the United squad is rallying around him. Mount was one of the players quick to support his teammate at full-time, something that football presenter Dylan Penketh said he was “glad to see” after the final whistle.

It was a disappointing day for Yoro, but he was not the only United player who struggled.

Not just Yoro: Man Utd star struggles vs Palace

Coming up against Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada was always going to be tough for United’s pivot at Selhurst Park, and Casemiro was a player who felt the brunt of that.

The Brazilian was said to be “haunted by Adam Wharton” according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

Indeed, it was not an easy day against the Eagles’ energetic midfield pivot, especially in the first half. The Brazilian had 65 touches in total across the game, losing the ball 11 times and creating one chance. He also won just seven of his 15 duels.

Casemiro stats vs. Palace
Stat	Number
Touches	65
Pass accuracy	80%
Number of times ball lost	11
Ground duels won	5/9
Aerial duels won	2/6
Fouls	4
Chances created	0
Stats from Sofascore

The United number 18 received a 5/10 rating from the Manchester Evening News journalist Steven Railston. He said Casemiro did improve throughout the game, although he described his start to the game at Selhurst Park as “shaky.”

After a tougher game for Casemiro, and the fact that he is one yellow card away from suspension, it will be interesting to see if he keeps his place in the side ahead of United’s next game. Next up, they have a clash with West Ham United on Thursday at Old Trafford.

It is also a game where United are likely to have the lion’s share of possession. Perhaps Amoirm opts to bring Kobbie Mainoo into their midfield, a man who is better on the ball and more capable of retaining possession and sustaining attacks.

On top of that, the Brazilian played 90 minutes at Selhurst Park. With the game as soon as Thursday and a hectic December coming up, it would not be a surprise to see him rotated out of the side to help aid his recovery.

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So then, Tottenham Hotspur are fifth in the Premier League as international action jumps forward once again. After 11 matches, Thomas Frank’s side have been solid, but they have not been spectacular.

Frank is meticulous, looking to dot the i’s and cross the t’s when crafting a tactical system and a winning culture. At Tottenham, though, the scale of the task is vast, and while there have been encouraging signs since the summer, he needs to build a more creative and exciting outfit.

A sure-fire way to move closer toward this level of fluency would be to inculcate into the fold the latest academy star – the next Harry Kane, perhaps?

Spurs need to find Harry Kane 2.0

Of course, this is easier said than done. Kane is one of the greatest footballers England has ever produced, and his personal achievements down N17 have made him one of Tottenham’s biggest legends of modern times.

Months before leaving Spurs for Bayern Munich in 2023, Kane became the club’s all-time top goalscorer. He left having played 435 matches for the Londoners, posting 280 strikes across all competitions.

It’s fair to say that Tottenham have struggled to replace him, with Richarlison and Dominic Solanke toiling away at number nine over the past few years.

To think he was once a fringe player with little hype around his name, loaned out to a string of lower-level sides before establishing himself as “their best-ever player”, in the words of journalist Sean Walsh.

The lift that would be found through unearthing the new version would be immense, and Frank may find the answer in a current prospect out in League Two.

The Spurs talent who could be the next Kane

This young talent may not be a centre-forward, but he is a skilful and dynamic playmaker who could dovetail into a haggard midfield.

Plying his trade for Notts County in League Two, Tyrese Hall is demonstrating a technical craft that could be further developed over the coming years and established somewhere at the top of the Premier League ladder, perhaps finding a way into Frank’s Tottenham first team.

The 20-year-old has won 53% of his ground duels in League Two this season, as per Sofascore, averaging 1.6 tackles per match besides. This is an impressive metric for a young attacking midfielder.

Jermaine Defoe has even said in the past that Hall is “one of the best players at his age I’ve seen in the country.” There’s a long way for him to go, but if physicality and skill can be balanced out, Frank could have a player of surpassing ability on his hands, perhaps even the next Kane.

He’s found his feet as a central midfielder at Notts County, tailored toward creating and influencing between the lines, but Hall has a diverse skillset, and it’s seen him deployed across a host of roles for Spurs’ youth sides.

Central midfield

30

6 (5)

Defensive midfield

19

3 (4)

Attacking midfield

18

5 (3)

Centre-forward

6

3 (2)

Left midfield

3

1 (1)

Right midfield

1

1 (0)

Kane’s performances for the likes of Leyton Orient and Millwall during the springtime of his illustrious career likely helped fashion him into the player he is today, the 32-year-old with 23 goals from 17 matches for Bayern this season.

Given that the noise around Hall before his breakthrough is arguably louder, with those in the know believing he is beyond something special, there’s every reason to be excited at Tottenham, especially given that his profile could provide a tonic to the current creative woes.

Said to be “magic on the ball” by Magpies correspondent K-Ci Rennicks, Hall has taken a leaf from Kane’s book and fostered his technical craft away from home, learning fundamental skills that the development scene simply doesn’t have the capacity to match.

His creativity and flair could work wonders in the Spurs centre next season, and he might just make his mark as Kane did when bursting onto the scene way back when.

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Paul Goldschmidt will play for his third MLB team starting this season, and his switch from St. Louis Cardinals red to New York Yankee pinstripes will be a strange sight, at least at first. Goldschmidt started with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but became a star with St. Louis, earning an MVP award, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger during his six years with the Cardinals.

Goldschmidt, who departed St. Louis via free agency—signing a one-year deal with the Yankees—took out a newspaper advertisement Sunday to get the fans a final message. Here's what it read:

British taxpayers will have to foot a bill to the tune of £2 million (€2.27m/$2.62m) if West Ham United are relegated from the Premier League this season. The Hammers are currently 19th in the league table after enduring a torrid season which is yet to pick up following the appointment of manager Nuno Espirito Santo as Graham Potter's successor.

• Nuno replaced Potter at West Ham helm following poor start to season

  Nuno was handed the reins at West Ham at the end of September after former head coach Potter was dismissed. The 50-year-old, who has since taken charge of Sweden, was sacked after only eight months at the helm following a start to the 2025-26 season which saw the club lose four of their first five league games. 

  West Ham suffered defeats against Sunderland, Chelsea, Tottenham and Crystal Palace, though they did register a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, in what turned out to be Nuno’s final game in charge at the City Ground. The Portuguese guided Forest to seventh in 2024-25 – their highest finish since the 1994-95 campaign – but was dismissed after just three league games this season. Nuno had previously revealed his relationship had "changed" with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, amid his frustration over the club’s summer transfer activity.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Captain Bowen admitted club are 'in trouble' following Leeds defeat

  Nuno’s appointment is yet to lead to an upturn in form, with West Ham failing to win any of their first four games under his stewardship. After earning an impressive 1-1 draw at Everton on 29 September, the east Londoners have since suffered three successive league defeats against Arsenal, Brentford and Leeds United.

  Speaking after their latest reverse against Leeds, West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen admitted the club are "in trouble now", telling after the game: "A dressing room when you're second bottom of the league is low. The only way this will change is if we step up and show some fight.

  "We need more of that. It's easy to hide and be scared almost. It's easier said and harder to do sometimes. You have to face up to the reality of where we are and we're in trouble now.

  "We've talked as a group, but it's down to the players as well. We speak to each other, but there's only so much. It's got to come from within. We haven't been great at home, but now is the time to roll your sleeves up."

• Taxpayer will feel brunt if West Ham are relegated

  With West Ham continuing to struggle, a new report in claims the British taxpayer would have to stump up £2m if they are relegated this season. The report claims that, under the terms of their 99-year lease for playing at the London Stadium, West Ham’s annual rent of £2.5m will be halved should the club drop into the Championship.

  The report also says control of the stadium, built to host the 2012 London Olympics, was handed to the Greater London Authority, with the London Legacy Development Corporation retiring from the operating company, E20 Stadium LLP, and being replaced by GLA Holdings Ltd. However, the most recent accounts – for the year ending March 31, 2024 – highlighted an operating loss of £20.9m in public money, given that the amount of rent West Ham pay does not cover stadium operating costs.

  And with West Ham currently languishing near the bottom of the table, the report concludes by saying that, given the club’s current form, there could be further expense to the British taxpayer because of an agreement detailed in the stadium concession agreement.

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  Influential West Ham midfielder Paqueta sanctioned by FA

  The news comes after West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta was sanctioned by the Football Association (FA) for "two proven breaches" following their investigation into alleged spot-fixing. The Brazil international has subsequently been reprimanded and given a warning over his future conduct by a regulatory commission, after a hearing found he had "failed to comply with a requirement to answer questions and provide information to The FA’s investigation into breaches of the Rules." Paqueta had previously denied the two charges.

  In a statement on their official club website, West Ham said: "West Ham United acknowledges the statement published by the Football Association today, confirming that Lucas Paqueta has received a warning as to his future conduct, following two proven breaches of FA rule F3, after he was cleared of misconduct charges made against him for alleged breaches of FA rule E5. West Ham United and Lucas Paqueta are pleased that this matter is now finally closed. The Club will be making no further comment."

Bayern Munich could now give Chelsea a real transfer boost as BlueCo set their sights on an “elite” player, according to a new report.

Chelsea secure dramatic late win over Liverpool

On the field, Enzo Maresca watched on as his side bounced right back from their dismal loss at home to Brighton by overcoming Premier League champions Liverpool 2-1 last weekend.

Maresca was sent off for his jubilant celebrations after teenage sensation Estevao Willian bagged a vital winner deep into added time, with the Italian sprinting in animated fashion to celebrate alongside his players in the corner.

Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool – best performers

Match Rating

Moises Caicedo

7.8/10

Marc Cucurella

7.7/10

Estevao

7.7/10

Cody Gakpo

7.5/10

Reece James

7.3/10

via WhoScored

Moises Caicedo also opened the scoring with one of the goals of the season so far, beating Liverpool’s Giorgi Marmadashvilli from long range just 14 minutes into the goalkeeper’s Premier League debut.

It was an evening to remember for the Blues at Stamford Bridge, and one which could highlight that the title race is still wide open as Chelsea look to build upon their deserved three points against Arne Slot’s side.

That being said, according to some reports, Maresca is personally unhappy with his overall squad choices right now and feels that a few key areas need to be reinforced (Simon Phillips) — with Chelsea expected to rectify certain positions in January.

The big one is, of course, at centre-back.

Maresca publicly stated that Chelsea need another body at centre-half in the summer, but despite allegedly holding talks with Dean Huijsen’s camp and considering other names, the Blues didn’t get one over the line.

Now, Chelsea and Maresca are reportedly in agreement that signing a new defender should be prioritised for January, with a goalkeeper also said to be on their agenda.

The West Londoners held negotiations with AC Milan over a deal for France number one Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup, but a major difference in price meant that Chelsea couldn’t find an agreement.

Chelsea are ready to go back in for Maignan and offer him a pre-contract in the winter (Graeme Bailey), as his contract expires at the end of 2025/2026.

However, they face stiff competition.

Bayern could give Chelsea "huge" transfer boost as BlueCo eye Mike Maignan

One of the clubs who are competing for Maignan is Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, but according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Vincent Kompany’s side could hand them a “huge” boost by pulling out of the race.

This is because Bayern are in talks to hand long-serving keeper Manuel Neuer, who’s now 39-years-old, a 12-month extension that would keep him in Bavaria until 2027.

Chelsea could now face less competition in the race for Maignan as a result, which definitely would come as good news for Maresca.

Doubts have surrounded Robert Sanchez’s capability as Chelsea’s long-term number one, and you can make a case that they could need to upgrade with the addition of a world-class, elite-level keeper who’s capable of taking them to the next level.

Maignan, especially on a free transfer, fits the bill perfectly.

The 30-year-old Rossoneri captain has kept 64 clean sheets in 170 appearances for Milan, conceding just 173 goals in that time, which are solid numbers, and he’s just won France’s 2024/2025 Goalkeeper of the Season award.

A Ligue 1 champion with Lille and Serie A champion with Milan already in his career, Maignan’s top-level experience would also be invaluable to Maresca’s extremely young squad, making his signing an arguable no-brainer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to back Ruben Amorim in the January transfer window, with an “amazing” player now high on Manchester United’s shortlist.

Man Utd have big decision to make with Amorim at "breaking point"

Man United signed off with an unconvincing 3-2 victory against Burnley before the international break, which didn’t exactly silence the critics, and club legend Wayne Rooney believes the manager will be feeling the pressure.

Speaking after the EFL Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town, Rooney said: “Manchester United is so different to where he’s been before. You come in and there’s the media team, the commercial team, the fans and the media.

“There’s a pressure with United, which he will never have felt before. When you’re not winning games, that can start to get [to you] and it looked like he was at a breaking point.”

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As such, INEOS have a big decision to make on Amorim’s future, given that the Portuguese manager’s record since arriving last November has been far from impressive, averaging just 1.37 points per match across 46 games.

However, a new report from TEAMtalk states that Ratcliffe and co are ready to back their manager in the January transfer window, suggesting the Man United ownership still believe in Amorim’s project.

The 40-year-old is set to be provided with the funds to strengthen his squad this winter, and a new central midfielder is believed to be of particular interest, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson featuring high up the shortlist.

After joining Forest from Newcastle United for £35m last summer, Anderson has enjoyed an impressive rise, recently receiving his first call-up for England, and it would be fair to say the midfielder grasped the opportunity with both hands, impressing journalist Craig Hope.

"Amazing" Anderson impressing for club and country

Not only has the England international caught the eye for the Three Lions, but he has also received plaudits for his performances at club level, being described as “amazing” by former manager Nuno last season.

The 22-year-old is an incredibly well-rounded midfielder, as showcased by the fact he provides an attacking threat, picking up eight Premier League goal contributions last season, while his tackling ability is also impressive.

It is little wonder that Anderson is high on Man United’s shortlist, and he should remain a key target, regardless of whether Amorim lasts until the January transfer window.

Leeds United are looking to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch before the transfer window officially slams shut for another year this evening.

The Whites were reportedly looking to sign Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week to add to their attacking midfield ranks, after he spent last season on loan at Leicester City.

Unfortunately, Chelsea decided to pursue a loan move for the Argentine playmaker and are now closing in on a deal to add him to their squad at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds were, of course, unable to compete with the Champions League football that Enzo Maresca’s side have on offer, and look set to miss out on Buonanotte.

Leeds have playmaker on their radar

The Championship champions are still in need of another option in the frontline after missing out on the Brighton youngster, and are reportedly looking further afield for an alternative.

Transfer Focus

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

According to LeedsLive, Krasnodar attacking midfielder Eduard Spertsyan has emerged as a potential option for Leeds United on deadline day, as they could make a last-gasp move for the star.

The report claims that the Armenia international is one of a number of playmakers on the club’s radar as they look to bolster their options in that position before the window slams shut.

It adds that Bilal El Khannouss, Dilane Bakwa, and Manor Solomon are also being looked at by the Whites, as they look at traditional number tens and natural wingers on both sides.

Daniel Farke, though, worked with Spertsyan, who was linked with an £11m move to Southampton earlier this summer, and he may be a shrewd addition to the squad.

Why Leeds should sign Eduard Spertsyan

The West Yorkshire outfit should look to pursue a deadline day deal for the Armenian star because he could be an even better option than Buonanotte as an attacking midfielder.

Spertsyan has not experienced English football before, so it would be a risk in that respect, but his form for Krasnodar suggests that he has the potential to be an incredibly exciting addition to the squad.

The 25-year-old star, who was described as an “elegant” player by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is heading into the prime years of his career and could offer a huge threat at the top end of the pitch if he can adapt to the Premier League.

Appearances

28

7

Goals

11

4

Big chances missed

5

1

Key passes per game

2.1

3.9

Big chances created

6

5

Assists

6

8

As you can see in the table above, Spertsyan has delivered 15 goals and 14 assists in his last 35 appearances in the Russian Premier League, including eight assists in seven games this season.

These statistics show that the £11m-rated star is an incredibly creative player who looks to play key passes constantly each match, whilst he can also provide a significant threat as a goalscorer.

Meanwhile, Buonanotte has produced eight goals and three assists in 58 outings in the English Premier League in the last two seasons for Leicester and Brighton combined, per Sofascore.

This suggests that Spertsyan would be an even better signing for Leeds if they can get him to translate his performances for Krasnodar over to English football this season.

It would be a risky addition, given his lack of experience in England, but his immense form in Russia suggests that it could be worth the risk as an alternative to Buonanotte, who has not delivered consistently in the final third in his career to date.

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1 ByDan Emery Aug 31, 2025

He is an ICC Level III qualified coach, and brings plenty of coaching experience in Sri Lankan domestic cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Mar-2025Former Sri Lanka batter Chamara Silva has been appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lanka Under-19 men’s team. His appointment runs from March 2025 to December 2026. This period includes the Under-19 Men’s World Cup to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia next year.Silva brings plenty of coaching experience from Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit. He is an ICC Level III qualified coach, and has served as head coach of the Police Sports Club. Before that, he has also coached the Bloomfield Cricket Club and Panadura Sports Club.Silva played 11 Tests, 75 ODIs and 16 T20Is for Sri Lanka in a 12-year period from 1999-2011. His last game for Sri Lanka was a T20I against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in November 2011. Two days before that, Silva played what turned out to be his final ODI.He was part of the side that finished runners-up in back-to-back ODI World Cups in 2007 and 2011. While he managed only 77 runs in four innings in 2011, he had got four half-centuries in 2007, including three in a row to start the tournament. Silva last played a Test in 2008, having got scores of 61 and 152* in his debut series, which was on the tour of New Zealand in 2006-07.He was also part of the World T20 in 2007 and 2009, with Sri Lanka losing the final of the latter tournament to Pakistan.In 2017, he was banned from cricket for two years by SLC for his supposed role in a Tier B first-class match that featured unusual scoring rates. Silva’s last domestic game came as recently as last month, when he represented Police Sports Club against Ace Capital Cricket Club in a Major League Tournament fixture in Colombo.