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Enzo Maresca has revealed he was approached by Manchester United before taking charge at Chelsea, but insists he had no doubts about joining the Blues. The Italian guided Chelsea to the Conference League and Club World Cup titles in his debut season. He also offered support to Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim, describing him as a 'magnificent manager' despite a rocky start at Old Trafford.

Maresca reveals Man Utd talks before Chelsea move

Maresca confirmed he held discussions with Manchester United but quickly made up his mind when Chelsea came calling in 2024. He stressed that the size of the club and the quality of the squad convinced him to commit to the Blues. At the same time, he praised Red Devils' historical stature and backed Amorim to succeed despite early setbacks in charge at Old Trafford.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMaresca happy at Chelsea – offers support to Amorim

“I am Chelsea manager, happy to be here,” Maresca explained. “In the moment that Chelsea [contacted] me for the first time, I said already many times, I was immediately convinced and sure. First of all, because of the club, how big it is and then because of the squad, because the squad for me last year was very good, and this season it’s also very good.”

On United, he added: “I think Manchester United is a big club, they have a big manager and no doubt that they are going to do important things with Ruben. The only thing I can say is that I really appreciate Ruben. I've watched Ruben's games since he was in Sporting. He's a magnificent manager. Like all the managers, when you start a new project, sometimes you can struggle a little bit more or a little bit less, but at the end, you're going to struggle. I don't have any doubt that he's a fantastic manager.”

Chelsea stumble at start of the season

Chelsea are looking to build on last season’s success, but their start to the new campaign has been inconsistent. The World Champions have taken two massive victories but have been held to draws by Crystal Palace and Brentford; they also suffered a humiliating 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich earlier this week. Meanwhile, Amorim is under mounting pressure at Old Trafford after leading Manchester United to a 15th-placed finish last season and only managing one win in five games so far this term.

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AFPAmorim's last saving grace? Maresca looking for three points

Chelsea face Manchester United on Saturday in a clash heavy with storylines. The Blues will want to steady their form and climb the table, while United desperately need a statement victory to silence growing doubts around Amorim. With pressure mounting on both sides, the result could shape the direction of their seasons.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is readying an offer for their potential seventh signing of the summer, which is expected to be placed in the next few days, according to a new report.

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The Gunners are making progress.

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Following another season of near-misses, the Gunners have committed to backing Mikel Arteta once again, and their business so far reflects a side serious about ending their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.

The blockbuster, headline-grabbing signing has been that of Viktor Gyökeres, who’s widely seen as the final missing piece of their jigsaw.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

Arsenal finally secured the Swedish striker from Sporting CP in a deal worth up to £64m, including add-ons, with Gyokeres making his long-awaited debut against Tottenham in the first overseas north London derby ever on Thursday.

Berta has been a long-time admirer and sees him as the clinical, physically dominant number 9 which Arsenal have seriously lacked. The 53-year-old apparently pushed to sign the 27-year-old over fellow top striker target Benjamin Sesko (Simon Phillips), with Berta finally getting his wish last weekend.

Gyökeres arrives off the back of another phenomenal season in Portugal, scoring 54 goals in all competitions, and he could be the difference between success and another ‘close but no cigar’ season for Arsenal.

Despite spending upwards of £200m already on fellow new arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera in that order, Berta’s business may not be done.

Talks continue with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and his representatives, as per Fabrizio Romano, with Arteta keen on the England international who could provide more creativity, ball progression and a serious goal return from midfield.

Arsenal missed the deadline to trigger Eze’s £60m release clause, which expired on Friday at 11:59pm, but it was never their idea to activate it anyway, as Berta looks to strike a cheaper deal for him.

Arsenal poised to make "formal" Eberechi Eze bid early next week

Football Transfers have an update on the matter, after the outlet’s previous claim that Arsenal have agreed to pay £30m on a ‘first down payment’ for Eze.

Arsenal are now stepping up their pursuit of Eze, with FT reporting the club are preparing a “formal” £51m bid to tempt Palace, which would be made up of the £30m down payment and a further £22m to be paid over the next two years.

Berta’s offer for Eze will apparently be submitted “early next week”, so in the next few days, with talks intensifying behind the scenes and the Gunners ready to make their move.

Eze would be an ideal fit for Arsenal as a central playmaker, and a different threat to captain Martin Odegaard.

The “unique” forward racked up eight goals and eight assists in just 34 Premier League appearances last season. That’s a goal involvement every other game, and his creativity went even deeper than that.

Eze also ranked in the 94th percentile for key passes and expected assists, with 2.06 key passes per match (Footy Stats) – dazzling around the box and completing over two successful dribbles per game too.

Arteta’s side often struggle against teams in the low block, as evident by their goalscoring record in 2024/2025, but Eze’s proven creativity could seriously help to solve this glaring issue.

In what would welcome the Tyne-Wear derby back to the Premier League in style, Newcastle United are now reportedly ready to hijack Sunderland’s move to sign a Serie A star this summer.

Newcastle return for Elanga

They may have faced their fair share of rejection so far this summer, but Newcastle are yet to be discouraged in their pursuit to sign an attacking reinforcement. Not giving up, the Magpies have returned with a second offer to sign Anthony Elanga after Nottingham Forest rejected their first bid worth around £45m.

With Bryan Mbeumo seemingly on his way to Manchester United, it’s clear to see why Newcastle have turned towards Elanga. The Swede had his best season yet last time out as Forest achieved an unthinkable European place. Now, however, he could leave the City Ground behind in favour of the Magpies.

The winger isn’t the only one on Newcastle’s shopping list, either. Those at St James’ Park now look set to complete a deal to sign James Trafford from Burnley, welcoming a long-term target in the process.

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The England international will compete with Nick Pope and may even displace the shot-stopper to become Eddie Howe’s No.1 as the ultimate modern-day goalkeeper.

Deals for both Elanga and Trafford would represent a change in fortunes for Newcastle following earlier rejection from the likes of Joao Pedro and Mbeumo. And that swing in momentum could yet see them jump ahead of rivals Sunderland to sign an ex-Arsenal midfielder in the coming months.

Newcastle ready to sign Matteo Guendouzi

As reported by Corierre della Sera and relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now ready to sign Matteo Guendouzi ahead of interest from Sunderland and meet his €50m (£43m) release clause at Lazio.

The Frenchman hasn’t been seen in the Premier League since leaving Arsenal in 2022, but could now return three years later as a far more complete player courtesy of spells at Marseille and now at Lazio.

Minutes

3,270

2,393

Tackles Won

21

35

Progressive Carries

89

40

Ball Recoveries

173

149

A player who Gary Neville once described as a “leader”, Guendouzi could push Joelinton all the way for a starting place at Newcastle and offer Howe the depth he has been craving in doing so.

As the Magpies step back into the Champions League next season, it’s the type of depth that Newcastle simply must add to their side this summer. It’s also depth that they failed to sign the last time they were in the Champions League, resulting in an early exit and a finish outside the Premier League’s top four.

Signing Guendouzi would go a long way towards solving that problem all whilst getting one over on Sunderland.

Test captain says someone always needs to be in the firing line, as stand-in struggles for form

Vithushan Ehantharajah05-Sep-2024Ben Stokes has bemoaned the “culture” of English sport for what he perceives as unnecessary criticism of stand-in Test captain Ollie Pope.With Stokes recovering from a torn left hamstring, Pope, his vice-captain, has stepped in to lead the Test team for the ongoing Sri Lanka series. Having overseen comprehensive victories in the first two Tests, the Surrey batter returns to the Kia Oval on Friday looking for a clean sweep. Victory will give England their first 100 percent record in a home season since 2004, after Stokes led a comfortable 3-0 win over West Indies earlier this summer.Pope has marshalled well in the field, but his batting has suffered because of the extra responsibility. An average of 7.50 from four innings – which he attributes to difficulties compartmentalising captaincy with scoring runs at No.3 – has led to a raft of criticism. Former England captain Michael Vaughan was particularly scathing during the second Test, labelling Pope “an insecure human being” and ill-equipped to lead.Stokes, who has been with the team throughout the series, warned Pope that stepping up as captain would invite more criticism. Though not surprised by the comments against Pope, Stokes has been impressed with how the 26-year-old has dealt with the added pressure and acquitted himself on the field.Ben Stokes at a Red Bull event in London•Red Bull Content Pool/Mark Roe”Unfortunately, it’s just English culture towards sport,” Stokes told .”There’s always got to be someone in the firing line and obviously when you’re captain you are more exposed to that.”He’s won two games out of two in charge. At the end of the day, I think that’s the thing that he’s concentrated on the most. He obviously wants to be scoring runs and leading from the front. He’s openly admitted that.”People are very quick to jump on anything, to someone who’s in the firing line and obviously Pope coming in and being captain whilst I’m injured, you can say he’s the easy target there.”But I think he’s done fantastically well in leading the team. He’s done it his own way, which is something I encouraged him to do, to keep driving the team forward in the way that I’ve been trying to do, but make sure that you put your own personal touches to it.”I think he’s tactically he’s done very well. Let’s not forget before that first Test against Sri Lanka, he’d come off the back of fifty, fifty and a hundred (57, 121 and 51 in consecutive innings against West Indies). And then he doesn’t have one good game and everyone’s saying he is out of form. It’s like ‘short memories people, come on!'”It is not the first time Stokes has staunchly defended a teammate. Even before he became captain, he has always felt a duty to his fellow cricketer and athlete, particularly as his stock rose to international repute.That Stokes – a Red Bull athlete – is speaking at their Gaming Sphere in Shoreditch is aligned to that altruistic streak. He is here promoting his athlete-collective, 4Cast, while also indulging his new-ish hobby, Call of Duty.Related

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“It went big through Covid,” Stokes said of his gaming interest. “That’s where it all filtered from. Then as the world got back to some kind of normality, you had your diehards who stayed with it – me being one of them. It’s like another sort of hobby to get you away from all the things that cricket can bring. Clare (his wife) doesn’t understand it, but it’s like her glass of wine at night. At the end of a hard day, I jump on for a couple of hours with my mates, headset on.”As for 4Cast, that weds Stokes’ interest in business and his belief in the power of a team. There were shades of both this time last year when Stokes acted as a key figure in negotiations between the players and the ECB, with the governing body introducing multi-year central contracts.Stokes ended up rejecting a multi-year offer, choosing to keep his options open. This year, an agreement over a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the ECB and The England Player Partnership (TEPP) will be struck, which, aligned with the new cycle of broadcast rights, should bring more money to the table. All being well, it is likely Stokes will sign on for more than 12 months this time.”I’ve always enjoyed the business side of things,” Stokes said of his role at 4Cast. “You see all these big athletes out there who are diving into the world of business. But one thing with me that I really enjoy, is we only really do stuff that we like.”It’s great being able to just bring athletes from different sports into one thing. Athletes together are actually really powerful in terms of what you are able to achieve. When you put a big group of athletes together, it’s amazing what opportunities are out there.”To find out more about Ben Stokes, visit his Instagram channel and Red Bull athlete page

NBA superstar Kevin Durant, one of the highest earning basketball players of all time, has purchased a minority stake in football club Paris Saint-Germain.

Durant, 36, has signed a partnership with Qatar Sports Investments, the club’s majority owners, to explore a wide range of commercial, investment and content production opportunities.

He joins a growing list of American sports stars venturing into football, as perhaps the greatest NFL player of all time, Tom Brady, is a minority owner of English Championship club Birmingham City, while the likes of J.J. Watt, LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes have all invested in clubs dear to their hearts.

But as Durant teams up with one of the richest organisations in professional sports – QSI have a net worth of roughly $450bn – where does he stand amongst the highest earning athletes on the planet when off-field earnings are added to salaries?

Highest earning athletes in 2025 – total earnings (salary/wages + off field earnings)

10.

Kevin Durant

Basketball

$101.4m

9.

Shohei Ohtani

Baseball

$102.5m

8.

Karim Benzema

Football

$104m

7.

Juan Soto

Baseball

$114m

6.

LeBron James

Basketball

$133.8m

5.

Lionel Messi

Football

$135m

4.

Dak Prescott

American Football

$137m

3.

Tyson Fury

Boxing

$146m

2.

Stephen Curry

Basketball

$156m

1.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Football

$275m

10 Kevin Durant – $101.4m

Durant is one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known primarily for his offensive abilities, where his 6 foot 10 frame and effortless jump shot make him a nightmare to defend.

A two-time NBA champion and one-time NBA MVP, his future is one of the biggest talking points of the upcoming off-season, with one-year remaining on his contract worth over $54m.

9 Shohei Ohtani – $102.5m

At 30 years old Ohtani is widely considered the best player in Major League Baseball due to his ability to both pitch and hit to an extremely high level.

The Japanese superstar signed a 10 year, $700m contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024.

8 Karim Benzema – $104m

Benzema won the UEFA Champions League five times during his time with Real Madrid, but has signed the largest contract of his career with his current club, Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad.

The Frenchman, who has scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for his country and won the Ballon d’Or in 2022, earns over £800,000-a-week in Saudi Arabia, which is about $57m-a-year.

7 Juan Soto – $114m

Soto is a Dominican baseball player for the New York Mets, making the controversial switch from the New York Yankees in 2025.

He will earn a whopping $765m over the course of his 15-year contract with the Mets, but falls behind the top of the list due to lower off-field earnings.

6 LeBron James – $133.8m

Regarded as one of the two greatest basketball players of all time along with Michael Jordan, James takes a huge amount of his earnings from his sponsorship deal with Nike.

On the court, the NBA legend is owed over $50m by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26.

5 Lionel Messi – $135m

Perhaps the greatest footballer of all time, Messi opted for Major League Soccer in the USA over the riches of the Saudi Pro League, but still rakes in $135m courtesy of his contract with Inter Miami and sponsorship deals with companies such as Adidas.

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ByBarney Lane Dec 26, 2024 4 Dak Prescott – $137m

Prescott signed the largest contract in American Football history in 2024, penning a four-year extension with the Dallas Cowboys making him the first NFL player to cross the $60m-a-year barrier.

The 31 year-old was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 despite being drafted in the fourth round with the 135th pick.

3 Tyson Fury – $146m

Fury, one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, took home $146m this year after his unanimous decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December.

2 Stephen Curry – $156m

Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history, has won four NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors and been crowned the league’s MVP on two occasions.

He is owed over $60m by the Warriors next season and rakes in millions through his commercial deals with the likes of Under Armour, Callaway and Subway.

1 Cristiano Ronaldo – $275m

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo’s current contract with Saudi side Al-Nassr is worth over £3m-a-week or around $4.5m, while he also earns an additional $50m in sponsor deals with the likes of Nike and Binance.

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.

Liverpool have been the team to beat throughout 2024/25, as seen by the progress made under Arne Slot since he took the reins during the summer last year.

The Dutchman has led the Reds to their second Premier League title, but has already wasted little time in targeting reinforcements ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

After such a dominant year that saw the club win the title by 10 points, you wouldn’t expect a whole host of changes, but it appears as though Slot desperately wants new additions to inject further quality into the side.

Countless players have been touted with a summer switch to Anfield, but as of yet, no deals have reached their conclusion with the window not yet open.

However, work is being done behind the scenes over the last couple of days, with rapid progress being made on numerous deals in the full-back areas, as well as Florian Wirtz.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new full-backs

With Trent Alexander-Arnold departing Liverpool this summer, Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong has been the main target to fill the void, agreeing a £29.5m deal for his services.

The Dutchman has travelled to Merseyside over the last couple of days to complete the formalities of his switch to England, potentially being the club’s first signing of the summer.

He’s not the only player who’s edging closer to a move to Anfield, with Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez still on their radar ahead of the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He claims that the hierarchy are still “working on” a deal to land the Hungarian international, who’s registered two goals and five assists in the Premier League this campaign.

It’s been reported that the Cherries are demanding £45m for his signature during the off-season, with the defender open to a switch to join Slot’s men – following in the footsteps of one player currently on the books.

Why Kerkez could repeat Liverpool's Mac Allister success

Alexis Mac Allister has played a key role in the success endured by Liverpool over the last few months, cementing his place at the heart of the side alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

The Argentine, who joined in a £35m deal from Brighton back in the summer of 2023, has registered 95 appearances in the last two years since his move to Merseyside.

49 of which have come during 2024/25, featuring in all but three Premier League matches, notching 10 combined goals and assists, having a huge impact in their ability to claim the title.

The 26-year-old now appears to be a bargain given his success at Anfield, potentially replicating such a deal with a move for Kerkez over the coming months.

A deal for the Bournemouth defender could see another young star move to the club from a mid-table English outfit, looking to be a key player in any future success under the Dutchman.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a leading full-back despite his tender age, having the tools to thrive at both ends, which has undoubtedly led to the keen interest from Slot’s men.

Kerkez, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Charles Watts, has created 1.1 chances per 90 along with 1.1 successful crosses per 90 – subsequently able to hand other players in front of him the chance to star in the final third.

Games played

38

Goals & assists

7

Pass accuracy

81%

Successful crosses

1.1

Chances created

1.1

Dribbles completed

56%

Tackles won

50%

He’s also completed 56% of the dribbles he’s attempted, with 1.9 touches in the opposition box – further highlighting the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.

However, Kerkez has also starred defensively, winning 50% of the tackles he’s entered and has come out on top of 4.1 duels per 90, having the capability without the ball to impress despite his attacking nature.

The £45m fee could well prove to be a good price for a young talent who is only going to improve further should he receive more minutes in England’s top-flight over the next few seasons.

Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Mac Allister on Merseyside, it would be a sensational deal, offering Slot a new dimension to his already star-studded first team squad.

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Liverpool would consider signing a centre-back this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 28, 2025

This summer presents a huge opportunity for Leeds United to strengthen their first-team squad, bolstering the ranks ahead of their return to the Premier League in 2025/26.

Daniel Farke has created an excellent squad at Elland Road over the last two years, leading the club to Championship glory this season, notching a staggering 100 points.

The midfield has been crucial to their success, with Ao Tanaka undoubtedly being the star in such a department, featuring 43 times and being named in the EFL’s Team of the Season.

Brenden Aaronson, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rothwell have all also played their part, with the latter returning to parent club Bournemouth as a result of his loan ending.

However, if the side are to remain in the top-flight at the end of next campaign, additions are needed during the off-season, with work already being made to land new stars for Farke’s side.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of new midfielders

Manchester City star James McAtee has been constantly on Leeds’ radar in recent weeks, reemerging after previously being a loan target 12 months ago.

The 22-year-old looks set to leave the Etihad this summer, with the Whites battling Nottingham Forest for his signature, but he may cost a pretty penny with Manchester City demanding £35m for his signature.

However, another name has emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure of keen interest, according to Africa Foot’s latest report.

The report claims that the Whites are battling Roma for the 32-year-old, who after signing for £20m a number of years ago, is out of contract at the end of the campaign, with the Malian appearing to wave goodbye at Goodison Park on Sunday.

It also states that he could be tempted by an offer to remain in England’s top-flight, extending his stint in such a division after spending the last nine years between Watford and the Toffees.

Why Doucoure has shades of Kalvin Phillips

Midfielder Kalvin Phillips undoubtedly remains one of the best players to come out of Leeds’ Thorpe Arch academy, developing through the youth levels before making his mark at Elland Road.

The 29-year-old made a total of 234 appearances, helping the side secure promotion in 2020, before cementing their place in the Premier League – something which Farke will be desperate to do this campaign.

He caught the eye with his passing ability and ball-winning talent, whilst also registering numerous goals and having a positive impact within the final third when the ball fell his way.

Phillips would depart to join Manchester City in a £45m deal back in the summer of 2022, already being linked with a return to Yorkshire after his dismal stint under Guardiola.

However, the club should steer clear of any reunion and pursue a move for Doucoure, with the Malian international having the tools to be the club’s next version of the academy graduate.

Whilst he’s featured in a more attacking role than Phillips this campaign, he has still managed to thrive in and out of possession, whilst handing the manager an added threat in the final third.

Doucoure, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one journalist, has registered five combined goals and assists this campaign, whilst also notching a higher shot-on-target rate – highlighting his clinical edge in attacking areas.

Games played

32

19

Goals & assists

5

0

Progressive carries

1.5

0.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

29%

18%

Pass accuracy

80%

79%

Tackles won in the defensive third

0.8

0.5

Take-on success

53%

41%

Aerials won

41%

24%

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst registering more progressive carries – handing Farke an excellent option in possession throughout what’s likely to be a difficult campaign.

The Toffees star’s dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more tackles in the defensive third and coming out on top in more aerial battles, offering the added defensive talent needed in the club’s midfield.

Given the fact that he’s available on a free transfer this summer, it’s a no-brainer that the Whites need to snap up a deal for Doucoure, with the Malian offering an experienced option in the middle of the park.

If he can get anywhere near the levels achieved by Phillips at Elland Road, he would be one hell of an addition, potentially playing a massive role in their chances of achieving survival next campaign.

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ByDan Emery May 20, 2025

Glasgow Rangers’ 2024/25 is over following their Europa League defeat in midweek to Athletic Club at the quarter-final stage.

Having been knocked out of the Scottish Cup in February, plus the fact Celtic are runaway leaders of the Premiership, the final five league games will be dead rubbers for the Ibrox side.

While Philippe Clement was to blame for many reasons, the transfer activity, both in the summer and winter windows, has a lot to answer for regarding the club’s dismal campaign.

Out of all the arrivals to join the club this season, only a few have gained pass marks. Robin Propper could have made that list, yet he has endured a poor season.

Robin Propper's dismal season in numbers

The Dutch defender had played over 100 times for FC Twente, even captaining the side, before making the move to Ibrox last summer.

On the surface, it looked as though he could be a solid signing, especially given his age and the experience gained over his career.

Fast-forward nine months, and it couldn’t have gone any worse. Propper has failed to truly acclimatise to the physical nature of Scottish football, being regularly outpaced and outfought by opposition defenders. As he admitted himself, he “maybe underestimated” the quality of the Premiership.

In Europe, the centre-back has won just 44% of his aerial duels while losing possession 6.7 times per game, and overall, he hasn’t been the best of signings.

Metric (per 90)

Premiership

Europa League

Accurate passes

58.6

30.3

Tackles

1.6

0.8

Total duels won

5.6

2.5

Interceptions

0.9

1

Possession lost

8.7

6.7

Despite this, Propper – who was sent off against Athletic in the first-leg stalemate – may not even be the worst defensive signing Clement made this term. That honour could go to Rafael Fernandes, who, with every passing week, looks an extremely strange signing.

How Rafael Fernandes has performed for Rangers

A few winter arrivals were expected by the Ibrox faithful, but only Rafael Fernandes made the move to Rangers, much to the disappointment of the supporters.

The 22-year-old defender signed on an initial six-month loan deal, having the option to make it permanent, but given how little he has featured, this shouldn’t be exercised.

Indeed, the youngster has played a total of 91 competitive minutes for the Gers spread across four appearances.

His first start for the club came against Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup, and it soon turned into a disaster. He lasted only 60 minutes as the Light Blues suffered a shock defeat.

Since then, Fernandes has started only one more game – against Aberdeen last week – and it doesn’t look like he will feature much in the closing weeks.

Across his three league outings, Fernandes won just 25% of his total duels contested, along with committing one foul per game and making zero tackles each match.

He hasn’t exactly had many chances to make an impact at the club, but even when he has been on the pitch, Fernandes hasn’t done himself many favours, that’s for sure.

It was a weird signing in the first place, and when the season finishes, Rangers should say thanks before allowing him to return to Lille.

Rangers trio worth £5m to leave Ibrox after Athletic Bilbao defeat

Barry Ferguson’s side crashed out of Europe on Thursday.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 19, 2025

Pick between three Tests, with each of them having thrilling moments to offer

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jun-2025Update: This poll has ended. The AUS-IND 2021 Brisbane Test moves into the final.South Africa bend Australia to their will – WACA, 2008Australia were in transition ahead of the home summer in 2008-09, but still beat New Zealand 2-0. They found heroes when they needed one, and were doing the usual Australia things. But then the script changed in the first Test against South Africa in Perth. It took its time coming, though.From 166 for 5, it took a lower-order rescue act to lift them to 375 in the first innings. A macho fast-bowling show from Mitchell Johnson, who bagged a career-best 8 for 61, then kept South Africa to 281. With a 94-run lead – fuelled by Brad Haddin’s 94, and 30s from Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting, Andrew Symonds and Jason Krejza – now extended to 413, Australia set South Africa what looked like far too many runs to win.Enter Graeme Smith, who lost opening partner Neil McKenzie early, but then took the total to 172 in collaboration with Hashim Amla before both fell in quick succession. Smith scored 108, and Amla got 53. But there was more in the tank. Jacques Kallis (57) and AB de Villiers took South Africa to 303 before Kallis fell with the target still over 100 runs away. But de Villiers, who eventually remained not out on 106, finished the job with JP Duminy. Apart from McKenzie, all the batters who walked out, walked back with at least 50 against their name.That was Australia’s second successive loss at the WACA after India beat them there in 2007-08. And who knew at the time that it would lay the foundation for the first of three back-to-back Test series wins by South Africa in the country?

India conquer Australia’s fortress – Gabba, 2021

A closely-fought, dramatic Border-Gavaskar Trophy concluded with India pulling off one of their most memorable Test wins. That came at Australia’s fortress, and the visitors clinched the series 2-1. It was India’s maiden Test victory at the Gabba, and the first by any visiting side there in more than 32 years.What made the result remarkable was that India were without Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin, and their XI included five players who made their Test debuts on that tour.Australia first posted 369, with Marnus Labuschagne scoring 108. For India, Shardul Thakur, and debutants T Natarajan and Washington Sundar, picked up three wickets each. In reply, India were 186 for 6 when Shardul and Washington stitched together a stirring 123-run partnership to ensure India’s deficit was just 33 runs.Australia then made 294 in their second innings – Mohammed Siraj claimed 5 for 73, and Shardul 4 for 61 – setting India 328 to win in exactly 100 overs. It was a tall task, more so after Rohit Sharma was dismissed early on the final day. But Shubman Gill’s brisk 91 and Cheteshwar Pujara’s gritty 56 off 211 deliveries laid the foundation for Rishabh Pant, whose unbeaten 89 off just 138 balls secured a historic win with three wickets and three overs to spare in the game.

Shamar stuns Australia – Gabba, 2024

Carl Hooper and Brian Lara broke down. Even the most patriotic Australian fans cheered for the opposition. The world Test champions were stunned. It was all because one bowler with a broken toe who staged a siege at the Gabba. Australia hadn’t lost a Test to West Indies since 2003, or at home since 1997. They had never lost a pink-ball Test. All that changed in Brisbane in 2024.Australia went into the second Test having decimated West Indies in Adelaide inside three days. At the Gabba, Australia replied to the visitors’ 311 with 289 for 9 declared. West Indies fought for 193 in their second innings, setting a 216-run target.But more importantly, Shamar Joseph had retired hurt after a Mitchell Starc yorker crushed his toe. Australia lost Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne early in the chase, but Steven Smith and Cameron Green took them to stumps, with 156 more runs to win. Shamar hadn’t bowled at all on the third evening.On the fourth afternoon, Smith and Green looked comfortable. Then Shamar arrived. He conceded 19 runs off his first ten balls, but then removed Green and Travis Head. Shamar kept bowling, as he removed Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Starc and Pat Cummins in a fiery spell.
All this while, Smith kept at it. But when Alzarri Joseph had Nathan Lyon with Australia still 25 runs adrift, the end was near.Fittingly, it was Shamar bowled Josh Hazlewood to seal a famous win, finishing with stunning figures of 7 for 68. It was a performance that single-handedly elevated Shamar to stardom.