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On the latest edition of The Wayne Rooney Show, Wayne Rooney said, “I am not seeing anything which is giving me any confidence, there needs to be big changes in my opinion.”

Manchester United felt they had secured a coup when taking Ruben Amorim away from Sporting Lisbon midway through the 2024/25 campaign. The Portuguese tactician was flying high in his homeland and had been strongly linked with Liverpool before they appointed Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

But Amorim has floundered across his months in the Old Trafford hot seat, with United finding themselves languishing in 14th place in the Premier League after six matches, having finished 15th last term after losing to Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

Amorim has come under heavy flak for his rigid belief in his 3-4-3 formation, willing to die on that hill in spite of a general weariness over its ineffectiveness in the English game.

INEOS are hesitant to dismiss the 40-year-old from his duties and will hold out hope that United put in a big performance at home against Sunderland on Saturday, but if they fail to kick on, a tough decision will need to be made, with Sir Gareth Southgate emerging as a contender for the managerial spot at the Theatre of Dreams.

Man United consider appointing Southgate

One thing’s for certain, Man United’s potential appointment of Southgate would be met with more than a measure of doubt.

The former Three Lions boss might have achieved more success than any other England Men’s boss since the World Cup was lifted in 1966, but he’s also been out of club management since being relegated from the Premier League with Middlesbrough in 2009.

But he’d come in cheap, and with a reputation for being a strong communicator and an “unbelievable” character, as was said by Jude Bellingham upon the manager’s resignation from his England post after the 2024 European Championship.

But concerns over his tactical grasp persisted throughout his tenure, and the current question mark over Amorim’s own system points toward a necessity for a clear, fluent brand of football going forward.

INEOS need to appoint a proven trophy-winning manager with a deep understanding of the game and a vision which suggests this viewpoint could be effectively applied in the Premier League.

As it happens, former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is on the market, and he’s even showing an interest in making the move to the Premier League and joining the Red Devils, should Amorim be dismissed.

Man United could strike gold with Xavi

Xavi has been out of work since the start of 2024, when he left Barcelona. The legendary footballing figure is, however, open to new work, and Fabrizio Romano believes he is interested in taking the Manchester United job, should a vacancy materialise.

Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that Xavi is open to taking on the job at Old Trafford even without the allure of European football. It is worth noting the mentality on show here, with Amorim having wanted to remain with Sporting Lisbon for the duration of the 2024/25 campaign, instead of switching allegiances mid-season.

As a player, the iconic Spaniard was very much the definitive midfield maestro, and he has willed his managerial career into shape through the application of his own playing-day virtues.

His time as Barcelona manager was somewhat turbulent, but he did win the La Liga title in 2022/23, his first full season as boss, and played an important part in guiding the Spanish giants away from the pit they were sinking into. In February 2024, he left isolated and frustrated, but with his head held high.

If Man United can provide him with the assurances that he can have things his way, there is no reason why his erudite footballing brain. Already, the 45-year-old is enamoured by the idea, having said in the past that he “would love to work in the Premier League”.

Perhaps, then, the words from the horse’s mouth lend credence to Romano’s claim. With Amorim skating on thin ice, it feels like United could score themselves a significant upgrade, especially with Xavi employing a more conventional 4-3-3 formation.

That said, Xavi’s managerial outlook might be conventional at the surface level, but there is a depth and mastery of the technical side of the game that could be exactly what United need as they look to return to the top.

Barcelona are a team defined by their passing, and Xavi, as a player and as a manager, has been an embodiment of that style.

Barcelona

1st

64.3%

Real Madrid

2nd

60.9%

Villarreal

5th

56.9%

Real Sociedad

4th

54.6%

Sevilla

12th

52.6%

When La Blaugrana lifted the league title under their legendary figure’s wing in 2022/23, they played with a gusto and command that was so very ‘Barcelona’.

So impressive was he that, before the trophy had even been lifted and with everything in the balance, club president Joan Laporta had said, “We have the best manager in the world”.

Here is a tactician who knows his stuff, with credentials of the highest order and a hunger to join Man United and make things right.

Amorim had a good thing going before taking the United job, to be sure, but it’s clear that he is a young coach whose experience was restricted to the Portuguese scene, and his stubbornness in keeping his same tactical outlook despite the glaring deficiencies had made for sustained grim viewing.

If the opportunity to appoint Xavi presents itself, United’s officials must pounce.

Ten Hag sold Man Utd talent for just £10m, now he's outperforming Bruno

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one player to depart Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 29, 2025

Pepe has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to keep playing for "many more years", insisting the 40-year-old is still capable of breaking records and defying expectations. Speaking about his former Real Madrid and Portugal team-mate, Pepe said he hopes fans won’t have to face the day the five-time Ballon d'Or winner retires anytime soon, highlighting the enduring impact of the football legend.

Ronaldo continues to shine despite age

Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down despite turning 40, continuing to deliver on the pitch with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The forward has started the season strongly, scoring four goals in four league matches as his side maintains a perfect record. Ronaldo’s focus remains on winning the league and excelling in AFC competitions, with the club having bolstered their squad significantly in the summer.

The Portuguese star is also determined to feature at the 2026 World Cup, keeping him motivated and fit for international duty. While the debate over his longevity is ongoing, his consistent performances suggest he can continue at a high level. Former team-mates and rivals alike have spoken on Ronaldo’s unique ability to maintain elite performance despite his age.

Ronaldo’s career longevity has been highlighted by his incredible record-breaking feats, though he has denied chasing milestones like 1,000 career goals. He emphasises enjoying the moment over obsessing about statistics, focusing on victories and the collective success of his team. This mindset has contributed to his ability to stay competitive into his 40s, a rarity in modern football.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPepe says no end in sight for Ronaldo

Pepe, who shared the pitch with Ronaldo for a decade with Real Madrid and Portugal, praised the Al-Nassr forward’s dedication and physical resilience. “When will he stop? No one really knows (smiles). Cristiano keeps breaking records and I’m really happy for him,” Pepe told .

The former centre-back added: “Beyond being a phenomenal player and an incredible person, he’s a friend, and I hope he can keep playing for many more years. I think it’ll be tough for us, the fans, when he decides to retire. It’ll be hard to turn on the TV and not see Cristiano’s name there.”

Pepe’s remarks underline not only Ronaldo’s ongoing influence on the pitch but also his lasting impact off it. Their shared history includes 348 matches together, with multiple Champions League titles and success with Portugal, including Euro 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. The pair’s relationship exemplifies mutual respect and the kind of longevity that is rare among professional footballers.

Ronaldo previously backed to play into his mid-40s

Ronaldo’s current form in Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate his ability to perform at an elite level despite his age. Former Premier League rival Joe Cole has also predicted Ronaldo could play into his mid-40s, praising his physical fitness and adaptability in the Saudi Pro League. Cole highlighted that Ronaldo can still exploit his positional intelligence to score, even as the physical demands aren't as significant compared to top European leagues.

Al-Nassr’s investment in new talent has complemented Ronaldo’s leadership on the field, creating a competitive squad capable of domestic dominance and success in AFC tournaments. The club’s approach ensures Ronaldo remains central to the team’s ambitions while managing his workload to prolong his career. Off the field, Ronaldo remains focused on maintaining his health and conditioning, using a meticulous training regime and diet to ensure peak performance.

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AFPCR7 focusing on Al-Nassr and World Cup 2026 success

Ronaldo’s immediate objectives include leading Al-Nassr to domestic league glory and advancing in the AFC Champions League too. Internationally, he is focused on participating at the 2026 World Cup, which will serve as a significant milestone in extending his legendary career. Beyond that, both Pepe and football fans hope he continues to play at the highest level, keeping the legacy of one of football’s greatest icons alive for years to come.

Al-Nassr’s management will likely carry on structuring the squad to optimise Ronaldo’s output, balancing his workload while maximising team success. Meanwhile, Ronaldo himself will determine how long he feels capable of performing, with strong indications that he intends to play well into his 40s. For supporters worldwide, the hope remains that they can continue watching him break records and inspire on the field for many more seasons.

Ipswich Town are now racing to sign a new midfielder, who looks set to leave this summer, with his club open to a sale.

Ipswich keen on more new signings after poor start

Kieran McKenna is looking to secure an instant return to the Premier League, but it would be fair to say his side haven’t gotten off to the best of starts, picking up just two points from their opening three Championship matches.

However, despite his side running out 1-0 winners on Saturday afternoon, Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom was left impressed by what he saw from Ipswich, saying: “They’ve got very good individuals, you can see that with the bench and also with the players who didn’t get on.

“But they’re a very good team without the ball as well, which you could see today. They’re going to be up there without a doubt.”

It is certainly true that McKenna has some real quality at his disposal, having set out to bolster his options in the engine room considerably, with defensive midfielders Azor Matusiwa and Jens Cajuste arriving earlier this summer.

However, Ipswich still remain keen on bringing in another central midfielder, according to a report from The Sun, which states they are in the race for Rennes midfielder Jordan James, although there could be fierce competition for his signature.

James is also being targeted by Wrexham, and Parma, with the Welsh club looking to outbid the Serie A side for the midfielder, who joined Rennes from Birmingham for a fee of £4m last summer.

Rennes are willing to sell the former Birmingham man to the highest bidder, despite featuring regularly in his debut campaign in Ligue 1, and he now looks set to leave.

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James could be exciting addition to McKenna's midfield

The 20-time Wales international has certainly impressed for his country in the past, having been hailed by podcast host Jordan Webber after performing well against a Croatia midfield consisting of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovavic and Marcelo Brozovic.

Despite being just 21-years-old, the Hereford-born midfielder is also vastly experienced at Championship level, having been one of the only shining lights for Birmingham during the 2023-24 campaign, chipping in with eight goals in 42 league outings.

While Rennes’ willingness to sanction a departure suggests James wasn’t quite as impressive in Ligue 1, the experience of playing in a new country should stand the youngster in good stead to be a success at Portman Road, and joining promotion-chasing Ipswich should be an attractive proposition.

Jos Buttler, meanwhile, says England’s players are “very saddened” by the situation in Afghanistan

Danyal Rasool25-Feb-20251:56

Shahidi and Buttler discuss women’s rights situation in Afghanistan

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has voiced his support for Afghanistan’s women to play cricket, but reiterated that the situation was something “we cannot control”. Speaking ahead of Afghanistan’s training session before they face England in Lahore in the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, Shahidi said the focus for his side remained on what happened “inside the ground”.”Everyone likes to see everyone play,” Shahidi said. “When it comes to politics and those things which we cannot control, we are only cricket players, we can control things in the ground.”The issue was thrust into sharper focus because of who Afghanistan are playing. In the weeks building up to this game, more than 160 politicians in the UK called on the ECB to boycott the fixture against Afghanistan in protest against the Taliban government refusing to allow women to play cricket in the country. The UK prime minister Keir Starmer called on the ICC to “enforce their own rules”, but the ECB ultimately rejected calls to boycott the fixture.Related

Five-year agreement makes Abu Dhabi Afghanistan cricket's 'second home'

Human Rights Watch asks ICC to suspend Afghanistan's membership

Should Buttler promote himself from No. 6 in England's batting order?

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ECB: No Afghanistan boycott despite 'gender apartheid'

Shahidi, though, stressed that his focus, and that of the men’s team, remained on their upcoming fixture. “We are sportspersons. We control what we can do inside the ground and we can’t worry about what’s happening out of the ground. We play hard, we work hard, we have good net sessions. So that’s what we’re thinking of.”His somewhat guarded statement of support lined up with other high-profile Afghan cricketers who have spoken up in support of women’s rights in Afghanistan. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi were most outspoken late last year when they reacted to women being banned from training as doctors.Jos Buttler, England’s captain, said that his team was “very saddened” by the situation faced by women and girls in Afghanistan, which the ECB has described as “gender apartheid” when confirming earlier this month that the game will go ahead .”I’ve taken a lot of advice from lots of experts,” Buttler said. “Credit to Rob Key and the ECB. They have been very good at supporting me and all the players, and giving us information and education around this, and making it an ECB decision.”We’re very saddened at the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan at the moment, and the struggles they are facing. But we hope that the game tomorrow can be a source of hope and enjoyment in what is obviously a tough time at the moment. We’re very excited about the match. Sport has a great power to unite people and give hope, and that’s what we hope this game will do.”Shahidi: “We play hard, we work hard, we have good net sessions. So that’s what we’re thinking of”•ICC/Getty Images

Earlier on Tuesday, Afghanistan head coach and former England batter Jonathan Trott told the BBC that the men’s cricketers knew what was happening was “not correct”.”These guys are brave,” he said. “They know the difference between right and wrong. It is a real tricky situation for them. They know who they are playing for and representing. We work hard to bring joy to the country and the guys are passionate, brave and proud of being able to do that, but knowing full well that there are things that are not correct.”The game between Afghanistan and England is virtually a knockout game, with defeat for either side leaving them on the brink of exit. Afghanistan lost their opening game to South Africa, while England were defeated by Australia. Shahidi acknowledged chasing totals was not Afghanistan’s most obvious route to victory, but also suggested the pitch in Karachi did not assist spin bowling at all.”When we bat first, that gives us more of a chance,” he said. “But at the same time, we beat teams in the last World Cup also, batting second. But in the South Africa game, I think that the wicket was little bit more supportive for fast bowling and when our spinners were bowling, there was no support for them. I didn’t even see one ball turning.”We didn’t play well, especially in batting we didn’t start well. At the same time, it’s not an excuse but the world knows that we have good spinners. I didn’t see any support there, but hopefully we have some support in tomorrow’s game for our spinners.”The last time these two sides played in an ODI, Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs in Delhi at the 2023 World Cup, when their spinners shared eight wickets.2.15pm GMT – This story was updated to include Jos Buttler’s quotes.

Left-arm quick joins Renegades on a three-year deal after he was not guaranteed a contract with Perth Scorchers

Alex Malcolm28-Jan-2025

Jason Behrendorff has become the first major free agent signing in the BBL’s new player movement window with Melbourne Renegades securing the left-arm seamer on a three-year deal after Perth Scorchers were not able to guarantee him a contract.Behrendorff, who turns 35 in April, has won four BBL titles with Scorchers over a 13-year 106-game career. He had an excellent 2024-25 BBL season, making the team of year for the first time as the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets at 17.41 and an economy rate of 7.55. Only Mark Steketee had a better economy rate among the top 10 wicket-takers this season.It is understood that Behrendorff was hopeful of being a one club player in the BBL, having played his entire domestic career in Western Australia since moving from Canberra as a 19-year-old, and is second behind AJ Tye on Scorchers’ all-time leading wicket-takers list with 140.Related

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But with Scorchers missing the finals for the first time in five seasons and only the third time in franchise history, the BBL’s most successful club had some decisions to make around the future of their list with Behrendorff, Tye and Mitchell Marsh all coming out of contract.Scorchers decided not to contract any of them among the maximum of 10 players they could lock in prior to the player movement window opening on Tuesday. Scorchers did something similar with their list back in 2019 when they last missed finals with Scorchers’ title-winning veterans Shaun Marsh and Nathan Coulter-Nile departing as the squad was regenerated before winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.Mitchell Marsh could still end up returning to Scorchers but it is understood that he is taking some time before making any contract decisions after losing his place in Australia’s Test side during the summer and opting out of Scorchers last three BBL matches to mentally and physically refresh ahead of the Champions Trophy.Renegades approached Behrendorff with a three-year deal that offered him security given he is now a freelance franchise player having stepped away from his state contract with WA last winter.Behrendorff, who is currently in South Africa playing for Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, took to social media to explain his decision in detail, saying that he left Perth with a heavy heart.”The Scorchers will always have a special place in my heart, I had always thought I would finish my BBL career in orange however that is not meant to be,” Behrendorff said. “I leave the club knowing I have given my all, I have seriously enjoyed my time as an individual player and as a teammate. As a team we worked so hard and because of that we have been able to enjoy a lot of success, being a part of 4 BBL trophy’s has been a career highlight.”To all the players, it’s been so much fun boys. We have achieved so much together. I have so many wonderful memories that I’ll never forget.”Thank you to all of the staff, what an amazing group of people you all are. No one knows more than I do how hard you work behind the scenes and to help me be match fit, some seasons more than others.”To the fans, without your support playing the game wouldn’t be the same. The noise inside the Furnace when the team is on a roll is something to behold. I appreciate those of you who came along to fan days and stayed behind after games, getting to meet you and talk to you has been a privilege. Your support is something I certainly haven’t taken for granted and you really are some of the best fans in the league.”Moving to Melbourne has been something Juvelle [Behrendorff’s wife] and I have talked about as a goal whenever the end of my career happened so to be able to continue my career and play cricket in a city we both love is a blessing. I am really excited for what the next chapter holds for myself with the Melbourne Renegades but just as importantly for my family too.”Behrendorff’s deal with Renegades could also open the door to him playing for the Cricket Victoria run Major League Cricket franchise San Francisco Unicorns.

Arne Slot has jumped to the defence of Florian Wirtz after his slow start at Liverpool, while hitting out at those criticising the club's lavish spending. The Reds have been targeted after splashing £116 million ($158m) on the German and £450m ($615m) on arrivals overall, but Slot says that is not a fair assessment.

Liverpool boss Slot hits out at pundits

Liverpool spent a mindboggling £446m ($597m) on players this summer, £116m of which went on Wirtz. However, the Reds also made nearly £200m ($273m) from player sales – something Slot believes has not been highlighted enough by the media and pundits. The Dutchman also backed German international Wirtz – who is yet to score a goal or bag an assist so far since his summer switch from Bayer Leverkusen – to come good, saying the Merseyside outfit have had a difficult run of fixtures so far.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLiverpool boss Slot comes to Wirtz's aid

When asked about what adjustment Wirtz needs to make, he told reporters: "I put that down to Bournemouth, Newcastle, Arsenal, and to a team we faced this weekend but only conceded 14 goals last season. Someone told me that it's the first time Burnley lost a home game, and it tells you how hard it is to play these games and win. There's so much focus on our new signings and especially pundits who favour, not us, but some other clubs in the country that cannot stop talking about £450m, I repeat £450m, £450m but always forget the £300m that we've sold. These players we've brought in are a lot of money but are playing now with players worth the same amount of money. If we want to strengthen the squad we have to spend that money. If we were to sell Dominik Szoboszlai tomorrow, he'd be worth £100m as well."

Slot added: "It's only a compliment that people tell everyone that we've spent so much because that tells you the players we've brought in are seen as very good players."

Reds enjoying success with & without big spending

While much has quite rightly been made of Liverpool's record-breaking spending this summer, this is in stark contrast to things ahead of the 2024-25 season. Slot was ushered in as Jurgen Klopp's replacement but they didn't make any noteworthy first-team signings. And yet, they still won the Premier League, and this season they have four wins from four. But bigger tests lie ahead this campaign.

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GettyWhat next for Slot and Liverpool?

Slot's Liverpool are gearing up for an important few days as they begin their Champions League campaign at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, before taking on bitter rivals Everton in the Premier League in the Merseyside derby on Saturday.

حقق فريق وادي دجلة فوزًا غاليًا على نظيره طلائع الجيش، اليوم الجمعة، بهدف نظيف في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

والتقى وادي دجلة مع طلائع في الجولة السابعة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز، على ملعب استاد السويس الجديد.

طالع.. تشكيل الأهلي أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا في الدوري.. عودة ياسر إبراهيم وبن شرقي أساسيًا

وجاء هدف وادي دجلة عن طريق فرانك بولي في الدقيقة 86 من عمر المباراة من صناعة سيف تقى.

ورفع وادي دجلة رصيده إلى 13 نقطة في المركز الثالث، وتجمد رصيد طلائع الجيش عند 8 نقاط في المركز الثاني عشر. هدف فوز وادي دجلة على طلائع الجيش

All the major movements ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 season

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Aug-2024 • Updated on 13-Aug-2024

Central DistrictCentral Hinds’ captain Natalie Dodd has opted out of the annual domestic contracting process for the forthcoming season as she is expecting her first child later this year. Dodd, a top-order batter and wicketkeeper, was the 2021 and 2023 Hinds Player of the Year and has been a vital cog in the side since moving to Central Districts from Northern Districts in 2018. Under her leadership, Hinds won the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, New Zealand women’s premier domestic one-day tournament, in 2018-19, with Dodd ending the competition as its highest run-getter.They are coming off a good 2023-24 season, where Hinds made it to the Super Smash final in the summer, and took a mid-table finish from a weather-affected one-day campaign.”As a team and as an association, first and foremost we’re obviously thrilled for Natalie and her husband at this special time in their lives,” Central Districts high-performance manager Dave Meiring said. “We completely support Natalie’s decision to focus on family this summer, and it now presents an opportunity for others to put everything they have learned from her into practice on the field.”She isn’t retiring but, for now, it will be a case of several players stepping up to perform her usual roles.”Seam bowler Anna Gaging will join her identical twin sister Kate Gaging after being awarded a Central Hinds contract for the first time. Like her sister, the 23-year-old Anna also debuted as a teen in the 2020-21 season, and now has five caps across the two formats that Hinds play. She took her maiden four-wicket haul against Northern Districts in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield earlier this year.Anna is the only new name on the initial list of 12 players contracted for the 2024-25 season, with one name to be added later this month to fill the 13th and final spot in the group.The captain hasn’t been announced so far, but of the squad named, New Zealand international Hannah Rowe has previously led the team.Last year’s trio of fresh young faces on the contracts’ list – pace bowler Aniela Apperley, batter Emma McLeod and spin-bowling allrounder Flora Devonshire – have all retained their spots.Contracted players: Aniela Apperley, Georgia Atkinson, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Anna Gaging, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Mikaela Greig, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Thamsyn Newton, Kerry Tomlinson CanterburyAllrounder Kate Anderson has rejoined the domestic list for Canterbury after missing out on an NZC central contract for 2024-25. Spin-bowling allrounder Harriet Graham earned her first domestic contract after being a part of the wider squad in recent seasons, even though she played only three matches last season in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.”We’re committed to developing our young talent and ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to thrive at this level,” head coach Rhys Morgan said. “The experience our senior players bring will be invaluable in helping our younger players grow and contribute to the team’s success.”Contracted players: Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Natalie Cox, Jodie Dean, Harriet Graham, Abigail Hotton, Laura Hughes, Frankie Mackay, Izzy Sharp, Jess Simmons, Gabby SullivanAucklandLegspinner Rishika Jaswal and batter Cate Pedersen have joined the list after both debuted for Auckland last season, while batter Anika Todd has been awarded a contract for the first time after rising through Auckland’s pathway system. Pedersen first represented Central Hinds before turning out in both formats for Auckland last season.Allrounder Skye Bowden and Anna Browning are the notable names missing from the list. Bowden, after six years with Auckland Hearts, has joined Northern Districts, though she won’t be domestically contracted. She was Auckland’s leading wicket-taker in last year’s Super Smash, with ten wickets at an average of 12.2. Browning has moved to Otago ahead of the 2024-25 season.Contracted players: Olivia Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Elizabeth Buchanan, Prue Catton, Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Kate Irwin, Rishika Jaswal, Cate Pedersen, Josie Penfold, Saachi Shahri, Anika ToddBernadine Bezuidenhout has returned to the contracts’ list after announcing her retirement from international cricket in May•Getty Images

Northern DistrictsAllrounder Marina Lamplough has earned her first domestic contract. Lamplough, who has previously represented Otago domestically and Hong Kong internationally, made the move to Northern Districts at the start of the 2022-23 season and featured in all ten of the Super Smash matches last summer, taking six wickets at an average of 10.6.Pace-bowling allrounder Jesse Prasad is another new face. She made the move to Northern Districts last season after being with Auckland for four years. She featured ten times across formats for Northern Districts in the 2023-24 season.Wicketkeeper-batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout also returned to the list after announcing her retirement from international cricket in May.Contracted players: Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Caitlin Gurrey, Eve Wolland, Holly Topp, Jess Watkin, Jesse Prasad, Kayley Knight, Marama Downes, Marina Lamplough, Nensi Patel, Shriya Naidu, Tash WakelinWellingtonWellington Under-19 captain Rachael Bryant has earned her first contract. The offspinner led the side to the national Under-19 tournament title during the 2022-23 season and made her Wellington Blaze debut a few months later against Central Hinds in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.Contracted players: Antonia Hamilton, Caitlin King, Hannah Francis, Jess McFadyen, Kate Chandler, Leigh Kasperek, Tash Codyre, Nicole Baird, Phoenix Williams, Rachel Bryant, Rebecca Burns, Xara JetlyOtagoFast bowler Louisa Kotkamp and allrounder Harriet Cuttance have been offered their first domestic contracts.Kotkamp featured five times for New Zealand at the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa last year and made her domestic debut for Otago in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, against Northern Districts. in February. A product of the Otago pathway system, Cuttance made her domestic debut in the 2022 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final against Wellington Blaze.Auckland pathway product Anna Browning has moved to Otago. The former New Zealand Under-19 opener had played 24 matches for Auckland over the past two seasons. She was also a key role in New Zealand’s campaign at the 2023 Under-19 World Cup where they reached the semi-finals.Contracted players: Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Harriet Cuttance, Chloe Deerness, Olivia Gain, Bella James, Louisa Kotkamp, Felicity Robertson, Molly Loe, PJ Watkins, Saffron Wilson

It’s been non-stop for Chelsea fans this summer.

One moment, Enzo Maresca’s men are winning another game in the Club World Cup, and then the next, they’re welcoming in yet another new signing.

The latest player to join the Blues is set to be João Pedro, who has reportedly completed his medical today.

The West Londoners aren’t done there, though, as if reports are to be believed, they are linked with another Premier League star who could be a dream teammate for the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace.

Chelsea target Premier League stars

While Chelsea have already made several brilliant additions to their squad this summer, the Conference League Champions look determined to add more, and they’ve been linked with a few stars from the Premier League, such as Mohammed Kudus and Emiliano Martínez.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has just come off a fairly lacklustre season with West Ham United in which he racked up just nine goal involvements in 35 games, but that hasn’t deterred the West Londoners, as reports from earlier this week claim that they made an offer worth around £50m for his services.

No such offer has been made for Martínez, but he could be available for a fee of around £45m, which might just prove too good to ignore for a World Cup-winning shot-stopper.

However, there is another Premier League ace who has seemingly caught the attention of the Blues this summer, someone who very much could join Maresca’s exciting project: Alejandro Garnacho.

At least that’s according to a recent report from The Athletic, which has revealed that Chelsea are still interested in the Manchester United ace.

The report claims that the Argentine came up in discussion between the two sides.

A potential price for the 20-year-old is not mentioned in the story, but according to reports from late last month, he could be available for around £60m.

It might not be a popular transfer, but Garnacho has shown a great deal of ability and potential at United over the last few seasons, so it is one Chelsea should pursue, especially as he could be a dream teammate for Pedro.

Why Garnacho would be a dream for Pedro

There are two key reasons why Garnacho could prove to be an excellent teammate for Pedro at Chelsea, and the first is all about his output.

While the young winger is undoubtedly guilty of making the wrong decision in games every now and again, it’s important to remember he is still just 20 years old, and when you take that into account, his output this season is nothing short of remarkable.

For example, in 58 appearances for the Red Devils, totalling 3,568 minutes, the young “superstar,” as dubbed by football content creator Liam Canning, scored 11 goals and provided ten assists.

Appearances

58

Minutes

3568′

Goals

11

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

169.90′

That means the exciting prospect was able to average a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes for a United side that many would consider far and away the worst in the Premier League era.

In other words, if he’s able to produce 21 goal involvements in a team like that at his age, just imagine what he might be able to achieve with the West Londoners in the coming years and with a striker like Pedro alongside him.

Now, the second reason he could prove to be an ideal teammate for the former Brighton ace is down to his style of play.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and touches in the opposition’s penalty area and the top 7% for carries into the penalty area, all per 90.

These three statistics help to demonstrate how effective the Madrid-born gem is at getting the ball into dangerous areas, specifically the penalty area, which should be music to the ears of the former Watford poacher, as he could have a consistently brilliant supply of chances thanks to these traits.

Ultimately, it might not be a game-changing transfer in the present, but Garnacho has shown enough this season to suggest he could develop into a special player; therefore, Chelsea should do what they can to sign him, for their own sake and Pedro’s.

Chelsea offered £337k-per-week ex-Aston Villa star with decision made

They once came close to signing him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Arsenal find themselves in the midst of their most important transfer windows for years and could now beat Manchester United to a statement addition, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal pushing to sign an elite striker

Make no mistake, Mikel Arteta faces the biggest transfer window of his reign in charge of the Gunners as his side bid to become Premier League champions after pushing their rivals all the way in recent times.

Without doubt, bringing a striker in at the Emirates that is capable of producing defining moments is the Spaniard’s central priority. However, Jack Wilshere doesn’t believe signing a number nine alone will solve all the Gunners’ problems.

Arsenal approach £170k-per-week forward with Berta ready to pay £53m

The Gunners are making “real moves” for him.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Of course, injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus hampered Arsenal’s title charge last term. Nevertheless, Arteta is crying out for an old-school centre-forward to take his side to the next level.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has emerged as a central target for the Gunners. Arteta is personally keen to sign him, but finances may hinder the signing of the Brazil international, who could form a statement pursuit for the club alongside their efforts to land RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Why Arsenal need a new striker this summer

Kai Havertz

Appearances – 36 Goals – 15

Gabriel Jesus

Appearances – 27 Goals – 7

Bolstering other areas will also be in the pipeline for Arsenal, though it can’t be emphasised enough how important a striker is to their tilt at claiming the Premier League title.

Now, reports have emerged suggesting they could have an advantage in the race for one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen.

Romano: Arsenal hold advantage in race to sign Viktor Gyokeres

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sporting Clube de Portugal star Viktor Gyokeres would favour a move to Arsenal over Manchester United this summer.

The Sweden international is still firmly on the radar despite the Gunners’ advances to sign Sesko, and the Red Devils now feel it is ‘unlikely’ they will bring the former Coventry City star to Old Trafford.

Commended for his “fantastic” development by Niko Kovac, the Stockholm-born man registered an incredible 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Giving his ‘priority’ to the Gunners, Gyokeres, valued at £67 million, is now in clear sight for Arsenal as they desperately search for an elite striker to become the missing piece of the jigsaw under Arteta. Moving forward, it appears they have a good chance of pushing a deal over the line.