Liverpool reportedly still have a chance of signing a Bayern Munich star in 2026, but his club are doing all they can to ensure he stays put there amid interest from Barcelona and PSG.
Isak gets minutes ahead of Liverpool debut
Reds supporters are having to wait patiently before they get to see Alexander Isak for the first time, with the current international break getting in the way.
The Swede could be rusty after playing so little football in recent months, however, so it would be a surprise if he started Liverpool’s trip to Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
On the plus side, though, Isak earned some key minutes for Sweden on Monday evening, coming on as a second-half substitute in his country’s 2-1 defeat away to Kosovo.
It wasn’t an ideal night for Liverpool’s record signing, but it was also a step in the right direction, ahead of what could be his debut this weekend. Now, another attacking star is being mentioned as a future option for the champions.
Liverpool could sign Bayern "magician" in 2026
Speaking to The Boot Room, journalist Graeme Bailey talked up Liverpool’s interest in signing Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise in 2026, saying there is a slim chance of them getting him next summer.
“So – firstly, Rogers and Olise won’t be leaving in January, but Liverpool are very much aware of both players – they like them both, but then again, there isn’t a major club in Europe who doesn’t. In terms of Olise – along with the likes of Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola, there are few more highly rated young wingers in the world.
“Olise looks a different class at the moment, he really has taken a huge leap since moving to Bayern Munich. It would take some huge money to get him – I don’t see him being available next summer, but never say never, when you are a club who can attract (Alexander) Isak and (Florian) Wirtz in one window – nobody is beyond your reach.”
The update does also claim that Bayern are “hoping” to sort a new deal for Olise with a “huge pay rise”, not wanting to lose him to Liverpool at this point in his career, or to Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain for that matter.
Olise, who cost £50m from Crystal Palace, stands out as possibly the most exciting right-sided and left-footed option to be Mohamed Salah’s long-term replacement at Liverpool, with the Frenchman a dazzling footballer who has been hailed by Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano.
“He’s a magician. His technical level is very high. He can do everything. He can score, set up, and even defend.”
Appearances
34
Starts
28
Minutes played
2348
Goals
12
Assists
15
Key passes per game
2.7
Shots per game
2.5
Dribbles per game
2.1
Tackles per game
1.1
In truth, it is a move that could be difficult to get done, given Bayern’s stance, but the fact that the Reds signed both Isak and Florian Wirtz for record transfer fees this summer will make them feel that any business is possible.
Celtic are back in action once again this evening as they prepare to welcome Falkirk to Parkhead in their first League Cup match of the season.
The Hoops won the competition in the 2024/25 campaign, beating Rangers on penalties in the final, and they will be hoping to lift it again this year under Brendan Rodgers.
They must first get past Falkirk, who have conceded five goals in their first two matches back in the Scottish Premiership, and it will be interesting to see what route the manager goes down with his team selection.
Rodgers could see this as an opportunity to provide the fringe players with chances to impress him, or he could go with his preferred line-up to give them the best chance of winning the game.
The Northern Irish head coach should hand minutes to one of his other options in the centre-forward position, though, as Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny are both waiting in the wings behind Adam Idah.
Celtic’s number nine has started the season as the first-choice striker for Rodgers, but has yet to prove that he has what it takes to be the main man for the team moving forward.
Why Adam Idah should be on the bench
Idah did not do enough in the games against St Mirren and Aberdeen to suggest that he is going to be a ruthless and clinical goalscorer in the centre-forward position for the Hoops this term.
Whilst it is still very early in the season, the former Norwich City marksman’s statistics in the graphic above illustrate just how poorly he played on the opening day, missing three ‘big chances’ in the scrappy 1-0 win over St Mirren.
The 6 foot 3 attacker’s output for the Scottish giants in the 2024/25 campaign also does not suggest that he is suited to starting week-in-week-out in the Premiership, as he was more productive when coming off the bench against tired defenders to make an impact.
Appearances
19
16
Minutes
1,352
357
Goals
6
7
Minutes per goal
225
51
Assists
0
1
As you can see in the table above, Idah was far more effective as a substitute in the Premiership last season, scoring more goals in roughly 1,000 fewer minutes on the pitch.
These statistics suggest that the Irishman is at his best when he is coming off the bench to use his physicality – strength and speed – to take advantage of tiring defences to score goals for the Hoops.
This means that the Hoops need to find a player, before the end of the summer transfer window, to allow Idah to drop down to the bench to play that role.
However, it does not have to be a centre-forward because Daizen Maeda scored 14 goals in 11 matches as a striker, per Transfermarkt, for Celtic last season and could play that role.
Celtic make contact to sign new winger
According to Africa Foot, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Al Jazira wide attacker Oumar Traore before the summer transfer window slams shut.
The report claims that the Scottish giants have already made contact with the UAE outfit to discuss a potential move for the Mali international in the coming weeks.
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It adds that negotiations are well underway between Celtic and Al Jazira over a deal for the 23-year-old forward, as they remain locked in talks to reach an agreement for his services.
Africa Foot also reveals that it will take an offer of around €3m (£2.6m) to convince his club to part ways with him, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are prepared to pay that asking price.
The outlet claims that Traore is expected to complete a transfer to a team in Europe before the end of the summer transfer window, and Celtic are seemingly hoping that they will be the club to snap him up.
Why Celtic should sign Oumar Traore
The Premiership champions should push to get a deal over the line for Traore, if he is the winger they want to sign as this report suggests, because he could allow Rodgers to bench Idah.
He is a versatile winger who can play on either the left or the right flank, having played over 30 matches on both sides of the pitch, as per Transfermarkt, and this could make him a very useful player for the manager to call upon.
If Rodgers decides to use him as a left winger, Maeda would then be free to play through the middle, where he had success last term, and that would allow Idah to move to the bench to come on as a super sub.
Of course, Traore still needs to have the quality to be an effective operator in his own position to make this transfer make sense, though, as the Hoops could otherwise put any player out on the left to facilitate this move.
Starts
17
8
Goals
5
3
Conversion rate
12%
19%
Big chances created
5
2
Assists
4
2
Completed dribbles
33
8
As you can see in the table above, the Mali international has scored eight goals and created seven ‘big chances’ in his last 25 league starts for his club, which suggests that he can provide a fairly regular threat in front of goal as both a scorer and a creator.
Traore has delivered 24 goals and 19 assists in 140 matches for Al Jazira in all competitions during his career to date, as per Transfermarkt, and still has plenty of time left ahead of him, at the age of 23, to develop and improve his output at the top end of the pitch.
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
These statistics suggest that he carries enough of a threat in the final third already, if he can translate it over to Scottish football, to allow Maeda to move centrally, where he thrived last season.
This is why the signing of Traore could directly lead to Idah being dropped down to the bench, where he is at his best, despite the Mali international not being a natural centre-forward to replace the striker.
Celtic make offer to sign attacker compared to Jota as Hoops receive reply
The first of Rodgers’ three potential new signings has been identified.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo segue sem vencer no comando do Corinthians. O Timão foi até o estádio Diego Armando Maradona e empatou com o Argentinos Juniors por 0 a 0, pela 4ª rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores. Paulinho saiu lesionado no primeiro tempo, e a equipe argentina jogou com um homem a menos nos últimos 20 minutos da partida em Buenos Aires.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol LatinoDiante do Corinthians, Argentinos Jrs quer repetir feito contra o PalmeirasFutebol Latino24/05/2023Fora de CampoNeto afirma que Corinthians não ganha a Libertadores: ‘Não chega nem nas quartas de final’Fora de Campo24/05/2023FlamengoApós vitória do Flamengo contra o Corinthians, Sampaoli fez discurso sobre sacrifício no vestiárioFlamengo24/05/2023
+ Jogador ex-Timão na seleção da Itália? Lembre brasileiros que defenderam ou podem defender outros países
Com o empate, o Timão chega aos quatro pontos no Grupo E, mesma pontuação do Liverpool-URU, mas segue na terceira posição pelo saldo de gols. Mais cedo, os uruguaios superaram o Independiente del Valle por 1 a 0. Dessa forma, os argentinos lideram com oito pontos, e o Del Valle ocupa o segundo lugar, com seis pontos.
+ ATUAÇÕES: Ataque faz jogo apagado e ‘luz’ do Corinthians na Libertadores começa a falhar
Os comandados de Vanderlei Luxemburgo voltam a campo na Libertadores no dia 7 de junho, em duelo de vida ou morte contra o Independiente del Valle, fora de casa. No domingo (28), a equipe alvinegra tenta sair da zona de rebaixamento do Brasileirão e recebe o Fluminense, na Neo Química Arena.
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+ Não perca nenhum lance do Timão na Liberta. Assine o Star+ por apenas R$40,90 por mês e torça onde quiser!
CRIA DO TERRÃO QUASE ABRE O PLACAR
Como esperado, o Argentinos Juniors teve o controle da posse de bola nos minutos iniciais, e o Corinthians repetiu a estratégia defensiva que aplicou nos últimos três jogos, com dificuldades para sair jogando do campo de defesa. A melhor chance do Timão veio aos 17 minutos, quando Murillo roubou a bola no ataque, Yuri Alberto rolou para Bruno Méndez, que cruzou na medida para o zagueiro, mas o Cria do Terrão, livre, chutou por cima do gol.
Aos 28 minutos, o Alvinegro teve uma péssima notícia. Paulinho dividiu bola com um atleta do El Bicho e imediatamente caiu no gramado com a mão no joelho esquerdo, pedindo substituição. Luxemburgo colocou Roni no lugar do camisa 15.
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QUASE UMA LAMBANÇA
O Argentinos Juniors cresceu com a saída de Paulinho e quase inaugurou o placar em um lance inusitado da defesa corintiana. Metilli invadiu a área pelo lado esquerdo e cruzou na área. Bidu tentou fazer o corte, mas pegou mal na bola e mandou contra a própria meta. Atento, Carlos Miguel evitou o gol.
SUFOCO ARGENTINO
O roteiro da partida seguiu o mesmo após o intervalo, com o Corinthians tendo dificuldades para sair do campo de defesa, e a equipe da casa rondando a área de Carlos Miguel e controlando as ações ofensivas, apostando em jogadas pelos lados. A primeira chance do Timão no segundo tempo veio aos 18 minutos. Bidu cruzou na área, mas Yuri Alberto testou por cima.
NA RUA!
Os ânimos das equipes esquentaram na parte final da partida, e o Argentinos Juniors ficou em desvantagem numérica aos 31 do segundo tempo. Nuss, que havia entrado minutos antes, acertou uma cotovelada em Roni. O árbitro havia dado cartão amarelo ao atleta argentino, mas mudou de ideia após ver o sangramento na cabeça do volante, e expulsou o atacante.
A expulsão deu uma injeção de ânimo no Timão, que tentou sem sucesso se lançar ao ataque em busca da vitória. Porém, a equipe de Luxemburgo não ameaçou o goleiro Arias. Mesmo com um homem a menos, os mandantes chegaram com perigo. Metilli disputou com a zaga e ajeitou para Heredia, que cabeceou batendo. A bola desviou e passou ao lado da meta de Carlos Miguel.
+ Timão vivo na Libertadores? Veja os resultados e como ficou o grupo do Corinthians após a rodada
ARGENTINOS JUNIORS 0 X 0 CORINTHIANS
Local:Estádio Diego Armando Maradona, em Buenos Aires, na Argentina Data e hora:24 de maio de 2023, quarta-feira, às 21h30 Árbitro:Carlos Ortega (COL) Assistentes:Alexandre Guzman (COL)eMiguel Roldan (COL) VAR:Jose Cabero (COL) Cartões amarelos:Roni, Murillo (COR) Cartões vermelhos:- Nuss (ARG) Público/Renda:Não informado Gols:-
ARGENTINOS JUNIORS:Martín Arias; Leonel González, Mac Allister, Torren e Montiel; Moyano, Fabrício Domínguez (Heredia, 10/2ºT), Cabrera, Álan Rodriguez e Metilli; Verón (Nuss, 21/2ºT).Técnico:Gabriel Milito.
CORINTHIANS:Carlos Miguel; Bruno Méndez, Gil, Murillo e Matheus Bidu (Fábio Santos, 45/2ºT); Paulinho (Roni, 28/1ºT), Fausto Vera e Maycon (Romero, 28/2ºT); Adson (Wesley, 45/2ºT), Yuri Alberto e Róger Guedes.Técnico:Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has slammed Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal after confirming the winger will miss his side’s La Liga clash with Valencia at Camp Nou on Sunday. Flick has said Spain were aware that Yamal was already nursing an injury when they decided to start the teenager in both their World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey this week.
What injury has Yamal been struggling with?
Spanish publication revealed earlier on Saturday that Yamal had pulled out of training ahead of the Valencia game due to experiencing physical discomfort. While Barcelona are also yet to confirm the exact nature of Yamal's complaint, added that the 18-year-old was struggling with a back problem before linking up with Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportFlick points finger at Spain after confirming Yamal injury
And in a press conference ahead of the Valencia match, Barcelona manager Flick, 60, could not hide his anger as he confirmed Yamal will miss the game, particularly taking aim at how long the forward remained on the pitch for in Spain's victories over Bulgaria and Turkey.
Flick expresses anger in ahead of Valencia
A furious Flick told the media on Saturday afternoon: "Lamine Yamal will not be available. He went with the national team in pain and did not train. They gave him painkillers to play. They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79, and between matches he couldn't train. That is not taking care of the player. I am very sad about this."
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Barcelona could turn to Rashford to replace Yamal
With Yamal set to miss the Valencia game, Marcus Rashford could be handed a start in his place. The England international, 27, is still searching for his first competitive goal for Barcelona following his season-long loan move from Manchester United in the summer.
The teams will have an additional INR 1.5 crore for the auction, which is expected in early December
ESPNcricinfo staff07-Nov-2024Sneh Rana, Poonam Yadav, Heather Knight and Lea Tahuhu are among the prominent players released by their respective Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchises ahead of the next auction in the lead-up to the 2025 season. The auction is likely to be in early December and the purse has been increased from INR 13.5 crore last season to INR 15 crore this year. Here is how the teams stack up currently.Delhi CapitalsThe biggest name released by Delhi Capitals (DC), the losing finalists in both seasons of the WPL so far, was legspinner Poonam. Once a mainstay of the Indian team across formats, Poonam hasn’t played international cricket since March 2022. She didn’t get a game in the last WPL either.Apart from Poonam, DC let go of Laura Harris, the Australian power-hitter, and Aparna Mondal and Ashwani Kumari, the two uncapped Indians who warmed the bench last season.Retained: Meg Lanning, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Shikha Pandey, Taniya Bhatia, Minnu Mani, Sneha Deepthi, Titas Sadhu, Marizanne Kapp, Jess Jonassen, Alice Capsey, Annabel Sutherland Released: Laura Harris, Poonam Yadav, Aparna Mondal, Ashwini Kumari Purse remaining: INR 2.5 crore Slots remaining: 4ESPNcricinfo LtdGujarat GiantsGujarat Giants, who finished bottom of the five-team table in both seasons so far, let go of Rana, the allrounder who led them in the first season after captain Beth Mooney left the tournament with an injury, as well as New Zealand’s Tahuhu and Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce.Rana’ last white-ball game for India was in December 2023, her last T20I in February 2023. She has had a rough time at the WPL, too. In 12 matches across two seasons, she took only six wickets at an economy of 9.02 and scored 47 runs at an average of 6.71.Tahuhu, a veteran of the game, wasn’t one of Giants’ preferred overseas players in 2024, playing just two games in the season for one wicket at an economy of 7.60. Bryce played all eight games, averaged 20.75 with the bat and had an economy rate of 8.66 with the ball.Sneh Rana is one of the big-name players to be released ahead of the auction•BCCIGG also released Lauren Cheatle, Mannat Kashyap, Veda Krishnamurthy and Tarannum Pathan, and will have the biggest purse (INR 4.40 crore) going into the auction.Retained: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Bharti Fulmali, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Laura Wolvaardt, Mannat Kashyap, Meghna Singh, Phoebe Litchfield, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare, Shabnam Shakil,Tanuja Kanwar Released: Kathryn Bryce, Lauren Cheatle, Lea Tahuhu, Sneh Rana, Tarannum Pathan, Trisha Poojitha, Veda Krishnamurthy Purse remaining: INR 4.4 crore Slots remaining: 4Mumbai IndiansMumbai Indians retained their strong core of international stars including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Matthews, Chloe Tryon and Shabnim Ismail. The only overseas player they released was England fast bowler Issy Wong. Apart from her, they let go of Fatima Jaffer, Humaira Kazi and Priyanka Bala.Retained: Amandeep Kaur, Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Mathews, Jintimani Kalita, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Pooja Vastrakar, S Sajana, Saika Ishaq, Shabnim Ismail, Yastika Bhatia Released: Issy Wong, Fatima Jaffer, Humaira Kazi, Priyanka Bala Purse remaining: INR 2.65 crore Slots remaining: 4Heather Knight had pulled out of WPL 2024 due to international duty•BCCIRoyal Challengers BengaluruEngland captain Knight, who had pulled out of the 2024 season due to international duty, was released by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They released six other players, including South Africa allrounder Nadine de Klerk who came in as Knight’s replacement last season. Among Indians, Shubha Satheesh, Disha Kasat, Indrani Roy, Simran Bahadur and Shraddha Pokarkar were let go of.Retained: Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Sabbineni Meghana, Shreyanka Patil, Georgia Wareham, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Singh, Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, Ekta Bisht, Kanika Ahuja, Kate Cross, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (traded from UPW) Released: Heather Knight, Nadine de Klerk, Shubha Satheesh, Disha Kasat, Indrani Roy, Simran Bahadur, Shraddha Pokharkar Purse remaining: INR 3.25 crore Slots remaining: 4UP WarriorzUP Warriorz (UPW), who made the playoffs after finishing third on the table in the first season but only finished No. 4 in 2024, released legspinner Parshavi Chopra and wicketkeeper Laxmi Yadav, who was added to the squad as an injury replacement for Uma Chetry, seamer S Yashasri and England fast bowler Lauren Bell. Chetry remains part of the squad. UPW had earlier traded Danni Wyatt-Hodge to RCB.Retained: Alyssa Healy, Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, Chamari Athapaththu, Grace Harris, Sophie Ecclestone, Tahlia McGrath, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Saima Thakor, Anjali Sarvani, Gouher Sultana, Poonam Khemnar, Uma Chetry, Vrinda Dinesh Released: Parshavi Chopra, Laxmi Yadav, S Yashasri, Lauren Bell Purse remaining: INR 3.90 crore Slots remaining: 3
A magnificent maiden first-class century from Ben McKinney and a dogged hundred from Alex Lees put Durham in a dominant position on day one of their Vitality County Championship clash with Nottinghamshire.McKinney, who is playing in just his second County Championship match, smashed an experienced Notts bowling attack around the park at the Seat Unique Riverside after Haseeb Hameed put the hosts into bat at the toss, while Lees anchored the Durham innings to reach three figures for the third time this season in the County Championship.McKinney was very much the aggressor in the early stages of the day as the pair put on 189 runs for the first wicket, the hosts’ highest opening stand of the season. The visitors then made a mini-fightback and picked up three wickets for 58 runs, but Lees combined with Ashton Turner for a partnership worth 122 to leave the hosts 393 for 5 at close.McKinney, who was part of the England Lions side that beat Sri Lanka last week, was excellent throughout his innings and laid a fantastic foundation for Durham in this mid-table battle. The 19-year-old dominated with some great shots, particularly on the off side, while Lees offered few opportunities as he went through the gears on the way to a 15th first-class century for Durham.Meanwhile Notts skipper Hameed will be scratching his head after his decision to bowl first allowed the hosts to post a big total. As a result his side already look like having a mountain to climb.On the opening morning at Chester-le-Street Durham managed to negotiate a tough period of opening bowling from Olly Stone, who was released from the England Test squad to play in this game, and Brett Hutton, but McKinney and Lees looked in good touch.Once he made it through the opening exchanges, McKinney looked to attack whenever he could and he hit two glorious boundaries on the off side from a Stone over. The tall left-hander passed fifty for the second time in his first-class career with a cover drive for four while Lees kept the scoreboard ticking at the other end to take the partnership past 100 just before lunch.McKinney continued where he left off after lunch as he remained positive and he picked up several boundaries including a lovely pull shot off the bowling of Hutton.Then came a flurry of milestones for the hosts with Lees reaching his fifty from 114 balls and former England Under-19s skipper McKinney brought up his maiden hundred from 117 balls with a beautiful cover drive. He then hit Freddie McCann for the first six of the match over the long-off boundary, but his excellent knock didn’t last much longer as he chipped a McCann delivery straight to midwicket and had to depart for 121.Scott Borthwick looked in good touch but Lyndon James bowled him for 26 after he left one which clipped the top of off stump and the Notts bowler struck again soon after, removing Ollie Robinson for 13, which gave the visitors some hope.While wickets were falling at the other end, Lees remained firm and joined McKinney in getting a century after tea, albeit in a somewhat different style with the former England man’s milestone coming from 223 balls with just seven boundaries.Turner, who is making his first-class bow for Durham, came to the crease and ran well between the wickets with Lees as they accumulated runs and passed 300. Turner then played a delightful pull shot for four and Lees got in on the act as he dabbed a Stone ball to the third man boundary as the hosts piled on the runs.The second new ball initially couldn’t help Notts in their pursuit of wickets as Turner reached his fifty from 70 balls. However, Hutton then bowled Lees for 145 to end a fine innings and give the visitors a sniff in the final stages of the day.James picked up his third of the day as Graham Clark went for 7, but Turner remained unbeaten on 62 at stumps.
England suffer a 68-run loss in Guyana as India avenge 2022 defeat, also at the semi-final stage
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2024
Jos Buttler looks on from the dugout as England’s title defence goes up in smoke•ICC/Getty Images
Jos Buttler, England’s captain, admitted his team had been comprehensively outplayed in their 68-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final in Guyana, but insisted his decision to bowl first after winning the toss had not been a significant factor in the result.After handing over first use of a spin-friendly surface that was liable to get slower and lower as the day went by, Buttler conceded that India’s total of 171 for 7 – thanks to 57 from 39 balls from his counterpart Rohit Sharma, ably backed up by Suryakumar Yadav’s 47 from 36 – was “20-25 runs too many”.In reply, England were rattled out for 103 in exactly 100 deliveries, with Axar Patel striking the key blow with his first ball of the match, in the fourth over of the powerplay, as Buttler top-edged a reverse-sweep to the keeper to depart for 23 from 15.Related
Manjrekar: India had a 'clear advantage' in knowing their semi-final venue in advance
Rohit, Axar and Kuldeep lead India's dismantling of England in semi-final
Thereafter, Axar struck with the first ball of each of his next two overs to remove Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali on his way to Player-of-the-Match-winning figures of 3 for 23, before Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wristspin ripped through an exposed middle-order to finish with 3 for 19.”They certainly outplayed us,” Buttler said at the post-match presentation. “I think maybe we let them get 20-25 runs too many. That was a challenging surface that they played well on. But they outplayed us and fully deserved the win.”Morning rain delayed the start of play by more than an hour, and returned to cause a further lengthy interlude midway through India’s innings, and England opted to stick to the same seam-heavy line-up that had carried them through the Super Eight, with Reece Topley and Chris Jordan both retained ahead of an extra spinner in Tom Hartley, as well as Ben Duckett’s prowess against the turning ball.In the final analysis, however, it was England’s chosen spinners, Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid who proved the most potent weapons, as they conceded a combined total of 49 runs in their eight overs (6.13 rpo), compared to 12 overs for 120 (10 rpo) from the four quicks.Moeen Ali, however, was overlooked, possibly as a consequence of the damp conditions early in India’s innings. Not only did Buttler admit he had erred in ignoring Moeen, he also admitted that the eventual impact of Rashid and Livingstone had caused him to fear what India’s potent spin attack could achieve on the same surface.”Obviously, they’ve got some fantastic spinners,” Buttler said. “Our two guys bowled well, but in hindsight, I should have brought Moeen [on] in that innings, with the way that the spin was playing.”Obviously with the rain around in those conditions, I probably didn’t think it was going to change that much,” he added. “And I actually don’t think it really did. I thought they out-bowled us. They had an above-par score. So I don’t think necessarily the toss was the difference between the teams.”The result was every bit as comprehensive as England’s ten-wicket victory had been at the same stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Adelaide, after which Buttler’s men went on to become the first men’s team to hold both 50- and 20-over world titles at the same time.1:33
Dasgupta: Axar a standout performer from game one
Both those trophies have now been prised from England’s grasp, and while a semi-final exit is a significantly better defence than the team managed in the 50-over World Cup last year, England still exit the tournament after losing three of their four matches against major opponents.Their early loss to Australia left them needing favours to progress from the group stage, while their narrow defeat to South Africa in St Lucia condemned them to the tougher semi-final draw, where India were waiting to avenge that Adelaide result with what Rohit pointedly described as a “satisfying” performance.”Two years on, in different conditions, it’s very different,” Buttler said, when asked to reflect on his team’s changed fortunes. “Credit to India, they played a really good game of cricket and they deserve the win.”With everything that’s happened throughout the whole tournament, we’re really proud of everyone’s efforts to be here,” he added, recalling their fraught progression from Group 2, when only a late break in the clouds in Antigua had allowed them to take the field in a must-win match against Namibia.”You can only play who’s put in front of you. We’ve had lots of adversity throughout the competition. We’ve stuck together well as a group, and played some really good cricket in patches but came up short when we needed it most.”
Essex condemned Kent Spitfires to a fifth consecutive Vitality Blast defeat on Friday night as they cruised to a five-wicket win at Canterbury.Simon Harmer, Ben Allison and Matt Critchley all claimed two wickets as Kent were limited to 156 for 7, Sam Billings the highest scorer with 38. It never looked like being enough on a typically batter-friendly St Lawrence wicket and Michael Pepper blasted 76 from 42 balls as the visitors coasted home with five overs to spare, finishing on 157 for 5.Essex chose to bowl and got Daniel Bell-Drummond for 10, Allison duping him into a false shot that looped to Pepper at deep backward point. Zak Crawley had made 20 when he hit Critchley to Allison on the deep midwicket boundary and the umpires ruled his foot wasn’t in contact with the rope as he took a juggling catch.Tawanda Muyeye hit Simon Harmer back over his head for six but was bowled off the next ball for 18, giving Harmer his first Blast wicket of the season.Joey Evison went for 7, swatting Paul Walter to Allison at mid-off, but the real prize was Billings, who hit Critchley almost vertically before Luc Benkenstein took a steepling catch.Marcus O’Riordan made 20 from 11 before playing on to Harmer, Allison bowled Beyers Swanepoel for 2 and it was left to Harry Finch to milk what he could from the tail, finishing on 24 not out.The Essex innings was just an over old when the umpires took the players off because the sun was apparently “too bright” prompting the DJ to play “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves.They were almost at the rope when a cloud appeared and they were called back. Adam Rossington lasted just three more balls before he chipped Xavier Bartlett to Nathan Gilchrist.A second light delay followed before Gilchrist had Dean Elgar caught by O’Riordan for 7, leading to an eventful Jordan Cox cameo against his former county. He walked out to a mixture of booing and applause and responded with three successive fours off Bartlett. He then dumped Gilchrist for consecutive sixes, only to sky his next ball to Billings, falling for an eight-ball 26 and walking off to cries of “Judas” and worse from an unforgiving handful of home fans.After nine overs it was 99 for 3 and the win predictor suggested Essex were 99% likely to win. That was absurd as Walter immediately holed out to Matt Parkinson and was caught by an inrushing Bartlett for 15, but Pepper was playing with such ease that any realistic home hopes had faded long before swished at Evison and Parkinson couldn’t cling on at short third man.With fans streaming for the exits Gilchrist had Pepper caught on the boundary by Finch, leaving Critchley to score the winning runs with an inside edge that went for four.
Manchester United have come to such a pass that the first few post-Fergie years could be recalled as if the halcyon days.
Last season, Erik ten Hag was dismissed at the end of October following a wretched start to the season, winning only three of their opening nine Premier League fixtures; however, the worst was yet to come.
Ruben Amorim has been put through the wringer since packing his bags at Sporting Lisbon, where he had mined such riches, established the Leões as Portugal’s defining current side, but has since struggled to get a tune from his Red Devils side, who languished to a 15th-place finish in the league and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham.
It’s no surprise the manager, seeking to employ an aggressive high-pressing system, wanted to stay in his homeland until the end of the 2024/25 season, but was informed by INEOS it was “now or never”.
All very doom and gloom, yada yada yada. However, Man United are massive and will be looking to turn a corner over the coming months as they prepare for a clean slate.
Old Trafford Manchester United
Indeed, that famous Old Trafford pull remains intact and, moreover, a new strategy has been fashioned to better the chances of a revival.
Man Utd's new transfer strategy
It’s telling that Matheus Cunha, one of the most dangerous forwards in the Premier League last season, barricaded himself away from the interest of Arsenal and of Aston Villa. He shielded himself from the temptation of a bumper paycheck in the Saudi Pro League. And why?
Man United came calling, of course, activating Cunha’s £62.5m release clause. Amorim has a new star man to tinker with next term, one hailed for his “absolutely sensational” football IQ by Micah Richards on Match of the Day last season, the pundit continuing to call him the “best at everything” at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunhacelebrates
And that’s not all. Bryan Mbeumo may well be joining the new United project, having informed Champions League-qualified sides like Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham of his preference to move from Brentford to the Theatre of Dreams this summer.
The 25-year-old scored 20 goals across 38 league games last year and has already been the subject of a failed bid from United, though they will continue to push for the forward, who is rated in excess of £60m.
However, Spurs will too, and having appointed Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou, the narrative has changed somewhat: he’s giving the Londoners his consideration.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his band of suits will remain calm and confident, but a back-up plan wouldn’t go amiss.
Man United line up Mbeumo alternative
As per ESPN, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been shortlisted by Jason Wilcox as a dreamy alternative to Mbeumo, having been on the club’s radar for a few months at this stage.
Antoine Semenyo for Bournemouth.
United’s Chief Executive Officer, Omar Berrada, is determined not to pay beyond a reasonable price point for Brentford’s talisman, thus suggesting Semenyo, 25, could be an interesting fallback, given he’s available for slightly less at £50m. Tottenham have also been credited as admirers.
Man United might be prioritising the signing of Mbeumo, but in Semenyo, they might actually find an even better fit for Amorim’s system.
Why Antoine Semenyo could be perfect for Amorim
Bournemouth signed Semenyo from Championship side Bristol City for £10.5m in January 2023, and they haven’t looked back.
AFC Bournemouth's AntoineSemenyolooks on
The appointment of Andoni Iraola has been the making of him, having notched 19 goals and nine assists across the past two Premier League seasons, including 17 direct contributions from 34 matches across the recent campaign.
Not just a potent threat, Semenyo could rival Mbeumo in underlying qualities, perhaps with fleeter feet and a steelier ball-carrying game, which may well lead to him being the better pick for Amorim’s project, playing on the right side of a centre-forward who has yet to be welcomed to the fold.
That is to say, Semenyo is not just a driven striker at goal but also a committed defensive force, ranking among the top 3% of positional peers in the Premier League last year for blocks, the top 23% for clearances and the top 8% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref.
He also averaged 6.1 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore, whereas Mbeumo, another combative forward, won 4.7 per match. It is for this reason, then, that Semenyo has been declared a “duel monster” and a “workhorse off the ball” by analyst Ben Mattinson.
Make no mistake, at times across the past year, Mbeumo has simply been “unplayable” in the final third, as was marvelled by Frank following a 4-2 win over Newcastle.
But Semenyo is faster, more physical and, perhaps, a more dynamic attacking threat given his propensity to succeed across a range of attacking positions.
Right winger
46
13
3
Left winger
29
7
5
Centre-forward
6
1
0
Ultimately, either signing would illustrate nicely Man United’s refined transfer strategy, securing the signatures of Premier League-proven players.
Goals were in short supply last year, Amorim’s frontline at times a picture of an arid desert: dry, isolated and showing only a mirage of newfound attacking inspiration, before lapsing back into old ways.
But Semenyo would change that, partnering Cunha in the manager’s three-forked offensive line. His robust athleticism, eagerness to fire consistent shots off, and indeed his defensive work rate align with Amorim’s tactical principles, with that latter element sure to be instrumental in getting the notorious three-man backline up and running.
“Elegant, graceful and powerful,” as Jamie Redknapp says, this forward’s got the lot, and is only going to get better over the coming years.
Better than Ekitike: Man Utd open talks to sign "the best ST on the market"
Manchester United could be edging closer to ending their hunt for a new striker this summer.
Incoming Rangers owners, the 49ers, are now plotting the statement summer signing of a “very talented” Brazilian, according to a report.
Gers stepping up summer transfer plans
There is still a lot of uncertainty at Ibrox, with the 49ers still yet to identify a permanent replacement for interim boss Barry Ferguson, although there have been some recent developments in the pursuit of a new manager, with an offer being submitted for Davide Ancelotti.
Davide Ancelotti
Should Ancelotti be appointed, the Real Madrid assistant is likely to have a big say in the Gers’ summer transfer business, but potential targets are already being identified, with recruitment chiefs looking to bring in players capable of bridging the gap to Celtic next season.
Scouts have been sent to watch Evagoras Charalambous in action for Anorthosis Famagusta, with the Light Blues keen on a new striker, while they are also expected to make a bid for Estoril defender Kevin Boma at the opposite end of the pitch.
He earns more than Diomande: Rangers must sell £2.2m flop this summer
Rangers will be keen on selling a few players this summer
By
Ross Kilvington
May 12, 2025
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Rangers are also keen to bolster their options in the engine room this summer, with the 49ers now plotting the statement signing of Troyes midfielder Metinho to mark the start of a new era at Ibrox.
The central midfielder has spent part of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at FC Basel, where he has caught the eye, and there is a feeling a summer deal could be possible for the relatively low fee of £4m, or potentially even less, as his contract is due to expire next summer.
The 49ers are looking to bring in young players with high potential, who can kick on at Ibrox and be sold for a profit at some point down the line, and they believe the 22-year-old fits the bill.
"Very talented" Metinho likened to Pogba
Such is the Brazilian’s potential, he was once likened to ex-Manchester United man Paul Pogba by former Fluminense academy director Marcelo Veiga, who said: “People joke and sometimes call him Pogba due to his style, his appearance and because he plays with his head up.”
The Congo-born maestro has also impressed football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who once described him as “very talented”, and he has particularly caught the eye with his dribbling ability over the past year, while also ranking highly on some defensive metrics.
Statistic
Average per 90
Progressive carries
3.49 (99th percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.83 (98th percentile)
Interceptions
1.33 (76th percentile)
Clearances
3.16 (97th percentile)
As such, the South American is clearly a well-rounded player, who just needs to add more goals to his game to be a complete midfielder, having failed to find the back of the net this season.
Regardless, Metinho is clearly a promising midfielder, who could make an instant impact at Ibrox, so it is exciting news that Rangers could look to snap him up for a relatively low fee in the summer transfer window.