Tasmania’s perfect start to the One-Day Cup continued with stalwart Jordan Silk top-scored in a four-wicket win against Western Australia.In a Bellerive Oval fixture restricted by rain to a maximum of 44 overs each, WA posted 248 for 9 with Sam Fanning top-scoring with 66 from 91 balls.Tasmania, set 252 runs to win under the DLS system, lost six wickets and reached their target from 38 overs to win with 36 balls to spare.Silk dominated with 81 from 75 deliveries, scoring his 2000th domestic one-day run in the process of Tasmania banking a fourth win from as many outings.Silk, who struck nine fours and a six, and a batch of experienced team-mates were untroubled in the run chase. He combined with fellow veteran Matthew Wade (46 not out from 43 balls) in a defining 104-run partnership for the fifth wicket.Opener Caleb Jewell set the Tasmanian tone with an aggressive 48 from 37 balls featuring seven fours, and evergreen Ben McDermott made 42 from 49 deliveries.The quartet overpowered WA’s bowling attack with paceman Mahli Beardman the sole multiple wicket-taker.Earlier, WA opener Fanning’s composed knock and an aggressive 56 from 51 balls from one-day debutant Teague Wyllie underpinned the visitor’s total.Fanning and fellow opener Joel Curtis put on 50 runs in eight overs amid early rain interruptions. Curtis, Cameron Bancroft and Sam Whiteman all failed to capitalise on promising starts and when Fanning fell in the 29th over, the visitors were 147 for 4.Allrounders Hilton Cartwright and Ashton Agar were both dismissed in the following 10 overs as Wylie launched at Tasmania’s bowlers.The 21-year-old struck four fours and a six before edging to wicketkeeper McDermott from the bowling of Brad Hope, who impressed with 3 for 40 from seven overs.
Nurul, Mahedi and Taskin replaced Tanzid, Saifuddin and Nasim for Bangladesh
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2025
Jaker Ali opted to bowl against Salman Agha’s side•Asian Cricket Council
Toss Bangladesh’s stand-in captain Jaker Ali won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan in what is a virtual semi-final in the Asia Cup. The winner of this game will face India in the final on Sunday.Bangladesh’s regular captain Litton Das missed a second game in two days with a side strain. Jaker took over the captaincy once again and will stay as the wicketkeeper.Bangladesh also made three changes. Nurul Hasan, allrounder Mahedi Hasan and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed replaced Tanzid Hasan, seamer Mohammad Saifuddin and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed.As for Pakistan, they were unchanged from their win against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi earlier this week. Jaker’s decision at the toss went down well with his counterpart Salman Agha, who said Pakistan wanted to bat first. The slower bowlers could thrive on what looked like a dry Dubai surface.Bangladesh: 1 Saif Hassan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Towhid Hridoy, 4 Shamim Hossain, 5 Jaker Ali (capt), 6 Nurul Hasan, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 11 Mustafizur Rahman.Pakistan: 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Saim Ayub, 4 Salman Agha (capt), 5 Hussain Talat, 6 Mohammad Haris (wk), 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Afridi, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar Ahmed.
Imam-ul-Haq notches fifty as Yorkshire wrap up comfortable win in Scarborough
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Aug-2025
Ben Cliff claimed a maiden five-for• Allan McKenzie/SWPIx.com
Ben Cliff’s maiden five-wicket haul in first-team cricket – a superb 5 for 46 from 8.3 overs – set Yorkshire up for an opening day Metro Bank One-Day Cup win over last year’s semi-finalists Warwickshire at Scarborough, by five wickets chasing 138.New-ball quick Cliff, aged 22, was playing his first first-team game since the summer’s opening week following a side injury, and he was the chief tormenter as the Bears were bowled out for 137 inside 37 overs at the start of Group B.Cliff struck four times in a devastating opening spell, with Warwickshire slipping to 38 for 7 before Vaansh Jani’s brilliant 82 off 92 balls. It was the 20-year-old’s maiden first-team fifty in his second game.Yorkshire, for whom Adam Lyth took four catches in the slips – equalling a club record for outfield catches in a List A innings – didn’t chase with ease on a tricky pitch. But Pakistani international opener Imam-ul-Haq held things together with 55 off 83 balls.Cliff struck twice in three balls in his opening over and four times in all as the Bears crumbled to 24 for 5 in the 10th having been inserted. He had both Rob Yates and Zen Malik caught at cover by James Wharton in the second over, the former via a leading edge as he looked to play to leg and the latter off a miscued drive.Cliff’s new-ball partner Jack White clipped Warwickshire captain Ed Barnard’s off bail with a beauty before Cliff struck again to get a driving Hamza Shaikh caught at second slip by Lyth. And when extra bounce forced Kai Smith to loop a catch to backward point, the Bears were five down and in serious strife.Things got worse before getting better. Alex Davies fell to Matthew Revis’s first ball for 15, the seam-bowling allrounder getting him and Jake Lintott caught by Lyth at slip. When Lintott fell to the third ball of the 14th over, Warwickshire were 38 for 7.Batting at No. 7, Jani’s first of six boundaries was a lovely on-drive against George Hill as Warwickshire strove for respectability.Hill’s seam accounted for Michael Booth caught at slip by Lyth – 63 for 8 in the 21st. Hill added a second wicket when Ethan Bamber drilled to mid-off, though Jani counterattacked.He hoisted Hill over long-on and scooped White over fine-leg for his first two of five sixes, reaching a 67-ball fifty, by which time the visitors were 101 for 9 in the 31st over.Right-handed Jani smashed Revis out of the ground over long-on before miscuing Cliff to mid-on to end the innings.Jani and Oliver Hannon-Dalby added 64, a Warwickshire List A record stand for the 10th wicket and comfortably the best of the innings. Last man Hannon-Dalby contributed one run.Yorkshire were cautious in reply. They lost Lyth and Will Luxton, the latter for 25, to the seam of Hannon-Dalby and Bamber – 47 for 2 in the 14th over.Booth’s pace then accounted for James Wharton and Revis in successive deliveries, caught behind off the inside-edge and caught low down at second slip, as the score fell to 72 for four in the 21st.But left-handed Imam anchored things. His first five scoring shots were boundaries, strong on the pull and drive, and he shared a calming fifth-wicket stand of 56 with Hill, 20 not out. Imam fell caught at deep square-leg with 10 to win, but it was a consolatory third wicket for Booth. Yorkshire won with 17.1 overs remaining.
Manchester United completed a clean sweep of Premier League honours for October as Ruben Amorim claimed the Manager of the Month award and Bryan Mbeumo was named Player of the Month. The Portuguese coach led his side to three straight victories over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton, while Mbeumo’s three goals capped a standout month for the rejuvenated Red Devils.
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Mbeumo named PL's Player of the Month for October
Mbeumo’s blistering form has been rewarded with the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for October after a decisive contribution to Manchester United’s perfect run. Mbeumo finished ahead of nominees including Erling Haaland, Bruno Guimaraes and Matty Cash to claim the award. The Cameroonian forward played a starring role in all three victories, opening the scoring against Liverpool at Anfield, setting up Mason Mount in the 2-0 win over Sunderland, and firing a brace against Brighton at Old Trafford.
Across the month, Mbeumo recorded three goals and one assist, playing a pivotal role in United’s turnaround after a sluggish start to the season. His all-action displays reflected both his maturity and tactical intelligence under Amorim, who has given the 26-year-old the freedom to attack from the right-hand side while drifting into central positions.
Remarkably, this is the first time Mbeumo has won the honour, though he previously collected Manchester United’s internal Player of the Month prize in August. The accolade also marks a historic moment for Cameroon, with Mbeumo becoming only the second player from the nation to win the Premier League award, following Joel Matip’s success in February 2022.
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Amorim voted as the PL's Manager of the Month
While Mbeumo’s exploits grabbed the headlines, Amorim’s tactical brilliance earned him the Premier League’s Manager of the Month award. The 40-year-old guided United to a flawless October, overseeing statement victories that reignited belief at Old Trafford and re-established the club among the top four contenders. Wins over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton reflected not only improved performances but also a new sense of composure and identity under Amorim’s leadership.
The month began with a confident 2-0 win at Sunderland before United produced their finest performance of the campaign in a 2-1 victory away to Liverpool, sealed by a late Harry Maguire header. That result marked United’s first win at Anfield in over eight years and back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time this season. A 4-2 triumph over Brighton capped off a perfect run, as Matheus Cunha scored his first goal for the club and Mbeumo’s brace sealed Amorim’s dominance on the touchline.
Amorim credited his players for the achievement, saying: “The credit is not mine, the credit is for my players. They did really well, and our goal is to win the next one because it means we win football matches.”
The award also places Amorim in rare company as he becomes only the third Red Devils manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement to win the Premier League’s monthly prize, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag.
Man Utd's stunning return to form in October
Mbeumo’s form has been one of the defining factors of United’s October resurgence. Since joining from Brentford for around £65 million, he has slotted seamlessly into Amorim’s attacking structure, combining with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to form a dynamic, unpredictable front line.
Statistically, Mbeumo’s influence is remarkable. In just ten Premier League appearances this season, he has already scored four times and assisted once, while maintaining a pass completion rate of 80 per cent and an average of 2.4 shots per match. More importantly, his big-game temperament — exemplified by his early strike at Anfield — has earned him the trust of Amorim and the admiration of supporters. It’s little surprise he’s become one of the first names on the teamsheet.
For Amorim, October represented the turning point of his tenure. After a difficult start marked by injuries and inconsistency, United’s performances have mirrored his tactical clarity and adaptability. By integrating new signings quickly and building confidence among the squad’s core, he has succeeded in blending youthful energy with experienced leadership. His commitment to a 3-4-3 structure, despite criticism, has brought both balance and unpredictability to United’s attack.
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Man Utd looking to shake of Nottingham draw in November
Despite a disappointing 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, both Amorim and Mbeumo will aim to regain their stellar form as Manchester United enter a pivotal winter stretch. The Red Devils face crucial fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, followed by clashes with Everton and Crystal Palace after the international break, with the opportunity to solidify their place among the league’s top four.
The signs of progress are undeniable, and Amorim’s tactical acumen and Mbeumo’s star quality have not only restored optimism at Old Trafford but also signalled a cultural shift.
Crystal Palace are facing a pivotal season as the Eagles look to build upon what has been an absolutely excellent 2025 — a year which has seen them go on an unprecedented unbeaten streak whilst ending their history-long wait for a major trophy.
Crystal Palace face an uncertain future after stellar 2025
Oliver Glasner masterminded an historic win over Man City in the FA Cup final in May, delivering the club’s first ever piece of silverware, with the Eagles also tasting defeat for the first time in 20 games against Everton last weekend.
Palace’s club record 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions is testament to the phenomenal job done by Glasner with very limited resources, all whilst coping with the departures of key stars like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze since his arrival.
Palace 0-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)
Arsenal 2-2 Palace (Premier League)
Palace 3-0 Aston Villa (FA Cup)
Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
Tottenham 0-2 Palace (Premier League)
Palace 1-0 Man City (FA Cup)
Palace 4-2 Wolves (Premier League)
Liverpool 1-1 Palace (Premier League)
Crystal Palace (3) 2-2 (2) Liverpool (Community Shield)
Chelsea 0-0 Palace (Premier League)
Palace 1-0 Fredrikstad (Conference League)
Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
Fredrikstad 0-0 Palace (Conference League)
Aston Villa 0-3 Palace (Premier League)
Palace 0-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
Palace (4) 1-1 (2) Millwall (Carabao Cup)
West Ham 1-2 Palace (Premier League)
Palace 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Dynamo Kyiv 0-2 Palace (Conference League)
However, while the Eagles are currently riding high, and still sit unexpectedly near the Premier League top four, this era is seriously threatened by Glasner’s uncertain future and a potentially imminent exit for star defender Marc Guehi.
Glasner is out of contract at the end of 25/26, and is attracting attention from top-flight rivals like Nottingham Forest amid his excellent work at Selhurst Park.
Guehi, meanwhile, was on the verge of joining Liverpool last summer only for Palace to pull out of the deal in dramatic fashion. The England star, who’s established himself as a Three Lions mainstay and proven Premier League defender since joining the South Londoners in 2021, will have his pick of new clubs once his deal also runs out in 2026.
It is absolutely imperative that Steve Parish shows a statement of intent to back Glasner if he hopes for the Austrian’s extended stay, and January could be vital in this respect.
Crystal Palace in contact with Conor Gallagher and could strike January deal
£150,000-per-week Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who dazzled at Palace on loan from Chelsea in 2021/2022, is apparently a potential winter target.
The England international has been in and out of the Atlético starting eleven under Diego Simeone this season, and journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Palace are in contact with Gallagher’s representatives ahead of a possible January swoop.
The 25-year-old was one of Palace’s star performers of the 21/22 season, bagging eight goals and three assists over 33 Premier League starts, and his contribution stretched far beyond the numbers going forward.
Gallagher’s loan spell at Palace was widely regarded as a breakthrough period in his career, showcasing his immense talent and versatility in midfield.
Arriving from Chelsea, Gallagher quickly became a key figure, impressing with his energy, work rate, and technical ability. His box-to-box style of play combined relentless pressing with intelligence, making him a versatile asset both defensively and offensively.
The ex-Chelsea man’s performances earned praise from teammates, managers, and pundits alike, with many highlighting maturity beyond his years. Gallagher’s impact was so pronounced that Palace even sought to extend his stay, but while those attempts fell through, he could still make a sensational return.
Bruno Méndez deve ser ausência na convocação da seleção do Uruguai para os primeiros jogos da Celeste nas eliminatórias para a próxima Copa do Mundo, que será disputada em 2006. O técnico Marcelo Bielsa não divulgou lista de relacionados para as partidas contra Chile e Equador, mas os times que tiveram atletas lembrados foram comunicados, o que não foi o caso do Corinthians. Essa situação, no entanto, pode ser positiva para o clube alvinegro, antecipando a definição pela renovação de contrato com o defensor uruguaio.
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A expectativa tanto no Timão, quanto para o estafe do jogador, era que o zagueiro fosse convocado por Bielsa. Bruno esteve na primeira lista do treinador argentino, nos amistosos contra Cuba e Nicarágua, em junho, e isso explicava o otimismo das pessoas acerca do atleta. Tanto que o planejamento era selar um novo vínculo entre o Méndez e o Time do Povo após o período reservado pela Fifa para os jogos entre seleções, com o grupo que empresaria vindo ao Brasil para isso.
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Bielsa tem uma lista de 34 jogadores, mas pode convocar apenas 26. Então, preferiu não divulgar os convocados de forma pública. Através dos seus canais oficiais, a seleção uruguaia informou quais atletas chegaram ao Uruguai neste domingo (3) e começaram a treinar no Complexo Celeste.
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A princípio foram sete, sendo dois que atuam no Brasil: Agustín Cannobio, atacante do Athletico-PR, e Sergio Rochet, goleiro do Internacional. Porém, após o empate sem gols entre Corinthians e Palmeiras, o técnico palmeirense Abel Ferreira revelou que Piquerez havia sido chamado pela sua seleção.
De acordo com apuração do Lance!, o clube alviverde foi comunicado na última sexta-feira (1º) sobre a convocação do seu lateral, enquanto o Timão não foi procurado no período, o que indica que Bruno Méndez não estará presente com o grupo uruguaio – a menos que algum corte aconteça.
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Se confirmada a ausência do defensor corintiano na convocação da Celeste, existe a chance do estafe dele antecipar a vinda até São Paulo e fechar o acordo de renovação contratual com a diretoria corintiana.
Com o vínculo terminando em dezembro, Bruno Méndez pode assinar um pré-contrato com outro time desde junho. O Corinthians conversa com os agentes do jogador há, pelo menos, três meses, na tentativa de fechar a renovação. Porém, a situação não tinha evoluído porque existia a expectativa por parte do atleta e dos seus representantes de que uma proposta do futebol europeu chegasse, o que não aconteceu. A janela de transferências das principais ligas europeias fechou na última sexta-feira (1º).
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Há um compromisso verbal por parte do grupo que cuida da carreira de Méndez de que na ausência de ofertas do Velho Continente, seria dada prioridade para a renovação com o Timão. As partes até divergem em relação ao aumento salarial que será dado para a formalização de um novo contrato, mas com uma diferença de valores que não é tão grande e é vista como facilmente negociável.
Alguns clubes brasileiros estão na ‘espreita’ acompanhando esse processo de renovação entre Corinthians e Bruno Méndez. Atlético-MG, Flamengo e Internacional monitoram a situação do jogador e podem atrapalhar o negócio corintiano a qualquer momento. Por parte do clube alvinegro, o maior temor são os cariocas, que possuem um bom poderio financeiro e podem tentar convencer o atleta e o seu estafe através das cifras atreladas ao salário.
Mohamed Salah is getting old, but he’s still here and he’s still thriving for Liverpool.
The long-time talisman turned 33 this summer, and there’s a sense that the overload of attacking signings this summer were completed with an eye on the Egyptian stepping into the final stretch of his Premier League career.
Last season, Salah took it on himself to win the Premier League, making merry under Arne Slot’s wing in the first year since Jurgen Klopp stepped down and putting in an individual campaign for the ages, breaking any number of records and posting 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions.
Now, things are a bit different, with the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz signed for British-record fees in what could shape the Reds’ frontline for many years to come.
Times are changing down Anfield Road, and though Salah continues to play a focal role in the project, having scored three goals and supplied three assists already this term, the weight of responsibility is no longer so heavy.
And this is without even acknowledging the emphatic early form of Hugo Ekitike, who is giving Salah and Isak a run for their money as the club’s main man up top.
Ekitike's start to life at Liverpool
Six games, four goals, one assist. Not a bad way to announce yourself to the England game. Ekitike left Eintracht Frankfurt and signed for Liverpool in a deal rising to £79m in July, and he’s been hailed for his “really clever” play by Wayne Rooney, who knows a thing or two about scoring in the Premier League.
Isak came off the bench for his league debut in a Liverpool shirt last time out, in the Merseyside derby, but Slot has quite the conundrum on his hands as the ostensibly second-fiddle star continues to go from strength to strength.
There are, for sure, worse problems to have as a manager.
Against the Toffees, Liverpool arguably played their finest football of the season in that eventful first half, with the 23-year-old demonstrating his natural ease in jinking through the lines to latch onto the ball and guide it into the net, past Jordan Pickford.
Threading through the assist for Ekitike’s latest goal was Ryan Gravenberch, and while the French forward has started the season in fine fettle, it is the man in the middle who has been the star of the show across the past five weeks.
Gravenberch is becoming Liverpool's best player
Martin Zubimendi is almost three months into his Arsenal career. The Spain international joined the Gunners for £60m in the summer and is regarded as a coup for Mikel Arteta’s side. He is one of the silkiest midfielders out there.
Gravenberch walked all over him at Anfield earlier this month, to use some sporting jargon, and it all might’ve been so different, had Zubimendi accepted Liverpool’s proposal to sign him in 2024.
He didn’t, opting to remain with Real Sociedad. It stang, let’s get that straight. However, Gravenberch rose from mediocrity to form the nucleus of newbie Slot’s engine room, having been utilised sporadically by Klopp beforehand.
Still only 23, the Dutchman was instrumental in winning the Premier League last season, and he’s only gotten better since the summer, it seems, with journalist Daniel Storey even remarking on the Totally Football Show that he’s been “the best player in the country” across these opening weeks, having scored, assisted and dominated against Everton on Saturday.
Gravenberch wasn’t at his crispest in possession, but that’s only because he took it upon himself to make things happen in the final third, winning seven duels and making five tackles too.
The campaign is young, but Gravenberch has started with staggering style, looking even more robust and complete than last year, when he stepped into the place meant for Zubimendi and made it his own, crowned the 2024/25 Hublot Young Player of the Season for his performances.
Ryan Gravenberch in the Prem under Arne Slot
Stats (* per game)
24/25
25/26
Matches (starts)
37 (37)
4 (4)
Goals
0
2
Assists
4
1
Touches*
66.5
76.0
Pass completion
89%
88%
Key passes*
0.7
1.5
Dribbles*
1.0
1.5
Ball recoveries*
5.2
5.3
Tackles + interceptions*
3.5
2.8
Total duels (won)*
5.0 (57%)
5.3 (55%)
Stats via Sofascore
Much has remained the same for Gravenberch, but he’s now starting to be a bit more progressive on the ball, moving forward more frequently and being rewarded for his ambition with a sharp uptick in direct goal contributions.
Gravenberch is the life-force of this Liverpool team, the beating heart. Whether he manages to maintain this new level across the span of the season remains to be seen, but we wouldn’t bet against it.
Last year, this young, powerful and technically proficient midfielder proved he could raise his game, right? Now he’s merely doing it again, marking the latest development in a journey which has yet to reach the surface; it’s not even close.
Though Liverpool have left something to be desired across the opening weeks of the season, they have still won five games out of five in the Premier League and claimed three points in their Champions League opener too. There is a pervading sense across the country that the Reds are a shoo-in for a successful top-flight title defence, though it is far too early to declare such a thing with any real conviction.
If Liverpool do achieve their goals, Gravenberch will be at the heart of everything, with his continuing role in the middle of the park becoming something truly special. So many times in recent years have the club turned to Salah and the skipper, Virgil van Dijk, for inspiration. This is still true.
However, Gravenberch indeed stakes a compelling claim for the best player on Merseyside so far this term, becoming a talisman in a different fashion to Salah, who remains a focal point but with greater quality in the final third to ease him toward the autumn of his Liverpool career.
In any case, this is quite the team, and Liverpool are looking to make it a special year.
Slot is brewing the new Gerrard & Torres in £130m-rated Liverpool duo
Arne Slot has unearthed two new potential heroes in this Liverpool duo.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.