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For the first time in their history, Mumbai couldn’t defend a total in excess of 200

Alagappan Muthu01-Jun-20253:14

Rapid Fire review – Shreyas Iyer’s hat-trick of sixes turned the match

The Jasprit Bumrah yorker isn’t invincible. Not even when it starts to tail. Shreyas Iyer met it with extraordinary coolness and an open face of the bat to find a boundary. It gave him the 61st run of an enormously impressive innings and reinforced a feeling of helplessness on Mumbai Indians (MI). They were staring into the eyes of the man who was single-handedly beating them. The five-time champions came up short, and for the first time, couldn’t defend a total in excess of 200. This means IPL 2025 will mark the arrival of a new power. Punjab Kings (PBKS) or Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).Shreyas=KohliThere is something extra special about batters who do their best work in a chase. Even now, when the accepted wisdom is to know what your target is, the prospect of a batter playing like he owns every little blade of grass that surrounds him is the stuff of dreams. Shreyas had his eyes wide open. This was real. This was class.Related

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The night MI felt the full force of Shreyas' ire

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He arrived at the crease in the last over of the powerplay and knew he couldn’t take his time. The second ball went for four. He never looked flustered, even when PBKS needed two runs a ball for the last eight overs. He launched Reece Topley for a hat-trick of sixes in the 13th over. Those three hits doubled PBKS’ chances of victory. It was 25% coming into the over and 53% coming out of it.Standing deep in his crease, watching every ball right onto his bat, functioning sometimes on pure instinct. There was a four he got off Hardik Pandya where he seemed almost ready to leave the short ball only to ramp it as it passed him and get it over the keeper. There was a six that he got off Ashwani Kumar, he almost seemed to predict the bowler would go wide yorker to mitigate the damage of a free-hit ball and he shifted across his crease and scythed the ball over cover.His best shots, though, were those steers all along the ground to the backward-point boundary off the two best bowlers in the opposition – Trent Boult and Bumrah. That was when everybody at the ground knew the game was firmly in Iyer’s hand. That it had always been there. He was expressionless in victory. He knew it was his. He knew it was coming.2:31

‘Such a big over’ – Aaron on Inglis taking 20 off Bumrah in the fifth

The support actJosh Inglis produced a banger of an innings, one where he took Bumrah down for 20 runs in an over. Nehal Wadhera has had a campaign to remember. Batting at No. 5, he showed great steel and rode the kind of luck a batter at that position earns by being clear-headed. Wadhera could have been dismissed on 2 if Naman Dhir had not misjudged a catching opportunity on the midwicket boundary and came rushing in instead of holding his position. He enjoyed another life on 13 and made the most of it, the pick of his shots a straight six off Ashwani Kumar in the 16th over just before he was dismissed for 48 off 39.PBKS’ bowlers deserved credit as well. They understood that going into the pitch and taking pace off was a useful option. Kyle Jamieson took pace off once every 2.67 deliveries on average. He is a Test match bowler starting to find his way even when conditions aren’t in his favour. PBKS always found a way to come back just as MI were threatening to get away. A big powerplay was offset with a wicket in the seventh over. Fifty runs between overs nine and 12 was offset by the wickets of the set batters Suryakumar Yadav (44 off 26) and Tilak Varma (44 off 29) between overs 14 and 15. ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster had MI looking good for 220 at the halfway stage. PBKS kept them to 203.Power to the maxA lot of teams this IPL have focused on not allowing an early wicket to disrupt the attempt to take advantage of the field restrictions. MI lost Rohit Sharma to the 14th ball of the innings. They attacked 11 of the next 22, with Jonny Bairstow leading the way even if on occasion he was beaten by slower balls into the wicket. MI collected 43 runs off overs three, five and six.1:26

Moody: Dhir should be batting ahead of Hardik

The SKY showSuryakumar arrived immediately after the powerplay. At that stage, PBKS were starting to string something together. They matched him up with Yuzvendra Chahal, whom he strikes at only 117 in the IPL. On Sunday, the MI lynchpin hammered the PBKS legspinner for 33 off 16 balls. That included three sixes – two majestic hits down the ground and one sweep shot that turned the bowler’s intentions to tie him down on leg stump into a real gimme. Over the course of his 44 off 26 balls, Suryakumar also took home a world record – the highest aggregate (717) in any T20 tournament by a non-opener, surpassing AB de Villiers (687 in IPL 2016).Tilak and Dhir’s high impactTilak came down the track and struck his second ball for a six. Later, he simply extended a defensive push and presented a high elbow and that was enough to send Vyshak Vijaykumar over the long-off boundary. His innings only had two fours and two sixes but he was striking at 152.Dhir was a lot more high-impact. He was 5 off 4 balls at the start of the 17th over. He took three boundaries off PBKS’ best death bowler, Arshdeep Singh, and never looked back. Arshdeep had to return for the 19th over and work with an over-rate penalty. He could only have four fielders on the boundary and Dhir exploited that handicap to score 37 off 18 with seven fours. At that point, it felt like anybody’s game. Except it wasn’t. It was Shreyas Iyer’s game. It was always Shreyas Iyer’s game.

Sean Dickson, Tom Abell batten down hatches as Somerset escape with draw on final day

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay21-Apr-2025

Sean Dickson made an unbeaten 77 to salvage a draw•Dave Vokes/Hampshire Cricket

Somerset 184 (Pretorius 47*, Fuller 4-42, Wheal 4-46) and 163 for 2 (Dickson 77*) drew with Hampshire 336 (Gubbins 82, Dawson 72, Pretorius 5-64) Hampshire continued their unbeaten start and Somerset their winless opening to the Rothesay County Championship season with a draw at Utilita Bowl.Sean Dickson, Tom Abell, and the weather quelled any chances of a final day route to a positive result in either direction – with a total of 175 overs, or around five sessions, lost in the match.Dickson ended up unbeaten on 77, and Abell 27, after a 56-run partnership which had wiped out Hampshire’s lead and taken Somerset away from any danger of losing.Ben Brown’s side took 13 points from the match, to Somerset’s 11, to total a healthy 43 points from their opening three rounds and remain within touching distance of the Division One pacemakers.The only thing stopping this match from becoming a draw was either an inspired morning of bowling or the forecasted rain blowing in the opposite direction. Neither happened, with the first part largely down to Dickson and Abell’s stoic batting.Hampshire had the ideal start as Tom Lammonby fell in the fifth over of the day having added two to his overnight score of 22. The left-hander couldn’t control a guide to third after Kyle Abbott had extracted some bounce off a length, and edged to Tom Prest at first slip.On three occasions, Abbott thought he had Dickson lbw but each time the vociferous Hampshire appeals were turned down.Abbott was the pick of the Hampshire bowlers with his unerring accuracy with his eight morning overs only conceding 12 runs, with 83% of the deliveries resulting in dots. But neither he, Brad Wheal, James Fuller, Liam Dawson nor Brett Hampton could do anything to move the steadfast Dickson and Abell.The duo blocked and left with clear heads while chipping away at Hampshire’s lead.A Dickson pulled two took the visitors in front – having been behind the match since losing six wickets for 40 runs in the first innings – shortly before rain brought an early lunch.Light and then heavy rain prevented a restart until after tea, and even then only three-and-a-half overs – in which the only action of note was a dropped catch at first slip – were possible before bad light suspended proceedings again.After two sessions had been lost on day one, and early finishes for bad light on the following two days, there was little surprise when the hands were shaken on a draw at 5pm, with Somerset sweating over a minus over rate and a potential points deduction.

The four-match suspension previously imposed on Jamaica Scorpions captain John Campbell has been officially withdrawn following a recent meeting of the disciplinary committee on Friday, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Saturday. Campbell was handed a ban in December last year for not turning up for the toss against Barbados Pride, resulting in the Super50 final being forfeited for 2024-25.The rain-hit Super50 final was forfeited under extraordinary circumstances. The umpires had deemed conditions to be fit for a 20-overs-a-side match. But with neither captain making an appearance, no trophy was awarded for the 2024-25 edition. The fate of Barbados captain Raymon Reifer, who also faced the same charges, was not decided by the disciplinary committee in December.The CWI release stated that the committee took the view that “the procedure of bringing the charge was flawed and the matter therefore could not be heard” adding that the issues raised during Reifer’s hearing informed the body’s decision to withdraw the charges against Campbell. “It is important to note, the view is not pertaining to the merit of the charge but rather the process of the charge being laid.”Related

• Campbell handed four-match ban for part in Super50 final no-show

• No Super50 Cup winners after finalists forfeit rain-affected title contest

Miles Bascombe, CWI director of cricket, stated in a release: “We acknowledge the Tribunal’s observations and respect their role in ensuring procedural fairness. While Mr. Campbell’s expression of remorse and admission has been accepted, we recognize the concerns raised during Reifer’s hearing regarding the overall process and have decided to withdraw the suspension.”That said, this does not absolve individuals of responsibility where there have been serious breaches. No ruling has been made to declare a winner or overturn any match outcome–this is purely a matter of addressing procedural fairness. Neither has anyone been found guilty or innocent of charges. Our commitment to discipline, professionalism, and the integrity of the game remains unwavering.”Earlier, the board had confirmed that no match fees would be distributed for the final and neither would prize money meant for the tournament’s winners and runners-up be awarded. The committee also did not issue any ruling on the matter of prize money or match fees arising from the final.

Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions of strengthening the first-team squad this summer have been brought into question over recent weeks – and rightly so given the lack of activity.

Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel have been the only two senior first-team additions during the off-season, with Joao Palhinha also joining the Lilywhites during the off-season.

However, given the side’s lowly Premier League finish of 17th in 2024/25, new boss Thomas Frank would surely have wanted further reinforcements to help bolster his squad.

Morgan Gibbs-White was once seen as the club’s biggest target, but in typical Daniel Levy fashion, he was unable to get a deal over the line – with the Englishman subsequently penning a new deal at Nottingham Forest.

Such a deal isn’t the only one the owner has scuppered in recent weeks, but the latest one has certainly been inexplicable given the situation around the potential transfer.

Spurs’ failed pursuit of Eberechi Eze this summer

Eberechi Eze was seen as Spurs’ alternative to Gibbs-White this summer, making key moves with Crystal Palace to complete a move for the 27-year-old.

It was reported last week that the player himself was keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with the prospect of Champions League football undoubtedly appealing to the attacking midfielder.

Talks were at an advanced stage, on the player’s side and between the two sides, leading to a £60m deal being in place for Eze to move to the Lilywhites for the 2025/26 season and beyond.

However, despite all the work conducted for the Eagles star’s signature, their failure to complete a deal has seen rivals Arsenal swoop in and take the player from their clutches.

A total agreement has been reached between Eze and the Gunners, with the England international missing the Europa Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad to finalise his transfer.

As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy desperately need to delve back into the market to land other targets, with the September 1st deadline rapidly approaching on the horizon.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for an Eze alternative

After missing out on the Englishman’s signature, Spurs have turned their attention to his compatriot, Morgan Rogers, in an attempt to bolster the number ten position.

However, after making enquiries to land the 23-year-old this summer, it appears a deal could be unlikely, with Aston Villa currently demanding around £80m for his signature.

He’s not the only player currently in their sights at present, with Frank’s side ramping up their efforts to land Manchester City star Savinho, according to The Times.

Their article states that the Lilywhites could be set to return to talks with Pep Guardiola’s side over a move for the Brazilian, after previously entering negotiations to land the 21-year-old this summer.

It also claims that the Citizens don’t want to lose the Brazilian before the end of the window, but could listen to offers in the region of £60m for the attacker who notched 14 goal contributions in 2024/25.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze

Missing out on Eze, to a direct rival too, will undoubtedly be a bitter blow to the Spurs faithful, which has no doubt fuelled their disappointment towards owner, Levy.

He desperately needs to land a new talent or two within the final days of the transfer market to bolster the side, subsequently handing Frank the tools he needs to push for success in England’s top-flight.

It’s evident that money is available to spend, as seen by the moves for Eze and Gibbs-White, but this time around, the owner needs to be meaningful in his dealings to complete any signings.

The club are still being linked with various top-level players, as seen by their attempts to land Rogers, but it seems more likely at present that a deal for Savinho is more achievable this summer.

A deal for the Brazilian, whilst being an expensive one, would allow for a versatile option, with the youngster able to operate in central and wide areas when called upon.

Should talks progress, it would see the hierarchy spend a similar fee on Savinho as they would’ve with Eze, but they would be getting a talent six years younger in the process.

Despite his tender age, the City star managed to outperform the soon-to-be Arsenal man in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a better addition for the immediate and long-term future.

How Savinho & Eze compared in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Savinho	Eze
Games played	29	34
Goals & assists	9	16
Shot on target accuracy	38%	27%
Pass accuracy	81%	74%
Key passes made	2.4	2
Passes into the 18-yard box	2.4	1.3
Take-ons completed	2.7	2.3
Progressive carries	7.1	2.4
Carries into the 18-yard box	3.8	0.7
Stats via FBref

Savinho, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, posted a higher shot on target rate in the Premier League last season, subsequently providing the side with an added threat in front of goal.

However, whilst goalscoring is partly important for a supporting player in Frank’s system, chance creation is something that is crucial – a talent which the Brazilian possesses in abundance.

He bettered Eze for key passes and passes into the opposition box per 90, tallies which highlight his ability to either find the net alone, or provide golden chances for those around him.

Whilst the aforementioned assets are two of the 21-year-old’s strong points, he’s also showcased his superb dribbling ability at the Etihad – registering more take-ons and progressive carries per 90 – allowing him to beat the opponents before putting the finishing touches on any attack.

There’s no denying the Eze saga will leave a sour taste in the mouth of the Spurs faithful, but it could prove to be a blessing if they can land a deal for Savinho.

In his first year in English football, he’s already demonstrated his top-level quality, able to develop further during Frank’s tenure and potentially catapult the side to added glory in the years ahead.

He's better than Eze: Spurs make approach to sign "sensational" £80m star

Tottenham Hotspur have already identified a new target after missing out on Eberechi Eze.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 22, 2025

It feels like a lifetime ago now since Morgan Gibbs-White was being tipped to desert Nottingham Forest.

Indeed, at one point in the frantic transfer window, it looked nailed on that the exciting number ten was going to leave the City Ground behind, with Tottenham Hotspur his most likely next destination.

Thankfully, a switch to North London never got off the ground, with Gibbs-White starting both top-flight games so far for Forest this season, as they remain unbeaten, slotting back into Premier League life.

Dan Ndoye has been stealing various plaudits, too, by picking up a goal and an assist across this positive start, with Nuno Espirito Santo hopeful he can add in more impressive recruits, such as the ex-Bologna man, before the window suddenly slams shut.

Forest pushing to sign £35m star

The Tricky Trees have suddenly sparked into life in the busy transfer market.

Both Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee have entered the building from Ipswich Town and Manchester City in quick succession, costing Nuno’s men a whopping £67.5m in the process.

With Ndoye also in through the door, Forest’s forward line is undoubtedly littered with some top-quality up-and-coming gems, with a new £35m target also on their radar to add in even more firepower.

Journalist John Percy has taken to X to confirm that Forest are “pushing” to try and snap up RC Strasbourg attacking menace Dilane Bakwa before the window is over, having previously been reported to have had a bid in the region of £30m turned down.

£35m might well be enough for a move to come back to life, as per Percy, with the purchase of Bakwa potentially being troubling news for Ndoye, who will want his position as the Tricky Trees’ starting right winger to be as solid as possible, even if competition soon arrives.

How Bakwa compares to Ndoye

Of course, Forest did wave goodbye to Anthony Elanga this summer, meaning they were left a tad light in the right-winger department.

That has since been fixed with Ndoye’s arrival onto the scene, but Bakwa’s stunning numbers in Ligue 1 to date indicate he could be somewhat of an immediate upgrade on Forest’s brand new, flashy £34m signing.

Bakwa (Ligue 1) vs Ndoye (Serie A)

Stat

Bakwa

Ndoye

Games played

75

62

Goals scored

9

9

Assists

17

6

Big chances created

27

11

Stats via Sofascore

When glancing at the table above, it’s clear that Bakwa is more of a creative force than Ndoye, which further makes him more alike to the departed Elanga, who registered a hefty 21 assists for Forest from his 81 games at the club, before Newcastle United turned his head.

The Strasbourg star has collected 17 assists for himself in the testing French top-flight, with his ex-Bologna counterpart only managing six in total from 62 Serie A clashes.

With the same number of goals next to his name, too, as his potential soon-to-be City Ground comrade, it isn’t out of the question to assume that Bakwa would make similar immediate strides in the Premier League, like Ndoye, having also been labelled “very exciting” for his consistent excellence in France by journalist Josh Bunting.

Bakwa does look well-equipped to take on this next leap – having already collected two assists this season for Liam Rosenior’s early Ligue 1 high-flyers – but it will all rest on whether Nuno can get all these stunning attackers into the same XI.

Based on the evidence outlined, the 23-year-old might well feel hard done by if he isn’t immediately placed into the side at the expense of Ndoye, as some intriguing selection headaches now potentially arrive at the Portuguese manager’s door.

Related Requested by Nuno: Nottingham Forest make offer for £6m "big-game" player

The Tricky Trees have tabled a bid for a new signing, with negotiations currently ongoing.

Posts ByDominic Lund Aug 27, 2025

Leeds United have made strengthening their defence a priority during the summer transfer window ahead of their return to the Premier League in the 2025/26 campaign.

Lucas Perri has been signed to be the club’s new number one, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw have come in to compete at centre-back, and Gabriel Gudmundsson has replaced Junior Firpo at left-back.

The Championship champions have also swooped to add defensive midfielders Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff to their squad to provide the defence with more strength in front of them.

However, Stach showed against AC Milan on Saturday that he does have more to his game than just being a towering defensive presence in midfield, with a stunning strike in the 1-1 draw.

Daniel Farke, though, does now need to focus on bringing in attacking players to ensure that there is enough firepower in the team to win matches in the Premier League.

As part of that, Leeds need to find a creative attacker who can unlock opposition defences on a regular basis, which essentially means that they need their next Pablo Hernandez.

Why Leeds need their next Pablo Hernandez

During his time at Elland Road, the Spanish forward, who played centrally as a number ten or out wide on the right, provided immense quality at the top end of the pitch.

Hernandez really emerged as a superstar when Marcelo Bielsa arrived at the helm in the summer of 2018, as the Argentine’s system seemed to get the best out of him.

The former Valencia and Swansea man became a cult hero at Elland Road with his majestic performances on the pitch, consistently unlocking opposition defences with his technical quality and wonderful eye for a pass.

Hernandez was an attacking midfielder who offered a big threat as a scorer, with 21 goals in two Championship seasons under Bielsa, but his biggest strength was his creativity.

Appearances

39

36

Goals

12

9

Assists

12

9

Big chances created

16

13

Key passes per game

3.0

2.3

As you can see in the table above, the Spanish whiz created at least 2.3 chances per game on average across two seasons in the second tier and created a whopping 29 ‘big chances’ for his side.

Meanwhile, no current Leeds player averaged more than 1.6 key passes per game in the Championship in the 2024/25 campaign, which does not suggest that they are likely to be hugely creative after the step up to the Premier League.

That is why the Whites should be in the market to sign an attacking midfielder who can be a creative spark in the final third for Farke’s team this coming season.

Leeds considering bid for £25m attacking midfielder

According to GIVEMESPORT, Leeds United are looking at a potential deal to sign a number ten who could arrive as their next Pablo Hernandez, Bilal El Khannouss.

The report claims that the Whites are ‘considering’ a bid to sign the Leicester City attacking midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that the Morocco international is expected to move on from the King Power in the coming weeks, with Leeds, Spurs, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Bayer Leverkusen all eyeing him up.

GIVEMESPORT reveals that the 21-year-old star has a £22.5m release clause in his contract with the Foxes, but clubs are willing to pay a higher overall fee in order to secure more favourable payment terms, possibly with a lower upfront fee and more add-ons.

The outlet states that the higher fee could be in the region of £25m, and it now remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are prepared to pay that much to bring him to Elland Road to bolster their squad.

Why Leeds should sign Bilal El Khannouss

Farke should push the board to get a deal done for El Khannouss before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September because he could be the Pablo Hernandez-esque figure that they need at the top end of the pitch.

Despite Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League last season, the Morocco international showed that he has the technical and creative qualities to make an impact at that level.

The £25m-rated star, who was dubbed a “sensational prospect” by analyst Ben Mattinson, created eight ‘big chances’ for his teammates in just 27 starts in the Premier League for the Foxes.

In their last respective seasons in the Premier League, Dan James created three, Wilfried Gnonto created three, Brenden Aaronson created five, and Jack Harrison created six.

This suggests that El Khannouss has the quality to step in as Farke’s most creative attacking midfielder or winger straight away, as the current options at the club have not proven themselves to be particularly adept at consistently creating chances in the Premier League.

xAG

0.19

Top 46%

Assists

0.12

Bottom 35%

Passes attempted

43.85

Top 15%

Progressive passes

5.28

Top 14%

Passes into the final third

3.67

Top 10%

Key passes

1.73

Top 37%

Through balls

0.45

Top 16%

As you can see in the table above, the Leicester starlet ranked highly in a host of creative metrics in the top-flight last season, but was let down by poor finishing from his teammates to end up in the bottom 35% of his positional peers for assists.

El Khannouss, who predominantly plays as a number ten, could be the creative presence that Leeds are currently lacking in their squad, given his ability to progress play with passes into the third third, with key passes and through balls to set up his teammates.

He has the potential to emerge as the new Pablo Hernandez at Elland Road, as an attacking midfielder who could be the creative hub of the team, and has plenty of room for improvement as a young player.

That is why the Whites should be pushing to get a deal done for him as quickly as possible, because El Khannouss could fill a big creative hole in the squad and still has the potential to get even better in the future.

Solomon repeat: Leeds have discussed swoop for "explosive" £20m "menace"

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a Manor Solomon repeat.

ByDan Emery Aug 9, 2025

ICC also announced that the double-header games in Sharjah on October 5 would be swapped

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Sep-2024

The winners of the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup received prize money of USD 1million•ICC via Getty Images

The winners of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup that begins on October 3 in the UAE will receive USD 2.34 million in prize money, an increase of 134% over the USD 1 million Australia were awarded for winning the tournament in 2023.The overall prize pot of USD 7.95 million is also 225% more than the USD 2.45 million on offer in 2023, the ICC announced on Tuesday. The upcoming event is the first in which the ICC will award women equal prize money as men for their respective events, a decision that was taken in June 2023.The winners of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup – India – were awarded USD 2.45 million earlier this year. The difference between that amount and what the women champions will take home – USD 2.34 million – is down to the difference in the number of matches played by teams during the two events, with the men’s T20 World Cup having 20 participating sides compared to 10 in the women’s event.The runners-up in the 2024 Women’s World Cup will take home USD 1.17 million in comparison to the USD 500,000 awarded to the losing finalists – South Africa – last year. The two losing semi-finalists in 2024 will earn USD 675,000, an increase from USD 210,000 in 2023. And all ten participating teams in 2024 are assured of earning USD 112,500.October 5 fixtures swappedThe ICC announced a change in the schedule of games in Sharjah on October 5. Previously, Bangladesh and England were playing the afternoon game scheduled to start at 1400 local time, while Australia and Sri Lanka playing each other from 1800 local time. In the revised schedule, Australia and Sri Lanka will play in the afternoon, and England will take on Bangladesh in the evening.The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup begins in Sharjah on October 3, with Bangladesh playing Scotland at 1400, and Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka at 1800.

Tottenham Hotspur will have to balance the books soon by making key player sales, especially with the plethora of non-locally trained players in their squad, which could result in them having to submit a weakened Champions League squad.

£100k-a-week Tottenham star now wants to join elite manager at another club

Spurs need to sell players due to a key UEFA rule.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 11, 2025

Due to UEFA rules, Spurs require at least eight ‘locally trained’ players to be named in their 25-man list, and if they cannot meet this quota, then their total of A-list players will be reduced to make up the deficit.

While Morgan Gibbs-White’s potential arrival – which has now been delayed due to legal complications – could have a positive impact on this, given he came through the Wolves academy, their recent signing of Mohammed Kudus means that the north Londoners currently boast around 24 non-locally trained players in their current squad, even if this does include the likes of Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, Yang-min Hyeok, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Taking this into account, The Telegraph reports that Tottenham will need to sell at least one player this summer, and there are plenty of candidates.

Gil and Solomon are very likely to be sold after spending 2024/2025 out on loan at Girona and Leeds United respectively, with the former already confirming his intention to leave N17 in the coming weeks.

“That’s something my agent will tell me where things are going, but they [Spurs] told me, and I told them, that the best thing is for us not to continue being linked to Tottenham,” said Gil to Estadio Deportivo in April.

“They bet on me when I was young, and they’ve treated me fairly well, but if I have to go back there, I’ll focus on giving my best as always. I’m calm because no one can have a bad word to say about me not being professional. Without playing, I’ve always trained well, I’ve done what I had to do, so whatever has to happen, will happen. We’ll see where we are next year.”

Son Heung-min has entered the final 12 months of his contract and may be sold by Spurs, according to recent reports, with Yves Bissouma also attracting interest from Turkey.

However, another option could be injury-plagued striker Richarlison.

Richarlison likely to leave Tottenham as Vasco de Gama phone him

They’re very unlikely to make a substantial fee back off the £60 million they paid Everton to sign the Brazil striker in 2022, but Tottenham’s signings of Gibbs-White and Kudus will only push him further down the attacking pecking order.

Spurs are also still interested in signing Brentford star Yoane Wissa, and if they were to sensationally bring in the Bees star too, it would surely draw the curtain on Richarlison’s north London career.

The 28-year-old, barring a fine purple patch under Ange Postecoglou midway through 2023/2024, has found life very difficult at Spurs overall – with journalist Leonardo Lacerda, via Bolavip, sharing that clubs in Brazil could offer him a route back home.

Lacerda is quoted saying that Vasco de Gama president, Pedrinho, has personally phoned Richarlison to gauge the possibility of a transfer, but the ex-Watford man also has admirers in Saudi Arabia.

“It’s happening! President Pedrinho, accompanied by a member of the Vasco leadership, contacted Richarlison directly through a phone call,” said Lacerda.

“The goal was to get a closer look at the striker’s situation, as he’s unlikely to remain at Tottenham next season. In addition to Vasco, the striker is attracting interest from Fluminense, Flamengo, and Palmeiras. Two Saudi Arabian clubs have also entered the fray—Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.”

With Richarlison emerging as a real man in demand, it is now Levy’s task to set a realistic asking price, with reports suggesting Spurs will let him go for around £20 million.

England duo star on county return after Luke Wood mops up resistance with three wickets

ECB Reporters Network17-Jul-2024Lancashire 136 for 2 (Salt 70, Livingstone 54*) beat Nottinghamshire 131 for 7 (James 51, Wood 3-23) by eight wicketsLancashire became the second North Group side to qualify for the Vitality Blast quarter-finals, brushing struggling Nottinghamshire aside by eight wickets chasing 132 at Emirates Old Trafford as England duo Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone starred on their return to county action.Second-placed Lightning joined leaders Birmingham in progressing courtesy of their seventh win in 13 games, set up by a polished bowling display led by left-arm quick Luke Wood’s season’s best three for 23 in limiting his former county to 131 for seven.All-rounder Lyndon James top-scored with a career best 51 off 38 balls before Salt underpinned a successful chase with a more destructive 70 off 42, including five sixes, in his first innings after T20 World Cup duty.Livingstone, another returning international, also contributed a wicket, three catches and 54 not out off 37 with three sixes. He shared a second-wicket 112 with Salt as victory was sealed with 5.3 overs remaining.Lancashire became the first county to achieve 150 wins in Blast history.From the moment Outlaws captain Joe Clarke got a thick edge behind off Saqib Mahmood’s pace, leaving the visitors two for one after eight balls, Lightning controlled things.The Outlaws, inserted, slipped to 28 for four inside six overs, Wood claiming his first – Jack Haynes caught at deep square-leg – added to other scalps for spinners Chris Green and Tom Hartley.The latter, England’s left-arm spinner, had Matt Montgomery caught at deep square-leg for his first wicket in any format since May 12, owing much to him being a squad member only at the recent T20 World Cup.In terms of games won, Nottinghamshire (144) are the second-most successful side in Blast history. But they will want to forget this campaign having only won twice so far.James and Tom Moores shared a fifth-wicket 53 inside eight overs and hit a six apiece to stem the tide and at least get the Outlaws into an innings which saw home captain Keaton Jennings employ four spinners to share 12 overs.Irish overseas debutant George Dockrell wasn’t one, but Livingstone was.And he broke the partnership when Moores miscued a wider delivery to long-off for 26 – 81 for five in the 13th over.After Wood struck again to get Liam Patterson-White caught at deep cover, James reached his fifty off 37 balls – by which time Nottinghamshire were 122 for six early in the 19th over.But, having mixed power with invention, James fell next ball to a brilliant diving catch from Livingstone at deep mid-wicket to hand Wood his third wicket.The visitors did well to get the total they did, though it just didn’t feel like one to threaten Lancashire’s progression through to a 17th quarter-final in 22 seasons.Afghanistan quick Fazalhaq Farooqi had Luke Wells caught at point in the second over of the chase – 14 for one – to raise Outlaws’ hopes.Livingstone, in at three, was dropped in the deep on five and 20 en-route to a fifty later achieved with the winning hit – a pulled six off Farooqi.Salt pulled Olly Stone for an early six and hit Luke Fletcher for two more in succession over the off-side shortly afterwards.By the time Salt reached his fifty off 31 balls, Lancashire – now on course for a home tie in the quarters – were motoring at 84 for one in the 10th over.Salt hit two more sixes off Fletcher’s seam to bring up the century partnership with Livingstone before falling to Patterson-White’s spin.

Crystal Palace hold a strong interest in an “explosive” forward, and they are now ready to submit a £7m offer to complete a deal, according to a report.

Palace eyeing new signings amid Europa League uncertainty

Palace secured qualification for the Europa League for the first time, courtesy of their FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City, but they are now at risk of being kicked out of the competition, due to issues surrounding multi-club ownership.

John Textor has since admitted that he is trying to sell his majority stake in the club, in order to allow the Eagles to compete in Europe next season, saying: “We are trying to help separate it and sell. We wanted to buy but it’s become clear that isn’t going to happen and so we’re trying to help Palace and the situation with UEFA. That’s about all I can say.”

Textor also adds that a “good meeting” was held with UEFA, which suggests there is hope that Oliver Glasner’s side will take part in the competition, but there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Eberechi Eze exit stance as Arsenal and Tottenham eye Crystal Palace star

The England international is a wanted man this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 31, 2025

The lack of clarity could also affect summer transfer plans, as Selhurst Park will not be as attractive a destination without European football on offer, but the south Londoners continue to run the rule over potential new signings.

According to a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness), Crystal Palace hold a strong interest in Watford winger Kwadwo Baah, who spent four years at Selhurst Park as a youth player from 2013 to 2017.

Such is Palace’s level of interest, they are now ready to submit a €8m (£7m) offer to complete a deal for Baah, although it is unclear whether Watford would accept a bid in that region, or hold out for a higher amount.

The winger’s versatility is of particular appeal to the Eagles, having regularly featured in both attack and right wing-back throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

"Explosive" Baah could be ready for Premier League move

The German’s time at Selhurst Park as a youth player didn’t work out, but he has managed to work his way up the football pyramid, spending time with Rochdale and Burton Albion in League One before making a name for himself with Watford.

The 2024-25 campaign was the 22-year-old’s most impressive to date, collecting four goals and three assists in the Championship, and displaying his versatility by featuring in a range of different attacking positions, including striker.

Former manager Tom Cleverley was also impressed by the forward, saying: “He is so skilful, so explosive, so powerful and direct. He’s been excellent for us this season.”

As such, Baah could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League, and a move to Selhurst Park would surely be of great appeal, particularly if UEFA sanction Glasner’s side playing in Europe.