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It's not Maeda: Rodgers must start Celtic's "best winger" in Jota's absence

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Can Celtic get back to winning ways in Old Firm derbies?

Despite clinching the Premiership title last weekend at Tannadice, and being 17 points clear at the top, the Hoops have actually lost the last two Glasgow derbies, demolished 3-0 at Ibrox in January, before Rangers were last-gasp 3-2 victors at Parkhead in March.

Daizen Maeda

So, even though the title race is done and dusted, the Celts will be determined to pick up three points in Govan on Sunday and, if they are to achieve this, Brendan Rodgers should unleash the player he himself has described as the club’s “best winger”.

Celtic injury latest ahead of Old Firm

In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Rodgers confirmed that Jota will be sidelined for up to nine months due to a knee injury suffered at Tannadice, which is a heartbreaking blow for the Portuguese winger, who’s only just returned to the club.

Meantime, Alistair Johnston “won’t be available” either, Rodgers confirmed, with the Canadian set to be protected over the coming weeks to make sure he is ready for the Scottish Cup Final later this month against Aberdeen.

This is certainly a blow because, as outlined by Scott Bradley of Breaking the Lines, Johnston has been ‘pivotal’ to Celtic’s success this season, but he does have an obvious deputy in Anthony Ralston, who will therefore get a run in the side.

Celtic defender Anthony Ralston.

In attack, however, Rodgers has a decision to make, so we believe he should start the club’s most decorated player.

Who Rodgers should start in Celtic's attack vs Rangers

Daizen Maeda has absolutely been on fire this season, scoring 33 goals across all competitions, requiring seven more from the remaining five fixtures to become only the second player since Henrik Larsson to reach 40 goals in a single campaign, matching the achievement of Leigh Griffiths.

However, especially since his compatriot Kyōgo Furuhashi was sold to Stade Rennais in January, Maeda has played much of his best football as a central striker, starting four of the last six Premiership matches in that position.

So, if Rodgers does not want to move Maeda, who are his wide options?

Nicolas Kühn

47

3,075

20

14

Yang Hyun-jun

30

1,126

5

6

James Forrest

28

982

Zero

6

Nicolas Kühn’s double against Dundee United will surely earn him a start at Ibrox, while, on the other side, with Yang Hyun-jun still nursing an elbow injury, could James Forrest be handed a rare start?

When he gets his hands on the Premiership trophy in a few weeks, Forrest will become Celtic’s most-decorated player of all time, with this set to be his 26th major honour, hoping to add an eighth Scottish Cup later this month.

Appearances

523

Minutes

32,578

Goals

109

Assists

109

Premiership titles

13

Scottish Cups

7

League Cups

6

Forrest’s Celtic career is truly incredible, running out of time if he is to score in a 16th successive Premiership season, so what better time to do it than at Ibrox, having never previously scored away to Rangers in ten previous attempts?

Rodgers described Forrest as Celtic’s “best winger”, adding that he “injects quality” whenever he is called upon, so it could be time for the Scotland international to start and make a big impact on Sunday.

Not just Jota: Second Celtic star ruled out for multiple weeks with injury

The Bhoys have injury problems to contend with…

BySean Markus Clifford May 3, 2025

Man Utd making moves to sign "incredible" assist king for bargain £20m fee

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Manchester United are now making moves to sign an “incredible” playmaker, who is set to be available for a bargain fee this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd keen to add new creative midfielder

Bruno Fernandes has taken on much of the burden of creating chances for Man United this season, racking up 18 assists in all competitions, and Ruben Amorim is eager to provide the captain with more support in midfield.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is among the more audacious targets for United, having recently launched a £70m move for the Englishman, but it could be difficult to get a deal done, with Unai Emery eager to keep hold of the attacking midfielder.

A bid is also being prepared for Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue, who has caught the eye of Old Trafford chiefs with his fantastic performances for the French side this season, but once again a deal would be expensive.

Man Utd and INEOS now looking to hijack Newcastle deal for £25m wide player

Man Utd have now joined their Premier League rivals in the race to sign an exciting attacker.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 14, 2025

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear the Red Devils are dealing with serious financial difficulties, which means it could make sense to pursue a move for a low-cost attacking midfielder this summer.

According to a report from Spain, Man United are now making moves to sign Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who scored the equalising goal for the French side in the 2-2 draw in the Europa League last week.

Rayan Cherki

There is a belief that Cherki would suit Amorim’s’s system, but his impressive performances for Lyon this season mean he is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League, with Chelsea also believed to be keen.

The Frenchman could be allowed to leave for just £20m this summer, given the difficult financial situation Lyon find themselves in, with the Ligue 1 side willing to negotiate a sale if they receive a convincing offer.

Cherki could be "incredible" signing for Man Utd

It is little wonder some top Premier League clubs are queuing up for the 21-year-old, given just how impressive he has been for Lyon this season, collecting 18 assists in all competitions, while also chipping in with 11 goals.

The “incredible” playmaker, as dubbed by journalist Julien Laurens, is showing signs he is now ready to make a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and it is exciting news that United are making moves to secure his signature.

While Fernandes has once again been impressive for the Red Devils this term, it is clear the Portugal international needs more help, given that the only other players to have registered more than one assist are Diogo Dalot and Amad.

Cherki’s performances this season, coupled with his availability for such a low fee, indicate he could be the perfect addition to a Man United squad clearly in need of more creativity.

James Anderson: Six of his greatest dismissals

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

From hooping swing to wobbly wonder balls, a selection of Anderson brilliance

Vithushan Ehantharajah09-Jul-2024Brendon McCullum b Anderson, Trent Bridge 2008 – The Residual Streaks of a Wild BoyI know what you’re thinking: “If Aaron Redmond was the Test head coach who had decided to call time on Jimmy’s career, would he be on this list instead of Brendon McCullum?” And you may be right. Redmond’s dismissal might have been better. But this is no “take that, Brendon” selection just to kick off this list. He just happened to sell his like The Rock selling a “Stone Cold Stunner”…Both angled in, moved away late – through the air first, then off the seam, because just doing one of those two things simply won’t do – and sent off stump into a neighbouring postcode. Redmond’s was fuller and straighter, and he was looking to play through mid-on. McCullum, though, was invested in blazing his through midwicket, front foot coming right across to ensure that by the time he is fully squared up, he is pretty much locking eyes with umpire Darrell Hair standing at square leg.Related

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Switch Hit: Jimmy A's final spell

The best thing, though, is this iteration of Anderson. The action isn’t as smooth, arms and legs flurrying like a kid sprinting in flip flops, to the point he almost throws himself into a different dimension upon delivery. At the same time, his head is not as low as it once was at the point of release, which used to have him sniffing the pitch, momentarily oblivious to what destruction he had caused at the other end.Following Troy Cooley’s well-intentioned remodelling of Anderson’s bowling action which caused exactly the kind of back injury it was hoped to prevent, this was Anderson back to the old him, hooping at pace. He may have been on his way to refinement, but there remained this tearaway visceral urge. Like an animal on the cusp of domestication who could still recall the taste of blood.VVS Laxman b Anderson, The Oval 2011 – Knuckle Ball GloryAnderson had been in the lab. Ahead of the 2010-11 Ashes series, he and David Saker sat down to work out a delivery that would keep him in the game in Australian climes when there was no swing to work with. What they happened upon was no discovery, per se. They had merely untangled the strands of magic of a delivery Mohammad Asif had used against England in the summer of 2010.You know it now as “the wobble ball”, with its seam more casual than formal ensuring a Russian Roulette trade-off for the batter. Though Anderson would use it on that successful Ashes trip, it was during the 2011 home season that he truly had it down.This dismissal encapsulated that. VVS Laxman’s legend is adorned with silk of his own making, and yet here he was, stumbling with all the grace of a reveller disembarking a cab at 3am.

“Such is the shock of the ball suddenly taking a different path that Laxman actually turns to see his off stump beginning its descent, before staring back in front of him. The gaze of a man who thought he had the answers, now searching for meaning”

The set-up was predominantly into Laxman, at the stumps, slanting onto the pads, along with a loose delivery out wide, guided beyond gully. The India veteran almost certainly knew Anderson was looking for one to at least hold its line outside off. But as the punchline delivery angles in from the hand, seam shaking, Laxman takes a step towards Anderson to block it back.Such is the shock of the ball suddenly taking a different path that Laxman actually turns to see his off stump beginning its descent, before staring back in front of him. His gaze is not fixed on the pitch, nor Anderson nodding with approval. Merely straight ahead, like a man who thought he had the answers, now searching for meaning in an increasingly meaningless world.Ricky Ponting c Swann b Anderson, Adelaide 2010 – Smart Punt”He’s not a bad one to get first ball, is he?” remarked Anderson in an interview back in 2015 when reflecting on this dismissal. It remains one of his favourites for the occasion, the execution but especially for the man, who ended up averaging 60 against him across all their battles.England had saved the first Test of that 2010-11 Ashes tour with a remarkable show of strength in their second innings at Brisbane. A total of 517 for 1 declared did not just cover for the sins of their first effort of 260 – which Australia bettered by 221 – but showed they were no pushovers. They had to build on that a week later in Adelaide.Anderson celebrates his dismissal of Ricky Ponting•Getty ImagesRicky Ponting won the toss and opted to bat first. And though Simon Katich was run out without facing off the fourth ball of the match with the score still on zero, out strode the Australia captain ready to stand on business in his 150th Test.The common wisdom throughout Ponting’s career was susceptibility early in his innings because of a knack for thrusting bat and pad out together in a bid to own the space around him. This was true, but given he was averaging 54.71 with 39 centuries at this juncture, possessing that information was akin to knowing the best way to deter a shark is to punch it in the nose. It still has to be a decent punch.Before the cheers welcoming Ponting to the middle of the Adelaide Oval had died down, Anderson began his approach, armed with nothing but a new Kookaburra under blue skies. Passing close enough to brush umpire Tony Hill’s left shoulder, he finds just enough shape off a full length to drag Ponting outside off, and just the right amount of seam to nab the outside edge.Ponting’s bat emerges late from behind his front pad, resulting in a perilously low deflection towards a wide slip cordon. Thankfully for Anderson – and England – Graeme Swann is staggered enough ahead of first slip to dive across from second to complete a smart catch for a first-ball duck for Australia’s leading man. In turn, the hosts are 0 for 2 (2 for 0 in their money) and the tourists are on their way to a 1-0 lead and a rare away Ashes series win.Mahela Jayawardene c Strauss b Anderson 4, Cardiff 2011 – Winning the Waiting GamePerhaps the unsexiest of Anderson’s strengths is patience. Be honest now – what about waiting really does it for you? Even anticipation is rooted in restlessness, staving it off, prolonging the wait for gratification.But Test cricket rewards such traits, and few fashioned it into a shiv to repeatedly jab English sides quite like Mahela Jayawardene. This is a man who once batted over nine and a half hours against them in Colombo and then over 10 hours in Galle in back-to-back innings. The 195 and 213 not out scored broadly academic. The real quiz was frustrating an increasingly exasperated England trying to fight back from their opening defeat at Kandy.

“Anderson serves one up that moves in late, carries on its path off the pitch while bouncing more than the previous deliveries. Jayawardene, initially planning to leave, is forced to play so late and so suddenly that his bottom hand comes off the bat. Even Strauss is taken by surprise at slip”

As such, this probably counts as some form of micro-revenge. Heavy Welsh cloud after some familiar late May rain that brought about a late start to day one of this first Test had skewed the conditions in favour of the English bowlers.But Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first was due to a Sophia Gardens pitch that was not going to offer much bounce. And with Jayawardene at the crease with a sound enough bed of 114 for 2 after 40 overs to settle into, he saw things through to stumps, eventually sleeping on 4 off 24 deliveries.Anderson opened the next day with Jayawardene on strike and, crucially, a plan. There were 10 outswingers in a row, some bigger than others, with a couple dying on the way through to Matt Prior. Then, out of nowhere, from more or less the same position at the crease but with a slightly more upright arm, Anderson serves one up that moves in late, and carries on its path off the pitch while bouncing more than any of the previous deliveries. Sri Lanka’s No. 4, initially planning to leave it well alone, is forced to play so late and so suddenly that his bottom hand comes off the bat. Even Andrew Strauss is taken by surprise at wide first slip, grabbing instinctively to his right and falling away behind second in the process.Michael Clarke b Anderson, Trent Bridge 2013 – A Tap on the Shoulder of Off StumpArguably the most dramatic dismissal on this list, with a backstory to match.In October 2012, , Anderson’s first autobiography, caught the attention of the Australian public with a story from the aftermath of England’s defeat in Adelaide on the 2006-07 tour. Among the post-match fraternising was an aloof Michael Clarke and a bristling Anderson, armed with a pad and fuelled by a couple of cold ones.Our man did not think much of Clarke’s posturing while all other guards were down, and wondered aloud about wrapping said pad “around his head”. Damien Martyn, Clarke’s team-mate at the time, encouraged him – twice – and Anderson duly obliged. “What the f*** ya doing?” came the response from Clarke once the sound from the almighty thud had cleared the air.Anderson to Michael Clarke: you miss, I hit•Getty ImagesClarke would deny the story two years later, but the ill-feeling between the two was now out in the open. And as much as it underpinned the battle these two would embark upon in, starting with this first Test of the 2013 series ahead of the “broken fucken arm” leg later that winter, Clarke’s own stellar form added an extra layer to this feud.The Australia captain was undoubtedly the standout batter in world cricket when he strode to the crease on that day one evening, averaging 85.21 since the start of 2012. England had been dismissed for 215 and the visitors were 19 for 2 in dwindling light. Six balls and no runs later, he was done.Tight to the stumps, Anderson hoops one in, just full of a good length. Clarke, implored to play, offers the straightest of blades, maker’s name on show, fully committed to the defensive shot. So committed, in fact, that the lack of impact has the right-hander falling forward. Upon pitching, the ball jags off the seam, somehow picking up more pace than it had upon arrival to the surface.You’d swear Clarke knows he’s done before he is, bowing his head like a samurai offering courtesy in his final moments. There is no death rattle, more a kiss of death as off stump is pecked with just enough pucker to dislodge the bail.The celebrations are wild. Anderson gallops through looking to meet Clarke’s eye as the batter turns sharply towards the pavilion, but satiates his carnal urge to gloat by pointing furiously at the wrecked stumps as he sprints past his nemesis.Ajinkya Rahane b Anderson, Chennai 2021 – Reverse Gears Anderson celebrates after beating Ajinkya Rahane comprehensively•BCCIIf you were waiting for a reverse-swing dismissal, here it is. Sorry, it had to be the last one on the list.Anderson’s relationship with reverse swing has Indian groundings. Zaheer Khan piqued his interest after tying England in knots in 2007. Five years later, having workshopped it successfully on a tour of Sri Lanka, he would finish 2012 out-reversing Zaheer as England secured their first Test series win in India since 1985.The journey in between was full of trial and error. Initially, Anderson could only conjure reverse swing with a different action, which made it difficult to hoodwink batters, which is sort of the point. But after hours of working away with pre-scuffed balls, he was able to achieve that devastating movement with what in real-time looked identical to his usual set-up.Translating that from the nets to the middle took time. But Anderson sussed out quickly that reverse in England was about finding the nicks, whereas on subcontinental pitches, you needed to attack the stumps. All of this brings us neatly to February 9, 2021 – day five of the first Test in Chennai.With the SG ball showing signs it might tail having primarily been in the hands of spinners Jack Leach and Dom Bess, Anderson was reintroduced into the attack in the 27th over of India’s second innings with a nominal target of 420 on the table. Two balls in, he had breached the defence of Shubman Gill, taking out the half-centurion’s off stump.The shocking nature of the dismissal meant Ajinkya Rahane knew what he was up against when he walked out. Forward he went as Anderson bent one into off stump, meeting the ball with his front pad in the “umpire’s call” zone to uphold Nitin Menon’s “not out” call on the field.Unperturbed, Anderson repeats the trick, this time slightly wider and fuller, finding even more movement to bypass the pad and uproot the same stump once more. Turns out he still had that taste for blood all along.

Issy Wong rides the emotions as England sense their chance on rain-wracked day

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

England quick feared she was surplus to requirements before reality of cap presentation

Valkerie Baynes29-Jun-2022Issy Wong is, quite literally, living the dream. Unexpectedly handed her international debut in England’s Test against South Africa, she has twice dismissed Laura Wolvaardt, one of the world’s leading batters, and helped put her side in position to push for victory on the final day in Taunton.A 20-year-old quick who has been on England’s radar for at least the past two years, Wong was again a travelling reserve – a role she has played on several occasions during that time – until Saturday when she was summoned via text to a meeting with head coach Lisa Keightley.”I sat on my bed and I was thinking, ‘oh no she’s sending me home, I’m going to be driving up the M5 tonight’. She said, ‘I’m delighted to tell you we’re going to give you a debut.’ I think my reaction was, ‘yes, sound!’ It was probably something that I wasn’t expecting so I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, to be honest.”From there to an emotional cap presentation by Katherine Brunt, England’s seam-bowling stalwart who has retired from Tests, to taking her maiden international wicket when she bowled Wolvaardt for just 16 in South Africa’s first innings. But capping it all off was her devastating spell late on the third evening after a long day of rain frustrations that could have threatened England’s hopes of pushing for victory.Wong bowled five of the 9.5 overs possible when play resumed at 6.30pm local time following two long rain delays, the second of which lasted nearly three hours. She claimed two wickets in two overs when she had Lara Goodall caught down the leg side and then had Wolvaardt caught at gully by Nat Sciver, whose unbeaten 169 had helped England to a 133-run lead by the time they declared about half an hour before lunch.”I’ve got to say I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I was going to be,” Wong said of stepping onto the field for the first time as an England player. “I actually felt all right. Katherine had kind of used up all my emotions in her cap presentation.

“It’s probably something I’ve dreamed of since I started playing cricket when I was five. So just to be able to, I guess, live that dream has been really special this week. I probably didn’t think it was going to happen until a couple of days ago. So I’m just trying to not think too much about it and just enjoy it but, equally, trying to try to impact the game as much as I can.”Wong’s promotion came about when Emily Arlott, another uncapped quick, withdrew from the squad after struggling to overcome the after-effects of a recent Covid infection.She found greater rhythm bowling under lights in heavy and downright damp conditions than she had on the first day and, after Kate Cross had removed Andrie Steyn before the first rain delay a few minutes before the scheduled lunch break, South Africa were 55 for 3 and facing the tough prospect of batting out the final day.”We had a little huddle before coming on,” Wong said. “Heather [Knight, the captain} said, ‘just imagine the celebrations if we got a couple of wickets here,’ and we’d been waiting around all day for that. So as a bowling unit we were all just trying to get that breakthrough and set up tomorrow.”More rain is forecast for the final day with Sune Luus and nightwatcher Tumi Sekhukhune set to resume in single figures although Marizanne Kapp, who made 150 in the first innings, is yet to bat also.Related

  • Marizanne Kapp's epic 150 keeps South Africa afloat on return to Test cricket

  • Issy Wong, Lauren Bell seize chance to shine in front of England's old guard

  • Issy Wong double-strike, Nat Sciver's 169* keep England on top on rain-hit day

  • Centuries to Nat Sciver and Alice Davidson-Richards put England back in front

“We knew this session would be really important,” Wong said. “It wasn’t necessarily that long, but it gave us a really good opportunity to make a couple of key breakthroughs and now we can have a good crack at them tomorrow morning and really push for that win. Hopefully the rain stays away.”Despite dismissing Wolvaardt twice at international level, Wong was still full of respect for her. The pair had faced each other previously during last year’s Women’s Hundred.”She’s a top, top quality player,” Wong said. “You look at that cover drive and you want to put it on a poster in your bedroom, don’t you? That’s been the fun of it, being able to run in like that under lights with a Dukes ball at some of the best batters in the world. I’d bite my hand off for that 10 years ago.”Goodall, who regularly faces Shabnim Ismail – who was ruled out of this match by a calf injury – in the nets, was also impressed by Wong. “She has quite a bit of pace but that’s not something we’re not used to,” Goodall said. “It was challenging. She hit good lines, good lengths, she cranked it up a little bit. Kudos to her, she bowled really well and that’s what Test cricket is all about, fast bowlers steaming in at the end of the day.”

Stats – How does Meg Lanning's Australia compare to Ricky Ponting's invincibles?

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Stats highlights from Brisbane as Australia completed a record-breaking seventh series win 3-0

Bharath Seervi07-Oct-202021* – Consecutive wins for Australia in ODIs, the longest streak in women’s ODIs and joint-longest in all ODIs along with the men’s streak of 21 wins in 2003. The team’s current streak began in 2018, which includes seven consecutive 3-0 bilateral series wins. Three of those were home series while the other four were away.ESPNcricinfo Ltd1.44 – Ratio of Australia’s scoring rate (5.62) and bowling economy (3.91) in their 21-win streak. On comparison, during Australia Men’s streak of 21 wins in 2003 their ratio of run rate scored and conceded was 1.24.2.17 – Ratio of batting average and bowling average for Australia in this streak. The men’s team also had a similar ratio – 2.19 – during their record streak. However, the women have scored more centuries and taken more four-wicket hauls than the men in their respective streaks.

Comparison of Australia Women and Men in their respective 21-win streaks

Team Bat ave 100s Bowl ave 4-fors Ave ratioAus Women (2018-present) 42.57 10 19.61 8 2.17Aus Men (2013) 46.96 5 21.43 7 2.191131 – Runs scored by Alyssa Healy during this 21-match streak, the most among all batters. She has scored those runs at an average of 56.60 and strike-rate of 108.74. She has hit three centuries, seven fifties and struck the most sixes (17). Ellyse Perry (60.90) and Meg Lanning (57.13) are also averaging above 50, while Ashleigh Gardner has a strike-rate of 123.84.Sophie Devine walks back after her dismissal•Getty Images39 – Wickets by Jess Jonassen in 18 matches during this streak, the most from the team. She has an average of 12.64 and economy of 3.35. Megan Schutt (30 wickets at 19.56) and Perry (26 wickets at 18.80) are the others with bowling averages less than 20. Jonassen has also picked up four four-wicket hauls and a five-for during this run.6 – Wins for Australia by a margin of 150 or more runs in this period. They also have five wins by a margin of seven or more wickets. Of the 21 wins, only two were close ones – by five runs against New Zealand in Perth and by two wickets against England in Leicester. For comparison, the men’s team had five close wins during their streak, and just one win by over 150 runs.!function(){“use strict”;window.addEventListener(“message”,(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[“datawrapper-height”])for(var e in a.data[“datawrapper-height”]){var t=document.getElementById(“datawrapper-chart-“+e)||document.querySelector(“iframe[src*='”+e+”‘]”);t&&(t.style.height=a.data[“datawrapper-height”][e]+”px”)}}))}();

5 – Number of 300-plus scores by Australia in their 21-matches streak. Only once did the opposition team score over 250 against Australia in this period – New Zealand managed 252 for 9 in the second match of the recent series. The men’s team had made four 300-plus totals in their streak in 2003 and only once did their opponents post above 250.

Mariners' Cal Raleigh Made a Bit of History With His Latest Home Run Blast

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

The MLB season is just about halfway through, and one of the biggest surprises of the year thus far has been Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh emerging as the current home run king.

Raleigh has been a solid power hitter throughout his career, with 30 home runs in 2023 and a career-high 34 dingers last season. But he is far from a name anyone expected to be leading the likes of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani in the home run race as we neared the All-Star break.

On Friday afternoon, Raleigh made some well-deserved history against the Chicago Cubs that will stand in the record books even if Judge or Ohtani chases him down in the months of baseball to come.

In the top of the first inning, Raleigh went yard for the 28th time this season. The home run not only gave him the solo lead in the home run race once again, but it also tied a record for most home runs by a catcher hit before the All-Star break, matching Hall of Famer Johnny Bench.

With three weeks still to play before this year’s Midsummer Classic, it feels likely that Raleigh will inevitably take the top spot for himself at some point in the coming days.

Congrats to the “Big Dumper” on his magical season so far.

Revealed: Real Madrid's attempt to lure Achraf Hakimi back from PSG in free transfer before full-back's U-turn after Kylian Mbappe switch

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Real Madrid explored the prospect of bringing Achraf Hakimi back on a free transfer in 2026, banking on his stalled renewal with Paris Saint-Germain and strong emotional ties to the club. But everything changed after Kylian Mbappe’s exit opened huge salary space at PSG, leading the Moroccan star to make a dramatic U-turn and sign a long-term extension in Paris instead.

  • Madrid’s plan for 2026 return collapses after PSG intervene

    After spending years in Madrid's youth academy, Hakimi left the club in 2020 to join Inter after a positive spell on loan at Borussia Dortmund. He has since blossomed into arguably the best right-back in the world, having since joined PSG and helped fire the French team to Champions League success last season. Naturally, Madrid fancied bringing the Morocco star, who made 17 senior appearances for Los Blancos, back to the Santiago Bernabeu, and with his contract expiring in 2026, there was a period they had high hopes of luring him.

    At the time, Hakimi’s renewal talks with PSG had stalled, and Madrid had privately informed him years ago that if he ever completed his PSG contract and became a free agent in 2026, the Bernabeu doors would be wide open. With relations between Real Madrid and PSG strained, a no-fee return was viewed as the only viable path. That possibility dramatically shifted after Mbappe left and PSG suddenly had significant financial room to manoeuvre, setting up the turning point that derailed Madrid’s plan, according to .

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  • AFP

    PSG shift strategy and give Hakimi an offer Madrid couldn’t match

    The Moroccan future was headed towards a free-agent crossroads until the Ligue 1 giants acted decisively. Mbappe’s departure freed up enormous wage capacity, allowing PSG to table a package Madrid simply could not compete with. The offer, strengthened by Luis Campos’ sporting project and Luis Enrique’s influence in the dressing room, convinced Hakimi to rethink his future and sign a long-term deal in February of this year.

    From PSG’s perspective, retaining one of the world’s best right-backs became a cornerstone of their post-Mbappe rebuild. Hakimi, already deeply integrated into the Paris squad and the club’s long-term vision, chose stability in Paris over sentiment in Madrid.

  • Injury recovery, Murcia visits & strong ties to Madrid remain

    Throughout this saga, Hakimi has been recovering from the ankle injury suffered after Luis Diaz’s heavy challenge in the Champions League. PSG allowed him to continue treatment in Murcia, where he works closely with Salinas and the Innova Clinic team. He was recently seen on a rolling mobility device at the CAF awards after winning the 2025 African Player of the Year.

    His regular appearances across Spain in recent weeks also kept speculation alive. Hakimi’s visit to Real Madrid's 2-2 draw against Elche in La Liga last week, where he watched former Madrid academy striker Alvaro Rodriguez score and mimic Hakimi’s “penguin” celebration. Despite his PSG renewal until 2029, those emotional links remain intact. Just as telling: he met his close friend Mbappe after the Elche match.

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  • AFP

    Renewal to 2029 ends Madrid hopes but connection endures

    With Hakimi now tied to the European champions until 2029, Madrid’s long-standing plan to re-sign him has effectively ended. The club always knew that negotiating with PSG’s hierarchy was nearly impossible and once a free transfer was off the table, the window closed.

    For PSG, Hakimi will be a central figure in Enrique’s evolving project, expected to return from injury ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations window. For Madrid, it is the story of a reunion that seemed increasingly possible until PSG’s post-Mbappe rebuild swept him firmly back into the Paris project.

    Even so, his repeated presence in Spain, his Madrid academy past, and his affection for the club ensure that his relationship with Los Blancos will always remain part of his identity even if the comeback will no longer happen.

Bielsa 2.0: Leeds prepare for Farke replacement with "elite" boss in frame

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

There has been some understandable concern from some sections of the Leeds United fan base over the club’s recent run of results in the Premier League under Daniel Farke.

The Whites have lost their last three matches in the division, to Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa, despite taking the lead in the last two games.

This run of results has left the West Yorkshire outfit in the relegation zone, albeit only on goal difference, with a daunting run of fixtures on the horizon in the Premier League.

Leeds travel to The Etihad to face Manchester City this weekend before a clash with Chelsea at Elland Road in midweek and a game against reigning champions Liverpool next weekend.

Unless the Whites pull off a surprise result in one of those matches, which is not impossible when you consider that Farke did beat City with Norwich in 2019, they could find themselves adrift in the relegation zone.

If Leeds lose all three of those games, it would be six defeats on the spin and a spot in the bottom three for the club. That is a hard position for any manager to keep their job in.

The case for Leeds to stick with Daniel Farke

Farke’s Premier League record will, naturally, come into question after his dismal time in the top-flight across two seasons with Norwich and the Whites’ form this term.

The German boss has lost 42 of his 61 games in the league, averaging 0.61 points per game, per Transfermarkt, with the Canaries and Leeds combined, which is a concerning statistic for any supporter looking to the manager and hoping that he can keep the team in the division.

However, it is worth adding some context. Norwich spent money on one permanent signing, Sam Byram for £750k, in the 2019/20 campaign and they had to play their last nine games behind closed doors. Before the second season, Farke’s best player, Emi Buendia, was sold to Aston Villa just weeks after they earned promotion from the Championship.

Then, of course, Farke wanted Leeds to strengthen their attacking options in the summer transfer window, but the club were unable to get a deal done for Harry Wilson on deadline day, which has left the manager short of options in the final third.

xG

14.3

13th

Goals

11

19th

xGA

16.1

12th

Goals conceded

22

17th

xGD

-1.8

12th

GD

-11

19th

As you can see in the table above, Leeds should be in midtable based on their performances, but the players have not taken their chances and their goalkeepers have conceded more than expected.

Whilst all of this mitigation is a case to save Farke’s job, a fresh report suggests that the club may be making a change in the dugout in the coming weeks.

The latest on Daniel Farke's future at Leeds

According to Football Insider, the owners are ‘preparing’ to part ways with the German boss if he is unable to oversee an improvement in the team’s results in the next week or so.

The report claims that the club are planning to sack Farke if he does not pick up any points from the matches against Manchester City and Chelsea, as harsh as that may seem given the level of opposition.

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It adds that the Whites are already looking at possible options to come in and replace the German manager in the dugout if they do have a decision to make in the next seven days.

Football Insider reveals that Valencia head coach Carlos Corberan is one of the names in the frame to possibly replace Farke, stating that he has moved ahead in the race to move to the Premier League.

If Leeds are able to convince their former U21s boss to return to Elland Road, the Spaniard could arrive as an upgrade on Farke and the club’s new Marcelo Bielsa.

Why Leeds should appoint Carlos Corberan

Whilst, as aforementioned, there is plenty of mitigation that suggests that Farke would be somewhat unfortunate to lose his job, this latest update clearly shows that Leeds are preparing for a change.

With this in mind, the focus should be on getting the best possible manager in to take the job, and there may not be many better and realistic options than Corberan, due to his history with Leeds and his managerial career to date.

The Spanish boss, who has played a 4-4-2 and a 4-2-3-1 in LaLiga this season, was a first-team coach under Bielsa at Elland Road before taking his first senior posting outside of Cyprus with Huddersfield in 2020.

Since then, he has managed Olympiacos, West Bromwich Albion, and Valencia, gaining vital experience, and has had his coaching style compared to that of Bielsa’s, as shown in the post below.

This suggests that the Whites would be signing a more pragmatic manager than Farke, and one who may be able to implement more subtle tactics within matches to secure results.

That is backed up by his record in LaLiga with Valencia since he made the decision to move on from West Brom to make the move to Spain midway through the 2024/25 campaign.

Matches managed

61

34

Wins

9

12

Draws

10

11

Losses

42

11

Points

37

47

Points per game

0.61

1.38

As you can see in the table above, the ex-Leeds U21s manager has a far better record in a major European league than Farke has, with ten more points from almost half as many games.

Of course, there is the aforementioned mitigation to take into account for Farke, but the Valencia boss is now a proven operator at that level of management, whilst the German is still yet to prove that he can successfully keep a team up.

Corberan was once hailed as “elite” by scout Petar Petrov for getting more out of his group of players than expected, which is exactly what the Whites need in the position that they are currently in.

Therefore, the Spaniard could arrive as an upgrade on Farke, due to his proven ability to get the most out of his players at the top level in Europe, whilst also being Bielsa 2.0 with his pragmatism and willingness to adapt, which is why the club should move for him if they sack Farke.

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Zubimendi upgrade: Arsenal chasing "the best CM in the world" for £114m

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Manchester City might have closed the gap on Sunday, but this season feels different for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been almost faultless over the last couple of months, so much so that a point away to the high-flying Sunderland feels like a defeat.

Moreover, while the Gunners finally conceded against the Black Cats, they remain unbeaten in 14 games across all competitions and are still top of the Premier League.

One of the reasons why Arsenal have been so successful is how quickly their summer signings have adapted. However, there are now reports that they could be interested in someone who could be an upgrade on Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal target world-class midfielder

Since arriving in North London for around £58m, Zubimendi has been an ever-present figure in Arsenal’s midfield.

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The Spaniard has already made 14 competitive appearances for the side, in which he has scored two goals and provided one assist.

However, his place in the side might not be as secure as it seems, with the Gunners now interested in another world-class midfielder.

At least that is according to a report from Caught Offside, which claims that Arsenal are interested in Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha.

The report has revealed that, alongside Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus, the Gunners are monitoring the midfielder’s situation.

However, in addition to convincing him to leave the reigning European Champions, the North Londoners would have to stump up an enormous fee of around €130m, equivalent to approximately £114m.

With that said, if this is a deal that can be done, it’s one Arsenal should pursue, even if that’s bad news for Zubimendi.

How Vitinha compares to Zubimendi

The first thing to note is that Zubimendi is doing a brilliant job for Arsenal so far this season and could be a key reason why they finally win the Premier League.

However, just because a player is performing well for a side, it does not mean they cannot be upgraded upon, so would Vitinha be that upgrade?

Well, both midfielders are capable of playing in central and defensive areas, so neither one takes the lead when it comes to versatility.

However, when it comes to their output, it’s a different story entirely.

For example, while the Gunners’ ace has two goals and one assist to his name this year, the PSG star already has a staggering tally of two goals and eight assists in just 16 appearances, totalling 1237 minutes.

In other words, he’s averaging a goal involvement every 1.6 games, or every 123.7 minutes, which goes some way to justifying respected analyst Ben Mattinson’s claim that he’s “the Xavi of this generation.”

Unfortunately for the former Real Sociedad star, he also comes out second best when it comes to major honours, as while he has a Copa del Rey and Euros to his name, the Portuguese star has won the Champions League, the Nations League, three Ligue 1 titles, two Portuguese League titles and a plethora of French Cups.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.24

0.13

Progressive Passes

14.7

6.25

Progressive Carries

4.02

1.06

Shots

2.29

0.86

Shots on Target

0.80

0.29

Passing Accuracy

93.6%

88.7%

Key Passes

1.84

0.87

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.84

0.87

Shot-Creating Actions

4.92

2.21

Goal-Creating Actions

0.91

0.29

Tackles Won

0.92

1.06

Shots Blocked

0.23

0.10

Clearances

0.80

1.83

Carries

103.8

42.9

Finally, it is once again the former Porto star who comes out on top when comparing their underlying numbers.

For example, “the best midfielder in the world,” as dubbed by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, comes out way ahead in crucial metrics such as progressive passes and carries, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions and shots blocked, all per 90.

In fact, the only metrics in which the Spaniard does better are some of the defensive ones, and even then, it’s not by a significant amount.

Ultimately, Zubimendi has been unreal for Arsenal so far this year, but if Vitinha is attainable, the club should do everything possible to bring him in.

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Spurs have unearthed a "future £100m" star who could become their own Saka

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Tottenham Hotspur swooped to appoint Thomas Frank as their new head coach ahead of the summer transfer window after they opted to remove Ange Postecoglou from his post.

The Australian manager won the Europa League at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, beating Manchester United in the final, but that was not enough for him to save his job.

Daniel Levy, who has since moved on from his role as chairman, parted ways with Postecoglou and snapped Frank up from Brentford, where he had won promotion to the Premier League and established the Bees in the division.

Four wins, two draws, and one defeat in the first seven matches of the top-flight campaign suggest that Spurs made a good decision when they changed managers this summer.

In his unveiling, the club’s official website noted that one of the reasons why Frank landed the job was that he has a proven track record in developing players.

Tottenham will now be hoping that he can work wonders with the plethora of talented young players at his disposal in North London, as he did with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade, and Yoane Wissa at Brentford.

Ranking Tottenham's most valuable U21 players

Whilst Frank could develop players of any age, the powers that be at Spurs may hope that he can develop the U21 players at the club to help them grow in value.

Tottenham have a rich history of developing and selling players. Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, both sold to Real Madrid, are notable examples, whilst Harry Kane came through the youth ranks before moving on to Bayern Munich in 2023 as the club’s all-time record goalscorer.

The Lilywhites may not have their next Kane in the making at the club at the moment, but they do have several impressive young stars who could have bright futures under an outstanding coach like Frank.

Spurs have four players aged 21 or under in their squad who are currently valued at £17m or more by Transfermarkt, which shows that several impressive young talents are waiting to explode in North London.

Lucas Bergvall

19

£33m

Archie Gray

19

£33m

Mathys Tel

20

£30m

Wilson Odobert

20

£17m

Kota Takai

21

£2m

Dane Scarlett

21

£2m

As you can see in the table above, Lucas Bergvall is the joint-most valuable U21 player in the squad, and he has emerged as an early favourite under Frank.

The Sweden international has started four of his six appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist, which shows that the manager has taken a liking to him.

Spurs will be hoping that Bergvall benefits from this exposure to regular starts in the top-flight to emerge as a star for Frank in the middle of the park.

Archie Gray is currently valued at £33m, the same as the Swedish starlet, but he has only made two appearances and started once in the Premier League so far this season.

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Whilst Bergvall is seemingly Frank’s favourite U21 player at the club at the moment, the England U21 international has the potential to develop into a Bukayo Saka-esque talent for Tottenham if he gets more game time in his favoured position.

How Archie Gray can become Tottenham's Bukayo Saka

At the start of Saka’s Arsenal career, Mikel Arteta played the English star at left-back 21 times, in central midfield five times, and at left midfield 29 times, per Transfermarkt.

This shows that the left-footed youngster had to play in several roles before nailing down a regular spot in his favoured position on the right flank, where he has scored 47 goals and provided 40 assists in 137 starts.

Gray has suffered through his versatility throughout his senior career to date. 30 of his 49 starts for Leeds came at right-back. 34 of his appearances for Spurs have come at right-back, centre-back, or left-back. Meanwhile, he has started just 13 matches as a central midfielder, his favoured role, in that time, per Transfermarkt.

13 starts as a central midfielder, the position he grew up playing at academy level, in more than two years as a first-team player for Leeds and Spurs shows that he has not had many opportunities to develop in his long-term position.

Gray finally had the chance to play in central midfield for England’s U21s against Moldova last week and caught the eye with an impressive and well-rounded display in the middle of the park.

Minutes

90

Pass accuracy

94%

Long pass accuracy

100% (3/3)

Dribble success rate

100% (3/3)

Ball recoveries

5

Ground duels won

3/4

Aerial duels won

1/1

As you can see in the table above, the 19-year-old star put in a sublime performance in and out of possession, as he was effective as a passer and a dribbler, whilst also being almost perfect defensively.

This shows that he has the potential to deliver quality displays as a midfielder, despite playing so many other positions ahead of his best one at senior level to date.

Gray, who U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed was “born to play football”, could realise his potential at Tottenham if Frank plays him in his best role for an extended run of matches.

Analyst Ben Mattinson once claimed that the England U21 international is a “future £100m CM”, and it is not a crazy prediction when you consider that he is currently valued at £33m, having barely played in his natural position.

Gray has 30 matches of Premier League experience under his belt and has won the Europa League with Spurs, but the next step is for him to nail down a regular spot in the XI in the middle of the park.

Frank could, then, unearth his own Saka-type player as the former Leeds starlet could follow in the Arsenal superstar’s footsteps by transitioning from playing out of position at full-back to being a star in his natural position.

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