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Tottenham Hotspur were held by Manchester United in the Premier League after Matthijs de Ligt beat Guglielmo Vicario deep into stoppage time to cancel out Richarlison’s deft flick moments earlier.

A real spectacle of a match. But this is more of the same for a Spurs side struggling for form at home and unable to produce the kind of creative performances to sustain a spot at the top of the league ladder.

Crystal Palace

9th

18.2

Man City

2nd

17.8

Man United

8th

17.5

Chelsea

7th

17.1

Arsenal

1st

16.9

Tottenham

3rd

10.1

The season, of course, is still young, but Thomas Frank has much to chew on, having watched his side toil for much of their clash against

the resurgent Red Devils.

Spurs' performance vs Man Utd

Tottenham’s creative issues were on display once again as Man United took control in the opening half. Things improved as Frank made tweaks at the interval, and the late flurry to turn the clash on its head nearly sealed a springboard of a win for the hosts, but a defensive lapse left the club with just one home win from five in the Premier League.

Without the injured Mohammed Kudus, Tottenham were always going to be up against it, and Richarlison and Brennan Johnson largely flattered to deceive down the wings.

Frank’s attacking experiment didn’t pay off, with Richarlison pushed out wide to accommodate Randal Kolo Muani as the central striker. The French loanee was hooked at half-time, and while Richarlison scored late on, it was not his finest overall performance.

Post-match, the Danish coach opted to draw the positives from the performances, but when he sits down in the tactical room and assesses Tottenham’s performance over the international break, he will be sure to settle on some changes.

One of which could be the tough call to drop one of the side’s mainstays. This is a player who is among the most talented down N17, and one whose fragilities were exposed against the Red Devils.

Frank must finally drop Spurs "disaster"

Few would argue against Pedro Porro being one of the most talented and creative full-backs in Europe, but his defending is questionable at times, and when he struggles to make things work on the ball, this is accentuated.

And this was the case against Manchester United.

Bryan Mbeumo scored his customary goal against the Lilywhites, heading home inside the area following Amad Diallo’s whipped cross. The Cameroonian swerved in behind Porro to score the goal.

Moreover, the 26-year-old was culpable of some questionable decision-making and positioning throughout the contest, altogether isolated from the role Frank had hoped he would perform against a team desperate for success and finding their feet.

Hooked after 67 minutes, Porro had struggled to impose himself against the United forwards and lacked his trademark playmaking quality, having lost the ball a shocking 29 times despite not creating a single chance. He attempted 12 crosses and found the mark with only one (data courtesy of Sofascore).

Polish journalist Michael Okonski even called the accuracy of his deliveries a “disaster”.

Football.london handed him a 5/10 match rating and brought to attention these issues, and now Frank must seriously consider making a tactical tweak.

Spence struggled to support the forwards from his unnatural berth on the left, and given his growth both in maturity and confidence in the Premier League over the past year or so, it might be worth moving him into Porro’s space and relegating the Spaniard to the bench.

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Tottenham Hotspur have hit the jackpot on one player who is becoming as crucial as Harry Kane.

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Tottenham Hotspur have now expressed an interest in signing a “world-class” forward, who Thomas Frank approved signing during the summer transfer window.

Spurs looking to sign new forward amid Tel and Odobert concerns

Frank strengthened his forward line during the summer transfer window, with Mohammed Kudus arriving from West Ham United, and the 25-year-old has emerged as a key player so far this season, chipping in with one goal and five assists in the Premier League.

However, there are concerns about the performances of some of the players who were already at the club, with journalist Andreas Vou particularly critical of the decision to bring in Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert, rather than making one statement signing in attack.

The duo were benched for the 3-0 victory against Everton on Sunday, having picked up just one top-flight goal between them this term, and the Lilywhites have now set out to sign another new forward.

That is according to a report from Spain, which reveals Tottenham have now expressed an interest in signing Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo, who has been put up for sale by the La Liga club ahead of the January transfer window.

Kubo is now expected to leave Real Sociedad this winter, which could open the door for a move to N17, and there is a feeling he could now be available for the relatively affordable fee of €40m (£35m).

Manchester United and Everton are also in the race for the winger, and there are indications that Frank could be keen too, having already approved a move back in the summer transfer window.

"World-class" Kubo may need fresh start

The Japanese forward is clearly very talented, having received plaudits from former Barcelona boss Xavi in the past, who said: “(Takefusa) Kubo is a world-class footballer. Not just with the ball, but also without it.”

Tottenham now leading race to sign £70m pass-master from Champions League club

Spurs have taken the lead in the race for an “intelligent” midfielder

By
Dominic Lund

Oct 26, 2025

The 24-year-old has also impressed at times over the past year, particularly catching the eye with his dribbling ability, ranking in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons per 90, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

That said, there may be concerns about some of the Japan international’s recent performances, given that he has provided just one goal for Real Sociedad in La Liga this term, while failing to pick up a single assist.

Kubo may simply need a fresh start in a new league, having been in La Liga since the 2019-20 campaign, so a move to Tottenham could be ideal, although his recent form means he would be a risky signing.

أوضح النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند مهاجم مانشستر سيتي، قراره بشأن مستقبله مع فريقه وما إذا كان يخطط للرحيل قريبًا عن ملعب “الاتحاد”، وتحدث عن مدربه بيب جوارديولا، واسترجع كواليس انضمامه للفريق الإنجليزي، كما أوضح سبب عدم ارتدائه للقفازات أثناء اللعب.

وعن عدم ارتداء القفازات أثناء اللعب، قال هالاند في تصريحات نشرتها “آس” الإسبانية: “أحب الأسلوب الكلاسيكي، كما تعلمون إنه جميل، بالإضافة إلى ذلك، لن تراني ألعب بالقفازات أبدًا، ذلك لأن والدي سيضربني لو فعلت، لذا فأنا رجل محافظ بعض الشيء”.

وعن انتقاله إلى مانشستر سيتي، أضاف: “اتصل بي جوارديولا، كانت محادثة لطيفة، أخبرني أنني أستطيع تسجيل الكثير من الأهداف معه، في النرويج، نتابع الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، عندما اتصل بي جوارديولا، لم أتردد”.

وتابع: “وفي النهاية، أعتقد أن الأمور تسير على ما يرام، وأعتقد أن التوقيت مهم للغاية، عندما وصلت إلى السيتي، كانوا بحاجة إلى مهاجم، كنت متحمسًا أيضًا لإثبات أن فريق بيب قادر على اللعب المباشر، وليس مجرد تمرير الكرة”.

وبخصوص مستقبله، أكد هالاند: “أنا هادئ، ومركز، وسعيد للغاية هنا، لذا فهو مكان جيد حقاً للتطور، وفي النهاية، إنجلترا بلد مولع بكرة القدم، وأعتقد أنه أفضل مكان لممارسة كرة القدم، أريد أن أكون جزءاً من ذلك”.

وعن غضبه من استبداله، أشار: “لنكن صريحين، عندما سجلت خمسة أهداف ضد لايبزيج، بالطبع كنت أرغب في تسجيل ستة، لكنني أعتقد أنه سيكون من قلة الاحترام للاعب الذي سيحل محلي أن أغادر الملعب غاضبًا، لذا أعتقد أن آخر شيء سأفعله هو أن أُظهر لأي شخص أنني غاضب من استبدالي”.

اقرأ أيضًا | قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة مانشستر سيتي في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. موقف مبابي

وفيما يتعلق بتراجع الأداء، استطرد: “أولاً وقبل كل شيء، الإصابات، أعتقد أنه من الصعب جداً الحفاظ على هذا المستوى بعد الفوز، هناك جانب نفسي في الأمر، أعتقد أن من طبيعتنا البشرية أن نمتلك عقلية مختلفة، ومن الصعب جداً الحفاظ على هذا المستوى بعد تحقيق إنجاز عظيم، حتى لو لم يكن هناك ما هو أفضل منه”.

وأشاد بمدربه جوارديولا مؤكدًا: “أعتقد أنه عبقري، لكن ما أدهشني هو مثابرته، إنه يعمل بجد أكثر من أي شخص آخر، إنه أكثر الأشخاص اجتهادًا في النادي، هو أول من يصل وآخر من يغادر، وأعتقد أن هذا ما أوصله إلى ما هو عليه الآن، بفضل عمله اليومي، إنه تفانٍ، إنه حافز، وهي أيضًا طريقة مكثفة في رؤية كرة القدم والتعامل معها، هذا هو الأهم”.

وانتقل للحديث عن منتخب بلاده النرويج وكأس العالم، متابعًا: “أشعر بالضغط منذ فترة طويلة، لو كنت نرويجيًا، أفكر في هذا الفريق ووجود هالاند على رأسه، لكنت سأضغط على الفريق أيضًا، من الصعب اللعب في كأس العالم، ومن الصعب التأهل، وخاصة مع مرور السنوات، يزداد التفكير في الأخطاء”.

واسترسل: “عندما أتذكر آخر مرة شاركنا فيها في كأس العالم، حيث لعب والدي، أشعر وكأنني لم أولد بعد، أتعرف؟ لقد عشت حياتي كلها دون أن نتأهل، وهذا يحفزني أيضًا، كنت أظن أنني لن ألعب في كأس العالم أبدًا”.

وفيما يتعلق بالشغف بكرة القدم، أصر: “نعم، أنا من عشاق كرة القدم، لذا أشاهد جميع أنواع المباريات، في أحد الأيام، بينما كنا نتناول العشاء، تحققت مما إذا كانت هناك مباراة معروضة، كان مانشستر يونايتد ووست هام يلعبان، فلنشغلها، قالت لي زوجتي لقد سئمت من كرة القدم، نشاهدها طوال الوقت، فقلت لها: نعم، لهذا السبب نحن هنا”.

وأتم هالاند تصريحاته موضحًا أنه لا يشرب الكحول: “لا، ليس خلال الموسم، شربته بعد تأهلنا لكأس العالم، لكنني لا أشرب عادةً خلال الموسم، فقط الحليب”.

José Caballero leads Major League Baseball with 41 stolen bases and after seeing how easy his latest theft was, you'll understand why.

Caballero was on first based after earning a two-out walk from Nationals reliever Clayton Beeter in the bottom of the seventh on Tuesday night. After watching Beeter throw three pitches to Trent Grisham he took off.

He got such an incredible jump that he actually made it all the way to second before Beeter even threw the pitch. Video of the play barely looks real. What must have been going through first baseman Josh Bell's mind as he pointed at Caballero running to second?

The only way we can tell for certain that the footage wasn't doctored is the combination of the box score and the laughter of the announcers as they watched it happen.

After the game, manager Aaron Boone called his jump on this play, "elite" and joked about his pace maker.

Caballero was aquired by the Yankees at the trade deadline. He has now appeared in 17 games for the team.

All the statistical highlights from India’s win in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka in Colombo

Namooh Shah11-May-20257-2 – India’s record in the finals in women’s ODIs. Only Australia have more wins in ODI finals than India, having won eight out of the 11 they have played.342 for 7 – India’s total in the ODI tri-series final is the highest ever in women’s ODIs in Sri Lanka, going past their 337 for 9 against South Africa last week. Four of the six 300-plus totals in Sri Lanka in the format came in this ODI tri-series.2 – India’s total is also the second-highest in a knockout game in women’s ODIs. Australia’s 356 for 5 against England in the World Cup final in 2022 is at the top. It is also the second-highest total conceded by Sri Lanka in ODIs.11 – Hundreds for Smriti Mandhana in ODIs are the third-most by a woman, with Meg Lanning (15) and Suzie Bates (13) ahead of her.ESPNcricinfo Ltd4 – Number of 300-plus totals for India in 2025, the joint-most by a team in a calendar year in women’s ODIs, alongside New Zealand, who also had four such scores in consecutive matches in 2018.7 – Fifty-plus partnerships between Mandhana and Pratika Rawal in eight matches in 2025, the joint-most by an opening pair in women’s ODIs in a calendar year, equaling the record of Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley who also had seven in 2000.1 – Mandhana’s 11th ODI hundred was her first in Sri Lanka, the sixth country where she has a hundred in the format. Lanning, Sophie Devine and Bates also have scored ODI hundreds in six countries.116 – Mandhana’s score on Sunday is the third-highest in a women’s ODI tournament final.

Casemiro has backed Neymar as Brazil's most decisive player as the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar's fitness issues have deprived him of a place under Carlo Ancelotti, sparking fears he will not be at the tournament next year. However, the Manchester United midfielder argued that the team should adjust tactically to give the Santos forward freedom, citing how Argentina played around Lionel Messi on their way to glory in 2022.

Neymar's absence from Brazil squad continues

Neymar has once again been left out of Brazil’s squad, with Ancelotti maintaining that the forward still needs to prove that he is physically ready after a long and troubled recovery period. The Santos star has been pushing for a return to the national team ahead of the next World Cup, but his situation remains uncertain.

The 33-year-old has not featured for the Selecao since suffering a ruptured knee ligament against Uruguay in October 2023, an injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. Although Neymar briefly rejoined Brazil’s setup in early 2025, persistent fitness issues prevented him from making a full comeback and he has remained on the outside ever since. His latest return to club football came in Santos’ 1-1 draw with Fortaleza, where he was eased back in from the bench.

Ancelotti, who has repeatedly stated that Neymar remains an elite talent when fully fit, made it clear that the door is not closed, but insisted that he must first show consistent availability. Speaking during his most recent squad announcement, Ancelotti said he has not held recent conversations with Neymar and will only consider him again once he is playing regularly and performing at a competitive level.

AdvertisementCasemiro makes his case for Neymar's central role

Despite being one of Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorers, Neymar is now facing a race against time to convince both club and country that his body can withstand the demands of top-level football. However, Casemiro remains convinced that Neymar can once again be the difference-maker as he placed him above several of the biggest names he has shared a dressing room with. 

He told : “I had the pleasure of playing with great players. Cristiano [Ronaldo] in his best phase, when everything he touched was a goal. I played with Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Marcelo, [Gareth] Bale, [Karim] Benzema. We’re talking about more than 10 Ballon d’Or winners. And it’s inevitable that you put Neymar on that list. Everyone does what they want on and off the field. My lifestyle is different, more reserved. But we can't dismiss him if he's doing well. If he's physically and mentally fit, he's by far the best. I'm a big fan of him as a player.

"I've known Neymar since I was 12 years old. He played for Santos, I played for Moreira. This guy has always been very, very different. He can decide a game at any moment. It's a privilege to say that I played with Neymar. This guy is incredible. And in my day-to-day life, I know his staff very well, how he works. Everything he's done for football can't be a coincidence; you can't be like that just with talent, you have to have the work, you have to have the dedication."

Brazil should learn from Messi & Argentina, says Casemiro

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder believes it is necessary for the Selecao to be built around a star like Neymar, urging Ancelotti to take note of Messi's integral role in Argentina's World Cup success in 2022.

"If I have to stretch myself thin on the field so he can make the final pass, score the goal [I'll do it]," he said. "In the 2022 World Cup, people asked: 'Is Neymar the star player of the team?' And I answered like this: 'If there's a penalty in the last minute of the semi-final, who's going to take it?' I think Neymar is irresistible for anyone, but we know he has to be at his best. It's much more up to him to know what to do and what not to do, but I think we need him. With his quality, we need him."

Asked if it is worth stretching the team tactically to suit Neymar would be wise, he replied: "Absolutely. Argentina did that with Messi. I'll say it again: with their three best players in the world [Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar], you can put Neymar in and do that. It's not that Neymar will just stand still while we run. That doesn't exist. But Argentina did that. Julián Alvarez would drop back, and Messi would play as a false nine. They were defending in a low block, and Messi was just standing there up front.

"The quality of these players is undeniable, you can't waste them, they have so much talent. And in football today, the line between winning and losing is very thin. These players are the ones who break that line. Against Croatia [in the quarter-final], for example, Neymar, at one point, scored a goal and that was it: he solved Brazil's problem at that moment. The game was tight, the game was difficult, and at that moment he scored a great goal and that was it, it was 1-0 for us."

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Getty Images SportBrazil’s World Cup preparations and Ancelotti’s influence

The United midfielder also highlighted coach Ancelotti’s influence as a crucial factor in Brazil’s improvement. “He is a guy who manages to unite the group, not just the players, but everyone on the staff,” Casemiro said. “If you analyse player by player… Alisson, Marquinhos, Bruno [Guimaraes], Vinicius, Rodrygo. We have a core group who could play for any national team. So, we are well-served with players.”

Brazil will continue their preparation matches in the coming months, facing Senegal and Tunisia in upcoming friendlies. With Ancelotti expected to refine the tactical shape around his key attackers, Neymar’s physical condition remains a central question, particularly given recent injuries and his ongoing adaptation at Santos.

From looking at Yankees right fielder and designated hitter Aaron Judge's numbers in 2025, one would hardly know he was injured.

However, even while slashing .331/.457/.688, the future Hall of Famer was affected by a right elbow flexor strain for much of the late season. The injury cost him 10 days, and led to a sharp decrease in time spent playing the field when he returned in early August.

On Thursday, New York manager Aaron Boone offered a glimpse of how Judge plans to rehabilitate his injury in the offseason.

"[Judge] is not [having surgery]. He actually had an MRI after the season, it showed continued improvement in the flexor muscles. He finished the season doing pretty well, so no surgery is going to be needed for Aaron," Boone told reporters via SNY.

Judge slashed .500/.581/.682 with a home run and seven RBIs in the Yankees' seven-game playoff stint. Nonetheless, the Blue Jays knocked the Yankees out of the American League Division Series in four games.

"He'll take some time off and continue to do strengthening things and rehab and stuff. Felt like he finished the season in a pretty good place, as we saw continued improvements with him," Boone said.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras foi derrotado para o Inter por 1 a 0 nesta última quarta-feira (17), na Arena Barueri, e acumulou apenas o seu segundo revés nesta temporada, perdendo a primeira no Brasileirão 2024 e dando fim a uma sequência de sete jogos sem derrota em Barueri e seis jogos de invencibilidade no Brasileiro.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasLeila Pereira revela bastidores de Felipe Anderson no PalmeirasPalmeiras18/04/2024PalmeirasPresidente do Palmeiras, Leila Pereira descarta contratação de Gabigol: ‘Jamais faria isso’Palmeiras18/04/2024Fora de CampoRenata Fan vai à loucura com vitória do Inter sobre o Palmeiras e provoca Denílson; vejaFora de Campo18/04/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

A dura derrota para o time de Eduardo Coudet expôs alguns problemas que Abel Ferreira terá que resolver para que o Verdão já se recupere no campeonato diante do Flamengo, neste domingo, no Allianz Parque.

O primeiro deles é na zaga. Gómez e Murilo não fizeram uma grande atuação diante do Colorado e muitos torcedores já pedem o retorno de Luan aos 11 titulares.

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O camisa 13 fez um grande Campeonato Paulista e na visão de muitos, não merecia ter voltado para a reserva nesse atual momento da temporada, além de Luan ter uma saída de jogo melhor que os seus dois companheiros de zaga, ajudando demais na construção do Verdão, tanto que já tem algumas assistências no ano.

Outra questão que Abel precisa resolver é sobre a ausência de Zé Rafael. O camisa 8 sempre que não pode atuar acaba fazendo muita falta ao time do Palmeiras, que perde muito combate no meio campo. Apesar das dores nas costas que o tiraram dos últimos três jogos, existe a chance do ‘trem’ voltar contra o Flamengo.

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Caso Zé Rafael não possa jogar, Richard Rios e Gabriel Menino brigam por uma vaga ao lado de Aníbal Moreno.

Por último e talvez o problema mais urgente de ser resolvido no Verdão, é sobre a produção ofensiva do time. Com Raphael Veiga não vivendo grande fase, o Palmeiras tem sofrido para criar jogadas pelo centro do campo e o time acaba forçando a maioria dos seus ataques pelas laterais.

➡️ Clique aqui e confira os próximos jogos e a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Nos dois jogos que o time fez no Brasileirão 2024, foram 45 cruzamentos na área ao todo e um aproveitamento de apenas 25% dessa enormidade de ‘chuveirinhos’ na área.

A melhor chance do Verdão na derrota para o Inter foi em um lance todo construído por Endrick, que como um legítimo meia acabou com a linha de volantes do Inter e deixou Lázaro livre para servir Raphael Veiga, que finalizou na rede pelo lado de fora.

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Abel FerreiraBrasileirão 2024Palmeiras

Kate Abdo and Co. can fly into the UK as Paramount Plus has reportedly won the rights to the Champions League from 2027 to 2031. The move signals the end of TNT Sports’ decade-long grip on Europe’s most prestigious club competition and marks a major expansion of the American-owned streaming giant into the UK market.

Paramount+ set to takeover UK

According to Paramount+ has committed a substantial financial package to secure the rights, outbidding powerful rivals and positioning itself as the next major player in European football coverage. The company delivered a “knockout” offer, believed to be significantly higher than the competition. The decision, which spans six seasons, aligns the UK broadcast strategy with Paramount’s operations in the United States, where its affiliate CBS Sports already hosts the Champions League with presenters like Abdo, Micah Richards, Thierry Henry, and Jamie Carragher. That star-studded team may now extend their presence to British screens as part of a seamless international expansion.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTNT Sports’ decade of Champions League coverage draws to a close

It is a major turning point for TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, which first acquired the rights in 2013 through an enormous £897 million deal that prised them away from Sky Sports. The partnership began with the 2015–16 season and grew to include coverage of the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League. However, TNT saw its exclusivity diminish in 2022 when Amazon Prime entered the fray, picking up one game per week. Now, in just two years’ time, TNT’s association with UEFA club competitions will end completely. Despite this setback, the broadcaster still holds the rights to several domestic properties, including the Premier League until 2029 and a four-year FA Cup contract secured last year that guarantees extensive third-round coverage.

Although Paramount+ has emerged victorious in this bidding war, the development places yet another financial burden on viewers already juggling subscriptions to Sky Sports, TNT, Amazon, and DAZN. With the fragmentation of sports rights accelerating, British fans may soon find themselves paying more than ever to follow Europe’s top clubs. However, there is a silver lining as reports that Paramount intends to air a selection of matches for free through Channel 5, its UK terrestrial network. This strategy mirrors its approach in other territories and could soften the blow for supporters reluctant to pay for yet another streaming platform.

Streaming giants Netflix and Disney+ also tested the waters

Although Paramount came out on top, the race was far from one-sided. Both Netflix and Disney+ reportedly explored bids, especially after Netflix’s breakout success with the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing spectacle last year. That event drew an extraordinary audience of more than 100 million viewers, convincing the streaming pioneer to continue experimenting with live sports. Its latest splash, broadcasting Paul vs. Anthony Joshua this week, suggests Netflix’s ambition in the sports market remains strong, even if it fell short here. The scale of Paramount’s investment reflects the soaring value of Europe’s top football competitions. The current set of Champions League rights is estimated at close to £3 billion per season, highlighting just how fiercely broadcasters compete for a slice of the action. UEFA’s revamped tournament format, which launched in 2024, might be a factor in driving the value even higher.

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AFPWhat happens to the Super League?

While the broadcast landscape transforms, UEFA is simultaneously working through another massive development, which is a renewed proposal for a European Super League. According to a confidential eight-month negotiation process has been underway involving UEFA, A22 Sports Management (the Super League’s backers), and powerhouse clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. The discussions aim to bring an end to years of conflict by reshaping the structure of elite European competitions in a way that satisfies all parties. The most groundbreaking element of the proposal may be its broadcasting model. The Super League concept introduces UNIFY, a global streaming service offering both free, ad-supported broadcasts and premium paid options. Designed to give worldwide supporters unrestricted access to every match, UNIFY marks a radical departure from the existing broadcasting service. 

With Paramount+ preparing its UK takeover and UEFA weighing fundamental structural changes to European football, the mid-2020s are shaping up to be an era of profound change. How these developments intersect, and whether the new Super League format might redefine the broadcasting landscape once again, remains an open question.

Pair join Northern Superchargers after Pakistan players were snubbed in draft earlier this year

Matt Roller04-Aug-2025Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have signed contracts with Northern Superchargers, assuaging concerns that Pakistani players would be locked out of the Hundred under new Indian owners.The ECB insisted earlier this year that the identity of new investors – four out of eight are based in India, and a further two are Indian-American – would have no effect on the involvement of Pakistani players in the Hundred. “We’re aware of that in other regions,” Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, said in February, “but that won’t be happening here.”Eyebrows were raised when no men’s players were signed at March’s draft, in contrast to previous seasons. But the snub could also be explained by the unavailability of Pakistan’s white-ball squads (due to a tour of West Indies and a tri-series in the UAE), their recent struggles in T20Is, and the late pullouts of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah last year.Related

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Then, on Monday, Amir and Imad became the first two Pakistan players to sign deals for the 2025 season, as late replacements at the Superchargers for Ben Dwarshuis (full season) and Mitchell Santner (two games) due to international duty. The Superchargers’ incoming owners are Indian media tycoons the Sun Group, who will assume operational control on October 1.Amir and Imad will link up with Ben Stokes in the Hundred, who revealed on Monday that he will play an informal, mentoring role at the Superchargers as he starts his rehabilitation from the shoulder injury that ruled him out of England’s fifth Test with India. Stokes opted out of the Hundred earlier this year, but will support Andrew Flintoff and Harry Brook.”You will see me knocking about the Hundred, not in a playing way,” Stokes said. “I had to make a decision in January if I would participate in the comp, but that was after my hamstring surgery. I said I’d still like to be a part of it, so I will be milling about. I won’t have a notebook and pen. I said I would come and give my time to the team. I will be cracking on with my rehab.”Most of England’s Test batters will be available throughout the Hundred, though most of their fast bowlers will be resting. London Spirit have roped in John Simpson as their wicketkeeping to face Oval Invincibles in Tuesday’s curtain-raiser, with Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith both rested, while Glamorgan allrounder Dan Douthwaite has also signed a short-term deal.Mark Chapman and Farhan Ahmed have replaced Rachin Ravindra (international duty, four games) and Marchant de Lange (injury, full tournament) at Manchester Originals, while West Indies allrounder Akeal Hosein will deputise for South Africa’s George Linde at Trent Rockets for two matches.

The Hundred replacements:

London Spirit: John Simpson and Dan Douthwaite to replace Jamie Smith and Ollie Pope for August 5
Manchester Originals: Mark Chapman to replace Rachin Ravindra (August 6-13), Farhan Ahmed to replace Marchant de Lange; Amuruthaa Surenkumar to replace Ella McCaughan
Northern Superchargers: Imad Wasim to replace Mitchell Santner (August 7-10); Mohammad Amir to replace Ben Dwarshuis
Trent Rockets: Akeal Hosein to replace George Linde (August 10-14)