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There may well be two Premier League games left to play, but that hasn’t stopped what’s now a pretty consistent stream of transfer rumours regarding Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are set to end the campaign trophyless for the fifth year running, so it’s no surprise that the board are already seemingly hard at work looking for the player who can get them over the line next season.

The first player set to come through the door once the window opens next month looks set to be Martin Zubimendi, with transfers expert Fabrizio Romano giving the move the ‘here we go treatment’ late last week.

Adding the Spanish international will undoubtedly improve the North Londoner, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now targeting another international who’d be an even more exciting signing.

Arsenal looking to sign exciting winger

The last few weeks have seen Arsenal linked with several incredibly talented internationals, such as Ollie Watkins and Antoine Semenyo.

Transfer Focus

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

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The former was a surprise target for the club in January, and while they failed with a £50m offer then, they are still fans of him ahead of the summer, and as he’s racked up a haul of 30 goal involvements in 52 games this season, it’s not hard to see why.

Likewise, with 11 goals and seven assists to his name in 40 games for Bournemouth this season, it’s not hard to understand why Arteta and Co might be keen to add Semenyo to the squad, who could be available for around £42m.

However, for a player to be an even more exciting addition to the team than Zubimendi, they’ve got to be one of the most sought-after in their position, such as Nico Williams.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Athletic Bilbao monster going into the summer.

In fact, the report has revealed that Andrea Berta has made the Spaniard a ‘top priority’ and that with him believing it’s a time for a change of scenery, the Gunners are in a ‘fierce battle’ with Chelsea for his signature.

The report does not mention a transfer fee, but stories from earlier this week have reiterated claims that the 22-year-old has a release clause in his current deal worth around £48m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ immense ability, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he’d be an even more exciting acquisition than Zubimendi.

Why Williams would be such an exciting signing

Now, as we’ve already said, signing Zubimendi is undeniably exciting, as not only is he one of the most important players for a club the size of Real Sociedad, but he’s also a Spanish international and was reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid.

However, there are several reasons why Williams would be even more exciting, such as his attacking output.

For example, in just 37 appearances last season, the Pamplona-born “level-raiser,” as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, scored eight goals and provided 18 assists.

Williams’ recent form

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

37

44

Minutes

2729′

3050′

Goals

8

11

Asssists

18

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.40

Minutes per Goal Involvement

104.96′

169.44′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Then, so far this year, he’s scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 appearances, coming out to an average of 1.42 and 2.44 goal involvements per game, respectively.

Moreover, he’s also an incredibly dynamic player to watch, with FBref placing him in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for successful take-ons per 90.

Finally, not only has he won nine more caps for the senior Spanish side, but he also scored the opening goal in the final of the European Championships last summer, showing that the big occasions do not bother him.

Ultimately, Zubimendi will be an excellent signing for Arsenal, but there is no doubt that Williams would be even more exciting.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 13, 2025

Birmingham City are preparing to build a squad that is ready to compete at the top end of the Championship in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Blues won League One with a staggering 111 points under Chris Davies, who arrived at St. Andrew’s last summer, and are now looking to compete for promotion to the Premier League.

They are already reportedly making moves to bolster their playing squad ahead of a return to the second tier, with a League One star said to be on their radar.

Birmingham make offer to League One star

According to GIVEMESPORT, Birmingham have submitted a contract offer to Peterborough United forward Kwame Poku, whose deal with the Posh is due to expire at the end of next month.

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

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The report claims that Blues director of football Craig Gardner has put the offer across to the player’s agents in a meeting on Zoom, as they aim to complete a deal for the winger amid stiff competition for his signature.

It reveals that there are up to 26 teams interested in a swoop for the 23-year-old starlet, including Celtic, Rangers, Sheffield United, and Sunderland, which shows that Birmingham will not find it easy to snap him up.

If the Blues can win the race for his services, though, then they could find an upgrade on Kieran Dowell, who returned to Rangers after his loan spell in the second half of the season.

Why Kwame Poku would be an upgrade on Kieran Dowell

The Ghana international primarily plays as a left-footed forward on the right of a front three, which is not dissimilar to the position that Dowell played during his time at St. Andrew’s – playing centrally or on the right of the attacking midfield trio.

The Rangers loanee produced an impressive haul of five goals and four assists in 19 appearances in League One, which came after he failed to deliver a single goal or assist in 12 Premiership games for the Scottish giants in the first half of the season.

Poku, however, could provide even more quality than the former Norwich City midfielder if the Blues can wrap up a deal to sign him at the end of his Peterborough contract.

The Ghana international’s performances in League One in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns suggest that he could offer more as both a scorer and a creator of goals on the right flank, cutting in on his left foot.

Kwame Poku (League One)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

37

27

Goals

11

12

Big chances missed

11

3

Big chances created

10

9

Key passes per game

1.5

1.2

Assists

7

8

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Poku scored more than twice as many goals and provided twice as many assists in just eight more appearances than Dowell in the third tier.

This suggests that the Posh star, who was described as “unplayable” by manager Darren Ferguson, could be more impactful in the Championship next season as an attacking force.

Therefore, it could make more sense for Birmingham to continue to pursue Poku, as they appear to be doing with this latest report in mind, instead of attempting to sign Dowell on a permanent deal from Rangers.

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Posts 2 ByKelan Sarson May 27, 2025

Of course, Davies may want more depth to his attacking options and could add Dowell as a squad option out wide and as a number ten, but Poku could arrive as a clear upgrade on him on the flank.

Newcastle United will play football with Alexander Isak at the front next season. It’s a wonderful thought, and it’s very much set to happen, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein stating there’s “no chance” the Sweden striker leaves St. James’ Park this summer.

That’s because the Carabao Cup champions sealed their place in next year’s Champions League on the final game of the Premier League season, clinching fifth place.

However, the future of Callum Wilson is less clear, out of contract at the end of the month, but offered fresh, reduced terms.

Perhaps Newcastle should move to sign a new centre-forward instead, with talks being held for an exciting Premier League star.

Newcastle meet with Premier League striker

As per NUFC Blog, Newcastle met with Rodrigo Muniz’s camp last month to ascertain whether the Fulham forward would be interested in a move to Tyneside this summer.

He would, with the player’s representatives exploring different avenues ahead of a potential summer transfer, heading into the final year of his Cottagers deal (albeit the club have the option to extend terms by an additional 12 months).

It’s thought the prolific Brazilian could cost as much as £50m.

What Rodrigo Muniz would bring to Newcastle

Muniz signed for Fulham from Brazilian club Flamengo, aged 20, in 2021, making remarkable progress across the past two seasons in the Premier League for Marco Silva’s side, having previously completed a difficult loan spell in the Championship with Middlesbrough, scoring twice across 17 fixtures.

But having found his shooting sense with Fulham over the past two years, Silva has hailed him as a “proper quality striker”, with pundit Alan Shearer backing such effusions up by calling him “horrible to play against.”

His potential was perfectly illustrated by a rich burst of form last season in the Premier League, scoring seven goals from as many matches across spring.

This year, Muniz hasn’t been provided the same regularity of minutes, but he’s still managed to bag himself a goal when afforded a chance.

This innate clinical quality is actually something that could see him replace Wilson at St. James’ Park, with his scoring leading FBref to draw him against the Newcastle man during the 2023/24 season, given both retain their attacking fluency even if not featuring week in, week out.

Wilson, reduced to scraps this season due to injury problems, is typically an invariably deadly finisher, scoring 27 goals across 30 Premier League starts over the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.

Rodrigo Muniz in the Premier League

Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

26 (18)

31 (8)

Goals

9

8

Assists

1

1

Shots (on target)*

2.8 (1.0)

1.3 (0.6)

Big chances missed

4

5

Pass completion

62%

66%

Key passes*

0.7

0.2

Dribbles*

0.2

0.2

Tackles + interceptions*

0.5

0.5

Duels (won)*

4.6 (39%)

3.7 (52%)

Data via Sofascore

He’s a target man, and no mistake. It’s interesting, though, that Muniz has enjoyed such clinical shooting success across the past two years in the English top flight, also demonstrating a tenacious attitude in the duel, if not through his passing, his creativity.

As per FBref, he actually ranked among the top 3% of Premier League forwards this term for non-penalty goals scored per 90 (0.75), so prolific and fluent when afforded the chance to impress.

His failure to earn regular starts at Craven Cottage likely came from his overall game, which may not be kitted out with the completeness of other strikers. But that’s okay; in that way, he can be Howe’s next version of Wilson.

Muniz doesn’t need to bring a protean attacking arsenal to the fold when Isak’s staying put, but his keen-edged shooting could certainly add the perfect dimension to ensure attacking success across the whole campaign, across a variety of fronts.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 5, 2025

Manchester United’s front line has often contained some top-level talents that have gone on to achieve huge things across many different leagues all across Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Red Devils back as a teenager in 2003, with no one anticipating the rise he would have during his time as a player at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese international made 270 appearances in his first stint as a Red Devil, scoring 109 times – winning various major honours, including the Ballon d’Or back in 2008.

Other players have starred alongside the iconic forward, with Wayne Rooney often partnering him in forward areas, still holding the record for the most goals scored by a player in the club’s history.

However, fast-forward to 2025, boss Ruben Amorim doesn’t have that calibre of player to rely on, needing to make the right calls over the summer to hand him with the tools needed for Premier League success.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

After a deal to sign Matheus Cunha was confirmed, United have been working tirelessly to secure a deal for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, as the manager looks to add depth and quality in the final third.

It was reported that the 25-year-old wanted a move to Old Trafford this summer, but could be in doubt now after Thomas Frank opened talks with the winger after taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur.

However, other targets have emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Viktor Gyokeres once again becoming a man in demand, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that Jason Wilcox has been in constant talks with his representatives over a move to United this summer, calling every day to ensure he’s still keen on a move to the club.

It also states that the Swedish international’s situation with the Portuguese outfit has become tense, with the hierarchy wanting a fee close to his release clause of £84m to sell him this summer.

Why Gyokeres would be a better signing than Ekitike

Given the need for a new striker at United this summer, it has seen countless players already being touted with a move to join the club to improve the current situation.

Gyokeres is just one of many, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké the latest player in their sights ahead of the window reopening on June 16th.

The Frenchman has also been of interest from Liverpool and Chelsea this summer, with a three-way battle seemingly appearing over a move for the 22-year-old.

His tally of 22 goals across all competitions this campaign certainly makes him an attractive option, but the club should look to steer clear and focus on a move for Gyokeres during the off-season.

The Swede, who’s been labelled a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has massively outscored the French star, whilst also registering a hugely better shot on target accuracy rate – demonstrating his edge within the final third.

How Gyokeres compares to Ekitike in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Gyokeres

Ekitike

Games played

33

33

Goals & assists

46

23

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

38%

Key passes

1.9

1.5

Take-ons completed

46%

43%

Carries into opposition box

3.1

1.8

Aerials won

51%

46%

Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more key passes per 90 and complete more carries into the penalty area per game – having the tools to provide his teammates at Old Trafford with added opportunities in front of goal.

The 27-year-old has also dominated aerially in 2024/25, handing Amorim the focal point he’s craved after taking the reins at United back in November.

Given the difference in the figures between the pair this season, it’s evident that the Sporting talisman would be the better option this window, with the hierarchy needing to continue with their persistence to land his signature.

It would be a hefty investment, showcasing the board’s ambitions for Amorim’s tenure, with the Red Devils on their way to building an impressive frontline that could transform their fortunes on the pitch in 2025/26.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025

Leeds United have now been hit with a worrying development as a key player is unhappy with the way contract talks are progressing, according to a recent report.

49ers chasing multiple transfer deals for Leeds

As with any team that is promoted to the Premier League, the Whites are expected to be in for a busy summer as they look to form a squad that is capable of doing what other promoted teams haven’t done in recent years, and that is staying in the Premier League. Daniel Farke and co. have managed to put together a very competitive Leeds team, but stepping up another level means the German will want more quality and depth.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jun 9, 2025

The Yorkshire side appear keen to strengthen the spine of their team, as it’s been reported that Leeds are chasing a deal to sign goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, who is seen as a replacement and upgrade on Illan Meslier. As well as looking to sign Fofana, the Whites are also interested in signing his teammate Himad Abdelli, who also plays for French side Angers. Abdelli is an attacking midfielder, and his potential arrival would bolster Farke’s creativity and midfield depth.

The Championship title winners also have targets to strengthen their defence and forward line, with the 49ers lining up a move to sign Dara O’Shea from Ipswich Town.

Meanwhile, Leeds have made contact with striker Rodrigo Muniz over a possible move to Elland Road. The Fulham and Brazil forward is very much a wanted man this summer, and now the Whites have added him to their list of attacking options.

Daniel James contract update

But while the Whites look at bringing in new players, they are also hoping to keep hold of some of their best talents this summer. According to Alan Nixon, relayed by The Leeds Press, Leeds are struggling to reach a contract agreement with winger Daniel James.

That is because the Whites have offered the Welsh international a two-year deal, but James is looking for a longer contract offer, as he feels his performances over the last couple of seasons have earned him the right to a long-term deal.

James, who is one of Leeds’ biggest earners on a weekly wage of £50,000, has been at Elland Road since August 2021, joining from Manchester United. After his season on loan at Fulham, James has taken his game to the next level, scoring 25 goals in the last two Championship seasons combined.

Daniel James’ Leeds stats

Apps

123

Goals

29

Assists

22

Back in March, James put Farke’s management style as the reason why his form has been so impressive, perhaps showing why he is willing to commit his future to the club but on the right terms.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: “When he first come in, he put his arm around me and said what he wanted from me. We had a good relationship from the start, and it’s one I’ve tried to continue with.

“The way he sets up the team suits me down to the ground, and that’s where I get the benefits from.”

Leeds United are now considering a fresh transfer bid to sign their top forward target, according to a new report.

Leeds chasing multiple transfer targets

The Whites confirmed their second signing of the summer transfer window on Monday, as Jaka Bijol has now signed a five-year deal to keep him at the club until 2030. But the Championship title winners are not wasting any time in identifying their next moves.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jun 23, 2025

According to a recent report from Give Me Sport, Leeds are preparing a bid to sign Valentin Atangana from Reims. The 19-year-old is said to be available for an affordable price given the French side were relegated last season, but the Whites are not alone in their pursuit, as many other Premier League teams are also chasing his signature.

Meanwhile, Leeds have also received a boost in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper, as Southampton owner Dragan Solak has revealed that Aaron Ramsdale could leave the Saints this summer.

“We unfortunately are not sure that Ramsdale is going to stay, even though he loves the club. He’s a great young man; everybody loves him, but he wants to get his place in the national team, and it’s not easy to get there in the Championship.”

Leeds readying fresh Muniz bid

Strengthening up front is a major priority for Daniel Farke, and according to Football Insider, Leeds are now preparing to make a new offer to sign Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham.

Leeds are desperate to add Muniz to their squad and have already seen a bid of £26 million plus £6 million in add-ons, which totals £32 million rejected in this transfer window.

Muniz is considered a top striker target for the Whites, but despite his contract ending in 2026, Fulham do have an option to extend that by 12 months, meaning they hold all the cards at the moment. It doesn’t state how much Leeds are willing to bid in their next offer, but Fulham are said to be confident of pricing them out, so it would almost certainly have to surpass their current record signing of £35.5m on Georginio Rutter.

Rodrigo Muniz’s Premier League record

Apps

57

Goals

17

Assists

2

Muniz, who has been described as “strong” by Alan Shearer, joined Fulham in 2021 but has had to remain very patient for a chance at Craven Cottage. After spending time on loan at Middlesbrough in the 2022/23 season, he has become a regular under Marco Silva.

The forward played 26 games in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, during which he scored nine goals, and he then bettered that with 31 Premier League games last season, scoring eight goals in the process. Muniz has that proven Premier League experience that Leeds and Farke are looking for; it just remains a question of how much Leeds are willing to spend to get their man.

Brian Lara Cricket Academy pitch comes in for sharp criticism from observers and participants after wildly misbehaving in Afghanistan vs South Africa semi-final

Sidharth Monga27-Jun-20244:14

Moody, Flower on Tarouba pitch: ‘Dangerous’, ‘not good enough’

The first two balls of the chase summed up the conditions in which the first semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup was played. The first ball practically rolled along the ground, and the next one reared off a similar length. The pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy came in for sharp criticism from observers, but participants in the match had to be careful not to come across as either making excuses or downplaying their achievements, depending on which camp they were in. However, they still ended up making an unflattering assessment of it.”I don’t want to get myself into trouble and I don’t want to come across as bitter or it being a case of sour grapes,” Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott said when asked what he made of the pitch, “but that’s not the pitch that you want to have a match, a semi-final of a World Cup, on plain and simple. It should be a fair contest. I’m not saying it should be flat completely with no spin and no seam movement, but I’m saying you shouldn’t have batsmen worrying about going forward and the ball flying over their head. You should be confident in your foot movement and being able to hit through the line or use your skills.”T20 is about attacking and about scoring runs and taking wickets, not looking to survive. If the opposition bowled well and got to a position where they bowled very, very well and it’s through skill, then that’s fine and then it’s about adapting to that. But once the ball starts misbehaving and rolling… if we had bowled as straight as South Africa had, I think you would have seen a very interesting second half as well. South Africa bowled well, used the conditions, and showed our boys what it’s capable of. But it just didn’t go our way tonight.”Related

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South Africa have played in dodgy conditions throughout: be it the underprepared and untested drop-ins of New York, or the excessive spin in Kingstown, or this brute with both excessive uneven bounce and seam movement. Aiden Markram, the South Africa captain, was asked the same question. “Yeah, I mean T20 cricket as a whole, you want entertainment,” Markram said. “The wickets that we’ve had throughout the competition have been pretty challenging. Tonight’s wicket was pretty challenging once again. It’s hard to say that a wicket is not good because it can’t just always be a batter’s game, but I think if we reflect back on this wicket, we’ll probably be pretty happy that we’re not playing here again.”If the winning team makes it sound like it has made it out of a game of Russian roulette unscathed and can’t wait to leave town, you know something has gone wrong. Tom Moody, speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s analysis show Timeout, said this track was not fit for any game of cricket, leave alone a World Cup semi-final. “I don’t think you would want to see [this kind of a pitch] in any game,” Moody said. “You want a fair contest between bat and ball, and I’m not advocating we need to have surfaces for 200-plus but for one, you need consistent bounce. That’s the most important thing. Any batter will hold their hand up and say that’s the most important thing. If you’ve got one ball that’s hitting the toe of your bat [and] one that you’re feeling you’re going to punch with your gloves [from] the same length, that is a very difficult challenge to combat.”If you’ve got sideways movement or swing or spin, that’s a different challenge but at least there’s some sort of consistency and you can come up with some sort of strategy or method to combat that. Look, I don’t think that was good enough. I actually covered two games in Trinidad at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy [as a broadcast commentator] and the surface was pretty similar. You see the crazy paving – if I could put it that way – where a lot of dense grass was gathered around those cracks and you could tell that that was the thing that promoted the inconsistency of bounce.”Andy Flower, also speaking on Timeout, agreed. “Those conditions were simply not good enough,” he said. “The pitch was so very, very tough for any batsman to play on. We saw some interesting visual shots from above the square and a couple of commentators referenced this being a brand-new pitch; perhaps they could’ve used a pitch that had been used previously [in this World Cup] and therefore you could [go in] knowing it produces a certain type of bounce, something more consistent and predictable. But those shots showed the crazy paving-type effect, and those blocks and the cracks around those blocks produced the wild variance in bounce and, as a batter, you’re trying to predict where the ball is going to be. You want to meet it somewhere near the middle of the bat at least. On this pitch, it was almost impossible to do that on any consistent basis.”I thought it was actually a little bit dangerous. A couple of balls flew off a length around shoulder, neck, chin-height from the South African quicks. And one of them flew over Quinton de Kock, the keeper’s head and gloves, for four byes. I was pleased that no one got hurt. We got a similar pitch in New York in the early part of the competition, which wasn’t good enough for international-quality quicks. And then we saw it again today and it produced a complete mismatch.”The track at Brian Lara Cricket Academy has previously produced scores of 40 all out, 78 all out and 95 all out in this World Cup. There has been only one decent contest possible, when West Indies narrowly defended 149, but even in that match they were 30 for 5 at one stage.Trinidad is home to one of the legendary cricket venues, Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain, but it didn’t host a single World Cup match, losing out to this newer, practically untested venue that made its international debut in men’s cricket less than two years ago.

Northants still winless as Durham turn the screw at Chester-le-Street

ECB Reporters Network02-Aug-2024

Colin Ackermann made his first List A century for Durham to help his side beat Northamptonshire Steelbacks by four wickets in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup match at the Riverside.Ackermann made 108 as the home team overhauled the Steelbacks’ 260 with 11 balls to spare, an outcome that had not looked likely when visiting opener Prithvi Shaw was making a 71-ball 97 and Northamptonshire were 144 for 1 after 21 overs.But Durham’s spinners throttled the run rate to set up their side’s second victory in this season’s competition. Northamptonshire, however have now lost their first four matches and must win the next four to have a hope of qualifying for the knockout stages.Northamptonshire’s innings began with a flurry of boundaries as Durham’s new ball bowlers lost their radar. Nine fours were struck in the first five overs at the end of which the visitors were 53 without loss.Bas de Leede then bowled a wicket-maiden in which he had Ricardo Vasconcelos caught behind for 9 but Shaw continued to feast on the Durham seamers, reaching his fifty off 31 balls with 11 fours, and after ten overs Northamptonshire were 78 for 1.Although Scott Borthwick’s legspin curbed Shaw’s progress a little the opener had still made 97 when he top-edged a sweep off Borthwick to Mitch Killeen at short fine leg. He had faced 71 balls, hitting 16 fours and a six. Three overs later, Killeen accepted a much more difficult chance when he dived low to his right at backward point to catch George Bartlett’s reverse-sweep off George Drissell for 34.Prithvi Shaw’s runs were not enough for Northants•NurPhoto via Getty Images

That left Northamptonshire on 162 for three in the 26th over and the home side took another wicket 26 runs later when Rob Keogh miscued an Ackermann offbreak to Paul Coughlin at midwicket.Having made 25 off 33 balls, Saif Zaib holed out at deep square-leg when he pulled a Borthwick long-hop to Ackermann and Northants later lost Gus Miller, bowled by Coughlin for 15, and Justin Broad, run out for a single as they pressed for quick runs in the last ten overs.Northamptonshire were dismissed for 260 in the final over and Durham probably regarded that total as representing an escape. Ackermann, who took two for 38 and Borthwick, with two for 42 were largely responsible for their side’s comparative recovery.The first ten overs of Durham’s innings was far quieter than those of their opponents. The home side scored just 35 runs for the loss of Michael Jones, bowled by Sanderson for 9, and Ben McKinney, who miscued Justin Broad high to Sanderson, running behind the bowler from mid-on to take the catch.Those breakthroughs were followed by a superb partnership between Alex Lees and Ackermann, who saw off the seam bowlers before taking the attack to the spinners in a passage of play that contrasted with Wednesday’s match on this ground, when Somerset’s Jack Leach caused havoc.The pair brought up their century partnership in 95 balls, by which time Ackermann had reached his fifty in 52 balls and the balance of the match had shifted. Durham were 126 for 2 after 25 overs. Lewis McManus rotated his spinners but the changes achieved nothing until Lees, having reached his fifty off 51 balls, was leg before to Zaib for 55, thus ending his 133-run stand with Ackermann.Durham needed 98 off 20 overs but hardly found it straightforward. Ackermann’s innings ended when he drove Gus Miller to Zaib at cover and Borthwick perished carelessly for 40 when he swept Zaib to Freddie Heldreich two balls later.Haydon Mustard was bowled for 8 by Keogh but any home nerves caused by the loss of three wickets for four overs were settled by de Leede’s unbeaten 15.

Tottenham Hotspur are in desperate need of huge improvement over the course of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, needing to right the wrongs of last season.

The Lilywhites only managed to register a 17th-placed finish, losing 22 matches out of their 38, a tally of defeats that subsequently cost Ange Postecoglou his job.

Thomas Frank is the latest manager to try and push the club closer to a consistent place within the division’s top four and eventually push for a title charge in the years ahead.

The Dane will need the hierarchy to hand the new boss the funds he needs to make the desired changes to provide him with the platform for success in his first year at the club.

Numerous names have been touted with a move to North London, this window, with progress appearing to be made on deals to land key players in multiple areas.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Ademola Lookman is the latest player who has appeared on Spurs’ radar, with the Lilywhites preparing an offer for the Atalanta star in the coming weeks.

He could be available for a fee in the region of £50m this summer, a deal which could be a bargain given his tally of 20 goals across all competitions last season.

However, a deal could be edging closer for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, with talks already being held, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

He claims that the club’s hierarchy are preparing another bid for the Ghanaian international, after their first offer of around £50m was swiftly rejected.

Romano also stated that the 24-year-old would be extremely keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with the Lilywhites currently leading the race for his signature this summer despite his £85m release clause.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s own Saka

Bukayo Saka is a player who many Spurs fans have envied in recent years, given the performances he’s often produced against them in the North London Derby.

The 23-year-old has scored five times against the Lilywhites in his career, the most of any side in his professional career, with the Englishman one of the Premier League’s dangermen.

He registered six goals and 10 assists in England’s top-flight last season, but his contributions couldn’t catapult the Gunners to the Premier League title – undoubtedly to the joy of all Spurs supporters.

However, Frank’s side could be about to land their own version of the forward with a move for Kudus this summer, as the Ghanaian has been labelled as a similar player to Saka by FBref.

The West Ham star also possesses a very similar trait of liking to cut inside onto his left foot off the right flank, as demonstrated by the stats he’s produced in recent months.

Kudus, who’s been labelled as “sensational” by one analyst, has registered fewer goal contributions, but has posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, showcasing the clinical edge he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, completing more balls into the final third, having the ability to provide other forwards with the chance for success in forward areas.

How Kudus compares to Saka in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Kudus

Saka

Games played

32

25

Goals & assists

8

16

Goals per shot on target

0.3

0.2

Pass accuracy

84%

75%

Passes into final third

1.6

0.7

Take-ons completed

3.2

2.1

Carries into final third

2.1

1.6

Fouls won

2.2

2

Stats via FBref

The Ghanaian’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of take-ons completed and carries into the final third, having the talent to take the ball forward at any given opportunity.

It may be a deal that could cost a small fortune this summer, but it’s evident that, from the stats produced, he would be worth every penny in their quest for domestic glory.

Should he get near the levels produced by Saka in recent times, it would be an astute piece of business and one that could provide the difference within the final third.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2025

حرص الجهاز الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي على إقامة مباراة ودية اليوم بمشاركة اللاعبين الشباب، لتجهيز جميع لاعبي الفريق غير المنضمين للمنتخبات الوطنية خلال فترة الأجندة الدولية الجارية.

ويستعد الأهلي لمباراة إنبي المقررة لها يوم 14 سبتمبر الجاري ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة لبطولة الدوري المصري.

طالع | “بطولات” يكشف موقف دومينيكو تيديسكو من تدريب الأهلي

وشارك إمام عاشور في المباراة لتجهيزه بعد تعافيه من إصابة بكسر في عظمة الترقوة خلال مشاركته في كأس العالم للأندية، التي أقيمت في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وأدى ياسر إبراهيم وياسين مرعي ومحمد شكري تدريبات تأهيلية تحت إشراف الجهاز الطبي بالنادي، للتعافي من الإصابة وتجهيزهم للمرحلة المقبلة.

وكان الأهلي كان قد قرر إقالة الإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو من منصب المدير الفني بسبب تراجع أداء ونتائج الفريق الأحمر، وآخرها كانت الهزيمة على يد بيراميدز في الدوري المصري بنتيجة 2-0.

يذكر أن الأهلي أعلن تشكيل الجهاز الفني الذى خلال الفترة القادمة، ويضم كلًّا من وليد صلاح الدين مديرًا للكرة، وعماد النحاس مديرًا فنيًّا، وعادل مصطفى مدربًا عامًّا، ومحمد نجيب مدربًا مساعدًا، وأمير عبد الحميد مدربًا لحراس المرمى.