More players took part in this PSL than ever before, and that made picking the team of the tournament tricky

Umar Farooq and Danyal Rasool25-Jun-2021Colin Munro (285 runs, 57.00 Avg, 169.64 SR)The Islamabad United’s top order looks a little bereft without Luke Ronchi, but fellow New Zealander Munro filled those boots impressively and seamlessly. Despite only being available for the Abu Dhabi leg of the PSL, he hit the ground running, getting United off to several explosive starts. No side scored at a higher rate in the powerplay, and while he got able support from Usman Khawaja, Munro was the primary reason for that. Two innings particularly stood out: a 36-ball 90 which saw United post the highest ever PSL powerplay score and chase down a target of 137 inside ten overs, and an unbeaten 88 off 56 to chase down 191 which sealed qualification for the playoffs.Related

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Mohammad Rizwan (500 runs, 45.45 Avg, 127.87 SR)Rizwan seems to get little wrong in T20 cricket these days, but he doesn’t just get into the side for the superb wicketkeeping and brilliant captaincy which led the Multan Sultans to the PSL title. His scintillating form in Karachi saw him post scores of 71, 41, 76, 43 and 66 even as the Sultans struggled to get wins on the board. But he followed up with an unbeaten 82 in Abu Dhabi which got the Sultans’ juggernaut going. His stability and consistency at the top – just once in 12 innings did he fail to reach double figures – gave the Sultans a solid platform, allowing their bigger hitters the freedom and license they craved. Not least the man who follows him in at number three, both in the Sultans team and this list..Sohaib Maqsood (428 runs, 47.55 Avg, 156.77 SR) Maqsood capped off a whirlwind season with the PSL title and a first call-up to the Pakistan side in half a decade. It came thanks in no small part to his devastating form at the top of the Sultans’ order, scoring five half-centuries in 12 innings and getting more runs in boundaries than any other player in the league. Some of the shot-making was otherworldly, smashing 59 in a momentum-changing innings against United in the qualifier, before doubling up with an unbeaten 35-ball 65 in the final that saw him named Player of the Match.ESPNcricinfo LtdShoaib Malik (354 runs, 35.40 Avg, 149.36 SR)Malik insisted he wasn’t done as an international T20I cricketer just yet, and he did his chances little harm in the yellow of Peshawar Zalmi this season. The strike rate stands out, but it was his ability to blend his more conventional anchoring role with all-out attack when necessary that truly impressed. Only three players managed more sixes than Malik’s 17 all season, and even if Zalmi ended up second, Malik’s personal season finished with 168 runs in the last four games. They included a valiant 28-ball 48 in the final and a 36 ball 68 in an insurmountable chase of 248. Most clinical, though, was an astonishing 32-run onslaught that came off just ten deliveries as Islamabad United were put to the sword in the second qualifier.Sherfane Rutherford (276 runs, 34.50 Avg, 153.33 SR)The 22-year old Guyanese was something of an unsung hero, but his regular contributions lower down the order gave many Peshawar Zalmi innings the late impetus they required. An unbeaten 18-ball 36 which saw him put Dale Steyn to the sword in a game in Karachi stands out, with the Zalmi chasing down 202 – the highest total run down in the league this season. It was just one of several handy innings peppered throughout the competition, meaning there always danger lurking for the opposition at the tail-end of the Zalmi innings. He would end up hitting the winning runs in a nerve-wracking final over to eliminate the Karachi Kings, and in the end, Munro was the only overseas player who managed more runs than his 276.Tim David (180 runs, 45.00 Avg, 166.66 SR)There’s something about people named David rescuing the Lahore Qalandars from hopeless scenarios that just fits. Perhaps the most out-of-the-box selection, the Singaporean came in to replace South Africa’s David Weise for the Abu Dhabi leg, and took the competition by storm. A priceless unbeaten 23 took the Qalandars to a last over victory on his debut, while another undefeated 64 off 36 in the game that followed rescued them from 25 for four, ensuring a ten-run win. While the wins dried up for the Qalandars thereafter, David’s contributions did not. He went on to launch an astonishing counterattack that nearly sealed a famous win against the Kings, and ended up as the Qalandars’ highest run-scorer in the second leg.Hasan Ali came in clutch for Islamabad United•Pakistan Super LeagueMohammad Nawaz (6 wickets, SR 26.00, Eco 7.50)Nawaz proved his worth this season as a spin-bowling allrounder with an ability to get his side get out of sticky situations. His side the Quetta Gladiators might have ended at the bottom of the table, but he was among their best performers. Nawaz is the only spinner to have taken 50 PSL wickets, and among the top 12 wicket-takers in the league, no one can boast a lower economy rate than his 7.17.Hasan Ali (13 wickets, SR 18.38, Eco 6.75)A versatile cricketer, Ali moved from the Zalmi to United this year and became their go-to man. Need quick runs at the death? In comes Hasan Ali. Need a breakthrough? In comes Hasan Ali. Need to tighten up the fielding? In comes Hasan Ali. The heartbeat of the side, Ali kept United pumping all season and made the difference as an allrounder. His 16-ball 45 in the playoffs might have come in a losing cause, but proved his worth to the team. He was handy with the ball too, as he was low on wickets, but rarely conceded more than 30 runs a match.Rashid Khan (11 wickets, SR 17.45, Eco. 5.46)One of the most celebrated picks this season, Khan was earlier meant to play only two games for the Qalandars but was successfully persuaded to return by the franchise. And he returned to light up the league. His fantastic five-wicket haul – his first in franchise T20 cricket – ripped through the Zalmi in the group stage to make the Qalandars a force to reckon with. He played eight games and won two Player-of-the-Match awards in addition to making some crucial contributions with the bat. He also ended with the best overall bowling economy this season at 5.46.Rashid Khan played eight games and won two Player-of-the-Match awards•Pakistan Super LeagueShaheen Afridi (16 wickets, SR 15.00, Eco. 7.30)Arguably the world’s best new-ball bowler, Afridi regularly provided the magic in the opening over, taking 12 such wickets in the PSL, the highest among any bowler. He picked up five wickets from his first over in 2020 alone, and four more this season to eventually end the tournament as the third leading wicket-taker with a sparkling strike rate of 15.0.Shahnawaz Dahani (20 wickets, SR 12.10, Eco. 8.42) Dahani burst into the spotlight with a happy face as the Sultans’ trump card in PSL 2021, and ended a remarkable season as the leading wicket-taker. Dahani not only provided the breakthrough on numerous occasions, but was also instrumental in containing the runs, as the Sultans went from losing four of their first five games to eventually winning the title. His most memorable performance came against the Qalandars, as he picked up 4 for 5 to bowl the opponents out for 89 in 15.1 overs.The Sultans’ journey carried a lot of Dahani’s impact, with his ability not only providing breakthrough in regular intervals but also containing runs. His tremendous 4 for 5 against the Qalandars were the most memorable figures that divested the Qalandars within 15.1 overs to stall all out for 89 runs.12th man
Hazratullah Zazai (212 runs, Avg 42.40, SR 185.96)

Nottingham Forest could now look to sign an “unbelievable” forward as part of a swap deal for Morgan Gibbs-White, according to a report.

Gibbs-White could be heading for Nottingham Forest exit

It may have been a difficult task for Forest to keep hold of Gibbs-White even if they had secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, but having missed out on the top five, it now appears as though the midfielder could be heading for an exit.

The 25-year-old is now considered a dream signing for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, amid Martin Odegaard’s disappointing performances last season, while Manchester City are also considered frontrunners in the race for the Englishman.

The Tricky Trees are not willing to let their star player leave on the cheap, however, with the aforementioned report suggesting they could look to hold out for a fee of £100m for the maestro, who remains under contract until 2027.

A new report from Football Insider has also suggested that Nottingham Forest could agree a deal of a different nature, as they may look to sign Jack Grealish as part of a swap deal for Gibbs-White.

Having been left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad for the final game of the season, Grealish could be on his way out this summer, and a move to the City Ground is a possibility, with transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke adding: “Swap deals are notoriously hard in the Premier League, but we know Morgan Gibbs-White is a major target for Manchester City this summer.

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“If they get an offer which is too good to turn down, Forest might have to let him move to City… to work under Pep Guardiola… you’d probably be thinking that Forest will be looking to double their investment.

“Jack Grealish potentially is a swap deal – [that] might cause unrest if Forest were to break their budget to try and get Grealish in.”

"Unbelievable" Grealish could reignite career at Forest

The England international has been lauded as “unbelievable” courtesy of his contributions for the Three Lions in the past, but he has struggled to force his way into Guardiola’s plans as of late.

As such, it would make sense if City cash-in on their £100m signing this summer, and he could be a solid signing for Forest under Nuno Espirito Santo, if he is able to rediscover his previous form, with the winger often catching the eye during his time at Villa Park.

The 29-year-old was arguably at his best during his Aston Villa days, during which time he regularly contributed goals and assists in the Premier League.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2019-20

36

8

6

2020-21

26

6

12

No Forest fan will want to see Gibbs-White leave this summer, and it could be a risk to sign Grealish, considering he hasn’t been a regular starter for quite some time, but his previous exploits for club and country indicate he is clearly a very talented player.

Newcastle United are confident that they will keep Alexander Isak in the squad this summer, but a new striker is being chased all the same.

Eddie Howe wants more firepower in the attacking third, with Callum Wilson ageing and out of contract, and William Osula, 21, drifting through his maiden year as a Magpie.

Well, The Telegraph understand talks with Brighton & Hove Albion are on the brink of kicking off for the transfer of Joao Pedro, who is valued at £60m and who the Seagulls are willing to sell this summer.

Newcastle open talks for sought-after star

Pedro, 23, is proven in the Premier League and has the dynamic faculties to complement Isak, rather than outright replace him. However, there may be an even bigger fish Howe could add to the Tyneside pond.

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, putting their name in the hat as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all tussle for the striker’s signature.

Ekitike might be the talk of the town, but it doesn’t seem like any suitor would be willing to meet the Bundesliga club’s €100m (£85m) valuation of the 22-year-old. Saying that, the player’s entourage have informed the relevant parties that a reduced figure may yet be agreed.

Newcastle agreed an initial £26m deal to sign Ekitike when he was at Stade de Reims way back in 2022, but he rejected their interest when Paris Saint-Germain came calling.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle might have felt the force of Ekitike’s rejection in the past, but he was a teenager who had been presented with a proposal to remain in his homeland with the cream of Ligue 1’s crop.

PSG didn’t work out for him, only scoring four times across 33 senior showings before being rehoused in Germany with Frankfurt, but it’s here where the striker has found his feet, with his first full campaign at the club ending with 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.

His displays have actually led analyst Ben Mattinson to praise him as “one of the best strikers out there.”

As far as Pedro’s concerned, Ekitike is the superior player, and if Bailey’s on the money (quite literally) with his claims that Frankfurt’s £85m demands might be slashed, putting every effort into convincing the Frenchman feels like a no-brainer.

Goals scored

0.53

0.46

Assists

0.28

0.28

Shots taken

4.00

1.94

Shot-creating actions

3.55

3.33

Touches (att pen)

6.88

5.64

Progressive passes

1.86

3.60

Progressive carries

3.27

3.05

Successful take-ons

1.83

1.34

Ball recoveries

3.06

2.73

Tackles + interceptions

0.81

1.16

As you can see, the two forwards are matched up rather well, but Ekitike clearly has the edge, outperforming his South American counterpart across most relevant metrics.

Indeed, should you strip away Pedro’s penalties in the Premier League last season, he would rank among the bottom 21% of the division’s forwards for goals scored per 90.

Oh, Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has praised the Brighton man’s “magical” ability on the ball, but Ekitike might just be ‘Europe’s most elegant striker’, so say the Bundesliga, in any case.

But the proof is in the pudding, and Frankfurt’s number nine passes the eye test, all right. There’s a certain lightness to his dribbling, with an underlying creativity that would see him hit the ground running on English pitches, in Howe’s system.

Pedro is a talented footballer, but Ekitike is simply that bit better, and Newcastle have got to aim for the stars as they go from strength to strength.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig believes Ekitike “could reach world-class striker levels.” Pedro is a talented guy, but is the same scale of potential also applicable to him?

This is a tough case, with Frankfurt proving stubborn in their appraisal of the striker and rival interest against top-drawer outfits making PIF’s task difficult.

But just imagine if they pull it off; it would remind the footballing world that there’s a new superpower on the block.

Schar upgrade: Newcastle among favourites to sign "unbelievable" £40m star

Newcastle will be looking to improve their defence this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 16, 2025

For most of this month, it felt like Arsenal were in real danger of falling behind their rivals in the transfer market.

Fortunately, the last week or so has finally seen the club spring into life somewhat, with both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard looking set to join Martin Zubimendi ahead of next season.

However, while the club are starting to get bodies through the door, there is still a question mark over the lack of truly game-changing signings, like Liverpool’s capture of Florian Wirtz.

Yet, there might be no need for concern, as recent reports have once again linked the Gunners with an incredible attacker who could be their own version of the German international.

Arsenal target game-changing signings

While Arsenal’s focus appeared to be on useful squad players last week, the North Londoners have still been linked with a host of potentially game-changing superstars in recent weeks, such as Rodrygo and, more recently, Eberechi Eze.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost up to £85, but with two Champions League titles to his name and a tally of 25 goal involvements in 53 games this season, it would be hard to deny that’s a fair valuation for the Brazilian dynamo.

Likewise, while Eze’s £68m release clause is undeniably massive, he’d be more than worth it, as, on top of helping Crystal Palace win their first major honour ever this season, he racked up a haul of 25 goal involvements in just 43 appearances.

Yet, while both players would undoubtedly have a massive impact on the Gunners, there is another star linked with the club who’d surely be even more game-changing: Viktor Gyokeres.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, the Sporting CP star has been one of Arsenal’s top targets this summer and remains a genuine option to lead the line for next season, with it revealing that the Gunners are maintaining talks and asking to be kept up to date on the Swede’s situation.

However, what’s interesting is that the report also claims it’s now ‘only a matter of time’ before the Swedish international leaves the Portuguese champions, despite the Lisbon side holding out for more money.

Regarding the money, the story reaffirms prior reports that Sporting will not budge on their €80m valuation of the free-scoring forward, which converts to around £68m. Considering the player’s wage demands, it may be a move that ends up totalling close to £111m.

It might not be a straightforward transfer to get over the line, but Arsenal should do all they can to sign Gyokeres in the coming weeks, as he could be as consequential for them as Wirtz looks like he will be for Liverpool.

Why Gyokeres could be Arsenal's Wirtz

Now, there is already one massive difference between Wirtz and Gyokeres, which is their respective positions.

However, the fact that the former is a midfielder and the latter a striker really has no bearing on this comparison.

The basis for the Swede becoming the Gunners’ version of the German is instead solely based on how much of a game-changer he could be for them.

For example, the former Bayer Leverkusen gem was unsurprisingly brilliant this season, racking up a tally of 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3392 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games, or every 109.41 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Gunners’ faithful, that level of output is undoubtedly going to have a massive impact on the Champions next season, but the good news is that the former Coventry City star could be just as impactful for Arteta’s side.

For example, in 52 appearances this season, totalling 4248 minutes, the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Alex Turk, scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes to a frankly absurd average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.

The 27-year-old was just as effective last season, scoring 43 goals and providing 15 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 4,169 minutes, which came out to an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.87 minutes.

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87′

63.40′

It is true that he’s currently playing outside of a top-five league, but if the Swedish machine can replicate even a third of his performances in North London, then his arrival could be what finally pushes Arteta’s side over the line in the Premier League or Champions League next year.

Ultimately, it’s Gyokeres’ incredible output and the fact his arrival would be such a signal of intent that means he could end up being Arsenal’s answer to Witz this summer.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 30, 2025

Jobe Bellingham was given a hero's welcome by Borussia Dortmund fans when the ex-Sunderland man was unveiled to them at Signal Iduna Park.

Bellingham signs for DortmundGiven hero's welcome by club's fansPrimed to make first-team debutFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The midfielder swapped Sunderland for Dortmund earlier this summer, but the 19-year-old had not played in front of the German team's fans on their patch until their pre-season friendly with Juventus on Sunday. Before the match, the England Under-21 international was given a raucous reception by the club's home faithful. 

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Much is expected of the teenager, particularly as his older brother Jude had such a successful stint at the German giants before joining Real Madrid in 2023. The youngster may not be as good as his sibling but it is clear the fans are keen to get behind him as he prepares for life in the Bundesliga.

GettyWHAT NEXT?

New recruit Bellingham, who has been described as "extraordinary" by Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, played in his new team's 2-1 friendly loss to Juventus at the weekend. He will hope for a better result in the first round of the DFB-Pokal away to Essen next Monday as their season begins.