Celtic are ready to make a move for an “exciting” forward in what remains of this transfer window as they prepare to sell Kyogo Furuhashi, according to a new report.
Celtic transfer news
The Hoops secured their place in the knockout phase of the Champions League on Wednesday night for the first time since 2013, after beating Young Boys 1-0 at Parkhead. Celtic can now look forward to an exciting two-legged game against a top European side in February, as well as continuing their pursuit of another Scottish Premiership title.
Celtic star who won 8/11 duels was an even bigger hero than Idah
The Celtic midfielder caught the eye with a terrific performance for the Hoops.
1 ByDan Emery Jan 23, 2025
Despite the fact they are in the next round of the Champions League and sit pretty at the top of the table, Celtic look set to lose one of their key players, Kyogo Furuhashi. French side Rennes are closing in on the Japan international’s signature, with it reportedly being a deal worth £10 million. The 30-year-old has been a key player for the Hoops, and captain Callum McGregor was hopeful the club can keep hold of him.
McGregor said: “I understand there is a lot of speculation. But he’s a Celtic player at the minute, and obviously we want to keep him for as long as we can.
“He’s a top player. Again, you see his quality tonight, his movement, and the way he sets the tone for the team. All our good players, we want to keep them for as long as we can. Generally, when there’s speculation, then people have done well.
“We want that as well. It gets people talking about Celtic and the players that we’ve got. I’m sure the club will do everything they can to keep him because he’s a top player and a top person as well.”
Celtic to make a move for £8m forward as Kyogo replacement
Despite reports of Jota coming the other way from Rennes, according to The Scottish Sun, Celtic are ready to rekindle their interest in Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden as they search for a replacement for Kyogo.
Brendan Rodgers was keen on signing Kvistgaarden during the last January transfer window as well as during the summer, but a deal never materialised. This report states that interest hasn’t disappeared, and Celtic are ready to make a new offer to Brondby for the striker, who is valued at £8 million.
Kvistgaarden, who has been dubbed “exciting” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, has told Brondby that he plans to leave the club either in this transfer window or the summer and is keen on a move to Scotland, meaning the Danish side may be forced to sell if they receive a suitable offer.
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This is good news for the Hoops, as Kyogo’s potential departure would see them heavily depend on Adam Idah as their senior centre-forward. With Champions League knockout football on the way, Rodgers will be keen to add more firepower to his side, and given Kvistgaarden has scored 10 goals in 15 league games this season, he could be the perfect new arrival. The 22-year-old, who has 17 Denmark under-21 caps to his name, can also play on either side of the centre-forward, meaning he provides more options for Rodgers in attack.
Earlier, Carey’s 66* allowed Australia to declare on 270 for 8
Karthik Krishnaswamy10-Jun-2023Under bright skies and on an Oval pitch that seemed to ease out against all expectations, India’s batters set up a potentially thrilling final day, racing to 164 for 3 at more than four an over to keep alive their pursuit of a world-record fourth-innings target. Australia remain favourites, with India needing a further 280 on the final day, but they may have a lot of hard work ahead of them to take the seven remaining wickets, with the second new ball 40 overs away.India may have still felt a little cross with themselves at stumps, though, losing perhaps a wicket more than they would have liked by then, two of them to aggressive shots. Rohit Sharma was lbw to Nathan Lyon, missing a sweep from a stump-to-stump line, and Cheteshwar Pujara toe-ended an attempted ramp over the slips off a Pat Cummins bouncer.Both batters will argue, though, that these are shots they usually play well. They will also argue that the same positivity had helped them stitch a second-wicket stand of 51 in 77 balls. The two wickets, however, fell in the space of five balls, turning 92 for 1 to 93 for 3.It was the perfect opening for Australia to bulldoze through, but Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane were having none of it. They ended the day reprising the same positivity that had gone before, putting on an unbroken 71 for the fourth wicket, with both batters looking in excellent ball-striking rhythm. Conditions, too, didn’t seem to test them, with the pitch showing far less tendency to produce inconsistent bounce than it had done through the first three innings of the match. Kohli and Rahane ended the day with control percentages of 93 and 97 respectively.As they safely negotiated the last over of the day, a largely India-supporting crowd was in fine voice, a section of them belting out this number from the 1975 blockbuster : ” [we’ll never break this friendship].” Australia will want to break it as soon as possible when day five dawns.The crowd had been far less pleased some two hours earlier, though, after India lost their first wicket off what ended up as the last ball before tea, following a near-run-a-ball opening partnership of 41. Scott Boland got one to straighten and kick in the corridor, Shubman Gill pushed at it with hard hands, and Cameron Green dived low to his left to pluck out a superlative gully catch, his second of the match. Gill stood his ground, though, and the decision went up to the third umpire. As is often the case with these low grabs, replays seemed inconclusive, but the decision went in Australia’s favour.Chants of “Cheat! Cheat! Cheat!” continued to follow Green through the rest of the evening, particularly when he bowled. A World Test Championship that had been full of quality cricket now had the one ingredient it had been missing: controversy and needle.1:37
Was Green’s catch to dismiss Gill clean?
During the first session of the day, Green had had a far different effect on the crowd, keeping them quiet as he added 18 runs in 87 balls to his overnight score of 7. His dismissal was in keeping with the tone of his innings: he attempted to pad away a Ravindra Jadeja delivery from over the wicket only for the ball to hit his pad and roll onto the wicket.By then, Australia had added 44 to their overnight 123 for 4 while losing two wickets in 19 overs – Marnus Labuschagne the other batter dismissed, nicking Umesh Yadav to first slip. India had bowled with discipline while extracting just enough from the surface to keep the batters vigilant; with Australia’s lead just 340, they may have hoped to wrap their innings up before it got to 400.Alex Carey, however, ensured that it swelled well beyond that figure, scoring an opportunistic 66 to go with his 48 in the first innings, and putting on 93 for the seventh wicket with Mitchell Starc. Both batters began cautiously and had their moments of discomfort, particularly against Jadeja finding sharp turn and bounce from the footmarks outside the left-handers’ off stump, but grew increasingly confident as India’s quicks tired.Mohammed Shami, who had bowled frugally and beaten the bat multiple times without any reward in his previous spells, came back when India took the second new ball and dismissed Starc and Pat Cummins when they were looking to slog for quick runs. Australia declared at the stroke of Cummins’ dismissal, setting India a never-before-achieved 444 to win.It may have been a nostalgia-inducing moment among old-timers at the ground. In 1979, a Sunil Gavaskar double-hundred had inspired India to a thrilling draw at The Oval; they finished on 429 for 8 after being set 438 by England. There’s still a chance that Sunday may bring similar levels of excitement.
Leus du Plooy and Wayne Madsen carve out a sizeable advantage
ECB Reporters Network05-May-2023
Leus du Plooy played his part for the hosts•Getty Images
Leus du Plooy and Wayne Madsen batted Derbyshire into a dominant position against Leicestershire on a rain-interrupted second day of the LV=Insurance County Championship match at Derby.The pair shared a stand of 122 from 184 balls with du Plooy failing by six runs to become Derbyshire’s first century maker of the season.Madsen continued his prolific run against Leicestershire with 67 and although 42 overs were lost to the weather, Derbyshire closed on 326 for 7, a lead of 204, and with two days remaining threaten to end the Foxes’ bright start to the season.Leicestershire’s bowlers struggled until Wiaan Mulder struck with the second new ball to end the day with figures of 5 for 55 from 24 overs but his side have a lot of work to do to save the match.Leicestershire’s head coach Paul Nixon said: “Wiaan has been a groove machine in practice. He has come back this year and his action has been more consistent and he’s really confident about his bowling which is wonderful.”Madsen’s latest productive shift against Leicestershire bowlers proved that even in uncertain times, there are things you can rely on.He came into the game averaging 60 in first-class cricket against one of Derbyshire’s neighbours so Leicestershire knew they needed to dismiss him quickly to have a chance of staying in the game.Opportunity knocked in the third over of the morning when Madsen had added only four runs to his overnight total but Colin Ackermann fluffed his lines. Madsen’s edge off Chris Wright was regulation as slip catches go but Ackermann standing at second spilled it.That looked a big moment in the game and by the time a storm swept across the ground shortly before midday, Madsen and Du Plooy were set and ticking along nicely.At least the break gave the visitors time to regroup but when play resumed in bright sunshine, there was little to trouble the fourth wicket pair. The bowlers were unable to build any pressure with a consistent line and there were too many wide balls for Madsen and du Plooy to score off.Madsen was first to his fifty which came off 96 balls and when England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed was brought on in the 60th over, du Plooy completed his half century from 74 balls.Ahmed did almost get through Madsen with a ball that scuttled through but there was nothing else in his three overs which cost 25 runs to threaten the batters.When the breakthrough did come, it was down to a rash shot from Madsen who dabbed at a ball from Tom Scriven and was caught behind. But by tea, the lead was 177 with du Plooy on 94 and after rain forced a 90-minute delay, he fell to the second ball after the restart.Leicestershire’s decision to claim the second new ball paid off as Finan had du Plooy caught behind off what looked an inside edge which was well taken by Peter Handscomb.Matt Lamb played on to Mulder and Luis Reece was bowled attempting to hit him back over his head which suggested Derbyshire may declare overnight with further rain forecast to take more time out of the game on Saturday.
Turning their attention towards the January transfer window in the middle of another tough spell of form, Manchester United are reportedly pressing to sign a defensive reinforcement who has already spoken to Ruben Amorim.
Man Utd transfer news
Shocked by Wolverhampton Wanderers and embarrassed by Bournemouth at Old Trafford, Manchester United desperately need the January transfer window to arrive, especially since they sit eight points clear of the dropzone in what should not even be a concern for a side of their stature heading into the second half of the season. With Newcastle United up next, however, things don’t get any easier.
Man Utd on red alert as January opportunity emerges to sign "fantastic" ace
The Red Devils could land a bargain deal…
1 ByTom Cunningham Dec 29, 2024
Even in the middle of such a run, it doesn’t look as though Marcus Rashford will be granted a return after being exiled by Amorim. Yet to be impressed by the Carrington graduate, the new manager looks set to show Rashford the door and leave some of Europe’s biggest clubs circling around his signature when 2025 arrives.
Instead, the focus looks set to be on finding players who suit his 3-4-2-1 system to finally turn things around at Old Trafford, which may well see a vital defensive reinforcement arrive.
According to RMC Sport, via Sport Witness, Manchester United have submitted an opening offer to sign Nuno Mendes from Paris Saint-Germain in the winter window. SW also relayed reports from Portugal that the left-back has already spoken to Amorim in what was reportedly a convincing conversation.
Having been not impressed at PSG’s new contract proposal, Mendes’ current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2026. Whether that hands United the chance to land a cut-price deal remains to be seen, but it could certainly accelerate any transfer.
"Explosive" Mendes could be instant upgrade
A player who thrived under Amorim at Sporting Club to earn a deserved move to PSG, Mendes, valued at £58m, seemingly has the chance to work under his former manager at Manchester United in what would be the biggest move of his career yet. The left-back could be an instant upgrade too, given how well he knows the new system and how much of an attacking threat he provides compared to Diogo Dalot.
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5.86
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Still just 22 years old, the best is yet to come for Mendes as Manchester United look to become the ultimate benefactor in continued rise to the top of European football.
Replacing Luke Shaw feels more and more important for those at Old Trafford, with patience slowly running thin over his ability to avoid consistent injury setbacks. Dubbed “explosive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Mendes should be high up on the list of candidates to replace the England international as early as the January transfer window.
da pixbet： The January transfer window is a huge period for Ruben Amorim in his spell as Manchester United manager, presenting him with the first opportunity to make his own impact on the first-team squad.
da cassino online： Following his appointment in late November, the 39-year-old has been forced to work with signings made by the previous management team, evidently unable to extract what he would like out of the current crop of players.
Since his arrival, he’s only won two Premier League outings, contributing to their lowly standing of 13th, with some players just not cut out for the demands of his 3-4-2-1 system.
Ruben Amorim
As a result, outgoings are to be expected, moving players on who simply aren’t at the level required for a side that desperately needs to transform their recent fortunes to resurrect the flailing campaign.
However, the departures could open the door for fresh blood to arrive at Old Trafford, including one top-level talent who’s already been linked with a move to the North West this month.
Man Utd make contact to land £83m star
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Man United have made contact with Italian side Napoli over a potential move to sign Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before the end of the window.
The 23-year-old also has strong interest from Ligue 1 side PSG, with both sides battling it out to secure the services of the winger, who’s registered five goals in 17 outings during 2024/25.
Napoli forwardKhvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Kvaratskhelia, who’s valued at £83m according to reports at the back end of 2024, could move to the Red Devils in a cash-plus player deal, which may allow Marcus Rashford to complete a move in the opposite direction as a result.
The Englishman has been strongly linked with a move away from his boyhood club, even holding talks with AC Milan, but the emergence of the rumour about the Napoli ace could sweeten any potential deal for the attacker.
Given the interest from the mega-rich PSG, any deal may be an expensive one, but Amorim would be landing a serious talent who is up there with some of the very best in Europe.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Why Mbappe-like Kvaratskhelia would be a good signing
Kylian Mbappé has been a leading star in Europe over the last few years, often being a menace to countless backlines during his time at PSG and now Real Madrid.
The France international has scored 14 times in 26 appearances for the Spanish giants since his summer transfer – a deal that was by far the biggest of the window despite moving on a free transfer.
His pace and eye for a goal have been evident since he broke onto the scene with Monaco back in 2017, producing a catalogue of superb strikes – highlighting his star quality within the final third.
However, the Napoli ace possesses very similar traits to Mbappé, with his blistering pace and ability to cut inside onto his stronger right foot off the left-hand side.
As a result of such performances, Kvaratskhelia was ranked as a similar player to the Real Madrid star during Euro 2024 by stats platform FBref, with United now potentially getting themselves a 23-year-old prospect with a huge skill set along with bags of potential to improve further.
Kvaratskhelia
The Georgian would also provide an upgrade on current United man Rashford, massively outperforming the attacker during the ongoing 2024/25 campaign.
The 23-year-old Napoli forward has registered more combined goals and assists to date, whilst also managing more shots on target per 90 with more shot-creating actions – highlighting his ability within the final third.
How Kvaratskhelia compares to Rashford in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Kvaratskhelia
Rashford
Games played
17
15
Goals & assists
8
5
Progressive carries
5.7
1.8
Progressive passes
4.4
1.9
Shots on target
1.2
0.8
Pass accuracy
76%
74%
Shot-creating actions
4.4
2.7
Successful take-ons
1.5
0.8
Aerials won
44%
42%
Carries into the final third
3.8
1.7
Stats via FBref
Kvaratskhelia loves to run with the ball at his feet, demonstrated in his tallies of 5.7 progressive carries and 1.5 successful take-ons per 90 – achieving a staggering tally of 3.8 carries into the final third.
His link-up play is also to be admired, completing more of his attempted passes, whilst playing more of his efforts into attacking areas, handing the current crop of United attackers increased opportunities in the final third.
It’s unclear how much the Italian side will demand for their star man, but his quality is evident, potentially becoming a fan-favourite for years to come should he move to Old Trafford.
He’s undoubtedly a better talent than Rashford, massively outshining the academy star to date, with the Englishman moving in the opposite direction, potentially a huge improvement in the Red Devils’ chances of landing Kvaratskhelia.
£93m Man Utd star wanted by UCL giants in repeat of Fergie’s big mistake
Manchester United need to cut down the squad to allow Ruben Amorim to make new additions.
Shadab Khan, Glenn Maxwell among retentions for 2023 season
ESPNcricinfo staff16-Feb-2023
Trent Rockets and Oval Invincibles celebrate with their trophies•Getty Images
The Hundred’s retention window closed on Tuesday night, following weeks of negotiations between players, agents, coaches and general managers.In the women’s competition, each team was able to retain four players from their 2022 squad, with a maximum of three ‘marquee’ players – either two overseas players and one England-contracted player, or vice versa.In the men’s competition, they could retain up to 10 players at a mutually-agreed salary band, plus their allocated England centrally-contracted player.As ESPNcricinfo revealed this week, several leading Australian women will skip the 2023 tournament, while a number of high-profile men’s players will return to the draft.The drafts for both competitions will be held on March 23, with the tournament taking place from August 1-27.In full: Women’s retentions•ECB/The Hundred
In full: Men’s retentions•ECB/The Hundred
Birmingham Phoenix RetainedWomen: Amy Jones (£31.75k), Ellyse Perry, Issy Wong (both £25k), Emily Arlott (£15k) Men: Chris Woakes (central contract), Liam Livingstone (£125k), Moeen Ali, Shadab Khan (both £100k), Adam Milne, Benny Howell (both £75k), Will Smeed, Kane Richardson (both £60k), Tom Helm (£50k), Chris Benjamin (£40k), Dan Mousley (£30k)ReleasedWomen: Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Elwiss, Kirstie Gordon, Deepti Sharma, Eve Jones, Gwen Davies, Abtaha Maqsood, Ria Fackrell, Phoebe Franklin, Sterre Kalis, Davina Perrin Men: Jack Leach, Matthew Wade, Timm van der Gugten, Ben Dwarshuis, Brett D’Oliveira, Imran Tahir, Miles Hammond, Graeme van Buuren, Henry Brookes, Tanveer Sangha, Sol Budinger, Olly Stone, Matt Fisher, Tom AbellShadab Khan did not feature in 2022 but has been retained by Birmingham Phoenix•Getty Images
London Spirit RetainedWomen: Heather Knight (£31.25k), Amelia Kerr (£25k), Charlie Dean (£18.75k), Dani Gibson (£15k) Men: Mark Wood (central contract), Glenn Maxwell (£125k), Nathan Ellis (£100k), Liam Dawson, Dan Lawrence (both £75k), Zak Crawley, Jordan Thompson (both £60k), Mason Crane, Adam Rossington (both £50k), Chris Wood, Ravi Bopara (both £40k)ReleasedWomen: Chloe Brewer, Beth Mooney, Megan Schutt, Freya Davies, Sophie Luff, Jess Kerr, Amara Carr, Naomi Dattani, Grace Scrivens, Natasha Wraith, Alice Monaghan, Grace Ballinger, Nancy Harman Men: Kieron Pollard, Josh Inglis, Eoin Morgan (retired), Daniel Bell-Drummond, Ben McDermott, Toby Roland-Jones, Brad Wheal, Jamie Smith, Blake Cullen, Riley MeredithGlenn Maxwell could replace Eoin Morgan as London Spirit captain•ECB/Getty Images
Manchester Originals RetainedWomen: Sophie Ecclestone (£31.25k), Deandra Dottin (£25k), Emma Lamb (£18.75k), Ellie Threlkeld (£15k) Men: Jos Buttler (central contract), Wanindu Hasaranga, Phil Salt (both £125k), Jamie Overton, Tom Hartley (both £75k), Richard Gleeson, Paul Walter (both £60k), Josh Little (£50k), Wayne Madsen, Tom Lammonby (both £40k), Mitchell Stanley (£30k)ReleasedWomen: Lizelle Lee, Kate Cross, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu, Cordelia Griffith, Hannah Jones, Ami Campbell, Georgie Boyce, Phoebe Graham, Laura Jackson, Grace Potts, Mahika Gaur, Erin Burns, Daisy Mullan Men: Andre Russell, Laurie Evans, Tristan Stubbs, Matt Parkinson, Sean Abbott, Ashton Turner, Colin Ackermann, Fred Klaassen, Calvin Harrison, Daniel Worrall, Ollie RobinsonKate Cross has been released – but Originals could keep her in the draft by using their Right-To-Match card•Getty Images
Northern Superchargers RetainedWomen: Alyssa Healy (£31.75k), Linsey Smith (£18.75k), Hollie Armitage, Bess Heath (both £15k) Men: Ben Stokes (central contract), Adil Rashid, Harry Brook (both £125k), Adam Lyth (£75k), Adam Hose, Brydon Carse (both £60k), Matthew Potts, David Wiese (both £50k), Wayne Parnell (£40k), Callum Parkinson (£30k)ReleasedWomen: Jemimah Rodrigues, Laura Wolvaardt, Jenny Gunn (retired), Alice Davidson-Richards, Heather Graham, Beth Langston, Katie Levick, Katherine Fraser, Liz Russell, Lucy Higham, Rachel Slater, Bethany Harmer, Gaby Lewis Men: Dwayne Bravo, David Willey, Faf du Plessis, Wahab Riaz, Jordan Clark, John Simpson, Roelof van der Merwe, Michael Pepper, Ben Raine, Saif Zaib, Craig Miles, Luke WrightFaf du Plessis captained Superchargers in 2022 but has not been retained•ECB/Getty Images
Oval Invincibles RetainedWomen: Marizanne Kapp (£31.25k), Alice Capsey, Lauren Winfield-Hill (£25k), Tash Farrant (£18.75k) Men: Sam Curran (central contract), Sunil Narine, Will Jacks (both £125k), Jason Roy, Tom Curran (both £100k), Sam Billings, Saqib Mahmood (both £75k), Jordan Cox, Gus Atkinson (both £50k), Danny Briggs (£40k), Nathan Sowter (£30k)ReleasedWomen: Dane van Niekerk, Shabnim Ismail, Mady Villiers, Suzie Bates, Aylish Cranstone, Dani Gregory, Grace Gibbs, Kira Chathli, Emily Windsor, Eva Gray, Sophia Smale, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Kirstie White, Emma Jones Men: Pat Brown, Rilee Rossouw, Reece Topley, Hilton Cartwright, Mohammad Hasnain, Matt Milnes, Jack Leaning, Jack Haynes, Rory Burns, Carlos Brathwaite, Peter HatzoglouMarizanne Kapp will stay at The Oval•ECB/Getty Images
Southern Brave RetainedWomen: Smriti Mandhana (£31.75k), Lauren Bell (£18.75k), Maia Bouchier, Freya Kemp (both £15k) Men: Jofra Archer (central contract), James Vince, Chris Jordan (both £100k), Tymal Mills (£75k), Rehan Ahmed, Craig Overton (both £60k), Finn Allen, George Garton (both £50k), James Fuller, Alex Davies (both £40k), Joe Weatherley (£30k)ReleasedWomen: Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkey, Anya Shrubsole, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Tahlia McGrath, Molly Strano, Carla Rudd, Georgia Adams, Tara Norris, Jo Gardner, Paige Scholfield, Ella McCaughan Men: Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Paul Stirling, Jake Lintott, Tim David, Ross Whiteley, Dan Moriarty, Michael Hogan, Beuran Hendricks, Sonny BakerWhich England opener will Brave RTM at the draft?•ICC/Getty Images
Trent Rockets RetainedWomen: Nat Sciver-Brunt (£31.75k), Katherine Sciver-Brunt, Alana King (both £25k), Bryony Smith (£18.75k) Men: Joe Root (central contract), Rashid Khan (£125k), Dawid Malan, Alex Hales (both £100k), Lewis Gregory, Luke Wood (both £75k), Colin Munro, Sam Cook (both £60k), Daniel Sams, Samit Patel (both £50k), Matt Carter (£30k)ReleasedWomen: Kim Garth, Mignon du Preez, Sarah Glenn, Elyse Villani, Kathryn Bryce, Abbey Freeborn, Marie Kelly, Sophie Munro, Alexa Stonehouse, Georgia Davis, Ella Claridge, Emma Marlow, Meg Lanning Men: Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ian Cockbain, Marchant de Lange, Steven Mullaney, Luke Fletcher, Tom Moores, Ben MikeTom Kohler-Cadmore will be available at the draft•ILT20
Welsh Fire RetainedWomen: Tammy Beaumont, Hayley Matthews (both £25k), Annabel Sutherland (£18.75k) Men: Jonny Bairstow (central contract), Joe Clarke (£100k), Ollie Pope (£75k), David Payne (£60k), Jake Ball (£50k), George Scrimshaw (£30k)ReleasedWomen: Rachael Haynes, Fran Wilson, Katie George, Nicla Carey, Alex Hartley, Claire Nicholas, Fi Morris, Georgia Hennessy, Alex Griffiths, Sarah Bryce, Hannah Baker, Lauren Filer, Nicole Harvey, Maddy Green Men: Tom Banton, Adam Zampa, Ben Duckett, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Sam Hain, Leus du Plooy, Noor Ahmad, Ryan Higgins, Matt Critchley, Jacob Bethell, Josh Cobb, Naseem Shah, Ish SodhiWelsh Fire have retained Tammy Beaumont•ECB/Getty Images
Jude Bellingham jokingly called out teammate Endrick on social media after the Brazilian wonderkid made a training ground boast.
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Bellingham and Endrick exchange messages
Brazilian winger made training ground boast on social media
Real Madrid face Atletico on Tuesday in UCL
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Endrick took to Instagram and shared an image of him racing with Real Madrid colleague Jude Bellingham during a training session. In the caption, the Brazilian wrote: "I won bro @judebellingham".
In response, Bellingham reshared Endrick's story on his Instagram profile and wrote: "Be honest bob." Bellingham has previously admitted he's nicknamed his team-mate Bobby after he claimed to be a big fan of Sir Bobby Charlton.
IG:@judebellingham
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Bellingham and Endrick starred in Real Madrid's win over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey fixture in the midweek as the English midfielder provided the assist for the Madrid wonderkid's only goal of the match in the 19th minute. The Brazil international enjoyed his best night to date in a Real Madrid shirt as he was handed only his fourth start for Los Blancos since joining them last summer.
DID YOU KNOW?
While Los Blancos are on course to reach the final of Copa del Rey with a slender lead over Real Sociedad, their miseries in La Liga continued as they lost to Real Betis 2-1 on Saturday. With Atletico Madrid and Barcelona winning their respective league matches, Carlo Ancelotti's side have now slipped to the third position on the league table.
Getty Images
WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
The reigning Spanish champions will next take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 fixture on March 4 at home.
Life at West Ham United for Julen Lopetegui is proving harder than first anticipated, despite having an impressive squad of players to call upon.
David Moyes wasn’t perfect—far from it—yet he managed to lead the club to its first major trophy in 40 years while leading the Irons to three top-half finishes in the Premier League across the previous four seasons.
West Ham United manager David Moyes
Be careful what you wish for. The club are now languishing in 15th position, having won just twice in the top flight since the start of the campaign. The Spaniard is coming under increased pressure to get positive results.
Ten signings were made during the summer transfer window, yet the former Real Madrid boss is having to rely on someone Moyes signed in 2020 to get the team firing – Jarrod Bowen.
Jarrod Bowen’s season in numbers
The Englishman has arguably been one of the finest signings West Ham have made in the previous five years, especially when you consider his value for money.
Moyes spent £20m to bring the former Hull City star to the London Stadium in 2020. Fast-forward nearly five years later and Bowen has registered 104 goal contributions – 63 goals and 41 assists – across 212 games.
Bowen, therefore, has cost the club only £190k per goal involvement, suggesting they have gotten their value out of the winger, no doubt about that.
Last term, he scored 20 goals and grabbed ten assists, carrying on this type of form into the current campaign, already notching five goal contributions.
Not only does he rank first in the West Ham squad for big chances created (three), but the English dynamo also ranks first for key passes per game (2.5), third for successful dribbles per game (1.5) and second for shots on target per game (0.9), demonstrating how effective he has been in the final third in the Premier League this season.
If Lopetegui wishes to remain in his post for as long as possible, he will be hoping Bowen can keep up his early season form, otherwise, his position could soon become untenable.
Jarrod Bowen’s West Ham stats
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2023/24
44
20
10
2022/23
54
13
8
2021/22
51
18
11
2020/21
40
8
6
2019/20
13
1
4
Via Transfermarkt
Over the years, Bowen’s market value has risen steadily due to his wonderful performances for the club. One thing is for certain, West Ham will make a stunning profit on the winger should they have to sell in the next couple of years.
Jarrod Bowen’s market value
At the time of writing, Bowen is currently valued at €50m (£41.6m) according to Transfermarkt, representing a significant increase on the £20m fee they paid to sign him a few years ago.
Moyes reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on him towards the end of last year as Liverpool were keeping a close eye on the player.
Whether they will manage to get this sort of fee remains the question, but there is a player in the current first-team squad who is valued higher than Bowen. According to Transfermarkt, that is…
How much Lucas Paqueta cost West Ham United
As the 2022 summer transfer window was coming to an end, Moyes spent £51m on bringing Lucas Paqueta to London from Lyon.
It looked like a signing which could take the club to the next level and by the end of that season, the Brazilian had scored five times and grabbed seven assists as West Ham won the Europa Conference League trophy.
Lucas Paqueta
It hasn’t all been plain sailing for the attacking midfielder at West Ham, however, especially during the current campaign, with an FA charge regarding alleged breaches of their betting rules still hanging over him.
Lucas Paqueta’s season in numbers
Last season, Paqueta registered 15 goal contributions – eight goals and seven assists – across 43 games in all competitions, which wasn’t a bad return at all, heightening expectations heading into the current campaign.
So far, the 27-year-old has managed to record just two goals in eight Premier League games for the Irons this term, hardly the form many expected when Lopetegui took over during the summer.
He currently ranks in fifth position among the squad for shots on target per game (0.4) in the Premier League, along with ranking fifth for big chances created (one) and for successful dribbles per game (0.6), hardly the form of a £50m player.
Over the previous 365 days, Paqueta failed to rank in the top 50% for touches in the opposition box, successful take-ons and shot-creating actions per 90 when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.
It is clear improvement is needed, especially if the midfielder wishes to drag West Ham back into the top half of the league table.
Former teammate Declan Rice lavished praise on the Brazilian ahead of the 2023 Conference League final, saying: “I think now you’re seeing the real Lucas. Some of the stuff he does, even in training, it’s just mind-boggling how good he is.”
Mind-boggling he hasn’t quite been this season, that’s for sure.
Lucas Paqueta’s market value
According to Transfermarkt, Paqueta is currently the highest-valued player in the West Ham squad, with a valuation of €55m (£46m), which is even higher than Bowen, despite the Englishman shining for the club this term.
That value is slightly lower than the £51m fee Moyes shelled out to sign him more than two years ago, while it also represents a drop from his peak value of £54m from back in May.
Whether or not a lengthy ban does arrive, the Hammers will need their playmaker to get firing in the short-term. Could a new manager potentially revive the attacking midfielder? Or will he finally come good under Lopetegui before Christmas?
The next few months could be very important indeed for the former Lyon starlet, that’s for sure.
West Ham wasted £37.5m on Pellegrini signing who earned way more than Kudus
West Ham wasted a huge amount of money on a player who failed to deliver.
Steven Taylor’s decision to drop out of the USA squad for the World T20 Qualifier in favour of a CPL contract has once again raised questions on the development path for Associate players in USA
Peter Della Penna23-Jun-2015Wicketkeeper-batsman Steven Taylor’s decision to pull out of the USA squad for the forthcoming World Twenty20 Qualifier in favour of a Caribbean Premier League contract with Barbados Tridents should not come as a surprise. It does, however, raise questions on the development path for an Associate player in the USA, and how the players perceive their future within the system.In the summer of 2013, Taylor had traveled to Jamaica for a training stint with a local club where he told a local media outlet that his dream was to play for West Indies. Taylor, one of the few USA players born and brought up in America, is not the first one to have ambitions of playing for a Full Member. New Jersey’s Cameron Mirza, who was the MVP of the ICC Americas Under-19s Division One in 2011, stated not long after that tournament that he was going to university in the UK with an aim to qualify for England on residency and pursue a dream of playing for them. Former USA U-19s captain Greg Sewdial, who made his USA senior team debut at 16, was born to Guyanese immigrants and raised in New York also stated in an interview that his goal was to play for West Indies one day.There is no proper development structure or career path as an Associate player in the USA for these players to aspire to. In order to be a professional player, it is only natural to look overseas. The limited opportunities to play for USA will only shrink further after next year when the ICC World T20 – the format so many people claim is the gateway to future popularity in the American market – goes from being a biennial event to being played once every four years.In that sense, the financial aspect of Taylor’s decision is significant. Taylor, now 21, dropped out of high school at 19 before completing his senior year, and does not have a regular job like other USA players. His main source of income comes from games in weekend T20 tournaments for private club teams scattered around country. The payment from Tridents, no matter how small, would have been an incentive compared to the stipend for touring with USA.Part of this also is a failure of the USA Cricket Association and their inability to stick to commitments made to players. Former USACA chief executives Don Lockerbie and Darren Beazley had laid out plans to turn USA’s players professional with central contracts, which never materialised. Taylor was part of a USA team that won the WCL Division Four in 2010 in Italy after which they were told they would receive a championship bonus from the board. The players are still waiting for the reward.After formally announcing a pair of preparation camps in Jamaica for the USA national team ahead of the ICC Americas Qualifier in May and then prior to their departure for Ireland, neither one has happened. USA’s players are routinely put under pressure by being asked to show up without any preparation against teams that are similarly talented but have far better support mechanisms in place.Taylor has also developed a very beneficial relationship with Robin Singh, after the latter took over as coach and technical director of USA’s various national teams in 2011. Their familiarity could have played a role in Taylor being assigned to Barbados Tridents, a team Singh coaches, for a CPL tryout following a December camp with an ICC Americas development squad. Taylor secured a full contract with the franchise, while Canada’s Nikhil Dutta, who was also among the shortlisted players from the development squad, won a contract with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.Singh’s connection could present a conflict of interest. He has been working for USACA for the last four years to help raise the standard of the USA national team. Last week, five USA players, including Taylor joined a Tridents training camp on Singh’s invitation as part of their own preparation ahead of the World T20 Qualifier. Taylor’s decision to withdraw, however, has crippled USA’s chances of succeeding in Ireland, with the side deprived of their batting leader.Another issue is Taylor’s playing role with the Tridents compared to his status with the USA squad. Taylor is USA’s marquee player, one of the most feared big hitters in the Associate world and would have been assured of opening the batting in every game he played. Now he has gone from being the first name on the team sheet to, in all likelihood, riding the bench for Tridents. If the goal is for Taylor to continue developing his game and get better experience in different conditions, it might be better served by being on the field consistently instead of being limited to net sessions and watching from the sidelines.In the end, though, if spending one season on the Tridents bench as an apprentice is parlayed into several seasons in the starting XI, Taylor’s decision would seem wise. That it comes in the week that the ICC is deciding on USACA’s fate at the annual conference in Barbados also serves as a wake-up call to where the players see the future of cricket in the country heading.
Sky Sports have dropped further details about Edu Gaspar’s decision to leave Arsenal live on TV on Tuesday morning. The Gunners were met with the shock news on Monday that the Brazilian has decided to resign from his role as sporting director after re-joining the club in 2019.
Suggestion hugely respected chief is a favourite to replace Edu at Arsenal
The Brazilian left his post as sporting director in a surprise announcement this week.
ByEmilio Galantini Nov 5, 2024 Edu replacements already linked with Arsenal
Edu played for Arsenal between 2001 and 2005, winning two league titles and being part of the invincible team in the 2003/04 season. Then in 2019, the 46-year-old re-joined the club as technical director before he was given the role of sporting director in 2022.
The Brazilian was heavily involved in bringing Mikel Arteta to the Emirates and has been partially credited for the turnaround at the club, but has now made the decision to leave Arsenal, something Edu described as being “incredibly hard”: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make. Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.
“Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s, and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.”
It has already been suggested that assistant director Jason Ayto is an “obvious choice” to replace Edu at Arsenal. Ayto, who has been working closely under Edu, is apparently “hugely respected” within the club and could be a major contender to take on the vacancy. But as we wait to see who the replacement for Edu is, further details about his exit have now emerged.
Sky Sports drop live on-air details from London Colney
According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, speaking outside the Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney, Edu’s decision to leave Arsenal is solely his choice, and the talk of internal chaos and power struggles at the club is “totally untrue”.
As stated, Edu has been a key part of what Arsenal have achieved in recent seasons, and he was a big factor in getting Arteta to the club to begin with.
Corinthians
Director of Football
March 2011–June 2016
Iran
Advisor
May 2014–June 2014
Brazil
Team coordinator
June 2016–July 2019
Arsenal
Technical director
July 2019–November 2022
Arsenal
Sporting director
November 2022–November 2024
Sheth describes Edu’s decision to leave Arsenal as a “blow,” and they are disappointed at the news, but any concerns over wider panic and chaos ensuing are wide of the mark, so fans can take solace in a likely smooth transition to the next man up. The 46-year-old simply believes it is the right time for a new challenge for him in his career, and he is now expected to join Nottingham Forest’s multi-club group.