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Ellyse Perry and Sarah Bryce led Sixers’ chase but the lower order fell away with Strikers’ legspinners to the fore

Andrew McGlashan29-Oct-2024Bridget Patterson was involved in a nasty incident while wicketkeeping during Adelaide Strikers’ victory over Sydney Sixers at North Sydney Oval where Amanda-Jade Wellington produced a key all-round display.In the fourth over of Sixers’ chase Patterson took a ball in the face from a 119kph delivery by Darcie Brown which pitched in front of her and kicked up, striking near the right eye. Patterson stayed on the ground with a physio and doctor quickly onto the field and after a few minutes was able to walk off. She remained at the venue for remainder of the game and will be further assessed in the coming days.”It was a nasty injury,” Strikers coach Luke Williams said after the match. “Obviously we were all worried about her, but it looks like she’s escaped major injury. It certainly was nasty at the time with the cut.”Patterson had earlier played a key role with the bat as Strikers’ middle-order produced a powerful counterattack to enable the visitors to claim the first win of their title defence.In reply, Ellyse Perry dominated the early stages of the chase with a 26-ball fifty then Sarah Bryce impressed again with 62 off 44 balls but when she fell to Megan Schutt the innings faded swiftly in a collapse of 6 for 18. Legspinners Wellington and Anesu Mushangwe were superb in the closing overs with the former comfortably defending 14 off the last.Patterson, Wellington and Orla Prendergast combined to make 123 between them off 92 balls with 32 runs coming off the two power surge overs. Wellington, inparticular, cut loose inside the restrictions with two sixes and three fours off Ash Gardner and Lauren Cheatle to finish with 40 off 16.Those contributions enabled Strikers to recover from 51 for 4 in the seventh over after Cheatle had made early inroads before Perry held onto a stinging return catch – with a juggle – to claim Laura Wolvaardt.Perry and Bryce added 80 in 50 balls for the second wicket with Perry lacing 11 boundaries although she was dropped at long-on on 17. The impressive, and quick, Brown removed Perry when she top-edged a short ball to fine leg and Sixers suffered another huge blow when Gardner fell for a five-ball duck.But Bryce and 19-year-old Elsa Hunter, on her WBBL debut, put on 53 off 35 balls to bring the target in sight aided by some poor catching from Strikers but they couldn’t finish the job for a Sixers side stretched to the limits by injury.

The top order had the experience to bail out their inexperienced attack, but they instead went down in abject fashion

Andrew Fidel Fernando19-Mar-2023Angelo Mathews, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Dinesh Chandimal have all been on four Test tours to New Zealand (this one included). Kusal Mendis has been there three times. Dhananjaya de Silva twice. By now, they’ve sat through days worth of meetings and analysis on how to bat in New Zealand, pored through many hours of footage of the opposition, discussed leaving on length at length, and – such are this team’s predilections – likely become family friends with Nandos staff across the country.The attack has the excuse of inexperience. They have not toured New Zealand anywhere near as much, have a much more complicated history with injuries, and anyway are treated with borderline disdain at home, where pitches frequently make them comedic props in the spin bowlers’ dramatic production. And while New Zealand have had a difficult World Test Championship cycle, their batting order is studded with an all-time superstar in Kane Williamson, a reliable hand in Tom Latham, and batters who have made very bright starts to what promise to be long careers in Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Blundell.Their bowling? Well, you’ve kinda gotta maybe say that they were a more daunting proposition in the bad old days when Trent Boult and Tim Southee curved the ball snarl viciously from either end, before Neil Wagner summoned bouncers from the depths of hell in the peak Wagnerball era.Related

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New Zealand on top despite Karunaratne's twin fifties

New Zealand's dream day proves a nightmare for Sri Lanka

If one didn’t nick you off swinging it one way, the other would get you lbw swinging it the other. And if you survived all of that, the other guy would jam your fingers against the bat with a ball that rocketed off the pitch, his team-mates gathering around to kindly check on you as you writhed around in pain, knowing your tour was over.It is almost to be expected that Sri Lanka’s attack had as poor a first innings as they did in Wellington. On day one, they were battling a near-gale. On top of which, New Zealand’s best batter was incandescent. And there was also the debutant wicketkeeper, who missed a vital catch (he missed a straightforward one off Henry Nicholls on the first evening).

“Their bowling inexperience had made a victory almost impossible, but on day three, batting incompetence sent Sri Lanka nosediving towards defeat”

But for Sri Lanka’s batters to have as poor a day three as this? Just a single 50-plus partnership, and all out for 164, in testing, but not unplayable batting conditions? Their bowling inexperience had made a victory almost impossible, but on day three, batting incompetence sent Sri Lanka nosediving towards defeat.Across that first innings, Sri Lanka made what might be termed rookie mistakes. Late on day two, Mendis saw a short, wide delivery, and failed to hit it far enough away from Conway, who dived spectacularly to his left to intercept it. Mendis has been at the ground for a number of otherworldly New Zealand catches. When they are feeling themselves, this is what New Zealand do.Then, the next day, Mathews fished at one he shouldn’t have. Chandimal charged offspinner Michael Bracewell and went through with his doomed heave to legside when he might have played defensively when he realised he wasn’t getting to the pitch of the ball. Dhananjaya de Silva ran at Bracewell also, and chipped him softly to the catcher at midwicket – perhaps the softest dismissal of the day. Karunaratne played much better than his team-mates, reaching 50 twice in one day. But then he failed to make a century out of either one, holing out twice in the deep, with no need to fall this way in the second innings.Sri Lanka are now faced with an almost impossible climb. They are 303 runs behind, with eight wickets in hand. New Zealand’s bowlers have bowled almost 110 overs in succession, so there is hope the visitors can subject them to further fatigue, batting a wicketless first session out first thing on Monday, then clawing back the lead in the afternoon. It would not be the first time Mathews and Mendis have put on a big stand at the Basin Reserve.But Sri Lanka once again require a second-innings miracle to make something out of this game. The top order had the experience to bail out their inexperienced attack. Instead, in the first innings, they went down in abject fashion.

While last season wasn’t exactly the most enjoyable of campaigns for Arsenal fans, 25/26 is looking like it could be one to remember.

Just keeping their star players fit and available would be massive in the Gunners’ hunt for a Premier League title, but the board appear to be going all out in the transfer window to ensure Mikel Arteta has the best chance of success.

Martin Zubimendi is already through the door for a cool £60m, Noni Madueke has passed his medical, Christian Mosquera is set for his, and some real depth has been added to the squad with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard.

That’s not all, though, as Andrea Berta looks to have finally secured the club a leading number nine in Viktor Gyokeres, and if reports are to be believed, he could soon sign another attacker who’s just as exciting.

Arsenal target attacker as exciting as Gyokeres

While there was quite a lot of work that had to be done to improve and reinforce the squad this summer, there is no denying that a new striker was priority number one for Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

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

After all, Arteta’s outfit produced the best defence in the league last season, but just the third-best attack, and a distant third at that.

So, it’s undoubtedly excellent news that, after weeks of speculation, the club appear to be on the brink of agreeing a deal for Gyokeres, one that will cost them an upfront fee of around £55m.

The Swedish marksman, who scored 54 goals in 52 games last season, will be a hugely exciting addition to the North Londoners’ squad, but he might not be the only one.

At least that is according to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, who on the latest episode of the Latte Firm podcast confirmed that “Arsenal are very interested in Rodrygo.”

The journalist revealed that the Gunners have “spoken to the relevant parties connected to the player” and, in good news, have received “positive feedback” that he would be open to the move.

However, to get their man, the North Londoners would have to pay up to £80m, but even then, Rodrygo would be worth it, and as exciting a signing as Gyokeres.

Why Rodrygo would be as exciting a signing as Gyokeres

The first thing to note is that, no, Rodrygo has not been anywhere near as prolific as Gyokeres has been over the last two years, but that’s an unfair comparison to make, given his position and the competitions he’s been playing in.

Moreover, the 24-year-old has still been a dangerous outlet for Real Madrid, as, since the start of the 2023/2024 campaign, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.

In other words, the former Santos gem is still able to average a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is undoubtedly impressive.

Appearances

51

54

Minutes

3707′

3452′

Goals

17

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

142.57′

138.08′

Additionally, he has done so while primarily playing out of his preferred left-wing position, and while he’d likely move back there at the Emirates, the fact that he’s so accomplished playing off the right or up top is another reason he’d be a tremendously exciting signing.

Finally, while there are some questions over how the Sporting CP star will cope in the biggest of games due to his relative lack of experience playing in truly elite competition, there are no such concerns when it comes to the Brazilian.

Since moving to Madrid, he has won everything there is to win, including two La Liga titles and two Champions League titles.

Moreover, he’s not just been a passenger for those victories, as he has a stellar record when it comes to Europe’s top competition, scoring 25 goals and providing 14 assists in 64 games.

Ultimately, Gyokeres’ absurd goal tally makes him a seriously exciting signing for Arsenal, but Rodrygo’s record and experience would make him equally so.

He'd be a dream for Gyokeres: Arsenal close in on signing £68m "superstar"

Arsenal are looking to conclude more business after agreeing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 15, 2025

After already making their first approach for his signature, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly been handed the green light to push on and sign a talented 17-goal striker this summer.

Nottingham Forest plotting South American swoop

If recent rumours are anything to go by then Nottingham Forest’s recruitment team certainly has a soft spot for South American talents. Having already watched the likes of Murillo thrive at the City Ground, Evangelos Marinakis is set to welcome at least three more Brazilian talents this summer amid reports that Forest have agreed a deal to sign Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano from Botafogo.

Just how much of an instant impact all three players make remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that they are all talented in their own right. That said, the standout remains Jesus.

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By
Charlie Smith

Jun 13, 2025

The young striker has looked ready for a move into European football for some time and the City Ground could be the perfect environment for his goalscoring prowess to thrive alongside a South American contingent.

Given that all three players are currently at the Club World Cup with Botafogo, the big question for Forest will be whether they can complete their triple swoop in time for them to feature at the start of next season.

The Tricky Trees have just discovered where they’ll be and when in the Premier League season, with the visit of Brentford awaiting on the opening day in August. It’s then that Nuno Espirito Santo could have the aforementioned trio available and potentially one more Brazilian talent at his disposal.

Nottingham Forest receive green light for Romulo move

Having already made their first approach and established contact over a potential deal, those in the Midlands could now take their next step towards another South American star. According to CNN Turk, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have now received the green light to sign Romulo Cardoso by the forward himself, who wants to complete a move to the Premier League.

At 23 years old, Romulo has already made his mark on European football with as many as 17 goals and 10 assists in just 33 appearances in Turkey last season. Now, he could be set to complete the biggest move of his career.

Nottingham Forest join race for £85m star who’s starred at Club World Cup

He’s a man in demand…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 18, 2025

The striker spot is certainly up for grabs at Nottingham Forest too. As impressive as Chris Wood has been – scoring 20 Premier League goals last season – there’s no denying that he’ll be past the peak of his powers sooner rather than later at 33 years old. And that’s why Romelo’s arrival would prove to be so important this summer.

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

Kerr wasn’t given run-out because the ball was deemed dead, but questions around the incident remain

Shashank Kishore04-Oct-2024There was confusion, and no little anger, as India were at the centre of an umpiring controversy during their women’s T20 World Cup match against New Zealand in Dubai on Friday, which India lost by 58 runs.They felt they had a legitimate wicket – a run-out of Amelia Kerr – but it wasn’t to be, with the umpires deciding the ball was dead when the dismissal was effected.The appeal for the run-out came after Kerr was caught short of her ground while attempting a second run at the end of the 14th over of New Zealand’s innings. Having hit the ball towards long-off off the last ball of Deepti Sharma’s over, Kerr and Sophie Devine took a single, and didn’t seem to have any plans to push for the second. Deepti asked the umpire to hand her cap back to her and was been given it.However, with Harmanpreet Kaur, the fielder, collecting the ball and ambling in with it in her hands, Kerr and Devine tried pinching a second. Harmanpreet fired the ball in, Richa Ghosh collected it, and broke the stumps with Kerr short of her crease.The umpires – Anna Harris and Jacqueline Williams – decided the ball was dead, and anything that came after, the dismissal in this case, would not count as having occurred with the ball “in play”. Section 20.1.2 of the dead-ball law says: “The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.”For that moment when the bowler collected her cap and the batters seemed happy with just the single, it is reasonable for the umpire to deem the ball dead. However, the umpires omitted to send the batters back to their respective ends. Kerr should have been back on strike for the start of the next over, but it was Devine who took strike against Renuka Singh and nudged a single. Kerr was out off the following delivery when she hit the ball to Pooja Vastrakar at extra cover, to be dismissed for 13 off 22 balls.Related

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Before that, though, play was held up for over seven minutes, with India head coach Amol Muzumdar visibly upset at the ruling, engaging in an animated chat with the fourth umpire, while Kerr was near the boundary before being called back.Speaking after the game, Jemimah Rodrigues said, “I was not there when the umpire gave the cap to Deepti, but, I mean, New Zealand were pretty sure that it was a double run and Amelia went for it, which showed that the over was not called out yet. And we all thought that, okay, we got that run-out.”What if that run-out wouldn’t happen? Would they give us a two for that. So I think, honestly, that’s not in our control at the end. We respect the decision of the umpire and we were okay with that. But yeah, it’s a bit harsh when Amelia herself walked out because she knew she was out.”Devine, who was batting alongside Kerr, explained she hadn’t heard the umpire call the over and they were trying to pinch a second run. “My understanding is that the ball is dead when the umpire calls ‘over’ and I didn’t hear the umpire call ‘over’,” she said. It was an interesting one, and I guess it broke a little bit of momentum and maybe stalled them [India] a bit.”That’s part of cricket. Interpretation is going to be slightly different. We were always trying to pinch runs here and there because you never know when one run is going to change things. The umpires have a job to do and we respect that, and I sometimes push the boundaries a little bit.””We know how important Amelia’s wicket was, at that moment it felt a little [like] why didn’t it go in our favour,” Rodrigues said. “But, at the same time, I think we did what we can.”We spoke to the umpire. Then we had to accept the decision of the umpire and move on. So I think that’s what we did really well, that we just moved on from that. And we got her out pretty soon. So that works for us.”

Pakistan’s cool kids may take the limelight but an innocuous-looking 30-year-old was their star seamer

Danyal Rasool06-Aug-2020It’s just a fact of life it is harder to get excited about Mohammad Abbas than it is Shaheen Afridi or Naseem Shah. Abbas is 30, but alongside the 20-year old Afridi and 17-year old Naseem, looks positively middle-aged. His somewhat-bored frown and world-weary countenance, combined with a gait that’s more shuffle than stride, could make you mistake him for one of those desi uncles you actively avoid trying to sit next to at stuffy dinner parties you never wanted to be at.Put the cricket whites on him, though, a brand new red ball in his hand and wave the sun away, and this apparently unremarkable man undergoes a metamorphosis that would be Kafkaesque if it wasn’t free of any existential despair. Abbas the bowler doesn’t sulk about being overlooked. He’s well aware he isn’t able to compete with the cool kids for social media traction or YouTube clips. He doesn’t exist to enthrall, but to be appreciated.For there are no bells and whistles to Mohamad Abbas. He can’t bat to save his life, as it took Jofra Archer one ball to demonstrate. He’s not a gun fielder like Shadab Khan is, for example, and he isn’t the most engaging at press conferences. He won’t head too many marketing campaigns, you won’t find his face plastered across billboards in Pakistan, and if you ever spot him having a late night drink anywhere, it’s probably nothing stronger than a hot chocolate.ALSO READ: Masood 156 sets stage before Pakistan seamers tear things upBut as the curtain began to fall on Pakistan’s innings, the stars began to align for Afridi and Naseem’s sidekick. Quietly, imperceptibly, the sun, which had peered out from behind the clouds, almost as a reward for Shan Masood’s epic resilience, disappeared back behind, and as the skies above Old Trafford turned grey, Abbas felt the transformation happening. Never mind everybody still thought Afridi was the one to watch out for – and if you were Rory Burns, he certainly was – but the first over from Abbas was an unassumingly devastating reminder why this ostensibly harmless dibbly-dobbler opened the bowling ahead of the most explosive teenage fast bowler in world cricket.He spent an entire over getting the ball to hold its line outside off stump to Dom Sibley; if anything, the occasional one seamed away. Half an over in, the young English batsman wondered what all the fuss was about, and worked him dismissively behind square for two. Two balls later, he got one past the slip cordon, and even if he wasn’t entirely in control, he had taken six off this supposedly metronomically accurate bowler’s first over. Result.First ball next over, Abbas pulled his line back. You can’t afford to do that at his pace, and Sibley clipped him to midwicket for another two. But then Abbas sprung the trap, pitching it up, and bringing it back off the seam so sharply the bat may well have been at the other Old Trafford, so wide was the gap when the ball clattered into the pads. That first over didn’t look so innocuous after all.If that left you salivating, you were in luck, because this was just the appetiser. Ben Stokes thought he had spotted the mistake the inexperienced Sibley was making, and made a point to stand half a metre outside his crease, almost finishing his shots in the danger area. That approach has troubled Abbas in the past, especially in Australia, where, forced to pull his lengths back, he struggled.Mohammad Abbas produced a jaffa to bowl Ben Stokes for a duck•Getty ImagesAbbas isn’t half the bowler when the stumps are out of the equation: 41 of his 77 Test wickets have involved trapping the batsman in front or knocking back his stumps. Unless Mohammad Rizwan was willing to keep up to the stumps in what was only the fourth over of the innings, it appeared Abbas wouldn’t be the man to threaten Stokes, especially with the Englishman coming into this series in the batting form of his career.Abbas had decided, though, he wouldn’t back down. Of the six balls he bowled to Stokes, just one was pitched back of a length; the others were all fuller as he probed for a weakness. It was the most absorbing ten minutes of the entire Test, as a world-renowned World Cup-winning superstar tried to stand his ground against an understated medium-fast bowler. Rizwan wasn’t coming up. It was all down to Abbas.He didn’t need anyone else. As Stokes charged at him again, Abbas banged the ball in on a length, his exquisite control over the seam allowing it to shape ever so slightly away. As Stokes drove instinctively, the bat hit fresh air. The ball had gone past, and the next thing you saw was the bails flying out from behind. Abbas had found a gap Stokes didn’t believe existed. Joe Root’s face, a picture of admiring disbelief, was perhaps the only compliment worthy of the delivery.Half an hour later, the attention had drifted away from Abbas once again. Everyone began to get restless, eager to catch a glimpse of the much-hyped Naseem Shah. Abbas would bowl a few more overs from his end while the world paid attention to the other one. You barely noticed him dropping out of the attack as Yasir Shah came in.Abbas took his cap from the umpire, and went off to field somewhere on the boundary. The sun had come back out, and the cool kids had stolen the limelight once more.

The Ecuadorian midfielder logged 15 goals and nine assists across 139 matches with Vancouver

Joined MLS side Vancouver in 2021Valued at around $5M, per TransfermarktHas eight caps with Ecuador’s national teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Pedro Vite is enjoying one of the best stretches of his young career, and after a strong run with the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Ecuadorian midfielder appears to be headed to Liga MX.

According to MLS insider Tom Bogert, Vite has reached a verbal agreement with Pumas UNAM, although the deal is not finalized. Sources indicate that the transfer could be completed soon, pending final negotiations and paperwork.

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Pumas targeted Vite earlier this year when they faced the Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, a tournament in which the Canadian side eventually fell to Cruz Azul in the final.

According to GOAL sources, Pumas plan to use the Ecuadorian primarily as a winger, though he can also slot into midfield. His versatility is seen as a major asset by head coach Efraín Juárez, who views him as a projected starter.

With Aaron Ramsey expected to anchor the midfield, Vite would provide depth and rotation options. If the Welshman – or any of the regular starters – struggles with form or fitness, Vite’s ability to play centrally could prove crucial and give Pumas more tactical flexibility.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Pedro Vite could become Pumas’ most expensive signing, with the club reportedly ready to pay around $5 million to secure the midfielder – a figure that would surpass the $4.2 million they spent on Nicolás Castillo.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR PUMAS?

Juárez’s side endured a humbling start to the Apertura 2025, losing 3-0 on the road against Santos Laguna. They’ll look to bounce back Sunday when they host Pachuca.

Former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho has left Aston Villa to complete a permanent transfer to Vasco da Gama. Coutinho left the Villans last summer to return to his homeland and join the Brazilian Serie A side on loan and he has now made his move permanent. The 33-year-old made 26 appearances last season where he scored five goals and provided three assists.

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Coutinho joins Vasco da Gama permanentlySigned for the Brazilian side on loan last summerEnded Aston Villa nightmareFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Coutinho's nightmare Aston Villa spell has finally ended as he secured a permanent move to Vasco da Gama, after spending the 2024-25 campaign on loan at the Brazilian club. The midfielder tried to push for a permanent transfer last summer by mutually terminating his contract and joining Vasco on a free transfer but the Villans at that time only sanctioned a loan move.

AdvertisementWHAT ASTON VILLA SAID

The official statement from the Premier League club read: "Aston Villa can confirm that Philippe Coutinho has completed a permanent move to Vasco da Gama. The midfielder was on loan with the Brazilian side last term and returned to the club following the end of his temporary stint, but both clubs have now agreed a deal for the playmaker to go back to his hometown club on a permanent basis. After signing for Villa initially on loan in January 2022, he went on to pen a permanent deal at Villa Park and made 43 appearances in claret and blue, scoring six goals. Everyone at Aston Villa would like to thank Philippe for his service to the club and wish him all the best in his future career."

Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Coutinho joined Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona in January 2022 before making his transfer permanent six months later. However, he failed to make an impact under Unai Emery and was sent out on loan to Qatari side Al-Duhail ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Matheus Lima/Vasco da GamaWHAT NEXT FOR COUTINHO?

The 33-year-old will be back in action for Vasco on July 12 as they take on Botafogo in the Brazilian Serie A.

There is no escaping from the fact that this season has been a real disappointment for Arsenal.

As things stand, Mikel Arteta’s side are 12 points off Liverpool in the Premier League and, in reality, the title race came to a pathetic end months ago.

However, it is not all doom and gloom in the red half of North London, as in Europe anyway, the Gunners have seriously stepped up and are just two games away from what would be their second Champions League final in their history.

The competition has seen some of Arsenal’s players remind the rest of the world just how good they really are, including one unlikely star who is now worth more than Thomas Partey, whose future is back in the conversation.

The latest on Thomas Partey

Just a few weeks ago, it was generally believed that once his £200k-per-week contract came to an end on June 30th, Partey would depart Arsenal as a free agent following five relatively successful years at the club.

However, ahead of the team’s underwhelming draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, The Athletic’s David Ornstein broke some news that suggested that might not be the case anymore.

According to the respected journalist, the Gunners now want the experienced midfielder to remain at the club and are in talks over a new deal, which could either be for two years or one with an option for another.

Appearances

47

Minutes

3496′

Goals

4

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.14

Minutes per Goal Involvements

499.42′

There is certainly an element of risk in handing a soon-to-be 32-year-old player with an extensive injury list a new deal, but this season has seen him available for almost all of it, and with 47 appearances so far, it’s clear Arteta still rates him.

However, his age and injury history have likely counted against his most recent valuation, as Transfermakrt has priced him at just €15m, which is about £13m and millions less than one of Arsenal’s surprise stars of the last month.

Market Movers

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The Arsenal star worth millions more than Partey

So, while practically the entire team played well against Real Madrid, one starter perhaps surprised fans with just how well he performed against the European Champions: Jakub Kiwior.

Yes, the player in question is the former Spezia ace who’s often been looked upon as an unconvincing backup to the sensational William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.

However, since the latter was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, the Polish international has stepped up in a massive way.

In fact, had it not been for his French partner, he’d have a clean sheet at the Bernabeu to his name.

Moreover, while the highly-rated Bondy-born superstar made yet another mistake at home against Palace this week, the “extraordinary” Tychy-born titan, as dubbed by Robert Lewandowski, found himself on the scoresheet.

So, with such a dramatic turnaround from worrying backup to essential starter, it’s not all that surprising to see the 25-year-old’s valuation be higher than some of his teammates.

For example, Transfermarkt has priced the defensive “monster,” as dubbed by reporter Sam Dean, at €22m, which comes out to about £19m, or £6m more than Partey.

Ultimately, while he’ll likely never be the first choice when the backline is fully fit, Kiwior has demonstrated over the last month or so that, when needed, he can be the perfect backup for Arsenal, and, as such, we would not be surprised to see his valuation climb higher before the end of the season.

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