All posts by h716a5.icu

Gill was in sublime touch as India raced away to 52 for no loss in 4.5 overs before lightning and rain took over

Tristan Lavalette08-Nov-20255:57

Takeaways: Who won the Jitesh vs Samson debate?

No result India claimed a 2-1 series victory over Australia in an anti-climax after the fifth and final T20I was abandoned due to heavy rain and thunderstorms in Brisbane.After being sent in to bat, there had been intrigue over how India’s top-order would fare on a Gabba surface with plenty of bounce and carry. But with their nemesis Josh Hazlewood in Ashes prep mode and again not in the line-up, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill plundered 52 runs before play came to a halt after 4.5 overs.Abhishek did have luck having been dropped twice, but Gill was in sweet touch as he smacked 29 off 16 balls.The series ended the same way it began after rain ruined the opening T20I in Canberra. Australia dominated game two in front of 82,000 fans at the MCG, largely thanks to a rampant Hazlewood but India ultimately prevailed in the series after their spinners gained a stranglehold on slower surfaces in Hobart and the Gold Coast.The India T20I squad with the series trophy in Brisbane•Matt Roberts/CA/Getty ImagesIndia will head home well pleased ahead of their T20 World Cup title defence on home soil.”The way everyone chipped in every game, it was a complete team effort with the bat, ball and in the field,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav said.”I saw what happened with the women’s team winning the World Cup in India, having unbelievable support. When you play at home there is pressure but at the same there is a lot of excitement.”In their final hit-out in the format before the T20 World Cup, Australia’s aggressive batting approach against high-quality spin attacks has come under scrutiny although recriminations are unlikely amid Ashes hysteria.”I don’t think I can remember the last time we had so many rain interruptions,” Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said. “I think there are a lot of learnings to take forward, a lot of positives. The flexibility of our group and the squad that we’re trying to build in a World Cup year has been amazing.”Earlier, a grinning Marsh once again won the toss but his mood soon soured after the start India’s openers got.There was no settling in for left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis as Abhishek bludgeoned a trademark boundary over mid-off on the fourth delivery of the match.He tried to repeat the dose on the next ball only to miscue high into the air where Glenn Maxwell nestled under having trudged back from mid-off. A resigned Abhishek had already begun walking off only for the unthinkable to happen, with Maxwell spilling a straightforward catch.While Abhishek lived dangerously, Gill was in sublime touch as he stroked four boundaries off Dwarshuis’ second over with the best being a gorgeous cover drive. Gill was in the type of commanding form that had eluded him during a tough tour – which started with an ODI series defeat in his captaincy debut in the format – and he looked determined to finish on a high.Abhishek, on 11, received another life when he was dropped by Dwarshuis who ran in from fine-leg before compounding Nathan Ellis’ misery by smashing him over midwicket for six.Typical for Brisbane this time for year, bad weather loomed large and the players went off due to lightning before heavy rain cascaded onto the ground in a major disappointment for the sold-out crowd.

Manchester United’s tactical imbalances have seen Ruben Amorim caught in a headwind as he fights to lift the club back into the title contention in the Premier League.

For now, inconsistency reigns, with the draw against West Ham United at Old Trafford at the weekend marking just one win across five league fixtures. Amorim’s side are 12th, four points behind fourth-place Crystal Palace, who they beat at Selhurst Park only one week ago.

Flashes of progress are dimmed by an inability to play with the balance and gusto that is needed for true success in the English top flight, and it’s clear that INEOS need to prioritise the signing of a new centre-midfielder

Why Man United need a midfielder

Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford has become a flashpoint for an outfit struggling for consistency. Many fans are perplexed at Amorim’s decision to keep him on the fringes, given the defects within the United engine room.

Casemiro is getting on a bit, and Bruno Fernandes does not boast the deep-lying profile needed to establish fluidity and work in conjunction with a tough-tackling anchor.

This is where Adam Wharton comes in. The England midfielder has been in fine fettle since joining Crystal Palace in January 2024, and the Mirror report that United have learned they will need to pay £70m to bring him to the Theatre of Dreams in 2026.

Wharton is attracting interest from numerous suitors, but the Red Devils have made him their top target, and that follows claims from the 21-year-old’s agent that his client has ambitions to star in a Champions League-competing squad.

Why Man United should sign Adam Wharton

Wharton is still young and relatively inexperienced at the highest level, but there’s no denying his quality and potential for further growth.

Hailed as a “passing machine” by journalist Henry Winter, he has been instrumental in the trophy-winning Oliver Glasner era, and his is a technical profile that has caused a stir within many elite offices across England and Europe. United need to win this race, and making Wharton a priority will help them in their bid to sign a star midfielder, someone who would eclipse Mainoo and end the malaise around the Carrington prospect’s name.

It would be negligible to pull Mainoo’s data from the current Premier League campaign, so far on the fringes he’s been, but he excelled during a 2023/24 breakout season in Erik ten Hag’s team, and from here we can see that Wharton would be an exciting upgrade on Mainoo in his finest form.

Matches (starts)

24 (24)

13 (13)

Goals

3

0

Assists

1

2

Touches*

49.0

48.2

Pass completion

87%

81%

Big chances created

0

6

Key passes*

0.6

1.5

Dribbles*

1.3

0.5

Ball recoveries*

4.0

4.5

Tackles + interceptions*

2.9

2.6

Duels won*

5.0 (52%)

3.5 (52%)

Though Wharton is less precise with his passing, this is principally because he is an inherent playmaker, looking to break lines and influence while protecting the backline behind him.

Wharton ranks, moreover, among the top 13% of Premier League midfielders this season for through balls and the top 16% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Less of a dribbler than Mainoo, Wharton’s stable and dynamic midfield came would provide Amorim with the style he is searching for, and it could have quite the ripple effect in giving rise to wider tactical green shoots.

His ability to ‘run the show’ is something that the Red Devils simply don’t boast in the way that Amorim needs to establish full throttle, and given his obstinacy in not giving Mainoo the playing time he and the fanbase are desperate for, Wharton would provide the missing link, the tonic for all that has been inconsistent at Man United in recent times.

A new Amad: Man Utd could sign "one of the best LWs in Europe" in swap deal

Manchester United are plotting a sensational deal for this exciting winger who could be Ruben Amorim’s next Amad Diallo.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 7, 2025

The Cincinnati Reds defense, led by shortstop Elly De La Cruz, saved a run against the best team in the American League, the Detroit Tigers, during Saturday's game.

In the bottom of the third inning with Tigers third baseman Javier Baez on first, Detroit shortstop Trey Sweeney doubled into one of the deepest parts of Comerica Park, prompting Tigers third base coach Joey Cora to wave Baez around third. Reds right fielder Jake Fraley fielded the ball on one hop off the wall and fired an excellent throw to De La Cruz, the cutoff man, as Baez rounded third base.

De La Cruz then uncorked a 98.3 MPH relay throw that beat Baez to the plate by what seemed like a country mile. The ball was waiting for Baez, who was tagged out by Reds catcher Jose Trevino.

One can quibble over whether Cora should have sent Baez or not, but the fact that it took a near-perfect throw to the cutoff man followed by a superhuman relay throw tells you that it at least wasn't the idea. De La Cruz is no stranger to making ridiculous throws. Back in April of 2024, the Reds star unleashed a 106.9 MPH throw on a play that resulted in an error. Sometimes, his throws are literally too hot to handle.

In addition to his stellar play in the field, De La Cruz also added a home run and a pair of runs scored to his tally on Saturday.

A former Saudi Arabian sports minister has unleashed a withering assessment of the Saudi Pro League, claiming Cristiano Ronaldo is the only foreign player in the competition justifying their wages. Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad lauded Ronaldo's unparalleled ability to bring global exposure to the league. The 40-year-old extended his stay in the country when he signed a new two-year deal with Al-Nassr in the summer.

Former minister claims Ronaldo only player to justify wage

Bin Mosaad served as the country's sports minister between 2014 and 2017, before Mohamed Bin Salman's administration began heavily investing in sports projects including the SPL.

The politician was speaking on Arab-language channel Al-Arabiya, when he was asked about his opinion on record-chasing striker Ronaldo. Bin Mosaad was effusive in his praise of the 40-year-old Portugal star, while also taking a swipe at his well-paid peers. 

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, after his second spell with Manchester United ended in acrimony. His high-profile switch to the Gulf state paved the way for a host of prominent players such as Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez to leave European football for the promise of higher wages.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus star's stay in the kingdom was extended earlier this year, with Ronaldo signing an improved deal worth a reported $211m-per-year.

AdvertisementGettyRonaldo's global impact for Saudi Pro League praised

"Ronaldo is the only foreign player worth what he earns because of the global exposure he brings to the league and the country. Many others are paid far more than they deserve," said Bin Mosaad.

"The international renown that Ronaldo brings is unparalleled. He is the only foreign player whose impact justifies the level of his salary. No one else has done that for the league."

Prince Abdullah's words reflect the fact that Ronaldo is more than simply a footballer in Saudi Arabia, he is a sporting icon and an ambassador for the SPL and the nation's push for sporting excellence as a whole. The levels of sponsorship and commercial revenue that the Portuguese frontman brings to the country are impossible to match, and, on top of all of that, he continues to do the business and justify his salary on the pitch, too.

Ronaldo continues to star in Saudi in twilight of career

The 40-year-old stunned fans once again last weekend as he scored a stunning bicycle kick to put Al-Nassr 4-1 up on Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League. He has already struck 11 goals in 12 matches this campaign, backing up Prince Abdullah's claims. But even the great man Ronaldo himself concedes that he is reaching the latter stages of his illustrious career.

He recently said: "I'm really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick. I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I'm enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let's be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years."

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Getty ImagesRonaldo counting down to World Cup

Bin Mosaad's comments reflect the fact that Ronaldo is a global icon of the sort that the Saudi Pro League has never seen before and might never see again. He continues to appear head and shoulders above opponents and will hope to show his world-class ability again for what could be the last-ever time at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Portugal captain has avoided a ban for the start of the competition, following the confirmation that his red card against the Republic of Ireland during the most recent international break will not carry over into the tournament. Next summer's edition is set to be Ronaldo's sixth World Cup, with the trophy representing the elusive major honour that the great man has failed to secure in his career to date. His red-hot form in Saudi will stand him in good stead as he aims to make a massive impact on the tournament.

Ayub smashed an unbeaten 71 off 38 balls after Pakistan’s seamers rolled South Africa over for 110

Firdose Moonda31-Oct-2025From the ruins of Rawalpindi, Pakistan rallied to level the T20I series against South Africa and romped to a nine wicket win in Lahore.The match was all but over in the first 10 overs, when South Africa slipped to 66 for 6 after stunning spells from left-arm quick Salman Mirza, playing in his sixth T20I, Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf. Pakistan used pace-off balls to excellent effect and South Africa put on one of their poorer displays of shot selection in a performance they will want to forget. Only one batter, Dewald Brevis, got past 20, and only one partnership did the same. With Lhuan-dre Pretorius on the bench, South Africa may want to rethink their line-up heading into tomorrow’s decider.On the other hand, Pakistan played the situation to perfection. Their bowlers read the surface well before the batters knocked off their target of 111 with 41 balls to spare. An opening stand of 54 between Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub set them up before Ayub and Babar Azam finished things off with an unbroken 58 for the second wicket. In the process, Babar became the leading run-scorer in T20Is.The series is 1-1 with the decider to come in less than 24 hours’ time.Salman Mirza’s figures of 3 for 14 were his best in T20Is•Getty ImagesMirza makes things happenMirza was given an opportunity ahead of fellow left-armer Shaheeh Shah Afridi and made an immediate impact. He set Reeza Hendricks up with an opening delivery that moved away from him and then brought the second one back in and found leg stump to dismiss him for a duck. In the next over, Mirza angled a couple into Tony de Zorzi’s pads, then went for the surprise short ball and de Zorzi missed his pull. That was a warning. Two balls later, Mirza went for a slower-ball bouncer and de Zorzi pulled to Abrar Ahmed at short fine leg.In between those dismissals, Quinton de Kock was caught at mid-off off a slower ball from Naseem Shah and dismissed cheaply for the third time since his comeback, and Naseem could have had more. Matthew Breetzke was dropped at short third off him, which only allowed Mirza to get a third. He delivered another cutter, beat Breetzke’s edge, and bowled him to leave South Africa 23 for 4 in the fifth over.Faheem finishes off Brevis threatened to take control with a quickfire 25 off 16 balls including three sixes, all hit cleanly, but mishit a slower short ball from Faheem to cover point. South Africa were in all sorts at 49 for 5 in the eighth over, and stand-in captain Donovan Ferreria could barely rebuild. He chopped a Faheem short ball onto his stumps at the end of the 10th over. Two overs later, George Linde went almost exactly the same way, playing the pull rather than cut, but also edging onto his stumps. South Africa were 73 for 7 but dragged things into the 20th over before getting bowled out for 110.Faheem Ashraf picked up four wickets•AFP/Getty ImagesSuper SaimSouth Africa had made run-scoring look difficult but Ayub showed that was a fiction as he anchored the chase with his first fifty in a home T20I in a 360-degree display of hitting. He took advantage of any hint of width or anything slightly short and even had a bit of luck with two healthy edges that went for four. But the ninth over belonged to him; after an edge off Baartman went for four, he smashed a slightly short ball over long-on for six, then hit him over point for four, and then produced the shot of the night with a no-look pick-up over deep square leg for six. The over cost Baartman 21 runs and put Pakistan 29 away from victory with 11 overs left to play.All hail BabarAfter a duck on T20I comeback in Rawalpindi, expectation was high on Babar, especially on his home ground, and he was in the mood to deliver. He creamed the first ball he faced through the covers for four to send Lahore into a frenzy. Then he was stuck on 6 off 7 for two overs, with Ayub taking all the strike and carving big chunks off the target. Babar needed three more to overtake Rohit Sharma as the leading run-scorer in T20Is. He got there at the start of the 12th over with a single of Ferreira – his 4232nd run in the format – and the home fans knew exactly what he had achieved. Babar received appreciative applause from a packed crowd, and Ayub sealed the game with a six two overs later. Babar is now three runs ahead of Rohit, who is retired from the format.

Since Pep Guardiola was appointed Manchester City manager in 2016, the club have spent around £1.276bn on more than 50 new recruits.

Some have, of course, been a massive success, none more so than Erling Braut Håland, arriving from Borussia Dortmund for £51m in the summer of 2022, so far scoring 143 goals in 164 appearances for the Sky Blues, which isn’t bad.

However, others have not lived up to the expectations set upon their arrival, disappearing into the proverbial wilderness without a trace.

So, is one of Man City’s summer signings, not so long ago labelled one of the best players in the Premier League, in danger of becoming the latest man to follow this path?

Kalvin Phillips' Manchester City career

When Kalvin Phillips joined Manchester City from Leeds United for £42m in the summer of 2022, he was a first-choice starter for England and widely considered to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.

However, to date, he has made just 32 appearances for the Sky Blues, totalling a miserly 921, accumulating only six starts, while 12 of his outings have lasted ten minutes or fewer.

After unsuccessful loan spells at both West Ham and then Ipswich, Phillips is back at Manchester City now, featuring in the Carabao Cup in September, entrusted with a seven-minute cameo towards the end of the victory over Huddersfield Town.

This was his first appearance for the Citizens for 645 days, his last before that coming against Urawa Red Diamonds in Jeddah in the Club World Cup semi-finals of 2023.

Having not represented England for over two years, fair to say this move has wrecked Phillips’ career, going from international star to complete obscurity, yet to even appear on a Man City bench in the Premier League or Champions League this season – including in Saturday’s 3-2 win over his former club.

So, which of Guardiola’s summer recruits is in danger of repeating this trajectory?

Manchester City's next Kalvin Phillips

For the majority of Guardiola’s tenure at the Etihad, the left-back spot has been up for grabs.

First, Fabian Delph and Oleksandr Zinchenko were deployed as midfielders in that role while, more recently, a rotating cast of centre-backs have filled the position, including Joško Gvardiol and Nathan Aké.

So, when Rayan Aït-Nouri arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported fee of £31.8m in June, supporters were delighted as the left-back conundrum appeared to have been solved.

The Algerian international joined Wolves from Angers in 2020, making 157 appearances for the club, and becoming one of their most outstanding players.

In the Premier League last season, the 24-year-old registered seven assists, a tally only bettered by 16 players and just one defender, namely Antonee Robinson.

As a result, Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley described him as “one of the Premier League’s best players” last season, while Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana praised his “quality” upon his arrival.

Having switched allegiance from France, Aït-Nouri will be looking forward to representing Algeria at both next month’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Desert Foxes among the favourites to triumph in Morocco, as well as the World Cup in the summer, but he may not be going into those competitions all guns blazing.

Despite earning rave reviews for his performances in old gold, the full-back has made very little impact in sky blue thus far, as the table below documents.

Minutes

315

22nd

Appearances

7

21st

Starts

5

20th

Completed passes

153

20th

Tackles

10

10th

Ball recoveries

10

20th

Touches

222

19th

As the table documents, Aït-Nouri is yet to make his mark since joining Manchester City.

Since starting two of three Premier League matches in August, he has seen just one minute of action in the competition, partially as a result of an ankle injury.

He was handed his full Champions League debut against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, but was hooked at half-time as Guardiola made a triple substitution, with his team a goal down, ultimately beaten 2-0 by the Bundesliga side.

Aït-Nouri’s performance in that one did not earn rave reviews.

Richard Martin of Goal noted that he lacked ‘awareness defensively or creativity going forward’, awarding him a 4/10, while Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News believes he was at fault for die Werkself’s opening goal, criticising his ‘heavy touches and poor passes’.

The Algerian was replaced by Nico O’Reilly at the interval, and the form of the 20-year-old is also a problem for him.

The youngster has been outstanding this season, thereby starting both England World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania earlier this month, and will not be an easy man to displace at left-back, for club or country.

Thus, unlikely to be given regular starting opportunities any time soon, Aït-Nouri is in danger of slipping into the Phillips vortex of being forgotten and cast aside by Guardiola.

Man City in talks to beat Man Utd to gem who's been "magic at U17 World Cup"

The Citizens are now looking to strike a deal before clubs from England and on the continent.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 23, 2025

Birmingham City ended up coasting to the League One title in style with five straight victories to close out the season seeing the Blues end on a record-breaking 111 points.

This was the first honour added to the St. Andrew’s trophy cabinet since Birmingham’s dramatic League Cup win over Arsenal in 2011, but the Tom Wagner-backed Blues will be hungry for more successes of this kind when heading up to the Championship.

Back-to-back promotions will be the dream goal for Chris Davies’ men upon their re-entry into the tricky division, with some new statement signings needed to boost their chances of immediately feeling at home in the EFL’s elite league.

One of those major buys could be Che Adams, with the hectic rumour mill suggesting Birmingham are keen on snapping up their former star to add even more firepower to their ranks.

Birmingham's hunt for Che Adams

Late last month, Football Insider broke the news that Davies and Co were eyeing up a spectacular move to tempt Adams back to the West Midlands club.

They further stated that Birmingham were looking to add the 28-year-old back to their roster in order to possess a Championship ready goal machine, with Adams boasting 49 career goals in the difficult division.

But, both Jay Stansfield and Alfie May arguably deserve a crack at the level after firing home the goals to seal promotion for their side.

Moreover, Birmingham could seal a better and more worthwhile purchase than landing Adams by signing an EFL star who might make the likes of Stansfield and May even more prolific.

Birmingham eyeing a more exciting signing than Adams

Luring Adams back to St. Andrew’s won’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, considering he once joined former employers Southampton for a reported £15m.

On the other hand, snapping up the services of Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku could be a lot cheaper, with a compensatory fee needing to be agreed between both the Blues and Posh as the Ghanaian ace’s contract is now expired in Cambridgeshire.

Whilst Adams’ impressive goal record might well justify whatever bumper fee Torino want, Poku would come in and offer far more than just goals for Davies’ men, with the excellent delivery in the video above proving the 23-year-old’s calmness under pressure to pick out an inch-perfect pass for a teammate.

Of course, Poku’s blistering game does also focus in on his ability to fire home strikes, considering he bagged a potent 12 league goals last season for Darren Ferguson’s men.

But, he can also be unselfish and creative marauding through the centre or down the right channel, meaning the likes of Stansfield and May could have chances galore put on a plate for them if the 5 foot 10 star does finally join.

On top of that, it’s not also guaranteed that Adams would return to the Blues and be an instant rip-roaring success, considering he fired home just 12 goals during his first two seasons at the level when last donning a Birmingham strip.

Games played

27

37

44

Goals scored

12

19

16

Assists

8

3

8

Touches*

46.3

29.0

21.9

Shots*

2.4

2.7

1.6

Scoring frequency

172 mins

142 mins

148 mins

Accurate passes*

20.3 (80%)

8.1 (69%)

10.9 (79%)

Big chances missed

3

13

13

Big chances created

9

6

7

Whereas, looking at the table above, it appears that Poku, Stansfield and May could become a terrifying trio for Championship defences to contain, with the “top drawer” talent – as he’s been lauded by Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony – chomping at the bit to prove himself as an attacking force in the far tougher league.

Also, reunions often just don’t go to plan either. Whereas, if Poku’s League One numbers are anything to go by, he could be the exact fresh blood Birmingham need to become an more formidable outfit stepping back up a division.

Birmingham closing in on signing their next Iwata for Davies

Birmingham City could soon snap up their next Tomoki Iwata with this summer purchase.

1 ByKelan Sarson May 18, 2025

BlueCo have now decided to make one “special” ace a Chelsea player next season, with the club already triggering a clause in his contract.

Chelsea set for tough Champions League run as race heats up

Just four points separate seventh from third in the Premier League table, so Enzo Maresca’s side are involved in a tense battle to qualify for Europe’s most prestigious competition alongside Aston Villa, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Man City.

Chelsea hold internal talks over re-signing star who Mourinho sold for £17m

The ‘special one’ elected to part company.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 23, 2025

Chelsea scraped the west London derby bragging rights at Fulham by the skin of their teeth on Easter Sunday, courtesy of a dramatic 93rd-minute strike from Pedro Neto, and their remaining fixtures are far from straight forward.

After hosting David Moyes’ rejuvenated Everton on Saturday, Chelsea face off against Liverpool, Newcastle and Man United in the space of a fortnight – with these crucial clashes set to make or break Maresca’s first season in charge as they also try to win the Europa Conference League.

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Speaking to Premier League productions this week, pundit Alan Shearer sent a warning to Chelsea, claiming Maresca, without doubt, has the hardest run of games out of any Champions League qualification contending side.

“Looking at the fixtures, there’s no doubt in my mind that Chelsea have the toughest run-in,” said Shearer (via The Mirror).

“The league might be done for Liverpool. Obviously, Newcastle is a huge one. And that last game against Nottingham Forest, they could be playing for everything, who gets a Champions League place. So that for me is the toughest run-in.”

This set of fixtures has also been tipped to serve as an audition for £100,000-per-week winger Jadon Sancho, who is currently at Stamford Bridge on loan with an obligation to buy from Man United.

While Sancho’s stay is obligatory on paper, reports in the last few months have claimed that Chelsea can cancel the move by paying a penalty fee of £5 million.

Sancho is said to have already agreed terms on a permanent Chelsea move, but it appears the club do have an option not to make his stay indefinite.

Chelsea decide to keep Jadon Sancho after clause triggered

The £25 million obligation is dependent on Maresca’s side finishing above 15th, which is now mathematically guaranteed, and the clause has been triggered as a result.

That is according to CaughtOffside, who also share an update on Chelsea’s stance about using the £5 million fee to get out of buying the 25-year-old.

The outlet claims that Chelsea have decided to keep Sancho at Stamford Bridge next season, and have no plans to pay the penalty, as his form has improved in recent weeks and those within the club view him as a “smart investment”.

Blues insiders also think the £25 million will prove great value for money, and if they do decide to sell the Englishman in future, Sancho could end up being worth more than that.

Chelsea are “happy” to pay the full amount for Sancho, following Maresca’s claim that the ex-Borussia Dortmund starlet is a “special” player.

“As I’ve said before, for sure he is going to help us. We really believe that he is a special player,” said Maresca about Sancho.

“But the only way for him to confirm that is by working hard every day and never be happy and always be ambitious.”

Whilst their search for a new manager is one that will steal the biggest headlines this summer, Rangers have also now reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League contract rebel.

Rangers still searching for Clement replacement

After a disastrous campaign in the Scottish Premiership, the Gers and incoming new owners 49ers Enterprises must get things right this summer. The last thing they need is to be back to square one this time next year if their first managerial appointment goes wrong. It’s not a job which lacks potential suitors though, handing Rangers several opportunities.

Not just McCausland: £3.4m flop must never start for Rangers again

Rangers will need to move a few players on this summer to raise funds.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 14, 2025

Whilst names such as Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho have been mentioned as of late, however, it’s Sean Dyche who Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes can turn things around at Ibrox.

In a chat with Football FanCast, the former striker said: “Sean Dyche would be an interesting one for me. His teams have always been very very competitive but particularly his Everton side, it’s always a struggle and a fight. I’d like to see him in a team that are expected to win every week. I think he would enjoy that as much as anything, I really do.

“So, it’s a well-sought after job and there will be no shortage of people going for it. Mourinho was obviously there recently and he is somebody who certainly a lot of Rangers fans would take to and appreciate but I just think the most important thing is they’ve gotta get it right.”

Meanwhile, as that search continues, those at Ibrox have also kept one eye on an all-important summer transfer window. Again, it’s one that the 49ers must get right and, again, several targets are already reportedly emerging – including a young Premier League contract rebel who could arrive at a bargain price.

Rangers chasing Derry deal

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers are now chasing a bargain deal to sign Jesse Derry after the 17-year-old rejected the chance to sign a professional contract at Crystal Palace.

Sparking interest from around Europe, Derry is reportedly open to a move abroad and could yet get the chance to complete a move to Ibrox or to their Old Firm rivals Celtic this summer. Whilst clubs will have to pay a compensation fee, the price of that deal should be far cheaper than it would have been had the winger penned a professional deal at Selhurst Park.

Given his goalscoring exploits at youth level this season too, there’s no doubt that the Eagles will be losing a rising star. Derry has scored as many as nine goals in eight U18 Premier League games this season and may only continue that record if he joins Rangers.

Financially speaking, meanwhile, welcoming a player who’s on the rise rather than a more established name would also make perfect sense for Rangers. Developing future stars before selling them on for profit is something that would bring the Gers success on and off the pitch.

Chelsea have now submitted an opening bid of £64m for an “incredible” striker, but they are set to face fierce competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Blues ramping up striker pursuit

The Blues looked toothless in front of goal yesterday afternoon, drawing 0-0 away at Brentford, with Christopher Nkunku once again failing to deliver at striker, having scored just three Premier League goals all season.

The performance at the Gtech Community Stadium underlined the need for Enzo Maresca to bring in a top striker in the summer transfer window, and the west Londoners have been ramping up their pursuit over the past few weeks.

There has been a positive update on the move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian now setting his sights on a move to Stamford Bridge, while Maresca’s side are also plotting an approach for Lille striker Jonathan David, who is set to be available on a free transfer.

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A number of Europe’s top strikers are on the shortlist, including Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and a report from Spain has now revealed Chelsea have made their first move for the Swedish striker, submitting a €75m (£64m) bid for his services.

However, there may be fierce competition for Gyokeres’ signature, with Manchester United also submitting an offer of the same value, while recent reports have also detailed the Sporting star could be keen on a move to Arsenal following talks with sporting director Andrea Berta.

The Blues believe the forward will be able to adapt to life in the Premier League quickly, which is why they are willing to make a huge offer, and his goal record in Portugal this season indicates he could make an instant impact in Maresca’s side.

"Incredible" Gyokeres impressing in Portugal

The 26-year-old has been in simply sensational form for Sporting this season, amassing 43 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, showcasing that he is ready for a big move to one of Europe’s top clubs.

Not only that, but the Sweden international, who has been lauded as “incredible”, ranks highly across a number of other key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Shot-creating actions

3.85 (95th percentile)

Progressive carries

4.29 (96th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.18 (83rd percentile)

Touches (Att pen)

6.07 (86th percentile)

With Nkunku potentially in line to leave this summer, and Nicolas Jackson now without a goal in his last 10 Premier League games, it is clear the Blues will need to bring in a top striker this summer.

Gyokeres’ goal record indicates he could be one of the best options on the market, so it is exciting news that Chelsea have now made the first move by submitting an opening bid.