Category Uncategorized

Duckett’s ton went in vain as Inglis countered by pummelling a lacklustre England pace attack

Tristan Lavalette22-Feb-20252:04

Agar: Inglis controlled the innings, the rest could bat around him

Ben Duckett provided the ruthlessness England so desperately craved for with a record knock of 165. But his heroics went in vain as Josh Inglis countered by pummelling a lacklustre England pace attack and powering Australia to the highest successful chase in men’s ICC tournament history.The first match at an ICC event in Lahore since March 1996 saw batting completely dominate this Champions Trophy blockbuster with little margin for error for the bowlers on such a benign surface.With a mixture of inventive strokes and meaty backfoot blows, England-born Inglis hit his maiden ODI century to finish unbeaten on 120 from 86 balls as Australia reached the target of 352 with relative ease in the 48th over. England’s bowlers struggled to handle the dew under lights, with Australia achieving their second-highest successful ODI chase after their 359 for 6 against India in Mohali in 2019.It was a bitter disappointment for England, who now face must-win games against Afghanistan and South Africa. They ultimately will rue falling a little bit short with the bat, but Duckett’s magnificent 165 off 143 was the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. He received strong support from Joe Root, who made a crisp 68 in a third-wicket partnership of 158.Even though no other batter scored more than 25 runs, England still compiled the highest-ever total in the tournament and took full toll on the least experienced Australian attack at an ICC ODI event since 1983. They were without frontline quicks Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, while seam-bowling allrounders Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are also missing.However, the result was not a fait accompli on this flat surface, with Australia boasting a deep batting line-up. Australia’s innings mirrored England’s with two early wickets after Travis Head and stand-in captain Steven Smith fell in the powerplay.Having blazed an unforgettable century the last time he was sighted at a 50-over ICC event, Head loomed as the key but on 6 his swipe hit the toe-end of the bat and Jofra Archer held a sharp return catch.Liam Livingstone dismissed Matthew Short for 63•Getty ImagesSmith could only edge to slip a hard-length delivery from speedster Mark Wood, who was in great rhythm and consistently hitting speeds of 150 kph. But Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne rallied with a 95-run stand as they took a particular liking to wayward quick Brydon Carse.Short overcame a lean run of form by superbly using the pace of England’s quicks but legspinner Adil Rashid bowled a brilliant spell in combination with Liam Livingstone that squeezed the batters.A frustrated Labuschagne hit a slow 70 kph legbreak from Rashid straight to cover before Short on 63 offered a return catch to Livingstone as Australia slumped to 136 for 4.But Rashid was taken out of the attack after his six-over spell, allowing Inglis and Alex Carey to settle. The pair showcased their strong form having each scored counterattacking Test centuries against Sri Lanka as they got on top of a struggling England pace attack.Carey sheepishly celebrated his half-century after hitting Rashid straight to deep midwicket only for Archer to drop a sitter. Inglis then whacked Archer for consecutive boundaries as the wheels started to come off for England.Just as Australia started to gain control, Carey hit Carse straight to mid-off with 70 still needed off 50 balls. But Inglis was unperturbed and mowed a six off Archer to reach his century in style.Glenn Maxwell was unstoppable before Inglis fittingly sealed victory with a six in a terrific victory for World Cup champions Australia, whose title hopes ahead of the tournament had largely been written off.Josh Inglis and Alex Carey put up a solid stand•Associated PressSmith elected to bowl after being swayed that dew would play a factor under lights as Australia stepped onto the field at an ICC event without their big three quicks for the first time in nine years.Australia’s considerably weakened attack was under immediate pressure on a road of a pitch. There was no Starc, but Australia were not short on aggressive left-arm quicks with Spencer Johnson, whose trademark golden locks had been shorn off, and Ben Dwarshuis handed the new ball.Dwarshuis was selected ahead of Sean Abbott, who had played in both of Australia’s ODI games in Sri Lanka, for match-up reasons although his two early wickets were mostly due to rash strokes.England’s reshuffled batting line-up didn’t go to plan initially. In a common bane for them, they went a bit hard early with Phil Salt falling in the second over after falling to clear the on-side as a high-flying Carey plucked a one-handed blinder of a catch to his right.It was a spectacular first-ever ODI catch for Carey as an outfielder and helped justify the decision for Inglis, the incumbent white-ball wicketkeeper, to retain the gloves.All eyes were on Jamie Smith, who batted at No. 3 for the first time in international cricket – and only the second time in his List A career – in a decision that forced Root, Harry Brook and Jos Buttler to shift down from their usual positions.Smith stroked a couple of gorgeous cover drives, before falling tamely to the on-side where Carey took a far easier catch on this occasion.England did not envision being 43 for 2, but they recovered quickly as Duckett and Root cashed in on errant bowling from Johnson and Dwarshuis. Duckett had started relatively slowly, but blasted a boundary off the last delivery of the powerplay as England moved to 73 for 2.Smith reverted to spin after the restrictions were eased but there was little turn on offer as Duckett and Root easily rotated the strike. Smith was fairly conservative with his tactics and deployed four sweepers.1:26

Knight: The way Duckett rotated strike put Australia under pressure

Duckett showcased his improved prowess of hitting down the ground by targeting Maxwell straight and he reached his half-century in style with a horizontal bat shot off Johnson.Root was making it look easy, not fussed about hitting boundaries but smartly working the gaps to reach his half-century off 56 balls. He had a perfect opportunity to end a long ODI century drought stretching to the 2019 World Cup as England eyed a total in the high 300s.But Root got tied down by legspinner Adam Zampa, was was in the midst of a good spell, and missed a rare attempted sweep to fall in a tight lbw after an unsuccessful review. Australia fought back through Zampa, whose subtle variations proved effective and accounted for Brook with Carey taking another terrific catch after a diving effort running backward at point.Seamer Nathan Ellis also utilised his noted defensive skills and conceded just 51 runs off his 10 overs – the only bowler with an economy of under six.England feared letting slip a great platform just like they did against Australia at Trent Bridge last September. But Duckett held things together and blasted consecutive boundaries off Johnson to reach his third ODI century.He punched the air in celebration, but did not waver in his concentration despite being clearly fatigued. Duckett’s brilliant innings finally ended in the 48th over when he was trapped lbw by the legspin of Labuschagne, who was preferred over Johnson at the death and finished with 2 for 41 off five overs.Archer hit a flurry at the death, but his mood soured later in the night.

The mood around Nottingham Forest at the moment is surely one of confidence.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have managed to keep a firm grip on star man Morgan Gibbs-White, have Europa League football to look forward to, and are currently unbeaten in the Premier League from their opening two contests.

Of course, there is always the unwelcome distraction of Evangelos Marinakis’ enigmatic persona, with it being reported that Nuno and the Greek owner are currently on frosty terms.

Still, hopefully their feud can be sorted out soon, with Marinakis no doubt keen on a few more additions here and there this summer to further enhance the Forest ranks.

Forest close to securing deal for £10m star

Swatting aside talk linking Forest with a whole host of new managers, the Tricky Trees are also in line to snap up some last-minute purchases on the pitch.

Indeed, Mads Bidstrup is reportedly on their shopping list for a fee around the £17m mark, as more and more notable names are linked to the City Ground after splashing excessive wads of cash – £67.5m to be precise – on promising English duo Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee.

Transfer Focus

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

Defensive additions must also be seen as a priority, and Fabrizio Romano took to X recently to confirm that the Europa League competitors are in negotiations regarding Leicester City star Victor Kristiansen:

“Nottingham Forest are in club to club talks with Leicester City for Viktor Kristiansen. Deal on as exclusively revealed in July and now in progress.”

With Forest in need of more options in this depleted position on the pitch, he could well be an ideal late capture for a modest fee around the £10m mark.

That’s before you even mention his close-knit relationship with new Forest ace Dan Ndoye at Bologna, which makes it even more of a dream deal to urgently seal.

Why Kristiansen would be a dream for Ndoye

While Ndoye has started like a runaway train in his new surroundings, with a goal and an assist coming his way from his opening two clashes on English shores, he would no doubt welcome a familiar face through the door in the form of the attack-minded Scandinavian.

After all, while the brand new £34m winger has started both of his Forest clashes to date on the right flank, he regularly lined up down the Dane’s regular left flank during his time with Bologna, with a healthy four goals and five assists coming his way from 35 appearances on this opposing channel.

Games

32

Goals scored

0

Assists

3

Touches*

60.4

Accurate passes*

38.8 (86%)

Big chances created

5

Total duels won*

2.9

Clean sheets

8

Kristiansen stood out as a strong performer all season long during Bologna’s 2023/24 heroics, which saw Vincenzo Italiano’s men finish in fifth spot, with three assists tallied up as an impactful attacking teammate next to Ndoye.

Amazingly, when they were selected together in the same XI, the pair only lost two clashes all campaign, with Kristiansen’s further knowledge of the Premier League – with two assists at the challenging level with the Foxes – making him, again, an interesting presence for the Swiss attacker to bounce off of.

With Kristiansen also being lauded as a “powerful” figure when first signing on the dotted line for Leicester by King Power Stadium great Iwan Roberts, it will be up to Nuno to get the very best out of the 22-year-old, even if he is just primarily used as a back-up figure next to the more consistent starter of Neco Williams.

When he is thrown into action, though, expect him not to look out of place, as another young and exciting talent who once called the Serie A home tries to shine in the Premier League, much like Ndoye.

Nottingham Forest prepare £17m bid to bring "silky" star to the City Ground

The Tricky Trees are looking to strike an exciting deal.

1 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 26, 2025

أثار جود بيلينجهام لاعب خط وسط ريال مدريد القلق، بعد عودته مؤخراً للمشاركة في المباريات تحت قيادة المدرب تشابي ألونسو.

ونشرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية أن التسرع بشكل عام قد يصبح غير جيد، وقد يكون ذلك الخطأ مشترك بين جود بيلينجهام وتشابي ألونسو، بعد عودة اللاعب عقب إجراء جراحة في الكتف.

وانخفضت فترة التعافي المتوقعة للاعب خط الوسط الإنجليزي ولم تسر عودة بيلينجهام كما كان مخططًا لها، ولذلك لم يترك انطباعاً جيداً لدى جماهير ريال مدريد في مباراة الديربي ضد أتلتيكو مدريد.

ولم يقدم جود بيلينجهام لاعب خط وسط ريال مدريد أداء موفقاً أيضاً ضد كيرات في دوري أبطال أوروبا على الرغم من دخوله بديلاً، ولكن هذه المباراة كانت تسير وفق خطة مخصصة ليستعيد اللاعب مستواه من جديد.

أقرأ أيضاً.. تشكيل الجولة الثانية من دوري أبطال أوروبا.. مفاجآت عديدة

ويثير جود بيلينجهام القلق داخل ريال مدريد بشأن إمكانية عودته لمستواه، وعلى الرغم من أن الإنجليزي قد منع نفسه من العودة قبل الموعد المحدد لكن حماس اللاعب في التدريبات وحصوله على الضوء الأخضر من تشابي ألونسو قد أدوا لعودته بشكل مبكر أكثر من المتوقع.

وبعد غياب بيلينجهام لمدة 73 يوماً عن اللعب، فقد عاد ضد إسبانيول ومباراة ليفانتي ليكونا آخر اختبارين له قبل لقاء أتلتيكو مدريد.

وكان بيلينجهام أحد نقاط ضعف ريال مدريد في ملعب واندا ميتروبوليتانو، ولم يسدد أي تسديدة، وقدم 24 تمريرة فقط أي أقل بخمس تمريرات من مباراة ليفانتي.

وظهرت أيضاً ضد كيرات الكازاخستاني علامات الاحباط على جود بيلينجهام بعد صافرة نهاية المباراة، على الرغم من أنه دخل بديلاً بكل قوته لكنه فقد أربع كرات في فترة زمنية قصيرة وهذا مؤشر غير جيد على مستواه.

New Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank will want to hit the ground running after being appointed following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal from the role.

However, if he is to be a success during his spell in North London, he will have to do so without Bryan Mbeumo, with the Brentford star looking set to move to Manchester United.

The Lilywhites were linked with a move for the Cameroonian’s signature this window, but rejected a reunion with his former boss in favour of a move to Old Trafford.

Frank has since turned to Mohammed Kudus instead, costing a £55m from London rivals West Ham United this window, as he looks to add further quality to his frontline.

Despite the big-money addition, the hierarchy are still targeting added reinforcements in such a department, leading to numerous names being touted with a switch to North London.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

Ademola Lookman has been one player who’s emerged as a potential addition this summer, but it appears as though he’s set for a move elsewhere during the off-season.

The Nigerian international appears to be edging closer to a move across Italy to join Inter Milan, with a £40m transfer fee being touted for his services.

However, another name has emerged as a potential addition for Frank and the Lilywhites, with Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott being considered, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal.

He claims that Spurs are set to hold talks with the 22-year-old forward, who has been allowed to depart Anfield this window, leading to a £40m transfer fee being mooted.

Vidal also states that Newcastle United and Brighton are also showing interest in the youngster, who’s demanding regular first-team action upon any transfer away from Merseyside.

Why Spurs’ £40m target has shades of Mbeumo

There’s no denying that last campaign, Mbeumo was one of, if not the key reason, why Brentford performed so well in the Premier League last campaign.

The 25-year-old found the back of the net on 20 occasions, with only Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah netting more than the forward in 2024/25.

After Frank’s appointment, many Lilywhites supporters would’ve been wishing that the forward moved to North London with him, but other targets are now being considered.

Kudus will undoubtedly be one player to try and be his next version of Mbeumo, but a deal for Elliott could also provide the manager with the depth he requires.

The English star has showcased in recent weeks that he’s capable of starring at the top-level, scoring five times at the U21 Euros, leading his nation to the title and winning the Player of the Tournament award.

Whilst he struggled for minutes in the Premier League last season, he also managed to demonstrate why he possesses similar qualities to the Brentford star.

He is also a left-footed star who likes to cut inside off the right-hand side and curl an effort into the top corner – something which could make him a hit with the Lilywhites supporters.

When comparing their respective stats from last season, Elliott has managed to outperform Mbeumo in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be.

The Liverpool ace, who’s been labelled “outrageous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered a higher tally of progressive passes and passes into the final third per 90, highlighting the creative ability that he possesses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

18

38

Goals & assists

3

27

Progressive passes

10.7

3.7

Pass accuracy

82%

66%

Key passes made

2.4

1.8

Passes into final third

6.3

1.6

Take-on success

47%

46%

Carries into final third

2.7

1.8

He also made more key passes per 90, whilst achieving a higher take-on success rate, having the direct nature in attacking areas to cause concern for the opposition.

If he can add more goals to his game in the near future, he can certainly emulate the levels produced by the Cameroonian, potentially making a small fortune on any investment this window.

£40m would be a great deal for a young talent who has the perfect opportunity to kick on in his career, arguably being key to any success Frank could achieve during his spell in charge at Spurs.

He'd be perfect alongside Kudus: Spurs in talks for "remarkable" £40m star

Tottenham Hotspur have made a move for another Premier League talent this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 17, 2025

“We all are safe and representing our country and had a good win in front of a good number of people and back home they were very happy”

Valkerie Baynes03-Oct-2024

Nigar Sultana and her team-mates celebrate after Bangladesh recorded their first win in the tournament since 2014•ICC/Getty Images

This was meant to be Bangladesh’s tournament. They made sure it was their match.A first T20 World Cup win in a decade and only their third in 22 matches to deny qualifiers Scotland a fairytale was a scrappy affair all-round, but Bangladesh will take it.Bangladesh successfully defend 119 for 7 winning by 16 runs as Scotland, making their maiden appearance at the tournament, managed just 103 for 7 in reply during a game characterised by dropped catches galore, poor running between the wickets and just 15 boundaries – all fours – on a ground with vast dimensions square of the wicket and with the rope pushed well back.Captain Nigar Sultana, playing her 100th T20I, managed a run-a-ball 18, bettered in her side only by Shobhana Mostary’s 36 from 38 and 29 from opener Shathi Rani. But it was enough against the newcomers, despite the best efforts of Saskia Horley, who took 3 for 13 from two over and Sarah Bryce with an unbeaten 49 in searing heat in Sharjah for the opening match of the tournament.Related

India and Pakistan fans turn up the volume in Dubai – in record numbers

South Africa head in new direction with calm Laura Wolvaardt at the helm

October 4 at T20 World Cup: SA face WI in potential quarter-final; dew to play big role in India vs NZ

Bowlers come to the party as Bangladesh end ten-year wait in Sultana's 100th T20I

Australian Deitz is trying to put more West Indies into West Indies cricket

“It means a lot,” Sultana said after she and her team broke into an emotional on-field celebration at the end of the match.In March, Sultana excitedly told ESPNcricinfo’s Powerplay podcast of her hopes for the tournament inspiring women and girls playing cricket in Bangladesh. But then civil unrest in the country resulted in a move to the UAE with matches shared between Sharjah and Dubai.”Initially it was very heartbreaking because we were always bearing in mind that we were able to play in front of our home crowd,” Sultana said. “But this team, the people looking here today, it was brilliant, we got quite a few people supporting Bangladesh.”As a professional team, I think we should move on and not be thinking about playing in Bangladesh in front of a home crowd now but still being able to play here and we are pretty fortunate.”We all are safe and representing our country and had a good win in front of a good number of people and back home they were very happy, I think so, when we get the reaction of our family and friends, definitely they are in a very good mood right now.”What Sharjah Stadium lacked in population, it genuinely did a decent job of making up for with atmosphere.At one end, a bank of Scottish family and friends shouted stirring support as their players lined up to belt out at the top of their lungs and a particularly vocal bunch of Bangladesh supporters jumped, shouted and waved signs throughout the match as the ground announcer continued to rev them up – along with anyone else who’d listen.Another swathe of seats was occupied by a large group of schoolchildren who had earlier been on the field, patiently holding up giant flags of both countries and the ICC banner through the national anthems.And, in keeping with the UAE’s penchant for plonking down giant versions of big brands from around the world in the centre of Dubai in particular, a brass band that could have been plucked from St George’s Park in Gqeberha played enthusiastically as more spectators filtered in as though they were being serenaded by the Pied Piper.Despite the win, Bangladesh’s fielders had a day to forget•ICC/Getty Images

And while the win set Bangladesh off well ahead of their second game, against England on Saturday, it also left them with work to do.”Certainly after this game I think we need to work on our fielding because we put down a lot of chances,” Sultana said. “Definitely I missed two chances so I need to work on something. We have some time and we’ll definitely work on that and we’ll take all the positives from this game into the next game.”For Horley, it was a case of “mixed emotions” but she remained upbeat despite arguably Scotland’s best chance of springing an upset having passed them by.”There’s a bit of disappointment, clearly not getting the win, but there’s so much we can take from today’s game, to restrict them to only 120,” Horley said. “There’s definitely mixed emotions, definitely some positive ones still. There’s so many games left, that we’re competing and I’m excited for us to make a bit of a stance in this competition.”We gave it a really good crack today and some things go your way, some don’t. I think we held it together in the field even when we had a couple of missed chances that we would’ve wished we’d taken. But we definitely stuck together.”I think we were in the contest the whole time, to be honest. There wasn’t one person in the changeroom or out in the field that thought we were out of it at any point. Obviously it got challenging towards the end, but definitely we were in the competition the whole time and had belief.”

Leeds United have now approached a La Liga club over a deal to sign a 24-year-old defender alongside their now confirmed move for Jaka Bijol, according to a new report.

Leeds announce Jaka Bijol as second summer signing

The Whites earmarked Bijol as one of their top transfer targets this summer, and on Saturday it was confirmed that they have got their man. Fabrizio Romano reported that Bijol had signed his contract and the deal was given his trademark “here we go”, with the club since confirming a five-year deal until 2030.

It is claimed that the newly promoted side are going to pay Italian outfit Udinese £19 million to sign Bijol, although the announcement reports an “undisclosed” fee. The 26-year-old played 34 times in Serie A last season, which is the most he’s played in a single campaign in Serie A since joining the club back in 2022.

He has become Leeds’ second signing of the summer, as they made their first addition last week, bringing Lukas Nmecha in on a free transfer from Wolfsburg.

Dream Firpo replacement: 49ers considering Leeds move for "incredible" LWB

Leeds United could land a star who would soften the blow of Junior Firpo’s pending departure.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 21, 2025

Bijol will join the likes of Joe Rodon, Maximilian Wober, Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu as the Whites’ recognised centre-back options. But that list could soon be extended, as the Championship title winners are now looking to bring in another new defender.

Leeds approach Real Betis over Natan signing

According to ABC (23rd June, Page 71), relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have now asked Real Betis about the conditions of a deal to sign Natan this summer.

Natan joined the Spanish side on a loan deal last summer from Serie A winners Napoli. Real Betis had the option to make the deal a permanent switch, which they have triggered this summer. However, Leeds are now already working to find an agreement which could see Betis cash in on the 24 year-old immediately.

The Brazilian played 31 times in La Liga last season, helping the team keep four clean sheets while he was on the pitch, as well as averaging 1.1 tackles per game. Natan also played 15 times in the UEFA Conference League, as Betis made it all the way to the final before losing out to Chelsea.

Apps

31

Starts

23

Goals

1

Clean sheets

4

Passing accuracy per game

35.8 (89%)

Interceptions per game

0.9

Tackles per game

1.1

Balls recovered per game

2.4

Ground duels per game (won)

1.5 (62%)

Aerial duels per game (won)

2.2 (68%)

Natan’s potential arrival at Elland Road could see a complete overhaul to Leeds’ central defence for next season, as the Brazilian could be paired with Bijol right from the off – it feels hard to believe he would leave a starting role in La Liga for a spot on the bench.

Natan has never played in English football, but he would bring experience of playing at a high level with Betis and Napoli as well as European experience, which can surely only benefit the Whites in their quest for survival.

Liverpool recently completed what may end up being the biggest transfer of the summer when they confirmed the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Reds have smashed the British transfer record to sign the Germany international in a deal that is worth up to £116.5m, moving above the transfer that took Moises Caicedo from Brighton to Chelsea.

Liverpool, as shown in the graphic above, had never touched the £100m mark for a transfer fee for a player, which shows how much faith they have that Wirtz will be a hugely influential star for the club.

The attacking midfielder is the second signing to come in from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, after Jeremie Frimpong, and the first addition from the Bundesliga has had some very kind words to say about his new, yet old, teammate.

Liverpool’s Dutch full-back described the German star as a “very, very, very special player”, and Reds supporters should be excited by the prospect of watching him play next season.

Why Florian Wirtz is a big signing for Liverpool

The 22-year-old attacker’s form in the Bundesliga in the last two seasons suggests that he has the potential to be a difference-maker for the Premier League champions on a regular basis.

He is a number ten who has the ability to consistently deliver both goals and assists at the top end of the pitch, which means that he could be a joy to watch in the final third.

Wirtz ended the 2024/25 season with a return of 16 goals and 14 assists in 45 matches in all competitions, after a haul of 18 goals and 19 assists in 49 appearances for Leverkusen in the previous campaign.

This means that the Germany international has plundered 34 goals and 33 assists in all competitions in the past two seasons, which shows that he offers a constant threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals from an attacking midfield position.

Non-penalty goals

0.59

Top 6%

Expected Assisted Goals

0.20

Top 20%

npxG + xAG

0.60

Top 18%

Shot-creating actions

5.10

Top 11%

Progressive passes

6.28

Top 8%

Passes made

55.26

Top 6%

As you can see in the table above, Wirtz was impressive in the Champions League this season, ranking highly among his positional peers as both a scorer and a creator of goals, which shows that he can perform at the very top level.

Therefore, the £116.5m-rated star could be a big signing as an attacking star who has proven himself in Germany, and they could be about to repeat that move already.

Liverpool eyeing Bundesliga striker

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are interested in a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt centre-forward Hugo Ekitike in the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Premier League champions are ‘seriously’ eyeing up a move for the France U21 international, as they look at possible replacements for Darwin Nunez.

Transfer Focus

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

Plettenberg reports that Napoli are in talks with Liverpool over a deal to sign the Uruguay international, and that the Reds would not stand in his way if he wants to move to the Serie A champions this summer.

The journalist adds that the Reds believe that they have a “good chance” to sign Ekitike as a possible replacement for Nunez, despite facing competition from both Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for his services.

Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly value the young number nine at a whopping £85m, as they look to keep hold of their star man, and it remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool are willing to go that high for him.

Why Liverpool should sign Hugo Ekitike

The Premier League giants should swoop to sign the French striker from the German club before the end of the window, particularly if Nunez moves on from Anfield, because he could be a Wirtz repeat.

As aforementioned, Liverpool have landed a Bundesliga star who could be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch on a regular basis by signing the Germany international.

Ekitike would arrive on Merseyside as a very similar signing, as a Bundesliga striker who has the potential to make a big impact in the final third next season.

The former Paris Saint-Germain talent ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions for Frankfurt, which meant that he registered four more goal contributions than Wirtz did for Leverkusen.

Ekitike’s performances in the Bundesliga, specifically, suggest that he has the quality to come through the door as a significant upgrade on Nunez, should he complete a transfer to Napoli in the coming weeks.

Appearances

33

30

Goals

15

5

Minutes per goal

172

227

Big chances created

12

3

Key passes per game

1.3

0.5

Assists

8

2

As you can see in the table above, the French talent could offer a bigger threat in front of goal as both a scorer and a creator for Liverpool, based off their respective form in the 2024/25 season.

The Frankfurt star, who was once described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, also still has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop and improve even further, at the age of 23.

Like Wirtz, the young forward could be a staple of Arne Slot’s attack for many years to come. They are both forwards who have proven that they can deliver quality in the here and now, whilst they also both have the potential to get even better in the future.

He'd be unplayable with Gordon: Liverpool submit bid to sign £64m forward

Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2025

It is now down to the club to agree a deal with Frankfurt to bring the promising young centre-forward to Anfield to combine with Wirtz in the final third next season.

Throughout the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Arne Slot has utilised a strong core of players to help his Liverpool side claim the Premier League title.

The Reds have to ensure that work is done over the summer to bolster the squad and ensure that he has enough depth to mount another charge for top spot.

It was unthinkable that the Dutchman would be able to achieve such a feat during his debut campaign at the helm, especially after taking over from fan favourite Jürgen Klopp.

However, next season presents a whole new prospect, going from the hunters to the hunted, with the former Feyenoord boss setting the bar as to what’s expected during his spell in charge.

With the transfer window now just around the corner, work has already commenced behind the scenes to hand the manager the best chance of retaining their crown.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new talent this summer

Left-back Milos Kerkez has been on their radar over the last couple of months, with the Hungarian enjoying a season to remember in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

It’s been confirmed in recent days that talks are progressing for the 21-year-old star who could be available for around the £45m mark during the off-season.

However, the defender isn’t the only player in England’s top-flight that’s caught the hierarchy’s attention, with Brighton’s Joao Pedro a target, according to Ben Jacobs.

The journalist confirmed that the Reds are big admirers of the 23-year-old forward after notching ten goals and six assists in just 27 games for the Seagulls.

He also stated that the Brazilian is seen as a potential replacement for Darwin Núñez, who’s been linked with a move away from Anfield, but any transfer could set them back around £60m.

Why Liverpool’s £60m target could be Slot’s next Mac Allister

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has been a key component to Liverpool’s success this campaign, cementing his place at the heart of the side alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

The Argentinian international has featured in 35 of the 37 league outings to date, having a huge impact in attacking areas – as seen by his tally of five goals and five assists.

However, he’s also starred without the ball, winning 61% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 5.9 duels won per 90 – offering Slot the perfect box-to-box option in his midfield.

Such performances have led to calls for him to be included in the division’s Team of the Season, highlighting the impact he’s had in the Reds’ title triumph.

His £35m deal from Brighton in the summer of 2023 now appears to be a bargain, with Slot having the opportunity to replicate such a deal with Pedro this summer.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “ridiculous” by one analyst, has been a key reason in the success endured under Fabian Hürzeler this campaign, able to transfer such a skillset to Anfield.

His underlying stats highlight how impressive he’s been at the AMEX, registering 2.2 shots per 90, with one of which per game directed on target – handing the manager the added attacking presence he desires.

Joao Pedro’s stats for Brighton in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	27
Goals scored	10
Assists	6
Pass accuracy	75%
Shots taken	2.2
Shots on target per 90	1
Chances created	1.4
Dribbles completed	1.4
Aerials won	1.9
Stats via FotMob

The Brazilian also managed to complete 75% of the passes he’s attempted, along with 1.4 chances created per 90, offering other attacking players around him the chance to thrive.

Pedro’s talents don’t stop there, completing 1.4 dribbles per 90 and winning 1.9 aerial duels per 90, with his all-round talents aiding the club in their quest to retain the title in 2025/26.

£60m may seem a hefty fee for the striker, but he’s already showcased that he’s capable of being a success in the Premier League – subsequently not needing to adapt to the demands it presents.

Should he get close to the levels produced by Mac Allister on Merseyside in recent months, it would be yet another super deal and one that could be a key factor in any future success.

Slot's own Firmino: Liverpool in talks for "monster" £84m Isak alternative

Liverpool could land a star who could replicate the talents of Roberto Firmino at Anfield.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 21, 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

By
Emilio 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.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures	Date
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.”

Opener celebrated emotional eighth Test hundred, but knows job is not yet done

Firdose Moonda13-Jun-20252:23

Day 3 review: Markram’s knock could be career-defining

Aiden Markram flicked Josh Hazlewood off his pads, watched the ball roll through midwicket, then raised his arms, removed his helmet, and wiped away a tear. He might even have allowed himself to think that he was in the midst of the most significant Test century of his career, and perhaps in South Africa’s history, too.Temba Bavuma, his partner at the other end, hung back and let Markram take it in. He watched, with what looked like nothing but deep respect, as Markram saluted the sun as it ducked behind the clouds – they did not form through the bulk of the best batting conditions. When the two batters met mid-pitch for the hug, they allowed themselves the briefest of revelries at what Markram had achieved, and you could almost hear them willing each other on. “It’s not done yet,” the fist bumps seemed to say. And it isn’t. Victory is still 69 runs away. Markram is 102 not out and there is work to do, which he knows.But later, when there is a moment to reflect, whatever the final result, Markram’s century will be engraved into the annals of South African cricket history as one of the great fourth-innings responses. Already, Markram is second-only to Graeme Smith (who made four) when it comes to centuries in the second innings for South Africa. This one could prove more crucial than any.Related

'Just stay calm…' South Africa fight fatalism as greatest prize draws near

SA had to make 'big call' on whether Bavuma should retire hurt

Markram and Bavuma put South Africa in sight of glory

It started under immense pressure for both Markram and South Africa. In much better batting conditions than the previous two days, Australia added 63 runs to their overnight total of 144 for 8. That meant South Africa would have to pull off the second-highest successful chase at Lord’s, while making the highest score of the match. Markram was coming off a duck in the first innings, when he chopped a Mitchell Starc inswinger on to his stumps, and a reckless 13 off 15 balls in the warm-up match, where he was caught flicking to square leg.Given that only Bavuma is more experienced at Test level than Markram in this side and the task that faced South Africa, he was shouldering responsibility from the moment he padded up. He would face Starc again, this time with no swing, and his first ball was a gentle push that allowed him to get off strike. Just that tap and run was a sign that South Africa’s mindset was switched on. Unlike their first innings, in which they employed an ultra-defensive approach against high-quality bowling, this time South Africa immediately showed some intent.Even when Ryan Rickelton nicked off early and Wiaan Mulder, under the microscope at No. 3, came in, Markram took the opportunities where he saw them. He punched Hazlewood off the back foot through the covers and got down on one knee to drive Starc square through point before playing him off his hips for a leg-side four. Markram scored 18 off the first 21 balls he faced, South Africa were 47 for 1 after ten overs, and there was impetus and energy in the chase.But the examinations would come. Nathan Lyon was brought on in the 11th over, and immediately got one to dip and turn. Pat Cummins drew Markram’s edge but it didn’t carry and Starc had Mulder caught at cover with a ball that seemed to stick in the surface. The sternest test was when Bavuma pulled his hamstring shortly before tea and hobbled through two overs. Would Markram be able to bat alongside a struggling but vital partner? And more specifically, would Markram be able to change his game, hold himself back if needed to, so that South Africa’s best batter of the last six years could do his bit for the chase?2:00

Hayden: ‘Defensive Cummins missed a trick’

At the interval, Markram “was adamant”, in the words of batting coach Ashwell Prince, that Bavuma should continue because “the partnership was key”. Markram was also well aware that he would have to curb his intensity in terms of running between the wickets “to allow Temba to ease his way through it,” Prince said.The pair’s first post-tea run was a single off a mistimed Markram drive that took him to fifty, and it seemed the run rate might drop as Bavuma’s injury was managed. The boundaries came occasionally, Bavuma’s hobble improved in parts, then worsened, and both got through threatening spells from Hazlewood and Cummins with much tighter techniques. Markram’s in particular was more cautious than it has been recently and Prince confirmed there was a focus on playing closer to the body, especially since the opposite can happen because of a deluge of T20 cricket.”He’s done a little bit of technical work, not a lot,” Prince said. “In the last little while, he’s just had a little tendency of his hands pushing away from his body and cutting across the wall but it wasn’t a big fix. As soon as he saw a few videos of himself doing that, it was quite a simple fix.”There was also Markram’s traditional strength on display: his strong off-side play. He drove and cut with confidence and scored 65 runs in that area of the ground. He also got more comfortable against the turn, even though it was never easy and every ball seemed an event. Markram spent 22 balls in the 90s as tension grew. South Africa would already go to sleep with the nerves of knowing it was not over, but would Markram also clock off without reaching the milestone he had worked so hard for?3:33

Prince: This team’s greatest strength is its unity

Seven balls before the close of play, he got there, and acknowledged the moment with the right mix of celebration and seriousness. . He has done it, for himself, but he hasn’t done it all yet. Markram said later that he was “overwhelmed with emotion” as he looked to the London skies and let a few tears out. But he kept himself together to take South Africa to the close of play and the doorstep. He will also want to take them across it.”We certainly know that he’s someone for the big occasion,” Prince said. “When I talk about his ability to play big innings – albeit in a losing cause [against India] at Newlands on a very, very difficult pitch – he played an unbelievable innings. Everybody else was really struggling, and he got a hundred on that surface. So we know what he’s capable of.”That was the last century Markram scored, 16 innings ago, in the first Test of this WTC cycle. Since then, he has contributed three half-centuries, including an 89 in the Centurion Test against Pakistan where South Africa qualified for the final, but there was a sense that more that needed to come from him. As an opener, as one of the few batters with Test experience that goes beyond a season or two, and as someone who was once labelled the golden boy of South African cricket.Markram is the only South African captain to have held a World Cup trophy aloft, when his team, which included Kagiso Rabada, won the Under-19 World Cup in 2014. Great things were expected of him from that day. His two hundreds in three Tests suggested they were coming, and his 152 against Australia in 2018 seemed to confirm it. He has since been dropped from the Test side twice, most recently for the tour of Australia in 2022-23 just before the Shukri Conrad era began. Conrad brought Markram back and he rewarded him with a century on his return. Two more came after that, the Cape Town one Prince spoke of and this one, which no one will forget.