Big picture: Back at it after a break

When New Zealand last played Afghanistan, during the T20 World Cup in June, they suffered a defeat so catastrophic it precipitated a rare group-stage exit from an ICC tournament. That match was in Providence, Guyana, on the other side of the planet from where the teams are now for their first meeting in Test cricket. The possibly spin-friendly conditions in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, however, could help bridge the gulf in experience between these Test sides.New Zealand are playing their first Test since March, and their first international since June, and a large part of their recent cricket narrative has been about players turning down contracts, or taking up casual contracts, as the choice between club and country gets harder. There is not as much at stake in this contest – the match is not part of the World Test Championship (WTC) – but New Zealand, having suffered their maiden defeat to Afghanistan this year, will want to start their run of six Tests in the subcontinent over the next two months with a victory. They are currently third in the WTC standings, but with two Tests in Sri Lanka and three in India coming up, their prospects of finishing in the top two are tough.Afghanistan do not play enough Test cricket to be part of the World Test Championship. Their maiden fixture against New Zealand is only their tenth Test since they were admitted to the club in 2017. And apart from two Tests against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi, they are yet to play a series longer than a one-off match. They are also cricket’s nomads, with no place to call home, and have played their first nine Tests at eight venues – Greater Noida will be their ninth. Afghanistan have lost their last three Tests, and an upset of New Zealand could strengthen their claim for more fixtures in the format.

Form guide

Afghanistan: LLLWL (last five Tests, most recent first)
New Zealand: LLWWWRelated

• Greater Noida under the weather ahead of Test debut

• Herath, Rathour join NZ Test team for short-term roles

• Williamson: We don't usually get such a volume of Tests

• Shahidi wants 'one good home venue' and more Tests for Afghanistan

In the spotlight: Ajaz, Williamson and Omarzai

Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has played only 16 Tests since his debut in 2018. With New Zealand calling on his skills primarily when they tour Asia, he could play six more Tests over the next two months if all goes well for him. The last time Ajaz, now 35, was in India in 2021, he emulated Jim Laker and Anil Kumble and became only the third bowler to take all ten wickets in a Test innings. With 26 wickets at an average of 23.73 in India and Sri Lanka, Ajaz will be expected to lead New Zealand’s spin attack against Afghanistan and beyond.Kane Williamson giving up the white-ball captaincy and opting out of a central contract in June was seismic for New Zealand, but he has since reaffirmed his commitment to his country. And in Test cricket, his form has been stupendous over the last two years. At the age of 34, however, this may be his last chance to repair his record in India. Williamson averages only 33.53 in eight Tests in India, and hasn’t hit a hundred since his century on Test debut in 2010.Seam-bowling allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai has become a regular for Afghanistan in the white-ball formats and could make his Test debut against New Zealand on Monday. He was impressive in India during the 2023 ODI World Cup and turned out for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024. He has limited first-class experience – only five matches – but his ability to bat in the middle order and swing the ball could help Afghanistan with team balance.Kane Williamson’s recent Test form is superb but he doesn’t have a great record in the subcontinent•Getty Images

Team news: Ibrahim Zadran injured

Afghanistan are without their leading wicket-taker Rashid Khan, who has taken a break from Test cricket on medical advice. Ibrahim Zadran, their second-highest run-scorer in the format, has also been ruled out with an ankle sprain in his left leg – not only for this Test but also for the three-match ODI series against South Africa.*Their squad is also missing familiar T20 names, such as Rahamnullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad. With most of their players coming off the franchise and domestic T20 circuit, the challenge will be to adapt to the five-day format quickly.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Abdul Malik, 2 Riaz Hassan, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Bahir Shah, 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Ikram Alikhil (wk), 8 Zia-ur-Rehman, 9 Qais Ahmad/Khalil Ahmed, 10 Nijat Masood, 11 Zahir KhanThe question for New Zealand is the balance of their bowling attack for the conditions. If they choose to play only two specialist seamers, in addition to Daryl Mitchell’s all-round abilities, then it could be the captain Tim Southee and one of Matt Henry, Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke. Ajaz and Mitchell Santner are the specialist spin options, with Rachin Ravindra, and one of Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell as the part-time spin options.New Zealand (probable): 1 Tom Latham, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Rachin Ravindra, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Glenn Phillips/Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee (capt), 10 Matt Henry/Ben Sears/Will O’Rourke, 11 Ajaz Patel

Pitch and conditions: Rain expected

Greater Noida will become the 124th Test venue on Monday, though it has hosted a total of 11 ODIs and T20Is, all involving Afghanistan and Ireland. Afghanistan have also played two red-ball Intercontinental Cup matches here in 2016 and 2017.There’s been plenty of rain in Greater Noida in the lead-up to the Test, and New Zealand had to call off their practice on the eve of the match because of unfavourable ground conditions. More wet weather is expected over the week. The pitch is likely to be a black-soil surface that could assist spin more than pace, depending on the weather.

Stats and trivia

• New Zealand haven’t won a Test match in India since 1988. They have lost seven of their ten Tests here since 2010. Though this fixture is not against India, a strong performance against Afghanistan’s spinners could provide valuable experience for the tougher Tests ahead.
• Williamson averages 72.36 in 12 Tests since December 2022 and has scored a hundred in eight out of nine innings when he passed fifty.
• Southee has had a tough year in Test cricket, taking only two wickets against a weakened South Africa and just four against Australia at an average of 71.33 in eight innings at home in 2024. On his previous tour of India in 2021, he took eight wickets in the Kanpur Test before going wicketless in Mumbai.

Quotes

“It’s tough. Six Test matches in this part of the world, you’d think spin plays a majority of the part as a bowling unit. We’ve got four quality pace bowlers at our disposal as well. So it’s about which balance is right.”
“I think it’s tough to be missing players like Rashid Khan because he did very well in the past for us in the Test format. So we will miss him and some other players also. But at the same time, we have other talented guys. It’s an opportunity for them to make their names in the world of cricket and show their talent. Especially in Test cricket, I think if we do well then the whole world will talk about this [in a] very positive [way].”

Manchester United have been a side who have so often been known for their ability to win trophies, but that’s something that has been hard to come by in recent years.

The Red Devils have only won two trophies since 2020, none of which were the Premier League, now going over a decade without a triumph since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

However, big money has been spent to try and end such a drought, but they’ve so far been unsuccessful in the quest, needing added funding throughout the summer window.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try and cement himself in the club’s history, but has so far shown no signs of winning the division, achieving a win percentage of just 40%.

He appears to have been given the benefit of the doubt after taking the reins mid-season, but he will have to make a quick start next season if he is to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Bryan Mbeumo has been the main player linked with United over recent weeks, with the player himself expressing his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer.

However, after the Red Devils’ second offer of £62.5m was rejected, Brentford’s sporting director, Phil Giles, stated that the Cameroonian would be happy to stay in London if their asking price wasn’t met.

Another name has been mentioned as a potential addition this summer, with Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins remaining a key target, according to The Athletic’s latest update.

They claim that the Red Devils have been in contact with the fellow top-flight outfit over a move to Old Trafford after he bagged 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that Rasmus Hojlund could be offloaded, with the English international just one player they are considering a move for to bolster their attacking department.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s answer to Isak

Alexander Isak is a player who has proved to be a constant threat to countless backlines in the Premier League, as seen by his staggering goalscoring tallies.

The Swedish international has registered 62 goals in his 109 appearances for the Magpies, including back-to-back 20-goal campaigns in England’s top-flight.

As a result of his tremendous goalscoring record for Eddie Howe’s side, he’s been constantly touted with big-money moves away from St James’ Park, but a £150m price tag has been mooted.

The Red Devils themselves have been seen as a potential destination in recent days, but a move is extremely unlikely given his price tag and the club’s lack of European football.

However, they could land their own version of Isak this window with a move for Watkins, as the Villa star has been labelled as a similar player to the Swede by FBref.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from last season, the Englishman has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, potentially providing an excellent attacking option for Amorim’s side.

Watkins, who’s been labelled by podcaster Rohan Jivan “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe,” has registered slightly fewer goal contributions, but matched him for goals per shot on target, whilst getting more of his efforts on target – subsequently demonstrating the clinical ability he possesses.

How Watkins compares to Isak in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Watkins	Isak
Games played	38	34
Goals & assists	24	29
Shot on target accuracy	44%	43%
Aerials won	43%	32%
Goals per shot on target	0.4	0.4
Fouls won	1.2	0.4
Carries into oppostion box	1.4	1.4
Stats via FBref

The 29-year-old has also won more aerial battles and drawn more fouls per 90, having the ability to operate as a focal point – something which Amorim’s side have greatly lacked in recent months.

His ability to carry the ball into forward areas is also reflected by matching Isak for carries into the opposition box per 90, with Watkins evidently a more well-rounded option for the Red Devils.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Villa talisman would cost this summer, it’s clear that he would be a cheaper alternative to Isak, but still offering the club the needed quality they crave.

If he can transfer his skillset to Old Trafford with him this summer, it would be a superb signing that would massively improve the side and make them a force to be reckoned with once again in the near future.

Gyokeres alternative: Man Utd submit bid to sign their own Kane after talks

Man United are still planning to sign a centre-forward this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 30, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s long-awaited trophy finally came at the end of this season, but attention has quickly turned to the 2025/26 campaign, with work needing to be done to sustain the success.

Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to a Europa League triumph, but it wasn’t enough to save his job in North London, as Daniel Levy relieved the Aussie of his duties.

He subsequently appointed Thomas Frank, handing the Dane the responsibility of building on the European victory and making the side a competitive Premier League outfit.

He will need to make a quick start to life at the club to prove the owner made the right decision in opting for a change, potentially coming under huge pressure should he fail to deliver.

However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need backing within the current transfer window, handing him the platform for success during his first season at the helm.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Lyon star Georges Mikautadze has emerged as a key target for Spurs, with the club expected to make an offer for the Georgian forward after their relegation to Ligue 2.

Rodrigo Muniz is another player on their radar this window, but will cost a pretty penny during the off-season, as Fulham are demanding £50m for the Brazilian forward.

However, if either of the players are to move to North London, they will need to be provided with opportunities in the final third, with Xavi Simons a player in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.

Their report claims that the RB Leipzig star is keen on a move to the Premier League this window, but the German outfit are demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part with their star man.

It also states that the Lilywhites have registered a keen interest in the 22-year-old, who managed to register 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, with contact already taking place as the north Londoners have been ‘updated on Simons’ situation by his representatives’.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze

Over the last couple of years, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been constantly on Spurs’ radar, but they’ve never been able to complete a deal for his signature.

This window remains no different, with Frank already targeting the England international and considering making a move to take the star to North London.

His stock is undoubtedly higher this time around, after netting the winner in the FA Cup final this campaign, securing the Eagles’ first major trophy against Manchester City at Wembley.

However, he does currently have a £68m release clause in his contract, but could face huge pressure to land his services, as North London rivals Arsenal have also entered the race.

As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy should shift their attention to a move for Simons, with the Dutch international a better option for Frank’s outfit this window.

He would provide the side with a younger and cheaper option, but when comparing the pair’s respective figures from 2024/25, he’s also managed to outperform him in key areas – subsequently making him a higher-quality addition.

Simons, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by OptaJohan, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, and posted more progressive passes per 90 – handing other attackers at the club the chance to bolster their own tallies.

Games played

25

34

Goals scored

10

8

Progressive carries

3.6

2.4

Progressive passes

5.9

3.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

27%

Pass accuracy

79%

74%

Passes into final third

3.3

1.7

Carries into final third

3

1.6

The youngster has also starred with his ball-carrying, registering nearly two times more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his desire to get forward at any given moment.

Given his age, price tag and difference in figures produced, a deal for Simons should be a no-brainer this window, offering Frank the elite-level talent he craves within the final third.

It would be an expensive addition for the hierarchy, but ultimately, it’s one that’s needed if the club are to reach the next level during the Dane’s tenure at the club.

There’s no denying that Eze is a hugely talented player, but it’s evident that there is a tendency for more expensive fees to be touted for English stars, subsequently making Simons the better option this window.

A better signing than Semenyo: Spurs leading race to land £25m sensation

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making strides in a move to land a new talent for Thomas Frank.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 27, 2025

وجه أحمد حسن نجم منتخب مصر السابق، رسالة إلى حسام حسن المدير الفني للفراعنة، بشأن الانتقالات التي يواجهها، مؤكداً له على دعم اتحاد الكرة.

وقال أحمد حسن في تصريحات عبر قناة “دي إم سي”: “(سموها وجهة نظر أو رسالة أو سموها زي ما تسموها)، هي رسالة إلى حسام حسن، هناك بعض الأشخاص حولك يوهموك بأن اتحاد الكرة يحاربك وأنهم يهاجموك، لكن لا أحد يستطيع أن يجعلك ترحل من منصبك إلا شيء واحد فقط وهي النتائج، لو النتائج جيدة فأنت مستمر، أما إذا كانت النتائج غير جيدة بالتأكيد سيكون هناك قرار”.

وتابع: “الكابتن محمود الجوهري كان عليه هجوم كبير قبل بطولة أمم إفريقيا 1998 ومع ذلك توجنا بالبطولة، وفي كأس القارات بعد الخسارة أمام السعودية تعرض للإقالة”.

طالع أيضاً.. قائمة الزمالك لمباراة المصري في الدوري.. عودة الجزيري وظهور الصفقة الجديدة

وأوضح: “الكابتن حسن شحاتة بعد الفوز بـ3 أمم إفريقيا رحل بعد عدم وصوله لأمم إفريقيا في 2011، لذلك أريد أن أؤكد لك أنه لا يوجد أحد يستطيع أن يجعلك ترحل غير النتائج”.

وأكد: “الناس تنسى الأداء وتتذكر النتائج، فما أتمناه أن من حولك الذين يصورون لك أن كل الناس ضدك ولا يتمنون لك الخير ويدعون أنهم من المدافعين عنك من أجل المصالح، فأنا أتمنى التركيز في أمم إفريقيا ونحقق لقبًا جديدًا مع الجهاز الفني الوطني”.

واختتم: “كلنا نتمنى أن ينافس منتخب مصر على اللقب، وكلنا داعمين له، أنت لا تسعد لون قميص بل الشعب كله والوطن العربي كله، عندما كنا نحقق إنجازات كان الوطن العربي كله يسعد، هذه وجهة نظري، أتمنى بهدوء أن تصل لـ حسام حسن لكي يفرغ نفسه لتركيزه مع المنتخب”.

After being crowned champions of the world on Sunday, are Chelsea serious contenders to win the biggest prizes next season?

At the weekend, the Blues sprung a massive surprise by demolishing Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, with Cole Palmer scoring two, near-identical quick-fire goals, before João Pedro added a third on the cusp of half time.

After the win, club captain Reece James stated that the team’s ambition is to be “competing” to win the Premier League and Champions League next season, so could signing a highly-rated player from an historic rival help them achieve this?

Chelsea targeting another wide-forward

Going out the exit door this summer is Noni Madueke.

He left the Chelsea squad ahead of the final to fly back to London so he could undergo a medical ahead of a reported £52m move to Arsenal, which is reportedly set to be finalised this week.

So, as they search for a replacement, Laurie Whitwell of the Athletic is reporting that Chelsea ‘remain in contact’ with Manchester United over the possibility of signing Alejandro Garnacho.

Back in May, manager Rúben Amorim reportedly informed Garnacho “to find a new club”, hence why he’s currently exiled from first-team training at Carrington, alongside Marcus Rashford, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, recently of Chelsea of course.

After Chelsea paid a £5m penalty fee to not sign Sancho permanently, Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian reported that the Blues’ priority this summer was to sign a ‘right-footed winger capable of playing on the left flank’.

Jamie Gittens has already arrived from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of £48.5m, but already having options in a certain position has not stopped them in the past has it?

Garnacho has reportedly turned down the chance to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, so could the Argentine international be on his way to Stamford Bridge, available for as little as £40m, according to David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror?

How Alejandro Garnacho would fit in at Chelsea

As has been their want since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s takeover of the club three years ago, Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market, particularly when it comes to signing attackers.

João Pedro has been the headline arrival to date, bagging a brace against former club Fluminense in the Club World Cup semis, before also netting in Sunday’s final demolition of PSG.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Meantime, in terms of wide attackers, Kendry Páez, Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens will all arrive at Cobham once pre-season commences, meaning Enzo Maresca will have plenty of options.

Yet, it would appear the Blues aren’t content with their options, now targeting a certain Garnacho.

He impressed last season, despite playing for a generally dismal Manchester United team, with football content creator Liam Canning lauding him as a “superstar” – and Statman Dave asserting that he was one of the two “brightest young talents on the planet”, alongside Lamine Yamal; esteemed company to keep.

Meantime, Kurosh Moghtader of Total Football Analysis labels him an ‘outstanding ball carrier’, adding that he is a ‘constant threat in the final third’, while Andy Mitten of the Athletic believes he was one of Man United’s few ‘bright sparks’, particularly impressed by his ‘ability to beat players’.

So, let’s analyse his importance to Manchester United last season.

Garnacho’s 2024/25 statistics

Statistics

Garnacho

Man United rank

Minutes

3,571

5th

Goals

11

2nd

Assists

10

2nd

Shots

146

2nd

Shots on target

52

1st

Shot-creating actions

128

2nd

Attempted take-ons

136

1st

Progressive carries

204

1st

Carries into final third

103

1st

Carries into the box

107

1st

Progressive passes received

429

1st

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

As the table outlines, Garnacho ranked first amongst his Manchester United teammates for all dribbling metrics last season, while second only to Bruno Fernandes in terms of goals, assists, shots and shot-creating actions.

Those metrics, notably carrying, make him particularly alike to the man he could replace in the shape of Madueke.

Yet, just how do they compare? We’ve crunched the numbers.

Garnacho vs Madueke 2024/25 Premier League

Statistics (per 90)

Garnacho

Madueke

Goals

0.3

0.4

Shots

2.3

2.6

Shooting accuracy %

55%

56%

Chances created

1.6

1.4

Shot-creating actions

3.4

3.5

Attempted take-ons

3.7

4.5

Take-on success %

32%

49%

Touches

52.4

47.4

Statistics courtesy of Squawka and FBref.com

As the table emphasises, Garnacho and Madueke’s statistics in the Premier League last season were remarkably similar, with the Argentine most notably coming out on top in terms of chances created.

He also produced a similar number of successful take-ons and was similarly prolific in front of goal.

Madueke’s departure will make way for Estêvão to see some action on the right wing, but perhaps Maresca would like another option on the left, and Garnacho could be his man.

Related £80m Gittens upgrade: Chelsea have looked at signing "one of the PL's best"

Chelsea are hoping to make several more signings in the summer transfer market.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 13, 2025

Head coach pays price for poor season, as assistants take over for remainder of campaign

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Sep-2024

John Sadler became Northants’ head coach in September 2021•Getty Images

Northamptonshire have sacked head coach John Sadler, the day after their quarter-final defeat to Somerset in the T20 Blast effectively ended their season.Northants are winless in Division Two of the County Championship and finished eighth out of nine teams in their Metro Bank One-Day Cup group, winning two games out of eight. The Blast had been the one bright spark in an otherwise miserable season, but Thursday night’s defeat knocked them out of the competition.Sadler took over from David Ripley in September 2021 and oversaw a sixth-placed finish in Division One of the Championship in his first full season in charge. But results have tailed off, with only two Championship wins last year – culminating in relegation – and a winless 2024 campaign in the second tier.Adam Rossington and Josh Cobb both left the club during Sadler’s tenure after strained relationships with him, while Emilio Gay did not feature in the squad for Thursday’s quarter-final after agreeing a move to Durham at the end of the season. Tom Taylor also rejected a new contract with the club to join Worcestershire during Sadler’s time in charge.Northants confirmed on Friday that they have “parted company” with Sadler. “Throughout his tenure at Wantage Road, [he] has led the club with professionalism, dedication and a strong work ethic… and has been a much valued member of the Northamptonshire team,” a club statement said. “Everyone at the club wishes him well in his future career.”The club’s assistant coaches – Rory Kleinveldt, Greg Smith and Graeme White – will take charge for Northants’ three remaining Championship fixtures. “The process for recruitment of a replacement for the position is underway,” Northants added.

It was an extremely underwhelming season for West Ham United last time out as a low 14th spot in the Premier League pile had to be stomached.

The Hammers would finish in a far more impressive ninth spot the season before, with a Europa League quarter-final even coming their way. But, this short-term success just couldn’t be sustained, leading to David Moyes losing his job, only for Graham Potter to struggle in equal measure when taking on the London Stadium hot seat.

There will be a hope that Potter can turn around West Ham’s fortunes as he prepares for his first full season at the helm, but he will have to try and add to his meagre five wins in charge of the Iron without Mohammed Kudus at his disposal, with the once popular Ghanaian defecting over to enemy lines to join Tottenham Hotspur for £55m.

That £55m injection to the Hammers’ bank account will no doubt be put to good use, especially as Potter and Co chase down an immediate replacement for Kudus.

West Ham make enquiries over £30m ace

Away from looking for replacements for the ex-Ajax attacker, it looks as if that bumper amount will help the Iron bolster all over the pitch this summer, with a move for Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf to join the East London side edging ever closer to completion.

Moreover, it is also being reported that Harvey Elliott is on West Ham’s radar as a potential midfield option, but there is another move in the pipeline that will seriously excite the Hammers faithful as they attempt to sweep this Kudus saga quickly under the rug.

Transfer Focus

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

As per French outlet L’Equipe, West Ham have now been in contact with Leicester City to make an enquiry concerning the availability of Bilal El Khannous. They are joined by both Sunderland and AS Monaco in the race to sign the promising Foxes gem.

Recently on Arsenal’s shopping list for around the £30m ballpark, this would be a significant move on West Ham’s end in trying to win an ideal replacement for Kudus, with the Moroccan attacker ready to explode into life even more in the Premier League.

Why El Khannous could be a dream Kudus replacement

Whilst Kudus did suffer from an off-season last campaign by his high standards – with only eight of his 32 overall goal contributions for Potter’s men coming across the 2024/25 season – he will still be a big hole for West Ham to fill, considering Lucas Paqueta is now the only recognisable number 10 in the Hammers camp currently.

Moreover, there is only really Jarred Bowen who can cause damage down the right now with Kudus off to Spurs, and whilst El Khannouss might not be the most instantly exciting signing when you view his recent relegation blemish, he could be just the versatile spark West Ham need to stitch up their wounds.

Amazingly, despite Kudus costing £55m to sign, El Khannouss would match his ex-West Ham counterpart when looking at their numbers from last season, as a standout three goals and five assists came the 21-year-old’s way, even as the Foxes fell back down to the EFL in depressing fashion.

On top of that, El Khannouss, when plying his trade in Belgium with Genk, would dazzle fans of the Jupiler Pro League side – much like Kudus managed with Ajax – with his constant creativity and eye for goal.

That was notably seen in his high goals and assist tally of 18 from 94 outings. Kudus would register 21 more goal contributions for the Amsterdam giants, in contrast, but the 21-year-old will hope he can reach these Genk levels again and beyond, lining up next to the likes of Bowen in East London.

AM

112

6

15

LW

4

0

0

LM

3

1

2

CM

1

0

1

El Khannouss might not be able to offer another electric body down the right, but he would be able to offer a similar adaptability that Kudus possessed in spades elsewhere, as seen in his promising career haul of three goals and assists when patrolling the left flank.

Once hailed as a “special” talent by football journalist Buchi Laba, on top of also being lauded as having a “killer final ball” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, it does feel as if this could be a sterling deal to secure now, particularly if the likes of Arsenal are also keen.

After all, West Ham were certainly left to feel smug snapping up Kudus when they did, as Liverpool and Newcastle also circled, with El Khannouss the next Kudus-like star who could burst into life at the London Stadium.

West Ham may get Kudus revenge with £35m Spurs target tempted by Irons move

The Hammers have opened negotiations to sign a “phenomenal” player.

1 ByDominic Lund Jul 13, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have a recent history of making intelligent transfer moves and could now be set to land another talented star, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Wolverhampton Wanderers looking upwards under Vitor Pereira

The Old Gold are back in pre-season action and will take encouragement despite their 2-1 defeat to CD Santa Clara in pre-season after forgotten man Sasa Kalajdzic scored in his first appearance for 18 months.

Despite enduring a tough time with injuries, the Austria international is back up and running and spoke to reporters post-match, stating: “It was a really good feeling [to play] after a long, long time. Just kicking the ball with my mates in an unofficial but, for me, more official game and I’m just happy everything went well.

Wolves overtake AC Milan in race for £13m defender, pushing to seal deal

The Old Gold are now leading the race for a defender, having recently held talks.

ByDominic Lund Jul 17, 2025

“I gained more minutes, playing with the others to get to now them again more and more on the pitch and it was a really good next step.”

With Jorgen Strand Larsen and Fer Lopez in the door at Molineux, Wolves are leading the race to sign Almeria full-back Marc Pubill as Vitor Pereira looks to add strength at right-back.

Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia is also on Wolves’ radar. However, they face stiff competition from Real Madrid for his signature, which may complicate the likelihood of a deal being done.

Wolves open talks over deal to sign "powerful" £13m Olympic gold medallist

The Old Gold are in a strong position to win the race for a defender.

ByDominic Lund Jul 10, 2025

Reinforcing out wide is a central priority for the Old Gold to ensure they have enough chance creators present within their tactical framework, so it will come as no surprise to hear that they are now closing on a winger.

Romano: Jhon Arias set for Wolverhampton Wanderers medical

Taking to social media platform X, world-renowned transfer reporter Romano has confirmed that Fluminense winger Jhon Arias is set for a medical ahead of a proposed move to Wolves that will cost around £18.2 million.

The Club World Cup semi-finalists will retain a 10% sell-on clause in the deal, and it now only appears to be a matter of time before he will be announced at Molineux.

With his move now seemingly nothing more than a formality, the 27-year-old has registered a goal and four assists from 11 appearances this campaign in the Brazilian top-flight.

In that time, Arias has also created 28 chances and delivered 19 successful crosses, making him a prime candidate to strengthen Pereira’s attacking output on either flank.

South American players have a long history of thriving at Molineux, and the Colombia international will hope he can become the next quality recruit to shine in the West Midlands.

Manchester United look set to have a new-look attack for 2025/26, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo on course to feature in the two forward roles behind a striker under Ruben Amorim.

Cunha was the first addition through the door at Old Trafford after INEOS triggered the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause at Wolves. Speaking after signing, Cunha said:

£185m signings with Cunha: AI predicts Man Utd's 2025/26 starting line-up

Four new faces could be in the side against Arsenal in August.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 22, 2025

Taking the No. 10 shirt from Marcus Rashford, Cunha will be looking to have a big impact in his first season as a Red Devils player after hitting double figures for goals in the last two Premier League seasons at Molineux.

AI predicts how many goals and assists Cunha will record for Man Utd in 2025/26

In 24/25, Cunha bagged 15 goals in 33 league games, while also registering six assists in a Wolves side that finished on the same points as Man Utd.

ChatGPT has predicted Cunha to bag 18 Premier League goals, ‘matching or slightly beating his Wolves output, underpinned by strong support from midfield’.

That figure, with cup competitions, could rise to 22, assuming he is regularly involved in the EFL Cup and FA Cup under Amorim.

In regards to assists, Cunha could register nine assists in the Premier League and 12 in all competitions as he is ‘likely to flourish as a secondary creator’ under Amorim.

Premier League

18

9

All competitions

22

12

AI predicts how many goals and assists Mbeumo will record for Man Utd in 2025/26

Meanwhile, with Mbeumo also moving to Manchester from Brentford, Amorim will have another attacking star with an excellent Premier League record.

The Cameroon international had his best ever season in front of goal during 24/25, scoring 20 goals and providing eight assists in 38 top flight games.

ChatGPT has predicted Mbeumo to find the back of the net 17 times in the Premier League, while matching his 24/25 tally of eight assists. ‘Designed for high creativity and goal-chances’, it is claimed that Mbeumo may alternate at times under Amorim, adjusting to life at a bigger club.

Premier League

17

8

All competitions

21

10

In all competitions, Mbeumo has been backed to score 21 times and provide 10 assists, meaning in total, the two Man Utd signings could contribute to 65 goals over the 25/26 campaign, something which Amorim and the Red Devils would be delighted with.

“I’m quite confident in my team, I know what they are capable of”

S Sudarshanan24-Sep-20242:11

Harmanpreet: ‘Have same excitement for World Cup as I had as 19-year-old’

Harmanpreet Kaur is “quite confident” with the India squad at her disposal for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 because of the experience they bring. As many as 12 of India’s 15 squad members have prior experience of playing the tournament. Only Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana and S Sajana are making their first appearances at a World Cup, having come through eye-catching performances in the Women’s Premier League.”If I talk about this team, we have a few players who have been playing for a long time and they know their roles really well,” Harmanpreet said at the pre-departure press conference in Mumbai. “I can say that this is the best team we are going for a T20 World Cup with.”Pooja [Vastrakar] is doing well and Renuka [Singh] is supporting her really well. She [Renuka] is someone who is always giving us breakthroughs. Arundhati [Reddy] is someone who can always come and bowl a few overs for the team and bat in the deep. I can’t compare our bowling line-up with other teams because every team has its own positives and negatives, but I’m quite confident in my team. I know what they are doing and what they are capable of.”Related

'Pressure is a good thing' – fit-again Shreyanka Patil looks to keep the dream run going

Harmanpreet: 'Want to give the country another reason to celebrate this year'

Bhatia returns as India name tried and tested 15 for T20 World Cup

Women's T20 World Cup winners to get big increase in prize money

Harmanpreet wants regular sports psychologist to address 'mental fatigue'

India played T20Is against Australia, England, South Africa and Bangladesh, apart from the Asia Cup, in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. While they lost the series against England and Australia, each by a 2-1 margin, they won 5-0 in Bangladesh and tied the series against South Africa 1-1 after one game was washed out. The surprise result, though, came at the Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka beat them in the final to win their maiden title.”During the Asia Cup, we played really good cricket, if I talk about the entire tournament,” Harmanpreet said. “It was just one odd game that day when things didn’t go according to the way we wanted. We sat and discussed how we wanted to work on our shortcomings in the camps and where we can improve if next time these kinds of situations arise.”The Asia Cup, in July, was India’s last outing before the World Cup. Since then, they had a couple of camps while a few players played in the Hundred and the Women’s Caribbean Premier League. Head coach Amol Muzumdar said that the camps were designed with a focus on specifics and that the lack of game-time should not hamper India at the World Cup.”We had a fitness camp which happened at the NCA and fitness and fielding camp,” Muzumdar said. “That was specifically done for those two areas and the skills [aspect] were not touched. The entire 15 days were delegated to fitness and fielding.”Later on, we had a ten-day skills camp, where there were not just the net sessions but the players played almost five games in ten days. So if you ask for game time, we have ticked that box. We played some very competitive games. There were different oppositions, there were different skill sets that were chosen for those particular games.”In 2020, India lost to Australia in the final•AFP via Getty ImagesIndia finished runners-up at the T20 World Cup in 2020 and lost in the semi-finals in 2018 and 2023. They also narrowly lost the gold medal to Australia at the inaugural Commonwealth Games in 2022.In a bid to deal with pressure better, the players have had sessions with sports psychologist Mugdha Bavare. In the past, Harmanpreet has spoken about how Bavare helped her overcome mental fatigue, and the sessions in the camp last month have helped the players, she said.”When you talk [to a psychologist] personally, you know what you are talking and the areas you want to focus on,” she said. “But when it comes to the team, it is important that everyone opens up so that as a team we can work together and help the player as needed. We had a few sessions where we talked to each other about how we wre feeling and how we wanted to go about it. With Mugdha’s help, there were a lot of sessions after which we felt well and then after executing it on the ground, we felt better. She is really working hard on us, and so far, it is really helping us.”‘We will reveal our No. 3 closer to opening game’ – MuzumdarMuzumdar was also guarded on the No. 3 spot, which has been in focus in recent times. Since Jemimah Rodrigues’ shift down to No. 5 in April, India have tried Yastika Bhatia, D Hemalatha, S Sajana and Uma Chetry at that spot. Hemalatha got the longest run, batting at No. 3 in seven of the 12 games India played since April. With Bhatia’s return, though, things are a bit unclear.”Ever since I’ve taken over, we have had some tough series against good teams – England, Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and then Asia Cup. So, I think the preparation has been fantastic,” Muzumdar said. “As far as the top six is concerned, I think they’re the best in the country.”I know for a fact that in T20, the No. 3 sets the game up. We have identified [our No. 3] but we will reveal that only closer to our opening game.”The World Cup was moved to the UAE after the anti-government protests in Bangladesh. Muzumdar said while the change in the venue did put a spanner in the works, India were well-equipped for the challenges.Harmanpreet and Amol Muzumdar speak to the media before departing to the UAE for the T20 World Cup•PTI “We had specifically gone to Bangladesh in May and played five T20Is to get used to conditions. I think conditions [in UAE] would be like what we have over here in India,” said Muzumdar, who was the batting coach of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020, which was held in the UAE around the same period. “It is just that start of the season, I think there will be a little bit of bounce on the surfaces in Dubai especially.”Humidity will play a part over there. There will be a lot of heat over there, hot and humid. But I think we’ll have to go there and just assess the situation, assess the ground conditions first. We do have three games in Dubai and then one in Sharjah. We will have to really go there, feel the pitch, and then decide how and which bowlers and what combination we need to play.”For Harmanpreet, it will be her ninth T20 World Cup, having played in every edition since the inaugural one in 2009. She said she would tap into that experience to handle the pressure.”I’ve played so many World Cups and that experience and atmosphere is totally different to any bilateral series or any other tournament,” she said. “I’m going with the same excitement as I had when I was just a 19-year-old. I just want to go there and enjoy myself. I know now I have so much experience with me.”I know what the pressure is like and how I’m going to handle it. [It is about playing] with full freedom and just not thinking about what is the result. But if I go there and play freely and enjoy my cricket, I know I can change a lot of things.”