Cy Young candidate Garrett Crochet pitched an absolute gem on Tuesday night, allowing one run on four hits while striking out 11 batters as the Red Sox took down the Yankees 3–1 in the Bronx. Boston now leads the American League wild-card playoff series 1–0.
Following the contest—which saw the Sox come back from down a run in the seventh—slugger Aaron Judge spoke about the challenges he and his New York teammates faced against the 25-year-old hurler, and made what was likely a painful admission:
"He's the best pitcher in the game," Judge explained. "He's gonna work all his pitches, worked a little more off-speed in there early on. We got the Volpe homer but couldn't really, when we got guys on, couldn't do much after that."
Game recognize game.
For what it's worth, Judge did find some relative success against Crochet, going 1-for-3 from the dish while striking out in the sixth.
The wild-card series between two of MLB's biggest rivals will continue on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, with Carlos Rodon set to to the rubber for New York while Brayan Bello goes for the Red Sox.
The 2025/26 season has been one full of inconsistency for Newcastle United. Whether it be on the field or in the treatment room, they cannot seem to string a positive period together.
After drawing 2-2 in last-gasp fashion with Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening, it meant that Eddie Howe’s men have not won back-to-back games since the end of October.
In the Premier League, they are yet to win consecutive fixtures all campaign long. This cannot go on forever and sooner rather than later, the Magpies are going to need to sustain a period of form.
They have, of course, been hampered by Alexander Isak’s departure but in their bid to replace the iconic Swede, they have not been helped by Yoane Wissa. Signed from Brentford, the DR Congo striker is yet to be seen in the famous black and white stripes due to injury.
That said, he is nearing a return. Perhaps the former Bees forward could be the man to spark some extra life in this Newcastle team.
The tactical tweaks Eddie Howe needs to make at Newcastle
To cut Howe some slack, he has not been helped out by a number of his chief lieutenants this season.
In the last few weeks, Nick Pope has become something of a calamity between the sticks and even if he is now injured, it would not be a surprise to see Aaron Ramsdale replace Newcastle’s no.1 long-term. That feels like a necessary change if they are to improve at the back.
The defence has not been helped by injury either. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have both missed games and if Howe can now keep the English duo injury-free, they will be key to any improvement Newcastle make in the future.
Hall, in particular, has been outstanding since returning. He was hailed as the “best player on the field” against Spurs by BBC North East correspondent Andy Sixsmith and looks every bit a left-back who should be in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad next summer.
Hall’s return has led to one key tactical tweak. Dan Burn is no longer playing at left-back. In that position, he had floundered and flattered to deceive, notably described as “the stuff of nightmares” in that role.
It’s in midfield and up top where Howe has struggled to find the most consistency. Summer arrival Anthony Elanga is still without a goal since arriving and Wissa’s injury problems are well-documented.
Anthony Gordon is arguably in the worst form of his Toon career too, scoring just once in nine league outings throughout 2025/26. It’s just as well they also have Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes to choose from in wide areas.
Gordon has been one of the biggest scapegoats of the ongoing campaign but there’s a bigger one in the middle of the park and it’s time for Howe to drop him to the bench.
Newcastle's long-term servant must no longer start regularly
This has been a hugely frustrating season for the likes of Elanga and Gordon but it’s arguably been a worse one for Joelinton, whose performances in the middle of the park are waning.
Signed as a striker by Steve Bruce in a then club-record deal, Howe has worked wonders with the Brazilian, turning him into a no-nonsense midfielder who loves a duel.
He’s been one of the most important components of Howe’s squad throughout the year, delivering his ‘greatest performance’ for the club during that League Cup win at Wembley last term.
Since then, however, it’s been a tale of woe for the former Hoffenheim man. Excusing his first term in England, this is arguably his worst since moving from Germany.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
In the words of journalist Mark Douglas in mid-October, he has been “nowhere near his best” in recent memory, leading to sections of the fanbase calling for him to be dropped from the XI.
He remained on the bench in the defeat to Marseille in Europe but has started the last three league games. His form, however, is not getting much better.
Journalist Charlie Bennett noted that Joelinton was “very sloppy” on the ball during Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with Spurs on Tuesday. The club’s number seven lost the ball 11 times out of 49 touches and had a pass accuracy of only 83%.
Joelinton vs Spurs
Minutes played
90
Touches
49
Accurate passes
29/35 (83%)
Key passes
1
Crosses
0
Shots
1
Dribbles
0
Possession lost
11x
Duels won
3/12
Stats via Sofascore.
Judging by recent performances, which have been gritty but lacking composure, the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock must be wondering what they need to do to start more games.
There is no dislodging the likes of Sandro Tonali and skipper Bruno Guimaraes but there is an extra slot that is being filled, perhaps undeservedly, by Joelinton.
Willock, signed from Arsenal in a deal worth £25m has barely been seen this term. He’s fallen behind in the pecking order and the days of him running riot during that famous loan spell are now a distant memory.
Likewise for Ramsey. He joined from Aston Villa in the summer for a whopping £40m and even if he has struggled with injury, he should now be starting more matches.
The fact that error-prone Joelinton is starting ahead of them on a regular basis should leave the pair rather angry. Newcastle needed some extra drive and the ability to hold onto possession. Ramsey, in particular, with his ability to surge through midfield, could have offered this against Spurs.
Lewis Miley has started the odd game recently and was one of their best players in the win over Everton last weekend. Even he had a right to be fuming that Joelinton has started more games than him.
It’s time for a regular spot on the bench for the big Brazilian.
Fewer passes than Ramsdale: Howe must drop 6/10 Newcastle star after Spurs
Newcastle United were denied another Premier League win by Tottenham Hotspur last night.
Manchester United are now in direct negotiations to sell a player Ruben Amorim wants to keep, with a departure on the cards in the January transfer window.
Man Utd could sell first-team star in January
Ahead of the January transfer window, it has now emerged that Benjamin Sesko is making good progress in his recovery from an injury sustained against Tottenham Hotspur, with his agent, Elvis Basanovic saying: “Benjamin is feeling very good, his rehab is going as planned,”
“He’s really eager to return to the pitch; he misses playing. He’s missing games, and he’s a bit impatient, so hopefully he’ll be back soon and be where he feels most comfortable. It’s hard to say exactly [when he will return], that will be more up to the medical team and the coach.”
With Sesko spending time on the treatment table, Joshua Zirkzee started three games on the spin in the Premier League, prior to the 4-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, and scored in the 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace at the end of November.
However, the Dutchman hasn’t exactly been prolific in front of goal, scoring just once in all competitions this season, and AS Roma have now entered direct negotiations with Man United over a January deal for the centre-forward.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states United are open to offers of around £35m for Zirkzee next month, despite Amorim wanting to retain his services, as he values the former Bologna man’s versatility.
Roma are in pole position in the race for the Netherlands international, but they are not the only club in the race, with Premier League rivals West Ham United, Brighton, Everton and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors.
Man Utd should cash-in on Zirkzee next month
Given that the Red Devils signed the striker for £36.5m, it would be fantastic if they were able to command a fee of £35m and recoup nearly all their money, considering the 24-year-old has never really managed to find his feet in the Premier League.
Amorim personally keen: Man Utd preparing £87m bid for top midfield target
United are readying a bid for a “sensational” central midfielder, who is now their priority target.
ByDominic Lund 5 days ago
The £105k-a-week forward has just eight goals to his name in 58 appearances for Man United, with Ronald Koeman also criticising him earlier this year, after choosing not to call him up for the Netherlands, saying: “He wasn’t in the preliminary selection because I don’t think he’s good enough at the moment.
“Especially scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong.”
With Sesko due to return from injury soon, and Matheus Cunha also able to play striker, doing so in the rout of Wolves, Man United should offload Zirkee in the January transfer window, despite it emerging that he wants to stay…
Is this to be the end of the second, much shorter Martin O’Neill-era at Celtic?
The interim manager has himself confirmed that Sunday’s clash with Hibernian at Easter Road is likely to be the final match of his return, ahead of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival in Glasgow, having done pretty well, winning five of six fixtures.
On Thursday, O’Neill guided the Hoops to their first European away win in four years, beating Feyenoord 3-1 at De Kuip in the Europa League.
Fair to say, Yang Hyun-jun was a surprise starter in Rotterdam, but he scored the all-important equaliser, firing into a tiny gap between goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther and the post, having been spectacularly set up by Reo Hatate.
Despite this contribution, should Yang be back on the bench in Edinburgh on Sunday, with O’Neill instead starting an attacker reminiscent of one forgotten star.
Latest on Jota's Celtic return
Given everything that has happened since, Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation, protests against the board, defeat in a Scottish Cup Final on penalties, Champions League elimination and so much more, the excitement that surrounded Jota’s return has been completely forgotten.
During his first stint at the club, the Portuguese winger scored 28 goals in 83 appearances, becoming an undisputed fans’ favourite, before being sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for £25m, which remains the club’s joint-record outgoing transfer.
After enduring a miserable time in the Middle East, followed by a brief stint at Stade Rennais in Ligue 1, Jota returned home in January, marking his second Celtic debut with this goal against Motherwell at Fir Park.
He would also net against Dundee United, Aberdeen, Hearts and then St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup semi-finals at Hampden on Easter Sunday so, despite clearly lacking some match sharpness, it was just like having the old Jota back, as if he’d never been away.
However, at Tannadice in April, on a day of celebration as the Celts mathematically secured the Premiership title, Jota ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, so has been on the sidelines since.
Then-manager Rodgers said at the time he expected the winger to be sidelined for six to nine months, and it’s been seven, or 217 days to be exact, so Celtic supporters should be optimistic of seeing their star attacker soon, possibly in time for the visit of Rangers on 3 January.
For now, which player who possesses a similar “x factor” to Jota should O’Neill start in Leith come Sunday lunchtime?
Celtic star Martin O'Neill must start against Hibs
While many of Celtic’s summer signings have underwhelmed or made little impact to date, looking at you Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Shin Yamada and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, the same cannot be said of Sebastian Tounekti.
After a drawn-out negotiation process with Hammarby, Celtic would not do things any other way, the Tunisian international arrived on deadline day for a reported fee of £5.2m, which could turn out to be an excellent piece of business.
The 23-year-old has only scored twice in hoops to date, netting against Partick Thistle at Firhill and Falkirk at home, but has looked generally excellent, with his talent clear to see.
Following his first appearance against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, then-manager Rodgers heralded his “brilliant debut”, adding “he’s fast, he’s dynamic, and can beat a player… he’s a real Celtic winger.”
Meantime, Anders Lindberg of Fotboll Sthlm stated “he has a little bit of the X Factor”, impressed by the attacker’s “showmanship”.
Well, these all sound like qualities one could use to describe Jota, so let’s assess how the duo compare to one another.
Jota 24/25 vs Tounekti 25/26 stats
Stats
Jota
Tounekti
Minutes
571
567
Goals
4
1
Assists
2
Zero
Shots
14
11
Shots on target
9
3
Big chances missed
1
1
Chances created
12
16
Big chances created
3
Zero
Passes complete
198
243
Forward passes
46
55
Completed take-ons
10
15
Take-on success %
36%
35%
Touches per 90
61.7
67.7
Average rating
7.17
6.89
Note: All stats are Premiership only.
Stats via Squawka and SofaScore
As the table documents, in a near-identical number of minutes, Tounekti’s Premiership statistics this season, when compared to those of Jota earlier in the year, are remarkably similar.
The Portuguese player has been more productive in the final third, scoring more goals, registering more assists and mustering more shots.
However, the Tunisian had created more chances, completed more passes and a greater number of take-ons, with the duo’s dribbling numbers uncannily alike.
Once Jota is back fit, it’ll be frightening for opponents to see these two lining up together.
In the meantime, Tounekti is clearly Celtic’s most dangerous available winger, having proved this far more consistently than Yang, so as O’Neill seeks to sign off with a victory over Hibs, it should be a no-brainer who he starts at Easter Road.
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A few months before they play their first game in Sacramento, the Athletics dished out the largest contract extension in franchise history.
Ken Rosenthal reported Monday night that slugger Brent Rooker agreed to sign a five-year contract extension worth $60 million. Per Jon Heyman of , the deal includes a $10 million signing bonus and can be worth up to $92 million over six years if incentives are met.
Rooker's new deal is the largest contract extension doled out in A's history in terms of average annual value ($12 million), edging out the $11 million mark that third baseman Eric Chavez landed in 2004 on his six-year contract extension worth $66 million.
The A's have built a reputation as one of the most frugal organizations in all of professional sports over the years, especially since owner John Fisher bought the franchise in 2005. But now that the A's are leaving Oakland and plan to play at least the next three seasons in Sacramento as their proposed Las Vegas ballpark is built, the team is finally starting to spend some money. Along with the Rooker deal, the A's signed right-handed pitcher Luis Severino to a three-year deal worth $67 million in December.
Rooker, the No. 35 pick by the Minnesota Twins in the 2017 MLB draft, bounced around the big leagues from 2020 to '22 before finding a home in Oakland. He was named an All-Star in 2023 and batted .293/.365/.562 with a career-high 39 homers in 145 games last season.
So far on tour [two Tests and three ODIs], Bangladesh have one win from five matches. This, they will feel, is not an apt reflection of how competitive they have been in Sri Lanka. They were running the back end of the first Test in Galle, were more competitive than Sri Lanka’s margins of victory suggested in the ODIs, and have had some promising players make significant contributions.The problem for Bangladesh is that T20I is the format they have been in the worst form. They have lost 11 of their last 15 T20Is. Even against Sri Lanka, who have not been especially good themselves in T20Is recently, they have lost four matches to the two won since 2020.Related
Shanaka, Karunaratne, Wellalage back in SL squad for T20Is against Bangladesh
Kusal 124 forms the centrepiece of Sri Lanka's series victory
Litton Das hopeful of coming out of batting slump
There is added incentive here. Next year, part of the T20 World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka. The schedule for that tournament is yet to be released, but this could potentially be an important opportunity for Bangladesh’s younger players to become accustomed to these surfaces and grounds.Sri Lanka are in the midst of their most serious attempt at regeneration since their great T20 team of the early 2010s waned. It is difficult to know what to expect. They have both Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka in form. But as a team, they are yet to string together consistent T20 performances, losing eight of their last 13 matches. In the T20 World Cup last year, their defeat to Bangladesh effectively put them out of the tournament.They have momentum on this tour, though, and with there only being one free day between the end of the ODI series and the start of the T20Is, Sri Lanka will hope their momentum carries them through.
Form guide
Sri Lanka: WLLLW Bangladesh: LLLLLLitton Das needs to find form with the bat•AFP/Getty Images
In the spotlight: Litton Das and Sri Lanka allrounders
There is currently a captaincy spot up for grabs for Bangladesh, with Najmul Hossain Shanto having stepped down as captain after the second Test. Litton Das could potentially be their next leader in the longest format, though he is not the frontrunner right now (you’d think that would be Mehidy Hasan Miraz). But for that to become a serious possibility, he would have to lead Bangladesh well in the format he currently captain of – T20Is. And he would probably need to contribute runs to their victories as well. Although he was dropped from the one-day team after making a duck in the first match, he had hit 90 in the Galle Test.While in ODIs, Sri Lanka are trying to develop a seam-bowling allrounder with an eye on the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, in T20Is, it seems like Sri Lanka are more intent on trialling Chamika Karunaratne and Dasun Shanaka for that role. On tracks that take big spin, Dunith Wellalage can turn the ball at speed, and also has outstanding control. But Sri Lanka want some big-hitting capability in their XI, and Wellalage doesn’t quite have the power game at present.Taskin Ahmed is expected to start for Bangladesh•AFP/Getty Images
Team news
Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud are out of the T20I squad, so Bangladesh have to make two changes in the bowling department. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman are likely to play ahead of Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin. They also have choices in the spin department, though that would depend on how they perceive the Pallekele pitch.Bangladesh (probable XI): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Litton Das (capt & wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Jaker Ali, 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Tanzim Hasan, 9 Rishad Hossain, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur RahmanSri Lanka’s main question will be the make-up of their attack. They’ll likely want two frontline quicks – Matheesha Pathirana the likeliest to play, but Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara also in with a good chance. On the spin-bowling front, Jeffrey Vandersay will likely replace the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.The other question is allrounders. Wellalage, Dasun Shanaka, and Karunaratne are all in a fight for a spot.Sri Lanka (probable XI): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kusal Perera, 4 Avishka Fernando, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt), 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Dunith Wellalage/Chamika Karunaratne, 8 Jeffrey Vandersay, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Nuwan Thushara, 11 Matheesha Pathirana
Pitch and conditions
Pallekele can often be a high-scoring ground, particularly if there is a little rain around and the ball becomes difficult for the bowlers to grip. There are showers floating around the hills surrounding Pallekele frequently, but this is generally not one of the wetter parts of the year.
Stats and trivia
In four T20Is so far, Wellalage has taken six wickets and maintained an economy of less than six. But his batting is less impressive in this format – he has a strike rate of 106 in T20s.
Litton Das is yet to hit a fifty as captain. After ten innings at the helm, he has hit 158 runs at a strike rate of 120.
Sri Lanka last played Bangladesh at this venue in this format in March 2013. Sri Lanka won that game.
Quotes
“Sri Lanka were better, and that’s why they won the ODIs. In T20s, if you play good cricket on the day, you will win. They have a lot of experience playing here, and overall, their bowling is strong with several mystery bowlers.” “The important thing is managing players. We have to give the players who come into the scene a decent run and keep them in good form for the World Cup. We hope the LPL will take place before the World Cup and that’s a big thing for us.”
Alessia Russo's late goal kept Arsenal's Women's Super League title hopes alive in a controversy-riddled 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Alyssa Thompson gave the visitors the lead before Stina Blackstenius' strike was ruled out for a questionable handball. Russo then delivered the crucial equaliser before even more late drama, as Frida Maanum had her stoppage-time winner chalked off for offside.
The hosts started sluggishly, and shortly after Johanna Rytting Kaneryd hit the post, Alyssa Thompson gave Chelsea a ninth-minute lead when her curling shot looped into the corner after a piercing run. It was nearly 2-0 when goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar failed to hold Catarina Macario's shot, with the loose ball bouncing off the bar and away to safety. Arsenal finally got going from the 25-minute mark, but when they reached the final third, they were found wanting.
The game's big talking point came in the 53rd minute when Blackstenius smashed home after a corner wasn't cleared, but the referee, Melissa Burgin, chalked it off for a handball, which appeared inconclusive. Just when it looked like the Gunners' toothless attack would prove their undoing, Russo swept home in the 87th minute for a deserved equaliser. An offside flag denied Maanum a stoppage-time winner but the result means Arsenal stayed within five points of the table-topping Blues, who extended their unbeaten WSL run to 33 games.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players at Emirates Stadium…
Getty Images Sport
Goalkeeper & Defence
Daphne van Domselaar (5/10):
Was rooted to the spot for Chelsea's opener, which she could do nothing about, but was very fortunate not to concede another when Macario's shot nearly went through her, before bouncing off the bar. Had a better second half, though.
Emily Fox (5/10):
Was chasing shadows early on but wasn't really tested as the game progressed and Arsenal had the lion's share of the ball.
Lotte Wubben-Moy (6/10):
Her positioning was questionable for Chelsea's opener but came up with some important blocks on the flip side.
Stephanie Catley (5/10):
Had some uncomfortable moments but didn't do a huge amount wrong on the day.
Katie McCabe (6/10):
Had a bit of joy against Lucy Bronze when bombing forward but, equally, was struggling with the attack-minded Kaneryd. Booked for bringing down Bronze and was subbed on the hour mark.
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Midfield
Beth Mead (4/10):
The England international was fairly ineffective in the first half and other than a dangerous corner for their disallowed goal, offered precious little.
Victoria Pelova (6/10):
Like her team-mates, didn't do a great deal early on but grew into the contest as it progressed. In the end, was part of a dominant midfield.
Mariona Caldentey (5/10):
Struggled to make an impact inside the opening 20 minutes or so, and her usual crisp passing and quality abandoned her for long stretches.
Caitlin Foord (7/10):
Seemed the most likely to provide a bit of magic to unlock Chelsea's defence thanks to her quick feet and directness.
Getty Images Sport
Attack
Alessia Russo (7/10):
Held up the ball well and brought others into the game but sometimes she wasn't on the same wavelength as her team-mates. After a fairly quiet afternoon, she took her goal well to earn her team a point.
Stina Blackstenius (6/10):
Was repeatedly flagged for being offside as she got the timings of her runs all wrong. Seemed to score a perfectly good goal but the referee had other ideas.
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Subs & Manager
Taylor Hinds (7/10):
Her side of the defence looked more solid when she came on as Arsenal dominated.
Olivia Smith (8/10):
Arsenal's returning record signing made an instant impact off the bench. It won't be long before she's back in the starting XI, such is her quality.
Frida Maanum (7/10):
Looked to have grabbed the winner but her goal was ruled out for offside, in another debatable moment.
Chloe Kelly (7/10):
Her shooting was a bit wayward but posed a threat when introduced.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (N/A):
Was brought on late on.
Renee Slegers (6/10):
Will have been disappointed that her team didn't wake up until the second part of the first half. When they did emerge from their slumber, they didn't test Hampton nearly enough as their decision-making in Chelsea's box let them down. Her subs made a difference, though.
Tottenham Hotspur have made a promising start to the campaign under Thomas Frank and could now be about to pursue a very familiar face to fans of the Premier League.
Tottenham look to build on solid start to Premier League campaign
The international break is always a frustrating time for supporters itching for their club to return. However, the Lilywhites will be positively reflecting on a fine start that has seen them climb to third in the top-flight standings.
Tactical tweaks and a renewed threat from set pieces have made Tottenham a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, albeit they will need to be switched on to handle the challenge of facing Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Everton and Chelsea in the coming weeks.
While Tottenham have been at the centre of takeover interest from tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick, among other parties, it doesn’t appear they are for sale, and a £100 million cash injection from the Lewis family will offer greater financial flexibility moving forward.
Whether this investment could be put towards the January window remains to be seen. Reports suggest Spurs are preparing a £26 million bid for Vasco da Gama star Rayan, indicating they are scouring the world for talent to enhance their bid for Champions League qualification.
Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa are among his lengthy list of admirers, though Tottenham’s project is as enticing as ever for potential new recruits.
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ByEmilio Galantini Oct 10, 2025
Truthfully, the sky is the limit for Frank if his side continue this excellent run of form, with Spurs averaging close to 2 points per game since the Dane took over from Ange Postecoglou.
Thomas Frank’s managerial record at Tottenham so far
Stats
Matches
11
Wins
5
Draws
3
Losses
2
Points
18
Points per game
1.91
Nevertheless, there is a long way to go, and help may be required to ensure the North Londoners are in pole position to capitalise, hence their interest in a favourite of the Danish coach.
Tottenham want to sign Kevin Schade
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham are monitoring Brentford attacker Kevin Schade and could look to make a play for his arrival, albeit the transfer may be more likely to occur in the summer of 2026.
Plettenberg says he is “one to watch” this season, with the winger’s contract expiring in under three years.
The Germany international has scored once in eight appearances this term, contributing to his overall total of 15 goals and five assists in 82 outings for the Bees
.
Labelled “top class” by Frank, he brought Schade to the Gtech Community Stadium from Freiburg in 2023 and his faith has been repaid, with the 23-year-old establishing himself as a force predominantly on the left flank.
This term, the Potsdam-born man has created five chances and completed three successful crosses in the Premier League, per Fotmob, shining in a Brentford side that have struggled for momentum under Keith Andrews.
Either way, he could now be set for a move across the capital, though Tottenham will need to fend off competition from the likes of Borussia Dortmund for his signature.
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are back on the BCCI’s central contracts list for 2024-25 after being left out of it the previous time.The top tier of the contracts (A+) has four players – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. That’s unchanged apart from R Ashwin, who retired from international cricket late last year, being dropped. Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja have been retained in the top category despite retiring from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup in June last year.Rishabh Pant has been promoted from Grade B to Grade A, which also has Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami.Pant had previously been in Grade A – for the 2022-23 season – but was moved down to Grade B after not playing for over a year following a horrific car crash in December 2022. He returned to play IPL 2024 and has since been part of all formats for India – he’s played ten Tests, one ODI and ten T20Is since then – and has returned to Grade A.Related
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India's white-ball wizards need a new cheat code
Iyer, meanwhile, is part of Grade B along with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal and India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, while Kishan has been added to Grade C.The new entrants in the contracts’ list – all currently in Grade C – are Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, Abhishek Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana.Shardul Thakur, KS Bharat, Avesh Khan and Jitesh Sharma, who were all in the Grade C list – the lowest of the retainers – last year, have been dropped.The BCCI did not mention the amounts for the four contract categories, but ESPNcricinfo understands that they are likely to be INR 7 crore (A+), INR 5 crore (A), INR 3 crore (B) and INR 1 crore (C).ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Iyer and Kishan had lost their contracts last year after having made themselves unavailable for the domestic season. While Iyer had informed the Mumbai Cricket Association that he had been suffering from back spasms, Kishan had chosen to play the DY Patil T20 tournament instead of making a return to domestic cricket for Jharkhand. Kishan, too, returned to playing domestic cricket later, turning out for Jharkhand across formats in the 2024-25 season.The BCCI had asked in a statement at the time that “all athletes give precedence to participating in domestic cricket during periods when they are not representing the national team”.Since then, Shreyas has had an excellent run across formats. He has been part of five title wins since March 2024: The IPL win with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as captain aside, he won the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, the 2024-25 Irani Cup, and the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy titles with Mumbai. He was also a key member of India’s title-winning Champions Trophy team, a tournament in which he finished as the second-highest run-getter with 243 runs in five innings.Varun, among the new entrants in the list, has risen through the ranks in the past year. He made a comeback in the T20I series against Bangladesh last year and has been a regular in the format since. He also went on to make his ODI debut last year and played in the Champions Trophy as well, where he picked up nine wickets in three matches. Rana, too, made his debut in all three formats recently and played in two matches at the Champions Trophy.
List of contracted players for 2024-25
Category A+ – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja Category A – Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant Category B – Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer Category C – Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana
Inter president Beppe Marotta believes that Luka Modric thriving in Serie A at the age of 40 is not a bad thing, but in fact a "positive advert" for Italian football. Marotta highlighted the financial disparity between clubs in Serie A and those in leagues like the Premier League and La Liga, pointing to Real Madrid's big-money signing of Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono as a prime example.
Modric and other Serie A imports thriving
Modric, who recently turned 40, signed for AC Milan as a free agent over the summer after spending 13 illustrious seasons at Real Madrid. Kevin De Bruyne was another veteran midfielder who arrived in Italy, bolstering the ranks at defending champions Napoli. The duo have had a bright start to their careers in Serie A, which Inter president Marotta sees as a "positive advert for Italian football". However, he says Italian football simply must accept the financial superiority of other leagues, saying Serie A sides cannot match other European sides when it comes to signing the next generation of young stars. He cited the €45 million (£39m) spent by Real Madrid on Franco Mastantuono as evidence.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMarotta gives harsh reality check on Serie A's level
Speaking at a book launch event on Tuesday, Marotta said: "I don’t think it’s worrying that a 40-year-old is playing at this level in our league. I actually see him as a positive advert for Italian football. Our children fall in love with the game by watching a player like him. But the trajectory of our football is on the decline. Today, our league is a transitional one – it’s no longer the El Dorado it was in the 2000s. Nowadays, players come to us in the latter stages of their careers.
"All the top Italian clubs can spend, at most, €30–35 million on a 2004, 2005, or 2006-born player. Real Madrid spent €70 million [sic] on Mastantuono. The big clubs in Serie A have to rely on capital gains to operate in the market. Today, that’s a standard feature of club budgets. Without those capital gains, Milan, Inter, and Juventus wouldn’t be able to present a viable financial statement.
"That’s the difference between Italy and England. English TV rights, especially abroad, are worth four times more than ours and are sold for €3 billion. We barely reach €200 million. The economic aspect simply doesn’t give us competitive power."
Premier League in a financial league of its own
According to figures provided by FIFA, the total amount spent by Premier League clubs on transfers in the summer window was more than the combined money spent by teams from the other top five leagues – Serie A, Bundesliga, La Liga and Ligue 1. Per the report, Premier League teams spent a record-breaking $3.19 billion, more than thrice the $950m spent by Serie A teams. Interestingly, teams from La Liga and Ligue 1 spent less than Serie A teams.
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AFPWhen will Serie A resume?
Serie A returns to action on October 18 after the end of the ongoing international break. Roma vs Inter, Como vs Juventus, Atalanta vs Lazio, and Milan vs Fiorentina are some of the high-voltage fixtures which will be played that weekend.