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Sunderland have now made a decision on Granit Xhaka’s future, amid interest from Juventus ahead of the January transfer window.

The Black Cats have surpassed all expectations so far this season, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table after collecting 19 points from their opening 11 games, and Regis Le Bris & co deserve major credit for the work they did in the transfer window.

It was a summer of change for the Championship play-off final winners, bringing in new additions all over the pitch, including at centre-forward, with Brian Brobbey getting off the mark courtesy of a dramatic late equaliser against Arsenal before the international break.

However, arguably Le Bris’ best addition has been Xhaka, with the central midfielder’s importance underlined by the fact he has played every minute in the Premier League so far this season, receiving plaudits from former defender Micky Gray after impressing against West Ham United.

Gray described the Swiss maestro as “absolutely incredible”, before going on to add: “You could see him trying to speak to everybody and calm everybody down. And when the ball came to his feet, he wasn’t rushing his passes. He was slowing everything down. So that experience is absolutely huge.”

Juventus eyeing January move for Sunderland star Granit Xhaka

As such, it will come as no surprise to learn that the 33-year-old is attracting attention ahead of the January transfer window, with a report from TuttoSport (via Sport Witness), revealing Juventus are now eyeing a shock winter transfer.

The 142-time Switzerland international’s agents are said to be seeking a move, given that their client has made a fantastic start to the campaign, with the report bizarrely also claiming the Black Cats are willing to sanction a January move if he asks to leave.

Sunderland have done extremely well to be competing at the top end of the Premier League table, and they are already nearly half-way to the magic 40-point mark, but they are not out of the woods just yet, so it would, of course, be a mistake to cash-in this winter.

The Basel-born midfielder has contributed one goal and three assists in the Premier League this term, with Wayne Rooney suggesting he could be the signing of the season, given his experience and leadership qualities.

The former Arsenal man has also impressed at international level during the current break, scoring a penalty and making a number of other key contributions as Switzerland ran out emphatic 4-1 winners against Sweden on Saturday.

Granit Xhaka’s statistics against Sweden	Number completed
Accurate passes	65/77 (84%)
Ground duels (won)	4 (3)
Aerials duels (won)	2 (2)
Accurate long balls	5

In all honesty, it was a major coup for Sunderland to even sign Xhaka in the first place, and given that he remains under contract until 2028, there is no need to cash-in this January or in the summer.

Sunderland "diamond" could be Regis Le Bris' captain after Granit Xhaka

Move over Xhaka: Sunderland "diamond" is Regis Le Bris' future captain

Regis Le Bris has a future Sunderland captain on his hands in this battling star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Nov 17, 2025

Ollie Pope will deputise for Stokes; Woakes will lead an inexperienced seam attack with Atkinson, Overton and Tongue in

Matt Roller30-Jul-20252:35

Harmison: ‘To lose a player like Stokes is massive’

England will go into Thursday’s fifth Test at The Oval without their captain, with Ben Stokes ruled out with a torn shoulder muscle. Ollie Pope will deputise, leading for the fifth time in Tests, and England have made four changes in all from the draw in Manchester, with Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue all coming into the side.Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse are both rested after heavy workloads last week, while Liam Dawson is left out altogether. Bethell and Joe Root are the two spin-bowling options, with Chris Woakes retained to lead an inexperienced seam attack: England’s other three fast bowlers have 18 caps between them.Stokes arrived at The Oval on Wednesday morning hopeful to play as a specialist batter but after discussions with head coach Brendon McCullum and England’s medical team, and 20 minutes of quiet reflection, decided against playing through the pain. “The risk was way too high for damaging this any further than it currently is,” Stokes said. “It’s obviously very, very disappointing.”Related

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• Akash Deep likely to replace Bumrah for Oval Test

England refused to reveal the exact nature of the injury, but it is understood that Stokes has sustained a grade-three tear in a shoulder muscle and that his recovery will take at least six weeks. He was not scheduled to play any more cricket this summer, and is confident that he will be fully recovered ahead of England’s first Ashes Test in Australia on November 21.Stokes bowled 11 overs on the final day of the Manchester Test but grimaced throughout his two spells. He repeatedly clutched his shoulder while bowling and said afterwards that he was “very unlikely” to miss the fifth Test despite struggling with a biceps tendon injury, but woke up feeling “pretty sore” the following morning and scans confirmed a significant tear.His absence is a major blow for England, and for Stokes personally: he is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 17, scored his first Test century in two years in Manchester, has been named Player of the Match in the last two Tests, and his injury represents yet another frustrating setback after two hamstring tears in the second half of last year.Stokes insisted he could not have prevented the injury. “When I’m out on the field, I play to win and give everything I possibly can,” he said. “If I feel there’s a moment in a game where I need to put everything I’m feeling aside, I’ll do that because of how much this team means to me, how much playing for England means to me, how much winning means to me.”Jacob Bethell has found a spot in the XI for the final Test•PA Photos/Getty Images

He also suggested that playing at The Oval could have aggravated the injury to a worrying extent. “It was risk-reward,” Stokes said. “I’ll always try to push myself as much as I possibly can. There’s absolutely nothing I could have done [differently] before. Being a professional sportsman, injuries are part of this game and I can’t do anything about that.”England were planning to head into the fifth Test without a specialist spinner as soon as it became clear that Stokes would not be fit to bowl. Dawson bowled economically in Manchester but failed to take a wicket in 47 second-innings overs, and England are expecting a match dominated by seamers at The Oval, with a healthy covering of live grass on the pitch on Wednesday morning.”The Oval generally plays that it’s your seamers who take the wickets,” Stokes said. “We felt that, here, that gives you the best chance of winning the game. The way it’s played here through the year in the Championship as well: it’s looked very similar to this, and played like that. There’s a bit of intel there, and we wanted to give ourselves four seamers.”Stokes’ absence means Bethell will bat at No. 6, having scored three half-centuries at No. 3 in his maiden series in New Zealand last year. “Being the type of player that he is, where he plays all three formats, it probably allows him to be a bit more versatile with where he bats in the order,” Stokes said. “I’m very confident in his ability. He’s a quality player.”England’s seam attack is their biggest area of concern. Woakes has never bowled more overs in a series than the 167 he has got through over the past month, while Atkinson returns from a hamstring injury that had ruled him out since May. Overton wins his second cap, and first for three years, and Tongue is back after missing out for Archer in the third and fourth Tests.Stokes will remain with the squad this week, as he did last year when he missed four Tests – three against Sri Lanka, and one in Pakistan – through injury. Pope, his vice-captain, will again stand in on his home ground and will look to Shubman Gill for inspiration after struggling to “compartmentalise” his two roles when he deputised last year.”We know that the series is still on the line here,” Stokes said. “It’s been toe-to-toe throughout the whole series so far. We know that India will be coming out fighting, because they don’t want to leave England with a loss. The next best thing for them is a draw, so we’ll be doing everything in our powers to not let that happen.”

England XI for fifth Test against India

1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope (capt), 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jacob Bethell, 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Gus Atkinson, 10 Jamie Overton, 11 Josh Tongue

Bo Bichette may not be back for a while.

The Blue Jays' star shortstop had arguably the best season of his career in 2025, but is currently on the shelf due to a knee injury. Toronto was hoping to have him back for the American League Championship Series if it gets there, but 's Ken Rosenthal doesn't think the 27-year-old is close to returning.

During an appearance on , Rosenthal gave a pessimistic view of Bichette's status when asked if the Blue Jays were concerned.

"In my opinion, they have to be concerned," Rosenthal said. "It's not so much what I'm hearing but what I'm seeing being by their dugout. He is not walking like a guy who is fully healthy. He's got a bit of a limp. And to my knowledge, he has not begun running yet, so it doesn't seem to me that he's all that close."

Rosenthal noted that there's still time for Bichette to get healthy, but that he doesn't look like a guy who is close to returning.

Toronto left Bichette off its roster for the American League Division Series after he missed the team's final 20 games of the season. He last played on September 6.

Bichette was injured during a collision at home plate with Yankees catcher Austin Wells. He remained in the game, but hasn't entered a game since.

Despite Bichette's absence, the Blue Jays have dominated the Yankees in the ALDS, taking a 2-0 lead by outscoring New York 23-8 in the first two games. If they reach the ALCS and, potentially, the World Series, they'll need all their stars back and playing at their best.

Bo Bichette's Career Year Before Free Agency in 2025

Bichette finished the 2025 campaign with full-season career-highs in batting average (.311), on-base percentage (.357), wRC+ (134), and xwOBA (.364). Despite missing the final 20 games of the season, he finished tied for second in hits leaguewide with 181, three shy of the lead. It was an outstanding campaign.

While his future may not be at shortstop, Bichette will be one of the top hitters available in free agency this offseason. If it is his final year with the Blue Jays, the team has to be hoping he's back to help them make a serious run at a championship.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City star Samir Nasri believes Mason Greenwood shouldn't be "judged" on his past rape allegations. The Marseille forward had charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault dropped in February 2023, at which time he was still on the books at Manchester United.

• Greenwood's past 'mistakes'

  Nearly six months after charges against the forward were dropped, Greenwood admitted to "making mistakes" as Man Utd confirmed he would not be reintegrated into the squad following their own internal investigation into his conduct away from the pitch. 

  He said in August 2023, shortly before joining Getafe on a season-long loan: "I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst. I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I'm focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner. Today's decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United. I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch."

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• AFP
  

  Greenwood defended by Nasri

  United sold Greenwood to Marseille outright in the summer of 2024, and he has since become a key player for the club, while also welcoming two children with his partner, Harriet Robson. The topic of the ex-United man has sprung up again in light of Marseille hosting Newcastle United, a game the French side won 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday. Before that, former Marseille star Nasri gave his thoughts on the public perception of Greenwood, who was forced to rebuild his career abroad after the lengthy legal case.

  He said on Canal+: "If she (Harriet Robson) has forgiven him… who are we to judge? That's the point… If your wife has forgiven you, we can forgive you. If she hadn't forgiven him and he had been found guilty and had received that sentence in England, she would have said it was normal."

• 'What happens to him saddens me'

  Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has also come to the aid of the 24-year-old. The Italian called the forward a "good person", who paid a "heavy price" for what happened.

  "I never delve into the players' private lives. But what I can say is that he's a good person. He paid a heavy price for what happened. He arrived in the right environment and behaved well. He has a very reserved personality. It saddens me what happened to him because I know a very different person from the one portrayed in England," said the former Brighton head coach. 

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• AFP
  

  What comes next for Greenwood?

  After a prolific season at Marseille last term, Greenwood is continuing to impress this season for the French giants. He has scored 11 goals and added four assists in 17 appearances and will hope to add to that when Marseille, who are second in Ligue 1, host Toulouse on Saturday. The ex-Red Devils man was linked with some top European clubs earlier this year, and while a big-money move may happen one day, for now, he will be focusing on delivering for De Zerbi's side – who are just two points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester United’s transfer business has left the supporters with a lot to be desired over the last couple of years, with numerous of their high-profile additions failing to impress at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have spent nearly £800m on new additions since the summer of 2022, with former boss Erik ten Hag spending around £600m of the sum on his own.

Current boss Ruben Amorim has already splashed over £200m since his arrival last November, in an attempt to try and lead the club back to the glory achieved under Sir Alex Ferguson.

No manager has been able to win the Premier League title since the Scotsman retired back in 2013, but the added investment in recent years could help Amorim become the first man to achieve such a feat.

There’s no denying he needs added reinforcements in the months ahead to provide him with the all-round quality that he needs to take the club back to the top of England’s top-flight.

United’s hunt for added reinforcements in January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been strongly linked with a move for Angelo Stiller, with the German seen as an option to bolster the midfield ranks.

The 24-year-old is also said to be on the shortlist of Real Madrid ahead of the January transfer window, which could present a fierce battle between the sides for his signature.

However, it’s also been reported that he could be available for a fee in the region of £53m, a potential bargain for a youngster who has bags of time to develop further in the years ahead.

He’s not the only Bundesliga star currently in the Red Devils’ sights, with forward Karim Adeyemi another player who the hierarchy are considering a move for in January.

According to Sky Sports, Amorim’s men have reportedly made contact with Borussia Dortmund over a deal for the 24-year-old, who’s scored three goals in 2025/26 to date.

German outlet BILD also claim that Niko Kovac’s men currently value the German international at around the £70m mark, but it’s unclear whether United would pay such a figure during the winter window.

Why United’s £70m target would be another Mbeumo

During their recent summer spending spree in the transfer market, United splashed a mammoth £71m on the signature of forward Bryan Mbeumo from fellow Premier League side Brentford.

Such a price tag generated huge excitement within the fanbase, not to mention his incredible goalscoring ability last season, which saw him end the year on 20 league goals.

The Cameroonian has already made an impressive start to life at Old Trafford, scoring five times in his 11 league appearances – the most of any player in the first-team squad.

The 26-year-old has operated on the right-hand side in behind the striker, often catching the eye with his impressive left-footed efforts – subsequently winning the October Player of the Month award.

He may have cost a pretty penny, but there’s little denying Mbeumo has massively transformed the club’s frontline and made the side a force to be reckoned with once again.

However, they could be about to land another version of the forward with a deal for Adeyemi in the months ahead, with the German possessing numerous similar qualities.

He also operated off the right-hand side and likes to cut inside onto his favoured left-foot, which has also allowed him to hit the ground running in the early stages of 2025/26.

His underlying stats also showcase the talent he possesses, with the 24-year-old able to add further depth and quality into Amorim’s already impressive frontline.

Adeyemi, previously been dubbed “incredible” by former Red Bull Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle, has completed 2.3 dribbles per 90 in the Bundesliga to date, whilst also notching 6.8 touches in the opposition’s box per 90.

Karim Adeyemi – Bundesliga stats (25/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

10

Goals & assists

3

Pass accuracy

75%

Successful dribbles

2.3

Touches in opposition box

6.8

Shots taken

2.8

Duels won

5.9

Aerial success rate

60%

Stats via FotMob

Both of the aforementioned tallies showcase his incredible ability to get the ball into dangerous areas, potentially handing Mbeumo the chance to improve further at Old Trafford.

The youngster has also registered 2.8 shots per 90 this campaign, showcasing his ability to add the end product to his mazy runs when taking on the opposition.

Other numbers, such as 5.9 duels won per 90 and a 60% aerial success rate, highlight his all-round nature in the final third, which could make him a hugely exciting addition.

There’s no doubting that it would be a surprise to see another mammoth sum forked out for an attacker after Mbeumo’s move, but the pair could well offer a deadly threat in front of goal.

Should Adeyemi make the move to Old Trafford, he could reach the next step in his career, potentially leading the club to new heights during Amorim’s tenure in charge.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Nov 13, 2025

In stark contrast to last season, Arsenal cannot stop winning at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side’s win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday night was their tenth on the bounce in all competitions.

Additionally, it marked their eighth consecutive clean sheet, a feat the club have not achieved in 122 years.

As things stand, Arsenal are far and away the best team in the Premier League, and a somewhat underappreciated star should be in serious contention for the Player of the Season Award.

The Arsenal players on track for the Team of the Season

It is still early on in the season, but as things stand, there are a handful of Arsenal players who feel like a shoo-in for the Team of the Season come May.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

For example, while he was once seen as something of a liability, Gabriel Magahelse has transformed into one of the best centre-backs in world football, and on form, the best in the league.

On top of being a “colossus” at the back, as dubbed by Adam Keys, the Brazilian is a force of nature in the opposition’s penalty area and, in the league alone, has already amassed a tally of two assists and one goal in ten appearances.

Another defender who stands a good chance of featuring in the team, so long as he remains fit, is Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian international has added an element of the unpredictable to the Gunners’ team, and his ability to pop up all over the pitch has seen journalist James Benge label him “the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.”

While not quite shoo-ins, William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi also stand a great chance of making it.

Finally, someone who should be the first name in the midfield is Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain has been utterly sensational for the Gunners this term.

On top of breaking up opposition attacks with ease, the Englishman’s passing has been world-class, and it is hard to think of a better dead-ball specialist in European football, let alone the Premier League.

However, with all that said, there is another Arsenal star who not only should be in the Team of the Season but also in contention for Player of the Season.

The Arsenal star in line for Player of the Season

Now, you could make the argument for several Arsenal stars here, but as things stand, Jurrien Timber has arguably been the team’s best player this season.

The Dutchman had an impressive personal campaign last season, cementing himself as one of the best lockdown full-backs in the league, but has, in the words of Arteta, reached a “different dimension” entirely this year.

On top of being a brick wall at the back, notably delivering a “monster” performance in the words of Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley against Madrid last season, the former Ajax star has become a seriously dangerous attacking outlet.

For example, in the league alone, he has already scored two goals and provided two assists in just ten appearances.

However, his influence cannot be measured purely in terms of output, as he’s become far more accomplished at overlapping with Bukayo Saka on the right.

More than that, though, he’s also starting to take on opposition defenders in central areas, with him going on a couple of mazy runs against Slavia Prague on Tuesday night.

However, if you are still unconvinced, you only need to take a look under the hood at his underlying numbers.

Through Balls

0.91

Top 1%

Goals

0.23

Top 4%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.23

Top 4%

Tackles

3.52

Top 4%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.25

Top 4%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.80

Top 4%

xG: Expected Goals

0.23

Top 7%

Progressive Passes

6.02

Top 7%

Shots on Target

0.57

Top 7%

Passes into Penalty Area

1.59

Top 7%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.18

Top 7%

Touches (Att Pen)

3.64

Top 7%

Goals + Assists

0.34

Top 9%

Shots Total

1.25

Top 9%

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of full-backs in the league for through balls, the top 4% for non-penalty goals, tackles, and penalties won, the top 7% for progressive passes, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it’s still early in the season, Timber has not only been Arsenal’s best player, but arguably the best in the league.

Therefore, he should be the leading candidate for the Player of the Season.

He's like Saka & Odegaard: Arsenal star is one of the "best in the world"

The incredible international is starting to perform like Saka & Odegaard for Arteta & Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 5, 2025

Speculation about surprise comeback had been rife, but ultimately Australia opted for discretion

Andrew McGlashan04-Dec-2025

Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, George Bailey and Andrew McDonald discuss their selection options•Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Pat Cummins became a genuine option for a recall in Brisbane over the past week as he surprised everyone with the speed of his recovery. However, Australia’s selectors ultimately decided there was too much risk attached in playing a bowler whose overs would still need to be managed, but are very confident in him being ready for Adelaide.Chair of selectors George Bailey said his panel had not been “playing silly buggers” in leaving Cummins out of the squad but refusing to officially rule him out of contention in the lead-up to the second Test. However, he did admit a hug between Cummins and Andrew McDonald during a pitch inspection on Wednesday had been “for laughs”.Bailey said that there had been no expectation of Cummins being available when the group was selected but it became a realistic prospect as he ramped up his training in Brisbane, which included two spells on Monday and his first bowls on back-to-back days.”We weren’t playing silly buggers with him not being in the squad and in the mix. But I think once we got up here, saw his training, got as much of the background medical information as well, it became a live possibility,” he said. “Then it was just working through the permutations of what would that look like in terms of the amount of overs, what would it look like going forward from that as well.Related

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The world where Lyon doesn't play at the Gabba

“I don’t think we thought he was going to be as close, it really changed through the week. Then risk tolerance became the conversation around what could he take on. Yes, he could have played. There would have been some restrictions around the overs and then obviously just the permutations [around that].”There was also consideration into what bringing Cummins back for this Test could mean going forward, and the added pressure it could leave on the rest of the attack. “Being in a really controlled environment [in] the nets where you can be really structured around the breaks and how you want it, then it’s just that risk of maybe going into a game,” Bailey said. “There’s some things you can control and probably some things that do get taken out of your control.”Meanwhile, Bailey said that the selectors had not got to the stage of debating whether Usman Khawaja would retain his place for the Gabba because he had never been passed fit to play. Khawaja batted on Tuesday before being ruled out of the Test the following day, having not recovered from the back spasms he suffered in Perth. He returned to the nets on Thursday. Travis Head, who made 123 in Australia’s chase in the opening match, will continue in the opening role during the second Test.”He hadn’t got his back back to baseline,” Bailey said. “And if you’re not back to the starting point then it’s obviously a heightened risk. There’s obviously your own performance, but when you’re injured and you feel like you’ve let the team down, I think that was something he was just conscious of; if it happened again, it would be an awful feeling. So sitting this one out buys time.”For now, Head is not being locked in at the top beyond this Test, and there has even been discussion of having in-match flexibility to batting orders.”We’ve gone into this series so far very much with a Test-by-Test focus,” Bailey said. “I imagine we’ll get another look at it here and see what that looks like and see that combination. We can cross that bridge [and] make that decision as and when we need to make that decision, but it’s an interesting one. What’s the threshold now for it to be a specialist opener, what’s that look like?”

Marnus Labuschagne made it five centuries in eight innings for Queensland to start the summer, after helping them to a 96-run One-Day Cup win over New South Wales.Labuschagne hit 101 from 111 balls at Sydney’s Cricket Central on Monday, leading Queensland to 287 for 9 before NSW were all out for 191 in reply.All but certain to return to Australia’s Test team for the Ashes this month, Labuschagne will enter the series as the form batter in the country. Axed from Australia’s side midway through the year, Labuschagne is back playing with the same intent that made him the world’s best batter as recently as 2023.The 31-year-old is clipping the ball off his toes again with precision, driving well, and on Monday swept legspinner Tanveer Sangha for three fours. He also hit Sangha over long-off for a big six, on a day when the spinner was otherwise NSW’s best with 3 for 64 having been released for Australia’s T20I squad for the match.Labuschagne’s near-chanceless century marked his third this season in the one-day format, where he is currently outside of Australia’s first-choice XI.He has also hit two centuries in the Sheffield Shield for Queensland, with all of the hundreds coming batting at No. 3. But it is expected he will be asked to open in the first Test against England in Perth, in a move that will allow allrounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster to both fit in the team.In reply, NSW were never really in the chase on Monday, but Sam Konstas did hit a measured 47 before being caught behind when he gloved a hook shot off Benji Floros.Floros had Jack Edwards caught behind next ball in similar fashion, before finishing with 4 for 22 in his best outing for Queensland.Labuschagne also claimed two wickets with his medium pace, with Chris Green skying an attempted pull shot, before Sangha fell lbw.

Rashid, Nabi and Noor shared six wickets as Pakistan batters barely found any answers to spin

Danyal Rasool02-Sep-2025

Sediqullah Atal laid the platform for Afghanistan with a 113-run second-wicket partnership•Emirates Cricket Board

Afghanistan sealed an emotional victory over Pakistan with a sublime performance from their spinners, squeezing Salman Agha’s men out and triumphing by 18 runs. In the wake of the earthquake at home where the death toll has crossed 1400, a resilient performance from Afghanistan in Sharjah proved much too good for Pakistan with Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal producing a 113-run second-wicket partnership that formed the backbone of their innings.It was an innings held up almost entirely by that single pillar; while Zadran and Atal scored 65 and 64 respectively, no other batter managed to get beyond single figures. Pakistan’s bowlers might have felt the had done enough as an economical showing from Saim Ayub and a sensational one from Faheem Ashraf kept Afghanistan on a leash, with Pakistan needing 170 to win in wet, dewy conditions.For the Afghan spinners, though, the dew proved an almost laughably negligible impediment. Fazalhaq Farooqi set them up by getting rid of Ayub for a golden duck and a misfiring Sahibzada Farhan shortly after. It was just the window Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi needed to run riot in the middle. No Pakistan batter was ever really able to work out which way Noor turned the ball or how to target Rashid without taking extreme risks.The trio took six wickets among them as Pakistan lost 7 for 49 to slump to 111 for 9. At the time they were looking at a chastening defeat, but Haris Rauf restored some balance to the scorecard with a breezy little cameo, an unbeaten 34 off 16 that took Pakistan past 150, and made the game look more competitive than Afghanistan’s dazzling spin attack had ensured it really was.Ibrahim Zadran scored a second fifty in two games•Emirates Cricket Board

Zadran, Atal combine for a special standPakistan made a dream start after being put in to bowl with the early dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. By the end of the fourth over, Afghanistan had only shuffled along to 18. But Atal and Zadran have made a bit of a habit of partnerships that straddle multiple phases of an innings, and they produced their most impressive one yet.The first signs of a gear shift came when Rauf, who struggled all day with the ball, was smashed for a four and a six in the fifth over. Thereon, Atal and Zadran rendered the Pakistan bowlers strangely toothless, while gradually cranking up the scoring rate. The signal to launch had been building, but at the same time seemed to come out of nowhere as the pair plundered 20 off Sufiyan Muqeem in the 14th over. By the time the partnership was finally broken, the duo had added the second-highest second-wicket stand in Afghan T20I history.Faheem Ashraf returned his best T20I figures•AFP/Getty Images

Ashraf’s silver liningOn a forgettable day for Pakistan, Ashraf’s spell stood out, going some way to burnishing his short-form bowling credentials. It was a slow, spin-friendly wicket, but with Pakistan struggling to break that Atal-Zadran stand, they turned to Ashraf in the tenth over. He went through it without either inflicting or sustaining much damage, but it was his three-over stint at the back-end that demonstrated his value.It was he who broke that partnership off the second ball of the 16th, and was unfortunate not to snare Azmatullah Omarzai later on that over when Mohammad Nawaz shelled one. He would get his man with a beautifully disguised slower delivery next over, with another change of pace doing for Zadran two deliveries later. Taking pace of the ball continued to work when it proved too good for Nabi. At a time when Pakistan’s bowlers were travelling from the other end, Ashraf’s last three overs had seen just 18 scored and four wickets taken, ensuring the batting side were kept below 170.Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi made life tough for the batters•Getty Images

Afghan spinners rip through the middle orderThis is why Afghanistan feel so confident defending totals. There was plenty of dew by the midpoint of Pakistan’s pursuit, but Afghanistan’s spinners buzzed around the batters, relishing their defence of a total that was just about par. Pakistan had consolidated after two early wickets, and kept up with the rate; Fakhar Zaman took 15 off Omarzai’s first over to help Pakistan to 52 for 2 in the powerplay.In the eighth over, though, the spinners began to weave their web. Nabi threw in the change-up, darting the ball in as Fakhar sliced his smear to short third for Farooqi to grab. With the runs drying up, Pakistan threw in a signature unforced error, some lazy running combined with a clever bit of work from Rashid catching Salman short of his crease.Left-arm spinner Noor, curiously benched for the first two games, made up for lost time with a wicket off his first delivery to send Hasan Nawaz packing. Mohammad Haris failed to punish a long hop from Nabi the following over to allow Afghanistan to burrow deep into Pakistan’s tail. They had gone from 62 for 2 to 82 for 6, and no amount of deep batting can hedge against that kind of collapse against an attack of Afghanistan’s quality.

Atletico Madrid have officially confirmed the sale of a majority stake in the club to global sports investment company Apollo Sports Capital (ASC). The landmark deal will see ASC become the majority shareholder, injecting new capital to bolster the club's financial stability, sporting competitiveness and ambitious infrastructure projects, including the development of the City of Sport.

Atletico announce majority stake sale

Atletico have officially announced a significant change in ownership, with ASC acquiring a majority stake in the club. This crucial move, confirmed via a statement on the club's website, sees the current major shareholders reduce their stakes to facilitate the investment. While ASC will become the majority owner, the club confirmed that Miguel Angel Gil and Enrique Cerezo remain in their roles as CEO and chairman respectively, and will remain as shareholders.

The artnership aims to strengthen Atletico Madrid's position among football's elite and support long-term success for its millions of fans worldwide. The investment is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2026. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

AdvertisementAFPNew capital injection for sporting and infrastructure development

The investment from ASC is set to provide substantial new capital for Atletico's ambitious long-term plans. A key focus will be further investment in all of Atletico Madrid's teams, encompassing the men's, women's and academy sides, to enhance their sporting competitiveness.

One of the most significant aspects of this investment is the funding for major infrastructure projects, notably the "development of the City of Sport." This ambitious project envisions a new sports and entertainment centre adjacent to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. The club stated: "The aim of this project is to become a world-class destination for sport, leisure, culture, and community activity." With Apollo's extensive experience in the sports, media, and entertainment sectors, ASC aspires to create a "dynamic, transformative, and multidisciplinary urban center for the people of Madrid."

Angel Gil, Atletico's CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. "We are very proud to welcome a new partner committed to the club. Apollo Sports Capital is a great ally that respects the history, traditions, and identity of Atletico de Madrid and its fans, while bringing additional resources and enthusiasm to help maintain our growth and competitiveness," he said.

Continuity in leadership and a strong financial foundation

Robert Givone, partner at Apollo and co-manager of ASC, underscored the importance of this continuity. "Atletico de Madrid is one of Europe’s great sporting institutions, and it is an honour for Apollo Sports Capital to invest in this historic club and its legacy of over 120 years. Miguel Angel has done an extraordinary job transforming Atletico, and it was essential for us to invest in support of the continuity of his leadership, as well as investing in the team and the local community," Givone stated.

The new partnership aims to reinforce the club's financial stability. Gil acknowledged the contributions of previous partners, saying, "Atletico would not be where it is today without the support of Wanda Group, Quantum Pacific, and Ares, whose backing has strengthened us at crucial moments." This collaboration with ASC is designed to build on that foundation, driving "solid and sustainable growth" for the club.

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Apollo Sports Capital's broader investment strategy

ASC is a global sports investment company and a subsidiary of Apollo. Its investment strategy focuses on the sports and live events sector, primarily through credit and hybrid investment opportunities. Atletico will serve as the flagship investment for ASC, with the firm explicitly stating that it is "not part of a multi-ownership strategy to control clubs."

This clarifies that ASC's interest is specific to Atletico and the club's potential, rather than building a portfolio of clubs under common ownership. Other recent investments by Apollo Sports Capital include stakes in the Mutua Madrid Open and Miami Open tennis tournaments, in partnership with MARI, and a new company formed by Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro. ASC is led by CEO Al Tylis, co-managers Givone and Lee Solomon, and Chief Strategy Officer Sam Porter.

Atletico Madrid currently sit in fourth place in La Liga, with 25 points from 12 matches, including seven wins, four draws, and one loss. They are four points behind league leaders Real Madrid and three points behind second-placed Barcelona. Their recent form has been strong, with four wins and one draw in their last five league matches, including a convincing 3-1 victory over Levante in their most recent fixture, where Antoine Griezmann scored twice.

The club also confirmed that the investment extends to its affiliated clubs, Atletico de San Luis and Atletico Ottawa, which will also become majority-owned by Apollo Sports Capital. The current shareholders – Angel Gil, Cerezo, Quantum Pacific Group and funds managed by Ares Management – will retain minority stakes across these entities.