All posts by h79snht.top

13-member committee suggests “removing bilateral ODIs, other than in the one year preceding each World Cup”

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jul-2023

Is one-day cricket still relavent outside of ODI World Cup years? The MCC doesn’t think so•ICC

The MCC has suggested limiting men’s bilateral ODI cricket after the 2027 World Cup, questioning the value the format adds to an already jam-packed calendar.The MCC’s World Cricket Committee met on the sidelines of the recent Ashes Test at Lord’s and have come to the conclusion that in a world of growing franchise T20 tournaments around the year, something has to give.The 13-member committee, led by former England captain Mike Gatting, is hopeful that “a scarcity of ODI cricket would increase the quality, achieved by removing bilateral ODIs, other than in the one year preceding each World Cup. This would, as a consequence, also create much-needed space in the global cricketing calendar.”The ICC and its various members have been grappling with this situation for a while now. Jason Roy is foregoing a part of his incremental contract with England to play in the US’s Major League Cricket (MLC). Trent Boult gave up a central contract with New Zealand last year, and the IPL has expanded into a two-month window with its franchises buying teams in other leagues as well, leading to the prospect of players being offered year-round T20 contracts.Related

Wasim Khan: International cricket must find a way to 'co-exist' with T20 leagues

Will IPL franchise owners swallow international cricket whole?

The FTP for 2023-27 is more or less set. “Nothing is going to be removed,” Wasim Khan, the ICC’s general manager of cricket said in May. But he also highlighted that, going forward, the international game needs to find a way to co-exist with the ever-increasing number of T20 leagues.MCC wants to know how much it really costs to host a Test matchTest cricket faces challenges of its own. The widely-held belief is that only a few countries don’t lose money hosting a five-day game. In 2017, for example, Zimbabwe were exploring the possibility of playing a majority of their matches away from home because of these very concerns. To address this, the MCC’s World Cricket Committee has asked the ICC to undertake an audit of the Test game with the view to setting up a “Test fund”.”This audit of operational costs [of hosting a Test match] versus commercial return would help the ICC identify nations in need of support in order to sustain a Test match programme,” an MCC press release on Tuesday said. This need could be subsequently addressed via a separate Test fund, established to “protect the sanctity of Test match cricket.”The ICC established a Test fund after the Big Three boards of the BCCI, ECB and CA took administrative control of the game’s governance in 2014. That, however, did not last long.Gatting, who is on his way out as committee chair, added: “In many ways, cricket is growing and, on the surface, seems financially strong. However, we are increasingly seeing a game which focuses on a powerful few, as opposed to a democratic and inclusive approach for the benefit of the whole sport.”It’s time for the global game to reset. Too often, member nations are finding themselves living hand to mouth with their cricketing operations, versus having a long-term, viable strategy in place that future-proofs the game in their country, both financially and in terms of participation.”We are currently at the commencement of a new ICC Future Tours Programme and financing cycle, and we would recommend further evidence of the requisite funding being directly apportioned to the strategic needs of cricket.”The World Cricket Committee also advised the setting up of a “substantial and ringfenced fund” solely for growing women’s cricket, the money from which can be “allocated on a required basis to full member and associate nations who, amongst other key initiatives, fully commit to their women’s pathway and national team. The WCC also believes that in order to qualify as a full ICC member, each nation must be required to commit to investing in both men’s and women’s cricket and field a national women’s team.”

“The majority of the team is settled,” Southee said about the final XI

Alex Malcolm28-Feb-2024

Mitchell Santner picked six wickets in the first Test against South Africa but missed the second•Getty Images

New Zealand will make a decision just before the toss as to whether they will pick a fourth seamer in Scott Kuggeleijn or a specialist spinner in Mitchell Santner for the first Test against Australia at the Basin Reserve after Wednesday’s rain meant the pitch remained under covers all day.Opener Devon Conway was ruled out on Wednesday morning due to his thumb injury with Will Young retaining his place in the Test XI and moving to the top of the order to open alongside Tom Latham. Daryl Mitchell slots back into No. 5 after missing the second Test against South Africa with a foot issue.Captain Tim Southee, Matt Henry and William O’Rourke will be the three seamers after their success against South Africa, but a decision is yet to be made on the fourth bowler. Southee did not get a look at the pitch on Wednesday due to the persistent Wellington rain and said a decision on the final XI would wait until Thursday morning.Related

Conway ruled out of opening Test against Australia

Neil Wagner retires from international cricket

“The majority of the team is settled,” he said. “We’ll have one final look obviously with the weather around and one final decision on whether an extra seamer or a spinner will play, but obviously with Devon Conway’s unfortunate injury Will Young comes in and will open the batting.”Injuries are part of cricket. But it also presents opportunities for other people. Will Young’s coming off 60-odd not out in the Test in Hamilton against South Africa.”New Zealand played four fast bowlers in their last Test in Hamilton with Neil Wagner the fourth seamer in that XI but he has since announced his retirement after being told he would not be selected in this series against Australia.New Zealand coach Gary Stead admitted on Tuesday that not picking a specialist spinner in Hamilton was a mistake after South Africa offspinner Dane Piedt took eight wickets for the match while Rachin Ravindra bagged four and Glenn Phillips two, despite O’Rourke claiming nine on debut to be named Player of the Match.Since the start of 2000, spin bowlers have averaged 40.84 at the Basin with the pace bowlers averaging 31.93. Southee said the presence of Ravindra and Phillips in the top six does give him some confidence that they have spin bowling options if they were to pick four seamers.”Yeah [it does], and I think you throw in Daryl Mitchell as well as another bowling option,” Southee said. “It’s just great to have those guys, like the Australian side have the likes of Cam Green and Mitch Marsh. It helps to balance the side when you’ve got guys in the in the top seven that are able to help out with the ball as well.”Southee said he was excited to see O’Rourke unleashed at Australia’s top order after an outstanding performance on Test debut against South Africa.”I think what we saw in Hamilton was something special from a young guy,” Southee said. “He’s shown glimpses and there’s been something about him. We’ve obviously watched him closely over the last couple of years and he’s got a lot of attributes that we liked and we saw that in his Test debut and it’s exciting to see those guys make that transition from domestic cricket to international cricket and I’m sure he’ll have a long future at the highest level.”There was some surprise within the Australian camp at Wagner’s retirement given his success against Australia’s new opener Steven Smith. Wagner claimed Smith five times in Test cricket at a cost of just 16 runs apiece, including four times in the most recent series the two sides played in 2019-20 with a barrage of short-pitched bowling and a heavy set leg-side field.O’Rourke has the pace and steep bounce to cause Smith and others similar issues on the back foot but Southee said there will be no mandate for any of his newly-formed attack to follow Wagner’s methods against Australia’s best batter.”He’s a quality player,” Southee said. “He’s obviously had a phenomenal record and now he’s moved to the top.”But I think it comes back to the individuals that we select. Obviously, Neil was extremely good at the role that he played. And he had a great tour to Australia a few years back and a lot of success against Steve. I guess you look at the type of bowlers that we will select and the way that they like to operate and all three or four bowlers will be different in the way they operate.”

Batter withdrew from India Test tour and IPL but is focussed on World Cup comeback

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Apr-2024

Harry Brook has been back in action for Yorkshire at the start of the Championship season•Getty Images

Harry Brook says his performances this summer are dedicated to his late grandmother Pauline, who passed away in March.Pauline Brook was visible throughout her grandson’s career and became a cult hero within English cricket. She often collected awards on Harry’s behalf, of which there have already been many in the player’s short career. She was the figurehead of the Brook family and lived next to Burley-in-Wharfedale Cricket Club, where Harry learned the game.Pauline fell ill in January, while Brook was preparing for England’s Test tour of India in the UAE. The 25-year-old subsequently pulled out of the five-match series, before missing the Indian Premier League with Delhi Capitals after she passed away.Brook has since returned to action with Yorkshire and marked his first match for the county since July 2022 with an emotional 69-ball century against Leicestershire, looking to the sky upon reaching three figures. It was his first competitive appearance since England’s fifth T20I against West Indies in December. A second century – 126 not out – came on Saturday against Derbyshire at Headingley, as Yorkshire posted 450 for 5 declared in their first innings.Speaking publicly for the first time since Pauline’s death, Brook dedicated both his centuries to his grandmother and reflected on a tough time for the family. He was also grateful for the time he had with her at the start of the year before her condition deteriorated.”Both of those hundreds [for Yorkshire this season] and all of the runs I’ve scored so far this year are all dedicated to her,” Brook told the ECB Reporters Network.”When I came home from Abu Dhabi, it was a very tough time, and I’m glad I did come home. Obviously, it was a big decision to make. I hadn’t played hundreds of games for England, so to just turn down a big Test tour like that [India] was a big decision to make.”But she comes before all of that. She would have come out there a couple of years ago, so I had to come back and support her as much as I could. I managed to take her out for a coffee and whatnot in that first week I was back.”I was still training with a mindset of trying to get back out for the last couple of Tests, all being well. It all disintegrated fairly quickly, so that didn’t happen. I just tried to support her as best as I could and everyone around us.”Following the conclusion of Yorkshire’s match with Derbyshire, in which rain washed out the entirety of the scheduled third day’s play on Sunday, Brook will play his final County Championship match of this portion of the season, against Glamorgan next week. He will then join England for their T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.Brook was an ever-present in England’s 2022 T20 World Cup triumph and will be integral to their title defence. Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott announce their provisional squad on Tuesday (April 30) with Brook set to be a pivotal figure in a relatively young group. He will then return to the Test side this summer for series against West Indies and Sri Lanka from July.”I’m looking forward to it, if selected,” Brook said of the World Cup. “We join up at the end of next month. I’m looking forward to being back with the lads and hopefully producing the goods for England again.”

This summer looks set to be a massive one for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has even admitted as much.

The Spaniard’s side might still be able to do something truly remarkable in the Champions League, but with Liverpool now 11 points ahead in the Premier League, any chance of domestic glory looks all but gone.

It’s been a bruising campaign for the Gunners in that regard, as endless injuries and underwhelming form have seen them miss out on the chance to take advantage of Manchester City’s incredible collapse.

Fortunately, it appears as if the North Londoners are determined not to let the same thing happen next year by going big in the summer transfer market, and while Nico Williams has long been linked with the club, recent reports have now touted an even better player for a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal transfer news

Even before Arteta commented on the magnitude of the summer ahead, it looked almost certain that Arsenal would be in the market for a new centre-forward, as recent weeks have seen two names constantly linked with the club: Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.

Transfer Focus

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

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The former will supposedly be available for around the £58m mark and has amassed a tally of 55 goal involvements in 44 games for Sporting CP this season, while the latter could cost up to £67m and has amassed a haul of 25 goal involvements in 39 games for RB Leipzig.

However, it looks like the club don’t just want a new centre-forward, as alongside Williams, there has been another superstar winger recently touted for a move to N5: Rafael Leão.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are keen on signing AC Milan’s Portuguese game-changer.

The report has revealed that the Gunners have made the dynamic attacker one of their top priorities for the upcoming window as they seek a ‘star signing’.

However, Milan are understandably reluctant to let their star man leave easily, so the North Londoners would have to pay his mammoth release clause, which reportedly exceeds €100m, or £86m.

It would be an incredibly costly and potentially complicated transfer, but given Leão’s ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Williams.

How Leão compares to Williams

So, if Arsenal can only sign one left-winger this summer, how does Leão stack up against Williams?

Well, when it comes down to their pure output, the Portuguese superstar comes out on top.

For example, in 43 appearances this season, totalling 2997 minutes, the “unstoppable” Milan star, as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy, has scored ten goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.26 games, or every 157.73 minutes.

Leão vs Williams

Player

Leao

Williams

Appearances

43

39

Minutes

2997′

2689′

Goals

10

9

Assists

9

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.44

0.41

Minutes per Goal Involvement

157.73′

172′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the Athletic Bilbao dynamo has scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 39 appearances, totalling 2752 minutes.

That means the Spaniard is currently averaging a goal involvement every 2.43 games, or every 172 minutes, which isn’t bad but doesn’t stack up to the competition.

Moreover, when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, it’s another win for the Almada-born monster.

For example, he comes out ahead in practically every relevant metric, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive and key passes, crosses and passes into the penalty area, goal-creating actions, shots and shots on target, passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

Leão vs Williams

Statistic

Leão

Williams

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.60

0.35

Non-Penalty G+As

0.58

0.43

Progressive Passes

3.74

3.17

Progressive Carries

4.95

5.34

Shots

2.57

2.45

Shots on Target

1.04

0.87

Passing Accuracy

75.0%

70.3%

Key Passes

2.48

1.88

Passes into the Final Third

1.58

1.06

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.16

1.35

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.45

0.38

Shot-Creating Actions

4.77

5.05

Goal-Creating Actions

0.63

0.58

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

Ultimately, signing either Leão or Williams would make Arsenal a far more dangerous proposition next season, but if they have to pick one, Arteta and Co should sign the Milan star, as he’s simply the better player.

Related Arsenal preparing mega £129m offer to seal their best signing since Rice

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Posts 7 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 10, 2025

Liverpool are the Premier League’s Champions-Elect, defeating Everton on Wednesday evening to restore their 12-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the table.

Eight games left. To fall now would be to become the biggest laughing stock in Premier League history, such is the gap which the Gunners surely won’t be able to bridge.

Arne Slot has been a revelation in the dugout, but his prowess in the coaching department must now be met by summer investment to ensure Anfield can do it all over again next season.

Sadly, FSG’s parameters can only stretch so far, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contractual renewal feels like an unattainable thing.

Liverpool's right-back conundrum

Alexander-Arnold was all smiles as Liverpool won the Merseyside derby at Anfield, beaming from the sidelines as he recuperates from an ankle injury suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last month.

But Real Madrid have come knocking and it looks like Liverpool’s vice-captain is going to answer the door. Approaching the end of his contract, Trent is expected to sign for the Spanish giants and end a lifelong affinity with Liverpool.

It’s a bruising blow, one that will sting for a while, but dismay is tempered somewhat by Conor Bradley’s emergence, the Northern Irish defender having been lauded by Alexander-Arnold for his “absolutely phenomenal” performances since breaking from the academy ranks.

Alexander-Arnold may need replacing, though, and reports suggest that Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is the man for the job; Sky Sports actually claim that direct contact has already been made between Liverpool and the player’s representatives.

Frimpong is expected to cost around £40m to prise away from Xabi Alonso, and given Liverpool’s need for sweeping changes this summer, Slot may be tempted to make do with his current options at right-back, even if the star player does indeed depart.

And yes, that is plural. Bradley isn’t the only man capable of a strong performance on the right wing of the backline, as we saw in the Merseyside derby.

Why Liverpool don't need to sign Frimpong

FSG might have a bit of a cost-cutting reputation but Liverpool are built on the American owners’ diligent and sustainable model. Simply look at some of the club’s divisional rivals as a barometer, should frustrations ever threaten to boil over.

Strikers are needed, as is a left-back. Recent performances have perhaps shown us that Liverpool don’t pack a powerful enough punch in the middle of the park either, in spite of Slot’s midfield triumvirate being among the finest on the continent.

One of those midfielders is Curtis Jones, who doesn’t start every week but is a highly valued member of the squad. Events this summer may even see him take the mantle as Liverpool’s star and most experienced Scouser.

The 23-year-old has made 37 appearances this season, directly involved in ten goals and playing across a vast range of different positions. His tactical bendability is most impressive, making him a priceless part of the tactical process.

His most recent reshift came at right-back against Everton, a role that he performed with aplomb as Alexander-Arnold, Bradley and Joe Gomez all sat on the sidelines.

Curtis Jones – Liverpool Stats by Position (24/25)

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Central midfield

14

0

3

Attacking midfield

14

2

3

Defensive midfield

4

1

1

Centre-forward

1

0

0

Left midfield

1

0

0

Right-back

1

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

There’s little question that Jones is one of the most underappreciated players in the Premier League, ranking among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90, as per FBref, and the top 1% for pass completion.

Not only is he creative, but he’s typically unerring in his distribution, maintaining a metronomic style while driving play forward with darting, energetic runs and a playmaker’s touch.

These are translatable skills, indeed convincing Slot to field him in defence against the Toffees. For extra context, this was not a hasty decision, with Liverpool’s boss revealing that “it’s something I’ve thought about” for a long time, suggesting that early tactical plans were mapped out “in the first-half of the season.”

Keeping a clean sheet, the England international looked composed and convincing in his makeshift berth, with The Liverpool Echo handing him a noteworthy 8/10 match rating and hailing the willingness to play out from the back while upholding a combative sheen.

Given that Bradley is on the cusp of a comeback and that Gomez (for now) and Quansah reside in the ranks too, it seems like Slot might have sufficient options to charge into the upcoming campaign with.

Frimpong’s a fine player, for sure, but is his signature actually necessary? Perhaps in more conventional circumstances, it would be, but Liverpool are about to attack the market with a vicious hunger, and resources may be better directed toward other areas.

Jones is underrated in some ways, but he’s also receiving new waves of recognition for his talents. Hailed as a “truly special” player by one hawk-eyed analyst, the versatile ace is everything you’d want in a midfielder.

He’s also on the rise from a financial standpoint, with Transfermarkt hiking up his projected market price of late to a valuation of about £42m. That’s more than the £40m-rated Frimpong, by the way.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

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Whether Liverpool opt to enrich their Dutch contingency this summer remains to be seen, but Jones has proved that he’s a priceless part of this soon-to-be title-winning team, and financial attention might be better off turned elsewhere.

Related He's better than Frimpong: Liverpool working on deal to sign "complete" RB

Liverpool are already working on a deal to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 2, 2025

Liverpool recently confirmed that star attacker Mohamed Salah has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with the club to extend his stay at Anfield beyond the summer.

His old deal was due to expire at the end of the current season, which would have made him a free agent ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but the Reds will have Salah running down the wing again next term.

That should come as a huge relief to the Anfield supporters because he has scored 243 goals for the club to date, including 27 goals in the Premier League so far this term.

The Egypt international consistently carries a big threat at the top end of the pitch, and his decision to extend his contract will come as a big boost for Arne Slot, who will be able to call upon his services on the right flank again next season.

Salah is not the only key Liverpool star who has decided to remain at Anfield, though, as Virgil van Dijk has reportedly agreed a two-year contract extension, although that has yet to be officially confirmed by the club.

Why keeping Virgil van Dijk is a big boost for Liverpool

Keeping the Netherlands international beyond the summer, when his deal is currently due to expire, is set to be a big boost for the club when it is made official.

The former Southampton defender is on the verge of winning his second Premier League title with the Reds, and his first whilst wearing the captain’s armband.

Van Dijk has played every single minute of the current league season for the Reds, starting all 32 of their matches, and has been a rock at the heart of the defence.

Liverpool have kept 13 clean sheets and conceded 31 goals – the second-lowest tally in the division – in that time, thanks to his exceptional performances at centre-back.

24/25 Premier League

Virgil van Dijk

Starts

32

Pass accuracy

92%

Clean sheets

13

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

Clearances per game

5.2

Ground duel success rate

61%

Aerial duel success rate

70%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Van Dijk has dominated opposition attackers in duels on the ground and in the air, whilst being incredibly reliable with the ball at his feet.

The Dutch defender, who scored the winning goal in their clash with West Ham United at Anfield last weekend, has been a consistent and brilliant performer at centre-back, playing a pivotal role in their soon-to-be title success.

This is why keeping the defender at the club is set to be a big boost for Liverpool and Klopp, particularly as he is now at an age – 33 – where it is all about his performances, rather than any sell-on value.

At the time of writing (17/04/2025), Transfermarkt have Van Dijk’s market value at roughly £23.9m, which is even less than they reportedly want for one of their young talents this summer.

The latest on Jarell Quansah's Liverpool future

According to CaughtOffside, there are six clubs interested in a deal to sign Jarell Quansah from Liverpool in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that Newcastle United have a long-standing interest in the England U21 international and that they are one of the six clubs eyeing him up.

It states that Everton, Bournemouth, and Brentford are among the other Premier League teams keen on the versatile defender, who can play at right-back or centre-back.

CaughtOffside adds that there is also interest from abroad in the young starlet, as Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen could emerge as suitors for him.

The outlet also reveals that Liverpool would be willing to listen to offers for the academy graduate if any teams come in with bids worth around £30m, but it remains to be seen whether or not any of the aforementioned clubs are prepared to meet their demands.

This latest report shows that the Reds have hit the jackpot on Quansah, who is now worth even more than club captain and leading centre-back Van Dijk.

Why Liverpool should sell Jarrel Quansah

The central defender has been at Liverpool since the age of five, with this year marking 15 years at the club, and this means that they did not have to spend a penny to land the talented youngster.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

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He was not an expensive signing at academy or first-team level who has come into the senior set-up with expectations or potential that has to be fulfilled to live up to a price tag.

Quansah, instead, rose through the ranks as a homegrown prospect and enjoyed a loan spell at Bristol Rovers before his emergence in the squad under Jurgen Klopp last term.

As shown in the clips above, the English colossus showcased his qualities in and out of possession in his debut campaign to earn himself a senior England call-up last year.

The 22-year-old ace, who was described as a “monster” by scout Jacek Kulig last term, has failed to kick on after his promising performances in the 2023/24 season, though, as he has struggled for game time under Slot.

Jarell Quansah (Premier League)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

17

11

Goals

2

0

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.5

1.4

Clearances per game

2.3

1.3

Ground duel success rate

60%

50%

Aerial duel success rate

67%

39%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Quansah has played fewer matches, completed fewer defensive actions, and been weaker in duels on the floor and in the air in the Premier League this season compared to last.

Instead of developing and improving with age, it appears as though the English defender has regressed, or stagnated at best, under the Dutch head coach.

This suggests that now could be the right time for Liverpool to cash in on the 22-year-old, who is now valued at £30m, as this could be the peak of his value.

The Reds could run the risk of his form continuing to regress, resulting in his value dropping, if they do not decide to make the most of the current interest in his services from teams across Europe, which is why they should move on from him this summer.

Related Better move than Huijsen: Liverpool closely following £50m "game-changer"

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Posts ByDan Emery Apr 16, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has now dropped some early team news ahead of Bodo/Glimt, and he has hinted that a key player may not be available.

Europa League or bust for Ange

It was always going to be a daunting task travelling to Anfield to take on a Liverpool side that needed just one point to clinch the Premier League title, but it was yet another dismal performance from Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, suffering a crushing 5-1 defeat.

Courtesy of a third defeat on the spin, Spurs are 16th in the table with just four games left to play, but it appears as though Postecoglou’s job could be safe for the time being, given that his side are in a strong position to win the Europa League.

The Lilywhites picked up a rare clean sheet against Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of the quarter-final, advancing to the final four after a 1-0 victory in Germany, and on paper they have a kind route to the final in Bilbao.

Related Tottenham serious contenders to sign Premier League star at £50m+ discount

Tottenham are among the main suitors for a winger, whose club are now willing to let him leave this summer.

Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 27, 2025

Postecoglou’s side are set to face Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final, with the Eliteserien champions becoming the first Norwegian side ever to reach the semi-finals of a European competition after defeating Lazio over two legs in dramatic fashion.

The Norwegian side defeated the Italians on penalties at the Stadio Olimpico, progressing to the semi-finals despite losing 3-1 on the night, so they will be confident they are capable of causing Tottenham problems.

As such, Postecoglou will be hoping to have Son Heung-min available for the crucial match, but the manager has now hinted the forward may not be available for the first leg, saying: “It’ll be touch and go for Thursday. He’ll try hard. If [he’s not ready] for the first game we think he’ll be ready for the second game.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Bodo/Glimt (h)

May 1st

West Ham United (a)

May 4th

Bodo/Glimt (a)

May 8th

Crystal Palace (h)

May 11th

Aston Villa (a)

May 18th

"Incredible" Son would be big miss for Spurs

Tottenham may have seriously underperformed in the Premier League this season, but Son has continued to catch the eye with some of his performances, picking up seven goals and ten assists in 28 appearances.

The £190k-per-week forward has impressed throughout the Postecoglou era, with his manager previously lauding him as “incredible”, and he could be a big miss if he is unavailable for the crucial encounter against Bodo/Glimt.

That said, Spurs should have more than enough to progress past the Norwegians regardless, given the disparity between the Premier League and the Eliteserien.

There have been suggestions that Postecoglou is set to face the sack regardless of whether Tottenham win the Europa League, but if they come up short in the semi-final, it would surely be the end of the road for the Australian.

Aston Villa’s season now rests on finishing inside the top five spots in the Premier League with an FA Cup semi-final heartbreak still fresh, on top of crashing out of the Champions League to the might of Paris St. Germain.

Of course, finishing inside those coveted few positions will be a hard feat to pull off, with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest also vying for a place amongst Europe’s elite alongside Unai Emery’s Villans.

But, when Villa are at their free-flowing, dangerous best, they can hurt any side that comes their way in the top-flight. Amazingly, however, the West Midlands giants could become even more of an entertaining outfit to watch if they were to land this top-drawer attacking midfielder shortly.

Aston Villa's early transfer targets

It’s not only incomings that are the talk of the town at Villa Park at the moment, with Emiliano Martinez reportedly being looked at by clubs out in Saudi Arabia, alongside Morgan Rogers taking up space on Chelsea’s ever-growing shopping list.

Rogers leaving might well have sparked Villa’s curiosity in looking for fresh blood in the number ten spot, with 18-year-old Sverre Nypan being looked at as one for the future, alongside Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer deal.

Football Insider has revealed that Villa are looking to snap up the Premier League veteran as an alternative to landing loan star Marco Asensio permanently.

The Villans are exploring a move for the former Chelsea man as it could prove far cheaper than the deal needed to lure Asensio to England for good, considering the need to cover the Spaniard’s wages, alongside a transfer fee.

After all, the 33-year-old would be able to gift Emery and Co some class as an ageing operator in midfield, on top of perhaps being the best switch Villa have signed off on since De Bruyne’s fellow compatriot Youri Tielemans entered the building back in 2023.

Why De Bruyne could be their best signing since Tielemans

Before delving deeper into why he could be held in such high esteem, Villa have picked up some top talents since Tielemans’ arrival almost two years ago.

Rogers’ signing sticks out as a memorable one – among the likes of Amadou Onana joining for big bucks – considering Chelsea will have to splash out far more than the initial £8m Emery and Co paid for his services, off the back of his 16 goal contributions in league action this season.

Even the loan moves for the likes of Asensio, Marcus Rashford and Donyell Malen have caught the eye, although a bargain deal for De Bruyne would surpass even that trio, considering his status as the “greatest” Premier League midfielder of all time, according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Much like the City number 17’s potential switch, Tielemans would also join the Villa ranks in 2023 as a free transfer pick-up, with the Villans capitalising on Leicester City’s dire relegation situation to land the exceptional midfielder.

Ever since joining, the 75-time Belgium international has pulled the strings for his employers on a regular basis, leading to Tielemans amassing 25 goal contributions and counting from 97 overall contests.

The “unique” De Bruyne – as described by Pep Guardiola – has still managed to show flashes of his excellence for City this season, even as his team’s form on the pitch has been unexpectedly choppy, meaning he might well link up with Tielemans to devastating effect if a deal is signed off on.

Indeed, the six-time Premier League title winner has still been able to register a healthy five goals and eight assists in all competitions. To add context, Tielemans is only one ahead of his potential new teammate’s numbers for the campaign, despite being six years younger.

De Bruyne’s achievements at City

Stat

De Bruyne

Games played

417

Goals scored

107

Assists

177

Premier League titles

6x

FA Cups

2x

League Cups

5x

Champions Leagues

1x

Man City Player of the Season

4x

Premier League Player of the Season

2x

Sourced by Transfermarkt

A man of De Bruyne’s “unbelievable” pedigree – as he’s been hailed in the past by Guardiola himself – doesn’t just his lose his star-quality overnight, with Emery perhaps the perfect manager to get the 5 foot 11 ace back to his ridiculous best, having worked wonders when reviving Rashford’s own career.

Therefore, if everything goes to plan and De Bruyne can prove his age is merely a number by showing off his world-class ability, this would go down as the best switch signed off on since Tielemans’ arrival onto the scene.

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It’s been a strange old season for Liverpool, who have been crowned Premier League champions but feel to have faced an inordinate amount of adversity for a team succeeding in winning the country’s biggest prize.

For most of the campaign, Arne Slot’s side have resembled the committed, composed and cultured team of champions, beating off so many opponents and looking, even before Christmas, to be nailed on for a first-place finish.

Mohamed Salah has been the architect, rampaging his way through the season as he made good on a promise and delivered another top-flight title to the Reds fanbase. Excitingly, the story’s not over after his two-year contract extension.

Sadly, Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be joining the rest of Anfield’s superstars for the next phase of the Slot era. Instead, the vice-captain is leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season, with Real Madrid the destination.

Liverpool's painful divorce

Maybe you could argue Alexander-Arnold represented the totemic image of the Jurgen Klopp era; you could stake compelling cases for Virgil van Dijk and Salah too.

This has been a season of many parts for those paying attention at Anfield. Last summer’s upheaval threatened everything, but a Salah-led season has reaped the biggest reward, with the Egyptian King incredibly scoring 33 goals and providing 23 assists across all competitions.

But now Alexander-Arnold’s legacy has been shifted and swirled into a new pattern, one which, for some supporters, is irretrievably broken, unalterably damaged by the decision to leave for Real Madrid and conduct his business, in the long, quiet build-up, with the undeniable air of slyness.

Ah well, we’ll get over it. The fact that Slot has won the Premier League trophy in his first season helps, after all. But the coach will hardly want his own legacy to be defined by a flash-in-the-pan title success, driven by Salah’s absurd season. This is a long-term project.

FSG have their foibles, but they are swift and shrewd and savvy in the transfer market. Is it any surprise that Alexander-Arnold’s successor is already being lined up?

Liverpool open talks for Trent successor

Recent reports suggest that Salah’s set to have a new partner down the right flank, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong emerging as the primary target to bolster Liverpool’s looming gap at right-back.

It’s claimed that an agreement (in principle) is in place with the Netherlands international regarding a transfer this summer, with a five-year contract slated.

Sky Germany have corroborated the claims, revealing that the 24-year-old’s release clause in the region of €40m (about £34m) should see a deal run smoothly if Liverpool are indeed ready to replace Alexander-Arnold with a new right-sider.

Why Jeremie Frimpong would suit Liverpool

Conor Bradley tempers the need for an Alexander-Arnold replacement, but the Northern Irishman is raw and lacks completeness. However, he has the properties to reach that level.

Frimpong would simply add a string to the bow, one which Slot could use to fire his Liverpool team further into the ascendancy by adding a very unique dimension.

As per FBref, Frimpong ranks among the top 6% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal involvements, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 20% for crosses per 90. He has the talent to succeed Alexander-Arnold, not least because he won an invincible domestic double under Xabi Alonso’s wing last year.

His progress in Germany has been quite a thing, leaving Celtic in January 2021 and since becoming “one of the best wing-backs in Europe,” as commented by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Jeremie Frimpong at Bayer Leverkusen (all comps)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

48

5

12

23/24

47

14

12

22/23

48

9

11

21/22

34

2

8

20/21

13

0

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

Operating within Slot’s system would also dispel the myth that he’s deficient in a defensive capacity. While Frimpong’s bursts of pace and almost possessed hunger for goals and assists suggest he lacks at the back, there’s evidence to point toward the contrary.

Picture this: it’s Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, before Alonso took over and lifted the club to heights simply unimaginable, even from the most optimistic of ultras. Under Alonso, Frimpong has played a half season, and then a full one, and now he’s a few months deep into his second.

At this stage, the Dutchman plays a more conventional full-back’s role, settled onto the right wing of the backline but with a license to dart forward with menace when chances arise.

Hailed as a “flying machine” by journalist Kevin Hatchard and described as an “insane” player in the final third by analyst Ben Mattinson, the concerns relating to the defensive issues that may arise from Frimpong’s signing, especially in piling a defensive burden back onto Salah, are understandable, but the wing-back will likely prove a few wrong if he winds up on Merseyside.

For example, his ground duel success in the German top flight is 45% this season, 49% across the last Bundesliga term (as per Sofascore). However, given he spends most of his time in the attacking half, he wouldn’t be expected to win the lion’s share of his challenges.

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who bears a similar heatmap this year, has won 51% of his ground battles, regarded as one of the most combative attacking profiles in the business.

Back in 2021/22, the last full season Frimpong spent as an actual full-back, he won 59% of such duels, of which he averaged five per game. He averaged two tackles and interceptions per fixture too.

He could prove a few wrong as the new star of the show at right-back, a bit like when Salah arrived in 2017 and took Phil Coutinho’s mantle as Liverpool’s star attacker. Of course, it’s not quite the same, for the Brazilian playmaker completed half a season alongside Salah, but he tried to force his way out in the summer of the 32-year-old’s arrival.

Losing Coutinho was a bit like losing Trent. It felt like the world was ending for Liverpool, who had just started to really get going for Klopp and had lost one of their prized and unique superstars.

Liverpool endured and ended up being better for it. But therein lies the point of difference. Alexander-Arnold is leaving on a free transfer, and the only benefit FSG are receiving is the easing of the wage bill after Van Dijk and Salah’s bumped-up salaries.

Salah’s commitment to the cause is one of the principal reasons behind his matchless standing within the Liverpool community. Bringing in a personality such as Frimpong could certainly help the Reds forget about Alexander-Arnold and advance Slot’s vision.

The £65k-per-week Frimpong really could prove to be Slot’s very own Salah signing, replacing a club icon and actually going on to help Liverpool reach the next level. While it’s unlikely Frimpong would reach the same giddy heights as his predecessor, he could thrive in a tussle for the top spot with Bradley.

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Leeds United know that they will be playing Premier League football next season and the rumour mill is already well underway ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Whites know that they will have to bolster their squad in order to avoid being instantly relegated back down to the Championship, as the last six newly-promoted sides have been.

A new centre-forward appears to be one of the priorities on the agenda for the West Yorkshire centurions. Newcastle United marksman Callum Wilson and promising St. Gallen striker Willem Geubbels have both been linked with moves to Elland Road in recent days.

Former Norwich City star Gabriel Sara, who played and scored against Daniel Farke’s side in the 2023/24 campaign, has also been linked with a switch from Galatasaray.

The club’s interest in these high-profile signings show that the 49ers mean business and that they want to improve the squad, which will also come as bad news for some of the current squad.

There will be some Leeds players who played key roles in the Championship who will now be concerned about their place in the starting XI next term, and one of those will be Jayden Bogle.

Why Jayden Bogle's Leeds position is not secure

The English right-back enjoyed a sublime season in the second tier with the Whites as their first-choice right-back, beating off competition from Isaac Schmidt and Sam Byram to lock down that position on a regular basis.

Bogle ended the campaign with 44 starts in 44 league appearances, which shows that he was Farke’s bona fide first-choice right-back, and the defender delivered excellent performances during that time.

The 24-year-old full-back was signed from Sheffield United for a reported fee of £5m in the summer transfer window last year, and it is fair to say that he has repaid the club by helping them to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Bogle scored six goals, created 11 ‘big chances’, and delivered four assists in his 44 appearances in the league, which shows that he made a huge impact at the top end of the pitch from a right-back position.

However, Leeds will be battling against relegation next season and will need more defensive quality from their defenders, rather than an emphasis on their attacking ability, and the English full-back does not have a great track record in that respect.

Jayden Bogle (Premier League)

20/21

23/24

Appearances

16

34

Goals conceded

24

98

Goals conceded per game

1.5

2.88

Clean sheets

2

1

Dribbled past

19x

34x

Ground duels won

43%

47%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Bogle has been part of a team that has conceded 122 goals in 50 matches at Premier League level for Sheffield United in the past, more than two per game on average.

The club’s interest in signing a new right-back will, therefore, leave the defender worried because the Whites may look to replace him as a starter.

Leeds enquire about deal for Premier League defender

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Leeds United are one of the teams plotting a move to sign West Ham United right-back Vladimir Coufal in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that both the Whites and Everton, managed by former Hammers boss David Moyes, have enquired about a deal for the Czechia international.

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Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: “Vladimir Coufal may be a market opportunity as well. I’m told that Leeds and Everton are the two clubs that have enquired for him. So, there is substance to both of those links for sure and like I said a moment ago, I’m fully expecting Leeds to explore the goalkeeper market.”

The experienced defender’s contract at the London Stadium expires this summer, and it has already been confirmed that he will be on his way, which has presented Leeds and Everton with the chance to snap him up for nothing.

Why this news should leave Jayden Bogle worried

Bogle should be worried by the news that Leeds are plotting a swoop to sign the 32-year-old right-back in the summer transfer window, because Coufal could arrive at Elland Road to take the Englishman’s place in the starting XI.

As aforementioned, the Whites star has struggled big time in the Premier League in his last two times in the division, particularly defensively in duels, and there is no guarantee that this time around will be any different for him.

Coufal, on the other hand, is a battle-hardened and proven Premier League defender who has been a part of a West Ham team that has avoided the drop for five consecutive seasons.

Throughout his time in the top-flight with the Hammers, the former Slavia Prague titan has shown that he can combine reliable defensive work with a creative threat in possession.

Vladimir Coufal (Premier League)

24/25

23/24

22/23

21/22

20/21

Appearances

20

36

27

28

34

Dribbled past per game

0.6x

1.0x

0.5x

0.6x

1.1x

Ground duel success rate

47%

50%

54%

52%

57%

Aerial duel success rate

60%

52%

65%

49%

56%

Big chances created

1

6

4

4

9

Assists

0

7

1

4

7

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the West Ham defender has plenty of experience in the Premier League and has usually been reliable in duels on the deck and in the air, whilst delivering ‘big chances’ and assists for his team.

Coufal, once hailed as “outstanding” by former teammate Declan Rice, has only been dribbled past more than once per game on average in his top-flight career, whilst Bogle has been dribbled past 53 times in 50 matches in the division.

These statistics indicate that the Czechia international is more likely to be a reliable option for Farke at right-back in the Premier League, based on their respective performances at that level to date.

That is not to say that Bogle cannot improve and make the step up this time around, but the arrival of the West Ham defender on a free transfer would surely leave him worried about his position because of the optics of the move, given the calibre of player coming in.

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