Sunrisers unable to get on the board despite fifties for Noami Dattani, Kelly Castle
ECB Reporters' Network12-Jun-2021A half-century by Michaela Kirk and four wickets for Teresa Graves helped Lightning to a second victory in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy as bottom-of-the-table Sunrisers slumped to a fourth defeat from four matches.Naomi Dattani hit 65 and Kelly Castle 52 as Sunrisers posted 206 for 9 after opting to bat first at Loughborough University’s Haslegrave Ground, seamer Graves taking 4 for 39. But Lightning chased down their target with almost 10 overs to spare with South African-born batter Kirk hitting nine boundaries, sharing partnerships of 57 with Sarah Bryce and 47 with Kathryn Bryce.Abbey Freeborn then struck seven fours in a 48-ball 44, her partnership of 51 with Sonia Odedra effectively sealing the win. Freeborn was caught at midwicket with just two still needed before Graves hit the winning boundary.Always ahead of the required rate, Lightning were 47 without loss in the Powerplay. Sarah Bryce was caught at backward point off Castle’s medium pace but she was Lightning’s only casualty in scoring 100 from the first 20 overs.They suffered a double setback when Kirk and Kathryn Bryce fell in consecutive overs to offspinners Katie Midwood and Alice Macleod, Kirk trapped leg before sweeping before Bryce was bowled. But Freeborn and Lucy Higham added 48 for the fourth wicket, bringing the requirement down to 52 from 20 overs, before Higham was lbw to Castle sweeping.Sunrisers were 31 for 3 after their Powerplay overs. Seamer Sophie Munro bowled Grace Scrivens off an inside edge and had Amara Carr well caught by Freeborn at slip, before left-arm spinner Kirstie Gordon took her ninth wicket of the competition so far, trapping Alice Macleod leg before.Lightning captain Kathryn Bryce conceded only seven runs in her first six overs. Once she took a rest, however, runs came more easily as Dattani and Cordelia Griffith added 60 for the fourth wicket before the latter hit straight to mid-on as Graves made the breakthrough.Dattani and Castle put on 87 in 17 overs for the fifth wicket, Dattani completing her half-century off 82 balls with five fours before clearing the rope off Lucy Higham’s offspin for the only six of the innings. But Dattani was bowled attempting to sweep Yvonne Graves’s offspin, sparking a late collapse as Sunrisers lost five wickets for 18 runs in six overs, three of them to Graves.She dismissed Jo Gardner and had Gayatri Gole in the space of three balls before Castle played round one to be leg before, and Bryce picked up a deserved wicket when Freeborn held a good low catch at mid-on to remove Katherine Speed.
Chelsea failed to secure their primary striker target, Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, after the deal went down to deadline day. Chelsea failed to agree terms in the final hours of the transfer window, ending the summer without a striker addition.
Osimhen has instead sealed a move to Galatasaray on loan, with other factors included in the deal, such as a lower release clause being inserted into his Napoli contract, and Galatasaray having no buy option.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen made 32 appearances in all competitions for Napoli last season, scoring 17 goals, providing four assists, and totalling 2,476 minutes played. As it happens, he'll now be joining a certain Hakim Ziyech in Turkey.
Ziyech's time at Chelsea
Ziyech was bought to Chelsea during Frank Lampard's reign, for a fee of £33.3m, signed during February, but joined the club in the summer of 2020.
Making 107 appearances for the club, Ziyech managed just 14 goals and 13 assists, a shadow of his Ajax form, where he delivered 49 goals and 81 assists in 165 games played.
Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech.
This wasn't helped by his early injury issues in 2020 under Lampard, missing 14 matches with knee and hip injuries, at a time he was considered a starter under the English coach.
Some of the Moroccans' best performances for the Blues came in the Champions League, scoring two goals in the infamous Champions League run under both Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, where Chelsea lifted the trophy in 2021.
But things have been going downhill for Ziyech since the 2022/23 season, where he only managed 24 appearances, totalling 943 minutes for Chelsea, spelling the end of his time at Stamford Bridge, and moving to Turkey to continue his career with Galatasaray, now alongside the aforementioned Osimhen.
Ziyech's time at Galatasaray so far
In his first season for the club where he was on loan, Ziyech made 23 appearances in the 2023/24 campaign across all competitions, scoring eight goals, providing four assists, and featuring for 1,334 minutes played.
Ziyech actually finished the season in relatively good form, scoring four goals and providing one assist in the final six Süper Lig games.
Ziyech's last start vs Young Boys (Sofascore)
Stats
Ziyech
Goals
0
Assists
0
Touches
34
Key Passes
1
Accurate Passes
18/20
Possession Lost
7
Ground Duels Won
1/6
Successful Dribbles
0/3
Dribbled Past
2
Since this performance, Ziyech was an unused substitute against Adana DS in the Süper Lig, as the likes of Kerem Akturkoglu, and Baris Alper Yilmaz have been preferred to the Moroccan.
Now a permanent figure at the Turkish club, signing in a paltry £2.5m deal this summer, the 2024/25 campaign has seen a torrid start with the 31-year-old making four appearances and providing no goal involvements in his 237 minutes. He has also now been an unused sub in two Süper Lig games, out of a possible three.
Coming towards the back end of his career, Ziyech faces the challenge of getting back into the Galatasaray starting XI, and the signing of Osimhen could actually be his route back in.
Widely known for his passing ability, the Moroccan could provide the creation needed in order for Osimhen to thrive in the box, receiving crosses from all angles, box entry passes, and shot-creating actions.
Osimhen could just be the saviour for Ziyech at Galatasaray, and a way back into the starting XI based on the attributes he can offer the team, especially in a duo with their new talisman.
Chelsea struck gold on £0 signing who's now worth 4x more than Sancho
He’s already proving to be a key figure under Enzo Maresca…
Leeds United narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League, losing 1-0 to Southampton at Wembley in the Championship play-off final. The aim now for Daniel Farke, and his men, is to pick themselves up and go again next season.
However, this will be without two of their key men from last season, with Archie Gray having already left for Tottenham Hotspur, while Crysensio Summerville appears to be on the brink of a move to West Ham United.
Recruitment has been made, with Joe Rodon joining on a permanent deal from Spurs and Jayden Bogle coming in from Sheffield United, but Leeds will need to bolster their squad and replace the output of Championship POTY Summerville if they are to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
Leeds transfer news
According to Turkish outlet Haber Ekspres, Leeds are said to have tabled an offer worth around €3m (£2.3m) for Fenerbahce winger, Ryan Kent. The report states talks will continue between the two clubs, as Leeds look to finalise a deal.
The report states that Kent isn't in new manager, José Mourinho's plans, and this should give Leeds hope of landing the 27-year-old Englishman.
Kent made 18 appearances for the Super Lig outfit last season in all competitions, scoring one goal, providing two assists and totalling 736 minutes of football. But Leeds will be hoping he can re-capture his Rangers form, scoring 33 goals and providing 56 assists in his 218 games for the Old Firm side.
Kent and Rutter partnership
One star attacker it looks like Leeds will be keeping this summer is forward Georginio Rutter. The 22-year-old made 51 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals, and providing 16 assists in his 4,210 minutes.
Of course, a signing like Kent would be to replace the output of Summerville, but also an attempt to bring the best out of other forwards, with Rutter being the star man in attack next season, depending on the future of Wilfried Gnonto.
Stats (per 90 mins)
Kent
Rutter
Non-Penalty Goals
0.00
0.14
Shots Total
1.13
2.94
Assists
0.19
0.39
Shot-Creating Actions
3.01
4.41
Progressive Carries
4.32
2.89
Successful Take-Ons
2.07
3.06
Progressive Passes Received
9.58
6.50
Kent is coming off the back of a poor season, and his goal-scoring numbers (0.00), lower shot volume and lower creative numbers such as shot-creating actions show this. However, at such a cheap fee, Leeds would be taking the risk that Kent could recapture his form of old.
Once described as "unplayable" by Sky Sports' Andrew Dickson, at his best, the ex-Gers star can take a game by the scruff of the neck, taking on players, providing for others – such as Rutter – creating chances, and scoring goals.
You can see from his metrics, even in a poor season for Fenerbahce, Kent has shown his ability to carry the ball, averaging 4.32 progressive carries per 90, and 2.07 successful take-ons per 90, still having the confidence to beat his man and make things happen on the ball.
Former Rangers winger Ryan Kent.
Could the one-time Liverpool man be Leeds' answer to replacing Summerville on the cheap, and improving their squad in their attempts to return to the Premier League? Only time will tell.
Leeds move to sign "standout" £10m star who's a dream Kamara replacement
The Whites are reportedly interested in a swoop to sign the central midfielder.
Everton might be embroiled in an alarming ownership (or lack thereof) situation that places the club's future in uncertainty, but Sean Dyche is hard at work as he musters his troops ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
It would seem that avoiding relegation from the Premier League would be the primary objective, but the Toffees have showcased resilience and robustness under their gritty manager, finishing 15th last term despite being hit with an eight-point deduction for financial breaches.
10th
Crystal Palace
-1
49
11th
Brighton & Hove Albion
-7
48
12th
Everton
-11
48
13th
Bournemouth
-13
48
14th
Fulham
-6
47
They are also displaying a willingness to improve. Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam have been welcomed to the fold, while Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Napoli winger Jesper Lindstrom is currently in the process of completing a loan move with a £19m buy option inserted.
A host of players have been sold, notably Amadou Onana to Aston Villa in a £50m deal, but long-serving defender Ben Godfrey is also among the departees, having joined Atalanta in Serie A for a £10m fee.
Everton's Ben Godfrey
Everton hope that Jarrad Branthwaite remains at Goodison Park for the 2024/25 season despite the vested interest of Manchester United, but a new face is needed at the rear, and Dyche is hoping to make a signing.
Everton want new defender
According to Foot Mercato over in France, there's a lot of excitement bubbling around Lyon centre-back Jake O'Brien, with Everton and Brentford tussling for his signature. O'Brien, 23, is also attracting interest from West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Lyon defender Jake O'Brien
Brentford have the lead, holding talks with the Ligue 1 side to discuss the possibility of a transfer, but the Toffees are expected to accelerate their interest if Thomas Frank's side ramp it up a gear.
What's so good about Jake O'Brien
Standing at a lofty 6 foot 6, O'Brien has gone from strength to strength in France, joining from Crystal Palace last summer after never making a senior appearance for the Eagles.
Jake O'Brien for Lyon.
The Republic of Ireland international failed to enter the field of play over Lyon's opening five Ligue 1 matches last season, though started 27 times henceforth, missing out only once due to a one-match suspension.
Remarkably, it was his first taste of sustained top-flight action after loan spells at Swindon Town and RWD Molenbeek (second-flight Belgian side) in recent years. Still, across all competitions, O'Brien demonstrated his brilliant attacking sense by notching five goals.
Not just a goalscorer from deep, O'Brien also completed 88% of his passes in the French top flight, won 61% of his duels and averaged 4.7 ball recoveries and 3.6 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.
He's got what it takes to be a complete-performing centre-half in the Premier League, but his attacking ability is hard to ignore, ranking among the 1% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and the top 10% for assists per 90, as per FBref. No wonder he's been dubbed a "revelation" by writer Zach Lowy…
With such impressive aerial qualities and an innate attacking instinct, O'Brien could be the perfect addition to an already-imposing Toffees backline, with his height and aptitude in the final third making him the dream partner for Dwight McNeil, whose set-piece delivery is something to behold.
Why O'Brien would be perfect for McNeil
McNeil, principally a left winger, joined Everton from Burnley for a £20m fee following the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League in 2022, since clinching ten goals and ten assists apiece over 80 appearances.
Everton winger Dwight McNeil
Last season, his ball-playing quality was on full show, averaging two key passes and 1.9 crosses per outing, creating 17 big chances for his teammates.
That's a pretty special number of created chances, speaking highly of his creative acumen and what it brings to Dyche's outfit, adept at utilising its bulk to impose itself on opponents and pressing for goals.
1.
Mohamed Salah
22
2.
Kevin De Bruyne
21
2.
Bruno Fernandes
21
4.
Heung-min Son
20
5.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
17
5.
Cole Palmer
17
5.
Dwight McNeil
17
5.
Martin Odegaard
17
As you can see, McNeil's up against some knockout names right there. Journalist Joe Thomas has praised him for his "magic" talents in the past, while Dyche has been particularly vocal in his effusions.
The manager said: “He’s a really good player, he’s improving, his calmness at the end – I’m saying get it in the corner – but he cuts in, and his calmness to cross it into a dangerous area, and then gets his reward. Before then, his calmness to dribble out of trouble – he’s a really good player, really good, and he can only mature.”
After all, ranking among the top 9% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating action and the top 13% for progressive carries per 90, his workrate is clear and so too is his drive to improve his team. His skill as a creator would certainly prove to be a happy marriage as far as O'Brien is concerned, with the defender so devastating as an aerial threat.
Indeed, signing O'Brien would add another string to Everton's bow, increasing the depth and dynamism at a crucial point in the club's history.
Everton manager Sean Dyche
The Merseysiders were reported to be considering a bid totalling around £17m earlier in the summer, so it wouldn't be out of the question to imagine that the club have the funds to get the deal done – especially after selling Onana for such a sizeable figure.
The road ahead might look to be fraught with peril, but Everton have proved themselves resilient and determined under Dyche's management, and the forthcoming season might just prove to hatch a sense of optimism.
Imagine him & Lindstrom: Everton make contact to sign £72k-p/w sensation
The attacker has huge experience playing all over Europe.
Liverpool have been busy since Arne Slot first walked through the Anfield door several weeks ago, but there remains a yearning from the fanbase for some activity on the transfer front.
There have yet to be any incomings on the red half of Merseyside but sporting director Richard Hughes has suggested that deals are in the pipeline, with Slot presently familiarising himself with the club and working on implementing his brand before turning to the market.
Feyenoord manager Arne Slot
This is a prudent move; a fresh face might inject a frisson of excitement into the support but there are over seven weeks of spending still to occur. Time is on FSG's side.
Nonetheless, targets are still being considered, with Liverpool named among the contenders for an exciting new forward.
Liverpool transfer news
According to Sky Germany's Patrick Berger, a range of top European outfits – including the Reds – have been put on alert after Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi dumped his agent several weeks ago.
Dortmund would be willing to sell the Germany international for the right price, and Liverpool are indeed named among the suitors.
The Yellow Wall would consider offers in excess of €30m (£25m), and given Adeyemi's dynamic and positionally versatile qualities, he could be the perfect man to strengthen the Reds' frontline.
What Adeyemi would bring to Liverpool
He might not have had the most consistent of campaigns with Dortmund but the 22-year-old Adeyemi has been hailed for his "electric" pace by analyst Ben Mattinson and indeed offers one of the most frightening ball-carrying skill sets around, recorded as the 13th fastest player in world football in 2024, clocking a top speed of 36.65 km/h.
Having lost his way in the Bundesliga last season, however, it's clear that Adeyemi needs a fresh environment to build himself back up, only scoring five goals and adding two assists across 34 matches (19 starts) in all competitions.
Still, Liverpool could bring him up to the fore, having not exactly struggled in bringing forwards over from Germany in the past. Back in 2015, the Merseysiders signed Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim for a £29m fee. He ended up scoring 111 goals in over 300 outings so that went pretty well, didn't it?
max-beier-roberto-firmino-liverpool-opinion
And by taking a look at Adeyemi's metrics from the previous year, when he wasn't beset by injuries and a struggle for form, it can be seen exactly what kind of player Liverpool would be welcoming.
Karim Adeyemi: Bundesliga Stats 22/23
Statistic
Per 90
Percentile
Goals
0.39
Top 17%
Assists
0.32
Top 15%
Goal-creating actions
0.78
Top 4%
Successful take-ons
2.21
Top 18%
Stats via FBref
His fleet-footed style could see him forge an exciting connection with Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of the most influential passers currently playing the game.
The Liverpool vice-captain, as per FBref, ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and passes attempted and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90.
His staggering range of distribution could see Adeyemi thrive under Slot's wing, making incisive darts into the danger area to strike on goal or create chaos himself with his goal-creating expertise. It's no wonder that talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed him a "nightmare" for defenders.
While Liverpool have a talented and abundant frontline, Adeyemi could be the perfect addition to add an extra dimension and provide competition to the existing number.
Imagine him & Nunez: Liverpool add £49m "pace demon" to their shortlist
This winger has been earmarked as an alternative to Anthony Gordon.
كشف النادي الأهلي، عن التطورات الصحية للفلسطيني الدولي وسام أبو علي، مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي، بعد تعرضه للإغماء خلال رحلة العودة من ساحل العاج عقب ملاقاة استاد أبيدجان.
وكان الأهلي، حقق الفوز على استاد أبيدجان الإيفواري بثلاثية مقابل هدف، ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة من دور المجموعات ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
طالع.. “الخطيب لا يتأخر”.. عضو مجلس الأهلي يزف نبأ سارًا للجماهير بعد الفوز على استاد أبيدجان
وأوضح أحمد جاب الله، طبيب الفريق، في تصريحات للموقع الرسمي للنادي الأهلي، أن وسام أبو علي خضع لفحوصات طبية عقب العودة من ساحل العاج للاطمئنان فقط، وحالته الصحية لا تدعو لأي قلق، وعاد اللاعب إلى منزله، وسوف يشارك في التدريبات الجماعية غدًا.
وأضاف أن وسام اشتكى من إجهاد وهبوط بسيط بالدورة الدموية، عقب الوصول صباح اليوم إلى مطار القاهرة، وذلك نتيجة للمجهود البدني الكبير الذي بذله اللاعب خلال مباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان، التي أقيمت أمس وسط درجات حرارة ورطوبة مرتفعة، وتم فحصه طبيًّا قبل مغادرة مطار القاهرة.
وتأهل الأحمر رسميًا إلى دور ربع نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا بعد فوز أولاندو بايراتس على شباب بلوزداد، حيث بات رصيد الأهلي 10 نقاط في المركز الثاني والفريق الجزائري في المركز الثالث برصيد 6 نقاط، مع تبقي مباراة واحدة فقط، في حين أن الفريق الجنوب أفريقي تأهل بعد وصوله لـ 11 نقطة.
Henry Nicholls and Will Young will also be part of a strong batting order
ESPNcricinfo staff12-Nov-2020
Devon Conway poses after his triple-century•Getty Images
Devon Conway will get his first representative opportunity since qualifying for New Zealand having been named in the A squad to face West Indies in Queenstown.Conway completed his qualification period in August and has been part of New Zealand training camps during the winter. He has started the Plunket Shield in solid form with two half-centuries in six innings for Wellington.”It’s an exciting time for Devon who’s had to wait for his opportunity at this level after some outstanding form on the domestic scene,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said.Another player recently qualified, Michael Rippon, the allrounder who previously played for Netherlands and bowls left-arm wristspin, has also been included in the squad.Henry Nicholls, an incumbent in the Test side, has been selected following a delayed start to his season due to a calf injury. He is set to return in the Plunket Shield this week before linking up for the New Zealand A matches which will allow him further time in the middle ahead of next month’s Test series.Will Young, who has been on the cusp of international selection previously, will also be part of a strong batting line-up.Canterbury captain Cole McConchie will lead the side with Dane Cleaver taking the gloves.”It’s been a year like no other and we’re very fortunate to be preparing for such an action packed summer,” Stead said. “The complexities of the international schedule, along with the size of the touring squads and the length of time they will spend in the country has enabled us to build a very strong A programme.”The flip-side of this is that pressure will be put on our player pool this season and we need to be smart with how we use our resources, therefore we’ll likely add and subtract from this squad as we go along.”It’s great to get Henry back on the park after what I know has been a frustrating winter with his left calf injury…we’re confident if he comes through both games unscathed he’ll be ready for the first Test in Hamilton”Plenty of eyes will also be on the four Otago bowlers who have been rewarded for their strong performances so far this year and in recent seasons.”New Zealand A will assemble in Queenstown next Wednesday with Bob Carter and Paul Wiseman leading the coaching staff.New Zealand A squad Joe Carter (Northern Districts), Dane Cleaver (Central Districts), Devon Conway (Wellington), Henry Cooper (Northern Districts), Jacob Duffy (Otag), Ken McClure (Canterbury), Cole McConchie (Canterbury, capt), Henry Nicholls (Canterbury), Michael Rae (Otago), Rachin Ravindra (Wellington), Michael Rippon (Otago), Ben Sears (Wellington), Sean Solia (Auckland), Nathan Smith (Otago), Blair Tickner (Central Districts), Will Young (Central Districts)
Sydney Thunder came back from the brink to book their first WBBL final since the opening season as defending champions Brisbane Heat suffered a dramatic collapse. Hannah Darlington, who claimed last year’s young player award, struck in consecutive balls in the 18th over after Laura Kimmince was removed having been close to taking the Heat across the line again.The winning moment came when former Heat star Sammy-Jo Johnson grabbed a low caught and bowled to spark wild celebrations. The Heat’s overall collapse was 6 for 12 as a campaign which had started slowly before coming to life with seven consecutive wins came crashing down.Captain Rachael Haynes had hauled the Thunder up to a competitive total amid a stuttering innings in which Amelia Kerr and Nadine de Klerk stood out with the ball: their combined figures were 7-0-30-3. They took wickets regularly enough to stay in the contest, but Kimmince’s latest onslaught appeared to have decided the game before the astonishing turnaround.Even powerplayTammy Beaumont played one of her better innings of what has been a tournament where she has largely struggled, getting off the mark with a deft scoop and adding five more crisp boundaries inside the powerplay. She fell attempting another scoop, moving so early into the shot that Nicola Hancock had barely started her delivery stride, sending a simple catch looping to short fine leg. That wicket evened up the powerplay ahead of the Heat’s spinners getting to work.Kerr’s deceptionLike the Heat as a whole, Kerr took time to get into her stride but played a central role in the team’s success. It is so rare to see her taken to by an opposition and today was no different. Her first two overs went for eight and when she returned for her third, in the 14th over, there was a brief but enjoyable contest with Phoebe Litchfield. The left hander started with perfect straight drive, but off the last ball of the over was defeated by the googly and comfortably stumped. It was the second time Kerr had claimed her this way following the group-stage dismissal at Blacktown. Either side of that dismissals were moments that stunted the Thunder just as they were building. Heather Knight drove a firm catch to cover, having not quite found top gear, and then a superbly-judged catch on the deep midwicket rope by Georgia Prestwidge removed Johnson who had threatened to open her shoulders against former team-mates.The first wobbleThe Thunder’s eventual total looked short but gave them something to bowl at. In her opening over, Sam Bates, who has been one of the best bowlers of the tournament, removed Grace Harris and then Johnson struck with her first delivery when Georgia Redmayne, after a brisk 25, picked out mid-off to keep the Heat in the contest. It has been a hallmark of the Heat’s campaign that there have been contributions throughout the order and the trend continued as de Klerk and captain Jess Jonassen added 46. However, just when things were under control they fell in consecutive overs: Jonassen skied a top edge to Darlington and de Klerk was run out by Beaumont’s pinpoint throw. The scene was set.The collapseLaura Kimmince has hit the form of her life in the last couple of weeks. Before today she had rattled up 123 runs off 49 deliveries in her last four innings, taking her strike-rate to the highest in WBBL history, and struck the ball with huge power again. She had a massive stroke of fortune first delivery when the ball rolled back into leg stump but did not dislodge the bail then the next ball was launched for six. An over from Lauren Smith cost 20, swinging the game almost fully towards the Thunder who needed 26 off 30 balls. However, Georgia Voll was run out after a mix up over a second and Kerr went the same way two balls later as panic set in. Another six from Kimmince brought it back under a run-a-ball, but then she was bowled by Bates attempting a reverse sweep that wasn’t really required. It became too much for the lower order as Darlington delivered her yorkers on demand and finally Delissa Kimmince hammered the ball back at her former team-mate. The Melbourne Stars await on Saturday.
Celtic are "keen" on completing the signing of a young winger this summer, but other clubs are also believed to be in the race, according to journalist Charlie Gordon.
Celtic eyeing Bernardo and Idah deals
Brendan Rodgers is on the lookout for top-quality new signings ahead of the summer transfer window opening next month, and there are two key pieces of business that he could want to get over the line before next season gets underway.
The first of those is Paulo Bernardo, who joined Celtic on loan from Benfica in 2023/24, and ultimately played an important role in them pipping rivals Rangers to both Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup glory. The midfielder featured 22 times in the league overall, chipping in with six goal contributions (three goals and assists apiece), and he is believed to be interested in signing a long-term deal for the Hoops.
Paulo Bernardo
Meanwhile, another fellow loanee, Adam Idah, is also wanted on a permanent basis this summer, as he potentially looks to seal a move away from Norwich City for good.
The 23-year-old ended up playing a massive role in Celtic's success, arriving in the January transfer window and scoring eight goals in 15 Scottish Premiership games, of which only five were starts. He also scored the winning goal against Rangers in the cup final, firing home late in the day, and the board are "committed" to bringing him in.
Celtic "keen" on 21-year-old midfielder
Writing on X, Gordon said that Celtic are interested in signing FC Lausanne-Sport winger Alvyn Sanches, but aren't alone when it comes to being in contention to snap him up this summer:
"Celtic are keen on highly-rated Swiss midfielder Alvyn Sanches after extensive scouting in 2023/24. Stoke City and Coventry City are also admirers. Plenty of interest elsewhere in Europe. Lausanne want £4m."
In his report for The Express, Gordon goes on to add that "Celtic sent scouts to assess Sanches at various points in 2023/24", which has led to more serious interest for the summer.
Sanches won't necessarily be a household name to Celtic supporters, especially compared to the likes of Bernardo and Idah these days, but that's not to say that he couldn't be an excellent option for Rodgers next season.
At 21, the Swiss youngster still has the vast majority of his career ahead of him, and he has already racked up 84 appearances for his current side, scoring 14 goals and bagging seven assists in that time. He has also been capped by Switzerland at youth team level, making nine appearances for the Under-21s and Under-20s combined.
Celtic could repeat Joe Hart masterclass by signing £150k-p/w star
The Old Firm giants could well bolster their ranks with a high-profile signing this summer…
ByRobbie Walls Jun 2, 2024
Depth is so vital in any squad in the modern game, and that is no different at Celtic, as they look to fare better in the Champions League next season. Sanches could come in as a good squad player who matures as the years pass, hopefully becoming a key part of the first choice XI further down the line.
Man City star Rodri's suggestions that players could strike due to fixture congestion have been dismissed by a Premier League insider.
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Article continues below
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Rodri hinted at player strike
Premier League source dismisses idea
Fixture congestion a growing concern
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Man City midfielder Rodri made headlines recently for suggesting that players could go on strike in protest at the number of games they are currently playing each season. But according to an anonymous source at a Premier League club, there's no real risk that this will happen.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Player concerns surrounding fixture congestion – which have repeatedly been backed up by high-profile coaches in the media – appear to be reaching new heights. It has been suggested that stars could snub international duty but continue playing for their clubs amid the ongoing threat of strikes over fixture scheduling.
WHAT THEY SAID
According to the Daily Mail, the reaction of a leading figure at a Premier League club was firm when asked if player strikes were genuinely on the cards. "Absolutely not. I've never heard such nonsense," they said. When asked why, the insider said: "Money."
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WHAT NEXT FOR RODRI?
City face a huge test against Arsenal on Sunday, and we can expect Rodri to be at the heart of Pep Guardiola's midfield once again.