Liverpool have made some high-profile signings this summer as they look to defend their Premier League title and now appear close to completing another statement deal, according to Florian Plettenberg.
Liverpool still have plenty to spend this window
Despite spending big on Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong among others, Liverpool still have plenty of room to bring in reinforcements under Arne Slot and plan to have a strong end to the window after making significant early progress.
Addressing their financial reality, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has praised the Reds’ ‘Moneyball’ approach that has allowed them to flex their muscles on the market this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong.
He stated: “Liverpool have been outside the top-10 spenders on player signings since 2019, but their model is a classic case of being smarter rather than bigger.
“Liverpool’s model has been to ignore the noise and only buy a player if they truly improve the squad. It’s a Moneyball, external, more analytical approach. Chief executive Michael Edwards does a brilliant job and he never buys players because of external pressure. He doesn’t get jittery when fans call for more signings.”
With that in mind, Liverpool have Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon on their radar if Real Madrid star Rodrygo is unattainable, providing evidence that they have several targets in the pipeline that could become the latest in a long line of high-value arrivals at Anfield.
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Of course, departures such as Darwin Nunez potentially sealing a move to Napoli or an alternative destination alongside speculation over Luis Diaz will only create room for new additions, especially within their forward line.
Taking that into account, Liverpool are now on the verge of sealing a deal for one of Europe’s rising stars amid recent developments coming out of Anfield.
Sky Sports: Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool considered a "done deal"
Sky Sport journalist Plettenberg has now confirmed Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool have reached a “full agreement” over an impending Anfield transfer for striker Hugo Ekitike.
Now considered to be a “done deal” after the Bundesliga outfit accepted a bid of £82.3 million with add-ons included, the France Under-21 international is set for a medical at the Premier League champions and will sign a deal running until 2031.
Compared to Kylian Mbappe by Wesley Sneijder, Ekitike registered 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances last term as his side secured qualification for the Champions League.
Following Liverpool’s prolonged search for a number nine, Slot finally appears to have found his new striker and supporters will be waiting with anticipation in the hope that his medical concludes with no final hitches.
Yet again in his glorious Manchester City reign, Pep Guardiola is overseeing a rebuild. Following a largely underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, it is a case of out with the old and in with the new.
Indeed, having previously phased out the likes of Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero in the past, the Catalan coach is now repeating the process in relation to his treble-winning side of 2023.
The great Kevin De Bruyne is on his way to Napoli by all accounts, while Kyle Walker – fresh from his own sojourn to Serie A – is expected to seal a permanent exit this summer, after eight years at the Etihad.
With doubts also emerging over the futures of Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish, among others, there could well be a fresh feel to the Citizens next season, having already begun the overhaul with four new additions in January.
Manchester City's JackGrealishon the substitutes bench
That quartet appear to be just the start of things, if recent reports are anything to go by, with the Premier League giants seemingly closing in on a first move of the window, amid the imminent arrival of Tijjani Reijnders.
Latest on Man City's transfer search
While the search to replace that man De Bruyne has dominated talk in recent weeks – amid interest in the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and the Liverpool-bound, Florian Wirtz – a further priority also lies in finding a suitable partner for Rodri in that number eight berth.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Manchester outfit did only recently fork out £50m for the signing of Nico Gonzalez from Porto, albeit with the Spaniard seemingly deemed as a replacement rather than a partner for his compatriot, having been dubbed a “mini-Rodri” by Guardiola.
With that in mind, sporting director Hugo Viana has turned his attention elsewhere in the bid to bolster those midfield ranks even further, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealing that City have a “verbal agreement in place” for AC Milan star, Reijnders.
AC Milan's TijjaniReijndersreacts
The signing of the 26-year-old – for what is expected to be a package of around €70m (£59m) – could well be followed by the capture of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, with Romano also outlining that personal terms have been agreed with the playmaker.
The suggestion is that City will lodge a bid “in the next hours” amid their desire to get the deal done, amid rival interest from Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, with prior reports indicating that Cherki could be available for as little as £25m.
Why Cherki would be a good signing
It may go against the Guardiola grain to be signing a “maverick” talent like the Lyon starlet, as hailed by pundit Rio Ferdinand, although the Citizens are in need of a fresh creative source, in the wake of De Bruyne’s imminent exit.
With the aforementioned Grealish – and England teammate, Phil Foden – providing just 11 goals and assists between them in the Premier League last season, the onus is on finding a suitable supplier for main man, Erling Haaland.
In many ways, Guardiola’s side are still seeking to find a suitable successor to Riyad Mahrez in the forward line, with one-time Leicester City hero having racked up 78 goals and 59 assists in 236 games prior to his 2023 exit, a return that included 28 goal involvements in all competitions during his final season.
Described as a player who can “change the game” by his manager, the now 34-year-old was simply a genius during his time in English football, possessing a wand of a left foot and an ability to create something out of nothing down that right flank.
Those are traits which the veteran no doubt shares with young Cherki, with the France U21 international – who qualifies to play for Algeria, like Mahrez – also a creative weapon. Equally, like Mahrez too, the left-footer is comfortable operating down the right flank or in a number ten berth.
Rayan Cherki
Hailed as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, Cherki is fresh off the back of a campaign that ended with a remarkable haul of 32 goals and assists from just 44 games, including 19 goals and assists in Ligue 1.
Such form in France’s top-flight saw the 21-year-old notably create 22 big chances and average 2.5 key passes per game, during his 30 league outings, as per Sofascore, having also averaged 1.6 successful dribbles as a sign of his breathtaking ability to beat his man.
Cherki vs Mahrez comparison – League stats
Stat (per 90)
Cherki (2024/25)
Mahrez (2022/23)
Non-penalty goals
0.35
0.19
Assists
0.49
0.47
Shot-creating actions
6.44
5.44
Passes attempted
60.63
54.66
Pass completion
78.5%
82.2%
Progressive passes
9.08
3.56
Progressive carries
4.67
3.66
Successful take-ons
2.12
1.17
Touches in opposition box
5.82
5.16
Progressive passes received
8.11
11.34
Stats via FBref
When comparing his recent heroics with Mahrez’s final Premier League campaign, it is easy to see their statistical and stylistic likeness too, with the pair both ranking highly for assists and shot-creating actions per 90, indicating their unique ability to generate opportunities in the final third.
That desire to make things happen is also evident with regard to the ‘passes attempted’ metric, with that knack for conjuring a moment of magic seemingly needed to help replace the likes of the “predictable” Grealish, as described by Gary Neville.
With Mahrez having repeatedly delivered the goods for City in previous years, Guardiola could now find his heir apparent by plucking Cherki from Lyon.
"World-class" star now pushing to join Man City quickly; £59m+ offer needed
There has been a development in Man City’s pursuit of a key target…
Manchester United’s season isn’t over just yet, not if Ruben Amorim can help it, although the same can’t be said for Marcus Rashford, with the exiled Englishman looking set to miss the remainder of the campaign through injury.
Currently on the books at Aston Villa, following his February loan switch to the Midlands, the 27-year-old will have to watch on as his parent club bid for Europa League glory – eight years on from playing a vital role in lifting that same trophy under Jose Mourinho.
In what was just his first full season in the senior ranks at Old Trafford, the then-youngster notably came alive in the knockout stages, racking up five goals and assists in total, including a stunning, crucial free-kick away to Celta Vigo.
That impact had followed on from Rashford’s emergence onto the scene a year earlier in the final few months of the 2015/16 season, having ended that campaign with eight goals in just 18 first-team games under Louis van Gaal’s watch.
Perhaps his prime years, however, came during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, with the academy graduate registering 26 goal contributions in 31 Premier League games in 2019/20, followed by a further 24 in 37 top-flight outings in the following season.
Rashford’s last five Man Utd seasons (all comps)
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2024/25*
24
7
3
2023/24
43
8
6
2022/23
56
30
11
2021/22
32
5
2
2020/21
57
21
18
*Not including record at Villa
Stats via Transfermarkt
A brief resurgence did occur in 2022/23, amid the forward’s 30-goal heroics, although recent years have showcased far too much inconsistency, with the Three Lions star now looking set for a permanent summer exit. A potential youthful replacement appears to have already been lined up…
Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward
Alongside the widely reported move for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the signing of a new centre-forward appears hot on the agenda for Amorim and INEOS this summer, with Rasmus Hojlund having scored just four league goals in 2024/25 thus far.
As outlined by GIVEMESPORT, the Red Devils have identified Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen as the prime candidates in the search for a new number nine, albeit with boths deals said to be ‘complicated’.
Indeed, there are doubts over whether the £30m-rated Delap is keen on moving to Old Trafford at this point in his embryonic career, while as for Osimhen, there are concerns regarding the Nigerian’s potential wage demands and willingness to actually feature for the club.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
With that in mind, alternatives to their pair are now being drawn up, with the report outlining that one of those whom INEOS are also ‘keeping tabs’ on is Eintracht Frankfurt sensation, Hugo Ekitike.
Previously on the books at Paris Saint-Germain – having also been heavily linked with Newcastle United in past – the Frenchman has dazzled in Germany this season, hence the interest in him from those in Manchester.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
One major obstacle would be the 22-year-old’s reported £80m price tag, although if any kind of leeway can be found, then he may come onto United’s radar in a more concrete manner.
Why Hugo Ekitike is like a prime Rashford
Following a difficult few years under the Manchester United microscope, Rashford had looked like getting back to his best in a Villa shirt of late, prior to his recent cruel injury blow.
Indeed, the experienced forward notably scored his first league goal for the Villans with a breakaway goal on the counter against Brighton and Hove Albion, evoking memories of his goal against Arsenal at the start of 2022/23, or his second strike in the 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea on the opening day of 2019/20.
Against Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, the resurgent striker was also breathtaking at times as Unai Emery’s side bravely crashed out at the quarter-final stage, with Rashford teeing up Ezri Konsa following a stunning solo run down the right flank.
That speed and skill showed shades of the Rashford that United fans had seen in years gone by, with the polarising talent having looked almost “unstoppable” in his pomp – as noted by Erik ten Hag.
In many ways, the aforementioned Ekitike is showing exciting similarities to that prime version of ‘Rashy’, not least in his ability to sparkle off the left or in his usual centre-forward berth.
This season, in particular, has been a fruitful one for the former PSG starlet, as he has already registered 22 goals and a further ten assists in 45 games for Frankfurt across all fronts, including 15 goals and six assists in the Bundesliga.
He is then not too far off emulating Rashford’s best-ever Premier League tally, which came, as alluded to previously, in 2019/20, amid his record of 17 goals and nine assists during that Covid-impacted campaign.
Ekitike (2024/25) vs Rashford (2019/20)
Stat (per 90)
Ekitike
Rashford
Non-penalty goals
0.55
0.37
Assists
0.24
0.24
Shot-creating actions
3.68
3.24
Pass completion
75.8%
75.3%
Progressive passes
1.92
4.22
Progressive carries
3.41
3.58
Successful take-ons
1.88
2.04
Touches in attacking penalty area
7.21
5.18
Progressive passes received
7.80
8.51
Stat via FBref
Described as “one of the best strikers out there” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Ekitike does mirror the United outcast in a range of attacking metrics too, when comparing those two seasons, with the Frankfurt talisman also something of a monster in that left channel.
That quality was on full display as the in-demand marksman netted in fine fashion against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, running at his man from that left flank, before unleashing a delightful finish into the far corner.
It is difficult not to see an element of Rashford at his best when witnessing Ekitike in full flow, with the France U21 international potentially representing the perfect successor to the Red Devils’ 138-goal enigma.
United were his “favourite club” as a child, by the way…
The next Di Maria: Man Utd lodge offer to sign "world-class talent"
Man Utd appear to be ramping up their search for new faces, ahead of the summer window – including the next Angel Di Maria
Rangers icon Ally McCoist has been reacting to claims of an Ibrox move for a £15,000-a-week Celtic star.
Rangers and 49ers planning for exciting summer transfer window
The Gers are in the process of being taken over by the 49ers Enterprises, who have agreed a deal in principle at Ibrox. There is confidence a deal will be completed ahead of the 2025/26 season, and the 49ers seemingly have some exciting transfer plans at Rangers.
He's signing for Rangers: Ibrox chiefs now set for talks on fee for 22 y/o
He’ll soon be on his way to Glasgow.
1 ByCharlie Smith Apr 9, 2025
Reports have suggested that the 49ers could give a new Rangers boss more than £20m to spend on new players this summer, and they are aware that they can sign loanee Vaclav Cerny on a permanent transfer.
Rangers have until the end of May to sign Cerny for around £5.5m, and elsewhere, those at Ibrox are set for talks with Dundee over a fee for Lyall Cameron.
Vaclav Cerny
The 22-year-old has penned a pre-contract agreement with Rangers, but the two clubs are yet to agree on a compensation package, which could result in a tribunal.
McCoist reacts to Rangers claims of move for Celtic’s Greg Taylor
Recently, Celtic left-back Greg Taylor has been linked with a move to Rangers. Michael Stewart have backed the defender to move across Glasgow when his £15,000-a-week deal at Celtic expires in the summer.
Aston Villa'sLeonBaileyin action with Celtic's Greg Taylor
However, talking to the media, relayed by Rangers Review, McCoist said it would be “madness” for the Gers to sign Taylor due to already having Ridvan Yilmaz and Jefte, although he does feel Taylor is good enough to play for Rangers.
“He absolutely could get in the team and play, I don’t have any doubt about that. He’s a good player. In this day and age, it’s probably not as big a deal as it was years and years ago. But I definitely think he could play in the team.
“The only thing I would say is, you have two left-sided players there already in Yilmaz and Jefte. So, for that reason, he’s not a priority. I think Rangers have got far bigger priorities in terms of positions that they should address and will address.
Games
209
Goals
9
Assists
32
Trophies
10
“But if you are asking me if he’s good enough to play in the team? Without a doubt. I don’t see any reason why not. I was around when wee Mo did it, so after wee Mo, anything is possible! It wouldn’t be as big a deal as wee Mo, there’s nothing that would be as big a deal as wee Mo.
“You talk about Elvis, Kenny Miller, Alfie Conn… so I don’t think it’s such a big deal as years gone by. I just can’t see it happening because Rangers have got two left-sided players in that position. It would be madness for Rangers to go and strengthen in that position where they’ve got cover and they need strengthening in other positions.”
The World Test Championship, the Ashes, and the ODI World Cup are already in Pat Cummins’ bag. Is the IPL trophy next?
Deivarayan Muthu25-May-20245:54
Shreyas Iyer: ‘Wicket looks completely different from Q2’
Chepauk was a little chaotic on the eve of the IPL 2024 final.The press conference room was packed, and photographers ran around hurriedly to get the perfect shot of Shreyas Iyer and Pat Cummins with the shiny trophy. Soon after, a sudden shower arrived and quickly became a downpour, catching the groundstaff off guard. They scrambled to dismantle the nets and rush the covers on to the square. Preparations for the closing ceremony were also disrupted by the rain.Amid the frenetic scenes, Cummins kept calm. When reporters asked Shreyas probing questions about his fitness, Cummins leaned back on his rocking chair to watch highlights of MS Dhoni hitting sixes on the TV. When the captains were asked about the prospect of dew during the final, Cummins showed off his dry sense of humour.Related
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“We don’t know how the wicket is going to play tomorrow and also looking at the match [second qualifier] from the TV, we felt the dew factor would play a great role,” was Shreyas’ response. “But it didn’t and the ball started spinning…”Cummins interrupted at this point with a quip: “No, there was heaps of dew.”Cummins was being Cummins. Composed. Stress-free. On and off the field.
****
Most people would love the lunch at Lord’s. Except perhaps Cummins, who had ordered a takeaway after the controversial Jonny Bairstow stumping last June. It was one of the biggest controversies in recent Ashes history but Cummins was in his bubble, one that IPL pressure will find hard to pierce.Before taking over as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, Cummins had never led a team in T20 cricket. Sure, he had won the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup last year, but leading an IPL franchise is entirely different. Especially if you’re an overseas captain. Just ask Cummins’ predecessors at SRH: Aiden Markram, Kane Williamson or David Warner.Cummins outlined some of those challenges on the eve the final. “I think in a tournament like the IPL, there’s so much pressure from obviously the number of fans that are watching, media, journalists,” Cummins said. “But also from their own team back home, or their own coaches and everything as well.”SRH had finished last in 2021, eighth in 2022, and last again in 2023. Under Cummins, they have risen spectacularly to make the final ahead of more-fancied teams this season. They used to be the side that defended sub-150 totals for fun. Then 2021-2023 happened and they lost their identity. Under Cummins’ leadership, this SRH side has transformed into the second-fastest scoring team in IPL history.Pat Cummins is eyeing another trophy to add to his collection•AFP/Getty ImagesTravis Head and Abhishek Sharma at the top. Heinrich Klaasen in the middle. Cummins himself can give it a whack lower down the order. The conditions in Chennai may or may not be extremely batting friendly on Sunday, but Cummins has encouraged his players not to change what has worked for them so far.”I mean there has been a few changes [in the team] this year,” Cummins said. “Obviously, Dan Vettori, as head coach, is a big one as well. Few other guys have come in this season, but I think at the start of the season you map out the style that you want to play to give yourself the best chance to win. Obviously, along the way you’re allowed to adapt and maybe change the personnel.”But we were pretty strong with how we wanted to play – super-aggressive – and in a 14 game-season, you’re not going to win every single game, but we think if we play that way, you’re going to win most of them. That’s kind of how it played out – there are little bumps that come along the way but that’s okay, you try and make sure it stays on course.”Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat and T Natarajan have complemented SRH’s explosive batting with their defensive bowling skills. Their find of the season, however, is 20-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy, who displaced the experienced India player Washington Sundar as the first-choice allrounder in the SRH XI. Nitish smashes spin, bowls seam, and is extremely agile in the field. Cummins believes he is a star in the making.”It [the contribution of Indian players] has been huge,” Cummins said. “Our experienced bowling line-up as well – [Jaydev] Unadkat, Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar], Nattu [T Natarajan] have all been amazing and some of the youngsters who have come through have won us games themselves. Nitish [Reddy] and Abhishek [Sharma] are probably the two biggest examples. [These are] guys away from the Indian set-up but have been fantastic. That has been the story of our season – those guys have taken the game on and putting themselves out there and are having breakout seasons.”As for Cummins himself, he’s had an up-and-down season with the ball. His form was similar during the league phase of the ODI World Cup, but in the final in Ahmedabad, he rocked India with one cutter after another during a boundary-less spell and claimed the wickets of Virat Kohli and Shreyas.The conditions at Chepauk – a dry red-soil pitch – could offer Cummins the bounce and grip he enjoys. Bet against him at your peril in the IPL final.
Bengal, meanwhile, have ticked a lot of boxes, and Madhya Pradesh have an excellent array of up-and-coming players
Shashank Kishore03-Jun-2022
Bengal
The only team to win all three games in their group, Bengal will start favourites against Jharkhand. They have been in Bengaluru for more than a week already, and have played two warm-up games against a Karnataka XI on surfaces tailored to challenge them, according to senior batter Manoj Tiwary. Clearly, they are looking to complete some unfinished business, having lost to Saurashtra in the 2019-20 final.Abhimanyu Easwaran, their captain, is richer from his experiences with the Indian team over the past couple of years and young allrounder Shahbaz Ahmed is a more consistent version of his former self. Their pace battery of Ishan Porel, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep is among the most exciting in the country. And Wriddhiman Saha’s absence following differences with the Cricket Association of Bengal has opened the door for young Abishek Porel, who was part of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning squad earlier this year.The key moment
That Bengal have reached here is down in no small measure to some Shahbaz magic against Baroda, who Bengal beat in their opening game despite being shot out for 88 on a damp surface in the first innings in Cuttack. After Bengal conceded a 93-run lead, Baroda set them 349 to win in the fourth innings. At 176 for 5, a spot in the quarter-finals looked distant, but Shahbaz (71*) and Abishek (53*) put up an unbroken 108-run stand to take them home. It was the sixth-highest chase in Ranji history and the highest ever for Bengal.Karun Nair signalled a return to form with his 175 against Jammu and Kashmir•PTI
Karnataka
Karnataka are on rebuild mode, both with their bowling and their batting. The retirements of R Vinay Kumar and Abhimanyu Mithun in quick succession have left them thinner on experience and lighter by 842 first-class wickets. With Prasidh Krishna missing the quarter-final because of national duty, the seam attack will be spearheaded by Ronit More, who has 31 matches and 97 wickets to his name. The batting is bolstered by Mayank Agarwal’s return. He will be looking to get back among the runs after a lean IPL and also channel the hurt of being left out of India’s squad for the Edgbaston Test in England. He will have big names in the top order for help: Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair and Manish Pandey are all part of the mix.The key moment
Railways are the only team that scored a 400-plus total against their inexperienced attack. It was a game that could have had massive significance in terms of Karnataka’s qualification had the predicted rains owing to cyclones in Chennai hampered their final league fixture against Puducherry. As it turned out, Puducherry folded quickly and Karnataka wrapped up a bonus-point win to top the group and qualify comfortably. Nair’s return to form with a 175 against Jammu and Kashmir, his first Ranji century since the 2017-18 semi-final, was particularly noteworthy. It came at a time when there were murmurs about his place in the XI.Avesh Khan is one of many Madhya Pradesh cricketers to have moved up the national ranks quickly•Shailesh Bhatnagar
Madhya Pradesh
Coached by ex-Mumbai and India wicketkeeper Chandrakant Pandit, who masterminded two back-to-back Ranji titles for Vidarbha between 2017 and 2019, Madhya Pradesh are among the most improved teams in the domestic circuit. The proof of that is that several of their players are in the national frame. Venkatesh Iyer and Avesh Khan have graduated to the Indian team through consistent performances, while batter Rajat Patidar and Kumar Kartikeya Singh, the left-arm spinner, are coming off breakout IPL seasons. But that Madhya Pradesh have made it this far is only because of a better quotient than Kerala after they were tied on points at the end of the group phase. Both sides had two wins and a draw in three matches.The key moment
Madhya Pradesh and Kerala had 13 points going into their final fixture, against each other. A first-innings lead would have clinched the deal for either side. Madhya Pradesh found a new hero in Yash Dubey, the opener, who made a career-best 289. His 277-run partnership with Patidar, who made 142, set up a massive first-innings total for them. And when time as called on the final day of a rain-affected game, Kerala’s first innings was incomplete at 432 for 9, which gave both teams one point and Madhya Pradesh progressed based on a better quotient.Shams Mulani [being congratulated by his colleagues] is currently the runaway leader in the table for most wicket-takers this season•PTI
Mumbai
Mumbai just about managed to squeeze into the knockouts, Royal Challengers Bangalore style. Just winning their final fixture outright was no guarantee. They also needed Saurashtra to not win with a bonus point, against Goa, and the stars aligned. That said, there were shades of the never-give-up Mumbai of old in their approach. Like in the game against Goa, where they were shot out for 163 in the first innings but still managed to win by 119 runs thanks to left-arm spinner Shams Mulani’s 11-wicket match haul. In the last game, against Odisha, Mulani picked up seven wickets, including a five-for, and Mumbai sealed their quarter-final berth. With 29 scalps in three matches, Mulani also leads the overall wicket-takers’ chart at the moment.The key moment
Having conceded a 164-run lead against Goa, they were on the brink at 208 for 7 in the second innings, effectively 44 for 7. Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan and Aditya Tare were all dismissed. Over the next 40 overs, Tanush Kotian, the No. 9, batted with the lower order to make a career-best 98 to frustrate Goa and set up a 232-run target that gave their bowlers a total to defend on the final day. Mumbai went on to win and turn their campaign around in style.
A few sponsorship deals could be renegotiated this IPL
Shashank Kishore and Nagraj Gollapudi08-Aug-2020Why is Vivo’s exit as title sponsor a big deal? In 2017, Vivo won the bid for IPL title rights paying INR 2199 crore (approx. US $341 million at the time) for a five-year period, which is nearly INR 440 crore (approx. $68 million) a year. The title sponsorship forms a key part in the IPL’s revenue sharing agreement with the franchises, majority of which is covered by the media rights income. The biggest challenge for the BCCI is to find a replacement sponsor for Vivo with the tournament starting on September 19, which could cough up enough money to cover up for the massive hole the Chinese company’s exit has left in the IPL finances.The Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected the Indian economy and the BCCI already suffered the consequences of that even before Vivo. Nike, the Indian team’s kit sponsor, had maintained a 14-year relationship with the BCCI, but could not negotiate an extension owing to the weakening economy.How does it affect the franchises? It has a direct impact. The IPL shares 50% of the title sponsorship money with the eight franchises. It is understood each franchise earns over INR 20 crore (approx. $2.7 million) from the title sponsorship. That is a big chunk for franchises in a season where they already will lose out on gate money considering the tournament is being played outside India and behind closed doors.ESPNcricinfo LtdWhy are the franchises not protesting? Mainly because of the revenue-sharing model which got enhanced by the media rights package, which the IPL sold for a record sum of INR 16,347.5 crore (US$ 2.55 billion) to Star India in 2017. The deal, which extends until the 2022 IPL, is the biggest media rights deal in cricket and directly doubled the franchises’ income to the tune of INR 150 crore (approx. $23.4 million). Each franchise, as a result, was estimated to have a profit of about INR 50 crore (approx. $7.8 million) per season due to the media-rights deal.What is the revenue-sharing agreement? A revenue-sharing agreement was central to the original contracts signed between the BCCI and IPL franchise owners for the first 10 years. The franchises were assured a percentage share of the income from central rights, after deduction of franchise fees. Between 2008 and 2012, franchises got 80% of the income from central rights and from 2013 to 2017 it was reduced to 60%.From the 2018 season onwards, under the new rights deals, franchises started to receive 50% share of the central-rights income, which amounts to about INR 1750 crore (approx. $273 million) which is split across the eight franchises – that is, about INR 218 crore (approx. $34 million) per team. Of this, 45% is the standard franchise share while the remaining 5% is variable based on where each franchise finishes at the end of the season.Also, since the 2018 season, the old franchise fee has been redefined. Previously the owners paid 10% of the amount they had originally paid to procure the franchise in 2008 as an annual fee. From 2018, the BCCI will charge a 20% levy on the franchise’s overall revenue.What about other sponsorships? Kit and jersey sponsorship also earn franchises a huge sum. One of the franchises earned INR 33 crore (approx. $4.4 million) last season only from their principal sponsor. Some sponsors have entered into renegotiations with their respective teams over the contractual amount, and a similar amount “isn’t feasible this time” under current market scenario. Teams also have sponsors behind their jerseys, on their kits and helmets, which earn them a small chunk. In all, this is estimated to be around INR 45-50 crore ($6-6.7 million) per season. Renegotiation of these deals could mean a lesser earning from apparel and kit sponsorship.Teams also set up kiosks at venues and hotels for sale of merchandise and tickets. With the 2020 IPL to be played behind closed doors, potential for sale is hugely negated. A number of franchises have renegotiated deals with their jersey manufacturer to cut inventory costs.Who will bear the travel costs in the 2020 IPL? From a safety perspective, franchises have to charter flights to the UAE. Normally, franchises enter into an agreement with hospitality partners to guarantee them a fixed number of room nights during the season. One of the franchises confirmed this amount to be around INR 4000 per room per day. The cost of booking an entire hotel or a section of the hotel in the UAE – keeping in mind the biosecure requirements – could “double at the very least,” according to a franchise representative. It is estimated that franchises could spend around INR 10-12 crore (approx. $1.3-1.6 million)on travel and stay for a 40-member contingent this time, which is estimated to be a 50-60% jump from what they usually spend when the IPL is held in India.
Blue Jays outfielder George Springer was on the wrong side of a pair of controversial decisions from the umpires during Tuesday's game against the Red Sox. The veteran was left irate after being rung up on a called third strike on a pitch that was outside of the strike zone.
But what truly had Springer irked was the decision from third base umpire Scott Barry, who ruled that his ground ball with the bases loaded was foul. During the second inning with Toronto trailing 1–0, Springer laced a ground ball down the third base line. It touched the ground in the infield before passing over the bag and landing in foul territory.
Barry, without much hesitation, declared it a foul ball, much to the chagrin of Springer. Sprigner looked bewildered at the call, and Blue Jays manager John Schneider came out to ask the officials to review the situation, only to be told it wasn't a play that could be challenged.
Because no review was allowable, Springer was sent back to the batter's box and it was ruled a foul ball. Springer struck out looking on the following pitch.
Springer slammed his bat on the ground and shotued in frustation as he walked back to the dugout following the questionable strike three call.
Having just been denied a potentially bases-clearing base hit, Springer clearly felt as if he'd been wronged twice in a span of two pitches. And for good reason, too.
Liverpool's title defence lays in tatters after a woeful run of six defeats in 14 matches leaving them ninth in the Premier League table and Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has taken aim at the club’s senior players, saying none of them can take their place in the starting XI for granted. Mo Salah has had to sit out the start of Liverpool’s last two games and has been warned his performances must improve.
Reds suffer early season struggles
Liverpool have suffered seven defeats in their last ten matches across all competitions, a run that included a demoralising 4-1 Champions League home loss to PSV and a 3-0 League Cup elimination to Crystal Palace. A major focal point of their struggles is the performances of talisman Salah. Last season, he was Player of the Year, with 29 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League, but during this campaign, the 33-year-old has managed just four goals and two assists in 13 league appearances. His dip in form, coupled with a change in his role under boss Arne Slot, has led to him being dropped from the starting line-up for the recent games against West Ham and Sunderland. He looks a shadow of his former self, struggling with his finishing and overall impact, which reflects the team's wider problems and lack of cohesion.
And while captain Van Dijk believes Salah will remain an important figure for the club, he has urged the Egyptian icon to raise his game.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportVan Dijk: 'I need him around as one of the leaders'
Van Dijk said: "It's not like you have unlimited credit, everyone has to perform. Mo has been doing that but the manager made that decision in the last two games. We all want the best for the club. I am pretty sure Mo will still be a big part of what we are trying to achieve because he is an amazing player and he has shown it consistently. But we are all trying to find consistency and he needs us to be in our best shape and we need him and that's what we are all trying to find."
He added: "He is still a fantastic player and we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club and we have to respect that. I need him around as one of the leaders. I'm not worried. He's disappointed but that's absolutely normal as if you're not disappointed when you're not playing two games in a row then there is an issue as well."
Positive signs for Salah
While Salah has started on the bench for the Reds' last two fixtures, his Dutch boss has hinted he could be re-introduced for the match against Leeds on Saturday. Speaking to the press, Slot said: "I think for every player in my mind can start and Mo is an exceptional player for us. He is always in my mind to either start or to come (off the bench). The chatter, yes (I understand it) because he deserves that, he has been so influential for me for six or seven years. It's completely normal for people to talk about it when he isn't (playing)."
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Getty Images SportTough test awaits at Elland Road
Liverpool face Leeds on Saturday evening with the hosts buoyed by the performance and 3-1 result against Chelsea in the week. And the Reds’ recent away record is woeful, having lost seven of their last 11 on the road. And, speaking ahead of the match, Slot said: "Leeds went very aggressive in one-v-one (against Chelsea) and then a low block to stop chances. It is difficult for us that style, and many other teams. We saw them coming back from two down to Manchester City, Phil Foden made the difference with a moment of magic there and against Chelsea Leeds were very strong. What to expect is what we have faced in many other games."
Palmeiras e Flamengo se enfrentam pela primeira vez em 2024 neste domingo (21), pela terceira rodada do Brasileirão, no Allianz Parque. Após o último jogo do Verdão, em que acabou derrotado para o Internacional, o técnico Abel Ferreira falou sobre as diferenças entre os adversários, que acumulam protagonismo no cenário nacional nos últimos anos.
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Organizados financeiramente e com alto poderio econômico, Palmeiras e Flamengo praticamente concentram as grandes conquistas recentes. Mas quanto cada um investe e quem têm os melhores jogadores? Compare reforços, orçamentos e elencos!
REFORÇOS
O Palmeiras contratou seis jogadores em 2024: Caio Paulista, Bruno Rodrigues, Lázaro (empréstimo), Aníbal Moreno, Rômulo e Felipe Anderson (sem custos). Somadas, as contratações chegam aproximadamente a R$ 90 milhões investidos.
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O Flamengo contratou em menos quantidade (quatro), mas gastou mais. De La Cruz, Léo Ortiz, Carlinhos e Viña custaram em torno de R$ 166 milhões aos cofres rubro-negros.
ORÇAMENTOS
Em 2023, o Palmeiras arrecadou R$ 839 milhões, tendo conquistado três títulos (Supercopa do Brasil, Paulistão e Brasileirão) no ano. O Flamengo faturou R$ 1,37 bilhão, sem taças levantadas. São cerca de R$ 400 milhões de diferença.
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➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários dos jogos do Brasileirão
O Verdão projeta uma arrecadação de R$ 880 milhões em 2024, e o Rubro-Negro planeja faturar R$ 1,15 bilhão.
ELENCOS
Tanto Flamengo quanto Palmeiras preservaram a base da última temporada e tiveram saídas pontuais no elenco. Na última Data Fifa, o Rubro-Negro teve seis atletas convocados para seleções: Fabrício Bruno e Ayrton Lucas (Brasil); Matías Viña, Arrascaeta, De La Cruz e Varela (Uruguai). No Verdão, Murilo e Endrick foram chamados por Dorival Jr, e Richard Ríos reforçou a seleção da Colômbia.