Harry Kane has confirmed that England have a plan if their players are racially abused by fans in Serbia during their World Cup qualifier.
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Everton are now “ready” to make an offer for a “complete” player this summer, according to a fresh claim from journalist Sebastien Vidal.
Everton pushing for signings from Spain and Portugal
The Blues know the importance of getting further transfer business over the line before their return to Premier League action, in order to be a top-half team again, rather than looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.
Some exciting names are being linked with summer moves to Everton, including Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, who has been likened to Lionel Messi, in terms of his style of play. A new right-sided player is needed, and he could be the ideal addition for David Moyes, with contact already made over a potential move to the club.
Added midfield depth is also important for the Blues, with a dominant force needed in front of the defence, and Benfica’s Florentino Luis has been mentioned as an option.
Everton are said to have enquired about the availability of the Portuguese ace, as have Burnley and Leeds United, but they will reportedly have to pay around £22m to prise him away from the Primeira Liga giants.
Everton "ready" bid for £38m starlet
Now, according to a new update from Vidal on X, Everton are preparing a £38m offer for Como winger Assane Diao, looking to beat Nottingham Forest to his signature this summer.
At just 19, Diao is far from the finished article as a footballer, but that doesn’t mean that Everton shouldn’t be going all in on him ahead of the new season.
The Como ace has already scored eight goals in just 15 appearances for his current club, with such ruthless end product rare for teenage wide players. He also has two caps to his name for Senegal, having switched his allegiances from Spain, and scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “complete” player.
Diao is at his most comfortable on the left wing, so he could come in as a strong backup option to the influential Iliman Ndiaye, but his versatility means he can also shine on the right flank, which is a more pressing area to add quality for Everton, hence the interest in Kubo.
Everton pushing in race to sign "superb" Douglas Luiz alternative for Moyes
Moyes is still seeking reinforcements.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 31, 2025
Hopefully, the Blues are successful in their imminent bid for the Senegalese, with the Como starlet having the ability to grow into a formidable option for Moyes over time.
It’s already been a very busy transfer window at Arsenal.
So far, the Gunners have brought in six new recruits, signing Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Nørgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga for around £187m.
According to Sam Dean of The Telegraph, this is the first time since transfer windows were introduced that the Gunners have signed six players before their first pre-season fixture, last making six or more signings in July all the way back in 1997.
However, as Mikel Arteta targets the Premier League title, they are not done yet, so could the most exciting addition be yet to arrive, a move that would be bad news for one of the club’s longest-serving players?
Arsenal need to add creativity
Following victories over AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, Arsenal’s Asia tour ended on a sour note.
On Thursday, the Gunners were beaten 1-0 by North London rivals Tottenham at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.
The only goal of the evening came on the cusp of half-time; David Raya played a hospital pass to Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had his pocket picked by Pape Matar Sarr, who then lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper from inside the centre circle.
However, it was at the other end where supporters’ concerns lay, creating just one big chance, while only one of 16 shots found the target, according to SofaScore, with the Gunners unable to break down a low block in the second half, reverting to the familiar horse shoe of doom, passing from side-to-side without any penetration.
Thus, as they seek to address this lack of creativity, journalist Sébastien Vidal reported that Arsenal are “preparing to submit” a £52m bid to Crystal Palace in an attempt to sign Eberechi Eze, who he claims is “keen” to join this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Elsewhere, Dom Smith of the Evening Standard documents that Eze’s £68m release clause actually expires on 15 August, just ahead of Palace’s Premier League opener, but they still intend to make an offer irrespective of this deadline.
So, could the 27-year-old be the fabled final piece in the jigsaw, as Gooners everywhere dream of a first Premier League title since 2004?
Where Eberechi Eze would fit in at Arsenal
It is not entirely clear where Eze would fit into Arteta’s team, but this is exactly why he would be such an exciting addition, given the need for something a bit different.
Zubimendi’s arrival suggests that Declan Rice will be deployed as the left eight, given license to get forward alongside Martin Ødegaard, while Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz are also options for that left-sided midfield role.
So, could the 27-year-old become the starter wide on the left-wing, given that many Gunners fans believe a Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli upgrade is required?
As noted by Simon Collings of the Evening Standard, very few members of the Arsenal squad produce a better ‘work ethic’ than Martinelli, praising his ‘brilliant defensive work’, but there has been a clear decline in the Brazilian’s attacking output, as the table below documents.
Appearances
46
44
51
Minutes
3,440
2,640
3,564
Goals
15
8
10
Assists
7
5
6
Shots
55
39
40
Shooting accuracy %
58.18%
56.41%
62.5%
Big chances missed
6
5
8
Chances created
58
44
38
Big chances created
11
7
7
Take-on Success %
52.94%
39.6%
35.48%
% of touches in the box
15%
15%
18%
Average Sofascore Rating
7.17
7.11
6.96
As the table notes, when comparing the last three seasons, the vast majority of Martinelli’s attacking statistics peaked during Arsenal’s first title challenge in 2022/23, and have subsequently plateaued, namely goals, assists, shots, chances created, and dribbling.
So, would the English “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, represent a major upgrade?
Well, ahead of their clash at Selhurst in November, Fulham manager Marco Silva labelled Eze a “top player”, adding “I really enjoy watching him play”.
Meantime, Daryl Gouilard of Total Football Analysis is impressed by his ‘technical ability’, thriving as a ‘primary playmaker’ who tends to drift towards the left, while Sam Tabuteau of Breaking the Lines notes that he is capable of producing ‘match-winning moments’.
So, let’s compare Eze to Martinelli.
Appearances
33
34
Minutes
2,299
2,603
Goals
8
8
Assists
4
8
Shots
40
61
Chances created
38
57
Big chances created
7
11
Big chances missed
8
8
Take-on success %
34%
52%
Touches per 90
42.4
54.9
Average SofaScore rating
6.96
7.28
As the table documents, Eze’s attacking statistics were universally more impressive than those of Martinelli in the Premier League last season, registering more assists, creating more chances, and completing a higher percentage of his take-ons.
Thus, it is undeniable that the England international would be an amazing signing for Arsenal, and they might just need him if they’re going to overtake big-spending reigning champions Liverpool, and it would be bad news for Martinelli.
Dream Eze alternative: Berta lodged Arsenal bid for £61m "genius"
Arsenal have earmarked a fallback, should they fail to sign Crystal Palace’s Eze this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Aug 2, 2025
Bangladesh earned just two wickets on opening day, both picked up by Taijul Islam
Firdose Moonda29-Oct-2024South Africa 307 for 2 (De Zorzi 141*, Stubbs 106, Bedingham 18*) vs Bangladesh It was a coming of age day for two of South Africa’s top three as Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs both scored their first Test centuries in Chattogram. De Zorzi and Stubbs, with eight and five Test caps to their names respectively, shared South Africa’s third-highest second-wicket stand in Asia of 201 to put South Africa in a strong position to push for a series sweep.They made the most of batter-friendly conditions with little seam movement, swing or steep bounce and only hints of turn to assist the home attack. Bangladesh’s bowlers had little to work with and the best they managed was to keep South Africa quiet in patches. Their tall seamer Nahid Rana was the most impressive of the five-man attack and reached speeds of up to 148kph but went wicketless. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam picked up from where he left off after a five-for in Mirpur and was the only bowler to take wickets, although Hasan Mahmud will feel hard done by. De Zorzi was dropped off him twice, on 6 and 69, on his way to an unbeaten 141.South Africa started the day strongly as stand-in captain Aiden Markram and de Zorzi motored at 4.6 runs an over in the first hour. They hit four fours and a six between them as South Africa reached morning drinks on 60 without loss. The only threat came from Hasan, who took de Zorzi’s edge with the first ball of his fourth over but debutant wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam could not hold on. Bangladesh turned to spin from both ends after that and it brought success for Taijul. Markram advanced down the track to a ball that was not as short as he anticipated and chipped it to Mominul Haque at mid-on.Related
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Markram’s dismissal allowed Bangladesh to pull the scoring rate back. They did not concede a boundary for 21 deliveries as Stubbs played himself in. He found his first four when he reverse-swept Mehidy Hasan Miraz behind point but then Bangladesh reapplied the squeeze. Another 28 balls were bowled for just 14 runs before de Zorzi brought up South Africa’s hundred with a sumptuous cover drive. De Zorzi went to lunch one away from a third Test fifty and got there in the over after the break.The opening exchanges of the afternoon session were difficult for South Africa and they went 91 deliveries between boundaries as they navigated Rana’s pace and small amounts of proper turn from Taijul. Nahid’s lengths were improved from the fuller ones he employed in the morning and he stuck to back-of-a-length balls which proved difficult to get away. But he did not come close to a wicket. Instead it was Mahmud who should have had something to show for his efforts. He drew de Zorzi forward again and took the edge but the chance slipped through the hands of Shadman Islam at first slip, de Zorzi and South Africa survived a period in which they scored only 34 runs in 13 overs after lunch and then things opened up a bit for them.The next eight overs brought 32 runs at a healthier scoring rate and Stubbs brought up his second Test fifty. Stubbs grew in confidence when he hit Mehidy over the sightscreen for six and de Zorzi followed suit by entering the nineties by sending Taijul over long-on. De Zorzi reached his hundred with a sweep shot off Mehidy through square leg and celebrated his achievement to warm applause from the dug out, which included injured captain Temba Bavuma. De Zorzi is only the second black African batter from South Africa to score a Test hundred, after Bavuma.2:12
‘You can’t buy that pace’ – Phil Simmons impressed with Nahid Rana
As de Zorzi struggled with cramps, Stubbs faced 25 of the first 30 deliveries after tea and showed good intent. He was particularly severe on Mehidy, charging him twice for six and reverse-sweeping him for four to near the nineties and knuckle down. De Zorzi struggled to run between the wickets so the pair quietened down and Stubbs spent 39 balls getting from 88 to 100. He did it with a single to deep point and a standing ovation from everyone in the South African camp.Stubbs was bowled in the next over by a ball that kept low from Taijul with about half an hour left of play in the day. South Africa saw that as a license to attack. De Zorzi and David Bedingham played with freedom and scored 34 runs in the six overs that followed as Bangladesh awaited the second new ball. They were also without their captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for that period after he left the field with what seemed like illness. Taijul led in his absence and took the second new ball as soon as it became available. Mehidy bowled one over with it before the players came off for bad light, with the day’s accolades going to de Zorzi.South Africa went into this series with only two specialist batters in their squad with playing experience in the subcontinent and only one, Markram, with a century in Asia. The other, Bavuma, was ruled out of the series with injury, which left them further bereft of experience. A Test and a day into the series they have four batters in the playing XI who have scored centuries in the subcontinent.
The Argentine coach stressed that the midfielder is an important piece and has a chance of making the 2026 World Cup roster
Zendejas called up for September’s FIFA windowLast USMNT appearance came in November 2024Has 11 senior caps with the national teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
With less than a year to go before the 2026 World Cup, Alejandro Zendejas is once again back in the mix for the U.S. men’s national team. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino opened the door for his return, describing the Club América midfielder as “an interesting player” and emphasizing that “everyone has the chance” to be part of the squad.
Born in El Paso, Texas but developed in Mexico, Zendejas has been a steady presence for América in recent seasons. His time with the USMNT, however, has been inconsistent – he was not part of the Nations League or Gold Cup rosters. His inclusion in the September camp marks a promising return.
Ahead of Saturday's friendly against South Korea, Pochettino explained that past omissions weren’t about quality, but circumstance.
"Many times it doesn’t depend on the players – it depends on our choices and how we want to structure the team for balance," he said. "For different reasons, the Club World Cup didn’t happen, but we thought América might qualify and that could have limited his availability [for the Gold Cup].”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT POCHETTINO SAID
The Argentine highlighted Zendejas’ versatility, tactical awareness, and his connection with teammates, saying, “We value him a lot. He’s a player who can operate in different positions, links up well, and has a very good chemistry with the group.”
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Zendejas last wore the USMNT jersey in November 2024, when he featured in the Nations League quarterfinals against Jamaica. In 11 senior appearances he has scored once, in 2023.
At club level, the 27-year-old has been a key figure for América, helping them stay near the top of the Apertura 2025 table. His impact has gone beyond the stat sheet – just one goal and one assist in seven matches – but he remains a starter under manager André Jardine.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR USMNT?
The U.S. will take on Japan on Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio.
A mixed start to Newcastle United’s pre-season fixtures.
First, the Magpies demolished Carlisle United 4-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with the now-departed Sean Longstaff breaking the deadlock, before Joelinton, Jacob Murphy and youngster Ben Parkinson were all on target.
However, on Saturday, with over 10,000 Geordies in attendance in Glasgow, Eddie Howe’s side were embarrassingly battered 4-0 by Celtic at Parkhead, with Nick Pope responsible for an absolute howler, gifting the Hoops their second.
Next up, the Toon Army will take on Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium on Sunday, but will they have a new signing to get excited about before then?
So far this summer, Newcastle have signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £55m, making him the club’s second-most expensive signing of all-time, behind fellow-Swede Alexander Isak.
Meantime, they’ve seen a £25m bid rejected for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, although the DR Congo international has left the Bees’ pre-season training camp in Portugal, and it is widely expected this deal will be finalised in the end.
While Wissa would be an excellent addition, representing a major upgrade on the released Callum Wilson, are Newcastle also turning their attention back to their top target?
Well, as reported by Chris Waugh of the Athletic, Newcastle ‘remain interested’ in signing Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi, noting that internal discussions during recruitment meetings have been held.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Fair to say, Newcastle hold a long-standing interest in the England international, having had four bids rejected for Guéhi last summer, the highest of which was £60m, with Palace owner Steve Parish telling BBC Sport back then that it would require “superstar money” for the Eagles to consider selling their captain.
Guéhi is purportedly valued at £70m by the South London side, so should Newcastle push the boat out to bring him to Tyneside?
Howe will be looking to bolster his centre-back options this summer, ahead of a very busy schedule, given that his side have qualified for the Champions League.
The table below underlines his limited options in that position last season.
|
Newcastle United’s centre-back options 2024/25 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Dan Burn |
Fabian Schär |
Sven Botman |
|
Appearances |
46 |
42 |
10 |
|
Starts |
44 |
40 |
8 |
|
Minutes |
3,974 |
3,629 |
581 |
|
% of total minutes played |
91% |
83% |
13% |
|
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com |
|||
As the table outlines, due to Sven Botman’s injury issues, Dan Burn and Fabin Schär started the vast majority of Newcastle’s 48 fixtures last season in league and cup, something that’ll surely not be possible again with, at a minimum, eight Champions League ties thrown into the mix.
Should Guéhi arrive, he would certainly become first-choice in that spot, given that then-England manager Gareth Southgate described his performances at last summer’s Euros as “exceptional”, while former teammate Josef Buršík, now of Club Brugge, labelled him an “absolute tank”.
Meantime, Nathan Jackson of Total Football Analysis outlines how he has the potential to become the best centre-back in the Premier League, with Elias Burke of the Athletic praising his ability to complete ‘ambitious’ forward passes, due to his top-class quality on the ball, citing Roy Hodgson, who asserted that he is a future England captain.
So, let’s see how he compares to Burn, the man he’d surely be usurping in the Newcastle pecking order.
|
Marc Guéhi vs Dan Burn 2024/25 Premier League comparison |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Guéhi |
Burn |
|
Pass completion % |
84.15% |
88.62% |
|
Forward passes |
20.8 |
17 |
|
Duels contested |
8.4 |
8.9 |
|
Aerial duel success % |
53.91% |
66.07% |
|
Ground duel success % |
63.46% |
50% |
|
Tackles |
1.8 |
1.1 |
|
Interceptions |
0.9 |
0.8 |
|
Blocks |
0.7 |
0.7 |
|
Ball Recoveries |
4.3 |
2.8 |
|
All statistics courtesy of Squawka |
||
As the table outlines, Guéhi comes out on top for the vast majority of defensive metrics included; it is little surprise that Burn boasts better numbers when it comes to aerial duels!
This is exactly why Guéhi would be such a key signing for Newcastle, as he would represent a massive upgrade in a position of need.
Wissa, on the other hand, while an excellent player, not so much.
The Magpies already have Isak, who Graham Ruthven of Total Soccer Show asserts is one of the best four centre-forwards on the planet, alongside Erling Braut Håland, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski.
Of course, an Isak back-up is necessary, but this is why they signed William Osula last summer, a player who Beth Limb of Breaking the Lines believes has a ‘bright future ahead’, praising his ‘strong physical profile’ and ‘wonderful burst of acceleration’.
So, while Wissa will be a useful squad addition, Guéhi would represent a transformational first-team starter, hence why Newcastle should go all out to secure his signature.
Better fit than Ekitike: Newcastle lead race to sign £44m Wissa alternative
Newcastle eye highly-rated French forward after losing out on Ekitike
By
Will Miller
Jul 22, 2025
When Liverpool smashed not just their own transfer record but the Premier League’s transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m, many associated with the Anfield club would be forgiven for thinking that was it.
Marc Guehi has been touted with a move around the £40m mark but another colossal spend was surely out of the question, right? Think again.
Anyone fancy Alexander Isak? Of course, you do. Every club in European football would love to see the Newcastle striker leading the line for them.
The trouble is, he’s rather unattainable. Every player has their price, but it feels unlikely Liverpool will make a bid of £150m, the fee the Magpies could be looking for if they are to enter negotiations.
That being said, reports have indicated in the last 24 hours that the Reds are reportedly willing to put £130m on the table. Talk about making a statement to your rivals.
Yet, with that deal looking incredibly difficult to do, they have turned their attention to Hugo Ekitike.
The latest on the Hugo Ekitike situation
On Monday, Newcastle burst into life, making Ekitike their number one target and thus beginning work on a move. That was according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
It has since been reported by Fabrizio Romano that the Toon have lodged an official bid to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt forward. Sadly for Newcastle, that was rejected. Frankfurt want more for their French superstar.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Ekitike has attracted the interest of plenty this summer, namely Manchester United and Chelsea. Yet, Liverpool are now at the table.
Romano reports that if they cannot prise Isak away from St James’ Park, then they will make a play for the Bundesliga superstar instead.
It’s a remarkable ultimatum on the face of it. Give us Isak or we’ll poach your leading transfer target instead. It’s older brother behaviour from one of Europe’s elite clubs. Who can blame them, either?
It’s a situation that could become quite messy, hence why Liverpool are looking at further alternatives to bolster their forward line.
Liverpool's Isak and Ekitike alternatives
According to the Daily Mail, FSG and Co have a number of strikers on their radar this summer, including the likes of Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen.
One of the more standout names is Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. Also a target for Tottenham Hotspur this summer, the report notes that Liverpool have been in talks with several centre-forwards, one of which is the Bees sensation.
The Reds are weighing up their options, alright, and could have to pay around £50m or even more to prise him away from London.
How Yoane Wissa compares to Hugo Ekitike
This summer we are likely to see Darwin Nunez depart Anfield on a permanent basis.
Once a club-record signing, it simply hasn’t happened for the Uruguayan in Liverpool colours, chiefly in 2024/25 when he scored just seven goals in 47 outings.
He’s a bundle of chaotic energy. Sometimes it’s good, but for the most part, it’s a negative trait. Few forwards in Europe’s top leagues miss as many big chances as him.
During 2023/24, Nunez missed 27 big chances in the Premier League, only second to Erling Haaland. On that basis, you may not think it’s a particularly negative stat. The trouble is, while Haaland missed plenty of chances, he was also burying them at regular intervals, notching 27 league goals that year. Nunez could only manage 11.
So, if Liverpool are to go out and buy a striker to replace Nunez this summer, they need a safe and proven pair of hands. Isak, of course, is the dream buy, but in Wissa, they’d sign a similar player, someone who’s already been there and done it in the English top-flight.
Ekitike has his positives, of course he does. He’s got rangy strides and plays in a similar manner to Isak, cutting inside and burying opportunities. You don’t score 22 goals as a 22-year-old in the Bundesliga without being a good player.
Goals
19
15
Expected goals (xG)
18.59
21.67
Big chances missed
17
16
Assists
4
8
Shots off target *
0.7
1.2
Shots on target *
1.2
1.5
Conversion rate
20%
13%
Scoring frequency
154 mins
172 mins
That said, much like Nunez, he’s still raw. You sense he needs a year or two learning from another frontman should he join a big club.
Wissa, however, is 28. He’s in his prime, he knows his game perfectly, and as a Premier League-proven forward, would surely hit the ground running right away. In the words of former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, he’s “unbelievable.”
The DR Congo international scored 20 goals in 39 matches in all competitions last term, the best campaign of his career to date and he’s improving at a rapid rate. He’s ready for a big move, he’s ready to take centre stage at one of the grandest clubs in Europe, notably scoring more regularly than Ekitike last term and registering a higher conversion rate.
If you still aren’t convinced, then perhaps data-led website, FBRef, can help you out. According to the numbers, Isak was the sixth-most similar striker in the Premier League to Wissa last season. The most comparable was Kai Havertz.
What that tells us is that Wissa doesn’t just possess the carrying ability of someone like Isak, but he’s also strong in the duel. Let’s put it this way: his game feels more refined than Ekitike’s at this moment in time.
The French youngster would not be a bad signing but if Liverpool desire someone a little less chaotic, someone less raw than Nunez, Wissa is your man. He’d also be a great deal cheaper. What’s not to like?
Better than Wirtz: Liverpool preparing £113m bid to sign superstar winger
Liverpool could sign another marquee player this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025
A stand at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, home of Cricket Victoria and St Kilda Cricket Club, has been renamed in Shane Warne’s honour
Alex Malcolm25-Oct-2024
Ross Hepburn, Brooke, Summer and Keith Warne and Paul Ryan unveil the renamed Shane Warne Stand at the Junction Oval in Melbourne•Getty Images
Cricket Victoria and the St Kilda Cricket Club have renamed one of the heritage listed grandstands at the Junction Oval in Melbourne after the late Shane Warne in honour of his contribution to Victoria and his club team St Kilda.The process of renaming the stand, which has stood since 1925, had begun well before Warne’s passing in March, 2022. The stand was formerly named after Australian rules footballer Kevin Murray who has supported the change. Murray’s name now adorns a stand at Brunswick Street Oval in Fitzroy in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.The MCG named its southern stand after Warne at his state funeral in 2022 but the process to get the heritage listed stand renamed on the western side of Junction Oval in St Kilda, a suburb just south of Melbourne’s CBD, took far longer.Warne’s father Keith and his two daughters Summer and Brooke attended the unveiling, which took place before Victoria took on New South Wales in a One-Day Cup match at the Junction Oval. Australia Test captain Pat Cummins, and a host of Australian players including Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell, attended the ceremony before playing in the game. Some of Warne’s former Australia, Victoria and St Kilda teammates were also in attendance at the unveiling.Cricket Victoria have also unveiled a Shane Warne exhibition in the foyer of their administration and high performance centre at the northern end of the ground. The exhibition features memorabilia from Warne’s career, with a lot of it supplied by his father, and is free to visit.”Today marks a very special and proud day for the Warne family to have a stand named the Shane Warne stand here at the Junction Oval is a wonderful tribute to Shane, who we know would be honored to be chosen for such an accolade,” Keith Warne said at the unveiling.”In February 1991 he made his first-class debut playing for Victoria against Western Australia here at the Junction Oval. Some of Shane’s most enjoyable early cricketing years were whilst playing with his beloved St Kilda, especially when the matches were played here at the Junction Oval. As proud as Shane would be to know a stand at the Junction Oval bares his name, he would also be thrilled to know that he will now be forever linked with St Kilda Cricket Club and the Junction Oval. On behalf of her family, I’d like to thank Cricket Victoria and St Kilda Cricket Club for their support in honouring Shane with such a wonderful tribute, further enhancing Shane’s incredible legacy.”
There is no getting around it, next season feels like it’s do or die for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has done incredible work over the last five or so years, turning what was a mid-table side at best into perennial title challengers, but after three failed attempts to claim the Premier League crown, they have to get it over the line this time.
Fortunately, while it’s going to require a Herculean effort from the Spaniard’s squad, Andrea Berta and Co have done their bit so far this summer in providing him with some exciting reinforcements.
The marquee signing so far has undoubtedly been Viktor Gyokeres, who joined the club from Sporting CP for a total fee of around £63.5m, and while that is a lot of money, there is already an attacker in the Gunners’ setup worth that little bit more, and no, it’s not Bukayo Saka.
Why Arsenal signed Gyokeres
So, there is no denying that Arsenal pushed the boat out to sign Gyokeres this summer, as while his fee of £63.5m might not break any records, it still comes in as the club’s fifth highest ever.
However, it’s easy to see why Arteta and Co felt okay spending that, as for all their defensive solidity last season, the Gunners were only the third-highest-scoring team in the Premier League and scored a whopping 17 goals fewer than champions Liverpool.
So the best course of action in that situation would probably be to go out and sign a prolific number nine, and there were few, if any, more prolific than the Swedish monster.
For example, in 52 appearances for Sporting last season, totalling 4248 minutes, the goalscoring “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, put the ball in the back of the net 54 times and provided 13 assists for good measure.
In other words, the 27-year-old machine averaged 1.28 goal involvements every game, or one every 63.40 minutes, which is the sort of output that could fire the North Londoners to glory next year.
On top of that, the former Coventry City star has also scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 26 appearances, totalling 1568 minutes, for Sweden, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.23 games, or every 74.66 minutes.
In short, Gyokeres is a lean, mean goalscoring machine, and it’s easy to see why Arsenal splashed the cash on him, although even with his lofty price tag, he’s worth less than one of his new and younger teammates.
The Arsenal star worth more than Gyokeres
While they are yet to win anything, Arsenal are a team stacked to the rafters with brilliant talents and, in this instance, we are talking about none other than Ethan Nwaneri.
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In a season in which it felt like nothing went the way of the Gunners and their fans didn’t have a whole lot to celebrate, the 18-year-old’s breakout was one of the few genuinely positive points.
Of course, the Enfield-born gem did make his first senior appearance for the club as a 15-year-old in 2023, but it was last season when he showed the fans and the rest of the league, for that matter, that he’s a serious talent.
In fact, he was so impressive last year that Football Transfers have valued him at a whopping €74m, which is around £64.5m, or £1m more than Gyokeres cost late last month.
Now, we aren’t saying for a second that the youngster is already better than the Swedish international, or will have as big of an impact as him in the first team next season, but given his brilliant performances in 24/25, it’s not hard to imagine him developing into a genuine superstar in a few years – hence the lofty valuation.
Appearances
37
Minutes
1378′
Goals
9
Assists
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.29
Minutes per Goal Involvement
125.27′
For example, despite starting the season as a 17-year-old, the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, managed to score nine goals and provide two assists in just 1378 minutes.
In other words, the Hale Ender averaged a goal involvement every 125.27 minutes in his first proper campaign of first-team football, when playing in the Champions League and the toughest league in the world, per Opta Analyst.
Finally, it’s not just the output, as some of the teenager’s underlying numbers are nothing short of extraordinary.
According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 4% for crosses into the penalty area and the top 7% for total carrying distance, all per 90.
Ultimately, there is still so much to see from Nwaneri over the coming years, but based on his performances last season, it’s easy to see why he is currently worth more than Gyokeres.
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تعرض منتخب مصر تحت 20 عاماً، للهزيمة بهدفين دون رد، أمام نظيره الياباني، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للشباب.
والتقى منتخب مصر مع اليابان، على أرضية ملعب “الوطني” في مدينة سانتياجو في تشيلي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس العالم للشباب.
وجاء هدف اليابان الأول في الدقيقة 29 من زمن الشوط الأول عن طريق ريون إيشيهارا، من ركلة جزاء تم احتسابها بعد عرقلة من سيف سفاجا.
طالع أيضًا.. عاجل ورسميًا | حكم مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في الدوري المصري
وجاء هدف اليابان الثاني في الدقيقة 49، بعد قطع الكرة من سيف سفاجا، لتصل إلى هيساتسوجو إيشي الذي سدد داخل المرمى.
ويتواجد منتخب مصر للشباب في المجموعة الأولى من البطولة رفقة كل من اليابان وتشيلي ونيوزيلندا.
بتلك النتيجة يتصدر منتخب اليابان صدارة ترتيب المجموعة برصيد 3 نقاط، بينما يأتي المنتخب المصري بالمركز الرابع والأخير بدون نقاط. أهداف مباراة مصر واليابان في كأس العالم للشباب