In the wake of a complete collapse against the San Francisco Giants Tuesday, the Baltimore Orioles are parting ways with a veteran reliever.
The Orioles have designated pitcher Craig Kimbrel for assignment, they announced Wednesday afternoon. In Baltimore's 10–0 loss to the Giants Thursday, Kimbrel surrendered six earned runs in two-thirds of an inning.
Kimbrel pitched in 57 games for the Orioles this season, going 7-5 with a 5.33 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings.
Once one of the most feared closers in baseball, Kimbrel has nine career All-Star appearances to his name. The 36-year-old's 440 career saves rank fifth in baseball history, and trail only Kenley Jansen among active pitchers.
In an otherwise rock-solid season for Baltimore, its bullpen has been a major question mark. With Kimbrel presumably on his way out the door, pitcher Seranthony Dominiguez is now the Orioles' saves leader with nine.
Baltimore is currently 84-67, four games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the American League East division.
Plenty of analysts predicted a New York vs. Los Angeles meeting in the MLB postseason, but few projected it to happen sooner than the World Series.
Thanks to a surprising late-season push from the New York Mets and continued success in the postseason, New York has announced itself as a legitimate postseason threat. After defeating the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the next team in their way. They also pose the biggest threat yet to their hopes of pulling off true "Miracle Mets" status.
On the flip side, for the Dodgers, making it to the NLCS is an achievement, but by no means would exiting at this stage in the postseason be viewed as a good result for the year. After going out and spending this offseason on key free agents like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (adding to their already strong core that features the likes of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman), they expect to be one of the two teams left fighting for the World Series trophy.
This is how the schedule is laid out, with possible changes due to weather a possibility:
Game No.
Date
Home Team
1
Sunday, October 13
Dodgers
2
Monday, October 14
Dodgers
3
Wednesday, October 16
Mets
4
Thursday, October 17
Mets
5*
Friday, October 18
Mets
6*
Sunday, October 20
Dodgers
7*
Monday, October 22
Dodgers
*
Dodgers vs. Mets Record 2024
The two coastal teams met six times across two series during the regular season. In the first one, the Mets took two of three games, with the Dodgers sweeping the second three-game series and taking the overall season series 4-2.
The Dodgers outscored the Mets 36-20 in those six games, with the Mets scoring two or fewer runs in three of the games (shut out twice).
Here's a look at how the two teams stacked up in various stats throughout the year.
With their move for Shanghai Port manager Kevin Muscat continuing to progress, reports are now suggesting that a 52-year-old coach who’s previously worked with Ange Postecoglou could also join Rangers.
Latest on Kevin Muscat's Rangers move
After Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl dropped out of contention, Muscat remains Rangers’ leading candidate. Talks have been held and a deal has now reportedly been agreed with the manager to take the vacant position at Ibrox. However, there’s still work for the Gers to do if they want to get Muscat out of his current position at Shanghai Port.
What is a certainty is that he will not be in charge this weekend. As Rangers look to thrash out a deal with the Chinese Super League’s champions-elect, they have handed the reins to Steven Smith, Brian Gilmour, Rhys Owen and Sal Bibbo for Saturday’s game against Dundee United.
Speaking about his first and potentially only game in the dugout, Smith told reporters: “We know tomorrow will be a tough game, Dundee United are well organised, so the game is about the players and not me.
“We have to give the players everything they need in order to win. I have been doing this for a long time and have been in the Academy. I trust my processes and my method.”
It’s the perfect chance for Smith to impress ahead of what could be another disrupted spell for Rangers. Even if they hire Muscat, reports are indicating that he wants to finish the Chinese Super League season and seal the title with Shanghai Port before officially arriving at Ibrox. That would mean the Gers would have to wait for their manager and his coaching staff until November 22.
Aloisi expected to join Muscat at Rangers
As those at Ibrox continue their wait for Muscat, rumours about his backroom staff have emerged. According to The Daily Record, Ross Aloisi is expected to join the manager in Scotland if he completes a move.
The 52-year-old assistant manager previously worked with Postecoglou at Brisbane Roar and was targeted by Celtic when the Australian was in charge in 2021. On paper, Aloisi represents another solid, experienced addition who’d be getting his chance to prove that in European football for the first time.
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Meanwhile, alongside the assistant, Vince Ierardo is also expected to join Rangers if Muscat’s signed on the dotted line. The 42-year-old has only been a coach since 2023, but is seemingly in line for his biggest move yet.
Everything aside from the timeline is falling into place for Rangers, who must get a compensation fee with Shanghai Port agreed before announcing their new manager.
Although they may choose to make a delayed start, Muscat and his coaching staff may well prove to be shrewd acquisitions after Russell Martin’s disastrous 123-day tenure.
In stark contrast to last season, Arsenal cannot stop winning at the moment.
Mikel Arteta’s side’s win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday night was their tenth on the bounce in all competitions.
Additionally, it marked their eighth consecutive clean sheet, a feat the club have not achieved in 122 years.
As things stand, Arsenal are far and away the best team in the Premier League, and a somewhat underappreciated star should be in serious contention for the Player of the Season Award.
The Arsenal players on track for the Team of the Season
It is still early on in the season, but as things stand, there are a handful of Arsenal players who feel like a shoo-in for the Team of the Season come May.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
For example, while he was once seen as something of a liability, Gabriel Magahelse has transformed into one of the best centre-backs in world football, and on form, the best in the league.
On top of being a “colossus” at the back, as dubbed by Adam Keys, the Brazilian is a force of nature in the opposition’s penalty area and, in the league alone, has already amassed a tally of two assists and one goal in ten appearances.
Another defender who stands a good chance of featuring in the team, so long as he remains fit, is Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian international has added an element of the unpredictable to the Gunners’ team, and his ability to pop up all over the pitch has seen journalist James Benge label him “the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.”
While not quite shoo-ins, William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi also stand a great chance of making it.
Finally, someone who should be the first name in the midfield is Declan Rice.
The former West Ham United captain has been utterly sensational for the Gunners this term.
On top of breaking up opposition attacks with ease, the Englishman’s passing has been world-class, and it is hard to think of a better dead-ball specialist in European football, let alone the Premier League.
However, with all that said, there is another Arsenal star who not only should be in the Team of the Season but also in contention for Player of the Season.
The Arsenal star in line for Player of the Season
Now, you could make the argument for several Arsenal stars here, but as things stand, Jurrien Timber has arguably been the team’s best player this season.
The Dutchman had an impressive personal campaign last season, cementing himself as one of the best lockdown full-backs in the league, but has, in the words of Arteta, reached a “different dimension” entirely this year.
On top of being a brick wall at the back, notably delivering a “monster” performance in the words of Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley against Madrid last season, the former Ajax star has become a seriously dangerous attacking outlet.
For example, in the league alone, he has already scored two goals and provided two assists in just ten appearances.
However, his influence cannot be measured purely in terms of output, as he’s become far more accomplished at overlapping with Bukayo Saka on the right.
More than that, though, he’s also starting to take on opposition defenders in central areas, with him going on a couple of mazy runs against Slavia Prague on Tuesday night.
However, if you are still unconvinced, you only need to take a look under the hood at his underlying numbers.
Timber’s Scout Report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
Through Balls
0.91
Top 1%
Goals
0.23
Top 4%
Non-Penalty Goals
0.23
Top 4%
Tackles
3.52
Top 4%
Tackles (Mid 3rd)
1.25
Top 4%
Tackles (Att 3rd)
0.80
Top 4%
xG: Expected Goals
0.23
Top 7%
Progressive Passes
6.02
Top 7%
Shots on Target
0.57
Top 7%
Passes into Penalty Area
1.59
Top 7%
Shot-Creating Actions
3.18
Top 7%
Touches (Att Pen)
3.64
Top 7%
Goals + Assists
0.34
Top 9%
Shots Total
1.25
Top 9%
All Stats via FBref
According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of full-backs in the league for through balls, the top 4% for non-penalty goals, tackles, and penalties won, the top 7% for progressive passes, and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while it’s still early in the season, Timber has not only been Arsenal’s best player, but arguably the best in the league.
Therefore, he should be the leading candidate for the Player of the Season.
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Tottenham Hotspur created a triumphant atmosphere toward the end of their frenzied Premier League clash with Manchester United down N17. Two late goals had turned the clash on its head and the home side were moments away from three points.
But Red Devils defender Matthijs de Ligt headed home from a corner at the eleventh hour, and Thomas Frank’s side had to settle for a draw.
The deflation was felt across the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with this team of talented players still caught in a continuous state of ebb and flow. They may sit third in the Premier League after 11 matches, but improvements are needed both mentally and in attack.
The truth is that Tottenham weren’t up to scratch throughout the first half, and while they improved after the break, it didn’t prove to be enough as Ruben Amorim’s mini-revival continues.
Spurs' worst performers vs Man Utd
Tottenham’s draw to Manchester United was as dramatic as they come. However, it was a game that accentuated the flaws in Frank’s team, having struggled to create chances in the first half and finally up things around on home soil, with the Londoners having won only seven of 24 home matches since the start of last season.
Several stars weren’t at the races. Guglielmo Vicario should have been stronger in repelling De Ligt’s last-gasp effort, while Pedro Porro toiled from a defensive standpoint at right-back.
Randal Kolo Muani will feel aggrieved to have been withdrawn at half-time, but the French centre-forward drifted through the opening half and struggled to latch onto any balls and find space to strike on goal. Across 191 minutes of Premier League action this season, Kolo Muani has taken just one shot, and he is yet to score or assist.
Ahead of Spain international Porro was Brennan Johnson, who continues to be something of an enigma, endowed with such speed and an eye for goal, and yet drifting through matches all too often.
Johnson needs to do better, but he was arguably more energetic and active in his display than his counterpart on the other wing. For sure, Frank will be left frowning over his combination on the left, having witnessed a discordant performance.
Frank must never start Spurs duo together again
Credit must be handed to Richarlison for his striker’s instinct in flicking Wilson Odobert’s shot past Senne Lammens and into the back of the net, but he flattered to deceive for much of the contest and did little to suggest he is the talismanic force Tottenham need to sustain a place at the very top of English and European football.
Regarding Djed Spence: one analyst remarked that the placement of the 25-year-old on the left is “killing Tottenham on the flank”, with the side finding “zero balance in possession” when he is flipped onto his left side.
Had Mohammed Kudus been fit and darting about in front of him, it might have been less apparent against United, but Richarlison was not at the races, even though he scored late on.
The truth is that Richarlison’s fine flick masqueraded over another poor performance, lots of huff and puff, but not enough by the way of impact.
And, as we already know, the contest reaffirmed the truth of Spence, who is not a left-back and does not promote Tottenham’s full efficiency and fluency when placed there, especially behind a wide forward in Richarlison, who was described by writer Halal Wyler as being a “real-life cartoon villain”.
Once Destiny Udogie and Odobert, who impressed and then some in his cameo, had entered the field and dynamised the left-hand side, Spurs looked a cleaner, more polished outfit for it.
It is for this reason that the duo cannot be allowed to play down that channel together again. Richarlison is limited in technical scope, and Spence is left trying to connect in an unnatural role with an imperfect attacking partner. In harsher terms and as analyst Raj Chohan put it, it’s a pretty “garbage” duo when they play together.
The duo’s statistics from the clash underscore this. While the left-back produced some convincing defensive numbers, and Richarlison indeed bagged himself a goal, neither can be truly content with their performances.
Minutes played
90′
90′
Goals
0
1
Assists
0
0
Touches
68
38
Shots (on target)
0 (0)
3 (1)
Accurate passes
33/42 (79%)
17/22 (77%)
Possession lost
16x
9x
Chances created
0
0
Crosses
0/2
0/0
Dribbles
0/2
0/1
Recoveries
5
1
Tackles won
3/3
1/2
Clearances
3
2
Duels won
4/11
4/10
Writing about the respective performances after the match, football.london’s Alasdair Gold saw it fit to hand Spence a 6/10 match rating and a 7/10 score to Richarlison. However, this is somewhat generous, and there’s no question that Tottenham are a more fluent outfit with a different combination running down the left.
The left-sided pair, who earn a combined salary of £130k per week, will have brighter days ahead of them in a Spurs shirt, but as Frank continues to develop his understanding of this team, he will surely accept that this is a duo who cannot be fielded together again.
Richarlison may well be playing his final season with the Lilywhites, but Spence will no doubt have taken note of Porro’s “disaster” of a performance at right-back, as was said by Polish journalist Michael Okonski during the match, and set his sights on a return to his natural berth.
In any case, tactical changes are needed when Tottenham return to action after the imminent international break. Frank has the potential to succeed in north London, but he has to start getting the big calls right.
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يستعد منتخب مصر الأول لكرة القدم، بقيادة المدير الفني حسام حسن، لخوض مواجهة جديدة ومهمة أمام منتخب الرأس الأخضر (كاب فيردي)، مساء اليوم الإثنين، ضمن منافسات البطولة الدولية الودية المقامة في دولة الإمارات خلال فترة التوقف الدولي لشهر نوفمبر 2025.
طالع | فيديو | مصر تحقق المركز الثالث في كأس العين على حساب الرأس الأخضر
وتأتي هذه المواجهة في إطار سعي المدير الفني لمنتخب الفراعنة لاختبار قدرات اللاعبين وتصحيح المسار بعد الخسارة الأخيرة أمام أوزبكستان.
وتعد البطولة الدولية واحدة من أبرز محطات إعداد المنتخبات المشاركة، حيث تُقام في الإمارات خلال الفترة من 13 إلى 18 نوفمبر بمشاركة أربعة منتخبات: مصر، الرأس الأخضر، إيران، وأوزبكستان، وتعتمد البطولة نظام نصف النهائي، ثم مباراة لتحديد المركزين الثالث والرابع، إضافة إلى المباراة النهائية.
وخاض منتخب مصر أولى مبارياته في نصف النهائي أمام منتخب أوزبكستان، إلا أنه تلقّى خسارة غير متوقعة بنتيجة 2-0، ليخوض بعدها مواجهة اليوم أمام الرأس الأخضر لتحديد المركز الثالث.
وعلى الجانب الآخر، نجح منتخب إيران في حجز بطاقة التأهل إلى النهائي بعد فوزه على الرأس الأخضر بركلات الترجيح، ليضرب موعدًا مع أوزبكستان في المباراة النهائية.
وتكتسب مباراة مصر والرأس الأخضر أهمية خاصة للجهاز الفني، حيث يسعى حسام حسن إلى تحسين الأداء العام للمنتخب، وإشراك عدد من العناصر التي تحتاج للمزيد من الاحتكاك الدولي قبل الدخول في منافسات رسمية مهمة خلال الأشهر المقبلة.
طالع أيضًا | القنوات الناقلة لمباراة مصر والرأس الأخضر اليوم وديًا موعد مباراة مصر والرأس الأخضر اليوم
تقام مباراة مصر والرأس الأخضر “كاب فيردي”، اليوم الإثنين 17 نوفمبر، إذ تنطلق المواجهة في تمام الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 7 بتوقيت السعودية.
ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.
She had retired in 2023 after failing to meet CSA’s fitness requirements, which have since been relaxed
Firdose Moonda25-Aug-2025
Dane van Niekerk has not played any international cricket since September 2021•Getty Images
Former South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk is in line for an international comeback after being included in the training squad for the Women’s World Cup. Van Niekerk retired from international cricket in March 2023, after she missed out on the home T20 World Cup for failing to meet CSA’s fitness requirements but has been playing domestically for Western Province and has made herself available for international selection.Van Niekerk has not played any international cricket since September 2021 and did not make South Africa’s 2022 ODI World Cup squad after breaking her ankle. She was due to lead the team at that event but her recovery took far longer than initially expected. She was eventually due to return in early 2023 but could not complete a two-kilometre time trial run in under 9:30.At the time, CSA were strictly enforcing this criteria but they have since relaxed the regulations and players can be picked on the coach’s discretion.Related
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Last season, van Niekerk committed to a full summer of provincial cricket but put “no timeline,” on an international comeback. She played five fifty-over matches for Western Province and scored 179 runs at 59.66 but had better returns in the shortest format, where she was the fourth-leading run-scorer of the Pro20. She has since confirmed that she is available for South Africa.In a post on Instagram, van Niekerk wrote that she has “decided to revoke my retirement from international cricket,” and that, “the time away has reminded me just how much I have missed representing my country.” She also apologised to, “Cricket South Africa and the cricket family for how I handled my retirement,” and committed to meeting “standards of the women’s game.”Her experience and ability in the middle-order, where South Africa have struggled, and her legspin could see her come into contention for next month’s World Cup in the subcontinent.Laura Wolvaardt will lead South Africa at the tournament but is not part of this week’s training camp as she is involved at the Hundred. Van Niekerk’s wife, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon are also playing in the United Kingdom and expected to be part of the World Cup squad.That means the other 19 players in the training camp will compete for 12 spots in a family player squad. Some, like opening batter Tazmin Brits, seamer Ayabonga Khaka and left-arm spinner Nonkululekho Mlaba are shoe-ins, but players such as batter Faye Tunnicliffe and legspinner Seshnie Naidu could be on the fringes. The only uncapped player in the camp is 19-year old allrounder Luyanda Nzuza, who played for South Africa at the under-19 World Cup and for the emerging side on a tour to Bangladesh.South Africa’s squad will train in Durban this week before their final squad is announced. The playing group will travel to Pakistan for three ODIs between September 16 and 22 ahead of the World Cup. South Africa have been losing semi-finalists in the last two fifty-over World Cups.South Africa squad for training camp: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dané van Niekerk
Jason Gallian to take charge for final weeks of difficult first season for Tier 1 team
ESPNcricinfo staff02-Sep-2025Andy Tennant has stepped down as Essex Women’s head coach after less than a season in the role. Tennant was appointed last year to take charge of the club’s first fully professional women’s team after Essex were awarded Tier 1 status, but departs with a record of five wins across all competitions.Despite securing a maiden trophy for Sunrisers in the final season of the regional women’s structure, he was unable to produce the same success with a group at Essex featuring many of the same players. They are out of contention in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, with one win and eight defeats, and finished second from bottom in the Vitality Blast group table. Essex were also knocked out by Tier 2 Yorkshire in their only game in the T20 County Cup.”With the break in the fixtures for the Hundred, it has been an opportunity for both the club and myself to reflect and look ahead to next season,” Tennant said. “Following those conversations, it feels like now is the right time to step aside and seek my next opportunity.Related
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“I am proud of what we have achieved together as a group and I would like to thank Essex for giving me the opportunity to continue the job we started with the Sunrisers three years ago. I wish the club well and I am confident this outstanding group of young female athletes will continue to develop and go from strength to strength.”Danni Warren, Essex Women’s performance director who worked alongside Tennant at Sunrisers, will continue to oversee the team, with Jason Gallian, chair of Essex’s cricket committee, leading the coaching staff for the final month of the season. Essex’s hunt for a new women’s head coach will begin during the off season.”I have built a strong working relationship with Andy since he joined the Sunrisers in 2022, which culminated in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy triumph during our final season in 2024,” Warren said. “The transition of the group to Essex has been an exciting challenge, and Andy’s hard work in ensuring this process was as seamless as possible has been hugely important to the progress we have made on and off the field.”He should be proud of what he has achieved during his time at the club, which has also included many individuals starring in this year’s Hundred competition and representing their country at international level. We all wish him the very best of luck in his future endeavours within the game.”
Essex 366 for 6 (Westley 118, Benkenstein 74, Allison 64) beat Derbyshire 322 for 9 (Came 139, Montgomery 108, Critchley 3-63) by 44 runsHarry Came’s highest List A score of 139 from 120 balls was in vain as Derbyshire Falcons lost to Essex by 44 runs in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup Group A game at the Central Co-op County Ground.But victory for Essex was not enough to qualify for the knock-out stages as Hampshire’s win at Bristol denied them a third-place finish.Came shared a second-wicket stand of 225 from 178 balls with Matt Montgomery, who made 108 off 91, but once Simon Harmer (2 for 45) broke through, the Falcons’ chase of 367 stalled as former Derbyshire all-rounder Matt Critchley claimed 3 for 63.The home side finished on 322 for 9 with all-rounder Martin Andersson unable to bat after injuring a hand in the field.Essex’s 366 for 6 was built around Tom Westley’s 118 from 110 balls, 74 off 48 by Luc Benkenstein and Charlie Allison’s 64 with Zak Chappell taking 2 for 64.Essex chose to bat on a pitch which was used for Friday’s high-scoring game against Surrey and lost Critchley in the second over.Critchley made only 2 on his return to Derby for the first time since he left the county four years ago when he missed a full length ball from Ben Aitchison.Paul Walter marked his first List A game since 2021 by flicking Rory Haydon over the deep square leg boundary and pulled the young spinner Joe Hawkins for two sixes in the 14th over.The Falcons were relieved to see him get a big leading edge to mid-off in the next over but Westley and Allison were soon finding the ropes or clearing them with regularity.After Westley went to his 50 from 60 balls, Allison reached his off 46 by dispatching Hawkins for successive sixes.Hawkins failed to cling on to a difficult chance running back from mid-off when Allison was on 57 but the Falcons broke the stand three overs later.Allison tried to drive the medium pace of Amrit Basra over cover but Caleb Jewell took a good catch above his head.Westley edged a drive at Jack Morley to reach his 100 which came off 98 balls and contained 14 fours and a six but was well caught at deep midwicket off Haydon in the 42nd over.Benkenstein initially struggled to beat the fielders but when he found his range, he did so spectacularly, driving and pulling Haydon for six to reach 50 from 38 balls.He dispatched Morley for two more sixes before a mistimed pull was taken at long on but Harmer’s unbeaten 29 off 20 balls took Essex to an imposing total.The Falcons’ chase started badly when Charlie Bennett moved one in to bowl Jewell in the third over but Came and Montgomery got them back on track.Came advanced to drive Jamie Porter for six and then Montgomery dismissed a free hit over wide long on for another maximum.Montgomery nudged Harmer to the third boundary to reach 50 from 37 balls with Benkenstein’s leg-spin coming in for some harsh treatment.Came completed his 50 off 61 balls and after 25 overs, the game was in the balance with the Falcons on 168 for 1, needing another 199.Essex were struggling to exert any control with Came driving Critchley for six, the pair reaching their hundreds in consecutive overs as the 200 stand came up off 163 balls.Harmer made the breakthrough when Montgomery dragged a drive into his stumps and four balls later he turned one through Basra’s defence.Came drove Shane Snater for six but Essex struck again when Walter’s throw from cover ran out Brooke Guest, leaving the Falcons to score 90 from the last 10 overs.Critchley gave the contest a decisive twist when he bowled Chappell and with the asking rate above 10 an over, Came was stumped to end the Falcons hopes.
Germany's new star forward Nick Woltemade finally broke his silence on the 'idiots' Newcastle claim made by Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after the Bundesliga champions lost the transfer race to sign the striker from Stuttgart for £65m. After selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day, the Magpies brought Woltemade as the Swede's replacement.
Rummenigge called Newcastle 'idiots' after losing Woltemade race
After missing out on one of their key transfer target for the summer, Bayern board member Rummenigge branded the Magpies 'idiots' for spending a massive transfer fee and even sarcastically congratulated Stuttgart for cashing in. The Bundesliga champions made several attempts to bring the German striker to the club over the summer, with their final bid reportedly touching €60m (£52m/$70m). Stuttgart, however, refused to let the player leave below their asking price of €75m (£65m/$87m).Ultimately, a desperate Newcastle made a club-record £69m bid and got the deal done.
Speaking to , Rummenigge said: "I can only congratulate them in Stuttgart for finding, so to speak, an idiot who would pay that much money, because we certainly wouldn't have done that. I said: We're coming in on a scale that I no longer find acceptable. We shouldn't meet all of their demands.
"The players and their agents must also be careful not to trap themselves. The money has to come from somewhere, and that comes from expanding competitions or creating new ones."
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Woltemade reacts to Rummenigge's comments
The Magpies star has now finally reacted to Rummenigge's comments as he told : "My team-mates commented on it, I didn't. I think that was the right thing to do. A lot was made of my name, Bayern, and transfer fee during the summer; that was the story of the summer. To answer your question: the headlines everywhere said 'idiots.' But I read Mr Rummenigge's entire statement – it was certainly somewhat unfortunate, but not quite so dramatic.
"When I arrived at the national team, everyone congratulated me. Bayern players also congratulated me. When they see a player taking a step forward, you get congratulations. That was the case for me too. There were no negative comments, especially since my circumstances were special."
Ex-Newcastle star hit back at Rummenigge
Reacting to the Bayern chief's harsh comments, former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle told : "They probably thought they had him at a lower price. Newcastle have obviously looked for a centre-forward after the saga with Isak. They've looked around and thought who's available? They've looked at Woltemade because he's a good player. He's a tall guy. He's quite mobile. Technically he's all right.
"Bayern Munich thought, 'he’s a player we can snap up who could replace Harry Kane in a couple of years.' They probably thought they had a deal done. But Newcastle came in and I think it's a little bit of sour grapes. I think Newcastle's offered a better contract, better wages, better everything. Bayern Munich would probably think they would get him at the price that they think he's worth. They think Newcastle's paid over the top. Time will tell on that."
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How is it going for Woltemade?
Woltemade has made an instant impact since moving to the Premier League from the Bundesliga in the summer. He has appeared in 14 matches for the Magpies thus far across all competitions and scored seven goals, including four in eight league appearances.
He has also performed consistently for his national team and he recently starred with a brace in Germany's close win over Luxembourg, which kept their hopes alive of securing a direct berth at the World Cup next year. The 23-year-old will be back in action for Germany on Monday as the four-time world champions face Slovakia.