All posts by h79snht.top

Glasgow Rangers ended their 2024/25 campaign in the same fashion as how it started; failing to win in Edinburgh.

In August, the Ibrox side could only draw 0-0 against Hearts at Tynecastle, making it the second season in a row where they failed to win the opening match of the Premiership season.

This afternoon, Rangers could only draw 2-2 with Hibernian at Easter Road to end arguably the worst season in the club’s recent history.

Goals from Cyriel Dessers and Nicolas Raskin gave the Gers a 2-1 advantage. A blatantly obvious goal wasn’t awarded when the score was tied at 1-1, despite the ball crossing the Hibs’ line by at least a foot.

Martin Boyle equalised with 25 minutes left, and both teams were forced to take a share of the spoils.

Jack Butland conceded another two goals, and it would be a surprise to see him still at the club next season.

Jack Butland’s future is uncertain at Rangers

The Englishman’s drop-off in form this season has been alarming, to say the least. Across 44 matches in all competitions, Butland has kept only 14 clean sheets, conceding 51 goals in the process.

He has conceded two or more goals in ten of his 28 league matches, and it is clear that the ‘keeper may have potentially played his final game for the club against Hibs.

Butland should have done better for Kieran Bowie’s effort to make it 1-1, while he misjudged a cross into the box, which meant Martin Boyle had plenty of room to make it 2-2, and failed to prove that Ferguson was wrong to drop him for Liam Kelly in recent weeks.

He isn’t the only player who must depart Ibrox this summer, as plenty of others in the first-team squad will likely be moved on by whoever becomes the club’s permanent manager.

Jack Butland’s Premiership stats for Rangers (2024/25)

Clean sheets

10

Accurate passes per 90

21.4

Touches per 90

37.1

Possession lost per 90

6.3

Errors leading to goal

2

Saves per 90

2.2 (66%)

Via Sofascore

Tom Lawrence must be top of the list, and he proved exactly why during his cameo today.

Rangers must release Tom Lawrence

Across his three full seasons in Glasgow, Lawrence has missed 75 games due to injury issues. During that time period, the Welshman has scored only 12 goals for Rangers.

Earning £22k-per-week, it is evident that the club could be spending this sort of money elsewhere in the squad.

He came on for Mohamed Diomande with 35 minutes left against Hibs, but he failed to solidify the midfield as the Gers chased three points, and he must, now, never play for the Gers again.

The midfielder took just 15 touches, completed eight passes, lost possession four times, and failed to register a single dribble or shot on goal.

Why he was given a runout is questionable, especially with several youngsters on the bench looking to gain much-needed game time heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

Hopefully, the new manager releases the former Derby County star in the summer, as he certainly isn’t of the required quality to help the Glasgow side challenge Celtic domestically next season and has not proven himself to be reliable in terms of availability, as shown by his injury record.

It will be a summer of change at Ibrox. The question is, will it be enough to wrestle back the Premiership crown after four years away?

Related 49ers now plotting bargain Rangers move to sign "strong" Premier League ace

He could be their first arrival of the summer.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 17, 2025

Another season gone, and another second-place finish in the Premier League for Arsenal.

In their defence, Mikel Arteta’s side have had to deal with a seemingly never-ending stream of injuries this term, but even then, it’s undeniably disappointing to fail to win the title at the third time of asking.

Moreover, instead of losing to Manchester City, Liverpool comfortably beat the Gunners this time, with Mohammed Salah stepping up and taking Erling Haaland’s crown as the most dangerous attacker in the league.

PL Top Scorers

#

Player

Team

Games

Goals

1

Salah

Liverpool

37

28

2

Isak

Newcastle

33

23

3

Haaland

Man City

29

21

4

Wood

Forest

35

20

5

Mbeumo

Brentford

37

19

5

Wissa

Brentford

34

19

All Stats via BBC Sport

Unfortunately, outside of maybe Bukayo Saka, the North Londoners don’t really have a forward player capable of racking up as many goals as those two, although that could be about to change, as, based on recent reports, the club are looking to sign a goalscoring phenomenon who could be their own Haaland.

Arsenal's striker search

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other strikers who have been liked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro.

Transfer Focus

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

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The former could reportedly now cost up to £75m due to his release clause increasing, but considering he’s scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 games at just 21 years old, he may well be worth it.

Pedro’s price tag of up to £100m might not be, as while he is talented, a tally of ten goals and six assists in 27 games isn’t exactly game-breaking.

Moreover, if the club are going to sign their own Haaland, they need an unbelievably prolific striker, someone like Viktor Gyokeres.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Swedish striker and are now ‘prepared to make a serious effort’ to get a deal over the line.

The report has revealed that the Gunners are currently leading the race to sign the Sporting CP ace and have already offered him a long-term contract until 2030 worth up to £10m a year, or around £192k-per-week.

Moreover, the report claims that the North Londoners are hopeful of getting their man for a fee of around €70m, which is about £59m.

It will be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gyokeres’ immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Arsenal’s own Haaland.

How Gyokeres would be Arsenal's Haaland

So, if Arsenal can get ahead of the other interested parties and bring Gyokeres to the club this summer, why could he turn into their own Haaland?

Well, by their own version of the Norwegian goal machine, we simply mean an attacker who is such a tour de force up top that he becomes a talisman and someone who can be the difference between winning it all and falling short.

For example, even though he’s been injured for large parts of the season, the Manchester City star has still scored 30 goals and provided four assists, while last season, he racked up 38 goals and seven assists, while he managed an astounding 52 goals and nine assists in the Sky Blues’ treble-winning 22/23 campaign.

Now, we aren’t saying that the Sporting CP “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is going to quite hit those numbers for the North Londoners next year, but based on his performances in Portugal, he could still be a huge source of goals for them.

For example, in his first season in Lisbon, the 23-year-old “powerhouse,” as dubbed by Mattinson, scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 4169 minutes, which comes out to an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.87 minutes.

He has somehow been even better this season, scoring 53 goals and providing 13 assists in 51 appearances, totalling 4128 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.29 games, or every 62.54 minutes.

Add to those numbers the fact he’s also managed to score 15 goals and provided six assists in 26 national team appearances, and it’s impossible to deny the fact that he’s a striker of the highest calibre and stands every chance of having a similar impact on Arteta’s side that Haaland has had on Pep’s.

European Golden Boot

#

Player

Games

Goals

Goals per Game

1

Gyokeres

33

39

1.18

2

Mbappe

33

29

0.88

3

Salah

37

28

0.76

4

Kane

31

26

0.84

5

Lewandowski

33

25

0.71

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Therefore, while it won’t be cheap, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Gyokeres this summer, as he could be the difference between finishing second again next year and finally getting over the line.

Related Arsenal progressing in talks to sign £51m "mini Salah" who could rival Saka

Arsenal could sign themselves a Mini Salah this summer.

Posts ByMatt Dawson May 19, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have money to play with this summer and could now turn their attention to an exciting winger to add flair acrosss their forward line, according to reports.

Wolverhampton Wanderers kickstart summer transfer window

Matheus Cunha’s departure to Manchester United may have left a sour taste in the mouth for supporters of the Old Gold, but there was always an element of inevitability regarding his eventual fate.

Nonetheless, the picture appears to be bright in the West Midlands under Vitor Pereira, who will be given time and financial backing to shape his squad over the coming months.

Evaluating the immediate priority at Molineux, adding one or two quality attacking options in the face of Cunha no longer being in the building will become a popular topic among fans and pundits alike.

Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic has been targeted by the Old Gold to help provide some added prowess in the final third, and Alex Neil’s ringing endorsement that the 20-year-old is one of Europe’s top ten talents will likely create plenty of intrigue.

Further back, Nelson Semedo is mulling over a new deal at Wolves as his contract nears expiration, illustrating the importance of bringing a right-sided defender to the club should the Portugal international move on to tackle a fresh challenge.

Related Wolves could sign instant Cunha replacement in "special" £25m talent

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington May 31, 2025

Sunderland’s Trai Hume may be the man the Old Gold are looking for to strike an adequate balance. Meanwhile, Rayan Ait-Nouri’s impending transfer to Manchester City leaves food for thought at left-back.

Transition may not be a bad thing for Wolves in light of big-money departures. Either way, they are now reportedly plotting a swoop for an exciting young winger.

Wolverhampton Wanderers plotting swoop for Roger Fernandes

According to Molineux News in conversation with Graeme Bailey, Wolves are keeping tabs on Braga winger Roger Fernandes and he expects the Old Gold to ‘explore’ the Primeira Liga for additions during the window.

Reports earlier this year claimed Manchester United, Manchester City, Brighton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also keen on Fernandes amid his rise to prominence in Portugal, which has led to a £25m price tag.

Referencing the situation, Bailey said: “I think the Portuguese league will be somewhere that they explore; it wouldn’t surprise me if they do look towards that league again. I’ve heard Roger Fernandes’ name linked to Wolves in recent weeks as well, wouldn’t surprise me if he was on the agenda.”

Roger Fernandes at Braga in 2024/25 – why are Wolves taking an interest? (FBRef)

Shot creating actions (Primeira Liga)

78

Shot creating actions (Europa League)

19

Progressive carries per 90 mins (Primeira Liga)

4.71

Progressive passes received per 90 mins (Primeira Liga)

9.94

Goal-creating actions (combining both competitions)

9

Likened to former Manchester United star Antonio Valencia by Foot The Ball, Fernandes has registered five goals and seven assists in 48 appearances for Braga this term and is capable of featuring on either flank.

Completing an average of 1.4 dribbles per league match, the Portugal youth international could go some way to filling the creative void left by Cunha, even if he is only one part of the solution.

West Ham United are searching for reinforcements this summer and have now made contact over a bargain move for a striker with a proven track record who is available on a free transfer, according to reports.

West Ham United seek to recruit a goalscorer

Graham Potter hasn’t enjoyed the most fruitful spell since taking charge of West Ham. However, the Irons are set to be active on the market to address their fundamental issues.

Above all, the lack of a prolific striker at the London Stadium has led to a dependence on Jarrod Bowen, and it is fair to say the Irons are now moving in on targets to fill the vacancy available through the middle.

Reports suggest Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is being targeted by West Ham following a breakthrough season in Scotland. However, Brentford, Everton, Lens, RC Strasbourg, Lille, and Stade Rennais are among alternative interested parties.

Further back, Burnley’s Josh Brownhill could add goals from midfield for the Hammers as his Turf Moor future becomes increasingly uncertain with his contract set to expire.

Potter’s men endured an uninspiring campaign last term and require some inspiration, which has prompted Carlton Cole to urge West Ham land Jack Grealish ahead of their Premier League counterparts.

Related West Ham now racing to sign 24 G/A midfielder who's "out of this world"

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Posts ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025

Circling the wagons, West Ham have now made contact to sign an alternative England international who is set to be a free agent this summer.

West Ham make contact to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin

According to Football Transfers, West Ham have made contact to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and they are prepared to better his current £100,000 per week salary in order to secure his services.

Michail Antonio is on course to depart the London Stadium after failing to agree terms on a short-term extension, and Potter believes the Toffees forward would be an ideal addition to strengthen his forward line without paying a transfer fee.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s record at Everton

Appearances

273

Goals

71

Assists

22

Dubbed a “proper number nine” by David Moyes, Calvert-Lewin is viewed as a low-risk high reward signing and has previously been offered to the Hammers, albeit they passed on the chance last summer due to his injury history.

Niclas Fullkrug didn’t set the heather alight last year and Evan Ferguson’s short loan spell didn’t have the desired impact, which may explain why West Ham have plumped for Premier League experience as they close in on a new striker.

Everton manager David Moyes faces a few challenges this summer, most notably set to lose a number of players, experienced ones at that, with Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin out of contract at the end of this month.

With both looking likely to depart, Moyes will need to bring in replacements to bolster his defensive and attacking options.

Jack Grealish could reportedly head to the Toffees, although his wage demands and asking price may deter the Merseyside club.

Another player who Moyes is keen on is Villarreal star Thierno Barry, and he could strengthen Everton’s frontline.

The club are also considering a move for another forward, however, and he could be an even better signing than Barry.

Everton considering move for Barry upgrade

Much will depend on the money that Moyes has available to him this summer. With Profit and Sustainability regulations to be mindful of, the manager will have to spend wisely.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are now considering making a move for Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade in a bid to bolster their attack.

The Bundesliga striker would be available for a transfer fee of £42m. Whether this is in Moyes’ budget remains to be seen.

He is exactly what the club needs, however. Everton finished the 2024/25 Premier League season with just 42 goals scored, the lowest of any team outside the relegation zone.

As such, a move for Woltemade could be vital if Moyes aims to get his team scoring more next term.

How Nick Woltemade compares to Thierno Barry

Barry scored 16 goals for Villarreal last season, having made the move from FC Basel in the summer. He is also capable of playing out on the right wing, a position which Moyes is desperate to strengthen in the summer.

While the Frenchman would be an excellent signing, pursuing Woltemade is perhaps the better idea.

In their respective domestic leagues last season, the German not only registered a better shots on target percentage (50% vs 36%) than Barry, but he also recorded more shots on target per 90 (1.28 vs 1.09) and registered way more shot-creating actions (4.38 vs 1.78) than the versatile Frenchman.

Woltemade also recorded a 25% goal conversion rate in the Bundesliga last term, whereas Barry’s was only 15% in La Liga.

Transfer Focus

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

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The German also created more big chances (eight vs seven) and succeeded with more dribbles (1.1 vs 0.5) domestically.

These statistics point towards Woltemade being the most attractive signing for Moyes this summer.

Barry vs Woltemade last season (league only)

Metric

Barry

Woltemade

Goals

11

12

Assists

4

2

Big chances created

7

8

Key passes per game

0.7

1.3

Shots per game

2.1

1.8

Scoring frequency (minutes)

211

136

Hailed by U23 scout Antonio Mango as “exceptional” following a stunning season for Stuttgart, Moyes would be signing a player with a bright future indeed.

Everton aren’t his only suitors, however, and this could make life difficult for the manager as he eyes up a swoop.

He could be an incredible signing and would prove that the Toffees mean business next season in the Premier League.

The next few weeks will be interesting to say the least. Watch this space, Everton fans.

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford Jun 13, 2025

Newcastle United are starting to click into gear in the summer transfer market, launching a triple bid for some top targets: Joao Pedro, Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper James Trafford.

Frustratingly, all three offers have been rejected. The Telegraph have actually reported that the total package, put aside to reel in the targets, came in at £125m. What comes next is uncertain, but all three players are interested in making the move to St. James’ Park.

In particular, the Magpies could do with some more strength across the frontline. Eddie Howe worked wonders in guiding United back into the Champions League and picking up a Carabao Cup title last season, but Newcastle cannot afford to suffer another frustrating summer transfer window.

While efforts in the aforementioned will be redoubled, Newcastle have also covered their six, earmarking one of the Premier League’s most prominent forwards as a backup.

Newcastle chasing Premier League star

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle continue to monitor Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with sources even claiming the Toon are putting serious consideration into making a concrete move.

Transfer Focus

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

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Valued at £40m, the England international returned from a promising loan spell with Aston Villa last month but is not expected to remain at Old Trafford after falling out with Ruben Amorim.

Rashford’s preference is to sign for Barcelona, but with the La Liga champions prioritising the signing of Nico Williams, Newcastle are primed to complete their swoop.

Howe would like a loan move, so it remains to be seen how this one will pan out.

What Marcus Rashford would bring to Newcastle

Rashford is one of the most talented footballers to have emerged from the English production line in modern times, though he’s fallen by the wayside over the past couple of years and could do with a career change away from Man United.

The 27-year-old hasn’t reached the last-chance saloon yet, but he’s riding through his ostensible best years and won’t want to see them go to waste.

At his rip-roaring best, the wide forward – who can also play centrally – is a robust and dangerous player indeed, with his proven ability to score significant hauls across any given campaign even suggesting he could be a better signing than the likes of Pedro and Elanga.

Marcus Rashford – Prem Stats by Season (last 6 years)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

25

6

4

23/24

33

7

3

22/23

35

17

6

21/22

25

4

2

20/21

37

11

13

19/20

31

17

9

Stats via Transfermarkt

There’s definitely an ebb and flow to Rashford’s top-flight career, but who can dispute the forward’s prowess when he’s on his A-game? Indeed, only two years ago, journalist Mazola Molefe declared him a “goal machine” for the Red Devils.

Pedro, who is 23, hasn’t yet demonstrated quite the same clinical aptitude. Indeed, the versatile forward has fired home 30 goals from 70 matches for Brighton, also laying on ten assists, but 16 of his strikes have come from the penalty spot, and with Alexander Isak assigned the spot-kick role for Howe’s outfit, there’s no guarantee that the Brazilian will hit the ground running.

As far as Elanga’s concerned, a deal for either Pedro or Rashford wouldn’t directly affect him, for the Sweden international plies his trade on the right flank, and thus would contest Jacob Murphy for a starting berth.

The Nottingham Forest star has been fantastic since leaving Man United, notching six goals and 12 assists for a high-flying team last year.

But even still, Rashford’s arrival would signify something more exciting than either deal, for if Howe can manage to get a tune from the fallen superstar, he would have a most invaluable attacking asset indeed as the club step back into Europe’s elite sphere.

Ultimately, Newcastle’s above-mentioned transfer offers suggest that Rashford is not at the top of the shopping list right now. Perhaps that’s because a loan move is indeed preferred for the £300k-per-week winger.

However, if Newcastle do end up signing him, Howe’s tactical grasp might just see Rashford return to his finest form and spearhead the next chapter in his thrilling Tyneside journey.

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Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Jun 26, 2025

The South Africa opener knew conditions in St Lucia were not the same as previous matches at night

Matt Roller21-Jun-20241:21

Morkel: De Kock doesn’t overthink the game

Quinton de Kock attributed his match-winning 65 off 38 balls against England to his Caribbean Premier League experience, which informed his attacking intent in the powerplay.De Kock has only played seven CPL games, all of them for Barbados Royals in the 2022 season. But three of those came at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia, including two day games and one under lights.Related

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It gave him enough evidence to believe that a par score would be significantly lower in South Africa’s game against England – which started at 10.30am local time – than in the previous four T20 World Cup fixtures at the venue, which were 8.30pm starts. He also quickly realised that the powerplay would be the best time to bat, and so it proved.De Kock scored 49 runs off 20 balls in the powerplay, including sixes off Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer (twice) and Sam Curran, and believed that his fast start had made a “massive” impact. “I’ve played a lot of day T20 cricket in the West Indies and generally that is the most important time to score runs,” he said.South Africa’s total of 163 for 6 looked under-par in the context of the four games in St Lucia across the previous six nights, where Australia and England both chased totals of 181 and Sri Lanka and West Indies successfully defended scores in excess of 200. But de Kock said that when he walked out to bat, he was clear that they would only need a slightly lower total.”I don’t know if the rest of the guys knew, but I had a fair sense: I’ve played here quite a bit in the Caribbean league and it’s the same thing: the wicket looks beautiful. At night, it plays most different but in the day, 160-170 are winning scores here in the day. Generally, it goes like that in the Caribbean: I think the lights and maybe a bit of dew at night help the ball skid on a bit better.”The easier time to score runs is in the powerplay. When the ball’s old and as the wicket deteriorates, it gets harder.” Asked if that phase proved match-winning – as Jos Buttler believed – de Kock said: “There were other moments, but obviously that’s probably one of our better powerplays in this whole World Cup – so it could be.”Quinton de Kock raced away in the powerplay•ICC/Getty Images

He also used the stiff cross-breeze to his advantage, with the wind helping to carry the ball over the boundary when he hit back-to-back sixes off Archer. “Wind’s definitely a big factor, especially opening the batting when you’ve only got two guys out,” de Kock said. “You’ve got to use that wind as much as you can: don’t fight it, just try and use it.”None of England’s XI on Friday have played a CPL game in St Lucia but they have significant experience in the Caribbean due to regular away series against West Indies. They also have significant local knowledge in their dressing room, with Kieron Pollard – the most capped T20 player in the format’s history – involved as an assistant coach at this World Cup.Yet Buttler suggested they were surprised by how the pitch played on Friday, compared to how it had under lights two days previously. “It looked a similar wicket,” he said. “This has been, so far in the tournament, the best batting pitch… I think the wicket was probably a little bit slower than everyone expected. 160 was about a par score. We bowled really well in the back 10-15 overs to restrict them.”South Africa adjusted more quickly to conditions with the ball, limiting England to 41 for 1 the powerplay compared to their own score of 63 for 0. Jonny Bairstow was caught at point off Keshav Maharaj for 17 off 20 in the seventh over, while Buttler himself fell in Maharaj’s next over for 16 off 20 while slog-sweeping to deep midwicket.”I felt like the powerplay was the difference in the game, and the way Quinny could bat at the rate that none of us could bat at… I think the way Quinny played at the top really put us under a lot of pressure,” Buttler said. “[He] played some great shots and we weren’t able to match that.”

“What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them”

Andrew Fidel Fernando26-Jul-2024

Charith Asalanka – “We have a lot of talented cricketers, but what’s important is to get the most out of them and have them win matches”•ICC/Getty Images

Kusal Mendis is in outstanding form, Pathum Nissanka has had fantastic outings, Avishka Fernando has been spectacular, and Kusal Perera has made a strong comeback. On top of which, Kamindu Mendis seems in good touch too.This is all on based on Lanka Premier League (LPL) performances, that new Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka regards as the gold standard in T20 cricket on the island.The LPL concluded only on Sunday, with Asalanka’s Jaffna Kings side taking home the trophy. Top order batters flourished in that competition. Asalanka has suggested that Kamindu – who also bowled with both arms during the LPL – has sewn up the No. 4 spot, having hit 287 runs at a strike rate of 157 through the tournament.Related

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But then there are still four batters vying for the top three spots. As Asalanka said: “There are four openers in the squad, and the way I’m thinking three of them will make up the top three. One of them will have to miss out.”Those four: Kusal Mendis, who hit 329 runs at a strike rate of 150, and can keep wicket. Pathum Nissanka, who hit 333 at strike rate of 153. Avishka Fernando, who smoked 374 at a strike rate of 163. Kusal Perera, who had the best strike rate of the four – 169. He made 296 runs, but in fewer innings than the others.These are stats worth thinking on before the two back-to-back matches on Saturday and Sunday, because Sri Lanka’s new captain is keen on using the LPL as a marker of T20 ability.”If you look at the LPL, it’s the No. 1 tournament we have to make decisions like this,” Asalanka said. “More than domestic T20s, the LPL is at a much higher level. As a captain, I think if you perform at the LPL you should get a good chance at playing in the national team.”Asalanka has been a captain since age-group level, whether for his school Richmond College, or Sri Lanka Under 19, and most recently the winning LPL franchise. He suggested his style of leadership is based around man-management.”From under 15 level I’ve captained teams, and there’ s been a lot of change since then. That’s what I tell my team members too – we can’t be at the same place we’ve always been at. From day to day you have to improve and that’s how you become a good player or a good captain. I’ve played under many captains, and I’ve tried to absorb as many of their good traits into my captaincy and into my life as possible.”What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them. We have a lot of talented cricketers, but what’s important is to get the most out of them and have them win matches. I’ve told them to play freely and when we’ve given them plans, to go out there and execute them without fear. That’s what you can expect from me as a captain.”

يجري الجهاز الطبي لـ منتخب مصر، محاولات من أجل تجهيز أحد لاعبي الفريق للمشاركة في مباراة بوركينا فاسو القادمة، التي تقام ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو، مساء الثلاثاء المقبل، في إطار الجولة الثامنة من عمر مواجهات المجموعة الأولي لـ تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

طالع | إصابة لاعب منتخب مصر وغيابه عن مواجهة بوركينا فاسو

ووفقًا للصفحة الرسمية لاتحاد الكرة المصري، تجرى محاولات لتجهيز مهند لاشين لاعب منتخب مصر للحاق بمباراة بوركينا فاسو، بعد تجدد الإصابة القديمة في الظهر.

وكان اللاعب مهند لاشين، شكي من نفس الإصابة عقب نهاية مباراة إثيوبيا التي أقيمت مساء الجمعة الماضي على ملعب استاد القاهرة، حيث كان شارك منذ الدقيقة 63.

يذكر، أن منتخب مصر، فاز على إثيوبيا، بهدفين دون رد، في المواجهة التي أقيمت ضمن منافسات الجولة السابعة لتصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة إلي كأس العالم.

ويتصدر منتخب مصر، ترتيب المجموعة الأولي من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 19 نقطة، متقدمًا على منتخبا بوركينا فاسو وسيراليون وإثيوبيا وجيبوتي وغينيا بيساو.

Tottenham Hotspur are still riding on the euphoria of winning the Europa League, salvaging something from a wretched 2024/25 campaign that led to a 17th-place Premier League finish and Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal from his post.

It was a contentious call, to be sure, but Spurs’ triumph could not and did not detract from the abject domestic form that highlighted so many flaws in the squad, injury-hit though it was.

With Thomas Frank now at the helm, there are plenty of reasons for the Lilywhite faithful to be excited, especially since the success on the continent, beating Manchester United in the final, has rolled out the carpet into next term’s Champions League proper.

While Frank and the club’s fanbase are hoping to see some exciting new forwards welcomed to the fold, Tottenham also need to address their defensive deficiencies.

Incomings are needed, with the potential sale of one of the outfit’s superstars playing into that.

The latest on Spurs' defensive situation

It’s clear that Tottenham need to strengthen at the back, especially as Cristian Romero is at the top of Atletico Madrid’s summer shopping list and could be sold in the next few months.

Despite finalising a deal for Kevin Danso, it’s clear that the Londoners need some added quality in defence; too often last season (and in 2023/24), the club’s fragilities were heightened when Romero and Micky van de Ven were absent – and setbacks have been commonplace for the imperious centre-half pairing.

According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Tottenham have joined Inter Milan in lodging an official enquiry for Genoa defender Koni De Winter.

While the suitors have yet to place official offers on the table, discussions are ongoing and Genoa would be willing to do business for a fee in a region of €25m (£21m).

What Koni De Winter would bring to Spurs

Joining Genoa from Juventus in a deal worth €10m (roughly £8m) in 2024, De Winter has enjoyed a standout season for Genoa, featuring 25 times and scoring three goals. He would have featured more prominently, but for a hamstring injury sustained in October, keeping him out for two months.

Having previously played at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium on loan the term before, the Belgium international has enjoyed steady progress in Italy and could now be ready for a move to the Premier League, emulating his countryman Jan Vertonghen in playing for Tottenham.

As per FBref, the 23-year-old ranked among the top 3% of central defenders across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goals scored, the top 9% for touches in the attacking box, the top 10% for aerial duels won and the top 14% for ball recoveries per 90.

De Winter’s flair for the attacking side of the game further suggests that he could be Vertonghen’s heir down N17 in more than just nationality, with journalist Antonio Mango even saying “his in-game intelligence is unreal”.

Koni De Winter – Serie A Stats (24/25)

Stats (* per game)

#

Matches (starts)

25 (23)

Goals

3

Assists

0

Touches*

63.6

Pass completion

87%

Ball recoveries*

4.6

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

Clearances*

4.5

Aerial duels (won)*

3.0 (69%)

Data via Sofascore

Moreover, De Winter’s versatility and athleticism lend themselves to a wider berth, having featured five times as a right-back for Genoa. The left-footed Vertonghen was dispatched on the left numerous times across his long Spurs career for similar reasons.

Vertonghen, now 38 years old, played 313 times for Tottenham after signing from Ajax for just £10m in 2012, with his career in the Premier League leaving him regarded among the finest defenders of his generation, partnered mainly with countryman Toby Alderweireld.

Big boots to fill, but De Winter has the versatility and technical confidence to forge a successful career for himself in the English capital, emulating his Belgian icon.

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Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 5, 2025