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Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the Super Fours match in Abu Dhabi. Both sides come into this game having lost their opening matches in the Super Fours.Pakistan named an unchanged XI. Sri Lanka have brought in Chamika Karunaratne – playing just his third T20I this year – and Maheesh Theekshana, for Dunith Wellalage and Kamil Mishara.Salman Ali Agha said his decision was based on changing things up. He also said there was a definite need to improve how Pakistan finish off their innings.Charith Asalanka said he too would have liked to chase, but was happy to bat first as it looks to be a good pitch. He also said he was happy how Sri Lanka has been playing, but just wants to improve their performances at the death with both the bat and ball.The average chasing total in Abu Dhabi is 183. There should be some swing early on, though not much assistance for spin.Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt.), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (wk), Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar AhmedSri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Bangladesh started their Asia Cup campaign with a seven-wicket win

Sreshth Shah11-Sep-20251:38

Should Bangladesh have finished it earlier?

Bangladesh collected the points they came for, but not without a proper workout against Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opening campaign in Abu Dhabi.Litton Das led their chase of 144 with 59 off 39 while Towhid Hridoy contributed with an unbeaten 35 off 36. Boundaries dried up through the middle overs, but Bangladesh found a way to get over the line with 14 balls to spare. Once Hong Kong’s intensity waned, Litton broke free, going from 26 off 24 to his fifty off 33 balls.Hong Kong’s second game in the Asia Cup, though, was far more productive than their first. After being held to 94 for 9 by Afghanistan, they posted a more competitive 143 for 7 thanks to Zeeshan Ali’s 30, Nizakat Khan’s 42, and a brisk 28 from captain Yasim Murtaza. But the 95-run third-wicket stand between Litton and Hridoy ruined Hong Kong’s chances of an upset.Bangladesh’s win was their first T20I victory in Abu Dhabi. Hong Kong remain winless in Asia Cup matches.Litton, Hridoy put on a showBangladesh’s chase began with a glimpse of their new hitting intent. Parvez Hossain Emon raced to 19 off 13 before miscuing a slower delivery from Ayush Shukla to deep midwicket in the third over. Tanzid Hasan then fell in the sixth over, when he edged Ateeq Iqbal with Nizakat completing a sharp catch while running back from mid-off.Hong Kong, guilty of four dropped chances in their opener against Afghanistan, held on to their catches on Thursday. But the damage came elsewhere: the extras conceded – 11 at the time and 17 in all – allowed Bangladesh to motor to 51 for 2 in the powerplay.From there, Litton and Hridoy settled into accumulation. They failed to clear the boundary against spin and medium-pace from overs eight to 12, yet their urgency between the wickets meant the asking rate never touched eight an over. The pair ran 11 twos, while Bangladesh’s total of 16 twos was their second-highest in a T20I.The constant sprinting drained them in the heat, but it also squeezed Hong Kong out of the contest. Litton shifted gears in the 13th over with two fours against Shukla, lifting his strike rate from the low 100s to finish at 151.28. With only two runs needed, he was bowled trying for a big finish, but his job was already done.Tanzim leads the bowling effortTanzim Hasan Sakib set the tone after Bangladesh opted to bowl. Bowling in the early 140kmph range, he first produced a late-swinging delivery that snuck past Babar Hayat’s defensive push and hit the stumps, before dismissing Zeeshan with a rising ball that caught the splice and looped to cover. He finished with 2 for 21 in four overs. Taskin Ahmed, though more expensive, provided timely support by removing Anshy Rath in the powerplay and Aizaz Khan at the death.The spinners had their moments too. Rishad Hossain was initially not allowed to settle with sweeps and reverse-sweeps, but he hit back strongly in his final over – the 19th over of the first innings – by dismissing Nizakat and trapping Kinchit Shah lbw off successive balls.1:36

Jaffer: Bangladesh need to show consistency in selection

HK find stability, but no momentumHong Kong started slowly, with a combination of early wickets and a sluggish start for Zeeshan and Nizakat keeping Bangladesh in control of proceedings. But as the Zeeshan-Nizakat partnership grew, so did their range of strokes, and their 41-run stand for the third wicket ensured their batting didn’t collapse like in their first game.Murtaza looked briefly like the man who could change the momentum as he blazed to a 19-ball 28, but he was run-out after a miscommunication with Nizakat. Since the start of 2023, this was their 47th run-out in T20Is, and after Murtaza’s dismissal, Hong Kong couldn’t bring out too many big hits. Mustafizur Rahman was tough to put away at the death and Rishad’s brave bowling meant there was a carousel of incoming new batters. Still, they scored 54 off the last six overs to post a respectable 143 for 7 which was not good enough on the day.

Chelsea hasn’t always been viewed as the perfect environment for youngsters to thrive in.

Indeed, both Jamal Musiala and Declan Rice spring to mind as notable examples here, with both world-class players once part of the Blues academy set-up as wide-eyed starlets, before having to make an unbelievable name for themselves away from the stifling nature of Cobham.

Thankfully, this negative image the Premier League giants once had attached to them seems to be changing in real time, with Estevao arguably a Musiala-style talent in the making for Enzo Maresca right now.

Estevao's blistering form since moving to Chelsea

It had been a long time coming for the Brazilian to announce himself in West London.

Indeed, way back in the summer of 2024, Chelsea unveiled that they had forked out an initial £29m to land the hotly-tipped 18-year-old, with suggestions even coming from scout Jacek Kulig – despite Estevao still being just a teenager at Palmeiras – that he was a “world-class” prospect.

Kulig’s comments don’t look so far-fetched now, with Estevao going to become the youngest Brazilian to ever score a winning goal in the Premier League when he was in the right place, at the right time, to break Liverpool hearts, just before the international break.

He hasn’t downed tools over the break, either, with a quickfire brace against South Korea, handing his nation a comprehensive 5-0 win.

Having averaged just 44 minutes of Premier League action this season from four starts, the 18-year-old ace will surely be hunting for more consistent moments in the Blues senior mix moving forward.

He looks every bit a phenomenal player in the making and more top-drawer performances are likely to make him a guaranteed starter for Maresca, even when Cole Palmer returns.

Estevao isn’t the only rising gem Chelsea has smartly acquired, though.

Indeed, Geovany Quenda is set to be the next hyped up youngster to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2026, having amazingly scored in the Champions League this campaign for Sporting at just 18 years of age.

Yet, Quenda and Estevao must watch out. Chelsea’s pool of young attackers extends beyond them.

Chelsea have another "future Ballon d'Or winner"

Quenda will be hopeful that he can instantly make waves in the Chelsea first-team, like his South American counterpart, considering he already has four goals and 12 assists next to his name in the senior mix in Portugal.

But, there is another youngster being spoken about with great regularity and that’s breakout striker Dastan Satpaev.

While Quenda will likely be a name that rings a bell to the average football supporter, the five-time Kazakhstan international’s insane journey with Kairat Almaty might not be so well known.

But, with a ridiculous 45 strikes across all age groups at the Premier Liga side – who are even in the Champions League this season – Chelsea swooped in to capture him in February, with Satpaev set to remain in his native country until he turns 18.

Games played

74

Age

17

Goals scored

45

Assists

18

Champions League appearances

9

Maresca and Co will just be praying that Satpaev can keep up this electric form for the time he remains in Kazakhstan, with Estevao going on to bag a whopping 12 goals for Palmeiras earlier this year, before coming over to England looking calm ahead of the pressures of attempting to cut it in the Premier League.

Much like Estevao, who has been tipped to reach dizzy heights already with his world-class shouts, Satpaev has also been boldly declared as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by one analyst, off the back of his frightening record for Kairat.

Of course, the Premier League is a different beast altogether from what the teenager is currently used to.

But, his soon-to-be teammate at Chelsea is yet to look fazed by the challenge ahead of him after maturing more at his boyhood club, with Satpaev desperate to follow in his esteemed footsteps when he takes that next scary leap.

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Milan Rathnayake has been ruled out of the second Test against Bangladesh in Colombo, which will start on June 25, with a side strain. Left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando has been named as his replacement.Spin-bowling allrounder Dunith Wellalage was also drafted into Sri Lanka’s squad. The 22-year-old is set to take the spot of Angelo Mathews, who had retired from Test cricket after the first Test.Milan had briefly exited the field on the second morning in Galle, but had returned later to end the first innings with three wickets – he finished with four across the Test. He had been miserly with his economy rate, and his burst in the final session of day two ensured Bangladesh’s first-innings total remained within Sri Lanka’s reach. Then with the bat, he was part of a crucial 84-run seventh-wicket stand with Kamindu Mendis, in which the allrounder contributed with 39 off 83.If Sri Lanka seek to replace him in the XI with another allrounder, another seam-bowling allrounder isn’t available in the squad. Wellalage and Sonal Dinusha are both useful with their left-arm spin, but with SSC pitch not as conducive to spin as Galle – which itself was unusually batter-friendly – Sri Lanka will likely want to go with extra seam-bowling option. If either were to get picked, Tharindu Rathnayake might be the odd man out. Vishwa, Asitha Fernando and Kasun Rajitha and the uncapped Isitha Wijesundara make up the pace contingent.As for Mathews’ replacement in the XI, it’s more likely to come from one of Pasindu Sooriyabandara or Pavan Rathnayake, both of whom have impressed domestically and with Sri Lanka A recently. Oshada Fernando is also a potential pick, having returned to the national fold following an impressive stint with Sri Lanka A towards the end of 2024.After the second match against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka will not play another Test until next year.Sri Lanka squad for second Test: Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Dunith Wellalage Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Rathnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara

As part of a Golden Generation which proved to be incredibly disappointing, Steven Gerrard has now revealed where his England side went wrong and why he “hated” international duty.

Who was part of England's Golden Generation?

To this day, it beggars belief that a generation involving Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes and so much more failed to ever win a trophy. From goal-line controversy in the 2010 World Cup to Rooney’s stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006, there’s far more moments to forget than there are to savour, but how many stars did this generation really have?

England's Golden Generation divided by club rivalries

To put into context just how many talented players England had at their disposal in the 2000s, their starting line-up when they crashed out against Portugal on penalties in 2006 included Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves, Ashley Cole, John Terry, David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Rooney. It couldn’t have got much better than that.

Alas, silverware never arrived and the failure of that generation remains one of England’s greatest regrets. It makes the task of the current generation even greater, too.

Whilst the 2000s featured Gerrard, Rooney, Lampard, Beckham and others, the 2026 World Cup squad is likely to feature Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden. Once again, the pressure is on.

Whether the Three Lions have learned from their mistakes at Euro 2024, which saw them lose against Spain in the final late on, or from their mistakes at the 2022 World Cup, where they crashed out in the semi-final against France, is the big question.

The Golden Generation never quite learned and many have had their say as to why that proved to be the case, including Gerrard. The former England captain has now revealed where his side went wrong and why he “hated” international duty.

Gerrard slams "egotistical losers" in England generation

Speaking about England’s failiure to use the Gerrard, Scholes and Lampard trio, Gerrard dubbed the Golden Generation “egotistical losers” and said he “hated” England duty because of the divide in the camp between club rivals.

The former midfielder said: “I hated it. I didn’t enjoy it. Hated the [hotel] rooms. In my early days, I’d have days where I was down, like low down. Like I’m in this room for seven hours, what am I going to do.

“There was no social media, we didn’t have a DVD player or anything. Channel 1 to 5 or whatever it was on TV. I used to get low and down.

“I used to love the games.

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“I used to love playing for England. I was really proud. I used to enjoy the training sessions but it was 90 minutes a day. And then I was just on my own. I didn’t feel part of a team. I didn’t feel connected with my team-mates with England.

“I didn’t feel that with Liverpool. They were the best days of my life. I felt like the staff looked over me, like I felt special. I felt like I couldn’t wait to get there. With England, I just wanted the games and the training sessions and then to be away.”

علّق المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، على الإنجاز الذي حققه النجم المصري محمد صلاح في مباراة يوم السبت في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ضد أستون فيلا.

وحقق ليفربول فوزًا ثمينًا على أستون فيلا، بهدفين دون رد على ملعب “الأنفيلد” في الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26.

اقرأ أيضًا.. شبكة إنجليزية عن أداء محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وأستون فيلا: استعاد شيئًا ما

وتمكن محمد صلاح من تسجيل الهدف الأول لصالح ليفربول، ليصل إلى هدفه رقم 250 مع الريدز في مختلف المسابقات.

وعن ذلك، قال سلوت في تصريحات نشرها الصحفي الشهير “لويس ستيل” بعد المباراة: “إنه إنجاز هائل، أمر لا يصدق، تسجيل 250 هدفًا لنادِ واحد، إذا سجلت 250 هدفًا فإن ذلك أمر لا يُصدق بالفعل، ناهيك عن تسجيله مع فريق واحد، يكاد من المستحيل تصديق ذلك الإنجاز”.

واختتم: “لم نعد نرى هذا كثيرًا في كرة القدم، لقد قدّم أداءً رائعًا ضد أستون فيلا، بغض النظر عن الهدف الذي سجله، من المميز له أن يسجل هدفه رقم 250، ولكن تسجيله ليس بالأمر المميز لأننا نعلم أنه سيفعل ذلك دائمًا”.

Former USMNT forward Herculez Gomez hailed Christian Pulisic’s excellent start to the season for AC Milan. Gomez highlighted the USMNT star’s transformation since moving to Serie A, contrasting his consistency with the flashes of brilliance – but ultimate inconsistency – that characterized him at previous clubs in his career.

Getty Images SportMilan move unlocks Pulisic

Gomez contextualized Pulisic's journey through European football, noting that while the Pennsylvania native showed undeniable quality during his previous stints, consistency proved elusive. Pulisic had a breakthrough at Dortmund as a teenager, and then a  promising but injury-interrupted stint at Chelsea before moving to Milan.

“Christian Pulisic here, you’re talking about those moments he had of brilliance against teams like Real Madrid while he was a Dortmund,” Gomez said on the Futbol Americas podcast. "And then he would go to Chelsea and he had isolated moments. Champions League runs. He was a big part against Porto. He was a big part against Real Madrid and of why they advanced to the final and in winning the Champions League. And during that Premier League, Chelsea run, it was lockdown Pulisic.

"He had a good string of games where, like, this is exactly who we thought Christian Pulisic was going to be. And as many, in the pool players for Chelsea found out, it wasn't going to be that way. His future wasn't at that club. Now he comes over to AC Milan, and he's been there just over two seasons. And since the time that Christian Pulisic has been in Milan, has been in Serie A, he has absolutely without a doubt been one of the best players in the league, by far."

AdvertisementStatistical dominance

Gomez emphasized Pulisic's statistical impact in Italy's top flight this season, as the American has established himself as the league's most productive attacking player.

“Easy to say he's productive," Gomez said. "Since he got to Italy, 46 goal contributions, goals and assist – more than any other player in Italian football. Lautaro Martinez, more than him – and he was a Ballon d’Or candidate a few seasons ago. And I'm not talking shortlist of 30, I'm talking about top-five type player. Christian Pulisic is on an epic run that he's never been on.

“And you can say what you want about Serie A… this is a very good league, tactically, very difficult to be productive in. And Christian Pulisic is being productive. And he's being productive with all types of coaches. He's being productive in all types of systems.”

Gomez said that Pulisic is finally reaching his potential.

“He is now, who many thought he could be," he said. "If you're asking yourself, the world, if Christian Pulisic is world-class, here's the evidence. It's not fandom. It's what he's doing right now, what he's been doing in Serie A and what hopefully he stays healthy and will continue to do to do.”

Gold Cup controversy

Gomez also addressed Pulisic's controversial decision to skip this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup to rest his body in preparation for the season ahead. He suggested the American's form represents clear vindication of that choice.

“He decided that the best thing for himself in the summer was to take a break, because his body needed it,” Gomez said.. “Most people don’t know… he had a hip issue. So he decided to prioritize his health and not go with the USMNT in a secondary tournament… when he decided that, he’s now proving that was best for his health."

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Getty Images SportMilan's recent success

The timing of Pulisic's career renaissance couldn't be better for both his club and country with the American thriving so far this season. He has contributed to eight goals in seven games, a tally that includes six in the Serie A alone. The Rossoneri face Juventus next before the October international break on Oct. 5.

“There’s nothing to it,” Pakistan batter says of speculation he is planning to end international career

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Feb-2025Fakhar Zaman has dismissed speculation that he is planning to retire from international cricket, and said that he was targeting a return from the injury that cut short his Champions Trophy within the next month.Fakhar, the hero of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy win with a hundred in the final, strained an oblique muscle chasing a ball in the very first over of Pakistan’s opening game against New Zealand in Karachi. He went off the field immediately, came back later but eventually could only bat at No.4 – instead of his usual opening slot.He struggled visibly with the injury during a 41-ball 24, as Pakistan crashed to a 60-run defeat. Fakhar was distraught in the dressing room after the dismissal and, given the uncertainty surrounding his arrival into the side, and that he turns 35 in April, the fact that it could have been his last game for Pakistan was not lost.But talking to PCB digital, Fakhar confirmed that he was not going anywhere. “I heard about this [retirement rumours] a lot and even my friends messaged me about it, but there’s nothing to it,” he said. “The ODI format is my favourite format. Yes, with my thyroid, there was a thing that I could take more time getting back into it. But I want to play T20s, ODIs, even Tests again. As far as my comeback is concerned, I spoke to the doctor and I can start playing cricket again within the month.”Related

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Aaqib's post mortem: Lack of experience hurt Pakistan

Fakhar had not played international cricket since the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies last June, where Pakistan were eliminated in the group stage too. He last played an ODI at the 2023 ODI World Cup, another event where Pakistan exited before the knockout stages.In the run-up to this tournament, however, he had been left out of Pakistan’s central contracts. And he had also been issued a show-cause notice after a tweet he put out last September criticising the decision to drop Babar Azam from the Test side. Later, when chairman Mohsin Naqvi organised a “connection camp” to get senior players to air their views, Fakhar was among the most outspoken, singling out a senior official for trenchant criticism.That would seem to be in the past for now, with Fakhar committing to a return with Pakistan. “The doctor has advised me that I can start training again in three weeks. So I think I should be back to playing cricket in a month’s time.”Pakistan were knocked out of the Champions Trophy when they lost to India. Fakhar was replaced by Imam-ul-Haq, a move which only enhanced the scrutiny on their top order’s seemingly outdated methods. In both the defeats, the focus was on laborious innings by Babar (64 off 90 balls against New Zealand) and captain Mohammad Rizwan (46 off 77 balls against India), the former stymying momentum in a big chase and the latter leading to a below-par target being set.Pakistan had already lost Saim Ayub to injury before the tournament and the subsequent loss of Fakhar was a double-whammy that coach Aaqib Javed identified as one of the pivotal reasons for their poor showing. Fakhar has a career strike rate of nearly 94 in ODIs and was clear about the way to play in the modern game.”The biggest thing is the situation. If you are chasing 150-200 runs you go in with a different mindset and if you are chasing 350, you have a different mindset,” Aaqib said. “But strike rate does matter, especially these days. And you have to play risky cricket. Cricket has become so fast-scoring, all teams come with that plan. If you take risks, you can score runs, although yes, you can also lose your wicket doing that.”

West Ham United have now submitted a major enquiry over a deal for a “magic” midfielder, who is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

West Ham set sights on midfielder amid Alvarez uncertainty

There is now an expectation that Edson Alvarez will exit the London Stadium this summer, having fallen down the pecking order, and Ajax are thought to be considering a loan move for their former midfielder.

The Mexican was benched for Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against Sunderland, but starters Guido Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse didn’t exactly fare well at the Stadium of Light, both being withdrawn after the 70-minute mark with the Hammers 2-0 down.

Consequently, Graham Potter may be eager to get at least one new central midfielder through the door prior to the transfer deadline, and the Irons have now joined the race for Bayer Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia.

However, the five-time Spain international is not the only option on the shortlist, with Potter’s side now joining the race for a versatile midfielder, who is able to play in a multitude of positions.

That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which states West Ham have now submitted a major enquiry over a deal for RB Leipzig’s Eljif Elmas, who has regularly featured in attacking midfield and on both wings throughout his career.

Elmas has predominantly been utilised in a central midfield role, however, and the maestro was particularly impressive during a stint with reigning Serie A champions Napoli, who are also in the race for his signature.

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Despite only arriving at Leipzig for a fee of €24m (£21m) in 2024, the 25-year-old wants to leave the German club this summer, and he would be keen on a move to the Premier League or a return to the Serie A.

"Magic" Elmas could be exciting addition for West Ham

While the North Macedonia international’s move to Leipzig hasn’t worked out, with the Bundesliga side open to sanctioning a departure this summer, there are plenty of signs he could be a solid addition to Potter’s midfield.

The former Napoli man was a key player for the Italian club during their Scudetto-winning 2022-23 campaign, picking up six goals and three assists in 36 outings, with his side going on to lift the title.

Robert Earnshaw has also praised the Leipzig ace for his performances at international level in the past, saying: “He has this magic in him. He has the ability to create something out of nothing. Great movement, intelligent, he understands spacing and time and he can finish.”

Elmas’ attacking prowess, coupled with his versatility, could make him an exciting addition to West Ham’s squad, although the fact the North Macedonian struggled to adapt to life in the Bundesliga will be a concern.

West Ham United have now submitted a major enquiry over a deal for a “magic” midfielder, who is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

West Ham set sights on midfielder amid Alvarez uncertainty

There is now an expectation that Edson Alvarez will exit the London Stadium this summer, having fallen down the pecking order, and Ajax are thought to be considering a loan move for their former midfielder.

The Mexican was benched for Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against Sunderland, but starters Guido Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse didn’t exactly fare well at the Stadium of Light, both being withdrawn after the 70-minute mark with the Hammers 2-0 down.

Consequently, Graham Potter may be eager to get at least one new central midfielder through the door prior to the transfer deadline, and the Irons have now joined the race for Bayer Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia.

However, the five-time Spain international is not the only option on the shortlist, with Potter’s side now joining the race for a versatile midfielder, who is able to play in a multitude of positions.

That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which states West Ham have now submitted a major enquiry over a deal for RB Leipzig’s Eljif Elmas, who has regularly featured in attacking midfield and on both wings throughout his career.

Elmas has predominantly been utilised in a central midfield role, however, and the maestro was particularly impressive during a stint with reigning Serie A champions Napoli, who are also in the race for his signature.

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Despite only arriving at Leipzig for a fee of €24m (£21m) in 2024, the 25-year-old wants to leave the German club this summer, and he would be keen on a move to the Premier League or a return to the Serie A.

"Magic" Elmas could be exciting addition for West Ham

While the North Macedonia international’s move to Leipzig hasn’t worked out, with the Bundesliga side open to sanctioning a departure this summer, there are plenty of signs he could be a solid addition to Potter’s midfield.

The former Napoli man was a key player for the Italian club during their Scudetto-winning 2022-23 campaign, picking up six goals and three assists in 36 outings, with his side going on to lift the title.

Robert Earnshaw has also praised the Leipzig ace for his performances at international level in the past, saying: “He has this magic in him. He has the ability to create something out of nothing. Great movement, intelligent, he understands spacing and time and he can finish.”

Elmas’ attacking prowess, coupled with his versatility, could make him an exciting addition to West Ham’s squad, although the fact the North Macedonian struggled to adapt to life in the Bundesliga will be a concern.