Alzarri Joseph is also back after he was rested for the last Test series, but not as vice-captain

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Nov-2024

Jason Holder is recovering from a shoulder injury•Getty Images

West Indies allrounder Jason Holder will miss the upcoming two home Tests against Bangladesh starting at the end of the month to continue his shoulder rehabilitation. Offspinner Kevin Sinclair, meanwhile, returns to the side after recovering from an injury that made him miss West Indies’ last Test series, against South Africa at home in August.Right-arm quick Anderson Phillip also returned to the side, having last played a Test in December 2022 in Australia. Phillip is coming fresh on the back of a few wickets for Trinidad & Tobago in the domestic 50-over competition, which followed his county stint for Lancashire that he ended with a match haul of nine wickets against Worcestershire in September end.Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph also returned to the Test fold after he was rested for the South Africa games because of his “considerable workload” at the time. He is currently playing the T20I series against England after featuring in the ODIs against them, although he was suspended for the first two T20Is.Joseph was the vice-captain before he missed the South Africa series and the selectors had named Joshua Da Silva as Kraigg Brathwaite’s deputy in the interim. But even after Joseph’s return for the upcoming series, Da Silva has been retained as vice-captain in the latest 15-man squad.Making way for the returnees are the spinning duo of Gudakesh Motie and the uncapped Bryan Charles. Motie, too, is playing the white-ball games against England, but is not part of the Test side after two unimpressive outings against South Africa. He picked just three wickets in the two matches, including his wicketless showing in Port of Spain. Charlies, the offspinner, has been left out after he didn’t get a Test debut in the South Africa series.The two Tests will start on November 22 in Antigua and on November 30 in Jamaica. Before that, Brathwaite will also lead a CWI Select XI, from a squad of 13, for the two-day warm-up against Bangladesh for November 17 and 18 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.West Indies Test squadKraigg Brathwaite (capt), Joshua Da Silva (vice-capt), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel WarricanCWI Select XI squadKraigg Brathwaite (capt), Justin Greaves (vice-capt), Ryan Bandoo, Daniel Beckford, Navian Bidaisee, Joshua Dorne, Nathan Edward, Chaim Holder, Tevin Imlach, Jordan Johnson, Jair McAllister, Shaaron Lewis, Kimani Melius

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da stake casino： Alvo de muitas críticas por parte de jogadores, torcedores e imprensa, o gramado do Maracanã está passando por um período de recuperação visando a final da Copa do Brasil. Flamengo e São Paulo se enfrentam pelo jogo de ida no dia 17 de setembro, no Rio de Janeiro.

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da pixbet： Em entrevista ao Lance!, Lucas Pedrosa, diretor técnico da Greenleaf Gramados, empresa responsável por cuidar do campo, explicou como está sendo feito esse processo por um tapete de excelência para a grande decisão. Atualmente, os pontos mais críticos são os trechos do setor norte do estádio, mas também as linhas em que há demarcações.

+ Confira a classificação do Brasileirão

– O setor norte tem falta de luz, então a grama não fica com a mesma densidade que no sul, mas tem grama lá. Está tudo fechado com grama. Claro que com esse tempo nublado e chuvoso, o início do nosso procedimento acabou sendo atrapalhado, mas estamos retirando toda a crosta de tinta das linhas, nivelando novamente com areia e replantando. Fazendo enxertos para ter muda e melhorar esse problema das linhas. Não vai fechar em 20 dias, mas vamos ter grama naquelas áreas.

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Além dos trechos mais críticos, outras regiões também sofrem com problemas, mas considerados menos drásticos. Pedrosa também revelou que o gramado do Maracanã está sendo “bombado” e que deve se encontrar em excelente condição para receber o duelo entre Flamengo e São Paulo.

– No resto do campo, estamos fazendo procedimento de limpeza com corte vertical, estamos sugando o resíduo que é do dia a dia do corte, fazendo uma cobertura de areia para proteger essa replantação nova. E muitos procedimentos nutritivos e granulados serão pesados. Quando você tem muitos jogos, você fica engessado para fazer essa nutrição. Você fica com uma atividade de nutrição por semana. Com essa parada, vamos fazer essa nutrição de duas a três vezes por semana. Vamos bombar o gramado. Aproveitar que não haverá pisoteio para que ele recupere a densidade de novo. Ele vai recuperar muito bem as falhas, os danos. As linhas não ficarão 100%, mas os programas de operações, tanto com máquina quanto essa parte nutricional, serão pesadas.

Há uma grande expectativa por parte da empresa responsável pelos cuidados do gramado do Maracanã que com os produtos e hormônios aplicados, o campo tenha um ganho considerável de densidade nos trechos de demarcações de linhas. O aumento de incidência solar e temperatura também devem ajudar na recuperação de quase 100% do terreno.

Logo após o duelo entre Flamengo e Internacional, as máquinas de luzes artificiais foram colocadas no campo visando uma recuperação mais rápida do campo. Além de elogiar o tratamento feito no dia a dia, Pedrosa afirmou ser um luxo ter esses mais de 20 dias para o processo que está sendo realizado.

– O Maracanã é um dos estádios que mais utiliza luz (artificial) no país. Estamos desde fevereiro usando luz sem parar. Tiramos quatro horas antes dos jogos, mas voltamos logo depois da partida e fica a semana inteira ligada. Isso tem feito uma diferença enorme na parte norte. Se não houvesse a luz, possivelmente haveria falta de grama na região. Vamos conseguir devolver toda a densidade, coloração e um gramado de excelência para a final. Como a gente não tem uma semana parado, 20 dias é um luxo.

Desde o último dia 26 de agosto, o Maracanã está fechado para jogos por conta da recuperação do gramado. O Fluminense precisou mudar o lugar de seu confronto diante do Fortaleza, que será disputado no dia 3 de setembro, para o Raulino de Oliveira, em Volta Redonda.

CONFIRA OUTROS TEMAS SOBRE O GRAMADO DO MARACANÃ:

JOGO ENTRE VASCO E FLUMINENSE, NO DIA 16 DE SETEMBRO

– Qualquer intervalo em que você tenha dois jogos em menos de 24 horas, você tem um dano. Não que vá ter muito dano para a final, mas quebra um pouco essa sequência de final de temporada. Você eleva o nível do gramado e vem dois jogos seguidos. Já tem uma queda para a sequência dos outros jogos. Não é bom. Não é recomendado uma partida no dia 16 (de setembro) ainda mais para estragar um espetáculo que é uma final, com um valor alto de premiação, uma competição tão importante.

FINAL DA LIBERTADORES

– Já fizemos o planejamento de trabalho de operação de maquinaria e nutrição para ter respostas para a final da Libertadores, mas o intervalo (do tempo de recuperação) ainda está em aberto. Flamengo e Fluminense precisam ceder. Teríamos que ter mais de 20 dias de gramado parado para a gente fazer o que estamos fazendo agora. As atividades requerem tempo. Tenho que fazer dia após dia, e o gramado ir respondendo com o que estou operando. Teriam que sair (do calendário do Maracanã) dois jogos de Flamengo e dois de Fluminense, então ainda há um impasse. O ideal é como seria uma revitalização com 30 dias. Até isso a Conmebol gostaria que fosse, mas logo foram barrados, pois iriam tirar muitos jogos. E é receita isso. Estuda-se um intervalo de duas semanas, mas ainda não temos isso. E o processo seria parecido com o que está sendo feito agora. Mas em outubro você tem mais calor, mais incidência solar. A grama bermuda é uma grama que precisa de mais horas de luz por dia. Quanto mais luz, mais sol, mais rápida será a resposta.

AQUECIMENTO NO CAMPO

– Uma situação que prejudica o Maracanã não são apenas os números de jogos. O que mais prejudica hoje é o pré-jogo. O aquecimento dura 40 minutos. Nesse aquecimento, você tem dois times treinando em meio campo, não só os titulares, como os suplentes. Você tem 24 jogadores de um lado e do outro fazendo bobinho, fazendo físico, chutando bola para o gol. Esse trabalho físico, de campo reduzido, é o que mais causa dano antes da partida. Você tem praticamente três tempos de jogo em cada partida. Se você pegar dois jogos seguidos, como foi o do Fluminense e depois do Vasco, você tem praticamente seis tempos de jogo em menos de 15 horas. A chuva foi a cereja do bolo. Eu mandei uma carta para a CBF pedindo que fosse considerado evitar bobinho, físico dentro das quatro linhas, mas a entidade, assim com a Conmebol, quer um gramado de excelência, mas não atuam firmemente nessa parte. Deve-se restringir as atividades feitas no gramado. Gramado é um ser vivo, ele sente o pisoteio. É um fator que pouca gente sabe, mas eu sempre bato na tecla. A gente é cobrado, mas não temos o suporte devido.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on loan for the season with a €30 million (£26m) buy option. The 30-year-old will become the second player to join Spurs from the German champions this summer, following Mathys Tel's permanent switch. Palhinha will undergo medical tests before finalising the move to north London.

Palhinha to join Spurs on loan with €30m buy clauseSecond Bayern player to move to TottenhamSpurs finally address defensive midfield problem areaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Palhinha is set to join Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich, with Spurs covering his full salary, as per . The deal reportedly includes a €30m (£26m) buy option, though the purchase clause will not be mandatory and the north Londoners could send the former Fulham man back to Germany at the end of the season.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Palhinha's arrival addresses a long-standing gap in Spurs' midfield, adding much-needed steel and experience. He will soon become Tottenham's second signing from Bayern this summer after Tel, who starred in their Europa League-winning campaign on loan last season, before the Lilywhites decided to make the move permanent.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tottenham accelerated talks in the last 24 hours to beat any late competition for the Portugal international. Despite Bayern's original reluctance to add an option to buy, Spurs negotiated a €30m clause. With no plans at present for Palhinha in Munich, the German club readily agreed to the terms, especially considering that the Lilywhites are also ready to pay his full wage packet.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR PALHINHA?

The 30-year-old will complete his medical and join up with Spurs for the rest of pre-season. Frank is likely to integrate him quickly to strengthen the midfield ahead of their UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain and the Premier League opener with Burnley.

This Ranji season, Saurashtra have had three debutants in the four matches they have played so far

Rajan Raj10-Nov-2024Saurashtra have started the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season on a disappointing note. In four games so far, they have drawn and lost two each. Those results have put them seventh in their group, but their captain Jaydev Unadkat believes that his side is going “through a period of transition”. This season, Saurashtra have already had three debutants in the four matches they have played so far.”Efforts are being made to give opportunities to youngsters. As captain, I want this change to be smooth,” Unadkat told ESPNcricinfo. “We want young players to come forward, and we want them to be given maximum opportunities. I want young players to settle in our team during my captaincy.”Saurashtra’s debutants this season include pace bowlers Navneet Vora and Hiten Kanbi, and batter Parswaraj Rana. While Vora has three wickets in two games at an average of 41, Rana contributed only 21 runs across two innings against Tamil Nadu. Kanbi, though, had a promising debut against Jharkhand, as he picked up 5 for 70 in the first innings, before grabbing one more in the second.Related

• Shreyas Gopal focused on 'delivering under pressure'

• Saha: 'Ganguly pushed me to play and finish with Bengal'

• Chappell to Shaw: 'Visualise the cricketer you want to become'

Over the last five Ranji seasons dating back to 2018-19, Saurashtra have made the final three times. Unadkat was their captain on each occasion, having even led his side to the title twice – in 2019-20 and 2022-23. Saurashtra also made the quarter-final last year, but this season, they run the risk of getting eliminated in the group stages. But Unadkat understands that a change of guard is inevitable, as seniors like Sheldon Jackson (38), Cheteshwar Pujara (36) and Arpit Vasavada (36) are near the end of their careers. Even Dharmendrasinh Jadeja is 34 while Unadkat himself is 33 years old.”It is not that players keep coming and going,” he said. “We know that when a transition period comes for a team, the performance goes up and down; but this is a part of this game.”Despite that, as captain, Unadkat remains focused on how to guide his side to a win each time he takes the field.”If you ask me what is most important for me, then I would say that I keep thinking about ways of taking Saurashtra to victory. I think about my team. When I wake up in the morning, the first thought that comes to my mind is how our team will win, and how it will become better. This is the biggest motivation for me right now.”Jaydev Unadkat had played 11 games for SRH in IPL 2024•Associated Press

‘IPL auction nothing new for me’

Unadkat is one of 1574 players to enter the mega auction for IPL 2025, which will be held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah. Last year, he played 11 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which was the eighth different side he was representing since his debut in 2010. While Unadkat is hopeful to make it back to SRH for the 2025 tournament, he doesn’t mind getting a new team either.”I am definitely very excited about the auction. The auction is nothing new for me,” he said. “Mega auction is a big opportunity, but whatever the results of the auction, I am fully prepared to accept it… Hopefully, SRH will select me in their team again. But even if they don’t – or something else happens – I am ready for it.”I played for eight teams; now even if there is a ninth team – or I get a chance for any team – I don’t have any problem. If I get my bowling role and I get to play, I will be satisfied. Earlier, I was with Lucknow [Super Giants, in 2023]; before that, I was in Mumbai [Indians, in 2022]. I got [to play] very few matches there, but still I was very happy in that set-up.”

Manchester United’s business in the transfer market has left a lot to be desired over recent years, with many of their additions failing to make the grade in the Premier League.

Rasmus Hojlund is arguably the biggest example in the current squad, costing £72m from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023, but has struggled to make the desired impact.

The Dane has only scored four times in the league throughout 2024/25, leading to rumours over his long-term future at Old Trafford, with a return to Serie A on the cards this summer.

It’s crucial that the hierarchy back Ruben Amorim in the market over the coming months, but more importantly is that they hand him the right players to operate in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Matheus Cunha has been the first addition, but if the club are to have any chance of rising up the table next campaign, added reinforcements are needed to help the Brazilian within the final third.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

A striker has been the priority of United so far this summer, especially after missing out on number one target Liam Delap to fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea.

Since his move to Stamford Bridge, the likes of Victor Osimhen, Dušan Vlahović and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all been touted with a move to join the Red Devils.

However, other forwards have also been on their radar, with Lyon winger Malick Fofana the latest player linked with a move to Old Trafford, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

Their report states that Jason Wilcox is considering making a bid for the Belgian youngster, who registered 16 combined goals and assists across all competitions – costing in the region of £38m.

It also claims that Chelsea are firmly in the race for his signature, with Amorim’s side once again facing the prospect of a transfer battle with Enzo Maresca’s side for a player’s signature.

Why United’s £38m target could be Amorim’s next Amad

Despite Hojlund’s failures within the final third this campaign, other players around him have managed to star, including Ivorian forward Amad Diallo.

The 22-year-old was seen as an outcast under former boss Erik ten Hag, but was handed the platform to impress after Amorim’s arrival in late November last year.

He’s since taken his career to the next level at Old Trafford, registering 19 combined goals and assists across all competitions in 2024/25, with his £36m transfer fee now looking somewhat of a bargain.

Amad even scored a hat-trick in the comeback win over Southampton and bagged the winner in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad, a feat that made him an instant hero among the fanbase.

Such a deal needs to be replicated going forward, with new target Fofana providing just that should he make a move to Manchester in the coming months.

He possesses a similar skillset, with both being nimble left-footed forwards who can operate off either wing, potentially operating in a wing-back role in Amorim’s system if needed.

When comparing his stats to those of Amad from the recent campaign, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.

Games played

29

26

Goals & assists

9

14

Shot-on-target accuracy

48%

36%

Progressive carries

6.3

5.1

Carries into final third

3.2

2.5

Take-on success

47%

46%

Crosses completed

4

1.9

Fouls won

2.1

1.3

Fofana, who’s been labelled “special” by journalist Zach Lowy, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, demonstrating his clinical ability in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries and more carries into the final third per 90, handing the side an added threat given his desire to get forward with the ball at his feet.

The Belgian’s trickery has made him a constant nuisance to opposition defenders, completing 47% of his attempted take-ons and winning more fouls per 90.

£38m in today’s market is a solid price for a 20-year-old star who could improve massively in the years ahead under Amorim’s guidance, offering the side a new star in attacking areas.

If he can replicate Amad’s success in the Premier League in the near future, it would be another bargain and an addition that could take the club back towards their former glory.

An Elanga repeat: Wilcox in talks to sell £105k-per-week Man Utd talent

Manchester United may be about to make a huge mistake in selling one first-team star.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 17, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

da betway： O torcedor do Palmeiras está na expectativa pela contratação do atacante Bruno Henrique, do Flamengo, e uma imagem que circulou nas redes sociais empolgou os alviverdes. Isso porque o empresário do jogador postou uma foto de uma camisa do Verdão em uma de suas redes sociais, deixando todos em alerta sobre o futuro da negociação. E a explicação para isso é simples: Denis Ricardo foi jogador palmeirense.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasCom dúvidas, Palmeiras se reapresenta após empate com o Boca Juniors pela LibertadoresPalmeiras29/09/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras tem retrospecto positivo quando empata jogo de ida de semifinal da LibertadoresPalmeiras29/09/2023PalmeirasOPINIÃO: ‘Abel não pode descontar a ira com a diretoria na imprensa que cobre o Palmeiras!’Palmeiras29/09/2023

da bet sport： + Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

No print, o ex-zagueiro mostra a camisa número 16 do Palmeiras, no modelo de 2002/2003, quando ele atuou pelo clube. Na legenda da imagem, ele faz referência à marca de 20 anos desde sua passagem pelo Palestra.

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O período em que Denis defendeu as cores alviverdes foi curto, de apenas uma temporada: a de 2003. Algumas lesões acabaram impedindo que ele tivesse mais participações na campanha do título da Série B. Foram apenas oito jogos e nenhum gol.

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+ Palmeiras tem plano e aguarda Bruno Henrique se resolver com o Flamengo

Em 2023, a história de Denis pode novamente se cruzar com a do Palmeiras, já que o clube tem interesse em contratar Bruno Henrique, seu agenciado. A intenção é trazer o atacante sem custos, já que o contrato com o Flamengo vai até o fim de dezembro deste ano, ou seja, ele poderia assinar um pré-acordo com o Verdão.

Apesar de já ter informado o estafe do atleta sobre o interesse, o Alviverde somente vai fazer uma proposta oficial quando as tratativas com o Rubro-Negro se esgotarem. O entrave de momento é o tempo de contrato. A expectativa é de que as conversas fosse retomadas após a final da Copa do Brasil, mas nada evoluiu até agora.

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Enquanto isso, o Palmeiras prepara uma oferta irrecusável para convencer Bruno Henrique a assinar com o clube. Quem sabe o passado alviverde do empresário Denis Ricardo não possa facilitar esse caminho.

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

(23 overs) After a series in which they consistently failed to get the rub of the green, the stars finally aligned for West Indies as they ended their tour of Sri Lanka with a morale-boosting win. Evin Lewis, playing his first ODI since 2021, struck an unbeaten 102 off 61 balls, as West Indies chased down a DLS-adjusted target of 195 in a rain-reduced game of 23 overs with eight wickets to spare. In fact, they got the required runs with an over to spare. It was their first ODI win in Sri Lanka following ten straight defeats, and their first win on this tour since the first T20I.Sri Lanka, for their part, had put up a valiant effort after their innings had been cut into less than half. The first 17.2 overs had come prior to the rain intervention, and upon resumption, they were given just a further 5.4 overs to set a competitive total.Enter Kusal Mendis, who bludgeoned an unbeaten 56 off 22 deliveries – he got the half-century off 19 balls – as Sri Lanka themselves struck 75 runs in those final 5.4 overs to end on 156 for 3, and gave themselves a fighting chance. In the end, though, a combination of a wet outfield, wet ball and a laser-focused Lewis proved too much to overcome.Brandon King (18 off 19 balls) and Shai Hope (22 off 27) had kept Lewis company for most of the chase, but it wasn’t until Sherfane Rutherford joined him in the middle that West Indies truly took control of proceedings.Rutherford’s brisk cameo saw him plunder 50 off just 26 deliveries, including four fours and three sixes, with his partnership with Lewis amounting to an unbeaten 88 from just 45 deliveries. It was a pivotal stand in the context of the game, as it came just as Sri Lanka might have been harbouring thoughts of a late heist.Kusal Mendis blasted a 19-ball fifty•AFP/Getty Images

With the required run rate at roughly 8.5 an over from the outset, West Indies had done well to just about keep up with it over the opening ten overs – there was at least one boundary in seven of the first 11 overs. But in such a short chase, even a couple of quiet overs can heighten the pressure – and so it proved to be.Between the 11th and 17th overs, Sri Lanka gave away just 40 runs as the required rate rose to above 11.50 runs an over. Skipper Charith Asalanka had done well in this period by shuffling his pack to sneak in some cheap overs from himself and Kamindu Mendis – both of whom made up the fifth-bowler quota after Wanindu Hasaranga had struggled with controlling a wet ball.Where Asalanka erred was in bowling himself for one over too many, which allowed Rutherford and Lewis to go after him. That 14-run over set the tone, after which the pair never looked back. The miserly Maheesh Theekshana was rinsed for 18 in the next over, while even the excellent Asitha Fernando was hounded for 26 off his final two. Dilshan Madushanka, playing his first ODI since March, went for 50 in five.Sri Lanka, though, will have positives to take away from this game, particularly in how aggressively they approached the post-rain period, knowing that they didn’t have much time to scrounge up a competitive total. The opening 17.2 overs had seen Sri Lanka stitch together a measured start, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando putting on 81.That, though, owed much to West Indies dropping three chances – two of Nissanka and one of Avishka – inside the opening ten overs. This poor catching did not get much better after the five-hour rain delay, with Kusal also dropped twice on the way to becoming the third-quickest Sri Lanka batter to 4000 ODI runs.Sherfane Rutherford hit four fours and three sixes•Associated Press

It all began with the four balls left in Roston Chase’s second over, as Kusal proceeded to clatter each of them for boundaries – two precise pulls, one stunning straight drive, and finally a fortunate inside edge down to fine leg. In all, Sri Lanka struck 12 boundaries in the final 34 deliveries they faced.The shortened game also had some knock-on effects on West Indies’ bowling plans, as the new provisos meant three bowlers were given a quota of five overs each, while two others were handed four apiece. Once Chase’s over, in which Kusal had struck four consecutive boundaries, was belatedly completed, and with Sri Lanka in raucous mood, West Indies were suddenly faced with the proposition of figuring out how Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, and Alzarri Joseph – who had bowled four, four and three overs, respectively – would split the remains.And with the economical Matthew Forde already having bowled five overs prior to the rain break, it meant only two more bowlers could bowl five; so they needed to find one more over from somewhere.With Chase having been dispatched upon the resumption of play, it was left to Rutherford to roll his arm over, and he was duly taken for 17 runs courtesy two fours and a six. And as Kusal’s carefree innings continued in earnest, Sri Lanka eventually managed to muster up a competitive total – though it proved to be just not good enough on the day.

Leeds United are going to be playing Premier League football next season and will have to use the summer transfer window to build a squad that can compete at the top level.

Daniel Farke can look at what one of his predecessors, Marcelo Bielsa, did in the 2020/21 campaign, when the Whites stayed up in the top-flight and finished in the top half.

The Argentine head coach helped the club to avoid relegation, and set them on their way to avoiding the drop in the 2021/22 season too, and the players he had at his disposal played a key role in that.

Stars like Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford Rodrigo, and Raphinha may have stolen the headlines, but Mateusz Klich went under the radar with a return of four goals and five assists in the Premier League from a midfield position.

Leeds make first offer for midfield target

Leeds are active in the current summer transfer window to bolster their squad and are reportedly eyeing up a deal for a star who could be Farke’s own version of the Poland international.

Transfer Focus

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

According to L’Equipe, the Championship champions have submitted their first offer, worth around £22m, to Strasbourg in an attempt to sign central midfielder Habib Diarra.

The report claims that the French side have not yet responded to the bid, but they are waiting to see if any other teams come in with counter-offers, amid interest from clubs in Germany and England.

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Evening Post has confirmed that an offer has been made, but adds that other targets in that position are felt to be more likely at this moment in time.

Why Diarra could be Klich 2.0

If Leeds can get a deal over the line for Diarra, then Farke could have his own version of Klich in the Premier League next season, because he is a well-rounded midfield star who can impact games in and out of possession.

The 21-year-old talent, who talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed will have a “huge future” in the game, played regularly in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg in the 2024/25 campaign and caught the eye with his displays in the middle of the park.

Diarra played 29 Ligue 1 games or more in each of the last three seasons, which shows that he has plenty of top-flight experience in a major European league, and this term was his best so far from a performance point of view.

Stats	Diarra (24/25 Ligue 1)	Klich (20/21 Premier League)
Appearances	30	35
Goals	4	4
Big chances created	9	3
Assists	5	5
Dribbled past per game	0.4x	1.3x
Tackles + interceptions per game	1.1	1.4
Duels won per game	3.3	2.4
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, his performances in Ligue 1 this season were incredibly similar to Klich’s in the Premier League when Leeds avoided the drop in the 2020/21 campaign.

These statistics show that Diarra could emulate his impact at the top end of the pitch by delivering a respectable number of goals and assists from a box-to-box midfield position, whilst potentially being even more creative when you look at the ‘big chances’ that he created.

The chart above further illustrates the similarities between the two players, particularly when it comes to scoring and creating goals, which suggests that he could be a very similar player to Klich for Farke.

Diarra’s ability to combine defensive work, as he is rarely dribbled past, with his attacking output suggests that he could be a very valuable player for the German boss in the Premier League, as he could impact games at both ends of the pitch.

He must go before Bamford: Leeds have told £11m flop he will now be sold

Leeds have told this flop that he must leave this summer, and the dud must go before Patrick Bamford.

1

By
Dan Emery

Jun 9, 2025

However, the Yorkshire Evening Post did report that other midfield targets are more likely, so it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites will be able to get a deal over the line for this star.

Bayern Munich are set to tie two players down to new contracts, with extensions for Dayot Upamecano and rising star Lennart Karl close to completion.

Upamecano and Karl close to new Bayern contractsCentre-back states his intention to stayContract extensions expected to be completed imminentlyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayern are close to securing contract extensions for two key players: centre-back Upamecano and attacking prospect Karl. Negotiations with Upamecano have been ongoing for months, with both the player and Bayern hierarchy keen to finalise an agreement that would see him remain beyond his current deal, which is set to expire in June 2026. Meanwhile, talks with 17-year-old Karl are at an advanced stage with Bayern “very confident” of securing his signature for the long term following his impressive form in youth and first-team pre-season matches.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT WAS SAID?

Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed following the 4-0 friendly win against Tottenham Hotspur, saying: “It’s definitely a goal that we want to extend,” referencing their intent over Upamecano during a recent mixed zone. 

Upamecano himself reiterated after the friendly win: “I’m happy here,” noting ongoing discussions between his agent, Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund. Eberl further : “It’s looking very good,” highlighting Bayern’s optimism around the 17-year-old’s extension.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Upamecano’s extension would represent another strong statement from Bayern as they continue to lock down their core squad, having already secured Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies to long-term deals this year. Under Vincent Kompany, Upamecano was a regular in the starting XI until his season was cut short by injury. Karl, meanwhile, has been prolific in scoring and assisting goals at youth level and made an impact in pre-season matches, notably scoring against Tottenham, after making an appearance at the Club World Cup.

Getty Images SportWHAT'S NEXT?

Bayern expect to finalise Upamecano’s extension within weeks, although exact salary terms remain under negotiation, with agreement anticipated to extend to at least 2029. Karl’s renewal could be announced before the end of the week, potentially running through to 2028. The pair are set to play a role in Bayern’s upcoming domestic and European fixtures as the Bundesliga champions prepare for another title challenge.

da roleta： Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin gets to have a first look at his players in the flesh this week as some of his stars have returned for pre-season testing.

da pinnacle： The new boss will also have the opportunity to speak with some members of the Ibrox squad in person, whilst the summer transfer window is in full swing.

In fact, journalist Scott Burns claims that the Rangers head coach is due to hold talks with central defender Robin Propper over his future at Ibrox beyond this summer.

FC Twente are eyeing up a move to bring him back to the Netherlands ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but he has returned to pre-season testing with the Gers for now.

Martin must, now, tell the Dutch defender that he is not a part of his plans for the upcoming season, because the Light Blues should be looking to part ways with him in the coming weeks.

Why Rangers must sell Robin Propper

The Gers manager should move on from the 31-year-old flop this summer after he endured a difficult first season in Scottish football after his move from FC Twente last year.

In December, the central defender was hauled off at half-time against St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership and was heavily criticised by pundit Derek Ferguson.

The former Gers man said: “Propper is struggling. He’s been pretty vocal over the last couple of weeks that he’s finding it tough in our league. He’s been asked the question early on. It’s quite worrying when you see him struggling as bad as that. Look at the body language – he’s looking for a way out already.”

Propper, who was dribbled past 11 times in 22 Premiership starts, failed to deal with the physicality of the league during his debut season, which led to him being a bit-part player by the end of the campaign.

Robin Propper’s last ten squad appearances for Rangers

Opposition

Game time

Fenerbahce

Unused substitute

Celtic

34 mins

Dundee

Unused substitute

Hibernian

Unused substitute

Athletic Club

13 mins

Aberdeen

90 mins

St Mirren

90 mins

Aberdeen

Unused substitute

Dundee United

Unused substitute

Hibernian

80 mins

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the experienced defender was far from a regular fixture in the starting XI for the Scottish giants, as he was an unused substitute in four of his last ten outings in the matchday squad.

Given that he is unlikely to have much room left for development at the age of 31, Rangers should move on from him this summer, amid interest from Twente, and their reported pursuit of an English star could send Propper packing.

Rangers in talks to sign English star

According to the Daily Record, Rangers are in ‘advanced talks’ with Leicester City to strike a deal for former England international Conor Coady this summer.

The report claims that the Light Blues have ‘ramped’ up their efforts to bring the central defender, who previously starred for Wolverhampton Wanderers, up to Scotland for the 2025/26 season.

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It states that the Gers are ‘pushing’ to get a deal done quickly for the experienced defender, now that the club are starting to ramp up their pre-season preparations ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos next month.

The Daily Record adds that Coady, who has one year left on his contract at the King Power, is open to a move to Ibrox this summer to secure his long-term future.

However, the report does not reveal how much money it will take to agree a deal with Leicester, or if they would be willing to waive a fee for the 32-year-old in order to shave his wages off.

Why Rangers should sign Conor Coady

Rangers should sign Coady from the Championship side, who were relegated from the Premier League this season, because he could send Propper packing this summer.

A deal to sign the former England international in the coming days or weeks would provide Martin with a vastly-experienced right-sided centre-back, which would negate any need to keep hold of Propper, who currently fills that role in the squad.

Coady, who played 22 times in the Premier League this season for the Foxes, would arrive at Ibrox as a hugely experienced player at the very top level, with 198 Premier League appearances and ten caps for England under his belt.

He is, therefore, used to the physicality of British football and can deal with the brute strength and dynamism of attackers in Scotland next season, whereas, Propper had never played domestic football outside of the Netherlands and looked ill-prepared for the task at hand.

Conor Coady

22/23 (Premier League)

23/24 (Championship)

24/25 (Premier League

Appearances

24

12

22

Pass accuracy

85%

93%

91%

Dribbled past per game

0.3x

0.1x

0.1x

Duel success rate

54%

64%

45%

Error led to goal

1

0

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Coady has largely been reliable as a physical presence in England in recent seasons, particularly when it came to stopping attackers from dribbling past him.

As aforementioned, one of Propper’s biggest problems in the Premiership was that strikers found it too easy to get the better of him, as he was dribbled past 11 times in 22 starts. That would not be a problem for the English titan, who has been dribbled past three times in his last 34 league outings.

The Leicester ace also showcased his quality in possession in the Championship in the 2023/24 season, ranking in the top 1% of his positional peers for progressive passes per 90 (7.20). This suggests that he would also add value in possession as part of a team that dominates the ball and looks to play forward.

Coady, who was described as an “infectious” character by Gareth Southgate, may be approaching the latter stages of his career, at the age of 32, but he appears to have the requisite qualities to take Propper’s place and send him packing back to FC Twente.

Related A Colak repeat: Club now pushing to sign Rangers star in the next 48 hours

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Posts ByDan Emery Jun 23, 2025