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.
Chelsea remain unmoved in Joao Felix negotiations, holding firm on their demands as Benfica push for a symbolic return ahead of the Eusebio Cup.
Chelsea want €54m same as what they paid Atletico
Benfica offer €27m for 50% of Felix’s rights
Rui Costa wants the deal done before the Eusebio Cup
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea have placed a €54 million (£46m/$62m) valuation on Joao Felix, exactly what they paid Atletico Madrid last year as talks intensify with Benfica over a potential return for the 25-year-old. According to , the Eagles have offered €27m (£23m/$31m) for 50 per cent of Felix’s rights, which would be enough to see Chelsea comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR), but the London club are demanding an extra €13m (£11m/$15m) to guarantee a further percentage in the future. That would take the total fee to €40m (£35m/$47m) which is too high for Benfica.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Benfica president Rui Costa is eager to sign Felix in time for the Eusebio Cup clash against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. He is personally involved in talks alongside agent Jorge Mendes and hopes to give fans a symbolic reunion with the forward. The Portuguese star has already agreed to lower his wages to make the deal happen, and there’s optimism within Benfica’s camp that a resolution can be reached soon given no other clubs are in for him.
DID YOU KNOW?
Felix played under current Benfica manager Bruno Lage during the club’s 2018-19 title-winning campaign which was also the breakout season that earned him a €126m (£107m/$144m) move to Los Rojiblancos. The potential reunion adds emotional and sporting value to Benfica’s pursuit.
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WHAT NEXT?
Talks are expected to continue at pace over the coming hours. The Eagles hope to close the deal before Saturday's Eusebio Cup.
Sunderland will be all too aware of how challenging the Premier League can be, having been relegated four times from the intimidating division since its 1992 rebrand.
The Black Cats will be up against it too when you consider how poorly the newly promoted sides have done in recent memory, with the last six teams to go up triumphantly sinking straight back down with a whimper.
Regis Le Bris, of course, will have other plans as he embarks on his first-ever season in England’s well-known top-flight, but signings galore will need to take place to give the Frenchman and his wide-eyed team a fighting chance at survival.
One dream incoming would have been the amazing return of Amad Diallo to the Stadium of Light, but with his Old Trafford career finally now taking flight, it looks like an unlikely route to explore.
Amad Diallo for Sunderland
Amad's fan favourite status at Sunderland
Rumours have already begun to circulate that the entertaining Ivorian could be on the Sunderland shopping list, with this deal perhaps even bolder than the Black Cats’ reported attempts to tempt former star Jordan Henderson back to home turf.
A potential reunion will always catch the eye of Sunderland supporters just for how impactful Amad’s first stint at the club was, with his heroics from down the right wing clinching playoff football for Tony Mowbray’s men during the 2022/23 campaign.
They would eventually slip up at the semi-final stages, but nobody could knock the 22-year-old’s efforts during the near-miss season, with Amad picking up a hefty 14 goals and four assists across 42 appearances.
Since then, he has been able to firm up his Manchester United starting spot under Ruben Amorim, scoring 11 goals this season, so a stunning move back to Wearside would surely be a tall order to pull off.
Former Sunderland loanee Amad Diallo.
But, Le Bris might well be able to win Sunderland’s next version of the spellbinding 22-year-old if another move comes to fruition.
Sunderland could sign their new Amad
It will be all about striking a fine balance between picking up signings by the bucket load and ensuring the star performers from their promotion heroics are given a fair chance up a level.
As per a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Black Cats could be about to bolster their attacking arsenal even more away from the likes of Romaine Mundle and Wilson Isidor with the addition of Kwame Poku. Indeed, the Mackems are just one of 26 clubs who are looking to seal the winger’s signature on a free transfer after his contract with Peterborough United came to a close.
The concern on Sunderland’s end, however, will be whether Poku can make that gigantic leap up from League One to the Premier League look seamless.
But, as was the case with Amad, he had never really been exposed to the ins and outs of the English game before his Stadium of Light loan experience – minus one or two United senior chances – with the rest now history as he tears up the Premier League for the Red Devils.
Kwame Poku for Peteborough.
The “unplayable” Ghanaian – as he was hyperbolically labelled by Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson last season – could well take the top-flight by storm too if given time to impress, with Poku’s trickery, flair and ability to finish off a chance at League One level making him very similar to Amad at his Black Cats peak and shows off a player ready for an increase in quality.
To rubber stamp that comparison, you only need to look at their dribbling numbers from the 2024/25 campaign with EFL hotshot, Poku, averaging 1.9 dribbles per match to Amad’s 1.6. Their eel-like ability on the ball is almost uncanny.
Games played
147
Goals scored
30
Assists
30
Trophies
2x
L1 Player of the Month
2x
LT Team of the Season
1x
Unfortunately for Le Bris and Co, they were unable to get the very best out of Amad over a long period of time, but with Poku – who is fresh off tallying up an insane 21 goal contributions from only 29 clashes last season – he will have so much more to give the cause permanently, considering he is only 23 and will be surrounded by some top-notch teammates equally eager to succeed up a division.
He might not instantly hit the ground running, but if there’s one location that should be able to get the optimum out of him eventually, it’s Sunderland with the likes of Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and Amad all blossoming here so early into their playing days.
His value's soared 3,868%: Sunderland have struck gold on their new Clarke
Sunderland have hit the jackpot with this star who could be their next Jack Clarke.
Some states would be without big names if the IPL is slotted in later this year
Andrew McGlashan28-May-2020+ donates Cricket Australia contracted playerAlex Carey (South Australia/Delhi Capitals) +Australia’s limited-overs wicketkeeper has previously spoken about the challenge of building his red-ball game with ODI and T20 duty often keeping him out of the Sheffield Shield. Depending on the length of any IPL overlap with the Australian season, he could again miss a significant chunk of games, especially if the Shield season is also reduced due to Covid-19-related cuts. From South Australia’s point of view, they would lose a senior figure at a time when they are looking to rebuild under a new head coach who is yet to be named.Nathan Coulter-Nile (TBC/Mumbai Indians)Less than a year after being in the World Cup squad, Coulter-Nile dropped off the CA contract list and that is likely to signal the end of his international career. It has also been reported that he is set to miss the Western Australia list but may sign up for another state. Else he could well see his future as being in T20 leagues.Pat Cummins (New South Wales/Kolkata Knight Riders) +One of four New South Wales players with IPL contracts who the state is used to not seeing due to their international commitments. Cummins, who set a record as the most expensive overseas player with a US$2.2 million deal, played one Shield match before the Test season last year and it could be something similar in 2020-21 if the IPL does find a home in October.Josh Hazlewood during a one-day outing for New South Wales•Getty ImagesAaron Finch (Victoria/Royal Challengers Bangalore) +As ODI and T20I captain, Finch is another whose international duties can limit appearances for Victoria but although his brief Test career is behind him, he would no doubt be an asset to their top order when available.Josh Hazlewood (New South Wales/Chennai Super Kings) +Unlike Cummins, he is not part of Australia’s T20I set-up so he would potentially be available a little more for New South Wales outside of Test duty but is now back in the ODI team. Last season he played two Shield matches before the series against Pakistan and New ZealandMitchell Marsh (Western Australia/Sunrisers Hyderabad) +Marsh is eager to restate his credentials to be Australia’s Test allrounder after missing the first half of last season having broken his hand punching the dressing room wall and then earning a recall to the limited-overs side, which meant he only made one Shield appearance. Having regained his CA contract last month, Marsh is one of four Western Australia players with an IPL deal.Josh Philippe began the season with a rapid half-century•Getty ImagesGlenn Maxwell (Victoria/Kings XI Punjab) +One of the gun T20 players in the world, Maxwell’s chances of forcing his way back into Test contention are probably gone but he remains a player who can add plenty of value to Victoria’s four-day side when available and would be a lock for the Marsh Cup.Josh Philippe (Western Australia/Royal Challengers Bangalore)One of the rising stars in Australian cricket, it is T20s where Philippe has really caught the attention and had a superb 2019-2020 Big Bash as he helped the Sydney Sixers to the title. He also played five Shield matches last season and was settling into a middle-order role in the second half of the campaign.Kane Richardson (South Australia/Royal Challengers Bangalore) +Not a regular in South Australia’s Shield team – he has played taken just two first-class wickets in three games over the last two seasons – amid selection, injury and Australia limited-overs duty but he would be part of the Marsh Cup side.Steven Smith (New South Wales/Rajasthan Royals) +New South Wales enjoyed having Smith around for the early part of last season as he scored two hundreds in three matches to help put them on course for their eventual title. But they also have a batting order that knows how to manage without big names.David Warner celebrates his century•Getty ImagesBilly Stanlake (Queensland/Sunrisers Hyderabad)Stanlake’s chances of being part of the T20 World Cup squad appeared to have drifted away after he dropped out of the side following the early-season matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan last year then endured a poor Big Bash for the Adelaide Strikers. The four Shield matches he played last year represent half his career total although eight wickets at 38.62 showed he remained a work in progress.Marcus Stoinis (Western Australia/Delhi Captials)Stoinis lost his CA contract last month despite a record-breaking Big Bash for the Melbourne Stars and faces a challenge to resurrect his international career. He has spoken of the desire to push for a Test slot – he was briefly part of the squad in the 2018-19 season – but a batting average of 30.61 and bowling return of 34.50 in eight matches last season did not hammer down the door. If he and Marsh are both at the IPL, there could be a lot on Cameron Green’s plate in the allrounder role for Western Australia if he is allowed to bowl again.Andrew Tye (Western Australia/Rajasthan Royals)Very much a white-ball specialist having not played a first-class game since 2018, Tye had a truncated 2019-2020 season after suffering an elbow injury which meant he did not play after October and missed the entire BBL. Was part of Western Australia’s Marsh Cup side before injury struck.David Warner (New South Wales/Sunrisers Hyderabad) +Like Smith, Warner had an impact for New South Wales during his brief Shield appearances last season with a crucial century at the Gabba to set up an opening victory. But once again, New South Wales may not see much of him.Other Australians at the IPLChris Green (Kolkata Knight Riders), Chris Lynn (Mumbai Indians) and Shane Watson (Chennai Super Kings) were also due to be involved in the Shield tournament but they do not have state contracts. Green and Lynn have BBL deals – with Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat respectively – while Watson no longer plays in Australian domestic cricket.
Glasgow Rangers have already confirmed that Barry Ferguson’s time as interim manager of the Ibrox club came to an end after the Scottish Premiership season concluded.
The Light Blues were held to a 2-2 draw at Easter Road on the final day of the league season, as Rangers cemented their second-placed finish behind their city rivals.
Ferguson’s interim spell ended with six wins, five draws, and four defeats in 15 matches in all competitions, which was far from impressive on paper for the inexperienced Scottish coach.
It has now been confirmed that he will not be in contention for the job on a full-time basis, as the Gers are now looking elsewhere for a permanent successor to Philippe Clement, who was relieved of his duties in February.
There have already been plenty of interesting names linked with the vacant managerial position at Ibrox, ranging from British coaches, foreign coaches with British experience, and left-field coaches with no experience in British football.
One of the names who has been mentioned alongside the Rangers job in recent weeks is Real Madrid assistant first-team coach Davide Ancelotti, the son of Carlo Ancelotti.
Why Rangers should avoid Davide Ancelotti
There have been some contradicting reports on the club’s interest in the Italian tactician of late, with talk of an offer from the Gers and then a report saying that was false and that he wants to join his father with the Brazil national team for a year.
Whether he is a serious candidate for the job or not, the 49ers and Kevin Thelwell should look elsewhere in their search for a new head coach because of the job facing the next manager ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Rangers have finished second in the Premiership in each of the last four seasons, watching their city rivals lift the trophy each year, and need a head coach who can bring success back to Ibrox.
Whilst Ancelotti is an exciting prospect, because he has yet to manage at first-team level and is full of untapped potential, the fact that he is an unknown quantity as a manager also counts against him for this particular job.
Real Madrid (Assistant manager)
Carlo Ancelotti
233
Everton (Assistant manager)
Carlo Ancelotti
67
Napoli (Assistant manager)
Carlo Ancelotti
73
Bayern Munich (Assistant manager)
Carlo Ancelotti
60
Real Madrid (Fitness coach)
Carlo Ancelotti
119
PSG (Fitness coach)
Carlo Ancelotti
77
The 35-year-old coach, as shown by his career path above, has not been a first-team manager to date, as he has only worked as part of his father’s coaching staff, as either a fitness coach or as an assistant manager.
Whilst there is a lot of brilliant experience in some of the best leagues in Europe at some of the biggest clubs in the world there, Ancelotti has not proven himself as the main man and that is why Rangers, in their current situation, should look elsewhere.
Rangers want to appoint new manager this week
As per a fresh report from the Daily Mail, Rangers are looking to appoint a more experienced manager as they are set to hold talks with English boss Steven Gerrard.
The report claims that the club are planning to hold talks with the Liverpool legend within the next 48 hours to discuss a potential return to Ibrox, having left the job to join Aston Villa back in 2021.
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It states that Gerrard, who is currently without a club, is currently the frontrunner to land the role, and that Rangers want to have a deal wrapped up by the end of this week if possible.
All going well, the English manager could be holding up a Gers scarf for the second time before next Monday, although there is no mention of how interested he is in making a return to Glasgow.
Steven Gerrard
With this news in mind, the club must convince Gerrard to return to Ibrox before the end of the week during these talks that are due to take place within the next 48 hours because he would make supporters forget about wanting Ancelotti.
Why Gerrard would make Rangers forget Ancelotti
As aforementioned, the Real Madrid assistant manager would arrive at Ibrox as a huge gamble by the club, given his lack of senior managerial experience, but that would not be the case with Gerrard.
In fact, the English head coach may be the safest possible appointment for Rangers to make, given that he is the only Gers manager who has won the Premiership in the last decade.
StevenGerrard
The former England international lost more games than he won at Aston Villa (19 vs 13) and Al Ettifaq (20 vs 19) after moving on from Ibrox in 2021, but there is no mocking his record during his time in Scottish football.
After being given time to build a squad in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns, Gerrard won the Premiership title in the 2020/21 season with 32 wins and zero losses in the top-flight, an achievement that was described as “unbelievable” by journalist Leanne Prescott.
Matches
38
12
Wins
32
8
Draws
6
3
Defeats
0
1
Points
102
27
Points per game
2.68
2.25
League position
1st (Champions)
1st
As you can see in the table above, the 4-3-3 manager only lost one of his last 50 matches in charge of the club, and left the team at the top of the table before Giovanni van Bronckhorst failed to follow up with another title success.
Gerrard, once dubbed “amazing” by Glen Johnson, has proven that he can deliver a successful style of football at Ibrox, given his incredible record across his last 50 games and the title that he won in the 2020/21 campaign.
Nathan Patterson, Steven Gerrard
Rangers have failed to win the Premiership in the last four seasons, and they need a head coach who can bring the title back to Ibrox next term. So, who better than the only man to have done it in the last decade? That is why appointing Gerrard could make fans forget about the exciting potential of bringing Ancelotti in for his first managerial job.
Not just Butland: Rangers flop may have played his last game at Ibrox
Several Rangers players wont be at the club next season after the 2-2 draw with Hibs.
Fulham are still in the hunt for continental qualification under Marco Silva and could look to swat aside some of their Premier League competitors to land a talented defender, per reports.
Fulham keep their European hopes alive at Southampton
The race for European football in the English top-flight is gripping, if not complicated, but Fulham still find themselves in the hunt for some form of reward for another fine season at Craven Cottage.
Indeed, they left it late at Southampton, courtesy of Ryan Sessegnon’s last-minute effort, which sealed a 2-1 victory on the South Coast to condemn the home side to another unfortunate defeat.
Four matches remain for the Cottagers, who may still gain a place in the Europa League or Europa Conference League, subject to many complex permutations that supporters will be spending their spare hours breaking down.
Either way, Fulham are a club on the up under Silva and could be set for another exciting summer in West London with arrivals on the horizon.
Setting a marker of their ambition, Joao Palhinha could be on his way back to Craven Cottage from Bayern Munich after struggling to break into the first-team picture in Germany under Vincent Kompany.
Burnley want to sign Fulham ace who previously won promotion under Parker
Burnley are now looking to sign a player who has worked with their manager before.
ByBrett Worthington Apr 24, 2025
Kyle Walker-Peters could arrive at Fulham on a free transfer when his contract expires at Southampton at the end of this campaign, which would be another smart piece of business at Craven Cottage to add further squad depth ahead of 2025/26.
Now, Silva’s men are in a position to challenge their Premier League competitors for the signature of an Italy international, per recent developments.
Fulham position themselves to sign Juventus defender Nicolo Savona
According to TBR, Fulham have made contact with Juventus regarding Nicola Savona as they look to strike a deal to bring the versatile defender to Craven Cottage.
Bournemouth, Everton and West Ham United are also in the mix to sign the Italian, who can play at right-back, centre-back, left-back and further up on the flank if needed.
Nicolo Savona statistics in 2024/25 – Serie A
Chances created
15
Successful crosses
11
Tackles won
13
Duels won
49
Recoveries
61
Dribbled past
11
Called up by Italy but so far not capped, Savona has registered two goals and a solitary assist in 33 appearances this campaign as Juventus look to cement Champions League qualification.
Manchester City made advances over a move for the defender in January in their attempts to replace long-serving star Kyle Walker, though nothing came to fruition and he is now back on the market.
Juventus made the mistake of parting ways with Dean Huijsen last summer, and the Spain international has since gone on to be a revelation at Bournemouth.
Unsurprisingly, Fulham are now a fixture in the race to sign Savona and there is optimism he could follow a similar path should he swap Serie A for the Premier League.
“That’s why you pay big money to big-game players,” Tom Moody says of Starc’s second-ball wicket of Travis Head
ESPNcricinfo staff21-May-20241:33
‘That’s why you pay big money for big-game players’
Mitchell Starc has had a patchy IPL 2024, but he brought his experience and nous of playing in “some big games and big occasions” when it mattered by running through the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) top order in Qualifier 1 in Ahmedabad.Starc bowled three overs in the powerplay and sent back Travis Head off the second ball of the game, and Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed, the last two off consecutive balls in the fifth over.”I guess I have played a fair bit of cricket so I have been fortunate enough to play in some big games and some big occasions,” Starc said between innings on the official broadcast after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had stopped SRH for 159. “Nine months ago [in the ODI World Cup final] we were here in front of a full stadium. It was nice to get the team off to a good start that we needed [today].Related
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“We know the powerplay wickets are very important. The way Sunrisers take on the powerplay, they have sort of matched us throughout the season in terms of getting off to good starts. It was great to get powerplay wickets and I think our bowling group was fantastic throughout.”Starc got the ball to seam from the outset and struck with his second ball, castling his Australia team-mate Head with one that shaped back in sharply. Vaibhav Arora then sent back Abhishek Sharma for 3 as SRH lost their big-hitting openers inside two overs. Starc bowled his third over inside the powerplay and first removed Reddy with a short-of-a-length ball that the batter skied with an attempted pull, and then hit Shahbaz’s middle pole off the inside edge.But Head’s wicket was one that Starc enjoyed the most, and one he wants to keep in his “back pocket”.”I might keep that one in the back pocket for when he starts to give me some niggle and I have to pull it out on him,” Starc said. “He’s been phenomenal through the tournament. But we knew he was going to be a big wicket.”Obviously Abhishek for them at the top as well. That partnership has been key for them, so to get both of them pretty cheap was great and we got set on our way today.”After the match, and after Starc had won the Player-of-the-Match award, Ravi Shastri brought up the fact that Starc had pulled his length back a bit in the early overs. “Yeah, spot on. Particularly with the way Trav and Abhishek have been playing throughout the series, they like the width [and to] free their arms,” Starc said. “So if we can get that ball swinging and keep it in line with the stumps and bowl a really hard length, which we really did in the powerplay, and that really got into their middle order…”Starc’s delivery to remove Head left Tom Moody impressed as well. “Class from Starc. We know that he has had a difficult three-quarters of the tournament, but that’s why you pay big money to big-game players,” he said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show.On asked about the conditions, Starc conceded there was dew, which started to appear about halfway through the SRH innings. He said he expected the surface to get better to bat on in the second innings.”There is certainly dew now. It started to pick up through probably halfway through our innings. The wicket has got a bit skiddier. There is some swing. Our spinners found a way to be effective and take wickets,” Starc said. “The wicket is going to get a little bit better just with the dew and the bit of skid but in turn, it is also going to swing a little bit.”
As the WBBL enters its final stretch, we wonder about the talent imbalances in the competition and whether there’s much point to the league table
Geoff Lemon and Adam Collins31-Jan-2018Top of the table punished as finals are allocatedThe semi-finalists are decided, the regular season is done. But one glaring thing stands out as one Sydney team prepares to take on the Perth Scorchers on February 1, before the other Sydney side tackles the Adelaide Strikers the next day.Namely that the Sydney teams finished first and second on the ladder, yet the Sixers will travel to play in Adelaide while the Thunder go to Perth. Last year it was the Sixers who made the long trip west for the final.As this column tends to reflect, there is a lot to like about the WBBL. Administrators at Cricket Australia deserve credit. But there is room for improvement as the competition matures. This is one such problem: that women’s finals are played as curtain-raisers to men’s, so home advantage becomes luck of the draw.Granted – if the two leagues have to coincide, it does make sense to pair Perth and Adelaide’s MBBL teams with their WBBL counterparts, given both Sydney men’s sides missed the finals. That’s how to optimise crowds for the women’s games.But this rewards Perth Scorchers, who fluked into third spot, and Adelaide Strikers, who crashed to fourth with two late losses, while disadvantaging the two most consistent sides in the competition. Effectively it makes the WBBL ladder meaningless, except for whether you’re in the top four or out of it.Yes, doubleheaders have played a role in getting games on television, but surely the WBBL has reached a point where finals must be hosted on merit. That may cost more to televise, but it’s a worthy investment.Bottom of the table cast adriftThat said, you can’t shed too many tears for Sydney. One of the WBBL’s other issues to address is the unequal distribution of talent. New South Wales has always had more cricketers and more international reps – see the state’s dominance in 50-over cricket. So creating two teams in Sydney left both stacked with talent, and better able to attract the best overseas players.The same can’t be said for the nation’s second-biggest city. Melbourne also had to form two teams, following the MBBL model, but lacked resources to support it. Gaps have been filled with players who can’t match the level. The Renegades’ dreary end to a formerly promising campaign means the Victorian capital is yet to deliver a team to a semi-final in three WBBL seasons. The Stars have never looked like it. Only once – the Thunder in WBBL02 – has a Sydney side missed the cut.Scorchers and Brisbane Heat each rely on a couple of gun players, Strikers has been inconsistent forever, and a ragtag reality finally caught up with the Hobart Hurricanes after punching well above their weight the first two seasons. No Australian international player has yet suited up in purple for the Hurricanes.The Sixers won last year’s final at the WACA. Travel demands notwithstanding, two Harbour City teams chock-full of international talent mean the most likely scenario is that the trophy will head there for the third time. It’s a power imbalance that should also be on CA’s list to address.Alyssa Healy winds up for a big hit•Getty ImagesSixers hit pink patch, with a couple of comebacksWhat you can’t dispute is the entertaining nature of the Sydney teams at play. Alyssa Healy provided the thrills in her last two regular-season games against the Strikers. Golden ducks, single-figure scores, and the Sixers suffering a couple of uncharacteristic losses – these had all been part of Healy’s last few weeks. But she got her eye back in, and did so in prodigious style, giving Adelaide a lesson on what you really need to stay stop of the table.The Strikers would have thought they were nearly home after Sophie Devine clubbed them to 149 for 5 with her 70 from 45 balls, but the sizeable target just liberated Healy. The Australian wicketkeeper nailed 106 from 66 balls, going through and over cover all day in a display of crisp timing. She added another 63 in their next game, chasing a more modest 112 to win.A more surprising comeback was completed at the bowling end of the pitch. Former Australian representative Sarah Coyte retired from all cricket in February 2017 at the age of 25, after speaking candidly of her struggles with exhaustion and an eating disorder. It was a sobering reminder of the challenges that particularly face female athletes, as well as a brave offer of reassurance to others that they’re not alone.So it was heartening to hear that Coyte would return to the sport a year later, having in the meantime returned to her home and family in Sydney after a career in South Australia. When South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp left the Sixers for national duty, the Sixers needed a seamer and Coyte had an opportunity.She made the most of it. The accomplished lower-order striker wasn’t required with the bat, but she returned brilliant figures of 2 for 14 from her full four overs while Adelaide went on the rampage, then backed up with 3 for 18 from four overs in the subsequent game. No one expected it a couple of weeks ago, but suddenly this returning prodigal could have a big say on finals.Battle of the inconsistent finally ends, inconsistentlyAll season it’s been a contest as to who can be more erratic between Heat, Perth, and the Melbourne Renegades. Scorchers were the side that eventually got away with it, while Heat produced a perfectly ‘Heat’ mess. Needing to win both games against the Thunder, the Heat finally won without a huge score from opener Beth Mooney, chasing a hefty 145-5 thanks to Grace Harris and Delissa Kimmince.Then with the door to finals open, they capitulated in a far easier chase of 118. An equation of 24 runs needed, 38 balls remaining, six wickets in hand – you don’t lose those games. Or at least you don’t get bowled out. Unless you’re Heat, in which case you do.Scorchers, on the other hand, managed to win their effective elimination final against the Renegades. Renegades had home advantage, and won the first match after chasing 125 with what for them was a relatively sanguine six wickets down and four balls to spare. Sophie Molineux made a career-high 62.But the Renegades dropped the last, stumbling to 112 for 9 after Katherine Brunt monstered them with 3 for 11, becoming the season’s top wicket-taker in the process. Her England teammate Natalie Sciver partly redeemed a quiet season with 39 runs to chase the score after Nicole Bolton and Elyse Villani were out cheaply. The Scorchers remain ever frustrating, but they live again.
Pakistan clinched the last semi-final berth at the Under-19 World Cup by beating Bangladesh by five runs in a low-scoring thriller on Saturday. India will now face South Africa in the first semi-final on February 6 while Pakistan will play Australia on February 8, in Benoni.Bangladesh’s dreams of an Under-19 World Cup encore in South Africa – they won the title here in 2020 – came crashing down in the most heartbreaking fashion in Benoni.Pakistan’s hero was Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of pace sensational Naseem Shah. Bowling with fire, intensity and raw pace that hustled Bangladesh’s batting line-up on a hot and dry day, Ubaid finished with figures of 5 for 44 as Pakistan sensationally defended 155 to win by five runs.But until 30 minutes prior to the dramatic ending, Ubaid was left wondering if he’d dropped the cup. With Bangladesh needing 37 with four wickets in hand, Ubaid put down an absolute sitter at fine leg to reprieve Mohammad Shihad James, Bangladesh’s last recognised batter for 24. However, Ubaid bounced back to dismiss him in the very next over with a superb lifter that James nicked to the wicketkeeper to trigger wild celebrations.Rohanat Doullah Borson, who earlier in the day picked up 4 for 24 to restrict Pakistan to a chaseble total, then came up with an impressive unbeaten 21 to take Bangladesh within touching distance, before Mohammad Zeeshan sent Pakistan into delirium with the final wicket of Maruf Mridha.Pakistan had done the unthinkable, clinching a game from the clutches of defeat in a manner reminiscent of their run to a famous title win in the 2006 final against India at the R Premadasa Stadium. That day it was Anwar Ali who swung India’s famed top order out in defense of a modest 109. On Saturday, Ubaid was firmly front and centre of an inspired defence.Their victory in the end may have been dramatic, but Pakistan were lackadaisical for large parts. Five batters got into double figures, but none carried on getting more than Arafat Mihnas’ 34 lower down the order. By then, they had been tottering at 89 for 6 and looked like they’d be bowled out well inside 40 overs. As it turned out, they just about managed to cross that mark.Along with pacer Borson, offspinner Sheikh Paevez Jibon contributed a four-wicket haul in a superb spell of guile and control. As it turned out, these two heroic efforts however were second-best on a heartbreaking evening for Bangladesh.The other two results didn’t have any major significance as far as semi-final qualification goes, but saw compelling performances nonetheless. Ireland upset New Zealand by 41 runs via the DLS method in Bloemfontein to finish the Super Six stage with a solitary win.Tazeem Chaudhary Ali picked up seven wickets against Zimbabwe•ICC/Getty Images
Ireland’s win was fashioned by batter Gavin Roulston, who top-scored with 82 in the team’s 267 for 9. Roulston’s 129-run third-wicket stand with Kian Hilton, who made 72, set Ireland up for a competitive total. Ireland were on track for a bigger score, but an underwhelming last ten overs scuttled their designs. Fast bowler Ewald Schreuder was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 for 46.New Zealand started slowly and seemed set on consolidation first before trying to make a late push towards victory. But from 92 for 2 in the 24th, they slipped to 131 for 5 in the 33rd. Having allowed the asking rate to spiral, they were under pressure when the rain came. Oliver Riley’s three-for early on was instrumental in ensuring Ireland were well ahead of the DLS as they eventually clinched victory.Legspinner Tazeem Chaudhry Ali picked up a seven-for, the best by an Englishman at an Under-19 World Cup, as they beat Zimbabwe by 146 runs in Potchefstroom.England’s win was a little more straightforward, even though it wasn’t the most convincing of batting performances. From 116 for 5, they had Charlie Allison to thank for a rescue. His 76 lifted them to 237 for 7, with Theo Wiley, the opener, being the other big contributor with 61.Zimbabwe’s chase never got off the blocks as they soon slipped to 51 for 5. From there on, there was no looking back as Chaudhary Ali made merry to record a superb performance to deliver a consolation win.
Alejandro Garnacho is set to rebuff the interest from his foreign suitors, as the young Argentine would prefer to stay in the Premier League.
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Former boss Ten Hag wants Garnacho at Leverkusen Chelsea have the inside track on young Argentine United want £70m for the winger Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Fabrizio Romano reports the 22-year-old wants to stay in England. The news will be a blow to Erik Ten Hag and his new employers Bayer Leverkusen, who had hoped to entice the winger to make the move to the Bundesliga.
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Chelsea's top brass will be pleased with this latest development, as they are the most credible suitor for Garnacho's signature. Aston Villa have also been linked, while Napoli and Atletico Madrid will also be disheartened by the development.
DID YOU KNOW?
United have set the steep price tag of £70m for the young winger. Clubs will fancy their chances of driving those prices down, as Ruben Amorim has made it abundantly clear that Garnacho is not part of his plans for the 2025/26 season.
WHAT NEXT FOR GARNACHO?
Garnacho is taking some time for himself, remaining in Asia after a calamitous post-season tour on the continent with United. In one incident, the Argentinian pushed a fan, while he also put his middle finger up to the camera at another fan meet. It's clear Garnacho is done with the club, hopefully, his unprofessional outbursts on the way out of Old Trafford do not scupper his future plans.