أجرى رودري لاعب خط وسط منتخب إسبانيا، مؤتمراً صحفياً قبل لقاء تركيا، في الجولة الثانية من تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لمونديال 2026.
وقال رودري في مؤتمر صحفي نقلته صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية: “أنا سعيد جداً بالعودة للمنتخب، لقد كان عام طويل جداً بالنسبة لي، أنا في كامل طاقتي وأتمتع بلياقة بدنية ممتازة، حتى الآن لعبت مباراتين مع فريقي وأبذل قصارى جهدي لاستعادة لياقتي”.
وعن زميله في المنتخب زوبيمندي: “يذكرني بأيام تواجدي مع بوسكيتس، من دواعي سروري أن يكون لدينا لاعبون بهذه الجودة العالية في جميع المراكز، ما قدمناه كان مذهلاً، خسرنا دوري الأمم بركلات الترجيح”.
وتابع: “زوبيمندي لاعب رائع وقادر على الوصول للقمة، إن لم يكن قد وصل لها بالفعل، إنه تحد كبير أن ينتقل للبريميرليج للعب مع آرسنال، وأرى كثير من التطورات الإيجابية، لقد استحق مكانه في المنتخب وقدم أداء رائعًا في نهائي كأس الأمم الأوروبية وطوال العام”.
اقرأ أيضاً.. دي لا فوينتي يوجه رسالة لـ إنريكي قبل مواجهة تركيا في تصفيات كأس العالم
وعن الكرة الذهبية وفوزه بها في وقت سابق، أكمل رودري تصريحاته: “مررت بلحظات من الأفضل والأسوأ على التوالي، كان تأثير الإصابة أكبر بكثير من الكرة الذهبية، كانت نفس منعش في مرحلة كنت أمر بوقت عصيب، أنا سعيد بهذا التكريم لكن لا فائدة منه لما هو قادم، أريد العودة لأعلى المستويات”.
وعن لامين يامال، قال: “إنه انعكاس لما أتمناه له، يضع موهبته في خدمة الفريق وكرة القدم، لاعبون أكثر خبرة مثلي شاهدوا لاعبين يضيعون أحياناً لكن لامين لديه رؤية واضحة جداً، نحن هنا لمساعدته، أراه سعيداً مبتسماً ويطور مهاراته لأن ذلك سيكون معنى النجاح في بلدنا”.
وعن رأيه في الفائز بالكرة الذهبية، تابع: “جائزة صعبة، لدي تفضيلات لزملائي، باريس كان فريق الموسم ومن الصعب تخيل لاعب منهم لا يفوز بها، لكن من باب التعاطف أفضل لامين أو بيدري، ولكن بناء على الجدارة والاستحقاقية قد يكون ديمبلى أو فيتينيا”.
وعن أخطر لاعبي تركيا أتم رودري تصريحاته: “هم فريق رائع، ليس فقط على المستوى الفردي بل الجماعي، فريق قوي جداً متماسك لكن لاعبين مثل جولر وشالهان أوجلو قادران على صناعة الفرق، نركز عليهما وغداً علينا أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا”.
وحول المنافسة على المركز الأول في تصفيات أوروبا ختم رودري تصريحاته: “كل الاحتمالات مفتوحة، لعبنا مباراة واحدة فقط، غداً ستكون المباراة النهائية والفائز لديه فرصة احتلال المركز الأول، الفريق الأكثر ثباتاً في الأداء سيتأهل”.
Smriti Mandhana’s half-century took India to 165 but it proved inadequate
Srinidhi Ramanujam28-Jul-2024 • Updated on 29-Jul-20242:58
Sri Lanka show they aren’t solely reliant on Athapaththu
Sri Lanka created history on Sunday, dethroning India to clinch their maiden Women’s T20 Asia Cup. Fighting half-centuries from top order batters Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Kavisha Dilhari’s all-round heroics stood out as Sri Lanka cruised to an eight-wicket victory in front of a packed crowd in Dambulla.Samarawickrama and Dilhari’s valuable contributions in the final once again highlighted a crucial point that Sri Lanka are not just dependent on their captain to deliver. They have now won 14 of the 17 T20Is this year and go into the T20 World Cup slated in October with massive confidence and pride from their performances.Smriti Mandhana’s 60 and quickfire knocks from Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues helped India post a competitive total of 165 for 6 but in the end, it proved inadequate.Athapaththu vs left-arm spinThings were quiet until the fifth over. Then, with Sri Lanka on 28 for 1, Athapaththu targeted the inexperienced left-arm spinner Tanuja Kanwar. After lofting a short ball to deep square leg for six, she punished two full length deliveries for a four and a six to score 16 runs off the over and end the powerplay on 44 for 1. Radha Yadav, another left-arm spinner, bowled the next over and conceded nine runs with six coming off Athapaththu’s bat. With only Deepti Sharma as the specialist offspinner, Harmanpreet had to use Radha and Kanwar against the two left-handers Athapaththu and Samarawickrama. In the end, 29 of the Sri Lanka captain’s 61 runs came against left-arm spinners, at a strike rate of 170.58.Samarawickrama, Dilhari step upSamarawickrama has been playing at the international level for six years now and her most important knock came in Dambulla. She had hit only four half-centuries in 61 matches prior and her career strike rate in T20Is is less 100. But on Sunday, Sri Lanka needed her to stay as long as possible and not think about those numbers.When Deepti bowled Athapaththu in the 12th over, the crowd was stunned to silence. Sri Lanka needed 72 runs from 48 balls and there was a chance of an Indian comeback. After getting set, scoring 29 off her first 27 balls, it was on Samarawickrama to take her side through and she did it in style. She brought out her A game with pull shots and slog sweeps to eventually top-score for Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 69. When 25 was required from the last three overs, Radha’s 17-run 18th over – where Samarawickrama smashed two fours and a six – blunted India.Smriti Mandhana’s half-century went in vain for India•ACC
Dilhari, a strong bottom-handed player, chipped in with an unbeaten 30 off 16 and sealed the victory with a six in the penultimate over. The duo shared a match-changing unbeaten 73 off 40 balls for the third wicket. Meanwhile, India endured misfields and two dropped catches and were also tactically tested as the game slipped away. This included a fumble from Harmanpreet when she dropped a simple catch in the 15th over when Samarawickrama was on 45.Mandhana marches on to another fiftyMandhana brought all her experience to the fore in the final. Sri Lanka dominated the first five overs of the powerplay, and Mandhana made a run-a-ball 14. But in the final over, she tried to up the ante by shuffling across to manufacture runs against left-arm seamer Udeshika Prabodhani. She hit three fours, and India ended the powerplay on 44 for 0. Soon after Shafali Verma and Uma Chetry were dismissed, Mandhana punished anything too short or too full, especially from Athapaththu as she raced to her 26th T20I fifty off 36 deliveries. She was dropped by Samarawickrama at cover on 10 off 10 in the fifth over.Mandhana also got a life when she hit one straight to Athapaththu, the bowler, in the 16th over, but the ball bounced twice before reaching the batter and so was declared a no-ball. However, in the following over, Athapaththu took an excellent running catch off Dilhari’s bowling to dismiss the India opener.The Dilhari-Ghosh battleDilhari has been crucial to Sri Lanka’s recent success. Of her 16 T20Is this year, only thrice has she gone wicketless. She usually doesn’t concede many either. At the end of 17 overs, the legspinner’s had gone for 18 runs and picked up two wickets in her three overs. But her final over, the penultimate of the innings, against Ghosh, was bittersweet. The first ball was a legbreak which Ghosh looked to cut and probably got an edge to the wicketkeeper. There was a huge appeal from the bowler and the keeper, but the umpire was unmoved. Dilhari pleaded and kicked the turf in disappointment, but there was no DRS in this tournament. The next three deliveries saw Ghosh muscling away two fours and a six to take India past 150. Dilhari ended up conceding 18 runs off her final over. Ghosh eventually finished on a 14-ball 30
The IPL is meeting with all ten franchise owners on Wednesday to discuss auction and retention processes
Nagraj Gollapudi30-Jul-20243:35
Should the Impact Player rule stay or go?
Whether to retain or discontinue the Impact Player rule, as well as possibly increasing the number of uncapped players on each IPL team’s retention list feature on the agenda of a meeting between the IPL and the ten franchises, to take place on Wednesday. The closed-door meeting will take place at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai with the franchises represented by members of their ownership teams.Other significant points up for discussion are: have the mega auction every five years instead of the existing three; reinstating the right-to-match (RTM) card option at auctions; the availability (or lack thereof) of overseas players; and a fix on the total number of retentions.All these points have been framed by the IPL after its chief operating officer, Hemang Amin, met various franchises over the past few months seeking feedback ahead of finalising next year’s mega auction.Impact Player – abolish or retain?There were eight 250-plus totals in IPL 2024 including the highest in the tournament’s history – 287, which Sunrisers Hyderabad plundered against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Pundits and team officials agreed the six-hitting spree, especially in the powerplay segment, was a consequence of the Impact Player rule, introduced in IPL 2023, which allowed teams to pick an extra specialist batter or bowler based on the game situation. Nine of the ten highest totals in IPL history have been recorded since the Impact Player rule was introduced.The original motive of this rule was to allow more Indian players, especially the uncapped ones, to get exposure. However, Rohit Sharma, India’s Test and ODI captain, said he was not a big fan of the rule because it would hold back the “development” of allrounders, a skillset that is not easily available in Indian T20 cricket. This view is also shared by a few franchises and one of them told ESPNcricinfo that it had informed the IPL it would be in favour of scrapping the rule.The question for the IPL, though, is whether the bigger totals are contributing to the overall enhancement of their product and whether the fans like it. Or not.13:31
Runorder: Is the mega auction good for the IPL?
Increase uncapped retentionsAhead of the 2022 mega auction, the IPL allowed the eight original franchises to retain a maximum of two uncapped Indian players and the two new teams – Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants – could have one each. However, with these players putting in consistent performances, and with the franchises devoting a lot of resources to scout them and develop their game, a change may be coming.It is learned that the franchises have put forward some suggestions to Amin, one of which is to either create a special allowance within the main retention pool for uncapped talent or increase the number of RTM cards, with which a team can match the winning bid at the auction for a player they had on their rolls till the previous season and bring him back in.Incremental performance payDuring discussions, the IPL is understood to have told the franchises about the need to incentivise players financially considering the teams were getting bigger money than before. One of the reasons behind the IPL’s proposal could be that it wants to better the salary of a player who was bought at his base price at the auction and was then retained at the same price even though his stature has grown since.The IPL is believed to have recommended paying players a match fee, but an immediate counter came from several franchises: what about the players who sit on the bench? Currently, as part of their contract, a player gets a discretionary fee from the franchise’s overall auction purse based on where the team finished the previous season. This number is set by the IPL. One of the suggestions given to the IPL is that instead of a match fee it would be better to finalise the amount to be put in the incentive pot, which the franchise could use at its discretion to reward their performers.Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc both went for over INR 20 crore at the last mini auction•KKR Knight ClubOverseas playersThere are various proposals franchises have put forth concerning the overseas players. At least one franchise has told the IPL that there should be no restriction on the number of overseas players it can retain so long as it is within the retention cap. So, if the IPL allows five overall retentions, then the franchise said it should be able to fill all the slots with overseas players if they want.Franchises have also told the IPL that they believe overseas players have been exploiting mini auctions to get record sums of money. Some of these players, the franchises believe, have avoided mega auctions where the purse is evenly spread with various teams looking to build from the ground up and therefore be more mindful about how much money they spend on a single player. At mini auctions, since teams usually have a core already in place, they are able to go all guns blazing for that one player who will complete the make-up of the side. One suggestion on the table is whether the IPL should make it mandatory for overseas players to register for mega auctions.According to a franchise head, the IPL is also looking to impose a bidding cap at mini auctions. This will be based on the amount that a franchise will set aside for its No. 1 retention pick ahead of the mega auctions. Bidding at mini auctions cannot go past that number.For example, if INR 20 crore is what the IPL decides a franchise must pay its highest retained player before a mega auction, then at the mini auction the highest bid cannot exceed that. If there are teams still willing to bid more for that player, then, the franchises have suggested, the option of a silent tie-breaker should come into play.The silent tie-breaker was a method utilised in earlier IPL auctions. Devised in 2010, the tie-breaker was designed to be used in smaller auctions, where there is a smaller purse, to break a deadlock. In the IPL’s history, three players have been bought via the tie-breaker rule: Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians) and Shane Bond (Kolkata Knight Riders) in 2010, and Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) in 2012.Those privy to Wednesday’s meeting point out that while all the recommendations and proposals are likely to be put forth at the meeting, there is no confirmation on whether IPL will announce its final decision on these matters right away.
Paul Gascoigne is one of the geatest players in Glasgow Rangers history and undoubtedbly one of the most entertaining footballers of all time.
‘Gazza’ joined the Gers from Lazio in 1995 and won the lot in his debut campaign at Ibrox, lifting the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup while being crowned the SFWA Player of the Year and PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
Perhaps his finest moment in a Blue shirt came against Aberdeen in that 1995-96 campaign, as a hat-trick at Ibrox which included a stunning solo goal sealed the league title.
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The following year is remembered for Gascoigne’s masterclass in the Scottish League Cup final against Hearts, as he scored twice in a 4-3 victory, and Ally McCoist recalls an argument with the match-winner that day: “The half-time whistle goes and we’re up the tunnel and we’re still at it the two of us, we’re in the dressing room and we’re still at it, so Walter Smith comes in and says: ‘Right, everybody shut up and calm down’.
“But Gascoigne is still raging and I can see Walter getting angrier and angrier. I’ve known Walter long enough by this point to just keep my mouth shut, but Gascoigne keeps going.
“Eventually Walter picks him up by the scruff of the neck and hangs him up on the peg where you put your coats and he says: ‘Paul, I will not tell you again to shut up!’”
He continued: “Eventually when it calmed down Gazza got up, went out of the dressing room and straight into the director’s room – in his gear by the way! – and had a whiskey.
“He threw it down his neck, came back into the dressing room, sat down, Walter did his team talk, he walked out for the second half and he scored two goals. He was unbelievable.”
McCoist and Gascoigne played with some incredible names during that era – perhaps no surprise given they won nine straight league titles – from Richard Gough to Brian Laudrup, and Gazza has revealed it was the Dane who blew teammates away in training.
Gascoigne: Laudrup was 'one of the best players in the world'
Speaking about his greatest teammates, Gascoigne named EURO 1992 winner Laudrup as a ‘match-winner’ who was ‘virtually untouchable’ both in games and on the training ground.
Laudrup won three titles in four seasons at Glasgow, while both he and his brother are widely regarded as two of Denmark’s greatest ever players.
1994/95
49
16
1995/96
40
10
1996/97
48
23
1997/98
42
7
Even in a team stacked full of big names, his elegance, quick feet and creativity stood out like a sore thumb.
The last couple of weeks have been highly unusual from an Arsenal perspective.
While fans have grown accustomed to the club dragging their feet in the transfer window, they’ve seen the Gunners sign Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi, while also getting closer to the statement signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
Furthermore, the Premier League runners-up have also been heavily linked with more attackers, such as the incredibly exciting Eberechi Eze, who has a £68m release clause in his contract.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy
The England international would undoubtedly be an excellent addition to the Gunners’ squad, but one that might require an exit.
Why Arsenal want to sign Eze
Eze has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League for some time now, and was even linked with Arsenal last summer.
However, if he was impressive in years past, he reached an entirely new level and was utterly sensational for Palace last season.
For example, despite playing for a mid-table side, the Englishman managed to rack up a tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games.
Moreover, he didn’t just score the third goal in a comfortable win, or a consolation goal in a hefty defeat; he bagged important, game-changing goals, such as the only goal in the club’s FA Cup triumph.
In addition to being an output machine, the former QPR gem would also provide Mikel Arteta with more tactical flexibility, as while he thrives in attacking midfield, he’s more than capable of doing a job out on the left.
Finally, as he grows in importance for the national side, he’d be able to form a closer partnership with Bukayo Saka at club and international level were he to join Arsenal, which can only be a good thing.
With all that said, bringing in another top-class attacker like Eze would be expensive and could lead to changes being made in the squad.
What Eze's arrival would mean for Arsenal
If Gyokeres is also signed this summer, which looks increasingly likely, then it seems unlikely that Arsenal would also add Eze without then making a sale.
Eberechi Eze for Crystal Palace.
After all, the Gunners have never been a side that hoards talent or likes to maintain massive payrolls.
So that leaves the question? Who would be the one to make way for the Englishman?
Transfer Focus
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Well, it obviously wouldn’t be Saka, Gabriel Jesus is out injured, Kai Havertz is a clear favourite of Arteta, and Ethan Nwaneri is currently in talks for a new deal.
That leaves Gabriel Martinelli and £27m signing Leandro Trossard, and with reports now clarifying that Al Nassr are not looking to sign the former, it might be time for the latter to leave the Emirates.
That seems to be an opinion shared by the Belgian himself, as, according to recent reports from Turkey, Süper Lig side Fenerbahçe are now willing to meet his financial demands for a possible transfer.
The report claims that now the Turkish giants have agreed to the winger’s demands, they have offered Arsenal a fee of €15m, which is about £13m.
It seems likely that the Gunners will reject such an offer, but as it is just the first, there is every chance that a final, agreeable price will be reached.
Moreover, it may be what is best for all parties, as the former Brighton & Hove Albion star’s exit could allow the club to sign Eze, and based on their respective form last season, that would be a big upgrade for Arteta and Co.
Appearances
43
56
Minutes
3303′
3455′
Goals
14
10
Assists
11
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
0.35
Minutes per Goal Involvement
132.12′
172.75′
For example, the “sensational” Belgian ace, as dubbed by journalist Charles Watts, produced 20 goal involvements in 56 appearances, totalling 3455 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 2.8 games, or every 172.75 minutes.
In contrast, the Eagles’ ace averaged a goal involvement every 132.12 minutes.
Ultimately, Trossard has been a great player for Arsenal, but if his departure helps the club sign Eze, then the club should do what they can to facilitate it.
Madueke will love him: £65m star pushing to sign for Arsenal "every hour"
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With Callum Osmand signed and delivered, Celtic have now reportedly turned their attention towards another young talent in what is a hectic race for his signature.
Osmand "really excited" by Celtic move
Following Kieran Tierney, Benjamin Nygren and Ross Doohan through the door, Osman officially put pen to paper at Celtic earlier this week. Arriving from Fulham, the 19-year-old will have his sights set on breaking into Brendan Rodgers’ first-team plans as soon as possible in Scotland.
After arriving, the young striker told Celtic’s official website: “It’s a massive move. I’m really excited and I can’t wait to step out at Celtic Park in front of all the fans.
“The winning mentality at Celtic is obviously unbelievable and I want to win trophies here. Every game that I step into here, I want to win, and I feel like we have all the facilities, players and staff to do so.”
The former Fulham man is also not the first to swap the Cottagers for Celtic Park, with Moussa Dembele and Matt O’Riley paving the way before Osmand, who took the chance to mention both players: “Obviously, there has been multiple names that have come to Celtic like Moussa Dembele and Matt O’Riley.
“I have spoken to Matt on the phone, so he has given me advice. He talked me through some stuff, that I knew about too. He was telling me about how big the club is, how amazing the fans are and it’s a new life really. So excited is definitely the word for me.”
Following Osmand’s arrival, Celtic’s focus isn’t destined to change anytime soon. Reports are now indicating that they’ve now instantly turned their attention towards signing another impressive young talent.
Celtic join race to sign "special" O'Sullivan
According to the Irish Independent, Celtic have now joined the race to sign Cathal O’Sullivan from Irish club Cork City this summer. It will be a complex deal to do, as the Scottish champions have joined the likes of Brentford and Preston North End in an already hectic battle to land the 18-year-old midfielder.
Like Osmand, O’Sullivan is full of talent and has often found himself at the centre of praise as a result. When speaking about one of Ireland’s top young talents, former Preston and current Cork City forward Sean Maguire told reporters: “He’s one of the best young fellas I’ve played with, and that includes in England. Not just because of his talent, it’s just his attitude towards everything.
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“That’s what teams in England will look for first, because you can just see it clear as day how good he is on the ball. He’s a joy to play with. When he eventually goes to England, I’ll be gutted not to play with him again, because of how good he is. “
“But I’ll be keeping tabs on his career, because he’ll definitely play for Ireland. He’s that good. I genuinely think he’s special… Whatever the club gets from him, he probably should be worth 10 times more.”
Despite already reaching a verbal agreement to sign Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha, Nottingham Forest have reportedly made an approach to sign another Brazilian ace.
Nottingham Forest set to sign Botafogo trio
Evangelos Marinakis has wasted no time before turning towards the South American market yet again at the City Ground. The Greek owner has had previous success when welcoming the likes of Murillo and may have completed another act of genius by reaching an agreement to sign the aforementioned Botafogo trio.
Jesus particularly stands out among the three. The impressive striker could quickly become the air to Chris Wood’s striker throne at the City Ground, having scored eight goals in Brazil throughout the 2024/25 campaign after netting 25 in all competitions in the season prior at both Botafogo and at Shabab Al-Ahli Club.
Meanwhile, if Nottingham Forest fans needed any further introduction to Jesus and Cunha, then one glimpse at the Club World Cup should have given them exactly that. Both players scored in Botafogo’s 2-1 win against Seattle Sounders, whilst Cuiabano also featured from the bench.
All signs point towards excellent business by Nottingham Forest, but the Tricky Trees are not done there. With European football to look forward to next season, those at the City Ground are in their strongest position for a long time to attract some top talents.
It’s not something that Marinakis is keen to waste, either. With three Brazilian talents already on the way, Forest have also been linked with moves for the likes of Yoanne Wissa. The Brentford forward was the subject of interest from the City Ground in January and now that interest has reportedly been reignited.
Meanwhile, Forest aren’t done in South America either amid reports that they’ve made an approach to sign a fourth Brazilian talent this summer.
Nottingham Forest make Romulo Cardoso approach
According to GE Globo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have now made an approach to sign Romulo Cardoso from Goztepe this summer. The impressive forward is still just 23 years old and would be arriving off the back of an excellent campaign which saw him score 17 goals and create another 13 in Turkey.
That said, Forest aren’t alone in the race to sign the forward. Joining them, RB Leipzig and Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are also reportedly interested in signing Romulo this summer. The Bundesliga club will become a particular threat if they are forced to replace Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko in the coming months.
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Whether Forest’s growing Brazilian contingent helps to convince the clinical goalscorer will be interesting to see too. The City Ground is quickly becoming the place to be for South American stars on the rise and Romulo could become the latest to make his way to the Midlands.
With contact already made and a number of clubs chasing his signature, Romulo has arguably the biggest decision of his career to make so far this summer.
VVS Laxman, the former India batter, will extend his term as head of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru by at least a year. His initial three-year contract was until this September.Laxman was being pursued by an IPL franchise for a head coach position, a role that is now not possible because of his NCA duties. He is likely to be assisted by his team of coaches, including Shitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule and Hrishikesh Kanitkar, all stalwarts of Indian domestic cricket.The extension of Laxman’s contract comes ahead of the inauguration of a new state-of-the-art NCA campus in the outskirts of Bengaluru, the foundation for which was laid in January 2022, 14 years after the land was sanctioned by the Karnataka government on a 99-year lease.Believed to be equipped with at least 100 pitches, indoor facilities with 45 pitches, three international-sized grounds, a modern rehab centre, lodging facilities and Olympic-sized pools, apart from a host of other amenities, the NCA is in its final stages of construction. It is likely to be operational from early next year.One of Laxman’s challenges will be to build on an already comprehensive India A tour program that he has carried forward from Rahul Dravid’s tenure. It has, however, been hampered lately by a busy international calendar.During his first three-year term at the NCA, Laxman has built on the robust processes set for injury management, player rehabilitation, coaching programmes and preparing roadmaps for the senior teams, age-group and women’s cricket.
Everton chiefs are now confident in their bid to sign a “menacing” forward who has a £34 million release clause, according to a new report.
David Moyes wants midfield reinforcements at Everton
Heading into the new stadium, it is clear to see that David Moyes is keen to put together a squad at Everton that can look up the table rather than over their shoulder. The Toffees are unlikely to have lots of money to spend this summer as like everyone else they dance around PSR, but Moyes will have no intentions of another relegation scrap.
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Strengthening his midfield appears to be high on the list, and that can be shown with their latest transfer targets. According to talkSPORT, Everton have returned to Wilfred Ndidi as a potential target this summer. The midfielder could cost Everton as little as £9 million, due to a release clause that has now been activated due to Leicester City suffering relegation.
Leicester City's WilfredNdidiin action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier
As well as looking at Ndidi, the Toffees have reportedly registered their interest in signing James McAtee from Manchester City. The attacking midfielder is expected to leave the Etihad due to his lack of game time last season, and he could be available for around £25 million.
There is now a new name on their midfield list, and that is Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge. Everton are said to be in pole position to sign him, with Club Brugge looking to get £25 million for his services.
Everton confident in their bid to sign Thierno Barry
But as much as Moyes wants a new midfielder, that may have to wait, as the Toffees focus on securing their top striker target. According to TBR Football, Everton are now ready to accelerate talks to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
The Toffees’ interest in Barry emerged at the very start of the summer transfer window, but they have had to be patient when it comes to a transfer, as the forward has been away with France at the U21 Championships, only knocked out by Germany on Wednesday.
Despite interest from other teams across Europe, The Friedkin Group are confident they can sign Barry this summer. The forward’s representatives have already held talks with the Premier League side, and he is now open to the move. The fact that Barry has a £34 million release clause makes the deal easier to do, but the Toffees may even end up paying slightly more than that if they do the deal in installments.
Thierno Barry’s 24/25 La Liga stats
Apps
35
Starts
25
Goals
11
xG
12.41
Total shots per game
2.1
Big chances missed
15
Chance conversion
15%
Assists
4
Big chances created
7
Barry, who has been dubbed “menacing” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, joined Villarreal in August 2024, and in his first full season, the striker scored 11 goals in 35 La Liga appearances.
His presence and ability to find the net have made him a target for Everton, who lacked a serious presence at the top end of the pitch last season and now look set to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of this month.
It has been an interesting summer for Arsenal so far this year, to say the least.
At one point, it looked like Mikel Arteta’s side were falling behind their rivals in the transfer market, only for them to then go out and splash the cash on the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.
Additionally, a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres appears to be nearing its conclusion, and the promising Cristhian Mosquera underwent his medical yesterday afternoon.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
However, not every deal has garnered such a positive response, and it would perhaps be an understatement to say that Noni Madueke’s imminent arrival has split the fan base.
Fortunately, if reports are to be believed, the club are already looking at another international ace, someone who would be a better signing than the Englishman.
Arsenal target who'd be better than Madueke
While some of the responses to the move to sign Madueke have been entirely over the top, it’s not hard to see why some might not be overjoyed with it.
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The first point is that, with the final price potentially reaching up to £52m, there is some argument that the North Londoners could be overpaying for a player who didn’t exactly excel last year.
Moreover, he’s yet another player making the now all-too-familiar move from Chelsea to the Emirates, and the second player to do so this summer after Kepa Arrizabalaga.
There is every chance the dynamic winger comes good and proves everyone wrong next season, but as things stand, it’s a somewhat confusing transfer, especially as the club is now looking at someone who’d represent a far better move.
At least that is according to Wednesday’s edition of Corriere della Sera, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in Ademola Lookman.
The report has claimed that the Gunners are going to initiate talks with Atalanta soon with Andrea Berta and Co prepared to pay €50m, which is about £43m to sign him. However, the report notes that a bid is only likely to be accepted if the Italian side receives €60m – £52m.
It could be a complicated and reasonably costly transfer to get over the line, but Lookman would be worth it and represent a far better signing than Madueke.
Why Lookman would be a better signing than Madueke
It might sound simplistic, and that’s because it is, but one of the main reasons Lookman would be a far better signing than Madueke this summer is his output.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
For example, in the 23/24 campaign, he scored 17 goals and provided ten assists in 45 appearances, which was an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games.
Then, last year, he did even better, producing as many goal involvements, but in just 40 appearances, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.48 games.
In stark contrast, the Chelsea ace scored eight goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances during the 2023/24 season, and then scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 46 appearances last season.
In other words, the former PSV Eindhoven star averaged a goal involvement every 2.83 games two years ago, and one every 2.87 games last year.
Appearances
45
34
Minutes
2809′
1593′
Goals
17
8
Assists
10
4
Goal Involvements per Match
0.60
0.35
Minutes per Goal Involvement
104.03′
132.75′
Appearances
40
46
Minutes
2871′
2647′
Goals
20
11
Assists
7
5
Goal Involvements per Match
0.67
0.34
Minutes per Goal Involvement
106.33
165.43′
On top of the output, the former RB Leipzig ace is also far more versatile, being comfortable playing across the frontline and even in attacking midfield, compared to the Englishman, who mainly plays off the right.
Finally, the “world-class” Nigerian international, as dubbed by journalist John Bennett, has also proven he can step up on the biggest stages, as he scored a hat-trick to win Atalanta the Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
Ultimately, Madueke might come good, but Lookman feels like a sure bet, and that is why Arsenal should look to sign him as well this summer.
Arteta's new Xhaka: Arsenal hold talks to sign "monster" £30m CM
The impressive midfielder could add some extra bit to Arsenal this summer.