All posts by h716a5.icu

The new Bangladesh coach opens up on his detailed vision of how he wants to take the team forward in the next two years

Mohammad Isam17-Aug-2019Russell Domingo was a rank outsider among the candidates who applied to be Bangladesh’s head coach. The BCB’s initial targets were among Andy Flower, Mike Hesson, Paul Farbrace and Grant Flower. They were also weighing up a possible return for Chandika Hathurusingha, their head coach from 2014 to 2017. Even Mickey Arthur made a late entrance on their wide radar.The difference between all of them and Domingo was his desire. Domingo made the trip to Dhaka for his interview, and it was during that short window that he really impressed his new bosses. Hesson and Hathurusingha were still in the picture, but Domingo had made an imprint.When announcing his appointment nine days later, BCB president Nazmul Hassan made a mention of how Domingo wanted to work with the team every day, without a break, for two years.Those present during his interview were left mighty impressed with his presentation. So much that they kept talking about it. They mentioned it twice in press conferences, and his professional and pragmatic demeanour produced a positive vibe within the usually dour BCB top brass. Domingo’s approach made it hard to ignore him, and nine days later, despite some of the top coaches still present in their hunt, he landed the job.In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Domingo said that he shared his experience of working at every level in a cricketing system. But his emphasis on giving importance to the lower levels of cricket, from where talent comes through, probably struck a chord with his new employers.”I think you must ask them what was so impressive,” Domingo said with a smile. “I have worked in various age-groups from the under-15s all the way through to the national side, so I think I am connected very much with the feeder systems. The national side is your main priority, there’s no doubt about that, but you must have a keen interest of what’s happening just below the national side. Ultimately, it is where your players are going to come from. If I can have a small role to identify where the fringe players are coming from, I think it will be important going forward.

“The national side is your main priority, there’s no doubt about that, but you must have a keen interest of what’s happening just below the national side.”Russell Domingo

“Bangladesh have some fantastic players but it is good to have some young options coming into the system and creating some pressure on the senior players. Also, providing them with the odd opportunity to play international cricket, because ultimately that’s where you need them.”To that end, Domingo said that he would have to be in touch with the high performance coach and manager to know which players are coming through the system and into the elite levels of training.”I really think it is important to work with the high performance coach and manager, to figure out who the next best players are. The Under-19s beat England four times and pushed India really hard. There’s obviously some richly talented players lower down in the levels that need to be brought close to the national side.”We need to widen the base of players and try to develop players that can take Bangladesh cricket forward over the next five or six years,” said Domingo.Bangladesh’s World Cup 2019 was a disappointing one after having promised much, but Domingo said that his experience as South Africa coach, when they lost a thriller against New Zealand in the semifinal in 2015, gave him an understanding of how to move on from such events.”I have been there as a national coach. I was there when South Africa lost the World Cup semifinal. It took us a long time to overcome that particular … [defeat]. Look, I am not reading too much into the side’s performance in Sri Lanka simply because straight after a World Cup, it is so hard to get yourselves going once again.”I am excited with what I saw [of Bangladesh] in the World Cup. There were so many games when they got really close. You think of the game against New Zealand, it was a missed run out opportunity that made the difference in not reaching the semifinal. The margins are so small that it is about overcoming the mental obstacles. Now that the World Cup is done, it is time to move forward and take the learnings into the next World Cup.”Russell Domingo takes notes – as a coach must•Getty ImagesThis is Domingo’s first coaching job outside South Africa, in whose system he has worked for two decades, but his experience meant he was also aware that at the highest level, the turnover for coaches could get high. “I think the head coach is the guy who carries the responsibility in a professional team. It is part of professional sports that when you lose one or two games, you will be under pressure.”You have to find ways of dealing with it. It is no different in South Africa. We have also lost a few coaches. Pakistan have lost coaches. So it happens all around the world and it is something you have to deal with, as a coach,” he said.Domingo will have some familiar faces in his support staff with three South Africans in the form of Neil McKenzie, the white-ball batting coach, fielding coach Ryan Cook who has been around for more than a year, and Charl Langeveldt, who joined as pace bowling coach a week ago. “They have put together a fantastic management. Charl Langeveldt is a fantastic bowling coach. Ryan Cook’s work ethic and thinking about fielding is at a different level.”Neil McKenzie is a fantastic guy. I am coming on Tuesday, and I will get an idea about the rest of the management, and try to see if there’s any gaps to fill. At the moment, I am ecstatic to be joining the three guys,” Domingo said.Domingo first series in charge will come next month, when Bangladesh take on Afghanistan.”If you look around the world, Bangladesh seem to be one of the teams that has developed the most over the last five or six years,” he said. “They have an unbelievable fan base. Having met the board, they definitely seem to have a plan. There is definitely a big interest in the future of the game, in some of the younger players coming through.”Everything looks in place to be a real powerhouse in world cricket, and that has really excited me about Bangladesh.”

Also: how concussions are different from say, a broken arm, and why even the possibility of one should require strict action

Sidharth Monga25-Nov-2019What is a concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that results in temporary loss of normal functioning of the brain. It is usually caused by a blow to the head or a blow to some other part of the body that results in rapid movements of the head. It is not always accompanied with external signs of head trauma, nor is a normal brain scan a reliable test of concussion.Why are there substitutes for concussion and not other injuries?
Pain caused by other injuries is conspicuous and more obviously debilitating. Concussions are not that straightforward, and if unattended, can leave players susceptible to a second impact because of reduced brain function. Such second impacts can lead to severe neurological complications, and can in some cases be fatal. It is, therefore, critical to take off the field a player who has a concussion or even suspected concussion to eliminate that risk. However, this is a competitive sport played by elite competitors. Cricket, in particular, tends to carry a problematic idea of “courage”.It can be difficult to convince a player to come off or a team to play with effectively 10 men when the symptoms are not that obvious. In a way, despite being more lethal than other injuries, the symptoms – or a possibility – of concussions are easier to brush off.So, the ICC wants to “lessen the cricketing consequences of a decision to rule a player out”, allowing players the chance to receive proper treatment for blows to their head.What happens during a concussion test?
The symptoms of a concussion typically include nausea, dizziness, visual problems, lack of consciousness, lack of balance or co-ordination, disorientation, confusion, momentary loss of memory. Players are asked if they are feeling a headache or nausea. They are checked on balance. Their memory can be tested by asking the cricketing version of Maddocks questions, such as “what city are we in”, “what session of the day is this”, which two bowlers are in the attack at present”. They might be asked to read signboards.In rugby, doctors maintain baseline scores on these criteria and test concussions suspects on them. Cricket hasn’t yet made baseline testing a matter of routine, but some teams already do that.Even if a player is allowed to continue, a video review of the injury is carried out to look for immediate symptoms that might have been missed in the direct observation. If such symptoms are present in the video review and not being reported by the player, he still needs to go off the field.India physio Patrick Farhart signals for a new helmet as he assesses Hanuma Vihari•Getty ImagesHow come Steven Smith and Hashim Amla continued playing then?
Amla, in the World Cup 2019 opener, and Smith, in the Lord’s Ashes Test, did carry on batting and later developed concussion symptoms. It is not atypical even in other contact sports for a player to develop concussion symptoms belatedly, which actually makes it an even trickier injury to handle. A concussion can only be properly ruled out 48 hours after the first blow.The absence of symptoms doesn’t mean the absence of concussion, which is why rugby is extremely strict with how it deals with it. A rugby player involved in a collision that typically leads to concussion has no choice but to go off for testing. Although it advises regular observation, and a SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) test at the first available moment when the player is off the field, cricket is not yet as strict as rugby. Smith, for example, decided by himself that he wanted to carry on. As did Mushfiqur Rahim when he waved off the physio during the Eden Gardens Test.When asked about this, an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo: “The concussion protocol in cricket varies from rugby to some extent as cricketers have protective gear in the form of helmets, and hence a lesser proportion of head knocks result in concussions.” While that might be true, examples of Smith, Amla, Liton Das and Nayeem Hasan – who all continued to bat for varying lengths of time before availing a concussion substitute – is evidence that might push ICC more towards rugby protocols.Is a physio qualified to give a concussion test?
Ideally, you want a doctor to do it but, at the moment, not all teams travel with a team doctor. For example, Australia do and India don’t. While the ICC has not made it mandatory for teams to travel with a doctor, a physio still remains pretty qualified to take medical fitness decisions on behalf of his team.However, the ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo of the work being done to regularise the process: “The ICC requires that a doctor who has knowledge of concussion management and the ICC Concussion Management Guidelines be available on match day to provide the necessary support to participating teams . The ICC has also been focussing on the professional development of all team healthcare personnel, in particular, the capability of team physiotherapists to oversee healthcare decisions such as concussion.”In time, perhaps the “if required” might be removed and an independent doctor or a team of doctors might become a mandatory presence at all ICC matches.Can the system be gamed?
Perhaps yes, but you would always expect a team to name their best players in the starting XI; any further change will, at least in that team’s estimation, weaken the side. The only conceivable advantage a team can gain by gaming the system is if it realises it has misread a pitch and picked a wrong combination. Not only will it be diabolical to go to such an extent, but the ICC match referee will also likely strike down any such request. The match referee is empowered to disallow a replacement that is not “like for like”. Such assessment depends on the role the said replacement is likely to play for the rest of the match. If al allrounder replaces a batsman, he will not be allowed to bowl. A spinner might not be allowed to replace a fast bowler unless he just bats.How long does it take to return for a concussed player?
Unlike rugby, cricket doesn’t lay down a minimum requirement of time off training, but it tends to agree with the rugby’s stipulation of a week away. Says the ICC protocol: “Generally, concussion symptoms will settle within two-three days and a player diagnosed with a concussion is ready to return in about a week but, in some individuals, this time might be shorter or longer. Medical oversight, as occurs in elite teams, is essential if a player is to return to play within a week or on a subsequent day of a multi-day match.”

Liverpool are closing in on the Premier League title and could try to maximise their appeal by tempting a World Cup winner to make a move to Anfield, per reports.

Liverpool's summer plans once title is sealed

While Liverpool haven’t mathematically become champions yet, their status is all but guaranteed following Arsenal’s dropped points away to Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Undoubtedly, Arne Slot will have one eye on the quick turnaround set to occur in the summer, with addressing the contract situations of Trent Alexander Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk set to be an immediate priority.

Nevertheless, maximising squad depth across key areas is also a remit the Dutchman will seek to fulfil. According to reports, Liverpool have Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in their sights as a positional competitor for Andy Robertson.

Further up, the Reds are also looking to add Xavi Simons to a midfield filled with pedigree. Although the Netherlands international won’t come cheap at between £58 million to £62 million, Slot will hope to call on the lure of the ex-PSG man becoming a key part of his mission to build a dynasty at Anfield.

Potentially making way, Darwin Nunez is a £50 million target for Nottingham Forest after failing to set the heather alight through the middle. Saudi Pro League clubs are also keen on the Uruguay international, who may be an ideal sacrifice to help Liverpool comply with PSR regulations.

Bid prepared: Liverpool chasing £51m "machine" who can be Slot's own Salah

Liverpool are looking to strengthen the squad across any number of positions this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 5, 2025

Bolstering the ranks with proven additions appears to the Slot’s modus operandi this summer, and he has now set his sights on a World Cup winner who could help to bring an added dimension across the front four.

Liverpool set to begin negotiations for Kingsley Coman

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are set to begin negotiations to sign Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, who is expected to cost a maximum of €45m (£38.2m) this summer.

Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also in the mix to sign the France international. However, the Gunners are believed to be his heaviest suitor alongside the Reds.

Appearances

22

Goals

4

Assists

4

Successful dribbles

35

Successful crosses

8

Chances created

30

Liverpool and Arsenal are set to open talks with his entourage over a potential deal. Coman reportedly wants a two-year deal with an option to extend by a further 12 months.

Both clubs are also set to submit an opening bid at around £29.7m, though it is unclear if that will be enough to land his services at this point in time.

Labelled “brilliant” by Julian Nagelsmann, Coman has registered six goals and four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, and it isn’t difficult to see why his big-game experience would appeal to some of the Premier League elite.

Now, it remains to be seen who will win the race for his signature as the transfer rumour mill begins to descend into overdrive at Anfield.

Manchester City staged an excellent comeback from two goals down to seal a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon.

When Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards put the away side 2-0 up, it looked as though it was going to be another poor result for the Etihad side in the top flight.

They rebounded wonderfully well to seal all three points and they remain fourth in the table at the time of writing as they chase a Champions League spot next season.

All the talk this week was on Kevin De Bruyne finally departing City, and he was outstanding against Palace.

Kevin De Bruyne’s stats vs Crystal Palace

The Belgian won’t go out winning another league title, but he is doing his best to make sure City finish in the top four.

Against Palace, he was pushed into a more advanced role and not only scored, but he also grabbed an assist during the tie.

De Bruyne also registered six total shots, missed two big chances, made four key passes and hit the woodwork in what was an energetic display in Manchester.

Accurate passes

Rúben Dias (105)

Key passes

Kevin De Bruyne (4)

Tackles

Chris Richards and Nico Gonzalez (4)

Ground duels won

Daniel Munoz and Nico Gonzalez (5)

Shots on target

Omar Marmoush (3)

He might be advancing in age, but there is no doubt that when he is at his peak, few come close to performing like this. That’s for sure.

Pep Guardiola wasn’t relying on him solely, however, as there was a young talent making his first Premier League start for the club who shone today.

Man City shown why they don't need Gibbs-White

It appears as though City are keen on replacing De Bruyne with Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

Despite registering 14 goal contributions this season, Forest have reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on the attacking midfielder.

Do they really need him? James McAtee was superb this afternoon at the Etihad. On his first ever league start for the club, he scored a delightful goal in the second half along with creating two big chances and making two key passes throughout the game.

The youngster may have been deployed on the right flank against Palace, but he is at home in the number ten slot, playing there on numerous occasions this season to excellent effect.

McAtee’s maturity is getting better with each game. He only lost possession seven times during the clash, while making one tackle and winning two ground duels.

Chief Manchester City writer for the Manchester Evening News, Simon Bajkowski, gave the Englishman a match rating of 7/10, stating that he ‘made a lot happen’ when he was on the pitch.

Guardiola will need to bring in another big-name signing or two this summer to please the supporters and give the club a shot at winning another league title.

Is spending around £100m on Gibbs-White the right option, however? Especially with McAtee proving today that he can step up when it matters most.

Man City in contact with "electric" £30m full-back with Walker-esque pace

The Citizens could land a bargain deal…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 11, 2025

For the 13th time in the Premier League this season, Manchester United played out a full 90-minute match without getting on the scoresheet, having slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.

Pablo Sarabia’s 77th-minute free-kick was a rare moment of quality in a largely lifeless affair at Old Trafford, albeit with the hosts likely to feel they should have walked away with all three points.

Indeed, Rasmus Hojlund notably came agonisingly close to getting on the end of Alejandro Garnacho’s driven cross, while both Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount also produced wayward attempts after being expertly picked out by the Argentine winger.

Even an inch-perfect, outside of the boot cross from Christian Eriksen could not be capitalised on by Mount, with the £55m Englishman still having scored just once since his arrival back in the summer of 2023.

Hojlund too has netted only three league goals in 2024/25 to date, a grim return for any leading number nine, with Ruben Amorim likely to be tearing his hair out at his side’s frustrating profligacy.

Having gone from seeing Viktor Gyokeres dazzle under his watch, the Portuguese coach is now in desperate need of a new attacking figurehead.

Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward

All of the talk at present is centred around United’s apparent progressing interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha, with it looking likely that the club will trigger the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause, amid positive talks over his potential contract in Manchester.

The 14-goal marksman may not be the only Premier League talent to arrive at the Theatre of Dreams this summer, however, with the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones – who outlined that an agreement regarding Cunha is inching closer – also naming a raft of high-profile stars who are under consideration.

Indeed, according to Jones, among those to have made the INEOS shortlist is Bournemouth man, Antoine Semenyo, with the Red Devils already said to have held talks over signing the Ghanaian forward.

Transfer Focus

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

This follows prior reports which outlined that United are actually frontrunners in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, albeit with it yet to be seen if Amorim and co will be willing or able to match the Cherries’ £70m price tag.

A versatile asset who can operate on the flanks or in a central role, Semenyo could represent the perfect addition to bolster Amorim’s forward line, with the potential their for the 40-year-old to morph him into his new Gyokeres-esque talisman.

Why Man Utd could be targeting Amorim's new Gyokeres

As outlined by journalist Mark Ogden, it has been a remarkable rise for the Sporting CP sensation in recent times, having gone from being sold for just £1m by then-Brighton and Hove Albion director, Dan Ashworth, back in 2021, to now standing aloft as the “hottest striker in Europe”.

Indeed, the 6 foot 2 Swede failed to actually make a league appearance for the Seagulls, while enduring a handful of less than spectacular loan spells away from the Amex – having notably scored just five goals in 2020/21 for the likes of Swansea City and Coventry City.

That steady rise only truly ignited following Gyokeres’ permanent switch to Coventry at the end of that campaign, as he went on to score 38 times in the Championship over the next two seasons.

Since moving to Lisbon on a £17m deal in 2023, the 26-year-old has soared even higher, bagging 90 goals in just 96 games – 66 of which came in just 68 outings under Amorim’s watch.

That journey from EFL struggler to elite-level monster is one which Semenyo certainly knows well, with the London-born ace having started out on the books at Bristol City, while also taking on loan moves at the likes of Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland.

The 6 foot 1 star memorably failed to score during that limp stint at the Stadium of Light, while actually only scoring 21 times in 121 games back at Ashton Gate – albeit while plundering a further 21 assists.

Like Gyokeres, however, it has taken the step up from the second tier for Semenyo to truly flourish, having now scored 16 Premier League goals since the start of 2023/24, while contributing a further eight assists.

Like Gyokeres too, what also stands out regarding the in-demand talent is just what a powerful presence he is in the final third, having been hailed as “almost unplayable” at times by journalist Ed Aarons.

Non-penalty goals

0.43

0.40

Assists

0.14

0.22

Shot-creating actions

1.87

4.27

Pass completion

65.6

67.3%

Progressive passes

1.87

2.01

Progressive carries

2.23

4.43

Successful take-ons

1.59

2.15

Touches in opposition box

6.27

7.16

Aerial duels won

3.24

1.86

Interestingly too, the pair were deemed to be similar players among their peers during the 2022/23 season in the Championship, as per FBref, with Semenyo having largely been operating in a central role at the time.

That likeness bodes well for the impact that the two-footed Ghana star can make under Amorim, with the £70m man representing the type of ready-made Premier League talent who can breathe new life into United’s misfiring attacking unit.

After years of scouring the Eredivisie, in particular, for new signings, now could well be the time to look a little closer to home…

New Cantona & Berbatov: Man Utd on the verge of signing £90k-p/w "maverick"

Man Utd appear to be closing in on what could prove to be a real marquee move

ByRobbie Walls Apr 22, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou could be facing his final few games as Spurs boss, according to recent reports, with a former employee of Daniel Levy claiming one tactician will be very keen to replace the Australian.

Tottenham shortlist of potential managers to replace Ange Postecoglou

Postecoglou has a major chance to make good on his promise of always winning silverware during his second term in charge.

Tottenham: £4m-per-year manager who Levy wants is tempted to replace Ange

He’s now open to joining Spurs.

ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025

Tottenham are just 90 minutes away from the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21st, and if they avoid a humbling defeat away to Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final second leg, it’ll guarantee their much-needed spot after a dismal season domestically.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Spurs have equalled their record for most Premier League defeats in a single campaign under Postecoglou this season (19), and their form in England has prompted many calls for the Lilywhites boss to be sacked.

Postecoglou could even leave Tottenham regardless of their possible success in Europe, according to reliable media sources like The Telegraph recently, and there are a number of managers who are already being linked with the job this summer.

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) have all been mentioned as Tottenham managerial candidates to replace Postecoglou in the last few weeks, so there are no shortage of options which could be considered.

More recently, there are suggestions that Fulham boss Marco Silva is emerging as a serious frontrunner.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed earlier this week that the Portuguese, who has an £8 million release clause in his contract, has a serious admirer in Levy and Silva is becoming more open to replacing Postecoglou.

Marco Silva "wants the Tottenham job"

Now, Levy’s former employee and chief scout, Mick Brown, has told Football Insider that Silva “wants the Tottenham job”, but there is no guarantee this will land him the role, as there will be many contenders.

“Marco Silva wants the Tottenham job,” he said.

“No matter what we say, Tottenham is a very lucrative job, and it’s one any manager would be interested in. They’re a big club, regardless of how well they’re doing on the pitch.

“Silva has done a very good job with Fulham, when you look at the stature of the club and the finances he has available to him. But I get the feeling he has taken them as far as they can go by challenging for Europe.

“If they don’t get into Europe, and he’s offered the job, I have no doubt he’ll take it. It’s just about whether Spurs feel he is the right man for the job at the moment, because there are a lot of contenders and people they’ll be looking at.”

The 47-year-old has guided Fulham to an impressive campaign yet again, where they briefly contended for a spot in next season’s Champions League, which is very commendable work considering their shoe-string budget in comparison to England’s elite.

The EFL can be a rich hunting ground for exciting talents if you’re a Director of Football at the head of a Premier League outfit looking for shrewd ways to strengthen.

Angus Kinnear, who will leave Leeds United and take Kevin Thelwell’s seat at Everton this summer, knows the myriad prospects across the Championship and will no doubt target a few stars this summer.

In fact, TEAMtalk revealed last week that second-tier Player of the Season Gustavo Hamer and Sunderland’s Dan Neil are both on Everton’s radar, with relegated Leicester star Wilfried Ndidi an option too.

However, Kinnear knows his stuff, and might have already recommended a shrewd purchase who could make a real difference on Merseyside next year.

Everton chasing Championship star

As per Football Insider, Everton have joined West Ham United in the race to sign Burnley centre-midfielder Josh Brownhill, a leading architect behind Scott Parker’s side’s promotion to the Premier League this season.

He’s out of contract this summer, and it’s understood that presently the Clarets have not convinced the 29-year-old into reaching a decision on his future but are ready to open talks pertaining to an extension.

With Celtic also keen, Everton will need to work fast if they want to seal his signature in the coming weeks. However, given that he’s been placed on the shortlist, their interest seems concrete.

What Josh Brownhill would bring to Everton

Burnley’s captain would be a brilliant, under-the-radar kind of signing for Everton. The leadership and experience he would instil (he has 111 Premier League appearances) are elements that Moyes is desperate to stir into his squad.

It’s something the Merseysiders achieved only a few years ago by signing James Tarkowski, who had just been relegated with Burnley and joined at the end of his contract in July 2022.

Hailed as an ‘incredible leader’ by Dyche, Tarkowski has been a solid, no-nonsense defender but also a galvanising presence, barking and baying at his teammates as he upholds strong defensive virtues.

Now, Brownhill could be the next version, walking the same path at a similar point in his career as a free agent.

TFG would be addressing a glaring issue in an astute fashion, as the former owners did three years ago. Everton conceded 66 top-flight goals during the 2021/22 season, and they have bettered that tally across the three years since, shipping 43 goals this year with three games remaining.

Fans eagerly await news of a talented striker to restore the attacking incisiveness, but Brownhill’s industriousness and creativity would be a great way to fortify the ranks.

While Burnley have earned renown for their steely defending this season, they have also been effective and economical in attack, with Brownhill blending an art for well-timed goalscoring with a fundamental playmaking quality.

Indeed, the midfielder has scored 18 goals and laid on six assists across his 42 league outings this term, as per Sofascore, creating eight big chances and averaging 1.2 key passes per game.

Ranking among the top 1% of Championship midfielders this season for goal involvements, his influence is illustrated further, something that could have a marked impact on an Everton side who won’t want to be overreliant on a new striker, whose success in hitting the ground running will be an anxious thing.

Given that the relegated trio are the only Premier League sides to have been outscored by Everton, it’s clear that a deep-lying goalscorer of Brownhill’s ilk could be the dimension-adding star Moyes needs.

16th

West Ham

40

17th

Everton

36

18th

Ipswich

35

19th

Leicester

29

20th

Southampton

25

Reuniting with Tarkowski in an Everton team looking to reach heights that haven’t been seen for several interminable years, Brownhill could prove a real difference-maker.

He might not have become the “superstar” that pundit Lee Johnson predicted he would shape into back in 2019, but Brownhill is a fiercely underrated player and would slot right into Moyes’ Everton midfield.

An amazing Rooney repeat: Everton open to signing "world-class" PL star

Everton are at an important juncture as they prepare to reinforce David Moyes’ squad this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 6, 2025

In a major boost, Manchester United have now reportedly been contacted with the chance to sign one of their top summer targets at a bargain price, which could tempt INEOS into a deal.

Man Utd's Europa League charge "not the issue" – Amorim

Somehow, some way, all hope is not lost for 16th-place Manchester United. Despite being closer to the relegation zone than the top five, the Red Devils have one last chance to salvage some pride and receive the undeniable boost of Champions League football courtesy of the Europa League. Now under a week away from their meeting with a Tottenham Hotspur side equally as desperate for victory, it cannot be overstated just how important the final will be.

Whilst Ruben Amorim will be more aware than most of next week’s importance, he’s been keen to reiterate that Manchester United’s season has been a failure with or without victory in the Europa League.

The Portuguese manager told reporters: “I think… Are we supposed to feel a manager of Manchester United in that position, embarrassed, and it’s hard to accept. And I think everybody has to think seriously about a lot of things here.

“Everybody is thinking about the final, the final is not the issue in this moment in our club, we have bigger, bigger things to think [about]. And we have to change a lot of things in the end of the season.”

Amorim now personally driving Man Utd move to sign £80m+ Carrick-esque star

Amorim is reportedly a huge fan.

ByTom Cunningham May 15, 2025

That said, there’s no denying that victory in the Europa League is likely to ease the pressure on Amorim and allow Manchester United to welcome some much-needed reinforcements this summer.

Just who those reinforcements are remains to be seen, but it’s clear that another overhaul is needed at Old Trafford and one Ligue 1 star would be the perfect player to commence that rebuild.

Man Utd offered chance to sign Cherki

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United have now been contacted with the chance to sign Rayan Cherki by the Frenchman’s agent ahead of the summer transfer window. Available at the bargain price of just £19m in the coming months, Cherki has found himself on Manchester United’s radar as a top target more than once in recent weeks, with INEOS now reportedly tempted to swoop in and secure his signature.

Earning praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig for a “magnificent” season, Cherki would be the perfect fit for Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Manchester United.

Ready-made to slot straight into one of the two No.10 roles behind the lone striker, the Frenchman would finally help the Red Devils to rediscover their attacking spark if he completed a summer switch.

In what would be quite the move, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly expressed interest in hijacking a move to sign 19-year-old talent who has already held talks with Arsenal.

Wolves searching for Cunha replacement

Top of Wolves’ wishlist remains signing a replacement for Matheus Cunha this summer. The Brazilian is reportedly set to join Manchester United, who will trigger his £63m release clause, even after they lost the Europa League final and failed to qualify for the Champions League as a result. Left with money to burn, those at Molineux will have quite the task on their hands in the coming months.

With Premier League safety long confirmed, Wolves have at least had the luxury of turning their attention towards the summer transfer window before the season has even reached a conclusion.

As a result, names such as Yuri Alberto have been back in the headlines as of late. According to recent reports, Vitor Pereira has now requested a reunion with the Corinthians star in the coming months and he could yet arrive to become Wolves’ Cunha replacement.

It would be a fitting reward for Pereira, who has transformed Wolves ever since arriving to replace Gary O’Neil to earn a nomination for the Premier League Manager of the Season award in the process.

He will undoubtedly be one to watch next season in his first full year in charge in the Midlands. Whether the summer transfer window only boosts expectations remains to be seen, but even if it’s not Alberto, a Cunha replacement seems top of Wolves’ list of priorities.

Wolves interested in hijacking Carrizo deal

If it’s not Alberto then it could be a surprise candidate who replaces Cunha this summer. According to Velez Sarsfield journalist Martin Etcheverry, Wolves are now interested in hijacking a deal to sign Maher Carrizo, who has already held talks with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.

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Wolves are among the teams chasing a young star, who is out of contract in December.

ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025

Still just 19 years old, Carrizo has a promising future ahead of him and one which could, ultimately, lie away from Argentine club Velez. With a release clause worth just £14m, a deal would certainly be feasible for Wolves, who wouldn’t be outspent by those in the Premier League’s top six on this occasion.

A “superb prospect” according to scout/analyst Jacek Kulig, Wolves would be welcoming a player who could step into Cunha’s role for years to come if they have the right patience. The Midlands club will have money to spend this summer and Carrizo should be among the players they attempt to splash out on this summer.

Chelsea’s eventful summer window so far has produced plenty of different stories emerging from behind-the-scenes, with Enzo Maresca still looking to bolster his squad further and preferably in time for the Club World Cup later this month.

BlueCo have just two more days to register new players before the competition begins, and with £97 million worth of prize money on the line, it is little surprise that Stamford Bridge chiefs want to take it seriously.

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The Blues have held discussions.

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Striker Liam Delap has already been signed from Ipswich for around £30 million, the value of his release clause, and he’s set to snub a spot in Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad for the Euros so he can feature at the CWC for Chelsea.

“I am definitely not disappointed,” said Carsley on Delap not leading the line for England.

“I am delighted for Liam and his family. I think it is a brilliant thing for an English centre-forward to play in the Premier League at such a prestigious club like Chelsea. Hopefully he will do really well there and push for the senior team. We will move on, we moved on quite quickly.

“I think we have always known that two or three of the players could move to clubs that were playing in the Club World Cup and we have been preparing for this for a while.”

In terms of who could join Delap in time for the CWC, Chelsea have a number of different plates spinning.

Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea

8.08

Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town

8.05

Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa

8.04

Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton

7.83

Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town

7.55

via WhoScored

Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké continues to among Chelsea’s top priorities, while new talks have been held over a move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato this week (Simon Phillips). Chelsea also have a number of rumoured top targets for the wing, including Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.

AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, remains high on the agenda as well.

Chelsea opened talks with Milan over signing Maignan, and the France international is believed to be equally keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. However, as Milan demand around £25 million to sell their captain, with Chelsea only wanting to pay £10 million (Sky Sports), they are looking to find common ground on his price tag.

Chelsea could force Robert Sanchez out if they sign Mike Maignan

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, if they do seal a deal for the 29-year-old, it could spell trouble for Robert Sanchez in particular.

The mainstay keeper started 32 Premier League matches under Maresca last term, but it is believed Maignan’s potential arrival could push Sanchez out of the Chelsea exit door, alongside fellow shot-stopper Djordje Petrovic.

Chelsea’s extensive backlog of keepers, which still includes £150,000-per-week outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga, needs to be trimmed.

Maignan is a truly “elite” keeper, as described by Liverpool star Alisson, so he’s definitely worth having for a cut-price fee, but it is a given that Chelsea will have to find new homes for half of the shot-stoppers in their squad as well.