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Rather than bowling full and attacking the stumps, he gets batsmen bowled when they’re rooted to the crease

Karthik Krishnaswamy in Visakhapatnam06-Oct-2019Fast bowlers like conditions where they can stack their slip cordons, and Mohammed Shami is no exception, but you suspect he is at his happiest on pitches that make other fast bowlers sulk with the lack of carry. When he is asleep and dreaming about bowling, he probably dreams of galloping towards a dusty, cracked, fifth-day pitch with two short midwickets in his peripheral vision.Those fielders aren’t there for the uppish flick. If that happens, it’s a bonus. No, they are there to encourage Shami to bowl his favourite line, pitching six inches outside off stump and nipping back to hit the top of middle. Even better if the ball hits a crack or a bald patch and scoots through at shin height.On the first four days of the Visakhapatnam Test, fast bowlers from the two sides bowled a combined 105 overs and took four wickets. In 10.5 overs on the fifth day, Shami took five all by himself, four of them hitting the stumps.Shami gets a lot of batsmen bowled. Of his 158 wickets in Test cricket, 48 (30.38%) have been bowled. Of the 18 fast bowlers to have taken 100 or more Test wickets since Shami’s debut, only one has a greater percentage of bowled dismissals. If you didn’t read it here, you wouldn’t guess that that bowler is Shannon Gabriel.

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It sounds counter-intuitive that Gabriel – a tall, hit-the-deck bowler who is renowned for his unpleasant bounce – gets so many batsmen bowled, but there are reasons for this. First, a massive chunk of those wickets are played-on (21 out of 41 overall, judging by wicket descriptions on ESPNcricinfo). And among the world’s top fast bowlers, he probably moves the ball the least. When he beats the inside edge, therefore, he is likelier to sneak through the gap between bat and pad than to hit the pad. Over his entire career, Gabriel has 44 bowleds (33.08%) and 16 lbws (12.03%).Shami’s bowled (30.38%) and lbw (13.92%) percentages aren’t too dissimilar to Gabriel’s. These percentages paint a different picture to the stereotype of the subcontinental fast bowler, who bowls full and attacks the stumps, gets a lot of reverse-swing, and achieves high percentages of both bowled and lbw.Shami certainly attacks the stumps, but he doesn’t usually get batsmen out by bowling full. The classic Shami dismissal isn’t the viciously dipping Waqar Younis-style yorker. Instead, he gets batsmen bowled when they are rooted to the crease, moving neither forward or back. This is perhaps why Shami doesn’t get all that many lbws.The typical length Shami hits when he gets batsmen bowled isn’t the traditional good length, which batsmen generally try and get forward to, but one that’s slightly shorter. It’s fuller than, say, Ishant Sharma’s natural length, but shorter than the length Umesh Yadav bowls when he lands his outswinger just right. It’s probably the length he grew up bowling.From that length, the ball often goes on to hit the top of off stump in Indian conditions. Couple that length with his skiddy pace, and Shami becomes an uncomfortable proposition for most batsmen to handle. When that length meets that skid and a fifth-day surface like the one in Visakhapatnam, he becomes close to unplayable.Watch his dismissal of Temba Bavuma. There is a tendency for viewers on TV, who have the luxury of watching the same ball multiple times in slow-motion, to see batsmen get defeated by low bounce and infer than they should have been on the front foot. It’s extremely difficult for batsmen to get forward to the Shami length, however, because their muscle memory won’t let them, and that muscle memory is the product of facing thousands of balls that hit the same sort of spot and don’t keep low. Their muscle memory isn’t wrong, except for the one time that it is.Even when the ball doesn’t necessarily creep through at ankle or shin height, Shami can beat batsmen with movement. He can swing the ball both ways, but whether it’s conventional or reverse, it’s seldom extravagant banana swing. More often than not, the movement is off the pitch, thanks to his gloriously upright seam position. This is harder to adjust to than swing.On this Visakhapatnam pitch, it wasn’t even necessary for Shami to present the seam so well; sometimes he just needed to hit a crack.If you freeze the replay of Faf du Plessis’ dismissal to Shami at the point where the ball hits the pitch, the length is short of the traditional good length, and the line is comfortably a full set of stumps outside off. A number of batsmen would have reacted exactly as du Plessis did, and shouldered arms. But before he knew it, his off stump had been knocked back.Mohammed Shami holds up a stump he broke•BCCIThe pitch didn’t morph into a low-bouncing jigsaw puzzle overnight; it must have had these characteristics, at least in partial measure, even on day four, but Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada, two of the finest fast bowlers in world cricket, couldn’t exploit them the way Shami did. The bowling styles of Philander and Rabada didn’t develop on pitches like this one. Shami’s did.”Shami, we’ve seen him in these conditions, not just today but previously as well,” Rohit Sharma said in his post-match press conference. “I still remember our debut together in Kolkata, where the pitch kind of… I wouldn’t say [it was] like this but on day four, on day five, it was slightly lower and slower, and he knows how to bowl on those pitches.”Both enjoyed stellar debuts in that game; Rohit scored a century in the first innings, and Shami picked up nine wickets in the match, six of them bowled.”He gets reverse-swing straight into play, once he knows there is some help on offer, and he uses those conditions,” Rohit said. “See, it’s not easy to bowl when you know the reverse-swing is happening; you need to pitch it in the right area, you need to make sure that the ball is just around off stump, so that it comes and hits the middle stump. Otherwise sometimes you can drag [the ball onto the pads], and while doing that you can leak a lot of runs as well.”I guess he’s mastered that pretty well by now, bowling with the old ball and trying to [get the] ball to reverse, and yes, these type of conditions are pretty ideal for him. He makes the batsman play all the balls, which is slightly tough on that kind of pitch. When you know you have to play all six balls, and the pitch at times, as we have seen, is doing something from the crack, or staying low at times as well – it keeps you in the game, for the fielders and all the other bowlers as well – and the batsman doesn’t really know what’s coming next, because he can swing it both ways.”So by now he’s mastered how to bowl with the old ball, and growing up in Calcutta where, you know, there is not much bounce – when he started playing, obviously; now it’s a different Kolkata – but when he started playing I’m sure it was similar kind of tracks he grew up on.”On Sunday, Shami was bang in the middle of his comfort zone; bowling at home, in the second innings. His home average in Tests is 23.57, and his second-innings average overall is 22.58. His second-innings average at home is a ridiculous 17.34.

When he is asleep and dreaming about bowling, he probably dreams of galloping towards a dusty, cracked, fifth-day pitch with two short midwickets in his peripheral vision.

Outside that comfort zone, he hasn’t been quite as lethal. He averages 30.39 away from home, 34.47 in the first innings overall, and an unflattering 36.19 while bowling in the first innings away from home.On surfaces with more bounce than the typical Indian pitch, the ball is less likely to go on and hit the stumps from Shami’s natural length. Batsmen, therefore, can play back to him with a greater degree of certainty. The fields Shami bowls to in overseas conditions, usually, are set for the outside edge, with more catchers behind the wicket. They don’t offer him the same amount of leg-side protection when he strays in line.Shami gets more seam movement away from home, and a lot more bounce, and when he combines those two in the fourth-stump channel he can look menacing, but there are days, such as during the Oval Test last year, when he beats the bat so often without finding the edge that you wonder if he could pitch it a few inches closer to the batsman.These fine margins were probably why Shami averaged 26.01 in largely seam-friendly conditions during India’s recent run of away tours, while Jasprit Bumrah averaged 19.24 and a new-and-improved Ishant Sharma 20.50. Shami did a fine job overall, and ran through sides on a couple of occasions, but there were times when his rhythm appeared off and his wicket threat subdued.Opportunities to improve that away record will arrive soon enough, when India tour New Zealand and Australia next year. Until then, in their next four Tests against South Africa and Bangladesh, all at home, India will be delighted if he can keep hitting that Shami length and keep producing that Shami skid.

Sarfaraz Khan talks about leaving Mumbai and coming back, his relationship with his father-slash-coach, and on fighting perceptions

Interview by Shashank Kishore27-Jan-2020How does it feel to be playing for Mumbai again?It’s a proud feeling to return and also join Mumbai’s triple-century club, alongside great players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Wasim Jaffer and Rohit Sharma. I’m a little relieved, more than delighted, because my season started late. I didn’t get opportunities in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and very few chances at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. There was this fear in my mind that half the season had finished and I hadn’t yet made any kind of impact. So this triple century came at the right time.Did you fear you may not get match time again this season?I was left out of the Baroda game,. Then before the second game, I was sent to play for Mumbai Under-23, where I made 40 in the first innings and a century in the second. Then I came back for the Karnataka game. Making 71 not out in the second innings against a quality attack gave me the self-belief again, because how much ever you are confident, unless you have scores to back it up, it won’t help. Coming into the previous game, I knew the Uttar Pradesh players well, since I’ve played with many of them. So scoring against them and more importantly helping Mumbai get a lead was very satisfying.How did you channel the frustration of sitting out during the cooling off period in Mumbai?The last two years have been very frustrating. There were a lot of question marks over me. I was asking questions of myself. I won’t lie. Everyone thought I was only a white-ball player. Deep down, I knew I was a good enough red-ball player too, but I didn’t have too many opportunities to prove it. One season, I sat out in Uttar Pradesh. Then I had to serve out a cooling-off period in Mumbai, so I used the time to work on my game.I used to play on seaming wickets, my father kept hurling balls at me and I was only focused on leaving the ball. Earlier, I used to instinctively play the upper cut to short balls even if there was third man. It became a habit. But I tried cutting out all these aspects to discipline my game. In the game against Uttar Pradesh, there were times when they kept bowling short balls. The old me would’ve tried to ramp the ball. Here, I kept ducking under it because the situation demanded.Do you look back and regret the decision to move to Uttar Pradesh in 2015?Leaving Mumbai was a bad decision. It wasn’t mine, but my father’s. At that age, you aren’t matured enough to think of circumstances or look at things in a different way. Dad felt that was the best way forward for me. There’s no point looking back at why I made the move. But when I moved, I kept having this thought: ‘will I ever play for Mumbai again?’. Because I had played all age-group cricket here, represented India at the Under-19 World Cup in 2014 because of my performances for Mumbai. But I felt like an outsider, I didn’t get chances. There were perceptions around me. I couldn’t help it.What about the decision to come back to Mumbai?Quitting Uttar Pradesh and coming back was entirely my call. Of course we discussed the pros and cons, I decided if I had to serve out some time, I better do it now than later. Some people said, ‘maybe it’s not the right call, because if you so wanted to come back, you would’ve never left in the first place’. I’m glad I took the call. It hasn’t been easy even after coming back, but I’m enjoying the feeling again of playing for Mumbai. That crest and cap, I had safely kept it away in a store room when I left for Uttar Pradesh. It was a proud feeling to wear it once again the moment I was eligible to play again.Sarfaraz Khan is ecstatic after getting to his triple century•PTI When did you realise you had to work hard on your fitness?I was dropped at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2016 because of my fitness. Virat Kohli told me straightaway while there were no doubts over my skills, my fitness was not letting me get to the next level. He was very honest with me about where I was. See, I used to sleep in Azad Maidaan, and since 10-11 years old, all I knew about cricket was just batting and bowling. I really had no idea about fitness until I came in to the Under-19 level. I was very low, my dad was also low. But I was still retained by RCB in 2018. At that time, I felt like being in the same team as Virat and AB de Villiers was my life’s biggest achievement. I didn’t realise there was so much more to do.When I think of it now, the ACL injury in 2017 changed my outlook towards fitness. I knew that is when I had to get fitter. So I started working out, running, doing a lot of cardio. I gave up sweets and tried to improve my eating habits. I won’t say I became obsessed with fitness, but I just made small changes to my diet. If I had two portions of something, I changed it to one portion, and gradually cut down on my intake of junk food. I didn’t get too obsessed with just fitness because sometimes you can let it affect you so much that you forget about batting and bowling.How has your improved fitness helped you now?Even in the last game against Uttar Pradesh, there were stages after 250 where I was cramping up. But I continued to bat on. I had some fever too. I didn’t give up, even though at times I had the thought of coming off. I fielded for two days and then batted for two days. I felt good not just about my improved fitness but because it helped me score runs and get a lead. At one point, all my team-mates used to call me ‘panda’ because I used to eat a lot. Now, they’ve started calling me ‘macho’. Actually, very few people know it’s my nickname now.When anyone talks about you, it’s always in connection with your father who is also your coach. What are your interests outside of cricket?My dad is 97% my coach and just 3% my father. When I’m at home, he’s discussing cricket with me. When I’m at the ground, it’s cricket anyway. So right from my young age, cricket has been the only thing. I don’t go out much. It’s like a military life sometimes, but I’m used to it now. I have lost a bit of time, for whatever reason, now I want to make up for it.When you have a bad day, you don’t want to be thinking cricketMy dad’s mindset is if you get out or have had a bad day, you can’t think about something else, rather, you should think more about the game. I used to play at John Bright Cricket Club while growing up. Sometimes have three sessions a day. My dad didn’t want me to commute and waste time in traffic, so I slept at the ground. There was a change room and shower, so he used to get me my kit and clothes, I used to shower there and get ready. This used to be my schedule for two months at a stretch during the summer. These days, my dad is focused more on my younger brother Musheer. He feels I’m matured now, so he has let me off the hook at times. (laughs)From being retention material at RCB to working your way up at Kings XI Punjab last IPL, what were your challenges?Being released from RCB hurt me in a way, but I couldn’t do much about it. I had one of the best IPLs so far with Kings XI Punjab last year. I was in the midst of my cooling-off period, so I knew that was my only chance to impress. Against an attack of Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat, I was pleased to make 46 not out. Against Chennai Super Kings, I made 67. I made a crucial 39 against Delhi Capitals. In terms of knocks, I was scoring whenever I had the chance, even if they were just small contributions. That boosted my morale.How do you plan forward, now that you’re back playing for Mumbai?No goals, really. [When] you look for something and when it doesn’t happen, you feel disappointed. I just want to work hard, train, keep fit and score runs whenever the opportunities come. I’ve stopped overthinking or having high expectations. I want to make up for lost time and do well wherever a chance comes.

This summer presents the first major opportunity for Ruben Amorim to make wholesale changes to his Manchester United squad after taking the reins back in November.

The 40-year-old oversaw the January transfer window, but the one-month period wasn’t enough time for the manager to offload and sign players to improve his squad.

It’s safe to say transfers are needed, with the Red Devils currently occupying 13th place in the Premier League, sitting 15 points off the top four with just seven matches remaining.

Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven have both already arrived at Old Trafford under Amorim’s time in charge, with the pair proving to be money well spent – with the left-back cementing his place as a result starter since his £30m transfer.

If the side are to progress in 2025/26, such additions are needed when the window opens in a few months, with one player already emerging as a key target ahead of the summer.

Man Utd make contact to land new goalkeeper

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, United have made contact with Brighton and Hove Albion over a potential move for goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen this summer.

Despite their interest in the 22-year-old, they face stern competition from Bayern Munich and AC Milan for the Dutchman’s signature, which could lead to a bidding war.

He’s been the Seagulls’ number-one choice between the sticks this season, keeping six clean sheets in his 29 Premier League appearances – playing a key role in their hunt for European football.

The report states that the Red Devils have asked about a potential deal in the coming months, but that no fee has been touted for a move to Old Trafford.

It would be yet another key addition made by the club’s hierarchy, allowing Amorim to sign an upgrade on one player currently plying his trade in the North West.

Why Verbruggen would be an upgrade on Onana for United

Senegalese international Andre Onana has struggled to make a huge positive impact for United since his £47m move from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023.

The 29-year-old was seen as the perfect replacement for the outgoing David de Gea, but nearly two years on, he’s failed to deliver – leading to major criticism about his performances.

This season alone, Onana has made three errors leading to goals in the Premier League, undoubtedly contributing to their lowly standing in 2024/25, with Amorim needing to make a brutal call over his future.

His showing against Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night was another example of his inability to deliver, being at fault for both of the hosts’ goals – proving Nemanja Matic’s claim right in the process.

There’s no denying that the Red Devils would’ve returned from France with a lead heading into the second leg, but his unforgivable mistakes could see the side end the season trophyless.

Such showings have led to rumours over a move for Verbruggen, with the current Brighton star massively outperforming the former Inter Milan ace in numerous key areas throughout 2024/25.

The Dutchman, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by journalist John Bennett, has saved more shots per 90 this campaign, whilst also stopping more crosses – offering that commanding presence the Red Devils have lacked.

He’s also completed more of his attempted passes, whilst achieving a higher point per game record, and having the ability to save the side in key moments – something which Onana has been unable to do.

Given the mistakes made by the 29-year-old in recent years, the club simply can’t afford to stick with him next season, undoubtedly missing out on more key points if he remains the number one option.

They may lose a hefty chunk on their big-money investment, but they desperately need to offload him when the window opens, with Verbruggen a great option to replace the error-prone shot-stopper.

It's not Bruno: Man Utd's "generational talent" can be their answer to Rice

Man Utd could already have their own version of Declan Rice, having missed out on the Englishman

By
Robbie Walls

Apr 9, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur appear set for a crucial call following the conclusion of this regrettable campaign, namely who they’ll decide on to replace under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou likely to leave Spurs regardless of Europa League

On Tuesday, journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph reported via his sources that Postecoglou is increasingly likely to leave Spurs at the end of the season – regardless of what happens in the Europa League.

Tottenham: Thierry Henry-like striker facing exit with Spurs ready to bid

The Lilywhites want to take full advantage.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 19, 2025

The Lilywhites have suffered 18 top flight defeats this season, and they’re just one game away from equalling their record number of Premier League losses in a single season.

It’s been a dismal 2024/25 on the English front, with Spurs also out of every domestic cup. Postecoglou could yet save Tottenham’s season by clinching the Europa League and winning the club’s first piece of major silverware since the League Cup in 2008, which would also gift the north Londoners a spot in next season’s Champions League draw.

European glory still may not be enough to save Postecoglou, though, with Law claiming chairman Daniel Levy and the 59-year-old could still part ways, even if success does come in the Europa.

This follows on from a similar report courtesy of John Cross in The Mirror, so Postecoglou’s potential N17 exit is gaining more traction amid rumours of Spurs eyeing the likes of Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva.

Both tacticians have impressed at their respective clubs this term, with Fulham and Bournemouth still outside contenders to qualify for Europe despite operating on shoe-string budgets compared to their more elite rivals.

Bournemouth are attempting to agree a new deal with Iraola, though, while Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan has admitted the club would love to keep Silva at Craven Cottage.

That being said, Iraola and Silva’s contracts both contain release clauses, with the latter’s coming in at around £8 million.

Previous reports have suggested that Silva has emerged as a frontrunner for the Tottenham job (talkSPORT), with Iraola more inclined to remain at Bournemouth, so the Portuguese’s potential appointment could be one to watch.

Tottenham set for "big decision" with Marco Silva considered

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has shared his own update on Spurs’ pursuit of the former Everton and Hull City boss.

He reports that Tottenham are indeed looking at hiring Silva, and Levy is set for a “big decision” over the club’s next potential manager.

“Tottenham have got a big decision to make during the summer,” said Jacobs.

“We know they like Andoni Iraola, but Bournemouth want to tie him down to a new deal. Marco Silva, as well, is on the radar at Spurs, but Postecoglou is just alleviating a bit of the pressure and it will be interesting now.”

Silva’s former striker at Hull, Evandro, recently heaped praise on the 47-year-old as a “master” tactician, with his statement making an interesting read for Spurs supporters.

“He is a master,” said the player to Premier League Brasil.

“I like to put Marco Silva on the same level as Sampaoli, because he has a management model that I also look up to. Marco Silva has an excellent way of managing the group and his greatest characteristic is being rational and not emotional.

“I believe that in this role as a coach, if you let emotions take over, things get lost easily, because in football you have to deal with fans and the press.”

Chelsea have now registered their interest in signing a “monstrous” Premier League star who has been in extremely impressive form this season, according to reliable reporter David Ornstein.

Blues keen to bring in new centre-back

The Blues’ form in the second half of the season has taken a significant downward turn, with the 2-1 loss at home to Legia Warsaw the latest setback earlier this week, underlining the need for Enzo Maresca to strengthen his squad this summer.

One area in which the west Londoners are particularly keen to strengthen is centre-back, making contact to discuss a move for Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, with the South Korean now keen to leave the German club this summer.

The 28-year-old is on Maresca’s shortlist, but a different centre-back has emerged as the priority target for the summer, namely AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, and talks over a deal for the 20-year-old have already been held.

Chelsea hold "very positive" Thursday talks with "sensational" £50m player

They were in discussions before losing to Legia Warsaw.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 18, 2025

Huijsen’s impressive performances for Bounemouth this season mean he is now in the Blues’ sights, but he is not their only target from the Premier League, according to Ornstein (via Nottingham Forest News).

The reliable reporter has now revealed Chelsea have registered their interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, amid the Brazilian enjoying an incredible season with the Tricky Trees, who continue to push for Europe.

A whole host of potential centre-back targets have been identified, however, with Ornstein naming Huijsen and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as other options.

A deal for the Forest star will not be cheap, with previous reports revealing the Blues’ Premier League rivals are set to hold out for £80m, which would make the Brazilian their record sale.

"Monstrous" Murillo starring for Forest

Forest are making an unexpected push for Europe this season, and the defender has been among their most consistent performers in the Premier League, averaging a 6.99 WhoScored match rating, the joint-third highest in the squad.

The 22-year-old has been an indispensable member of Nuno’s side, making 31 appearances in the Premier League, and he received high praise from journalist Ryan Taylor for his performance against Liverpool earlier this season.

Not only has the Brazil international impressed defensively, but he also ranks highly on some attacking metrics over the past year, placing in the top 2% of all defenders for successful take-ons per 90.

Having proven himself as a top defender in the Premier League, Murillo could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, and at just 22-years-old, he could be a key figure at the back for many years to come.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing an “outstanding” Premier League defender, and there is now a possibility he could join on a free transfer in 2026, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Spurs eyeing new centre-back

Tottenham have conceded 51 goals in the Premier League this season, and while the poor defensive record can partly be attributed to Ange Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy, the numbers are concerning.

With Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero regularly being linked with moves elsewhere, the need to bring in a new centre-back this summer has been exacerbated, and a number of potential targets have been identified.

AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is one of the options, having held talks over a deal for the Spain international earlier this month, while they have also expressed an interest in Barcelona defender Eric Garcia, who could be sold for just £17m this summer.

Tottenham now in position to seal "bargain signing" of "interesting" striker

They’re “well-placed” to do a deal.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 27, 2025

Huijsen is not the only Premier League defender Tottenham admire, however, as they are well-known to have made a £70m bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, and there has now been an update on the 24-year-old’s future.

Taking to X, Romano has now stated that Spurs “remain keen” on signing Guehi this summer, having been on their shortlist “for months”, but there could be competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Chelsea.

This summer could be Palace’s last chance to cash-in for a sizeable fee, with the defender’s contract set to expire in 2026, but there is also a possibility he could leave Selhurst Park on a free transfer next year, if a suitable offer is not received.

Having knocked back the Lilywhites’ £70m bid in the winter window, it is clear Palace value their captain very highly, although reports from elsewhere have stated his price tag could now stand at between £50m – £60m.

"Outstanding" Guehi could be ideal Romero replacement

Romero has been pushing for a summer exit, with Daniel Levy cancelling talks over a new contract, so it is clear a replacement may be required this summer, and the Palace centre-back has proven he could be up to the task.

The England international was particularly impressive en-route to the Euro 2024 final, with his performances being lauded as “outstanding” by members of the media, while he has also caught the eye in a Palace shirt.

The former Chelsea man has averaged a 7.07 SofaScore rating in the Premier League this season, ranking him as the third-most consistent performer in the Palace squad, and he has been a key component of the side, making 32 appearances.

Having also been lauded as a “leader” by members of the media, there are clear signs Guehi could be capable of organising Tottenham’s shaky backline, so it is promising news that the north Londoners remain keen on a deal this summer.

With Leeds United looking to solve their biggest problem this summer, one transfer target is now reportedly ready to quit his current Premier League club in favour of a move to Elland Road.

Leeds' goalkeeper problem

After winning the Championship title and sealing automatic promotion to the Premier League, Leeds still have one major problem to address this summer. And that comes courtesy of Ilian Meslier. The shot-stopper is at the centre of Leeds’ greatest weakness and very nearly derailed his side’s promotion until Daniel Farke ruthlessly replaced him with second-choice Karl Darlow.

Leeds enquire over signing £40m Champions League winner in club-record deal

He could be a major upgrade.

2

By
Tom Cunningham

May 9, 2025

However, the current No 2 is far from a permanent solution ahead of the Whites’ return to the Premier League, and the 49ers seem to be well aware of that.

Already, a number of Meslier replacements have been mentioned as the summer transfer window approaches, and Leeds will have to narrow their shortlist down if they are to finally solve their goalkeeper problem.

Two names mentioned have been Caoimhin Kelleher and Djordje Petrovic in recent reports. Both goalkeepers have endured excellent seasons, with Kelleher often called in to replace an injured Alisson Becker at Liverpool as they secured the Premier League title, and Chelsea loanee Petrovic providing some standout numbers on loan at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

Both would be instant upgrades on Meslier, whose mistakes came around more and more often at Leeds throughout the campaign. They were mistakes that went unpunished eventually, but mistakes that could ultimately cost the Yorkshire side their Premier League place if repeated next season.

After dropping his goalkeeper for Darlow in April, Farke told reporters: “Obviously he was involved in both [Swansea] goals in the last game, and it was a shame because after the penalty save he was on his way to being man of the match.

“So it was clear we had to make a decision. And we had to make it early in the week, because in that position the players need clarity, and Karl [Darlow] needs the time to prepare.”

Leeds receive Sam Johnstone boost

Meanwhile, if it’s not to be Petrovic or Kelleher this summer, then those at Elland Road could reportedly turn towards another Premier League option.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Sam Johnstone is now ready to quit Wolverhampton Wanderers to join Leeds this summer.

The experienced shot-stopper has often found himself behind Jose Sa in the pecking order in the Midlands and could now leave the club just one summer after arriving. Wolves’ No 2 could quickly become Leeds’ No 1 as a result, with the 49ers already thought to be plotting a move to sign the former West Bromwich Albion man.

Previously praised for a “sensational” save by Gary Lineker, Johnstone will be desperate to regain a starting place away from Wolves this summer and replacing Meslier would hand him the chance to do exactly that.

At 32 years old, however, there may be some concerns around Elland Road over the goalkeeper’s ability to become a long-term solution to their biggest problem ahead of a vital Premier League campaign.

Aston Villa have opened direct transfer talks with one player over joining Unai Emery next season, according to reports, as the Premier League top five contenders attempt to build upon another impressive campaign.

Aston Villa seal vital win over Tottenham in Champions League race

Nerves were rife throughout Villa Park in their crunch encounter against Tottenham on Friday night, before their opening goal 30 minutes from full-time, with defender Ezri Konsa breaking the deadlock before Boubacar Kamara doubled their advantage.

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Villa eventually ran out 2-0 victors over Ange Postecoglou’s side and cemented a crucial win in their chase for Champions League qualification.

The result means Emery’s side are still right in the thick of it, as they contend for a top five finish heading into the Premier League final matchday, and it is shaping up to be a dramatic last game with six teams involved in the battle for Europe.

Emery, speaking after their victory against struggling Spurs, heaped praise on his players for making their home ground a serious fortress.

“I’m very grateful for the supporters,” Emery said. “Here, we are feeling strong and we’re feeling comfortable. We only lost one match here in the Premier League, the first match against Arsenal. Progressively, we were getting better. Of course, we drew some matches in the way, and now we are missing some points from those moments, but we have to accept it.

“We have to accept the 37 matches we’ve played being consistent, more or less, and getting the moment we are in now, feeling good and in our best moment. We’re achieving the challenges we are facing. We enjoyed in the FA Cup and in Carabao Cup, but mostly our moment in the Champions League.

“The Premier League is the most important competition we are facing because through it we are getting again our main objective, and the objective is to be in Europe.

“We are in Europe next year, but we are in the running for the Champions League positions, and we can have chances in the last match in Manchester to get it.”

Aston Villa open talks with Axel Disasi over joining next season

The result of their Champions League chase will have direct effects on their recruitment plans off the field, but that hasn’t stopped NSWE and Monchi from making moves behind-the-scenes.

Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi could remain beyond 2024/2025, with the Frenchman very highly-rated by Emery, his coaching staff and Villa’s transfer chiefs.

That is according to Foot Mercato, who state that Villa have already opened talks with Disasi over joining them next season.

The 27-year-old cost Chelsea £39 million to sign from Monaco in 2023, and Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that they’re keen to sell him for profit this summer. It is unclear how much Villa would be willing to pay to keep Disasi in the Midlands, but he could be a significant addition.

The defender has been called a “leader” at times, and his experience at the top level could be invaluable for Emery.

Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta is now targeting a marquee Premier League forward for Mikel Arteta, as his talks for Real Madrid star Rodrygo hit a snag.

Arsenal open talks for Rodrygo in chase for quality new winger

Last week, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg broke news that Arsenal had opened talks over a move for Rodrygo, with Berta in hot pursuit of a quality new winger who can provide them with even more goals and assists.

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Rodrygo shot to the “very top” of Berta’s list of transfer targets in that regard, but it is still seen as a pretty difficult deal to pull off for a multitude of reasons.

The 24-year-old, who’s bagged 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions over 50 total appearances this season, is also on around £202,000-per-week at Real. This would make Rodrygo one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players on a wage bill which is already pretty significant, with the Gunners’ annual payroll already totalling around £170 million.

If you also factor in his £68 million rumoured price tag, a move for Rodrygo suddenly becomes a costly operation, and Arsenal need to set aside their summer funds carefully as they also target a prolific striker.

Taking all of this into account, it’s actually little surprise that negotiations are now stumbling, as reported by Plettenberg this week.

Arsenal eye Kaoru Mitoma as Rodrygo talks stall

Writing via X, the Sky journalist claims that Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma has now been identified as an alternative to the Real winger, with a move for Rodrygo proving complex as talks stall.

As Arsenal become faced with the very real possibility of having to give up on their “dream signing”, as per Plettenberg, Mitoma could prove to be a tempting option in place of Rodrygo.

The Japan star has scored 11 goals and bagged a further four assists in total throughout 24/25, enjoying yet another productive season at the Amex, but he won’t exactly be much cheaper than Rodrygo.

Reports suggest Mitoma could cost as much as £80 million to prise away from the south coast, with Brighton known to be stern negotiators when it comes to selling their star players.

The 27-year-old won’t be a signing for the ultra-long-term either as he fast approaches his prime, so this is a move which Berta will need to consider very carefully.

Although their focus has been on finding a new manager, Rangers are now reportedly seriously interested in signing a European talent who they’ve already scouted ahead of the summer transfer window.

Rangers' manager shortlist

Before anything, the Gers must finally find a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, having decided against handing Barry Ferguson the job following a brief interim spell at the end of the season. To that end, a number of candidates have unsurprisingly already emerged in the race to land the vaccant position at Ibrox.

Names such as Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti have stolen the most headlines, but that hasn’t stopped the likes of Russell Martin from receiving links to the job in recent weeks. The former Southampton manager has been out of a job since being shown the door at St Mary’s and is now an outside candidate to arrive in Scotland as well as being linked with the Leicester City job.

Plenty have had their say on just who should arrive, including Rangers legend Ally McCoist. He told reporters when quizzed on Gerrard’s next move: “It’s absolutely vital that his next job is the right one, It didn’t quite work out at Villa or in Saudi Arabia. It’s similar to Frank Lampard—his move to Coventry has been crucial in getting his managerial career back on track. Steven’s in that same position. His next step needs to be spot on.”

Whether a return to Rangers is a move that would be “spot on” for Gerrard is a question that those in Scotland may just get an answer to in the coming weeks, as the 49ers ramp up their managerial hunt.

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As soon as they find their next manager, of course, Rangers must turn their attention towards the summer transfer market and that’s when they could make their move to sign an attacking addition who they’ve already scouted.

Rangers seriously interested in Djurgarden winger Fallenius

According to Fotboll Direkt in Sweden, the 49ers are now seriously interested in signing Oskar Fallenius after Rangers completed their scouting mission on the 23-year-old Djurgarden winger. The Swede could be part of a much-needed list of arrivals as those at Ibrox look to turn their side back into true title contenders and bridge the gap on Celtic in the process.

A player who has featured on the European stage and scored in the Europa Conference League, Fallenius has seemingly done enough to earn the attention of Rangers ahead of the summer transfer window.

If the 49ers are looking to improve the Gers whilst maintaining their budget, then the arrival of a player who could be on the verge of bursting into his best form should be the way forward. And Fallenius would fall into that category.

The Scottish giants arguably got it all wrong last summer, but with new owners on the way they have the chance to start fresh and close the gap on Celtic for the first time since 2021. Whether that results in Fallenius’ arrival will certainly be interesting to see.