Islamabad United produced a vintage performance to barnstorm into the top two, relegating Karachi Kings to the Eliminator in the process. Needing to beat Kings by about 49 runs to guarantee two bites at qualification for the final, they managed it with consummate ease as Sahibzada Farhan and Alex Hales combined for a 153-run opening stand in 69 balls to post 251 for 5. Kings’ response was restricted to a flash in the pan for the top two before United’s spinners triggered a collapse, Kings slumping from 80 for 1 to 114 for 8 as United sealed a 79-run win.United were put in to bat, and made their intentions plain from the outset. Farhan struck three fours in the opening over, with Hales going one better with two fours and a six off Khushdil Shah in the second. The two were in competition with each other more than they were with Kings’ bowlers, taking turns to flay them around the Pindi ground. The pair signed off the powerplay with 17 off Abbas Afridi to surge to 76, and if two quiet overs post powerplay gave Kings hope they were dragging the game back, the following three disabused them of that notion severely.Hales hoicked Hasan Ali over long-off for six before Farhan – having reached a 28-ball fifty – smeared him over square leg. The tenth over saw Aamer Jamal cop even worse punishment from Hales, who battered him for three sixes and a four in an over which fetched 24. United had reached 130 at the halfway mark, well on their way to the imposing total they required for a top two finish.There would be no respite as Khushdil’s third over went for a further 20 before a miscued lap from Farhan ballooned to short fine leg off Mir Hamza. He departed for 73 off 41, but Hales would motor along; by the time he ran down the stumps and yorked himself, he had blitzed his way to 88 off 35. United had enough wickets in the tank to keep slogging away, and benefitted from Kings’ largesse as they put down at least six chances amid one of the more egregious fielding displays of a tournament which has seen its fair share. Shadab Khan played the most active role in maximising United’s target towards the end, three fours and as many sixes decorating a 19-ball 42.Karachi needed 204 to secure a second place finish, and that’s what they seemed to be shaping up for at the outset. David Warner and Tim Seifert took an over to settle before they starting finding their shots, picking up a pair of boundaries each over to keep them on track. A whip off Tymal Mills at the end of the fifth over brought up the fifty stand, and though Salman Irshad yorked Seifert just before the end of the powerplay, James Vince and Warner tried to continue with the controlled aggression that marked their innings until then.But Imad Wasim, who had bowled a tight first over, dangled a carrot by dropping a quick long hop in front of Vince, who didn’t quite get the power on the heave to long-on. Salman Agha made no mistake, and thereafter the fall of wickets was a procession as Kings’ charge melted away in a wisp of smoke.A wild swing from Saad Baig brought United the third wicket before all realistic Kings hopes ended when Warner was cleaned up by Imad, who was growing into another superb spell. Shadab, meanwhile, would end up becoming the pick, taking two wickets each in two consecutive overs as he sliced through Kings’ middle order; Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Irfan Khan and Hasan Ali all neutralised within ten balls from the United captain.The victory could have been even more emphatic but United let their guard down, Shadab having his figures sullied as Abbas Afridi plundered an astonishing 24 off his final over. When Ben Dwarshuis was launched for another 15, there were brief fears United might throw away the top two finish, but they had built enough of a cushion. Irshad arrowed one into Jamal’s toes, bringing him to his knees as the umpire raised the finger. As a metaphor for how the night had gone, it was a fitting way to finish.

It's unlikely that Maya Le Tissier didn't see the discourse around her going into Manchester United's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. After Sarina Wiegman said she saw the Red Devils' captain as more of a right-back, rather than a centre-back, the conversation was unavoidable, with everyone from Ian Wright to the Man Utd social media admin getting involved to wonder just why the England boss doesn't see Le Tissier as a serious contender for a starting role in the heart of the Lionesses defence. Perhaps it even served as fuel for the player herself, because she was outstanding in the 1-0 win in Spain that maintained United's perfect start to their first ever UWCL campaign.

Le Tissier had to be brilliant, too, because her team were up against it for almost an hour after an incredibly controversial red card for Dominique Janssen. Until that point, United had enjoyed the better of a competitive game, taking the lead midway through the first half when Fridolina Rolfo thumped home a powerful volley for her first goal for the club. But everything changed once Janssen was sent off just before half time for a challenge that, while unfortunately causing a serious-looking injury to Gio Garbelini, did not look worthy of such a punishment.

It was all about the defensive effort in the second period for United then, who had to deploy Gabby George in the unnatural position of centre-back to make up for Janssen's absence. Fortunately, she had Le Tissier next to her and the captain led by example in an incredibly formidable display. There were plenty of other top performers too, be it goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who made a particularly brilliant save to deny the lively Luany; the midfield duo of Julia Zigiotti Olme and Hinata Miyazawa, whose covering in front of the defence was so often vital; or Leah Galton, whose wonderful energy from the bench would actually create a moment that evened the numbers back out 15 minutes from time, as she burst past Alexia Fernandez before being brought down by the already-booked defender.

Even without Janssen's dismissal, it could've been more comfortable for United. Melvine Malard had a huge chance just past the half hour mark that she stabbed wide and the Frenchwoman really should've put the result beyond doubt in the final few minutes, only to curl another effort off target. Fortunately, the Red Devils wouldn't rue those misses, hanging on to follow up their historic win over Valerenga last week with another in Madrid.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from the Centro Deportivo Wanda Alcala de Henares…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10):

Made some big saves to keep a match-winning clean sheet and commanded her area confidently.

Jayde Riviere (7/10):

Defended admirably, winning six of her seven tackles to preserve 

Maya Le Tissier (8/10):

Came up with so many crucial blocks and clearances as United held on with 10 players.

Dominique Janssen (5/10):

Desperately unlucky to be sent off in the first half. Had been solid in and out of possession until that point.

Anna Sandberg (6/10):

Did well in her ground duels with the lively Luany but switched off a little when the winger spun off her and was left scrambling to get back in position at times.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Julia Zigiotti Olme (8/10):

An all-round effective performance, showing quality in possession and her defensive work while also slotting in reliably at centre-back to help United see out the final few minutes of the first half.

Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):

Did a lot of really good defensive work, especially in the second half when United were under real pressure.

Ella Toone (6/10):

One of United's liveliest players before going off at the break as changes were made to make up for the red card.

Getty ImagesAttack

Melvine Malard (6/10):

Should've doubled United's lead both before and after Janssen's dismissal. Made up for that with a lot of important defensive work, though could've done more to hold the ball up and relieve the pressure on her back line at times.

Elisabeth Terland (6/10):

Worked hard and contributed well to the build-up play before going off at the break as Skinner was forced to reorganise his side.

Fridolina Rolfo (7/10):

Scored a terrific goal to break the deadlock and showed her nous as a left-back by doing a lot of good defensive work to help Sandberg out.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Gabby George (6/10):

Slotted into the slightly unfamiliar position of centre-back after Janssen was sent off. Looked a little rusty at times, given her lack of minutes since injury, but filled in well all things considered.

Lisa Naalsund (7/10):

Good in possession and offered a lot out of it, which is exactly what United needed.

Leah Galton (8/10):

Continued her return from injury when she came on just past the hour. Her running with the ball was so often the reason for the United defence getting some respite and her work tracking back was exceptional.

Rachel Williams (N/A):

Brought strength and energy up top for the final few minutes.

Marc Skinner (7/10):

Was limited in what he could do with his starting XI given the injuries to Park and Bizet but used his bench brilliantly to cope with Janssen's dismissal.

كشف محمد أيمن، المشرف العام على الكرة بنادي بتروجيت، تطورات مفاوضات الزمالك مع حامد حمدان، كاشفًا في الوقت ذاته موقف اللاعب من الأهلي.

وقال أيمن في تصريحات مع كريم رمزي لبرنامج “لعبة والتانية” على راديو “ميجا إف إم”: “التعادل مع الأهلي بالأمس، بداية الانطلاقة الحقيقية لبتروجيت هذا الموسم، بعد تذبذب نتائج الفريق منذ انطلاق الدوري”.

وأضاف: “نظام الدوري الموسم الحالي سبب ابتعاد بتروجيت عن مستواه، كنا الأقرب إلى الفوز في مواجهة الأهلي لولا إهدار الفرص، ولكن بشكل عام التعادل مرضٍ بالنسبة لنا”.

طالع.. حامد حمدان: بتروجيت لم يكن يريد التعادل مع الأهلي

وتابع: “هناك اتفاق مبدئي مع الزمالك لضم حامد حمدان، مدافع الفريق، في فترة الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة، والظروف المالية التي يمر بها الزمالك ستجعلنا نغير آلية تنفيذ التعاقد المادي لرحيل حامد حمدان”.

وأردف أن الزمالك كان قد اتفق في وقت سابق على إبرام عقد ثلاثي مع النادي لضم حامد حمدان، مدافع الفريق، ولكنه غير موقع من أي طرف حتى هذه اللحظة.

وأضاف: “رغبة حامد حمدان ستحسم وجهته إلى ناديه الجديد، واللاعب سيرحل في يناير وليس لدينا أي أزمة في بيع اللاعب خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة”.

وتابع: “لا توجد خطوة إيجابية من الزمالك لضم حمدان حاليًا، وأول عرض رسمي لضم اللاعب جاء قبل غلق باب القيد في أغسطس بيومين فقط”.

وعن احتمالية انتقاله للأهلي، اختتم: “حامد حمدان سينتقل للأهلي في حالتين فقط، الأولى اختيار اللاعب اللعب للنادي الأهلي، والثانية عدم التزام الزمالك بالشروط المالية التي وضعها نادي بتروجيت”.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor felt their performance was as slick as it has been this season despite being held to a goalless draw by Hibernian.

The Hoops played out their fourth scoreless encounter of the campaign as they dropped two points behind Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership. But McGregor was encouraged by much of the display.

Celtic hit the bar twice, through Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi, and had 24 efforts at goal, six of them on target. There was an element of experimentation for Brendan Rodgers with Daizen Maeda starting on the right wing and Iheanacho through the middle, and McGregor feels there was plenty to build on ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Braga at Parkhead.

“If we play like that on Thursday night then I’m pretty sure we’ll win the game,” the midfielder said.

“We’ve been looking for rhythm and searching for that rhythm. I think that was probably as good as it’s been in that football sense. We created a lot of chances.

“So like I said, if the team are then progressing through the ranks and through the pitch like that then, if we can play like that on Thursday night, I’m pretty sure we’ll have a good chance of winning.

“That was probably as slick as we’ve been, right the way through the pitch, creating massive amounts of really good chances.

“On that type of performance, then the goals will come, that will start to drip in our favour.”

Related Rodgers says "excellent" under the radar Celtic star is impressing in training

The Bhoys had to settle for a point in a frustrating turn of events.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Sep 28, 2025 McGregor reacts to Celtic fans' protests

There was a subdued atmosphere for the first 12 minutes as Celtic fans carried out a silent protest against the board over its transfer dealings.

The campaign is set to be escalated on Thursday with the Celtic Fans Collective planning a 29-minute silence to mark the number of days which will have elapsed since an open letter from supporters groups called for answers from the club. But McGregor said:

Hibs continued their unbeaten start to the Premiership season and recorded their first clean sheet in the league. David Gray’s side now face a Hearts team who made it 16 points out of a possible 18 with a 3-0 win over Falkirk.

Gray said: “It’s a brilliant game to look forward to at the weekend.

“As a Hibs player certainly I felt this is always the game that you want to play in, you want to be involved in.

“It’s geared up for a really good one. We’re undefeated in the league, they’re at the top of the league, what goes with that, so they’re obviously playing well and it’s all about looking forward to these games and I think the players will certainly be ready for them.”

Rangers’ bid to appoint a new manager as successor to Russell Martin is in danger of becoming slightly farcical, with another leading candidate reportedly withdrawing himself from the running. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is said to have performed a U-turn after holding initial talks, with former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl seemingly heading in the same direction.

• Martin sacked after forgettable 17-game reign

  Ex-Swansea and Southampton coach Martin was relieved of his duties on October 5. He had taken in 17 games at the helm, having been welcomed to Ibrox over the summer. The 39-year-old won just five of his games in charge, suffering six defeats – including failure to qualify for the Champions League and painful losses in two Europa League fixtures. He bid farewell with the Gers languishing eighth in the Scottish Premiership table and with a police escort required when leaving his final game in the dugout.

  Disgruntled supporters are glad to be rid of Martin, but it remains to be seen who will be next to fill a demanding role in Glasgow. According to , Rohl no longer forms part of that process. The 36-year-old German is said to have turned down the chance to become Rangers’ new boss.

  That decision was taken just five days after Gerrard supposedly ruled out a return to familiar surroundings. The ex-England captain led the Gers to title glory in 2020-21 and spent 193 games in charge of Old Firm giants. He would have been a popular appointment among supporters.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Rangers prepared to be patient in manager search

  Rohl is also out of the running, with former Rangers star Kevin Muscat the clear favourite to pick up the baton dropped by Martin. Patience will, however, be required if a deal is to be done there. That is because the Australian tactician is currently working with Shanghai Port in China, and they have four games left to complete in their domestic season. Muscat would not leave that role prematurely.

  BBC Sport are, however, reporting that “more than one person remains in contention for the job” at Ibrox. Rangers are prepared to take their time in ensuring that their next appointment is the right one.

• McInnes another now out of the running

  Rohl was considered to be a good fit having shown at Sheffield Wednesday that he can deliver positive results in testing circumstances. He became the youngest manager in the EFL when heading to Hillsborough in October 2023 – having previously filled backroom staff roles at RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich and with the Germany national team.

  He guided the Owls away from relegation danger during his first season at the helm, before delivering a solid 12th-place finish last season. Rohl quit his post over the summer amid uncertainty regarding Wednesday’s ownership and financial situation.

  It appears unlikely that his next job will come in Glasgow. Former Gers midfielder Derek McInnes is another to have ruled himself out of that race, with the 54-year-old very much focused on his current role at Hearts – having guided them to the top of the Premiership table.

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• Getty
  

  Could Gerrard be lured back to Ibrox?

  It has been suggested that Gerrard may yet be talked into taking the Gers job, with his fellow former England international, Alan Shearer, telling Betfair of why a second stint at Ibrox should be considered: “There is that 'never go back' saying but if he wants to get back to management, he knows what it's like up there, he's done it and been successful before. He's a huge name in football. I don't think Celtic are that great either. Hearts are top of the SPFL at the moment so that tells you that Celtic aren't a great team either.

  “Steven, or whoever goes into that role may fancy their chances and say it's worth the opportunity and worth going up there to compete. Rangers are miles off it at the minute and it's no surprise that Russell lost his job. The fans were going mad up there and it's not nice to see because of the human behind it and at the end of it. That's what you have to think of but you also know the score when you go into management – if you don't win games, you'll get sacked. The Rangers job will be a brilliant one for whoever takes over.”

  The Gers will be back in action after the international break when playing host to Dundee United on Saturday.

After a long, long two weeks, the international break has finally come to an end, and Arsenal are back in action.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they take on Fulham away from home later on this afternoon.

However, Craven Cottage has not been a happy hunting ground for the Gunners in recent years, and they’ll be without club captain Martin Odegaard.

Fortunately, Arteta now has a squad to deal with situations such as this, and to make sure his side collect all three points, he should bring in one of his best summer signings to replace the Norwegian.

Arsenal's recent form against Fulham

Arsenal’s overall record against Fulham is a spectacular one, as since their first meeting back in February 1904, they have won 43 games, drawn 13 and lost just nine.

There have also been some big wins in that time, such as a 5-1 thumping at Craven Cottage in former manager Unai Emery’s first game against the West Londoners, a game famous for a brilliant team goal.

However, even though Arteta has transformed the North Londoners back into title challengers in recent seasons, Fulham have become something of a bogey team for his side at the same time.

For example, in the last five encounters, Arsenal have won just two games, drawn two and lost one.

Moreover, the Gunners dropped two points in the game at Craven Cottage last season and dropped all three the year before that, in a season they lost the league by just two.

Recent Arsenal vs Fulham Record

Date

Venue

Result

01/04/25

Home

2-1 (Win)

08/12/24

Away

1-1 (Draw)

31/12/23

Away

2-1 (Loss)

26/08/23

Home

2-2 (Draw)

12/03/23

Away

3-0 (Win)

In other words, while this should be a straightforward game on paper for Arteta’s men, it truly is anything but.

With that said, Arsenal are looking good, have already won at another historically tough ground in St James’ Park, and should have more than enough firepower to deal with whatever Marco Silva has planned for this afternoon.

Additionally, while Odegaard’s absence is far from ideal, Arteta can start someone else in his place who’s just as talented a footballer.

The Arsenal player who should replace Odegaard

Arsenal might not have spent as much money on individual players as some other sides this summer, but they made sure to bolster the squad, and as a result, there are a few ways Arteta can replace Odegaard for this game.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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However, the best option he has is to keep Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze in the midfield and bring Martin Zubimendi back into the starting lineup.

There are a few reasons why this would be the best approach, and the first is that his presence at the base of midfield will allow Eze to focus all his attention on the happenings at the sharp end of the pitch.

Moreover, even though Rice has been dropping back a bit more on occasion this season, almost into a double pivot, having the former Real Sociedad star behind him should also give him more license to bomb forward at times.

With that said, it’s not just the 26-year-old’s defensive stability that makes him an obvious inclusion in the lineup, but his passing range and ability to strike the ball.

The latter was on full display when he scored that ridiculous volley against Nottingham Forest, and the former has been on display all season, be that in short passes out from the back, impressive switches, or long driving through balls.

For example, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 6% of midfielders in the Premier League this season for pass completion, long pass completion, passes blocked and successful take-on percentage, the top 10% for overall blocks and more, all per 90.

Zubimendi’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Pass Completion %

88.9%

Top 6%

Pass Completion % (Long)

75.0%

Top 6%

Passes Blocked

1.68

Top 6%

Successful Take-On %

100.0%

Top 6%

Blocks

1.83

Top 10%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

44.47

Top 10%

Aerials Won

1.52

Top 10%

Goals/Shot

0.33

Top 14%

Passes Completed (Medium)

25.13

Top 14%

Passes Attempted (Medium)

27.87

Top 14%

Live-ball Passes

61.37

Top 14%

Total Carrying Distance

218.22

Top 14%

All Stats via FBref

In other words, the former Liverpool target is an extremely well-rounded six, and with numbers like these, plus the eye-test, it’s easy to see why club insider AFC Camdem has dubbed him the Gunners’ “signing of the summer.”

Ultimately, missing Odegaard is far from ideal, but by bringing Zubimendi back into Arsenal’s starting lineup, Arteta will allow Rice and Eze to be more expressive and attacking, which should help them collect three points.

Related Arsenal player blows away staff with injury return now "earlier than expected"

It is a big boost for Mikel Arteta.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Oct 17, 2025

Auckland

Dale Phillips has switched to Auckland from Otago, but his brother Glenn Phillips will remain with Otago and will be available between his international commitments for New Zealand.This will be Dale’s first stint with Auckland’s senior side, having played for them at age-group level before shifting to Otago.Dale, 26, was recently in Chennai to train at the Super Kings Academy, expanding his range of shots especially against spin. Prior to the Chennai camp, Dale was part of the New Zealand A team that beat Bangladesh A 1-0 in the two-match unofficial Test series in Bangladesh.He was also the second-highest run-getter in the 2024-25 Ford Trophy, with 457 runs in ten innings at an average of 45.70 and strike rate of 86.38.Hard-hitting batter Bevon Jacobs, who was part of Mumbai Indians in the IPL and MI Emirates in the UAE’s ILT20 league, has also signed a domestic contract with Auckland. Rohit Gulati, the former Northern Districts fingerspinner, has now moved to Auckland and will fill the void created by the retirement of Louis Delport.Harrish Kannan, who had left Australia for New Zealand, was among four new faces on the Auckland contracts list for the first round.Auckland contracted players: Sid Dixit, Cam Fletcher, Matt Gibson, Rohit Gulati , Bevon Jacobs, Harrish Kannan, Simon Keene, Ben Lister, Jock McKenzie, Angus Olliver, Dale Phillips, Samrath Singh, Sean Solia, Lachie Stackpole, Jordan SussexLeo Carter hit six sixes in an over during a Super Smash match in 2020•Getty Images

Canterbury

Leo Carter has left Otago to turn out for Canterbury in the upcoming domestic season. Carter, who smashed six sixes in an over during a Super Smash game in 2020, bolsters a top order, which already includes Chad Bowes, Matt Boyle and Rhys Mariu.Former New Zealand Under-19 wicketkeeper-batter Jesse Frew and batter Scott Janett, who hit a century on List A debut earlier this year, are the new inclusions in Canterbury’s contract list.Canterbury contracted players: Chad Bowes, Matt Boyle, Leo Carter, Jesse Frew, Scott Janett, Rhys Mariu, Cole McConchie, Angus Mckenzie, Cam Paul, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Michael Rae, Michael Rippon, Matt Rowe, Fraser Sheat

Central Districts

Big-hitting allrounder Dean Foxcroft has returned to Central Districts and is set to represent them for the first time since 2019. Having ended his stint with Otago, Foxcroft is available for the upcoming Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana, where the Super Smash champions will compete with four other T20 teams, including hosts Guyana Amazon Warriors.Allrounder Doug Bracewell is also back on the contract list and will turn out for the side in the GSL. Bracewell had turned down a domestic contract last season to make himself available for Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.With Central Districts’ regular T20 coach Ben Smith away with Derbyshire in the UK, Craig McMillian, the assistant coach of New Zealand women, will take charge in the GSL.Central Districts contracted players: Doug Bracewell, Tom Bruce, Will Clark, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Toby Findlay, Dean Foxcroft, Curtis Heaphy, Jayden Lennox, Ajaz Patel, Brett Randell, Angus Schaw, Brad Schmulian, Blair Tickner, Ray TooleTim Seifert will prioritise the Big Bash League over the Super Smash•CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images

Northern Districts

Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has opted for a casual contract for a second successive season to pursue opportunities in franchise cricket, while fast bowler Scott Kuggeleijn is back on Northern Districts’ books after having taken a casual contract himself last season.Left-arm fingerspin-bowling allrounder Tim Pringle, who had missed the last summer with injury, also returns to the contracts list after undergoing ankle surgery. Pringle, 22, was also part of the camp at the Super Kings Academy as he eased his way back into action both with ball and bat. His last competitive game was in the 2024 T20 World Cup in June last year for Netherlands.Teen prodigy Xavier Bell, who has piled on the runs at district association, club and age-group levels, has earned his maiden contract.ND contracted players: Xavier Bell, Josh Brown, Joe Carter, Katene Clarke, Kristan Clarke, Henry Cooper, Matthew Fisher, Zak Gibson, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Robbie O’Donnell, Ben Pomare, Bharat Popli, Tim Pringle, Jeet RavalJack Boyle will turn out for Otago in 2025-26•Getty Images

Otago

Danru Ferns (transfer from Auckland), Jack Boyle (transfer from Central Districts), Troy Johnson (transfer from Wellington) and former New Zealand Under-19 seamer Mason Clarke have all accepted their first contracts with Otago.Otago contracted players Matt Bacon, Jack Boyle, Max Chu, Mason Clarke, Jacob Cumming, Danru Ferns, Luke Georgeson, Jake Gibson, Andrew Hazeldine, Llew Johnson, Troy Johnson, Ben Lockrose, Jarrod McKay, Thorn Parkes, Jamal Todd

Wellington

Samuel Morgan and Amogh Paranjpe are the new faces on Wellington’s books. Paranjpe, a seamer from Hutt District Cricket Club, had bagged a match haul of ten wickets to lead his club to the Pearce Cup red-ball title earlier this year.Wellington contracted players: Liam Dudding, Nick Greenwood, James Hartshorn, Nick Kelly, Callum McLachlan, Samuel Morgan, Sam Mycock, Amogh Paranjpe, Tim Robinson, Gareth Severin, Michael Snedden, Jesse Tashkoff, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Yahya ZebGary Stead will oversee the progress of the Otago players during the winter•Getty Images

Stead appointed interim Otago coach

Gary Stead’s first assignment after stepping down as New Zealand men’s head coach will be with Otago.Stead will take over from Ashley Noffke as interim coach and will work with Otago’s players during the winter. Noffke has stepped down to join Pakistan’s support staff. Stead will begin his new stint with Otago on June 30.”Otago have a strong playing roster and some exciting young players who have had a very good season,” Stead said in an Otago Cricket statement. “It excites me to have the chance to help these young players and the more experienced players continue to grow, and to be in a position to give back to the domestic game.”

Liverpool have seen lots of players leave for huge money in the past, but who are the most expensive departures in their history?

Transfer business was relatively quiet at Anfield in recent windows before owners FSG splashed the cash on the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in 2025.

Liverpool's most expensive signings of all time

Liverpool have splashed the cash in recent years, but who are their priciest additions?

ByLewis Thompson Sep 5, 2025

In the past, Liverpool have generated huge funds through the exits of certain players. Here are the 20 most expensive sales in Reds history.

Rank

Player

Sold to

Year

Fee

Philippe Coutinho

Barcelona

2018

Luis Suarez

Barcelona

2014

Luis Diaz

Bayern Munich

2025

Fernando Torres

Chelsea

2011

Raheem Sterling

Man City

2015

Darwin Nunez

Al-Hilal

2025

Fabinho

Al-Ittihad

2023

Sadio Mane

Bayern Munich

2022

Jarell Quansah

Bayer Leverkusen

2025

Christian Benteke

Crystal Palace

2016

Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid

2009

Fabio Carvalho

Brentford

2024

Mamadou Sakho

Crystal Palace

2017

Ben Gannon-Doak

Bournemouth

2025

Danny Ings

Southampton

2019

Sepp van den Berg

Brentford

2024

Dominic Solanke

Bournemouth

2019

Javier Mascherano

Barcelona

2010

Neco Williams

Nottingham Forest

2022

Andy Carroll

West Ham

2013

10 Christian Benteke Liverpool to Crystal Palace (£32m)

The signing of Christian Benteke in 2015 never quite felt right for Liverpool, during a time when doubts were starting to creep in about Brendan Rodgers as manager.

The Belgian had admittedly caused the Reds plenty of problems in an Aston Villa shirt in the past, but his performances at Anfield were lacking, and he only spent one season at the club.

Granted, Benteke’s overhead kick away to Manchester United was stunning, albeit in a losing cause, but a tally of just 10 goals in 42 appearances outlined his struggles, as he failed to justify his £32m price tag. Like Sakho, he was sold to Crystal Palace, with Liverpool breaking even following his departure.

9 Jarell Quansah Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen (£35m)

Jarell Quansah was a product of Liverpool’s academy, so his £35m transfer to Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 was seen as pure profit to help with FFP and the club’s summer spending spree.

The centre-back made 58 senior appearances for the Reds prior to his move to the Bundesliga, and there is thought to be a buy back clause included in the deal.

8 Sadio Mane Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£35m)

It’s easy to think about current stars Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah as the poster boys of the current era at Liverpool, but Sadio Mane cannot be ignored.

The Senegalese was an unbelievable servant for the Reds during a six-year period between 2016 and 2022, scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances and arguably standing out as his side’s best player in the title-winning 2019/20 season.

Fast, skilful, strong, tenacious and full of end product, Mane was a world-class player at the peak of his powers prior to moving to Bayern Munich for £35m, just when he was showing signs of being on the wane.

7 Fabinho Liverpool to Al-Ittihad (£40m)

Fabinho felt like a huge piece of the jigsaw being filled when he joined Liverpool from Monaco in 2018, and it is no coincidence that the Reds won the Champions League and the Premier League in his first two seasons at the club.

A dominant presence at the heart of the midfield, the Brazilian was one of Europe’s leading No 6s in his prime, combining an elite reading of the game with his underrated quality on the ball.

However, Fabinho’s legs seemed to go in 2022/23, as was the case with Jordan Henderson, and it made sense to sell him to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for £40m the following summer.

6 Darwin Nunez Liverpool to Al-Hilal (£46.2m)

Darwin Nunez cost Liverpool an initial £64m from Benfica back in 2022, and after failing to hit the heights at Anfield across three seasons, the Reds decided a change was needed.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal came calling in 2025, and with the Reds already having Hugo Ekitike through the door at Anfield and soon signing Alexander Isak, cashed in on Nunez for just over £46m.

5 Raheem Sterling Liverpool to Manchester City (£49m)

Raheem Sterling’s meteoric rise at Liverpool was hugely impressive, with the Englishman going from youth team star to key first-team player in no time during the early part of the 2010s.

He was outstanding in the 2013/14 season despite still being a teenager, coming so close to playing a big role in the Reds winning the Premier League, and performed at a level of maturity beyond his years.

However, Sterling burned his bridges with Liverpool fans when he opted to join Manchester City for £49m in 2015, and many appearances at Anfield since have seen him booed relentlessly.

4 Fernando Torres Liverpool to Chelsea (£50m)

When Fernando Torres joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in 2007, he felt like one of the most exciting signings in the history of the club.

The Spanish star backed up the hype, becoming one of the world’s best strikers in his first couple of years on Merseyside, giving defenders nightmares – not least Nemanja Vidic. He may not have won a trophy at Liverpool, but 81 goals in 142 games was a stunning return.

When Torres controversially joined Chelsea for £50m in January 2011, many supporters were devastated, but the truth is that his very best days were already behind him.

3 Luis Diaz Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£65.5m)

Luis Diaz was brilliant for Liverpool during his three-and-a-half-year stay at Anfield, so it was a slight surprise that he wanted to pursue a move to Bayern Munich in 2025.

The Colombia international, who cost the Reds an initial £37m, won the Premier League before heading to the German giants, with Liverpool making a tidy profit on Diaz in the process.

2 Luis Suarez Liverpool to Barcelona (£75m)

Has there ever been a more talented player in Liverpool’s history than Luis Suarez?

What the Uruguayan achieved in a Reds shirt between 2011 and 2014 was unforgettable, with only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo arguably better than him during that period.

Suarez came painfully close to inspiring Liverpool to title glory in 2013/14, scoring 31 goals in just 33 league appearances, and his £75m exit to Barcelona at the end of that campaign was hard to take.

1 Philippe Coutinho Liverpool to Barcelona (£142m)

In hindsight, the £142m sale of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018 is one of the best pieces of business the Reds have ever done.

While there was discontent about him leaving at the time, having grown into his side’s attacking talisman, it allowed Liverpool to use the funds to sign Alisson and Van Dijk, and the rest is history.

The legendary goalkeeper and centre-back completely transformed the Reds as a team under Klopp, turning them into one of the best club sides of their generation. Meanwhile, Coutinho’s career has completely petered out ever since, with injuries and patchy form turning him into a shadow of his former self.

أعلن الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” عن الفائز بجائزة رجل مباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

والتقى الفريقان على ملعب “آنفيلد” مساء الثلاثاء، حيث استقبل ليفربول الإنجليزي خصمه ريال مدريد الإسباني.

وتمكن ليفربول من تحقيق الفوز على حساب ريال مدريد بهدف دون مقابل، ضمن مباريات الجولة الرابعة لمرحلة الدوري بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

اقرأ أيضًا | تقييم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا

وحصل أليكسيس ماك أليستر على جائزة رجل مباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد، حيث قاد فريقه للفوز بالهدف الذي أحرزه من رأسية.

وقالت مجموعة المراقبين الفنيين بالاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم: “لقد سجل الهدف الحاسم، وكانت مساهمته للفريق ممتازة، سواءً بالكرة أو بدونها”.

ورفع ليفربول رصيده إلى 9 نقاط في دوري أبطال أوروبا، بالمركز السادس وتجمد رصيد ريال مدريد عند 9 نقاط في المركز الخامس.

The Tottenham treatment room is at bursting point with a host of key players on the absentee list, including one star who has proven himself to be most vital to the club's success. Spurs' win stats fall off a cliff when he isn’t playing, they also face a huge jump in shots faced and he will be needed back ASAP to help the north Londoners get their season back on track.

• Early season struggles for Spurs

  Spurs have endured a mixed start to the season under new manager Frank. Despite winning the Europa League last season, a significant injury crisis has carried over and hampered progress, with key players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remaining long-term absentees, though recent signings like Joao Palhinha and Xavi Simons have been integrated. Frank's side has performed better away from home, including impressive wins at Manchester City and West Ham. Whereas, their home form has been inconsistent, highlighted by league losses to Aston Villa and Bournemouth. And there have been uninspiring draws in the Champions League, where they remain unbeaten but not convincing.

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  Away-day worries for Frank

  The player that Frank relies on so heavily missed the recent 0-0 draw with Monaco in the Champions League and after the match, Spurs' Danish boss bemoaned his side's lack of energy. He said: "The intensity was not at the level we wanted to for whatever reason. I think it's something we've been very good to play with basically every game more or less. Today we couldn't go for whatever reason. That can be momentum, it can be a lot of things. Then I think on a general level we made too many mistakes. Decision-making and simple passes that didn't help on the day. It was a hard point won. I think it was a relatively even first half."

  Frank added: "Second-half our performance was not good and Monaco were better than us. It demanded a lot to keep the clean sheet which we did in the end. I think Vicario was very good but we didn't hit the performance level we wanted to, especially in the second half. We're definitely learning [in the] Champions League. Playing away in the Champions League is always difficult. We still need to defend a lot but on the flip side, I think we created some chances, but of course I want more."

• The numbers stack up for star

  The statistics highlight that it’s captain Cristian Romero who is of vital importance to Tottenham's success. Since the beginning of the 23-24 season, Spurs' league win rate drops dramatically from 50 per cent when he starts to just over 23 per cent without him. In fact, across 26 league matches played without Romero, Tottenham have secured only six wins. His absence also has a clear defensive impact, as the team concedes an average of 16.3 shots per game, a notable increase from the 12.3 shots conceded when he is on the pitch.

  Romero’s replacement is Austria international Kevin Danso, who has highlighted the importance of Romero’s passing game, he said: “Definitely, but also just try to fulfil the role as best as I can. Obviously, he’s a very important player for us. For me, it’s just doing the job, defending first and foremost and trying to replace him in that instance as best as I can. I think it was an okay game (on Sunday), unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we wanted, but the aim is to win here tomorrow.”

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  Mis-firing Spurs face Mersey test

  Romero is doubtful for the upcoming Everton match this weekend after suffering a minor groin strain in the warm-up before the defeat by Villa. Frank believes the injury is not severe, but the Argentina international’s return date remains uncertain. After Everton, Spurs face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on October 29.