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Liverpool are making waves in the transfer window this summer and even television personality Piers Morgan has chimed in, with the well known Arsenal supporter unhappy at the news coming out of Anfield this week.

Liverpool closing in on three summer signings

Arne Slot has become a hero at Anfield following a season that has saw his side become Premier League champions, and celebrations will continue long into the next few weeks from anyone of a Liverpool persuasion.

However, there have been headline-grabbing stories elsewhere involving the Reds, not least Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave his boyhood club for Real Madrid.

What has been more impressive in light of a significant departure is Liverpool’s quickfire response in the market. Turning heads around Europe, Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong appear to be on their way to Anfield.

Laying down a statement of intent, the top-flight holders have reportedly seen off competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich for the former, who clearly views the Reds as an environment where regular silverware can be won for the foreseeable future.

Milos Kerkez has agreed personal terms with the Reds, lending credence to the thought that Slot could be set to build a dynasty while in charge.

Related Romano: Liverpool on verge of £45m star signing after personal terms agreed

The Reds are close to completing a deal.

Posts 3 BySean Markus Clifford May 26, 2025

Either way, this window feels like it could be a significant one for Liverpool. They have needed to wait their turn during Pep Guardiola’s four-in-a-row era, but you feel the tide may be changing between the Reds and their rivals.

Arsenal have also been firmly in that conversation, so much so that media personality Morgan has now shared his thoughts on the news coming out of Merseyside.

Piers Morgan reacts to Liverpool's Florian Wirtz bid

Taking to social media platform X, Morgan has questioned why Arsenal haven’t taken a similar course of action to Liverpool’s speedy pursuit of a key target like Wirtz. Questioning Mikel Arteta’s authority, he also praised the Reds for ‘not mucking around’ as they look to defend their title come the start of next season.

Admittedly, he does have point, but Liverpool fans will be quite happy that they are the ones leading the race for a player who has registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances this term.

Next campaign, Arsenal are expected to be at the forefront once again in the title race. The Reds managed to finish ten points ahead of their nearest challenger, albeit their run-in results were a consequence of winning the league with games to spare.

Liverpool are a winning machine when it matters at present and are showing no signs of slowing down, so there is every reason for the red half of Merseyside to be excited at what 2025/26 could have in store, while fans in North London must count on their club to find the right number nine to lead the line for Arteta next term.

Chelsea’s striking woes continued when they were held to a 2-2 draw against 18th-placed Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday.

Nicolas Jackson has gone 11 matches in all competitions without scoring a goal for the Blues, whilst Christopher Nkunku has scored one goal in his last 13 games in all competitions.

Enzo Maresca does not have a lethal, powerful, centre-forward like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who has scored 21 goals in the top-flight this season.

Chelsea are, however, reportedly interested in signing a striker who could come in as their answer to the Norwegian marksman ahead of next season.

Chelsea eyeing Serie A marksman

According to CaughtOffside, the London giants are one of several Premier League clubs eyeing up a deal to sign Juventus number nine Dusan Vlahovic.

The report claims that Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Arsenal are also keen on the Serbian forward, and it reveals that the English teams keen on him could bid on his services at a fee of £39m.

This suggests that Chelsea could bid £39m in an attempt to sign Vlahovic from Juventus, who CaughtOffside claims are open to moving on from the striker this summer ahead of his contract expiring next year.

Transfer Focus

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

It is now down to the club to agree a deal with the Old Lady to bring the left-footed marksman to Stamford Bridge, to give Maresca the chance to develop his own version of Haaland.

Why Dusan Vlahovic could be Chelsea's Erling Haalnd

Like the Man City star, Vlahovic is a bit of a throwback striker in style in the sense that he provides a physical presence, standing at 6 foot 3, at the top end of the pitch, combining power and pace with technical quality.

Just under three years ago, Serbian FA president Nenad Bjekovic claimed “Vlahovic is better and more complete than Haaland”, and added: “The Norwegian has devastating power, but Dusan is not inferior: there is also very little difference in their height.”

The 25-year-old star has not been at his best this season, with nine goals from 12.03 xG in the Serie A, but Chelsea could look at that as an opportunity to get a bargain on the forward.

Vlahovic has produced better performances in previous seasons, including his haul of 24 goals from 18.23 xG for Fiorentina and Juventus combined in the 2021/22 campaign, and the Blues could look to get him back to that level.

Appearances

27

33

25

xG

9.73

16.67

12.03

Goals

10

16

9

Minutes per goal

194

145

190

Big chances created

4

3

3

Assists

2

4

4

As you can see in the table above, the Serbian has had better campaigns in front of goal between that prolific 24-goal year and his current struggles.

Vlahovic, who was once described as “incredibly prolific” by scout Jacek Kulig, has also scored four goals from 3.20 xG in six outings in the Champions League this term, which shows that he can also step up on the European stage.

Chelsea made contact to sign gem who'd be an even better signing than Delap

Chelsea are eyeing a deal for a Premier League star who would be an even better signing than Liam Delap.

ByDan Emery Apr 12, 2025

It would be a gamble for Chelsea to take, given his finishing struggles in the Serie A this season, but it is one that could pay off as he has the potential to be Maresca’s own version of Haaland, as a physically impressive and prolific striker, if he can recapture his form from previous campaigns.

It was their lowest total at home, the lowest ever against New Zealand, and they bagged a record five ducks on their way there

Sampath Bandarupalli17-Oct-202446 – India’s total against New Zealand in Bengaluru was by far their lowest in Test matches at home. Their previous lowest at home was 75 all out against West Indies in 1987 in Delhi.It is also India’s third-lowest total in Tests overall, behind their 36 against Australia at Adelaide Oval in 2020 and 42 against England at Lord’s in 1974.1 – India’s 46 all out is the lowest by any team in Test cricket in Asia. The previous lowest in Asia was 53 all out by West Indies against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1986 and Pakistan against Australia in Sharjah in 2002.ESPNcricinfo LtdIt is also the lowest total by any team against New Zealand in Tests. The previous lowest was 51 all out by Zimbabwe in Napier in 2012.3 – Number of first-innings totals lower than India’s 46 after electing to bat first in men’s Tests.5 – India batters to be dismissed for a duck in Bengaluru, all in the top eight. It is only the second instance of five out of the top-eight batters being dismissed for ducks in a Test innings. The previous instance was back in 1888, by Australia against England in Manchester.Getty Images15 – Runs scored by India for the loss of their last seven wickets – 31 for 3 to 46 all out. Only once have India added fewer runs in a Test innings for their last seven wickets – 11 against Australia in Pune in 2017.26 – Matches needed for Matt Henry to complete 100 wickets in Test cricket, the joint-second fastest to the milestone among New Zealand players. Richard Hadlee took 25 matches for his 100th Test wicket, while Neil Wagner also needed 26.2012 – The last instance of visiting pacers bagging all ten wickets in a Test innings against India – also by New Zealand in Bengaluru. Five of the seven occasions where the visiting pacers took all ten in an innings against India since 1988 have been by New Zealand.

Tom Moody, Anil Kumble and Stephen Fleming have their say following another trophy-less World Cup campaign for India

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Nov-20223:56

Should India allow players to participate in overseas leagues?

The next T20 World Cup is in two years. What should be the first plan to address the top-order issue? Moody: I think the top order needs to be more dynamic. So I’d be looking at players that fit that profile. So, identifying who are the players who play the sort of fearless game that we see, for example, Suryakumar Yadav. But he plays in the middle order. Who is the version of him that I can have at the top of the order?Ideally, in my top three, I’d want two of them and then I have my anchor player that plays around circumstances, conditions, lot of early wickets, whatever it is, just to set the ship back on the right course if things go wrong.Related

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So who are those dynamic players? Rishabh Pant is one of them. Ishan Kishan is another one that I see who is an extraordinary talent. At the end of the day, it’s not the people you are picking but the brand of cricket you want to play. The people then follow the brand. Do you feel that as a player grows in stature in Indian cricket, he almost loses the ability to play that brand? Kumble: I think what is crucial in a situation like this is the communication that you have with your group of players, not necessarily what we think about as experts or what the media thinks. So, yes, the communication around the players is what brand of cricket that you are going to play and how you are going to support the kind of players who come in to play that kind of cricket. Because when you are playing that kind of cricket, it involves a lot of risk. Which means that you may not have performances consistently going your way.3:43

Moody’s advice to India – Set a brand of cricket, then pick players accordingly

There may be situations where you may get blown away for 80. Because if that’s the kind of cricket you want to play, where right from ball one, you’re going to go hard, then you need proper communication around the team. And it just doesn’t require the captain and the coach to do that, it requires everyone to get a buy-in. More importantly, what I see as something that certainly needs to be done is, how we keep talking about bowlers need to bat. But I think in Indian cricket, you need batters to bowl too for the balance of the team.That’s exactly what England have. They had too many choices today. They used Liam Livingstone. Moeen Ali has hardly bowled in this tournament. So those are the choices that you need. Unfortunately even in the India A team that gets picked, it’s mostly batters who don’t bowl. It’s important to create that brand of cricket and say that this is how the Indian team is going to do it and it should follow right through the system. I think the more and more you play T20s, it’s going to be like this, where you just come and show your power. So that’s exactly how I think T20 is going to go forward.Moody: I think the important thing we need to recognise is that today’s result for England is the legacy that Eoin Morgan has left in English cricket. He was the one who was very firm in the brand that he wanted his white-ball teams to play both in T20 and 50-over cricket, and he backed them. When you play that brand, you’re going to have highs and you’re going to have lows, but you have to stick with people.So you identify who those people are that can bring that style of cricket that you feel is the future, that’s going to give you the success, and that sort of breeds another generation of people. So you breed that success and that’s the turning point for India. There’s no shortage of talent, but it’s about accepting that this is the brand and that we’ve got your back. We know there’s going to be failure playing that way but we feel that you’ve got the skillset and we are going to surround you with the support to make sure you technically, physically and mentally can survive playing that type of cricket.1:06

Kumble: Brand of cricket India want to play will determine who plays in 2024 T20 World Cup

This is perhaps easier to instill on the newer bunch of cricketers? Moody: Not necessarily. Look at Jonny Bairstow’s story. I know he is not in this World Cup because of his injury. But Bairstow did not play that brand of cricket 10 years ago. He’s evolved and turned into a beast. You look at him in the Test arena now. He’s even taking that approach to Test cricket. He’s always been a steady impact player but now he is like a different beast, isn’t he? So you need four or five players to bat with Suryakumar’s intent, if not execution? Moody: Yeah and he does it as a freelancer. He does it because that’s who he is. That is his own authenticity as a cricketer. And it’s breaking away the shackles of the others and saying this is what I want you to do, we’ve got your back.Fleming: I like to concentrate on the responsibility of the player, whether it’s the current or the up and coming, that this is the way the game’s going. It’s fine for Tom or Anil or me to say you have to go and play and be free, but you have to learn how to do it. And there’s a certain skill-set, courage, resilience and confidence that is needed to do it. So you can’t just go ahead and change your game straight away.But assuming I’m a young player, I’d be thinking, ‘hey I can see the game going this way. I’m going to learn some of these skills. I haven’t got them now, but I’m going to learn and I’m going to become a member of this next side whether it’s two years or four years down the track because I’m going to play a certain way’.

“Sheer numbers has often been the way you get recognised in India, but now it’s the way you get the numbers. It might not be as high, but the strike-rates have to be higher”Stephen Fleming on the way forward for India’s top order

So the responsibility will still lie with the player to pick up that skill, and that’s the exciting part. You’ve got one of the greatest stages you can have in the IPL to show your talent, so from now until then, get going. Where it gets interesting is he [Moody] talked about buy-ins, Morgan getting buy-ins from players and a number of coaches. In India it’s a bit harder, because you have to get buy-ins all the way down to the high-end domestic level. And there’s a lot of coaches and a lot of people you have to convince that this is the right way to go. Because sheer numbers has often been the way you get recognised in India, but now it’s the way you get the numbers. It might not be as high, but the strike-rates have to be higher. It has to be higher risk, it has to have an element of confidence to get down on the knee and start sweeping and doing these shots that are now becoming commonplace among the best of the world.The onus goes on the cricket landscape to pick these players up and teach them what’s the next way to play in the top order. It’s not a massive change, but you’re going to have to shift the mentality of a number of batters. Some of these top batters, they’re beautiful players to watch, but they might have to add a little bit of the unorthodox and just take the game on a little bit more, if India are to compete with England going forward in the next few years.Kumble: One is of course having that brand of cricket and then choosing the players to do that but I think it’s also important that these players play their specific roles wherever they play. Because it’s not about just playing that role for India and then going back to your domestic cricket and franchise cricket and then changing the way you’re going to go about it. Because, for example, Pant today batted for India at No. 6, he walked in in the 19th over. He never does that in domestic cricket. So you need some kind of role definition as well there and that’s something I think is very critical if you’re going to build a potent team where you need a back-up for those roles and not necessarily your six best players whatever role they can. It’s very difficult to do that in a World Cup.Moody: Just to build on that a little bit, the example you have there of Pant coming in the 19th over. That’s everything that went wrong with India’s pursuit of a total. Because how could you have a resource like that left and have the total they’ve got? If he’s coming in the 19th over, you’d expect the score to be 180 or 190. But having that as a wasted resource is purely because of the brand that was demonstrated for 70% of the innings. In my opinion, 60 or 70% of that innings was not the modern brand that is going to be good enough to win the T20 World Cup.2:00

Fleming on Rohit’s struggle: There’s pressure in being out of comfort zone

So Kohli and Rohit got it wrong today?Kumble: I’m not saying they got it wrong. They are players that are capable of playing at a higher strike-rate. But obviously, Rohit has not been in the best of form. He was trying hard. It was not for a lack of trying, it was just that it didn’t work out. Maybe recognising on the surface, that since KL Rahul got out early, he should have known that in the first six overs, someone had to take the initiative. Virat hit that six over extra cover, but I think in the next few overs, the momentum was again taken away from India and given back to England. Especially after the sixth over, when the two spinners came on, I don’t think there was any intent to put the pressure back on England. Like Tom had mentioned, there was no identifying which bowler to take down today. Irrespective, he may end up getting three wickets, but you need to decide that okay, he’s the person I’m going to take down.Moody: In the powerplay, there was a simple difference with the approach and intent that we’ve been talking about. Five boundaries by India, 10 by England. Anil makes a really good point, he’s bowled enough overs to understand this. You can only bowl as well as you’re allowed to. And at times, you can bowl an over or two and you get away with it thinking, oh they haven’t really taken me down yet. Because suddenly the margin of your error when someone is taking you on shrinks dramatically. So that’s what happened today with India’s bowlers. The way that Jos Buttler and Alex Hales batted, they didn’t have a margin of error purely because they put so much pressure on them. Indian players just play the IPL, but they come up against a number of players who have a great deal of T20 experience from around the world. Are Indian players short-changed that they play only one premier T20 tournament in the year?Fleming: It may be something to consider when you listen to the commentators talk about Hales and his experience at the ground [Adelaide Oval] and Phil Salt has played at the ground. It seems like a number of these players who are playing around the world are getting really important experience from playing these domestic tournaments that they can then tap into and feel a lot more comfortable.You look at the CPL which becomes more important with the next World Cup being there in the Caribbean, and how many players can you get put into that tournament to get an idea of conditions. It is an advantage. Young players maybe more so than the guys who have been a bit longer in the tooth. Bairstow is a great example. They can still keep getting better because you keep learning from these environments. Things are done in a different way in different parts of the world. So if you keep bolting, it’s like upgrading your phone. Every time you plug it in and get an upgrade you get another new tool. And these guys are just going around adding these new tools to their repertoire. So they become quite complete and then they just sync in to a certain way of playing. Playing with a different group of people outside of the people you know and usually play with, that can also be a good challenge and good for the maturity and pressure-wise, responding to it and again just adding something to your game.3:38

India’s top order – risk-averse or simply misfits?

Would you welcome a change at least for young players, if not the centrally contracted ones, to go and play in other leagues? Kumble: I think exposure certainly helps. It certainly helps any cricketer. We have seen that with the kind of development that it has had on Indian cricket. For example, the IPL, where overseas players come in and the kind of changes we’ve had in Indian cricket has certainly helped. And likewise, if you identify the brand of cricket that we are looking at and then identify these key young players who you believe need those exposures, then why not? I think that’s important. The other thing that I also feel that needs to come into this team is the flexible approach to batting or the batting order. Because in T20s, I certainly believe there is no fixed batting order. You have to be flexible in the way you are going to go about using your resources. And yeah, in terms of giving an opportunity to a young player to go overseas and have a crack, then why not? I think it’s important that you need to have everything that you need to do that come 2024, you are well prepared to take on a World Cup event.Moody: What we’ve seen over recent years is that more and more Indian players get that exposure in county cricket and the benefit that they get with that exposure. Zaheer Khan is one of the greatest examples of all. Ishant Sharma is also another great example. That exposure of learning about their game, learning about other professionals around them and the volume of cricket that you play there. You talked about the lack of depth of Indian batsmen that can bowl; take tournaments like the CPL for example, if you’re using that as a platform, you couldn’t get a better platform to send six or 12 and have two batting allrounders per team in that tournament. And I know that tournament would say with open arms, please bring all of your development players, it doesn’t have to be your contracted players, and use this as a platform. Because it’s a win-win. The CPL will welcome it thinking gosh, we’ve got some top notch Indian players, and it gets a little bit of interest in a country where cricket is as big as we know. I think everyone’s a winner.Kumble: Yeah, I think it will only benefit the younger players if they get more opportunities. And I think one thing that certainly needs to be addressed is batters coming on to bowl. Otherwise, you’ll end up having this conundrum whether to go with five bowlers, six bowlers. I think if you have enough ability in the top 6 to give you two options, then I think it certainly opens up… you can pick and choose who you want at No. 7.Will Kohli and Rohit be a part of the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup?•AFP/Getty ImagesHave we likely seen the last of Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli in T20Is for India? Moody: With two years to play out, I’d be surprised if they play a lot of T20 cricket for India between now and that World Cup. And I think that decision will be something that they’ll need to sit down with the cricket board and work out six months prior to that World Cup. Because I don’t see any point in them playing any T20 cricket for India, apart from franchise cricket of course, to that point, because it’s a great platform to look to develop the players that we’ve been talking about.Kumble: I think you’ll sort of not decide now, but it’s the decision of the player. And it’s about what brand of cricket you want to play and what is the buy-in of everyone else. I think that will determine who is a part of 2024 and who’s not.Fleming: I know there are big decisions made after big tournaments and some can be rash. I don’t like discarding players after a big tournament. I think there’s a process in which both the boys have identified there that you work through. You’re looking at talent, you are looking at the tournaments coming up and you put a bit of a plan in place that is in conjunction with the player, and with selectors and the board. You by no means shut the door, you work towards that door and see what sort of time frame you’re thinking and then come up with a plan.I’m not trying to sit on the fence but I just think it’s crude when you just put a line in the sand after a tough tournament when I think they have still something to give. Is there enough time for it? That’s a question a couple of years on. What’s the motivation level of the player? What’s the energy level? Often the decision is made before the selectors have to intervene. So it will be an interesting watch not just for India but for a number of teams when you reshuffle the deck and you see who’s still standing.

Are fast bowlers in a position to hit their peak at the IPL after so many months of inaction?

Shashank Kishore24-Aug-2020

What are the challenges fast bowlers face when they return to high-intensity training after a long break?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the India and Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer: I remember that once my pace increased, I struggled for almost six-seven months. I didn’t get injured during that time, but my body took time to adjust. I was fatigued. My body wasn’t used to the workload. At times I used to feel niggles. Luckily, the trainer and physio back then addressed my issues. Instead of going big with training, they focused on the smaller things, which helped me a lot.Irfan Pathan, the former India allrounder: If it’s a break without injuries, coming back is easier – it’s like returning, getting on to the horse and riding it. If it’s an injury, depending on the severity, it’s harder. I remember when I was unfit and struggling with injuries. I wish I had the knowledge then as I do now. If you’re injured, planned injury management is key. You need to be pain-free, recover from muscle or bone loss, and then ease yourself [back in]. If it’s something as small as a Grade-1 hamstring strain, you can come back within two weeks. In fact you can start bowling from the third or fourth day. If it’s a stress fracture, it could take six to eight weeks after your four or five months of rehabilitation.L Balaji, the former India pacer and current Chennai Super Kings bowling coach: Athletes develop certain set routines that were put on hold. You couldn’t have practised these skill sets at home, so bowlers will take two-three weeks to adapt. It’s pretty much like coming out of an injury layoff. You can’t expect 100% intensity when you’re just coming back.Jaydev Unadkat, the Saurashtra and Rajasthan Royals pacer: In 2014, I was out of the game for five months because of a stress fracture on my back. That was more frustrating than this forced pandemic break. This time, it was more challenging mentally than physically.

“If it’s a break without injuries, coming back is easier – it’s like returning, getting on to the horse and riding it. If it’s an injury, depending on the severity, it’s harder”Pathan

How did you train during the peak of the lockdown?

Kumar: I was very motivated for the first 15 days of the lockdown. No one knew how long it would last and I didn’t have any equipment to exercise at home either. I did bodyweight workouts to keep myself fit. But after 15 days, I started finding it difficult to motivate myself. I then ordered equipment at home and things have improved since. We, or I rather, generally give excuses that I don’t have enough time to improve my fitness given we end up playing so many matches. So I am working on coming out of this lockdown as a better version of myself. On-field performance is different, but I can work on my fitness, or my athletic ability, or gaining more strength.Mohammed Shami, the India and Kings XI Punjab pacer: I made a practice facility [at his farmhouse], and have been using it for the last few months. I created practice wickets to play on. These couple of months have been tough for everyone, including players. You might have seen my training videos. I haven’t been able to bowl properly. That’s something that has come to a halt.Unadkat: I was looking to take a break from the Irani Cup [in March] itself because of my workload. The body had a couple of niggles, which was building up as we approached the Ranji final, but at that stage, there was no way I was going to miss out. So the forced break helped me a great deal. Playing an IPL season immediately after the Ranji season could have been a little taxing. The time away has given me the opportunity to work on building my skills and working my way into an IPL season.I started training with Cheteshwar Pujara at his academy from the end of June. For the first two weeks, I only focused on getting back the feel. Initially, I bowled from two or three steps. The focus was just on landing the ball, without dwelling too much into the technicalities or skills. After two weeks, I started a mix of gym training and bowling.Sandeep Warrier, the Kerala and Kolkata Knight Riders pacer: In July, I started bowling with Vijay Shankar at his house. He has nets in his terrace, so that kind of gave me the freedom to exercise my main skill sets. We trained thrice a week there. So I have slowly eased my way back. Maybe once the quarantine in the UAE is over, and we have a couple of open nets or practice matches, I’ll be back to my full rhythm. [Previously] my body hasn’t responded as well as it has this time, and that’s exciting.Jaydev Unadkat knows a thing or two about returning from injury•BCCI

How did it feel to get out of home and get back to bowling?

Unadkat: Just having the ball in my hand felt really good. I felt pumped, because the last ball I’d bowled was the delivery that won us the Ranji Trophy final. So I was kicked to be bowling again. For me, it’s about my rhythm. If the synchronisation of my action, my run-up and follow through is good, I know it’s half the job done. Rhythm matters more to me. If that feels all right, I know it’s just a matter of time before I can bowl what I want to. I’m somewhat 70-80% there at the moment. After three weeks, that is when I started bowling off a full run-up. And by the end of July, I felt I was nearly 70% of my full intensity.Balaji: The bowling rhythm comes when you don’t have restrictions. When you’re constrained within four walls, you do routines with minimal body movements. Rhythm can happen when you have freedom of your own body. Once that freedom comes in, you express yourself; that’s the way I look at it. But again, [as bowling coaches] we have to be mindful of fast bowlers, especially, of overloading. Players have all been starved of any cricket in the summer, so it’s only natural that when they’re back at training, they want to bowl, field, do all the routines they’re used to for long periods of time. But because many of them haven’t played for long or are coming back from injuries, we need to gradually phase them back into full-intensity training.Warrier: It feels amazing to be back bowling. I’m in the best shape possible fitness-wise, and this has helped me a lot with the ball. My run-up, rhythm – everything is slowly coming back. I know if I can prepare well, it will help me not just for the IPL, but also the Ranji Trophy and the T20s [Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy] possibly.

“Rhythm matters more to me. If that feels all right, I know it’s just a matter of time before I can bowl what I want to. I’m somewhat 70-80% there at the moment”Unadkat

What are the things you want to avoid when returning to cricket after a break?

Pathan: When I was working with the Jammu and Kashmir team in the previous season, because we played nine games with three rest days in between, the focus was on recovery. My aim was to see the fast bowlers were all properly rested. Yes, if someone was struggling, I’d be happy for them to bowl. But if they were in form and in good rhythm, maximum I’d have them bowl 12 or 18 balls, just so that they felt good about their bowling. You don’t want to overload them. One niggle could lead to a bigger problem.Kumar: Generally, when I come back from an injury, I have some niggle or the other. If I keep bowling and get my body used to that rhythm, I stay fine. In the last couple of years, it has happened with me a few times that when I took a break from playing for two or three weeks, I had some niggle or the other on return. I worked on that as well. Whenever I took a break from playing, I didn’t stop bowling. I may rotate my arms at home or bend my back to ensure that my body is used to the bowling action.

A lot of players have focused on gym fitness during this break – your thoughts?

Pathan: At times [in the past], I overdid the gym stuff, made mistakes. But things have changed now. The fundamentals of training have changed, they’ve become format specific and with schedules being the way they are, there’s a lot of emphasis on recovery and bringing in some level of functional training. The connection between gym fitness and on-field action is very close now, so you have to embrace it while maintaining a balance.Balaji: You can last a day without eating too, but won’t have the energy. Gym fitness complements your abilities as a bowler, that’s how I look at it. Beyond gyms, you need to have the actual feel of running in, hitting the right lengths over and over again. It’s like us looking at food as a component to give us energy, not be dependent on it to survive.Warrier: I looked at skills mostly. I wanted to use the time to focus on my weakness, which you don’t have time to work on when you’re playing day in and day out at the IPL for two months non-stop. I wanted to get stronger physically. My flexibility levels weren’t great. I worked on it. I went to an advanced studio for stretching and mobility exercises daily. Then gradually once I found difference in the way I feel physically, it helped in my bowling too. I tried to work on that perfect outswing. I also worked on my scrambled seam.Sandeep Warrier eased his way back, with a little help from Vijay Shankar•BCCI

How much sync has there been between coaches, players and physios during this period?

Warrier: I’ve been in touch with Abhishek Nayar, Omkar Salvi and Dinesh Karthik [at the Kolkata Knight Riders]. The general chatter within the group has been to keep ourselves fit and ready. So we’ve had a lot of things tailored to ensure fitness levels don’t drop. We’ve all been doing it for many years now, so this forced break won’t make much of a difference skills-wise, but could fitness-wise – the change [for the better or worse] could be huge either way.Balaji: It’s very important. You can’t overnight prepare your body for six weeks of heavy workload. The idea is to ensure players finish the tournament without injuries, and for that management and conditioning is important. The key is to accelerate your training slowly and decelerate when your body has come to a certain level of repetitiveness, so that you recover to do it again. We’ve put in place a proper workload management system, it’s important.Unadkat: I worked with Steffan Jones at Rajasthan Royals last year, and related a lot to his methods. So before the domestic season, I took time off and trained with him one-on-one in the UK. The emphasis was on functional training and how small changes in technicalities – like my run-up or my landing – can transform my bowling. It helped me bowl longer spells and bowl with the same intensity throughout [the domestic season]. All along, you do things that have worked for you, so when you have to embrace change, it can be challenging, so I wanted to break the pattern to see how a change can help me and I had a great time working with Steffan. It took a while for the results to show, around four to six months, but I’m happy with the change.

“You can’t overnight prepare your body for six weeks of heavy workload. The idea is to ensure players finish the tournament without injuries, and for that management and conditioning is important”Balaji

How much of a role does recovery play a part in a tournament like the IPL?

Balaji: Huge. Although it’s just 24 balls, your intensity levels have to be high right through. Your adrenaline is pumping. Invariably, the next day you travel, so there’s hardly any rest. With this [no flights in the UAE], bowlers get more time to recuperate.Unadkat: Travel days in India aren’t rest days at all. After late games, your body goes through the rigour of flights, and it can take a toll in a high-intensity tournament. Sometimes you may want to schedule a session at the gym, but may not have the time due to various other commitments. The opposite is true too. Sometimes in my case, I’ve felt not having a session has helped me more than, say, putting in two hours at the gym before a game.This time, recovery time [available to players] could be a little more since the travel will be less owing to proximity of the venues, but we still have the bio-bubble and protocols to follow. So mentally, it will be challenging for all of us.

How important is the mental aspect, when you’re not able to do what you have been doing all these years?

Pathan: In my case, when I went to Australia for surgery in 2011, there were multiple stress fractures in my back. After I came back, I was in rehab for six months at the NCA [National Cricket Academy]. It’s a painful process, more on the mental side, because you’re doing rehab, away from family. And just for 45 minutes. It’s just mild muscle activation, core or glute activation. You can’t bat or bowl, can’t run around. So for me, it was mentally demanding. It took me nearly a year of proper cricket after rehabilitation to come back into full rhythm.Kumar: When you go to the NCA, your rehab work lasts only for a couple of hours in the day. The rest of the day is when you start feeling frustrated. I remember before the lockdown I was at the NCA, and the last one month there was a tough period. Somehow, I used to stretch my time training at the academy for up to three hours, but after returning to the hotel, it was difficult to kill time.

What are some of the other things you’ve done during this forced break?

Shami: One thing I’ve done, which I haven’t told anyone, is that I have been running a free food service. I have been arranging free food, water and fruits for people walking on the highway. There are small villages around here where I have arranged for food packets with grains, oil and tea leaves for the residents.Balaji: Being able to spend a lot of time at home has been good. Something that I haven’t been able to do a lot, with coaching and media commitments.Unadkat: I have used the break well to recuperate. I feel a different bowler, honestly. When things work for you, we always wonder why we didn’t do it earlier. But it’s still not too late for me, I’m at the peak of my career and the next five or six years will define my game. So I haven’t felt like I lost out on time. The most important thing is I’m feeling fresh, in a great space mentally. The time off helped get some quality time with family.Warrier: I learnt to cook, started reading a lot. The pandemic has taught me there’s more to life and, as cricketers, you sometimes lose track of that. We’re lucky to live the life we all have. I’ve seen a lot of people suffer, my own sister lost her job, and it has been very tough. We as cricketers are worried about not going to the gym or bowling for a day, when many others don’t even have meals. I’ve learnt to be more appreciative of the life we have.Cricketbaazi

Arsenal are believed to be after one club’s standout attacker, with his representative now confirming the Gunners’ interest in signing him.

Arsenal linked with new attackers heading into 2026

Despite having just signed Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and star striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer — as part of their near-£270 million summer spending spree — links with new attacking options haven’t gone away.

Certain Arsenal forwards currently face an uncertain long-term future, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both out of contract in 2027 as things stand, so that could be a key reason why sporting director Andrea Berta is thinking about adding another forward to Mikel Arteta’s ranks next year.

According to some reports, Arsenal have held talks with representatives of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as the race intensifies for one of Europe’s most exciting teenage talents.

The 19-year-old Ivorian has enjoyed a sensational start to life in Germany, registering 11 goal contributions in his last 15 appearances across all competitions.

His explosive form has attracted elite suitors from across the continent, with Bayern Munich particularly aggressive in their pursuit of his signature, but Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, PSG, Liverpool and Chelsea are also taking an interest.

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However, given his seismic £88 million price tag, Berta may want to consider alternatives.

The north Londoners are believed to be keen on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo too, with the Arsenal supporter (by his own admission) available for £65m through a release clause active in early January.

The Ghanaian has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, making him an enticing prospect for the Gunners.

Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz, meanwhile, has also attracted admiration from Arsenal amid his fantastic performances in Turin and ongoing contract uncertainty with the Italian giants.

The versatile Turkish forward represents another potential option as Berta continues exploring targets across multiple markets.

That being said, one player may arrive before any of the aforementioned crop.

According to Croatian media sources, Arsenal are ‘expected’ to strike a deal for HNK Rijeka star Toni Fruk, who will ‘soon sign’ for Arteta’s side with talks in ‘full swing’.

Agent confirms Arsenal interest in Toni Fruk

Now, as per his own agent, Andy Bara, that interest in the 24-year-old has now been confirmed.

Bara is quoted telling news outlet 24 Sata that Arsenal do indeed want to sign Fruk, but he also denies any concrete talks or negotiations happening behind-the-scenes right now.

The versatile forward, who can operate both as a number 10 and centre-forward, has been a revelation for Rijeka this season, bagging 10 goals in all competitions already.

Fruk’s performances have also impressed talent-spotters from the likes of AC Milan and Liverpool, with the ex-Fiorentina talent also out of contract in 2027 and potentially available for a bargain fee.

Fruk has also been described as the Croatian National League’s ‘best’ footballer and ‘most valuable’ player (Sport Klub), while others dubbed him a ‘new’ version of Luka Modrić.

Comparisons to the Real Madrid legend are a clear indicator of just how highly-rated he is in that part of Europe, with Rijeka’s talisman now turning heads in the Premier League.

Manchester City have now reportedly opened talks to sign a teenage gem ahead of both Chelsea and Arsenal in 2026.

Man City obsessed with signing Yan Diomande

It’s all slowly coming together for Pep Guardiola and Man City again, with just two points separating themselves and Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The Citizens sent an impressive statement in midweek, almost a warning shot to Arsenal, when they came from behind to defeat Spanish giants Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. It was a professional, clinical victory and the type that Pep Guardiola’s side will be hoping to carry over against Crystal Palace this weekend.

That said, Guardiola – ever the perfectionist – will be well aware that Man City still have new levels to reach in this new chapter of his iconic tenure and that could see the Citizens turn towards the transfer window.

According to recent reports, Man City have become obsessed with signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in a move that would complete a deadly front three alongside Erling Haaland and Jeremie Doku.

That spot is arguably the one that is most up for grabs, with Savinho struggling to find last season’s form and Rayan Cherki’s game out of possession yet to reach the levels needed to play every week under Guardiola.

Diomande has enjoyed an excellent breakout campaign in Germany, but he’s not the only young player on Man City’s radar. Those at the Etihad are also reportedly targeting a move to sign 17-year-old talent Oskar Pietuszewski.

Man City open talks to sign Pietuszewski

As reported by TeamTalk, Man City have now opened talks to sign Pietuszewski and are leading the race to sign the Polish teenager ahead of both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Man City showing strong interest in £65m star who looks like the new Sane

Manchester City are primed to do business this winter, should the right opportunity present itself.

ByAngus Sinclair 5 days ago

At just 17 years old, the Jagiellonia winger will reportedly cost interested parties as much as €15 million (£13m) if they decide to make their move in 2026. With scouts from Barcelona, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and others all keeping tabs on Pietuszewski, it’s easy to see why his price tag has been set at such a rate.

After becoming a record-breaker for Poland’s U21 side, scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Pietuszewski a “truly special talent” in impressive praise for the teenager.

The winger has the world at his feet and could yet join up with one of the greatest managers to ever grace the game in Guardiola to take his potential to a whole new level in the process.

"Top-level" £35m maestro with shades of Yaya now a priority Man City target

Manchester United have a conundrum in midfield which needs to be solved sooner rather than later.

Ruben Amorim’s infamous 3-4-2-1 system, which he is insistent on sticking to, operates with a double pivot. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are his first choices in that role this season.

That has left a few players out in the cold this season, without regular minutes. The two players who have tended to be left on the sidelines are Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte. The England international is yet to start a Premier League game this season, and former Sporting man Ugarte has not been able to get into the side over Casemiro.

It seems as though the Red Devils are targeting a new midfielder who can slot into the side.

Man Utd looking to sign England international

The Manuncian side have already begun a mini-revolution in the centre of the park. They have recently signed young Colombian Cristian Orozco, who will perhaps start in the youth team but could well be considered a first-teamer in the future.

Elliot Anderson is a name who is regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford but he’s not the only England international in the crosshairs of INEOS.

Indeed, according to a report from Football Insider, Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher is a player the club continue to ‘monitor’ ahead of the January transfer window.

There has been previous interest in the former Chelsea star from Premier League clubs. Crystal Palace wanted him last summer, and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.

However, Amorim’s side are described as ‘frontrunners’ for Gallagher. As far as a fee is concerned, it has been reported that a bid in the region of £26m could be accepted.

Why Gallagher would be a good signing

The signing of Gallagher could well be a strong addition to United’s midfield. Described as a “warrior” in the middle of the park by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he would bring Premier League experience.

Indeed, Gallagher has made 136 appearances in the English top flight, for boyhood side Chelsea, as well as loan spells at Crystal Palace and West Brom. That ready-made experience in the Premier League could be vital for Amorim, as he would need little to no adaptation period.

Of course, over the last 18 months, the former Chelsea star has been plying his trade in La Liga for Atleti. He’s played 69 times for Diego Simeone’s side, chipping in with six goals and six assists. That included a strike against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season.

If the Red Devils were to sign Gallagher this winter, he could prove to be the long-term replacement for Casemiro. United’s Brazilian midfielder is out of contract soon, and it seems like he could be on his way at the end of the campaign.

Indeed, he is a hard man to replace. The former Los Blancos star has been a key figure in that midfield pivot for Amorim, making 12 appearances and chipping in with three goals.

That included this effort against Gallagher’s former side, Chelsea, at Old Trafford.

Replacing Casemiro in that United midfield would not be easy for Gallagher. Aside from his potent threat in the final third, the Brazilian, of course, is a master at breaking up play and winning the ball back.

However, when looking at the stats, it suggests that the Atleti star possesses the skills to do just that. For example, he’s averaged 4.12 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes this season, compared to just 3.6 each game for Casemiro.

Progressive passes

3.73

5.07

Key passes

0.59

0.93

Progressive carries

2.75

0.67

Tackles and interceptions

4.12

3.60

Ball recoveries

4.71

5.60

Finding the man who can eventually step into Casemiro’s shoes was never going to be easy for Amorim. Yet, in Gallagher, United may have landed upon the perfect player. He still has plenty of quality on the ball and final third threat, whilst also being an efficient ball winner.

Furthermore, he’s also got energy, something Casemiro lacks. Indeed, he has been described as an “intensity monster” and as “one of the best midfielders in the sport when it comes to running long distances” by one notable analyst on social media.

£26m is a small fee in the current market, and should the Red Devils choose to pay it, they could have finally found the perfect player to replace Casemiro.

The new Garnacho: Man Utd ready £131m bid to sign the "best in the world"

Manchester United could be about to smash their transfer record in the upcoming January transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 30, 2025

In the aftermath of the Juan Soto free agency sweepstakes, which resulted in a historic, $765 million contract for the 26-year-old slugger with the New York Mets, a rumor emerged that a security guard employed by the New York Yankees had disallowed a member of Soto's family, as well as his chef/driver, from certain areas, upsetting Soto.

Soto reportedly forgave the Yankees for the incident, but the story was presented in such a way that it seemingly had an impact on his decision to switch boroughs. But, coming straight from the source, Soto on Friday denied the rumor during a Spanish language interview with "Grandes en los Deportes."

Soto called the Yankees' staff "tremendous,” adding that he never had to worry if a member of his family was taken care of during his tenure in the Bronx.

"My family was treated very well by the organization," Soto said, according to a translation by the New York Post. "They were always there to help me and my family at every moment."

Soto, who was acquired by the Yankees in December of 2023, enjoyed a career year in his lone season in the Bronx, posting a .288/.419/.569 slash line with a career-best 41 home runs, 109 RBI, 128 runs scored and 129 walks in 157 games played, helping New York reach its first World Series since 2009.

Backed by hard-driving agent Scott Boras, Soto, the top free agent on the market, met with several organizations, but the final bidding came down to the Yankees, Mets, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees, who reportedly offered $760 million over 16 years, fell just short to the Mets, who also included a luxury suite in their offer, which the Yankees balked at, citing past traditions with star players.

Above all, Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns sold Soto on the club's vision.

"The Mets is a great organization and what they have done in the past couple—showing the ability to grow a team, grow a dynasty—is one of the the most important things," Soto said during his introductory press conference on Dec. 12. "What you were seeing from the other side was unbelievable. The future that this team has a lot to do with my decision."

MatériaMais Notícias

Mesmo tendo ficado duas vezes atrás do placar, o Palmeiras buscou o empate fora de casa contra o Fortaleza e segue na liderança do Campeonato Brasileiro. Assim, o Verdão segue dependendo apenas de si para conquistar a competição nacional, nas três rodadas que ainda restam. E o triunfo aconteceu mesmo com o Palestra atuando boa parte do segundo tempo com um jogo a menos, devido a expulsão do zagueiro Gustavo Gómez.

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O Laion saiu na frente ainda no primeiro tempo, com gol marcado por Thiago Galhardo. O empate palmeirense aconteceu já quando o clube não tinha o seu capitão em campo, com Raphael Veiga acertando um belo chute de fora da área. No entanto, o Tricolor de Aço voltou à frente pouco minutos depois, com gol de Calebe. Mas o Alviverde buscou o empate com Zé Rafael.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

CINCO PONTOS QUE MARCARAM A PARTIDA

>ENCAROU! Enquanto o técnico Abel Ferreira, do Palmeiras, reclamava com a arbitragem na beira do gramado, logo no início do jogo, Juan Pablo Vojvoda, comandante do Fortaleza, ficou encarando o português. O clima estranho, no entanto, não se estendeu em confusão entre os treinadores.

>DE PRIMA! mas se a primeira chegada do Leão deu trave, a segunda não teve jeito: foi gol. Guilherme partiu pelo lado esquerdo e serviu Thiago Galhardo que, de primeira, matou o goleiro Weverton colocando o Leão na frente.

>DE NOVO GÓMEZ? Expulso há duas rodadas, quando o Palmeiras perdeu para o Flamengo, o zagueiro retornou após cumprir suspensão na vitória palmeirense sobre o Internacional e novamente recebeu um cartão vermelho. O lance da punição aconteceu em um lance que Murilo escorrega, Calebe sairia na cara do gol e sofre a falta do paraguaio na entrada da grande área.

>LÁ E CÁ! Mesmo com um jogador a menos, o Palmeiras conseguiu o empate minutos após perder Gustavo Gómez com Raphael Veiga acertando um belo chute de fora da área no canto esquerdo do goleiro João Ricardo. Porém, na sequência Calebe colocou novamente o Fortaleza na frente.

> O ERRADO QUE DEU CERTO! Quando parecia que o Verdão perderia o jogo e também a liderança do Campeonato Brasileiro, um chute torto de Piquerez encontrou Murilo, que escorou de cabeça para área e a bola sobrou para Zé Rafael finalizar no canto esquerdo para definir o placar.

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COMO FOI O PRIMEIRO TEMPO

O Fortaleza começou melhor e não demorou muito para sair na frente. Aos 19 minutos, Thiago Galhardo aproveitou boa jogada de Guilherme pelo lado esquerdo e bateu de primeira no canto direito de Weverton. Antes, Caio Alexandre já havia acertado a trave palmeirense em um chute de fora da área. O meia do Leão, inclusive, interessa à equipe alviverde para a próxima temporada. Após abrir o placar, o Laion foi controlando a partida e só foi sofrer perigo no fim da etapa inicial, principalmente quando Raphael Veiga finalizou no canto esquerdo e parou no goleiro João Ricardo, que fez boa defesa. 

E O SEGUNDO TEMPO?

O Fortaleza voltou para o segundo tempo já podendo ampliar o placar, mas Tinga finalizou para fora uma grande oportunidade. Ainda assim, o Tricolor de Aço manteve o jogo controlado. E parecia que ficaria ainda mais quando Gustavo Gómez foi expulso por fazer uma falta na entrada da grande área, matando uma jogada que começou com um escorregão de Murilo. 

Mas foi quando o Verdão parecia que teria ainda mais problemas, que o clube alviverde buscou o empate, com um chute de Raphael Veiga de fora da área, no canto esquerdo do goleiro João Ricardo. 

O problema da equipe palestrina foi que a resposta do Laion foi rápida, com Calebe empatando. E o time nordestino ainda teve a oportunidade de matar a jogada, quando Mayke perdeu a bola, ficou pedindo falta, Zé Welison saiu na cara do gol, tocou para Calebe, que devolveu para Welison que finalizou, mas Mayke salvou antes da bola entrar.

E se quem não faz, leva, o Fortaleza sofreu o empate quatro minutos depois em uma bola que foi rebatida após cobrança de escanteio, Piquerez bateu torto, mas a bola sobrou na área com Murilo ajeitando de cabeça para Zé Rafael chegar batendo no canto direito. 

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+ CONFIRA MAIS DETALHES SOBRE A PARTIDA]

O QUE VEM POR AÍ

O Palmeiras voltará a campo nesta quarta-feira (29), quando enfrentará o já rebaixado América-MG, no Allianz Parque, às 21h30. Após, o Verdão terá pela frente o Fluminense, em casa, e o Cruzeiro, fora, na reta final do Brasileirão. Já o Fortaleza vai encarar o Bragantino na quinta-feira (30), às 20h30, em Bragança Paulista, enquanto as duas partidas seguintes serão diante do Goiás e Santos, sendo o primeiro em casa e o segundo como visitante. 

FORTALEZA 2 X 1 PALMEIRAS
CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO – 30ª RODADA

Data e horário: 26 de novembro de 2023, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Arena Castelão, Fortaleza (CE)
Árbitro: André Luiz Policarpo Bento (MG)
Assistentes: Guilherme Dias Camilo (Fifa-MG) e Leonardo Henrique Ferreira (MG)
Árbitro de vídeo: Carlos Eduardo Nunes Braga (RJ)
Público e renda: 40.382 pessoas | R$ 990.006,00
Cartões amarelos: Bruno Pacheco (Fortaleza); Mayke e Garcia (Palmeiras)
Cartões vermelhos: Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras)

GOLS: 0-1 Thiago Galhardo (19’/1T); 1-1 Raphael Veiga (20’/2T); 2-1 Calebe (24’/2T); 2-2 Zé Rafael (31’/2T)

FORTALEZA
João Ricardo; Tinga, Brítez, Titi e Bruno Pacheco; José Welison (Pedro Rocha, 46’/2T), Caio Alexandre (Pochettino, 39’/2T) e Calebe (Lucas Crispim, 46’/2T); Yago Pikachu (Machuca, 39’/2T), Thiago Galhardo (Marinho, 30’/2T) e Guilherme. Técnico: Juan Pablo Vojvoda

PALMEIRAS
Weverton; Marcos Rocha (Rony, 11’/2T), Gustavo Gómez e Murilo; Mayke, Zé Rafael, Richard Ríos (Artur, 11’/2T), Raphael Veiga (Fabinho, 38’/2T) e Piquerez; Breno Lopes (Vanderlan, 17’/2T) e Endrick (Naves, 38’/2T). Técnico: Abel Ferreira