O Palmeiras divulgou o balanço de 2020 com um déficit de R$ 151 milhões. A pedido do NOSSO PALESTRA, o contador Marcelo Aparecido Martins de Oliveira, da NPV Finanças, fez uma rápida análise das informações publicadas pelo clube sobre o último ano contábil do Alviverde.
Segundo Marcelo, é importante lembrar que o objetivo das demonstrações financeiras para fins gerais é fornecer informações sobre a empresa que sejam úteis para investidores, credores por empréstimos e outros credores, existentes e potenciais, na tomada de decisões referente à oferta de recursos à empresa, além de prestar contas à sociedade em geral. Relatórios financeiros para fins gerais não se destinam a apresentar o valor da empresa, mas fornecer informações para auxiliar os interessados a estimar seu valor.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasGaliotte discorda de ‘vexame’ do Palmeiras no Paulista: ‘Planejamos como pré-temporada’Palmeiras30/04/2021PalmeirasMarcos rechaça possível crise no Palmeiras por situação complicada no Paulista: ‘Críticas feitas por antis’Palmeiras30/04/2021PalmeirasPalmeiras apresenta balanço de 2020 com déficit de R$ 151 milhões; confira impacto da pandemiaPalmeiras30/04/2021
– O comportamento dos negócios de uma empresa está estreitamente afetado pela situação macroeconômica, cultural, ambiental, setorial e perfil dos administradores. Como em 2020 tivemos a pandemia da Covid-19, houve impactos relevantes nos negócios do clube e que foram refletidos nas suas demonstrações financeiras – explica Marcelo Aparecido.
Confira abaixo algumas observações apontadas pelo profissional da NPV Finanças:
Superávit/Déficit Em outras palavras seria lucro ou prejuízo. Em 2019 o clube apresentou superávit de R$1,7 milhão já em 2020 houve déficit de R$151 milhões. Essa variação negativa de R$152,7 milhões, deve-se substancialmente a redução de receitas de direitos de transmissão de R$ 44,2 milhões, arrecadação de jogos de R$ 38,3 milhões, sócio torcedor de R$23,7 milhões, aumento de despesas com baixas de atletas R$ 82,4 milhões e redução de despesas de pessoal de R$ 42,8 milhões.
continua após a publicidade
Aumento do endividamento O resultado do déficit acima mencionado acarretou a necessidade de aumento do endividamento, cujo comportamento foi um aumento de R$80,5 milhões, conforme abaixo demonstrado: Passivos de Curto Prazo 2019 + Passivos de Longo Prazo 2019 = R$676,4 milhões. Passivos de Curto Prazo 2020 + Passivos de Longo Prazo 2020 = R$756,8 milhões. Aumento dos Passivos durante o ano de 2020 = R$80.490 milhões.
Diminuição da liquidez Liquidez é a capacidade da empresa de pagar seus compromissos a curto prazo. É medida através da comparação dos Ativos Circulantes (bens e direitos que viram dinheiro ou são utilizados em 12 meses) versus os Passivos Circulantes (obrigações que são pagas nos próximos 12 meses). Índice de liquidez corrente 2020 = Ativo Circulante / Passivo Circulante Índice de liquidez corrente 2020 = R$103,2 milhões / R$ 359,5 milhões Índice de liquidez corrente 2020 = 0,29 (2020) Índice de liquidez corrente 2019 = 0,33 (2019)
Conforme acima demonstrado os índices de liquidez corrente dos anos de 2020 e 2019 são menores que 1. Para 2020 se demonstra que para cada R$1,00 de dívida o clube tem R$0,29 de dinheiro para pagar seus compromissos em 31/12/2020. Esse indicador piorou em relação a 2019 que era de R$0,33. Em ambos os anos os indicadores demonstram dificuldades do Palmeiras para honrar os compromissos de curto prazo.
Glasgow Rangers eased to a 3-0 win over Livingston at Ibrox on the weekend and another Premiership victory tomorrow evening will see them level on points at the top of the table.
To think the Gers were eight points behind after only seven matches, it shows just how good a job Philippe Clement has done since taking over at the Light Blues in October.
Aberdeen travel to Glasgow as the opponents on Tuesday evening and with Neil Warnock taking over at the Dons until the end of the season, they will be fired up to secure a positive result.
The Belgian may make a couple of changes due to the sharp turnaround in fixtures from the weekend, and it will be interesting to see which team he selects.
With this in mind, here's a look at the starting XI that could take to the Ibrox pitch against the Dons tomorrow…
1 GK – Jack Butland
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland
The Englishman kept yet another clean sheet on the weekend – his 19th of the season – and in truth, he did not have much to do throughout the clash against Livingston.
Aberdeen will pose a much greater threat and with 12-goal hero Bojan Miovski scoring for fun for the Dons, he will have to be at his best to prevent the striker from scoring.
2 RB – James Tavernier
James Tavernier
Against Livi, the long-serving captain made his 300th league appearance for Rangers, and he has been a wonderful servant to the club since joining in 2015.
Tavernier is the Gers top scorer this season with 17 goals, but he has yet to find the back of the net in the Premiership in 2024 so far and the defender will be hoping this changes tomorrow evening.
Tavernier scored the winner against Aberdeen in the League Cup final just prior to Christmas and another decisive strike like that will please the Ibrox faithful.
3 CB – Connor Goldson
Rangers defender Connor Goldson.
Connor Goldson will retain his place after securing another clean sheet against Livi, and he was barely troubled, restricting the Livi frontline during the clash.
The experienced centre-back has missed just four games so far this season, and he is crucial to any success Rangers plan on having during the remaining months of 2023/24.
4 CB – John Souttar
John Souttar
Against Livi, Leon Balogun started, but he suffered a facial injury which halted his game during the first half and was replaced by Souttar.
It is unclear when the Nigerian will be back, but for the clash against the Dons, the former Hearts centre-back will be given the nod to start the game.
5 LB – Ridvan Yilmaz
Ridvan Yilmaz
Borna Barisic was given his first start since the League Cup final a week before Christmas on the weekend, but Yilmaz will return for the clash at Ibrox tomorrow.
The Turkish defender faced plenty of talk about a possible departure from Rangers during the winter window, yet he is here until the end of the season and his recent performances indicate that he can play a big part in the chase for glory.
6 CM – John Lundstram
Rangers'JohnLundstramduring training.
The former Sheffield United midfielder has entered into the final few months of his contract at Ibrox, yet if he keeps performing like he has since Clement took charge, there is no doubt the 29-year-old will be offered an extension.
Lundstram has missed only one match since mid-October, and it is testament to his consistency that has allowed him to be available for all but one game for the Belgian manager, meaning he will start tomorrow night.
7 CM – Nicolas Raskin
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin
The 22-year-old has endured a tough campaign to date, missing 18 games through injury and was an unused sub against Livingston on the weekend.
With squad rotation paramount over the next few weeks, it makes sense for Raskin to come into the starting XI as a replacement for Ryan Jack and 90 minutes could do the midfielder the world of good.
8 RW – Ross McCausland
The young Irish winger has been on an upward ascent since properly breaking into the first team back in October, playing 22 matches for the senior side and registering five goal contributions in those matches.
The youngster impressed against Livingston, making three key passes, grabbing an assist, taking six shots in total, and even missing a big chance as he showcased his attacking abilities on the right flank.
The Dons could be tougher to break down than Livi and McCausland will need to be at his very best in order to carve some opportunities against their defence.
9 AM – Todd Cantwell
Todd Cantwell
Slowly but surely, Todd Cantwell is returning to the form he displayed during the final few months of last season.
Having waited until November to score his first goal of the season, the Englishman now has four league goals in his previous six matches in the top flight and this is the sort of form which Clement has been waiting to see.
The former Norwich City man will be unleashed in the number ten slot yet again and if he replicates his recent displays, the Dons will be run ragged by the former Norwich City gem.
10 LW – Oscar Cortes
Lens forward Oscar Cortes.
The January signing made his debut on the weekend, coming on for Rabbi Matondo in the second half and he looked keen to make an impression.
Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson dubbed the youngster as a “very promising young winger” and his pace and direct approach could be a big threat to the Dons tomorrow evening.
The 5 foot 10 starlet has all the attributes to make a success of his spell at Rangers, and he could endear himself to the Ibrox faithful by scoring against the Pittodrie side.
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ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jun-2019
The Sri Lankans celebrate an Australian wicket•Getty Images
June 17
Sri Lanka’s refusal to send a player to the press conference after the loss to Australia will not result in any official sanctions. Upon being informed that the refusal is a breach of the Members Participation Agreement that the ICC has with each board, however, SLC has instructed the team to ensure media commitments are met for the remainder of the tournament.”I got an email from the board saying we should send someone from now on,” team manager Ashantha de Mel said. “Even if players are unwilling, we can send a coach or someone from management. Even I am happy to go if needed – I have no issues with that.”The refusal on Saturday, de Mel explained, was down to media fatigue. Only a small minority of Sri Lanka players converse in English, and as that is the language the majority of the media at the World Cup operates in, the same players had been put up for media commitments over the previous few games. Following the loss against Australia, each member of that group of players had been reluctant to appear, and “I didn’t want to force anyone,” de Mel said.An SLC statement on Monday clarified that “contrary to various media reports, there won’t be any sanctions imposed on the Sri Lanka team by the ICC, over its non-participation in the post-match media conference on Saturday”.Gulbadin Naib, and the DLS puzzleAfghanistan don’t have a point yet, after four matches, at the World Cup. None of their matches have ended in a split-point no-result either, like most of the other teams have experienced.”We played the last four games, we faced four different kind of conditions,” Gulbadin Naib, the captain, said ahead of the game against England. “It’s very difficult in this kind of surface. You play in Asia and then you move to England, so it’s very difficult.”Gulbadin Naib makes a point•Getty Images
Naib promised that Afghanistan would “be in good form now” that they have had some time in the UK, but it might get tricky for him, and his team, if it came to a DLS-affected chase.Sample this:Q: Have you figured out how the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system works?A: You should ask this question of ICC, not me […] I have no answer for them.Who did it better? Tendulkar in 2003 or Rohit in 2019?For fans of Indian cricket who grew up in the 2000s, Sachin Tendulkar’s upper-cut over point for a six off Shoaib Akhtar is a piece of memory that is hard to forget. But in the 27th over of India’s World Cup game against Pakistan, Rohit Sharma produced a carbon-copy shot off Hasan Ali that rolled back the years to leave fans on the internet gobsmacked at the similarity between Tendulkar and Sharma’s shot.The forward-prod with the bowler in his stride was the same, the quick shuffle onto the backfoot – after noticing that the ball is short – was same and while Tendulkar’s shot was off a much quicker Akhtar, fans of Rohit exclaimed that his shot off Hasan would’ve travelled further.Who cut it better? Decide for yourself!
June 16
Behrendorff is hoping to ‘get away with it’ as best as he canJason Behrendorff’s World Cup debut didn’t go too badly. He picked up his maiden wicket, the crucial one of Lahiru Thirimanne, but even as Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson and Pat Cummins shared the rest of the Sri Lanka wickets, Behrendorff was the most expensive of the Australia bowlers.”It is always tough waiting because you want to be playing cricket,” Behrendorff, who has had to wait for his turn, said. “If I can keep my economy rate pretty good and take some wickets along the way, that will go a long way to playing more games which is definitely what I want.”As far as the future is concerned, he knows it will be tough, but is ready for the challenge. “It is always tough, because if they do get off to a good start and you are handed the ball a few overs in you know they are going and you have to be on your game straight away,” he said. “But that is nothing new, it is about backing yourself and with two new balls as well it is always going to fly if they go hard.”It is about trying to minimise the damage at times and try and get away with it as best you can.”
June 15
Mushfiqur Rahim leaves nets after blow to the handMushfiqur Rahim left the nets midway through his batting session in Taunton two days before Bangladesh’s game against West Indies after being hit on his right hand by a delivery from Mustafizur Rahman. He didn’t come back out after that, staying in the dressing room with the team physio for company.The injury isn’t too serious, Bangladesh media manager Rabeed Imam confirmed shortly afterwards.Mushfiqur Rahim walks off the field after a blow to his hand•Sakeb Subhan
This is the second time a key Bangladesh batsman has suffered a hand injury during a nets session, Tamim Iqbal having been struck earlier at The Oval before their opening game against South Africa.Injury has been a major problem for Bangladesh in the recent past. Apart from Shakib Al Hasan, who has a thigh strain, Mashrafe Mortaza (hamstring) and Mohammad Saifuddin (back) are also carrying niggles.Net bowler laid low by Saifuddin shot to the headThe medical officer at the County Ground in Taunton cleared young Ranel after he was hit on the head by a Mohammad Saifuddin shot during a Bangladesh net session. The ball struck him on the back of his head to the right, there was bleeding immediately.The Bangladesh players crowd around the injured Ranel; (inset) Ranel walks off with Bangladesh physio Thihan Chandramohan•Dhaka Tribune
Bangladesh physio Thihan Chandramohan and the ground medical staff rushed to the spot, where Ranel had slouched over. He was checked on the field first and walked off soon after with Chandramohan.This is the second incident of a net bowler being hit on the head during the course of the World Cup, after a David Warner shot had struck Jai Kishen earlier during an Australia training session.Brathwaite reprimanded for showing dissent after dismissalWest Indies allrounder Carlos Brathwaite has received an official reprimand and one demerit point, for breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct, related to showing dissent at an umpire’s decision. The incident occurred in the 44th over of West Indies’ match against England in Southampton on Friday,Carlos Brathwaite and Ashley Nurse sing with the crowd during a rain break•Getty Images
Brathwaite was given out caught behind off Jofra Archer’s bowling for 14, attempting a pull shot. The initial impression was that the ball had hit his arm, but since West Indies were out of reviews at that stage, he couldn’t opt for DRS. Replays later confirmed that there was indeed an edge off the bat.Brathwaite admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee David Boon and there was no need for a formal hearing.World Cup Central – May 24 to June 12— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 13, 2019
June 13
New Zealand coach Gary Stead is aware of the importance of allowing his squad to relax during the World Cup and players will be given the option to spend a few days away from the tour treadmill following the washout against India.They next play against South Africa on June 19 meaning it will be 11 days without getting on the field, but Stead said it was still important to get away from the scrutiny of the tournament and spend time with family who are with them.”I think it’s important that you manage your breaks,” Stead said. “Whilst we haven’t played India, we’ve still prepared and everything you do in the build-up days is on the assumption you’ll play a full day of cricket.”It’s quite ironic, our last four training sessions have been indoors. It’s something we have to deal with. We pride ourselves on our adaptability and we’ll have to prove that again.”We travel to Birmingham now but the players have the option to go elsewhere with their families. They have the option to stay elsewhere for a couple of days and get a bit of down time.”Cummins delighted with his dot ballsWickets are what make Pat Cummins happiest, but he has also been delighted with his ability to string together dot balls during the early stages of the World Cup.Cummins was Australia’s most impressive bowler in the 41-run win against Pakistan in Taunton as he bagged 3 for 33 during which he delivered 41 dot balls in his 10 overs, taking his tally for the tournament to 152 which puts him well ahead of the pack – albeit Australia have now played four games without weather interruption.”That’s the big improvement in my game in the last couple of years, the ability to hold a length and make it difficult to get runs,” Cummins said. “If you give away easy singles then 300 becomes quite an achievable score. Cutting out the singles is huge, it means if you give away a boundary it might not be that big over of ten or 11, it may just be a five or a six.”Mitchell Starc also chipped in with two key wickets at the death – ending a dangerous counterattack from Wahab Riaz – but Cummins insisted the pair do not feel overburdened to carry the attack. Australia fielded four frontline quicks in Taunton, leaving out legspinner Adam Zampa, after rebalancing their side in the absence of the injured Marcus Stoinis.”Richo [Kane Richardson] and Coults [Nathan Coulter-Nile)] have played a bit of cricket but still not heaps. I think they’re always going to get better. That role in the middle it’s always so hard to take wickets. And that’s where someone like Zamps has been great.”
June 12
Cottrell salute not England coach’s cup of teaSheldon Cottrell does his salute celebration•AFP
Sheldon Cottrell’s wicket-taking celebration may have charmed many and created an army of imitators, but Trevor Bayliss is not impressed.Cottrell, West Indies’ left-arm swing bowler, honours his colleagues in the Jamaica Defence Force – he continues to serve as a soldier – by standing to attention and saluting in theatrical fashion each time he takes a wicket.But while Bayliss, the England coach, accepts the celebration is “entertainment” that may “put a smile on the face” of younger supporters, he confesses – in a good-natured, curmudgeonly way – that the charm is lost on him.”It probably pisses me off more than anyone else,” he said. “If you’re older than about 40 years old it pisses you off.”But every team has their way of celebrating and I’m sure other teams might not like the way we celebrate. In the end, it’s a young man’s game. It’s all entertainment. If it gets a bit of a laugh or a smile on people’s faces so be it.”England and West Indies play each other in Southampton on Friday with both teams having suffered a loss in their first three matches. Whichever side loses will have little margin for error in their remaining group games.
June 11
Bereaved Malinga to make a short trip homeLasith Malinga reacts to a boundary•Lakruwan Wanniarachchi/ AFP
Lasith Malinga will make a short trip back home in between Sri Lanka’s World Cup 2019 matches due to the demise of his mother-in-law.Sri Lanka Cricket said that Malinga would leave the team after their match against Bangladesh, which will take place on Tuesday in Bristol.The funeral for the late Kanthi Perera will be on Thursday, in Colombo, and Malinga is expected to fly back in time for Sri Lanka’s next engagement, against Australia at The Oval on Saturday.”Lasith will be leaving today for Sri Lanka. He promised us he’d be back for the Australia match,” Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne said. “We’re all hoping he’ll be back. If for some reason he’s not able to, we’ll have to manage that game with the players available to us. Even if he misses the Australia game, he’ll definitely be here for the next game onwards. “Malinga was one of the stars of Sri Lanka’s win against Afghanistan, taking 3 for 39 to hasten victory. Sri Lanka were thrashed by ten wickets in their World Cup opener, against New Zealand, before the win against Afghanistan. They haven’t played a match since then, due to washouts against Pakistan and Bangladesh. They have also been impacted by an injury to Nuwan Pradeep, who was hit on his bowling hand while training on Sunday.’Batters have got to step up’ – SA batting coach Dale BenkensteinSouth Africa got their first point in their fourth World Cup game when their fixture against West Indies in Southampton was washed out. It’s looking bleaker than the English weather for the team right now, and batting coach Dale Benkenstein wants the batsmen to bat more responsibly and stay in the middle longer to help get to the top half of the table.”The message is that the batters have got to step up and we haven’t,” he said four days away from South Africa’s next match, against Afghanistan in Cardiff. “I feel like we are batting well, but we just haven’t done it long enough. Everyone has got in. We’ve had opportunities to have hundred partnerships and win matches, but we haven’t done it.”We try and play quite an aggressive form of cricket. Scores are much higher than they used to be. Teams are scoring big totals. So when you are in and you are dominating, you’ve got to try and make the most of it. Sometimes we don’t get that balance right. We try and accelerate maybe a bit too fast rather than getting our heads down and ticking it over and the batters getting us more to the end of the game.”Chris Gayle wasn’t allowed to put a Universe Boss sticker on his bat•Getty Images
June 10
Gayle’s ‘Universe Boss’ bat sticker got ICC thumbs down tooThe ICC’s equipment regulations might just have become the most widely read official document in the past week, thanks to MS Dhoni’s glove affair. But before Dhoni had to get his equipment right, somebody else had to, too. The Universe Boss.Chris Gayle wanted to emblazon his bat with the moniker he has coined for himself, but was told that he couldn’t.”ICC couldn’t have made an exception for Dhoni as no personal messages are allowed on equipment. Gayle wanted it but when he was refused permission, he accepted it and moved on,” PTI reported an ICC spokesperson as saying. “It is not about military symbolism. It is about a simple rule that no personal messages are allowed.”If ICC did not make an exception for Gayle, then how come they would make it for Dhoni.”Jos Buttler on course after hip bruisingJos Buttler is expected to resume training on Wednesday ahead of England’s next World Cup fixture, against West Indies in Southampton on Friday, after sustaining “heavy bruising on his right hip” during England’s victory over Bangladesh in Cardiff on Saturday.Jos Buttler hits a six•Getty Images
Buttler, who was hobbling noticeably towards the end of his hard-hitting half-century, did not take the field during Bangladesh’s innings, with the wicketkeeping duties passing to Jonny Bairstow. Initially it appeared that he had jarred his hip while hitting a back-foot drive for six off Mosaddek Hossain, but Eoin Morgan, England’s captain, had played down any long-term concerns at the end of the match.And now, after being monitored for 48 hours since the injury, the ECB have stated that he was “responding well to treatment and will be reassessed later this week”.”We anticipate he will train with the rest of the squad at the Hampshire Bowl on Wednesday ahead of the match against West Indies on Friday,” added an ECB spokesman.Hardik Pandya reminds Steve Waugh of Lance Klusener from the 1999 World CupThe win over Australia “in the pressure cooker of a World Cup clash” will give India loads of confidence, but it’s the innings from Hardik Pandya that “will send shivers down opposition spines”, according to Steve Waugh.Hardik slammed a 27-ball 48 at No. 4 with four fours and three sixes to provide India the late thrust as they put up 352 for 5, before bowling Australia out for 316.”This guy might just be the equivalent of Lance Klusener in the 1999 World Cup,” Waugh wrote in his column for the ICC. “He has the ability to begin his innings like most finish with clean hitting that no opposing captain can protect.”Unlike Hardik, Glenn Maxwell didn’t get a promotion in the batting order, walking in at No. 5 with the scoreboard reading 202 for 3 in 36.4 overs, and scoring 28 in 14 balls. “The cameo of Glenn Maxwell will increase calls for his elevation up the batting order as he is a match-winner that can turn a game in a few overs,” Waugh wrote.’Had a point to prove’ against Australia – KohliAfter India sealed a 36-run win over Australia in their second World Cup match, Virat Kohli said that the 3-2 home series defeat against the same opponents before the IPL was precisely the spur the team needed.”After losing in India, we had a point to prove and that was our motivation,” Kohli said.Virat Kohli celebrates India’s win over Australia•AFP
India’s World Cup campaign has begun brightly but New Zealand up next followed by Pakistan. That, according to Kohli, suits the team just fine, but thinking about the knockouts is best left for another day.”We couldn’t ask for a better start against two very strong sides and I like we’ve got the strongest sides in world cricket early on,” he said. “It’s far too early to talk about semi-finals, after six games we will be in a better position to think about that but it’s not for now.”
June 9
Dhawan sustains hand injury during centuryIndia opener Shikhar Dhawan has picked up a hand injury while batting against Australia at The Oval on Sunday. The extent of the injury is not known yet, but Dhawan was seen with an ice pack on his left hand in the dressing room, and did not take the field during Australia’s batting. The Indian team manager later said Dhawan would not take the field at all.Dhawan, who scored a century to help India post 352, was hit on the left hand by a short ball from Pat Cummins off the first ball of the ninth over. Dhawan tried to defend the ball with a straight bat but the ball rose on him and struck his bottom hand before hitting his shoulder and helmet grille. Later in the over, India physio Patrick Farhart came out and used a spray on the opener’s left thumb. Dhawan was on 24 off 26 balls then and finished with 117 off 109 balls.
June 8
Getty Images
Rashid Khan is being treated for concussion after taking a blow to the head in Afghanistan’s game against New Zealand on Saturday.He was struck on the helmet by quick bowler Lockie Ferguson, misjudging the length and ducking into a short of a length ball on off stump. The ball also ricocheted onto his stumps and bowled him.Rashid walked off the field looking very dazed and when he failed two concussion tests, the team management asked him to sit out of the rest of the game as a precautionary measure. Afghanistan next play South Africa on June 15.June 7Sarfaraz hopes rain doesn’t mess with Pakistan momentumThe forecast promised rain, and rain it did in Bristol, washing out Pakistan’s – and Sri Lanka’s – hopes of notching up a second win at the World Cup.For Pakistan, the lost point from the abandonment might perhaps be more frustrating, favourites as they were to beat the Sri Lankans. Their captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, however, was more disappointed at how the team couldn’t build on the momentum gained from beating England.”As a team we really wanted to play this match especially after gaining momentum with the win against England,” he said. “It is unfortunate that we were not able to play. We have great team spirit and our confidence is on a high after beating England. We would want to carry the momentum into the remaining games. We won’t relax in our remaining six matches.”Pakistan next go up against Australia on June 12 in Taunton, while Sri Lanka’s play Bangladesh on June 11, again in Bristol.Zampa penalised for ‘audible obscenity’Adam Zampa picked up a demerit point, along with an official warning, after on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Chris Gaffaney, third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge and fourth official S Ravi reported him for “audible obscenity” during the Australia v West Indies game at Trent Bridge on June 6.The incident took place in the 29th over of West Indies’ chase of Australia’s 288 – they fell short by 15 runs in the end – when Zampa was bowling to Shai Hope and Jason Holder.Zampa, who sent back Nicholas Pooran on his way to figures of 1 for 58, admitted the offence and accepted the sanction handed out by match referee Jeff Crowe.Defeat a ‘tough pill to swallow’ for West IndiesShai Hope has admitted that defeat against Australia will be a “tough pill to swallow” but thinks that West Indies have sent out another reminder of what they are capable of at the World Cup.Shai Hope celebrates his fifty•Getty Images
Having rolled Pakistan for 105 in their opening match, West Indies had Australia 38 for 4 and 79 for 5 before they recovered to post 288 through impressive batting from Steven Smith (73) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (92). Still, in the chase West Indies were well placed on 190 for 4 in the 35th over before Hope’s wicket shifted the game back to Australia.”Obviously it’s going to be a tough pill to swallow having basically been dominating the game for the majority of it then not being able to cross the line,” he said. “When you get wickets with the new ball you always put a team under pressure, it’s just unfortunate that we couldn’t drive it home and get the tail in a bit earlier. Australia are a quality side and showed us they can rebuild to post a different score.”When asked if West Indies’ short-ball tactics had shown a vulnerability in Australia’s top order, Hope said: “I think so, yes, but regardless of what plan you throw at them sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t so you always have to be able to adapt to what they throw at you as well.”June 6Dhoni’s army gloves fall foul of ICCMS Dhoni sported gloves with Indian Army insignia•AFP
The ICC has asked the BCCI to have the army logo removed off MS Dhoni’s wicketkeeping gloves. It has been pointed out to the BCCI that the logo on the gloves contravenes the ICC clothing and equipment regulations, which allow only sponsor logos on them. ESPNcricinfo understands there is no fine or reprimand involved at the moment but the message has been made clear to the BCCI.Dhoni is an honorary lieutenant colonel of the Parachute Regiment in the Indian territorial army. In India’s World Cup opener, against South Africa, Dhoni was seen keeping in gloves that sported the dagger insignia of Dhoni’s regiment of the Indian Para Special Forces. This particular insignia – “Balidaan”, meaning sacrifice – can only be worn by paramilitary commandos.During possibly his last international match at his home ground in Ranchi, India played against Australia in army camouflage caps to pay respect to those armymen who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attacks. The players’ earnings from the match went to the families of the martyrs. At that time the ICC cleared the jerseys “as part of charity fund-raising effort”.That India-Australia series was not an ICC event. The World Cup is.Imran Khan wants provincial teams to form the core of domestic cricket in Pakistan•Getty Images
Imran Khan not a fan of “stupid” cricket celebrationsBefore they left for the World Cup, one of the farewell meetings the Pakistan team had was with their Prime Minister. He is, of course, the only Prime Minister from among the teams in this competition who has won any World Cups. Actually to be more accurate, he is the only head of state from CWC 2019 to have played a dash of international cricket. When Imran Khan addressed an awed Pakistan squad, among his other pearls of wisdom was this one – to refrain from what he referred to as “stupid” wicket-celebrations. Hasan Ali’s starburst may have been the one that got his attention and unfortunately, there is no celebrato-meter to see if there ever was a dip in intensity following that particular remonstration. Not sure what the made of the madness at Trent Bridge.Hendricks hopes to be South Africa’s lucky charm Beuran Hendricks was sitting on his couch, watching TV when he got the call telling him he would be part of South Africa’s World Cup squad. He didn’t know then he would be Dale Steyn’s replacement, but admitted being overwhelmed on finding out that he was replacing arguably the greatest pacer his country had produced. Hendricks joined the squad a day prior to their clash against India, but didn’t make the XI. Now, as South Africa fight to stay alive, Hendricks hopes he is the “good luck the team needs.”In December, Hendricks was part of the winning Jozi Stars in the Mzansi Super League. He also helped the Lions claim South Africa’s franchise first-class and T20 tournaments. In April, he was a a late call-up to the Mumbai Indians, who went on to win the IPL. Hendricks hopes some of his good fortunes can rub off on South Africa.”It’s been a good year for me personally and for the teams I have been with this year so let’s hope I can make it five (trophies) out of five,” he said. “I am not going to say I can fill his shoes because its Dale. I come here with my own set of skills and my own ambition in this competition,” he said. “It’s just about making sure I can fight the good fight and contribute with the set of skills that I have.”Yuzvendra Chahal celebrates after taking the wicket of David Miller•Getty Images
‘Faf’s wicket most special’ – Chahal after four-forYuzvendra Chahal’s 4 for 51 against South Africa played a big role in India’s first win of the World Cup. What was most impressive about Chahal’s performance was the quality of the batsmen he dismissed: Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, David Miller and Andile Phehlukwayo.After the match, Chahal was asked by his spin partner Kuldeep Yadav on on his favourite scalp of the night, to which he promptly replied: “Faf du Plessis.””Faf was playing with small forward-steps and I was drifting the ball well,” Chahal said. “The previous two balls, I had bowled the legbreak. So for the wicket ball, I chose to bowl on off stump with the ball drifting in sharply. He couldn’t pick it, thinking I was bowling the legbreak, and that’s why the ball hit the inside of his bat and broke the stumps.”Chahal also praised Rohit Sharma’s century against a difficult bowling attack that includes Kagiso Rabada. “He showed the temperament that an experienced batsman has,” Chahal said. “It wasn’t easy batting there against the new ball, but he stayed and finished the match. That was huge.”Older World Cup Central entries are here
It was only around 18 months ago that West Ham shelled out around £30m to sign centre-back Nayef Aguerd from French club Rennes, but already his future at the London Stadium is in serious doubt.
Aguerd enjoyed a successful first season with the Hammers, making the Europa Conference League team of the season after they tasted continental glory for the first time in their history, and he's been heavily involved this year with 16 starts from his side's first 20 Premier League games.
However, there's a feeling behind the scenes that Aguerd "hasn't kicked on in his second season", and as such West Ham are open to moving him on this year if the right offer arrives. There's already been interest from Italy and Saudi Arabia, but David Moyes will want a replacement lined up before he sanctions a sale, and his ideal candidate may have emerged.
Moyes wants Kilman to bolster defence
According to The Guardian, West Ham "will target" Wolves centre-back Max Kilman with the proceeds from Aguerd's potential sale. The Irons don't have a "huge budget" for this window, which means that departures will determine incomings, but Moyes remains hopeful of strengthening his back four.
West Ham recognise that they face a challenge in prising Kilman away from Wolves, with Gary O'Neil's side said to demand at least £40m in the hope of avoiding what could be a destabilising mid-season exit.
Max Kilman
Moyes does have alternative targets in mind, like Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah, Nottingham Forest's Joe Worrall and Peterborough's Ronnie Edwards, but there's a feeling that Kilman has the edge because he's proven in the Premier League.
Kilman offers comprehensive package for Moyes
Kilman has shown himself to be a dominant centre-half at the heart of the Wolves backline this season, ranking inside the Premier League's top 10 for percentage of dribblers tackled (77.8) and winning the ninth-most aerial duels (52). He's very difficult to beat either on the ground or in the air, and he relishes the ugly side of defending too, placing 10th for blocks (32) and third for clearances (94). That's not to say he's limited on the ball either – Kilman finished last season with the eighth-highest progressive carrying distance (4,615 yards), so he can serve as a playmaking instigator.
The table below shows how he compares with Aguerd this season. The duo are closely matched in many areas, but Kilman completes a higher volume of passes and does so with a greater accuracy, which may be part of what Moyes is trying to accomplish.
Tackles
1.3
1.2
Interceptions
1.1
1
Clearances
4.6
4.1
Passes
58.4
53.3
Passing accuracy
83%
79.9%
Long balls
4.1
5.3
Journalist Josh Bunting has praised his "technique" and comfort in possession, adding that he's become a "proper leader" after taking the Wolves armband in the summer. Meanwhile, commentator Jacqui Oatley has argued that he's one of the most "underrated" players in the league and described him as "pure class".
Kilman only signed a new five-year deal at Molineux last year, so it's ambitious one for West Ham to pursue, but he certainly looks like he could have the desired impact in their defence.
The January transfer window is open and Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is hungry for fresh faces to bolster his squad.
While Spurs flopped to a lowly eighth-placed Premier League finish last year – missing out on European competition – the Australian manager's transformative effect has rekindled the feel-good factor, with top four very much grabbable after 20 matches.
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Fortifying the backline will be Postecoglou's first port of call, but he also claimed last month that signing youngsters for development is a strategy that will be adhered to, and, as such, Roony Bardghji could be the player to sign this month.
Spurs transfer news – Roony Bardghji
According to the Daily Mail, Copenhagen's Bardghjii is on the Lilywhites' winter shopping list, with previous reports from Italy stating that it is Postecoglou's 'explicit request' to beat Chelsea and Manchester United to the teenager's signature.
While the Blues reportedly considering stepping forward with a £9m offer, it remains to be seen whether the Danish giants would discuss terms for a relatively small fee.
FC Copenhagen midfielderRoony Bardghji.
Bardghji, aged 18, is understood to be available for transfer this month nonetheless, and it's down to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to negotiate the best fee possible.
Roony Bardghji's style of play
Described as an "outrageous talent" by well-informed scout Jacek Kulig, Bardghji is enjoying quite the breakout campaign, having posted ten goals from 29 appearances this year.
Of course, the Swedish prospect rose to attention on English shores after scoring the winning goal in a ridiculous encounter against Manchester United in December, a detrimental blow in the Old Trafford side's chance of qualification to the knockout phase, which they indeed ultimately failed to achieve.
As per Sofascore, Bardghji has scored seven goals from just 14 starting appearances in the Danish Superliga this term, completing 86% of his passes, averaging 1.2 key passes per game and succeeding with 59% of his dribbles.
Principally fielded on the right wing, he could be the perfect player to complement Heung-min Son's abilities down the N17, with the dynamic club captain brilliant across a range of roles.
Son, aged 31, has clinched 12 goals and five assists in the Premier League this season as he floats between centre-forward and the left channel, with his 11 big chances created only surpassed by Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Heung-min Son: Key Characteristics
Strengths
Weaknesses
Finishing
Aerial duels
Key passes
Crossing
Through balls
Offside awareness
Ball retention
Taking set-pieces
*Sourced via WhoScored
The South Korean boasts both the incisiveness and creativity to nurture Bardghji's skills and bring him to the fore, offering something more expansive than a regular target man would provide up top.
Also dubbed a "10/10" prospect by Kulig, there is little dispute over Bardghji's precocious skill set, but he needs to ensure that his next move is one of prudence, and with Tottenham interested, he could make the perfect step-up to continue his journey to the very top.
The PCB’s board of governors (BoG) has formally taken up the issue of dual roles causing potential conflicts of interest ahead of the Pakistan Super League. The BoG has agreed to chalk out a policy on engagement of PCB employees with PSL franchises.In the 52th governing council meeting today, the issue came up for discussion officially, with a focus on national-team coaches who also work with PSL teams. The PCB has confirmed the development, but with the league starting in a week’s time, a final decision on the issue will have to wait until the next board meeting, with all appointments to be reviewed after PSL season ends on March 17.Ever since Ehsan Mani took over as PCB chairman in September 2018, high-profile names such as Mickey Arthur have come under the spotlight, with other high-profile names having to give up roles in the PSL.Last year, the PCB removed chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq from the PSL player draft committee because of a potential conflict of interest since he was involved with a talent-hunt programme run by one of the tournament’s franchises, Lahore Qalandars. Tauseef Ahmed, who is part of the national selection committee while also being Islamabad United’s spin coach, was also left out of the PSL draft committee and later axed by the franchise.ALSO READ – Mickey Arthur’s dual roles with Pakistan and Karachi Kings back in the spotlightPakistan head coach Arthur is also part of the Karachi Kings coaching staff, which has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.In 2016, Arthur was already Karachi Kings’ head coach when he took over the Pakistan role shortly after Waqar Younis’ resignation. Arthur, with then PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan, had negotiated a contract to allow him to fill both roles, foregoing his monthly PCB retainer during the duration of the PSL. When he renewed his contract as Pakistan coach until the 2019 World Cup, this agreement remained intact. Arthur has coached Karachi Kings in all three seasons of the PSL so far, and is set to do so again in the 2019 edition. Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood had been part of the franchise as well but that is no longer the case.PSL franchises haven’t raised the issue openly, but have hinted at concerns about having Arthur in both set-ups. “If you talk about me as a head coach, its challenging for a coach and selector within one set-up,” Aaqib Javed, the Lahore Qalandars head coach, told ESPNcricifo after the first season. “There is a reason why it’s been avoided and seen as awkward. I have great regard for Mickey but this should be avoided.”ESPNcricinfo understands that Arthur has no vote in picking Pakistan’s squads, though the selectors take his inputs on board, but he does have a vote in selecting the final playing XI. “I see absolutely no conflict at all and in fact see it as a massive benefit because it allows me to see all the best young talent available,” Arthur said in 2016. “I certainly am professional enough not to in any way be biased in selections or opinions on any player because at he end of the day I am here to assist Pakistan cricket and make Pakistan cricket the best and I am not going to jeopardise that in any way.”
Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a terrific start to the 2023/24 campaign and the arrival of James Maddison played a huge role in that as he hit the ground running in London.
The England international was signed from recently relegated Leicester City for a reported fee of £40m as Ange Postecoglou took advantage of their demotion to the Championship.
Maddison did not need any time to settle into life at Spurs as the terrific attacking midfielder registered two assists on his Premier League debut for the club against Brentford on the opening day.
destiny-udogie-james-maddison-tottenham-opinion
He has started 11 top-flight matches for Tottenham so far this season and contributed with three goals, five assists, and six 'big chances' created, along with 2.9 key passes per game.
However, the former Foxes star suffered an injury to his ankle against Chelsea earlier this month and is now set to be out of action until January.
Whilst Postecoglou is set to be boosted by his return at the start of 2024, the Australian head coach could also look to bring in a player who could have a similar impact at the top end of the pitch by signing reported transfer target Raphinha.
Spurs transfer news – Raphinha
According to a report from FootballTransfers earlier this month, Tottenham have a 'concrete' interest in the Barcelona attacker ahead of the January transfer window.
The outlet also claimed that the Spanish side are prepared to cash in on him for a fee within the region of €70m (£61m) and that they are looking for cash to ease their financial problems.
Barcelona are said to hold an interest in Cristian Romero but a swap deal may not be on the cards due to their need for money to come in, rather than a player-plus-cash arrangement.
The report also stated that Spurs have been put off by Brentford's valuation of England international Ivan Toney in the club's search for a natural number nine to lead the line following Harry Kane's move to Bayern Munich over the summer.
However, FootballTransfer claimed that Postecoglou believes that Heung-min Son has the ability to continue in the centre-forward position until the end of the season, at least, and this means that there is no rush for them to bring in a striker during the January transfer window.
Instead, they could swoop to sign Raphinha from Barcelona to improve their wide options and land a player who could play alongside the South Korea international in attack.
The Brazilian ace is a superb creator from a right wing position and he could be a lethal partner for Son at the top end of the pitch during the second half of the campaign, which is why Spurs should push to seal his signature at the start of next year.
Son's season in numbers
Tottenham's captain has enjoyed a sublime start to the 2023/24 campaign and has been given the freedom of the middle of the field since Kane's departure.
Instead of playing out wide or alongside the England skipper, the £190k-per-week sensation has thrived as the main man in the final third for Spurs.
Son has racked up eight goals and one assist in 12 Premier League matches since Postecoglou's arrival, which shows that the experienced forward has been a reliable scorer for the head coach so far.
florian-wirtz-heung-min-son-liverpool-opinion
In fact, the 31-year-old ace has only missed one 'big chance' and scored eight times from an xG (Expected Goals) of 4.61. This shows that he has been incredibly clinical in front of goal and has made the most of the opportunities that have come his way.
He ranks within the top 18% of Premier League forwards for non-penalty goals (0.74) per 90 this season, despite only ranking within the top 46% for non-penalty xG (0.42) per 90.
Whereas, Son managed ten goals from 10.08 xG and missed nine 'big chances' in 36 top-flight appearances for Tottenham throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
These statistics suggest that the South Korean dynamo has improved his form in front of goal this term as he is on course to smash last season's goal tally and is currently outperforming his xG considerably, whereas he was on par with it before Postecoglou's arrival.
His impressive finishing suggests that the former Bayer Leverkusen star could thrive alongside another player who can create big chances for him on a regular basis, which is what Raphinha could do based on his performances for both Barcelona and Leeds in recent years.
The statistics that show why Raphinha could thrive with Son
The left-footed wizard, who predominantly plays on the right side of the attack, joined the Catalan giants from Leeds at the start of last season.
Since his move to Spain, Raphinha has racked up nine goals, eight assists, and 19 'big chances' created in 28 starts in LaLiga for Xavi's side.
He has been rewarded with eight assists from 10.49 xA (Expected Assists) and this suggests that his teammates have let him down at times by not making the most of his creativity.
Barcelona winger Raphinha.
His fellow attackers at Leeds also failed to make the most of the chances that he was able to create at Premier League level. The 26-year-old sensation has already proven himself in English football, as his statistics with the Whites showcase what he can do in this country.
Raphinha produced 22 'big chances' for his teammates in 60 Premier League starts and was only rewarded with 12 assists to his name, to go along with 17 goals of his own.
The former Rennes prospect, who was once hailed as "unplayable" by AllLeedsTV presenter Oscar Marrio, has displayed his ability to create 'big chances' at an impressive rate over the course of the last three-and-a-half-seasons, as shown by the aforementioned statistics, and has proven himself in England and in Spain.
Raphinha's statistics over the last 365 days.
In fact, Raphinha ranks within the top 3% of his positional peers across the Men's Big Five League and European competitions over the last 365 days for xAG (Expected Assisted Goals) per 90 with 0.40.
This suggests that the 26-year-old maestro is one of the most creative players in his position in the major European leagues, which is why he could thrive alongside Son.
The Spurs skipper, who has shown off his finishing skills this season, could benefit from Raphinha's ability to provide his teammates with 'big chances' and high xG opportunities on a regular basis, and they could combine to make a lethal pairing for Spurs in the final third.
وجه سيد عبد الحفيظ مدير الكرة السابق في النادي الأهلي، رسالة خاصة إلى محمود الخطيب رئيس مجلس الإدارة وخالد بيبو مدير الكرة الحالي.
سيد عبد الحفيظ كان قد رحل عن منصب مدير الكرة بقرار من مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي في بداية الموسم الحالي، وتم تعيين خالد بييو بدلًا منه.
وحقق فريق النادي الأهلي بطولة الدوري المصري للمرة الـ 44 في تاريخه، وذلك قبل 3 جولات من نهاية المسابقة.
وقال عبد الحفيظ خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب” المذاع على قناة “إم بي سي مصر 1”: “أبارك لمجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي وعلى رأسه الكابتن محمود الخطيب على تحقيق بطولة الدوري هذا الموسم”.
وأضاف: “عمل مميز في موسم واحد شهد العديد من الانجازات، التتويج بالدوري والسوبر المحلي وكأس مصر ودوري الأبطال وبرونزية كأس العالم، هذا يحسب لمجلس الإدارة برئاسة محمود الخطيب وكولر وخالد بيبو واللاعبين والجهاز المعاون بالكامل”.
وتابع: “لست حزينا من محمود الخطيب، هذا وقت فرحة، أنا مشجع للأهلي وهفضل مشجع مهما حدث، لا بد أن نعلم أن كل شخص يأخذ دوره وينتهي ثم القادم يكمل على عمله”.
كما وجه عبد الحفيظ رسالة لخالد بيبو، قائلا: “نتاج هائل وختام موسم رائع على مستوي العمل والشغل وكلل بالبطولات، أبارك لك”.
Newcastle United were moments away from pulling off a famous victory over Paris Saint Germain until Szymon Marciniak awarded a dubious penalty, allowing Kylian Mbappe to level in the eighth and final minute of added time.
Although the Magpies were cruelly denied all three points, which would have changed the complexion of their Champions League hopes completely, the spirit and determination of their performance are attributes that have formed the backbone of their success since Eddie Howe took charge.
The English side are currently going through an injury crisis and this was evident on Tuesday night as the Toon boss was forced into naming a bench consisting of two goalkeepers and three academy players.
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Whilst this makes their display all the more impressive, it has accentuated the need for further investment in upcoming windows and one player Howe could splash the cash on is Barcelona star Raphinha to replace Miguel Almiron.
Newcastle transfer news – Raphinha
According to a report from Football Insider last week, several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool could swoop for the former Leeds United maverick next summer.
With Barcelona's finances far from secure, it is possible that the Spanish giants could accept a cut-price deal for the Brazilian, as per the report.
Barcelona winger Raphinha.
After leaving Elland Road for a reported £55m last year, it is claimed that stumping up £40m could be enough to prise him back to the Premier League at the end of the current campaign.
Given the long-term injury to midfield maestro, Gavi, it is highly unlikely that Barcelona would part ways with Raphinha in January, however, Newcastle should do everything in their power to lure the 26-year-old to St James' Park.
The fleet-footed right winger, who wreaked havoc on defences in England's top flight, would be an exceptional upgrade on their current Paraguayan metronome.
The statistics that show Raphinha would be an upgrade on Miguel Almiron
When he was at Leeds, Raphinha was hailed as a "magician" by former teammate Dan James after plundering 17 goals and supplying 12 assists in 67 appearances for Leeds, while also earning praise from Magpies legend Alan Shearer, who was previously left "impressed" by the forward (Amazon Prime, 03/04/2021, 17:09):
"He is very good on the ball. What impressed me also was his work rate, his ability to get back and help out, do his bit defensively as well."
Whilst his Leeds record wasn't the most prolific return for someone who set Barcelona back £55m, the total of assists he produced for the Whites is more than Almiron has for Newcastle in 117 fewer games, with the 29-year-old posting just ten assists in 184 appearances so far.
Although he's currently out of favour under Xavi at Barca having started just twice in La Liga this season, he's still chalked up a respectable 12 goals and 15 assists in 63 appearances for the Catalan club to date.
Not only that but he's also eclipsed Almiron across several attacking metrics in the past year and that suggests he'd be an upgrade on the Toon fan favourite.
Statistics
Raphinha (Barcelona)
Almiron (Newcastle)
Non-penalty goals
0.33
0.23
Shots total
3.66
2.11
Shot creating actions
4.49
3.12
Progressive carries
3.78
3.20
Expected Assists (xA)
0.39
0.11
Passes into the pen area
2.70
1.24
Touches (Att pen)
4.99
4.06
All stats via FBref
As delineated by the table above, Raphinha's threat in the final third is much greater than Almiron's and this is especially demonstrated by the number of touches he's making in the penalty area and the total shots he's unleashing off his wand of a left foot.
During his stint in the Premier League, the Brazilian could conjure up a moment of brilliance when his side needed it most and although his Newcastle counterpart scored in the Champions League victory over PSG, those moments have been few and far between for the Paraguayan.
This is backed up by his measly goal record of three goals and one assist in 18 appearances for the Toon this term, whilst Raphinha has served up the name number of goal contributions in 649 fewer minutes.
Although Newcastle are the division's second-highest scorers, behind only Manchester City, it's the finer details – like replacing Almiron with Raphina – that can take the North East giants to even greater heights.
West Ham United make have contact to sign one player who's being followed closely by Real Madrid, and they're apparently even prepared to bid.
Who could West Ham sign in January?
The east Londoners enjoyed a very productive summer transfer window, spending £134 million on the signings of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mohammed Kudus. Ward-Prowse has gone to become a revelation in particular, scoring two goals and assisting three others already while earning serious praise for some of his performances.
The aforementioned quartet have helped to guide West Ham to seventh in the Premier League table, where they've won four of their opening eight league matches. Only Man City and Liverpool have beaten them so far, with David Moyes' side also enjoying a run of 17 games unbeaten in Europe.
Alas, it has been reported that West Ham could still strengthen in January. Moyes is apparently keen to sign a new centre-back amid growing doubts over the futures of both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba and AC Milan ace Malick Thiaw linked most recently. In-form Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy is also of interest to bolster Moyes' attacking options.
Danny Ings has played just 33 minutes under Moyes this season, with striker Michail Antonio starting all eight of West Ham's Premier League matches so far. However, if injury were to befall the Jamaica international, only Ings would come in as sufficient back up – potentially motivating their rumoured interest in a new forward.
West Ham – Malick Thiaw transfer update
Going back to the defensive area, Thiaw is a name reported to be of interest to West Ham. Last week, it was said that the Irons are plotting an offer for the Milan centre-back, with journalist Daniele Longo sharing his own Thiaw transfer update for Calciomercato.
Malick Thiaw AC Milan
The reporter writes that West Ham have already made contact with the agents of Thiaw over a potential deal, and are prepared to bid around £17 million to prise him away from Italy. It's said that Real Madrid are even "closely" following the Germany international, such is his potential. The 22-year-old, who stands at a colossal 6 foot 4, has started seven Serie A matches for the Rossoneri so far and has become a key player for Stefano Pioli.
Pioli, speaking to the media earlier this year (via sempremilan), heaped praise on the defender as one of his "leaders" – stating he has all the characteristics to become a "modern defender".
“Malick has always worked well, I’ve always recognised important qualities in him to be a modern defender. I always thought he would become a ‘starter’ at Milan. Against Torino I didn’t have to [start him], I thought he was in good condition and had the right characteristics.
“He is very young but he absolutely must continue like this. It’s easy to maintain balance and serenity when there are two things: unity of the group and the support of the club, of my leaders. These things have never been lacking.”