Senior executives at Manchester United are convinced that the squad is behind embattled head coach Ruben Amorim. CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have held informal discussions with members of the senior leadership team, including Bruno Fernandes. Those conversations have left the hierarchy at Old Trafford convinced there is genuine support for Amorim.
Man Utd players and execs discuss Amorim's future
reports that Berrada and Wilcox were not explicitly trying to "sound out" the players on Amorim's future, but feedback on the former Sporting boss and the atmosphere in the dressing room was positive.
Berrada and Wilcox, both of whom were appointed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe after the businessman became a minority shareholder of the club in February 2024, have been tasked with taking a hands-on approach in understanding the current mood around the club. Both execs are based at the club's Carrington training facility. The compound has undergone a £50m makeover this year, which has facilitated more interactions between the club's execs and the players in and around the newly-designed group areas.
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Mount and De Ligt express public support for Amorim
This new report backs up the public utterances of senior players. After the Red Devils' 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday, Mason Mount he and his team-mates are giving Amorim their full support.
"We're 100% behind the gaffer," Mount said. "We've had some difficult results that hurt us, have been painful for the team, the staff and the fans, but it was important to win.
"It needs to be [the start of a winning streak] – we thought after Chelsea it would be the start of something, and then we go to Brentford and have a disappointing result.
"It starts [with the win over Sunderland], and we'll be working hard over the break. We want to get back-to-back wins, then three in a row and push on for the top four."
Matthjis de Ligt showed that even after a defeat, the players are unwilling to lay the blame solely at their boss's door. The Dutchman refused to blame Amorim's maligned 3-4-2-1 formation for their 3-1 defeat away to Brentford in September.
"Of course, I mean it's always easy to look to the manager, but in the end the players on the pitch have to do it," said De Ligt. "We can't say the goals we conceded, or the chances we conceded, are because of what… I don't know, you guys always talk about the system. That also has a lot to do with focus, concentration, and, if that's lacking in key moments, it's going to make a difference."
Amorim appreciative of player support as outside criticism continues
Amorim will be grateful for the public and private displays of loyalty from his players, as the outside criticism of his tenure continues at pace. Not only has he had to deal with comments from prominent United legends such as Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney, he has also been negatively compared to flailing Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch by LBC host Nick Ferrari.
Specifically replying to Mount's comments after the Sunderland win, Amorim showed his appreciation for his players' continued efforts, while also suggesting they still have plenty to improve upon.
"I know they want to do the best, and I know they don't want to change the coach all the time," Amorim said.
"We need to show with actions. Sometimes, when we look at our team, I know for sure that when we see the games, in the end, they know sometimes we can do better. I feel [the support] during the week, but we need to show it on the pitch."
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Can Amorim convert players' support into success?
The positive noises coming out of Carrington will be of scant comfort to United fans if it does not start translating into consistency on the pitch, and points in the league table. United return from the international break with a massive fixture against Liverpool. Given their arch rival's recent defeats, Amorim and his players might just fancy their chances in taking all three points at Anfield on October 19.
Thomas Muller marked his 300th career goal and lifted his first trophy with the Vancouver Whitecaps in trademark fashion. The German legend scored and assisted in a 4-2 win over Vancouver FC to seal a fourth straight Canadian Championship, before celebrating with a dance and cake as the club’s official Instagram hailed him “Mr 300”.
Muller’s milestone night sparks double celebration
Muller delivered a vintage performance, scoring from the penalty spot and providing an assist in Vancouver Whitecaps’ 4-2 Canadian Championship final win over Vancouver FC. The victory sealed a fourth consecutive Voyageurs Cup and a place in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. After the match, the Germanr shared his joy on Instagram with a dancing clip captioned: “Party on”, celebrating his first trophy in North America.
The night was even more special as Müller’s opener marked the 300th goal of his career for club and country, making him the most decorated German footballer ever with 35 trophies, surpassing Toni Kroos. Vancouver’s official Instagram page joined the celebrations, presenting him with a cake decorated with “300” and the caption: A sweet treat for Mr 300”.
With five goals and three assists in just six games for the club, the Bayern Munich icon has made an instant impact in MLS.
A career laden with silverware for Ex-Bayern star
The 36-year-old's latest triumph adds to a glittering resume: 13 Bundesliga titles, two Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups, eight DFL Supercups, six DFB-Pokals, two UEFA Supercups, and the crowning glory of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The forward had previously scored 250 goals for Bayern and 45 for Germany before his summer move to Vancouver, cementing his status as a record-breaking figure in German football history.
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Getty Images SportWhitecaps dominance continues on home soil
The Whitecaps’ fourth consecutive Canadian Championship title highlights their growing domestic dominance, with Muller’s arrival providing both quality and global spotlight. Having secured a place in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, the club now look to build on this momentum, while Muller himself relishes a new chapter abroad with the promise of more goals, trophies, and trademark celebrations.
Liverpool have reportedly sealed a record deal to bring Alexander Isak to the club, but their business doesn’t appear to be done yet in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool agree record deal to sign Alexander Isak
After the 1-0 win over Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, the Reds were given another added bonus, with Isak’s £130m move to Anfield on the cards.
Newcastle have remained stubborn for weeks, potentially refusing to sell the Swede for less than £150m and making him train on his own.
The signing of Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart has changed things, however, with the Magpies also pushing to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford, and they have decided it is now best to sell Isak to Liverpool.
It is a stunning piece of business for the Premier League champions, assuming there are no late issues with the move, but another exciting update has also emerged regarding more transfer business.
Liverpool close to agreement for Premier League ace
According to the reliable Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, Liverpool are edging closer to signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi alongside Isak, with an agreement getting closer all the time.
Steele also provided another update on the situation on Monday morning, with Palace owner Steve Parish set to make a key decision on Guehi.
“Marc Guehi latest for those asking: told last night an agreement was ‘getting closer’ and ‘good chance’ it happens. Right now, still waiting on sign-off from Steve Parish, with CPFC in for replacements. Oliver Glasner involved too, but hope of a £35m+£5m handshake.”
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi
This is huge for Liverpool, with Guehi their leading centre-back option for some time, with added depth badly needed there, especially if Joe Gomez departs for AC Milan.
The 25-year-old showcased his quality with a brilliant goal in Palace’s 3-0 win away to Aston Villa on Sunday evening, while Joe Hart hailed him in an England shirt at Euro 2024 last year.
“Huge shoutout to Marc Guehi. I thought he was exceptional. He really stepped in and was really calm on the ball. I thought Guehi allowed John Stones to play his game. The more Marc plays, the better that [centre-back] partnership will get.”
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If Liverpool can get deals for Isak and Guehi done and dusted, it will round off a memorable summer in the transfer market, arguably giving them their best squad in many years.
Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions to improve their frontline have been evident over the last couple of weeks, as they look to add key depth to the department to hand Thomas Frank the tools for success.
The Dane has already completed the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, with the Ghanaian likely to play an important role in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.
However, the injury to James Maddison and the departure of winger Heung-min Son have further highlighted the need for added reinforcements before the end of the window.
The Englishman suffered an ACL injury that will rule him out for the majority of the campaign, whilst the South Korean completed his £20m move to LAFC – ending his decade-long stint in North London.
As a result, numerous players are being considered by the board as potential options, with moves desperately needing to be made in the next couple of weeks.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer
After suffering relegation to the Championship with Leicester City, Moroccan star Bilal El Khannouss is almost certain to secure a move to a European giant before the September 1st deadline.
Spurs have been one of the sides mentioned as an option for the 21-year-old, who could be available for a bargain fee of just £22m, due to the relegation release clause in his current contract.
However, he’s not the only attacker currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another player they’re pursuing, according to TBR Football’s latest report.
They claim that the Lilywhites are waiting for a green light from the LaLiga giants that they’re willing to allow the 24-year-old to depart before making their opening offer.
The report also states that North London rivals Arsenal are firmly in the race for the Brazilian’s signature this window, leading to a £70m price tag being mooted in recent days.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s own Bale
Gareth Bale will undoubtedly go down as one of the best ever players to play for Spurs – especially when taking all the factors around his spell at the club into account.
He originally joined the club from Southampton as a left-back, before shifting into a more attacking role, subsequently scoring a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League back in 2010.
Such a game would catapult him to stardom with the Lilywhites, going on to score 55 times in his 194 appearances during his six-year spell in North London – 26 of which came in his final season.
The Welshman would subsequently join Real Madrid in an £85m transfer back in the summer of 2013 – a then world-record and a fee that remains the highest ever received for a player in the Lilywhites’ history.
His talents of cutting side were there for all to see, scoring banger after banger off the right-hand side, a move that became a real trademark during his career as a professional.
Gareth Bale for Tottenham.
Current boss Frank must wish he had an elite-level talent like Bale within his current ranks, potentially landing his own version of the superstar with a move for Rodrygo this summer.
The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has already showcased his ability to score similar goals, with his effort against Atlético Madrid evidence of the talent he possesses.
His underlying stats from last season are just as impressive, registering 5.1 progressive passes and 5.3 progressive carries per 90, having the tools to constantly get the ball into forward areas – just as Bale did a decade ago for the Lilywhites.
Rodrygo’s stats for Real Madrid in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
30
Goals & assists
11
Pass accuracy
91%
Progressive passes
5.1
Progressive carries
5.3
Successful take-ons
2.3
Shot on target accuracy
50%
Key passes made
1.6
Stats via FBref
The 24-year-old also completed 2.3 successful take-ons per 90, with such numbers showcasing his ability to glide past the opposition before cutting inside or setting up a teammate – adding the needed quality the hierarchy are hunting for.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
Whilst it’s unclear if the player himself is keen on a move to join Spurs, the prospect of Rodrygo plying his trade under Frank is certainly one for the supporters to be excited about.
Should he join the club, it would be a huge coup and one that could help the side in their ambitions of Premier League success – especially if he gets anywhere near the levels Bale produced during his own time in England.
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Gary Neville won eight Premier League titles with Manchester United and is one of the best right-backs England has ever produced.
Starring under Sir Alex Ferguson after coming through alongside the famous Class of 92’ at Carrington, Neville retired in 2011 and has since been a pundit and co-commentator.
Gary Neville’s Man Utd honours
Year
Premier League
1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009
Champions League
1999, 2008
FA Cup
1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
League Cup
2006, 2009, 2010
Community Shield
1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2007, 2008
Club World Cup
2009
Intercontinental Cup
1999
He did have a brief managerial spell at Valencia but has now been a regular on Sky Sports over the past 10 years, giving his views alongside Jamie Carragher.
But who is Neville’s greatest Premier League XI? Well, he was quizzed with selecting the best players the division has ever seen, but he was banned from selecting stars who have played for his beloved Man Utd.
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ByCharlie Smith Jun 6, 2025 Gary Neville’s best Premier League XI without Man Utd stars 11 Alisson Liverpool
Despite being able to select the likes of David Seaman and Petr Cech, Neville decided to go for Liverpool’s Alisson Becker.
The Brazilian has helped transform Liverpool after joining from AS Roma back in 2018, costing a then-world record £67m fee. An unbelievable shot-stopper, Alisson has won two Premier League titles at Anfield.
10 Cesar Azpilicueta Chelsea
Right-back Neville decided to choose Cesar Azpilicueta over the likes of Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Signed by Chelsea for just £7m in 2012, Azpilicueta proved to be one of the Blues’ best value for money transfers of all time. Making over 500 appearances at Stamford Bridge, Azpilicueta won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup.
9 Virgil van Dijk Southampton, Liverpool
After moving to the Premier League with Southampton in 2015, Virgil van Dijk was signed by Liverpool for £75m and has gone from strength to strength at Anfield.
One of the best and most consistent centre-backs in the world, Van Dijk was always going to be in Neville’s side, with the Man Utd legend calling the Dutchman a “complete defender”.
8 John Terry Chelsea
A centre-back Neville regularly came up against at Old Trafford was Chelsea star John Terry.
The former Blues and England captain won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups and a Champions League at Stamford Bridge, going down as one of the greatest Chelsea players of all time.
7 Ashley Cole Arsenal, Chelsea
Ashley Cole is regarded as the best left-back in Premier League history, and he was also involved in one of the most controversial transfers the division has ever seen when he swapped Arsenal for Chelsea in 2006.
Cole won Premier League titles and lifted the FA Cup at both Highbury and Stamford Bridge, with Arsene Wenger calling him “the best” the league has ever seen.
6 Steven Gerrard Liverpool
Starting Neville’s three-man midfield is former England teammate Steven Gerrard, who spent his entire Premier League career with Liverpool.
Despite never lifting the title, Gerrard has rightly gone down as one of the best to play in the Premier League since 1992, carrying the Reds on his back for large parts of his Anfield stay.
5 Patrick Vieira Arsenal, Man City
Alongside Gerrard is Patrick Vieira, who was Arsenal captain during the famous rivalry between Wenger and Ferguson’s sides in the early 2000s.
Neville and Vieira came to blows during that time, however, the former Man Utd right-back still saw plenty of quality in the towering French midfielder.
4 David Silva Man City
Finishing off the midfield is Manchester City legend David Silva, with the magician winning four Premier League titles at the Etihad.
Silva helped transform Man City’s fortunes after signing from Valencia in 2010, proving to be worth every penny of the £30m fee. He contributed to more than 200 goals in 436 Sky Blues games.
3 Mohamed Salah Chelsea, Liverpool
A terrifying front three begins with Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, who initially had a tough time of things in the Premier League with Chelsea.
However, since returning to England with the Reds, Salah has become of the best forwards the league has ever seen. In 2024/25, Liverpool won the title thanks to the Egyptian King, who broke the record for the most combined goals and assists in a 38-game season.
2 Alan Shearer Blackburn, Newcastle
The Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer, Alan Shearer, could have been a teammate of Neville’s at Man Utd if Ferguson got his way back in 1996.
However, instead, Shearer, who helped Rovers win the title, swapped Ewood Park for St James’ Park and would go on to become Newcastle’s record scorer over a 10-year period.
There is no getting around it, next season feels like it’s do or die for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has done incredible work over the last five or so years, turning what was a mid-table side at best into perennial title challengers, but after three failed attempts to claim the Premier League crown, they have to get it over the line this time.
Fortunately, while it’s going to require a Herculean effort from the Spaniard’s squad, Andrea Berta and Co have done their bit so far this summer in providing him with some exciting reinforcements.
The marquee signing so far has undoubtedly been Viktor Gyokeres, who joined the club from Sporting CP for a total fee of around £63.5m, and while that is a lot of money, there is already an attacker in the Gunners’ setup worth that little bit more, and no, it’s not Bukayo Saka.
Why Arsenal signed Gyokeres
So, there is no denying that Arsenal pushed the boat out to sign Gyokeres this summer, as while his fee of £63.5m might not break any records, it still comes in as the club’s fifth highest ever.
Gyokeres
However, it’s easy to see why Arteta and Co felt okay spending that, as for all their defensive solidity last season, the Gunners were only the third-highest-scoring team in the Premier League and scored a whopping 17 goals fewer than champions Liverpool.
So the best course of action in that situation would probably be to go out and sign a prolific number nine, and there were few, if any, more prolific than the Swedish monster.
For example, in 52 appearances for Sporting last season, totalling 4248 minutes, the goalscoring “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, put the ball in the back of the net 54 times and provided 13 assists for good measure.
In other words, the 27-year-old machine averaged 1.28 goal involvements every game, or one every 63.40 minutes, which is the sort of output that could fire the North Londoners to glory next year.
On top of that, the former Coventry City star has also scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 26 appearances, totalling 1568 minutes, for Sweden, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.23 games, or every 74.66 minutes.
In short, Gyokeres is a lean, mean goalscoring machine, and it’s easy to see why Arsenal splashed the cash on him, although even with his lofty price tag, he’s worth less than one of his new and younger teammates.
The Arsenal star worth more than Gyokeres
While they are yet to win anything, Arsenal are a team stacked to the rafters with brilliant talents and, in this instance, we are talking about none other than Ethan Nwaneri.
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In a season in which it felt like nothing went the way of the Gunners and their fans didn’t have a whole lot to celebrate, the 18-year-old’s breakout was one of the few genuinely positive points.
Of course, the Enfield-born gem did make his first senior appearance for the club as a 15-year-old in 2023, but it was last season when he showed the fans and the rest of the league, for that matter, that he’s a serious talent.
In fact, he was so impressive last year that Football Transfers have valued him at a whopping €74m, which is around £64.5m, or £1m more than Gyokeres cost late last month.
Now, we aren’t saying for a second that the youngster is already better than the Swedish international, or will have as big of an impact as him in the first team next season, but given his brilliant performances in 24/25, it’s not hard to imagine him developing into a genuine superstar in a few years – hence the lofty valuation.
Appearances
37
Minutes
1378′
Goals
9
Assists
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.29
Minutes per Goal Involvement
125.27′
For example, despite starting the season as a 17-year-old, the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, managed to score nine goals and provide two assists in just 1378 minutes.
In other words, the Hale Ender averaged a goal involvement every 125.27 minutes in his first proper campaign of first-team football, when playing in the Champions League and the toughest league in the world, per Opta Analyst.
Finally, it’s not just the output, as some of the teenager’s underlying numbers are nothing short of extraordinary.
According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 4% for crosses into the penalty area and the top 7% for total carrying distance, all per 90.
Ultimately, there is still so much to see from Nwaneri over the coming years, but based on his performances last season, it’s easy to see why he is currently worth more than Gyokeres.
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It was a game to forget for most of the Arsenal team.
Fair to say, West Ham United supporters are not best pleased with their club’s transfer business so far this summer.
This is mainly due to the fact that star attacker Mohammed Kudus has been sold to fierce London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for a reported fee of £55m, the first player to make that controversial switch since Scott Parker in 2011.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
In terms of arrivals, El Hadji Malick Diouf has joined from Slavia Prague for £19m, with Kyle Walker-Peters coming in on a free transfer from Southampton, both bolstering full-back options.
Nevertheless, even before Kudus’ departure, Graham Potter’s team lacked goals, thereby meaning additions will need to be made, so are the Irons closing in on a signing?
West Ham's search for a number nine
As the table below outlines, trying to be a productive goal-scoring centre-forward at West Ham United has proved to be something of an enigma.
Danny Ings
2023
£15m
69
5
Niclas Füllkrug
2024
£27m
20
3
Evan Ferguson
2025
Loan
8
Zero
Gianluca Scamacca
2022
£30.5m
27
8
Sébastien Haller
2019
£45m
54
14
Albian Ajeti
2019
£8m
12
Zero
Javier Hernández
2018
£16m
63
17
Lucas Pérez
2018
£4m
19
6
Andy Carroll
2012
£15m
142
34
Jordan Hugill
2018
£10m
3
Zero
Diafra Sakho
2016
£10m
71
24
Emmanuel Emenike
2016
Loan
16
2
Enner Valencia
2014
£12m
68
10
Michail Antonio
2015
£7m
323
83
As the table outlines, aside from Michail Antonio, over the last decade or so, West Ham have signed umpteen strikers, none of whom have been a success to any sort of degree, paying huge fees for Gianluca Scamacca, Sébastien Haller and Niclas Füllkrug in particular in recent summers.
As they aim to be a bit more shrewd in the transfer market, Jack Rosser of The Sun is reporting that West Ham have made an approach to sign Callum Wilson, who is a free agent after leaving Newcastle,
Rosser states that the Hammers are “in talks” over potential move, while revealing that the striker has “long had admirers” at the club.
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Wilson, now 33 years old, played just 458 minutes last season due to a back and then hamstring injury, with the Irons looking for a deal that would be “weighted towards appearances/goals”.
Despite this, West Ham aren’t the only club interested in the veteran centre-forward, with Mark Critchley and Laurie Whitwell of the Athletic reporting that Manchester United have been ‘offered the chance’ to snap him up too, but could Wilson soon be on his way to East London?
How Callum Wilson would improve West Ham
Despite the presence of Alexander Isak, Eddie Howe described Wilson’s importance to Newcastle as “incredible”, adding that his goal-scoring record while on Tyneside was “excellent”.
This was no more so the case than against West Ham, so signing him would first and foremost prevent the veteran from adding to his remarkable scoring spree against the Irons.
West Ham United
16
12
Everton
12
8
Burnley
12
7
Huddersfield Town
6
7
Brighton
14
6
Southampton
14
6
Wilson averages a goal against West Ham every 88.5 minutes, on target against them at four different venues: the Boleyn Ground, Dean Court, London Stadium and St James’ Park.
Lorihanna Balabanova of Total Football Analysis praises his ‘position and intelligence’ in the penalty area in front of goal, while the aforementioned Howe believes that his “goal-scoring ability” has always been his “biggest strength”.
Meantime, Chris Waugh of the Athletic is impressed by his ‘aggression and tactical nous’, believing his ‘experience and scoring acumen’ at Premier League level is invaluable.
Should he join West Ham, this could only benefit Jarrod Bowen, as it would allow the Hammers captain to exclusively be deployed on the right-wing, which is his best position, with Roshane Thomas of The Athletic documenting how, even when he is deployed as the lone centre-forward, Bowen tends to drift wide.
In 2023/24, for example, the Englishman scored 11 goals and registered six assists from just 20 games as a right-winger, while recording ‘just’ nine goals and four assists in 22 games as a striker, as per Transfermarkt. The need to have him deployed in his best role is certainly evident.
Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian adds that West Ham ‘have already wasted a lot of money’ in an attempt to ‘satisfy an obsession’ which is searching for the perfect centre-forward, something that has proved largely elusive.
Well, as a free agent, Wilson certainly wouldn’t prove expensive and would surely score goals, given his track record, with the added bonus of getting the best out of West Ham’s star player, Bowen.
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The team has most bases covered, going with a good blend of youth and experience
Madushka Balasuriya17-Jul-2024
Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoshi Priyadharshani will both be crucial to Sri Lanka’s attack•ICC via Getty Images
The experienced trio of Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya and Anushka Sanjeewani have been restored to Sri Lanka’s T20 squad, having been rested for the recent series against the West Indies, as Sri Lanka named their 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup.The green pair of Rashmika Sewwandi and Imesha Dulani – the former yet to make her debut – unsurprisingly make way, while there’s also no room for the veteran spinner Oshadi Ranasinghe, who had just returned to the T20 side following a nine-month absence, and wicketkeeper-batter Kaushini Nuthyangana.This, however, remains a squad with a good blend of youth and experience. The highly-rated left-arm wrist spinner Shashini Gimhani is the youngest member, turning 16 only later this year. But while she’s yet to stake a claim in the starting XI, 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne has already locked down an opening berth alongside skipper Chamari Athapaththu.Related
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Spin-bowling allrounder Kavisha Dilhari, seamer Kawya Kavindi and leg spinner Sachini Nisansala are three more under the age of 25, with the latter’s strong showing against the West Indies proving enough to retain her spot in the squad.That’s the future and much of the present when it comes to this Sri Lankan outfit, but there’s also considerable know-how across the rest of the squad. Much of Sri Lanka’s strength lays in their batting, led by the incomparable Athapaththu, who has formed a formidable partnership at the top with Gunaratne. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanjeewani’s inclusion bolsters the lower order alongside Nilakshi de Silva, but it’s the resilience of a middle order containing Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera and Kavisha Dilhari that has formed the spine of Sri Lanka’s recent successes.On the bowling front, this is a spin-heavy attack, with the veteran pairing of Inoshi Priyadarshani and Sugandika Kumari supplemented by Nisansala, Gimhani, Dilhari and Athapaththu. The returning Prabodhani and Kulasuriya firm up Sri Lanka’s pace options in a contingent that also includes Ama Kanchana and Kavindi.Full squad: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Kawya Kavindi, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana
The last few weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side have lost the Premier League title and looked lethargic in games against Brentford and Crystal Palace.
However, in the Champions League, they’ve thrived and, thanks to a demolition job of Real Madrid home and away, are set to play just their third semi-final in history tomorrow night.
On top of that, recent reports have suggested that Thomas Partey could be set for a new deal, and the transfer of Martin Zubimendi remains a real possibility.
Undoubtedly, having the two midfielders would be a serious boon for Arsenal next year, although there’s another star in the squad worth more than both combined.
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Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?
Why Arsenal want Partey and Zubimendi
Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at why Arsenal would want Partey and Zubimendi next year, and when it comes to the former, there are two key reasons.
The first reason is that, while he has endured some significant injury problems in the past, he’s been available for practically the entire campaign this year and has arguably been in the form of his Arsenal career.
For example, he’s made 47 appearances so far, in which he’s scored four goals, provided three assists, and, according to FBref, is in the top 4% of Premier League midfielders for successful take-on percentage, the top 6% for tackles in the attacking third, the top 7% for passes completed and more, all per 90.
However, as he’s set 32 in the summer and still has a miserable injury record, the club will need to add more quality to the number six position, which is where Zubimendi comes in.
The Real Sociedad star has been just as important to his team this year, making 43 appearances, in which he’s scored two goals and provided two assists.
Moreover, like the Gunners’ number five, the Spaniard also has some impressive underlying numbers, with FBref placing him in the top 7% of midfielders in La Liga for shots blocked, the top 9% for clearances, touches in the defensive third and successful take-on percentage, the top 16% for aerial duels won and more, all per 90.
In all, it would be fair to say that even at his age, Partey is worth his €14.7m – £12.5m – valuation given to him by Football Transfers, and Zubimendi is deserving of his €55.2m valuation, which comes to £46.9m.
Yet, despite their impressive campaigns, there is another Arsenal star worth millions more than them combined.
The Arsenal star worth millions more than Partey and Zubimendi
So, when it comes to the most valuable Arsenal players, most fans will understandably think of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.
However, while they are worth enormous sums of money, the star in question is none other than Declan Rice.
The former West Ham United captain has been utterly sensational for the Gunners this season and, according to Football Transfers, is worth €116.4, which is about £99m, or £39.6m more than Partey and Zubimendi combined.
Now, that might seem like an awful lot of money for a central midfielder, but it would be hard to say it’s not warranted.
For example, in 47 appearances, the 26-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by podcaster and host Adam Keys, has scored seven goals and provided ten assists.
Rice’s Scout Report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
Inswinging Corner Kicks
2.78
Top 1%
Assists
0.26
Top 4%
Goals + Assists
0.43
Top 5%
Progressive Carries
2.76
Top 5%
Corner Kicks
3.16
Top 5%
Carries into Penalty Area
0.60
Top 6%
Crosses
4.70
Top 7%
All Stats via FBref
Moreover, FBref has placed him in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for assists, the top 5% for goals plus assists, progressive carries and corner kicks, the top 7% for crosses and more, all per 90.
Moreover, there are certain intangible elements to his game, such as his leadership and ability to deal with the biggest occasions, that make him such an asset.
Ultimately, while Zubimendi and Partey would be incredibly useful players to have in the squad next season, we can’t see either one surpassing Rice as the club’s most important midfielder.
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In what would be a statement of intent, Newcastle United have now reportedly made contact to sign a teenage sensation ahead of interest from European giants Real Madrid this summer.
Newcastle could deal Real Madrid another blow
As the summer transfer window approaches, the Magpies have already reportedly commenced their spending by securing the arrival of Antonio Cordero from Malaga. The young winger reportedly had interest from both Real Madrid and Barcelona, but has chosen Newcastle ahead of the Spanish giants.
Cordero may just be the start for those at St James’ Park this summer too, with Eddie Howe potentially backed in the transfer market for the first time in over a year as Newcastle break free from their PSR constraints.
With that in mind, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast surrounding just who could arrive in the coming months. The most prominent targets have so far arguably been both Liam Delap and Jonathan David, whilst names such as James McAtee have begun to steal headlines as of late.
All three of those names would undoubtedly add something to Howe’s side, but whether that results in a trio of arrivals for the Magpies remains to be seen. Of course, something which would change the landscape of Newcastle’s summer is if Alexander Isak decided to depart for a club-record fee.
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Instantly, PIF’s spending power would become clear in the face of Isak’s departure. Ultimately, however, it’s a situation that all involved at the club would rather avoid before setting their sights on targets of their own.
Newcastle make contact to sign Kofane
According to reports relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have now made contact to sign Christian Kofane from Albacete this summer and are looking to beat Real Madrid to a second La Liga 2 striker in a matter of months. It’s not just the Magpies and Madrid who have registered their interest though, with ‘half of Europe’ reportedly plotting to sign the 18-year-old sensation.
That interest should come as no surprise, either. Like Cordero, Kofane has thrived in Spain’s second division – scoring six goals and creating one other in 15 La Liga 2 appearances so far this season.
With a reported release clause worth just €5m (£4m) too, Newcastle could land a bargain deal for a young player on the rise and one that RD Scouting described as a player with an “interesting” profile.