All posts by h716a5.icu

And have twins ever dismissed each other before in a match?

Steven Lynch01-Oct-2019Sunil Gavaskar holds the record for most runs in his debut Test series. Who holds the record for most wickets in his first series? And which bowler holds the record for best return on ODI debut? asked Abhinav from the United States
Two Australian fast bowlers lead the way when it comes to the most wickets in a debut Test series. Terry Alderman took 42 wickets in England in 1981, beating by one the 41 of Rodney Hogg in the 1978-79 Ashes in Australia. Both of those were six-match series: the record for a five-Test rubber on debut is 36 wickets, by the Australian legspinner Arthur Mailey against England in 1920-21. Colin Croft came close with 33 in his maiden series, for West Indies against Pakistan in 1976-77.The record for a four-Test debut series is 33 wickets, by Alf Valentine in England in 1950. Sonny Ramadhin lies third, with 26 wickets in that same series: the West Indian spin twins are separated by the England fast bowler Fred Trueman, who took 29 against India at home in 1952.And the most in a three-Test series on debut is 26 wickets, by the Sri Lankan mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis, at home to India in 2008. That broke the long-standing record of England’s Alec Bedser, who took 24 against India at home in 1946.Two bowlers have taken six wickets in an innings in their first one-day international. Fidel Edwards collected 6 for 22 on debut for West Indies against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2003-04, and Kagiso Rabada improved on that with 6 for 16 – including a hat-trick in his second over – against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2015.Have three brothers ever played in the same first-class fixture? asked Tom Curran on Twitter
The background to this is that Ben Curran, the brother of the Surrey and England pair Tom and Sam Curran, plays for Northamptonshire – and they have just won promotion, so will play against Surrey in Division One of the County Championship next season.The answer is that there have been several first-class matches with three (or even more) brothers playing, although admittedly that has usually been for the same side. There have even been three instances in Tests: WG, EM and GF Grace for England against Australia at The Oval in 1880; Alec and George Hearne played for England, and their brother Frank for South Africa, in Cape Town in 1891-92 (a cousin also played); and Hanif, Mushtaq and Sadiq Mohammad for Pakistan against New Zealand in Karachi in 1969-70 (it was Hanif’s 55th and last Test, and Sadiq’s first).But the Currans may have the chance of repeating one of county cricket’s oddest scorecard entries, from a Championship match at Lord’s in 1933: the Middlesex batsman Harry Lee was caught by his brother Frank off the bowling of another brother, Jack, who were playing for Somerset. The scorecard thus read “HW Lee c FS Lee b JW Lee 82”. Harry later wrote: “I do not believe that brothers had ever before behaved so unbrotherly in a first-class game.”I’m guessing that Don Bradman has the best ratio of innings to hundreds in Tests. But who’s next? asked James Sullivan from England
Don Bradman turned 36.25% of his Test innings – 29 out of 80 – into hundreds, and you’re right to assume that is the best percentage in Tests, given a minimum of ten centuries. The next best is 25% by the West Indian George Headley (40 innings, ten centuries). Next comes Steve Smith, who currently has 26 centuries from 124 innings, or just under 21%.Matt Parkinson dismissed his twin, Leicestershire’s Callum Parkinson, lbw in the first innings, only to have him return the favour in Lancashire’s first innings•Getty ImagesThe Parkinson twins dismissed each other in a recent County Championship match. Has this ever happened before? asked Paul Melville from England
The Lancashire legspinner Matt Parkinson celebrated his call-up for England’s tour of New Zealand by dismissing his identical twin brother, Leicestershire’s Callum Parkinson, in the final round of 2019 County Championship matches at Grace Road last week. Callum, who’s a slow left-armer, got his revenge by dismissing Matt, also lbw, when Lancashire batted.This was the first time twins had dismissed each other in a first-class match. The only other instance of a twin getting his brother out that I could remember happened in the Varsity Match at Lord’s in 1982, when Oxford University’s Jonathan Varey dismissed his twin brother, David, of Oxford.But the ever-alert members of the Association of Cricket Statisticians have unearthed another instance: in a match in Kaluthara in 2016-17, Duvindu Tillakaratne of Badureliya had his twin (and fellow left-arm spinner), Ravindu Tillakaratne, stumped for four. They are the sons of the former Sri Lankan captain Hashan Tillakaratne.Oman were all out for 24 in an international match earlier this year. Was this some sort of record? asked James McDonald from Scotland
The match you’re talking about was in Al Amerat in February: Scotland skittled Oman for 24. It wasn’t actually an official one-day international, as Oman don’t have the required status, but it was the fourth-lowest total in any List A (senior one-day) game, as this list shows. Remarkably, the very next day, also in Al Amerat, Oman turned the tables, scoring 248 for 8 and beating Scotland by 93 runs.The lowest List A total of all is 18, when West Indies Under-19 took their name a bit too literally against Barbados in Blairmont in Guyana in October 2007.Use our feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

In the aftermath of the Shakib incident and the players’ strike, there will be greater pressure on the stand-in captain

Mohammad Isam02-Nov-20192:02

Mahmudullah relishes chance to lead Bangladesh

After the ICC’s decision to ban Bangladesh Test and T20I captain Shakib Al Hasan, there were questions about his replacements for the India tour. And minutes after Shakib addressed a press conference, Akram Khan, the BCB cricket operations head, named Mahmudullah as the T20I captain, while Mominul Haque was named to lead the Test side.It was the obvious choice, considering Mahmudullah had been Shakib’s deputy and is Bangladesh’s most improved T20 player in recent years. And with media scrutiny swelling to a crescendo, Bangladesh didn’t want to risk a newbie at the helm – there were reports it could be Mosaddek Hossain, who isn’t part of the senior group.ALSO READ: Bangladesh get ready for life without two-in-one ShakibMahmudullah has captained Bangladesh in 11 internationals, usually when Shakib has been unavailable for one reason or other. He also has a decent record in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), having led Chittagong Vikings and Barisal Bulls to the finals in 2013 and 2015 respectively.Mahmudullah is known as a calm, steadying influence who likes to lead by example, and has established himself as Bangladesh’s key batsman in the middle order. Between 2007 and 2015, Mahmudullah had a strike rate of only 103.78 in T20Is, but has lifted to 131.96 in the past three years after former coach Chandika Hathurusingha made him the finisher.ALSO READ: Shakib’s absence ‘will work as motivation for us’ – MahmudullahMahmudullah’s big-hitting has helped him become Bangladesh’s go-to man in the slog overs, and his strike rate in this phase has been nearly 165 in the last four years. Mahmudullah hasn’t made it to the IPL yet, but he has been part of the CPL, having represented Jamaica Tallawahs and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.Shakib’s ban is a massive blow to a Bangladesh team that is already depleted by the absence of Tamim Iqbal, who has opted out of the entire tour to be with his pregnant wife. Bangladesh will be 151 T20Is lighter without them and will miss Mashrafe Mortaza, who retired from the shortest format in 2017, even more in India.Mahmudullah will lead a severely depleted T20I side in India•Getty ImagesThe onus is therefore on Mahmudullah – and Mushfiqur Rahim – to raise their batting to plug the gaping holes. They will also be entrusted with the responsibility of providing inputs to a young bowling attack. Mustafizur Rahman has troubled India in the past, but his recent form has been erratic, giving Bangladesh more headaches. In the absence of Shakib, Mahmudullah will have to rely on Arafat Sunny, who last played a T20I more than three years ago, to lead the spin attack.On top of all that, the Shakib exit cloud hangs heavy over the team. In addition to preparing himself to deal with questions on that front, Mahmudullah, in the main, will have Bangladesh’s image to uphold, be a statesman. All while, possibly, thinking about the flurry of activity in the last two weeks.Since October 21, when Mahmudullah read out the players’ demand for a return to the Dhaka Premier League’s open-market policy, a lot has happened in Bangladesh cricket. The players had to endure board chief Nazmul Hasan’s tirade during a meeting, and then they got together to figure out their next course of action. They eventually decided to meet the BCB chief and the directors, but Hasan’s aggression threw them off there. Then, once that fire was put out, came the Shakib development.Mahmudullah will now have to deal with greater scrutiny after having the BCB bow down to some of the players’ demands. It’s a departure from previous years in Bangladesh cricket, where the board has always had the final say. Player power was never a thing in Bangladesh cricket in the past, but when Tamim, Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah played their parts in the strike to press home their demands, they not only became bigger heroes for the younger players but also invited the wrath of the BCB.Against a formidable India side in hostile conditions in Delhi, Bangladesh will have their backs to the wall. Can Mahmudullah keep things in control? He has the job, and if he can, it might also calm things down back home.

Defeats on the field, retirements of major players, a board that’s faltering on almost all fronts – and that’s not all

Firdose Moonda15-Nov-20192:27

Has there ever been a worse year for South African cricket?

February
Duanne Olivier goes Kolpak just after finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the Test series against Pakistan. Olivier took 24 wickets, seven more than Kagiso Rabada, at an average of 14.70. South Africa lose a Test series 2-0 to Sri Lanka at home. It is the first time an Asian team has won a Test series in South Africa.ALSO READ: SA will lose a lot of players to Kolpak in near future – Morne MorkelMarch
Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi are ruled out of the IPL with a shoulder injury and a side strain respectively. This goes on to have major implications for South Africa’s World Cup campaign.April
CSA unveils Project 654, a plan to limit the damage as losses to the tune of R 654 million [USD 44.2 million approx] are projected over the next four-year cycle. The losses will come from a dearth of lucrative incoming tours, a sparsity of sponsors, and the Mzansi Super League (MSL), CSA’s franchise T20 tournament which is in its second year. Project 654 includes restructuring the domestic system, eliminating the franchise tier completely, and resorting to a 12-team provincial structure. Dale Steyn withdraws from the IPL with a shoulder injury after two matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore.It hasn’t been a good year for South Africa, on or off the field•Getty ImagesMay
SACA launches a legal challenge against CSA over the proposed domestic restructure. SACA claims that 70 cricketers could lose their jobs. Nortje is ruled out of the World Cup after breaking his thumb in the nets. Chris Morris is called up as his replacement.ALSO READ: AB de Villiers sought World Cup recall, SA team management said noJune
South Africa lose their first three World Cup matches, and four of their first five, making them the first team to be knocked out. Hashim Amla is hit on the helmet by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the tournament-opener, and he misses the next game. Steyn does not play the first two matches and is ruled out of the tournament soon after with a shoulder injury. Ngidi pulls up with a hamstring injury in the second match and misses the next three games.July
Imran Tahir and JP Duminy call an end to their ODI careers. Duminy also reverses his decision to be available for T20Is. August
Otttis Gibson and his entire support staff are sacked as CSA announces a new structure for the national team: a director of cricket will be put in place to oversee all CSA’s cricket structures, and the national men’s team will be managed by a team director, who will appoint his own backroom staff. Amla retires from all formats of international cricket. Steyn retires from Test cricket. He is left out of the T20I squad to tour India over fitness concerns but says on social media that he was available. Quinton de Kock is named T20I captain for India, with Faf du Plessis left out, casting doubts over his future as captain in the white-ball formats.Hashim Amla has quit all international cricket, while Dale Steyn will only play the shorter formats•Getty ImagesSeptember
CSA announces an annual loss of R 200 million (USD 13.24 million approx) as a direct consequence of footing the entire bill for the inaugural edition of the MSL and incoming tours by non-lucrative visitors Pakistan and Sri Lanka. CSA suspends the board of the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) and places the union under its own administration over concerns relating to their financial affairs, and threatens to take the New Year’s Test away from Newlands. ALSO READ: Lessons from the whitewash: Six things for South Africa to focus onOctober
South Africa lose a Test series 3-0 in India, which includes their first back-to-back innings defeats since 1936. The WPCA takes CSA to court, challenging the suspension of its board amid assurances that the New Year’s Test would not be moved. CSA launches an inquiry into the Cape Cobras, who had missed their transformation target in a four-day franchise match. Amla signs a Kolpak deal with Surrey. SACA tables a legal dispute against CSA over unpaid commercial rights fees from the 2018 MSL. CSA suspends three senior members of staff including the interim director of cricket, Corrie van Zyl, for alleged dereliction of duty with regards to the unpaid commercial rights fees. SACA calls for an external inquiry into the commercial rights dispute and points the finger at CEO Thabang Moroe for his role in the payment delay. CSA replies saying it will not conduct an independent investigation. November
Graeme Smith confirms to ESPNcricinfo that he has been interviewed for the director of cricket position. Six days later, he issues a statement on social media saying he has withdrawn his interest.

Manchester City could lose a young “game-changer” who has been compared to Kevin de Bruyne, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich keen on a move.

Man City hunt top four finish as Pep prepares for FA Cup semi-final

Pep Guardiola’s side still have a lot to play for between now and the end of the season, with silverware on offer in the FA Cup and a top-four finish in the Premier League being targeted.

Later this month, the Sky Blues will take on Nottingham Forest at Wembley, looking to reach the final of the FA Cup against either Aston Villa or Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, in the league, City have some must-win fixtures coming up if they are to finish in the top four ahead of Forest, Chelsea, Newcastle and Villa.

It promises to be an entertaining end to the campaign at the Etihad Stadium, and ahead of the summer, De Bruyne has already announced his Manchester departure.

Man City vs Crystal Palace

April 12

Everton vs Man City

April 19

Man City vs Aston Villa

April 22

Nottingham Forest vs Man City (FA Cup)

April 27

Man City vs Wolves

May 2

The attacking midfielder will leave the club after 10 years as a City player, with rumours of a potential move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS on the cards.

De Bruyne could be one of many to leave ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the futures of Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish both unclear at this stage.

Now, a teenage gem at the Etihad is also attracting interest, and interestingly, he has been mooted as the next De Bruyne.

Man City gem Divine Mukasa attracting Bayern Munich interest

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man City youngster Divine Mukasa is catching the eye of both Bayern Munich and Ajax.

The two European giants have been scouting the teenager, but it is added that City want to keep Mukasa in Manchester.

Recently, Mukasa has been dubbed as a talent who could be even bigger than Nico O’Reilly, a defender who has been flourishing under Guardiola in 2025.

Mukasa has been dubbed as a “game changer” by football scout Antonio Mango, whereas The Secret Scout has compared the 17-year-old to De Bruyne.

24-time league champions set to contact £230k-p/w Man City star over exit

Man City could be set to lose another player for nothing come the end of the season.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 7, 2025

Meanwhile, Man City’s official website describes Mukasa as a skilful and creative midfielder: “A player that thrives in tight spaces and well capable of scoring and assisting goals, Divine adds an extra level of creativity to every side he plays in.”

The attacking midfielder has produced a whopping 42 goal contributions in just 35 games in 2024/25 at youth level, so he could be the next to make the break into Guardiola’s first-team plans, should City keep hold of his services.

Manchester United remain in contact with the representatives of a £60 million star who rejected them three years ago, according to a new report.

Hojlund "not good enough" for United as new striker links emerge

After what has already been one of the most dismal seasons in the club’s history, Manchester United’s misery deepened on Sunday as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

A stunning free-kick from Pablo Sarabia sealed the win for Wolves, who are now level on points with United following the result. It was another underwhelming performance from Ruben Amorim’s side, but one player who drew particularly sharp criticism was striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The Danish forward failed to find the net once again, leaving his Premier League goal tally at just three for the season.

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara didn’t hold back in his assessment of the 22-year-old’s display.

“Hojlund makes a massive mess of it,” O’Hara said, referencing a key moment during a United counter-attack, according to Football 365. “He’s driving through. Mainoo has made a great run. He’s in acres of space. It’s not even a hard pass and Mainoo would have a free shot on goal.”

“But Hojlund takes 20 minutes to get it out of his feet and Wolves get back to make a tackle. That sums up his Man United career: not good enough, nowhere near good enough. Hojlund does nothing up front on his own.”

United remain in contact with Sesko

If United are to bounce back next term, there’s no doubt they need to upgrade on Hojlund. A number of high-profile strikers have already been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. Another name reportedly under serious consideration is RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško.

According to the Manchester Evening News, despite Šeško turning down a move to United three years ago, the club has “maintained contact” with his representatives in the hope of reigniting a deal this summer. That ongoing communication offers some hope that the Slovenian striker could be persuaded to make the switch to Old Trafford this time around.

Leipzig value the 21-year-old at around £60 million, and he’s enjoyed a breakout season, scoring 20 goals and providing six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions – including 12 goals in the Bundesliga.

Benjamin Sesko Stats 2024/25 (All Competitions)

Games

41

Goals

20

Assists

6

Minutes-per-goal

152

Stats via Transfermarkt. (As of 21/4/25)

Speaking to TNT Sports, via Mail Online, Leipzig teammate Yussuf Poulsen hailed Šeško as the best striker he’s ever played alongside – no small praise considering Poulsen has previously partnered with the likes of Timo Werner, Christopher Nkunku, Matheus Cunha, Loïs Openda, André Silva and Hojlund.

“As a striker, he’s the best I’ve played with,” said Poulsen. “If you look at his abilities, he has everything a top number 9 needs. He’s still young and still learning – not necessarily the technical side of being a striker, but more the finesse. He has it all: strength, shooting, technique – everything.”

Sesko, 6 foot 4, was previously compared to Erling Haaland as a youngster due to his combination of lightning pace and sheer power.

A “key” Burnley player will be sold at the end of the season after the Clarets sealed promotion from the Championship, according to former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie.

Burnley seal return to the Premier League

The Clarets knew that a win at home to Sheffield United on Monday would ensure that they returned to the Premier League from the Championship, and they duly obliged at Turf Moor.

Josh Brownhill’s magnificent season continued with two goals to seal a 2-1 victory for the hosts, with Scott Parker speaking of his side pride at the final whistle: “It means everything. We set on a mission to get promoted and there were a lot of ups and down. It has been nothing short of incredible. So proud of the young group, who have committed and given everything. This one feels more special.”

It has been a fantastic effort by Parker and his players throughout the campaign, with Burnley incredibly conceding just 15 league goals, which will smash the league’s record by a mile barring a remarkable collapse in the final couple of games.

It’s now a case of putting the icing on the cake and pipping Leeds United to the Championship title in the remaining two matches, with the Whites ahead on goal difference currently. But while some players will be dreaming of playing in the top flight for the Clarets next season, one individual has been backed to move on.

Jonjo Shelvey set to leave Burnley this summer

Speaking to Football League World before the win over Sheffield United, Hendrie claimed that Jonjo Shelvey won’t be at Burnley next season.

“I’m not sure that they will secure a deal for him. To be quite honest, I think that going into the Premier League, I think that the squad has to be a lot stronger. Jonjo obviously hasn’t featured too much, so I don’t think that will be one that they’ll be looking to make permanent and keep him there again. With his contract expiring, I think he’ll move on.”

In truth, it makes complete sense for Burnley this summer, with the 33-year-old only joining in January on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The midfielder has struggled to make his mark, featuring for just 11 minutes in the Championship, even though Parker talked up his chances of being a “key” player.

“He’s still getting there. Obviously he’s only been in for three weeks or so and he’s getting there for sure. You see his quality now in terms of training and what he possesses. He’ll be key for us this year or for the remaining part of this season.”

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

If Shelvey can’t pick up playing time in the second tier, then it’s hard to see him being an important figure in the Premier League, so cutting ties with him is a no-brainer for Burnley.

Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of an “amazing” £58m striker, who’s now keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit heating up

A new striker has been of interest to the Gunners for quite some time, and there is no shortage of options on the shortlist, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres seemingly one of the main targets, and talks over a deal have been held in recent days.

The north Londoners are confident about getting a deal for Gyokeres over the line, despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, but if they miss out on the Swedish striker, there are plenty of alternative targets in the frame.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins are the main options from within the Premier League, while RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been liked for quite some time, and there has now been a development in the pursuit of the striker.

Arsenal and Berta eye move for £68m star if Saliba is sold to Real Madrid

Real Madrid are interested in the Arsenal defender.

2 ByTom Cunningham May 4, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Sesko, having conducted extensive background work to assess the forward, while also sending scouts to watch him in action against Bayern Munich.

The Slovenian’s entourage remain in active talks with the Gunners, but rivals Chelsea and Liverpool are also in discussions, so there could be fierce competition for his signature, with a £58m move to England now looking like the most likely outcome.

The 21-year-old is yet to make a final decision about where his future lies, but there is a feeling he is now leaning towards a move to the Emirates Stadium, which will be welcome news for Mikel Arteta’s side.

"Amazing" Sesko enjoying impressive Bundesliga campaign

It has been far from a perfect season for RB Leipzig, with the German side sacking Marco Rose at the end of March, while currently occupying sixth place in the Bundesliga, but the Slovenia international has managed to catch the eye with his performances.

The youngster has picked up 13 goals and five assists in 31 Bundesliga outings, while also regularly getting on the scoresheet in both the DFB Pokal and the Champions League.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

31

13

5

Champions League

8

4

0

DFB Pokal

4

4

1

Not only that, but NK Domzale sporting director Matej Orazem clearly believes the 6 foot 5 powerhouse is capable of playing at the highest level, having claimed he is “destined for greatness”, while also lauding him as “amazing”.

Of course, Isak would be a dream signing for Arsenal, given that he is proven in the Premier League, with the Swedish striker adding to his goal tally in his side’s 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday afternoon.

However, it may be difficult to prise the 25-year-old away from Newcastle, and there are plenty of signs that Sesko could be a solid alternative option.

Chelsea are set for a huge end to the 2024/25 season. They are within touching distance of a European final, currently leading Swedish side Djurgarden 4-1 on aggregate. Given the tie is at Stamford Bridge, they go into it as strong favourites.

On top of that, Enzo Maresca’s side are pushing for a top-five finish in the Premier League. Sunday’s 3-1 thrashing of newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool was a huge win in that sense.

Then, of course, the Blues are participants in the Club World Cup, where they will face Mexican side Club Leon in their first group game.

With the transfer window opening earlier to accommodate that tournament, the West Londoners could be looking to add to their squad in the coming weeks.

Chelsea target Premier League attacker

There are no lack of options for Maresca in wide areas. So, it might be a surprise that the Blues are looking to add new wingers to their squad.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, rumours linking them to Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho do not seem to go away.

Now, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Chelsea are thought to be ‘plotting a new move to sign’ the 20-year-old. The Red Devils are ‘open to letting him leave’ this summer, given they need to raise transfer funds of their own.

However, the Argentina international will not come cheap for Chelsea. According to a recent report from The Daily Star, United are likely to ask for a fee as high as £65m from the West Londoners.

Given the Blues have already tried, and failed, to sign Garnacho last January, it seems like they could well meet that demand.

How Garnacho compares to Noni Madueke

It has been a fairly bleak campaign in 2024/25 for United. However, Garnacho has definitely been a bright spark at times. Despite a lull in form around Christmas, he has really picked up again in recent weeks.

This term, the young attacker has managed 11 goals and ten assists across all competitions in 54 appearances. He has scored six times and provided two in the Premier League, having played 34 games in the top flight.

Impressively, there are only seven players under the age of 21 with ten or more goals and ten or more assists this season. That list includes Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham and Garnacho. His most recent strike came against Brentford, a sublime long-range effort in a 4-3 loss.

Perhaps Garnacho can have a similar impact at Stamford Bridge as Noni Madueke has made this term. The former PSV Eindhoven star has also been in electric form this term, and has managed to chalk up 11 goals and five assists in all competitions.

Former Bues player Jason Cundy was full of praise for Madueke recently, after his goal against Djurgarden in the 4-1 Conference League thrashing.

The defender-turned-pundit explained that, as a defender, you know that “when he goes past you, he stays past you”, suggesting he is hard to keep quiet.

Interestingly, there can be statistical comparisons drawn, courtesy of FBref, between United’s number 17, Garnacho, and Chelsea man Madueke.

For example, Garnacho averages 0.21 goals per shot on target and 1.47 key passes per 90 minutes. In comparison, Madueke averages 0.23 goals per shot on target and 1.49 key passes each game.

Goals per shot on target

0.21

0.23

Key passes

1.47

1.49

Shot-creating actions

3.4

3.77

Progressive carries

5.84

7.06

Ball recoveries

4.54

3.58

There are certainly similarities between Garnacho and Madueke, and they could both play together, given they favour opposite flanks. If the Argentine star can have anyhwere close to the impact the English winger has made at Stamford Bridge, it will have been a successful signing.

Although £65m is a steep fee, Garnacho is a “special talent” according to football statistician Statman Dave, and Chelsea might not want to miss out on this market opportunity.

He could be the new Robben: Chelsea plan big offer for "deadly" £51m star

Chelsea are looking to strenghten in attack

ByJoe Nuttall May 6, 2025

Last month, Liverpool officially confirmed that Mohamed Salah had put pen to paper on a new two-year contract extension with the club to extend his stay at Anfield.

The Egypt international’s deal was due to expire this summer, making him a free agent, but he has decided to commit to the Reds until the summer of 2027.

Salah has scored 33 goals and provided 23 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool so far this season, which illustrates how big of a boost this news was to Arne Slot.

The forward told the club’s official website: “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.”

The news of his new contract at Anfield also means that the right-wing position has been locked down for next season, as Salah’s form suggests that he will be the first-choice in that role for Slot for another two years.

Who plays on the left side of the front three on a regular basis in the 2025/26 campaign remains up for debate, though, as does the future of Luis Diaz.

Why Luis Diaz could move on from Liverpool

Earlier this week, CaughtOffside reported that Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal are eyeing up both Diaz and Darwin Nunez for moves in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The outlet claimed that Slot would rather keep hold of the former Porto star, but that the club would be prepared to cash in on him if an offer of £67m comes in for his services.

It revealed that Al Hilal are ready to pay big to land the winger, who has also been of interest to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, this summer, which means that his future at Anfield is currently up in the air.

Appearances

37

33

xG

11.88

9.99

Goals

8

12

Big chances missed

13

9

Big chances created

5

8

Assists

5

5

As you can see in the table above, Diaz’s output has improved in the Premier League in comparison to last term, after he struggled in front of goal in the 2023/24 campaign.

Liverpool, however, may also see this as inconsistency from a 28-year-old forward who should be in the prime years of his career, and may wonder if it is sustainable or if his finishing will revert to type next year.

Therefore, the club could decide that now is the right time to cash in on him for £67m, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, whilst his value is high off the back of a strong season.

Liverpool would need to have a top-quality left-wing option to replace him, though, and their interest in a Ligue 1 star could be the end of Luis Diaz.

Liverpool eyeing move for Ligue 1 star

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Lyon forward Malick Fofana in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Reds and fellow Premier League side Arsenal are the two main suitors for the Belgium international, as they look to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

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It reveals that Liverpool are planning a swoop to sign the 20-year-old starlet, as they look to take advantage of Lyon’s ‘financial problems’, whilst the likes of PSG, Juventus, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are also said to be eyeing him up.

CaughtOffside adds that the Reds are serious about a move for the Ligue 1 sensation, who is valued at roughly £42m by the French outfit, and that they are looking at him amid doubts over the future of Diaz and Diogo Jota.

With this in mind, FSG swooping to sign Fofana from Lyon in the summer transfer window could spell the end of Luis Diaz’s career at Anfield.

Why Malick Fofana could be the end of Luis Diaz

If the Reds complete a deal to sign the 20-year-old star from Lyon this summer, the club could be even more open to cashing in on the Colombian forward amid strong interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Having turned 20 at the end of March, Fofana is a young player with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve, which would make him a long-term addition for the club. He is eight years younger than Diaz and could, therefore, provide more to the team over the next five or six years, or more.

Last month, talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the forward has “enormous potential” and a “big future ahead”, and that is backed up by his impressive performances for Lyon at such a young age this season.

Despite being a teenager for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign, Fofana has featured regularly in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League, and chipped in with more than ten goals across both competitions.

Appearances

28

10

xG

3.72

2.17

Goals

5

6

Big chances created

5

1

Assists

4

1

As you can see in the table above, the £42m-rated star has scored 11 goals and provided five assists, and outperformed his xG by roughly five goals.

Fofana also ranks within the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues and European competitions for progressive carries per 90 (6.69) over the last 365 days, which illustrates how effective he is at getting his team up the pitch through dribbles.

Diaz, meanwhile, ranks in the top 32% with 4.17 progressive carries per 90 in that time, which suggests that the Lyon star could immediately provide more to the team as an outlet to get the ball up the pitch and into dangerous positions.

Fofana’s finishing this season, outperforming his xG by more than five goals, also suggests that the potential is there for him to provide a similar goal threat if Liverpool’s other forwards can get him into high-quality positions on a regular basis.

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Therefore, Liverpool signing the Lyon star could be the end of Diaz at Anfield because he is an incredibly talented player, who plays in the same position, and the club could bring him in as the long-term option on the left flank, leaving the door open for a move to Al Hilal for the Colombian star.

Turning their focus towards summer arrivals, the Friedkin Group have now reportedly made their first contact in the race to sign an award-winning Championship star for Everton.

Everton confirm departures

After their season ended with an unexpected victory over Champions League-chasing Newcastle United, who qualified nonetheless, Everton confirmed the news that a number of stars will be leaving the club next month. The Toffees have said farewell to Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic, Joao Virginia and, most surprising of all, Abdoulaye Doucoure ahead of the summer transfer window.

Doucoure came as a surprise following how important he became under Sean Dyche and then David Moyes, but it is a decision that Everton have decided to make. The French midfielder announced his departure, saying: “I am going to leave the football club at the end of the season. After five wonderful years, my time at Everton came to an end.

“Everton means a lot to me, the past five years have been hard but I will always remember my time as a dream for me to play for Everton Football Club. Obviously I am sad to leave the club but I feel the time has come for a new chapter for me and the club as well.

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“I will be always grateful for what the club did for me. My best memory will be the goal I scored against Bournemouth to keep the club in the Premier League. This is something I will always be proud [of]. It was a wonderful moment for me and my family and the club as well.”

As one key man departs, it will be important for Everton to get their recruitment right in the coming months. So far, reports have certainly been positive on that front too, with rumours linking them to Liam Delap and now a Championship award winner.

Everton make first enquiry to sign Sheffield United star Hamer

According to Ben Jacobs, Friedkin have now made their first enquiry to sign Gustavo Hamer from Sheffield United this summer. The midfielder won the Championship’s Player of the Season award, but ultimately missed out on promotion in heartbreaking fashion against Sunderland in the playoff final. If ever there was a player who deserves a place in the Premier League, however, it is Hamer.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is one of many who is well aware of the quality that Hamer possesses and knows that quality is always bound to attract other suitors.

He told reporters at the end of April: “When Gus speaks, everybody listens. And rightly so, there should have been interest in him in the summer, because of how outstanding he was in an incredibly disappointing campaign for us.

“He cleaned up in the Player of the Year awards, so there was always going to be interest in him. I’m okay with stuff like that, because he’s a good player, and I would not expect anything different off the back of that.”