Aston Villa have now been handed a boost in their pursuit of a £70m forward, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing he would be open to a move to Villa Park this summer.
Aston Villa eager to sign new forwards
It has been clear that Villa need to sign a striker since the January transfer window, at which point they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, and the need to bring in a centre-forward could be exacerbated by the departure of Ollie Watkins.
Manchester United have held talks over a deal for Watkins, which means the Villans have started to run the rule over replacements, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani has entered the frame as a potential option.
Besiktas’ Semih Kilicsoy also remains of interest, alongside Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with Unai Emery’s side now ready to make a move for the striker, should he become available later this summer.
Target
League appearances in 24/25
Goals
Randal Kolo Muani
26
10
Semih Kilicsoy
32
3
Nicolas Jackson
30
10
After losing Duran in the January transfer window, versatile forward Marcus Rashford was brought in, but with the Manchester United man now Barcelona-bound, Emery is also keen on bringing in a forward capable of playing out wide.
Last week, it was revealed that Aston Villa have made an approach for Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho, who could be valued at £70m, and there has now been another update on their pursuit of the forward.
According to a report from The Boot Room, Garnacho is open to a move to Villa Park this summer, given that he is keen to remain in the Premier League and play under Emery.
Aston Villa keen on £21m international star but he's already in talks with Man City
Aston Villa are the latest team to show an interest in a player who has a low release clause until the end of July.
1 ByBrett Worthington Jul 21, 2025
Bailey added: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.
“But Aston Villa have emerged as an option, I am told the player has done his homework on the possibility of working with Unai Emery, and he has heard good things.”
Garnacho could be "amazing" signing for Aston Villa
Amid doubts surrounding Jacob Ramsey’s future, it could be very important to bring in a new signing capable of playing at left-wing this summer, and the 21-year-old has picked up 31 goals and 17 assists in 110 appearances from that area, including games at youth level.
Ruben Amorim has also singled out the youngster for high praise, describing him as “amazing” after an impressive performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal last season.
Alejandro Garnacho in action for Manchester United.
That said, given that Villa are treading a fine line PSR-wise, it may not be financially prudent to shell out £70m on a player yet to record world-class numbers.
Garnacho amassed a respectable six goals and two assists in the Premier League last season, but his performances are yet to justify a £70m outlay, so it may only be worth Villa making a move if the winger becomes available for a lower price.
ينتظر متابعو كرة القدم الإنجليزية لقاء قمة بين مانشستر يونايتد وتشيلسي على ملعب أولد ترافورد مساء غد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وتحدث روبن أموريم في المؤتمر الصحفي للمباراة في تصريحات نشرتها “مانشستر إيفنينج نيوز” عن جاهزية فريقه للقاء تشيلسي قائلاً: “دالوت خارج التشكيل وماونت وكونيا متواجدان، ولا يزال ليساندرو خارج القائمة، هذا كل شيء ومالاسيا سيعود للمشاركة مع منتخب تحت 21 عاماً وسنرى بعد ذلك”.
وحول مواجهة أليخاندرو جارناتشو لاعب مانشستر يونايتد السابق ذكر أموريم: “جارناتشو ليس لاعبنا، أنا مركز على لاعبينا، أنا سعيد جداً بعودة ماونت وكونيا، أما البقية فعليهم التحدث مع مدرب تشيلسي”.
وقال أموريم عن جاهزية مارتينيز: “من المهم جداً أن يكون ليساندرو على وشك العودة، عندما تصاب بتلك الإصابة، ستتعافى بسرعة كبيرة ثم سيأتي وقت تشعر فيه بالملل وكأنك لا تحرز تقدماً، نفتقد ليساندرو كثيراً وحماسه في كل ما يفعله، لكنه دائماً حاضراً في كل لقاء، حتى في التدريبات يبقى ليتابع التدريبات، نحن بحاجة إلى ليساندرو في هذا الفريق”.
أقرأ أيضاً.. ماريسكا: خسارة تشيلسي أمام بايرن ميونخ عادية.. ونتائج مباريات مانشستر يونايتد ليست مستحقة
وكشف أموريم تفاصيل لقائه مع المالك راتكليف ليرد: “لقد عرض علي عقد جديد، كان أمر طبيعي ليظهر دعمه وأن المشروع طويل الأمد، وأن هذا الموسم هو موسمي الأول، وكان هناك حديث عن جميع البيانات المتعلقة بالفريق، كان اجتماعاً عادياً وعقدنا عدة اجتماعات، ومن الطبيعي أن يكون هناك اهتماما لذلك”.
وسئل أموريم عن حاجة مانشستر يونايتد للانتصارات: “هذه هي كرة القدم وربما يكون هذا النادي الأكثر ضغطاً في العالم، نريد الفوز ومرة أخرى يمكنك قول ما تشاء، أعتقد أنني انتقدت بشدة طريقة لعبنا العام الماضي، أعتقد أننا نلعب بشكل جيد حتى منطقة الجزاء، دفاعاً وهجوماً، نحتاج لنكون أكثر هجومية داخل منطقة الجزاء وأكثر دقة، أما الباقي فإعتقد أننا نتحسن وبالمقارنة مع العام الماضي، نحن في وضع أفضل لكننا بحاجة للفوز وقد خسرنا أمام آرسنال ومانشستر سيتي، الخسارة هنا وفي البداية وخاصة بعد الموسم الماضي تمثل مشكلة”.
واختتم حول استعدادات مانشستر يونايتد لمواجهة تشيلسي: “لقد قمنا بتحليل آخر مباراة والتحضير لأشياء مختلفة، نحن نلعب بشكل جيد حتى نصل لمنطقة الجزاء، نحتاج لنكون أكثر دقة، إذا رأيت عدد التسديدات ونسبة تسجيل الأهداف المتوقعة، هذه أشياء جيدة ولكن إذا لم تسجل أو تفز فإن ذلك غير مهم، ثم أننا ساذجون ونحتاج لنكون أكثر عدوانية ويمكننا تجنب استقبال الأهداف، نحتاج للحفاظ على طريقة لعبنا والتحسن في منطقة جزاء الخصم ومنطقتنا، تشيلسي فريق ممرر ولديه مزيد من اللاعبين في منطقة الجزاء، لذلك هناك دورة حياة أن تحلل وتحسن أداءك للمباراة القادمة”.
قاد المدافع المصري أحمد حجازي فريقه نيوم لتحقيق فوز صعب ومثير على حساب الرياض في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما، في الدوري السعودي.
والتقى فريق نيوم نظيره الرياض، مساء اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين.
طالع.. فيديو | بمشاركة أحمد حجازي.. الأهلي يفوز على نيوم في الدوري السعودي
وسجل فريق نيوم ثلاثة أهداف عن طريق لونشيانو رودريجيز وأحمد حجازي وألكسندر لاكازيت في الدقائق 2 و28 و54.
بينما أحرز هدفي الرياض، خليل العبسي وعبدالله دوكوري “بالخطأ في مرماه” في الدقيقتين 19 و77 من عمر اللقاء.
وبهذه النتيجة، يحتل نيوم المركز الثالث في جدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي برصيد 9 نقاط، وفي المقابل تجمد رصيد الرياض عند 3 نقاط في المركز الثالث عشر. هدف أحمد حجازي مع نيوم أمام الرياض اليوم
هدف! ⚽️
رأسية أحمد حجازي تعلن الهدف الثاني لنيوم 🤯
#الرياض_نيوم pic.twitter.com/lNz7S2uOSp — رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) September 27, 2025
Interim head coach says it’s up to the new faces to find the right tempo for 50-over cricket
Cameron Ponsonby01-Nov-2024
Marcus Trescothick points the way forward for England’s new-look white-ball squad•Getty Images
Interim head coach Marcus Trescothick has defended his young ODI squad after their crushing eight-wicket defeat to the West Indies, saying the result is not reflective of English white-ball cricket.England’s loss to the West Indies was a twelfth ODI defeat in 18 matches since the start of the 2023 World Cup and gave a brutal reality check to a new-look eleven that included four debutants.On a tacky surface, England were bowled out for 209, before putting on an encouraging, but ultimately fruitless display with the ball as Windies opener Evin Lewis let loose for 94 off 69 balls.”I think it’s certainly not where England cricket is at,” Trescothick said after the game. “Because for a long period of time now you’ve not had our main team in white-ball games. You don’t really know where white-ball cricket is.”I think with the system that we’ve had and the volume of cricket that we’ve been trying to play and still look after the players, I think you could put a team together tomorrow for a World Cup, and it would probably look different to what you had this series and some of the series that we played against Australia.”So I don’t think you can judge it to say, look where white-ball cricket is at the moment. It’s been a tough period of time, there’s no doubt about it, but that’s been challenges from numerous different things.”The current series is missing several players due to the tour being sandwiched by England’s Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. But the squad picked for the Australia series was close to full strength, with Joe Root and Gus Atkinson rested but other absences such as Jos Buttler and Mark Wood missing through injury. The same could be said of the previous group to tour the Caribbean last year, when the squad picked was meant to signal a new age, while the World Cup squad was certainly first string. All this alongside uncertainty over Ben Stokes’ white-ball future.The nature of the defeat has called into question England’s absolute policy on prioritising youth, with Jordan Cox, in just his fifth List A match, walking out on debut for England at No.3, with the 21-year-old Jacob Bethell at No.4. Of the top six, only Phil Salt and Will Jacks had batted in those positions for England more than once in their careersJohn Turner, Jordan Cox, Dan Mousley and Jamie Overton made their ODI debuts in Antigua•Getty Images
“It’s probably a better question for the selectors more than anything else. It’s not my decision who comes in,” Trescothick said.”But I think you can see from the plan of the England team in the last year, probably, and maybe a little bit further back, how much we want to invest in the next generation.”Playing people who have played before would probably be going against the mantra of what we’re trying to do at the moment.”England’s innings saw five of the top six caught in the 30-yard-circle, as the balance between defence and attack eluded them to be bowled out in 45.1 overs.”We’ve got to try and bat 50 overs first and foremost,” said Trescothick. “The real skill in white-ball cricket in particular is the tempo and the balance between aggression and batting for long periods of time.”We will always be a team that is going to try and be aggressive, the pitch made it quite tricky to do that.”This is Trescothick’s last tour at the helm of the white-ball team before Brendon McCullum takes over the job in January. Placed in charge of an exceptionally inexperienced group, one of the biggest challenges, according to Trescothick, has been finding the balance between emphasising the opportunity is a ‘free hit’ to England’s youngsters, while also instilling a win-first mentality.”I am trying to get the priority right at the moment. I want to win every game and we dictate that in the dressing room. But we also want to see a few players in the environment before the structure changes and Brendon takes over. So, why not give them the opportunity to thrive in this environment?”That’s very much how we’re framing it. The opportunities are there for the guys to come in. We’ve seen four debutants in this match, we’ve got a couple other young guys in the squad who may make their debut across the next two weeks. [With the opportunity] you’re going to be further up the ladder than you were six days ago. So go out there and show what you can do.”Trescothick’s own role in the white-ball set up beyond January is undecided.”I don’t know just yet,” he said. “We’ve got a bit of a plan behind the scenes, but nothing has been confirmed as such.”I am not going to say which way it’s all going to sit, because it would probably give it away too much, but obviously Brendon’s going to come in and take control of the full show and then he will dictate what and where we are going to be and how that’s going to look.”
Glasgow Rangers are putting plenty of work in behind the scenes to improve their playing squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.
Kevin Thelwell, Russell Martin, and the 49ers are working hard to add more quality to the group, having already brought in the likes of Djeidi Gassama, Thelo Aasgaard, and Joe Rothwell, among others.
The Scottish Premiership giants are looking for more, though, particularly in the wide areas. Rangers are reportedly in talks to sign Go Ahead Eagles star Oliver Antman and Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
They both play on the right wing and could arrive to compete with each other for a starting spot in Martin’s side in the 2025/26 campaign, whilst the Gers are also looking at an addition on the left flank.
Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge claims that Tottenham Hotspur winger Mikey Moore is closing in on a season-long loan move to Ibrox, after turning down offers from teams in the English Championship.
Why Mikey Moore is an exciting signing
The 17-year-old winger could be an exciting addition to the squad as he is a terrific young talent who could use this potential loan move as his platform to explode at first-team level.
Moore has already played 21 senior matches for Spurs, despite not turning 18 until next month, but he has yet to get the opportunity to start games on a regular basis.
The England U19 international did showcase his potential in the Europa League, though, with one goal and one assist in three starts for the club on their way to winning the competition.
As shown in the clips above, Moore is an electric left-sided attacker who is a joy to watch with his ability to weave in and out of defenders to carry the ball into dangerous areas.
His form for Tottenham and England at youth level also suggests that the potential is there for him to emerge as an incredibly productive forward, in terms of goals and assists.
Mikey Moore’s career
Club level
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Tottenham
21
1
2
Tottenham U21s
5
2
2
Tottenham Youth League
5
0
0
Tottenham U18s
24
19
13
International level
Appearances
Goals
Assists
England U19
11
3
3
England U17
12
10
4
England U16
14
7
2
England U15
4
1
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, the teenage whiz could deliver goals and assists on a regular basis for Rangers if he can finally hit his stride at senior level, which is why he is such an exciting potential signing for the club.
However, the Scottish giants are also reportedly looking at another defender to come in and bolster their squad, and he could be an even better signing than Moore.
Rangers eyeing move for towering defender
According to journalist Mark Hendry, on his Substack page, Rangers are ‘considering’ a swoop to sign Volendam central defender Xavier Mbuyamba this summer.
The reporter claims that the Light Blues have been interested in the Dutchman throughout the summer transfer window, referencing back to Fabrizio Romano’s report on their interest earlier this year.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Hendry adds, though, that the 23-year-old centre-back is now ‘hoping’ for a move to Ibrox before the window slams shut, which should come as good news for the Gers, as this suggests that personal terms would not be an issue.
The journalist explains that Rangers may have to dip back into the market for another central defender because Robin Propper has returned to FC Twente and both Ben Davies and Clinton Nsiala appear to be heading towards the exit door.
If the Light Blues decide to go through with a swoop for Mbuyamba and add him to their squad in the coming weeks, the 6 foot 5 colossus could be an even better signing than Moore.
Why Mbuyamba would be a better signing than Moore
As aforementioned, Moore is certainly an exciting addition to the squad, if they can get that deal over the line, but that is because of his unknown potential.
Tottenham teenager Mikey Moore
The reality is that the teenage forward has scored one senior goal, and provided two assists, in his career so far, which means that Rangers cannot be certain that he will be an effective player for them on a regular basis.
Moore is also set to join on a straight loan that does not include an option to make the deal permanent. The Light Blues have seen the likes of Malik Tillman, Abdallah Sima, and Vaclav Cerny impress on loan before leaving because the Gers are unable to sign them permanently, which is what could happen with the Spurs youngster.
Abdallah Sima
Mbuyamba, however, would come in on a permanent deal and be part of the long-term strategy at Ibrox, which means that he could provide value over the course of a number of years, whilst also having the potential to make the club a profit in the future, which will not be the case with Moore.
The 23-year-old Dutchman’s form for Volendam in his last two full seasons, excluding the 2023/24 season when he missed 26 matches due to heart problems, suggests that he can also make an instant impact on the pitch.
Xavier Mbuyamba’s last two full seasons
Stats
22/23 Eredivisie
24/25 Eerste Divisie
Appearances
28
34
Goals
5
5
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.5
2.8
Clearances per game
5.4
4.4
Ground duel success rate
56%
64%
Aerial duel success rate
50%
60%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Mbuyamba provided a huge threat from set-pieces in both of those campaigns, whilst also dominating opposition attackers in physical duels, whilst no Rangers centre-back managed more than two league goals last season.
Volendam also clearly missed his defensive presence at the back in the 2023/24 campaign, when he missed the majority of his with heart issues, because they were relegated from the Eredivisie that year.
Mbuyamba, who talent scout Jacek Kulig once dubbed “complete” and “dominant”, then returned to help them win the second division last season, playing a pivotal role with his goals, tackles, interceptions, and clearances.
This further illustrates why he would be an even better signing for Rangers than Moore, because the Dutch titan has already proven himself at senior level in the Netherlands and could hit the ground running at Ibrox.
He'd be amazing with Antman: Rangers in talks to sign "devastating" £10m ace
Rangers are reportedly in talks to sign a star who would be amazing with Oliver Antman.
ByDan Emery Jul 29, 2025
Mbuyamba seems more likely, given his greater exposure to first-team football and success on the pitch, to make an instant impact at Rangers than Moore, whilst also providing the club with more value in the long run as a permanent signing rather than a straight loan.
O Santos recebeu o São Bernardo, no CT Rei Pelé, e goleou por 5 a 0, em duelo válido pela 2ª rodada do Paulistão Sub-20. Por ironia do destino, o camisa 10 do Peixe, que se chama Bernardo assim como o adversário, foi destaque na partida ao marcar dois gols. Com o triunfo, o Alvinegro Praiano assume a liderança do Grupo 13.
No primeiro tempo, aos 20′, Bernardo abriu o placar após bater falta perfeitamente no ângulo esquerdo. Nove minutos depois, o camisa 10 recebeu enfiada de bola de Patati e chutou na saída do goleiro, para marcar novamente. Pouco depois, Fernandinho puxou contra-ataque pela esquerda, trouxe a bola para a entrada da área, finalizou e ampliou para o Santos.
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Na segunda etapa, Enzo Monteiro aumentou a vantagem do Peixe depois de aproveitar o rebote do goleiro. Já nos acréscimos da partida, Renyer aproveitou cruzamento rasteiro para selar o placar final do jogo.
Agora, o Santos se prepara para confronto contra o Bahia, no CT Rei Pelé, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20. O duelo acontecerá na próxima quinta-feira (27), a partir das 15h.
كسر مارك جويهي، قائد نادي كريستال بالاس، صمته وعلق على فشل انتقاله إلى صفوف ليفربول خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير، حيث تعثرت الصفقة في الأمتار الأخيرة.
جويهي كان قد ارتبط بالرحيل عن صفوف نادي كريستال بالاس خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفية الأخير، وذلك مع رغبته في اللعب على مستوى أعلى.
وسوف ينتهي عقد جويهي مع نادي كريستال بالاس بنهاية الموسم الجاري، ولم يتم التوصل إلى اتفاق حتى الآن بين الطرفين حول التجديد.
وتشير التقارير الأخيرة، إلى أن جويهي لن يجدد عقده مع كريستال بالاس وسوف يغادر صفوف النادي الإنجليزي بنهاية هذا الموسم كوكيل حر.
وكان ليفربول قد اتفق مع كريستال بالاس على التعاقد مع جويهي خلال الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير، لكن تمسك المدرب أوليفر جلاسنر أعاق الصفقة.
اقرأ أيضًا.. هنري يحمل فليك مسؤولية خسارة برشلونة ضد باريس سان جيرمان: لا يمكنك اللعب هكذا
ورفض جويهي في تصريحات نقلها الصحفي الموثوق، فابريزيو رومانو، التعليق بأي شيء على فشل انتقاله إلى ليفربول، موضحًا أنه يشكر جماهير الريدز على دعمه له.
وقال جويهي عن فشل انتقاله إلى ليفربول: ”بصراحة، ليس لدي الكثير لأقوله وأنا أركز على لعب كرة القدم واللعب مع كريستال بالاس”.
واختتم: ”لكن بالنسبة لجماهير ليفربول، أود أن أشكرهم جزيل الشكر على دعمهم وأشعر بذلك بكل تأكيد”.
Opener hits 94 from 90 balls after tourists skittle Prime Minister’s XI for 136
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Nov-2024
Zak Crawley made 94 from 90 balls•Getty Images
Zak Crawley hit 94 and Brydon Carse took four wickets as England stretched their legs on the first day of action on their tour of New Zealand.After opting to bowl, England dismissed the Prime Minister’s XI shortly after lunch, with Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson and Carse sharing the wickets. They then raced into the lead, Crawley providing the impetus in an innings that featured 14 fours and two sixes.Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, sat out day one of the two-day game, with Ollie Pope leading the side in his absence.The youthful PM XI, which featured five players aged 23 or under, were soon in trouble against England’s new-ball pair of Woakes and Atkinson, who took two apiece up front to leave the hosts 20 for 4.Snehith Reddy, the 17-year-old New Zealand U19 allrounder, hit 60 from No. 6 but Carse – one of five bowlers used, alongside Matt Potts and Shoaib Bashir – helped England chip out the rest of the order.Crawley launched the reply in typically aggressive fashion, putting on 90 in 15.1 overs alongside Ollie Pope (42) for the second wicket and 50 in seven overs with Joe Root for the third. But Harry Brook and Chris Woakes were the only other batters to reach 20 as the innings ended in a clatter of wickets.England are expected to give most of their 16-man squad game time in the match, which is their only warm-up fixture before the first Test in Christchurch, starting on Thursday.
Ahead of Nottingham Forest’s opening game of the Premier League season, the club has been very active in the transfer market.
This season, the club will be competing in the Europa League alongside the domestic competitions, leading to manager Nuno Espirito Santo expressing concern about the team’s squad depth in his pre-match press conference: “The players are not supermen, we are going to need to rotate them. That’s a major problem with the intensity and demands of the games.”
Since these comments, Forest have unveiled Omari Hutchinson as their most expensive signing of the summer player. The addition of Hutchinson to the squad may go some way to easing Espirito Santo’s depth anxieties, and the player has already shared his willingness to contribute: “I’m going to give it my all, and I’m looking forward to the challenge as it’s a new chapter for me, but I feel ready.”
The club is also on the verge of signing Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes, pending a medical. These signings should go some way to helping Espirito Santo’s squad depth concerns, and the club is now looking to add a cherry on top of their recent transfers by signing an impressive youth star.
Nottingham Forest set to sign Celtic "sensation"
Football Insider have reported that Nottingham Forest are also closing in on a deal to sign 15-year-old Celtic academy star Dara Jikiemi.
Pete O’Rourke, who shared the transfer story, has described the defender as a “teenage sensation”. Jikiemi has been involved with youth football for Scotland and has captained the under-15s side despite being one of the younger members of the team.
Jikiemi is equally well regarded in the Celtic academy as he is in the Scotland youth system and has been on Forest’s radar since April. O’Rourke has said that Forest are currently “advancing in talks” with the defender to poach him from the UK giants’ academy.
Forest's next generation of talent
At only 15 years old, it may be a few years before fans start hearing about Jikiemi being considered for the first team; however, Forest do have some impressive talents that may be called up to the first team this season to help with the heavy schedule.
19-year-old Zach Abbot has already started breaking into the Forest first team, having made two League Cup and one FA Cup appearances over the last two seasons. While the path into the first team is blocked by players like Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic and new signing Jair Cunha, there may once again be minutes for him in the early rounds of the domestic cups or if Forest face any weaker sides in the Europa League.
In the more attacking areas, Isaac Davies is a player who could make the step-up this season. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has impressed in the Under 18’s Premier League, with a notable appearance being when he came off the bench to score a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Leeds. In his 39 appearances in the youth league, Davies has managed eight goals and six assists, making him a prime candidate for first-team promotion.
Aside from the players in Forest’s youth system, the club have also focused on signing players on the younger side for the first team in this summer’s transfer window. This indicates that the Jikiemi signing, the development of the aforementioned youngsters and Forest’s first-team transfer business are all part of an overall club focus on developing younger players and bringing longevity to the team.
ECB defend “thorough and rigorous” process as sale prepares to get underway this week
Matt Roller28-Jan-2025
Oval Invincibles and London Spirit parade their trophies after the 2024 Hundred finals•ECB/Getty Images
Prospective investors in Hundred franchises have expressed their frustration with the ECB’s sales process, which will be determined by final bids in the next two weeks. Bidders fear that the efforts they have put into building relationships with potential partners over the past five months may have been wasted, with the process ultimately determined by “pure financial factors”.The ECB invited bids for 49% stakes in each of the eight Hundred teams in early September, in a sales process being run by the US-based Raine Group and Deloitte. The board said that the process has the dual aim of attracting “strategic partners” for the Hundred’s future success while ensuring the “long-term financial sustainability” of English domestic cricket.The final round of the process will start on Thursday, as ESPNcricinfo revealed, after each host venue chose a shortlist of potential partners to run their franchise as a joint-venture. The highest bidder from each shortlist will enter into a period of exclusivity following either sealed bids (if two bidders remain) or an auction (if three or more remain).Some prospective investors have raised their frustrations that the final stage of the process will be determined by a straightforward financial offer. This has come as a surprise to some bidders, who believed that host venues would consider all final-round offers and choose their preferred partner based on the extensive discussions they have held over the past five months.”It’s coming down to the highest number wins,” an associate close to a bid team told ESPNcricinfo. “If that’s been the case from the start, then such a drawn-out and confusing process could have been avoided. We, like many, have a compelling case that goes beyond pure financial factors.”The bidders in this process are very successful people both from the sporting and business worlds. But the whole thing has been unpredictable, and has changed throughout, which has been concerning. This is such a crucial moment in time for the game in England: let’s hope all things have been considered with regards to partnerships versus financial gain.”ECB defend ‘thorough and rigorous’ processThe ECB denies that the sales will simply be a case of the highest bidder winning, and defended their process as “thorough and rigorous”. They argue that the first two stages of the process saw more than 100 initial expressions of interest cut down significantly in collaboration with the eight host venues, depending on their preferences, with some lucrative offers counted out.Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, has previously dismissed criticisms of the process, describing it as investors trying to “negotiate through the media”. An ECB spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo: “This has been a thorough and rigorous process, with each host venue choosing its own shortlist of potential partners based on who they would like to work with, not making purely financial decisions.”Our aims have always been to attract interest from a diverse range of parties with relevant skills and expertise to help the Hundred continue to grow, and to maximise value for the whole game. We have had a huge amount of interest and engagement from a wide range of interested parties, and we recognise that this leaves a number of disappointed parties who will not be successful.”The ECB also insisted that all remaining bidders in the process have submitted bids at each stage of the process. Several prospective investors have queried the recent emergence of a bid from a Silicon Valley tech consortium – led by Nikesh Arora and including the CEOs of Google, Microsoft and Adobe – but the board insisted there have been no late entrants since the initial first-round deadline of October 18.Another member of a bid team told ESPNcricinfo that they have found the process “complex” and that they feel miscommunication has led to “confusion” among prospective investors. But they added: “I respect what the ECB are doing. They are trying to maximise what they can get from this. They have to do everything they can on that front.”Related
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Richard Thompson, the ECB chairman, referred to a minimum target of raising £350 million through the sales process in November. ECB sources have indicated this relates to an early benchmark set for the minimum value of 100% of the eight franchises. Proceeds from the 49% stakes sold will be split among the 18 first-class counties, MCC and the recreational game in England and Wales.Thompson has also ruled out an “IPL takeover” of the Hundred. The owners of at least five Indian franchises – including CVC, the private equity firm who run Gujarat Titans – are understood to be in the final round of bidding, but several US-based investors are also in contention, including Sanjay Govil, the owner of Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, and Avram Glazer, the co-chair of Manchester United.Gould said last month that the funds raised would safeguard county cricket’s finances for the next “20 to 25 years” The ECB is putting “guard-rails” in place to ensure that the counties spend the money in a sustainable way: paying off debt, building reserves or investing in long-term projects.