A year on from his dream debut, he has had to again start from the bottom in what has been a frustrating summer

Vithushan Ehantharajah31-Jul-2025

Gus Atkinson appeals for a wicket on the opening day•Getty Images

Last week was a reminder to Gus Atkinson that the game of cricket does not love you.The 27-year-old had been working behind the scenes to return from a hamstring injury picked up during the first Test of the summer, against Zimbabwe. Now, ahead of the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford, England’s player of 2024, who seduced the format for 55 wickets, a century and a hat-trick, looked primed to come into the XI. A welcome addition of extra thrust and oomph. And above all else, fresh legs.England, though, decided to ignore Atkinson. Uncertainty over his robustness, having not played since Trent Bridge, meant featuring alongside the likes of Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and skipper Ben Stokes – all missing the fifth Test – was too much of a risk. Worse still for Atkinson, Surrey thought so too.Related

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Usually, a player unselected from an international squad would slot into their county side, especially if they average 22.30 with the ball. But Surrey, a day before facing Yorkshire, needed their own guarantees, that each member of their attack could put in a shift given the Kookaburra ball was in play. Jamie Overton, playing his second game of the season and first in a month, was deemed risk enough.So, Atkinson had to make do with a go in the second XI. It was his second game since injury. The first was a Saturday game during the Lord’s Test for his club, Spencer, when he was ignored the first time having been recalled. At least then he was in the ones.It was a humbling experience but one that the seamer, by all accounts, had taken in his stride after some understandable dismay. Atkinson keeps his emotions in check, comfortably the most inscrutable of England’s cricketers. Bottom of the list of players you would want to play poker against (Harry Brook top, if you were wondering).But there was proper, unmistakable joy throughout Thursday. Atkinson’s 2 for 31 from 19 overs was a threat laced with the kind of unerring accuracy that, remarkably, left him with just a single boundary against his name.Second years, like second albums, are always difficult. But it would still be quite something if Atkinson’s 2025 was even half as statistically impressive as his 2024.2:37

‘England would be a little disappointed with the score’

That debut against West Indies at Lord’s, 7 for 45 and 5 for 61 – 12 for 106, the fourth best bowling figures by a men’s player on debut – was the best intro since Mick Jagger (watching on at the Kia Oval on Thursday) and his pals knocked out . Doing so in James Anderson’s retirement Test felt particularly prescient. Grand closing, grand opening, and now involved at the sharp end of a series bearing Anderson’s name.So it proved, at least for the next six months. He returned to Lord’s against Sri Lanka to put himself on the batting honours board, and then, in Wellington, became the 15th England player to take a Test hat-trick. With 52 wickets by the end of that tour of New Zealand, he became only the second Test cricketer to register 50 dismissals in their debut year.There were signs of issues to deal with within those first 11 appearances. That schedule meant he played 16 first-class games in a calendar year, having never featured in more than five (2022 and 2023). Naturally, he struggled to maintain his high 80s pace, which made his high release point and snap gather-cum-delivery that much more potent. Nothing summed the drop-off better than the fact his average speed on debut (85.89mph) was higher than his fastest delivery in last year’s final appearance in Hamilton (84.0mph).There was a similar drop-off across Thursday, despite the hours of rain delays that broke up England’s 64 overs in the field. Atkinson’s four spells saw his average speeds reduce steadily: 85.6mph (six overs), 84.8mph (six), 84.0mph (five), 82.0mph (two).Atkinson has had a stop-start summer•Getty ImagesA nod, perhaps, to the need for more game time to build up his endurance. His nimbleness was clear for all to see when he followed-through to run out Shubman Gill. A bonus for England given the India captain’s prolific run on this tour.The lbw dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal – 85mph – was his first in more than two months after dismissing Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett. Dhruv Jurel was undone by an 84mph full-of-a-length ball that surprised him with lift, right after surviving an lbw dismissal on review that scuttled in from a scrambled seam that has been fruitful for Atkinson at this level.While happy to return, and get back on the board, Atkinson was not overly pleased. “Being hyper critical, I could have maybe bowled at the stumps a bit more,” he said, matter-of-factly.The good news is those dismissals, and 17 of his overs, came from his lesser preferred Pavilion End, where he averages 31.6 here for Surrey since the start of 2022. The bad news is his two overs from his Vauxhall End (22.6) came about because of a shoulder injury sustained by Chris Woakes. He had domain over that end, having chosen it to open proceedings.1:48

What will be a good score for India?

It is Woakes, ultimately, that Atkinson was going to replace, particularly in Australia later this year. That was initially as a new-ball bowler with more pace, before his batting came on to the point where he and, say, Carse could go some way to replacing Woakes’ batting at eight. Now, Atkinson will have to carry more of the burden with Woakes unlikely to take any further part in this match, certainly as a bowler.The worse news, however, is that on the day when England welcomed Atkinson back with the best seaming conditions of the series, they fluffed their lines.His excellence was unable to make-up for Josh Tongue, who was wayward even with his worldies. Nor Overton, whose lack of feel for the appropriate lengths was what you would expect from someone with just two first-class wickets since September 2023 (as many County Championship matches he has played for Surrey since then).Atkinson might be fresh and hungry for more. But he will now have to step up as the leader of the attack. Just over a year from his debut, he will have to grow up quick and help orchestrate a crucial win in this series decider.

The Dodgers are shaking things up ahead of World Series Game 5, making a pair of significant tweaks to the lineup after dropping Game 4 on Tuesday night.

Moving up in the lineup and taking Mookie Betts's spot as the No. 2 hitter for Wednesday's game will be catcher Will Smith. Betts will move down to No. 3, where Freddie Freeman had been batting. Freeman will hit fourth. Betts, despite batting behind Shohei Ohtani, whom Toronto has been remarkably cautious about pitching to, hasn't been too productive in the postseason. He's recorded three hits in the World Series, all singles, and has just a .688 OPS in the playoffs.

Additionally, Andy Pages is moving to the bench in favor of Alex Call, who will start in left field. Pages has struggled at the plate in the postseason, with just four hits in 50 at-bats. He's collected just one hit in the World Series, prompting Dave Roberts to remove him from the starting lineup in favor of Call. With Call in left field and batting ninth, Kike Hernández will be in center field.

Pages had been playing center field, so the Dodgers will be making a change to their approach on defense, too.

With the series knotted at 2–2, it's guaranteed that the teams return to Rogers Centre for the closeout game, whether that be Game 6 or Game 7. Los Angeles was considered a heavy favorite heading into the Fall Classic, and the fact that the Blue Jays have won even two games is a surprise to many. Now, the Dodgers will be hoping these lineup changes can propel them to a crucial win in Game 5 before they return to Toronto.

MLB's offseason has already provided some major moves, from Pete Alonso landing with the Orioles to Edwin Diaz agreeing to join the back-to-back defending champion Dodgers. The trade market has also heated up, with the likes of three-time All-Star starter Sonny Gray dealt to the Red Sox and three-time All-Star infielder Marcus Semien traded to the Mets.

But the rumor mill has been swirling around several other big names, leading to the possibility of a few more needle-moving trades being made this offseason. So, let's have a little fun and predict which big-name players will be the next to be dealt.

Ketel Marte, 2B, DiamondbacksMost likely suitors: Mariners, Blue Jays, Red Sox

Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen opened up the possibility of a Marte trade at the GM Meetings in November, when he told the that teams were checking in on the 2023 National League Championship Series MVP. And while Hazen made it clear at the time that such a deal was “unlikely,” MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports that Marte's market is heating up at the winter meetings in Orlando, Fla. Trading Marte now is a possibility because he will reach 10 years of service time—five of those years in Arizona—two weeks into the 2026 season. Under the league's current CBA, teams cannot trade such players without the player's consent. Acquiring Marte, a versatile fielder with good bat-to-ball skills, power and experience in big playoff moments, could be a boon to several contenders.

MacKenzie Gore, SP, Nationals Most likely suitors: Orioles, Yankees

New president of baseball operations Paul Toboni inherited a 66-win team that hasn't had a winning season since capturing a World Seres title in 2019. Washington's farm system, ranked just 23rd in baseball after the July 31 trade deadline, possesses some top-100 talent but could use an infusion of prospects. It's not surprising, then, that there is some trade buzz surrounding two pieces of the Nationals' young core at the big-league level, shortstop CJ Abrams and starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore, each of whom authored their best seasons yet. In a pitching market that has already garnered some traction in terms of trades, Gore, an All-Star for the first time in his career while posting a career-high 185 strikeouts in 2025, would figure to net a hefty package of prospects in return.

Jarren Duran, OF, Red SoxMost likely suitors: Royals, Giants, Mets, Pirates

Boston has a good problem. They have four good outfielders in Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu. It's a problem that led to Duran, an All-Star during the 2024 season, popping up in some trade rumors at the July 31 deadline; after which the Red Sox were glad they held onto him, for Anthony missed the last month of the season due to an oblique strain. Having depth in the form of an All-Star caliber player is enough to make Boston think twice about trading Duran. But the possibility of the Red Sox, in the market for starting pitching, acquiring a No. 2 or 3 starter behind ace Garrett Crochet in return for Duran is enticing. Duran could also be a good alternative to outfield-needy teams who miss out on the likes of Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger.

تحدث نيل وارنوك، لاعب منتخب إنجلترا السابق، عن أزمة محمد صلاح مع نادي ليفربول، مشيرًا إلى أن بطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية هي فرصة جيدة للدولي المصري، لتهدئة الوضع مع الريدز.

وتم استبعاد محمد صلاح من قائمة ليفربول لمباراة إنتر ميلان يوم أمس الثلاثاء في دوري أبطال أوروبا، على هامش التصريحات النارية التي أدلى بها بعد نهاية لقاء ليدز يونايتد بالدوري الإنجليزي وهاجم فيها إدارة فريقه.

وأكد محمد صلاح أن علاقته مع مدرب ليفربول، آرني سلوت، قد وصلت إلى طريق مسدود، موضحًا أن إدارة الريدز لم تنفذ وعودها التي قدمتها له بعد تجديد عقده مع النادي الإنجليزي.

وقال وارنوك عبر بي بي سي سبورت: ”لا أعتقد أن محمد صلاح سيشارك في مباراة برايتون على أرض ليفربول يوم السبت، أو حتى يشارك كبديل، أعتقد أن ذلك سيسبب الكثير من المشاكل داخل الفريق”.

اقرأ أيضًا .. لاعب توتنهام السابق: محمد صلاح يفكر في نفسه أولًا.. ولا أشعر بأي تعاطف معه

وأضاف وارنوك في حديثه عن محمد صلاح: ”هذا سيسمح له بالذهاب إلى كأس الأمم الإفريقية لتهدئة الوضع قليلاً، وبعدها سيتعين على النادي واللاعب اتخاذ قرار بشأن مستقبل محمد صلاح وكيف سيبدو”.

وعن مستقبل محمد صلاح أوضح وارنوك: ”الأمر يعتمد على رؤية محمد صلاح لمستقبله، وما إذا كان يريد الرحيل عن ليفربول وما إذا كان هذا الأمر قد دفعه للخروج من النادي، دائماً هناك سبيل للعودة إذا تمكن الطرفان من التوصل إلى اتفاق”.

واختتم وارنوك في حديثه: ”لا شك أنك سترغب في ضم محمد صلاح إلى فريقك، فهو لاعب قادر على تغيير مجرى المباراة والأرقام خير دليل، سواء كان ذلك قابلاً للتحقيق أم لا، فسيتعين علينا الانتظار لنرى”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com o título da Bola de Ouro entregue ao Arrascaeta, no prêmio “Bola de Prata”, o Flamengo se tornou a equipe que mais venceu o troféu. Embora campeão do Brasileirão e com o destaque do uruguaio como o melhor do ano, o Rubro-Negro teve menos jogadores na seleção do campeonato, que premia os 11 melhores da temporada.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol InternacionalGoleiro do Cruz Azul manda recado ao Flamengo: ‘Tenho certeza’Futebol Internacional08/12/2025FlamengoBrasileirão: Arrascaeta, do Flamengo, vence prêmio Bola de OuroFlamengo08/12/2025FlamengoFlamengo: Estádio rubro-negro recebe a Copa IntercontinentalFlamengo08/12/2025

Antes de Arrascaeta, grandes nomes do Flamengo já foram eleitos os melhores na premiação. Com o uruguaio, o clube chegou a sete vencedores, tornando-se o que mais teve um atleta eleito como o melhor da competição na tradicional premiação da ESPN.

➡️Flamengo tem quatro representantes e craque na Seleção do Brasileirão; veja lista

Zico (1974)Zico (1982)Renato Gaúcho (1987)Júnior (1992)Adriano (2009)Gabriel Barbosa (2019)Arrascaeta (2025)

Essa foi a primeira Bola de Ouro da carreira do uruguaio, mas foi o sétimo título do evento. Neste cenário, ele se tornou o estrangeiro mais vencedor da premiação até hoje. Com nove títulos cada, apenas Zico e Rogério Ceni o superam individualmente.

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➡️Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Flamengo

Seleção da competição

Mesmo vencendo a competição, apenas três jogadores do Flamengo foram colocados na lista final dos melhores do campeonato. São eles: Arrascaeta, Pedro e Léo Pereira. A equipe que mais teve representantes na Seleção do Campeonato foi o Cruzeiro, com quatro jogadores. Kaio Jorge, Matheus Pereira, Lucas Romero e Fabrício Bruno.

Vencedores do Prêmio Bola de Prata

Felipe Luís, técnico e campeão com o Flamengo, também não foi premiado. Rafael Guanaes, treinador do Mirassol, ficou com o troféu de melhor técnico. A campanha do time paulista foi uma das mais elogiadas e exaltadas durante toda a temporada.

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Allan, do Palmeiras, também foi um dos premiados e recebeu o ‘Troféu Revelação’. No entanto, a escolha dividiu opiniões. Torcedores opinaram sobre o merecimento do atacante do Vasco Rayan, devido ao destaque durante a temporada.

No campeonato, a joia do Verdão jogou 28 partidas, marcando dois gols e duas assistências. O Cria da Colina, por outro lado, jogou 34 jogos, marcou 14 gols e deu uma assistência, só no Brasileirão.

Tudo sobre

ArrascaetaFlamengoFora de campoFutebol Nacional

Marnus Labuschagne has churned out runs, Steven Smith looks primed and Scott Boland has been in the wickets

Andrew McGlashan15-Nov-20252:17

Weatherald or Labuschagne – who will open in Perth?

Usman KhawajaSheffield Shield – Matches: 3; Runs: 202; Average: 50.50; 100s: 0A solid build-up for Khawaja, who was always scheduled to miss the game against Western Australia having played the first three. Made contributions in all the matches and looked good for his 87 against New South Wales, although the real test will come against the extra pace in England’s attack.Jake WeatheraldSheffield Shield – Matches: 4; Runs: 301; Average: 37.62; 100s: 0
One-Day Cup – Matches: 2; Runs: 28; Average: 14.00Though he hasn’t nailed a huge score, his rapid 94 against Western Australia helped seal his first Test call after starting with twin fifties on a docile Allan Border Field pitch on the back of his 900-run 2024-25 summer. Two lean rounds heading into the series isn’t ideal but Weatherald is a cricketer very comfortable with where he is at in his career. Has been picked because of his naturally positive game, so don’t expect that to change if he makes the XI.Related

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Marnus LabuschagneSheffield Shield – Matches: 4; Runs: 402; Average: 67.00; 100s: 2
One-Day Cup – Matches: 4; Runs: 338; Average: 84.50; 100s: 3Has done everything, and probably more, asked of him after being dropped in the West Indies. While the volume of runs will be pleasing for the selectors, it’s the manner in which Labuschagne has made them that has probably been the most important factor – back to the positive intent that was a hallmark of his prolific time as a Test batter a few years ago. Seems to be less worried about the little things.Steven SmithSheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Runs: 231; Average: 115.50; 100s: 1Smith said he was ready before he had hit a ball in anger this season and his returns in two New South Wales outings has backed that up. He was especially impressive on a tricky SCG pitch against Victoria. Also took a brilliant catch at slip to suggest the reflexes are still in top working order.Travis HeadODIs – Matches: 3; Runs 65; Average: 21.66
T20Is – Matches: 6; Runs: 78; Average: 15.60
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 1; Runs: 21Head is a critical figure in Australia’s batting order but enters the Ashes with question marks over his form. While T20s aren’t the best barometer, he also didn’t get going in the ODIs against India. Then, in his one Shield outing, he made two low scores in a bowler-dominated game against Tasmania. The hope will be that his big-game temperament shines through when needed. “I take confidence in the last Test series we played in West Indies,” he told . “I felt like on tough wickets I played well… I try to adapt to conditions and win games of cricket for Australia. I’m not too worried about output, I know I’m working hard, I know I’m ready to go.”Cameron Green ticked every box in his Shield outing against Queensland•Getty ImagesCameron GreenSheffield Shield – Matches: 3; Runs: 195; Average: 32.50; 100s: 0 | Overs: 20; Wickets: 2It had been a slightly disjointed start to the season for Green after a side niggle interrupted his preparations, but he ticked every box in his Shield outing against Queensland, getting through 16 overs at good pace across the two innings and making 94. Four years into his Test career, Green’s numbers are solid – can he now go to the next level?Beau WebsterSheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Runs: 38; Average: 9.50 | Overs: 47.5; Wickets: 9; Average: 19.66
One-Day Cup – Matches 3; Runs 159; Average: 53.00 | Overs: 19.4; Wickets: 5; Average: 18.40Webster’s immediate Test future hangs in the balance, largely through no fault of his own. However, it wasn’t a great time to have two lean outings with the bat for Tasmania after an ankle injury meant he missed the start of the Shield season. But with the ball he has been excellent – the injuries Australia have suffered may yet work in his favour if the selectors opt for extra bowling depth – and he would certainly be an asset in the field.Alex CareyODIs – Matches: 2; Runs: 33; Average: 16.50
T20Is – Matches: 3; Runs 8; Average: 4.00
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Runs: 126; Average: 31.50; 100s: 0
One-Day Cup – Matches 1; Runs 8It hasn’t been the most prolific six weeks for Carey but there won’t be too many concerns. His half-century against Tasmania was a timely tune-up ahead of next week. The original plan was probably for him to have three Shield outings, but he was a late call-up for the T20Is in New Zealand after Josh Inglis was injured.Josh InglisT20Is – Matches: 5; Runs: 33; Average: 11.00
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 1; Runs: 32Barring an injury to Carey, it’s unlikely Inglis will be needed, at least early in the Ashes. It’s been a frustrating season so far with a calf problem leaving him short of match time. He struggled in the T20Is against India and then made 4 and 28 in Western Australia’s thrilling one-wicket win over Queensland.Mitchell Starc bowled with pace against Victoria at the SCG•Getty ImagesMitchell StarcODIs – Matches: 3; Wickets: 3; Average: 38.33
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 1; Overs: 31; Wickets: 5; Average: 27.80Starc voluntarily offered up that he had been searching for rhythm a little after a lengthy lay-off since the West Indies tour. Things hadn’t quite felt right in the ODIs against India but signs were promising in his Shield outing where he produced a rapid spell after lunch on the first day. His durability is legendary but will be tested this summer.Nathan LyonSheffield Shield – Matches: 4; Overs: 150; Wickets: 12; Average: 34.00Lyon’s pre-season plan was to play three of the four Shield games before the first Test, but with seamers dominating the first two he opted for an extra outing to build his workload. Wickets didn’t come in abundance, but he looked to be finding a nice groove against Victoria. “I feel like I’ve been building nicely,” he said during the game. “Especially over at the Gabba and here now. It’s feeling really good.”Scott BolandSheffield Shield – Matches: 3; Overs: 90.4; Wickets: 14; Average: 17.57Boland, who is now likely to see much more Ashes action than may have originally been the case, looks to have timed his run perfectly. By his own high standards, he wasn’t quite at his best against NSW in Melbourne but still claimed a match-winning eight wickets. Was a constant threat in the return fixture at the SCG.Brendan DoggettSheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Overs: 64.4; Wickets: 13; Average: 14.69
One-Day Cup – Matches: 1; Wickets 2After a hamstring injury ruled him out of the first two Shield matches, Doggett has put his name up in lights with a bagful of wickets for South Australia. Josh Hazlewood’s injury has put him on the brink of a Test debut in Perth and he looks like a bowler ready for the step up.Michael NeserSheffield Shield – Matches 3; Overs: 115.3; Wickets: 14; Average: 24.38
One-Day Cup – Matches 2: Overs 20; Wickets: 4; Average: 26.25A late call-up after the major loss of Hazlewood for the first Test. Neser has been as probing as ever, particularly in his first two Shield outings in October that brought 11 wickets. Missed the third round to manage his workload.

Arne Slot eased the pressure when he led his Liverpool side to victory over West Ham United at the weekend, but in a matter of days, the Reds will have hosted Sunderland and travelled to Elland Road to face Leeds United, and that will make a more accurate barometer of this squad’s level.

The pressure has cranked up in recent weeks, and who of a red persuasion could contest the scrutiny? The Premier League champions had lost nine of 12 matches in all competitions before arresting the slump, and after the November international break, Anfield has been left reeling after successive drubbings dished out by Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.

It’s clear that Liverpool have lost their way, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get back on track. A summer of record-breaking spending has packaged the Reds team with so much quality, but it’s true that Liverpool are an imbalanced outfit.

Sporting director Richard Hughes may need to dig back into the transfer market, which will be upon us in less than a month.

Liverpool's January transfer plans

It’s incredible that after spending more than £400m this summer, Liverpool still need to address a number of areas across Slot’s squad. Namely, Liverpool need a centre-back, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a leading contender to strengthen the frontline this January.

But with Marc Guehi out of contract at the end of the season and Manchester City also holding talks for Semenyo’s services, FSG may be tempted to look elsewhere.

And according to Caught Offside, Juventus’ rising star Kenan Yildiz has been shortlisted as a Semenyo alternative, having enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the campaign in Italy.

The 20-year-old certainly wouldn’t come cheap. Viewed as one of Serie A’s brightest young stars, Juventus do not want to sell the attacking midfielder, but a concerted approach from FSG could help shift some weight.

With Chelsea also interested, the Old Lady are looking to bank a €100m cheque (translating to £88m) for their prized player.

Why Liverpool want Kenan Yildiz

Yildiz might be young, but he is “already one of the best left wingers in the world”, according to one Serie A scout, and has a far higher ceiling than the 25-year-old Semenyo besides.

Semenyo is the talk of the town in the Premier League, but he’s gone five matches without a goal involvement after such a prolific start to the campaign.

Yildiz, by contrast, is spreading out his output, notching both strikes in Juve’s recent 2-1 league win over Cagliari.

He is a ferocious runner and he is sharp with his playmaking. As per data-driven site FBref, Yildiz ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

In this he has what it takes to match Semenyo’s athleticism and dynamism. In this he can become one of the Premier League’s finest.

Moreover, Yildiz has only missed one big chance in the Italian top flight, scoring four times.

Matches (starts)

12 (11)

12 (12)

Goals

4

6

Assists

3

3

Touches*

52.4

49.6

Shots (on target)*

2.4 (1.1)

2.2 (1.2)

Accurate passes*

27.1 (85%)

19.9 (77%)

Chances created*

2.3

1.3

Dribbles*

1.5

1.8

Recoveries*

3.7

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

0.9

1.8

Duels won*

4.2

6.3

From a statistical standpoint, Semenyo has probably enjoyed the better season so far, but data only tells so much of a story in football, and Yildiz is clearly making startling progress at such a young age, close now to establishing himself as one of the best in the business.

He is “100% a superstar”, in the eyes of analyst Ben Mattinson, so dynamic and electric down the left flank. His duelling success doesn’t yet match Semenyo, who is one of the Premier League’s most combative wide forwards, and in just a few years, he could be far outstripping the Ghana international.

Whether Liverpool opt to fork out close to £100m for an up-and-coming talent remains to be seen, but Yildiz has already proven that he belongs on the world stage.

Semenyo would be a terrific signing, but the Turkish winger has that special something that suggests he could become one of the very best in the business.

Better move than Semenyo: Liverpool set to table bid to sign £53m "machine"

Liverpool and FSG are considering a host of positions ahead of the January transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 1, 2025

Manchester City have now moved into pole position in the race for a “superstar”, and they are now ready to make a bid of over £65m.

Pep eyeing long-term additions to his defence

Pep Guardiola has made it clear he is a huge admirer of Matheus Nunes this season, saying: “He can be an incredible right-back,”

“Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality and as much as he is focused, he can become one of the best [right-backs].

“He has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.”

Nunes has remained a key player for Man City in recent weeks, starting the last three games, with Abdukhodir Khusanov also capable of slotting in at right-back, doing so in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen back in November, while also impressing against Arsenal.

Despite Pep being blessed with a number of options in defence, the City boss remains keen on making long-term additions to his backline, according to a new report from TEAMtalk, which states he views Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as the complete package.

The Blues have now moved into pole position in the race for Livramento’s signature, despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs, and they are ready to make a bid of more than £65m, which could include add-ons, while summer signing James Trafford may also be used as part of a swap deal.

"Superstar" Livramento may find it difficult to dislodge Nunes

Lauded as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, there are signs the right-back could be a good fit in a Guardiola system, with his passing ability particularly impressive over the course of the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Pass completion %

85.9% (90th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.17 (87th percentile)

Pep has been keen on signing the full-back for quite some time, and he is now vastly experienced in the Premier League, having made 103 appearances in the competition, while he has also tested himself in the Champions League for the second time this season.

The 23-year-old could be able to push for Nunes’ place in the starting XI before too long, but it will be difficult to dislodge the Portugal international, given that the City star is arguably a more well-rounded right-back at the moment.

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The 27-year-old has displayed a keen eye for creating chances this season, chipping in with one goal and three assists in the Premier League, while Livramento has just four goal contributions in 93 games for Newcastle.

As such, the Engand international may have to improve the attacking side of his game if he is going to take Nunes’ shirt.

Taskin is currently playing in the Abu Dhabi T10 and was not available for selection

Mohammad Isam23-Nov-2025Bangladesh have picked Mohammad Saifuddin and Mahidul Islam Ankon for the first two T20Is of the three-match series against Ireland. They replace Taskin Ahmed and Shamim Hossain from the squad that played the T20Is against West Indies last month.Saifuddin was part of the T20I series against Afghanistan in Sharjah, which Bangladesh won 3-0, while Ankon is uncapped in the format. He has played one Test and three ODIs, though.Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain said that Taskin was not available for selection as he is currently playing in the Abu Dhabi T10. He also mentioned that Shamim Hossain has been left out.”Taskin has an NOC, so he is not available to us currently,” Hossain said. “We know that he will play for Bangladesh whenever we ask him to, but we are well aware of the plans.”We haven’t considered Shamim Hossain for the first two T20Is. We have picked Mahidul Islam so that we can try someone in the top four.”All three matches of the series will be played in Chattogram, on November 27, 29 and December 2.

Bangladesh squad for Ireland T20Is

Litton Das (capt), Saif Hassan (vice-capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Nurul Hasan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin

Winter is here, and Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank knows he is staring down the barrel of a gun as he looks to find form and consistency after a tough start to his tenure.

That may be an understatement. Spurs have lost three on the trot, and Saturday’s home defeat against Fulham in the Premier League means the 3-0 victory over Burnley in August remains an outlier in regard to three points down N17 this season.

The fans are frustrated, no doubt about that. And they have a right to be. Tottenham have lacked sparkle in their attacking play this season, though Frank will feel that injuries to Dominic Solanke, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have put him on the back foot.

Much has been made of the Londoners’ creativity (or lack thereof), but it’s also clear that the Lewis Family need to authorise the signing of a centre-forward.

Why Spurs need a striker

Harry Kane and Heung-min Son have both left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent years, and the superstars have not really been replaced with elite options.

Mathys Tel is young and talented, but he is also raw. Solanke is a proven Premier League star, but his entire stint in north London has been blighted by setbacks. Richarlison is in fine form, but probably not the long-term solution at number nine.

What Frank and the fanbase need is an up-and-coming superstar to spearhead this next era at the club.

That’s why Samu Agwehowa has been earmarked. According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have joined the race for the 21-year-old Porto striker after his convincing performances in Portugal.

The Spanish international has a €100m (about £88m) release clause in his contract, though Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange would be certain to lodge an offer far south of that daunting figure.

What Samu would bring to north London

Richarlison is a curious striker. He is capable of so much, and yet he performs to his full capacity with consistent inconsistency.

25/26

13

5 + 2

24/25

14

4 + 1

23/24

28

11 + 4

22/23

27

1 + 4

Injuries have not helped the Brazil international, but it’s clear that he is not Kane. That said, Richarlison has been in moderately good form this season, essential in providing an outlet as Solanke founders in the infirmary.

But in Samu, Frank would land a goalscorer who has the potential to be “one of the best strikers in Europe”, according to journalist Zach Lowy, so powerful and potent in the final third.

Joining Porto from Atletico Madrid in 2024, Samu has chalked up 37 goals and four assists across just 62 appearances, including ten from 17 outings in all competitions this season.

He ranks among the top 8% of forwards in the Primeira Liga for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons, emphasising not only his pace but his control and force when on the ball and driving forward.

His athleticism and natural poaching instinct earn him a certain likeness to Richarlison, but given his age and the consistency of goalscoring, Samu might actually prove an upgrade on the South American.

Take, for example, his Europa League performances this year, winning 57% of his duels and averaging a tackle per game, as per Sofascore.

Combativeness forms a key part of Richarlison’s toolbox, and if Spurs are to upgrade on the 28-year-old, who has actually been linked with a move away from the club of late, they will want to sign someone who can emulate him while building up a skillset that transcends what Spurs have hosted in recent years.

Samu is all that and more, and he would be a fantastic signing for a Tottenham team in need of a new talisman.

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