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.

continua após a publicidade

➡️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.

continua após a publicidade

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

'Greyhound' Doggett in line to become Australia Test Cap No. 472

England and Australia Ashes squads compared: who comes out on top?

Switch Hit x Final Word: Ashes story time special

The Ashes gave Khawaja a 'fairy tale' but can he write another chapter?

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.

Man City offer Real Madrid shock swap deal to sign "the next De Bruyne"

He’s impressed under Xabi Alonso.

ByTom Cunningham 3 days ago

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.

Spurs star who was one of "the best" in the country is now as bad as Porro

Some of Tottenham’s star players have let Thomas Frank down this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

Left out, written off, then crowned Player of the Final in a tournament Shafali Verma wasn’t even meant to play. If that’s not destiny, what is?

Sruthi Ravindranath03-Nov-20258:05

‘What dream? We’re living it’

If there’s one place where destiny writes its most dramatic scripts, it’s the sports field. For Shafali Verma, the story unfolded on one of the most historic days in Indian cricket.It wasn’t supposed to be Shafali’s tournament. She wasn’t part of the 15-member World Cup squad, and she didn’t even make the reserves. For a player whose name has been synonymous with fearless strokeplay, her omission raised eyebrows when the squad was announced.Yet, in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, fate had other plans for her. Shafali had made the tournament hers. She finished as India’s highest scorer in the final and, remarkably, also picked up two wickets – the same Shafali who had bowled just six times in her 31-match ODI career – earning the Player-of-the-Match award and cementing her place in World Cup lore.Related

• Shafali Verma: 'Last year was tough, but I kept working hard'

• MVP Deepti Sharma sings her song of redemption loud and clear

• Team of the tournament: Mandhana, Wolvaardt, Gardner, Ecclestone and…?

• Harmanpreet tries to grasp enormity of India's greatest day

• Stats – Deepti in a league of her own in World Cups

For those who have followed her journey since she burst on to the scene at 15 as India’s youngest T20I debutant, this felt like fate merely catching up. The same confidence, the same audacity and the same ability to bend a game before anyone realised it. But this innings showed something more: a new calm beneath the aggression, a maturity that didn’t need much recklessness to dominate. And it arrived, fittingly, on the biggest stage.After being left out of the white-ball squads last year, Shafali had returned to domestic cricket, searching for the rhythm that once made her India’s most feared opener. She fought her way back into the T20I side but not ODIs. Then came the bittersweet twist.An untimely injury to Pratika Rawal opened a door for her return to the ODI squad. It was right before the World Cup semi-final. “I think it’s all destiny, I really believe in that. We didn’t want her to feel that she [Shafali] came in under an injury cloud,” Harmanpreet Kaur said at the press conference after the final. Shafali played the semi-final without much impact but on Sunday, she turned it around.When Shafali walked out to bat, she was unmistakably herself – a brisk jog to the crease, a look around the field, a slight adjustment of the helmet, that familiar swagger. The first few strokes carried intent and authority: coming down the track to slice, drive and flick boundaries that sent South Africa’s fielders sprinting to the rope. After a crisp cover drive, she strolled down to Smriti Mandhana, shaking her head with a smile that probably meant “we’ve got this”.Shafali Verma hit seven fours and two sixes•AFP/Getty ImagesWhen the field spread after the powerplay, Shafali miscued one playing across the line and Mandhana gestured towards her, seemingly urging patience. For a moment, it seemed the young opener would heed the advice. There was a period where she did not hit a single boundary for 20 balls.But could Shafali really be contained for long?Waiting and watching had never quite been her thing.When Nadine de Klerk returned to bowl, Shafali advanced down the pitch and lifted her straight back over the head for six. She held the pose – a picture of audacious control – as she walked down the pitch, eyes following the trajectory of the ball. The Navi Mumbai crowd roared twice as loud for her as for anyone else that night. Many had perhaps only heard tales of her boldness; now, they were seeing it in front of them.It wasn’t a century, but her 87 – scored at better than a-run-a-ball – was pure Shafali. It powered India to 298 and set the tone for what would happen.Then came the twist no one saw coming. In the 21st over of South Africa’s chase, with Laura Wolvaardt in full flow and Sune Luus finding rhythm, Harmanpreet threw the ball to Shafali. India’s spinners had toiled without much success. But the gamble didn’t just come out of instinct, it was part of a plan, as Harmanpreet later revealed.Shafali had been bowling regularly in domestic cricket. She has eight wickets in seven games in the 2024-25 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, another eight in six innings in the recent domestic T20 Trophy, both tournaments where she also finished as the top run-getter. But this was a World Cup final.Shafali Verma celebrates with her captain after delivering a breakthrough•ICC/Getty ImagesHer first delivery was a 95kph dart, and the next, a teasing 84.2kph offbreak. Luus, looking to work it fine, ended up chipping it straight back. Shafali was smiling even before the ball settled in her hands. The stadium erupted, and soon, chants of “Sha-fa-li, Sha-fa-li” echoed throughout.In her next over, she produced one that spun back into Marizanne Kapp, who edged to the keeper. The breakthrough shifted momentum in India’s favour – the crowd roared, the team surged, and once again, Shafali was at the heart of it all, revelling in the moment.”When Shafali joined the team, we were missing the overs from Pratika,” Harmanpreet said. “So, when Shafali came in, we saw that she was bowling a lot of overs in domestic cricket. So, [Amol Muzumdar, head coach] sir and I spoke to her about it, and she [Shafali] said, ‘Sir, I’m ready for ten overs.’ That shows how confident she was to bowl.”Today, when that partnership started in the middle, suddenly I got the thought that I should give Shafali a try to see what happens. It was a gut feeling. I thought it could be risky too, but at the same time, I was positive because she had shown confidence when we spoke to her. I didn’t want to go back to the room later thinking, ‘Why didn’t I try?’ because they were looking good. And when I gave her that over and she got back-to-back breakthroughs, that was the turning point for us.”Shafali Verma was the Player of the Final after not being in the original squad•ICC/Getty ImagesIt was a night that defied any script. A match-winning knock, a game-changing spell, and a Player-of-the-Final performance in a tournament she wasn’t even meant to play. If that’s not destiny, what is?What remains to be seen is where Shafali will fit into India’s ODI plans once Rawal returns from injury. Will it be at the top of the order, or a more flexible role, or someone who contributes more frequently with the ball? In all of this, one thing is certain: Shafali has stamped her authority, and India will have to find a way to fit her in without disrupting the cohesion that carried them to the trophy.During the victory lap, Shafali trailed just behind her captain, grinning, waving to the crowd that refused to leave. When her turn came to hold the trophy, she lifted it as though it had been waiting for her all along.Her World Cup call-up wasn’t planned. Her performance in the final wasn’t planned. Even India’s title wasn’t planned with her in mind. But she wasn’t just a late replacement who rose to the occasion. She was, in every sense, destiny’s child, summoned when the team needed her most and crowned on a night India will never forget.

Former Leicester City star Jamie Vardy's Italian breakfast has been revealed as Cremonese head coach claimed that the former England striker's diet is being embraced in Italy. Having left the Foxes at the end of the 2024-25 season when his contract expired, 38-year-old Vardy signed an initial 12-month deal with the Serie A outfit to cover the 2025-26 campaign.

Vardy enjoying life in Italy

Vardy has already adjusted to life in Italy as he scored his first Serie A brace in Cremonese's dominating 3-1 victory over Bologna in the Serie A on Sunday. The defeat ended Bologna's 12-game unbeaten run in a rain-soaked encounter at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Martin Payero opened the scoring for Cremonese before Vardy doubled his team's lead in the 35th minute. Riccardo Ordolini's penalty goal at the stroke of half-time helped Bologna reduce the margin, but the ex-England star completed his brace and sealed a crucial win for the side as he scored in the 50th minute.  Vardy has scored four times in the Serie A this season. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportVardy's breakfast in Italy revealed

Cremonese boss Davide Nicola recently changed the single menu at the club, so players of different ethnicities and nationalities can have food of their choice and remain satisfied. Vardy is known to have cheese and ham omelettes with beans on the side from his time in Leicester and the veteran striker reportedly is still having the same food as the first meal of the day.

Speaking to reporters, Nicola said: "We now have individualised breakfasts and lunches. “There is no longer a single menu for everyone. Cultures are different, needs are different, and so are allergies. Each player has their own personal menu, there’s not even need to monitor these things because they’re part of the players’ lifestyle."

He added: "Jamie is a point of reference for us. As a coach, I can only say that great champions are incredibly simple people. They already know what they must do and how they must do it. They never show attitudes that aren’t constructive to the team. A champion differs from an ordinary player not only because he has immense qualities on the pitch, but also because he has the spirit and awareness of what he represents. A true champion never gets his attitude wrong. He’s very self-confident and light-hearted, someone who always trains. “He has his habits, but he came here with the mentality of making himself available."  

Vardy found similarity in Italy and UK weather

After scoring his first Cremonese brace in a rain-soaked match, Vardy told reporters: "I think we were just missing a bit of rain – this is a typical midweek in the UK. The most important thing was getting the three points and keeping that progress going. It's another step in the right direction. It's all about commitment and wanting what's best for the club. Everyone's on that same page and everyone's pushing forward to make sure that, come the end of the season, it will have been a successful year."

Nicolas later said on Vardy: "Great players are easy to handle as they know what they're supposed to do – and they know how to do it. That's how he is – he's comfortable with who he is, good humoured. He came here with the mentality of making himself available for the team."  

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportVardy learning Italian

Seems like Vardy is loving his life in Italy and he wants to mingle more with the local crowd to feel at home there. Accordingly, he is learning the Italian language, as he told recently: "I only know the basics, good morning, thank you, numbers, but I’ll be taking lessons as of next week, so hopefully that will start the bringing on the language a bit more. I have to learn, as my kids are learning, and I can’t have them learning it before me, otherwise they’ll be taking the mickey out of me!"    

With Cremonese now sitting 11th on 17 points after 13 games, the mood around the club is one of cautious optimism. Avoiding relegation would trigger a one-year contract extension to the summer of 2027 for Vardy, something that suddenly looks plausible. They sit seven points clear of the relegation zone, a comfortable position for a newly-promoted side. Cremonese return to the Stadio Giovanni Zini on December 7 to face Lecce.