All posts by h716a5.icu

While Pakistan dealt with the burden of being (g)hosts

Alan Gardner12-Mar-2025And so they did it, triumphing against the odds. Plucky India, with their population of 1.4 billion. With their ICC revenue share of US$230 million. With their team of IPL Galacticos (but no Jasprit Bumrah, of course – another hurdle to overcome). They defeated New Zealand, Goliaths of overachievement, in the Champions Trophy final and the whole cricket world rejoiced.Or at least the biggest contributors to cricket’s economy rejoiced, which pretty much amounts to the same thing. Seriously, who do you think is paying for all this stuff?We had to cheer the little guy on right to the last ball of the penultimate over, so gamely did they attempt to make a game of it. Almost as if to underline the message “Look, folks, no undue advantage here.” Rohit Sharma even stretched mathematical probability to its outermost limit by wilfully losing the toss for the 12,000th time in a row – just to emphasise how up against it his side were.Gautam Gambhir had already put the “perpetual cribbers” in their place after the semi-final, when responding to such undignified questioning as “How brilliant is your brilliant India team, sir?” And Rohit swatted away the idea that spending the entire tournament in Dubai, while everyone else shuttled around Pakistan and back-and-forth to the UAE, was in any way beneficial.”It’s not our home either,” he said. “We don’t play so many matches here, it’s new for us as well.” He might have added that choosing dinner from the same five-star menu becomes really hard after the sixth night in a row, let alone three weeks, and that many of his team-mates had struggled to pack enough swimming trunks to cover the duration of their stay. Who was to know that the Dubai pitch would support bowling 38 overs of spin in the final? Certainly not India.Okay, so Mohammed Shami said something about it being a “plus point that all our matches have been played at the same venue” – but he is merely a 12-year veteran of international cricket, and the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, so what does his opinion count for?Sure, there might have been a few more fans wearing blue shirts than black caps in the stadium, but this was a classic battle for sporting supremacy. It’s a wonder, really, that the players didn’t go to the logical end point of their refusal to countenance any sort of bias towards India and shove ICC chair Jay Shah off the stage following the trophy presentation, a la Australia and Sharad Pawar all those years ago. Now that would have sent a message.Anyway, talking of tournaments where there’s only one winner… shut your traps, haters, the IPL is about to start.

****

Thanks England, for saving Test cricket by having one sucky white-ball tournament after the other•Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty ImagesFor Pakistan, what was meant to be a crowning moment – hosting an ICC tournament for the first time since 1996 – became something more like a public flogging. To be fair to the PCB (a sentence we don’t write often), not all of their pain was self-inflicted. From Pakistan’s name being scrubbed off the TV broadcast logo, to India’s anthem being played at the Gaddafi, to losing out on the right to stage the final – as India’s gravitational pull dragged the tournament away to the UAE – to having no representative on stage for the trophy presentation, the hosts were slowly ghosted. Sure, there was some self-sabotage, like always – Pakistan winning zero games didn’t help. But remember, just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you.

****

England’s Champions Trophy, meanwhile, stank out the room in a way that has barely been conceivable since they started playing white-ball cricket in 2015 (). The promotion of Brendon McCullum to all-formats supremo looked to be on rocky ground after the team lost ten out of 11 games on tour in India and Pakistan… but hold on just a minute. England, remember, are on a mission from Baz to save Test cricket. And if that means tanking in the limited-overs stuff to the extent that it becomes unwatchable, then job done. Yep, that’s right, everybody, the Bazballers have done it again with their 4D chess. No need to thank them (although a namecheck wouldn’t go amiss). The future of Tests is safe in their hands.

Ryan Barnett may be generating transfer talk, but there’s "not a cat in hell’s chance" he leaves as a "why would you leave Wrexham" question is asked.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Hollywood co-owners built strong squadFlying high in the League One tableBarnett attracting Championship interestFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have worked hard assembling a squad at SToK Racecourse that can build on the back-to-back promotions which have already been enjoyed. The Red Dragons are up into League One and flying high in the third-tier table.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Barnett, who was snapped up in February 2023, has been impressing this season – posting a number of assists – and is said to be attracting admiring glances from Championship sides Stoke and Preston ahead of the January window. He is, however, already part of an ambitious project in North Wales.

WHAT PALMER SAID

With that in mind, former EFL player and coach Carlton Palmer has told : "Ryan Barnett has started life in League One absolutely on fire and that has caused the likes of Stoke City and Preston North End to be looking at Wrexham's right wing-back. He's been in exhilarating form, with five assists so far this season. That includes a hat-trick of assists against Northampton Town. He's been outstanding in giving them, in the 3-5-2, width and pushing on. It's physically so demanding what is being asked of him up and down, but he's done what's asked of him and his quality of delivery into the box when he gets there is outstanding.

"That's why the likes of Championship clubs are looking at him. Listen, Wrexham with back-to-back promotions and will be very, very close to getting promotion again this season. I am sure the owners will go again in January, and there is not a cat in hell's chance that Wrexham will sell a player who is very integral to the way they play and the way they look to set up."

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Palmer added on the exit talk that Reynolds, McElhenney and Phil Parkinson will be hoping to fend off: "There's not a chance they let him go. And, of course, why would you want to leave Wrexham? They are on the up with progressive owners. They have money and it's the place to be, so I don't think this will be entertained. Of course, people are going to be looking at Wrexham's players, given what they have done in the past few seasons, but that just goes with the territory."

Chelsea are ready to consider parting company with a £50 million star if they seal a deal for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, as new head coach Enzo Maresca also looks to trim his bloated squad.

Chelsea looking to agree signing of Olise this summer

The winger has emerged as a priority transfer target for co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, coming after his phenomenal campaign at Selhurst Park.

Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea to seal £55 million signing within days, not Duran

The Colombian isn’t the only player in their sights.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 15, 2024

Upon returning from an injury which kept him out for a decent portion of 2023/2024, Olise returned to his prolific best in quick fashion – racking up 10 goals and six assists in 19 Premier League appearances for the Eagles.

The 22-year-old's contract includes a complex £60 million release clause, which is apparently only valid for Champions League clubs, meaning Chelsea may have to fork out a larger amount.

Regardless, they're believed to be ahead of fellow suitors like Man United in the race for Olise (The Guardian), with Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards claiming he has the potential to be "world-class".

Appearances

19

Goals

10

Assists

6

Minutes played

128

Minutes per goal

1,278

"He is going to be world-class. He is just one of them young players who needs to be guided in the right way," he said on The Rest Is Football podcast (via Tribuna).

"If he was ever to leave, or when he leaves Palace, if he picks the right team where he is allowed to express himself he is going to be a superstar. He is that good. He is going to the very top."

Chelsea have been in talks over Olise with personal terms also reportedly agreed, and it is believed that the west Londoners could use makeweights in any potential deal for the winger. One player who's been mentioned as a possibility in this regard is Raheem Sterling, who signed for Chelsea in a £50 million deal from Man City two years ago.

However, even if Sterling doesn't go the other way, journalist Pete O'Rourke claims he could be out the door regardless – if the Blues do in fact get Olise over the line.

Chelsea to consider bids for Sterling if Olise signs

Writing for Football Insider, he says that Chelsea will consider bids for Sterling if Olise joins this summer, coming after a regrettable campaign for the 29-year-old overall.

The high-earning winger did manage eight goals and four assists in the Premier League, but played more of a bit-part role under Mauricio Pochettino towards the back end of 2023/2024 – seeing his role in the first team diminish and making more appearances off the bench.

Maresca currently has an abundance of wide players in his squad, and Olise coming would mean yet another name in that position. Chelsea may look to sell Sterling as a result, especially factoring in that he'd be even further down the pecking order.

The Breakers failed to make the WNCL final for the first time in history this season

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Apr-2021Dominic Thornely will leave his role as head coach of New South Wales Breakers and move into the male pathway with the state.Thornely had been in the job for the last two seasons during which New South Wales failed to win the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL).They finished as runners-up in the 2019-2020 season, losing to Western Australia in the final, only the fourth time they had not won the title, then in the recent campaign finished fourth which meant they missed the decider for the first time.”Like we do every season we have reviewed all of our elite programs and as part of that concluded that it was important that Dom’s expertise was not lost to the organisation, and that his skillset is best suited to contributing in the Male Pathways area,” Greg Mail, New South Wales’ head of cricket, said.”He may not have achieved everything he set out to do with the Breakers but his coaching career continues to develop. Dom will start his new role with a focus on developing young talent in Country NSW and we are really excited to see the impact he can make.”Leah Poulton, the head of female cricket, praised Thornely’s work with the younger players.”Dom has worked as both an Assistant and Head Coach over the past four seasons and over that time he has overseen the development of our next generation of athletes,” she said. “He leaves the program with strong foundations and I wish him well in his future endeavours.”Thornely said: “As a coach, it is important to experience a broad range of coaching opportunities. I have really enjoyed my time in the female programme but the one area I haven’t had an opportunity to explore is the male pathway.”I believe my playing experiences will compliment my coaching background in this role and I look forward to the challenge of developing future Test cricketers.”

Arjen Robben has added a “does he use tricks” question to the long-running Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo greatest of all-time debate.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Legends have won countless major honoursHistory books rewritten on a regular basisWho, though, is the best to ever do it?Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Two legends of the game have spent much of their respective careers battling for the right to be considered the best player on the planet. Messi and Ronaldo have broken countless records between them, while collecting historic hauls of major honours.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

They have 13 Ballons d’Or between them, with Messi picking up eight of those Golden Balls, and have raised the bar of individual brilliance to a height that few that follow in their footsteps can ever dream of reaching. Their standing among the sporting immortals is safely secure.

WHAT ROBBEN SAID

Who, though, can be considered the footballing GOAT? Many have offered their opinion down the years, with former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star Robben the latest to get involved. The ex-Netherlands international winger has told the YouTube channel: “You mentioned a few really big names who are very good at it. When I talk about it with the guys. The best ever. The best. Truly the absolute, absolute, absolute best ever, I always ask 'does he use tricks?'. And then the answer is no. Messi of course, he doesn't have tricks up his sleeve. He just does everything quickly. He has control, speed, and agility.”

Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT?

Both Messi and Ronaldo are still going strong at present, with the former now 37 years of later while the latter will turn 40 in February 2025. They are on the books in MLS and the Saudi Pro League, at Inter Miami and Al-Nassr respectively, with more goals and trophies in their sights before retirement is considered.

Head coach says, “bowlers could not be consistent. But there is no blaming them at all, because it was expected”

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Mar-20213:45

WV Raman: Not easy to retain focus after 15-month break

India Women’s head coach WV Raman has pointed out that the team “lacked game time” and were “short” in terms of “mental stamina and cricketing fitness” that led to their 4-1 ODI series loss to South Africa Women in Lucknow. Already down 3-1 in the series, India were unable to defend a low score of 188 in the final game on Wednesday which the visitors crossed with five wickets and 10 balls remaining.India’s women team was playing an ODI series after nearly 15 months, and international cricket after a year since losing the T20 World Cup final at the MCG in March 2020, whereas South Africa were coming on the back of a 2-1 T20I series win and a 3-0 blanking of Pakistan Women at home in January-February this year. It showed in India’s performance in almost all aspects – batting first, they were bowled out for under 200 twice out of four times, on the other two occasions their bowling couldn’t defend totals of 248 and 266, and they also dropped more catches and missed at least two stumpings.”In terms of what transpired in this series, it’s very simple: the girls lacked the game time and they are obviously short in terms of the mental stamina and cricketing fitness,” Raman said at the post-match press conference. “By that, I mean it’s not easy to come back after 15 months and play a one-day series and retain the focus and the intensity that is required to put the opposition under pressure.”Yes, these things do happen; it happens to the best of players and the best of teams, and I am sure the girls would have realised what was not really happening, and they will work on it. I have seen them do it in the past and I have no doubts they will do it in the future as well.”Raman said the bowlers would find their rhythm as they got more game time.”…The bowlers didn’t get into the groove, as they play more and get more game time. The fact that Rajeshwari (Gayakwad, 10-4-3-13) has managed to do that coming into this game is a positive. That’s what I meant earlier when I said the bowlers need to get into their groove as far as bowling is concerned. That’ll only happen as they play more and more.”Yes, this is definitely something the girls will work on, quite a lot of activities going forward which will also help them to achieve that. I’m sure it won’t be too long before all of them get into their rhythm and perform as well as they can. The other fact is that we also wanted to play on flat tracks because that is something that might come up when we go abroad. So it’s all a part of having to adapt and adjust to conditions that they may get when they go abroad.”WV Raman: “What probably didn’t go in our favour was that the bowlers could not be consistent”•BCCIIndia’s spinners flattered to deceive this series until Gayakwad’s stifling figures on Wednesday. Legspinner Poonam Yadav went wicketless in her 35 overs from four games, offspinner Deepti Sharma got just one scalp from her 28 overs, and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav leaked 68 runs in her 9.4 overs in the fourth ODI, the only game she played. Overall, India could take more than five South Africa wickets only once, in the second ODI when the visitors were bowled out for 157.India’s batting was also no match for South Africa’s. The runs mainly came from Punam Raut (one century and two half-centuries) and Mithali Raj (two fifties) who ended the series with strike rates of 71.66 and 67.74 respectively. The visitors, meanwhile, saw consistency from Lizelle Lee (a century and two half-centuries), Mignon du Preez (two fifties) and Laura Wolvaardt (two fifties) of which Lee and du Preez struck at 86.22 and 75.11 respectively in the series.Raman said it wasn’t easy to just look at the opposition and “imitate” them even if they were doing much better in the same conditions.”…The batting unit is getting into its groove, it’s gotten into its groove – despite the fact that not all of them got big scores, we managed scores in excess of 250 or around 250,” he said. “What probably didn’t go in our favour was that the bowlers could not be consistent. But there is no blaming them at all, because it was expected.”The other part is that you cannot really think of something that is done well by the other sides and try to imitate them. We need to try and get into the groove and then see how the entire unit is in terms of form, and then see what we need to do. And then we have to assess and see at what times we need to try and step on the pedal.”It (setting targets) depends on the conditions, it depends on the kind of attacks that we bat against. It’s very difficult to set a target mentally… see, it’s very easy to lose a game in the first 15 overs. You may not win it. But in trying to be greedy and posting a huge score, you might suddenly lose a few early wickets and start looking down the barrel too early in the game. So you’ve got to take this particular thing as it unfolds out on the field, and maybe take stock of the situation after two-thirds of the 50-overs quota of the innings is finished, and then see what needs to be done.”The two teams will now play three T20Is on March 20, 21 and 23 at the same ground in Lucknow.

Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder made merry as South Africa dominated the Chattogram Test

Sampath Bandarupalli30-Oct-2024575 for 6 South Africa’s total in Chattogram, their third highest in Tests in Asia. Their two bigger totals are 584 for 9 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2010 and 583 for 7 against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2008.2020 Previous instance of South Africa going past the 500-run mark – 621 all out against Sri Lanka in the Boxing Day Test in Centurion. South Africa’s 575 for 6 in Chattogram is their highest total away from home since the 637 for 2 against England at The Oval in 2012.Related

South Africa's batting close to finding the 'sweet spot' again

Sweeping success – Stubbs and de Zorzi put the heat on Bangladesh

Rabada's strikes, Mulder's century pile on the pain for Bangladesh

South Africa scored 95.83 runs per wicket in Chattogram, the highest by them in a Test innings since 2017, when they posted 573 for 4 against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein at 143.25 runs per wicket.3 Batters to score their maiden Test hundred in Chattogram – Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder. Only once before have three batters scored their maiden Test tons in the same innings – Gerry Gomez, Robert Christiani and Clyde Walcott for West Indies against India in Delhi in 1948.144.2 Overs batted by South Africa in their first innings in Chattogram, the most by them in a Test innings since their 146 overs against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom in 2017.1 Chattogram marked the first instance of three South Africa batters scoring hundreds in the same Test innings in Asia. It was also the first instance of three South Africa batters scoring a century in the same Test innings since 2017.Stubbs made the first century by a South Africa No. 3 since 2018•AFP/Getty Images201 Partnership between de Zorzi and Stubbs for the second wicket. It is South Africa’s first 200-plus partnership for any wicket in Tests since October 2017. South Africa had two 200-plus stands in the same innings against Bangladesh in the 2017 Bloemfontein Test.3 Century partnerships for South Africa in their first innings, the joint-most by them in a Test innings. They had 16 such instances previously, but only once since 2017 – against Sri Lanka in the 2020 Centurion Test.17 Sixes hit by South Africa in their first innings against Bangladesh, the most they have hit in a Test innings, surpassing their 15 against West Indies in 2010. Only two teams have hit more sixes in a Test innings – 22 by New Zealand against Pakistan in the 2014 Sharjah Test and 18 by India against England earlier this year in Rajkot.9 Sixes were hit off Taijul Islam’s bowling, the joint-second most conceded by any bowler in a Test innings. Rangana Herath was hit for ten sixes by India’s batters in the Brabourne Test in 2009.Paul Strang against Pakistan in Sheikhupura in 1996, Ray Price against South Africa in Harare in 2001, Dane Piedt against India in Visakhapatnam in 2019, and Ben White against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2023 have also conceded nine sixes in a Test innings.2018 The last instance of a No. 3 batter scoring a Test hundred for South Africa before Stubbs – Theunis de Bruyn scored 101 against Sri Lanka in the 2018 Colombo Test.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was unable to make it five wins out of five in the Scottish Premiership when his team faced Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss had won his first four league games in charge of the Light Blues, beating Livingston 2-1 in the last Premiership outing before the weekend’s 0-0 draw with Falkirk.

It was a drab performance that had a goalless draw written all over it and that is, unfortunately, what it turned out to be, as Rohl’s side were unable to find the breakthrough.

Huge question marks remain over many of the players brought in by former sporting director Kevin Thelwell, including Thelo Aasgaard after he struggled again on Sunday.

Why Rohl must drop Thelo Aasgaard

The summer signing from Luton Town is a talented player. His stunning goal against Dundee United and his return of five goals in five games for Norway proves that.

However, the English-born flop has failed to provide any kind of positive consistency to the pitch with his performances for the Scottish giants this season, which is why he has been so disappointing to watch.

Aasgaard did not register a single shot on target and only created one chance for his team in 68 minutes against Falkirk, per Sofascore, which really sums up his season, as the attacking midfielder has scored one goal and provided one assist in 21 appearances.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

That is why Rohl should drop the Norwegian talent from the starting line-up for a run of matches to provide someone else with an opportunity, whilst giving the ex-Luton star a chance to recharge and come back stronger.

At the age of 23, Aasgaard is a young player who may just need more time to adapt to the expectations at Ibrox. However, that same patience may not be afforded to Bojan Miovski, who looks like an even bigger problem for the manager.

Why Miovski is a bigger problem than Aasgaard for Rangers

The Macedonia international felt like a sensible signing for Rangers when they bought him for Girona, as he had proven himself in the Premiership, even scoring against the Gers, during his time with Aberdeen.

Unfortunately, though, he has not hit the ground running at Ibrox this season, with one goal in ten games in the Premiership so far this season for the Light Blues, per Sofascore.

His only goal came against Falkirk in Russell Martin’s last game in charge, but he was unable to repeat that feat in the reverse fixture on Sunday, as the left-footed flop struggled badly throughout the match.

Minutes

68

90

Shots

3

2

Key passes

1

0

Duels won

5/10

3/11

Dribbles completed

2/3

0/0

Fouls won

2

1

As you can see in the table above, Miovski was even worse than Aasgaard, who has scored as many goals as the striker in the league this term, at the weekend, as he offered less at the top end of the pitch and lost 73% of his duels.

The Norway international, meanwhile, carries a bit of a physical presence and can hold his own against Premiership defenders, as shown by his 50% duel success rate against Falkirk.

Miovski, who was described as “dreadful” by reporter Mark McDougall, has lost 63% of his duels overall in the Premiership this season, which shows that he has been a flop in and out of possession in the league so far for Rangers.

At 26, the Macedonia international should have come in to hit the ground running in what should be the prime years of his career, especially with his prior experience in Scotland, but the opposite has happened.

Rangers have a talent who could be sold for more than Igamane & Aribo

Rangers have an “unbelievable” talent who may go on to be sold for more than the likes of Hamza Igamane and Joe Aribo.

ByDan Emery Nov 26, 2025

That is why Miovksi is an even bigger problem for Rohl and Rangers than Aasgaard is because his performances are even more alarming, whilst he does not have the same mitigation or time ahead of himself to improve that the Norwegian talent does.

Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez and Alejandro Zendejas have been called in by Pochettino as replacements

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Balogun, Weah, Cardoso out of USMNT campReplaced by Tessmann, Zendejas, VazquezUSMNT set to face Panama and MexicoGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Folarin Balogun had a bittersweet weekend as he scored a memorable goal for Monaco before later sustaining a shoulder injury. Reports from France say that the injury was "painful" and could keep him out for several weeks, including the upcoming USMNT camp.

U.S. Soccer confirmed on Sunday that Balogun will indeed miss camp, as will Tim Weah and Johnny Cardoso, all because of injuries. Weah was unable to feature this weekend for Juventus as he battled his own injury issues.

Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez and Alejandro Zendejas have been called in by new coach Mauricio Pochettino as replacements, keeping the squad at 25 players.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

This is unfortunate timing, to put it lightly, for Balogun, who surely would have been eager to impress the new coach during this October window. Balogun remains in a tight race at the striker position, one which has really heated up in recent weeks with the three main candidates scoring goals for their clubs.

Balogun has been in fantastic form lately, scoring in three of his last four games to assert himself as the presumed starter. Josh Sargent and Ricardo Pepi are hot on his heels, though, and those two will now have the chance to make up ground in the race during the October camp.

Vazquez, meanwhile, will now get a chance to impress as well, having largely been left out of the main team by former coach Gregg Berhalter.

Weah has been battling injuries since Juventus' season opener, which kept him out of September camp, opening the door for Zendejas' return to the national team.

Tessmann, meanwhile, is fresh off an impressive Olympic run this summer with the U23 squad as he takes Cardoso's spot in the midfield.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Balogun committed to the USMNT in May 2023, making the one-time switch after representing England on the youth level. He's scored five goals in 17 international appearances, including two at this past summer's Copa America.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

The U.S. will play two friendlies in mid-October, first hosting Panama in Austin in Pochettino's inaugural game in charge. After that, the team will face Mexico in Guadalajara as the new coach will get a first look at the fiercest rivalry in CONCACAF.

Celtic are now reportedly tracking Evan Ferguson ahead of a potential 2026 move as the Brighton & Hove Albion forward continues to struggle out on loan at AS Roma.

Celtic have faced several problems so far this season, but their frontline has been their biggest issue. Parkhead chiefs failed to replace the impact of Nicolas Kuhn in the summer and part of the reason why Brendan Rodgers resigned was that lack of investment. It’s left them adrift of shock leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and on the hunt for a new manager.

Better than Nancy: Celtic shortlist "attractive" Rodgers replacement

With Wilfried Nancy among the favourites to become the new Celtic manager, should the Hoops instead appoint a 4-3-3 boss with an “attractive” style?

ByBen Gray Nov 12, 2025

Things are unlikely to get any easier for the Hoops anytime soon, either. Recent reports have claimed that Daizen Maeda is now looking to leave the club in the January transfer window and has Premier League sides interested.

The Japan international may force Celtic’s hand this time around too, having revealed to reporters earlier this season that he was denied an exit in the summer transfer window.

Whether that is the reason behind Maeda’s poor form is the question that Celtic will be asking. The forward scored 33 goals in all competitions last season, but has so far managed just four in the current campaign.

If his current struggles continue, then it may be best for all parties to move on and for Celtic to shift their focus towards the likes of Ferguson.

Celtic now tracking Evan Ferguson

According to Graeme Bailey, via 67 Hail Hail, Celtic are now tracking Ferguson and could yet make their move in 2026 with Roma looking to cut his loan spell short and send him back to Brighton in January.

It’s been a frustrating year or so for the young striker. From undeniable, he has become unwanted in Italy after failing to score once in 10 appearances. If anyone needs a next move to work out, it is Ferguson.

Whether Celtic is that move is the big question. The Irishman is still just 21 years old and still so full of potential. If the right deal presents itself, the Bhoys should take a chance on Ferguson in the hope that both parties solve their respective problems.

It’s also worth noting that it wasn’t so long ago that Ferguson found himself at the centre of praise from the likes of Jamie Carragher.

The Liverpool legend dubbed the forward “special” whilst also praising then-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, saying: “I think that lad he has got up front, I think he’s pretty special. He is only going to get better with him as his manager.”

Celtic keeping tabs on "brilliant" Serie A gem who starred vs Rangers last season