Babar Azam holds on to top spot, Mohammad Hafeez makes big gains, Dawid Malan re-enters top five
ESPNcricinfo staff02-Sep-2020England opener Tom Banton and Pakistan middle-order veteran Mohammad Hafeez have both made big gains in the ICC rankings for T20I batsmen at the end of the three-match series that ended 1-1, while Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain in the format, held on to the top spot, opening up a 45-point lead over second-placed KL Rahul.Shaheryar Butt moves up 351 spots
In the Luxembourg T20I tri-series that pitted Belgium and Czech Republic against the home side, Shaheryar Butt hit 236 runs in four outings, including a best of 125 not out in 50 balls against Czech Republic, to help his side register an all-win record. That helped him jump 351 spots in the batsmen’s rankings to No. 105. On the same day he scored the century, he also hit 81 not out against Luxembourg. Belgium’s run of four wins also lifted them from 63rd to 47th in the team rankings, while Czech Republic and Luxembourg, who won one match apiece, slipped to No. 61 (from 54) and No. 63 (from 58) respectively.
Banton, who is headed to UAE to link up with his Kolkata Knight Riders team-mates for the IPL, hit 137 runs in the series, including 71 in 42 balls in the washed-out opening game, to move up a remarkable 152 spots on the ladder to reach the 43rd position.The other England batsman to impress, Dawid Malan, who hit 23 and 54 not out in the first two games, also got back in the top five after briefly reaching a career-high 804 rating points when he hit the half-century in the England win.Azam hit a 44-ball 56 from the top of the order in Pakistan’s defeat in the second game to consolidate his position at the top, with Rahul, Australia’s Aaron Finch and New Zealand’s Colin Munro between him and Malan.Hafeez, however, was the standout batsman of the series, and his 36-ball 69 in the second game and a match-winning 86 not out off 52 balls in the final encounter helped him move up 24 spots to No. 44, just behind Banton.Of the bowlers in action in the three games at Manchester’s Old Trafford, Pakistan legspinner Shadab Khan was the most successful with five strikes, including a best of 3 for 34, and that helped him stay in the top ten, at No. 8. England paceman Tom Curran and Pakistan quick Shaheen Shah Afridi (both with two wickets) moved up to the joint 20th spot.
Manchester United fans fear Jadon Sancho is "soft launching" his return as the Chelsea loanee hinted he had patched things up with the Red Devils.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Sancho turned 25 on TuesdayMan Utd sent wishes on social mediaPlayer reposted message on his Instagram storyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The winger, who is currently on loan at Chelsea, has had a turbulent time at Old Trafford since he returned from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, with his relationship with the Red Devils further deteriorating after a public fallout with ex-manager Erik ten Hag. However, that bitterness seems to have been put in the past as the club took to Instagram to post a picture of the winger in a United shirt, accompanied by the message: "Wishing Jadon Sancho a happy 25th birthday." Sancho responded positively to the birthday wish and reposted it on his Instagram story, saying "Thank you!".
@sancho InstagramAdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
However, United fans were in no mood to forget the bad blood and fear that Sancho would be back at Old Trafford in the summer.
A despairing @UTDFEVER_6 wrote: "Ffs he is cumin back."
@Gideoomatic wrote: "Soft launch".
Whereas, @bokani_, wrote: "@Nkosi_nathi17 he saw reports that Chelsea is not signing him".
Meanwhile, @alfievincentt, wrote: "F*ck that guy."
@CR7_TDU echoed the same sentiment and wrote: "I don't need this tw*t anywhere near my club."
AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Sancho has frequently made headlines off the pitch, particularly for his activity on social media. One of his most notable incidents involved a subtle dig at United on Marcus Rashford’s recent post – a move that backfired as his on-field performances have failed to match the bravado. His struggles at Chelsea have compounded his issues, leaving both clubs facing a difficult decision regarding his future.
DID YOU KNOW?
United had included a £25 million ($32.3m) buy option in his loan agreement, but Chelsea could opt out by paying a £5m fee instead, which would allow them to avoid a full purchase while terminating the loan. With it unclear whether the Blues will retain him, United are now facing a potential dilemma regarding his return as the 24-year-old winger is currently on a £250,000-per-week wage, and bringing him back would put a strain the club's financial structure.
Kurtis Patterson played a lone hand for the visitors as they were bowled out for 180 at the WACA
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2022New South Wales skipper Kurtis Patterson provided the sole resistance with the bat before debutant Ben Dwarshuis landed two quick blows with the ball in an intriguing opening day of the Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia.WA quick Lance Morris snared a career-best 5 for 36 off 18 overs and Joel Paris chipped in with 3 for 39 as NSW were bowled out for 180 late on Monday at the WACA Ground.Patterson was left stranded on 72 off 149 balls, with the left-hander a class above as wickets tumbled around him.In reply, WA stumbled to 2 for 18 at stumps, with openers Sam Whiteman and Cameron Bancroft falling to Dwarshuis on his Shield debut, the left-arm quick striking with his first delivery in first-class cricket when Whiteman edged to slip. Debutant Sam Fanning and Hilton Cartwright ground their way to stumps.Morris was the hero of the day, with the 24-year-old’s second five-wicket haul putting WA in the box seat before the late stumble.”I’m just starting to understand my role within the team,” Morris said. “I’ve got a licence to bowl fast and intimidate. I’m settling into my role nicely now, and I’m enjoying it.”We’ll regroup tomorrow. We know NSW are going to come pretty hard early tomorrow, but hopefully we can blunt that and pile on a few runs.”NSW crawled to 0 for 30 off 18 overs before Morris inflicted an important double blow. Daniel Hughes was the first to fall when he struck Morris straight to mid-off, and they were 2 for 37 when a diving Paris took a sharp catch at gully to dismiss Blake Nikitaras.Morris, who was clocked around 145kph, found the edge of Jason Sangha after lunch, and he had his fourth wicket when he bowled Baxter Holt. The five-wicket haul was complete when Morris dismissed tailender Chris Tremain. Paris and spinner Corey Rocchiccioli helped clean up the middle order and tail.Patterson’s patience proved crucial in helping NSW avoid a complete crumble like they experienced in their nine-wicket one-day loss to WA on Saturday.In that match, NSW slumped to 6 for 20 before being rolled for 76, with WA needing just 17 overs to reach the victory target.Patterson’s half-century has at least given NSW something to work with in the Shield match, but WA remain in the box seat to take a sizeable first-innings lead.They kicked off their title defence without star duo Shaun Marsh (knee) and Jhye Richardson (rested).
Southampton fans will be severely worried by their team’s current standing in the Premier League, as the Saints head into the bumper fixture list coming in December rock bottom of the division.
That doesn’t look like changing anytime soon either, with the South Coast side only on a meagre five points, whilst 17th placed Crystal Palace, who are just outside the bottom three, are unfortunately on a far superior 13 points.
Not all hope will be lost on the end of Russell Martin, however, who will know a few positive results could drastically turn his depressing team’s fortunes around, even if any slight rays of sunshine seem far off at this moment in time.
He will be very aware that his team will need to sort out their defensive issues if they’re to stand any chance at a great escape, with far too many lackadaisical displays at the back costing the Saints dear.
Southampton's defensive issues
At the time of writing, Southampton have the second leakiest defence in the entirety of the Premier League, with an alarming 31 goals conceded only topped by Wolverhampton Wanderers’ abysmal 38.
Martin’s set-up of making his Saints defenders play out from the back religiously has resulted in far too many casual displays from his team since making the step-up from the Championship, leading to goals galore often being shipped like when Chelsea hit Southampton for five earlier this month, even as the Blues travelled to play at St. Mary’s.
The hosts were of course not helped by Jack Stephens picking up another dismissal in the one-sided contest, with the experienced defender letting himself down time after time since promotion has been sealed, considering he was also given his marching orders versus Manchester United earlier on this season.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.
Alongside plenty of issues across the back four, Martin has also been unable to pick a consistent goalkeeper in-between the sticks, owing to his usual first-team choice from last season in Gavin Bazunu still being sidelined.
With summer signing Aaron Ramsdale also being plagued by injuries as of late, reserve option Joe Lumley has had to be recently thrown into the deep end, with the 29-year-old only playing League One football four years ago.
This situation involving a revolving door of ‘keepers must sting more when you consider this ex-Saints star in-between the sticks departed the club for nothing in 2022, after regularly being a reliable pair of gloves.
Forster's time at Southampton
Southampton splashed out £10m to win Fraser Forster’s services in 2014, hopeful that the towering 6 foot 7 goalkeeper would go on to be an overwhelming success in England, having shone in Scotland with Celtic.
One display whilst Forster was still situated in Glasgow even saw the constantly entertaining Lionel Messi wax lyrical, stating that the now 36-year-old was “not human” after he conceded just one goal when bravely battling against Barcelona in a famous 2-1 win way back in 2012.
He would go on to affirm his status as a ‘keeper who can come up trumps on the big occasion whilst playing in the Premier League, with Forster going on to amass 162 total appearances for the Saints across his lengthy stay on the South Coast.
Keeping 46 top-flight clean sheets along the way – which included a stunning 14 in the league during just his first season – the once firm Southampton fan’s favourite very much justified the bumper £10m price tag that was above his head, with his exit on a free transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in 2022 hurting those at St. Mary’s in the process.
Season
Games played
Clean sheets
21/22
24
3
20/21
13
6
19/20
0
0
18/19
1
0
17/18
21
4
16/17
48
19
15/16
18
6
14/15
37
16
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Always consistently in and around the Saints’ first team mix right up to this departure, it’s understandable that Forster no longer being around would disorientate his former employers in terms of who they picked next to line up in goal.
The veteran could even do a job for the relegation-threatened outfit now, having been selected seven times this season by Ange Postecoglou as his main goalkeeper, amid the loss of Guglielmo Vicario to injury.
He also faced the wrath of an explosive Chelsea last time out, but Martin and Co wouldn’t say no to having their former hero back in an alternate reality, as he might well be able to sort out some leaky displays that could prove to be costly in their fight to stay up.
He's perfect for Downes: Southampton will regret losing £5m midfielder
Russell Martin would love to have this midfielder at his disposal for Southampton right now.
Wrexham's Hollywood owners have been asked to invest on a new training ground if they want sign the best of talents.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Wrexham owners told to build new training groundWrexham without a permanent training facility for the last nine yearsRed Dragons face Stockport on SaturdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Dragons have been without a permanent training facility for the last nine years after they lost access to their previous home at Colliers Park. Hollywood duo Reynolds and McElhenney took charge of the team in February 2021 and have heavily invested in the team that secured back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One. Off the field, the American owners have also shelled out multi-million pounds in a new academy training facility and are all set to build a new 5,500-capacity stand at the Racecourse Ground.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite the actors' heavy investment in the squad as well as infrastructure, ex-Wrexham boss Brian Flynn has urged them to find a permanent solution to the team's training ground problem as that will help them attract new and quality talents to the club.
WHAT BRIAN FLYNN SAID
Speaking on the Fearless in Devotion fan podcast, Flynn said: "Everything a footballer wants is a proper training ground to turn up to train at every day. We ask players to improve themselves every single day. How can you expect that when you don't know where you're training or what surface it is? It's impossible. The biggest thing that's going to help Wrexham football club is not two centre forwards – the training ground is key."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
Phil Parkinson's side, who are currently third in League One, will be back in action on Saturday as they take on Stockport.
Marsh will return at No. 3 against West Indies but initially as a batter-only after an ankle injury
Alex Malcolm04-Oct-20222:48
Hodge: Green might go on to become one of the best Australia has produced
Mitchell Marsh is set to return at No. 3 for Australia but as a batter only in the first T20I against West Indies as he continues to recover from his ankle injury, while Marcus Stoinis is expected to be fit for Sunday’s opening T20I against England, with the pair of allrounders vital to the balance of their World Cup side.Captain Aaron Finch confirmed that both men were tracking well for the World Cup after missing the recent tour of India meaning that it looks unlikely there will be an opening for Cameron Green.However, Finch did note that Stoinis’ absence from this two-game series against West Indies and Marsh’s inability to bowl could change the structure of the side in the short term, given they will have fewer bowling options in their top seven, but he was adamant Marsh would play as a specialist batter.Related
Finch batting at No. 4 leaves Australia with more questions than answers
Is Green too good not to pick and who misses out for David?
Cummins wary of burning Green but 'huge demand' inevitable as IPL question looms
Hetmyer dropped from West Indies World Cup squad over missed flight
“Hundred percent, yeah,” Finch said. “He’s made that No. 3 spot his own in T20 cricket and I think the way that he played in the lead-up and then through the World Cup [last year] is so important for the way that we want to play and gives us a lot of flexibility through that middle order.”I think he had his second bowl yesterday and he felt really good. He pulled up well from it. So that’s a really positive sign. I think for the balance of the side, it’s better when they’re both bowling because you can get caught a little bit short if you go in with five bowlers. But we’ll work that out.”Marsh last played on August 28 in an ODI against Zimbabwe. He missed the three-match series against New Zealand and the three T20Is against India and did not bowl at all while recovering in Perth in September.Finch explained that the decision to leave Stoinis in Perth was a logistical one given the short turnaround time between the two matches against West Indies in Queensland. The second game is at the Gabba on Friday while the first of three matches against England is in Perth on Sunday. The team will have a five-hour flight across the country on Saturday after playing on Friday night.”He’s at a level where we think that he’ll be fully fit for that first game against England,” Finch said. “We were just conscious of the travel with a quick turnaround…it can be quite a high-risk game for some guys with some soft tissue injuries so he’s just still planning and preparing there. He’s such an important part of our side and the make-up of it, especially with his bowling.”Mitchell Marsh was back with the Australia squad•Getty ImagesThe Green question is a vexing one for Australia. He is currently not in the 15-player World Cup squad but is with the team in Queensland and available to play on Wednesday. If Stoinis and Marsh are fully fit there is almost no chance he can come into the 15, according to Finch.”I don’t think so,” Finch said. “It’s just one of those things. He had a really good tour of India. It was good for him to get an opportunity to open the batting so he’ll get more opportunities. I think he’ll get an opportunity at some point in this series. Obviously his batting is exceptional and he shows a lot with the ball. He keeps improving every time he gets an opportunity but over the next few weeks, he’ll get a run no doubt.”It leaves Australia contemplating playing five specialist bowlers at Metricon Stadium on Wednesday. It is something they have barely done since abandoning the strategy ahead of last year’s World Cup. But Glenn Maxwell is the only genuine bowling option in the top seven with Marsh unavailable to bowl and Stoinis absent, unless either Green, Daniel Sams or Sean Abbott slot in.If that does happen it would need to be the expense of Steven Smith or Tim David, given David Warner will return to the top to partner Finch and Marsh is at No. 3.”It’s never easy when you’re trying to balance up the side, particularly when the allrounders aren’t fully fit at the moment,” Finch said. “So that gives us an opportunity to keep tinkering with the squad. We feel as though we’ve got our best XI in the back of our mind, but it’s just not everyone’s 100% fit at the moment.”But we’ve still got a little bit of time for that over the next two and a half weeks. There’s five games plus the warm-up game against India. I think it’s important that we keep making sure that we’re giving ourselves enough options, because if something does happen in the World Cup the last thing you want is to be caught short in playing only one style of team or only one structure of team.”Mitchell Starc is fully fit after resting from the India tour due a minor knee issue. Ashton Agar remains in Perth with Stoinis as he also recovers from a side issue. Kane Richardson is back training with the squad but won’t play against West Indies.
Arsenal today are practically unrecognizable from the team Unai Emery left Mikel Arteta in December 2019.
The Aston Villa manager was tasked with leading the Gunners into a post-Arsene Wenger world in the summer of 2018, and while he got some things right, he got more things wrong.
The team was poor in attack, even worse in defence and looked like they were sleep-walking into a bottom-half finish in the Premier League when he was eventually given the sack.
1
Liverpool
13
19
37
2
Leicester City
13
23
29
3
Man City
13
23
28
4
Chelsea
13
9
26
5
Wolves
13
2
19
6
Sheffield Utd
13
4
18
7
Burnley
13
-1
18
8
Arsenal
13
-1
18
9
Man Utd
13
4
17
10
Tottenham
13
2
17
11
Bournemouth
13
-1
16
12
Brighton
13
-4
15
13
Crystal Palace
13
-7
15
14
Newcastle
13
-9
15
15
Aston Villa
13
-1
14
16
Everton
13
-7
14
17
West Ham
13
-7
13
18
Norwich
13
-15
10
19
Southampton
13
-18
9
20
Watford
13
-18
8
However, for all the dreadful performances and confusing decisions he made in North London, the Spaniard was responsible for a few great signings, including one whose valuation has exploded since.
Emery's smart signings
Before we get to the player in question, let’s look at a couple of other intelligent acquisitions made by Emery, starting with one who’s no longer at the club but made a good account of himself during his time at the Emirates: Bernd Leno.
Bernd Leno for Arsenal
The German goal-keeper joined the Gunners in June 2018 for a fee of around £19m, and while he wasn’t necessarily a household name at the time, he quickly proved his worth for the North Londoners, with his brilliant shot-stopping.
Over the following three seasons, the former Bayer Leverkusen ace made 117 appearances for the Gunners, in which he kept an impressive 34 clean sheets for a team that were far less solid at the back.
However, the 32-year-old was limited to just eight appearances in the 21/22 campaign due to the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale and was eventually sold to Fulham in August 2022 for around £8m, where he has been an unequivocal success and has already amassed 91 appearances, in which he’s kept 20 clean sheets.
Another of Emery’s brilliant signings during his time at the Emirates came in the summer of 2019, when the club splashed £6m on an unknown teenager from Brazil named Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellicelebrates after Newcastle United's Fabian Schar scores an own goal and Arsenal's second
The now 23-year-old has struggled at points during his time with the Gunners, notably last season, as a drop in output from the campaign prior led to questions over his place in the team, questions which some may still hold today.
However, the fact he’s racked up an impressive tally of 45 goals and 27 assists in 192 appearances for the club, 135 of which have been starts, makes it impossible to describe his transfer as anything other than a roaring success, especially when you take into account the minuscule transfer fee he initially cost the club.
Appearances
192
Starts
135
Minutes
11,867′
Goals
45
Assists
27
Goal Involvements per Match
0.37
Minutes per Goal Involvement
164.81′
With that said, there was another teenager signed in the same summer, and it would be fair to say he’s been an even bigger success than the Brazilian, as evidenced by his enormous valuation.
Emery's best signing at Arsenal
With it now somewhat narrowed down, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the player in question is none other than centre-back extraordinaire William Saliba.
The French international joined Arsenal in a £27m deal from Ligue 1 side Saint-Étienne in July 2019, although he wouldn’t play for Emery. In fact, he wouldn’t play a competitive game for the Gunners until the 22/23 season.
This was because he was sent back to Saint-Étienne on loan for the 19/20 season, and then Arteta opted to send him on loan to OGC Nice and Marseille for the subsequent seasons, leading some to question whether the Bondy-born ace even had a future in North London at all.
Fortunately, the club took no notice of such speculation and finally incorporated him into the team for the 22/23 season, and lo and behold, the highly-rated defender picked up the Man of the Match award on his first start for the club on the opening day of the Premier League season, away to Crystal Palace.
From that point onwards, the 6 foot 4 “monster,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been indispensable for the Gunners.
Appearances
33
50
18
Goals
3
2
0
Assists
1
1
0
Points per Game
2.12
2.18
2.06
In fact, the only time he’s been out of the team has been when he picked up an unfortunate back injury against Sporting CP in March 2023, which is often pinpointed as the moment the club’s surprise title challenge fell apart that season, highlighting just how crucial he is.
In all, the “world-class” defender, as dubbed by Fabrizio Romano, has made 101 appearances for Arsenal, in which he’s scored five goals, provided two assists and been named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2023 and 2024, validating U23 scout Antonio Mango’s assertion that he’s “one of the best in the world.”
Unsurprisingly, such a rise has seen his valuation skyrocket, and according to the CIES Football Observatory, he’s now worth a whopping €106m, which converts to around £88m, which represents a massive increase of around 225% from the price he initially cost Arsenal in 2019.
Ultimately, while Emery got a lot of things wrong during his year and a bit in North London, signing Saliba was not one of them, and fans should still be thankful he pulled the trigger on that transfer when he did, as they now have one of the very best defenders in the world in their team.
He's outscoring Saka in PL: Arsenal want "super" Havertz rival in £40m star
The incredible talent would make Arsenal’s squad so much better.
A Manchester United star is now ready to leave in the January transfer window, despite recently holding talks with manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim under pressure amid discontent among players
There have been widespread reports suggesting that a number of Man United players aren’t totally convinced by Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, with insider Graeme Bailey recently revealing that INEOS are furious with the leaks.
Bailey said: “The club thought they had really stamped this out, they see it as totally destructive to what they are trying to do. United firmly believe they are building something, but they won’t and can’t allow internal discontent to impact on the club as a whole.”
Things have improved slightly as of late, with United picking up two home wins on the bounce in clashes with Burnley and Chelsea, but Amorim remains under pressure, and INEOS have already started identifying potential replacements.
Target
Club
Points per match (current job)
Oliver Glasner
Crystal Palace
1.76
Marco Silva
Fulham
1.60
Mauricio Pochettino
USMNT
1.83
Andoni Iraola
AFC Bournemouth
1.45
One player who is well-known to be unhappy at Old Trafford is Kobbie Mainoo, with it recently being revealed the midfielder has been pressuring INEOS to let him join Real Madrid in January, and there has now been a new update on his future.
According to a report from The Mirror, Mainoo recently held private talks with Amorim, during which the manager revealed the central midfielder is still a part of his plans, but he has clearly been left unconvinced by the discussions.
Indeed, following the talks, the United academy graduate is now ready to leave during the January transfer window, with a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad on the line, as Thomas Tuchel is unwilling to select the youngster unless he receives regular game time.
The 20-year-old requested a loan move in the summer, having fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, and he has since been unable to force his way back into Amorim’s plans.
Amorim must start giving Mainoo more game time
In all honesty, it is no surprise the England international wants to leave, given that playing at a World Cup is many players’ ultimate dream, and he is currently at serious risk of not being selected for the Three Lions next summer.
"He was our best player" – Amorim told Man Utd star is "suffering" more than Bruno in new role
He’s yet to show his best form this season…
ByTom Cunningham Sep 24, 2025
The Stockport-born midfielder has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, most recently being snubbed at half-time against Chelsea, with Amorim opting to bring Manuel Ugarte on instead after Casemiro’s red card.
The £70m-rated maestro clearly has bags of ability, perhaps most memorably putting in a top performance against Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final, scoring the second goal in United’s 2-1 triumph.
As such, it is very strange that Amorim is so unwilling to give Mainoo consistent game time, and if the manager doesn’t start the 10-time England international regularly before the January transfer window, he is clearly willing to push for a move.
Atlante’s long-awaited return to Liga MX is gaining momentum as the club steps up negotiations to purchase Mazatlán FC from Grupo Salinas. While no deal has been finalized, the move is widely viewed as their clearest path back to the top flight after a decade in Liga de Expansión. The Potros – currently the only certified team eligible for promotion – appear closer than ever to reclaiming their place among Mexican football’s elite.
@AtlanteOn the radar
Atlante’s ambition to return to Liga MX is no longer just an idea – it’s an active project with concrete steps underway, including the potential acquisition of Mazatlán FC.
According to reporting from TUDN’s Javier Rojas, Atlante has yet finalized the purchase of Mazatlán, though the franchise remains firmly on the club’s radar. For the azulgrana board, buying Mazatlán is considered a “Plan B,” as the club is still attempting to reach promotion through sporting merit first.
While Grupo Salinas initially explored selling Puebla before considering Mazatlán, negotiations stalled months ago. The sale remains possible, and Mazatlán is widely viewed as the most realistic path for Atlante to re-enter the top division. The talks have since resumed, and optimism has grown within the club that a deal can be struck.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportDeal not official – but momentum is building
Recent reports suggested that Atlante’s return was already agreed upon, even circulating a purchase figure. However, Récord clarified that no official announcement is imminent; discussions are ongoing and will require more time before being finalized.
The same media outlet also revealed that Atlante’s leadership, led by Emilio Escalante, has spent more than a year exploring options with Grupo Salinas – including negotiations for Puebla or Mazatlán – though concerns during earlier talks prevented an agreement.
Getty Images SportWhy Atlante holds a unique advantage
A key factor favoring Atlante is its certification by the Mexican Football Federation, making it the club in Liga de Expansión currently eligible for promotion. With no other certified team in the division, Atlante stands as the lone viable candidate to move up – strengthening their position in negotiations.
If the sale goes through, Mazatlán would not disappear. Instead, the Sinaloa club would shift into Atlante’s current place in Liga de Expansión, avoiding past scenarios like Jaguares or Lobos BUAP, whose franchises vanished after being sold.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Possible timeline for the announcement
TUDN indicates that the operation could be finalized shortly before the 2026 World Cup. The goal would be to present the agreement officially at the Liga MX assembly once the tournament ends.
Under this scenario, Atlante would return to Liga MX for the Apertura 2026 as the new holder of the Mazatlán franchise. With their potential comeback, the Potros de Hierro would once again play in the stadium that historically served as their home. Reports suggest Atlante would join América and Cruz Azul as tenants of Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca), where they previously played in three different eras: 1966–1983, 1996–2000, and 2004–2007.
Moments of individual brilliance helped England to a series win but several areas of the side still need addressing
George Dobell27-Jan-20168.5Ben Stokes (411 runs at 58.71; 12 wickets at 29.16)Probably the difference between the teams. The most eye-catching performance of Stokes’ tour may have come in Cape Town, where he produced one of the great Test innings, but perhaps it will prove to be the advances he has made in his bowling that prove more significant in the long term. Despite rarely gaining use of the new ball, he claimed 12 wickets – more than any England bowler other than Broad – and bowled with skill, control and persistence. He was also the quickest member of the attack at times. While unable to replicate his Newlands effort, he unsettled the South Africa bowlers with his aggressive batting and contributed a valuable half-century in Johannesburg. Only Hashim Amla scored more runs in the series. Despite being the youngest member of the squad, he has quickly developed into a key figure in the side.8Stuart Broad (18 wickets at 20.61)Broad rose to No. 1 in the world rankings after his outstanding performance in the second innings in Johannesburg, where he produced his best Test figures overseas. He also produced a key performance in the Durban Test – where his legcutters were things of beauty – and scored some valuable runs. He finished as England’s leading wicket-taker in the series and underlined the view that, on a pitch offering him any assistance, he is a desperately tough proposition.7.5Steven Finn (11 wickets at 26.09)Finn looked England’s most dangerous bowler at times, not least in Cape Town, where his figures of 2 for 132 were scant reward for his control and hostility. Despite that, he claimed 11 wickets in the three games and cemented his position as England’s first-choice third seamer. There may be some concern over the regularity with which injuries are occurring but, with the bounce he generates now complemented by some pleasing movement away from the bat, he looks a fine bowler.Joe Root (386 runs at 55.14)In Johannesburg, on a pitch on which nobody else could score more than 58, Root produced a century of the highest class to shape the game. While he was unable to convert his three other half-centuries, he looked a top quality player throughout. Making his run-scoring all the more impressive was the fact that he was often obliged to rebuild after his team had suffered a poor start and, so wide is his array of strokes, there are times it appears desperately difficult to bowl – or set a field – to him. If a failure to convert his half-centuries remains a frustration, it is worth remembering he is only 25. There may be a temptation to push him up to No. 3 but, bearing in mind his success at No. 4 or No. 5 – it compares with the very best the game has seen – that may be weakening a strength.6Jonny Bairstow (359 runs at 71.80)A perplexing trip. As a batsman, this may be remembered as the series Bairstow came of age. He recorded his maiden Test century at Cape Town – yes, the pitch was good but he came in with his side in a little bit of trouble – and also made valuable contributions in Durban and Johannesburg. His keeping, however, was shown to be some way below the standard required at this level and, by the series end, some of his team-mates were struggling to control their frustration. There were bright moments – he effected England’s first Test stumping since 2012 in Durban, and took nine catches to go with an excellent run-out in Johannesburg – but seven missed chances out of 27 is an uncomfortably high ratio. In Centurion, he dropped all three centurions. Having finished the series top of England’s batting averages, there is a case for him batting at No. 5 and relinquishing the gloves. Marked 8 for his batting and 4 for his keeping.5.5Alastair Cook (184 runs at 23.00)With one half-century in eight innings – and that once the outcome was decided – this was a disappointing series for Cook as a batsman. Twice caught down the leg side, he also nicked off four times. But, helped by the inclusion of a top allrounder, he continues to improve as a captain. Loses half a mark due to a couple of dropped catches.James Taylor (186 runs at 26.57)Taylor started well, with innings of 70 and 42 in Durban, but missed out in Cape Town, where he was dismissed first ball, and failed in the final two Tests; albeit receiving an almost unplayable delivery in his last innings. He looks comfortable enough at this level but, without the large score to cement his position, he remains vulnerable to a run of failures or a strong showing from someone outside the team. He has gained an extra mark for his fielding at short leg: brave and skilful, he took three outstanding catches. It is a factor that is likely to weigh in his favour when it comes to selecting the side for the series against Sri Lanka.Neither James Taylor nor Alex Hales cemented their spots•Getty ImagesJames Anderson (seven wickets at 43.00)Bowled a bit better than his figures suggest. After missing the first Test through injury, he came into the second – on a flat pitch – lacking a bit of rhythm, but at least proved the most economical of England’s main bowlers. Not at his best in the first innings at Johannesburg or Centurion, where his line and length were unusually astray by his high standards, he at least had the satisfaction of completing AB de Villiers’ pair in the final Test. Fitness permitting, he is certain to take the new ball in the Test series against Sri Lanka, but may feel he has more to prove than he has for a while. Worth remembering that, on pitches offering him nothing in the UAE only a few weeks ago, he was England’s best bowler. There is no obvious replacement pushing for his place.5Moeen Ali (116 runs at 29.00, 10 wickets at 48.50)Moeen took seven wickets in Durban, where he was Man of the Match, but only three more in the remaining three Tests. While he generally performed the holding role pretty well – certainly better than in the UAE – he rarely threatened and was punished on a couple of occasions as South Africa looked to accelerate. While the pitches offered him little encouragement, he will be disappointed that, on the occasions the batsmen came after him, he seemed to struggle to maintain his length. Produced only one innings of note – an elegant half-century in Centurion with the series already decided – but finished above Cook, Hales and Taylor in the batting averages. He remains a work in progress and the India tour looms in the distance. But alternatives are not obvious.Nick Compton (245 runs at 30.62)Played a huge role in England’s Durban win with innings of 85 and 49 but then, unsettled by talk of his relatively slow strike rate, strayed from his natural game and suffered the consequences with a series of diminishing returns. Still looked more solid than most for much of the series and was the victim of an almost unplayable delivery in the first innings in Centurion but he will look back on this series as an opportunity not entirely taken. His final innings, where he almost ran out his captain in scampering a single to get off the mark and then used a review in vain after edging a drive against a ball he could have left, did not leave the most helpful last impression. He loses half a mark for his fielding.3Alex Hales (136 runs at 17.00)In only reaching 30 once in eight innings, Hales was unable to seize his chance to secure a longer run as Cook’s opening partner. Four times he was caught off an outside edge in the cordon – another time he sliced to point – and his fragility around off stump, demonstrated when he was twice dismissed in the warm-up games leaving straight ones, raises questions over his future at this level. He will surely need to start the County Championship season well to win a longer run in the side.2.5Chris Woakes (34 runs at 8.50, five catches)Bowled tidily enough in Durban, albeit without much threat, but then poorly in Centurion. While it is true he, like most members of the attack, suffered from a couple of dropped chances, he would be honest enough to admit he did not bowl with the consistency required at this level. In the absence of Finn and Mark Wood, this was a huge opportunity for Woakes. He failed to take it.