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While Afghanistan have a total of nine games ahead of the T20 World Cup, India only have the IPL after these three

Hemant Brar10-Jan-20244:59

Dravid not concerned with lack of T20Is ahead of World Cup

Big picture: Final rehearsal for IndiaIn less than five months, India will face Ireland in their opening game at the 2024 T20 World Cup. While there is the IPL before that, the three-match series against Afghanistan, starting in Mohali on Thursday, is India’s only T20I assignment in between. Incidentally, this is the first time India are playing a bilateral white-ball series against Afghanistan.Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back in the T20I squad for the first time since India’s semi-final loss to England at the 2022 T20 World Cup. Kohli, though, will miss Thursday’s game because of personal reasons.Rohit’s return also forces a change at the top. Head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed that Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal are India’s first-choice openers in T20Is. They also provide the left-right combination. Jaiswal’s ability to attack from the first ball also makes him a better prospect than Shubman Gill, who is the third opener in the squad.Related

Kohli to miss Mohali T20I for personal reasons

Dravid locks in Rohit and Jaiswal as openers for Afghanistan T20Is

Farooqi, Mujeeb and Naveen to get limited NOCs as ACB modifies sanctions

Kohli and Rohit return to India's T20I squad for Afghanistan series

While Gill has improved his six-hitting ability, his powerplay strike rate in all T20s since the start of 2023 is only 138.44 while Jaiswal’s is 163.69. In Kohli’s absence, Gill could slot in at No. 3 on Thursday but may have to sit out for the last two games.Afghanistan will be keen to build on their gains from the 2023 ODI World Cup. They will play nine T20Is between now and the T20 World Cup. So there is time to finalise the first-choice XI, play it together, and fine-tune it if required.With that in mind, they have picked a 19-member squad for this series. Rashid Khan is also part of the roster but will not play in the series as he continues to recover from back surgery. In his absence, Ibrahim Zadran will lead the side once again.Afghanistan had a hiccup last month when Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq and Mujeeb Ur Rahman wanted to be released from their central contracts and play franchise cricket. But all three are now back in the national team and are expected to play a big role.Rohit Sharma was in good spirits during India’s training session•PTI Form guideIndia WLWWL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Afghanistan WLWWWIn the spotlight: Rohit Sharma and Najibullah ZadranRohit Sharma gave India blazing starts at the ODI World Cup, scoring at a strike rate of 135.01 in the powerplay. But it needs to be seen if he can translate the same into T20 cricket. In ODIs, a batter can take an over or two to get their eye in and then line up a particular bowler. T20, a different beast, has little breathing room. One-over spells are the norm here with bowlers’ primary goal being to stop runs. That is a challenge India would want Rohit to overcome.Najibullah Zadran rarely gets the recognition he deserves. Among Afghanistan batters with at least 500 T20I runs, he has the highest average (31.85) and the highest strike rate (139.71). And only Mohammad Shahzad has more 50-plus scores for the country. Of late, Najibullah has been struggling with injuries and form. He was left out of the XI after just two games of the ODI World Cup, in which he scored 5 and 2. But he showed signs of a return to form with an unbeaten 13-ball 28 against UAE in the third T20I last week.Team news: Samson or Jitesh?With Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya out with injuries, Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh will get another chance to show their wares. The same holds for Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar in the fast-bowling department, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj rested. It will be interesting to see whether India pick Jitesh Sharma or Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Shubman Gill, 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Jitesh Sharma/Sanju Samson (wk), 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Kuldeep Yadav, 9 Avesh Khan, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Mukesh KumarIbrahim Zadran will lead Afghanistan in T20Is for the second successive series•PTI In the absence of Rashid, Afghanistan are likely to continue with fellow legspinner Qais Ahmad. However, Noor Ahmed may have to make way for Mujeeb.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Hazratullah Zazai, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3 Ibrahim Zadran (capt), 4 Azmatullah Omarzai, 5 Najibullah Zadran, 6 Mohammad Nabi, 7 Gulbadin Naib/Karim Janat, 8 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 9 Qais Ahmad, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Fazalhaq FarooqiPitch and conditions: Win the toss and chaseOut of 40 T20s Mohali has hosted in the last two years, the chasing team has won 26. So the team winning the toss will be looking to bowl first, even though Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said he didn’t notice much dew in the past two days. At night, it could get slightly foggy with the temperature dropping below 5°C.Stats and trivia: Will India get lucky with the toss? India have now lost 11 tosses in a row. The probability of that happening is 0.0005. Rohit needs 147 runs to become the second batter after Kohli to reach 4000 T20I runs. Mohammad Nabi needs 123 runs and eight wickets to complete the double of 2000 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is. So far, Shakib Al Hasan is the only one to do so. Axar Patel is five short of 50 T20I wickets.Quotes”Rinku Singh has made a good start in international cricket and he is playing really well. The role we have given him, the finisher’s role, he is fulfilling it. This is another opportunity for him to take his development further. As far as the selection is concerned, that will be decided later but when players perform well, they are always in the selectors’ minds.”
“You see, we have one of the best spinners in the world, and we also have good fast bowlers in Naveen and Fazal. So our aim is to improve our batting skills and we will try to do more in that department.”

Former club captain drops red-ball cricket in attempt to find better balance

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Dec-2023Sam Billings has signalled his intention to step back from red-ball cricket after signing a white-ball-only contract with Kent. Billings said that he had “tried juggling all formats” but had found it “very challenging personally” and had taken the decision ahead of the arrival of his first child.The contract extension, which runs until at least the end of the 2025 season, will see Billings captain Kent in the T20 Blast and also allow him to pursue overseas opportunities in franchise cricket, according to a statement by the club.”I’m delighted to remain a Kent cricketer for the foreseeable future,” Billings said. “Kent Cricket means a huge amount to me and I’m very grateful for the club’s openness and understanding during discussions around my future.Related

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Bell-Drummond appointed Kent club captain

“In an ever-changing landscape of our sport, I’ve tried juggling all formats for some time and have found it very challenging personally on and off the field. With the addition of a child on the way it feels like the right time to try and find more balance so I can perform at my best whenever I pull on the Kent shirt.”As always, the support of the members and everyone at the club has been brilliant. I’m always most proud to wear the Kent jersey and represent the club at every opportunity. I’m thrilled to be the Kent Spitfires’ T20 Captain and I’m looking forward to focusing on that format in 2024 and beyond.”Billings has played three Test matches for England, most recently in the summer of 2022, as well as being capped 65 times in limited-overs internationals, but is set to spend an increasing amount of time maximising his opportunities to play in T20 leagues.Despite being Kent club captain, he made himself unavailable for selection in the County Championship during the 2023 season after experiencing a trough of form with the bat that saw him average 9.20 from six matches. He subsequently stood down from captaining the red-ball side, with Daniel Bell-Drummond appointed as his successor.Billings, who led Oval Invincibles to their first Hundred title last summer, is currently in action in the Big Bash League with Brisbane Heat and will be among the English players up for auction in the IPL next week.In first-class cricket, he scored 3628 runs in 88 matches, with six hundreds and an average of 31.27.Simon Cook, Kent’s Director of Cricket, said: “This new agreement reflects a mutual commitment from both Kent Cricket and Sam to navigate a fast-changing cricketing world.”He is a well-travelled and well-respected player that has spent a lot of time overseas, winning the biggest prizes in T20 cricket, and building relationships with players who have in turn become Kent Spitfires off the back of his off-field work.”Sam is an outstanding white-ball cricketer and we’re extremely pleased that he will be a Spitfire for at least another two seasons.”

MatériaMais Notícias

da cassino online： A Federação Paulista de Futebol definiu a data e horário do confronto entre Corinthians e Ituano, pelas quartas de final do Paulistão. As equipes se enfrentarão no domingo (12), às 16h, na Neo Química Arena.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansFagner brinca com Biro após garoto da base do Corinthians ‘roubar’ lugar de Cássio: ‘Pediu permissão?’Corinthians06/03/2023CorinthiansAugusto Melo, da oposição, lança candidatura à presidência do CorinthiansCorinthians06/03/2023CorinthiansEstratégia funciona, e Corinthians terá ‘elenco limpo’ para o mata-mata do PaulistãoCorinthians05/03/2023

da betsson： + Yuri Alberto é ovacionado em vitória do Corinthians sobre o Santo André; veja as notas!

Com os detalhes confirmados, o Timão deve iniciar a venda de ingressos para a partida nesta terça-feira.A venda, como já é de costume, acontecerá de forma escalonada, de acordo com prioridades estabelecidas no programa Fiel Torcedor.

+ Veja as movimentações do mercado da bola no LANCE!

A equipe comandada por Fernando Lázaro terminou a fase de grupos do Campeonato Paulista com 22 pontos, na liderança do Grupo C. Já o Galo de Itu garantiu a classificação na última rodada, após vencer o Santos por 3 a 0, terminando com 12 pontos.

No ano passado, Corinthians e Ituano se enfrentaram na primeira fase do estadual, e o duelo terminou com vitória corintiana por 3 a 2. Fábio Santos, Giuliano e Paulinho marcaram os gols da partida.

+ Veja como ficou a tabela e simule o mata-mata do Campeonato Paulista

Para o Timão jogar a semifinal do Paulistão em Itaquera, a equipe precisará vencer o Ituano e torcer para São Paulo e Água Santa empatarem no outro duelo das quartas de final. Assim, o clube alvinegro chegaria aos 25 pontos e ficaria com a segunda melhor campanha geral, enquanto os outros dois adversários se igualariam, com 24 pontos.

continua após a publicidade

Dani Dyer is in line for a post-wedding cash boost, with the ex-Love Island star preparing for a return to reality TV on Strictly Come Dancing.

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Tied the knot with Hammers skipperAgreed deal with BBC productionDiscussing terms of that appearanceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 28-year-old has tied the knot with West Ham and England star Jarrod Bowen. A lavish ceremony saw Dyer wear a £10,000 dress as friends and family – including father Danny – made lifelong memories with the happy couple.

AdvertisementTHE GOSSIP

According to , Dyer is now preparing for a move back into television. It is claimed that she is locked in “pay deal talks” with Strictly after agreeing to star in the next series of the BBC production.

DID YOU KNOW?

She will be able to demand a sizeable fee, much like fellow WAG Coleen Rooney – the wife of Manchester United legend Wayne – did when appearing on the 2024 edition of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.

InstagramWHAT AN INSIDER SAID

A Strictly insider has told The Sun of Dyer: “Bosses are thrilled she’s agreed to take part and are ironing out her fee. She’s bubbly, down-to-earth and straight-talking and producers reckon she’ll make an ideal contestant — not to mention the bonus of having Jarrod and dad Danny in the audience supporting her.”

أصبحت إدارة برشلونة تسابق الزمن للانتهاء من عدة عمليات بيع تمكنها من تسجيل لاعبين بعد انطلاق منافسات الموسم الجديد.

ونشرت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية أن هيكتور فورت ظهير برشلونة على رأس المرشحين للرحيل وقد غاب اللاعب عن تدريبات الفريق حيث يدرس عدة عروض للمغادرة بنظام الإعارة وقد تكون وجهته النهائية هي الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

أقرأ أيضاً.. موقف تير شتيجن من خوض مباراة برشلونة وفياريال في ميامي

وأصبح وست هام الذي يستهدف التعاقد مع مارك كاسادو في خط الوسط مستعد أيضاً للتعاقد مع فورت على سبيل الإعارة وتسير المحادثات على ما يرام وقد تحسم الصفقة الأسبوع المقبل على الرغم من المنافسة من أندية أخرى على ضمه.

وأجرى وست هام عدة اتصالات مع برشلونة وأظهروا اهتمامهم بضم مارك كاسادو لكن اللاعب متردد في الرحيل وتظهر أمامه خيارات أفضل من النادي اللندني.

بينما ظهر خيار فيكتور فورت في محادثات الناديين حيث سيرحب بالانتقال لوست هام بشرط أن تكون الصفقة بصيغة الإعارة فقط ليتمكن من العودة لاحقاً.

ويهدف ظهير برشلونة الحالي للعودة من جديد للنجاح بقميص الفريق الأول، ورغم أن راتب فورت ليس مرتفعًا إلا أن رحيله سيساعد النادي على خلق مساحة كافية في سقف الرواتب لتسجيل لاعبين جدد.

وكان فورت قد تم تصعيده الموسم الماضي لتعويض رحيل كانسيلو مع صعوبة التعاقد مع بديل لكن فليك لم يعط له دقائق كثيرة واعتمد المدرب الألماني بشكل شبه كامل على كوندي ثم إريك جارسيا.

وينافس وست هام كل من أندية إيفرتون وكومو وريال مايوركا ولكن يبقى النادي اللندني هو الأقرب للحصول على خدمات هيكتور فورت.

The two MLS stars were spotted alongside an impressive collection of Toronto professional athletes including NBA and MLB athletes

Laryea and Bernardeschi pictured with several Raptors stars and Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero JrOla Brynhildsen and Theo Corbeanu also seen at a Leafs tailgate partyMaple Leafs ultimately fell 6-1 to the Panthers in the decisive Game 7Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED

During Sunday’s decisive Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, Scotiabank Arena’s celebrity row showcased a strong turnout from the city’s professional athletes. Toronto FC stars Richie Laryea and Federico Bernardeschi were spotted during the second intermission alongside Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and several Toronto Raptors players, including Jamison Battle, Jamal Shead, AJ Lawson, Ja'Kobe Walter, Colin Castleton, and Ulrich Chomche.

Toronto FC teammates Ola Brynhildsen and Theo Corbeanu were also seen earlier at a Leafs tailgate party ahead of the game.

Despite the show of support from some of Toronto’s top sports talent, it wasn’t enough to rally the home team, as the Maple Leafs fell 6–1 to the Panthers.

AdvertisementWHAT THE MAPLE LEAFS POSTEDTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Toronto has increasingly emerged as a city where athletes from different sports publicly support one another, creating a unified sports culture that goes beyond individual leagues. This cross-sport camaraderie comes as all four major Toronto teams—the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, Raptors, and Toronto FC—are experiencing different competitive trajectories in 2025.

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

A commanding 6-1 win over fellow Canadian MLS side CF Montreal has moved Toronto FC into 13th place on the Eastern Conference with 13 points after 14 league games. They host Nashville SC next at the BMO Field on May 24 which is followed by another home game against the Philadelphia Union on May 28.

Bangladesh head coach not worried about lack of context around the Test; Trott excited as Afghanistan get back to red-ball cricket after two years

Mohammad Isam13-Jun-2023Even if the one-off Test is not part of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and even if Bangladesh and Afghanistan haven’t played Test cricket in a long time, representing your country and winning Tests remains the primary “motivation” and “ambition,” according to the head coaches of the two teams, Chandika Hathurusinghe and Jonathan Trott. The two sides square off in a one-off Test starting Wednesday in Dhaka with questions around the match’s importance given it is being held during Bangladesh’s monsoon season.However, Hathurusinghe and Trott believe players across the two sides are looking forward to some red-ball cricket.”You are playing for your country, aren’t you?” Hathurusinghe said ahead of the Test. “Forget about the Test Championship; that came four years ago. Before that, playing Tests for your country was the dream, when you are nine or 11 years old.Related

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Bangladesh, Afghanistan meet amid rains as solitary Test struggles for significance

Rashid Khan rested for Afghanistan's one-off Test against Bangladesh

Finger injury rules Shakib out of third ODI, could also miss Afghanistan Test

“If there’s a problem [playing a Test for your country], then he is in the wrong place. Winning for your country is enough for myself and the players. It is the motivational factor.”Trott was of a similar opinion. “I think there’s an ambition to play Test matches, being a Test nation. But I think it is also important that every Test match we go into, we try to win as well,” he said.The lack of Test matches has been an issue for both teams. Bangladesh have played only one Test this year, while Afghanistan’s last was more than two years ago. The monsoon, the school exams in Bangladesh, and the lack of context because it’s a one-off series, could all affect the viewership of this Test.Both sides are also missing key personnel in their line-up. While Afghanistan have rested Rashid Khan, their best bowler, to prioritise his “long-term fitness”, Bangladesh are without Shakib Al Hasan whose finger injury put him out of action last month. Tamim Iqbal was also ruled out of the game on the eve of the match with lower back pain.

“All Test cricketers will tell you they like playing Test cricket. They will say it is their favourite format because of the challenge and the test it creates between the two sides.”Jonathan Trott

For Hathurusinghe, though, just representing the country in a Test match should be motivation enough for the players.”Playing for the Tigers is an honour. I think we don’t look beyond that,” he remarked. “Overall, if you ask my opinion, Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game no matter how the other formats are going to be in the future. Your skills as a cricketer are tested in Test cricket, as a bowler, batter and fielder. Your mental skills and resilience is tested. There’s no better format for any cricketer if you really want to be proud of representing your country.”Trott, who took over as Afghanistan’s head coach last year, will oversee his first Test with them. He said his players, who become more famous playing T20s around the world, have ambitions to play Tests too.Rashid Khan has been rested for the one-off Test against Bangladesh•Abu Dhabi Cricket”We haven’t played for a while, Bangladesh have played quite a lot of Tests recently,” Trott said. “I think it is always good to develop the players’ mindset of being ambitious and playing Tests, along with all the other formats. Being competitive in red-ball cricket just as much in white-ball cricket.””I think [Afghanistan players are] just as ambitious as Bangladesh were when they started playing Tests. You see Bangladesh now going on to beat other teams at home. I think it’s important to have that ambition. I think it is what drives the game. All Test cricketers will tell you they like playing Test cricket. They will say it is their favourite format, because of the challenge and test it creates between the two sides. Also individual as well. It is something that I am looking forward to seeing tomorrow.”A bigger concern for the Afghanistan coach will be to replace Rashid. Trott kept his cards close to his chest, but the make-up of the side suggests that a few newcomers are likely to make their debuts, including 19-year-old legspinner Izharulhaq Naveed who impressed in last season’s Big Bash League.”It is very difficult to replace a guy like Rashid,” Trott said. “He has vast experience in playing all around the world in different competitions and different variations of the game. He has played Test cricket. So yes, that’s obviously missed.”But I think him having time off, obviously there’s a lot of cricket coming up. Asia Cup and World Cup is coming up. I certainly see this time off for him now to get his back sorted out, with a view to the future, in the competitions in a few months’ time.”Afghanistan players have a chat with coach Jonathan Trott at training•Munir Uz Zaman/AFP/Getty ImagesHe underlined that Afghanistan have a confident unit that could give Bangladesh a run for their money. “I think any team playing at home will have a bit of an advantage. I think certainly a team that has played more Tests by a long stretch will also have a bit of advantage. It doesn’t mean tomorrow they will play better than us. We prepared really well. I feel the players have trained exceptionally well. They are excited to play a Test in Bangladesh,” he said.”Whatever has happened in the past, whoever is favourite or the conditions, it is all about what happens tomorrow and who does it the best. It is my job to make sure everyone is ready for the Test starting tomorrow”.Meanwhile, the hosts are keen to develop a playing style rather than just focusing on the result of this game. “We discussed before the Ireland series that we want to play a certain brand of cricket regardless of the result,” Hathurusinghe said. “Our aim is to get the result but we want to understand how our skillset lasts five days in different conditions, challenging ourselves in certain ways.”We might do different things tactically if we have to earn points in the WTC. This game is giving us the opportunity to play on a sporting wicket. Regardless of playing the Championship or not, we will find the way best suited for us to play at home. We have to keep an eye on how we want to play away from home.”

The Togolese forward launched himself in the air for the overhead kick with what became the game-winner

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• FC Cincinnati defeat Sporting KC 2-1
• Kevin Denkey scores bicycle kick winner
• Togolese DP is adapting to life well in MLS
• Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  FC Cincinnati striker Kevin Denkey scored a goal of the season contender on Saturday as FCC defeated Sporting Kansas City 2-1 in MLS action. The Togolese forward leapt into the air for a stunning bicycle kick in the 79th minute, doubling FCC's lead late in the match, and scoring the eventual winner.

  He scored their first of the day as well, opening the scoring in the match in the 43rd minute. SKC earned a late goal back in the 89th minute through Zorhan Bassong, but it was too little, too late.

  Signed as a Designated Player in a $16.2M transfer from Belgian club Cercle Brugge, the 24-year-old is now up to six goals in his debut season.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  FCC are now up to 22 points on the season, and sit atop the Eastern Conference after their victory. However, the standings could change come the end of Matchday 11, as Wilfried Zaha's Charlotte FC trail them by three points and have a higher goal-differential than them heading into their match against the New England Revolution on Saturday.

  Cincy, meanwhile, are in red-hot form and have won five-straight matches.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR FCC?

  Cincy return to the pitch on Sunday, May 4 against NYCFC on Matchday 11.

And so, a new era is here at Tottenham Hotspur, with Ange Postecoglou’s turbulent tenure coming to a close despite overseeing Europa League glory back in May.

That success in Bilbao has handed his successor, Thomas Frank, the chance to experience life in the Champions League, with the Danish coach seeking to prove himself at the truly elite level after years of stability at Brentford.

For the former Bees boss to truly flourish in north London, however, he will need to be handed the appropriate tools, with the Lilywhites having thus far only recruited Japanese starlet, Koto Takai – excluding the permanent captures of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel and Luka Vuskovic.

As noted by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the major priority appears to have the signing of a new, high-profile attacker to freshen up Frank’s forward line, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa having been touted as potential targets of late, alongside Mohammed Kudus.

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With that mind, we have taken a stab at predicting – with the help of AI tool, ChatGPT – how that trio would perform at N17 next season…

Mohammed Kudus – 8-10 Premier League goals

The leading target to join Spurs ahead of next season appears to be Kudus, with recent reports indicating that Daniel Levy and co have struck a £55m agreement with West Ham United, having already had a £50m bid rejected.

The Ghanaian has enjoyed a respectable two-year stint at the London Stadium, following his £38m switch from Ajax in 2023, having chalked up 32 goals and assists in 80 games in all competitions.

That did include a disappointing return of just eight goals and assists in the Premier League last term, although that came amid real upheaval for the Irons, with Graham Potter replacing Julen Lopetegui midway through the campaign.

Under the guidance of Frank, and with a position finally nailed down for the versatile speedster, he could be revived next season. Indeed, ChatGPT certainly thinks so, suggesting that “a more central role and better service could boost his output”.

Their prediction is that the 24-year-old could manage to chalk up eight to ten league goals, alongside chipping in with a further six to eight assists.

Yoane Wissa – 15-18 Premier League goals

Much like the man we’ll come onto below, it would appear that Frank has his eye on some familiar faces this summer, with recent reports suggesting that a move could be in the works for Brentford goal machine, Wissa.

While somewhat in the shadow of Mbeumo and Ivan Toney before that, the 28-year-old’s stock has soared of late, following his return of 19 Premier League goals last season.

Previously a target for Nottingham Forest in January, with a £22m bid having been rebuffed by the Bees, now could be the time for the Congolese marksman to finally jump ship from the Gtech.

With that in mind, there would be no better place, arguably, than the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a reunion with Frank, with ChatGPT predicting that he could notch between 15 and 18 top-flight goals, provided he “adapts quickly and starts regularly”.

Bryan Mbeumo – 18-22 Premier League goals

While Kudus – and perhaps Wissa – look more likely to end up at Spurs this summer, there remains a glimmer of hope that Mbeumo could reunite with his former boss, amid prior claims that Levy was ready to hijack Manchester United’s move for the Cameroon international.

The 25-year-old’s preference appears to be to move to Old Trafford, although a deal has yet to be struck with the Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim’s side already seeing two bids rejected for the winger.

Non-penalty goals

0.17

0.40

Shots

2.61

2.08

Assists

0.10

0.18

Shot-creating actions

3.72

3.80

Pass completion

83.6%

66.1%

Progressive passes

2.75

3.72

Progressive carries

3.41

3.43

Successful take-ons

3.20

1.37

Touches in attacking box

4.41

4.43

Progressive passes received

7.51

9.25

If Spurs can re-enter the race, it could certainly prove fruitful, with Mbeumo having dazzled for the Bees in 2024/25, after scoring 20 goals in the top flight, finishing behind only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland in the scoring charts.

With 121 goals and assists to his name in 242 games under Frank to date, the left-footer would surely be able to slot in smoothly next term, with ChatGPT suggesting that “Mbeumo could immediately hit 20 league goals”, while representing “an upgrade in Spurs’ front line”.

In all, ChatGPT reckons he could get between 18-20 Premier League goals in 2025/26, alongside registering a further eight to ten assists.

The dream squad Spurs could build: £283m stars sign alongside Kudus

Here’s what Spurs’ squad could look like after a dream summer.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 8, 2025

حرص وائل جمعة وهيثم فاروق نجمي الكرة المصرية على زبارة معسكر المنتخب الوطني تحت 17 سنة، والمشارك في كأس العالم في قطر.

وتنطلق منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين بداية من الثالث من نوفمبر المقبل وتستمر حتى السابع والعشرين من نفس الشهر.

طالع | منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا يواصل استعداداته قبل انطلاق كأس العالم

منتخب مصر يخوض الدور الأول للبطولة في المجموعة الخامسة ويبدأ مشواره أمام منتخب تاهيتي في الرابع من نوفمبر ثم يواجه فنزويلا وإنجلترا في الجولتين الثانية والثالثة في السابع والعاشر من الشهر ذاته.

وقال وائل جمعة في فيديو نشره حساب اتحاد الكرة على “فيس بوك”: “ربنا يكرمكوا أنتم مستقبل للكرة المصرية، إن شاء البطولة تصبح بدايتكم بدعم الجهاز الفني”.

بينما قال هيثم فاروق: “سعيد بالتزامكم وأخلاقكم العالية وتركيزكم بالمهمة المحددة، وإن شاء الله موفقين، والبطولة ستكون نقلة وتتأهلوا إلى أدوار متقدمة”.