The apparent imbalance of the T20 World Cup semi-finals has caused disquiet. Is it all that it seems?

Sidharth Monga26-Jun-2024

The semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 are due to take place on Wednesday evening in Trinidad and Thursday morning in Guyana, which could mean an awkward turnaround ahead of Saturday’s final … especially if it rains. The ICC have allocated a reserve day for the first game but not for the latter, which has caused an outcry in the media, but is the situation quite as ill-conceived as it seems? ESPNcricinfo is here to address your pressing tournament needs.Why does the second semi-final not have a reserve day?There is only one day’s gap between the second semi-final in Guyana and the final in Barbados, unlike the first semi-final in Trinidad. To give the second finalists enough time to rest between matches, it has been decided to not have a reserve day.Isn’t that kinda unfair?Funnily enough, the extra time available for both matches is actually the same: 250 minutes. An ICC spokesperson said: “For performance reasons, to ensure teams do not have to ‘play-travel-play’ on consecutive days, the decision was taken to allocate the additional time for the second semi-final immediately post the game because the game is a 10.30am start, whilst the first semi-final is an evening start, which means it is not feasible to play all additional time on the same day.”So the playing conditions regarding the reserve time for both the semi-finals are identical?Not quite.How so?All attempts will be made to complete the first semi-final on the scheduled day, which has been allocated regulation time plus 60 minutes, which means the first semi-final will start losing overs if the 8.30pm start-time is delayed for more than an hour. If it still goes into the reserve day, a further 190 minutes have been allocated from 2pm onwards, but the match will continue from where it was left off. For example, if two hours are lost to rain on Wednesday evening, the match will start as 13 overs a side from 10.30pm. If further rain on the night doesn’t allow for the completion of a 10-over game, the match will resume on the reserve day from where it was interrupted.Related

South African team delayed in Trinidad because of runway closure in Barbados

Manjrekar: India had a 'clear advantage' in knowing their semi-final venue in advance

Dwayne Bravo: Afghanistan have everything a T20 team needs

England up against a changed India from Adelaide 2022

'We'd have bitten your hand off to get to this spot' – Mott embraces semi-final opportunity

In the case of the second semi-final, an ICC spokesperson said that the overs will start being reduced only at approximately 2.40pm: 250 minutes after the scheduled start time of 10.30am.This gives rise to a scenario in which the match could start as a 20-over affair at 2.40pm, only for the the side batting first to be midway through their overs when the rain returns, thereby causing the match to be washed out as a no-result. That possibility is reduced by the early move towards reduced overs in the first semi-final, but not the second.If the ICC had made every effort to complete the second semi-final by 2.40pm and only gone into extra time if a 10-over game was not possible until such time, we would have had nearly identical playing conditions for both matches.What constitutes a completed game?Unlike in the league matches, where five overs in the second innings was enough for a result to be declared, both sides will have had an opportunity to bat 10 overs to constitute a match.What if we can’t get 10 overs each in?The team that finished at the top of their Super Eight group advances. That means South Africa from the first semi-final, and India from the second.What if the match is a tie?We play super overs until time permits. If still unresolved, the team winning their group advances.What is the forecast like?The first semi-final in Trinidad is under no threat of rain going into the reserve day. There is constant threat of rain during the second semi-final in Guyana.So, if we don’t need to worry about weather and extra time in the first semi-final, what is the latest the second semi-final can start for us to have a 10-over game?According to an ICC spokesperson, it needs to start by approximately 4.14pm for a 10-over match.Is it true that India knew before the other teams where they would be playing their semi-final?Yes. India were scheduled to play their semi-final in Guyana no matter where they finished in their group because that semi-final starts at 10.30am, which is 8pm back in India. Even though South Africa and England knew they had qualified several hours earlier, they had to wait for India’s status as winners of Group 1 to be resolved before they could travel to their venues.However, these playing conditions were signed off by every participating board well before the World Cup started.Does this give India any advantage?Any advantage India gain vis-à-vis a no-result finish, they did so by virtue of having finished at the top of their group.It could be argued they selected their squad knowing they would be in Guyana for the knockouts, but it is probably far-fetched to think the process could be skewed by advance knowledge of their eighth match of the tournament, when they also knew the venues for their previous seven matches. Also, it is a risk to base one’s selection on the historical nature of a venue, as has been observed elsewhere during this World Cup.

The value of the contracts and other details have not been made public yet

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Mar-2024Cricket Namibia has announced professional contracts for ten women’s cricketers, making it the first sports governing body in the country to have contracts for both its men’s and women’s national teams. The contracts were negotiated and signed in February but announced only on Tuesday.”For the first time, we have been able to professionalise the women’s game. This is a significant moment for sports in the country. It’s the first time ladies have been signed on contracts where cricket is their occupation,” Cricket Namibia chief executive Johan Muller said in statement published by the ICC. “Ten ladies now have the opportunity to support their households by pursuing their passion. We want to thank Capricorn Group [the sponsors of the women’s team] and everyone involved.”The value of the contracts and other details have not been made public.The contracted players are: Kayleen Green, Sune Wittmann, Arrasta Diergaardt, Edelle van Zyl, Bianca Manuel, Irene van Zyl, Wilka Mwatile, Mekelaye Mwatile, Naomi Benjamin and Saima Tuhadeleni.The Namibia women’s team, called “Capricorn Eagles”, are currently 17th in the ICC Women’s T20I team rankings, their best position to date. They were most recently in action at the African Games, where they won just one of their group-stage games and failed to qualify for the semi-finals.Since receiving T20I status in 2018, Namibia have participated in 72 international matches, winning 44 of them. In 2019, they represented the Africa region in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier but did not advance to the main event in 2020.

كشفت تقارير إعلامية برتغالية اليوم الأربعاء، حقيقة تولي مدرب بنفيكا السابق، برونو لاج، تدريب الأهلي المصري خلال الساعات القليلة المقبلة.

وورد أن الأهلي يرغب وبقوة في التعاقد مع لاج، ليصبح الأخير هو المدير الفني الجديد للمارد الأحمر خلفًا لخوسيه ريبيرو المقال من منصبه.

الأهلي أقال ريبيرو من منصبه كمدير فني للفريق خلال شهر أغسطس الماضي، في ظل سوء نتائج الفريق وخسارته للعديد من المباريات مع بداية الموسم.

وارتبط الأهلي بالتعاقد مع العديد من المدربين خلال الفترة الماضية، من بينهم فرناندو سانتوس، مدرب منتخب البرتغال السابق، وروي فيتوريا، مدرب منتخب مصر سابقًا.

طالع.. وكيل برونو لاج يكشف عبر “بطولات” مفاجأة في مفاوضات الأهلي

وبحسب شبكة “TSF” البرتغالية، فإن مسئولي الأهلي متواجدون في مدينة لشبونة بالبرتغال، من أجل التفاوض مع وكيل أعمال لاج والمدرب نفسه حول إمكانية الإشراف على تدريب الفريق القاهري.

وأضافت أن لاج في بداية الأمر كان يميل إلى رفض تدريب الأهلي، لكن بعدما تحدث مع عائلته فإن المدرب البرتغالي منفتح على فكرة تدريب النادي المصري وتجربة أجواء جديدة في قارة أخرى.

وأقيل لاج من تدريب بنفيكا خلال الأسبوع الماضي بشكل رسمي، بعد سوء نتائج النادي البرتغالي مع بداية هذا الموسم وتم تعيين جوزيه مورينيو بدلًا منه.

الأهلي في الجانب الآخر يدربه عماد النحاس بشكل مؤقت، لحين التعاقد مع مدير فني أجنبي.

The campaign is still a month away from completion, although attention at Manchester United is swiftly turning toward the summer transfer window and the need to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

While it would be foolish for anyone of a United persuasion to be too optimistic regarding the impact of potential new signings, amid the club’s wretched recruitment record over the last decade or so, it is difficult to argue that this side is in need of major surgery once again.

With departures expected to reach double figures, ahead of next season, there is likely to be something of an overhaul at Old Trafford, with drastic improvement needed amid the Red Devils’ place in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Much could depend on whether or not Champions League qualification is secured, via Europa League glory, although regardless of what occurs on the continent, it looks as if the INEOS regime are already closing in on the signing of wantaway Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Matheus Cunha.

The latest on Man Utd's move for Cunha

It’s fair to say that Cunha can’t have done much more to catch the eye of those at Old Trafford this season. Indeed, during Wolves’ 2-0 win over United on Boxing Day, the Brazilian was simply sensational for the hosts, having scored directly from a corner, while also teeing up Hwang Hee-chan for the second of the day.

That was followed by the 25-year-old’s impact in Sunday’s 1-0 win for the Old Gold, as it was actually his surging run which earned the free-kick that Pablo Sarabia duly converted.

Now onto 14 league goals for the season, Cunha appears all but certain for a Molineux exit this summer – following prior January interest – having already outlined his desire to “take the next step” in his career.

As widely reported, that ‘next step’ looks set to lead the former Atletico Madrid man to Manchester, with positive talks having been held regarding the forward’s potential contract at the Theatre of Dreams.

That move for the £62.5m sensation could represent the first piece of business in a potentially hectic summer for the Red Devils.

Man Utd readying offer for new midfielder

Alongside that interest in the Wolves ace, it would appear that United are also keeping a close eye on Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with the Englishman set to be available for £30m amid the Tractor Boys’ impending relegation.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, reports in Spain have suggested that Amorim and co could also go back in for a long-term target, in the form of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the Dutchman said to be ‘back on the Red Devils’ radar’.

As per the report, United are ‘willing to present a proposal’ in order to entice the LaLiga giants into a summer sale, with the Premier League said to be ready to ‘test the limits’ of Barca’s resolve.

The 27-year-old was famously linked with the Old Trafford side back in the summer of 2022, during Erik ten Hag’s first window in charge, albeit despite an agreement on a fee, a deal for the former Ajax midfielder couldn’t get over the line amid issues regarding personal terms.

There may be a feeling of De Jong’s chance having come and gone, although United should still jump at the opportunity to land such a statement signing.

How De Jong could fit in at Man Utd

There could well be a fresh look to Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up next term, with a new goalkeeper and centre-forward seemingly set to be prioritised, while Cunha would likely line up in one of the two number ten berths.

The Wolves talisman has already thrived in a similar system under Amorim’s compatriot, Vitor Pereira, in recent months, with his overall record in England’s top-flight now standing at 39 goals and assists in just 77 games.

What the one-time RB Leipzig man will need, however, is quality service from those around him, hence why bringing De Jong into the fold could be a dream scenario.

Likely to operate as part of the midfield two – potentially alongside Bruno Fernandes or Manuel Ugarte – the Netherlands international is simply a master at progressing play, as emphasised by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% of European midfielders for progressive passes, and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Also ranked in the top 1% for pass completion, the experienced metronome has rightly been lauded as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by former boss, Xavi Hernandez, ensuring he would be a worthy upgrade in Amorim’s ranks.

Non-penalty goals

0.12

Top 25%

Assists

0.12

Top 28%

Shot-creating actions

2.59

Top 36%

Passes attempted

82.09

Top 4%

Pass completion

93.8%

Top 1%

Progressive passes

7.17

Top 9%

Progressive carries

2.09

Top 16%

Passes into final third

9.20

Top 3%

Tackles (in attacking 3rd)

0.49

Top 10%

As stated, that forward-thinking ability that De Jong provides would ensure he is the ideal figure to pick out the likes of Cunha ahead of him, as indicated by the fact that he also ranks in the top 3% for passes into the final third, at an average of 9.21 per 90.

What also sets the 5 foot 11 maestro apart is just how effective he is at regaining possession too. As evidenced last season – considering he has only started seven league games this time around – De Jong averaged 2.2 tackles per game, having also recovered the ball 5.9 times per game in LaLiga.

For context, United’s ball-winning monster, Casemiro, has only recovered 3.9 balls per game in the Premier League this term – albeit while enjoying a far superior record with regard to tackles made (3.5).

For De Jong to then have such quality both in and out of possession would ensure he can comfortably cope in a midfield two, with United having the chance to acquire two players entering their peak years, in the form of him and Cunha.

After Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign a "monster" upgrade on Delap

Man Utd could be set to land another sparkling forward this summer, alongside Matheus Cunha

ByRobbie Walls Apr 22, 2025

Netherlands will be without the experienced pair of Colin Ackermann and Roelof van der Merwe at the T20 World Cup 2024. The two of them made themselves unavailable for selection, choosing to fulfil their county commitments instead.Netherlands have called up Daniel Doram, the Leeward Islands left-arm spinner, to a full T20I squad for the first time.The T20 World Cup clashes with the start of the Vitality Blast, England’s county T20 competition, which has forced Associate players to choose between their primary employers and their national teams.Bas de Leede (Durham) and Fred Klaassen (Kent) will be released by their counties for the T20 World Cup, but ESPNcricinfo understands that Ackermann and van der Merwe have committed to Durham and Somerset respectively. Neither was named in the Netherlands’ provisional squad on Monday.Brandon Glover, meanwhile, wasn’t considered as he continued his comeback after an injury, while Timm van der Gugten is out of action with a calf injury.In van der Merwe’s absence, Doram has been named as one of two left-arm spinners in the squad along with Tim Pringle. He is a Dutch passport-holder from Saint Maarten, a constituent state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and played first-class and List A cricket for Netherlands as a teenager.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Doram, who is 6′ 7″ tall, has been playing for Leeward Islands in the West Indies Championship and picked up 29 wickets at 20.27 this season. He has never played a professional T20 match but was on standby when Netherlands toured Nepal earlier this year.”We have been able to select a well-balanced team, which we are confident will be able to perform in the conditions against the opposition we face in the US and West Indies,” Ryan Cook, the Netherlands head coach, said in a release. “All of the players have been training well and have been involved in the recent ProSeries with some exciting performances showing the growing depth and quality in Netherlands cricket.”We have managed to perform admirably in the last two World Cups we have participated in and will be determined to rise to the challenges we face ahead to reach the next round of the tournament.”Scott Edwards will to captain the side, as he did at the 2022 T20 World Cup, and there are several changes to the squad that finished fourth in their Super 12s group in that tournament. Shariz Ahmad, Tom Cooper, Stephen Myburgh, Ackermann, van der Merwe, Glover and van der Gugten are out; Wesley Barresi, Aryan Dutt, Michael Levitt, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Vivian Kingma and Doram have come in.Netherlands will prepare for the tournament with a tri-series against Scotland and Ireland, which starts on Saturday. They have been drawn in Group D of the T20 World Cup alongside Bangladesh, Nepal, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Netherlands provisional squad for the T20 World Cup:

Aryan Dutt, Bas de Leede, Daniel Doram, Fred Klaassen, Logan van Beek, Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Paul van Meekeren, Scott Edwards (capt/wk), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Teja Nidamanuru, Tim Pringle, Vikramjit Singh, Vivian Kingma, Wesley Barresi

James Sutherland’s tenure as Cricket Australia CEO encompassed many pivotal moments both at home and for cricket globally

Daniel Brettig25-Oct-20181998 – Having worked at the accounting firm Ernst & Young and the Carlton Football Club, joins the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) as chief financial officer, working closely with the Australian Cricketers Association chief Tim May to work out the detail of the first MoU between the players and the Board

2001 – Appointed chief executive of the ACB, replacing Malcolm Speed. At 35 years of age, he is younger than the then captain of the Australian cricket team, Steve Waugh.

2003 – Flies to Johannesburg to announce that Shane Warne, his former Victoria team-mate, is to be sent home from Australia’s World Cup campaign for taking a prohibited substance. Warne is subsequently banned from the game for a year. After an ugly incident between Glenn McGrath and Ramnaresh Sarwan on the West Indies tour that followed, Sutherland announces a renewed focus on the spirit of cricket in a speech in Perth.

2005 – Signs a seven-year deal with Channel Nine for free-to-air rights to international cricket worth AUD280 million, the last contract done with Kerry Packer before his death later that year. Also secures a separate deal with Foxtel to cover domestic cricket, including the new state-based Big Bash, forerunner to the Big Bash League.

2007 – Involved in discussions around the setting up of the IPL, and its companion tournament, the Twenty20 Champions League, which reaps a 10-year, USD900 million deal with ESPN/Star Sports. This deal ultimately helps provide CA with start-up funding for the launch of the BBL.

James Sutherland had to deal with the fallout from an ill-tempered India visit in 2008•Getty Images2008 – “Monkeygate” dispute with the BCCI almost brings a premature end to India’s visit of Australia, but the tour continues after Harbhajan Singh’s appeal against an ICC charge of racial vilification against Andrew Symonds is successful. Sutherland later speaks at an ICC forum, at which he argues for league structures and context for international cricket, as well as pushing for better relationships between players and their boards. “We need to look after our players. We need to keep them close. We need to understand them. We need to respect their advisors and their member associations,” he said. “We don’t have to always agree with them, but we should respect their views, as they should respect ours.”

2009 – The state second XI competition is converted into the Future League, limiting teams to three players each over the age of 23 and thereby stripping a host of older players out of the system after many had left in 2007-08 to play in the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League. 

2010 – Oversees Australian Cricket Conference at Aitken Hill in Victoria, where the board of 14 state-appointed directors agrees to a governance review with a view towards becoming a smaller, independent body. Draft plans to turn the state-based Big Bash into a city-based, eight team Big Bash League are brought forward from 2012 to 2011.

2011 – Australia’s 3-1 home Ashes defeat compels Sutherland to commission the Argus review into team performance, which results in the appointment of Pat Howard as team performance manager, Mickey Arthur as coach and the new captain Michael Clarke, who replaced Ricky Ponting, as a selector. The BBL is launched, but a private investment float suggested by the board is withdrawn due to a lack of interest in its terms. 

James Sutherland and Pat Howard announce the sacking of Mickey Arthur•AFP2012 – Sutherland signs off on a new MoU with the ACA, retaining a fixed revenue percentage model but including performance-based payment bonuses for the first time, as per a recommendation of the Argus review. CA’s new governance model is approved, resulting in a board of nine independent directors. One of the new directors, Kevin Roberts, will ultimately replace Sutherland as CEO.

2013 – Homework scandal in India sees Shane Watson, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson suspended for a Test match. Sutherland and Howard, after consultation with the ACA chief executive Paul Marsh, elect to sack the coach Arthur after a further scandal involving David Warner punching Joe Root in a Birmingham nightclub during the Champions Trophy. The new coach Darren Lehmann helps Clarke guide Australia to a competitive Ashes showing in England, before they regain the urn with a 5-0 thrashing of Alastair Cook’s team at home. New broadcast deal signed with Nine and Ten networks, for international cricket and the BBL, worth AUD590 million over five years.

2014 – “Big Three” carve-up of ICC events revenue by the boards of India, England and Australia. Phillip Hughes’ death when struck by a cricket ball while batting in a Sheffield Shield match in November causes nationwide mourning. Sutherland negotiates a delayed start to the subsequent Test series with India and also speaks at Hughes’ funeral. Steven Smith captains his first Test series in the absence of an injured Clarke. Sutherland moves off contract and onto a rolling employment deal with CA. Total participation in the game in Australia passes one million according to CA’s national cricket census.

2015 – Australia and New Zealand host the ICC World Cup to record crowds, and the tournament is won by Clarke’s team. After the loss of the Ashes in England, Smith replaces the retiring Clarke as captain. Roberts leaves the CA Board and joins the executive, immediately being recognised as Sutherland’s likely successor. The Women’s Big Bash League is launched as a companion to the BBL, with the same eight teams and shared identities. Inaugural day-night Test is played in Adelaide.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland speaks to the media after Darren Lehmann resigned as coach•Getty Images2016 – Five consecutive Test match losses by Australia, in Sri Lanka and at home to South Africa, compel Sutherland and Howard to visit the dressing room in Hobart and stress that better is required. The selection chairman Rod Marsh resigns and is replaced by Trevor Hohns. The contract of the coach Lehmann is extended until 2019.

2017 – A new MoU is signed after a protracted and bitter fight between the board and the players. An Australia A tour of South Africa is cancelled, and players go without pay for a month until the dispute is resolved in August. Sutherland, having stayed out of negotiations at the behest of the board, works through a compromise deal with his ACA equivalent Alistair Nicholson as the clock ticks down to a tour of Bangladesh. League structures for Test matches and ODIs are finally approved by the ICC, some 14 years after Sutherland began proposing them. Australia regain the Ashes at home.

2018 – Newlands ball tampering scandal results in bans for Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, and the resignation of Lehmann, to be replaced by Justin Langer. A new broadcast rights deal, worth AUD1.18 billion, is signed with the Seven and Fox Sports networks. Sutherland announces in June that he will resign as CEO after 17 years. His chief operating officer Roberts is appointed as his replacement. Sutherland departs after the AGM in October, a few days before the findings of two independent cultural reviews of CA are to be released.

da aposte e ganhe： Chelsea are set for a huge end to the 2024/25 season. They are within touching distance of a European final, currently leading Swedish side Djurgarden 4-1 on aggregate. Given the tie is at Stamford Bridge, they go into it as strong favourites.

da dobrowin： On top of that, Enzo Maresca’s side are pushing for a top-five finish in the Premier League. Sunday’s 3-1 thrashing of newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool was a huge win in that sense.

Then, of course, the Blues are participants in the Club World Cup, where they will face Mexican side Club Leon in their first group game.

With the transfer window opening earlier to accommodate that tournament, the West Londoners could be looking to add to their squad in the coming weeks.

Chelsea target Premier League attacker

There are no lack of options for Maresca in wide areas. So, it might be a surprise that the Blues are looking to add new wingers to their squad.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

Yet, rumours linking them to Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho do not seem to go away.

Now, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Chelsea are thought to be ‘plotting a new move to sign’ the 20-year-old. The Red Devils are ‘open to letting him leave’ this summer, given they need to raise transfer funds of their own.

However, the Argentina international will not come cheap for Chelsea. According to a recent report from The Daily Star, United are likely to ask for a fee as high as £65m from the West Londoners.

Given the Blues have already tried, and failed, to sign Garnacho last January, it seems like they could well meet that demand.

How Garnacho compares to Noni Madueke

It has been a fairly bleak campaign in 2024/25 for United. However, Garnacho has definitely been a bright spark at times. Despite a lull in form around Christmas, he has really picked up again in recent weeks.

This term, the young attacker has managed 11 goals and ten assists across all competitions in 54 appearances. He has scored six times and provided two in the Premier League, having played 34 games in the top flight.

Impressively, there are only seven players under the age of 21 with ten or more goals and ten or more assists this season. That list includes Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham and Garnacho. His most recent strike came against Brentford, a sublime long-range effort in a 4-3 loss.

Perhaps Garnacho can have a similar impact at Stamford Bridge as Noni Madueke has made this term. The former PSV Eindhoven star has also been in electric form this term, and has managed to chalk up 11 goals and five assists in all competitions.

Former Bues player Jason Cundy was full of praise for Madueke recently, after his goal against Djurgarden in the 4-1 Conference League thrashing.

The defender-turned-pundit explained that, as a defender, you know that “when he goes past you, he stays past you”, suggesting he is hard to keep quiet.

Interestingly, there can be statistical comparisons drawn, courtesy of FBref, between United’s number 17, Garnacho, and Chelsea man Madueke.

For example, Garnacho averages 0.21 goals per shot on target and 1.47 key passes per 90 minutes. In comparison, Madueke averages 0.23 goals per shot on target and 1.49 key passes each game.

Garnacho & Madueke key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Garnacho

Madueke

Goals per shot on target

0.21

0.23

Key passes

1.47

1.49

Shot-creating actions

3.4

3.77

Progressive carries

5.84

7.06

Ball recoveries

4.54

3.58

Stats from FBref

There are certainly similarities between Garnacho and Madueke, and they could both play together, given they favour opposite flanks. If the Argentine star can have anyhwere close to the impact the English winger has made at Stamford Bridge, it will have been a successful signing.

Although £65m is a steep fee, Garnacho is a “special talent” according to football statistician Statman Dave, and Chelsea might not want to miss out on this market opportunity.

Related He could be the new Robben: Chelsea plan big offer for "deadly" £51m star

Chelsea are looking to strenghten in attack

Posts ByJoe Nuttall May 6, 2025

Lyon’s rising star Malick Fofana has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in European football, with the French club setting a minimum asking price of £51.5 million (€60m/$71m) for the talented 20-year-old as several Premier League heavyweights, including Liverpool, Arsenal & Chelsea, scramble for his signature. The English sides are not alone in the chase, with Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Napoli also engaged in talks.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Fofana's stock continues to risePL heavyweights battling for his signatureLyon put their demands on the tableFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to given the high demand for Fofana, Lyon are hoping an auction-style scenario emerges, allowing them to maximise the value of the player’s sale. His meteoric rise stems from a breakthrough season at the club, during which he registered 11 goals across 41 appearances.

AdvertisementGOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Fofana earned a maiden call-up to the senior Belgian national team last year. Though predominantly utilised on the wings, his ability to operate anywhere across the attacking line has added to his appeal.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lyon’s willingness to cash in on their emerging star is partly rooted in financial necessity. The club is currently grappling with economic issues that have led to their controversial demotion from Ligue 1, a ruling they are currently appealing. Regardless of the outcome, the need to balance the books remains a pressing concern. Their Europa League spot is now under review, a consequence of their off-field troubles. This situation may prompt the club to accelerate player sales, with Fofana at the forefront of that list.

AFPWHAT NEXT?

For clubs monitoring Fofana, Lyon’s predicament offers a potential opening. While the French side will try to drive the price up, looking for at least £51.5m, they may also be pressured to reach a deal sooner rather than later. It remains to be seen whether he lands in the Premier League or elsewhere in Europe. But given the clock ticking and interest surging, a resolution might not be far off.

It looks set to be a massive summer of transfer activity for Arsenal this year; Mikel Arteta even said as much.

Based on fan sentiment and the number of reports in recent weeks, it’s no surprise that the club’s focus is on rejuvenating the attack, but the midfield also looks like it will be addressed.

Thomas Partey might now be getting a new deal, and perhaps most excitingly, the deal to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi looks increasingly certain.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, the club could also be looking at a potential alternative to the Spaniard, someone who could also replace Partey.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing the situation with both Partey and Zubimendi.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Regarding the latter, news initially came out back in January that Arsenal were close to agreeing a deal to sign him in the summer, and while there have since been reports from Spain claiming that he could go to Real Madrid, other stories have reaffirmed the original news that he should be on his way to the Emirates for £51m.

Partey, on the other hand, looked like he was set to depart the club upon the expiration of his current contract in the summer, but that changed last week.

Ahead of the game against Crystal Palace, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that the club now wanted the midfielder to remain and were set to enter negotiations over a new contract with him.

However, with reports now linking the team to Hugo Larsson, re-signing the Ghanaian might not be necessary.

Yes, according to a recent report from the print edition of SportBild in Germany, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in signing the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Manchester City and Liverpool are also keen on the young midfielder, who’s valued at £51m by his team.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but given Larsson’s ability and potential, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be an ideal Partey replacement.

Why Larsson could replace Partey

So, the first argument for why Larsson could prove to be a good Partey replacement is also one that could be used to argue for him being an alternative to Zubimendi: his age.

At just 20 years old, the Swedish international is 11 years younger than the Gunners’ number five and six younger than the Sociedad star. Now, while that’s not a massive advantage compared to the Spaniard, who is still in his prime years, it is against the Ghanaian .

For example, research conducted by The Athletic revealed that central midfielders tend to peak at around 25 years old, so while the Frankfurt gem has years to keep getting better, the former Atlético Madrid ace is undoubtedly approaching the end of his career, and considering his usually dire injury record, this might make handing him a new deal particularly foolish.

Furthermore, besides being substantially younger, the “transitional monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, also looks just as good when we look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

For example, according to FBref, he comes out ahead in plenty of relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, shots on target, shot-creating actions, blocked shots and passes, errors leading to goal, ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.19

0.15

Progressive Passes

4.70

6.09

Progressive Carries

0.64

1.14

Shots on Target

0.38

0.26

Key Passes

0.85

0.63

Shot-Creating Actions

2.33

2.07

Goal-Creating Actions

0.13

0.48

Tackles Won

1.06

1.77

Blocked Shots

0.42

0.26

Blocked Passes

1.19

0.59

Interceptions

1.06

1.18

Errors Leading to a Goal

0.04

0.15

Dispossessed

0.42

0.52

Ball Recoveries

4.58

4.43

Ultimately, while he might not be the most exciting name out there, Larsson looks like he could be an incredible player in the future, so instead of a Zubimendi alternative, Arsenal might be wise to sign him as well and then not offer Partey a new deal.

He'd revive Odegaard: Arsenal racing to sign £70m goalscoring "powerhouse"

Martin Odegaard could do with some additional firepower with him at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 1, 2025

Three wickets each to Chloe Skelton, Issy Wong seal 182-run victory

ECB Reporters Network12-Jul-2024Western Storm climbed off the foot of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy table with a 182-run smashing of Central Sparks which relegated their opponents to the bottom instead.Storm were lifted to an imposing 284 all out from 49.5 overs at Worcester by a dazzling 83 from 53 balls from Amanda-Jade Wellington. The Aussie struck 14 fours and two sixes and took the innings to an impregnable level with a sixth-wicket stand of 102 in 14 overs with captain Sophie Luff (60). Katie George did most to disrupt the run-fest with 5 for 50 including an exceptional caught and bowled.Sparks then started disastrously, losing wickets to the first two balls of their reply, delivered by their own Issy Wong who is on loan to Storm. From there they floundered to 102 all out, only Davina Perrin (42) passing 20 as Chloe Skelton took 3 for 8 and Wong 3 for 20.Sparks had chosen to bowl but waited 88 balls for a breakthrough as openers Emma Corney (39) and Sophia Smale (42) added 92. They struck a combined 11 fours and set down an ideal platform before falling in the space of four balls. Smale chipped Ria Fackrell to mid off before Corney was bowled, playing back to spinner Hannah Baker.After Luff and Fran Wilson added another half-century stand – 53 in 11 overs – Sparks hit back with three wickets in seven overs. Wilson was bowled off her pads by Bethan Ellis, Natasha Wraith hoisted Ellis to deep mid-wicket and Niamh Holland had her off-stump knocked out by George.At 164 for 5, the innings was in the balance but Wellington injected impetus alongside the steady Luff with a vibrant 41-ball half-century including a six, hoisted over midwicket off Fackrell, and eight fours.Luff fell to a stunning, one-handed return catch by George but Wellington continued her assault until she was dismissed in bizarre fashion when she missed a reverse-sweep at Grace Potts and the ball lodged in the visor of wicketkeeper Abi Freeborn to be caught behind.Sparks’ reply started terribly with wickets to the first two balls from Wong as Eve Jones was yorked and Freeborn edged a loose drive to wicketkeeper Wraith. At 0 for 2 from 0.2 overs, a case could have been made for a third slip and had there been one, Wong would have had a hat-trick. Instead, Perrin survived but though she batted well, the rest subsided ignominiously.Chloe Brewer was lbw to Wong to one that kept low and Alex Griffiths added the wickets of Courtney Webb and Katie George, both caught at mid on. When Perrin departed aghast at an interesting lbw decision for Wellington, it was 85 for 6 and the lower order needed to deliver a miracle.There was no miracle as Skelton came on to torpedo the tail with a burst of 3 for 6 in 26 balls as the Storm blew strong, rather belatedly in the competition, to leave Sparks bottom of the pile.