The fast bowler says his experience with various domestic teams helped him settle into the Indian team environment quickly

Alagappan Muthu25-Sep-20244:00

Akash Deep: ‘Very fortunate to play for India under Rohit Sharma’

India fast bowler Akash Deep has given a ringing endorsement of the country’s domestic system, saying it is so rigorous that players who make the step up from there to international cricket have already been battle-tested.”The structure the BCCI has for domestic cricket is so strong that by the time you get to this level, you have already played a lot of good-quality cricket,” Akash, who has played two Tests so far, said in Kanpur. “You know what your bowling is like and what you need to do. So I don’t find anything new here. The processes we follow to get here, we just need to follow those and take those forward.”India have invested a great deal into their pathways to create a strong pool of players capable of stepping into the national team in any format. Akash came through it himself, taking 35 wickets in the Ranji Trophy in 2019 at an average of 18.02 as Bengal made the final. From there he was picked to play for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy in 2022, the Deodhar Trophy in 2023, then onto India A cricket and, on the back of 11 wickets in two games against England Lions, a Test debut in February 2024. He picked up three wickets in his first spell, dismissing Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, and 2 for 19 in the first innings of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh.Related

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The seniors in the Indian team also help newcomers feel at ease in a new environment. “I am very fortunate to play for India under [Rohit Sharma],” Akash said. “He keeps things so simple. I had some hesitation when I came to the Indian team, about the pressure, some confusion… but when I got to the ground, [Rohit] made things so simple for me that I didn’t know if I was playing domestic cricket or international cricket. I don’t think in my life I could have asked for a captain who makes things so simple.”Having been put at ease, Akash drew on all that he had learnt on his way up to international level – he had come in on the back of 30 first-class, 28 List A and 41 T20 games, where he picked up 104, 42 and 48 wickets respectively – and worked on how to improve further.Akash Deep already feels at home in international cricket•BCCI”I have played a lot of cricket in the last two years,” he said. “Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, so we are used to playing cricket for long periods. I think that as a cricketer, it’s important to understand yourself. Suddenly if we are selected for a new team, there shouldn’t be any confusion. ‘I have done this in the Ranji Trophy, what am I supposed to do here?'”I have worked on that, worked on my strengths. What can I add to my bowling? I have spent time thinking about those things. It’s about the simple things. I don’t put pressure on myself, that I have to play in [November’s tour of ] Australia, or in any other big series. I stay in the present. I think about today, this match, which helps me keep things simple.”Akash was asked about “this match” and in particular the pitch in Kanpur. “Whatever the wicket is like, if I play, my job is to put the ball in good areas,” he said. “Even if the wicket is not favouring fast bowlers, I need to find a way to pick up wickets. From what I have seen, it’s a sporting wicket, not a batters’ wicket.” India face Bangladesh at Green Park for the final game of the series after taking a 1-0 lead in Chennai.Akash also opened up on a little connection that he has with the ground here. “I am from Banaras, which is not far from here. I had heard of the stadium – Green Park – when I was young, and I thought that it’s because the whole ground was green. I hadn’t seen any stadiums at the time. I remembered it after coming here, that the first stadium I had heard of was Green Park. It feels nice, that I am here, at the place I had heard of as a kid.”

da marjack bet： Liverpool are marching their way through the summer transfer window, picking up any number of talented recruits to add to Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning squad.

da cassino： With Milos Kerkez’s £40m move from Bournemouth to Anfield now sealed, sporting director Richard Hughes may well take a breather and ponder whether to target any final brush-ups so Liverpool can remain competitive at the very highest level once again.

With Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong brought over from Bayer Leverkusen, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving to replace Caoimhin Kelleher, you’d think that this might be the case.

Let’s not forget, though, the Reds have had to swallow some degree of setback, with Trent Alexander-Arnold opting against renewing his contract and instead signing for Real Madrid at the end of his contract.

Moreover, interest in Luis Diaz’s signature is rife, and FSG may have to consider signing a replacement this summer.

The latest on Luis Diaz's future

While The Athletic’s David Ornstein has stressed that Liverpool are willing to keep onto Diaz, 28, even if it means running down his contract, Barcelona and further suitors in Saudi Arabia are keen, and the latter might be willing to pay a handsome figure.

Coming off the back of his best season in a Liverpool shirt, the versatile Diaz has proved invaluable for Slot’s side, scoring 17 goals and supplying eight assists across the past campaign.

But he’s not without his flaws, and the Anfield side has lined up long-term target Anthony Gordon as a potential replacement, although he has been priced in the £75m ballpark.

Gordon, to be sure, is a good winger, but Newcastle would want silly money for his sale and an exciting alternative may well have been earmarked by Hughes and co.

Liverpool enquire for Gordon alternative

As per BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, Liverpool are one of the clubs to have lodged an official enquiry for West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, who is anticipated to be leaving East London this summer.

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Speaking on the Latte Firm Arsenal podcast, he said: “My information is that all of the top six in the Premier League have checked in on the conditions of that deal. He’s got an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs but I think West Ham would be willing to go below that.

“They wouldn’t take masses below that but they would be open to a negotiation. There is a long-term interest there [from Arsenal] and as I understand that, there has been an enquiry from the Premier League’s top six.”

The Ghanaian star struggled to find his finest form throughout a turbulent season for the Hammers, and, as such, it would not be a huge surprise to see West Ham accept a reduced fee, although the exact figure is undetermined.

While Arsenal have been reported to have had a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old, if Diaz does go, Kudus could be a great fit.

What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Liverpool

West Ham signed Kudus from Ajax for around £38m in August 2023, and he has since posted 19 goals and 13 assists from 80 matches. Despite his incredible quality, however, Kudus has suffered from second-season syndrome.

Five goals and three assists in the Premier League last season hardly denote elite-level output, but then Kudus’ skill set is an incredible thing, boasting power and movement that most wingers can only dream of.

He would need to make prolific improvements next year, but then he surely would in Liverpool’s team, playing alongside Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and the rest.

Given that Gordon only scored six top-flight goals, laying on five more assists, there’s certainly no guarantee that the England international would prove the tonic for which the hole left by Diaz’s absence could be healed.

Curiously, both Kudus and Gordon dipped somewhat in 2024/25 after previously thriving in the Premier League. Both are talented and proven wingers, dynamic and versatile, explosive and electric.

Let’s have a look at their statistics across 2023/24 and how they compare when both are firing on all cylinders.

Anthony Gordon vs Mohammed Kudus in the Prem (23/24)

Stats (* per game)

Gordon

Kudus

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

33 (27)

Goals

11

8

Assists

10

6

Touches*

2.3 (0.9)

2.0 (0.5)

Pass completion

82%

84%

Key passes*

1.6

0.8

Big chances created

16

5

Dribbles*

1.5

3.8

Ball recoveries*

3.6

6.4

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

2.3

Duels

5.3

8.5

All data via Sofascore

Gordon certainly has the advantage in terms of output, and he’s more refined in his underlying playmaking too.

However, Kudus’ fleet-footedness and strength have turned him into something of a duel monster, outfoxing his opponents with blistering speed and sharp shimmies to drive the ball into the danger area.

Is it any wonder journalist Gary Al-Smith has hailed him a “generational talent”? Indeed, even though he flattered to deceive at times in 2024/25, Kudus still recorded the second-highest dribble count across the Premier League term, behind only Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku.

Just imagine this kind of explosiveness in Slot’s system. Diaz, while blessed with such suitable properties, ranked only among the top 39% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive carries and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Gordon, meanwhile, ranked among the top 22% and 46% for the same metrics. What about the Irons speedster? He ranked among the top 3% for successful take-ons, and a glance up at his dribble average across his first Premier League term tells you all you need to know about his capacity as a ball carrier.

If any coach across Europe is capable of getting a tune out of the African sensation’s clinical potential, it’s Slot. Moreover, the Dutch tactician will know exactly how to best utilise Kudus’ talents on the athletic front, using them in conjunction with the creative artistry of the aforementioned Liverpool stars.

It’s a different kind of profile, more unrelenting and chaotic than Diaz’s and indeed Gordon’s.

Given the finances involved in pulling Gordon away from St. James’ Park, Liverpool might want to invest their energy into signing Kudus, especially as he is set to be available for a reduced fee.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jun 26, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur will be expected to be fighting for Europe once again next season, with Thomas Frank the man who’s been tasked with taking the side back up the table.

The Dane was appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss last month after owner Daniel Levy decided to fork out £10m to prise him out of his contract at Brentford.

He’s showcased in the Premier League that he’s capable of overachieving, helping the Bees register a top-half finish despite losing top scorer Ivan Toney last summer.

He will likely have much bigger funds to spend after taking the reins in North London, needing to make the changes he desires if he is to be a success in the role.

Frank has already wasted no time in identifying key options to help him in his quest at the club, already edging ever closer to landing his first signing since replacing Ange Postecoglou.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player of huge interest in recent weeks and a deal for the West Ham United star was officially confirmed by the club on Thursday evening.

£55m appears to be the golden number between the two clubs, with the Ghanaian now arriving as Frank’s first addition this summer.

However, other moves have also been made in recent days, with Morgan Gibbs-White set to put pen to paper after the Lilywhites activated his £60m release clause at Nottingham Forest.

Another Premier League star could be inbound too, with Yoane Wissa potentially following Frank to Spurs, according to BBC Sport.

They claim that talks have been held over a deal to land the Congolese international striker, who managed to score 19 times in his 35 league appearances last campaign.

The report also states that the player himself is extremely keen on a move to link up with his former boss, but they are demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the 28-year-old this summer.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be the dream CF for Kudus

Soon-to-be Spurs star Kudus is a player who will undoubtedly bring excitement to the fanbase in North London, given his spell in England with West Ham.

The 24-year-old has registered 19 goals over the last two years since his move from Ajax, often catching the eye with his mazy runs and incredible solo efforts.

He’s often scored numerous times after dribbling past the opposition effortlessly, but arguably his best strike was his bicycle kick against Manchester City in the 2023/24 campaign.

His pending move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium would be a big-money one, no doubt, but one that would be worth every penny if he can replicate his form from the London Stadium.

Kudus could also link up with Wissa if he also completes a move, with the pair having the prospect of helping the Lilywhites rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

The Brentford star, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, managed to score four goals with his head last campaign, something which could fall perfectly into the Ghanaian’s hands given his cross success rate of 26% last season.

Wissa also managed to register 1.3 shots on target per 90, able to link up with the £55m addition next season, especially considering his tally of 1.2 chances created per 90.

Games played

35

Goals scored

19

Shots on target per 90

1.3

Aerials won

46%

Pass accuracy

80%

Touches in opposition box

5.2

Fouls won

1.6

The Congolese star has further impressed by winning 46% of the aerials he’s entered, a superb record considering he’s not the tallest of players, standing at just 5”9.

Whilst it may be an expensive addition at around £50m this summer, it’s evident that Wissa would be a phenomenal addition given his previous spell in England’s top-flight.

The prospect of the Brentford talent linking up with Kudus in North London is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the club potentially possessing two of the division’s leading talents going into 2025/26.

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ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

Teenage sensation Chloe Ainsworth continued her scintillating start to the WBBL, helping Perth Scorchers to a 74-wicket win over the ladder-leading Sydney Thunder.Ainsworth claimed figures of 2 for 15 at Drummoyne Oval on Tuesday night, as Thunder were all out for 97 in the 20th over in pursuit of Scorchers’ 171 for 7. The seamer set the win up for Scorchers, taking 2 for 4 from her opening two overs.The result ended the Thunder’s four-match winning streak and helped heavyweights Scorchers climb from fifth to second on the WBBL ladder.It came amid some drama, with one of Drummoyne Oval’s light towers going out early in Thunder’s chase. Umpires stopped play to ask if both teams were happy to continue, before Thunder captain Phoebe Litchfield opted to stay on with the bat.”I don’t think I would like to be batting out there with Ainsworth out there firing, but that’s the umpire’s call,” Thunder coach Lisa Keightley said on afterwards. “And they gave it to the players, so that is interesting.”Already behind in the chase after Ainsworth’s wickets, Litchfield and Heather Knight offered the Thunder a brief hope with a 32-run third-wicket stand. But when Litchfield was caught off Amy Edgar the innings unravelled.Earlier, Sophie Devine helped set up the victory with 48 from 34 balls, turning around her run of two straight ducks before Tuesday night, alongside India’s Dayalan Hemalatha who made brisk 41 off 26 balls after not passing 13 in her first five innings.Devine pulled Sammy-Jo Johnson for one six, cut her for four the next ball and provided a deft late-cut to send Shabnim Ismail to the deep-third boundary. She was bowled by Ismail later in the same over, but with the assistance of Mikayla Hinkley Scorchers’ win had been set up.Devine has been one of the world’s best batters for more than a decade, but Ainsworth showed on Tuesday night why she could soon enter Australian calculations.The 19-year-old had last year’s WBBL MVP Chamari Athapaththu caught in the first over, before removing her opening partner Georgia Voll in her next over. She also should have had Hannah Darlington caught in the deep late, only for the chance to be dropped by Lilly Mills.Ainsworth’s wickets saw her add the duo to a high-profile list of victims this season, including Meg Lanning, Annabel Sutherland, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Alice Capsey. She has now taken nine wickets at 12.88 this season, after taking 15 at 19.66 in her rookie campaign last year.

Leeds United have submitted a £24m offer to sign a midfielder who’s been likened to Brenden Aaronson, according to a new update.

Leeds pushing for more signings after Bijol

After landing Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer, the 49ers Enterprises made their first major marquee signing of the summer ahead of their Premier League return with Jaka Bijol joining from Udinese.

At a cost of £15m, the Slovenia international has penned a five-year deal at Elland Road and was finally announced as a Leeds player on Monday.

Talking to Leeds’ official media, the centre-back said: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.

“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League. I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”

Leeds vs Everton

August 18

Arsenal vs Leeds

August 23

Leeds vs Newcastle

August 30

Fulham vs Leeds

September 13

Wolves vs Leeds

September 20

With Leeds looking to improve the spine of their team with additions in goal, in midfield and in attack after Bijol, the 49ers still have plenty of work to do.

In regards to a midfield signing, Leeds’ top target, albeit ambitious, is for Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra. The Whites made an opening €26m (£22m) offer to sign the Senegal international earlier this month, which was rejected, and a new update has now emerged.

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1 ByDan Emery Jun 25, 2025 Leeds make £24m offer to sign Diarra

According to a report from Africa Foot, Leeds have now improved their offer to sign Diarra, with a second proposal worth €28m (£24m).

A three-year contract is also said to be on the table at Elland Road for the versatile star, who can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder.

The 21-year-old prefers a move to the Premier League, according to Africa Foot, but Leeds could be rivalled by Everton who have also expressed an interest in Diarra’s services.

The 49ers look desperate to get a move done for Diarra, though, with the report adding that Leeds ‘intends to accelerate discussions to finalise the transfer’.

Already Strasbourg’s captain, Diarra contributed to nine goals in 33 games last season for the Ligue 1 side under Liam Rosenior, and he also scored against England at the City Ground.

Nico Gonzalez

Man City

Brenden Aaronson

Leeds

Daichi Kamada

Crystal Palace

Saul Niguez

Sevilla

Weston McKennie

Juventus

As can be seen, Diarra has been compared to a range of midfielders, including Leeds’ attacking ace Aaronson and former loanee Weston McKennie.

The Whites will be hoping that if Diarra does move to Yorkshire, he’ll have a greater impact than both USA internationals, and a move is one to keep an eye on once more following this latest claim.

Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has offered his verdict on striker Alexander Isak as the Newcastle star pushes for a move to Liverpool.

Isak pushing to leave Newcastle for LiverpoolSweden boss has spoken at length with strikerUrges fans to be careful as situation is "complex"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Isak wants to leave Newcastle before the close of the summer transfer window and secure a move to Liverpool. The Reds have already seen an initial offer for the striker rejected, while the Sweden international is refusing to play for the club in a bid to try and force a move to Anfield.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Newcastle want to bring in a replacement before sanctioning an exit for Isak and have been linked with Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Paris Saint-Germain star Goncalo Ramos. Isak has faced heavy criticism for his behaviour towards Newcastle and desire to move on, but Tomasson has praised the striker's professionalism and said fans must be careful as the full facts are not yet known.

WHAT TOMASSON SAID

He told fotbollskanalen: "First of all: 'Alex' is an extremely professional player. A fantastic character and personality. I have talked a lot with "Alex" during this period. Situations like this are quite complex. These are extremely complex environments that the players operate in. I'm sure it will work out in the end, but you have to know the whole picture before you draw conclusions. That's always a good tip.

"I don't think we know it (the whole picture). I don't know the whole picture either. It's quite normal because there's a lot of politics in a football club. But one thing is for sure: "Alex" is a great guy and very professional. We should all be very careful about drawing conclusions because we don't know the bigger picture."

TELL ME MORE…

Tomasson also spoke about Isak's chances of playing Wotld Cup qualifiers for the national team in September after missing the start of the domestic season. He added: "There is time. He is a professional and I know he has trained. Of course he has not trained with a team and has not played matches. Let's wait and see. We will have a good talk, Alex and I, and hopefully he will be back in team training soon. Of course we have thought about it. I want to have my best players available and he is a fantastic player. But I can't see into the future. It's impossible."

It looks as though Nottingham Forest are set to lose Anthony Elanga this summer, with Newcastle United submitting a new and improved £55m bid recently.

Forest rejected the first bid of £45m, but it remains to be seen whether this new one could seal the deal.

Elanga registered 18 goal contributions last term and should he leave, it would leave a major void to fill in the club’s attack.

Nuno Espírito Santo will be working tirelessly to bring in a replacement for the Swedish winger. And he could turn to Ligue 1 to do so.

Nottingham Forest already working on Elanga replacement

At the start of July, Fabrizio Romano claimed that Forest had agreed on a deal with French side Lyon to sign Malick Fofana this summer.

Other clubs are sniffing around the talented forward, however, notably Chelsea, and this could perhaps impact his final decision.

Last season, the Belgian starlet scored 11 times for the Ligue 1 side, while also chipping in with six assists.

He shone in the Europa League, with eight of his goal involvements coming in that competition and considering Forest will be playing in Europe next term, he is exactly the type of player required for Santo.

Fofana is still raw, however, and there is no doubt there is plenty of development needed by the youngster to make it to the very top.

Could the City Ground outfit perhaps land an alternative to the Belgian maestro? Especially someone with plenty of Premier League experience.

Forest can land Yoane Wissa as an Elanga upgrade

Forest reportedly lodged a £22m bid for Yoane Wissa back in January and have now shown interest in signing the player this summer.

Indeed, it was reported last month that Forest were willing to bid again for the Brentford forward, with the Bees looking for a fee in the region of £34m.

Goals

19

Assists

4

Big chances created

3

Key passes per game

0.8

Shots per game

2.6

Successful dribbles per game

0.4

Hailed as “unbelievable” by former Brentford manager Thomas Frank, Wissa can operate either on the wing or up front, giving Santo plenty of options with the DR Congo international.

Last season for the Bees, he scored 20 goals and grabbed five assists, which trumps Elanga’s output by seven. For context, the aforementioned Fofana registered 11 goals and six assists in all competitions last term.

Furthermore, Wissa also registered more shots per 90 (2.77 vs 1.58), more total shots (90 vs 44), touches in the attacking penalty area (163 vs 110) and had a greater percentage success with take-ons (30.6% vs 30.1%) in the Premier League last season.

This proves that the Brentford star would be an upgrade on Elanga ahead of next season. Not only can he play either upfront or on the flanks, but his eye for goal is far greater than the Swedes.

If the reported fee of £34m is correct, there is no doubt Santo could land a bargain signing with Wissa. With bigger clubs circling around Fofana, it looks unlikely that he will move to the City Ground this summer.

A more realistic option is Wissa. Given his stats, he could even turn out to be even better for Forest than the young Belgian.

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MatériaMais Notícias

da cassino online： Não é porque o rebaixamento ficou para lá, logo ali, uma posição e um ponto abaixo, que tudo deu certo no ano. Muito pelo contrário. Afinal, nos bastidores, o planejamento era, além do título do Gauchão, brigar pela taça nas copas do Brasil e Libertadores, bem como ficar na parte de cima da tabela até o final do Campeonato Brasileiro e, assim, conquistar mais uma vez vaga na competição mais importante da América do Sul. Não deu certo. Bem longe disso. O Lance! traz os bastidores da crise e mostra o que aconteceu no Internacional que saiu de candidato a títulos a quase rebaixado.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasInternacionalAnálise: Internacional na base do drama e da mística de Abel BragaInternacional08/12/2025Fora de CampoSóbis aponta responsável pela permanência do Internacional: ‘Mostrou o que era amor’Fora de Campo08/12/2025InternacionalInternacional deve ter mudanças em cargos na direçãoInternacional07/12/2025

da mrbet： ➡️Tudo sobre o Colorado agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Internacional

É possível dizer que 2025 só não foi pior do que 2016, quando foi rebaixado, na história dos pontos corridos. Mesmo assim, os números se equivalem. Em 38 jogos, esse ano, foram 11 vitórias, 11 empates e 16 derrotas, saldo de -13, e 38,6% de aproveitamento. Quando caiu há quase dez anos, foram 11, 10, 17, -6 e 37,7%, respectivamente.

Este ano, porém, o time bateu um recorde negativo na história dos pontos corridos: nunca antes o Internacional sofreu tantos gols quando no Brasileirão de 2025. Ao todo, a defesa foi vazada 57 vezes nas 38 rodadas.

continua após a publicidadeTroca de técnicos ano sim, ano também

O que aconteceu com o Internacional em 2025 começa na posse do presidente Alessandro Barcellos, em 2021. Ou no decorrer da gestão. Isso porque, apesar do vice no Brasileiro de 2020 — que, por causa da pandemia, acabou no início de 2021 —, sua administração seguiu à risca um dos principais itens da cartilha do rebaixamento. Em cinco anos na presidência trocou de técnicos oito vezes, com oito nomes passando pela casamata – um deles, Abel Braga, duas vezes.

Ou seja, em nenhuma das temporadas, Barcellos iniciou e terminou com o mesmo técnico. Pelo menos duas vezes, com Manos Menezes, em 2023, e Eduardo Coudet, em 2024, o técnico contratado não aproveitou as contratações da janela de meio de ano. Ambos, saíram em julho, antes dos reforços chegarem. Além disso, cada técnico que chegou ao Beira-Rio tinha uma ideia de jogo diferente do anterior, o que dificultava o começo do trabalho.

continua após a publicidadeOs técnicos da era BarcellosAbel Braga – 11/2020 a 2/2021Miguel Ángel Ramirez – 3/2021 a 6/2021Diego Aguirre – 6/2021 a 12/2021Alexander Medina – 12/2021 a 4/2022Mano Menezes – 4/2022 a 7/2023Eduardo Coudet – 7/2023 a 7/2024Roger Machado – 7/2024 a 9/2025Ramón e Emiliano Díaz – 9/2025 a 11/2025Abel Braga – 11/2025 a 12/2025A falta de reforços em 2025

Depois de duas contratações de hierarquia, ou de jogadores de seleção – o equatoriano Enner Valencia, em 2023, e o colombiano Rafael Borré, em 2024 – o cofre fechou para Roger Machado, que chegou em julho do ano passado. Com isso, o técnico demitido em setembro enfrentou as quatro competições deste ano praticamente com o mesmo time de quando chegou. Para piorar, perdeu peças importantes, como Fernando e Wesley.

É que, junto às contratações insuficientes, em número e qualidade, até mesmo atletas que haviam desembarcado no Beira-Rio durante o ano fora embora. Ao todo, o clube trouxe dez nomes nas duas janelas, somente dois deles, Alan Rodríguez e Vitinho, estavam no salvador 3 a 1 sobre o Bragantino. Por outro lado, saíram 16, seis deles chegaram a ser titulares, tanto com Coudet como Roger.

Ou seja, time perdeu seis jogadores – Gabriel Carvalho, Fernando, Rômulo, Rogel, Wanderson e Wesley – usados com frequência e recebeu apenas dois.

Racha interno no grupo

As eliminações nas copas do Brasil e Libertadores, bem como o 4 a 1 para o Palmeiras e uma derrota para o Bahia em jogo atrasado do Brasileiro, praticamente racharam o elenco. Se antes dos confrontos contra Fluminense, Flamengo, Verdão e Esquadrão, o grupo não era lá muito unido, mas lutava pelos resultados, depois, se esfarelou.

Tudo começou com os jogos eliminatórios. As quedas nas oitavas nos dois torneios desestabilizaram os atletas. Depois, na goleada, Gabriel Mercado e Carbonero foram às vias de fato após cobranças do argentino e resposta desdenhosa do colombiano. No 1 a 0 para o Tricolor baiano, devido a um pênalti infantil de Bernabei, D’Alessandro discutiu fortemente com o lateral. Os dois tiveram que ser contidos.

Na reta final, há relatos de discussões e cobranças fortes, como a feita pelo capitão Alan Patrick em um treino no CT Parque Gigante. O camisa 10 queria mais comprometimento dos colegas nos trabalhos para que pudessem buscar a recuperação no Brasileirão.

Problemas administrativos

Fecha o pacote uma série de problemas administrativos. Depois de demonstrar eficiência ao recuperar o Beira-Rio e o CT em tempo recorde para voltar a jogar em casa depois da cheia do ano passado, parece que esse esforço esfacelou a capacidade de gestão. O exemplo mais gritante é a chuva de papel picado na partida de volta das oitavas da Libertadores, contra o Flamengo, no Beira-Rio.

O Inter havia perdido no Rio, por 1 a 0, e montou uma operação de guerra para virar o jogo. A torcida compareceu em peso, começou a cantar antes mesmo dos times iniciarem o aquecimento. O clima era todo favorável ao Alvirrubro. Até que, no momento da entrada das equipes, uma chuva de papel picado caiu sobre o gramado.

Um erro de planejamento atrasou a dispersão do material laminado, que deveria ter sido feito no lado contrário da aba superior do estádio. Com isso, todo o papel foi levado pelo vento para dentro do campo, colando na grama, na bola e nas chuteiras. A limpeza levou tempo, esfriou a torcida e, mais ainda, o time. Resultado, nova derrota, 2 a 0, e a eliminação.

Na caça às bruxas, no afã de dar uma resposta à torcida e à imprensa, o clube demitiu dois funcionários de carreira, que apenas executaram o que havia sido ordenado por chefes ligados a uma organizada. Os verdadeiros responsáveis não foram punidos.

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It’s hard to imagine where Manchester United would be without Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese international undoubtedly the shining light in what’s been a dismal 2024/25 campaign.

The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League, just a couple of places above the drop zone, mainly due to the 30-year-old’s goal contributions, which saw him register 18 combined goals and assists in his 36 appearances.

He also fired Ruben Amorim’s side to the Europa League final, achieving a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions, by far and away the most in the first team.

Fernandes has maintained such levels over a sustained period after joining for £47m back in 2020, with such a deal now looking a bargain given his form at Old Trafford.

He’s registered 20 or more contributions in every year he’s spent with the Red Devils, but he desperately needs reinforcements in attacking areas next season if the side are to progress up the table.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Victor Osimhen has been a name widely linked with a move to Old Trafford this window, with the Nigerian looking to secure a move away from Napoli after spending the season on loan at Galatasaray.

Viktor Gyokeres is another player on Jason Wilcox’s radar, but it remains to be seen if they can convince him to secure a reunion with Amorim after the Swede stated his desire to move to Arsenal this summer.

However, the same can’t be said for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, with a deal seemingly edging closer to completion, according to reports..

The report notes that personal terms have been agreed over a summer switch to Old Trafford, with no other side having an opportunity to hijack the deal at this stage.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s also states that the two clubs are edging closer to agreeing a fee for his signature, with the Bees previously demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with their star man.

Why Mbeumo would be United’s best signing since Bruno

There’s no doubt that Bruno has been United’s star man in recent seasons, but other players have joined the club and made an impact, just not on the same level and on a consistent basis.

Amad Diallo is one player who has demonstrated his quality over recent years, with the 2024/25 campaign his major breakout year within the first team.

The Ivorian has netted 11 goals and registered eight assists this campaign, with his best moment undoubtedly coming in the Manchester Derby – netting the winner against Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad.

Rasmus Hojlund was another big-money addition, also joining from Atalanta like Amad, but ultimately, his spell in England has been a disaster, scoring just 26 times in his two years at the club.

The signing of the Dane was the last time the club spent £70m or more on a player, but this time, a deal for Mbeumo will land them a proven Premier League star.

His experience in such a division will be key to any success at Old Trafford, potentially linking up with Bruno and improving on his tally, which saw him bag 20 goals in a season for the first time in his career.

The “superb” talent, as labelled by analyst Harry Brooks, has massively outperformed the aforementioned pair in 2024/25, further showcasing why he’d be the best signing since the Portuguese playmaker.

How Mbeumo compares to Amad & Hojlund in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Mbeumo	Amad	Hojlund
Games played	38	26	32
Goals & assists	27	14	4
Shot-on-target accuracy	43%	36%	40%
Progressive passes	3.7	2.8	0.4
Passes into final third	1.7	1.2	0.6
Take-on success	47%	46%	27%
Goals per shot on target	0.5	0.4	0.3
Stats via FBref

Alongside outscoring the duo, he’s also notched a higher goal per shot-on-target rate this season, reaffirming the clinical ability he possesses within the final third.

However, alongside his goalscoring ability, he’s also demonstrated his creativity, completing more progressive passes and more passes into the final third – able to have an impact whether it’s scoring or assisting in attacking areas.

If he can carry over such form to Old Trafford next campaign, he will be a phenomenal addition and one that could take some of the pressure off Fernandes in terms of being the key man for United.

The club have often spent big and been unsuccessful, as seen with Hojlund, but this time around, there’s a different feel, with Mbeumo having all the tools to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The new McTominay: Man Utd moving to sign "one of the best CMs in Serie A"

Manchester United have a player in their sights who could replicate Scott McTominay’s success.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 19, 2025

It could be the end of his Test career as the Dhaka Test against South Africa was supposed to be his farewell game

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Oct-2024In what could be the end of an illustrious Test career for Shakib Al Hasan, the allrounder has had to make himself unavailable for the first home Test against South Africa. He was unable to make it to Dhaka while traveling from New York earlier this week. Shakib has been replaced by uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad for the first Test starting October 21 in Dhaka, which was supposed to be his farewell Test.Shakib, who was traveling from New York to Dhaka was asked to wait while in transit in Dubai on Wednesday, had expressed uncertainty around returning home because of protests against him in Dhaka amid political unrest. Shakib was initially included in the Test squad and it was supposed to be his farewell game at home, he had said on the tour of India last month.Shakib has not been able to return home in Bangladesh ever since the Awami League’s government resigned after 15 years in early August. Shakib, an MP with the Awami League, was already in Canada at the time for the Global T20 Canada and has not been to his home country since then. He flew to Pakistan for the two-Test series Bangladesh won, he went to the UK to play one first-class game for Surrey in the County Championship in September, before going to India for the two Tests. Unable to return home because of ongoing safety issues, he went to New York where he currently stays. Shakib has been named among 147 people in an FIR for an alleged murder during the unrest.Related

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Murad, 23, has taken 136 wickets in 30 first-class matches since his debut in 2021, and has already played two T20Is, in the Asian Games last year.”We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test,” chairman of BCB’s national selection panel Gazi Ashraf Hossain said in a press release. “He is at the end of his Test career but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that calibre with both bat and the ball to replace him.”However, Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first-class cricket and has been in our system. He will lend balance to our bowling, especially in home conditions. We believe he has the potential to deliver at this level.”The second Test between Bangladesh and South Africa will be played in Chattogram from October 29.