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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are hurting after losing five games in a row for the first time in an IPL season, but they are “not putting the white flag up” just yet. That was batting coach Mike Hussey’s reaction soon after CSK were blown away by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their IPL 2025 match at Chepauk on Friday.”Well, this one hurts a lot. I mean, it really does,” Hussey said at his post-match press conference. “The players are hurting, and the support staff are hurting. And, as I said earlier, the fans, I’m sure, are hurting with this one as well. This is a time where you really find out who are your true supporters.”We’re certainly not putting the white flag up just yet. You only have to get in to scrape into that fourth [and final playoffs] place. And in a big, long tournament like the IPL, it is about momentum. Now, certainly the momentum is not with us at the moment whatsoever. We haven’t been playing good cricket consistently. We definitely acknowledge that, put our hands up, and say that is a fact at the moment. But that’s not to say things can’t turn around and can’t turn around quickly.”Related

• Outdated CSK near a point of no return

• Dhoni's demands: 'A bit more partnerships, a bit more runs, a bit more application'

• CSK suffer fifth loss on the trot as KKR register monster win

• Stats – CSK's firsts of the worst in the IPL

• CSK's lowest totals: where does the collapse against KKR rank?

Before Friday, CSK had never lost three successive games in Chennai in an IPL season, but Hussey has backed their leaders to navigate the team through the unfamiliar terrain.”I just know Stephen Fleming, obviously, he is a great coach,” Hussey said. “And MS Dhoni… he’s been a great captain for a long time as well. Ruturaj [Gaikwad] is still going to be around the team. I think they’ll really try and bring this team as tight and as close together.”They will make sure there’s no fractures, make sure we’re still sticking tight because I’m sure we’re going to cop plenty of criticism from the outside and, look, we deserve it. We haven’t performed as well as we would have liked so far in the tournament. But from an inside, internal side of things, we’ve got to stick really tight.”CSK have cycled through 18 players this season, including all their overseas players, but are still searching for a winning combination. On Friday, they hit a new low by struggling to 103 for 9 in 20 overs, their lowest IPL total at Chepauk. Even before KKR began their chase, parts of the stadium began to empty out. Hussey hoped CSK would be able to change the mood of the fans and give them some joy.”The fans we have for the Chennai Super Kings have been absolutely phenomenal ever since day one, really,” Hussey said. “We hope they continue to keep turning out and supporting us. And I know the guys will be really hurting from this and will want to turn it around for the fans as much as for the dressing room and for each other as well, but more for the fans. Because they have stuck tight with us for a lot of the good times. And we hope they stick with us now when things haven’t quite gone to plan just yet.””The guys will be really hurting from this and will want to turn it around for the fans as much as for the dressing room and for each other”•Associated Press

Hussey disagreed with the suggestion that some of CSK’s Indian players were past their prime, and hoped to bring the best out of them in the upcoming games. He pointed out that a number of players had previously enjoyed late-career T20 revivals at CSK.”I don’t agree with that,” he said. “You know, we’ve had players in the twilight of their career come and play at CSK in the past. I think of Shane Watson. I think of Ajinkya Rahane. And they’ve performed really well for CSK. So I still think that the players that we’ve got still have some good cricket in front of them and can still offer us a lot. So, I don’t necessarily agree that, you know, they’re beyond their best. I still think we can find their best and see some great performances from them.”Despite considerably low output from Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda, CSK have preferred them over IPL rookies such as Delhi’s Vansh Bedi and Tamil Nadu’s C Andre Siddarth. While Hussey acknowledged that CSK had some talented youngsters on the bench, he said the team management wouldn’t fast-track them into the team until they were ready for the challenge.”With regards to blooding youngsters, we want to pick guys when they’re ready to perform as well,” Hussey said. “We’ve got some very good players that are waiting for their chance. No question about that. But sometimes I think when teams give up the ghost and think, ‘oh well, we can’t win the tournament anymore; well, we’ll just try the youngsters now’. We’re still here to try and progress in the tournament as far as we can.”

Karim Adeyemi's powerful strike in the early moments of the game against Wolfsburg sealed the win for Borussia Dortmund. Head coach Niko Kovac says the German forward took his advice to "work backwards" and aptly implemented it. The 23-year-old fired a powerful shot from outside the box, catching goalkeeper Kamil Grabara off-guard to score the only goal in the game.

Karim Adeyemi shines for Dortmund

Adeyemi was the difference-maker as Dortmund edged Wolfsburg 1-0, scoring a spectacular left-footed goal from distance in the 20th minute. He emerged as the game's standout performer with the most shots and relentless attacking runs. Head coach Kovac praised Adeyemi's physicality and hailed his increasing contribution to the team's collective play, stating that Adeyemi is now doing more for the team as Dortmund climbed to second in the Bundesliga with their third straight win.

AdvertisementAFPCoach Kovac is happy Adeyemi took his advice

In the post-match interview, the Dortmund coach was happy with how the team handled the pressure and showed total composure on the pitch to keep a clean sheet. He also praised Adeyemi for taking his advice and "working backwards."

"Karim only played five minutes in the last home game against Union," he said. He was annoyed, of course – but I told him: 'Karim, you're a great striker. You have to work backwards.' He's doing that more and more now. He's slowly understanding that you have to work backwards as a striker too. Because in the Bundesliga, the opponents have opportunities, which they then take advantage of – as we saw in the Champions League. We said: 'Boy, you won 1-0, you scored the goal. That's much better than a 5-4 – I think.' I hope he takes that as an example."  

Asked about Adeyemi's shot, Kovac said: "I know what power he has in his thighs; he jumps higher than anyone else on our team."

Nico Schlotterbeck is back in the squad

Schlotterbeck made an emotional and impressive comeback for Dortmund by returning to the starting XI after nearly six months out with a meniscus injury. Slotting straight into the back three, Schlotterbeck played the full 90 minutes and delivered a composed defensive performance. After the match, Schlotterbeck expressed his happiness at being back, stating he had worked hard for six months and was grateful for the support from fans and staff. Coach Kovac praised the medical and rehabilitation team for bringing the 25-year-old back to full fitness, while also highlighting the stability he brings to the defence.

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AFPCoach Kovac faces a crucial test

Dortmund now face Mainz in their next Bundesliga fixture on September 27, which will be another challenging away game for the team. After that, Dortmund will shift focus to the Champions League where they will go up against Athletic Club on October 2.

In the last few years, it's seemed relatively easy to predict the winner of the Ballon d'Or Feminin. In 2025, though, it feels incredibly tricky, especially after England's win over Spain in the European Championship final.

Alexia Putellas was the slight favourite going into the tournament, with Mariona Caldentey hot on her heels and Aitana Bonmati well in the mix for a third Golden Ball in a row. However, all three were on the losing side in Basel.

For England's stars, it's quite a different story. Among their heroes were players who enhanced an already strong case for the Ballon d'Or and outsiders who threw their hats firmly into the ring, having backed up strong seasons with stand-out summers. After all, we know how the voting goes for these awards in this day and age; there is immense weight placed upon these major tournaments by many of the voters. That much was evident when the full list of nominees was revealed on August 7.

The Euros wasn't the only tournament played during the summer either. The Women's Africa Cup of Nations came to its climax the day before, as Nigeria came from 2-0 down to beat Morocco in a thrilling final, while Brazil got the better of Colombia in the Copa America decider.

So, ahead of Monday night's ceremony in Paris, who is in pole position to win this year's Ballon d'Or? GOAL takes a look at the leading contenders below…

Getty Images15Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich)

It's often difficult for players in the Frauen-Bundesliga to get nominated for the Ballon d'Or, and it's not going to be any easier this year, given both Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg crashed out at the quarter-final stage of the Women's Champions League. However, Pernille Harder had herself a truly outstanding season which helped Bayern clinch a domestic treble.

The German champions retained their league title, lifted the German Super Cup and beat Werder Bremen in the DFB-Pokal final – with Harder at the heart of it all. A treble, combined with her wonderful stats, should be more than enough to put the Denmark captain onto the list of Golden Ball nominees. That said, the Danes' disappointing group-stage exit at the Euros could stop her from ranking too highly.

AdvertisementGetty Images14Melchie Dumornay (Lyon)

Until Lyon's shock Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal, Melchie Dumornay felt like a genuine contender for the Ballon d'Or at age 21. The Haiti international was OL's best player all season long and even scored in both legs of their European semi-final, despite the team's disappointing defeat.

She still deserves to receive votes for the Golden Ball this year, but the fact Lyon were only able to win one trophy, plus Haiti's lack of a major tournament this summer, will stop her from getting on the podium. Watch this space, though: she looks capable of winning this award – and sooner rather than later.

Imagn Images13Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)

Twelfth in the Golden Ball voting last year, Barbra Banda stood a good chance of ranking even higher in 2025. The latter stages of the 2024 NWSL season will count towards this year's award, during which the striker helped the Orlando Pride win the NWSL Shield and the Championship, and she has continued to excel in 2025.

Banda was not able to enhance her case with a big Africa Cup of Nations, though that's not on her really. The striker scored three goals and assisted another in her four appearances for Zambia at the tournament, but defensive frailties hurt the team again as they lost 5-0 to Nigeria in the quarter-finals.

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Getty Images Sport12Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea)

Chelsea completed an incredible domestic treble this past season and reached the last four of the Champions League – and yet, until some backed that up with big summers on the international front, they lacked obvious contenders for the Ballon d'Or. It's an award that often leans at least somewhat on name recognition as well as performances, and the Blues' most recognisable stars were often hampered by injuries.

However, Sandy Baltimore made her mark in enough big moments to be in with a shout. It was her corner that Lucy Bronze headed home to win the WSL title at Manchester United and she was then involved in all three goals in victory over the same opponent in the FA Cup final, scoring twice and assisting another. A quarter-final exit at the Euros with France will weaken her case, though.

It’s been a testing summer window for Newcastle United.

Despite their return to the Champions League and a squad brimming with youthful potential, key attacking targets continue to slip through their fingers.

Bryan Mbeumo, João Pedro and Hugo Ekitike have all eluded the Magpies, while names like Benjamin Šeško remain out of reach for now.

Attention recently turned to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who left the Bees’ pre-season camp amid mounting speculation about his future and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Capable of playing across the front line and known for his pressing and intelligent movement, Wissa fits the profile of a player who could offer cover and competition for Alexander Isak, who remains a concern for Eddie Howe in terms of durability.

But Newcastle may have their sights set on a less polished alternative: a young forward who outscored Wissa and Sesko last season and could offer the clinical edge that’s been missing at key moments.

Newcastle looking at £40m striker

At 22, Mika Biereth might not be a household name in the Premier League just yet, but his numbers over the past 12 months have turned heads across Europe.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, after that stunning form, Newcastle, Wolves, Aston Villa and Everton have all been quoted as having an interest, according to Caught Offside, as they plot their respective moves.

After spending the first half of the 2023/24 season at SK Sturm Graz, the former Arsenal academy product made a €13m move to Monaco in January but according to the report, he could go for £40m now.

Across both stints, the forward proved himself to be a “menace” in the words of The Athletic’s Alex Barker, racking up 27 goals in all competitions, including 24 in domestic leagues alone. That’s more than Wissa (20) and Sesko (21) managed during the same campaign.

What makes this even more striking is his underlying data: those 24 goals came from an expected goals tally of just 11.3.

That’s a dramatic overperformance, one reminiscent of Darwin Núñez’s final season at Benfica, and while such numbers often regress over time, they still signal elite-level finishing instincts.

How Wissa compares to Biereth

According to data from FBref, Biereth registered 1.66 shots on target per 90 minutes last season, with 60.5% of his total efforts hitting the target. By comparison, Wissa, a proven Premier League operator, managed 1.27 shots on target per 90, with an accuracy of just 45.6%.

Biereth’s sharpness in front of goal would complement Newcastle’s creative wingers, particularly Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, who regularly generate chances with their direct running and early deliveries into the box.

However, Biereth is not yet the finished article. His contribution to build-up play is minimal compared to Wissa’s. He averaged just 10.9 passes per 90 and registered fewer progressive carries (1.02) and progressive passes (1.75) than Wissa (1.85 and 2.07, respectively).

He also ranks poorly in aerial duels, winning just 33.3% of his battles despite standing 6 foot 2 – a surprising stat when compared to Wissa’s 45.5% success rate, which places the Brentford man in the 64th percentile despite his smaller frame.

This same data from FBref shows that Wissa’s pressing numbers are also superior. He makes more tackles per 90 (0.68 vs 0.36), including more in the final third (0.25 vs 0.15), and he completes take-ons at a far higher rate (30.6% vs just 9.1%). These metrics suggest Wissa is far more integrated into all phases of play, from defensive pressing to link-up.

Still, that may be exactly why Biereth would offer something different. Newcastle already have a multi-functional No.9 in Isak, and what they lack is a game-changing finisher who can be introduced in moments of chaos.

For £40m, Monaco may be willing to sell, especially after signing Ansu Fati and with other forwards like Breel Embolo and Folarin Balogun on their books.

Newcastle would be gambling on potential, but it’s the kind of gamble that could prove inspired, particularly in scenarios against deep blocks where space is at a premium.

If Newcastle want a ready-made Premier League performer, Wissa ticks every box. He presses, combines well, and contributes defensively. But if they’re looking for a match-winner, someone who can convert at a rate few strikers in Europe can match, Biereth deserves serious consideration.

His raw data suggests an elite finisher in the making, and with the right service and role, he could offer Newcastle something they haven’t had in years: a true penalty-box predator with the confidence and tools to decide games on his own.

Better fit than Ekitike: Newcastle lead race to sign £44m Wissa alternative

Newcastle eye highly-rated French forward after losing out on Ekitike

ByWill Miller Jul 22, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur ended 17 years without silverware in May, defeating Manchester United to lift the Europa League. The cabinet has not only received a new ornament, but the road to next season’s Champions League has also been unlocked for the Lilywhites.

This wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou, though. The Australian manager was dismissed weeks after his incredible triumph due to the wretched domestic campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League.

Now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham can begin anew, working from the foundations set by the craggy-faced Aussie and building a sustained period of success.

However, there’s no question that the pace has dropped in the market down N17. With pre-season underway, this is the perfect time for Daniel Levy to reel in a few impactful additions across the park.

And it seems to be the engine room that Tottenham desire an extra bit of quality.

Spurs in contact for new midfielder

Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was Tottenham’s dream signing to strengthen the midfield this summer, although after accusations regarding an illegal approach by the Lilywhites, the Englishman has since quashed any speculation by penning a new deal at the City Ground.

With both Rodrigo Bentancur and the routinely under-fire Yves Bissouma potentially on the move this summer, however, a more defensive midfield addition could be the more necessary addition anyway.

Well, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, Tottenham have made an approach to Joao Palhinha’s camp, though Bayern Munich have not received official contacts at this stage. Bayern would be looking to bank at least £30m for the 30-year-old.

Though Spurs would rather an initial loan for the Portugal international, these recent advancements suggest there could be some leeway on Levy’s part.

Why Spurs want Joao Palhinha

It hasn’t worked out for Palhinha at Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich, who he joined from Fulham in a move worth an initial £42m.

Bayern, in any case, were getting their mitts on one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars, he who had played under the wing of Marco Silva for a number of years at Craven Cottage, making 79 appearances and scoring eight goals.

Widely regarded as one of the division’s most unrelenting ball winners, Palhinha had been described as a “defensive monster” by data analyst Marcus Bring and a “tackling machine” by Sky Sports’ Adam Bate.

This is evidenced through his data from the 2023/24 season, winning a shedload of tackles, far more than anyone else in the division.

1.

Joao Palhinha

Fulham

152

2.

Joao Gomes

Wolves

128

3.

Vinicius Souza

Sheffield Utd

125

4.

Emerson Palmieri

West Ham

106

5.

Tyrick Mitchell

Crystal Palace

105

This level of tackling intensity is something that Tottenham will need to add to their ranks if Frank is to achieve a level of unity and coherence that wasn’t quite there last year.

Someone like Bissouma has been supposed to perform that role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his rash temperament and inconsistencies on the field limited him to a minor role in Postecoglou’s plans.

The Telegraph claimed earlier this month that the 28-year-old is expected to leave London this summer, one year away from the expiration of his contract. Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce have engaged in talks as they weigh up an official bid.

Tottenham signed Bissouma from divisional rivals Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m in June 2022, and he’s since completed 100 games, scoring two goals, failing to register a single assist and picking up two red cards.

In Palhinha, Tottenham would sign themselves a far more composed and reliable man, whose impact in the Premier League at a lower level with Fulham speaks for itself.

And the Iberian star, even having lost his way somewhat in a Bavarian shirt, still ranked among the top 3% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last year for pass completion and the top 3% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

Bissouma is strong in the challenge, to be sure, but there’s little question that the Malian is error-riddled and unconvincing as a whole, having made six errors in the Premier League last season, as per Sofascore, in spite of only starting 16 times.

By contrast, Palhinha didn’t make a single error over the 2023/24 English league season, and just one last term in the Bundesliga.

There’s something to be said about Palhinha’s ball-playing skills. Though he’s crisp and calm, his progressive passing leaves something to be desired.

However, this is a foible that Frank could surely abide. After all, the Danish manager has used no player more across his managerial career than Christian Norgaard at Brentford, playing him 262 times. The Danish defensive midfielder has recently signed for Arsenal in a £15m package.

Norgaard is not a forward-thinking distributor, but his rooted defensive principles in the middle of the park worked a treat for Frank over so many years.

Palhinha could emulate this, maybe even taking a more complete and wider-ranging approach at Tottenham. With the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already residing within the Lilywhites ranks, it makes sense that such a profile should be signed.

Bissouma has played his part at Tottenham, and indeed leaves having won a trophy, but to keep him on the books after such unconvincing and irrational performances in recent years would be negligible.

Luckily, Spurs are forging ahead with plans for a new midfielder, and Palhinha could be the man for the job.

Perfect alongside Palhinha: "Phenomenal" star has agreed terms with Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their pursuit of one talent this summer.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 26, 2025

They might not have the trophies to show for it at the moment, but this Arsenal team are stacked with sensational players.

One of the most impressive is undoubtedly Bukayo Saka, who has taken on the role of club talisman and has become an output machine in recent seasons.

Likewise, Gabriel Magalhaes has developed from a player often labelled as error-prone to one of the most reliable in the squad and someone who knows exactly how to throw his weight around.

So, fans should be delighted that Arsenal are close to signing a player who embodies some of the best qualities of both.

Arsenal close in on game-changing signing

It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that, in terms of signings, this has been one of the most exciting summers Arsenal fans have had for quite some time.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, the highly-sought-after Martin Zubimendi has finally been announced, alongside the squad-bolstering acquisitions of Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Additionally, the promising Cristhian Mosquera and potentially great Noni Madueke have already undergone their medicals, and the links to Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze persist.

However, there is still one more player, perhaps the most important of them all, yet to be officially secured, although that might be about to change.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has confirmed that Arsenal are nearing the final stages of their negotiations to sign Viktor Gyokeres.

The Italian journalist stated the following: “The conversation is still ongoing in London. The agents of the player are still in London to try resolve the agreement between all parties involved.

“Gyokeres is fighting to go to Arsenal. But obviously it’s really important to agree on the add-ons. They are really on it on every single hour, every single minute – Arsenal and Sporting are working on this deal.”

While we will have to wait and see what the overall package comes to, reports elsewhere have made it clear that the base fee will be around £55m, which seems like a fair price for a player of his calibre, especially as he could be described as a hybrid of Saka and Gabriel.

Why Gyokeres is a Saka & Gabriel Hybrid

Okay, we know this might sound a little out there to start with, but hear us out, as even though Gyokeres plays in a different position to both players and has some key differences, he also shares some unmistakable similarities.

Starting with Gabriel, for example, the former Coventry City star is a behemoth of a player, and while he might not have the heading ability of the Brazilian, he can certainly use his physique as a size advantage in the same way.

Don’t just take our word for it though, as The Athletic’s Thom Harris referred to the Swedish international as ‘a battering ram of a striker’ earlier this month, and you only need to look at the way he holds off defenders or simply barges past them in any of his numerous goal compilations.

In fact, while he couldn’t finish at the end, the 27-year-old demonstrated his brute strength against the Gunners in the Champions League last season, when he rode the challenges of both Gabriel and William Saliba to get into the penalty area.

Finally, he also has the mentality to match, with reports earlier in the window claiming that he was willing to give up millions to force this move and get the chance to win things at Arsenal.

This is also arguably something he shares with Saka, but the most significant aspect of his game that makes him similar to the Englishman is his output and willingness to put a team on his back.

For example, in 52 appearances last season, totalling 4248 minutes, the free-scoring “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, put the ball in the back of the net 54 times and provided 13 assists.

In other words, the Stockholm-born machine averaged 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes and was unsurprisingly his team’s most productive player.

While the Hale Ender wasn’t quite as prolific, he was still unreal in the games he played last season, racking up 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes.

Appearances

37

52

Minutes

2619′

4248′

Goals

12

54

Assists

14

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

63.40′

That means the mercurial number seven averaged a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes, and was the club’s most productive player, despite missing over three months of the campaign.

Just imagine how dangerous the Gunners could be next season with the two game-changers playing alongside one another.

Ultimately, it won’t be cheap, but Arsenal appear to be onto a winner with Gyokeres, and the fact that he embodies the best aspects of Saka and Gabriel is proof of that.

Arteta's new Xhaka: Arsenal hold talks to sign "monster" £30m CM

The impressive midfielder could add some extra bit to Arsenal this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 17, 2025

The fast bowler’s career has been hit by injury but he remains in the plans of Australia’s selectors

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Aug-2024

Jhye Richardson is in line to play his first game in Australia since January over the next few weeks after being included as part of Perth Scorchers’ squad for the Top End T20 tournament in Darwin.Richardson is the most notable inclusion in the Scorchers’ group which is largely made up of younger players on the fringes of the BBL and Western Australia sides plus some from the WA academy.Related

Stoinis and Agar lose CA deals while Bartlett earns full contract

Morris and Richardson backed for summer opportunities after injury challenges

Richardson, who was handed a Cricket Australia contract in March, has not played a game at home since injuring himself during the BBL. He made one appearance for Delhi Capitals in the IPL earlier this year.He has been part of an Australia training camp in Brisbane this week but was not considered for next month’s tour of Scotland and England with the selectors taking a longer-term view in the hope of him overcoming the injury issues which have hampered his international career. He had been in line for an ODI return against West Indies last season before picking up a side strain.”He’s fit and firing now, and again looking for match opportunities,” national selector George Bailey said last month. “I think he’ll get opportunities again across the summer.”Richardson will be joined in the squad by fellow quick Matt Kelly whose season was also ended early by injury. Batter Sam Fanning has been named captain while Baxter Holt, who moved to Western Australia from New South Wales, is also included.”We also see this tournament as an opportunity for Jhye and Kells [Matt Kelly] to find touch in a competitive environment,” stand-in coach Tim MacDonald said. “They didn’t play a lot of cricket last year but they’re a big part of what we do at the Scorchers and WA, so we’re looking forward to seeing both of them back in action.”The Top End competition also features Northern Territory Strike, Pakistan A, ACT, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars and a Bangladesh High Performance side.

With the 49ers Enterprises looking to make their mark, Rangers are now reportedly set to sign a versatile forward who has become convinced by the Ibrox project ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 49ers' Rangers project

Set to complete their takeover of the Scottish giants, the 49ers will be hoping to turn things around at Rangers and transform the Gers into the dominant champions they once were. As seen at Elland Road and Leeds United already, too, the American owners are perfectly capable of leaving their mark on a club and achieving their goals.

However, with a new manager needed and Celtic’s Scottish Premiership dominance only growing stronger, the extent of the 49ers’ task at Rangers cannot be overstated. And they must get things right this summer.

To that end, a number of names have already been linked with the job at Ibrox. The likes of Rafael Benitez represent the experienced choice, whilst Steven Gerrard would perhaps be the one that splits the most opinions after how he left Rangers for Aston Villa in 2021. Meanwhile, other names such as Danny Rohl and Davide Ancelotti would certainly be intriguing to watch in their own right.

With the Scottish Premiership now concluded for another season too, the Gers may have their answer sooner rather than later over just who steps into the role. The end of the campaign also means the end of Barry Ferguson’s interim role in charge of the club, but he has reiterated his desire to take the permanent role more than once.

The interim boss told reporters in recent weeks: “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion, I know I can do the job. I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me. I’ve been asked this question two or three weeks in a row, I think it’s clear, it doesn’t scare me one single bit.”

Meanwhile, away from the dugout, it almost goes without saying that a large part of the 49ers’ project will be the recruitment that they go in pursuit of this summer, which looks set to start with a Paris Saint-Germain talent.

Rangers set to sign versatile PSG forward Oumar Camara

According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, Rangers are now set to sign Oumar Camara from PSG this summer, with the versatile young forward convinced by the project in Glasgow. The teenager has captained PSG’s U19 side this season, but is set to secure a surprising move to Scotland in the coming months – likely becoming the first signing of the 49ers era.

Not just Butland: Rangers flop may have played his last game at Ibrox

Several Rangers players wont be at the club next season after the 2-2 draw with Hibs.

ByRoss Kilvington May 17, 2025

At just 18 years old, whether Camara would make an immediate impact at Ibrox remains to be seen. The winger, who can play on both sides, has enjoyed an impressive season at youth level, scoring nine goals and setting up another four in 25 games in all competitions. After failing to feature for the first team, however, the young Frenchman looks set to leave in pursuit of senior football.

Whether Camara’s reported arrival is a sign of things to come at Rangers will also be interesting to watch, as the 49ers attempt to build their project and turn things around at the Scottish club.

After overseeing yet another Wrexham promotion – their third in three years – Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have already reportedly set their sights on their first summer signing in preparation for the Championship.

Wrexham continue Hollywood dream

Everything that those in Wales could have dreamed of has so far come true since they decided to roll out the red carpet for Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney. The two Americans haven’t just taken Wrexham back into the EFL, they’ve taken them within one promotion of the Premier League after sealing League One promotion last weekend.

After overseeing history, Reynolds told reporters: “It just seemed like an impossible dream. We’re story-tellers, and when you’re story-tellers you look at the macro view of this history.

“We wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for the history of the club. The Gresford disaster and Mickey Thomas – who is a huge and pivotal point of aspiration for the club, and a goal to reach that feeling again.

“Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer. This coaching staff – the greatest dressing room in sports I think I’ve ever seen before. There are so many beating hearts of this club, but it all comes back to Phil and that leadership in the locker room.”

What once seemed an absurd dream and arguably nothing more than that is now an increasing possibility for Wrexham, who will undoubtedly be among the most interesting sides to watch next season once again.

As the transfer window approaches too, Reynolds and McElhenney may well put their Hollywood fame and riches to good use once again to build a side capable of dreaming bigger than ever.

Wrexham could make Tomas Galvin their first summer signing

According to Football League World, Wrexham are already plotting a summer move to sign Tomas Galvin this summer in what would be their first capture in the Championship. The Dungannon forward has reportedly attracted the interest of Portsmouth and Charlton as well as Wrexham, who will be looking to pull off yet another coup on the transfer front.

At just 20 years old, Galvin has thrived in Northern Ireland – scoring seven goals in all competitions this season to potentially earn a move to English football. Whether he, like many, will give into the temptation of stepping onto Wrexham’s red carpet remains to be seen, however.

Rodney McAree will certainly be keen to keep hold of his talented forward, having been so full of praise for him last season. The Dungannon manager told reporters: “Tomas has been brilliant recently. He’s a great lad and one for the future…he’s a strong boy, is loving his football and has a smile on his face.

“His first one is a great finish and his second is instinctive…I think he wins the header on the first occasion and then he reacts and manages to get it in the back of the net.”

Over the last day or so, Liverpool fans received the news they’ve been waiting for all season long, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk both edging closer to extending their contracts at Anfield.

Both players were set to leave Arne Slot’s side at the end of the campaign with their deals set to expire, but the latest news has shed positive light on their futures on Merseyside.

It was reported that both stars are set to extend their stints with the Reds until the summer of 2027, with tying the pair down arguably the best business they could do this summer.

However, there’s no denying that Slot will still want to delve into the transfer market to further bolster his first-team squad, looking to build on the success achieved in the Premier League during his debut year at the helm.

One player has already emerged on their shortlist ahead of the summer, but they will face huge competition from another English side for his signature.

Liverpool plotting summer move for £40m sensation

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are firmly in the race to land Ajax’s 19-year-old sensation Jorrel Hato this summer, offering more depth at centre-back and left-back. Bailey states that ‘Liverpool like him’, but they won’t be alone in their pursuit.

Indeed, Arsenal are also said to be hugely interested in landing the teenager, with his versatility key to the interest from both of the English outfits.

He’s made 44 appearances across all competitions, registering nine combined goals and assists despite his defensive role, building on his progress in the Eredivisie after making his debut at just 16.

The report claims that Hato could be available for around the £40m mark this summer, with Slot keen on securing a move for his compatriot given his showings in recent months.

Despite his tender age, he would be a superb addition to the Reds first team squad, potentially becoming even better than one other star should he complete a move to Anfield in the coming months.

Why Hato could become a bigger talent than Van Dijk

Centre-back Van Dijk has been one of the leading factors to the success endured at Liverpool this season, being a key figure in Slot’s starting eleven, starting every single Premier League outing.

The same can be said for his entire spell on Merseyside, making over 300 appearances in his seven years at the club, cementing himself as one of the best defenders in the world – as seen by his Ballon d’Or standing a few years ago.

He may be 33, but remains as a pivotal member of the side, with his contract extension a boost to Slot, the squad and the supporters in their ambitions of building on their success in 2024/25.

Such a decision won’t scupper a move for Hato this summer, with the Ajax youngster able to learn off his compatriot and potentially become even better than the former Southampton star.

Hato, who’s been labelled “immense” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was named in the top ten of the NXGN 2025 wonderkid list, having the potential to explode in Europe’s top five leagues should he move to the Reds.

Despite his tender age, the teenager has thrived in the Eredivisie, producing countless impressive stats that could allow him to catapult him to a level above that of Van Dijk.

When comparing his stats to the Reds’ captain, he’s managed to win more duels per 90, whilst also being dribbled past on fewer occasions – highlighting his defensive qualities.

Games played

25

31

Goals & assists

8

2

Duels won

4.7

4.6

Aerial success rate

64%

69%

Times dribbled past

0.1

0.3

Tackles won

1.5

0.5

Recoveries made

5.1

3.3

He’s also won more tackles and registered more goals and assists, showcasing the threat he possesses at both ends of the pitch – having the opportunity to improve further as he continues his development.

With Van Dijk entering the final years of his professional career, it’s crucial that the hierarchy plot for his eventual departure despite his new contract, with Hato certainly the perfect player to learn off the elite talent.

Whilst £40m may seem a huge investment in such a young star, it could be a bargain if lives up to his potential, setting the side up for further success in the years to come.

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