Alisson analisou a vitória do São Paulo contra o Athletico-PR, por 2 a 1 pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, e considerou uma partida ‘difícil’ para a equipe.
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Diferente do que estava acostumando a acontecer sob o comando de Dorival Júnior, no jogo desta quarta-feira (21) Alisson começou o confronto no banco de reservas, com Wellington Rato em seu lugar e entrou em campo somente no segundo tempo.
De acordo com o camisa 7, ‘a equipe sabia da dificuldade do adversário, mas está de parabéns pela forma que se comportou’. Com o resultado, o Tricolor chegou ao G6 na tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro.
ATUAÇÕES: Gabriel Neves vai do inferno ao céu e Luciano comanda virada do São Paulo contra o Athletico-PR
Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!
– Sabíamos da dificuldade que seria o jogo, equipe muito qualificada, mas feliz. Feliz por estar ajudando, a equipe está de parabéns pela forma que se comportou – disse.
O jogador também comentou sobre o problema com as lesões que o elenco tricolor está enfrentando. Embora tenha uma boa quantidade de atletas em fase de transição física, o Tricolor, agora, tem mais uma preocupação: a situação de Diego Costa.
Ainda no primeiro tempo, o zagueiro deixou o gramado chorando bastante após sentir a coxa, e Alan Franco entrou em seu lugar. Alisson destacou que, em grande parte, as lesões que o elenco sofreu recentemente são aquelas que ‘não dá para fazer nada’, mas afirmou que ainda não sabe a verdadeira situação do companheiro. A expectativa é que Diego Costa seja avaliado logo na reapresentação do elenco, nesta quinta-feira (22).
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– Se fomos parar para analisar, ver as lesões, são lesões que não pode fazer nada. Às vezes joelho, tornozelo, mas sobre o Diego, não sei se teve lesão. Foi uma pancada, tomara que fique nisso e que ele possa estar com a gente no próximo jogo – completou.
O São Paulo volta a campo neste sábado (24), contra o Cruzeiro. A partida será em Belo Horizonte e o elenco embarca na sexta-feira (23), durante a parte da tarde.
Still in the market for an attacking reinforcement even after signing Jack Grealish, Everton have now reportedly been handed a major boost in pursuit of a top target.
Moyes "looking forward" to "best version" of Grealish
It wasn’t so long ago that Grealish was breaking records by becoming the most expensive British player of all time, and everyone involved at Everton will be desperate to see a player worthy of that £100m price tag arrive and not the version that Manchester City have witnessed in the last couple of years.
There’s plenty of debate over whether the former Aston Villa man ever truly lived up to his price at The Etihad, but it’s hard to forget the impact that he made during their infamous treble-winning campaign – even if that was not reflected through goals.
That’s the calibre of player that Everton have welcomed to The Hill Dickinson and David Moyes is keen to see the “best version” of that player.
Whether Grealish will be ready to make his Everton debut as soon as Monday’s Premier League opener against Leeds United remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that he’ll play a key role in the Toffees season with minutes under his belt.
Everton and TFG submit huge £37m bid to sign "powerful" new star for Moyes
The striker in question is wanted by multiple clubs.
By
Callum Kemp
Aug 14, 2025
His arrival was a statement of intent by The Friedkin Group and they’re not done there on the transfer front. In fact, reports are now suggesting that they’ve received a major boost in pursuit of a La Liga star.
Kubo now wants to leave Sociedad amid Everton interest
According to reports in Spain, Takefusa Kubo has now asked to leave Real Sociedad following news that Everton submitted an opening offer to secure his signature earlier this summer.
Initial offers from those in Merseyside as well as from West Ham United and Bournemouth were believed to be around the €40m-mark (£35m) and, therefore, short of the winger’s €60m (£52m) release clause. As such, it would be easy to assume that all parties are still fairly far apart in negotiations, but Kubo’s request to leave could yet soften Sociedad’s stance in a major boost for Everton and others.
Since earning the praise of scout Jacek Kulig, who dubbed his start to the 2023/24 campaign as “fantastic”, Kubo has only kicked on and deservedly earned interest from the Premier League.
With Thomas Muller’s 25-year Bayern Munich journey behind him, Harry Kane and the new leadership core are stepping up to uphold the Bavarian spirit and carry forward the winning mentality the legendary forward embodied. While director Christoph Freund admits Muller's personality is irreplaceable, Kane says the squad already have a “sense of togetherness” despite the loss of their "vocal" leader.
The void left by Thomas Muller
Muller’s departure at the end of the 2024–25 season marked the end of an era for Bayern as the veteran forward opted to join Vancouver Whitecaps after his contract expired. A talismanic presence at the club, his leadership as vice-captain and intimate connection with the fans made him irreplaceable. While Bayern remain a powerhouse, they squad now faces the challenge of filling the void left by a player whose presence extended far beyond goals and assists.
With Muller gone, though, a new hierarchy is taking shape within the dressing room, reports. In addition to captain Manuel Neuer, and his vice-captain Joshua Kimmich, 32-year-old Kane and summer signing Jonathan Tah have taken on more responsibility within the team, as have established stars Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry.
AdvertisementAFPKane believes new leadership brings different dynamism
With Muller gone, the responsibility to lead has shifted across the squad Kane explained: "It's a mix of other players. Thomas was always a loud leader, but that doesn't mean we don't still have others like Josh, Manu, myself, or even Serge and a few others. When a player like him leaves, a leader like him, it puts pressure on other players to step up and be a little louder in certain situations than in the past.
"That's why I think it's a bit more spread out across the team now. But as you can see, we have a strong environment right now. The current team has a very good sense of togetherness. And that's how we started the season!"
Bayern sporting director Freund admits that no one can replace Muller but claims the team has divided their work and responsibilities making the leadership less stressful and more effective.
"Thomas Müller is a legend! I don't think replacing him one-to-one is possible. He was there for so long and had such a personality that you can't replace. But the team lives very, very well within itself, and things are simply divided up. It's great in the dressing room.
"There are a few young players, Alex Pavlovic, Tom Bischof. Besides Manu, Jo Kimmich, who have been here longer. Michael Olise feels extremely comfortable in the group. It's just a good mix at the moment."
The heart of Bayern: Muller’s influence beyond the pitch
Muller’s influence stretched far beyond his 13 Bundesliga titles, two Champions League trophies, and countless other accolades. A native Bavarian, he personified the club's ethos – resilient, authentic, and deeply connected to his home culture. His loyalty, humour, and leadership made him part of a much larger community, from the youth ranks to the senior squad, fans, and the city itself.
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Getty Images SportKane and the team carry Bayern forward
With Muller gone, Kane has stepped up, scoring 13 goals in seven Bundesliga games – including two hat-tricks – and becoming the fastest player to reach 50 league goals. His clinical form has powered Bayern to a record 18 goals and 12 points from four matches, while the new leadership core, including Kimmich, Neuer and key young players, ensures team unity and the winning mentality Muller once embodied.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has held meetings regarding two highly-rated Dinamo Zagreb youngsters, reinforcing the club's interest in one long-term target and making contact with another. The former playmaker was in attendance to see the Croatian side in action and is already laying the groundwork for future transfers at Camp Nou.
Barca hunt for more talent
Deco has travelled to Croatia to monitor and hold talks regarding two promising Zagreb talents, according to a report from . The former Portugal international was in attendance at the Stadion Maksimir, accompanied by agent Andy Bara, to watch Dinamo secure a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday.
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Deco holds meeting with Brazilian prospect Belinho
During his stay in the Croatian capital, Deco reportedly held an informal meeting with Rafael Belinho, a highly-rated Brazilian youngster. The discussion took place at the Westin Zagreb Hotel and was also attended by the player’s father. The meeting is understood to have been an introductory one, allowing the club to establish a direct connection with the promising player ahead of a potential future move.
Barcelona renew interest in Cardoso Varela
The trip also served as an opportunity for Barcelona to reaffirm their long-standing interest in midfielder Cardoso Varela. The Catalan club have been tracking the youngster for some time and reportedly failed in an attempt to sign him last summer. Although Varela recently signed a new contract with Zagreb until 2028, Barcelona remain keen and are believed to be planning another approach next summer. Varela made a brief cameo in Thursday's win, entering the match as a 93rd-minute substitute.
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Getty Images Sport
What next for Barcelona's transfer plans?
Deco's scouting mission highlights Barcelona's strategy of identifying and pursuing top young talent across Europe. The club is leveraging its strong relationship with agent Andy Bara, who has previously facilitated deals involving players like Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia. This trip indicates that the groundwork is being laid for the summer 2026 transfer window, with Belinho and Varela firmly on the club's radar. Deco’s scouting work continues this weekend, as he is scheduled to travel to Oviedo for their upcoming league fixture.
Arsenal are a club that have been utterly transformed over the last five years or so.
Mikel Arteta has taken a side that were spiralling down into mid-table mediocrity and has helped craft one of the best teams in Europe, let alone the Premier League.
While his philosophy and tactics have played a significant role in the North Londoners’ rejuvenation, so have the signings they’ve made.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetacelebrates after the match
Under previous Sporting Director Edu Gaspar and Andrea Berta today, the Gunners have become far more effective at identifying and signing brilliant players in the transfer market.
However, Arsenal still have a problem selling stars, and have seen more than their fair share leave for nothing, including an international who could be described as being Arteta’s own Alexander Isak.
Arsenals players who left for nothing
There were signs of improvement with the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale all leaving for decent money last summer, but in the previous four or five years, Arsenal have had too many players leave for nothing.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
For example, perhaps the most exciting signing the club have ever made, the player whose arrival promised the ushering in of a triumphant period for the club that never arrived, Mesut Özil, ended up leaving for nothing.
The German superstar famously agreed to a bumper £350k-per-week contract renewal in January 2018, and it was pretty much downhill from that moment until he left for Fenerbahçe three years later.
Another big-money signing who left for free was Nicolas Pepe.
The Ivorian was a better player for the Gunners than people gave him credit for, racking up 48 goal involvements in 112 games, but he could never live up to his £75m price tag and, after several middling loans, had his contract terminated by mutual consent.
Going further back, to Unai Emery’s time at the club, and Aaron Ramsey’s exit was another disaster from a financial perspective.
After 369 games for the club, in which he scored 64 goals, provided 60 assists and played a significant role in several FA Cup triumphs, the Welsh legend left the Gunners to join Italian giants Juventus.
With all that said, none of these stars could realistically be compared to Liverpool’s new superstar Isak, which isn’t the case for another ace who left for nothing under Arteta’s watch.
The Arsenal star who was Arteta's Isak
Since taking the job at Arsenal, Arteta has overseen the exits of some notable players, including the aforementioned Ozil, but perhaps the most controversial one was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabonese international was the club captain for part of the Spaniard’s tenure, but following a drop in form and his late arrival for a North London derby in March 2021, the writing was on the wall for his Gunners career.
The former Borussia Dortmund star was eventually let go for nothing in January 2022, and while he endured a lacklustre year and a half with Barcelona and Chelsea, he quickly found his form in the south of France.
In one season with Marseille, the Laval-born monster scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists in 51 appearances, which was enough to earn him a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League.
The 36-year-old was able to amass an impressive tally of 24 goal involvements in 36 games for Al-Qadsiah last season, but has now returned to Marseille, where he is already outperforming Viktor Gyokeres, producing three goal involvements in three games.
Appearances
51
36
3
Minutes
4005′
3196′
186′
Goals
30
21
2
Assists
11
3
1
Goal Involvements per Match
0.80
0.66
1.00
Minutes per Goal Involvement
97.68′
133.16”
62′
With all of that said, then, what was it about Auba that meant we could describe him as being like Arteta’s Isak in the past?
Well, the first reason is that, prior to going off the boil somewhat, the “world-class” striker, as dubbed by Behdad Eghbali, was a lean, mean goalscoring machine for the manager.
For example, in the 19/20 season, he racked up a sensational haul of 29 goals and three assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3725 minutes.
That comes out to an outrageous average of a goal involvement every 1.37 games, or every 116.40 minutes.
Moreover, like the former Newcastle United star, he’s a lanky striker but undeniably elegant centre-forward, who was capable of a plethora of finishes, but was particularly adept at coming in from out wide and slotting home.
In fact, like the Swede, he may be a striker first, but he has spent a considerable amount of time in his career playing out wide on the wings.
Finally, just as the Reds’ new star helped his former side with the League cup, the former Gunners star played a crucial role in Arteta lifting the FA Cup in his first season as manager.
Ultimately, while there were valid reasons for getting rid of Aubameyang, we can’t help but wonder how useful he’d be in this Arsenal squad, as he clearly still has an excellent ability to put the ball in the back of the net.
He's "England's future LB": Arsenal sold Hale End's own Hincapie last year
The promising full-back looked brilliant in Arsenal’s academy.
It’s been a bumpy ride for Aston Villa so far during the chaotic summer transfer window.
PSR-related issues have hindered the number of incoming signings the Premier League outfit has been able to make, with their worrying financial state resulting in the sale of homegrown prodigy Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United for £43m.
Jacob Ramsey in Premier League action for Aston Villa.
Morgan Rogers could soon be the next devastating exit as Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur wait in the wings for his £100m signature.
However, all the doom and gloom enveloping Villa Park would surely be lifted by some exciting additions to the building, before the dramatic window shuts.
Aston Villa very keen on last-minute signing
Losing a player of Rogers’ spellbinding quality would be a crushing blow to Villa’s already fragile confidence, considering the recent recipient of the PFA Young Player of the Year – who has also been looked at persistently by Chelsea – collected an astounding 30 goals and assists in all competitions last campaign.
Unai Emery and Co. won’t want to be bogged down too much by the anxiety of losing another of their star assets, though, as last-ditch incomings are also in the pipeline.
Adrien Rabiot is reportedly on their radar as he attempts to leave Marseille behind after a public falling out. On top of that development, Nicolas Jackson is also being regularly spoken about as another potential arrival, with the ex-Villarreal attacker being eyed up by Bayern Munich, alongside the Villans.
Jackson’s teammate at Stamford Bridge in Christopher Nkunku is another interesting name on the Villa shortlist, with journalist Fabrizio Romano now delivering an update as to whether a move could soon whir into motion.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, Romano – while chatting on DAZN – stated that Emery’s men remain “very keen” about striking up a last-ditch deal for the hot-and-cold Frenchman, with a speculated £35m price tag already in the air.
While the ex-RB Leipzig attacker hasn’t always been full guns blazing in West London, he could well prove to be a smart buy, particularly as Villa attempt to finally land a Jhon Duran replacement.
How Nkunku can finally replace Duran
This might well be viewed as a wild initial shout, considering Nkunku has largely struggled to get going donning Chelsea blue.
From 38 mainly unmemorable Premier League outings, the £35m-rated forward has only collected six strikes, but there is a method behind the madness here.
Nkunku vs Duran – PL record
Stat
Nkunku
Duran
Games
38
55
Starts
11
7
Goals
6
12
Assists
2
0
Stats via Premier League
Indeed, as can be seen when glancing at the table above, Nkunku has managed to collect a majority of these strikes when being utilised as an impact substitute in West London, with precisely four of those six goals coming when he’s been launched into action mid-contest.
Of course, his lightning-quick numbers do pale in comparison somewhat to Duran’s blistering output – with Emery even going out of his way to label the Colombian as “very clinical” for his 12 goals from just seven top-flight starts – but there are positive signs that he could be the Spaniard’s next iteration of the South American.
After all, if Emery can get the very best out of Nkunku daily, landing the Frenchman will surely be seen as a similarly golden steal to Duran’s £18m entry fee, with the Chelsea number 18 once branded as “unstoppable” by journalist Zach Lowy when sensationally notching up 70 goals and 56 assists on the books of Leipzig.
It will be a tough ask to get this instantly back out of an attacker bruised by his injury-strewn Chelsea experience.
But, it could be a worthwhile gamble, if he goes on to excite and tantalise Villa fans in a similar electric manner to that of Duran.
Aston Villa send late bid to seal a better signing than Nkunku & Jackson
Aston Villa could win a better signing than both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson joining with this last-ditch move.
Everton have shown an “interest” in signing a player who Lionel Messi knows well this summer, according to a new update from journalist Graeme Bailey.
Moyes excited about "fabulous" Grealish
The Blues are preparing for their Premier League opener away to Leeds United on Monday evening, in what has the potential to be a tricky assignment under the lights at Elland Road.
Speaking ahead of the game, though, Everton manager David Moyes was in positive spirits, not least waxing lyrical about new signing Jack Grealish ahead of his possible debut for the club.
“You all need to turn up to find out! I think Jack can play in several positions – he can play as a midfield player as well. He doesn’t give the ball away very often.
Jack Grealish
“My aim is to get Jack in positions where he can be creative for us, score and assist goals. “I’ve only seen him for a few days here but he’s looked fabulous and he’s in good enough shape so there’s lots of good things to like about Jack. I just need to make sure I get him at the right time and he’s had enough minutes.”
There is still time for Everton to add to their list of summer signings, strengthening in key areas, and a new update has now emerged regarding one target.
Everton have "interest" in World Cup winner
Speaking to Everton News, Bailey claimed that Everton have an “interest” in signing Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina this summer, battling other clubs for his signature, from Bournemouth to Juventus.
“One player I am told they have had an interest in is Nahuel Molina at Atletico Madrid – Bournemouth also linked. However, Atletico are not sure about him going – also he is being offered to Juventus as possible part of Nico Gonzalez deal.”
Nahuel Molina in action for Atletico Madrid at the Club World Cup.
It remains to be seen if Everton can strike a deal for Molina, but he has pedigree as a footballer, not least after winning the World Cup alongside Messi back in 2022.
The Atletico Madrid ace has also tasted Copa America glory twice, during a great era of dominance for Argentina, and he has been lauded as “stupidly good” by football content creator Neal Gardner.
Right-back should be seen as a key area of focus for Everton before the transfer window closes on September 1st, even though Jake O’Brien is doing an excellent job there currently.
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He is still a centre-back by trade, with a more natural player in the role arguably needed, or at least stern competition for him this season and beyond.
In spite of all the drama that has plagued Newcastle United throughout the summer transfer window, there’s a sense that Eddie Howe will be rather pleased with the lion’s share of his club’s business.
Newcastle rebounded from a frustrating start to the 2024/25 campaign and qualified for the Champions League, finishing fifth in the Premier League, having also defeated Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup.
But the feel-good factor faded out after the curtains draped on a successful season, with a slew of failed bids for top targets dampening the mood and then some.
This has been a transfer window of attrition, but one that Newcastle have weathered and now appears to be emerging from victoriously, having strengthened across the park.
And while the pursuit of a new striker has been an interminable and fruitless thing up until this stage, Newcastle have finally made headway, welcoming Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for a club-record fee.
Why Newcastle signed Woltemade
While this remains conjecture at this stage, all the pointers suggest that Woltemade has been welcomed to Newcastle as Alexander Isak’s replacement.
Newcastle’s free-scoring talisman has made a menace of himself on Tyneside for three years now, but has essayed to secure a move to Premier League champions Liverpool for over a month, and appears set to get his wish.
A blow, no doubt about it. To Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, Isak was “the best striker in the Premier League” last season, after all. He scored 27 goals across all competitions, and replacing him was understandably viewed as a steep task.
But Woltemade, 23, has all the tools to thrive as the Sweden star’s successor. Across all competitions last year, the 6 foot 6 centre-forward scored 17 goals and supplied three assists, with talent scout Jacek Kulig hailing his “unstoppable” form in front of goal.
A fantastic signing, of course, but there’s little evidence at this stage that Woltemade will hit the ground running, especially since Newcastle plan to further bolster their frontline with the signing of a Prem-proven number nine, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa at the top of the list.
Landing the German was fine business, but Newcastle aren’t done there. Indeed, Howe and United’s transfer officials have their sights set on a centre-midfielder to complete the set.
Newcastle in last-gasp race for midfielder
As per Caught Offside, Newcastle have joined a late transfer tussle for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is anticipated to be on the move ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Valued at £45m by the Spanish giants, Gallagher only swapped the Premier League for La Liga one year ago, and though he showed plenty of promise under Diego Simeone’s wing last year, he is open to making a dramatic return to his homeland.
Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be leading the race at this stage, but Newcastle are ready to pounce if the chance presents itself, with Crystal Palace and Manchester United also interested.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
What Gallagher will bring to Newcastle
Now that Woltemade has arrived, Newcastle are in a far better position to tackle the campaign ahead. However, his signing comes with the caveat that Isak will leave, and however you brush it up, that is a big blow.
But Gallagher would only reinforce a deep and dynamic midfield cohort, and having been described as being “like a machine” in midfield by former Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo, it’s clear he has the backing of those billed as superstars in the Premier League.
Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.
And, moreover, he has a tried-and-tested method of success in England’s top flight, having showcased technical skill, intensity and energy throughout his years at Stamford Bridge and his loan spells with West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace, routinely covering the most distance in a match while at Selhurst Park.
Newcastle lost Sandro Tonali and Joelinton to injury after Monday night’s agonising defeat against Liverpool, and Gallagher’s presence would have gone a long way toward injecting that extra bit of quality and drive against the Reds, who withered and were pressed against the ropes on
Matches (starts)
35 (18)
37 (37)
Goals
3
5
Assists
1
7
Pass completion
85%
92%
Big chances created
5
11
Key passes*
0.6
1.4
Dribbles*
0.7 (50%)
1.0 (68%)
Ball recoveries*
5.1
6.3
Tackles*
1.3
2.3
Duels (won)*
3.5 (45%)
5.7 (50%)
Across the past year at Atletico, Gallagher has played an important role, featuring 52 times and contributing to ten goal contributions. His prowess translated to life in Spain, and his ability to operate across a range of midfield roles in England speaks for itself.
Woltemade, for all his promise and potential, scored 12 times in the Bundesliga last season, and that doesn’t issue a fail-safe promise of prolificacy in the Premier League, considered by many to be the toughest division across the continent.
But how can Gallagher’s skill on English soil be contested? He has performed with aplomb for three different clubs, all of differing levels, and demonstrated his range while doing so.
There’s no doubt that Woltemade will alight on Tyneside with a weight of expectation, and that he has big boots to step into, but Gallagher would merely add to a midfield circle that already operates so fluidly and aggressively, and his skill set suggests he would dovetail right in.
Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade
And with someone like Wissa, who scored 19 times in the Premier League last season, there’s actually every chance that Woltemade could spend the campaign jockeying for a place at the front of the ship and taking a seat on the bench for a multitude of matches.
This shouldn’t be a negative thing for the Toon, however; even with the potential sale of Isak, Newcastle have recruited shrewdly, and have a wealth of options ready to raise Howe’s system up another gear.
Upgrade on Joelinton: Newcastle in talks over signing “one of the best CMs”
Newcastle are looking to make another addition to their midfield ranks…
Coach Andrew McDonald says Josh Hazlewood is also struggling to be fit for the tournament
Alex Malcolm05-Feb-2025
Coach Andrew McDonald has said that captain Pat Cummins was likely to miss the Champions Trophy•AFP/Getty Images
Australia captain Pat Cummins is “heavily unlikely” for the Champions Trophy because of his ankle issue. Steven Smith and Travis Head are in the frame to captain, while Josh Hazlewood is also battling to make it on time, according to coach Andrew McDonald.Cummins missed the Test tour of Sri Lanka due to the birth of his second child, but he has also been nursing the ankle issue that had flared up after a heavy workload in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Australia’s ODI players, who are not on the Test tour, are due to fly out to Sri Lanka on Thursday but McDonald revealed on Wednesday morning that Cummins was unlikely to be among them.Related
Stoinis makes shock decision to retire from ODIs, out of Champions Trophy
Abbott: Didn't take ODI decision out of selectors' hands
Cummins, Hazlewood included for Champions Trophy
Mitchell Marsh out of Champions Trophy with back injury
“Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling so he’s heavily unlikely, so that would mean that we do need a captain,” McDonald told . “Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two that we’ve been having conversations with while we’ve been building out that Champions Trophy team along with Pat back home. They’ll be the two that we look at for that leadership post.”They’re the two obvious ones. Steve has done a great job here in the [first] Test match. He’s done some good work in one-day international cricket across the journey as well. So it’s between those two.”But, as I said, Patty is hugely unlikely, which is a bit of shame, and we’ve also got Josh Hazlewood, who is battling [to be fit] at the moment. So that medical information will land over the next couple of days and we’ll be able to shore that up and let everyone know the direction.”Hazlewood is understood to be dealing with a hip issue after recovering from the side and calf injuries that saw him miss three of the five Tests against India and the Test tour of Sri Lanka.Mitchell Marsh has already been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a back injury. He is unlikely to play the remainder of the domestic season but there is a possibility he could still play in the IPL for Lucknow Super Giants.Australia have yet to name a replacement for Marsh for the Champions Trophy. McDonald confirmed on Sunday after the Test win in Galle that Beau Webster was a chance to be called into the ODI squad despite not yet having played ODI cricket for Australia, given the desire to add another seam-bowling allrounder in the mix. Australia have Aaron Hardie and Marcus Stoinis in the squad already but both have injury concerns. Hardie has only just returned to bowling after a summer plagued by quad problems while Stoinis suffered some hamstring tightness recently while playing in the SA20 and did not bowl in his last match for Durban’s Super Giants.Beau Webster made a memorable Test debut recently, and could get into the ODI squad as well•Getty Images
The absence of Cummins and Hazlewood will open the door for Sean Abbott to return to the ODI frame after missing selection for the final Champions Trophy squad due to his recent ODI form. Spencer Johnson will also come into the mix as he was set to fly to Sri Lanka as cover for the ODI squad.Legspinner Tanveer Sangha has been flown to Sri Lanka ahead of the second Test for development purposes but McDonald confirmed he could play a part in the two ODIs in Colombo before the team flies to the Champions Trophy. Sangha appears likely to be a reserve player in Pakistan, as he was for the ODI World Cup in India in 2023, given Australia only have one specialist spinner in Adam Zampa in their 15.Australia’s selectors will have a challenge cobbling an XI together for the first ODI against Sri Lanka on February 12 given there is only one travel day scheduled between the fifth day of the second Test and the first ODI, with ODI squad members Head, Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc all set to play in the Test match. But there may be extra days to recover if the Test ends quickly on a surface that already appears much drier than the previous one.
Following Glasgow Rangers’ humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Club Brugge, the 49ers have reportedly opened talks to sign a Premier League forward.
Martin apologises to fans after "painful" defeat
The pressure is increasing on Russell Martin. Some may even say that things have already reached breaking point at Ibrox. The former Southampton boss is yet to win a game in the Scottish Premiership and saw his problems extended by a Club Brugge side in no mood to offer him some kind of mercy in Belgium.
Update shared from Rangers on Russell Martin's Ibrox future before Celtic
The 39-year-old is under huge pressure.
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Charlie Smith
Aug 28, 2025
It was a disaster from the off for the Gers, who were instantly a man down when Max Aarons received his marching orders inside 10 minutes. An uphill battle was quickly made an impossible task and Club Brugge took full advantage, scoring five goals in the first half to take an 8-1 lead on aggregate before adding a sixth to hand Rangers an embarrassing 9-1 defeat.
Simply put, it could not have been worse for Martin, who could not hide his humiliation.
It doesn’t get any easier for those at Ibrox, either. A trip to face Old Firm rivals Celtic awaits this weekend in what may only compile Martin’s misery or perhaps even be the final nail in the coffin of what has been a nightmare stint in Scotland.
That said, the transfer window could still act as a crucial turning point for the Englishman amid reports that the 49ers are now “in talks” to sign a Premier League forward.
Rangers "in talks" to sign forward Chermiti
According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, the 49ers and Rangers are now “in talks” to sign Youssef Chermiti on loan from Everton this week with just days remaining of the window.
The young forward could replace Hamza Igamane, who is set to join LOSC Lille not long after refusing to come from the bench in the Gers’ last-gasp draw against St Mirren last weekend.
Replacing a talented forward like Igamane will be no easy task, but it appears that Chermiti has emerged as a leading candidate. Whilst the Everton forward has struggled with injuries during his time in the Premier League, there’s no denying that he’s still a player full of potential at 21 years old.
Praised as “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig during his time at Sporting Club, Chermiti is also represented by the same agent as Rangers’ summer arrival Thelo Aasgaard, which could make any deal far more routine.