Managing director has quadrupled his bet on inspirational head coach, but England’s unremitting schedule remains biggest challenge

Matt Roller03-Sep-2024Success in English cricket is evaluated by Ashes series and World Cups. The extensions to both Brendon McCullum’s contract and his remit, announced on Tuesday, represent Rob Key quadrupling the size of his bet: McCullum will not only take charge of the 2025-26 Ashes, but now the 2026 T20 World Cup, 2027 Ashes and 2027 50-over World Cup, too.Key made clear when he was appointed England’s managing director two years ago that his decision to split the coaching roles owed to pragmatism, rather than principle. “You get a better list of candidates… nearly all of them are like, ‘I wouldn’t be going for this if it was one [role],'” Key said. “You want the best people, and you build the structure around them.”In effect, that is exactly what Key has tried to do with this gambit. There has been a complete transformation in England’s Test cricket under McCullum: he has overseen 19 wins, eight defeats and a single draw, and has given them a clear identity that they were sorely lacking. Key’s belief is that he can have the same effect on a stagnant white-ball set-up.Related

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In a coaching market that is heavily skewed towards the franchise circuit, Key believes that McCullum’s new contract is a major coup for England: “We are incredibly fortunate that a coach of his quality is prepared to commit wholeheartedly to English cricket,” he said on Tuesday. “We’re confident this restructure will bring out the best in our players and coaching staff.”It is a call which highlights the importance of perception. England have played some brilliant Test cricket under McCullum but are yet to win a series against the world’s top two: they drew with Australia last summer, and were heavily beaten in India earlier this year. Still, the sense remains of a team on the up – not least after five clinical wins this summer.By contrast, Matthew Mott took England to three World Cups and won one of them, his team beating Pakistan at the MCG less than two years ago. And yet, he found himself sacked after reaching a semi-final in June: Jos Buttler’s hangdog expression told a story of a team whose progress had stalled, necessitating a change in leadership which fell on Mott.Brendon McCullum is now England’s man for all formats, under Rob Key•Getty Images

The pitfalls of McCullum’s new role are hidden in plain sight. Only India play more men’s international cricket than England, and England play more Tests than anyone. Their ludicrous fixture list is encapsulated by the 24-hour turnaround between the scheduled fifth-day finish of the upcoming third Test against Sri Lanka and the start of a T20I series against Australia.Key insisted that the “constant clashes” between formats “are easing, starting from January” but the volume of cricket scheduled is still substantial. Expect McCullum to have few qualms about handing the reins to one of his assistants for several bilateral series over the next three years – as Rahul Dravid did throughout his tenure with India.The trouble lies further ahead, with a dilemma that is familiar to England’s captains and coaches across the past two decades: how can you plan for both an Ashes series, and a World Cup straight after it? It is akin to a tennis player winning Wimbledon and jumping on a plane to Flushing Meadows, or an athlete being asked to compete in a World Championships immediately after an Olympic Games.In both the 2025-26 winter and the 2027 summer, McCullum will need his players to perform at their best throughout a four-month period – a scenario in which England have always struggled. Nasser Hussain (2003), Michael Vaughan (2007) and Andrew Strauss (2011) all led depleted squads to 50-over World Cups which were staged immediately after Ashes tours, with predictable results; Buttler faced a similar situation last year, with England’s multi-format players underperforming in India.Buttler was among the players who struggled five years ago when the turnaround was flipped. England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, the culmination of their white-ball revolution under Eoin Morgan’s captaincy, left players physically and emotionally drained yet was swiftly followed by a home Ashes series: England snuck a 2-2 series draw, but were outplayed.Previous England captains have felt the pain of an Ashes followed by a World Cup•Getty Images

As Australia’s fine record at World Cups can attest, scaling twin peaks in quick succession is by no means impossible: only three members of their side that beat India in Ahmedabad last year did not feature on the Ashes tour which preceded the World Cup. Andrew McDonald oversaw success on two fronts, something which has eluded England’s coaches.More immediately, McCullum’s task will be to inject some energy into a white-ball set-up which felt desperately low on it by the time they were knocked out of June’s T20 World Cup. He will watch from afar for their next 14 games, with Marcus Trescothick in interim charge, then will have a quick tour to India to make his mark before February’s Champions Trophy.The biggest unknown for McCullum will be his relationship with Buttler. Buttler idolised McCullum as a player but has never played or worked with him, and his captaincy is under scrutiny after the manner of England’s semi-final defeat to India in Guyana. Where Buttler had the balance of power over Mott, McCullum should be strong enough to take the lead.England believe they have a new core of young players who can become regulars across formats over the next decade: this includes Harry Brook, Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson, who have all showcased their attacking style in McCullum’s Test team. This is simply the latest step in Key’s attempts to bridge the gap between the two codes – which had been in danger of becoming a chasm.It was barely two years ago that McCullum made clear to Key that he had no interest in taking on England’s white-ball teams, after Morgan had transformed them into not only regular semi-finalists but trendsetters in the global game. Now that they are lagging behind, he finds himself in charge of another revival.

In search of completing a 10-man overhaul at the club this summer, Everton are now reportedly progressing towards a deal to sign an impressive talent.

Moyes confirms Everton need "9 or 10 players"

Having so far welcomed just three players in Thierno Barry, Carlos Alcaraz and Mark Travers, Everton boss David Moyes revealed at a recent Men in Blazers event in New York that Everton still need “9 or 10 players” before next season gets underway.

With that being the case, The Friedkin Group could be in for a busy month or so away from the action on the pitch as Everton get their pre-season underway.

The big question on Everton fans’ lips will be who those nine or 10 players could be this summer.

Already, the Toffees have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign Juventus’ Douglas Luiz, with finding a replacement for Abdoulaye Doucoure one of their main priorities in the next few weeks, while James McAtee also remains a top target.

Earlier reports indicated that Friedkin are in a position to spend around £150m this summer if they see fit and that makes Moyes’ desire to welcome a much-needed overhaul all the more realistic.

Luiz’s arrival would particularly make a statement. The former Aston Villa man may have endured a nightmare spell at Juventus, but Premier League fans will still remember the quality that he had when leading the Villans to Champions League qualification.

Signing players from some of Europe’s best seems to be Everton’s chosen plan too, with those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium now turning their focus towards a Bayern Munich sensation.

Everton progressing towards Adam Aznou deal

As reported by The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, Everton are now progressing in their deal to sign Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich this summer.

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Still just 19 years old, Everton could land quite the coup if they manage to welcome Aznou. The teenage left-back endured a difficult loan spell at Real Valladolid last season, as the La Liga side finished bottom of Spain’s top flight, but will now be hoping for better fortunes if he completes a summer switch to Merseyside.

Minutes

893

3,082

Assists

0

2

Tackles Won P90

2.12

1.11

Ball Recoveries P90

5.76

2.57

Although his work going forward needs improving, there’s no denying that Aznou would provide Everton with a high-energy player out of possession and that could eventually see Vitaliy Mykolenko replaced.

Dubbed a “generational talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, the Bayern starlet is one to watch wherever he plays his football next season. And if it is to be at the Hill Dickinson, then Everton fans could be in for a treat.

Elsewhere, Fabrizio Romano suggests that the deal for Aznou is actually further along, even giving his famous ‘were we go’ tagline, but a deal is never done until the player signs on the dotted line.

Essex have been fined £100,000, £50,000 of which is suspended for two years, after being sanctioned by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) for systemic and longstanding racism and discrimination within the club.The punishment comes in the wake of an independent report, compiled by Katherine Newton KC and published in December 2023, which centred on the testimony of three former players, one of whom was nicknamed “Bomber” due to his South Asian heritage, and another taunted with bananas for being Black.The club was charged with a breach of ECB Directive 3.3 during the years 2001 to 2010, for “conduct, acts or omissions which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the game of cricket or any cricketer or group of cricketers into disrepute”.The sanction mirrors that which was levelled against Essex in May 2022, when the club was fined £50,000 after the former club chair, John Faragher, was alleged to have used the racist phrase “n****r in the woodpile” during a board meeting in 2017 – the incident which prompted the commissioning of the Newton report.The CDC panel, consisting of chair Nigel Popplewell, Professor Seema Patel and Mark Milliken-Smith KC. said it was unable to apply sporting sanctions such as points deductions, which is the punishment that Essex last week received after their opening batter, Feroz Khushi, was found to have used an illegal bat in their opening County Championship fixture of the ongoing season.Essex, who have also been reprimanded, have until October 2 to appeal.Dave Lewis, Interim Director of the Cricket Regulator, said: “The racism experienced at Essex County Cricket Club over a period of many years was abhorrent, and the evidence of those subjected to abuse was deeply disturbing. They have shown real bravery in speaking out, and I hope that this prosecution will help ensure that no one suffers again as they did, and that racism of this kind is never normalised.”The sanctions announced against the club today by a panel of the independent Cricket Discipline Commission come at the end of a long and complex investigation by the Cricket Regulator and follow the club’s own investigation which resulted in it sanctioning several individuals. The CDC panel took into account the fact that Essex had pleaded guilty to the charge and has already taken significant action to address these issues and become a more inclusive club.ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould said: “Racism has no place in our sport. I’m appalled by what those who experienced racism at Essex have been through, and the way this behaviour could become normalised. It is vital that as a sport we listen and learn from their experiences, and ensure that no one suffers like that again.”I welcome the action Essex has taken in recent years to address these issues and become a more inclusive club, and the commitment it has shown to make further progress.”Over the past year, the whole game has responded positively to the action plan we set out in response to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, and we will shortly update on the progress which has been made. We recognise there is still significant work to be done, and are determined to tackle discrimination wherever it exists and break down barriers to ensure that cricket becomes the most inclusive team sport in England and Wales.”Essex County Cricket Club Chair, Anu Mohindru KC, said: “Essex County Cricket Club today received the sanctions handed down by the independent Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) following the Club’s admission to historic use of racist and discriminatory language and conduct.”There is deep regret for what occurred in the past, but these events do not reflect the Essex Cricket of today. The Club have accepted the sanctions and remains committed to tackling all forms of discrimination, and is fully aligned with the ECB’s goal of making cricket the country’s most inclusive team sport.”We have made significant progress in achieving these aims in the communities we represent through our excellent outreach work, as well as building a workplace that values and respects every individual. Essex Cricket will continue to move forward as the best open, inclusive, and diverse organisation we can possibly be.”We remain fully committed to working towards positive and lasting change. This is a responsibility we take seriously, and we will continue to engage with all those affected, our community and stakeholders to ensure that the progress already made in recent years is upheld and further strengthened.”

Celtic are in need of a new option on the left flank ahead of the 2025/26 campaign to cover for the time that Portuguese winger Jota is going to be out for.

Brendan Rodgers’ side clinched the Scottish Premiership title in style with a 5-0 win away at Dundee United, but the left-sided forward hobbled off with a worrying injury in the first half.

It was then revealed after the game that Jota would be out for between six and nine months, setting a potential return date as late as February of next year.

The 26-year-old speedster returned to Parkhead in the January transfer window, from French side Rennes, and produced four goals and two assists in seven league starts in the Scottish top-flight before his injury.

This means that the Hoops need another option on the left wing because they are unlikely to have Jota available for a large portion of next season, hence why they are keen on Royal Antwerp’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

Celtic are reportedly in talks with the Belgian Pro League club in an attempt to secure a deal to sign the left winger, who is valued at £5m, this summer.

What Balikwisha could bring to Celtic

The 24-year-old forward is a right-footed left winger, like Jota, which means that he could play a similar role within Rodgers’ tactical set-up next season.

Balikwisha’s form in the Pro League, when available, over the last two seasons also suggests that he has the potential to deliver both goals and assists from the left flank at a respectable rate.

Balikwisha (Pro League)	23/24	24/25
Starts	27	12
xG	6.46	2.65
Goals	7	4
Big chances created	6	7
Key passes per game	1.5	1.6
Assists	5	3
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian talent has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in his last 39 appearances in the Pro League, which suggests that he could offer a decent threat at the top end of the pitch from a wide position.

This means that the potential is there for him to replace the goals and assists that they have lost through Jota’s injury, which is why he could be a solid signing for Celtic this summer.

However, Balikwisha’s own injury record over the years is a cause for concern because he has suffered a lot of injuries that have kept him out for significant lengths of time each season during his time with Royal Antwerp.

In the last four seasons, the 24-year-old wing wizard has missed a whopping 63 games through injury, and at least ten matches in all four campaigns, suffering eight separate injury issues in that time.

This suggests that Celtic would be gambling on his fitness by bringing him to Parkhead to replace their currently injured player, which is why it could make more sense to look in a different direction if another target becomes available.

Celtic's interest in Premier League winger

Earlier this summer, Football Insider reported that the Premiership champions were interested in a potential deal to sign Aston Villa forward Louie Barry to bolster their squad.

The outlet claimed that the Scottish giants were willing to explore either a loan or a permanent deal for the former Barcelona academy starlet this summer.

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They looked set to miss out on a deal for the 22-year-old talent when Hull City agreed a £3.5m fee to sign him permanently, only for the transfer to fall through after the Tigers were hit with a three-window embargo.

That transfer ban for the Championship side has put Barry back out on the open market and presented teams with an opportunity to snap him up, which means that he could still be an option for Celtic.

It remains to be seen, though, whether or not the Hoops are still interested in the English sensation, or if they would be willing to go in with an offer to sign him permanently at this point in the window.

Why Celtic should sign Louie Barry

Rodgers should seriously consider a swoop to sign Barry from the Premier League outfit before the end of the summer transfer window, though, because he has the potential to be an even better winger signing than Balikwisha.

Whilst his injury history is far from spotless, the English forward has missed fewer games (34) through injury in his career than Balikwisha (63), which suggests that he may be more reliable from an availability perspective.

The 22-year-old star’s form during his time on loan with Stockport County in League Two and in League One in the last two seasons also suggests that the potential is there for him to offer even more than Balikwisha at the top end of the pitch.

Barry produced nine goals and four assists in 20 League Two games in the 2023/24 season, before plundering 15 goals and two assists in 23 League One outings in the first half of last season.

24/25 League One	Louie Barry	Percentile rank vs wingers
xG	0.47	Top 5%
Goals	0.75	Top 3%
Shots on target	1.80	Top 2%
xA	0.21	Top 11%
Assists	0.11	Top 47%
Successful dribbles	2.70	Top 2%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the Villa youngster was one of the best players in the English third tier last season at scoring and creating goals from a wide position, and was unfortunate not to have more assists to show for the xA that he created.

Barry, who was hailed as “electric” by reporter Sam Byrne, scored 24 goals, assisted six goals, and created 12 ‘big chances’ in his 43 appearances on loan at Stockport, which suggests that he has even more to offer in front of goal, particularly as a scorer, than Balikwisha.

The Belgian forward, as aforementioned, has scored 11 goals in his last 39 Pro League outings, which is not as impressive as Barry’s return in England is, whilst playing in the same position.

Therefore, Celtic and Rodgers could land an even better winger than Balikwisha by signing the Villa gem, who is two years younger, less injury-prone, and has more potential to explode as a goalscorer on the left flank.

Celtic could sign their new Van Dijk in a star who once silenced Gyokeres

Celtic are interested in signing a defender who could be Virgil van Dijk 2.0 at Parkhead.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 10, 2025

The left-hander made 64 not out as Australia chased 144 five down but the win was overshadowed by Gardner’s withdrawal due to a head knock pre-game

Alex Malcolm19-Sep-2024A stunning unbeaten half-century from Phoebe Litchfield guided Australia to victory after a serious wobble against New Zealand in Mackay, but the win was overshadowed by a bizarre head knock to Ashleigh Gardner pre-game that saw her ruled out as a precaution given her concussion history.The toss was delayed after Gardner had collided with team-mate Georgia Wareham during a vibrant warm-up game involving throwing and catching a vortex. Both players tried to catch the vortex thrown by Sophie Molineux and clashed heads. Gardner came off second best and was withdrawn from the team although it is understood she passed her initial concussion test. Heather Graham was called in as Kim Garth (knee) and Grace Harris (calf) were ruled out of the series entirely but both are expected to be available for the T20 World Cup 2024.New Zealand had a shock withdrawal of their own with skipper Sophie Devine ruled out due to a foot issue that had plagued her during the women’s Hundred. Suzie Bates took over as captain.Beyond the injury drama, the night belonged to Litchfield. She entered with Australia 44 for 3 after 6.1 overs chasing 144 and peeled off a near-flawless 64 not out from 43 balls with 11 boundaries to guide her side home with five wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. She got excellent support from Wareham in a 50-run stand after Australia had slumped to 85 for 4 in the 12th over when New Zealand’s standout bowler Molly Penfold bagged her second wicket in a spell of 2 for 24.Earlier, Australia’s bowlers shared the spoils with all six used claiming a wicket as New Zealand’s innings never really broke free of the shackles imposed on them. Maddy Green (35 from 33) and Bates (33 from 27) both passed 30 but couldn’t kick on. Australia’s bowlers were frugal but their fielding was rusty with the skipper Alyssa Healy conceding 12 byes.But they were still good enough to claim victory and extend New Zealand’s unwanted women’s T20I losing streak to eight straight matches.Molly Penfold was the standout bowler for New Zealand•Getty ImagesVariety is Australia’s powerplay spiceHealy said Australia would not experiment in this series and it was clear that variety will be a key to their World Cup bowling plans. The swing and craft of Megan Schutt mixed with the extra pace of Tayla Vlaeminck and the guile of Molineux made scoring difficult for New Zealand in the powerplay as they slumped to 35 for 2.Georgia Plimmer’s plight at international level continued. There was one well-struck boundary in a run-a-ball 11 but she was frantic at the crease and eventually fell miscuing a half-hearted cut shot to backward point. Bates took a while to get going and eventually found a groove thumping two boundaries off Vlaeminck over mid-on and midwicket. But she lacked support at the other end. Amelia Kerr miscued a slog sweep straight to mid-on off Molineux’s first ball. Brooke Halliday missed a rank full toss from Wareham trying a premeditated paddle.Healy mixed her bowlers well, including the late inclusion Graham taking a wicket. Molineux and Schutt were incredibly frugal and only Vlaeminck was particularly expensive. Green ensured New Zealand posted something they could defend with a busy 35 from 33 balls but she struggled to find the rope. The visitors only scored 10 boundaries in total, with Litchfield eclipsing that on her own in the run chase. New Zealand’s innings culminated with a calamitous run out as Jess Kerr and Leigh Kasperek ended up at the same end in the final over.Penfold causes panicDevine had flagged Penfold’s massive ceiling, both literally and figuratively, as a fast bowler the day before the series began and she showcased her incredible talent with 2 for 24 to put a fright through Australia. After a loose first over from Fran Jonas that cost 12, Penfold pegged Australia back with pace and bounce. She claimed Beth Mooney with a cracking bumper that hurried her and brushed the glove. then pinned Healy and Ellyse Perry down by delivering six dot balls which caused mistakes at the other end. Healy miscued Kasperek to cover while Perry lost her leg stump trying to tee up Lea Tahuhu’s first ball to leave Australia 44 for 3 after 6.1 overs.Penfold returned to castle Tahlia McGrath in the 12th over and finish with an excellent 2 for 24 from four to give New Zealand a brief hope of potentially ending their seven game loosing streak. But despite delivering four dot balls to the match-winner Litchfield, she couldn’t take the crucial breakthrough and ran out out of overs.Litchfield lights up MackayLitchfield spoke on Tuesday of being unsure of her place in Australia’s best XI for her first World Cup. She may have inked her name in with an outstanding innings to rescue Australia. No batter in the game had managed any fluency on a two-paced surface until Litchfield walked to the crease.Her first boundary was a slice of luck, a thick edge beating Jess Kerr at short third. But her next three showcased her staggering skill and bravery. In the same over she lap-scooped Tahuhu fine, carved her over cover and mauled her over mid-on to ease any pressure in the chase. She thumped three more boundaries against spin in the next two overs before seeing out the danger of Penfold after losing McGrath.She then reached into the bag of tricks to show the full repertoire. Back-to-back reverse sweeps off Kasperek found the rope and then she pounded Penfold through square leg before reaching her second T20I half-century in 32 balls. Wareham made an excellent 26 off 20 to lend support in a critical 50-run stand. It was left to Litchfield to finish it and she did it in style with another reverse sweep up and over cover.

After announcing the arrival of Simon Adingra to add yet another impressive talent to their ranks, Sunderland have reportedly turned their attention towards an experienced goalkeeper this summer.

Adingra: Sunderland project is "really exciting"

Ask even the most optimistic Sunderland fan whether they expected the Black Cats to spend big this summer and the answer is almost certain to be a resounding no. Those at the Stadium of Light have entered the Premier League ready to lay down a statement, however, and become the first in six promoted sides to avoid the drop at the first time of asking. And the arrival of Adingra should play a large part in that.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion winger told Sunderland’s official website after sealing a move worth an initial £20.5m with add-ons: “It’s a pleasure to be here, and I cannot wait to get started. The Club and the project are really exciting.

“I spoke with everyone and their interest in me made the decision easy – I wanted to be part of Sunderland’s future. Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so to continue doing that is incredible. It’s a big challenge ahead – we’ll be facing top players and strong opponents – but I’m ready for it.”

After losing his starting place under Fabian Hurzler at Brighton last season, some may be quick to forget just how talented Adingra is, but he’ll be keen to send some timely reminders next season.

Sunderland set to sign another new star, £18m fee agreed and medical booked

The Black Cats have wasted no time.

2 ByTom Cunningham Jul 10, 2025

As impressive as the winger’s arrival is, though, the Black Cats are still not done in the summer transfer window. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve turned their attention towards a fresh shot-stopper.

Sunderland join race to sign £20m Ramsdale

According to GiveMeSport, Sunderland have now joined the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale, who has asked to leave relegated Southampton this summer. The goalkeeper reportedly has a release clause worth just £20m following the Saints’ relegation, handing those in Wearside the opportunity to swoop in should they please.

Signing an upgrade on current No.1 Anthony Patterson has been on Sunderland’s wishlist all summer. Reports even went as far as to suggest that the Black Cats were closing in on an agreement to sign Djordje Petrovic earlier this month. But with that deal yet to get over the line, the door has swung open for Ramsdale to hand Regis Le Bris a fresh alternative.

Starts

30

31

Clean Sheets

3

10

Saves P90

4

3.55

Save Percentage

67.6%

78.9%

It’s a difficult choice for Sunderland. Whilst Petrovic enjoyed an excellent campaign on loan at Strasbourg, who finished as high as eighth in Ligue 1, Ramsdale was often doing his best to help Southampton avoid major humiliation. And the numbers reflect that in many ways.

Rightly praised as “excellent” by Joe Hart at St Mary’s last season, Ramsdale could finally end his trend of frustrating relegations by swapping Southampton for Sunderland this summer.

أعلن الألماني هانز فليك، المدير الفني لفريق برشلونة الإسباني، التشكيل لمواجهة خيتافي، حيث يلتقي الفريقان مساء اليوم الأحد.

ويستقبل برشلونة خصمه خيتافي، وذلك على ملعب “يوهان كرويف” معقل الفريق الكتالوني، في مباراة ضمن مواجهات الجولة الخامسة لبطولة الدوري الإسباني “الليجا”.

ويتواجد برشلونة في المركز الثاني بجدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 10 نقاط، خلف ريال مدريد المتصدر بـ 15 نقطة، أما خيتافي يحتل المركز السابع بـ 9 نقاط. تشكيل برشلونة أمام خيتافي

حراسة المرمى: خوان جارسيا.

خط الدفاع: جول كوندي، إريك جارسيا، أندرياس كريستنسن، جيرارد مارتن.

خط الوسط: فرينكي دي يونج، بيدري، داني أولمو.

خط الهجوم: رافينها، روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، فيران توريس.

البدلاء: رونالد أراوخو، كوبارسي، راشفورد، فيرمين لوبيز، مارك كاسادو، بيرنال، تشيزني، جورفي، روني باردجي، فرنانديز، كوشين.

Sunderland fans will be hoping their team can be instantly successful moving up to the Premier League after an action-packed summer so far in the transfer window.

Of course, it will take time for the multitude of fresh signings on Wearside to gel and get up to speed with their daunting new environment, but Regis Le Bris will just pray it clicks relatively quickly as his team tries to stave off an immediate drop back down to the Championship.

Granit Xhaka could well be the next statement addition through that door that ruffles a few feathers, with the Black Cats reportedly striking an agreement on personal terms with the ex-Arsenal midfielder to return to the Premier League. Further reports have indicated that a bid has also been lodged for the Bayer Leverkusen man.

Then, with the attack already bolstered and the midfield department brimming with quality, the defence could be next on Le Bris’ agenda to strengthen.

Sunderland prepare bid for £22m titan

The star-studded buys look as if they will continue into the Black Cats’ back line, with Sunderland now being linked to former Europa League winner Loic Bade in the heart of defence.

Recent reports have suggested that the newly promoted side are in pole position to land the imposing Frenchman, even as fellow suitors from the Premier League in Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur circle for the £25m defender’s services, alongside Marseille and Villarreal.

It still could be a tall order for Sunderland to win this race outright, even if they are reported to be in the lead for his signature currently, with a dream alternative to the 25-year-old now up their sleeve as a fresh bid is potentially prepared.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

As per reports from Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino, as relayed by 1000CuoriRossoblu, Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi is now tempted by a move to Wearside after initially being hesitant.

With the newly-promoted side already lodging a bid of around €20m (£17m), a heftier offer is now being prepared by the Black Cats, with the Serie A side looking for closer to €25m (£22m) to cash in.

With Lucumi’s agents also pushing for the centre-back to relocate to England, this might well be a move that is finalised in a swifter manner than Bade’s, with the Bologna number 26 sticking out as a dream alternative to the one-time France international.

Why Lucumi would be a dream Bade alternative

This chaotic summer period so far has proven that the Black Cats are unafraid to splash the cash, with a club-record £30m forked out on Habib Diarra.

Yet, there won’t be a bottomless pit of money at the Stadium of Light forever, meaning £3m saved on a defender could be a worthwhile, savvy move in the long run, especially when you weigh up Lucumi’s strengths next to his £25m counterpart.

Lucumi’s league numbers (24/25) vs Bade’s

Stat – per 90 mins*

Lucumi

Bade

Games played

32

31

Goals scored

0

1

Assists

1

1

Touches*

73.2

68.3

Accurate passes*

57.9 (92%)

48.6 (86%)

Tackles*

1.7

1.5

Ball recoveries*

5.5

4.3

Total duels won*

3.9

4.3

Clean sheets

10

8

Stats by Sofascore

Despite once being heralded as an “elite” level defender by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Bade comes up short when assessed next to Lucumi in many different areas of their defensive games across last season.

The South American centre-back trumps the Sevilla number 22 when it comes to accurate passes per 90 minutes in league action, on top of Bade also falling flat in terms of ball recoveries and tackles won.

Lucumi’s well-known composure with the ball at his feet has even seen him labelled as “ice cold” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, with this assured demeanour standing him in good stead for the intense challenges the Premier League would throw his way.

Whilst Bade might be a more notable name to an outsider looking in, the evidence here proves that Lucumi would be a fantastic, cost-effective alternative to the Frenchman.

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Derby County have agreed a deal to complete the signing of a “fantastic” Premier League player this summer, according to reliable journalist John Percy.

Eustace continues to eye Derby signings

The new Championship season is getting closer all the time, with John Eustace’s Rams side kicking off their campaign with a trip to Stoke City on August 9th.

It has been a productive summer transfer window to date for Derby, with a host of new faces added to the squad, including striker Carlton Morris and centre-back Danny Batth, who have arrived from Luton Town and Blackburn Rovers respectively, adding quality at both ends of the pitch.

It’s now a case of the Rams putting some finishing touches to their summer business in the coming weeks, giving them the best chance as possible of improving on last season’s 19th-place finish.

Hull City defender John Egan has been mentioned as an option for Derby between now and the end of the window, but they reportedly face competition from Wrexham for his signature.

Derby agree deal to sign Liverpool player

According to Percy on X, Derby have now agreed a deal to sign Liverpool left-back Owen Beck on loan. The 22-year-old, valued at £10m in some reports, is very “keen” to play under Eustace again after time with Blackburn Rovers and will undergo a medical soon.

This is great news for Rams supporters, with Beck an exciting young player who shone in the Championship on loan at Blackburn with Eustace in charge last season, starting 21 matches and averaging 2.6 tackles and 2.5 clearances per game.

Appearances

24

Starts

21

Minutes played

1874

Goals

1

Assists

0

Tackles per game

2.6

Clearances per game

2.5

Interceptions per game

0.8

Key passes per game

0.8

Meanwhile, the Welshman has played three times for Liverpool’s first team, which is no easy achievement, with former Reds Under-23s manager Barry Lewtas heaping praise on him in the past.

“I thought Owen was fantastic. The progress he has made over his time at the Academy, but certainly the last couple of years, is a credit to him with the work he puts in [and] how coachable he is because he listens and takes on board the information we give him. He has become a real consistent performer for us and in my opinion he was the standout player against Derby. In fairness to him I think those levels have been consistent for some time now so I’m really pleased for Owen and really pleased with him as well.”

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The fact that Eustace already knows Beck’s game inside out has to be considered a big positive, too, meaning the Derby boss is bringing in a player who he firmly believes can hit the ground running. He should only get better over time, adding both defensive and attacking quality at left-back.

All three seamers, and spinner Abrar, were unavailable during Pakistan’s recent series against Bangladesh

Danyal Rasool06-Oct-2024

Aamer Jamal missed the Bangladesh Tests due to a niggle which forced him to undergo a longer rehab•Getty Images

Allrounder Aamer Jamal returns to a Pakistan Test line-up for the first time since his breakout tour of Australia. His all-round ability has allowed Pakistan to go with one fewer specialist bowler, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed making up the rest of the bowling attack.All four bowlers were unavailable to varying degrees during Pakistan’s recent series against Bangladesh, making this the first time in over a year that their full first-choice contingent is available. The batting remains unchanged; Abdullah Shafique keeps his place despite his recent struggles with the bat, after Shan Masood’s public backing on Thursday.”Multan is new territory for us,” Shan said at the captain’s press conference. “When we played Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, we had played a lot of cricket there so we knew how the pitch would play if you left grass on it. It was a bit tricky against Bangladesh for batsmen. Here we are leaving it to the groundsman. We would like one final look tomorrow, hence why we have tried to cover bases and have three seamers and two spinners like England. We have a bit of depth in batting as well.”Pakistan’s batting is a point of concern with several batters struggling, and the match-up between a home batting line-up short of runs and an away bowling unit short of experience in these conditions provides a point of intrigue. Though England’s decision to go with a bowling combination of Brydon Carse, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir may appear risky, that has become an integral part of this England side’s brand.Related

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“It [Bazball] has had an effect on the world,” Masood said. “Sometimes we get too caught up in set ways of doing things. So the best thing England has done is realise there are other perspectives and things that might suit you. The key is to find new ways of doing things. That is how the world has always progressed and cricket is no different. It is like life. You try and evolve and create new ways and England have been pioneers in that.”In the build-up to this Test, Pakistan have been careful to emphasise they will not get sucked into England’s style of playing, with head coach Jason Gillespie and vice-captain Saud Shakeel each making the point. Masood echoed that, saying there would be times Pakistan would need to “absorb pressure” instead of just “reacting to situations, and spoke of the drive to make amends after a difficult year.”There is a lot of hurt within the players. 2024 has not been a good year for Pakistan cricket all over and we like to see our fans happy. After religion cricket comes next, everyone is clued up on how the cricket team is doing so we are hurt. The answer is to be positive. We let the past go. We have tried to maintain consistency in selection. We haven’t had any chopping and changing because we have lost a few games. We believe in this set of players and with Jason Gillespie we wanted to create a squad mentality. The players are being backed to turn things around.”Pakistan squad for 1st Test: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (capt), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.