Virgil van Dijk will undoubtedly go down as one of the best signings in Liverpool history, that’s despite costing a small fortune after joining the club back in January 2018.

The Dutchman cost a staggering £75m from Southampton, a fee that broke the record for the biggest fee paid for a defender, but to this day it appears to be a bargain.

Despite suffering an ACL injury a few years back, he’s managed to rack up 319 appearances for the Reds, winning six major honours during his seven-year spell at Anfield.

He played a key role in the Premier League triumph under Arne Slot last season, hoping to replicate such a success in 2025/26 after signing a new contract over the last few months.

However, if he and his compatriot are to once again finish at the top of the table once more, added additions may be needed, that’s despite already spending nearly £300m already this window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new additions this summer

After being told he’s free to leave Real Madrid this summer, Brazilian winger Rodrygo has been a player who has emerged on Liverpool’s shortlist over recent weeks.

The 24-year-old could cost a pretty penny this window, with the Spanish giants demanding over £80m to offload the star who scored 14 times in all competitions last season.

However, in an attempt to further bolster their front line, Slot may look past a deal for Rodrygo, subsequently prioritising a move for Alexander Isak, according to The Standard.

They claim that, despite rumours of leaving talks for the Newcastle United striker, the hierarchy are preparing a second bid to try and land the Swedish international this summer.

It also states that the player himself still wants a move to Merseyside in the near future, but a deal would see the club break the English record once again, with a £150m price tag currently mooted.

Why Liverpool’s latest target would be a repeat of Van Dijk

As previously mentioned, Van Dijk has been one of the leading talents in England’s top-flight, showcasing the excellent work conducted by the hierarchy in recent times.

Eyes were certainly raised given the mammoth fee forked out for his signature, but he’s only been dribbled past 47 times in his seven years at Merseyside – a truly staggering number given his longevity in the side.

Last season alone, the 34-year-old won 72% of the aerial battles he entered, scoring three goals, all with his head, highlighting the dominance he possesses at both ends of the pitch.

Such a deal will go down as one of the most effective in the Reds’ history, having the opportunity to land a deal as big as the Dutchman’s in the coming weeks.

Isak could follow Van Dijk in costing the club a record fee from another Premier League side, but like the Dutchman, any deal would hand the side the needed improvement to reach the next level.

When delving into his stats from the most recent campaign, the 25-year-old managed to register 23 league goals last season, with Reds forward Mohamed Salah the only player to notch a higher tally.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Statman Dave, also achieved a tally of 1.5 shots on target per 90, ranking him within the top 10% of all players in the division, showcasing the threat he poses in attacking areas.

Alexander Isak’s PL stats for Newcastle throughout 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

34

Goals & assists

29

Pass accuracy

78%

Shots on target per 90

1.5

Chances created

1.4

Dribbles completed

1.4

Touches in opposition box

6.9

Aerials won

1.8

Stats via FotMob

He also completed 78% of the passes he attempted, whilst creating 1.4 chances for his teammates, having the all-round ability to link up with the players around him – subsequently making him a greater threat to the opposition.

Whilst Salah posted a mammoth tally of goals last season, the Egyptian will need support in the final third to help the Reds retain their crown within the 2025/26 campaign.

Isak would offer just that, potentially being worth every penny, especially if he can replicate the success he’s enjoyed at St James’ Park, which has seen him net 54 goals in 86 top-flight outings.

Splashing huge cash on other players in England’s top-flight isn’t alien to Liverpool, with Isak having the chance to be the next star in that trend, arguably being a great deal if he can replicate Van Dijk’s success at the club.

Related Van Dijk's new Matip: Liverpool scouting "one of the most exciting” CBs

Liverpool still need to sign a centre-back this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 2, 2025

Tottenham remain optimistic of completing a deal for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, despite Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now adopting a ‘not for sale’ stance, and the situation is becoming more complex by the day.

Frank identifies £100m target in "ambitious" next Tottenham transfer swoop

The Dane has personally shortlisted him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 16, 2025

Forest are threatening both Spurs and the player’s agent with legal action following what they believe was an ‘illegal approach’ for their playmaker (Rob Dorsett), with the dispute surrounding a ‘breach in confidentiality’ after the Lilywhites triggered his £60 million release clause.

“Even though it is relatively commonplace for clubs to sound out their would-be transfer targets in advance, ‘tapping up’ (or any meaningful negotiation) is banned under the Premier League rules,” wrote Dorsett, who originally broke this story, in an article for Sky.

“Rule T.3 in the Premier League handbook says a buying club must get written permission from the selling club before approaching any player, or they face disciplinary action.

“Forest have a contractual agreement for the terms of Gibbs-White’s contract – and specifically the level of his release clause – to be kept confidential, so if that has been breached, they have a legal case.”

Gibbs-White was scheduled to have a medical at Hotspur Way on Friday after a round of quick-fire talks, and the 25-year-old looked nailed on to become Tottenham’s fourth signing of the summer after Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

There is an expectation from some that Tottenham will eventually sign Gibbs-White regardless and Forest may eventually have to stand aside. However, the transfer now looks set to be dragged out as a result of Forest’s legal claim.

Taking into account the rules which Thomas Frank’s side are alleged to have broken, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has explained what could happen if Spurs are found guilty, or if the Premier League do indeed to choose to investigate.

The punishments Tottenham face if found guilty of 'illegal' Gibbs-White approach

Crook shared that Tottenham could face two potential punishments over the ‘illegal’ Gibbs-White approach.

It is believed that Spurs may face a fine or even a transfer ban if it is discovered that they’ve violated the rules, but top flight chiefs are yet to decide if they will even investigate Forest’s pleas.

In the meantime, Gibbs-White has returned to Forest training, holding ‘showdown talks’ with the club as their ongoing battle with Tottenham continues. Crook reiterates that there is still hope an agreement will be reached, so the former Wolves star’s switch to N17 is by no means off the table.

Gibbs-White was a key player under Nuno last season, bagging seven goals and 10 assists in the Premier League alone during Forest’s chase for a Champions League spot, which they agonisingly fell short of on the final day.

عبر فيديريكو كييزا، نجم نادي ليفربول، عن سعادته بفوز فريقه أمس الثلاثاء على ساوثهامبتون في بطولة كأس كاراباو، موضحًا أن الريدز يريد الحصول على تلك المسابقة.

ليفربول نجا من فخ ساوثهامبتون ونجح في الفوز بهدفين مقابل هدف وذلك في المواجهة التي لعبت بين الفريقين على ملعب آنفيلد.

وقدم كييزا عرضًا رائعًا في لقاء الأمس، حيث صنع هدفي ليفربول وتوج مجهوداته ليحصل على جائزة أفضل لاعب في المباراة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. أول تعليق من إيكتيكي بعد طرده في مباراة ليفربول وساوثهامبتون ووصفه بـ”الغبي”

وقال كييزا في تصريحات لموقع ليفربول الرسمي: ”لطالما استمتعت باللعب في أنفيلد ومع ليفربول، أنا سعيد للغاية”.

وأضاف: ”ولكن يجب أن أقول إن أداء الفريق لم يكن رائعًا ضد ساوثهامبتون، كان يجب أن نكون أكثر تركيزًا منذ بداية المباراة لكننا فزنا في النهاية وهذا ما كنا نتمناه”.

وأوضح: ”ولهذا السبب أعتقد أنه كان يجب علينا في الشوط الأول إظهار المزيد من التركيز على حسم المباراة لأننا نريد الفوز بهذه البطولة”.

كما دعم كييزا زميله في ليفربول، جيوفاني ليوني، بعدما تعرض المدافع الإيطالي الشاب للإصابة في مواجهة ساوثهامبتون.

وأردف كييزا: “للأسف، أعتذر لجيوفاني ليوني عما حدث له، لا نعرف حتى الآن ما حدث له لكنني آمل ألا يكون الأمر سيئًا فمستقبله مشرق، إنه شخص رائع ولاعب كرة قدم عظيم وعمره 18 عامًا فقط، آمل ألا يكون الأمر سيئًا لكننا سنرى”.

واختتم: “‘شاهدته العام الماضي في الدوري الإيطالي وقد أظهر هدوءًا في التعامل مع الكرة ثم عقلية دفاعية رائعة، هو لاعب مميز”.

Manchester City had a catastrophic 2024/25 campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side went trophyless, finishing third in the Premier League and losing the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. It was far from the dominance they have shown under the legendary Spanish manager over the past few years.

Naturally, it has been a busy summer transfer window already for the East Mancunian outfit. The Citizens have dipped into the market four times to strengthen in all areas of the pitch and improve their fortunes ahead of next term.

Indeed, Goal noted the prices for three of their four signings so far, with Marcus Bettinelli joining from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee. Rayan Cherki cost £34m from Lyon, Tijani Reijnders was £46m from AC Milan, and Rayan Ait-Nouri joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £31m.

Those four are options for Guardiola’s side going into the first three games of the Premier League season. They start off with a trip to Ait-Nouri’s old hunting ground at Molineux, before hosting Tottenham Hotspur and travelling down to Brighton and Hove Albion for the final game of August.

But, what might the rest of City’s side look like ahead of their first game of the season against Wolves and beyond? Well, here’s a look at what their dream squad could look like in 2025/26 if everything goes according to plan.

The goalkeepers Ederson stays as City's number 1

City made one signing in the goalkeeper department already, with Bettinelli joining from West London giants Chelsea. He joins Ederson and Stefan Ortega as shot-stopping options for Guardiola next season.

Brazil international Ederson was the first choice last season, and conceded 26 goals in as many Premier League games, keeping ten clean sheets along the way. He did struggle with injuries at times and was sidelined for eight games in total.

One of the real upsides to Ederson is his ability with the ball at his feet. This is perhaps best showcased by the fact that he assisted four goals, including this sublime ball to Erling Haaland against Chelsea, which was well finished by the striker.

As for Ortega, the 32-year-old played 13 Premier League games, but conceded 18 goals in that time. In the Champions League, he kept a clean sheet in both appearances last term. He is certainly an excellent number two for Guardiola to have at his disposal.

Full list of goalkeepers – Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Marcus Bettinelli.

The defenders New full-back options for Pep on both sides

If there is one area of the pitch that City are certainly not short of options, it is in defence. They have incredible versatility, with Josko Gvardiol being the best example. He predominantly played as a left-back last season and chipped in with six goals across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt. In reality, he is more naturally a centre-back.

He is one of three main options at left-back for City, with Ait-Nouri also offering an excellent attacking outlet. He contributed four goals and seven assists for the Old Gold last season. Nico O’Reilly is a less experienced option, but he excelled last season, too. Naturally a number 10, he managed five goals and two assists in all competitions.

On the right flank, City have recently been linked with Denzel Dumfries by one Spanish outlet. He is said to have a £21.5m release clause, with City currently deciding whether ‘to take a chance’ on the Dutchman. His contributions in the Champions League semi-final last season, across both legs, were memorable.

With Kyle Walker now officially a Burnley player, Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis are the only other right-backs at the club. Both like to invert into midfield, which is no surprise for Nunes, given he is, by trade, a midfielder.

At centre-back, City have not made any new inclusions since the January window, where they signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.

Ruben Dias played 44 times last season and Manuel Akajani 40, suggesting they are the first-choice options for Guardiola. However, he still has the experience of John Stones and Nathan Ake to call upon.

Full list of right-backs – Denzel Dumfries, Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis

Full list of centre-backs – RCB (Manuel Akanji, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey); LCB (Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake)

Full list of left-backs – Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nico O’Reilly

The midfield Rodri's return and KDB's replacement

The huge news in the centre of the park for City recently is that Rodri is back from his long-term injury. The current Ballon d’Or holder misses several months of the season, making just eight appearances. His involvement, or lack thereof, was noticeable in City’s torrid campaign.

City’s new addition in midfield this summer is Reijnders, who featured three times in the Club World Cup, with Nico Gonzalez, a January addition, also an option for the East Mancunians. He was dubbed a “mini Rodri” earlier in the season by his manager.

Transfer Focus

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

There is plenty of experience in the middle of midfield, too. Treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan is remaining at the club this summer. He played 54 times in 2024/25, two more than new club captain Bernardo Silva.

City also have Mateo Kovacic to call upon, who played a huge role last season in Rodri’s absence. Kalvin Phillips is still at the club, but after spending the last one and a half seasons out on loan, it doesn’t seem likely he will stay.

In the number 10 spot, this is where things get interesting for City. Kevin De Bruyne has now, of course, departed the club, joining Napoli, meaning someone has to step up in his absence, not at all an easy thing to do.

Perhaps that will be Phil Foden. The England international was not at his best this season, contributing to 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances. However, there is no doubt about his quality. This is a former PFA Player of the Year we are talking about. He could be the guy City are looking for to step up in De Bruyne’s absence this season.

Alternatively, City had been linked with Morgan Gibbs-White. Football Insider claimed the player ‘has agreed personal terms’ ahead of a possible move but he’s now on his way to Spurs instead

The 25-year-old was sensational for Forest last season, scoring seven times and grabbing ten assists in just 34 league games. That included a superb headed effort against Leicester City.

With Gibbs-White seemingly off the table, Foden is not the only option Guardiola has in the number 10 role. Youngsters Oscar Bobb and Claudio Echeverri, who made his debut in the FA Cup final, are also attacking midfielders he could call upon. The future of James McAtee, who scored seven times last season, is up in the air.

Full list of central midfielders – Rodri, Tijani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic.

Full list of attacking midfielders – Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Claudio Echeverri, James McAtee

The attackers Versatility and a new look front 3

One of the best things about this City team is the versatility they possess, and that is personified throughout the attack. Number nine, Erling Haaland, is the player who can only play in one role. Of course, when you have someone of his quality up front, that is no problem. He scored 34 goals in 48 games last season.

Omar Marmoush, however, is an incredibly versatile player. Another January signing, the Egyptian attacker can play on either flank, as a centre-forward or a second striker. He played 25 games for the Citizens in 2024/25, scoring eight times and assisting three.

On the right-hand side, City fans can surely get excited about watching Rayan Cherki. The 21-year-old Frenchman is an electric attacker who can play as a number 10 or on the right wing. Last season for City and Lyon, he contributed to 13 goals and 21 assists in 48 games.

Just look at his underlying numbers on FBref from the last 365 days. He averaged 8.88 progressive passes and 6.8 shot-creating actions per game. Both of those numbers place him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers.

Goals and assists

0.95

97th

Progressive passes

8.88

99th

Key passes

3.69

99th

Shot-creating actions

6.8

99th

Take-ons completed

2.5

90th

Brazilian Savinho is another option on the right-hand side for Guardiola. He managed to score three goals and registered an impressive 13 assists in all competitions, and can also play on the left-hand side if need be.

Speaking of the opposite flank, Real Madrid star Rodrygo, described as a “future icon” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be on his way to the Etihad Stadium. TBR Football recently confirmed that the Brazilian’s representatives ‘have now been in discussions’ with City over a move.

It would not come cheap, with one Spanish outlet suggesting Los Blancos would want upwards of £77m for their winger. In 2024/25, he scored 14 goals and assisted 11, including six Champions League goals, bringing his tally for the competition up to 25.

Jeremy Doku is another option for City on the left. A brilliant one-vs-one winger, he contributed to 17 goals last season and adds a unique element to Guardiola’s attack. Jack Grealish would also be someone who can slot in on the left-hand side, but he fell out of favour at City and seems set to leave the club.

Full list of strikers – Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush.

Full list of wingers – Rayan Cherki, Savinho, Rodrygo, Jeremy Doku.

Bigger talent than Reijnders: Pep driving Man City move for £43m sensation

Following the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders, Man City still want to bolster their midfield options, reportedly interested in making a £43m signing.

Jul 4, 2025

The WCA had received reports of certain cricket boards not paying the men’s T20 World Cup “prize money in full” to their players

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-2024

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA, formerly FICA) has expressed its “concern” after receiving reports of certain cricket boards not paying the “prize money in full” to their players, who participated at the last men’s T20 World Cup, earlier this year in the USA and the West Indies.”In some cases the failure to pay in full has been paired with threatening and intimidatory behaviour by National Governing Bodies to player groups,” the WCA said in a statement on Wednesday.ESPNcricinfo understands that players from five of the 20 participating teams – of which eight were Associate Members of the ICC – have not been paid their dues.Related

WCA hopes to find solution to 'broken and unsustainable' cricket schedule

“We are extremely concerned with a number of countries who are still yet to pay players their prize money from the men’s T20 World Cup held in the US and Caribbean earlier in the year, and especially with a number of threats made against players who stand up for themselves and their colleagues in some cricket environments,” Tom Moffat, WCA chief executive, said. “We appreciate the ICC’s efforts to date in ensuring the players involved are paid in full, and are certain the ICC will continue to take all appropriate steps against any Boards who do not do so, and to enforce their own Terms of Participation.”Every player in our sport should receive the benefits they are entitled to in full, and should be provided with a safe environment to play, work, and advocate for themselves and their colleagues off field, through a players’ association if they choose.”The statement was released after the WCA board met this week in Singapore for its annual general meeting, where it also approved the establishment of a Global Player Hardship Fund.The fund, the WCA said, has been designed to support international players in need “who are not covered by the game’s existing domestic frameworks for support”.JP Van Wyk, WCA’s head of welfare and education, said, “Professional athletes face unique challenges in their short careers and we know through the great work that many players’ associations do at domestic level that tailored player welfare support structures have supported players in their time of need. We also know that in an increasingly global player employment market there are notable gaps in the current system in assisting players in extreme cases of hardship.”Although this fund will operate within certain constraints, and will complement domestic offerings, we are certain it is going to assist those current and recently retired international cricketers who are presently unsupported and vulnerable.”The fund will be governed by “an oversight group” made up of experts and players’ association representatives.Meanwhile, Heath Mills and Sana Mir have been reappointed executive chair and independent director respectively.

As Celtic gear up for yet another title defence, Brendan Rodgers now reportedly believes that they hold a key advantage in the race to sign an impressive midfield star.

Rodgers still aiming to "push" for arrivals

Despite welcoming as many as six fresh faces following another dominant Scottish Premiership campaign last time out, Rodgers admitted that he’s still pushing the Celtic board to secure more additions.

He told reporters: “We have gaps in the squad that are very clear. I have to convince the board to really push to get the players in that we really need. Clearly, I’m not doing that job well enough, but I will continue to push and hopefully we can get the players in by the end of the transfer window.”

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Rangers also want to sign him this summer.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 1, 2025

“When you lose important players, you want to fill those gaps. That attacking department is the strength of my team. It always will be. We were very, very good last year in that front in terms of both the score and both the creativity.

“I’m fairly confident that we will do the business that will fill those gaps and with the necessary quality that’s needed to keep the team moving forward, because that’s what we all want. That’s what the supporters want. They want to see a team that’s exciting and that can dominate games and really attack games and that’s our goal.”

Just who those additions will be is the question. It looks as though the Bhoys are at least set to welcome Manchester City youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan, but that’s not to say other targets have fallen away from their radar.

Those at Celtic Park have also reportedly set their sights on winning the race to land a bargain deal in the next month and Rodgers believes that they hold one key advantage over the rest of the chasing pack.

Rodgers believes Celtic have advantage in Brownhill race

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rodgers believes that Celtic have the advantage in the race to sign Josh Brownhill this summer thanks to their Champions League place. Whilst the likes of West Ham United and Everton chase his signature, the Bhoys will be able to offer the 29-year-old his first taste of Europe’s elite.

Dubbed “brilliant” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, Brownhill represents one of the few bargain deals still on the market and one that Celtic should go all out to snap up this month.

It isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that Tottenham could green-light a shock departure this summer, amid the uncertainty surrounding club captain Son Heung-min’s future.

£40m star hints he's prepared to join Tottenham as Spurs speak with his camp

Spurs have been handed a much-needed boost.

4 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 30, 2025

Thomas Frank has worked with Son extensively during pre-season, despite his credible links with a move away from N17 before deadline day on September 1, and the Dane continues to play down speculation by suggesting Son is key to his plans.

“I think everyone knows that Son has been one of the best players at Tottenham in the past 10 years. I think he’s been hugely successful from the left wing,” said Frank in a recent press conference.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“I also think he’s had some fantastic games down the middle as a number nine. So it’s important to have players who can play in more than one position, and it’s about having your best players on the pitch and available.

“So the thing about Sonny is that he will always score goals, and it’s just about getting him in those situations.”

However, MLS side Los Angeles FC are lurking in the background, as they offer Son a move to the States with personal terms reportedly close to being agreed (GiveMeSport).

Star defender Romero was regularly linked with a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid all summer too. However, reports of the Argentine’s potential move to La Liga have died down, especially after Diego Simeone’s side completed a deal for David Hancko from Feyenoord.

Right now, Son is their most likely high-profile departure alongside Yves Bissouma, with the South Korea international poised to hold crunch talks over his future once Spurs return from their pre-season tour of Asia (GMS).

However, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, the 33-year-old and Bissouma could even be joined by playmaker James Maddison.

Tottenham could green-light "surprise" James Maddison exit

As per the reporter, speaking on We Are Tottenham TV this week, Tottenham could green-light a “surprise” exit for Maddison if the right offer comes in, even if they’re not actively pushing to sell.

“There could be a slight surprise possibility that James Maddison is a player they would listen to offers for, without necessarily forcing him out of the door,” Jacobs said.

“What happened last season was that Maddison was in and out, he lacked fitness at times and consistency even when he was fit. I don’t think it’s unthinkable that they would listen to offers at the right price, but it’s not a case of trying to force him out or transfer list him, it’s not their plan that he will leave, but there could be consideration to offers at the right price.”

The 28-year-old, despite suffering from his fair share of fitness problems (something he had in common with almost the entire Tottenham squad last season), still managed 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions and put in some crucial performances.

Letting Maddison leave, especially given their need for more creativity going forward, would be a bold move to say the least.

Any offer would need to be a handsome one, and ex-Spurs scout Bryan King believes Daniel Levy would only entertain bids at a minimum of £50 million, potentially up to £60m.

“They will want at least £50m. I would say anywhere between £50-60million would be accepted,” King told Tottenham News in April.

“Maddison has had some positive moments at Tottenham and got himself into the England team. However, he has also lost his place in the England team due to his inconsistency.”

Head coach backs top six despite shortcomings in wake of innings win in first Test

Andrew Miller26-Oct-2024Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, says his team have “no excuses” after crashing to a 2-1 series defeat with back-to-back losses in Multan and Rawalpindi, but admits he was surprised it took Pakistan until the second Test to prepare the sort of spinning pitches that have been his team’s undoing on recent tours of the subcontinent.Pakistan had been left with no place to hide after England’s ruthless victory on a flat deck in the first Test in Multan, where they powered past a seemingly impressive first-innings 556 to post 823 for 7 declared, the fourth-highest Test total in history, with Harry Brook setting up their innings win with a career-best 317.But, after changing their selection panel and tailoring the subsequent surfaces with the use of heaters and industrial fans, Pakistan transformed their fortunes, with spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali sharing 39 of England’s next 40 wickets, as their opponents mustered just 814 runs across their final four innings of the series.Not only is the result a stark turnaround from England’s 3-0 win in Pakistan two years ago, it comes in the wake of their 4-1 loss in India in February, meaning that England have now gone from winning four in a row under Stokes and McCullum in Asia, to losing six of their last seven, and by comprehensive margins.Related

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Sajid Khan claims Urdu misdirection aided his batting exploits

Multan to Pindi, dust to dust, if Sajid don't get ya, Noman must

“That’s life,” McCullum told Sky Sports after England’s nine-wicket defeat. “We obviously coughed up the opportunity to win the series. We did some good stuff throughout, and we leave ultimately disappointed, but also very much complimentary of how Pakistan played. But we know within ourselves that we’ve had an opportunity to have been better than that and we’re a little bit disappointed about that.”Credit to Pakistan, the way that those two spinners bowled was superb,” McCullum said, after Noman and Sajid had combined to rout England for 112 in their second innings in Rawalpindi.”I thought they varied the pace beautifully. Noman from one end, taking pace off most of the time with the occasional fast one, and Sajid flipping that around and putting pace on with the occasional slow one. I thought was great partnership bowling. And our guys weren’t able to sustain the pressure, unfortunately.”Asked if he was comfortable with the extreme measures that Pakistan had taken to bring their spinners into the series, including the seemingly unprecedented reuse of the first-Test pitch in Multan, and the raking of the Rawalpindi surface to exacerbate the turn on offer, McCullum said he welcomed the initiative they had shown.”I kind of like it to be honest,” he said. “They were brave enough to make decisions on their personnel, and they were brave enough to make decisions on the surfaces that they wanted to play on.”When teams come to England, ideally we play on the surfaces that we’re more accustomed to, which allow our strengths to really flourish and maybe paper over some of the weaknesses as well, which every team naturally has.”I’m a little bit surprised it’s taken Pakistan as long as it has. Because when you go to Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, the ball is always going to turn. What we had here a couple of years ago, or in that first Test match, where it was pretty flat, was a different challenge. It’ll be interesting to see over the next couple of years whether they persist with these types of services, but certainly there are no excuses from our point of view. We had our chances, and we ran second.”Despite remaining magnanimous, McCullum acknowledged that the series defeat would increase the scrutiny on his team. Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley were notably short of answers in the more extreme conditions, while Brook managed a top score of 26 in his final four innings of the tour, having racked up four centuries and a fifty in his previous six in Pakistan.England were thoroughly outplayed in spinning conditions in Multan and Rawalpindi•Getty Images”It’s pretty much the same batting group that came here two years ago, and were outstanding in these conditions, and it’s the same batting group that put on 800 in the first Test match,” McCullum said. “As the conditions changed, we were presented with different challenges and we weren’t quite able to adapt to those challenges. And that’s a missed opportunity.”I have no doubt, and the skipper has no doubt, that our batting group that we’ve now had together for the best part of 18 months is the best that we’ve got,” he added. “We’re very confident, we’ve just got to make sure we keep allowing guys to develop them and keep becoming the players that they want to become, and will benefit from that.”The focus will also fall on England’s spinners, particularly Shoaib Bashir and Jack Leach, whose direct counterparts Sajid and Noman exploited the conditions with significantly more success in the final two Tests. Bashir, whose selection for the India tour had been on the basis of his natural attributes, rather than any proven record in first-class cricket, has now bowled more overs in Tests in 2024 than any other player, but his series haul of nine wickets at 49.66 pales compared to Sajid’s 19 at 21.10.”[Sajid and Noman] were brilliant in the way they bowled together, and they challenged in different methods with the paces that they used,” McCullum said. “Could we have been better? Yeah, of course, right? Anytime you lose a Test or lose a series, you’ve got to have that period of reflection. And we’ll do that, and say, right, next time we’re presented with conditions similar to that, how will we respond? What do we need to do? Do we need to vary our pace more? Do we need to adjust our tactics more? That’s natural, right? It’s no difference to when a batsman gets out.”You’re always trying to improve, but you’ve got to be really careful that you’re not seeking perfection, because it doesn’t exist in an inconsistent game. The game we play is going to come with periods where it’s not going how you want it to, but you’ve still got to hold firm.”We will be confronted with spinning conditions at some stage in the future, and we hope that some of the lessons, good and bad that we’ve had throughout this series, will give us a bit more of a base to be able to be successful.”

Big picture: Pakistan confident, Australia shorthanded

Australian soil has mostly been the site of nightmares for Pakistan over decades. But ignited by fiery bowling from quick Haris Rauf, Pakistan are on the verge of a rare series victory in Australia and go into Sunday’s decider at the Optus Stadium highly confident after a nine-wicket hammering of the world champions in Adelaide.It can, of course, be fraught with danger to feel any type of certainty over such a volatile team but Pakistan deserve to enter the third and final ODI in Perth as favourites. They probably should have already wrapped up the series if not for Pat Cummins’ late heroics with the bat at the MCG.Pakistan bounced back superbly with a masterclass in the second ODI, blowing away Australia’s batters with skilful pace bowling before impressive young opener Saim Ayub treated Australia’s frontline attack with disdain.It’s hard to recall a more clinical performance by a visiting team in Australia. Pakistan, whose white-ball coach Gary Kirsten quit amid upheaval just a week before the tour, can almost sniff an unlikely series victory and they will face a weakened Australia.Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Marnus Labuschagne won’t play as they start preparing for the first Test against India.Josh Inglis will become Australia’s 30th ODI captain and has the tough task of galvanising a new-look team in conditions that will once again test their batting-order preaching all-out attack. There will be considerable pressure on misfiring openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, who have both copped criticism for their shot selections across the two games.While the series is viewed as an entrée to the blockbuster Test summer, as underlined by modest crowds in Melbourne and Adelaide, there is added significance for both teams ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Form guide

Australia LWWLL (last five ODIs, most recent first)
Pakistan WLLWWJosh Inglis will lead Australia for the first time•AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlight: Josh Inglis and Haris Rauf

Josh Inglis, 29, will make his captaincy debut for Australia and also will lead his team in the subsequent T20I series against Pakistan. Given his heavy workload with the gloves, Inglis has never taken the reins of Western Australia or Perth Scorchers in the BBL, but his leadership credentials and tactical nous are widely regarded. He did captain a very strong Prime Minister’s XI in a first-class match against West Indies two years ago. The England-born Inglis started the season in sublime form and was even bandied around as a possible left-field option to solve Australia’s Test opening dilemma. Inglis continued to look in good touch in the opening two games but failed to convert starts. On a ground he has long dominated in the BBL, Inglis looms as Australia’s key batter as he bids to start his captaincy on a winning note.Haris Rauf has been undoubtedly the standout performer so far this series with eight wickets to rattle Australia. He’s been unplayable at times on helpful surfaces and he has created doubt over whether Australia’s batters can handle rapid pace. Rauf should relish the extra bounce at the Optus Stadium, but he will need to not get carried away. He should strive to replicate the discipline he showed in Adelaide marked by a superb line and length delivery – reminiscent of Test cricket – to nick off Labuschagne. If he can finish off the series in style, then his performances across the three games will go down in Pakistan’s fast-bowling lore.

Team news: Mass changes for Australia

Quick Sean Abbott, who played in the series opener, is likely to return for Australia along with experienced allrounder and Perth local Marcus Stoinis. Hometown heroes Lance Morris and Cooper Connolly will be in consideration, while quicks Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett are also in the squad.Australia (probable): 1 Matt Short, 2 Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3 Josh Inglis (capt, wk), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Aaron Hardie, 7 Cooper Connolly, 8 Sean Abbott, 9 Spencer Johnson/Xavier Bartlett, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Lance MorrisAfter such a comprehensive victory in Adelaide, Pakistan are set to remain unchanged.Pakistan (probable): 1 Saim Ayub, 2 Abdullah Shafique, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), 5 Kamran Ghulam, 6 Salman Agha, 7 Irfan Khan, 8 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Mohammad HasnainSaim Ayub treated Australia’s attack with disdain in the second ODI•Cricket Australia/Getty Images

Pitch and conditions

A fast and bouncy surface is expected at a ground that aims to mimic the famous conditions at the nearby WACA. But runs usually flow at the ground in white-ball cricket as batters target the relatively short straight boundaries.”The same three principles… pace, carry and bounce but more of a batter’s wicket. Lots of runs,” WA Cricket head curator Isaac McDonald told ESPNcricinfo.It has been a relatively mild spring in Perth and pleasant temperatures in the mid-20s are expected throughout the day fixture.

Stats and trivia

• Salman Agha has the fifth-highest strike rate (94.86) in Pakistan’s history of batters who have faced at least 500 deliveries.
• Glenn Maxwell needs 50 runs to reach 4000 in ODIs.
• The teams have never played an ODI at the Optus Stadium. Pakistan held a 4-3 edge at the WACA.
• Only two ODIs have been played at the Optus Stadium. In front of more than 53,000 fans, England’s 12-run victory over Australia in January 2018 was the first official sports event at the Burswood ground, while South Africa beat Australia by six wickets later that year.

Quotes

“We go to Perth with a clear plan, a clear method. We’re committed to the style we want to play.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a £15m player compared to former Molineux ace Morgan Gibbs-White.

Wolves make left-back Moller Wolfe fourth summer signing

After losing both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester United and Manchester City early in the transfer window, Wolves have slowly been splashing the cash in the transfer market.

The Old Gold have made four new permanent signings for manager Vitor Pereira, one of which being Jørgen Strand Larsen following his successful loan spell at Molineux last season.

The latest addition in the Midlands is David Moller Wolfe, with the left-back costing Wolves £10m from Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar. Talking after signing a five-year deal, Moller Wolfe said:

“I’m so, so happy and so proud to be a part of Wolves, so I’m over the moon right now. I felt incredibly wanted from the second I talked to Domenico [Teti, Wolves director of football] and the second I talked to the coach.

“Obviously, the Premier League is a big, big league, especially also in Norway. It’s the biggest league that people watch, so when a Premier League club came in, and Wolverhampton came in for me, I was extremely keen on joining.”

Incomings

From

Fee

Jorgen Strand Larsen

Celta Vigo

£23m

Fer Lopez

Celta Vigo

£19m

Jhon Arias

Fluminense

£15m

David Moller Wolfe

AZ Alkmaar

£10m

With a new left-back signed, attention is now turning to a right-back after Nelson Semedo departed the club upon the expiry of his contract.

Approach made: Wolves now make enquiry to sign "unbelievable" £15m striker

The Old Gold have made contact over a deal for a centre-forward, with Vitor Pereira looking to bolster his attacking options.

ByDominic Lund Jul 30, 2025

Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez has been the man heavily linked with replacing Semedo under Pereira, and a development has now emerged.

Wolves reach £14.8m agreement to sign Juanlu

According to reports in Spain, Wolves have actually reached an agreement to sign Juanlu from Sevilla. A fee is worth €17m (£14.8m), however, Wolves still have to convince the player of a move to the Premier League. The report adds that Juanlu actually wants to join Serie A giants Napoli and is waiting for them to swoop.

Therefore, despite shaking hands on a near £15m deal with Sevilla, a deal could still prove complicated for Wolves.

Primarily a right-back, Juanlu can actually play further forward when required as a winger or central midfielder.

Players similar to Juanlu

Club

John McGinn

Aston Villa

Adrien Truffert

Bournemouth

Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest

Marcos Llorente

Atletico Madrid

Emerson Palmieri

West Ham

Interestingly, as per FBref, the Spaniard has even been compared to attacking midfielder Gibbs-White, who left Wolves for Nottingham Forest back in 2022.

Set to turn 22 later this month, Juanlu is capped at senior level by Spain and turned out in the Champions League with Sevilla last season.

He’s contributed to 14 goals in 74 first-team Sevilla appearances, and by the looks of things, a deal will be one to keep a close eye on following this development.