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Have West Ham United reinvested the money that they gained from selling Declan Rice to Arsenal in 2023 well? They made over £100m from that sale, and whilst they have signed plenty of big-name players since then, including the now-departed Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta, they have yet to have a better season than when Rice was in their midfield.

Of course, losing your captain to a London rival is never going to be an easy pill to swallow. However, they have spent money on two midfielders since his departure, namely Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, and signed Guido Rodriguez for free and Kalvin Phillips on a brief loan.

Yet, there still feels like a Rice-shaped hole in the midfield for the Hammers. Perhaps that will change this summer.

West Ham’s latest midfield target

It has certainly been a frustrating time for the Hammers when it comes to replacing their captain, and an England starter. Rice’s influence in the middle of the park has certainly been missed as they slowly slide down the table.

Transfer Focus

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

However, a report from Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, suggests that the Hammers may have found the man to finally replace Rice, in the form of Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz. The report states that the Hammers have actually made a loan bid with an option to buy the Brazilian.

Indeed, the option to buy the 27-year-old could become obligatory if certain conditions are met. Luiz, who earns £138k-per-week according to Capology, would cost the Hammers £8.6m ahead of the loan.

They’d then need to pay a further £26m if he ends up moving to the London Stadium permanently.

Why Luiz would be a good signing

Despite a tough campaign for Juve in the 2024/25 season, with the midfielder constantly out of favour under a couple of managers, his quality is undeniable. He has already had success in the Premier League with Aston Villa.

His single season playing for the Old Lady so far certainly did not go to plan. He only made 27 appearances last term in all competitions, without scoring or assisting. The former Villa star notched up just 877 minutes, the equivalent of only 9.7 full 90-minute games.

Despite the outrageously low number of minutes played for Juve to date, Luiz certainly has the mettle to play in the Premier League. He racked up 204 Villa appearances, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists in that time. Statman Dave described him as a midfield “engine”, which is certainly what the Hammers are looking for.

Stepping into the shoes of Rice at the London Stadium will not be an easy task for Luiz. Let’s not forget just how much of an iconic figure the former Hammers captain is at the club.

He lifted the Conference League as captain in 2022/23, just weeks before he left.

In total, the London-born midfielder played 245 times for the East Londoners, scoring 15 goals, including this solo effort in their run to the Conference League final. Chelsea and England legend John Terry described him as “the best in his position in world football” back in 2021.

So, for former winger turned pundit Jermaine Pennant to claim that Luiz “can do everything that Rice can do and better” shows just how good of a midfielder he is. Indeed, there are stats which back up this bold claim from the former Liverpool winger.

Looking at numbers on FBref from 2023/24, Luiz’s last season in the Premier League, there are some standout stats. For example, that season he averaged 5.53 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, compared to 4.97 each game from Rice, while providing more of an impact in terms of goal contributions.

Signing Luiz on a loan deal with an option to buy him could be the dream move for West Ham. He is proven in the Premier League, and perhaps better, whisper it quietly, than Rice, a player they have struggled to replace over the last two years.

This relatively risk-free move could be ideal for the Hammers to help strengthen in midfield and climb back up the table.

Dream Kudus replacement: West Ham open talks to sign "special" £30m star

West Ham United can soften the blow of Mohammed Kudus leaving by signing this £30m star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 15, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are in desperate need of huge improvement over the course of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, needing to right the wrongs of last season.

The Lilywhites only managed to register a 17th-placed finish, losing 22 matches out of their 38, a tally of defeats that subsequently cost Ange Postecoglou his job.

Thomas Frank is the latest manager to try and push the club closer to a consistent place within the division’s top four and eventually push for a title charge in the years ahead.

The Dane will need the hierarchy to hand the new boss the funds he needs to make the desired changes to provide him with the platform for success in his first year at the club.

Numerous names have been touted with a move to North London, this window, with progress appearing to be made on deals to land key players in multiple areas.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Ademola Lookman is the latest player who has appeared on Spurs’ radar, with the Lilywhites preparing an offer for the Atalanta star in the coming weeks.

He could be available for a fee in the region of £50m this summer, a deal which could be a bargain given his tally of 20 goals across all competitions last season.

However, a deal could be edging closer for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, with talks already being held, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

He claims that the club’s hierarchy are preparing another bid for the Ghanaian international, after their first offer of around £50m was swiftly rejected.

Romano also stated that the 24-year-old would be extremely keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with the Lilywhites currently leading the race for his signature this summer despite his £85m release clause.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s own Saka

Bukayo Saka is a player who many Spurs fans have envied in recent years, given the performances he’s often produced against them in the North London Derby.

The 23-year-old has scored five times against the Lilywhites in his career, the most of any side in his professional career, with the Englishman one of the Premier League’s dangermen.

He registered six goals and 10 assists in England’s top-flight last season, but his contributions couldn’t catapult the Gunners to the Premier League title – undoubtedly to the joy of all Spurs supporters.

However, Frank’s side could be about to land their own version of the forward with a move for Kudus this summer, as the Ghanaian has been labelled as a similar player to Saka by FBref.

The West Ham star also possesses a very similar trait of liking to cut inside onto his left foot off the right flank, as demonstrated by the stats he’s produced in recent months.

Kudus, who’s been labelled as “sensational” by one analyst, has registered fewer goal contributions, but has posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, showcasing the clinical edge he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, completing more balls into the final third, having the ability to provide other forwards with the chance for success in forward areas.

The Ghanaian’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of take-ons completed and carries into the final third, having the talent to take the ball forward at any given opportunity.

It may be a deal that could cost a small fortune this summer, but it’s evident that, from the stats produced, he would be worth every penny in their quest for domestic glory.

Should he get near the levels produced by Saka in recent times, it would be an astute piece of business and one that could provide the difference within the final third.

Frank's own Vertonghen: Spurs make enquiry for "unreal" £21m CB

Tottenham need to sign a new defender or two this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 5, 2025

Could play alongside Rocky Flintoff in two Tests at Wormsley and Cheltenham

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jul-2024Archie Vaughan, the 18-year-old son of former England captain Michael, is set to make his Under-19 Test debut against Sri Lanka next week, having been named in a 14-man squad that includes a number of other familiar family connections, including Rocky Flintoff, Farhan Ahmed and Jaydn Denly.Vaughan, a top-order batter and offspinner, signed his first professional contract with Somerset earlier this season, having been part of the county’s academy set-up at Taunton since 2020.Though he has yet to make his Somerset first-team debut, he made his mark at age-group level last week, with an innings of 85 from 83 balls for a Young Lions Invitational XI in a warm-up match against the England U19 ODI squad, for whom Flintoff top-scored with 106.Vaughan and Flintoff Sr played alongside each other in 48 Tests between 1999 and 2008, and now their sons could begin their own partnership at age-group level in two Tests, at Wormsley on July 8-11, and Cheltenham on July 16-19.The team will be captained by Hamza Shaikh, who featured in two Youth Tests against Australia last year and is set to play against the touring West Indians in a Test warm-up at Beckenham this week. Shaikh has taken charge of Warwickshire’s second XI on several occasions already this summer, during which time he has captained the likes of Chris Woakes, Liam Norwell and Jake Lintott.”They’ve helped me and given me more confidence in my leadership on and off the field, advising on bowling options and field placements,” Shaikh told Warwickshire’s website. “I like to think I’m a fairly calm guy and captaincy doesn’t faze me. I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopefully coming away with a series win.”The team will also feature several players who have already been in ODI action against Sri Lanka, including Kesh Fonseka, Noah Thain, and Freddie McCann, who made a matchwinning 174 from 139 balls at Hove on Monday.England U19s Squad Hamza Shaikh (Warwickshire, capt), Farhan Ahmed (Nottinghamshire), Charlie Brand (Lancashire), Jack Carney (unattached), Jaydn Denly (Kent), Rocky Flintoff (Lancashire), Kesh Fonseka (Lancashire), Alex French (Surrey), Alex Green (Leicestershire), Eddie Jack (Hampshire), Freddie McCann (Nottinghamshire), Harry Moore (Derbyshire), Noah Thain (Essex), Archie Vaughan (Somerset).

Despite signing Jeremie Frimpong and closing in on deals to sign Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, Liverpool are now reportedly set to hold “more contacts” to sign an £84m striker.

FSG spending early and big for Liverpool

Rightly or wrongly, FSG have often come under criticism at Anfield as clubs elsewhere spend big and leave Liverpool to build their own cheaper alternatives.

Even after Jurgen Klopp turned those cheaper stars into a squad of Premier League and Champions League winners, John Henry still hesitated to splash the cash at the levels that some around the Reds were showing, and that always left Klopp fighting an underdog battle against Pep Guardiola’s Man City side.

This time around, however, something has changed. Liverpool are once again Premier League winners, but FSG aren’t just sitting back and admiring their latest success. Instead, they’ve seemingly handed Michael Edwards a hefty war chest to go and make sure that Arne Slot’s side have everything in place to retain their fresh crown next season.

Edwards has wasted no time before putting that war chest to good use, either. Frimpong’s Liverpool move is already signed, sealed and official, whilst his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Wirtz is the subject of a club-record move. And if that’s not impressive enough, the Reds are also pushing to sign Bournemouth left-back Kerkez.

There’s still an entire summer transfer window to come even after those three potential arrive and Liverpool may not be done there. Slot still needs to solve his striker problem amid Darwin Nunez’s continued Anfield struggles and could yet welcome an impressive Bundesliga talent in yet another big-money Liverpool deal.

Liverpool to hold "more contacts" to sign £84m Ekitike

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are set to hold “more contacts” to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth as much as £84m over the coming days. The Frenchman has enjoyed an excellent season in the Bundesliga and could now be part of a sensational summer of spending at Anfield.

Salah 2.0: Liverpool pursuing £59m star who has a "left foot made of gold"

Liverpool may yet enter the transfer market for a right-sided forward this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 30, 2025

Romano told his YouTube channel, relayed by Rousing the Kop: “Chelsea remain informed on the situation, also Liverpool. Liverpool are also attentive to the situation of Hugo Ekitike. So, these two clubs have already made some contacts to be informed on the situation.

“The idea for Hugo Ekitike is to have more contacts in the next days with Chelsea and also Liverpool. Liverpool are very busy in this moment, it’s not Ekitike joining tomorrow morning, but with Darwin Nunez expected to leave, Ekitike is a player appreciated.”

Whilst there may be some concerns about how he has underperformed his expected goals, football talent scout Jacek Kulig was right when describing Ekitike’s season as “superb”, and now he could be on his way to Anfield.

The mood at Liverpool right now is pretty good. Arne Slot’s side have been crowned Premier League champions, after all.

However, now that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave his boyhood club has been confirmed, that same mood has unquestionably soured, with the vice-captain expected to join European rivals Real Madrid when his contract expires in less than two months.

Monday morning’s announcement took the wind out of the fanbase’s sails; even the most optimistic of supporters will have known deep down that the 26-year-old was likely to join the Spanish giants, but FSG have the chance to make it all better in the coming weeks.

Yes, Liverpool are gearing up for a summer of significant spending, bolstering Slot’s squad ahead of next season’s title defence. The Reds are hoping to challenge for silverware across other fronts too.

The best way to help fans forget about the heartbreak of losing Trent to Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid? Bringing in some top-brass signings.

Sadly, Alexander Isak isn’t likely to be among such arrivals.

Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak

With Darwin Nunez reportedly expected to be sold this summer, Liverpool are in need of a new striker. Newcastle United’s Isak is right at the top of the shopping list, but if financial plates fail to shift, FSG simply aren’t going to lodge a formal offer.

Mohamed Salah is the only player in the Premier League to have outperformed Isak in front of goal this season, so you can imagine how good Liverpool would be with both players combining for the same cause.

However, Liverpool’s interest is unlikely to advance to something more concrete, with reports suggesting that the Magpies will look for a payment in the £150m ballpark.

1

Mohamed Salah

28

18

46

2

Alexander Isak

23

6

29

3

Bryan Mbeumo

18

7

25

4

Erling Haaland

21

3

24

4=

Cole Palmer

15

9

24

Liverpool need to strengthen across a range of areas, and signing Isak would be to the detriment of the greater vision. Jurgen Klopp’s decision to drop out of the race for Jude Bellingham and instead target multiple midfield additions would be something to recall at this point.

And anyway, it’s not like Isak’s the only exciting striker on the market.

Liverpool scouting new striker

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko this summer, though Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping close tabs on him.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s understood that Liverpool had scouts present during Leipzig’s recent draw against Bayern Munich, in which Sesko scored, and though the Gunners have conducted extensive groundwork into the potential signing, a move to Merseyside definitely can’t be ruled out.

Indeed, it’s alleged that Liverpool and Arsenal have held talks with the player’s camp ahead of a possible summer switch.

Valued at £70m, Sesko – labelled “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – might be a raw talent but he’s one who could be willed into a world-class shape under the wing of Slot.

Why Benjamin Sesko is perfect for Liverpool

Sesko is only 21 but has already been making waves in the Bundesliga, hitting 27 goals and seven assists across his first 62 appearances.

In fact, Sesko has clinched 39 goals and eight assists across just two campaigns for Leipzig, hitting 21 goals in all competitions this year.

He’s got the trappings of something special, and it’s hardly surprising that FSG should want to pursue his signature instead of that of Isak, who would cost around £80m more than the Slovenia international.

Harking back to that earlier point concerning Bellingham: Liverpool pulled out of the race for Borussia Dortmund’s prodigious midfielder in April 2023, a decision met with dismay from many of a Reds persuasion.

Where was the ambition? How were Liverpool so resigned to their slumped position? After all, the 2022/23 campaign was one of endurance for a Liverpool side falling apart, ultimately failing to qualify for the Champions League.

But, FSG stuck by their guns and their decision proved the right one. Liverpool welcomed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo instead, four stars who have each played instrumental roles in winning the Premier League this season.

Back to the present, moving for Isak would leave to similarly anticipated financial ramifications, limiting Liverpool’s scope for improvement this year. And change is needed.

Not only is Alexander-Arnold’s departure going to raise questions about right-back depth, but Liverpool need a left-back, maybe a central defender too.

Moreover, with Diogo Jota joining Nunez in falling by the wayside this season, it wouldn’t be remiss for FSG to consider more than one attacking addition.

Sesko, have no doubt, would be Liverpool’s main man if he signed, though. The 21-year-old has already been remarked to be “rewriting the laws of physics” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his extraordinary power and precision with both feet.

Sesko, as per FBref, ranks among the top 8% and 4% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-on and aerial duel success rates, his “elite athleticism,” as has been praised by analyst Ben Mattinson, and tenacity lending itself to such metrics.

Not just a sharpshooter, and further evidence as to why he could be the perfect Isak alternative, who has been described as “the complete striker” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

The Sweden star’s pace and link-up play is second to none, also ranking among the top 7% of strikers for progressive carries and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90.

While moving for Sesko would be something of a risk, he’s scored 13 Bundesliga goals this season having missed just ten big chances. He’s powerful and purposeful and intelligent besides, the perfect Isak alternative and for less than half the cost.

Kerkez upgrade: Liverpool could sign £21m star who's a left-footed Trent

Liverpool are looking to sign a left-back in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 4, 2025

Last night might have been a real reprieve for Tottenham Hotspur, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that this season has been a difficult one for the fans.

Ange Postecoglou’s side crashed out of both domestic cups and have lost 17 games in the Premier League.

While injuries have undoubtedly played their part, it would also be fair to say that the team have simply not performed to the required level.

So, it’s not surprising to see Daniel Levy and Co working to find new recruits ahead of the summer, with recent reports touting a standout striker for a move to the club, someone who could be a dream upgrade on Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other attacking stars that Tottenham are reportedly interested in, such as Tyler Dibling.

Transfer Focus

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

The Southampton gem could be available for around £35m in the coming months, and while that might seem like a lot for someone who is still just 19 years old, it’s because a lot is expected of him in the coming years, with the Saints’ academy manager Andy Goldie dubbing him a “world-class talent.”

A more developed star Spurs are also keen to sign in the summer is Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who could be available for a fee of about £70m.

Now, while that is an enormous sum of money, it might well be worth it, as even though he’s playing for an upper mid-table side in the Cherries, the Ghana international has still been able to amass a total of ten goals and six assists in 36 appearances this term.

However, when it comes to potentially replacing Solanke, the North Londoners will want someone even more prolific, which is where Jonathan Burkardt comes in.

According to journalist Christian Falk’s Daily Briefing via Caught Offside, Spurs are one of several sides interested in the Mainz striker.

Alongside the North Londoners, Falk has revealed that Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion have all scouted the German international.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Burkardt’s goalscoring ability, it is worth pursuing, especially as he could be a dream Solanke upgrade.

How Burkardt compares to Solanke

So, if Spurs are to get their man this summer and bring Burkardt to North London, his main competition for game time would be Solanke, but who would come out on top?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output, which is what matters most for a striker, it’s the German international who comes out ahead, and by quite some way at that.

For example, in just 24 league appearances, totalling 1679 minutes, he’s scored 15 goals and provided three assists, equating to a goal involvement every 1.38 games or every 93.27 minutes.

In contrast, the former Cherries star has scored just seven goals and provided three assists in 23 league appearances, totalling 2033 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.3 games, or every 203.3 minutes.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Is it just as one-sided a comparison when we take a look under the hood? Unfortunately, for the Lilywhites’ record signing, it most certainly is.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.76

0.57

Actual Non-Penalty G+As

0.86

0.44

Progressive Passes

1.95

2.00

Progressive Passes Received

6.86

3.78

Progressive Carries

1.35

1.29

Shots

2.76

2.49

Shots on Target

1.19

0.98

Key Passes

0.81

0.62

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.81

0.40

Live Passes

21.0

13.4

Shot-Creating Actions

2.05

1.64

Goal-Creating Actions

0.32

0.36

Ball Recoveries

3.24

1.56

Aerial Duels Won

0.97

1.82

For example, in almost every metric, the Darmstadt-born ace, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed “one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga”, comes out on top, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, key passes and passes into the penalty area, shots and shots on target, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Solanke is a good striker, but he hasn’t been prolific this term and from output to underlying numbers, Burkardt looks to be the better player, so Levy and Co should do all they can to sign him this summer.

100% dribbles, 9 duels won: Spurs' 9/10 titan is as undroppable as Solanke

The Spurs star reminded everyone how good he really is last night.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 18, 2025

All you need to know about the SA20 2025-26 auction

Firdose Moonda08-Sep-2025The SA20 is avoiding the word mega (because that belongs to the IPL) but the auction of season four is big. Very big.Almost two-thirds of the player pool is up for grabs, with 84 of the 114 player spots across the six franchises available. The teams were permitted no more than six retentions or pre-signed players and were also allowed to sign a wildcard player, who falls outside the R41 million (approx USD 2.31 million) salary cap.There is no rookie draft in place anymore to prevent a high turnover of young players and instead, franchises must sign a minimum of two under-23 players in their final squads.Related

• SA20: Six retentions per team for next season

• Cape Town to host SA20 final; playoffs in Durban, Centurion and Johannesburg

• Pretoria Capitals name Ganguly head coach, Pollock assistant coach in SA20

• Anderson, Shakib headline 549-player SA20 auction list

Squad composition is unchanged from the previous three seasons, with 19 players per squad and a maximum of seven overseas players. Here’s the lowdown before the first gavel hits.Who has what going in?
Pretoria Capitals, who will be under a new coach in Sourav Ganguly for season four, have the biggest purse of R32.5 million (approx USD 1.85 million) and most number of spots to fill – 16. They are also the only franchise with two Right to Match (RTM) cards available to them. Similar to the IPL, the RTM can be used to buy back a player who was part of a franchise in the previous season by matching the winning bid. All three of Pretoria’s current players – Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford and wildcard Andre Russell – are overseas players so they only have four international spots left.Durban’s Super Giants have R29.5 million (approx USD 1.68 million) and 15 spots available with one RTM card. They also have four overseas places available after pre-signing Sunil Narine and Jos Buttler and retaining Noor Ahmed. Heinrich Klaasen is their wildcard.Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings both have R21.5 million (approx USD1.2 million) and 14 player spots available, four for overseas players, with one RTM card each. Paarl Royals have R14.5 million (approx USD826,000) and 13 spots, including five overseas while MI Cape Town have R11.5 million (US$650,000) and only 12 places to fill but four for overseas players. Neither Paarl nor MICT have an RTM card. What do the base prices look like?
The base prices range from R200,000 (approx USD11,400) to R1.5 million (approx USD85,500), which is what some of the high-profile international names such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mustafizur Rahman, Moeen Ali, Jason Roy, Maheesha Theeksana and Johnson Charles have set for themselves. A further 32 players including James Anderson, Shakib Al Hasan, Reece Topley, Craig Overton, Logan van Beek, Corey Anderson and Bhanuka Rajapaksa have set their base prices at R1 million (approx USD57,000).In-form Matthew Breetzke is among players expected to attract big bids•AFP/Getty ImagesMost of the 549 players on the auction list have opted for the lowest base price but South Africa’s premier bowlers have rated themselves slightly higher with a host of them opting for base prices of R500,000 (approx USD 28,500). Among them are a resurgent Lungi Ngidi, who has maintained fitness across formats, teenage left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka, Gerald Coetzee, who only played one match for JSK last year as he battled with injury, Anrich Nortje, who has not played any cricket since the IPL, Lizaad Williams, who has recovered from knee surgery and was awarded a national contract in this cycle, left-armer Nandre Burger and allrounder Wiaan Mulder.Leading spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, and veteran Imran Tahir have also opted for a R500,000 base price alongside experienced batters Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen. Dewald Brevis, who has enjoyed a breakthrough year across formats, is also at R500,000.Will someone cross the R10 million mark?
Unless you’re South African this number may not mean anything but it’s considered the high-water mark for this auction after Tristan Stubbs was picked up for R9.2 (approx USD 525,180) million in the first auction in 2023. Should a player command a R10 million price tag, that would be worth more than half a million US dollars, (around USD 570,000) which, for anyone, is a tidy payday.Some of the favourites to attract that kind of money include South Africa’s T20I captain and two-time title-winning SA20 captain Markram (but he has only scored 20 or more twice in his last ten T20I innings), Maharaj and in-form batters Matthew Breetzke and Brevis.Are there any overseas names to look out for?
The absence of England’s Test players, who will be involved in the Ashes, is the biggest talking point of this season after Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow were two of the major catches in the previous edition but there is still a strong contingent at the auction. Headlined by Anderson, who had three matches in the Hundred this summer, there are 96 English names on the auction list. Contrastingly, there are only two Australians – D’Arcy Short and Peter Hatzoglou.James Anderson will have a base price of R1 million at the auction•Getty ImagesWest Indies have 28 players in the auction list, Sri Lanka 24 and Afghanistan, who have historically had a strong contingent of players in the SA20, have 19, followed by Bangladesh with 15 and New Zealand with six. Of the other Full Members there are five Zimbabweans – Brian Bennett, who was schooled in the Eastern Cape, Ryan Burl, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams and Brad Evans – and five Irish players have thrown their names into the hat.Notably, there are no Pakistan players in the auction list. While the SA20 has always said it remains open to players from across the cricketing world, all six franchises are owned by IPL team owners.From Associate nations, 16 players from the USA, eight Netherlands players including former South African international Roelof van der Merwe, six Scottish players, four Namibians including captain Gerhard Erasmus, four from the UAE, and one Nepal player Dipendra Singh Airee are in the list. When and where is the auction?
The auction will take place on Tuesday, September 9 from 2pm South African time (5.30pm IST) and will be held in Johannesburg.

A host of emerging and fringe players have made their mark in the first two T20Is against South Africa

Andrew McGlashan02-Sep-2023Australia had gone into the last men’s T20 World Cup on home soil as one of the favourites having been, perhaps, somewhat surprise winners of the previous event in 2021. But they fluffed their lines, soundly beaten in the first game by New Zealand and never really got going.The final match of that tournament, against Afghanistan in Adelaide, was their last in the format until this tour of South Africa with 2023 having been dominated by their Test endeavours in India and England.Even now the focus is on the build-up to the ODI World Cup next month. Partly due to that, with all-format names rested, as well as injuries and a retirement, this Australia T20 side in Durban has a very different look to that T20 World Cup squad: only three players faced Afghanistan and South Africa.Related

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Tim David handed 50-over chance with ODI call-up

Marsh, Short, Abbott sparkle as Australia seal series

It remains to be seen how closely Friday’s XI resembles the opening game of next year’s T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA. But while two games are too few to draw big conclusions against a South Africa side that has been off the pace early in the season, in terms of exploring the depth on offer the signs have been very encouraging. Not least for new captain Mitchell Marsh who has plundered 171 runs from 88 balls without being dismissed.In the opening match it was Tanveer Sangha’s last-minute debut, where he claimed 4 for 31 and Tim David’s blistering half-century that made a big impression alongside Marsh’s barnstorming unbeaten 92. In the second game, it was another group of emerging, or fringe players, who put in starring roles alongside their captain.Nathan Ellis (seventh T20I), Sean Abbott (11th T20I), Jason Behrendorff (10th T20I, and first since mid-2021) and Matt Short (second T20I) all produced pivotal displays.It was set up on the field when Australia pulled back Temba Bavuma’s rapid start by claiming four wickets in the powerplay. Abbott, seemingly forever a cricketer fighting for the opportunities his talent deserves, removed Bavuma and a swinging full toss from Behrendorff trapped Rassie van der Dussen.Mitchell Marsh has led from the front with the bat•Gallo Images/Getty ImagesThen over to Ellis who pinned Reeza Hendricks lbw and found the edge of Dewald Brevis’ blade first ball in a double-wicket maiden. He would strike again in the closing overs as he continued an outstanding start to his T20I career: after seven matches he has 18 wickets at 9.11 with an economy rate of 6.30.The combined figures of Ellis and Abbott were 8-1-47-6. There is every chance that only one of them makes the ODI World Cup squad which will be named next week.”It’s awesome bowling alongside Nathan,” Abbott said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for him. Where he’s been really successful in the Big Bash for Hobart [Hurricanes], it’s not an easy place to bowl and defend [at Bellerive Oval], it’s quite a nice batting wicket, so think it’s no surprise he’s come into the international side and performed the way that he has. Think his numbers speak for themselves.”Whenever he’s got something to say with the captain, I always make sure I’m listening and more often than not he goes and executes really well. Typically, we see that when we’ve got to be defensive at the backend with the death bowling, but he showed that tonight in his first over, presenting the seam and hitting the top of the stumps.”The consensus at midway was that South Africa’s 164 was competitive – “The pitch tonight suited the bowlers,” Abbott said – but it was soon put into a different light by Australia’s top order.Short put on a full display of the power that made him last season’s BBL player of the tournament including a couple of huge strikes over the leg side.”We’ve seen that for a little while now from Matt Short and I’m not surprised he’s doing it at international level,” Abbott said. “There doesn’t seem to be too many weaknesses in his game at the moment and I’m really chuffed for him; second game, scoring fifty striking at 200, he’s a very talented player.”Short is not in contention for the ODI World Cup, but Abbott, Ellis and Sangha are part of the preliminary 18-player squad, Spencer Johnson is a replacement for Mitchell Starc in South Africa and David’s addition for the ODIs next week is an intriguing development. Injuries and workload have forced the hand of the selectors to look at new faces – the initial results have been highly encouraging, and it means some fascinating decisions loom.

They have a woeful record in this competition and a shaky batting order to contend with. But they also have a premier match-winner in Shakib Al Hasan

Mohammad Isam23-Oct-2021

Big picture

Bangladesh have been trying to nail a T20 World Cup for a long time. As far back as 2012, they decided that playing plenty of T20Is just before the tournament will give them a good chance. But like a student who tries to cram the night before the exam, things never really came together.Their record in T20Is is not very good, and it gets much worse in World Cups. Only one of their seven wins since 2007 has come against a traditional big team. They lost to Hong Kong in the 2014 edition at home, while in 2016, they missed the mother of all open nets against India.Related

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This time too Bangladesh come into the tournament with cracks, despite recently seeing off Australia and New Zealand at home. On tailor-made home pitches that helped the spinners, the visiting batters had very little clue what was happening – but so did the home batters, and it seems that has hurt Bangladesh. Their shock loss to Scotland in the first round showed signs of their batters’ lack of confidence. The top order was gone quickly, before Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan stalled for several overs, trying to rebuild. That didn’t work out and then captain Mahmudullah, the team’s best T20 batter, couldn’t time his big hits.Their subsequent wins over Oman and PNG ensured a spot in the Super 12s, but Bangladesh have to play a lot better and with more consistency in this round if they are to reach the tournament goal they have set for themselves: reach the semi-finals.

Recent form

Bangladesh came into the tournament with three consecutive series wins over Zimbabwe, Australia and New Zealand. But they lost two out of three warm-up games earlier this month, before crashing against Scotland in the first round. They recovered against Oman and PNG.

Batting

Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah and Shakib remain in charge of Bangladesh’s batting, despite the emergence of several talented batters in recent years. If these three fire together, expect a big score. If they have a combined bad day, the whole team seems to slow down.Mohammad Naim, Liton Das and Afif Hossain have shown signs of standing on their own, but don’t seem to be quite there yet. In Liton’s case, he has been around for six years, but consistency hasn’t been his companion.Nurul Hasan has emerged as a big-hitter down the order, as well as a skillful wicketkeeper. Soumya Sarkar and Shamim Hossain are the back-up batters in the squad.

Bowling

Spin usually dominates Bangladesh’s bowling plans, particularly with Shakib as the leader of the attack. The left-arm spinner’s varied pace and flight and subtle turn translate into the most bankable four overs. Offspinner Mahedi Hasan has started well in the tournament, and they also have Nasum Ahmed, Player-of-the-Series against New Zealand last month, waiting in the wings.Mustafizur Rahman is their best fast bowler, a proper T20 star who has excelled at the IPL. He has been around a long while, yet he still bamboozles the best of batters. Taskin Ahmed and Mohammad Saifuddin complement him with pace and variations, while the left-arm quick Shoriful Islam is waiting for his first opportunity.

Player to watch

There are very few cricketers in the world currently who can bring as much to his side as Shakib Al Hasan does to Bangladesh. He is the team’s best player for sure, but he is also pushing for bigger honours. He had a great 2019 Word Cup – he was one of three batters to tally over 600 runs, to go with 11 wickets – but after that, he had the low of the ICC suspension to contend with.Since his return, he has worked his way back to his best, recently breaking the record for most T20I wickets. In the UAE, Shakib will bat at No. 3, and be expected to bowl in different situations with his new shorter run-up. He bowled superbly at the IPL and has brought his form with the ball over to the T20 World Cup. His batting will be all the more important to Bangladesh in the absence of Tamim Iqbal.

Key question

Despite their fine recent form at home and their recovery in the first round in Muscat, question marks still hang over Bangladesh. Both Australia and New Zealand had fielded sides that were missing first-choice players, and the matches were played on Dhaka’s infamous raging turners. All the batters struggled and, as already mentioned, that sort of preparation in the lead-up to the global tournament has shown in Bangladesh’s batting so far. Can their batters break free and reach potential to help them make a mark in the Super 12s?

Likely XI

1 Mohammad Naim, 2 Liton Das, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim, 5 Mahmudullah (capt), 6 Afif Hossain, 7 Nurul Hasan (wk), 8 Mahedi Hasan, 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur Rahman

خاض الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد مباراة قوية أمام نظيره مانشسر سيتي ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وواجه ريال مدريد نظيره مانشستر سيتي مساء الأربعاء في إطار منافسات الجولة السادسة من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي في مباراة كانت مثيرة وممتعة لجمهور كلا الناديين.

وفاز مانشستر سيتي بقيادة بيب جوارديولا على ريال مدريد بقيادة تشابي ألونسو بهدفين مقابل هدف.

وجاء الهدف الأول عن طريق رودريجو لاعب ريال مدريد في الدقيقة 28، بعدما استلم تمريرة رائعة على الجهة اليُمنى ليخترق منطقة الجزاء وسدد الكرة على يمين الحارس الإيطالي دوناروما.

وتعادل مانشستر سيتي سريعًا من ركلة ركنية عن طريق نيكو أوريلي بعد متابعة رأسية جوسكو جفارديول، حيث سقطت الكرة من يد كورتوا ليتابعها في شباك ريال مدريد في الدقيقة 35.

اقرأ أيضًا | خبير تحكيمي يوضح مدى صحة ركلة جزاء مانشستر سيتي أمام ريال مدريد

وتقدم إيرلينج هالاند بالهدف الثاني لصالح مانشستر سيتي من ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 43 بعدما عرقله روديجر برعونة شديدة.

وشهدت المباراة نزول عمر مرموش بديلًا في الدقيقة 70 بدلًا من فيل فودين وشارك بأداء جيد على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

ريال مدريد بدأ اللقاء بسيطرة تامة في كافة أرجاء الملعب حتى سجل مانشستر سيتي هدفه الأول من ركلة ركنية وسط ارتباك دفاعي كبير.

وسدد رجال ألونسو 15 تسديدة على المرمى منها تسديدتين على المرمى، فيما سدد مانشستر سيتي 8 تسديدات منها 7 على المرمى.

وكالعادة بيب جوارديولا لم يخسر نسبة الاستحواذ، حيث استحوذ فريقه على الكرة بنسبة 54% فيما استحوذ ريال مدريد على الكرة بنسبة 46%. أهداف مباراة ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا