Florian Wirtz made a surprise pick when asked to name a Liverpool team-mate who has impressed him most since his £117 million move from Bayer Leverkusen. The German playmaker, who lit up the Bundesliga with 57 goals and 62 assists in 197 outings, was the heartbeat of Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side that stormed to a historic unbeaten title in 2023-24.
Wirtz yet to find his feet at Anfield
Since swapping the BayArena for Merseyside, Wirtz has found it harder to impose himself. Beyond an assist on his Community Shield debut against Crystal Palace, the attacking midfielder has yet to register another goal contribution in Liverpool colours. Additionally, the massive price tag, a star-studded squad, and fierce competition for places in midfield have only complicated matters.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWirtz throws in a surprise
Wirtz shares a dressing room with the Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah, the Dutch colossus Virgil van Dijk and record £125 million arrival Alexander Isak. Yet, when pressed on who had caught his eye the most, Wirtz delivered a name few expected: Ryan Gravenberch.
In an interview with he said: "The one who's playing very, very well at the moment is Gravenberch. He's standing out at the moment."
Gravenberch firing on all cylinders
Gravenberch was the difference-maker in the Merseyside derby last week. Not only did he score the opener in the 2-1 win against Everton, but he also threaded the perfect pass for Hugo Ekitike’s decisive strike. To underline his all-action display, Gravenberch topped the match stats with five successful tackles; more than anyone else on the pitch.
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Getty Images SportBench blow fuels Wirtz's hunger
Wirtz himself had to endure the frustration of being dropped to the bench for that same derby clash. Liverpool edged out Everton, but watching from the sidelines only sharpened the German’s determination to reclaim his place. With a crucial Premier League trip to Crystal Palace looming this Saturday, the 22-year-old will be desperate to show Slot why he deserves to be restored to the XI.
The result left Sixers on the brink despite the best efforts of captain Ellyse Perry
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff21-Nov-2024
Ellyse Perry couldn’t quite carry Sydney Sixers to victory•Getty Images
Perth Scorchers 126 (Mooney 44, Halliday 41, Gardner 4-21) tied with Sydney Sixers 126 for 7 (Perry 67, King 3-21) Super over Sydney Sixers 15 for 0 tied with Perth Scorchers 15 for 1Perth Scorchers edged into the WBBL finals frame with a dramatic Super Over tie against Sydney Sixers with Mikayla Hinkley hitting Ashleigh Gardner’s last ball for four to again tie scoresGardner had taken four wickets as Scorchers stumbled to 126 all out from 19.2 overs. Sixers then fell one run short of a regulation win despite Ellyse Perry’s fine 67 from 53 balls.Related
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In the initial super over, Perry smacked a six and a four as Sixers made 15 for 0 from Amy Edgar’s spin bowling. Gardner removed Beth Mooney with a sharp return catch in the reply, although replays suggested the ball may have been ground, before Hinkley provided the final drama.Both sides received one point, which lifts Scorchers (nine points) from fifth to fourth, while Sixers (eight points) remain in sixth spot.Perry starred with the bat and Gardner did likewise with the ball – she took 4 for 21 as Scorchers dramatically lost their last 9 for 31After Gardner claimed her first wicket in the second over of the innings, Beth Mooney and Brooke Halliday produced a fruitful partnership.The duo took the score to a solid 72 for 1 after 10 overs, but 23 runs later Halliday became Gardner’s second victim, ending an 85-run stand with Mooney. Halliday’s dismissal triggered the slide. Mooney followed in the next over, and from then only Sophie Devine reached double figures.Perry paced the chase, posting her half-century from 42 balls. But the skipper was caught on the long-off boundary from the bowling of Alana King in the 18th over, and the legspinner struck again next ball, trapping Maitlan Brown leg before wicket.That left Sixers needing 20 from 15 balls, and the equation was 12 runs to win from the last over delivered by Edgar, who conceded 11.Edgar was summoned to bowl the super over and Perry smashed a six and four. Gardner then conceded the same amount, with Hinkley unbeaten on 14 from four balls – three of which she hit to the boundary.
Newcastle United is in desperate need of some fresh blood in the centre-forward department.
Not only are the Toon having to come to terms with Alexander Isak’s anticipated exit from St James’ Park, they are also light on their feet up top owing to Callum Wilson leaving the Premier League club behind this summer for a fresh chance at West Ham United.
With Isak also soon to be potentially out of the picture, that would leave the Magpies with just 21-year-old William Osula as an option to lead the line.
Therefore, it’s make-or-break territory for Eddie Howe’s side this month heading into September’s looming deadline, as they frantically look around now for striker recruits to boost the mood on Tyneside.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Newcastle confident about signing £50m star
Thankfully, the rumour mill has been going into overdrive linking the Premier League outfit with a whole host of exciting striker options.
Indeed, reports have even suggested that hot-and-cold Chelsea attacker Nicolas Jackson is on the Toon agenda, alongside the top-flight side eyeing up in-demand Porto forward Samu Aghehowa, with the likes of Aston Villa also keen.
FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal
However, away from this growing list of names, a report by the Daily Mail has stated that Newcastle remain confident about sealing a deal for long-term target Yoane Wissa.
The Toon will look to line up a move for the wantaway Brentford striker when Liverpool return with a new bid for Isak, having had an eye-watering £110m move turned away already. It’s stated that a mammoth £150m bid could get the pricey move up and running instead.
Yoane Wissa
To add more fuel to the fire, it’s also stated that a move for Wissa to finally come to Tyneside would be back on the cards if Brentford can seal their own replacement, with £50m perhaps the magic amount here to see the Bees part ways with their star man.
This is a far more likely move than the waiting game surrounding Benjamin Sesko, with Wissa’s potential arrival on the scene also gifting Howe and Co. a dream Wilson upgrade after the declining 33-year-old veteran departed for East London.
How Wissa is a dream Wilson upgrade
Whilst Wilson’s playing days at the Toon had worryingly begun to fizzle out last season, Wissa was continuing to be a man possessed in front of goal for Brentford.
Last campaign, Wissa – who has been dubbed “incredible” in the past by ex-Bees boss Thomas Frank – would help himself to a devastating 20 goals in all competitions. On the contrary, his ageing counterpart would fail to muster up a single Premier League effort from 18 outings, as he sank more and more into the background as an unwanted member of Howe’s squad.
24/25
39
20
5
23/24
36
12
4
22/23
40
7
3
21/22
34
10
1
Wilson might well be experiencing a depressing decline in performances, but the same can not be said for his Congolese counterpart, with that aforementioned 20-goal haul last season the sturdiest amount of strikes the 28-year-old has powered home across his four-season stint at Brentford.
The more experienced Wilson does have the added stature of 88 Premier League goals next to his name, with Wissa lagging behind on 45 strikes, but it’s unlikely that amount will increase too much for the Hammers, with the 33-year-old a regular in the treatment room when still situated at St James’ Park.
Staggeringly, the ex-AFC Bournemouth forward was missing from 57 games across the last two seasons through injury, meaning his once-notorious impact substitute billing took a beating. On the contrary, Wissa missed just six across the same period.
However, unlike Wilson, who had to frequently rely on scraps on Tyneside, the “remarkable” £50m striker – as he was further lauded by football journalist Zach Lowy – will surely be Howe’s main man in a post-Isak reality.
Yoane Wissa celebrates for Brentford
With Anthony Elanga also by his side, it will be a thrilling new dawn ahead for Newcastle in attack, as Wilson is likely to be quickly forgotten about, too, if Wissa is heroically leading the line.
Isak clone: Newcastle are in talks to sign £60m Premier League "monster"
Newcastle United are reportedly in talks to sign a striker who could be an Alexander Isak clone.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr have now submitted an offer for a Manchester United star who is not wanted under head coach Ruben Amorim, according to a recent report.
Amorim confident Bruno Fernandes will have help this season
The Red Devils started their tour of the USA in an excellent manner, as they put in a strong display to earn a 2-1 win over West Ham United in what was their first of three games in the Premier League summer series.
United had captain fantastic Bruno Fernandes to thank for the victory, as the Portugal international netted in the opening five minutes from the penalty spot after a foul on Ayden Heaven. Then, Fernandes doubled their lead through a wonderful curled effort from outside the box to claim their first win of preseason 2025.
Fernandes has been heavily relied upon by United to be their creative force, but Amorim is now confident the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will help the attacking midfielder in the upcoming campaign.
“He will have more help this season.
Sesko 2.0: Man Utd make £50m CF who's "like original Ronaldo" a top target
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“It’s impossible to play all the positions. Last year, I felt sometimes I pushed him back to have more possession in the build-up, and then we missed Bruno near the box. Cunha and Bryan have different characteristics.”
Al-Nassr submit bid to sign £52m Man Utd forward
As Amorim looks to gel Cunha and Mbeumo into the United team, the Red Devils have now been presented an opportunity to sell a player who is no longer needed. According to Foot Mercato, Al-Nassr have made an offer to sign Antony from Manchester United.
The report states that it is unknown how much Al-Nassr have offered, but United are holding out for a fee of €60 million for the Brazil international, which is roughly £52 million. Antony is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027, but he spent the second half of last season on loan at La Liga side Real Betis.
The 25-year-old, who earns a weekly wage of £200,000 at United, scored nine goals and recorded five assists in 26 games for Real Betis, but that form has done nothing to earn him a chance under Amorim. In fact, it was well publicised at the start of the summer transfer window that United are looking to sell Antony alongside other players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, who has now joined Barcelona.
Apps
17
Starts
15
Goals
5
xG
2.87
Shots per game
2.5
Chance conversion
12%
Assists
2
Big chances created
8
Key passes per game
2.2
Antony has been at United since the summer of 2022, when he joined for a hefty price tag from Ajax, as former manager Erik ten Hag wanted to link up with the winger once again. However, the Brazilian failed to make the same impact as he did in the Netherlands, as he scored just 12 goals over three seasons.
It must feel like Christmas Day every day for Arsenal fans at the moment.
Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta have already sealed the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and look set on spending even more.
Noni Madueke has reportedly passed his medical, and a deal has been agreed for Valencia’s promising centre-back Christian Mosquera.
On top of all of that, Viktor Gyokeres could be announced as an Arsenal player at any point this week, and if reports are to be believed, the club are closing in on another international who’d be his dream ten.
Arsenal target dream ten for Gyokeres
After years of looking for an out-and-out nine to lead the line for them, Arsenal have settled on Gyokeres.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Swedish international has been linked with the club in prior windows, and even looked to be second-choice behind Benjamin Sesko at one point this summer, but finally, a deal has been agreed for the Sporting star.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Gunners will pay an initial fee of £55m for the 27-year-old, with £9m coming in the way of performance-related add-ons.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their first goal
It feels like a good deal for someone who’s scored goals for fun over the last two years, and now it looks like the North Londoners are trying to bring in an attacking midfielder who’ll get even more out of him.
At least that’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who reported for Football Insider that Arsenal are still very much interested in Eberechi Eze.
O’Rourke has revealed that the Gunners are closing in on the Crystal Palace star, and that they would be willing to pay his full £68m release clause to get the deal done.
However, due to FFP and PSR concerns, they will not be able to pay it all upfront, and are therefore in talks with the South Londoners over paying it in instalments.
It’d still represent a serious investment from Arsenal, but Eze has proven he’d be worth it, and he’d also be the perfect ten for Gyokeres.
Why Eze would be Gyokeres' perfect ten
It might sound simplistic, but as Gyokeres is quite traditional in the sense that he does most of his work in the penalty area, one of the key reasons he’d love playing with Eze is that he’d be able to get the ball to him.
For example, he can move the ball up the pitch with his dribbling, as FBref ranked him in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers for successful take-ons in the Premier League last season and the top 11% for general shot-creating actions, all per 90.
Crucially, he also makes things happen when he gets into dangerous areas, as he racked up 14 goals and 11 assists in just 43 games last season.
Appearances
43
45
Minutes
3303′
3447′
Goals
14
6
Assists
11
12
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
0.40
Minutes per Goal Involvement
132.12′
191.5′
That was a far better return than the Gunners’ current first-choice attacking midfielder, Martin Odegaard, who racked up 18 goal involvements in 45 games.
In short, the Sporting star will be able to play ahead of the Palace ace, safe in the knowledge that he’ll be provided with a regular supply of chances, and even have the opportunity to turn provider himself at points.
Finally, what is one of the main drivers behind the former Coventry City star’s desperate desire to join the North Londoners this summer?
It’s to have the chance to win the biggest prizes in the club game, and the English “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, proved that he’s the man for the big occasion last season.
He scored in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then the final of the FA Cup, so Gyokeres would surely feel confident that his creative midfielder would perform at his very best in the crunch games and not let him down.
Ultimately, while it’d be another massive outlay, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Eze this summer, as he’d be a brilliant addition to the squad and someone who could help get the best out of the Swedish goal machine.
Alongside Gyokeres: Arsenal now in "very advanced" talks to sign £17m ace
The Gunners are closing in on a deal to sign a “magnificent” player.
The start of Glasgow Rangers’ season is now fast approaching with the Gers’ first pre-season fixture taking place a week on Saturday, with the start of European qualifying coming up as soon as 22 July.
That’s all before the new Rangers manager, Russell Martin, will commence his Scottish Premiership campaign on Saturday 2 August.
Ahead of that busy fixture list, the Light Blues have been busy off the field overhauling their squad, so could they secure a “phenomenal” new signing in the process?
Rangers' busy transfer activity
On Wednesday, Max Aarons put pen to paper, joining Rangers on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.
He is the club’s second signing of the summer, after Lyall Cameron, but many more are forecast in the coming days and weeks.
Indeed, according to a report by EFL analysis, new manager Martin is targeting a move to bring in goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who he signed for Southampton just 12 months ago, for a reported fee of £25m.
Bailey adds that, due to the fact he is earning £120,000-per-week, the Saints are willing to sanction a loan ‘with an option to buy’ for Ramsdale this summer; Wolves and Leeds United also ‘interested’,
A fee could prove prohibitive for Rangers, given that their record-signing of the post-liquidation era is the £7.5m spent on Ryan Kent in 2019.
Most expensive SPFL signings (timeless) Rangers Celtic
Nevertheless, with Southampton looking to offload, thereby open to a loan move, could the England international end up in Glasgow?
Why Aaron Ramsdale would be a game-changing signing for Rangers
Max Aarons has arrived at Rangers to much excitement, and rightly so.
The 24-year-old did just endure a pretty miserable campaign, barely featuring for Bournemouth, thereby spending the second half of the season on loan at Valencia, albeit he then made only five appearances for los Murciélagos, totalling a miserly 208 minutes.
Nevertheless, the youngster is still a player of great potential, almost joining Tottenham for £15m as a teenager, with Tom Quartly of Breaking the Lines asserting that he offers ‘fluidity in both attacking and defensive phases’ from full-back.
Aarons’ arrival does bring into question the future of Rangers’ two existing right-backs, namely captain and long-serving stalwart James Tavernier, as well as the promising Dujon Sterling, as this was not an area of obvious need.
The same, however, cannot be said about goalkeeper, with the potential arrival of Ramsdale addressing a pressing issue.
After arriving two years ago, for so long, Jack Butland was Rangers’ undisputed number one, starting 102 of his first 111 matches at the club, before being dropped by interim manager Barry Ferguson, following a sequence of high-profile errors, hence why deputy Liam Kelly got the nod for the Europa League quarter-final tie against Athletic Club.
Even though the Scotland international shot-stopper dramatically saved Álex Berenguer’s late penalty in the first leg at Ibrox, the table below emphasises that neither Kelly nor Butland are perhaps what Martin is looking for.
Goals against per 90
1.11
3rd
1
2nd
Save %
65.5%
17th
67.9%
11th
Clean sheet %
37.5%
5th
40%
4th
So, would Ramsdale be a major upgrade?
Well, former Arsenal goalkeeper asserted that Ramsdale’s performances for the Gunners as “phenomenal”, while manager Mikel Arteta described him as “exceptional”, following a man of the match performance during a 2-2 draw at Anfield two seasons ago.
So, let’s take a deeper look at his statistics in the Premier League.
Saves
120 (2nd)
94 (10th)
Save %
67.6% (15th)
70.6% (11th)
Post-shot xG – goals conceded
-0.08 (17th)
-0.05 (12th)
% of crosses stopped
5.5% (16th)
5.8% (16th)
Short passes attempted
1,026 (9th)
956 (8th)
The table includes last season, when Ramsdale was plying his trade for a historically terrible Southampton team, hence why only Mark Flekken made more saves than he did, as well as his final campaign as Arsenal’s number one, this 2022/23.
While the England international’s statistics don’t all leap off the page, it is clear that he is certainly a Premier League-level goalkeeper and a very good one at that, one that should not be playing for the team at the bottom of the division, that’s for sure.
His passing numbers are also impressive, which would very much fit into Martin’s style that prioritises control through possession.
Thus, if Rangers are able to lure him north of the border, this would be a massive coup, especially considering the trials and tribulations endured by Butland and Kelly last season.
Big Propper upgrade: Rangers open talks to sign 2nd defender after Coady
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Aston Villa faces an important summer ahead. Throughout the transfer window, Unai Emery will be keen on attracting yet more high-profile players to the Midlands.
While it will be the Europa League, rather than the Champions League, that the club will partake in next season, Villa’s stature as one of the Premier League’s elite sides will help massively when the window opens.
Despite a promising season, the club failed to end its 29-year wait for a major trophy, and this is clearly the next step in the Spaniard’s project.
A solid core has been built, no doubt about that, but there are several positions which need to be strengthened before the start of 2025/26.
As such, what could the club’s dream starting XI look like when the league season begins in August? Well, we’ve taken a deeper look.
1 GK – Lucas Chevalier
Lucas Chevalier for LOSC Lille.
It appears as though Emiliano Martinez is set to leave the Midlands after five years as the club’s number one.
Throughout that time, he has kept 70 clean sheets across 212 matches, helping Villa qualify for the Champions League in the process. Manchester United have shown previous interest in the goalkeeper, and he will have no shortage of offers this summer.
His replacement could be Frenchman Lucas Chevalier. Emery has targeted the £40m Lille shot stopper as the ideal man to replace the enigmatic Argentinian from next season onwards.
Given his excellent form in Ligue 1, it could be a shrewd move by the manager.
2 RB – Matty Cash
Cash may not be the flashiest player, and in time, he will be replaced as the starting right-back. This summer, however, Emery may well focus on other positions.
He made 38 appearances last season, registering three goal contributions. The English-born full-back will turn 28 in August and still has a few years left at the very top.
3 CB – Diego Coppola
Hellas Verona's Diego Coppola in action with Atalanta's Mateo Retegui
Jacob Tanswell of the Athletic claims that the club could prioritise signing a right-sided centre-back this summer. According to reports, Emery has earmarked Italian defender Diego Coppola as a player who could fit his system well.
His superb displays for Hellas Verona – winning 60% of his total duels and making 5.7 clearances per game in Serie A – have led to Villa showing plenty of interest in him.
The best part? He would only cost £8.5m.
4 CB – Pau Torres
Pau Torres will likely continue to be one of the starting centre-backs for Villa next season.
The 28-year-old is at the peak of his career and could continue to go from strength to strength under Emery in 2025/26.
5 LB – Ian Maatsen
The Dutchman made 45 appearances for Villa last term, playing in ten of their Champions League fixtures.
Emery must ensure he is the starting left-back from next season, as Maatsen will only continue to get better.
6 CM – Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans
Throughout the whole squad, Tielemans was arguably Villa’s most improved player last season.
Indeed, he was named Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season at Aston Villa’s End of Season Awards.
15 goal contributions were registered across 53 matches. If he carries that type of form into next term, he will be unstoppable.
7 CM – Amadou Onana
The Belgian midfielder showed glimpses of his quality after moving from Everton, but he will be keen to avoid injury issues next term.
He managed just 34 games for the club, but he still managed to score five times in all competitions.
8 RW – Tyler Dibling
Southampton'sTylerDiblingcelebrates scoring their third goal
Villa have shown interest in Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, who could cost around £55m this summer.
Despite the Saints suffering relegation from the Premier League, the 19-year-old was one of their brightest sparks. Across 38 games, he scored four goals and registered three assists.
Aston Villa
He succeeded with 1.4 dribbles per game in the top flight while also creating three big chances. Despite the price demanded by the Championship side, the teenager could turn out to be an impressive long-term star for Emery as he bids to improve his options out wide.
9 AM – Morgan Rogers
England'sEberechiEzecelebrates scoring their third goal with England's Morgan Rogers
Rogers’ 2024/25 season was arguably one that turned him from a talented attacking midfielder into a player in high demand.
Not only did he score 14 goals in all competitions for the club, but the Englishman also recorded 15 assists for Villa.
Four goals were netted in the Champions League, proving that he has what it takes to perform at the very highest level. Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing the player, but Emery will be doing all he can to keep hold of Rogers for as long as possible.
10 LW – Jadon Sancho
Marcus Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa, but it doesn’t look as though he will return permanently, amid his desire for a switch to Barcelona.
They are looking to target a move for Jadon Sancho instead according to reports, with the winger returning from his temporary stint at Chelsea.
With his future at United all but over, Sancho could gain plenty of game time should he choose a move to the Midlands this summer. Interest is also high from the likes of Napoli and AC Milan.
No price has been mentioned as yet, but if Emery can work out a deal that benefits all parties, signing Sancho – who is valued at £31m by Football Transfers – may be a wise piece of business.
Leeds United have already secured promotion back to the Premier League and the next step for them will be how they plan to avoid an instant relegation.
The Whites can hit 100 points in the Championship with a win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, having beaten Bristol City 4-0 at Elland Road on Monday, but then all focus will be on how the club can build a team for the top-flight.
Daniel Farke will have some incredibly difficult decisions to make, and one player whom he will have to make a quick decision on is Sam Byram, whose contract at Elland Road is up this summer.
What the English defender will not want to hear at this moment, though, is that Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a new player in his position.
Leeds eyeing move for new right-back
According to a claim from Turkish reporter, as relayed by LeedsUnitedNews, Leeds are one of a number of clubs who want to sign Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons in the summer transfer window.
The journalist claims that the Whites will attempt to swoop for the former England U21 international in a loan deal when he returns from his loan spell at Valencia ahead of next season.
Marseille, Lille, and Sheffield United are also said to be keen on the English right-back, however, which means that there could be plenty of competition for his services.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Leeds could have a unique advantage in the race, though, because Farke is the manager who gave Aarons his first-team debut and won two Championship titles with him during their time together at Norwich City.
Why this is bad news for Sam Byram
The news that the West Yorkshire outfit are interested in signing another right-back this summer will come as bad news to Sam Byram, who has started just 15 league matches this term, and any hope he has of penning a new contract at the club.
Daniel Farke and Max Aarons at Norwich.
Leeds already have Jayden Bogle as the first-choice right-back at Elland Road and bringing in another player in that position could mean that there is no place for the veteran Englishman in the squad at Premier League level, with Aarons competing with Bogle for a starting berth.
Whilst it remains to be seen what the club’s decision will be in regards to Byram’s future, this latest news does not suggest that they are planning to give him an extension to be a key first-team player next season.
Max Aarons (Championship)
18/19
20/21
Starts
41
45
Goals
2
2
Assists
6
2
Clean sheets
11
17
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.7
1.6
Duel success rate
58%
53%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Aarons provided defensive strength and offensive quality during Farke’s two title-winning seasons at Carrow Road.
The German head coach, as shown in the clip above, described him as “outstanding”, which shows how highly he rates the £34k-per-week full-back.
Aarons, whose most recent appearance came in a 2-1 win for Valencia over Real Madrid, has only started 14 Premier League matches since the start of last season for Bournemouth, and Farke could provide him with a chance to revive his top-flight career.
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Leeds could immediately land an upgrade on Joel Piroe by swooping for this £40m star.
By
Dan Emery
Apr 29, 2025
Leeds would then have healthy competition between him and Bogle for the right-back spot, whilst it could mean that Byram’s time at Elland Road comes to an end this summer.
Nottingham Forest have exceeded the expectations set by everyone ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Champions League football firmly on the cards.
Nuno Espírito Santo has masterminded the Reds to third place in England’s top flight, boasting a five-point gap to sixth place with just seven league outings remaining.
The thought of welcoming Europe’s elite to the City Ground was a distant dream for supporters after two near-misses with relegation after promotion, but such hopes could come to fruition in the coming months.
Nottingham Forest managerNunoEspirito Santo is seen before the match
However, if they are to be competitive in Europe and the Premier League next season, additions are desperately needed, handing Nuno the squad depth to rotate when needed.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis has wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for 2025/26, with one name remerging on their shortlist after previous interest in his signature last summer.
Nottingham Forest plot move for £40m talisman this summer
According to TBR, Forest are plotting a summer move for Evanilson after his impressive debut campaign in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
The Brazilian, who joined the Cherries for £40m last summer, has scored 11 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, sitting as their second top scorer behind Justin Kluivert.
It’s not the first time the Reds have targeted the 25-year-old, after being firmly in the race for his signature just under 12 months ago before his subsequent move to the Vitality.
The report claims that Newcastle and Aston Villa are also in the race for Evanilson’s signature, with Nuno looking for reinforcements whilst also trying to move Taiwo Awoniyi on this window.
It’s unclear whether Andoni Iraola’s side would be open to parting ways with their star striker, but he could provide an alternative to one other forward currently on Marinakis’ radar.
Why Evanilson would be the perfect Gyokeres alternative
As a result of their impressive form, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has emerged on Forest’s radar, with the Portuguese side demanding £60m to part with their star man.
The Swedish international has been in incredible goalscoring form since his move from Coventry City back in the summer of 2023, registering 87 goals in his 94 appearances.
However, despite their interest, the Reds aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 26-year-old this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United also in the race for the forward.
Given the nature of the clubs also keen on the talisman, the Forest hierarchy could turn their attention to Evanilson in the coming months, with the Cherries attacker a more than capable alternative.
When comparing his figures with Gyokeres from the ongoing campaign, he’s managed to match or better the Swede in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.
Games played
25
27
Goals & assists
9
37
Shot-on-target accuracy
49%
40%
Shots on target per 90
1.5
1.3
Take-on success
32%
27%
Fouls won
2.1
1.6
Aerials won
38%
30%
The “world-class” Cherries ace, as dubbed by content creator Kirk Tovey, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists than Gyokeres, but has managed more shots on target per 90 at a higher accuracy rate – showcasing his accuracy in the final third.
He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst also winning more of the aerial duels he’s contested, offering a more all-round centre-forward option than the Sporting star.
Whilst the Swedish international undoubtedly remains as many of the supporter’s first-choice attacking signing this summer, a deal for Evanilson would be just as impressive as seen by the numbers procured this year.
Investment will be needed in various areas of the first-team squad throughout the upcoming window, with funds needed elsewhere, potentially leading the Reds to pursue a move for the Brazilian sensation.
£25m release clause: Nottingham Forest join hectic race for "superb" star
The New Zealand allrounder is closing in on 20 years of international cricket, but is yet to represent her country in the longest format
Vishal Dikshit04-Sep-20251:33
Bates: Will be ‘over the moon’ to play a Test match
Closing in on 20 years in international cricket, New Zealand allrounder Suzie Bates is still keeping her dreams alive of playing a Test match before she retires. Bates has represented New Zealand in 171 ODIs and 177 T20Is, captained them full-time from 2012 to 2018, has featured in nine T20 World Cups and is ready to play her fifth ODI World Cup starting later this month.But she remains without a Test cap as New Zealand last played one 21 years ago, against England at Scarborough. Bates made her international debut 19 months later and has gone on to become the top run-scorer in T20Is and sits third on the list in ODIs, behind Mithali Raj and Charlotte Edwards.New Zealand are not scheduled to play a women’s Test as per the current FTP that runs until April 2029, but Bates keeps her hopes alive while watching the other women’s teams play Test cricket, as was the case even 10 years ago, when she had said she “felt cheated”.Related
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“The feeling [of not having played a Test] is just like I’m envious,” Bates told ESPNcricinfo. “Like I think I’ve said this in another interview when I watch the [women’s] Ashes and even when I watch men’s Test cricket and they talk about it being the toughest game, it tests your skills, it tests you mentally, it tests you physically as an athlete and a sportsperson I want to be tested. So you sort of watch when there are women’s Test matches on and you’re like, ‘oh I wonder what I’d do in this situation or how I’d go about it’, and to not have that opportunity when others are playing it, you do want to experience it.”But I understand the decisions and the politics of it at times but just as a player I’m like, ‘I’d love to have a taste of how I would handle that mentally and physically’. If it happens and I’m still playing I will be over the moon. I do just think for the future of the game – I think Virat Kohli’s talked about it saying that is still where you learn the most about the game and where you are tested and if young players, if a young New Zealand player gets to go over and play a four or five-day Test match in India in those conditions with the ball turning, the amount of learning that you do and that compared to a 20-over game is you just can’t compare. So yeah, I think there’s space for it, but those decisions aren’t up to me.”171 ODIs, 177 T20Is, and nearly 20 years of international cricket, but Suzie Bates is yet to play a Test•ICC/Getty ImagesEven if Test matches aren’t scheduled for New Zealand Women in the current FTP, extra bilateral matches can be added to the schedule if there is an agreement between two boards. Bates will be 38 later this month before the World Cup starts, but was willing to work further on her fitness, tempted by the possibility of playing a Test match, if the chance came in the next year or so.”Yes, it would motivate me but there is a long time between now and then and I am just focused on contributing at this 50-over World Cup and then we will see what happens after that.”New Zealand begin their World Cup campaign against defending champions Australia on October 2 in Indore before taking on South Africa (October 6, Indore) and Bangladesh (October 10, Guwahati). They will then fly to Colombo to face Sri Lanka (October 14) and Pakistan (October 18), before returning to India for their final two league games in Navi Mumbai, against India on October 23 and England on October 26.