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Newcastle United have learned how much it will cost for them to sign an “unplayable” ace in the summer, according to a recent report.

Newcastle suffer back-to-back Premier League defeats

The Magpies had secured impressive victories in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in their last two outings before the weekend, but when it comes to the Premier League, they have now two defeats in a row, as Eddie Howe’s side suffered a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, a fortnight on from losing at home to Fulham.

As bad as Trippier: Newcastle could drop 3/10 star who looked "petrified"

Newcastle were thrashed at the Etihad in a third PL loss in four matches.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 15, 2025

Speaking after the defeat to City, Howe labelled it a “tough game” as his team were “not at our best”.

He said: “It was a tough game; they are still the toughest team to play against. We were not at our best today. Goals change games, and the goal we conceded early was a tough one for us. All the goals we conceded today we will look back on with frustration. It becomes difficult when you chase the game today, really tough.

“They ask so many questions of you, put you under pressure. They did not have a bundle of chances, but they did what they needed to do. It’s about growing for the next games and learning from today. When you come back into these arenas, fare better; that’s the challenge.”

Newcastle learn price tag for "unplayable" ace

The Magpies still have a lot to play for this season, but looking ahead to the summer, Newcastle could sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford – if they pay £50m, according to Football Insider.

The report goes on to add that signing Mbeumo “would be a dream” for the Premier League side, as they have been keen on the Cameroon international for a while.

The 25-year-old is under contract at Brentford until 2026, meaning this summer could be Brentford’s final realistic chance of getting a big fee for the player, and £50m may therefore be enough for them to part ways.

It is a fee lower than previously reported, as it’s been claimed that Brentford were looking to get £60m for the player in January amid interest from the likes of the Magpies, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Whether Brentford stick to their reported asking price remains to be seen, but Football Insider also claimed that Newcastle are eyeing PSV winger Johan Bakayoko as a potential alternative. The Belgian has netted 10 goals in all competitions this season, including against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Mbeumo, who has been described as “unplayable” by Bees boss Thomas Frank, has been mightily impressive this season, as he’s scored 14 goals in 25 Premier League games. This is the most the forward has scored in the top flight, with his previous highest tally being nine, which he has reached in each of the last two seasons.

Apps

123

Goals

36

Assists

24

The Brentford forward has become one of the most lethal scorers in England this season, and while Newcastle already have Alexander Isak, Howe will want to add another proven scorer to his side, as they don’t want to be a team that relies on one individual.

Mbeumo’s versatility means he can play anywhere in attack, making him a potentially perfect partner for players like Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Thunder started well in their chase but fell away after the opening stand was broken

Andrew McGlashan18-Nov-2022Ash Gardner turned on the power at North Sydney Oval before Sydney Sixers, fresh from knowing they would host the WBBL final, quelled a strong start by local rivals Sydney Thunder to take their tenth win of the season.Gardner hammered 85 off 48 balls with 64 of those coming in boundaries as Sixers recovered from an uncertain start when Suzie Bates and Alyssa Healy fell cheaply to leave them 2 for 16. Ellyse Perry initially dominated the scoring with a fluent 45 off 30 balls in a stand of 59 for the third wicket before Gardner took over.Erin Burns and Nicole Bolton, who struck 24 off 15 balls, provided support in consecutive stands of 43 and 56. There was an outside chance of Gardner reaching a hundred in the final over but she was bowled by Sam Bates who was Thunders’ standout bowler.Ash Gardner plundered 85 off 48 balls•Getty ImagesBottom-placed Thunder raced out of the blocks in the chase as Tammy Beaumont and Phoebe Litchfield rattled up 81 in under nine overs. Litchfield’s first two scoring shots were sixes and Beaumont collected 10 fours in a 30-ball half-century before falling to England team-mate Sophie Ecclestone.When Litchfield followed in the next over to Gardner the chase started to lose its way.Kate Peterson continued her wicket-taking form, adding three to the four she took in the previous match, with her scalp of Chloe Tryon coming courtesy of a fantastic running catch from Lauren Cheatle who took the ball over her shoulder. When Olivia Porter was caught behind next ball Petersen was on a hat-trick and was not too far away when Sammy-Jo Johnson nearly provided a catch into the off side.There was a potential concern for Sixers with Healy taking a painful blow on the hand from a fielding return and looking uncomfortable for the rest of the innings, although she was able to take a steepling catch to Johnson.Rachael Haynes, who now has one game left in her professional career on Sunday, was left unbeaten on 29 and Thunder will hope to give her a winning send-off.

Lamine Yamal's father has made a big claim after the Barcelona superstar put on a dazzling display in the Champions League against Inter.

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Yamal starred in the UCL against InterInspired Barca to a 3-3 drawHis father expects greater things from himFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Yamal lit up the Champions League stage in sensational fashion as Barcelona clashed with Inter, making history while leaving defenders chasing shadows. The young forward netted the opening goal for the Catalan giants and consistently troubled both Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni with his relentless energy and skill as the Catalan club came back from being two goals down to draw 3-3.

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Yamal etched his name into the Champions League record books by becoming the youngest player ever to score in a semi-final match, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Kylian Mbappe. Following the match, Lamine’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, shared his pride and insisted that the world has only seen a small glimpse of what’s to come.

WHAT YAMAL'S FATHER SAID

In an interview on the popular Spanish football program , hosted by Josep Pedrerol, Nasraoui said: "He has a lot of strength to continue. He has been working since he was five years old. No one is going to stop him. What has been seen is not even ten per cent of what he can give, I can promise you."

While many might be tempted to draw comparisons between Yamal and other footballing icons, Mounir made it clear that his son isn’t trying to be the next Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. According to him, Lamine is carving his own identity, focused on remaining grounded and inspiring those closest to him.

"He doesn't compare himself to Messi, Ronaldo or (Diego) Maradona," he said. "He is Lamine and he wants to be an idol in his neighbourhood, with normal people, just like anyone."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL?

Barcelona’s promising youngster isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With the second leg of the Champions League semi-final set to be played at the iconic San Siro on Tuesday, May 6, all eyes will once again be on Yamal. However, before returning to continental action, Barcelona must switch their focus back to domestic competition as the La Liga leaders are set to travel to face Valladolid on Saturday.

Coach plays down own role in series marked by superb tactics and man-management

Andrew Miller20-Dec-2022Brendon McCullum, England’s Test coach, says it is “scary” to think how good a leader Ben Stokes could become after his transformative influence in the year just gone, having secured a historic 3-0 clean sweep in Pakistan with a ninth Test victory in the space of ten games.Speaking to Sky Sports in Karachi, in the aftermath of England’s eight-wicket win in the third and final Test, McCullum played down his own crucial role in the team’s rise from the ruin of last winter’s Ashes, stating bluntly that he does “bugger all” behind the scenes. Instead, he lavished praise on his captain, for his work both on and off the field.”The skipper was absolutely magnificent right throughout the series,” McCullum said. “Not just on the field, where everyone sees the decisions he makes and the strings he pulls, but it’s his man-management and his ability to get the very best out of each member of the side, off the field, which is the most impressive part from our point of view.”It’s the captain’s mantra, this side is very much in the image of the skipper,” McCullum added. “And Stokesy wants the guys to go out there and play with the most amount of freedom that they can.”He’s got the benefit of a long and distinguished career behind him, and he’s in that stage of his life where he wants to do something significant and make a real impact, not just on the game but on other people’s careers. He’s identified that taking away that pressure and that fear of failure allows the talent and the skill to come out.”ESPNcricinfo LtdStokes himself was at the crease on the final day, finishing 35 not out in England’s pursuit of 167 for their clean sweep. But it was England’s efforts on the very first day of the tour, in Rawalpindi, that set the team on course for history, as they racked up a remarkable 506 for 4 in 75 overs, including four centuries from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook, the eventual Player of the Series.”That was more than I thought we were going to make, to be honest,” McCullum said. “The way that Crawley and Duckett started for us in that Test match, it really laid a marker out for where this team wants to be, and for how brave our cricket needs to be as well.”It was about playing the role that the team needs you to play, rather than getting too caught up in your own stuff, and it was a huge day that allowed us to try and force a result. Maybe the series would have been different if we hadn’t have gone down that route.”The defining aspect of England’s wins, however, was ultimately their ability to prise out 20 wickets in a Test, with a range of different tactics and personnel coming to the fore, from the part-time spin of Will Jacks and the skilful use of reverse swing in Rawalpindi, to Jack Leach’s first-innings four-for and the decisive pace onslaught of Mark Wood in Multan, and ultimately to the remarkable emergence of the legspinner Rehan Ahmed with his debut five-for in Karachi.”It’s a great achievement,” McCullum said. “If you look at the whole six or seven months, we’ve taken 20 wickets in a Test on nine out of 10 occasions. So it’s one thing scoring fast and putting teams under pressure with the bat, but you got to be able to bowl teams out as well.”And the mantra within the group is ‘how do we take wickets?’ Every time we’ve got the ball in our hand, ‘how are we going to try and get this guy out?’ If you go for runs, you go for runs, but we back ourselves that will chase those runs down later on. I think once you have that mindset, you free yourself up from having to worry about runs. It allows you to look at things with a positive mantra.”Related

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Babar Azam offers delusion over solution as Pakistan's shortcomings are exposed

Stokes’ field placings were eye-catching throughout the tour, but they had to be too, with not a single traditional slip catch off the seamers all series long. Instead, he backed his bowlers with leg slips for the short ball into the ribs, and close catchers in the eyeline to capitalise on mistimed drives, a process that Stokes himself admitted had been entirely down to instinct, rather than pre-set plans.”A lot of my decisions were based on what I thought was the best option at any given time,” Stokes told Sky Sports. “I feel as if out here is probably the easiest conditions to mess around with a few different things. You don’t have to have a slip because it’s not going to go to slip in three games for us. So you use that slip somewhere else, maybe to visually upset the batsman.”Watching on from the dressing-room, McCullum was impressed. “The skipper never lets the game drift,” he said. “He’s always got something happening. He’s always pulling a string somewhere and the guys follow him. It’s a great combination to have, and it makes it pretty easy when you’re watching from up in the coach’s box.”There’s maverick in it and genius in a lot of it,” he added. “He’s just got an insatiable appetite to keep moving the game forward, which is super-impressive. But for me, it’s the man management, it’s the consistency of message, it’s the pure passion and drive that he’s got to make a significant difference in Test cricket, and English cricket, which is most impressive.”So I feel incredibly lucky that I’ve taken over this job when Stokesy has got the reins, and I think he’s only going to get better and better and better, which is quite scary. Because if he continues to improve and drive this team forward then, with the talent that sits within the dressing room, they will give it a good shake anyway.”I don’t do bugger all, to be honest,” McCullum joked. “I just make sure that the guys remain consistent with their own beliefs, and that they all want to be the best version of themselves. To be honest, it’s a really easy job … don’t tell my bosses. But I’m really enjoying myself, and I couldn’t I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity.”Looking on from the Sky Sports studio, however, Stuart Broad gave a more nuanced assessment of McCullum’s under-stated influence in the dressing-room.”I’ve not seen him throw many balls, I’ve not seen him talk technically to anybody, but you watch every training session, he walks around and speaks to every single player,” Broad said. “Just checking in and seeing how they are, seeing what their mindset’s like, making sure they are taking the options that are right for the mantra of the team. He’s an incredible man-manager.”

David Beckham and Gary Neville, who have been inspired by Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady, have completed a takeover of Salford City.

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Other Class of '92 stars have stepped asideFurther investors are still being soughtAiming to emulate other famous ownership groupsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The former Manchester United and England team-mates had been working with the League Two outfit as part of the fabled Class of ‘92 ownership group. Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes have now relinquished their respective stakes, with Beckham and Gary Neville having spent several months finding suitable investment partners.

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They have joined forces with Declan Kelly, founder of US-based advisory firm Consello, and Lord Mervyn Davies, chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association. It is claimed that around $15-20 million (£15m) has been raised, with each member holding a five or 10 per cent stake – totalling 80 per cent of the club. The remaining 20 per cent has been earmarked for future partners.

GettyWHAT DAVID BECKHAM SAID

Beckham and Neville will not be involved in the day-to-day running of Salford, but are fully committed. Inter Miami co-owner Becks, who works with Lionel Messi in Florida, told : “I will be over every big decision that’s made and every little decision that’s made. That’s what my commitment is to Gary. It’s what my commitment is to the club.

“We’re definitely not doing it for a laugh and it’s also not for the romantic side of things. Yes, we care about the club — but we’re doing it to win. We want Salford to be successful and we have had success, but then we want it to go on to the next level.

“I always dream big so I’m always going to want us to get to the pinnacle of football and be in the Premier League. But there’s a lot of hard work and a lot of investment to be done up until that point. The Championship is a league that we want to get in but it’s step by step. We want success very quickly but these things take time.

“There’s a reason why we’re not going to be going up this year. So what is that reason? How do we solve it? And what do we need to put around the team, the manager and the club to ensure we have that success? But if we can do that, fast forward it and be up in the Championship, that’s what the dream would be.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

Beckham added on taking inspiration from close friend and NFL legend Brady, along with Wrexham’s Hollywood superstar co-owner Reynolds: “We’ve all been inspired by what Ryan Reynolds has been doing at Wrexham and I’m not saying this is why we’re doing it because it’s not. But I’ve spoken to Ryan about it so many times now and he said the feeling around the city, the feeling around the club, is so exceptional. That’s the kind of thing that we want to create.

“Tom Wagner and Tom Brady have done an incredible job with Birmingham. I went to a game a few months back and the atmosphere in the stadium was one of the best I’ve seen for a long time. That’s what we want to create. We want to create that community, add to the community and fan base we’ve already got — and then lift it.

“When you see what the Toms are doing, there is investment, there is a plan and it would be the dream to talk about the growth of Salford City. It’s not only growth on the field, which is what we care most about, but we want success. Because if we’re having success then we’re also having the opportunity to say: ‘Now we we’re going to invest, now we’re going to get a bigger stadium, now we’re going to get a bigger training facility and then it will go on. That is what we’re aiming for.

“We’re not going to turn around and say: ‘OK, there’s a bunch of money, we have no plan but we have the money and now we’ll go and get the players’. That’s not how we work in business. It has to be sustainable.

“It has to be a real plan around the club because we want to be taken seriously on the field, firstly, and then on the business side. We don’t want to look stupid or make the mistakes that others have in the past.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers head back to Molineux tonight in the Premier League full to the brim with confidence after a huge win towards the foot of the division versus AFC Bournemouth.

Aided by an early Cherries dismissal, it was Matheus Cunha yet again who delivered the goods for Vitor Pereira’s Old Gold in a 1-0 away day success, meaning his side are now four points clear of the drop-zone.

More wins on the board in matches to come would surely see the West Midlands outfit pull away from any impending relegation danger, but the top-flight side will know they will have to keep ex-Molineux star Raul Jimenez quiet in order to try and pick up back-to-back victories when Fulham come to town.

Raul Jimenez's top form at Fulham

The Mexican centre-forward is still viewed as a modern great to large sections of the Wolves fanbase, even with the end of his time at the club resulting in the Cottagers snapping him up.

Indeed, the often deadly 33-year-old would fire home an impressive 57 goals for the Old Gold from 166 appearances, with this red-hot streak in front of goal not relenting in his next location in West London.

This season so far, Jimenez has bagged a respectable 11 strikes in all competitions, with nine of those – including a fine effort finding the back of the net against Arsenal – coming in top-flight action.

Therefore, Wolves will be wary that their former attacker could come back to haunt them when making the trip to familiar territory, although he has yet to score against his old employers from two games against them.

Unwanted records such as these are made to be broken, however, but Pereira will hope his team can keep the Fulham number seven quiet with the inclusion of a rejuvenated centre-back.

The "incredible" Wolves star who can keep Jimenez quiet

Across Wolves’ last four matches, three clean sheets have been kept, with only two strikes leaked away at Arne Slot’s table-topping Liverpool in the game that wasn’t a victory.

The standout man at the back during those shut-outs was the revitalised figure of Toti Gomes, who will be keen to keep Jimenez at bay throughout the mid-week tussle to help his side push further away from the relegation mire.

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90

90

90

Goals conceded

0

0

0

Touches

53

71

82

Accurate passes

32/40 (80%)

55/59 (93%)

54/65 (83%)

Successful dribbles

1/1

4/4

1/1

Clearances

4

2

4

Blocked shots

0

0

1

Interceptions

2

2

4

Tackles

2

3

4

Duels won

6/9

8/9

6/6

Looking at the table above, it’s clear that the “incredible” defender – as he was labelled by previous manager Gary O’Neil – has more than played his part in Wolves shoring up at the back in recent matches, with only two duels lost from his last 24 attempted across the three aforementioned victories.

Wolves will also feel confident they can limit Jimenez throughout the 90 minutes based on his lacklustre showing against Crystal Palace last time out, with the imposing centre-forward failing to hit a single effort on target at the Eagles net during the 2-0 defeat.

With the constantly improving 26-year-old also in the heart of defence, Pereira’s side stands a great chance at picking up a positive final result, as the games continue to come thick and fast in the top flight.

Fosun made a bigger mistake than Kilman by selling £23m Wolves star

Wolves made a mistake in 2023 by selling a player who is shining in the Premier League.

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 23, 2025

In an ACC meeting last week, the ACB also discussed the possibility of playing more bilateral cricket

Umar Farooq06-Feb-2023The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has revised its financial distribution model and increased the share for cash-strapped Afghanistan from Asia Cup earnings. Afghanistan became a Full Member of the ICC in 2017, but had been earning a lower share from the last two Asia Cups held in 2018 and 2022, with other Full Members in Asia divvying up the earnings equally.But with a new distribution model now in place, all Asian Test-playing nations including Afghanistan will be getting equal amounts from the ACC – that will effectively raise Afghanistan’s share from 6% to 15%. The other Full Members of the ACC – Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh – will be getting a lesser share than before to accommodate the rise in Afghanistan’s revenue. Thus, the five Full Members will be getting 15% each, with the remaining amount to be distributed among Associates and Affiliates.”The increase in our ACC funding will greatly benefit the technical as well as the administrative aspects of Afghanistan Cricket,” Mirwais Ashraf, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman told ESPNcricinfo. “We are grateful for the support of the ACC and its member countries, and look forward to utilising these resources for taking Afghan cricket forward.Related

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“This is a major move in our favour, and we are confident that this increased funding will contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of this game in our country.”The increase, agreed upon at the recent ACC meeting in Bahrain, could not have come at a better time for the ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board). Last October, after the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, the ACB had plunged into a financial crisis as cash flow from their ICC revenue share hit a snag because of international sanctions. As a result, the ACB hasn’t been able pay full salaries to its staff for two months, and has also had to cancel a domestic regional one-day tournament.However, it found local sponsors and government funding, and managed to get back on its feet with cash starting to flow in December. The ICC also pays Afghanistan’s operational costs (from their share of ICC funds) incurred outside Afghanistan by mainly paying players, and also vendors engaged in hosting their games in the UAE. The ACB has also come under increased scrutiny and pressure for having made no progress with women’s cricket – a functioning women’s cricket team is a requirement for Full Member status with the ICC. Discussions on that are expected at the next ICC board meetings in March.Afghanistan seek more bilateral cricketWhat will also help is more bilateral cricket, and the PCB has reaffirmed its commitment to play a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in March. That series came about after Australia’s pullout of three scheduled ODIs to be played against Afghanistan in the UAE in the same window.In an ACC meeting in Bahrain last week, the Afghanistan delegation led by Ashraf and ACB’s CEO Naseeb Khan discussed the possibility of playing more bilateral cricket. Pakistan was the first country to accept playing a series, although it is believed the PCB had to persuade its government to give the go-ahead, given the complex geo-political ties between the two countries at the moment.The other lingering concern was over the crowd hostility during matches between the two nations. The last few games between the two sides – including those at the 2019 World Cup, the 2021 T20 World Cup, and the Asia Cup last year – has seen unprecedented disturbances break out among the spectators.The idea of playing Afghanistan was raised last month, with the PCB chairman Najam Sethi asserting that “politics and cricket shouldn’t be mixed up” after Australia’s withdrawal from playing Afghanistan because of the Taliban’s “further restrictions on women’s and girls’ education” in the country. Thus, the PCB and ACB instead found a window to play in, with both countries to equally share broadcast revenue.

Glasgow Rangers haven’t enjoyed the best luck in the transfer market over the previous couple of years.

With their rivals across the other end of the city selling a host of players for significant profits, establishing an effective player trading model in the process, the Light Blues have often been guilty of letting talent go for below market value.

Todd Cantwell was sold for just £500k last summer, despite being worth much more. The summer before, both Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent departed Ibrox for nothing after their contracts expired.

Both of these players could arguably have been sold for seven-figure sums at their peak, yet this was more evidence of mismanagement at Ibrox.

Philippe Clement may have been sacked due to some dreadful results on the pitch combined with a lack of playing style, but he did sign some talented youngsters during his stint in charge.

One such player could attract plenty of interest this summer, especially if he can rediscover his mojo under Barry Ferguson…

Hamza Igamane has enjoyed an excellent debut season in Scotland. The question now is, just how much money can the Gers sell him for when the time comes?

Why Hamza Igamane could make Rangers a significant profit

When Igamane arrived at the club last summer, not much was expected of him, at least straight away. The African centre-forward had played a total of 58 senior matches for AS FAR, scoring 16 goals in the process.

It’s safe to say that plenty of the Ibrox faithful weren’t bursting with excitement when his signing was announced. Fast-forward eight months, however, and it appears as though the Moroccan could be the club’s next big sale.

Across 35 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues this season, Igamane has scored 13 goals while chipping in with three assists.

While he has taken to Scottish football with ease, it is in European competition that the 22-year-old has been able to demonstrate his true qualities. Indeed, he has scored four goals in the Europa League this term, including a wonderful effort against Tottenham Hotspur back in December.

It was reported after the tie that Everton had sent scouts to watch the game at Ibrox, with Igamane very much someone who was on their radar.

His form recently hasn’t exactly been the most inspiring, last finding the back of the net against Aberdeen midway through January. He has made leaps and bounds during his maiden season in Scotland. However, sooner or later, he will leave the club.

Metric

Europa League

Premiership

Goals

4

9

Assists

1

1

Big chances created

1

6

Successful dribbles per game

1.7

1.4

Shots per game

1.6

2.9

When that time comes, whoever is in charge must maximise as much profit as possible on the striker. That’s for sure.

Could there be another talented individual in the current first-team squad who might even be sold for more than Igamane? Someone who has the potential to be the club’s record sale in the process?

Step forward Mohamed Diomande.

Mohamed Diomande's display vs Fenerbahçe

Since Barry Ferguson took over as interim manager, he has operated with a three-man midfield and this has played to the strengths of Diomande, especially against Fenerbahçe in the recent first leg of the last-16 clash.

In a more advanced role against the Turkish side, the Ivorian star was excellent. He provided an assist while completing 100% of his passes during the game and making two key passes.

Furthermore, the midfielder lost possession only five times, winning five ground duels and making two tackles in the process, and he was key to the stunning 3-1 victory for the Glasgow side in Istanbul on Thursday evening.

He was praised by analyst John Walker following the win over Hearts last month, who said:

If he continues this sort of form in the coming weeks, it won’t just be Igamane who will be attracting plenty of interest at the end of the season.

His development might be best served with another year in Scotland, but if an offer that is too good to turn down arrives, it might be a hard decision for the incoming manager.

Why Diomande could be Rangers' record sale

The midfielder has showcased his attacking talents in the Europa League this season, helping the Gers to not only reach the last-16 stage, but also put them on the brink of the quarter-finals.

When compared to his positional peers in the competition this season, Diomande currently ranks in the top 15% for assists (0.28), the top 17% for take-ons attempted (2.68) and the top 22% for carries into the penalty area (0.42).

These statistics prove that the 23-year-old loves bursting forward as much as possible, hence Ferguson’s decision to play him in a more advanced role against José Mourinho’s men.

Hailed as “aggressive” by Walker when he joined the Gers in January 2024, the promising talent has also impressed in the Scottish Premiership this season.

Not only does he have three goals and five assists to his name, but the youngster has created six big chances, averages 1.1 key passes per game and succeeds with 62% of his dribbles each match for the club.

Defensively, Diomande makes 1.1 tackles and recovers 4.1 balls per game in the top flight, while he even wins 54% of his total contested duels. Regardless of where he plays on the pitch, the midfielder can shine both when in and out of possession.

Calvin Bassey was sold by the club in the summer of 2022 for just under £23m, becoming the record sale in the club’s history.

If Diomande can continue to shine, especially in Europe, between now and the end of the season, there is no reason why Rangers shouldn’t be demanding over £20m for the player.

Of course, many would rather he stayed, but his sale could prove that the player trading model established by Clement is finally beginning to reap its rewards.

"Devastating" Rangers star is now their most important player since Morelos

After scoring twice against Fenerbahçe in Thursday’s win, one Rangers star underlined why he’s their most important player since Alfredo Morelos.

ByBen Gray Mar 8, 2025

Mikey Varas' San Diego FC beat LA Galaxy 2-1 in MLS Matchday 15, with Lozano continuing to provide impact

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San Diego sits second in the West with 27 pointsNext match: vs. Seattle Sounders on WednesdayLozano has five goals, four assists in 12 gamesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Hirving Lozano delivered a dramatic last-minute goal to hand San Diego FC a 2-1 win over LA Galaxy Saturday, securing a crucial three points and keeping the expansion team near the top of the Western Conference standings with 27 points.

The match marked the second meeting between the two sides this season, and once again, it was San Diego who emerged victorious. Their previous encounter took place on Feb. 23, with San Diego winning 2-0.

“Very happy with what we did on the field,” Lozano said after the match. “I think it was a team effort from the players and coaching staff. We did what we had to do, and as I’ve said before, these matches are different – you have to give something extra. I tried to do my job and fortunately, I was able to help the team in the final minute.”

Lozano also spoke about the growing rivalry with LA Galaxy.

“The intensity is what defines these games. You’re always on the edge – yellow cards, rough tackles. It was a very aggressive match, both sides going forward. Galaxy has a good team, but we were the ones who gave that extra push,” he said.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Mexican international has been in fine form since joining San Diego FC, tallying five goals and four assists in just 12 matches. His impact has been immediate, helping the club remain near the top of the table in their debut MLS season under head coach Mikey Varas.

Speaking about his transition from European football, Lozano reflected on his recent league title with PSV in the Netherlands.

“I was able to contribute a little to that team and earn another European championship, but now I’m here and I want to do things right," he said. "From the moment I arrived, everything has been wonderful. I’m very happy and enjoying it to the fullest. I’m working hard and feel I’m regaining my top form.”

While San Diego continues to impress, LA Galaxy’s struggles persist. The storied franchise remains winless after 15 games and sits at the bottom of the Western Conference with only four points.

Getty Images SportWHAT MIKEY VARAS SAID

The match was marred by some violent incidents in the stands, an issue that both the club and league officials are expected to address. San Diego head coach Mikey Varas condemned the altercations, saying, “There’s no place for violence in football. Incidents like this should never happen.”

Asked about Lozano’s performance, Varas added: “Chucky is a winner. He was fouled repeatedly, many of which weren’t even called, but he kept going. He did a fantastic job.”

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SAN DIEGO FC?

Next up for San Diego FC is a key clash against the Seattle Sounders, as they look to maintain their momentum in a strong debut season.

Mumbai’s batting looks settled but they need their bowlers to step up

Srinidhi Ramanujam24-Apr-20235:09

Moody: Mumbai should give Arjun Tendulkar another chance to finish games

Big picture: Rohit Sharma vs Hardik PandyaRohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan vs Rashid Khan. Hardik Pandya vs Jofra Archer. Wriddhiman Saha vs Piyush Chawla. Well, it’s also Rohit versus Hardik, only the second time in the IPL. The only two Indian players in this competition who have tasted success on their debut season as captains will go head-to-head in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.Mumbai Indians lost their first two matches, clinched their next three games in a row, before going down to Punjab Kings in a high-scoring game. They sit at the seventh position with six points whereas Gujarat Titans are fourth on the table with eight points. And after four weeks, it’s tough to pick a favourite between them.Mumbai are a batting-heavy side, with their top-six batters striking at more than 140 in this season. With Cameron Green and Suryakumar Yadav showing results in the last few matches, Rohit will be content with their middle order that also includes the aggressive Tilak Varma and Tim David.However, the same can’t be said of their bowling department. Chawla has bowled the most for Mumbai, has picked up the most wickets (nine) and his economy rate (6.86) is also the best for his side (minimum two games). But the rest of the lot – who have played two or more matches this season – has leaked more than nine runs per over.On the other hand, Titans have fared well in bowling, thanks largely to Mohammed Shami and Rashid. Both have combined to take 22 of the 40 wickets Titans have taken in six games. Mohit Sharma is back and has been bowling at a stunning economy rate of 4.66 from nine overs.Even though Titans return to their home ground, they have lost two of the three games there in IPL 2023. In fact, their defeats have only come at home. In the batting line-up, Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha, despite not clicking as an opening pair, have performed as individuals.However, despite the likes of David Miller and Hardik chipping in, Titans have struggled to score freely in the middle overs. At 7.37 runs per over, they have one of the lowest run rates among all teams from overs 7 to 15. This is an area which Mumbai would be keen to exploit against a team that fires away in the final five.Form guideGujarat Titans WLWLW
Mumbai Indians LWWWLTeam news Jofra Archer is back for Mumbai after being on the bench due to soreness in his right elbow.Toss and Impact Player strategyGujarat TitansAllrounder Jayant Yadav took over Gill’s place in the XI when the team was bowling and they are likely to continue with this approach. The opposite will work too if they bowl first.Probable XII: 1 , 2 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 3 Hardik Pandya (capt), 4 Vijay Shankar, 5 Abhinav Manohar, 6 David Miller, 7 Rahul Tewatia, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mohammed Shami, 10 Mohit Sharma, 11 Josh Little/Noor Ahmad, 12 Mumbai IndiansMumbai might bring in Riley Meredith for Jason Behrendorff in their XI, with batter Nehal Wadhera and one of these two overseas bowlers as impact players.Probable XII: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Ishan Kishan (wk), 3 Cameron Green, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Tim David, 7 Arjun Tendulkar, 8 Hrithik Shokeen, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Piyush Chawla, 11 , 12 Nehal WadheraStats that matter Shami has taken six wickets in the powerplay this IPL and has bowled 61 dot balls in this phase, the second-most among bowlers this IPL. Rohit has scored 43 runs off 29 balls against Rashid in T20s, and has been dismissed by the legspinner in three out of six matches. Titans haven’t made it out of the powerplay without losing one of openers Saha or Gill. The pair’s highest stand is 48 runs. Mumbai have hit 16 sixes so far in the powerplay, the third-most in this IPL. Titans have hit only five, the second-lowest.Pitch and conditionsOne can expect a another high-scoring game. In the three games played at the Narendra Modi Stadium this season, teams have put up totals in excess of 175 on all occasions. Tuesday evening will be very warm, with temperature touching 40 degrees Celsius during the day.Quotes”If a batsman scores a hundred and 60% of the runs comes from cover drives, nobody asks him why he played that shot so many times. This is what (bowling googlies) I have been doing since the beginning. My 60-odd % of wickets come in googlies.
Piyush Chawla answers a straight one