Manchester United’s business this summer is already in full flow, after Matheus Cunha was announced as their first signing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Red Devils forked out a whopping £62.5m for the Brazilian international, who registered 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League this campaign.

However, whilst it may seem like a hefty figure, it’s an excellent deal for a player who can change the club’s fortunes, after a dismal spell in front of goal over the last couple of months – scoring just 44 league goals in 2024/25.

Ruben Amorim doesn’t appear to be done there though, with a striker still high on his list of priorities, leading to numerous names mentioned over a move to Old Trafford.

Liam Delap was seen as the number one target before his subsequent move to join Chelsea, resulting in a shift of focus, with numerous of Europe’s elite still on their radar.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Over recent weeks, numerous top-level talismen have been mentioned as options for United, as Amorim looks to land the goalscorer who can catapult the club back up the table next season.

Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitiké have all been mentioned as potential options for the Red Devils, with no deals yet completed for any of the aforementioned stars.

However, that same can’t be said elsewhere, as they appear to be making a move for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, that’s according to the latest report from FootballTransfers.

They claim that Amorim’s side have entered talks with the Italian outfit over a move for the striker, who currently earns £315k-per-week, according to Capology.

It also states that he’s keen on a move to join United this summer, seeing the switch as an opportunity to take his career to the next level, with a Premier League move the dream for the Serbian.

Why Vlahovic would be United’s answer to Haaland

Erling Haaland has been one of the Premier League’s leading talismen over the last couple of years, often causing United a whole host of problems in the process.

The Norwegian joined Manchester City back in the summer of 2022 from Borussia Dortmund, subsequently going on to score 121 times in his 142 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men.

He’s managed to score six times in his eight appearances against the Red Devils, including a hat-trick in the 6-3 rout at the Etihad back in the 2023/24 campaign.

Given his record, most sides across England’s top-flight must wish they had their own version of the talisman, with Amorim potentially able to do just that with Vlahovic.

The 25-year-old has been labelled as a similar player to the City star by FBref, with hope that he can transfer his skillset over to Old Trafford should he move in the coming months.

When comparing their respective figures from the 2024/25 campaign, the Serbian has managed to outperform in numerous key areas, showcasing what an amazing addition he would be this window.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered more progressive carries and more progressive passes per 90 in 2024/25, showcasing his all-round nature with the ball in attacking areas.

Games played

29

31

Goals scored

10

22

Progressive carries

1.4

0.8

Progressive passes

1.2

0.6

Aerials won

2

1.8

Fouls won

0.9

0.4

Take-on success

42%

36%

He’s also won more aerials per 90 and drawn more fouls, subsequently offering Amorim a huge focal point at the top end of the pitch, something which he’s craved since his appointment.

The Juve star has also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, able to play off the shoulder or even drop deeper and complete a mazy run past the opposition.

Such a move would likely cost the club a hefty whack in wages, but it’s one that could hand the side the needed attacking threat they’ve lacked this season.

If he manages to reach the levels produced by Haaland over recent years, it would be a sensational pick-up and one that could catapult the side back up the table.

An Elanga repeat: Wilcox in talks to sell £105k-per-week Man Utd talent

Manchester United may be about to make a huge mistake in selling one first-team star.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 17, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now planning to sell Richarlison, in order to fund a move for an “incredible” £55m star, according to a report.

Richarlison struggling to make an impact at Spurs

The Brazilian’s 2024-25 campaign was marred by a number of injury issues, which meant he only managed to make 15 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he provided four goals and one assist.

However, with Dominic Solanke often leading the line, the 28-year-old has found holding down a starting spot very difficult even when fit, often being utilised as a substitute last term, which indicates Spurs can afford to let him move on this summer.

That is exactly what Tottenham are planning to do, according to Football Insider’s transfer correspondent, Pete O’Rourke, who said: “With Son staying, Dibling linked, and Richarlison likely to be moved on… there’s got to be some restructuring at Tottenham this summer.

“The domestic campaign was awful… the squad depth and quality has to be addressed and must improve.”

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Emilio Galantini

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The report also states that Spurs plan to sell Richarlison in order to fund a move for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, with the Saints looking to hold out for a fee of £55m for the forward, although the Lilywhites are hopeful a deal can be done for £40m – £45m.

Signing Dibling is said to align with the north Londoners’ transfer strategy “perfectly”, given that they plan on signing the best youngsters to give them first-team football immediately, in order to make an instant impact.

The Brazilian international’s exit could be crucial when it comes to Spurs’ ability to compete for the Southampton star’s signature, however, given the money it would generate, and Richarlison has previously been linked with a return to Everton.

Dibling could be "incredible" signing for Tottenham

Southampton’s 2024-25 campaign was one of the worst in Premier League history, collecting just 12 points across the entire season, but their 19-year-old winger still managed to make a name for himself.

Reporter Alfie House was left particularly enamoured with the youngster, lauding him as an “incredible” player back in November, and he went on to finish the season with four goals and three assists in all competitions.

The Englishman also drew praise from Match of the Day’s Danny Murphy, who said: “It is the quality he has got – the belief in himself and the physical power. He just goes past people with ease. He has got a lovely left foot. He is very brave on the ball and his decision-making is good.”

With Richarlison falling down the pecking order, it could make sense to cash-in on the forward to fund a move for Dibling this summer, given that he showed some very promising signs during his breakout season at Southampton.

The transfer window may be closing for six days this afternoon, but that won’t stop Arsenal from working on potential deals.

Mikel Arteta’s side finished second in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce this season, and while they managed to make it to the semi-finals of the Champions League, that’ll only fuel the team’s hunger to finally get over the line next year.

The Gunners have been linked to a host of talented players in recent weeks and months, but the one who looks closest to putting pen to paper and moving to North London is Martin Zubimendi.

Yet, as brilliantly talented as the Spaniard is, there is now another international linked with Arsenal, who’d be an even more exciting signing.

Arsenal transfer news

Amazingly, the first reports linking Arsenal to Zubimendi appeared all the way back in January 2023, and while they became a little stronger last summer, they really took off this January.

Transfer Focus

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

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It was at the start of this year that Sami Mokbel claimed that the Real Sociedad star would be making his way to the Emirates at some point this summer, but since then, there has been some concern among fans that Real Madrid could turn his head.

After all, there has been no shortage of publications from the midfielder’s homeland claiming that Los Blancos would convince him to turn his back on Arteta and join up with Xabi Alonso.

Fortunately, that all seems to be nothing more than paper talk, as respected journalist David Ornstein revealed this morning that the powers that be at the Emirates consider the move to be “done & signed.” At the same time, Real sources claim that the Spanish giants never truly pursued the player.

In yet more good news, the Gunners have now also been linked to another international star, someone who’d be a more exciting acquisition than Zubimendi: Anthony Gordon.

Yes, according to Ornstein’s latest report for The Athletic, the Gunners are now interested in the Newcastle United star.

He claims that the Toon star has his ‘admirers’ at the Emirates, a claim James McNicholas backs up in the same article.

While no price is mentioned, reports from earlier this month linking the player to Liverpool claim he could cost around £80m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gordon’s ability, it’s one worth fighting for.

Why Gordon will be more exciting than Zubimendi

So, the first thing to say is that when Zubimendi finally makes his way to the Emirates, he will be an incredible signing for Arsenal.

After all, we saw him put in stellar performances for Spain in the semi-final and final of the Nations League, and you don’t get chased by some of the biggest clubs in the world if you aren’t someone special.

However, when it comes down to pure excitement, there is one massive reason why Gordon would provide more of it in North London: his output.

At the end of the day, fans watch football for the goals and attacking trickery which the Newcastle United star should bring to N5 in abundance.

For example, in 48 appearances last season, totalling 3869 minutes, the former Everton star managed to score 12 goals and provide 16 assists, which came out to a superb average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 138.17 minutes.

Gordon’s recent form

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

48

42

Minutes

3869′

2946′

Goals

12

9

Assists

16

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.38

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.17′

184.12′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Even this year, when he’s not been at his very best, the dynamic “nightmare,” as he described himself, scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 42 appearances, totalling 2946 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.62 games, or every 184.12 minutes.

Ultimately, while Zubimendi will almost certainly help Arsenal tick and will likely help kickstart plenty of attacks from the base of midfield, it’s Gordon who’ll either finish them or help them along by taking on opposition defenders and getting the fans on their feet.

Therefore, while he won’t be cheap, the club should do all they can to sign the Newcastle star this summer, as he’d be a tremendously exciting addition to the team.

Related He's a Sesko upgrade: Arsenal stepping up pursuit of £84m "powerhouse"

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 9, 2025

Manchester United’s front line has massively disappointed throughout the 2024/25 campaign, being one of the main reasons for their dismal Premier League finish.

The Red Devils finished in 15th place, just three places above the relegation zone, finishing the season with two times fewer points than eventual champions Liverpool.

Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo finished as the top scorers for Ruben Amorim’s side, both notching just eight goals, with no player managing to reach double figures in the league.

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were both massively out of form throughout the entire year, only scoring seven goals in the Premier League between them.

As a result, the hierarchy have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements in such a department, with numerous names already mentioned with a summer switch to Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

With the transfer window set to open over the next couple of weeks, United have already begun work to land new stars to help Amorim’s quest of being a success in charge of the club.

Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitiké and Benjamin Sesko have all been touted with a summer switch to join the Red Devils, but as of yet, no progress has yet been made on such deals.

However, work has been conducted on a deal to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen over recent days, that’s according to Italian journalist Valter De Maggio.

He claimed on radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli, that the Red Devils hierarchy have met up with the Serie A side and negotiated a potential deal for the Nigerian international.

The journalist also confirmed that Antonio Conte’s side would want £40m plus current striker Hojlund in the other direction for the 26-year-old, who’s scored 36 times in 40 appearances on loan at Galatasaray this season.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Delap

Over the last couple of weeks, striker Liam Delap has been widely touted with a move to join United this summer after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

The 22-year-old scored 12 goals for relegated Ipswich Town, undoubtedly being their shining light in a dismal campaign, leading to his subsequent links to join the Red Devils.

However, despite the interest, it appears as though Amorim’s side are set to miss out on a deal for his services, with Chelsea taking the lead in the race for his signature in recent days.

It’s been reported that United’s lack of European football has handed the Blues the advantage, leading to the potential interest in a deal for Osimhen as a result.

However, when comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent season, the Nigerian has managed to better him in various key areas – undoubtedly being a better addition than Delap.

The Napoli star, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored the Englishman and registered a higher shot on target rate – highlighting his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted and achieved a higher take-on success rate, handing Amorim an all round option in the final third – something he’s greatly missed.

Games played

29

37

Goals & assists

30

14

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

43%

Shots on target per game

3.4

1

Pass accuracy

68%

61%

Take-on success

60%

46%

Aerials won

64%

42%

Osimhen’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerials, with his ability in the air offering the club a needed focal point, which they desperately need to take them back to their former glory.

The reported deal, which could see Hojlund move back to Serie A, may prove to be a blessing in disguise for United, moving on a player who’s simply not at the level required for the Premier League.

It may be disappointing to miss out on Delap given the bargain price he’s available for, but the Nigerian has demonstrated that he’s a better option, handing the club the elite-level attacker they need to right the wrongs of 2024/25.

Forget Garnacho: Man Utd must sell flop who's worth even more than Cunha

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ByRobbie Walls May 29, 2025

Celtic enjoyed another successful season in 2024/25 under Brendan Rodgers, winning another Scottish Premiership title while also lifting the Scottish League Cup.

The Hoops narrowly missed out on a domestic treble, however, attention is already turning to the new campaign with additions already made in the transfer market.

Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic Park has now been confirmed, with the left-back joining on a free transfer after his contract at the Emirates expired. Talking after re-joining Celtic, Tierney was delighted.:

The Scot will be looking to add to his tally of 11 Celtic honours over the coming years, but who else could join Tierney and Fulham youngster Callum Osmand through the Parkhead door this summer?

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Grok the AI tool on X, has predicted five more signings Celtic could make this summer, totalling more than £20m.

AI predicts 5 players Celtic will sign this summer 1 Mathias Kvistgaarden Brondby (£8m)

A new attacking addition looks set to be on the to-do list at Parkhead, with Mathias Kvistgaarden a long-term target for the Hoops.

Wanted by Celtic over the last 12 months, they have once again been linked with a move this summer. The closest Rodgers’ side have come to signing Kvistgaarden was in January after Kyogo Furuhashi left to join Rennes.

Grok have put an estimated £8m transfer fee on a deal as Celtic search for their Kyogo replacement.

2 Lennon Miller Motherwell (£5m)

Lennon Miller continues to be a man in-demand after starring at Motherwell, with Celtic among the many clubs looking to sign the talented teenage midfielder.

Recent claims have suggested that the Hoops are set to go back in for the 18-year-old after seeing a bid turned down in January, and Grok thinks a transfer could be worth £5m for the now Scotland international.

Amid reports of Sunderland looking at signing Miller for £10m, Celtic may well be delighted if they can sign him for half the price.

3 Harley Mills Peterborough United (£2m)

Despite already signing Tierney, Celtic could still yet bring another left-back to Glasgow to replace Greg Taylor.

Peterborough United’s Harley Mills may well be that man to provide competition to Tierney, with an approach made by the Hoops for the EFL ace.

Mills starred at Wembley for Peterborough against Birmingham in their Vertu Cup final victory, scoring a free-kick, and he could cost up to £2m according to Grok.

4 Nilson Angulo Anderlecht (£5m)

Celtic have been predicted to bring in a South American winger over the coming months, and Nilson Angulo, dubbed as “the next Neymar” in the media, may well be that man.

An Ecuador international, the Hoops recently expressed an interest in signing Angulo, who can play on either flank. He has already played in the Europa League for Anderlecht and is still just 21 years of age.

Grok say a ‘young, dynamic winger would fit Rodgers’ vision for Champions League impact’, and Angulo could be that man in a deal potentially worth up to £5m.

5 James Penrice Hearts (£2m)

Described by Grok as a domestic solution for defensive depth, Hearts left-back James Penrice is another who has been backed to move to Celtic Park this summer in a deal worth up to £2m.

This comes after Celtic scouted the 26-year-old, who impressed at Tynecastle in what was a struggling Hearts side.

As well as playing in his primary left-back role, Penrice can also turn out as a left midfielder or as a central midfielder, providing plenty of versatility for Rodgers.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also set to have a major say in sporting director Andrea Berta’s transfer plans, and the Spaniard is pretty keen for his new transfer chief to instigate a deal for one high-earning forward.

Arsenal targeting new winger alongside a striker

Talks over Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig Benjamin Sesko have dominated the headlines around N5 for the last few weeks, but Berta remains in the market for a new winger as well.

Arsenal submit "concrete offer" to sign star who wants over £250k-per-week

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ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

Arsenal were thought to be genuine contenders to sign Leroy Sane on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, and even held talks with the German’s representatives.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

However, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the north Londoners communicated their desire for Sane to stall on his decision, with Galatasaray ultimately moving ahead of Arsenal and winning the race for his signature.

“There were many offers. But Galatasaray as a whole impressed me greatly,” Sane said after his switch to Turkey was confirmed, with Galatasaray supporters waiting to catch a glimpse of his arrival at the airport for hours on end.

“I was very impressed by the atmosphere, by the size of the club, by how much they wanted me, by how much interest they showed in me. That’s why I’m here at Galatasaray.

“I’m very grateful to the fans. It means a lot to me that they came here at this hour. I’m really looking forward to my first game in front of these fans.”

The 29-year-old was by no means Berta’s only wide target, though. The Italian has apparently held “numerous” talks over wingers, and one of them is believed to be £204,000-per-week Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

The Brazilian remains high on Arsenal’s shortlist after weeks of links, especially when it comes to Arteta.

Arteta wants Rodrygo with Arsenal set for "crucial" meeting

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are set for “crucial” internal talks over a deal for Rodrygo this week, as they attempt to figure out how they can land both the 24-year-old and Sesko.

Financially, the transfers will be hard to pull off, so Gunners chiefs will debate how to get Sesko and Rodrygo through the door without damaging their balance sheet.

Negotiating a fee below Sesko’s £68 million release clause will be key to this, and it is believed Arteta is “convinced” that Arsenal should sign Rodrygo as well as the Slovenia international.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Real star is a “dream” target for Arsenal, which is hardly surprising considering his experience at the top level and flashes of excellent form under Carlo Ancelotti last season.

However, the arrival of new Real boss Xabi Alonso will likely have a major say on whether Arsenal can indeed pull off a move for Rodrygo.

Manchester United’s season ended in disappointing fashion when they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League in Bilbao last month.

That result means that the Red Devils will not be playing European football in the 2025/26 campaign, as they missed out on the chance to qualify for the Champions League.

This has already had an impact on their summer transfer business, as Chelsea agreed a deal to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town ahead of them. Fabrizio Romano claimed that Champions League football was key to the Blues winning the race for the England U21 international.

The 22-year-old marksman plundered 12 goals in 37 appearances in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys in the 2024/25 campaign, and will now link up with Enzo Maresca and his squad.

However, despite failing to qualify for any European competition and missing out on the signing of Delap, Manchester United have already confirmed that Matheus Cunha has joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a permanent deal.

What Matheus Cunha could bring to Manchester United

The Brazil international appears to be an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s system on paper, because he played as one of two attacking midfielders behind a striker in a similar formation at Wolves.

This means that he could slot straight in as one of the number tens in the Portuguese head coach’s 3-4-2-1 system, with the hope that he can deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

The 26-year-old’s form for Wolves in the last two Premier League seasons suggests that the potential is there for him to make an instant impact at Old Trafford with his ability to score and create goals.

Matheus Cunha (Premier League)	23/24	24/25
Appearances	32	33
xG	9.49	8.63
Goals	12	15
Big chances created	7	13
Key passes per game	0.9	1.8
Assists	7	6
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Cunha delivered 27 goals and 13 assists in 65 appearances across those two campaigns, whilst no Manchester United player scored more than eight goals in the Premier League this term.

This suggests that he could immediately be Amorim’s biggest goal threat at the top end of the pitch, due to the current lack of quality in the final third for United.

Cunha, however, only scored six goals and provided six assists in 40 LaLiga outings for Atletico Madrid earlier in his career, so there may still be a question mark over his suitability for a side that is looking to challenge at the top end of the table.

Whilst there is still some doubt over whether or not he can become a star for United in the same way he was for Wolves, the Red Devils could land an even bigger signing than Cunha amid interest in a Champions League winner.

Man Utd eyeing deal for PSG star

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The report claims that Inter, Juventus, Manchester United, and Manchester City are all eyeing up a move for the shot-stopper, who kept a clean sheet in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that the Italy international’s current contract in Paris is due to expire in the summer of 2026, with contract talks at a standstill, and this has left the door open to a potential move away from the club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

CaughtOffside adds that Juventus and Inter are the two most serious contenders to land the 26-year-old goalkeeper this summer, as they hope that a move back to Italy would be tempting for him.

The report claims, however, that Manchester United are also monitoring his situation with PSG because Amorim is unconvinced by Andre Onana could swoop for the PSG star as a replacement for the Cameroon international.

If the Red Devils can get a deal over the line for Donnarumma ahead of the likes of Inter and Juventus, the Italian colossus could be an even bigger signing than Cunha.

Why Donnarumma would be a bigger signing than Cunha for Man Utd

Unlike Cunha, the PSG superstar has proven himself at the very top level as a regular for both PSG and Italy, winning four Ligue 1 titles, one Champions League, and the European Championship with his country.

The former Milan star has been there and done it in the biggest competitions and leagues, whereas Cunha – as aforementioned – is yet to prove himself at that level.

GOAL recently posted an updated power ranking for the 2025 Ballon d’Or and placed Donnarumma in 12th place, as one of the contenders for the prestigious award, thanks to his impressive performances for PSG.

Cunha, as he has not showcased his quality on the same stages, did not rank in their top 20, which speaks to the gulf in quality between the two players.

Donnarumma would also come in as a significant upgrade on Onana between the sticks and provide United with a solid goalkeeper who could be relied upon week-in-week-out.

24/25 season	Donnarumma (Champions League)	Onana (Europa League)
Appearances	15	13
Save percentage	72%	63%
Goals prevented	1.69	-1.54
Clean sheets	6	2
Error led to shot	0	0
Error led to goal	1	2
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Italian international was significantly better as a shot-stopper in Europe this season, whilst also making fewer errors that led to goals.

The PSG star also went through the Ligue 1 campaign, playing 24 matches, without making a single error that led to a shot or a goal, whilst Onana made four errors leading to shots or goals in 34 Premier League games.

These statistics suggest that Donnarumma would be a huge upgrade on the current United number one, both as a shot-stopper and as a reliable presence in goal, which is another reason why he would be an even more important signing than Cunha.

Instead of worrying about whether or not their goalkeeper is going to make a mistake, the Red Devils defenders could be assured by the Italy international behind them, leading to greater defensive displays and fewer errors at the back.

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5

By
Kelan Sarson

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It is now down to the club to win the race to sign the Champions League winner and Ballon d’Or contender this summer, as he could be a transformational signing due to the quality and pedigree that the goalkeeper would bring to the team.

Like the first two editions, the competition will clash with other T20 competitions in Australia, the UAE and Bangladesh

Sreshth Shah07-Jun-2024

Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj pose with the trophy in last season’s final•SA 20

The third season of South Africa’s SA20 tournament in 2025 will be played from January 9 to February 8. The six-team 34-game competition will run in a window similar to the first two seasons. It will overlap partially or completely with Australia’s Big Bash League, the ILT20 in the UAE and the BPL in Bangladesh during a packed December-February window for league cricket.”Following two successful seasons, our plan is to continue to own the South African summer and provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy some of the biggest names in world cricket, whether in packed stadiums or via the global broadcast,” Graeme Smith, SA20 commissioner, said in a press statement. “Our fixtures, auction, and player announcements will be revealed over the coming months and planning is already fully in motion. We can’t wait to bring another incredible sport and entertainment event to life for players and fans.”With the SA20 ending on February 8, there may not be a lot of time until the start of a proposed ODI tri-series in Pakistan, where South Africa and New Zealand would be the other two teams. The dates for that series or the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan also in February 2025 have not been officially announced.Last year, the SA20 clashed with South Africa’s Test tour of New Zealand, and Cricket South Africa (CSA) prioritised the franchise competition, choosing to send a second-string squad for the away tour.In 2023, the first season, CSA withdrew from a three-game ODI series in Australia that was clashing with the SA20 and gave up the opportunity to earn 30 points in the erstwhile World Cup Super League table, a choice that had briefly put their qualification into the 2023 ODI World Cup in doubt, although they comfortably qualified in the end.Sunrisers Eastern Cape, owned by India-based Sun Group which runs Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, have won both seasons of SA20. Trying to stop them from completing a hat-trick of titles will be last season’s losing finalists Durban’s Super Giants, Pretoria Capitals, Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals.

With their summer business officially underway courtesy of Antonio Cordero, Newcastle United and Eddie Howe are now reportedly ready to make their first approach to sign a big-money Premier League winner.

Newcastle confirm Antonio Cordero arrival

Starting as they mean to go on, Newcastle confirmed Cordero’s arrival from Malaga last week. The young Spaniard is set to officially arrive on 1 July when his current contract expires and he becomes free to complete his move to Tyneside.

After putting pen to paper, the young winger told the club website: “It’s truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure. I am a person who likes to aspire high. Why not come to one of the best places in the world to do it. It’s a big step, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here. I’m happy to do it and have a great desire to get going already.”

Meanwhile, in what is likely to be one of his final acts as sporting director, Paul Mitchell welcomed Cordero to the club, saying: “Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe. He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”

Following an impressive start to the summer, it seems as though the Magpies are only just getting started. Recent reports have indicated that they’ve already made an enquiry to sign Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga and Brighton’s Joao Pedro as they look to make up for missing out on Bryan Mbeumo.

Attacking reinforcements seem to be top of their wishlist too, with Howe now reportedly ready to make his first approach to sign a Premier League winner this summer.

Howe and Newcastle ready to make Grealish approach

According to The Sun, Howe is now ready to personally make an approach to sign Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City as he looks to help the England international revive his career courtesy of Newcastle.

The midfielder was dropped by Pep Guardiola on the final day of the season and reports have since revealed that he could miss out on a place in Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad as the exit door swings open.

The next move is key for Grealish with the World Cup coming up next summer and Thomas Tuchel recently making it clear that he needs to be back playing every week if he is to work his way back into the England squad.

£50m star so close to joining Newcastle his club are lining up replacement

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The Three Lions boss told reporters: “He is never shy of pressure. It’s the opposite. He grows in big matches but he’s a player who needs minutes and minutes and minutes and simply does not get them for a very long time. That’s basically everything. Nothing has changed.”

With that said, if any side can offer the former Aston Villa star that and cover his hefty £16m-a-year salary, it may well be Newcastle this summer.

Mikaela Greig named in squad of 16, Lea Tahuhu to join for T20Is after second child is born

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jun-2024Lauren Down is back from maternity leave and will tour England with New Zealand’s ODI squad later this month.Down, who has played 28 ODIs and 13 T20Is, last travelled with the White Ferns as part of their squad for the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa before taking a break from cricket to become a first-time mother.”We’re really pleased to have Lauren back,” Ben Sawyer, White Ferns head coach, said. “She’s been working hard over the past four months to get herself into a position where she feels confident to play, and this tour feels like the right time to bring her back into the fold.”Related

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Down is joined by fellow middle-order batter Mikaela Greig as part of a 16-strong touring party named ahead of three ODIs and five T20Is against England starting in Durham on June 26.Greig’s selection follows her international debut in March when she was called up from the New Zealand A squad and featured in the first T20I against England in Dunedin, where she was run out for a duck.Pace bowler Rosemary Mair has been ruled out of the trip by back pain which excluded her from New Zealand’s home ODI series against England in April.Seamer Lea Tahuhu will remain in New Zealand for the birth of her second child and join the squad for the T20I series starting in Southampton on July 6.Off-spinner Leigh Kasperek will also link up with the squad for the T20I leg.Molly Penfold returns as a seam bowling option following strong performances against England A in March, when she finished as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Hayley Jensen.Getty ImagesJensen was not considered for selection as she continues rehabilitation for a calf injury sustained during the New Zealand A series but the rest of the senior squad is unchanged from that which hosted England earlier this year.Sawyer said recalling Down and Greig was in indication of long-term planning for pinnacle events ahead of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October and the 50-over tournament in India next year.”Every series is an opportunity to test what our best playing XI looks like, and with T20 and one-day World Cups looming it will be good to see where Lauren and Mikaela could fit in,” he said. “The players have spent the past six weeks training incredibly hard and we’ve been ticking all the boxes that we can to get ready.”England won their T20I series in New Zealand 4-1 and won the ODIs 2-1.”When we faced England at home we didn’t get the results we were after but we did see gutsy performances from a range of players, which was really promising,” Sawyer added. “Anytime you play a world-class team like England in their own backyard it’s going to be a challenge. But with the work that’s been put in, we’ve got ourselves into the best position possible to succeed.”Sawyer will be assisted on the tour by batting coach Dean Brownlie and tour coach Gareth Davies, who is also head coach for Loughborough Women and Worcestershire CCC Women as well as an assistant coach for Birmingham Phoenix Women.New Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down (ODI), Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Mikaela Greig, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek (T20I), Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu (T20I)