Richard Whittam KC has been appointed chair of the Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP), a new independent tribunal which will take over from the Cricket Discipline Commission as the body to hear and adjudicate on regulatory breaches in English professional cricket and subsequent sanctions handed out.Whittam’s appointment, made by the ECB board for a four-year term, comes after an open recruitment process. The 64-year-old is a specialist regulatory and criminal barrister with a background in sport.After serving as a deputy high court judge between 2016 and 2022, Whittam was appointed as the Rugby Football Union’s Head of Independent Judiciary last year. He has chaired discipline, safeguarding and appeal panels in rugby union since 2014. Whittam is also a member of the Word Rugby and European Professional Club Rugby Judicial Panels.Whittam will be responsible for presiding over specific disciplinary cases, and appointing the other members of the CDP who possess an appropriate range of skills and diversity. Once they are in place, the panel will begin considering cases, taking over this role from the current CDC, which is chaired by Tim O’Gorman.The CDP’s function will be to consider cases brought before it by the Cricket Regulator, the body responsible for monitoring compliance with and enforcement of adherence to the game’s regulations on behalf of the ECB. Formed in 2023, the Cricket Regulator was a key recommendation from a damning report published by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) in June of that year, detailing structural inequalities across race, gender and class in cricket in England and Wales.The majority of cases brought to the panel will relate to breaches of the ECB’s Professional Conduct Regulations, but will also include other regulations such as the Anti-Corruption code, Player and Match Officials’ Minimum Standards, Cricket Playing Conditions, Bowling Review Regulations, Pitch Regulations and Head Protector Regulations.Speaking on his appointment, Whittam said: “I am delighted to be appointed to this important role. It is vital to the integrity of cricket that the sport’s rules and regulations are upheld. As the first Chair of the CDP I look forward to getting the Panel up and running and ensuring that cases are dealt with promptly, in a fair, thorough and transparent manner.”ECB chair Richard Thompson said: “The independent Cricket Discipline Panel will play an important role in enforcing cricket’s regulations and dealing with any misconduct and regulatory breaches. Richard Whittam KC has an impressive background in law and sports discipline which makes him the ideal person to chair the Panel.”I’d like to pass on my sincere thanks to Tim O’Gorman and all the panel members from the Cricket Discipline Commission for the service they have given the game over many years. They have performed an important duty in enforcing cricket’s regulations, and I’m grateful for their continued service while the new Cricket Discipline Panel members are recruited.”

Southee said it “feels right” to sign off from Test cricket after playing the team he debuted against as a teenager

Vishal Dikshit15-Nov-2024After playing two World Cups within the space of a year and featuring in a historic 3-0 Test series win in India is when Tim Southee thought was the “right time” to sign off on his 17-year Test career. Southee also thought it would be special to play his last series against England, the side he had started against 17 years ago as a teenager, and which is now coached by his former captain and close friend Brendon McCullum.Southee revealed he thought about retiring from the format on the recent tour of India, where he bounced the idea off coach Gary Stead, and decided his final three Tests would be the “marquee” series against England at home, especially after the series win in India gave New Zealand a boost to qualify for the WTC final, which Southee will be available for should they make it.”I guess you look at what’s in front of you and last year was that World Cup and we had the T20 World Cup earlier this year,” Southee told reporters about how he reached the decision. “We had this chunk of Test cricket, which I guess was all exciting along the last 12 months, and you near the end of that exciting part and you look forward and it’s a marquee series against a great opposition (England), one obviously which I started against all those years ago, and it feels right.Related

Team-man Tim and the art of letting go (only if he has to)

Tim Southee to bow out of Test cricket at end of England series

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“I think just playing a game for New Zealand was a dream come true. So to do that at a young age was pretty special and I guess to sit here and [realise] it’s gone, it’s gone extremely quickly and sit here and over the next…however long you’ll reflect more. It’s just been a great ride and there’s still a little bit to go. But certainly, when I took that field in Napier didn’t think we’d be sitting here 17 years on, that’s for sure. But yeah, just been a real privilege and a real honour to fulfil a childhood dream. And represent our country.Looking back at the last 12 months, Southee said: “I think on the back of what happened in India, it’s obviously given us a chance [for the WTC final], but there’s three matches in front of us against a pretty good opposition. So like every match we’ll try and take care of Christchurch first and give ourselves best chance of performing there. But, ideally, obviously, it would be nice to crack on and have another shot at the Test Championship final. But we know there’s a lot of hard work to go on between now and then, but we’re certainly giving ourselves a chance of doing that on the back of a special few weeks in India.”Southee’s final three Tests will be in Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton, which is home for him now, and that will raise the emotional quotient of his farewell game, by playing in front of close friends and family.”One last chance at three grounds that have been pretty good to me and places I really love playing at. It’s a tough decision but I think it’s the right one. [We’ve] also got some promising young bowlers coming through, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working alongside and hopefully taught them a thing or two along the way. And they’ve certainly taught me a thing or two as well, so that’s been a pleasure and it’s their time now to keep driving this team forward.

Test cricket is…There’s nothing like it. I think one feeling that I’ll certainly miss is the day one energy”Southee on what he’ll miss about Test cricket the most

“Hamilton’s now home so it’s nice that [I’ll be] able to walk off there and drive home – probably not drive home – but just to be able to finish in front of friends and family,” Southee said. “It’s a ground that I’ve played a lot of cricket in and I’ve had a lot of cricket for Northern Districts and New Zealand. So it’s a special place like the other two, the Basin and obviously an amazing Test venue in Hagley Oval as well. Like I said, it feels right against a very good opposition, great mate, who’s the coach of the opposition as well. The guy has had a big part in my career and like I said a very close friend.”Southee had made his Test debut in Napier in March 2008 against England under the captaincy of Daniel Vettori, and with senior players Stephen Fleming and McCullum also in the side. He took a five-for in the first innings before closing out the Test – which New Zealand lost by 121 runs – by smashing an unbeaten 77 off 40, studded with nine sixes.”It was just a dream start,” he said of his Test debut. “I think just walking in that changing room, you see the likes of Vettori, Fleming, McCullum as a 19-year-old kid. That was just a special week. Obviously, the result wasn’t what we wanted, but I guess to be able to perform at that level and just you’re walking into changing with your heroes and to be able to get some wickets and some runs in that first game was pretty special.Southee also reflected on New Zealand’s rise across formats in the last 10-odd years, where they reached two ODI World Cup finals in the last three editions and one T20 World Cup final in 2021, apart from lifting the maiden World Test Championship by beating India in the final in 2021, saying the seeds for those were sown sometime around 2012 under McCullum.Tim Southee scored 77 in his Test debut•Getty Images”I think you look back to around that, was it 2012 period when when Brendon took over and there was a real change and the way that we played and the style we played and it felt right,” he said. “We had a great group of players that were a consistent bunch for close to 10 years. The Boults, Wagners, Watlings, Williamsons, Taylors, Latham. There’s a whole lot of group of guys that were able to consistently play together. You look at the good sides around the world, there’s a lot of consistency amongst them. So to have guys that you know inside out and play with them for close to 10 years, I think went a long way to the success we had and then I think we’ve just seen guys coming into a good environment, very skillful players, being able to come and show what they’re capable of and they’ve sort of carried that on. So hopefully long may that continue over the over the next few years as well.When asked what he will miss the most about the format, Southee said, “I think everything. Test cricket is…There’s nothing like it. I think one feeling that I’ll certainly miss is the day one energy. Anyone that’s played Test cricket will understand what I mean about the day one energy around the change room, just the uncertainty around everything and there’s just a real, sit and feel that I’ll certainly miss. That feeling of walking out on the field, representing your country in the whites. There’s a number of things you miss sitting back afterwards, whether you’ve won, lost or drawn. Just sitting in the change room looking around. There’s a lot you’ll miss. But it’s like everything has to come to you at some stage. And I’ve been very lucky to so far play 104 of them, so hopefully a couple more.While reminiscing some of the highlights of his Test career, Southee said: “I think there’ll be more reflecting over the next however long but, I think you look back on a number of series where the Test went in Hobart all those years ago, series win in the West Indies (2014), UAE, obviously what we just achieved in the last few weeks was pretty much the top of the tree with the World Test Championship. So, yeah, just been fortunate to be a part of the side especially over the last 10 or so years, we’ve been able to achieve some pretty special things.”Before his final Test series starting November 28, Southee will also turn out for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield clash against Auckland at his home ground in Hamilton, from November 19 to 22.

Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams suffered a major blow as the Super Eagles laboured to a draw against South Africa, leaving fans furious and making 'embarrassing' comparisons to Manchester United’s recent struggles. The result leaves Nigeria precariously placed in their group, with only one win in eight matches.

• Nigeria slump in World Cup qualifying campaign
• Fans compare Super Eagles to struggling Man Utd
• South Africa move closer to 2026 finals

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Since their last World Cup appearance at Russia 2018, Nigeria have struggled to recapture their former dominance, and the current campaign suggests that qualifying for even a play-off spot could be out of reach. Tuesday's 1-1 draw saw former Watford defender William Troost-Ekong accidentally deflect the ball into his own net, giving South Africa an early lead. Calvin Bassey of Fulham restored parity with his first international goal, leaving the sides level.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the equaliser, Nigeria now trail South Africa by six points with only two games remaining in the group. The qualification format means the top team advances directly, while the four best second-placed nations enter a play-off for a chance at the intercontinental qualifier. With a maximum of 17 points attainable, Nigeria must rely on other results to have any chance.

• WHAT ARE THE FANS SAYING

  The result sparked a wave of criticism from Nigerian fans, many of whom took to social media to vent frustration.

  @_ezeokolorie blasted: "48 team World Cup and Nigeria couldn't qualify. Embarassing. I'M DONE." 

  @iiamemry humorously compared the team to England’s Premier League flops: "Nigeria out here trynna qualify to the World Cup like Manchester United was tryna qualify for Champions League last season lol."

  @EbongDi highlighted the lack of quality on display, questioning if this was truly the best Nigeria could field: "If this is the best 11 players Nigeria can assemble, then we don't deserve to represent Africa at any World Cup."

  @Forlartimate admitted the double heartbreak of supporting both clubs and country: "Supporting Man Utd & Nigeria 🇳🇬 has affected my mental health a lot 🥺😩#MUFC."

  Whereas @prophetswitch said: "Why is Nigeria playing like amateurs? These are supposed to be professional footballers in top leagues across the world. What kind of embarrassing display is that, for crying out loud?"

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The parallels with Manchester United’s season only added insult to injury. The Red Devils have started the 2025-26 campaign poorly, with only one win from three Premier League games and a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town to go with that.

اعترف كارل هاينز رومينيجه، أسطورة نادي بايرن ميونخ، أن أحد نجوم نادي ليفربول كان سيكون من الأفضل له أن ينضم إلى البافاري في انتقالات الصيف الماضي.

بايرن ميونخ دخل هذا الموسم بطموحات كبيرة وتحت قيادة مديره الفني الشاب، فينسينت كومباني، حيث أبرم النادي الألماني عددًا من التعاقدات خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي.

وتعاقد بايرن ميونخ مع لويس دياز من ليفربول، ونيكولاس جاكسون من تشيلسي على سبيل الإعارة حتى نهاية هذا الموسم.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جيرو: لم أتوقع فوز ديمبلي بالكرة الذهبية

ويرى رومينيجه في مقابلة مع صحيفة “سبورت بيلد”، أنه كان من الأفضل لصانع ألعاب ليفربول، فلوريان فيرتز، الذهاب إلى صفوف بايرن ميونخ بدلًا من التوقيع مع الريدز.

ليفربول نجح في التعاقد مع فيرتز خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير قادمًا من باير ليفركوزن مقابل أكثر من 100 مليون يورو، ومتفوقًا على بايرن ميونخ ومانشستر سيتي.

وقال رومينيجه عن فيرتز: “بصراحة، لا يزال الأمر مؤلمًا في حالة فلوريان فيرتز، لأنني أعتقد أن اللاعب كان سيكون أفضل حالًا في بايرن ميونخ منه في ليفربول”.

وعن فشل التعاقد مع نيك فولتيماده الذي وقع مع نيوكاسل يونايتد في نهاية المطاف، أضاف: “كان بإمكاننا التعاقد مع فولتيماده، لكن علي أيضًا القول إن بايرن ميونخ حكيم بما يكفي لعدم التورط في أي نوع من الجنون المالي، لطالما قلت إننا نريد تحقيق النجاح الرياضي ولكن من فضلكم بطريقة جيدة من الناحية المالية”.

واختتم: “لدينا فريق من الطراز الأول هذا العام أيضًا، وعندما يعود اللاعبون الثلاثة المصابون قريبًا، ستكون لدينا فرص رائعة في دوري أبطال أوروبا، أنا متأكد من أن كل فريق وخاصًة في دوري أبطال أوروبا، سيتعامل مع مباراة بايرن ميونخ باحترام كبير، لذلك لن نكون هوفنهايم كرة القدم الأوروبية وأؤكد ذلك لكم الآن”.

Nottingham Forest are set to hold talks with the agents of an “amazing” player this week, in order to try and hash out a deal, according to a report.

Forest looking to achieve "big things" next season

Forest continued their preparations for the new Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Fiorentina on Tuesday evening, and Nikola Milenkovic was happy with the team’s performance.

Milenkovic said: “We played against a very good team, from Serie A, and drew so we can continue to bring our condition and be ready for the first game.”

The defender also added that new signings Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus have the ability to help the Tricky Trees have a successful 2025-26 campaign, saying: “They need also to adapt, it’s a change in the type of game from where they came,”

“I think they’re two very big players who can give us a big hand this season and help us to achieve big things.”

Nuno has strengthened his attack, following the departure of Anthony Elanga, while Jair Cunha has been brought in to bolster the backline, but the manager is yet to make any new additions to his midfield.

However, earlier this week, it was revealed that Nottingham Forest are leading the race for Juventus’ Douglas Luiz, with Edu driving the deal, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the midfielder.

According to a report from Italy (via The Daily Mail), Forest are set to hold talks with Luiz’s agents this week, in order to try and hash out a deal.

Nottingham Forest now on verge of signing £10m defender after making offer

The Tricky Trees are close to sealing an agreement for a full-back, a report has revealed.

ByDominic Lund Aug 5, 2025

Nuno’s side have the ‘priority’ in the race for the central midfielder’s signature, despite interest from rival Premier League clubs and a Saudi Pro League side.

The plan is to sign the Juventus maestro on an initial loan deal, which would include an obligation to buy for a fee of around £26m, although previous reports suggest the Italian club are keen to hold out for £35m.

Luiz could be "amazing" signing for Forest

Forest will once again be looking to challenge for a European spot next season, meaning it will be important for Nuno to bring in players with experience of doing exactly that, and the Brazilian was a real difference-maker for Aston Villa in the 2023-24 season.

Roy Keane lauded the former Aston Villa man as “amazing” during that campaign, with the Rio de Janeiro-born maestro collecting 14 goal contributions in the Premier League, while he is also a very impressive dribbler of the ball.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Successful take-ons

1.40 (95th percentile)

Progressive carries

2.15 (86th percentile)

Passes attempted

71.27 (91st percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.98 (93rd percentile)

Luiz has failed to establish himself as a regular starter for Juventus since moving to Italy, making just 19 Serie A appearances last season, but his previous exploits in England suggest he could be a fantastic signing for Forest.

Tottenham could make a signing befitting of new manager Thomas Frank by tempting one Liverpool star to north London, according to a new report.

Related £44m forward submits transfer request as Tottenham eye him to replace Son

Spurs need an heir to the club legend.

Posts 5 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 5, 2025

The Spurs squad have returned from what ended up being a whirlwind final game of their Asian pre-season tour against Newcastle United.

Son Heung-min bid a very emotional goodbye to the club in Seoul before sealing an MLS record-breaking move to Los Angeles FC, bringing the curtain down on 10 stunning years in the Premier League.

Adding to the emotion, but in a far more negative way, star playmaker James Maddison suffered a “bad” injury to the same knee which kept him out near the end of last season, with the England international carried off on a stretcher.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank’s side take on Bayern Munich in their final pre-season friendly of the summer tomorrow at the Allianz Arena, before gearing up for an all-important first competitive game of the new season.

Tottenham’s blockbuster UEFA Super Cup clash against European champions PSG represents a golden opportunity for Frank to deliver silverware just months after his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy.

A surprise win against Luis Enrique’s Ligue 1 dominators would be the perfect start to Frank’s reign, but the Dane is poised to go into the clash with a weakened squad as things stand.

Maddison’s latest problem is likely to keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future, making the need for a new number 10 all the more glaring.

Tottenham were on the verge of signing Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, booking a medical for the 25-year-old this time last month ahead of a £60 million move (BBC).

However, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis blocked the transfer, threatened legal action against Spurs and surprisingly managed to convince Gibbs-White to pen a new £150,000-per-week contract instead of leaving the City Ground.

After this unprecedented transfer twist, Frank and Daniel Levy must continue navigating the market for an alternative, and Spurs-linked former Stuttgart playmaker Enzo Millot is now off the table too, following his Al-Ahli move.

Tottenham tipped to move for Liverpool star Harvey Elliott

According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Liverpool star Harvey Elliott could emerge as an option for Levy before the deadline on September 1.

“The other name I’d keep an eye on when it comes to Spurs actually is Harvey Elliott at Liverpool,” Crook said.

“He’s another player that Liverpool are willing to cash in on, he had a brilliant summer leading the England Under-21s to European Championship glory.

“He won’t be cheap, I think the asking price is about £40million, maybe north of that. But obviously, they were willing to pay £60m for Gibbs-White.

“And he just strikes me, Harvey Elliott, as a very Thomas Frank-type signing.”

The homegrown and locally trained 22-year-old really did have a stunning Euro Under-21 campaign with England, grabbing goals against Spain, The Netherlands and against Germany in the final.

Elliott also featured on both the right and left-hand sides under Arne Slot last season, bagging a winner against PSG in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie last term, but struggled for consistent game time in the Premier League.

His versatility means that Elliott could even come in as a replacement for both Maddison and the departed Son, with the former Fulham youngster having just two years left on his contract – meaning there is also leverage for Levy to whittle down his asking price.

Sunderland have now submitted a bid for a proven Premier League player who is capable of scoring “worldies”, according to a new transfer update.

Le Bris outlines Sunderland's pre-season training plan

The Black Cats are getting closer to their Premier League return all the time, with Regis Le Bris working on having his squad as prepared as possible during pre-season.

Sunderland’s manager has been discussing what he wants to see from his players during their trip to Portugal, with focus on the “dynamic” within the team.

Le Bris will know that further signings are needed before the end of the summer transfer window, though, with talks reportedly underway over a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, and now a fresh update has emerged.

Sunderland submit formal offer for Xhaka

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], Sunderland have now “made advances” to sign Xhaka, submitting a bid for the former Arsenal man. While the Swiss is valued at £17m, the offer in question is believed to be “less” than that, as the Black Cats look to get a cut-price deal over the line.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has discussed the 32-year-old’s future: “Granit is a very important player for us, for the team and for the club.

“Our main interest is to keep him. Sure, there is interest in him, we need to speak to the player to know what his ambitions are. But one thing is clear: There would only be a transfer in a win-win situation.We still have a three-year contract with the player and are very happy with him.

“We have big goals for the next few years. That’s why there can only be a transfer if it’s good for all sides. We’ll have to wait and see. But our goal is for Granit to stay with us.“

Xhaka stands out as such a shrewd option for Sunderland this summer, so it is exciting to see progress being made in their pursuit of him.

The Leverkusen stalwart is now a 137-cap Switzerland international, showing how vastly experienced he is, and he has been hailed as a “lovely technician” by Joe Cole, also lauding the ex-Gunners star for his ability to score “worldies” from distance.

Better signing than Henderson: Sunderland open talks to sign £17m "monster"

Sunderland could now win a far better signing than Jordan Henderson by picking up this £17m leader.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 17, 2025

Xhaka knows the Premier League inside out, making 225 appearances in the competition during his Arsenal days, so he could be an invaluable addition to Sunderland’s midfield, combining tactical discipline with an eye for the spectacular.

The home side were facing the prospect of a third defeat before Cartwright and Ashton Agar iced the chase

AAP13-Oct-2024

Western Australia’s One-Day Cup title defence is back on track after Hilton Cartwright’s late heroics lifted them to a four-wicket victory over Queensland at the WACA Ground.Chasing 301, WA were looking shaky after stumbling to 349 for 6 in the 41st over of Sunday’s match But Cartwright’s unbeaten 66 off 49 balls, which featured five fours and three sixes, helped get WA over the line with six deliveries to spare.Ashton Agar (21* off 27) produced an important cameo in what turned out to be a match-winning 62-run partnership with Cartwright.WA’s bid for a fourth consecutive one-day title was on thin ice following losses to South Australia and NSW. Given each team plays only seven regular-season matches, a loss to Queensland could have ended WA’s hopes of reaching the March 1 final.But Cartwright’s knock has kept WA’s hopes of a four-peat alive, with Queensland (two losses, one no-result) facing an uphill battle to reach the decider.WA paceman Jhye Richardson was named player of the match after taking 3-36 in 9.3 overs in Queensland’s total of 300.Queensland were in all sorts of trouble at 51 for 4 in the 12th over following the departures of Ben McDermott, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne and Jack Clayton.Usman Khawaja struck eight fours and a six as he combined with Lachlan Hearne to steady the ship.Bowling all-rounder Michael Neser then provided the late fireworks, cracking six fours and two sixes to give Queensland’s total a significant boost.Richardson was the pick of WA’s attack, bowling McDermott in the third over with a delivery that swung back in wildly. His dismissal of the dangerous Neser later in the innings ensured Queensland’s score wasn’t bigger.Cameron Bancroft entered the match desperate for runs after posting twin ducks in the recent Sheffield Shield draw with Queensland. Neser claimed Bancroft’s wicket in both Shield innings, but the WA opener managed to get through the early stages on Sunday before being trapped lbw by Labuschagne for 33.Sam Whiteman’s half-century ensured WA got off to a solid start, and Cooper Connolly’s 39 off 42 balls lifted WA closer to victory, before Cartwright and Agar finished the job.

Sunderland have now submitted a bid for a proven Premier League player who is capable of scoring “worldies”, according to a new transfer update.

Le Bris outlines Sunderland's pre-season training plan

The Black Cats are getting closer to their Premier League return all the time, with Regis Le Bris working on having his squad as prepared as possible during pre-season.

Sunderland’s manager has been discussing what he wants to see from his players during their trip to Portugal, with focus on the “dynamic” within the team.

Le Bris will know that further signings are needed before the end of the summer transfer window, though, with talks reportedly underway over a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, and now a fresh update has emerged.

Sunderland submit formal offer for Xhaka

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], Sunderland have now “made advances” to sign Xhaka, submitting a bid for the former Arsenal man. While the Swiss is valued at £17m, the offer in question is believed to be “less” than that, as the Black Cats look to get a cut-price deal over the line.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has discussed the 32-year-old’s future: “Granit is a very important player for us, for the team and for the club.

“Our main interest is to keep him. Sure, there is interest in him, we need to speak to the player to know what his ambitions are. But one thing is clear: There would only be a transfer in a win-win situation.We still have a three-year contract with the player and are very happy with him.

“We have big goals for the next few years. That’s why there can only be a transfer if it’s good for all sides. We’ll have to wait and see. But our goal is for Granit to stay with us.“

Xhaka stands out as such a shrewd option for Sunderland this summer, so it is exciting to see progress being made in their pursuit of him.

The Leverkusen stalwart is now a 137-cap Switzerland international, showing how vastly experienced he is, and he has been hailed as a “lovely technician” by Joe Cole, also lauding the ex-Gunners star for his ability to score “worldies” from distance.

Better signing than Henderson: Sunderland open talks to sign £17m "monster"

Sunderland could now win a far better signing than Jordan Henderson by picking up this £17m leader.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 17, 2025

Xhaka knows the Premier League inside out, making 225 appearances in the competition during his Arsenal days, so he could be an invaluable addition to Sunderland’s midfield, combining tactical discipline with an eye for the spectacular.

With a chance to seize momentum, the USMNT's performance indicated such momentum is further away than ever

More of the same, That's the best way to sum it up.

If you appreciated Mauricio Pochettino's U.S. men's national team experimentation throughout 2025, you'll understand some of the decisions that went into Saturday's friendly against South Korea. If you weren't a believer in that roster and lineup tinkering? More frustration. No matter which side you were on, it was another loss.

Despite the return of several key players, the USMNT were never really on the front foot in a 2-0 loss to Son Heung-Min and South Korea, the seventh in 17 games of this Pochettino era. There were some bright moments, but few real signs of life. Despite the lessons learned in the spring and summer, the team of the fall offered little more than their predecessors, albeit against a very good South Korea team. 

South Korea and LAFC star Son Heung-Min – who played for Pochettino at Tottenham – stepped up as he so often does, netting the opener in the 19th minute. He played a part in Lee Dong-Gyeong's goal just before halftime, too, providing the assist against an overwhelmed USMNT defense.

There were chances on the other side, for sure, but far too few. South Korea, by and large, looked comfortable, even in the moments in which the USMNT tried to force them out of that comfort zone. South Korea, No. 23 in FIFA's world rankings, took a 2-0 first-half lead over No. 15 USMNT and never let up.

In their last seven matches against top-25 teams, the U.S. have been outscored 11-2 in the first half, and haven't beaten a non-North American top-25 squad since Iran at the 2022 World Cup. The U.S face No. 17 Japan on Tuesday.

For those USMNT players who weren't in the Gold Cup, this is, essentially, a third consecutive loss, following the Nations League exit in March. Just 10 months from a World Cup, there are still very real questions about this team and this group, who did little to prove a point in their latest opportunity to do so.

Yes, Saturday included a mix of experimentation and stars, and that mix didn't work. Now, as the World Cup edges ever-closer, Pocehttino seems no closer to getting that formula right. The clock is ticking.

GOAL rates the USMNT's players from Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense

Matt Freese (6/10):

No real blame for him on the goals, and he did make one fantastic save late. Despite the scoreline, he didn't hurt his case, starting in his seventh straight game.

Max Arfsten (5/10):

Had one very bad sequence in the first half but, generally, the game was focused on the other side. That prevented Arfsten from really doing what he does best: going forward, as the U.S. largely played through Sergino Dest.

Tim Ream (5/10):

Put out a few fires, but didn't really have any chemistry with Tristan Blackmon. That led to him running a bit more than you'd like, which obviously isn't his strength at this point in is career.

Tristan Blackmon (3/10):

Just no excusing some of his play in the first half. Fell asleep on Son's goal, had a few bad passes and didn't exactly cover himself in glory on other South Korea attacks, either. A rough debut.

Sergino Dest (6/10):

Probably the best USMNT player on the field. Created a few half-chances and frequently looked to take on defenders as he usually does. One of few positive signs for a team that will be glad to have him back.

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Tyler Adams (4/10):

A poor game by his standards. Couldn't really progress the ball and, even when he did get stuck in, he generally either committed a foul or didn't get the ball. 

Sebastian Berhalter (5/10):

Did some positive things, headlined by a good shot early on and one really good cross. But also clearly struggled with the quality of the opponent throughout the game.

Diego Luna (6/10):

Out of all the players on the field, Luna was the one most keen to try things. That's not a surprise, but those don't always come off. Still, you get points for trying, especially in such a frustrating performance otherwise.

Getty ImagesAttack

Tim Weah (5/10):

Never really broke free in the way that the USMNT needed him to. Had one shot go 50 feet over the goal in the second half, which seemed a good metaphor for both him and the USMNT.

Josh Sargent (4/10):

A pretty hopeless job, to be fair. His only service generally came via hopeful longballs, which asked him to win one-on-ones with Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-Jae. Have fun with that.

Christian Pulisic (5/10):

Unfair to say anonymous, but certainly wasn't the main character here, either. Got on the ball plenty, but didn't do much of anything in the final third. Not the performance he really wanted or needed, especially compared to Son's explosiveness for South Korea.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Alex Freeman (6/10):

Touted as a potential Dest replacement in moments of need, Freeman looked the part in his second-half run out.

Chris Richards (7/10):

Came on and immediately calmed down the defense. Also nearly scored on the USMNT's best chance of the game. That's why he's arguably the most locked-in starter in this group.

Cristian Roldan (6/10):

A logical substitution, even if he did join camp late. Provided some stability and won the ball back a few times.

Folarin Balogun (7/10):

This game was better designed for him than for Sargent, so it's worth wondering what it would have been like if he got the start? Illustrating that fact – his eight touches in the box compared to Sargent's one.

Alex Zendejas (7/10):

Similar to his appearance against Mexico in the fall, the Club America star came in and brought life. Tried hard to make something happen, so credit to him for that.

Jack McGlynn (6/10):

Played about 10 minutes or so. Was tidy enough on the ball, but nothing outstanding.

Mauricio Pochettino (3/10):

Tactically, got certain things right but certainly got some aspects very wrong. Yes, the game was defined by individual errors, but Pochettino picked the individuals, which is how the USMNT end up in this spot.