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Big picture – Can Sri Lanka continue to play like ‘defending champions’?

Prior to Sri Lanka’s tournament opener against Bangladesh at the Asia Cup, Charith Asalanka had reminded people that his team was, indeed, the defending T20 Asia Cup champions. A fact not strictly inaccurate but one that might have raised a few eyebrows when put in context: Sri Lanka’s form in major tournaments in the three years since that momentous victory has been less than stellar.But for Asalanka, the psychological boost that it had provided was something he was sure would spur his side on. And so it proved to be against Bangladesh on Saturday, when whatever confidence or motivation was being derived was on total display – they dominated a contest that was expected to be much more closely fought, and quite frankly looked every bit the champions.Related

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Consistency, however, has been Sri Lanka’s Achilles’ heel, and against Hong Kong on Monday, they have a chance to build up a head of steam ahead of their final group game against Afghanistan.As for Hong Kong, two defeats already means they are out of the qualification reckoning, but they will no doubt want to bow out on a high note. And who better against the “defending champions”?While this Sri Lankan side seems to be ironing out weaknesses, their middle order is still on the soft side. Kamil Mishara has added some much-needed aggression, but in general there is still a heavy reliance on the opening pair of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. Get them early and who knows what’s possible.Against both Afghanistan and Bangladesh, seamers Ayush Shukla and Ateeq Iqbal showed they can pick up wickets in the powerplay. Where the Hong Kong bowling struggled was in limiting scoring through the middle overs – a period Sri Lanka’s batters have been known to struggle. That heavy collapse against Zimbabwe just three games ago has also served to highlight this Sri Lanka batting line-up’s propensity to unravel, and with the pitch expected to be on the slower side, the stage is as set as can be for a low-scoring contest.But to be clear, Sri Lanka are overwhelming favourites and, considering their clinical performance against Bangladesh, are also right on top of their game. It’s an uphill task for Hong Kong whichever way you slice it, though not impossible.Ayush Shukla has shown he can pick up wickets early on•Getty Images

Form guide

Sri Lanka WWLWL
Hong Kong LLLWW

In the spotlight: Ehsan Khan and Wanindu Hasaranga

If Hong Kong are to pull off an upset, their best path will be to limit Sri Lanka’s batting. While there are plenty of dangerous batters in the Sri Lanka line-up, their sometimes brittle middle order has no less than four left-hand batters – Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis. With offspinner Ehsan Khan being Hong Kong’s most prolific wicket-taker – 128 wickets in 94 innings at an economy rate of 6.29 – the match-ups are tailor-made.Wanindu Hasaranga didn’t look like he had missed a step on his return to the side against Bangladesh. His googly caused chaos as he ended with figures of 2 for 25, and it might have been more had heavy bails not been used with Jaker Ali surviving one that grazed his off stump. On a surface where spin has been at the forefront, it would take a special effort from Hong Kong to keep Hasaranga from adding to his 133 T20I wickets.Does Maheesh Theekshana fit into Sri Lanka’s “full-strength” side?•Getty Images

Team news: Will Maheesh Theekshana return?

Hong Kong are likely to be unchanged, but with this being their final match of the tournament, it would be unsurprising to see some bench players get a game.Hong Kong (probable): 1 Zeeshan Ali (wk), 2 Anshuman Rath, 3 Babar Hayat, 4 Nizakat Khan, 5 Kalhan Challu, 6 Kinchit Shah, 7 Yasim Murtaza (capt), 8 Aizaz Khan, 9 Ayush Shukla, 10 Ateeq Iqbal, 11 Ehsan KhanSri Lanka have stated that they will go with a full-strength side, which means there are unlikely to be any changes in the batting unit. On the bowling front, there could be a return for Maheesh Theekshana as the pitch is likely to aid spin.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamil Mishara, 4 Kusal Perera, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt), 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Nuwan Thushara

Pitch and conditions: Spin, what else?

The pitch in Dubai hasn’t necessarily proved conducive to high scores over the past year, with spinners generally finding conditions to their liking. For example, of the 17 wickets to fall in the Oman vs Pakistan game, nine fell to spin, while pace-off deliveries were regularly employed by the seamers.

Stats and trivia

• This will be the first match between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong in any format in international cricket.
• The side batting first has won seven of the last ten T20Is played in Dubai.
• Sri Lanka last played in Dubai in 2022, in the final of the Asia Cup that they won.
• Nissanka’s 902 runs are the most by a player from a Full-Member nation in T20Is since the start of 2024.

Quotes

“We don’t want to take any chances. In this format, everybody is tough to beat. We will go with our full-strength side.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Responsável direto pela campanha que resultou no vice-campeonato do Grêmio no Brasileirão, Renato Gaúcho permanece com futuro incerto à frente do Imortal. A atual diretoria trata como prioridade a renovação do vínculo do treinador, mas a questão financeira aparece como principal impasse para o acerto final entre as partes.

Com contrato até o final de dezembro, Portaluppi reivindica um substancioso aumento após o bom desempenho da equipe em 2023. De férias no Rio de Janeiro, ele delegou as negociações para o seu empresário, que mantém contato com a cúpula gremista.

Atualmente, o treinador recebe um salário superior a R$ 1 milhão, e para ampliar sua passagem no sul do país, pede um ajuste de 50% em seus rendimentos mensais.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

O presidente do Grêmio, Alberto Guerra, ofereceu um aumento de R$ 100 mil a Renato, abaixo da pedida do comandante.

Outro fator que pesa na decisão do ídolo é o poder de investimento do Tricolor nesta janela, que precisará encontrar um substituto para o comando de ataque à altura de Suárez, além de reforçar o elenco para a disputa da Copa Libertadores.

Apesar dos entraves financeiros, a direção do clube permanece otimista com a renovação do vínculo do treinador, que está em sua quarta passagem pelo Imortal.

Liverpool are now seen as a genuine destination for a “phenomenal” player who will be hoping to shine at next summer’s World Cup.

Injury concerns for Liverpool before Brentford clash

The Reds may have returned to winning ways at Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek, but they have to show that it wasn’t just a flash in the pan against weak opposition.

Liverpool make the trip to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday night, which has the potential to be a huge test, and the champions will have to make do without some influential players.

Alisson is still missing in goal, with his world-class presence a big loss, while Jeremie Frimpong is also definitely out after injuring his hamstring in Frankfurt.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak are also unlikely to be available for Liverpool’s trip to west London, so picking up all three points away to a Brentford team with two wins in their last three matches won’t be easy.

The Reds will continue to eye new signings, with a move for Marc Guehi expected to be on the agenda again, but he is not the only England international on the shopping list.

Liverpool a viable destination for England star

Speaking to TEAMtalk, insider Dean Jones said Liverpool are now a “possible” destination for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

“I don’t think Anderson would close the door on returning to Newcastle and there is no issue around that specifically, but the thing that makes me question how likely it is regards the other options he is going to have. At the moment Man United, Liverpool and Man City all seem possible destinations for him and when those sorts of doors open up, is he going to go back to somewhere he has already played?

“As a player you surely always want to feel a sense of progression, so Newcastle are going to have to be in a very strong position if they are to enter a battle to sign him and then win it. I have to say I don’t think the Man United move is quite as nailed on as some people seem to make out.

“While he is on their list I get the impression there are still some reservations about whether he is the ideal fit as a midfield partner for Bruno Fernandes. That’s something they continue to explore.”

The £40,000-a-week Anderson is enjoying the best spell of his career, becoming a regular starter for England at the base of the midfield alongside Declan Rice.

Appearances

8

Starts

8

Minutes played

720

Tackles per game

2.8

Key passes per game

1.3

Pass completion rate

88.5%

Goals

0

Assists

1

The 22-year-old is playing with such poise in front of the defence, but also showcasing an ability to get forward, with England teammate Reece James recently calling him a “phenomenal” player.

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While Liverpool aren’t short of top-quality midfield options, Wataru Endo could depart next year and Anderson would be a strong option, especially if he continues on his current trajectory.

حقق فريق بيراميدز، الفوز أمام نظيره الاتحاد السكندري، بهدفين مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم الأحد، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

والتقى فريقا بيراميدز والاتحاد السكندري، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الثالثة عشر، من عمر منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري للموسم الحالي.

وسجل هدف بيراميدز الأول، مروان حمدي في الدقيقة 12، بعدما تابع كرة عرضية داخل منطقة الجزاء، ليسدد في المرمى، حيث يتصدى الحارس ثم تعود إليه من جديد ليضعها في الشباك.

وفي الشوط الثاني، استطاع أحمد عاطف قطة، لاعب بيراميدز، تسجيل الهدف الثاني لفريقه في الدقيقة 79.

طالع | ترتيب هدافي الدوري المصري بعد ثنائية ناصر ماهر وهدف الدباغ أمام طلائع الجيش

وعند الدقيقة 86، نجح كريم الديب لاعب الاتحاد السكندري، في تقليص الفارق وأحرز الهدف الأول من ركلة جزاء. أهداف مباراة بيراميدز والاتحاد السكندري اليوم في الدوري المصري 2-1

وبهذا الفوز، ارتقى نادي بيراميدز إلى المركز الرابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 20 نقطة، من 9 مباريات.

بينما على الجانب الآخر، فريق الاتحاد السكندري يواصل المعاناة هذا الموسم، حيث يحتل المركز العشرين (قبل الأخير) برصيد 8 نقاط، من 12 مباراة.

Many people thought that Liverpool’s transition from life under Jurgen Klopp to their new era under Arne Slot would be a tough obstacle to navigate. However, that was not the case, given that the Reds stormed the Premier League in the Dutchman’s first season at the helm at Anfield.

In the end, it was a landslide victory for the Merseysiders, who finished on 84 points, ten points clear of second-place Arsenal. They also scored more goals than any other side, finding the back of the net 86 times throughout the course of the season.

In what was a memorable first campaign for Slot, there were some real standout players for the Reds.

Liverpool’s standout players in 24/25

Of course, the key to Liverpool winning the title last season was Mohamed Salah. The 33-year-old won the Golden Boot by some distance, scoring 29 times and assisting a further 18 in the 38 top-flight games.

In terms of attacking output, the now-departed Luis Diaz scored 13 times and assisted seven in the top flight, and Cody Gakpo bagged ten goals and set up five more.

Behind Salah, they were Liverpool’s most dangerous attackers.

Naturally, the Reds were strong at the back last season, with Alisson and Virgil van Dijk two key components to Slot’s title-winning success. However, Ibrahima Konate was “the best defender in the Premier League” according to former Chelsea and Arsenal centre-back William Gallas.

The 25-year-old, who signed for Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, played 31 games in the top flight, forming a near-unbreachable partnership with Van Dijk. Konate even chipped in with one goal and two assists.

It was not just the likes of Salah, Gakpo and Konate who were the star men for Liverpool last season. One man in midfield really stood out, putting in consistently excellent performances week in, week out.

How Gravenberch's value has soared under Slot

Despite a transfer window in 2025 where Liverpool spent hundreds of millions of pounds, much of the squad that won the title last season was built by Klopp. Slot certainly landed on a formula that was able to secure the league with a squad that was, ultimately, not his.

One of those key players last term was Ajax academy graduate Ryan Gravenberch. The 23-year-old formed a hard-working midfield alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, sitting as a lone number six in front of the back four.

His importance to Slot’s side is clear to see when you look at the number of games he played last term. Gravenberch featured in 49 matches across competitions, with 37 of those games coming in the Premier League.

Described as a “special” midfielder by football scout Antonio Mango, the former Ajax star excels at carrying the ball through the lines. That is a self-professed skill of his, with the Dutchman explaining that when he can “break through the lines and open up in the play, I really enjoy that”, as the clip below shows.

His underlying numbers from last term show just how well-rounded the 23-year-old is as a number six.

For example, he averaged 14.4 forward passes and won 5.5 duels on average per 90 minutes, showing two different sides of him as a midfielder.

Forward passes

14.4

505

Take-ons completed

1.1

37

Duels won

5.3

184

Interceptions

1.8

60

Ball recoveries

5.5

193

With all this in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that Gravenberch’s value has shot up since Slot guided Liverpool to the title, as per Transfermarkt. When Klopp departed Anfield at the end of 2024, he was worth just £30m, having started just 21 games under the German the year prior.

Now, his value has risen by 116% under his countryman. The ex-Bayern Munich midfielder is valued at £65m, over double his value just over a year ago. That is a real testament to how well he has performed.

Slot winning the league with a Klopp-built squad at the first time of asking was certainly impressive, and Gravenberch is certainly a success story. His huge increase in value certainly shows that.

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ByWill Miller Sep 9, 2025

Kent captain converts overnight hundred to leave hosts up against it in final innings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-May-2025Daniel Bell-Drummond’s second highest score in first-class cricket allowed Kent to take charge of their Rothesay County Championship Division Two clash with Middlesex on day three at Lord’s.The 31-year-old Kent skipper, took his overnight 103 not out to 223 as the visitors piled up 473 all out.Jamal Richards (43), Joey Evison (35) and Chris Benjamin (34) all shared half-century stands with the right-hander as the Middlesex bowlers were ground into the dirt, Toby-Roland-Jones taking 3 for 107 for match figures of 8 for 140.Left to better a record fourth-innings winning score against Kent harking back more than 100 years to the days of the legendary Patsy Hendren, Middlesex stumbled to 81 for 3 at stumps, two wickets for Evison.With the visitors already 117 ahead, Middlesex needed early wickets and they weren’t without opportunities. After edging a four to the vacant third, Bell-Drummond was rapped on the pad by Dane Paterson, moving swiftly leg-side of the wicket as the home side’s pleads for lbw were not upheld.If that was unlucky Middlesex’s next wound was self-inflicted, Ryan Higgins failing to cling on to Evison’s slash to gully before the batter had added to his overnight score. The drop proved costly as by the time Henry Brookes held a caught and bowled at the second grab, the all-rounder, helped by a towering six back over the head of spinner Zafar Gohar had added 62 with Bell-Drummond.Any hope the new ball would bring further reward soon evaporated, a Bell-Drummond edge wide of a diving second slip the closest they came to another breakthrough.That scare survived Bell-Drummond, whose highest first class score of 300 not out came two summers ago against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road, crunched a lovely on-drive to the fence at mid-on before his 21st four, a cut behind point took him past 150 on the stroke of lunch.Upon the resumption, Bell-Drummond was becalmed, only adding a single boundary in the afternoon session. Wicketkeeper Benjamin though played positively, four boundaries helping him to 34 out of a stand of 74 before Higgins snuck one between bat and pad to trim the bails.Debutant Richards came out on a pair and was given a life on four, Ben Geddes failing to cling on the a low catch at second slip.As with Evison earlier, Richards made Middlesex pay, a thunderous straight drive the pick of his five fours in an entertaining 43 ended when he was harshly adjudged leg before to a ball from Gohar which appeared to strike him outside leg stump.Bell-Drummond continued on, marshalling the tail, to the point of refusing singles to protect Garrett, even though the lead was beyond 300.A tickled single to square leg took him to 200, after which he smote three huge sixes before being last man out caught at third.The target of 365 was exactly 50 more than Middlesex’s previous best successful fourth- innings chase against the men from the Garden of England, a total of 315-5 made at Lord’s in 1921.The gargantuan task was made more difficult when Sam Robson was bowled by a beauty from Garrett with only nine on the board.Max Holden flourished briefly in a stand of 53 for the second wicket with the obdurate Stephen Eskinazi, but Evison flattened his off-stump, before having nightwatchman Brookes caught a slip by Crawley to leave the hosts in the mire.

Iyer, who scored a match-winning half-century, was originally meant to sit out the first ODI

Karthik Krishnaswamy06-Feb-2025Shreyas Iyer, who scored a match-winning 36-ball 59 in the first ODI against England in Nagpur, was originally meant to sit out the match. Iyer revealed this in a post-match interview with the broadcasters.India were without Virat Kohli, who was ruled out of the match with a swollen right knee, and they handed the opener Yashasvi Jaiswal an ODI debut. Rather than coming in for the injured Kohli, however, it has emerged that Jaiswal may have been part of India’s original line-up for the match, with Iyer, their regular No. 4, due to start the series on the bench.Iyer revealed that he only came to know he was playing via a late-night call from captain Rohit Sharma.”So, funny story,” Iyer said. “I was watching a movie last night, I thought I could extend my night, but then I got a call from skipper saying that you may play because Virat has got a swollen knee. And then [I] hurried back to my room, went off to sleep straightaway.”Related

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Asked about Jaiswal starting ahead of him, Iyer kept his answer diplomatic. “You know what you want me to say, but I’m going to keep it low-key and cherish this moment, the victory today.”Jaiswal’s addition necessitated a shuffle in India’s line-up, breaking up their regular opening partnership of Rohit and Shubman Gill, with Gill moving down to No. 3. It is as yet unclear who would have batted at No. 3 had Kohli also been available.Iyer has established himself as India’s ODI No. 4 over recent years, and was a vital member of their line-up during their run to the final of the 2023 World Cup, scoring 530 runs at an average of 66.25, with two hundreds including a 70-ball 105 in the semi-final against New Zealand. His strike rate of 113.24 was the best among India’s middle-order batters.The series against England is India’s last set of ODIs before the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19. India are set to open their tournament with a match against Bangladesh on February 20.It’s not yet clear that India’s original top order for Thursday’s match indicates how they are looking to line up at the Champions Trophy. With Jaiswal uncapped, it is possible they may have been looking to give him game time in this series to keep him ready to play in case India lose one of their regular openers. Gill’s move to the middle order could have been aimed at testing him out in that role should the need arise to replace a middle-order batter. Jaiswal’s left-handedness could also be a factor: there is no left-hand batter in India’s first-choice top six from the World Cup.

أشاد لاعب نادي برشلونة السابق باو فيكتور، بعقلية نجم الفريق الكتالوني، لامين يامال، موضحًا أن الأخير قادر على تجاهل كل الانتقادات التي توجه له ولا يتأثر بها.

يامال يعتبر من بين أبرز لاعبي نادي برشلونة خلال السنوات الأخيرة وقدم مستويات مبهرة مع البلوجرانا على مدار الموسمين الماضيين على وجه الخصوص.

ومنح نادي برشلونة يامال القميص رقم 10، وعقد حتى نهاية موسم 2031 المقبل بعد الموسم الرائع الذي قدمه اللاعب مع النادي الإسباني خلال الموسم الماضي.

ويرى باو فيكتور، مهاجم برشلونة السابق، وسبورتينج براجا الحالي، أن يامال لا يسمع إلى أي انتقادات موجهة له حقًا.

أقرأ أيضًا .. بينها “الملعب”.. باو فيكتور يوضح أسباب تراجع نتائج برشلونة

وقال فيكتور في تصريحات نقلتها ”Barcauniversal” عن يامال: “الميزة الجيدة في يامال أنه يتجاهل الانتقادات ويركز على نفسه”.

وأضاف فيكتور في حديثه عن يامال: “إذا طلب من يامال عدم القيام بشيء ما، فمن المرجح أن يفعله على أي حال لمجرد الحصول على المزيد من الانتقادات، هذا لا يؤثر عليه، سيحاول البعض زعزعة استقراره لأن هذه إحدى الطرق لإيقافه”.

وأوضح المهاجم الشاب: “مع يامال حق في عدم الاستماع للنقد لأنه يؤدي بشكل جيد في كرة القدم، لذا يمكنه فعل ما يشاء خارجها”.

كما أثنى فيكتور على حماس يامال في التدريبات، حيث أردف: “كان التدريب معه رائعًا، في الأيام التي كان يرغب فيها بالفوز بمباراة قصيرة أو بعض التدريبات على إنهاء الهجمات، لم يكن هناك ما يمكنك فعله لإيقافه”.

واختتم: “كان بإمكانك فقط الجلوس والمشاهدة، إذا أراد مواجهة فردية مع أحد اللاعبين فكان يفعل ذلك ويسجل، إنه مختلف عن البقية”.

Leeds United have less than two weeks to prepare for their opening game of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign against Everton at Elland Road.

It will be the club’s first top-flight match in more than two years, since their 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in West Yorkshire under the management of Sam Allardyce at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Daniel Farke will now be hoping to be more Marcelo Bielsa than Sam Allardyce or Javi Gracia, as the German head coach attempts to guide the team to safety.

The Whites boss will want more options to pick from at the top end of the pitch, though, as Lukas Nmecha is currently the only attacking player who has been added to the squad during the summer transfer window.

As you can see in the quotes above, Farke has made it clear that the club need to bring in more attackers, including a replacement for Manor Solomon.

The Championship champions should also be on the lookout for a marquee number nine addition, as it remains to be seen whether or not Joel Piroe has what it takes to make the step up.

Leeds have doubts over Joel Piroe's Premier League ability

Back in May, Football Insider reported that Leeds would not build their Premier League attack around the Dutchman, because they have doubts over his suitability for the top-flight.

The outlet stated that the Whites were not planning for the former Swansea marksman to be their first-choice number nine for the 2025/26 campaign, because of their doubts.

This may seem like an odd stance for the club to take after Piroe won the Golden Boot with 19 goals in the Championship for Leeds last season, but it is one that makes sense.

The Whites won the league with 100 points and were utterly dominant in the second tier, which meant that they were able to carry a striker like Piroe, who does not offer much to the team from a physical perspective.

In the Premier League, however, his lack of mobility and strength could cause problems as a starting number nine, as Leeds will be fighting against relegation rather than dominating matches.

Joel Piroe vs Championship forwards
24/25 season	Per 90	Percentile rank
Duels won	2.24	Bottom 3%
Duel success rate	26.9%	Bottom 10.6%
Aerial duels won	0.9	Bottom 12.9%
Aerial duel success rate	21.4%	Bottom 17.6%
Fouls committed	0.7	Bottom 7.1%
Fouls won	0.44	Bottom 9.4%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Piroe was far too weak in duels with opposition players and ranked incredibly lowly among his positional peers in a host of physical metrics.

Leeds pushing to sign Serie A striker

Piroe’s lack of physicality, in terms of both speed and strength, may be why the Championship champions are reportedly eyeing up a new centre-forward.

Transfer Focus

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

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Leeds United are “pushing” to complete a deal to sign Montenegro international Nikola Krstovic from Italian side Lecce.

The reporter claims that the 25-year-old marksman has been given the “green light” to pursue a move away from the Serie A outfit this summer, which has opened the door to a potential transfer to Elland Road.

Vidal adds that the former Red Star Belgrade marksman is “high” on Farke’s wishlist of attacking reinforcements, with the club now pushing to get a deal done for the striker.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that Lecce value the centre-forward at a fee of around £26m, although it remains to be seen how much Leeds are willing to pay for his services.

Why Leeds should sign Nikola Krstovic

The Whites should sign the Serie A number nine because he would come in as a big upgrade on Joel Piroe for Farke ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser against Everton.

Unlike the current Leeds forward, Krstovic has already proven his quality in one of Europe’s major leagues with his performances for Lecce over the past two seasons, proving that he can score goals at an impressive rate.

The £26m-rated striker scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 37 appearances in the Serie A during the 2024/25 campaign, which is a very respectable return for a player in a team that battled relegation, and successfully, it is worth noting.

Krstovic’s contributions at the top end of the pitch helped Lecce to finish 17th in the division, three points above the bottom three, which shows that he can step up and deliver crucial goals to help a team in a relegation battle.

Along with his potential to be an excellent goalscorer for Leeds, having scored 21 goals in the last two seasons, the Serie A star would also come in as a big upgrade on Piroe from a physical perspective.

Nikola Krstovic vs Serie A forwards
24/25 season	Per 90	Percentile rank
Duels won	5.31	Top 38%
Duel success rate	40.6%	Bottom 46%
Aerial duels won	2.76	Top 29%
Aerial duel success rate	41.4%	Top 50%
Fouls committed	1.67	Top 39%
Fouls won	1.61	Top 33%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the Lecce centre-forward ranked above average in most of the physical metrics that Piroe ranked among the worst in the Championship for.

Krstovic, who was hailed as “integral” by former boss Roberto D’Aversa, is a strong number nine who can hold his own in duels, on and off the ball, to provide his team with a strong outlet up front.

This means that he would be far more useful to Farke as a starter in the Premier League, as Leeds are likely to be battling the drop and will need a striker who can provide relief by winning fouls and duels, which is not Piroe’s strong suit.

Therefore, Krstovic could be an ideal signing for the Whites to come in as a proven goalscorer and physical presence in the number ninerole ahead of Piroe.

The new Rutter: Leeds submit bid to sign "fascinating" £22.5m star

Leeds United have reportedly submitted a bid to sign a star who could be their new Georginio Rutter.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 4, 2025

Continuing their search for a striker, Newcastle United could now reportedly jump ahead of Bayern Munich to sign a towering forward whose technique has been compared to Lionel Messi’s.

Isak agrees terms with Liverpool

Things could be about to get worse before they get better at St James’ Park this summer. Fresh reports have now revealed that star striker Alexander Isak has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool, who are now waiting for an opening to submit their first bid.

Liverpool’s interest follows the bombshell news that Isak is looking to leave Newcastle this summer and has reportedly gone AWOL in the hope of pushing through an unexpected departure.

Not for the first time this summer, Newcastle have been put in an unenviable position in the transfer market and must push to get their business done as the Premier League campaign draws near.

On that front, however, those at St James’ Park may need to prepare themselves for even more rejection amid reports that Benjamin Sesko favours a move to Old Trafford.

The RB Leipzig forward is the subject of a Premier League battle between Manchester United and Newcastle, but the Magpies already reportedly believe that he will choose the Red Devils this summer.

Newcastle now in talks to sign £65m+ ace once called 'better than Haaland'

The Magpies once again have a fight on their hands to sign a top target…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 31, 2025

As such, Newcastle must once again take a look down their long list of striker targets and go in pursuit of what could quickly turn into a replacement for Isak. And if it’s the towering Sesko profile that they’re after, then one particular option should be their top priority.

Newcastle eyeing Woltemade hijack

As reported by The Sun, Newcastle are now eyeing a deal to sign Nick Woltemade ahead of Bayern Munich, who have hesitated to complete their move after welcoming Luis Diaz from Liverpool.

The 6’6 VfB Stuttgart striker enjoyed an incredibly impressive season in Germany – scoring 17 goals in all competitions – and quickly followed that up with six goals in six games to win the Golden Boot at the U21 Euros.

The German has unsurprisingly received high praise from all those who have seen him at his best, including from Stuttgart captain Atakan Karazor, who said: “Woltemade has Messi’s technique! I think I recognise a good footballer quickly and Nick caught my eye from the first week of training.

“The most important thing for us is to involve Woltemade enough in the game but he can do that as a deep-lying striker between the lines or as a true No.9 in the opponent’s box. Because we know what we have in Nick: he’s a two-metre-tall (Jamal) Musiala or Messi!”