Barcelona are reportedly planning a fresh approach for “wonderful” Liverpool star Luis Diaz, but the press in Spain believe he has agreed terms elsewhere.
Players who could leave Liverpool this summer
A busy summer transfer at Anfield has seen Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez join the Reds, but the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jarell Quansah have already departed, and a host of other names have been linked with exits before next season gets underway.
Jarell Quansah for Liverpool
Luis Diaz has continually been mentioned as an option for Barcelona, with his father even admitting that it would be a “dream” move for his son.
Elsewhere, Harvey Elliott’s future looks likely to lie away from Liverpool, and there are also rumours suggesting Andy Robertson and Darwin Nunez could move on.
Luis Diaz has agreed terms with Bayern Munich
According to a new update from Fabrizio Romano on X, Barcelona are now planning to make a “new approach” for Liverpool ace Diaz in the near future, with Spanish journalist Fernando Polo confirming the player is keen on the move.
However, Polo has since added a new twist, revealing sources in Germany believe Diaz has verbally agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich. The Germans lost Jamal Musiala to a serious injury over the weekend, and Polo reports if they bid for Diaz it is with the Colombian’s green light.
Luis Diaz
Liverpool’s stance on Diaz seemingly remains clear, with the Premier League champions not entertaining any offers.
While the Colombian may not be an absolutely world-class footballer, he is still an elite attacking player, scoring 17 goals for the Reds last season and flourishing as both a winger and a centre forward, being lauded by former midfielder Danny Murphy.
“I’ve picked out Diaz because I think he’s gone under the radar a little bit with all the plaudits a lot of the players are getting. He’s got a wonderful work ethic and attitude to the game wherever he’s asked to play.”
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The Reds could land themselves a talent this summer.
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Admittedly, a monstrous bid for the £55,000-a-week Diaz could make Liverpool think again, considering he is 28 now, but only an extortionate amount of money should lead to them accepting an offer this summer.
Tottenham have been told one key condition to sign a player who’s been identified by manager Thomas Frank as a summer target, according to a new report.
£43m star "clear" he wants to join Tottenham in talks with club chairman
He’s expressed his desire to seal a Spurs switch.
3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 15, 2025
Spurs are fresh off the back of their first pre-season game against Reading, with new signing Mohammed Kudus enjoying an impressive cameo on Saturday as the Lilywhites ran out 2-0 winners against the League One side.
Goals from Will Lankshear and new arrival Luka Vuskovic secured Frank the perfect start to his new managerial chapter, with the Dane getting a first look at his star-studded squad.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
He could yet see more illustrious names added to it, as Tottenham maintain their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White despite Nottingham Forest’s threat of legal action. Fabrizio Romano confirms that sealing a deal for Gibbs-White is their priority right now, speaking via his YouTube channel, but that doesn’t mean Daniel Levy won’t have other plates spinning in the background.
Yves Bissouma has been regularly linked with a move away from north London before deadline day on September 1, and José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe are believed to be prime contenders for the Mali international (Yağız Sabuncuoğlu).
With Spurs competing in the Champions League next season, Frank will need a ready-made replacement for Bissouma, considering the hot and cold midfielder played 28 games for them in the Premier League alone last term.
According to recent reports, Bayern Munich ace and former Fulham favourite Joao Palhinha is among the targets on Tottenham’s shortlist to potentially step into Bissouma’s shoes for 2025/2026.
Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha in action against Bayer Leverksen.
The Portugal international finally sealed what was a long-awaited move to Bavaria last summer, signing for around £47 million, but his debut season at the Allianz Arena was marred by injury struggles, suspensions, illness and a subsequent lack of game time under Vincent Kompany.
As a result, reports suggest the 30-year-old could call time on his stay in the Bundesliga already, and Spurs have been told the requirements to seal a deal.
Tottenham told Joao Palhinha condition after opening Bayern Munich talks
According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham have held club-to-club discussions with Bayern over Palhinha, and Kompany’s side are adamant that Levy will only be able to sign him on a permanent deal.
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Any offers for a loan will not be accepted as Bayern attempt to get Palhinha’s £166,000-per-week wages off the books for good, but Frank has personally identified the player as a target, so there appears to be a real willingness from Spurs to move for him.
Bayern are said to have made it clear that Tottenham will need to table a “big-money” bid for Palhinha if they stand a chance of signing him this summer, but this report doesn’t disclose the exact amount they’d be looking for.
In any case, if Spurs decide to press forward, there is reason to believe he would thrive under Frank.
Palhinha was famed for his tackling and robustness in midfield during his spell at Craven Cottage, indicating why Spurs are so keen, with former teammate Tom Cairney even calling him a “breath of fresh air”.
“If you lose the ball, he smells blood,” Cairney said in a glowing endorsement.
“He’s probably one of the best I’ve ever seen off the ball, in terms of getting back, recovering and trying to win back the ball. He doesn’t just put pressure on them, he goes back to win the ball and does the tackle.
“It’s amazing to watch sometimes. I think the fans have taken to him. I think he’s been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League.”
Well, it feels like Liverpool and Newcastle United are primed for a summer of fencing over Alexander Isak. The Magpies striker is on FSG’s wishlist, even if there’s a prevailing sense that Eddie Howe’s side are going to ensure their talisman stays put.
In fact, PIF have priced the centre-forward at £200m and are reportedly prepared to make him the highest-paid player in Newcastle’s history.
It’s unlikely that this one will come to fruition for Arne Slot’s side, but the door isn’t completely closed on a stunning summer capture to complement the thick breadth of talent already being added to the Anfield ranks: Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz brought in from Bayer Leverkusen, Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez just announced too.
Isak was only outscored by that man Mohamed Salah in the Premier League last season, and is one of the most mobile and talented nines in Europe, even remarked to have been “the best striker in the world” last season by analyst Raj Chohan.
Of course, in order to get such a deal over the line, Liverpool would need to make sure they offload Darwin Nunez.
The latest on Darwin Nunez's future
25 years old, Nunez should be heading into his prime – and he might be, but not at Liverpool. It hasn’t worked out for the man who cost FSG some £64m to bring over from Benfica (his full £85m fee will not be reached).
Anticipated to be on the move for several months, things are starting to move, with Serie A champions Napoli locked in talks with Liverpool to bring the player – who has green-lit the potential transfer – over to Naples.
Despite his flaws, Nunez remains popular within the Liverpool fanbase and is endowed with the archetypal physical faculties of the modern high-level striker. But consistency has proved elusive across his three years on Merseyside, and now it’s time for change.
Nunez actually regressed under Slot’s management, scoring just seven times across 43 matches in 2024/25. Others rose to the occasion, stepped up, but, tactically, the Uruguayan was incongruent in the system, unable to process the calculated and measured nature of the coach’s vision.
Liverpool's DarwinNunezcelebrates after winning the Premier League
Liverpool might not sign Isak this summer, but it’s pretty clear that a new striker will be required to combat Nunez’s departure. Someone refined and respected as one of the continent’s sharpest marksmen.
And someone affordable at that.
Liverpool open talks for Nunez upgrade
According to Correio da Manha, Liverpool have entered the race for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, with Arsenal and Manchester United the notable competitors.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past few years and is believed to have a €80m (£68m) price tag, something Liverpool have confirmed after opening talks with the player’s representatives.
Said to be ‘heartbroken’ after Sporting president Frederico Varandas purportedly went back on a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for a comparatively modest fee at the end of the 2024/25 season, Gyokeres has no intention of playing for the two-in-a-row Liga Portugal champions again.
Arsenal are the clear favourites in the race, but Liverpool are there, and they need a striker.
Why Liverpool should sign Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is at the top of his game and has been profiled favourably by some of English football’s heaviest hitters. He might not have the same depth of talent as Isak, and indeed remains at this point unproven in the Premier League, but he’s a “ball-striking monster”, as per analyst Ben Mattinson and could prove a massive upgrade on Nunez.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
When you consider he’s available for a fraction of the cost that FSG would need to pay to bring Newcastle’s goal-getter over to Anfield, snapping him up before rivals steal ahead feels like a bit of a no-brainer.
In fact, Isak’s 27-goal haul across the campaign is dwarfed by that of his compatriot, who fired 54 goals home for his outfit across domestic and European endeavours, playing only 52 matches.
1.
Viktor Gyokeres
33
39
2.
Kylian Mbappe
34
31
3.
Mohamed Salah
38
29
4.
Robert Lewandowski
34
27
5.
Harry Kane
31
26
Think of a forward, the best you can. They didn’t outscore Gyokeres in any of Europe’s top ten divisions last season, with the Swede’s 39-goal haul an illustration of his prowess.
His clinical nature – something that Nunez is decidedly lacking in – has even illustrated a sharper ball-striking quality than Isak, and if that can be translated over to English football, Slot will be a happy man indeed.
A fair criticism would be that he plies his trade in Portugal, and Nunez wrapped up his final campaign in the country with 34 goals across 41 matches in all competitions, prompting Jurgen Klopp to spend prodigally on his signature.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
However, Gyokeres is far more accomplished, technically, athletically and physically, having been described as a “very physical striker” and a “powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson.
Moreover, he’s proven his ability to steal the show against the Premier League’s finest.
And if that’s not sold him, just take a look at FBref’s evaluation, Gyokeres’ data gleaned across a period of 12 months to paint a vivid picture of his completeness, not just a goalscorer.
Indeed, he ranked among the top 11% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for assists, the top 1% for progressive carries and shot-creating actions, and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.
Nunez was much younger when he arrived in the Premier League, a raw prospect with the hint of something special. Conversely, Gyokeres is at the heart of his prime years, no doubt robust and confident enough to work well with Salah, Wirtz and the like.
Fans have always clung onto hope that their record forward would come good, but when Slot stated in February that he “can’t accept” his work rate after a string of disappointing performances, it became quite clear that his day was done.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
It’s time for change, and Gyokeres would be a fantastic addition given his relatively affordable price tag and the existing depth of creative quality in Slot’s squad.
He'd be Wirtz 2.0: Liverpool stand a "chance" of signing the "next Mbappe"
Liverpool believe they have a good chance to sign a star who would be a Florian Wirtz repeat.
Leeds United have a huge summer ahead of them if they are to secure Premier League survival next season after claiming promotion from the Championship this time around.
Daniel Farke’s side claimed the league title on goal difference on the final day after Manor Solomon’s late effort against Plymouth Argyle on the final day secured all three points.
The Whites finished top of the pile alongside Burnley, with both clubs ending the year on 100 points, highlighting the strength of the sides at the top of the division.
Such an achievement is just the beginning for the German, desperately needing to halt the current trend of sides suffering an immediate return to the second tier after promotion.
If he is to manage such a feat over the next year at Elland Road, he desperately needs to be backed in the market to hand him the best possible chance of success in Yorkshire.
An update on Leeds’ pursuit of new additions this summer
After securing promotion, it would be a surprise to no one to see Leeds linked with numerous players to help bolster the first team squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson has been one name touted with a switch to join the Whites after the Tractor Boys suffered relegation from the Premier League in recent weeks.
Ipswich Town'sOmariHutchinsonreacts
However, he’s not alone on their shortlist, with Leicester City talisman Jamie Vardy the latest player linked with a switch to link up with Farke’s side, according to Football Insider.
The report claims that the Whites are plotting a move for the 38-year-old after announcing he would be departing the King Power at the end of the current season – subsequently making him a free agent.
It also states that his experience and record in England’s top-flight have made him a key target for the club as they look to once again establish themselves in the top-flight after a two-year absence.
Why Leeds’ summer target could be Farke’s own Beckford
Centre-forward Jermaine Beckford arrived at Elland Road from non-league outfit Wealdstone in 2006 after impressing enough to earn himself a switch to a then-Championship club.
He would have to bide his time in Yorkshire, even being sent on two loan spells, before making a huge impact in the first-team squad, cementing his place as the side’s main talisman.
Beckford went on to score 85 goals and provided 11 assists in 141 appearances in all competitions across three seasons – before getting his own Premier League move to Everton back in 2010.
However, he gave the supporters numerous moments to remember, none more so than the winning goal in the FA Cup clash with rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
They could land their next version of the forward with a summer move for Vardy, with the pair possessing a similar playstyle given their desire to run in behind and cause defenders an issue.
The duo are also similar in the fact that they both came through the non-league ladder before making an impact at their respective clubs – with Leeds desperately needing to take a gamble on the experienced frontman.
Vardy, who’s been labelled “sensational” by former boss Brendan Rodgers, has still managed to impress this campaign despite the Foxes suffering relegation, posting numerous impressive figures in key areas.
Jamie Vardy’s stats for Leicester in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
33
Goals & assists
11
Shots taken
1.8
Pass accuracy
71%
Dribbles completed
47%
Aerials won
1.7
Aerial success rate
49%
Stats via FotMob
He’s registered eight goals and three assists in his 33 appearances, ending the season as their top scorer, still having the skillset to impress within the final third should he move to Yorkshire.
The former Fleetwood Town ace has also won 1.7 aerial duels won per 90, having the ability to offer Farke an experienced and all-round option at the top end of Farke’s side.
If they are to buck the current trend, new additions are desperately needed this summer, with funds needing to be spent to help the manager in his quest.
Vardy may not be everyone’s first choice when it comes to signings this summer, but he could prove to be an excellent squad option, offering depth and quality in their pursuit of making themselves an established top-flight outfit.
Leeds can seal stunning Solomon repeat by signing £30m Premier League star
Leeds United could look to replicate the success of their Manor Solomon deal by signing this attacking star.
Australia’s players have again featured heavily in the IPL over the past week as the tournament nears the business end
Alex Malcolm06-May-20243:02
Starc explains the effects of the Impact Player rule on the IPL
Starc’s up and down tournament continues
]Mitchell Starc returned to some form in the past week when he claimed 4 for 33 in Kolkata Knight Riders’ win over Mumbai Indians in a low-scoring game at Wankhede. Starc’s start with the ball was typical of his tournament so far. He conceded a four and a six before flattening Ishan Kishan’s leg stump in the space of three balls. He then returned to bowl the penultimate over of the chase with Mumbai needing 32 off 12. Australia teammate Tim David flicked Starc’s first ball for six to reduce the equation to 26 off 11. But Starc then got his execution right. David whacked a wide low full toss to long-off. Next ball Starc delivered another good wide yorker that Piyush Chawla miscued to cover. He then blew out Gerald Coetzee’s middle stump with a perfect 141kph yorker to end the match. It’s the type of performance that will please Australia’s hierarchy ahead of the World Cup.Related
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Starc: Impact Player rule has played a part in bowlers' inflated numbers
He downplayed his form in the aftermath claiming the Impact Sub was causing all bowlers to go for runs in the IPL. The comments about the Impact Sub had some merit but they were also a touch disingenuous given Starc is the most expensive of the top 19 wicket-takers in the IPL this season by some margin at an economy rate of 11.37. Most of the IPL’s best powerplay and death bowlers have economy rates under 10. He followed that four-wicket haul up with another topsy-turvy powerplay against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday night. He bowled a good opening over to pick up the wicket of Arshin Kulkarni to set LSG back in the powerplay. But his second over featured a lot of width to Marcus Stoinis who gleefully carved him for three boundaries over the off side.
Stoinis stands tall again
Marcus Stoinis muscled Mitchell Starc in the powerplay•BCCIStoinis’ sublime IPL continued with a Player-of-the-Match performance against MI. He again showed his incredible versatility with the ball. He bowled the opening over of the match and conceded just one run off the bat and one wide. He bowled a second over in the powerplay and picked up the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav. He finished with figures of 1 for 19 from three overs as MI only managed to post 144 for 7 with the help of David’s 35 not out from 18 balls. Stoinis then controlled the chase superbly with the bat making 62 off 45 at No.3 as LSG chased it down with four wickets and four balls to spare. Stoinis looked in great touch again on Sunday against KKR as he clattered Starc for three boundaries in the powerplay before striking two sixes to race to 36 off 20. But he fell to Andre Russell off his 21st delivery, skying an attempt to hoick him over wide long-on as LSG’s chase fell in a heap. Stoinis had earlier had a difficult start with the ball conceding 29 in his only two overs. He was a little unfortunate with his first ball yielding a top edge from Phil Salt that flew over the keeper’s head for four. Sunil Narine sliced his last bowl of the first over into green space. But Stoinis’ second set of six cost 19 as Narine launched three length slower balls over the rope.
Cummins’ captaincy wins praise in final ball thriller
2:23
Deep Dasgupta: Cutters doing the job for Cummins
Pat Cummins continued to put on a masterclass with the ball and with his captaincy in the IPL as he steered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a thrilling final ball victory over Rajasthan Royals. He could have made things a lot easier for himself had he held a straightforward catch that Yashasvi Jaiswal offered in the powerplay at mid-off. Jaiswal went on to make 67 off 40 as RR were on track to chase SRH’s target of 202. Riyan Parag was also given a life on his way to 77 off 49. But Cummins and T Natarajan pulled the game back by breaking the partnership and taking four key wickets between them. The pair were the only SRH bowlers to concede less than 10 an over. Both went at under 9 per over and Cummins bowled 12 dots including four in the penultimate over of the match when RR only needed 20 off 12. That gave Bhuvneshwar Kumar 12 runs to play with in the last over and he was able to deliver with a wicket off the final ball to clinch the game by one run. Natarajan said Cummins had been incredibly influential on him as skipper and was a key reason why he has been one of the leading wicket-takers in the IPL this season. Earlier in the same game, Travis Head continued his great season with a half-century, although it was his slowest of the tournament at a strike-rate of 131.81.
Maxwell and Green continue their batting malaise
Mohammed Siraj and Cameron Green rattled Gujarat Titans with the new ball•BCCIThere have been promising signs for Australia’s World Cup campaign throughout this IPL. But the batting form of Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green remain slight areas of concern. Green had shown some signs last week with bat and ball that had coincided with his inclusion in the final 15 for the World Cup. But he and Maxwell missed out again this week as Royal Challengers Bengaluru almost botched the unlosable chase against Gujarat Titans. Green again bowled nicely taking 1 for 28 from his four overs as RCB bowled GT out for 147 in Bengaluru. A blistering innings from skipper Faf du Plessis gave RCB the perfect platform to cruise to victory. They were 103 for 3 in the eighth over when Maxwell walked out for his first bat in the tournament since he effectively dropped himself on form in early April. It was the perfect chance to get some pressure-free time in the middle and notch 20-odd not out with Virat Kohli at the other end. He clipped his first ball for four through midwicket with neat timing after making an unusual pre-delivery movement to open himself up. He then needlessly heaved his third delivery straight to deep square. Green then walked out and sliced a short wide offering from Josh Little to deep third second ball. Kohli fell in the following over as RCB had slumped from 99 for 1 to 117 for 6. But Dinesh Karthik and Swapnil Singh steadied to guide them home. Maxwell has scored 36 runs from 37 balls for the tournament in seven innings at an average of 5.14. Green has at least contributed 112 runs from 89 balls at 18.66 with a 37 not out. Both men would love to find some touch in the final three games.
The ECB’s marquee competition needs to achieve cut-through with the public while maintaining a veneer of progress
Vithushan Ehantharajah03-Aug-2022″You know about ‘the Hundred variant’ right?”There was a theory doing the rounds at the end of last summer that each of the four men’s and women’s teams contesting the Hundred Finals Day fielded players suffering from Covid-19. It is a tough nugget to prove. Some only reported symptoms after that Saturday in August while others kept quiet. No one wanted to miss out on the Lord’s showpiece event, fearing they would not only be taking themselves out of action, but a number of team-mates as close contacts too. By that stage, the virus had been around the team environments more often than influencers. It had become part of the norm.Players were required to take regular lateral flow tests before training and match days – a regulation brought in by the ECB after fears the first edition of the eight-team competition (delayed by a year) would be cut off at the knees by coronavirus. A worry that was exacerbated by England having to pick an entirely new squad for their one-day series with Pakistan, reflective of the world outside the changing room walls in which more than half-a-million people were pinged by the NHS track and trace app in the first week of July 2021.Related
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The 2020 season was a drag, leading many to contemplate why they do what they do. That crisis of confidence spilled into the start of 2021, with restricted crowds in the T20 Blast up until the knockout stages. And so, as the Hundred wore on, testing lapsed, as it did pretty much everywhere else. Among the logic of the majority of fit, young 20-somethings was that they were able to cope with this iteration of the virus, and a more relatable fatigue when it came to imposed restrictions, which were more severe on the players given what was at stake (money, lots of it) if the Hundred or any part of the international schedule stumbled.The freedom the Hundred offered extended beyond parking inhibitions on the field to make every ball count. To many who ply their trade on the domestic circuit, it offered a sense of relief. A chance to emerge from the grey.One of the overlooked aspects of men’s county cricket is its social scene. As much as it can be a grind, one of the upsides for a player is travelling to various parts of the country and sampling the nightlife. After one-and-a-half summers of losing that perk, the timing of a glitzy tour of seven major cities encouraged making up for lost time. Coming off the back of the England football team’s run to the final of the European Championships, which opened the floodgates when it came to public disregard of what rules were still in place, there was little encouragement needed. As players indulged at night, at times ignoring team guidelines to stick to outside spaces, mixing with the general public and occasionally friends on other teams, “the Hundred strain” was born.Shane Warne was the most high-profile member of staff to contract the virus, ruled out of fulfilling in-person duties for the start of the London Spirit campaign after testing positive in the first week of August, almost immediately after Andy Flower had done the same. The biggest fright for the competition came when Adam Lyth and Harry Brook returned positives ahead of Northern Superchargers’ match with Manchester Originals. It eventually went ahead when the rest of the Superchargers squad reported a clean bill of health.You can probably gauge the more sociable by the final standings, particularly in the men’s competition. That’s not to say such behaviour was allowed to slide. During Welsh Fire’s tournament debrief – they finished seventh – head coach Gary Kirsten lamented a lack of professionalism among his group, particularly from those who should have regarded this as an opportunity to showcase their wares on a bigger platform.
“There was a sense from some female cricketers that their male counterparts regarded them as an inconvenience when it came to sharing training spaces or other resources”
His sentiment was shared by other coaches and senior players, who felt English players in particular were coasting when they should have realised a clearer path to stardom given the lack of stellar names, even if only for a month. Likewise a handful of overseas pros who benefitted from the absence of their more-decorated peers. That’s not the case this time around.The approach to Covid encapsulated why the first edition of the Hundred should be regarded in isolation. An anomaly of societal and cultural overcorrection to a pandemic still simmering beneath the surface. And it is also why so much of what was regarded as success will come under greater scrutiny this time around.The women’s competition held most of the aces, showcasing the depth of domestic talent and appetite for women’s cricket, even if the latter was abundantly clear following the 2017 50-over World Cup on these shores. Beyond performances ranging from a breakthrough for Alice Capsey, reaffirmation for Tash Farrant and confirmation of Jemimah Rodrigues’ talents were ceiling-busting asides, typified by the sight of London Spirit players sipping cans of cider on the Lord’s home balcony to celebrate the academic achievements of Alice Monaghan, who skipped her graduation from Loughborough University to play against Superchargers. Crowds for women’s matches averaged 7000-8000, with a peak television audience of 1.4million for the final between Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave across BBC and Sky.It will be fascinating to see how that success continues on this year, given how much of 2021 women’s edition was based on alignment with the men. Last year’s double-headers were another Covid-enforced circumstance rather than boardroom design, which will be harder to replicate this time given the women’s competition starts three rounds in because of the clash with the Commonwealth Games.There is also the notion of “respect” between the sexes, publicly insisted on but which at times felt overblown. Despite the odd men’s cricketer championing the output of their women’s team or the standard as a whole, there was a sense from some female players that their male counterparts regarded them as an inconvenience when it came to sharing training spaces or other resources.The Hundred pushed the women’s game to a new level in the UK•Getty ImagesOf course, it was always going to need more than a souped-up competition and accompanying marketing campaign to change the sexist views prevailing within cricket. Perhaps most instructive is how the Hundred is being used as the vehicle to drive this, even if the shifts are tectonically slow at this stage. The highest-paid women (£31,250) will now earn more than the lowest-paid men (£30,000) and the opening match of the women’s competition (Invincibles vs Superchargers on August 11) will be staged after the men’s fixture. “I’m excited to see how it goes,” Beth Barrett-Wild, head of the women’s Hundred, said on Monday. “It is going to be interesting to see how it plays out and I am very optimistic that it is going to look brilliant, and feel brilliant.”On the playing side, the expectation is for a better spectacle, in part because of a strong pool of international talent in both codes now that travel to the UK has eased. The playing conditions should feel a little more natural after players admitted being thrown by the adjustment to five-ball sets. Some even found the scoreboards confusing for the second innings (where balls remaining and runs required count down together) having been used to calculating required rates in six-ball overs.”Things like the five balls, the tactics behind it were totally different, especially at the death when you’re the fielding side,” Moeen Ali, captain of 2021 runners-up Birmingham Phoenix, said. “For people who didn’t know anything about cricket before, having spoken to those kinds of people – for us who knew a little bit about cricket, it was a little confusing, but for people who don’t know anything about cricket, they seemed to understand it really well and got the concept of it really well and quickly.”That, really, is the point of all this. A game that plenty admire given a makeover to make it more appealing to the rest, in a bid to future-proof English cricket. Beyond some unruly scenes in the crowd, which the ECB has vowed to clamp down on with more effective stewarding, the first season was far less garish than many had expected.So, what are our guarantees this time? A strong on-field product, over-the-top cheerleading from official broadcasters, prime real estate across the media the powers-that-be really care about, and a sense of belonging to something bigger for male and female cricketers who had become too accustomed to the shadows.As for the uncertainties, cut-through will be the biggest hurdle. The start of the 2022-23 Premier League on Friday is as big a distraction as they come, and a reminder of how lucky the 2021 season was to follow the Euros and not have to compete for eyes with the Olympic Games given the time difference meant Tokyo’s days were done by late afternoon, British Summer Time. The absence of centrally contracted England players such as Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, who ESPNcricinfo revealed has pulled out on the eve of the competition, won’t help. Nor will overseas stars flying out early for international duty.By and large, though, there is a liberty the Hundred will be looking to exploit. And with a soon-to-be confirmed window set aside for it in the upcoming Future Tours Programme, liberation is only going to grow.In a post-pandemic Britain, amid a sporting ecosystem shifting underfoot, 2022 will dictate where the Hundred intends to position itself in the future. And by proxy, where the ECB is looking to pitch up – that little bit closer to the peak of the global game. Now, ultimately, is the time for a tournament that will never be allowed to fall to take its first meaningful steps.
The New Zealand opener talks about dealing with his negativity last season while struggling for runs and how a chat with Kane Williamson helped him clear his mind
Interview by Shashank Kishore24-Jun-2020For close to three years since his Test debut in 2016, Jeet Raval was a regular opener. His six half-centuries in his first nine Tests gave New Zealand solidity at the top of the order. But Raval hit a wall against England and Pakistan in 2018. A maiden hundred, in Hamilton against Bangladesh, was a weight off his shoulders and should have been the point where his career took off, but instead he lost his central contract with New Zealand Cricket, and has now switched from Auckland to Northern Districts in domestic cricket. He hasn’t given up on a comeback, but isn’t beating himself up over it. The two-month lockdown due to Covid-19 has given him better balance and perspective, as he tells us in this chat.How do you look back at your career so far?
It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve been fortunate to have been part of a successful New Zealand Test side. Winning in the UAE and Sri Lanka has been a highlight of my career so far. We rose to No. 2 in the Test rankings, which hadn’t been done before. From a team’s perspective, it’s been an amazing journey. Personally, I feel I didn’t fully live up to my potential.ALSO READ: The contrasting fortunes of Mitchell Starc and Jeet RavalTwenty-four Tests, one Test century, seven fifties and an average of 30. How do you view these numbers?
You ought to have done something right to play those Tests. I felt I did well in the first couple of years and then my form fell away. A few issues started creeping into my game and then it sort of turned into a battle of the mind. But look, I’m content with the career I’ve had so far, and I’m determined to get back to where I was through the lessons I’ve learnt.What are the lessons you’ve learnt?
As an opener in New Zealand, you will probably fail more than you succeed, so when you do get runs, you need to look to make it big. In my case, I did all the right things at the start of my innings, but couldn’t capitalise. And that started playing on my mind.Your first Test hundred came in your 17th Test. Did that wait make you restless?
Not from within, but people around me often kept asking, “Hey, when is that first hundred coming?” And then I’d think, “Yeah, I’m yet to score that despite getting starts.” The external pressure starts weighing on you, so it was nice to be able to get that monkey off my back [against Bangladesh]. I was proud to get there. Where I come from [Ahmedabad], you think of the struggles we made as a family. It wasn’t about me, but the [people] around me who helped me get to where I was.
“I had a chat with Kane Williamson after I got 1 in each innings. He said: ‘Take your mind off cricket for a few days, and when you go to the next net, let go of all the worries and play like you did as a ten-year old'”
When did you realise you were putting a lot of pressure on yourself?
In Sri Lanka last year, perhaps. I’d prepared as well as anyone could have. Before that tour, I went to India with a club side, played days matches on all sorts of turning tracks, chatted and trained with Andhra Ranji players to get a different perspective. I hit thousands of balls in the nets. In the very first innings in Sri Lanka, I got a very good start before getting out in the last over before lunch to [Akila] Dananjaya. It frustrated me so much that I started to analyse why it happened, and then it affected my next innings. I kept digging the hole deeper instead of saying, “Hey, I batted out a session nearly to get 30-odd, I must have done something good.” The next two innings on that tour didn’t go well. I kept getting frustrated innings after innings.Was it the nature of your dismissals that annoyed you?
No, it was more the pressure I was putting on myself. Having been part of the team, I kept feeling I had to contribute more. In the heat of the moment, you get caught up in things that aren’t important and then struggle to come out of it. While we were on the field, things were very normal. I was as invested in the team’s success as anyone else was, but when I went back to the room, it hit me: “Why did I do that?” And it was a never-ending chain of thoughts.ALSO READ: How are cricketers keeping fit in lockdown?Did you speak to someone about it?
Not after the Sri Lanka tour. I kept it to myself because we were getting ready for the home summer. [The focus in] Sri Lanka was anyway about playing spin, but the focus going forward was to play in our conditions against a good England pace attack.What was your frame of mind going into that England series?
I didn’t get a run in three innings in the build-up to that series. Pressure started to build and I started looking at technical aspects of my game. I was questioning myself and thinking, “What if I try this or what if I try that?” instead of trusting the game I had. No doubt I was underdone in terms of having a weight of runs behind me.I started well in the Mount Maunganui Test and got out to a dreadful slog sweep against Jack Leach’s left-arm spin. I had slogged him for a couple of unconvincing fours, but I thought I could take him on. I should have really put it behind me because I got a solid start, but it started to chew me up. We got about 600 runs in that innings, so every run the team scored, I was beating myself up and thinking I could’ve got these runs. I let that affect me and it got really hard from there on.In the game after, my mental state was so bad that I didn’t even realise I’d smashed the ball onto the pad and didn’t refer an lbw. I started to tense up, thinking way too much. Everything had built up. I froze. I remember while batting in that series, for every ball I used to keep thinking: “I hope I don’t get out this ball.” That rut got the better of me. When I got dropped, it was not nice, but it gave me a chance to reflect on what was going on inside my mind and come out of the bubble. As much as it was terrible at the time, I’m a better person for it now.”It comes back to why you play the game. It’s because I enjoy it. Not because of money or contracts. It’s about the simple things”•Getty ImagesHow did you react at the time?
When you’re going through good times, you leave training behind, spend time with family, play golf and those sorts of things. When you’re not doing so good, you’re always thinking of failure. “Why did I fail? Do I get picked again?” You are not giving yourself a chance to get away from the game. I started tightening up too much. It wasn’t a healthy place to be in.It got to a stage where I wasn’t the person I was. A couple of times, I was out for dinner with my wife. We’d be chatting normally and all of a sudden, I’d stop. I’d be lost and then come up with questions like, “Hey, do you think I should bat like this?” or “Wish I didn’t play that shot” and she’d be like, “What are you doing?” That is when I started realising it’s not healthy. But because you’re in a rut and you haven’t got the scores you want, you try so much harder to get it right.ALSO READ: ‘My priority is being a reliable Test batsman’ – Raval (2017)The next stop was Australia. It couldn’t have been a tougher tour.
Going into the Australia series, I had a chat with Kane Williamson in Perth, after we were beaten convincingly and I got 1 in each innings. We were in the dining area after the game and I was quietly having dinner by myself when Kane comes in. He’s like, “Hey bro, how you getting on?” And I said, “I’m frustrated. Things haven’t gone as planned. I haven’t been able to contribute.”He said: “Go to Melbourne, take your mind off cricket for a few days. Go do some sightseeing, play golf, spend time with your wife, and then when you go to the next net, let go of all the worries and play like you did as a ten-year old in the gullies of India, without expectations, fear of getting dropped, fear of getting out. Play like it’s a T20 game.”And then you got dropped for the Boxing Day Test.
Yeah, but during the lunch break every day, I used to have a hit with Peter Fulton, our batting coach. I told myself: “I don’t care if I’m going to get out.” I used to get worried about people judging me if I get out. [That] they’re going to think, “Oh this guy isn’t in form.” Fulton said, “Don’t worry, just play.”All that week, I would go in, just hit balls without worrying about technique. Then in the next Test, I got a chance to play because of Kane’s illness. I wasn’t expecting to play, but a couple of days before the Test, we heard of a stomach bug floating about. The coach had given me a brief update that I should be ready. After that chat with Kane, I said I had to just enjoy the occasion, not worry about getting out. I made 31 [at No. 3 in the first innings in Sydney], but it was some of the most enjoyable runs I’ve scored. I felt like I belonged. The feeling you get while batting in the backyard and bullying your cousins and siblings into scoring runs – it was awesome. I wanted to try and take those learnings forward.
“I remember every ball I used to keep thinking: ‘I hope I don’t get out this ball.’ That rut got the better of me. But as much as it was terrible at the time, I’m a better person for it now”
What have you done now to get out of the low phase?
It comes back to why you play the game. It’s because I enjoy it. Not because of money or contracts. It’s about the simple things. I’m not holding on to my Test spot now. It’s about being relaxed and enjoying every opportunity, because when you’re playing you’re always thinking: “I don’t want to let my spot go.” It can become a negative [mindset]. So having realised that, I’m better off for it. The chat with Kane in Perth was literally for just two minutes, but it was so meaningful. Kit Perera, my mentor, has also been a good sounding board. The time in lockdown was well spent. It helped me take my mind off the game.You lost your central contract last month. Were you expecting it?
Not really, but money is not something that drives me to play cricket. I play cricket because I enjoy the sport. I have an accounting degree, which will help me. Yes, having a contract is good, but it’s not the primary driver. Losing the contract isn’t going to decrease any motivation I have to drive harder. I know I have to.How far are you from completing your accountancy degree?
New Zealand and Australia have a combined programme. There are five exams in all. I’ve cleared three of them. I’ve enrolled in another [course], which I hope to complete by the end of September, which will leave me with one more. So hopefully early next year, I should be a chartered accountant. Hopefully I won’t have the need to exercise my education degree in the near future (laughs).What was lockdown life like for you?
Luckily for us, it was the end of the domestic season in March, so I was focusing on finishing my Chartered Accountancy course. We had some relatives come over from India for a short break, and they sort of got caught in the lockdown. It’s been quite nice to spend time with them and relax. It’s been nice to get away from the game and refresh my batteries. I’m looking forward to getting back to training.Accountancy is a very demanding course. How do you manage it alongside your cricket?
It works well, because I have a lot of time during the off season. Cricket training doesn’t happen all day in winter, so I space my time that way, give myself enough time to do gym, study and cricket training. I do yoga, guided meditation, strength-based sessions. I mix them all up pretty well. This has become the norm over the last couple of months. I don’t meditate to get something out of it. I just picked it up and it has given my mind some relaxation time. We do it together as a family.And you’re also a director in a start-up?
I used to work with an accounting firm called BDO. I have a good relationship with them, but because of the nature of Covid-19, the workforce is limited, so the opportunity to go back and work isn’t there. They are willing to get me back on board should an opportunity come about again.I’m currently working on a cricket app, focusing on technology and the design aspect of it. We’ve spent a lot of time ideating, debating, coding, processing, developing it. I’m excited by what it will bring to cricket and the cricket community. We’re targeting a September launch. When it’s out, hopefully it will be well-received and benefit the cricket community, not just in New Zealand but globally.How do you look at where you stand at 31?
I feel I have a good few years ahead. I’ve identified a few technical aspects and the mental side – hopefully it will help me enjoy [myself] and put up performances at the domestic level. I don’t want to chase it too hard. Hopefully that will result in good performances that will help me get back.
Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will take the ball for the American League as the team's starter in the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday in Atlanta. It's the first career All-Star start for Skubal, who seems to have received an assist from fellow AL All-Star and New York Yankees ace Max Fried.
Skubal told Tigers beat writer Evan Woodbery that Fried had called him recently with an admirable offer.
"He asked me if I wanted to start (the ASG)," Skubal said.
Skubal told Woodbery that he initially balked at Fried's offer, and extended the offer back to Fried, who had spent the first eight seasons of his career in Atlanta, where the All-Star Game will take place.
That's when Fried insisted.
"I think you deserve it," Fried insisted. "I was just wondering if you wanted to start it."
Skubal said he then received the call from AL manager Aaron Boone, who let him know he'd be the AL's starter. The Tigers ace, who ranks third in the AL in ERA and second in strikeouts, said he admired Fried for the remarkable gesture.
"It was actually a really cool conversation [with Fried]," Skubal said. "It’s a very professional thing to do, and I've got a ton of respect for guys that do stuff like that."
Fried on Friday opted out of the All-Star Game, likely due to the shorter turnaround from his start against the Chicago Cubs, an appearance in which he exited due to a blister on his left index finger.
The All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
Leeds United are now reportedly prioritising a deal to sign a South American defender ahead of Italian giants Juventus in the January transfer window.
Leeds still plotting Farke replacement despite Chelsea win
The Premier League is a harsh world, isn’t it? The pressure was increasing on Daniel Farke ahead of the Chelsea game, but you wouldn’t have known it after his side swept past Chelsea in a stunning 3-1 victory.
Reports in the build-up to the game claimed the German had to avoid defeat against the Blues and Liverpool this weekend to ensure that his job remains safe. It seemed an impossible task. Chelsea had just pushed Premier League leaders Arsenal all the way with 10 men and Liverpool, even in a difficult moment, remain the champions.
Come Wednesday night, however, there were no complaints from Farke. Instead, there was tactical genius. His 5-3-2 sytem physically outmatched Chelsea and Leeds, against the odds, secured a stunning 3-1 victory at Elland Road.
It would now be easy to assume that Farke’s job is safe. Yet, according to the BBC’s Sami Mokbel, those at Elland Road are still preparing for the worst-case scenario.
The reporter revealed: “Sources have told BBC Sport that the process of identifying potential candidates to replace Farke has begun. It is not unusual practice for clubs to plot a succession plan for their managerial position regardless of the incumbent’s job security.
“But Leeds’ poor form, which left them in the relegation zone before Wednesday’s win, has placed significant pressure on Farke – serving to amplify the club’s movement towards pinpointing possible successors to the German.”
It would be a ruthless decision by the 49ers, but that may not be the only change on the way. With the January transfer window approaching, Leeds have already set their sights on Real Betis star Natan.
Leeds prioritising Natan deal
According to reports in Spain, Leeds are now prioritising a deal to sign Natan from Real Betis in the January transfer window. The Brazilian defender is valued at around €40m (£35m) by the Spanish club and has also attracted the interest of Serie A giants Juventus.
Leeds star was looking "bang average" this season, now he's undroppable
This Leeds star has shone in their last two games
ByJoe Nuttall Dec 5, 2025
It’s clear to see why both Leeds and Juventus have set their sights on the 24-year-old. He’s enjoyed an impressive start to the current campaign and could now secure a move, be it in the new year or next summer.
Minutes
1,260
1,260
Ball Recoveries
41
50
Tackles Won
10
3
Successful Aerial Duels
41
42
Statistically speaking, Natan would have no trouble getting into Farke’s best side. Compared to Joe Rodon, the South American has thrived out of possession and particularly impressed in the air.
The big question that remains is whether Leeds will be willing to splash out £35m for his signature. Their record signing still sits at £35.5m for Georginio Rutter and it would take some doing to break that as early as the January transfer window.
Best signing since Raphinha: Leeds star is one of "the best" players in PL
A day after they announced that ace pitcher Gerrit Cole would undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, the New York Yankees continue to reel. A new number one starter will have to emerge on a team seeking to repeat its 2024 successes.
According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, you can likely cross out one much-discussed trade candidate from a list of potential Cole replacements: San Diego Padres hurler Dylan Cease.
"I would hesitate to rule out anything in terms of moves [Padres general manager] A.J. Preller could make," Morosi said Tuesday. "However, I would say this: The expectation in the industry over the last 24 hours is that Dylan Cease is not going to be traded to the Yankees."
Cease, twice a top-five finisher in the Cy Young voting, is set to hit free agency after the 2025 season. Morosi cited New York's reluctance to add payroll and top-heavy farm system as obstacles to a deal.
"I just do not think we are going to see a Dylan Cease trade that rescues the Yankees' rotation," Morosi said.