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Moeen Ali, the former England allrounder, believes the possibility of Harry Brook receiving a two-year ban from the IPL for withdrawing from the tournament for a second straight year after being signed at the auction “is not harsh”.According to the IPL’s new rules, Brook is now not eligible to play in the IPL, or be part of the auction, until IPL 2027. As things stand, the only exception the IPL has made for signed players missing a season is in the case of “an injury/medical condition, which will have to be confirmed by the [player’s] home board”.”It’s not [harsh] though, I kinda agree with it,” Moeen said on the podcast, when asked whether a two-year ban would be harsh. “A lot of people do that [withdrawing]. People have done it in the past, and then they come back in and end up getting a better financial package or whatever it is. It kinda messes up a lot of things as well at the same time.”It’s messed his team [Delhi Capitals] up, him pulling him out. Any team that loses Harry Brook is messed up a bit, and they’ve got to now rejig everything and stuff like that. Forget him for a second, if you do pull out, the rule is you get a ban, unless it’s a family reason or injury. If it’s injury, it’s different. But I think if you just pull out, then it’s… I kinda agree with it [the rules].”Delhi Capitals, who signed Brook for INR 6.25 crore (£590,000 approx.) at the mega-auction last November, were told about his withdrawal earlier this month through the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Brook posted on social media at the time that he needed “time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date”.Brook, who has an all-format contract with England is considered the frontrunner to be the next white-ball captain following Jos Buttler’s decision to step down from the role after England’s winless campaign at the Champions Trophy.Moeen, who will be playing for Kolkata Knight Riders at IPL 2025, felt the possibility of Brook taking over as England captain may have led him to his IPL decision. England have two big Test assignments later in the year: a five-Test series against India at home between June and August, followed by the Ashes in Australia between November and January.”It’s happened a few times before, England players have done it a few times before in the past,” Moeen said. “With him, he’s played a lot of cricket; he’s probably just thinking a little bit of a rest, there’s a big summer coming up, a big 12 months coming up.”England do play a lot though. He [Brook] plays all forms, he’s probably going to be captain of the white-ball side as well, he’s probably just giving himself a bit of a break. It’s been a tough winter, he’s probably just going to get his game in order a bit more. That’s all.”This decision puts Brook in a tight spot. While the IPL hasn’t officially sanctioned him, the new rules, put in place ahead of the 2025 season, have been drafted based on feedback from the franchises who have expressed frustration at such late withdrawals by overseas players.This is the second year in a row that Brook has pulled out before the start of an IPL season.Last March, ten days before their opening match of the season, Brook informed DC he was withdrawing from the tournament to be with his family after the death of his grandmother. The bereavement had already caused him to pull out of England’s Test tour of India in February.Adil Rashid, the England legspinner who has previously been part of the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad, concurred with Moeen.”That’s the rule. If they actually put that rule in place before and then this happens, you know going in that this is the rule, where you put your name and you know if you pull out – this is gonna happen,” Rashid said. “You know the consequences to it. So, I don’t think it’s harsh. If you pull out through injury or whatever it is, rules may differ or change in that way.”This has been going on for a little while, Mo been in IPL lot longer, for five-ten years a lot of people who have been selected generally have pulled out. That’s what they’re trying to stop, where a lot of people who make the team up pull out last minute, and that messes things up in term of dynamics of teams.”

There’s no denying Chelsea have been one of the biggest spenders in the transfer market over the last few years – subsequently playing a huge role in their Club World Cup success this summer.

However, the next step for Enzo Maresca is claiming Premier League glory – an achievement that hasn’t been done at Stamford Bridge since the 2016/17 campaign.

Over the last few days, a £40m transfer has been agreed with Manchester United for the signature of Alejandro Garnacho after tracking the Argentine all summer long.

The 21-year-old will add key depth to the left-wing department, potentially battling fellow new addition Jamie Gittens for a starting role in the Blues’ frontline.

His arrival will take the club’s summer spending to around the £300m mark, but it could yet reach new levels with a move for another talent before Monday’s deadline.

Chelsea’s hunt for new signings after Garnacho

Alongside Garnacho, Chelsea have previously been interested in a move for his United teammate Kobbie Mainoo, who’s rapidly dropped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order.

The midfielder stated his desire to leave on loan earlier this week, but as it stands, the Red Devils are reluctant to allowing the 20-year-old to depart – even on a temporary basis.

However, another midfielder has emerged on their shortlist in the form of Barcelona star Fermin Lopez – that’s according to GIVEMESPORT journalist Ben Jacobs.

He’s claimed that talks have been held between Maresca’s side and the LaLiga giants over a move for the 22-year-old talent before Monday’s transfer deadline.

It’s also been confirmed that the player has spoken with the manager himself, but any deal would be an expensive one – with the Spaniard currently valued at €100m (£86m).

Why Chelsea’s £86m target is a bigger talent than Buonanotte

In an attempt to further the squad, Chelsea have turned their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion star Facundo Buonanotte – subsequently making a surprise move for his signature.

It was reported in recent days that a deal has been agreed for the Argentine, which will see him join the Blues on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 campaign.

Such a move doesn’t include a buy option at the end of the season, but they do have first choice on his future should they decide to want to make such a deal permanent.

Given his tally of 31 appearances in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, the 20-year-old has the experience needed to have an impact in the club’s quest for title glory.

However, he may be further down Maresca’s plans in 2025/26, especially if they were to land a deal for Fermin before the window slams shut on Monday night.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent campaign, the Barça star managed to dominate in key areas – potentially being an excellent addition despite his hefty price tag.

Fermin, who’s been labelled “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, achieved a higher tally of goals and assists – evidently offering a more potent threat in front of goal.

Games played

28

31

Goals & assists

11

7

Progressive passes

5.7

3.2

Pass accuracy

82%

76%

Key passes made

2.1

1.4

Passes into the final third

4.7

2.4

Take-on success

46%

33%

Carries into the opposition box

1.6

1.5

Crosses completed

3.4

2.5

His underlying stats are just as impressive, subsequently completing more progressive passes per 90, with more of his efforts being into the final third – highlighting the creative dominance he possesses over Buonanotte.

Lopez’s talents in possession are further reflected in his higher take-on success rate, whilst also producing more carries into the opposition box per 90.

It’s clear he can glide past the opposition, as seen by his aforementioned figures, but the Spaniard also has the end product – something which would massively aid Maresca’s hunt for top-flight glory this season.

£86m would be another mammoth addition given the previous money spent this summer, but it’s an investment that could prove worthwhile if the 22-year-old continues on his current trajectory.

Such a deal would be bad news for Buonanotte, subsequently dropping him further down the pecking order immediately after his own arrival – but it’s safe to say a deal for Lopez would be a massive statement from the hierarchy.

Better signing than Simons: Chelsea targeting "generational" £100m talent

Despite missing out on Xavi Simons, Chelsea could be plotting an even bigger statement move…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 30, 2025

A cluster of big names joined the playoff stage of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), all arriving from the International League T20 (ILT20) tournament in the UAE after being eliminated in that competition. James Vince, Tim David and Shimron Hetmyer have come from Gulf Giants (GG) while Andre Russell and Jason Holder have arrived after playing for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR).All five were in action at Monday’s BPL eliminator match. David, Russell and Vince turned out for Rangpur Riders while Khulna Tigers have Hetmyer and Holder in their corner.Kyle Mayers is reportedly also returning for Fortune Barishal after his stint with the Abu Dhabi franchise in the ILT20. Mayers had initially played five matches for Barishal, before hopping off to the ILT20 where he played ten matches.Related

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It is a timely boost for the BPL after a plethora of controversies over allegations of corruption and salary payment issues.The inclusion of these T20 A-listers will give the tournament some legitimacy. But the swift player transfer highlights the absurdity of the T20 market where a player gets to play more franchise leagues in the same window if his team is eliminated earlier than others. Vince has played in the Big Bash League, before making it to the ILT20 and now have arrived for the BPL.The injection of big stars created an early problem for Rangpur in the eliminator though. Vince had a mix-up with Soumya Sarkar in the first over of the eliminator, resulting in the latter getting run-out. Vince then fell for just one run, unable to read a two-paced wicket. David and Russell fell for seven and four respectively.The BPL hasn’t had a lot of big names playing this season. Alex Hales and Shaheen Afridi featured for the first couple of weeks while Jason Roy and Reece Topley also appeared for a few matches. In fact, there has been criticism of the large number of lesser-known and former overseas cricketers in the BPL.

The batter posted his List A stats on social media, expressing surprise at his omission

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Dec-2024

Prithvi Shaw has been left out of Mumbai’s squad for the first three rounds of the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy beginning December 21. The announcement was made on Tuesday, two days after Mumbai beat Madhya Pradesh in Bengaluru to win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Ajinkya Rahane, who played a key role in the triumph by top-scoring in the tournament, has been rested following a request for a break. Rahane made 469 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 164.56, with five half-centuries, as an opener.Shreyas Iyer continues to remain captain, while Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and Shardul Thakur feature in a full-strength 17-member squad. Opener Ayush Mhatre, who missed the domestic T20 competition to be part of India’s Under-19 Asia Cup squad, returns to the mix.Shaw’s exclusion comes at a time when questions continue to be raised about his form and fitness. He failed to hit a half-century in nine innings in the SMA Trophy – 197 runs with a highest of 49 against Vidarbha in the quarter-final.Related

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Shaw expressed surprise at his omission by posting his List A stats in an Instagram story. “Tell me god, what more do I have to see…if 65 innings, 3399 runs at an average of 55.7 with a strike rate of 126, I’m not good enough…but I will keep my faith in you and hopefully people believe in me still…cause I will come back for sure. Om Sai Ram.”The spotlight has been on Shaw since he was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad in October owing to fitness and disciplinary issues. While he received support from Greg Chappell and Kevin Pietersen, Shaw’s fitness standards and “work ethic” – as stated by Iyer – continues to be a concern. In December, Shaw wasn’t picked in an IPL auction for the first time.”He needs to get his work ethics right, and if he does that, the sky is the limit for him,” Iyer said after Mumbai won the SMA Trophy. “We can’t babysit anyone, right? Every professional who is playing at this level, they need to know what they should be doing. And he has also done it in the past; it’s not that he hasn’t. He has to focus, he has to sit back, [and] put a thinking cap on, and then figure out himself. He will get the answer by himself.Baroda, semi-finalists at SMAT, will be without Hardik Pandya for the first few rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy as part of his workload management, keeping in mind India’s upcoming schedule that includes six white-ball games at home against England followed by the Champions Trophy. Hardik played seven games for Baroda in the SMA Trophy, where he hit 246 runs at a strike rate of 193.70, with two half-centuries. He also bowled 19 overs in those games for six wickets.

Liverpool have been quite the busy shoppers this summer. But then we knew this would be the case, with Arne Slot having established himself as Jurgen Klopp’s successor with minimal investment last season, only signing Juventus’ Federico Chiesa for a £12.5m fee.

Chiesa’s first Premier League start came against Brighton & Hove Albion in May. It was the penultimate game of the season, and he lasted only an hour.

Now, the Italian forward, wracked by injuries and consequent struggles for form and fluency last year, is set to leave. It’s a sad thing, since he’s talented and popular both in the dressing room and with the fanbase, but the 27-year-old must act wisely, following his career ambitions.

Mohamed Salah, then, will continue to dominate on the right flank, but Jeremie Frimpong adds depth and Ben Doak may too, although the young Scot has been linked with a move away after his loan spell with Middlesbrough last term.

Chiesa can also play centrally, but with Liverpool now on the brink of finalising the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, there’s cause for optimism, all right.

Liverpool seal deal for Hugo Ekitike

All that remains is the official announcement. Liverpool have got their man. Ekitike is regarded as one of the most talented young strikers in the world and could lead the Anfield line for many years to come.

While Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak was (still is?) the club’s top target at number nine, the Magpies are seeking something significant, in the £130m ballpark, to part ways with their talisman.

Ekitike is undeveloped, but there’s so much to like. With silky and speedy running, combining with an instinctive sharpness, he has been likened by data-driven site FBref as one of Isak’s most comparable players.

It’s a fantastic deal, and no mistake. However, Liverpool aren’t done yet, and they are preparing to make their move for what could prove to be an even better signing.

Liverpool prepare bid for Premier League star

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are preparing to make their move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Transfer Focus

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

Prevailing interest from Real Madrid in Ibrahima Konate, who has entered the final year of his contract, is thought to have raised the urgency for sporting director Richard Hughes.

The report states that the Premier League champions are looking increasingly likely to make a £45m offer for the England international this summer.

Guehi, 25, is also just one year away from free agency, and with no plans to extend his stay at Selhurst Park, Liverpool will be confident that they can get a deal done this summer.

How Marc Guehi could improve Liverpool

Liverpool know that losing Konate would be a blow. It would be a bitter pill to swallow, for the Frenchman is one of the best defenders in the world.

But so is Guehi; many just don’t know it yet. Although saying that, he’s not unaccomplished. Hailed as “England’s best centre-back” by one analyst, the Three Lions star did captain Palace to last year’s FA Cup title, beating Manchester City in the final.

While signing a striker such as Ekitike marks important business for the Reds, it might actually be that Guehi would mark better business, for, regardless of the outcome of Konate’s situation, Liverpool have spent frugally on their central defence in recent years.

With Jarell Quansah having been sold to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m, you might even say that landing a player like Guehi is a necessity, especially when considering the cut-price fee that he is available for.

Considering that Tottenham Hotspur tried to prise him away from south London only in January, offering a £70m fee, this could go down as a blinder.

Did Newcastle United not fail with four offers one year ago, the last of which totalled £65m? Circumstances dictate financial parameters in football, but this would undoubtedly prove a fantastic deal for Liverpool, snapping up a defender approaching the prime of their career for a shrewd figure.

Described as a “monster in defence” by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi is the real deal, having come into his own last year. Certainly, his complete and commanding Premier League performances suggest he has what it takes to thrive at Liverpool as they chase down another title.

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

Goals

3

Assists

2

Clean sheets

11

Touches*

64.9

Pass completion

84%

Key passes*

0.5

Dribbles*

0.4

Ball recoveries*

4.3

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

Clearances*

4.6

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

Errors made

2

And not just any defender. While Ekitike is a talented and up-and-coming sensation, Guehi is already there, and he’s proven in the Premier League besides, which is a big thing. Long is the list of prospects alighting in England’s top flight with a weight of expectation only to fall flat.

We’re not advocating for Ekitike’s demise; far from it. Talent scout Jacek Kulig claims that the Frenchman “could definitely reach world-class striker levels”, and that’s certainly the vision of FSG and Slot.

However, this hopefully sheds some light on the masterful deal that Hughes and co could pull off by signing Guehi, who, having featured prominently for England and in the Premier League, could play a starring role in Slot’s machinations, looking to dominate for years to come.

And he knows how to pass, too. As per FBref, Guehi ranked among the top 17% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists and the top 13% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Oliver Glasner’s high-intensity, transitional style of football has instilled in Guehi an angle toward the ball-playing side of the central defensive game. Slot, then, would find in the titan a style which matches his own brand at Liverpool.

With other clubs also keen, Liverpool need to get this one over the line pronto.

Their own Zubimendi: Liverpool favourites to sign "generational" £100m CM

Liverpool are reportedly favourites to sign one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 21, 2025

West Ham United have now submitted an offer for a £34m “revelation”, who is also a target for Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report.

West Ham set sights on midfielder amid Soucek uncertainty

Tomas Soucek has been a key player for West Ham ever since his arrival, with the midfielder featuring in a minimum of 35 Premier League games in each of the last five seasons, but there has been speculation over his future at the London Stadium for quite some time.

With the Toffees now set to make a bid for the 30-year-old, the Hammers have started running the rule over potential replacements, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka was recently identified as a target.

The former Arsenal man could be a solid option, given that he has already proven himself in England, but the Switzerland international is not the only ex-Premier League player on the Irons’ shortlist.

According to a report from Gazzetta Dello Sport (via West Ham Zone), West Ham have now tabled an offer for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, having emerged as one of the clubs most keen on securing his signature, alongside Everton.

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The Italian club had been hoping to receive a fee of £34m for the former Aston Villa man, but given that he has failed to impress since making the move to Italy, they may be forced to cash-in at a lower price.

In order to get a deal over the line, the Hammers may also have to fend off interest from bitter rivals Tottenham, who recently held internal talks about signing Luiz.

Luiz could be "revelation" at West Ham

Any club would find it difficult to replace Declan Rice, although Soucek has stepped up in the England international’s absence, recording the third-highest average rating of any West Ham player in the Premier League last term.

However, with the Czechia international now edging closer to Everton, it could make sense to bring in a new midfielder with similar qualities to Rice, and the Juventus midfielder certainly fits the bill in that regard.

Much like Rice, the 27-year-old is a very well-rounded midfielder, impressing in both an attacking and defensive sense for Villa during the 2023-24 campaign.

Having also been lauded as a “revelation” by Garth Crooks, Luiz could be the perfect signing for West Ham this summer, but the rival interest from Tottenham could pose a major problem.

Rockets’ decision to retire Imad Wasim out backfires before Jacob Bethell ices chase

ECB Media12-Aug-2024

Birmingham Phoenix put themselves back into the knockout positions in the Hundred with an important win at Edgbaston, knocking Trent Rockets out of this year’s competition in the process.Tim Southee claimed a five-wicket haul, to restrict the Rockets to 118, before Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell helped the Phoenix to overtake Northern Superchargers in third with a measured chase.”It was a pretty good performance,” Southee said. “I think the bowlers assessed the conditions well and then the way the batters went about it towards the end, Bethell and Livingstone knocked it around and chose great options. So, I think it was a pretty good all-round performance.”I think we have had really good consistency over the last few games and have got to know each other a bit better. Obviously, Adam Milne and I have played a lot of cricket together, but for everyone else it’s great to have that experience of playing a few games together.”We adapted to conditions as quickly as possible, which helped us tonight and the surface offered us a little bit which we tried to get as much out of as we could.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The Phoenix won the toss and chose to bowl, which proved a great decision from Moeen Ali, as his pace attack put on an exhibition of swing and seam bowling at the start of the first innings. The dangerous quartet of Tom Banton, Alex Hales, Joe Root and Rovman Powell were dismissed in the first 30 deliveries, as the Rockets fell to 22 for 4.Tom Alsop – making his debut in The Hundred – and Pakistan international Imad Wasim rebuilt for the visitors with a fifty partnership, before Imad was retired out on a run-a-ball 29, to be replaced by Chris Green. The Australian allrounder returned for the Rockets, replacing the injured Rashid Khan, but he was to last just five balls before being removed by Adam Milne, who took a well-deserved wicket.Alsop reached his half-century, and was then dismissed by the excellent Southee, who finished with 5 for 12 and momentarily thought he’d taken a hat-trick before being denied by an overturned LBW decision.Trent Rockets set Phoenix 119 to win, and Ben Duckett got the chase off to a flying start with 30 from 16 before Rockets came firing back at them. Luke Wood dismissed Duckett and Jamie Smith in consecutive balls to put the breaks on Birmingham’s fast start.Moeen Ali and Livingstone steadied the ship for a while before the impressive John Turner (2 for 17) removed captain Moeen and Dan Mousley.Livingstone and Bethell celebrate after taking the Phoenix home•Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The away team sensed it was their chance to build the pressure with the ball in the chase and they began to restrict Phoenix’s scoring opportunities, before Luke Wood released the pressure with a no-ball free-hit that Bethell deposited into the stands to give the home side some breathing room.Bethell (38* off 29) and Livingstone (30* off 32) then took Phoenix home with a half-century partnership, as they chased it with seven balls to spare.With one game left each, the result leaves three teams with a chance of joining Oval Invincibles in the knockout rounds – Phoenix, Southern Brave and Northern Superchargers. Defeat for Trent Rockets means that, like London Spirit, Manchester Originals and Welsh Fire, their tournament is over.

Newcastle United are now trying to get ahead of Barcelona in the race to sign a “fantastic” forward on loan for the 2025/26 season, according to a new report.

Newcastle chasing multiple targets after rejected Elanga bid

Earlier this week, the Magpies saw a bid in the region of £45 million turned down straight away by Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga. Forest have made it clear they have no intention of selling the Sweden international, and now Newcastle are said to be weighing up whether to make another move.

As they decide what to do next in their pursuit of Elanga, Newcastle are already working on other potential arrivals in the meantime. The Premier League side are already in advanced talks to sign James Trafford from Burnley in a deal that is worth £30 million, and the transfer news doesn’t stop there, as the Magpies have agreed personal terms with forward Joao Pedro.

Newcastle are now said to be preparing a bid to sign the Brighton & Hove Albion attacker, but Chelsea’s interest has made the player think about where he would like to play his football from next season and beyond.

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A move for Pedro may depend on several factors, as a continued pursuit of Elanga could cool their interest in the Brighton man, but there is also another player who is firmly on their radar, and he could be seen as an alternative to both attackers.

Newcastle trying to beat Barça to Rashford

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are making “serious moves” to sign Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United.

The Magpies are laying the groundwork to sign the Englishman, though with Rashford fully expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, there is set to be a race for his signature. The winger’s preference is to join Barcelona, but it remains unclear if the Spanish side are going to make him a priority despite Hansi Flick’s public interest.

Rashford, who earns £300,000 a week at Man United, spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils have already brought Matheus Cunha to the club this summer and are now closing in on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, which makes the case stronger that Rashford doesn’t have a future at the club.

Marcus Rashford’s 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

25

Starts

16

Goals

6

xG

4.77

Total shots

1.4

Chance conversion

17%

Assists

3

xAG

3.45

Big chances created

8

United would ideally like to sell Rashford, as they have placed a £40 million price tag on his head. But given his wages and the transfer fee, the Red Devils may have to accept what Newcastle are willing to offer, and that is a loan deal.

A move to St James’ Park would see Rashford, who was dubbed “fantastic” by Unai Emery and even “world class” by teammate Rasmus Hojlund, come up against the likes of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak for a starting spot in Eddie Howe’s team.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is personally pushing to bring a Brazil international to the Etihad this summer, according to a new transfer claim.

A big summer ahead at Man City

By their incredible standards, City have been a big disappointment this season, not coming close to defending their Premier League title, as well as failing to reach the Champions League knockout rounds.

This summer is a massive one for the club, with Kevin De Bruyne among those moving on and some elite signings needed, in order to be favourites for the title in 2025/26. Plenty of top-quality players are being linked with switches to the Etihad, ahead of what could be a prolific window.

Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo has been backed to come in as a huge statement signing for City, with the Brazilian potentially eyeing a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu. That remains to be seen, but he could be a sensational signing for Guardiola, standing out as one of the best attacking players in Europe.

The Citizens are also rumoured to have opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who is one of the most exciting strikers around. The 22-year-old has scored 15 goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances this season.

Guardiola wants Man City to sign Flamengo right-back Wesley

According to the Flamengo YouTube channel Paparazzo Rubo-Negro [via Sport Witness], Guardiola is pushing for Manchester City to sign Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca ahead of next season. The 21-year-old has been scouted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe and City are planning to make a move for him, seeing him as the long-term replacement for club legend Kyle Walker.

Wesley could be a brilliant option for City, solving their right-back issue for many years to come and arriving as a young player with a huge amount of promise.

The Flamengo ace is a two-cap Brazil international, and will hope to be a part of their squad at the 2026 World Cup, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as an “interesting” defender.

Admittedly, Wesley has never tested himself in Europe, so he may take some time to adjust to the pace and power of the Premier League, but his age means that there is no rush in throwing him straight into the team from the off next season.

As many touches as Haaland: 6/10 star proved why Man City need Gibbs-White

Man City struggled to a 0-0 draw against Southampton

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Ross Kilvington

May 10, 2025

The fact that Guardiola himself is reportedly so keen on getting a deal over the line for the right-back is telling, highlighting what an impressive footballer he is – he has even been compared to Dani Alves – and he has the pace and Brazilian flair to be a big asset for City.

Manchester United fell to their 15th Premier League defeat of the season earlier this afternoon, losing 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

Pablo Sarabia’s free kick just 10 minutes from time secured all three points for Vitor Pereira’s side, cementing their Premier League status for another season.

The defeat saw them achieve their highest tally of losses in a single league campaign since 1989/90, highlighting the job Ruben Amorim has on his hands this summer.

Whilst all their attention is undoubtedly on the Europa League, wins are needed to make the 2024/25 campaign look somewhat respectable after the lows they’ve endured.

Numerous players failed to deliver once more yesterday, potentially putting their starting roles at risk ahead of the crunch European clash in just over a week’s time.

Man Utd’s poor performers against Wolves

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was rewarded for his heroics on Thursday night with a start this afternoon, but failed to take advantage of the opportunity handed his way.

The 20-year-old managed just 31 touches during the defeat, failing to complete any of the dribbles he attempted and only winning 33% of the ground duels he entered.

He wasn’t the only United star to fail to deliver, with fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte looking tired after featuring in the majority of the outing against Lyon.

The Uruguayan only managed to win one tackle, losing possession 11 times and often looking wasteful when having the chance to find one of his teammates.

However, despite the showings from the aforementioned duo, one other Red Devils player once again failed to impress, with Amorim needing to make a brutal call on his future this summer.

The player who Amorim needs to axe this summer

The task of the summer rebuild was made even more obvious to Amorim this afternoon, coming back to earth with a bang after their Europa League triumph just a couple of days ago.

Huge decisions are needed all over the pitch to avoid a repeat of this afternoon’s embarrassing defeat, with additions and sales needed if they are to return to their former glory.

One of the players who desperately needs selling in the coming months is striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has blown every single chance he’s had to impress under Amorim.

The Dane cost the Red Devils a staggering £72m back in the summer of 2023, but has ultimately failed to deliver this campaign, scoring eight times in his 45 outings across all competitions.

At one stage, he went 21 games without a goal, but he’s been handed the responsibility at the top end after Joshua Zirkzee’s season-ending hamstring injury.

His lack of impact was evident once again today, registering a total of just 14 touches in his 70-minute showing, leading to journalist Alex Turk labelling him as “atrocious”.

Hojlund also only completed six passes and won just two duels, often being a passenger throughout the meeting, failing to make any sort of impact, making it feel as though the side were operating with just ten men.

To top off his dismal showing, he was handed a measly 3/10 match rating by Turk, highlighting his lack of impact throughout the contest – ultimately leading to his withdrawal.

Rasmus Hojlund’s stats for United against Wolves

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

70

Touches

14

Passes completed

6/8

Duels won

2

Possession lost

5x

Shots taken

1

Times caught offside

1x

Stats via SofaScore

There’s no denying that Amorim desperately needs to strengthen the front line over the summer, with Hojlund simply not at the level of a side pushing for a return to the top four.

Whilst they will lose a small fortune on their big-money investment, parting ways with him is the only option, with any funds generated massively helping their pursuit of a new talisman ahead of 2025/26.

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Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Apr 19, 2025