Chelsea give Fermin Lopez transfer ultimatum as Barcelona set asking price for midfielder

Chelsea have been told they will have to increase their offer for Fermin Lopez after submitting a surprise bid for the Barcelona midfielder this week.

Barcelona value Fermin at €70mFlick counting on him for the seasonChelsea give Spanish midfielder 48 hours to decideFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Barcelona have made their stance clear on Fermin, demanding at least €70 million (£59m/$76m) for the 22-year-old. The Catalan giants insist they only consider a transfer if two conditions are met: If Fermin himself requests to leave and that an offer arrives that matches the scale of Premier League spending. So far, Chelsea have been monitoring the Spaniard closely and signalled they would be willing to pay €50m (£43m/$58m). The report adds that the Blues have given Fermin 48 hours to decide if he wants to join them before moving forward.

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Hansi Flick sees the attacking midfielder as an important part in his plans, especially after his breakout run in the final stretch of last season where he helped secure Barcelona’s league title. With a contract running until 2029, Barca feel secure in negotiations and are in no rush to sell. Chelsea, meanwhile, remain one of Europe’s most aggressive spenders in the market, having already invested nearly €280m (£235m/$305m) on 18 signings this summer.

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Chelsea’s recruitment drive has seen them bring in Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap and Estevao Willian, balancing the books through a large number of departures. The London club are now focused on Fermin, with Stamford Bridge executives prepared to test Barcelona’s resolve. The Spaniard recently extended his deal until 2029, strengthening Barca’s hand.

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The Blues must decide whether to meet Barcelona’s €70m valuation to have any chance of landing Fermin. The Blaugrana club, for now, remain calm and expect the player to stay unless a massive bid arrives. After being on the bench during the club’s 3-2 comeback against Levante, Fermin will hope to feature in the upcoming clash with Rayo Vallecano.

Cummins: SRH have earned the right to have such days and still win tournaments

The Sunrisers captain isn’t worried about his side’s heavy defeat to KKR in Qualifier 1

ESPNcricinfo staff21-May-20243:01

Did SRH get Sanvir and Shahbaz’s position wrong?

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins was not fussed after his team suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1 in Ahmedabad on Tuesday and simply said he wanted “to put this one behind pretty quickly”.”I guess we have earned the right to have one of those days and still win tournaments,” Cummins said after the game. “Not our day but good thing we have another crack at it [qualifying for the final].”After choosing to bat, SRH were blown away in the powerplay by Mitchell Starc and were eventually dismissed for 159 in 19.3 overs. In reply, Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer smashed unbeaten fifties to overhaul the target in 13.4 overs to qualify for the final.Related

As it happened – Starc leads the way as KKR crush SRH to march into the IPL final

'I might keep that one in the back pocket' – Starc wins bragging rights vs Head

“A bit off the pace,” Cummins said about his team’s effort. “Think you have those days in T20 cricket. Even when you are a very good side, you have some days where it doesn’t quite work out.”Few guys didn’t get off to starts so we were probably short of where we wanted to be with the bat. And then yeah, couldn’t get it done with the ball. Kolkata bowled really well. That wicket got better but there was a little bit in it early. But it happens.”SRH’s decision to bring in Sanvir Singh as their Impact Player also became a point of discussion. He came into bat when SRH were 121 for 6 in the 14th over and fell first ball to Sunil Narine. Cummins said the decision was taken to strengthen SRH’s batting at the cost of an extra bowling option in the second innings.”Sunny [Sanvir] played the last game. We were kind of hoping not to use the batting sub to keep Umran [Malik] up our sleeve on that wicket but felt like the extra batting was important,” he said.SRH have another shot at making the final on Friday, when they face the winners of the Eliminator between Royal Challengers Bengaluru [RCB] and Rajasthan Royals [RR] in Chennai.”Going to a new venue helps as well. It is going to be a bit different feel to here, so you start again,” Cummins said. “We have got a good body of work behind us this season to look back on, so we erase this one and move on.”

Revealed: Hansi Flick issued strong warning to Marcus Rashford before giving green light to Barcelona transfer amid internal concerns about Man Utd outcast

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick issued a strong warning to Marcus Rashford before approving the English forward's loan move to the club. The German coach had a direct conversation with the Manchester United outcast last week before he travelled to Catalonia. Rashford is expected to be announced as a new Barcelona signing this week.

  • Flick issued warning to Rashford
  • Manager approved Rashford's loan move
  • Rashford to be unveiled as Barca player
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Rashford will finally end his United nightmare and exit Old Trafford this summer as he is all set to complete a loan move to Barcelona. The 27-year-old reportedly rejected offers from the Saudi Pro League and some top European clubs, as the winger only wanted a transfer to the Catalan side.

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    The negotiations picked up speed towards the end of last week after Flick personally spoke to Rashford, as reported by . The German manager warned the winger that he would have to fight for his place in the team's starting lineup and put in more work defensively. The report adds that concerns were raised internally over the England international's work rate. Flick, however, gave his green signal after getting a verbal assurance from Rashford.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Rashford has his task cut out at Barcelona as he is expected to predominantly operate from the left side of their attack. He has to compete with Raphinha in that position, who was one of the star performers for Flick's side last season. In the central striker position, Rashford's competition is with legendary Polish forward Robert Lewandowski.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

    Rashford could inherit the number of Lamine Yamal or Thierry Henry once he signs the dotted lines at Barcelona. The Spanish league winners have already confirmed that Yamal will take the iconic No.10 shirt after Ansu Fati's loan move to Monaco.

Botafogo x Internacional: clube anuncia 15 mil ingressos vendidos

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo anunciou nesta quinta-feira que 15 mil ingressos já foram vendidos para jogo contra o Internacional. Os alvinegros estão empolgados pelos recentes resultados e vêm preparando um mosaico para domingo.

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+John Textor tentou tirar Pedro do Flamengo, Gallardo saindo do River Plate… o Dia do Mercado!

As vendas iniciaram na última sexta-feira. Os valores variam entre R$10 e R$320. Na última parcial divulgada pelo Glorioso, mais de dez mil ingressos já haviam sido vendidos.

+Estádio do Botafogo receberá evento especial para Copa do Mundo

O setor Leste Superior está esgotado e restam poucas entradas para o Leste Inferior. O Glorioso venceu os últimos dois jogos do Campeonato Brasileiro e vai em busca da terceira vitória consecutiva.

No momento, somente os setores Leste Superior, Oeste Inferior, Tribuna e Camarote estão disponíveis. Nesta quinta, o clube abriu venda para o público geral.

Botafogo e Internacional se enfrentam no próximo domingo, às 18h, no Nilton Santos, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

Chelsea thought they had their own Kane, but Tuchel sold him for just £25m

Over the last couple of years, Chelsea have struggled to match the levels produced by Thomas Tuchel, with the German being a monster hit with the supporters as a result of his success.

He was appointed as manager back in January 2021, taking over from Frank Lampard, going on to achieve the unthinkable just a couple of months after moving to Stamford Bridge.

The former PSG boss would mastermind the Blues to a 1-0 win over fellow Premier League side Manchester City in the Champions League final – claiming just their second European Cup triumph in Portugal.

Such an achievement will always make him a fan favourite in West London, with many arguing he was unfairly dismissed by the hierarchy back in September 2022.

Current boss Enzo Maresca is yet to match the heights set by the German, but he will need time to work his magic given the influx of additions – something which Tuchel missed after his dismissal.

Chelsea’s hunt to land a number nine in 2025

Nicolas Jackson has been Chelsea’s number-one striking option over the last couple of years, notching a total of 26 goals in his 68 outings for the Blues.

However, his injury, coupled with the lack of depth, has seen the hierarchy constantly linked with various attackers all over Europe – as they try to push the club closer to the top of the division.

Chelsea'sNicolasJacksonreacts after sustaining an injury

The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Jonathan David have all been linked with a move to the Bridge in recent weeks, showcasing the potential quality the club could attract this summer.

The window doesn’t open yet for another couple of months, with qualification for the Champions League only boosting their chances of landing a top-level talent to take the side forward.

Many supporters must wish they had their own version of one world-class star, with one player previously predicted to emulate his success before his eventual departure.

The player who was tipped to be Chelsea’s own Harry Kane

Striker Harry Kane is a player who’s always been associated with goals, understandably so given his goalscoring exploits wherever he’s played throughout his career.

The 31-year-old is Tottenham Hotspur’s and England’s record scorers, notching a total of 280 and 71 goals respectively – even carrying on his superb form with Bayern Munich.

He joined the Bundesliga giants in 2023 and has scored 77 times in just 83 appearances across all competitions, highlighting the clinical nature he possesses in the final third.

However, the Blues could’ve had their very own version of the talisman in the form of Timo Werner, who was sold for £25m by Tuchel in the summer of 2022, returning to former side RB Leipzig.

The 29-year-old has high hopes of being a success in the capital, costing £45m just two years prior – taking the Premier League by storm in his first year, notching 14 combined goal contributions.

Timo Werner’s stats since leaving Chelsea back in 2022

Season

Team

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

RB Leipzig

40

16

5

2023/24

RB Leipzig

14

2

1

2023/24

Spurs (loan)

14

2

3

2024/25

Spurs (loan)

27

1

3

Total:

95

21

12

Stats via FotMob

Such a run of form would lead to teammate Ben Chilwell comparing him to Kane and that he had the potential to be world-class during his time at the Bridge.

It’s safe to say the striker had divided opinion during his time as a Blue, with the club certainly making the right call in offloading him given his lack of form over the last couple of seasons.

He’s spent the last two years on loan at city rivals Spurs, scoring just three times in his last 41 outings – looking wasteful and past the level required of a player in England’s top flight.

There’s no denying he failed to live up to expectations during his time at the Bridge, struggling to prove Chilwell right in his claim and ultimately unable to live up to the hype.

Whilst they lost money at the time of selling him back to his former employers, it was certainly the right call, with his value likely to plummet further given his recent unsuccessful stint in North London.

He's like Gyokeres: Chelsea plot bid for "one of the best STs in the world"

Chelsea are targeting another player to improve the options within the final third.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 1, 2025

Botafogo confirma Tiquinho Soares no elenco contra Fortaleza; Patrick fica fora

MatériaMais Notícias

A delegação do Botafogo está repleta de novidades para enfrentar o Fortaleza. O elenco comandado por Luís Castro viaja para a capital cearense neste sábado para a partida válida pela 25ª rodada do Brasileirão tendo Tiquinho Soares com holofotes.

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+Como Tiquinho balança as redes? Analisamos todos os gols do atacante do Botafogo na última temporada

O atacante, recuperado de lesão, foi envolvido em um jogo oficial pela primeira vez desde que foi contratado pelo Glorioso. Ainda não há definição se o camisa 9 começará como titular.

Por outro lado, o português conta com problemas no meio-campo. Tchê Tchê é o único volante de ofício na delegação: Del Piage, Danilo Barbosa e Patrick de Paula ficaram fora da relação. O clube não informou os motivos.

+Patrick de Paula ‘some’ no Botafogo e completa um mês sem jogar

Com 27 pontos, o Glorioso ocupa a 14ª colocação na tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro. O time está apenas dois pontos acima do Cuiabá, primeiro time na zona de rebaixamento.

VEJA OS RELACIONADOS DO BOTAFOGO

IPL 2023 scenarios – Three spots left, seven teams in contention

Titans are through, Sunrisers and Capitals are out, the seven remaining teams are not out of the race yet

S Rajesh14-May-2023 • Updated on 16-May-2023Chennai Super Kings

Super Kings’ loss to Kolkata Knight Riders means they are not yet assured of qualification, and even if they win their last game – away against Delhi Capitals – they might still not finish among the top two, though they will be assured of qualifying for the playoffs. If they lose to Capitals then Super Kings could be knocked out, as five teams can potentially finish on more than 15 points. However, if other results go their way, then Super Kings could finish second without adding to their tally.Mumbai Indians

After a slow start, Mumbai Indians have come into their own and seem to be peaking at the right time with four wins in their last five. Wins in their last two matches will guarantee them a top-two finish. If they lose one and finish on 16 then they will be depending on other results to qualify: they could go through without NRRs coming into play, or they could get embroiled in an NRR battle for the final spot with two other teams. If they lose both, though, then qualification hopes will be extremely slim: three teams would already be on 15 or more points, and Mumbai Indians could be fighting for the fourth slot with as many as four other teams and a poor NRR.Lucknow Super Giants

Super Giants need to win their last two matches to be assured of the qualifying. If they lose one, they can still qualify without depending on NRRs, if other results fall in place. However, there is also a possibility of four other teams apart from Titans – Super Kings, Mumbai, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings – all finishing on 16 or more points. If they lose both their matches, Super Giants will be eliminated.Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers’ stunning win against Rajasthan Royals has lifted them to fifth on the table, and boosted their NRR from -0.345 to 0.166. As mentioned earlier, 16 could still be a crowded place on the table, but Royal Challengers will definitely be in the mix, especially given that their NRR is now better than that of Mumbai Indians and Kings, two other teams who could finish on 16. However, if Royal Challengers lose one of their two remaining games and stay on 14, then they will need several results to go their way to ensure that one spot is still available for a team on 14 points. If it comes to that, the NRR boost they got from their astonishing win against Royals could be the clincher.Rajasthan Royals

Royals’ brutal hammering at the hands of Royal Challengers has caused their NRR to plummet from an impressive 0.633 to 0.140. They could still qualify, though, if they beat Punjab Kings in their last game, and if other results fall in their favour. Their best chance is if Royal Challengers, Super Giants and Kings lose their last two, and if Sunrisers lose their last game, against Mumbai. Then, the fourth position will be a straight battle between Royals and Knight Riders, which Royals should win on NRR, even after the beating it has taken.Punjab Kings

Kings are one of five remaining teams that could finish on 16 or more points. That means they are very much in contention for a top-four finish, but they might need some help from other teams, as well as relatively big margins of victories: their NRR is currently lower than that of all the other teams who could finish on 16 or more points. If they lose a game, then they could be battling for one spot with as many as four teams. Their two remaining matches are at home, but in Dharamsala, not Mohali.Kolkata Knight Riders

Their victory against Super Kings keeps Knight Riders in the hunt, though there’s only a slim chance that they will finish among the top four with 14 points. For that to happen, they will have to win their last game – at home against Super Giants – and then hope that not more than three teams go beyond 14. One of the ways that could happen is if Super Giants lose their last two, and if Royal Challengers and Punjab Kings lose at least one of their remaining matches. Then, there could between two to four teams on 14 fighting for one spot, which will bring NRR into focus: Knight Riders’ is currently on -0.256, and they have only one game to improve that.

سيد عبد الحفيظ يسخر من ميدو: لو الأهلي يفتقد الأساسيات "يبقى أنت السبب"

علق سيد عبد الحفيظ، مدير الكرة السابق بالنادي الأهلي، على أداء اللاعبين في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، كما هاجم أحمد حسام ميدو بعد تصريحاته عن لاعبي القلعة الحمراء.

وقال سيد عبد الحفيظ في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “حسابيًا وبنسبة أقل الأهلي ما زال في الصورة، الأمل مرتبط بنجاحك أولًا ثم التوفيق من جانب الطرف الآخر، على الأهلي أن يفوز حتى لو خرجت يجب أن تخرج بشكل جيد، لا يصح أن تأتي مع 32 فريقًا ويبقى ترتيبك الـ26 أو الـ27”.

وأكد: “التفاؤل الذي دخل به كل جمهور الأهلي كان مبنيًا على قوتك وخبراتك في كأس العالم وكمية الصفقات وشخصيات الصفقات والخبرات لدى اللاعبين، لكن لا يوجد لاعب جاهز بنسبة كبيرة، هل انشغلنا في تقديمهم أكثر من العمل الفني معهم؟”.

وتابع: “كلنا نعلم أن تريزيجيه ومحمد علي بن رمضان وأحمد سيد زيزو قادمين، لكن لم نكن نعرف هل جاهزين أم لا؟”.

طالع أيضاً.. محمد بركات يرد على تصريحات ميدو: “الفكرة مش شماتة”.. ورأيت أمورًا غريبة من لاعبي الأهلي

وأكمل: “لا أريد أن يكون هناك حساب نهائي عند ريبيرو، لكن هناك مؤشرات تُقلقك، أولا أنا مقتنع بأن الوقت غير كافي، ممكن عدد المباريات ليست كافية، لكن الوقت موجود، ريبيرو متواجد منذ حوالي 50 يومًا، الجميع يعلمون أنه موجود من يوم 17 مايو، والتعاقد معه أخذ وقت قبلها بفترة، 50 يومًا كفيلة جدًا أنه يدخل في الفريق، لأنه يعرف إمكانات اللاعبين وليس غريبًا عن قارة إفريقيا”.

واستكمل: “لا أريد أن أحكم عليه بشكل مطلق، أولًا الخروج بالكرة وتطور الهجمة لا أجده، ورد فعله غريب، هدوء زيادة عن اللازم، أيضًا في الكرات الثابتة لا يظهر، والشيء الأهم أن الأهلي طوال عمره مستواه يتدرج للأعلى مع رتم المباراة، ممكن لا يبدأ أحسن شيء لكن ينهي بأفضل مستوى، عكس المبارتين السابقتين، إذًا الشخصية غير متكاملة”.

وأردف: “الأمر الآخر أن هناك أشخاص جاءت من كل مكان في العالم ومن كل محافظات مصر بأمل، الأداء لم يكن متوقعًا، الأهلي أمامه الآن فرصة لتقديم أداء قوي في المباراة القادمة بغض النظر عن أي أمور أخرى”.

ورد عبد الحفيظ على تصريحات ميدو، وقال: “بدأنا نسمع كلام وتحليلات أو أقاويل لا أريد أن أصفها بأنها تُهينك لكنها تُقلل منك، عندما يظهر مسؤول ويقول إن الأهلي فاقد أساسيات اللعبة، (مسؤول من ناد آخر يقول الأهلي فاقد أساسيات كرة القدم!)، محمد بن رمضان فاقد أساسيات كرة القدم؟ زيزو الذي كان معك منذ شهرين كان أحسن لاعب في إفريقيا، إمام عاشور وحسين الشحات ووسام أبو علي وحمدي فتحي وديانج، كل هؤلاء يقول عليهم فاقدين أساسيات كرة القدم، (أومال إنت فاقد إيه؟)”.

وكان ميدو مسؤول لجنة التخطيط في الزمالك قد قال عن لاعبي الأهلي عقب الخسارة من بالميراس: “أنا كمصري، وليس أهلي أو زمالك، كنت حزينًا، لأن المفروض أن الأهلي يشارك في البطولة كأفضل فريق في مصر، ولاعبيه يقدمون مردودًا أعلى حتى في حالة الخسارة، لكن لا توجد أساسيات كرة القدم عند عدد كبير من لاعبي الأهلي”. طالع التفاصيل من هنا 

وواصل سيد: “هل تعلم الفرق بيني وبينك في الـ3 سنوات الماضية في الدوري؟ 63 نقطة، (يعني لو أنا فاقد أساسيات كرة القدم (يبقى أنت لسه بتتعرف عليها بقى)”.

وواصل: “لا أريد أن أقول إن ما حدث (خلى اللي يسوى واللي…. يتحدث، مش عايز أغلط في الناس)، لكن الموضوع أصبح صعبًا، الشيء الوحيد الذي يجعلني أقول إن الأهلي يفتقد أساسيات الكرة أن هذا المسؤول يكون هو الذي اختار اللاعبين”.

واختتم: “الأهلي أبرم صفقات جيدة جدًا فكنت أرى أنه من المفترض أن يكون الأداء أفضل من ذلك”.

Blackburn set to open talks with former PL midfielder in O’Neil alternative

As their search for a John Eustace replacement goes on, Blackburn Rovers are now reportedly set to open talks with a former Premier League midfielder as an alternative to the heavily linked Gary O’Neil.

In the second half of the season with his side on course to finish inside the Championship play-off places, it seemed an absurd suggestion that Eustace would even consider swapping Blackburn for relegation-battling Derby County for even a second. Yet, here the Rams are, having welcomed their former player-turned-manager back with open arms.

Those at Ewood Park, meanwhile, have been left stranded and left to ponder exactly how they’re without a manager at such an important stage of the campaign. It’s a reality that they have at least realised quickly, however, springing into action on the hunt for a swift replacement.

One name on their list is O’Neil, who was sacked by Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in December and has been out of a job ever since. Reportedly set to hold talks with the former Bournemouth and Wolves boss this week, there’s little doubt that Blackburn would be making a shrewd appointment.

If it’s not to be O’Neil, however, then the Lancashire club seem destined to turn towards another former Premier League man. According to The Sun, Blackburn are now set to open talks with Luis Boa Morte over their vacant managerial role.

The former Arsenal and Southampton midfielder is reportedly keen on the job, despite the fact that he’s currently in charge of Guinea-Bissau after leaving his role as Marco Silva’s assistant manager at Fulham last season.

Blackburn learn compensation fee to appoint 44 y/o as Eustace's replacement

Blackburn could be close to finding a replacement for John Eustace.

By
Brett Worthington

Feb 16, 2025

The Blackburn job would be just the third of his managerial career, having been in charge of Sintrense in Portugal for a short period in 2017 before he took his latest aforementioned position. So, to say that those at Ewood Park would be taking a gamble would be quite the understatement.

Hiring Boa Morte would be a major gamble

There’s a time and a place to take a gamble and Ewood Park is certainly not bearing the look of Vegas as of late. The Lancashire club must simply take caution with their next appointment. With just 13 games remaining, Blackburn are in touching distance of sealing a play-off place, so the task must be getting over the line with a safer choice than Boa Morte.

Luis Boa Morte for Fulham.

As much as the former Arsenal midfielder enjoyed success as Silva’s Fulham assistant, Blackburn cannot afford to take the risk of handing a manager his first role in English football at such an important stage of their campaign.

Talks with O’Neil will certainly hand Blackburn chiefs a clearer idea of their next move and securing the former Wolves boss should be their priority. But if it’s not to be him, then they should turn their attention towards a candidate with equal experience.

As the managerial merry-go-round rumbles on in the Championship, season-defining decisions are about to be made.

Shardul Thakur traded from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders

He had finished IPL 2022 with 15 wickets in 14 matches at an economy of 9.79, among his weakest bowling numbers since IPL 2017

Nagraj Gollapudi14-Nov-2022In a significant trade, Kolkata Knight Riders have acquired India allrounder Shardul Thakur from Delhi Capitals. The trade, which ESPNcricinfo has learned was finalised on Monday, is an all-cash deal but also involves Capitals getting uncapped Mumbai allrounder Aman Khan, who Knight Riders had bought at last year’s auction for INR 20 lakh (USD 26,000 approx).Thakur, who is currently in New Zealand as part of India’s ODI squad, was bought by Capitals at the 2022 IPL mega auction for INR 10.75 crore ($1.433 m approx.). With Indian bowling allrounders being a prized commodity, Thakur’s former IPL team Chennai Super Kings – along with Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings – too had attempted to buy him back, but Capitals did not retreat.Thakur had finished the IPL 2022 season with 15 wickets in 14 matches at an economy of 9.79, among his weakest bowling numbers since he became an IPL regular in 2017. As for his batting, he finished with 120 runs and a strike rate of almost 138.Related

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IPL 2023: RCB trade Jason Behrendorff to Mumbai Indians

Sam Billings pulls out of IPL 2023 'to focus on longer format'

Knight Riders have been the most active franchise before the trading window closes on Tuesday, which also happens to be the deadline the IPL has set for teams to finalise the list of players they want to retain or release. The retention window is scheduled to close on Tuesday at 5pm IST.Thakur is the third player whom Knight Riders have acquired via a trade, after getting the pair of Lockie Ferguson and Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Titans in another all-cash deal.One reason Capitals bid hard to get him last season was also because the IPL was played solely in Mumbai, Thakur’s hometown and the team he represents in domestic cricket. But with the 2023 IPL reverting to its original home-and-away format, Capitals’ thinktank would have weighed Thakur’s numbers at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, their own home ground in Delhi.In the half a dozen IPL matches he has played there, Thakur has picked just three wickets in 20 overs in which he has leaked 209 runs at an economy rate of 10.95. But at Eden Gardens, Knight Riders’ home base, Thakur has played just two matches with a good record: he has two wickets in seven overs while giving away only 39 runs at an economy of 5.57.

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