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When is Champions Trophy 2025 starting?

Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. The final will be played on March 9. Click here for the full schedule.

It has been a while since we had a Champions Trophy, right?

Yes, the previous edition was played in 2017, in England and Wales, where Pakistan beat India in the final. Here is the list of all previous winners.

Why has there been such a long gap?

Since its inception in 1998, the tournament was played every two years till 2009. After that, it was moved to a four-year cycle. India were supposed to host the 2021 edition but it was replaced with the T20 World Cup, which was ultimately played in the UAE.Related

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So Pakistan are the hosts this time?

Yes, but there is more to it. Since India refused to travel to Pakistan, the PCB opted for a hybrid model with India’s matches to be held in Dubai. That decision was arrived at after a long impasse. The Pakistan leg will be played in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. The National Stadium in Karachi and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore are undergoing significant upgrades and renovation, almost racing against time. Their readiness will be tested during the tri-series, involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa, just before the Champions Trophy.

Where will the opening ceremony be held then?

The PCB will host an event in Lahore on February 16 to mark the start of the tournament. However, there will be no captains’ meet, or press conference, because of logistical reasons. This also ends the speculations about whether India captain Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan or not.

But why are India not going to Pakistan when everyone else is?

Because of political tension between the two countries. Even Indian match officials are not travelling to Pakistan. The last time India visited Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup, even though Pakistan have played several ICC tournaments in India since then, including the 2023 ODI World Cup. Before the Champions Trophy, the two boards and the ICC reached an agreement that till 2027, even Pakistan’s matches in an ICC tournament hosted in India would be played at a neutral venue.

When was the last time an ICC tournament was held in Pakistan?

For that, you will have to go all the way back to 1996, when Pakistan co-hosted the ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan were supposed to host the Champions Trophy in 2008. But due to security concerns, the tournament was eventually played in South Africa in 2009.

Are India playing Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025?

Yes, they are in the same group and will face each other on February 23, Sunday in Dubai. Unlike the World Cups, where India have a 15-1 head-to-head record, things have been much closer in the Champions Trophy, with Pakistan leading 3-2.Fakhar Zaman, centurion and Player of the Match in the final of the last Champions Trophy, has been recalled for this year’s edition•Getty Images

How many teams are participating in all?

Eight, the same as the 2017 edition. The only difference is that Afghanistan have qualified ahead of Sri Lanka this time. The teams are divided into two groups. Group A has India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and Group B South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan and England. You can find all the squads here.

How were the participants decided?

Being the hosts, Pakistan secured automatic qualification. The other seven teams were decided based on the 2023 ODI World Cup standings. Sri Lanka and Netherlands, who finished ninth and tenth, missed the cut.

What happened to West Indies?

Since West Indies had not qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup, they could not compete for the Champions Trophy either. It was the same case for Zimbabwe and Ireland, the other missing Full Members.

What is the format for the Champions Trophy?

Each team will play its fellow group members once. After that, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, with A1 playing B2 and B1 playing A2.If India qualify, they will play their semi-final in Dubai on March 4, irrespective of their position on the points table. Similarly, if Pakistan qualify, they will play their semi-final in Lahore on March 5.The final will be played on March 9 in Lahore, unless India make it till there. In that case, the venue will once again be Dubai.

What will happen if a match ends in a tie?

All tied matches throughout the tournament will be decided via the Super Over. If the Super Over is also tied, then subsequent Super Overs will be played until there is a winner.Joe Root is back in England’s ODI plans for the Champions Trophy•Getty Images

Is there a reserve day for the knockout matches?

Yes, the two semi-finals and the final have a reserve day. But every attempt will be made to finish the game on the scheduled day itself. If that is not possible, the match will resume on the reserve day from where it was stopped.In the knockout matches, the team batting second should have the opportunity to play at least 25 overs – as opposed to 20 in the group stage – for the result to be decided via the DLS method.

What happens if there is still a washout?

In case of a no result in the semi-finals, the team that finished higher in the group stage will proceed to the final. If the final is washed out, the trophy will be shared.

Has there ever been joint winners?

Yes, India and hosts Sri Lanka shared the trophy in 2002 after the final was washed out. There was a reserve day in place but, as per the playing conditions back then, the match was played afresh. On both days, Sri Lanka batted first and played their full 50 overs, but rain did not allow more than ten overs in the second innings on either occasion.

What are some of the key things I need to know about the teams?

Australia go into the tournament as ODI world champions but their captain Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and allrounder Mitchell Marsh have been ruled out with injuries. Also Marcus Stoinis has retired. Australia have until February 12 to name their replacements.South Africa will be without Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee (both injured). On the other hand, a fit-again Ibrahim Zadran is back for Afghanistan. Also keep an eye out for their mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar.India will hope Rohit and Virat Kohli come good after poor returns in Test cricket lately. Pakistan have recalled Fakhar Zaman, the Player of the Match in the final last time, and England have done the same with Joe Root, while Bangladesh have left out Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. New Zealand will play their first global tournament under Mitchell Santner.

Finally, where can I watch the games?

Depending on your location, you can watch the games as per the following.Afghanistan – Ariana TV
Australia – Prime Video
Bangladesh – Nagorik TV and T Sports
England – Sky Sports
India – Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar
New Zealand – Sky Sport
Pakistan – PTV, A Sports and tapmad
South Africa – SuperSport
Sri Lanka – Star Sports Network
UAE – Starz On
USA – Willow TV
As always, ESPNcricinfo will have full coverage, from scores, news and features to analysis and expert opinions.

Manchester United are now preparing a £130m double swoop for a “world-class” goalkeeper and a “generational” midfielder, according to a report.

Man Utd ramping up pursuit of new goalkeeper and midfielder

Ruben Amorim made it clear he was happy with his side’s performance in their opening Premier League match, despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at home against Arsenal, with the manager saying: “I am proud of the players. I said so many times that the players need to adapt. Intensity, the way they are sprinting. They fought for every duel. They were so brave playing one against one. They were really brave, and I am happy with that.”

However, the difference between the two sides was Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half goal, which came from a Declan Rice corner that Altay Bayindir dealt with poorly, according to both Roy Keane and Micah Richards.

With Andre Onana also suffering widespread criticism since his arrival at Old Trafford, it is little wonder that Amorim is now looking to bring in a new goalkeeper, alongside a midfielder, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba known to be well-liked.

However, the Red Devils have halted their pursuit of Baleba, and they have now moved on to an alternative target, according to a report from Spain, which suggests chiefs are prepared to spend big on a midfielder and goalkeeper.

The report states Man United are now willing to shell out a combined €150m (£130m) to get deals for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton over the line.

The addition of Wharton would ideally provide Bruno Fernandes with more attacking freedom, while signing a new goalkeeper is deemed a top priority for Amorim, following Bayindir’s costly error against the Gunners on Sunday.

Wharton and Donnarumma could be statement signings for Man Utd

Despite being unable to pick up a positive result in the opener against Arsenal, there were some positive signs for Man United, with new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha looking particularly lively.

However, United’s goalkeeper ultimately cost them once again, underlining how vital it is to bring in a replacement before the deadline, and Donnarumma could be a real upgrade, having been lauded as “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti in the past.

The 26-year-old is proven at the top level, having featured 15 times for PSG en-route to their Champions League final triumph last season, and he should undoubtedly be United’s priority target.

Man Utd chiefs convinced they'll win race for "elite" number one stopper

The Red Devils are feeling more than optimistic…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 18, 2025

While Wharton is yet to play in Europe’s elite competition, the Englishman is Premier League proven, much like previous arrivals Mbeumo and Cunha, and he clearly has a lot of potential, having been lauded as a “generational talent” by members of the media.

Defending champions Dhaka Division meanwhile remain winless

Mohammad Isam05-Nov-2024

Sylhet Division are No. 1 on the table following their four-wicket win against Rangpur Division in the third round of the NCL in Bogra. Rejaur Rahman Raja was the all-round hero after his maiden half-century helped Sylhet in the fourth-innings chase of 190.Sent as a nightwatcher on the third evening, Rejaur added 56 runs for the third wicket with Pinak Ghosh, who made 42, before he made 59 runs lasting two and a half hours on the fourth day. Sylhet captain Amite Hasan completed the 190-run chase with his unbeaten 37.Sylhet’s fast bowlers set up their win in the low-scoring game by taking all ten wickets in the Rangpur first innings. Rangpur were bowled out for 158, before Sylhet took a 31-run lead. Rangpur replied with 220, with fifties from Tanbir Hayder and Nobin Islam. The pair added 149 runs for the seventh wicket. Sylhet remain the only unbeaten side in the NCL.Offspinner Mahedi Hasan took his third ten-wicket haul in first-class cricket to help Khulna Division to a nine-wicket win against Dhaka Metropolis in Sylhet.Batting first, Khulna made 376 with centuries from openers Anamul Haque and Amit Majumder. They are the second opening pair from Khulna to get centuries in the same innings. Amit top-scored with 145, a career high score too, with 14 fours and three sixes. Anamul’s 125 was his 24th century in first-class cricket, but Khulna collapsed from 330 for 2 to 376 all out.Mahedi took 5-62 to help bowl out Dhaka Metro for 210 runs, before Marshall Ayub led a fightback with his 152. It was his 26th first-class century, as he batted for more than six hours. Aminul Islam made 73 as the pair added 182 runs for the fifth wicket. Mahedi took 5-88.Khulna then chased 207 runs in 35 overs with quickfire fifties from Anamul and Imrul Kayes.Rajshahi Division beat Barishal Division by six wickets in Cox’s Bazar. Batting first, Barishal were bowled out for 205 runs despite a maiden century from Iftakhar Hossain. He struck 12 fours and a six in his 116 off 205 balls. Ali Mohammad Walid took four wickets.Rajshahi took a 75-run lead thanks to a 80 from Pritom Kumar, before veteran left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam took 6-41 to bowl out Barishal for 137 in their second innings.Rajshahi chased down their 68-run target in 15 overs, losing four wickets in the process.Defending champions Dhaka Division meanwhile remain winless after three rounds, following their drawn game against Chattogram Division at the Cox’s Bazar Academy ground.Batting first, Chattogram put up 391 with Sajjadul Haque making his maiden first-class century at the age of 34. Sajjadul struck 14 fours and five sixes in his 139. He added 221 runs for the second wicket with Parvez Hossain Emon, who got out for 95.Dhaka replied with 401 with Mahidul Islam Ankon, fresh from his Test debut against South Africa, making 99. He struck five fours and three sixes in his 155-ball stay, before falling to Ahmed Sharif. There were fifties from Ashiqur Rahman Shibli, Joyraz Sheik and Taibur Rahman. Chattogram reached 124 for four in their second innings.

Nottingham Forest are actively aiming to bolster their squad this window and their pursuit of a talented star has now taken a fresh turn, according to Pete O’Rourke.

Nottingham Forest seek Morgan Gibbs-White clarity

Anthony Elanga’s departure to Newcastle United and the current deadlock surrounding Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White’s future in the Midlands had led to an increased appetite from supporters to see incomings at the City Ground.

Reports indicate that the Tricky Trees are exploring a move to bring Douglas Luiz back to the Premier League after a disappointing season at Juventus for the Brazil international.

Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder James McAtee is another Nottingham Forest target, even if Everton, West Ham United and Fulham have also submitted enquiries regarding his availability.

Trying their best to control the situation, Gibbs-White is set to be offered a bumper new contract amid Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to lure him to North London, which has led to the threat of legal action from his current employers over the way Thomas Frank’s men have approached a potential transfer.

Adding his own thoughts to the saga, BBC Radio Nottingham’s Colin Fray doesn’t think Nottingham Forest are in a rush to find out an outcome: “It’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out from here. Most thought it would be ironed out and the transfer go through.

Nottingham Forest’s first five fixtures in the Premier League

Brentford (H)

City Ground

Crystal Palace (A)

Selhurst Park

West Ham United (H)

City Ground

Arsenal (A)

Emirates Stadium

Burnley (A)

Turf Moor

“Not many were expecting him back at training and here he is. That is another twist in the story. Forest have set their stall out that they aren’t looking for a quick resolution. They want to keep him.”

With that all yet to be settled, Nottingham Forest could now have received a pivotal update in the hunt for a replacement if Gibbs-White does leave the club.

Nottingham Forest learn Jacob Ramsey price tag

According to sources from Football Insider senior correspondent O’Rourke, Nottingham Forest know £50 million would be enough to sign Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, and the Reds are in a position both stump up that cash and tempt the attacker with European football.

Adding some context earlier in the month, he stated: “I think Forest would be able to get to the £40-50million mark. That would be enough to convince Villa to sell him. Obviously, having European football next year at the City Ground might just give them the edge over other Premier League clubs interested in Ramsey as well.”

Related Nottingham Forest in talks to sign £6.9m star as both parties seek agreement

The Tricky Trees want to push a deal over the line…

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Jul 17, 2025

Giving themselves a genuine chance of landing the man in question, Ramsey would definitely be a shrewd addition after a return of seven goals and six assists in 47 appearances across all competitions last season.

Capable of featuring out wide or centrally, the ex-England Under-21 international is someone who could force Aston Villa’s hand if a sizeable offer were to come in, though it remains to be seen whether that will be the case.

أرسلت رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة، برئاسة أحمد دياب، خطابًا رسميًا إلى اتحاد الكرة المصري لكرة القدم، برئاسة هاني أبو ريدة، بشأن مباراة القمة بين فريقي الأهلي والزمالك.

ومن المُقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي مع الزمالك يوم 29 من سبتمبر الجاري، ضمن مواجهات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وجاء هذا التحرك من رابطة الأندية بعد تلقيها طلبًا رسميًا من النادي الأهلي، طالب فيه بضرورة وجود طاقم تحكيم دولي للمباراة، ضمانًا للحيادية وتحقيقًا لأعلى معايير العدالة التحكيمية في مثل هذه المباريات الحاسمة.

طالع أيضاً.. الأهلي يُعلن نقل إمام عاشور إلى المستشفى

ومن المتوقع أن يدرس اتحاد الكرة الطلب ويتخذ الإجراءات اللازمة لضمان سير المباراة بسلاسة ونزاهة، حيث تكتسب هذه المباراة أهمية خاصة كونها قد تُحدث تغييرًا كبيرًا في مسار بطولة الدوري، حيث يسعى كل فريق لتحقيق الفوز لتعزيز موقفه في المنافسة.

وتُعد هذه الخطوة جزءًا من الجهود المستمرة من رابطة الأندية المحترفة لضمان تنظيم مباريات الدوري بأفضل شكل ممكن، وتجنب أي جدل قد ينشأ حول القرارات التحكيمية.

ويحتل الزمالك صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 13 نقطة، بينما يتواجد الأهلي بالمركز الخامس عشر، ولديه 6 نقاط.

Leeds United have a make-or-break summer transfer window ahead of them, with numerous key additions needed if they are to beat the drop in the Premier League.

Daniel Farke has conducted an excellent job in leading the side back to England’s top flight, but the real challenge starts now as he needs to keep the side in the division for more than one season.

No side in each of the last two years who achieved promotion have managed to maintain their top-flight status, but the Whites have already demonstrated they’re keen to break buck such a trend.

Jaka Bijol looks set to move to Elland Road after travelling to England for his medical, potentially joining Lukas Nmecha in arriving in Yorkshire ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, their business has shown no signs of showing down this summer, with Farke needing key investment from the hierarchy in his quest to achieve his goal.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions this summer

A striker has been one of Leeds’ main priorities for the off-season, that’s despite Joel Piroe ending last campaign as the Championship’s top scorer with 19 goals.

Beto, Evann Guessand and Fabio Silva have all been mentioned as potential options for the German, but it appears as though work is currently being conducted elsewhere.

Over the last couple of days, the hierarchy have been keeping an eye on a move to sign Dynamo Kyiv talisman Vladyslav Vanat, that’s according to LeedsUnited.News’ latest report.

They claim that the club’s scouts have been monitoring him at the U21 Euros this summer, with the forward scoring once in his three group games with Ukraine.

It also states that he also has a £17m release clause within his current contract, a deal which could prove to be a potential bargain after his record of 21 goals in 45 club appearances this season.

Why Leeds’ £17m target would be a better signing than Muniz

Alongside a deal for Vanat this summer, Leeds have been closely monitoring a move for Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz as Farke looks to further add depth to his frontline.

The Brazilian scored eight times in the Premier League last campaign, doing so in 31 outings, but only eight of which came from a starting position – showcasing his impressive nature in front of goal.

Such form has seen the Whites make a £32m bid including add-ons, but the offer was swiftly rejected, with Fulham seeing the 24-year-old as a key part of their first-team plans.

There’s no denying that the hierarchy are showing the ambition needed if the club are to stay up next season, but ultimately, Muniz isn’t worth the price tag touted – leading to other options being considered as a result.

After the rejection, it appears as though Vanat is now one of their main targets for the striker position, with the Ukrainian providing a better and cheaper option than the Brazilian.

The 23-year-old, who’s been labelled “clinical” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has massively outscored the Cottagers talisman, backing up the comment made about his ability in the final third.

He’s also achieved a better conversion rate in front of goal, taking chances that fall his way with both hands, something that will be pivotal if they are to beat the drop.

Vanat’s all-round play is just as impressive, registering more assists and completing more dribbles per 90, handing Farke an extremely impressive talent should they land his signature.

It remains to be seen if the player himself is keen on a move to Elland Road this window, but given the levels he’s produced, the club must take a risk and trigger his current clause.

Muniz has shown he can deliver in England’s top flight, but his subsequent price tag is nothing short of absurd, which could see Leeds land themselves a hugely promising star in the form of Vanat.

He could be Raphinha 2.0: Leeds eyeing "one of the best CMs in the world"

Leeds United are interested in a deal to land a world-class midfielder.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 19, 2025

The last time a Manchester United player scored 20 Premier League goals in a single season was Robin van Persie back in 2012/13, with the Red Devils having long waited to find a prolific presence again to lead the line.

While not a centre-forward by trade, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo could well be the man to end that search, with the Cameroon international reportedly deciding to join Ruben Amorim’s ranks this summer, fresh off the back of netting 20 league goals for the Bees.

That remarkable individual campaign isn’t exactly a breakthrough one for the 25-year-old, however, with his talent having been evident ever since he arrived in west London back in 2019. Indeed, a return of 121 goals and assists in 242 games in all competitions says it all.

Perhaps more importantly, the £60m-rated star has provided 70 goal involvements in 136 top-flight games to date, including the fourth goal as Thomas Frank’s men ravaged United at the Gtech in August 2022.

The speed and power with which the winger tore away from Luke Shaw on the counter, before slotting home, was truly breathtaking, with Amorim in desperate need of more of the same should that deal be wrapped up as expected.

With Matheus Cunha on one side and Mbeumo on the other, United could be a force to be reckoned with once again. How about throwing a new striker into the mix too?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a striker

“The most unlucky number nine Manchester United have ever had”. Those were the words directed toward Rasmus Hojlund by TNT’s Darren Fletcher during United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, with the struggling Dane seeing a header ruled out for offside as he once again fired a blank.

A measly return of four league goals in 2024/25 has ensured the 22-year-old could well be nudged toward the exit door this summer, with the former Atalanta man perhaps in line for a return to Serie A, amid interest from Champions League finalists, Inter.

With one number nine potentially departing, another could well be set to replace him, with Football Insider claiming that INEOS are accelerating their pursuit of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with Amorim believed to be keen on a reunion with his former talisman.

Transfer Focus

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

The report suggests that the 26-year-old is the “dream” centre-forward target, following United’s failure to convince Liam Delap to make a move, with Amorim having signed the Swede from Coventry City in 2023.

As the piece does outline, however, the stumbling block is likely to be the financial package required to be able to sign the 6 foot 2 marksman, not least if his reported £83m release clause is accurate.

That said, reports elsewhere have claimed that he could depart the Lisbon side for a much more reasonable fee of £59m, with that surely worth the outlay for a player who has been in red-hot form of late.

Why Man Utd need to fork out for Gyokeres

Managing to land a player like Mbeumo – considering his Premier League-proven quality – would no doubt represent a real coup, with analyst Ben Mattinson lauding the former Troyes star as “one of the most deadly players on transition” in the top-flight.

Just as exciting, however, would be the prospect of signing the “hottest striker in Europe”, as hailed by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, with Gyokeres having set the world alight following his prolific form in Portugal.

Formerly the scourge of Championship defences, after scoring 46 goals in 117 games for Coventry, the in-demand star has gone to a whole new level at Sporting, having registered 97 goals in just 102 games over the last two years.

It is that rampant form which has led outspoken pundit Rafael van der Vaart to hail Gyokeres as perhaps a “better version of [Erling] Haaland”, with his fellow Scandinavian memorably scoring 86 goals in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund, before joining Manchester City in 2022.

Both men did shine during the inaugural league phase of the Champions League last season, with Gyokeres netting six times in eight appearances, while Haaland scored eight goals in nine games for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Norwegian machine may have outscored the Sporting sensation, although – as Van der Vaart alluded to – it was Gyokeres who showcased more to his game, as evidenced with regard to his superior record in progressive carries, pass completion and shot-creating actions.

The scorer of 39 league goals to boot – ahead of Haaland’s return of 22 Premier League goals – the one-time Brighton man appears to be the prolific presence that United are crying out for, with the club only netting 44 times as a whole in England’s top-flight last time out.

Partnering two players who have been there and done it in the Premier League – in the form of Cunha and Mbeumo – with a figure who just can’t stop scoring right now could prove the perfect combination, with United still longing for the days of Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney leading the line.

Of course, these three potential summer arrivals would have to go some way to match the levels of those 2008 Champions League heroes, although it’s hard to think of a more exciting triumvirate since.

The new Cavani: Man Utd in talks to sign "outrageous" £50m Mbeumo partner

Manchester United could land a player who could star at Old Trafford alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 3, 2025

Liverpool are reportedly “confident” of striking a big-money deal for a “world-class” attacking player this summer, with a plan to bring him in alongside Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool closing in on stunning Wirtz signing

The Reds are expected to embark upon one of their busiest summer transfer windows in years, and there has now been a huge development regarding their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz.

While Bayern Munich have been the favourites to sign the German for a while, various reports on Friday claimed that the 22-year-old has now decided to join Liverpool instead, leading to plenty of joy among the fanbase.

It is reported that Wirtz’s father flew to England and was given a presentation by Michael Edwards and those within the recruitment team, persuading him that his son would be better off joining the Reds than Bayern this summer – or staying at his current club, for that matter.

If Liverpool could get a deal over the line, it could genuinely prove to be one of their most significant pieces of business in many years, with the Leverkusen ace among the world’s leading attacking players – and one with most of his career ahead of him.

Liverpool "confident" of another incredible addition

According to a promising update from GiveMeSport, Liverpool and Edwards are now “confident” of also completing the signing of Newcastle United superstar Alexander Isak this summer by convincing him to move to Anfield.

The Reds believe they can turn the 25-year-old’s head, and also have the “financial clout” to strike a deal ahead of next season amid a mooted £120m price tag, as Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes look to work their magic and sign him alongside Wirtz.

In many ways, Isak is the perfect option to come in and be Liverpool’s new No.9, replacing the misfiring Darwin Nunez and making the Reds a more potent attacking force.

The Swede has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, scoring 23 goals in the competition, and he has also been described as “world-class” by none other than Magpies legend Alan Shearer:

“I think there’s three world-class forwards in the Premier League now. Haaland being one, Salah being another. I think Isak has played himself into that company now.”

Just imagine him & Wirtz: Liverpool want to sign "incredible" £68m CF

Liverpool are planning to replace Darwin Nunez with a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 23, 2025

It remains to be seen just how possible it is for Liverpool to afford both Isak and Wirtz, but if they did manage to sign the pair, it would be remarkable, taking Arne Slot’s side up plenty of gears and surely making them favourites to retain their league crown when next season gets underway.

A “skilful” Leeds United player’s time at Elland Road could come to an end this summer, with “interested parties” emerging to snap him up.

Farke future in doubt ahead of busy summer at Leeds

The Whites are still basking in the glory of sealing promotion from the Championship to the Premier League earlier this week after their 6-0 win at home to Stoke City, followed by Burnley beating Sheffield United at Turf Moor.

It’s now a case of trying to be crowned champions ahead of the Clarets in the final two matches of the season, amid ongoing doubts over Daniel Farke’s future, despite the excellent job he is doing. In fact, Sean Dyche has already emerged as a possible replacement, should the German be relieved of his duties.

In terms of potential summer signings for Leeds, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has been linked with a move to the club, with the Czech reportedly open to the idea of sealing a switch to Elland Road.

The Whites are also said to be keen on signing Ipswich Town striker George Hirst, who has struggled for playing time in the Premier League this season, starting only three matches in the competition. For that reason, a fresh challenge may appeal, especially as the Tractor Boys are almost certainly heading back to the Championship.

"Skilful" Leeds player wanted by "interested parties"

According to Blick [via Sport Witness], Isaac Schmidt could leave Leeds at the end of the season, potentially not being seen as an important player upon the Whites’ return to the Premier League. The need to strengthen will make it hard for him to earn regular minutes and there are claimed to be “numerous interested parties” in the 25-year-old.

This summer does feel like the right time for Leeds and Schmidt to part ways, even though the two-cap Switzerland international did feature in the aforementioned thumping of Stoke, playing for 13 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

He hasn’t started once in the Championship all season, instead coming on 12 times and playing just 71 minutes in total in the competition, so it’s hard to see his situation changing when the Whites are playing at an even higher level next season.

Schmidt’s move to Leeds simply hasn’t worked out to date, having arrived from St. Gallen later year, even though Siwzrterland manager Murat Yakin has spoken positively about him, saying: “I really liked Isaac! He was skillful, he won all his duels and he was good offensively.”

For Leeds, it’s now a case of the Whites nailing their summer transfer business, hopefully aided by plenty of funds being made available by 49ers Enterprises.

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A big decision needs to be made regarding Farke’s future, too, either retaining his services or hiring a replacement who has enough time to bring in the right players.

Despite missing out on automatic promotion, Sheffield United have reportedly joined the race to sign an experienced midfielder who knows all about Premier League football.

Wilder issues rally cry as Sheffield United prepare for play-offs

For the majority of the campaign, Sheffield United found themselves in a three-way battle to earn automatic promotion and had plenty of hope that they wouldn’t be the side to miss out in the Championship. One slip too many quickly allowed Burnley and Leeds United to end the race, however – leaving the Blades to fight for a place in the Premier League through the play-offs.

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Speaking about his side’s disappointment, manager Chris Wilder rallied his troops, telling reporters: “We can’t start feeling sorry for ourselves, I don’t think people expect me to and the coaches and players.

“We’ve got to raise ourselves, dust ourselves down and go again. We haven’t disgraced ourselves, we haven’t let ourselves down. Hopefully the majority of the supporters will see that and back us in the play-off games and if we get the better of four 45-minute halves, we have a trip to Wembley.”

Just who the Blades square off against in the play-offs is the big unanswered question. As things stand, they will be joined by Sunderland – who have their place confirmed – Bristol City and Coventry City, who must both win on the final day to secure their spot once and for all. Should they fail to do so, then Millwall, Blackburn Rovers and even Middlesbrough could all take advantage.

Given how strong Wilder’s side have been this season, to now miss out on promotion entirely would be a major blow on and off the pitch, especially as they look to sign one particular midfielder.

Sheffield United join Wilfred Ndidi race

According to The Boot Room, Sheffield United have now joined the race to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer in a deal that will cost just £9m thanks to the Nigerian’s relegation release clause. The Blades aren’t alone in their interest though, with Everton and Burnley also among the clubs chasing the midfielder’s signature this summer.

A veteran in the Premier League these days, Ndidi would be an important arrival for the likes of Burnley and quite possibly Sheffield United if they earn promotion through the playoffs. Without victory at Wembley, however, it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to attract the Leicester star.

Earning plenty of praise throughout his time with the Foxes, former Leicester boss Mike Stowell took time to speak about Ndidi’s qualities on the BBC Radio Leicester’s ‘When You’re Smiling’ podcast earlier this season, saying: “I have always known (Wilfred Ndidi) as a number six because of his defensive attributes.

“But he is also dogged and will go all day long and put his body on the line. He is very clever with his challenges and those long legs of his just give him range.”