A Special Investigation Team has been instituted within Karnataka Police’s Central Crime Branch to probe the allegations of match- and spot-fixing in the tournament
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Nov-2019The 2020 edition of the Karnataka Premier League (KPL), including its player auctions, will not be held until the police completes its investigation of alleged match- and spot-fixing.”We will definitely not conduct the KPL tournament matches till the investigation is completed and the final report from the police comes out,” Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) treasurer, told IANS.”The entire activity regarding the KPL will only start after the investigation is completed,” Mruthyunjaya said. “The next edition of the tournament is around nine months away and hopefully, the investigation should be completed by then.”ALSO READ: KPL – Karnataka cricket’s problem child?Karnataka Police’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) has, meanwhile, set up a Special Investigation Team to investigate the case, in which former Karnataka Ranji players CM Gautam and Abrar Kazi were arrested on November 7. The police are also looking at the possibility of the players being honeytrapped into breaking the law.”Today there are many non-playing cricketers involved [other] than those playing on the field, and it has become a business for them as they travel to Dubai, West Indies and other foreign countries and stay at five-star hotels,” Bhaskar Rao, the Bengaluru Police commissioner, said. “They have also indulged in blackmailing of players through honeytraps. The game has become insignificant and the activities of these betters have only increased.”The Bengaluru Police has also served a notice to the KSCA, seeking extensive information on the various aspects of day-to-day running of the league and the background of players participating in it.ALSO READ: CM Gautam, Abrar Kazi arrested on spot-fixing charges“The police asked for a lot of information pertaining to KPL tournament, teams, scorecards, video footage of all the matches, details of all the players, phone numbers,” Mruthyunjaya said. “We will check up, we did not have any formidable information in this regard. Let me discuss with our officers also.”According to Mruthyunjaya, the KSCA is not privy to the recruitment procedure of cheerleaders, who are suspected to be involved in honey-trapping some of the players.”We would not know; [the] police would be knowing. KSCA never employs cheer girls, the teams employ them,” Mruthyunjaya said.The 2019 edition of the KPL, the first state-run adaptation of the IPL format that began in 2009, was held from August 16-31. The tournament is hosted in the second half of the year, and typically lasts just over two weeks, but has been pushed to three weeks on occasion.
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to cut their losses on a forgotten star, with a €20 million move on the cards.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira joined Hamburg on transfer deadline day on a season-long loan, linking up with old team-mate Sambi Lokonga, who signed for the German side permanently hours earlier. Now, Bild claims there is an option to buy the Portuguese for €20m (£17.3m) next year.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
There was a great deal of excitement when Arsenal signed the then 22-year-old in the summer of 2022 for a fee worth up to £34.2m ($46.3m). But he has struggled to make an impact, spent last season on loan at his former team, FC Porto, and now may be sold at a loss by the Gunners.
DID YOU KNOW?
The report adds that Vieira has joined for an initial loan fee of €400,000 but that can be reduced if he becomes a regular starter for Hamburg. If they kept him long term, the 25-year-old would become the most expensive signing in the club's history.
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WHAT NEXT?
There is said to be no pressure on Hamburg to activate this buy option as it runs until mid-May, when the Bundesliga season ends. If recruited, Vieira would sign a four-year deal and Arsenal will retain a sell-on clause between 10-20 per cent.
After enjoying an unbeaten run to start Philippe Clement's tenure in fine fashion, Rangers saw all of their progress come to a crashing halt in the Old Firm derby, as Celtic secured all three points to regain the advantage in the Scottish Premiership title race. The Gers must now use the January transfer window to close the gap on their rivals, given that they sit eight points behind with two games in hand.
With that said, reports suggest that Rangers have returned to the Premier League in an attempt to land another addition for Clement. This would follow the arrival of Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Fabio Silva at the start of the month.
Rangers transfer news
It remains to be seen whether Silva will discover his goalscoring touch at Ibrox, but if he does then Rangers will have themselves one of the smartest deals of the January window. The forward may not be their only reinforcement arriving from England's top flight, either, with the Scottish giants reportedly dipping back into the Premier League to potentially sign Liverpool's Owen Beck.
Clement could finally replace Kent in Rangers swoop for £2.5m wizard
The Gers are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the talented winger this month.
By
Dan Emery
Jan 3, 2024
According to Simon Jones of The Daily Mail, via Ibrox News, Rangers have made an approach to sign Liverpool youngster Beck this month. Liverpool have reportedly already turned down any attempt to land the left-back from Ibrox chiefs, however, as they aim to use Beck as cover for the injured Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.
The full-back has just been recalled from Scottish Premiership side Dundee but looks unlikely to make a return to the league through a move to Ibrox this month. With Borna Barisic out of contract in the summer and Ridvan Yilmaz struggling to make the left-back spot his own, Rangers must now seek a reinforcement from elsewhere, having reportedly been turned down by Liverpool.
"Popular" Beck would be perfect for Clement
After making 17 appearances in the Scottish Premiership for Dundee this season, Beck would have had no trouble slotting straight into the current Rangers side, making Liverpool's reported rejection all the more frustrating. At 21-years-old, the full-back is only likely to improve too, which would have given Clement a permanent solution to his left-back woes. Now, however, the former AS Monaco boss must continue his search before the end of the transfer window.
Liverpool defender Owen Beck.
It's no real surprise that Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have decided to keep hold of Beck, given the praise he earned whilst out on loan at Dundee. Among those with plenty of positives to say has been Tony Docherty, who said back in October via The Courier: “Owen is doing exceptionally well and with international recognition as well, it wouldn’t be a surprise if people are talking about him. But he’s such a grounded boy and is very popular here.
"I think he enjoys playing here – the football side of it and the camaraderie in the dressing-room as well. We’ll just keep his feet on the ground and he’ll, hopefully, keep performing the way he’s performing. That level of consistency will attract attention.”
da bet vitoria： O Resende, time que vai disputar a elite do futebol Carioca neste ano, anunciou por meio de suas redes sociais que o jornalista Lucas Strabko, conhecido como Cartolouco, é o último reforço da equipe, que vai contar com 32 atletas, para o torneio. O jornalista ex-Globo, que atualmente é youtuber e participou de ‘A Fazenda 12’, vai integrar a equipe e atuar, inclusive, recebendo salário.
RelacionadasFora de CampoCom mais de dez horas ao vivo no SporTV, Globo terá cobertura especial para final da Copa do BrasilFora de Campo03/03/2021Fora de CampoMilton Leite critica Cuca por acusação de estupro: ‘Se é inocente, por que demorou para se defender?’Fora de Campo03/03/2021Fora de CampoAfiliada da Record anuncia jogo do Flamengo no Campeonato Carioca, mas não exibe partidaFora de Campo03/03/2021
da stake casino： A informação foi confirmada pelo LANCE! em contato com a assessoria do clube. Stabko, inclusive, já confirmou a informação via redes sociais. A comemoração do agora atleta foi compartilhada pelo perfil oficial do clube.
– Um sonho se realiza: vou disputar o Carioca de 2021 pelo Resende! – postou o jornalista nas redes sociais.
Um sonho se realiza: vou disputar o Carioca de 2021 pelo Resende! pic.twitter.com/MsjQVhaSDQ
da jogodeouro： Glasgow Rangers are closing in on the signing of midfielder Mohammed Diomande, with the player having flown in to Glasgow today to finally complete his £4.5m move to the Gers.
da fazobetai： This will be Philippe Clement’s second January signing following the arrival of Fabio Silva on a loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and with just eight days left until deadline day, the Belgian manager will be hoping he can lure another player or two to the club.
There is no doubt that the 49-year-old will be keen on bolstering his attacking options and this could lead him to bring in another winger or centre-forward.
Rangers winger Abdallah Sima.
The long-term injury suffered by Abdallah Sima on international duty has heightened this need and the club have been linked with numerous players over the previous few weeks.
Rangers’ search for new signings
Clement has been busy during the winter break and one player who the club have been linked with is Vitesse Arnhem winger Million Manhoef.
At the start of the month, TEAMtalk reported that the Gers were keen on bringing the Dutchman to Glasgow during the January transfer window and that it could cost them a fee of around £3m.
Clement could land Barisic's next Kent in Rangers move for £3m wizard
The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Eredivisie hotshot.
ByDan Emery Jan 23, 2024
With news of Sima’s injury, however, a move for the youngster must now be a priority, especially as he can play on both flanks and Clement may be tempted into making a concrete offer for the talented winger.
This notion is certainly backed up by Football Scotland, who also state that the blow regarding Sima should push Clement into trying harder to sign Manhoef, although no official approach has been made as yet.
Could things change in the next seven days, however? Especially if the Gers struggle in their matches against Hibs tonight and St Mirren on the weekend.
Not having Sima’s direct goalscoring threat will be tough to handle for the manager, and he will be forced to play Rabbi Matondo on the left wing in his absence.
Abdallah Sima has been Rangers’ best attacker this season
When the Senegal international joined the club last summer on a temporary switch from Brighton and Hove Albion, his talent was obvious, but it was clear he may need time to settle.
Fast-forward six months, however, and Sima entered 2024 having scored 15 goals and grabbing two assists across 33 matches for the Light Blues, thus ranking second among the squad for goals scored this term.
Rangers loanee Abdallah Sima.
His impact has been impressive and not just in terms of goals either, as he also ranks first in the squad for successful dribbles per game (1.5) and second for total shots per game (three), proving himself to be a handful in the opposition penalty area.
There is no timeline for his return, but not having him in the starting XI is a significant blow to Clement and the rest of the first team, especially as they chase a treble.
Although Manhoef is still developing, could he be an ideal player to perhaps replace Sima in the squad and hit the ground running should he move to Glasgow this month?
The stats that show why Million Manhoef can replace Abdallah Sima
Predominantly a right-winger, the 22-year-old has played on the left side of the pitch 27 times during his fledgling career so far, scoring four goals and providing four assists, which is not a bad tally considering it is not his favoured position.
With new signing Diomande looking to fill the left slot in central midfield, the Ivorian could perhaps link up well with the young Dutchman, and they could form a solid duo.
Million Manhoef's 2022/23 statistics.
Indeed, Diomande has averaged 1.1 key passes per game this season along with creating three big chances and according to analyst John Walker, the young midfielder will “drive with the ball and break quickly” when he wins it in the heart of the midfield and this could allow him to create opportunities for Manhoef.
Not only that, but he could also link up well with the winger in the final third, as he is known for breaking into the penalty box via late runs and this could add another string to Clement’s attacking bow.
Manhoef may not be as prolific as Sima, but he has netted four goals for a team who are bottom of the Eredivisie and struggling to create much during their games this season.
Domestic statistics this season
Million Manhoef
Abdallah Sima
Goals
4
10
Assists
0
2
Key passes per game
1.4
1
Successful dribbles per game
2.5
1.5
Big chances created
1
2
Indeed, the winger is responsible for 31% of their goals this season and if he can shine that much in a team who are struggling, then imagine him alongside Diomande at Rangers.
Million Manhoef could be Rangers’ own Mohamed Salah
According to Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, when profiling the winger last year, Manhoef is a similar type of player to Mohamed Salah, suggesting he may be Clement’s own version of the current Liverpool phenomenon.
According to WhoScored, both Manhoef and Salah excel at finishing and for key passes, indicating that they are both clinical in front of goal, yet can also showcase their selfless side and create big chances for their teammates.
Not only that, but they both also like to cut in often and this could allow Clement to play the Dutchman on the left without having to worry about a drop in his performances, especially as he would make regular inroads to the opposition penalty area.
Of course, the 22-year-old has a long way to go before reaching the level that Salah has been operating at since his move to Liverpool in 2017, but the talent is clearly there.
Signing Diomande for £4.5m means Clement may not have much room to manoeuvre regarding another expensive outlay, but if he could perhaps move a few players on in the next week or so, it may help his cause.
Another attacker is required before the deadline next Thursday and Manhoef fits the bill perfectly. He is young, has plenty of potential and looks as though he could make an impact at the Light Blues straight away.
Clement does not have much time to act and with the second half of the season promising so much, it could be a risk worth taking.
da betsson： A campanha do Vitória na última Série B passou longe de encher os olhos, mas a equipe contou com alguns jogadores que chamaram a atenção. Um deles foi Matheus Frizzo, jogador que tem acordo encaminhado para defender o Botafogo na próxima temporada. O meio-campista deve desembarcar no Nilton Santos por empréstimo junto ao Grêmio.
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da poker： O meio-campista atuou no Rubro-Negro na segunda metade da Série B. Antes, estava cedido ao Atlético-GO, onde não teve muitas oportunidades. Pelo Leão, foram 17 partidas na segunda divisão e duas assistências. Um fato curioso é que ele possui uma multa rescisória de 80 milhões de euros (pouco mais de R$ 490 milhões, na cotação atual).
Canhoto, o jogador de 22 anos atua tanto como primeiro ou segundo volante, se destacando pela ocupação de espaços no meio-campo. O LANCE!conversou com Marcello Góis, setorista do Vitória na “Rádio Metrópole FM”, de Salvador, que falou sobre as características de Frizzo.
-Dos 17 jogos que teve relacionado, foi titular em 14. Segundo volante que joga com consciência, cabeça em pé. Canhoto, tem bom passe e ótima visão de jogo. Constrói mais do que destrói. Ele também era bom na recomposição, transição iniciava a transição ofensiva. Sabe recompor bem – afirmou.
Nem tudo são flores, é claro. Ao ser perguntado sobre os defeitos de Matheus Frizzo, Marcello citou o fato da bola coberta, um dos principais problemas do Botafogo na atual temporada.
– Me chama a atenção dois pontos (negativos): ruim de cabeceio, talvez até pelo tamanho. Bola aérea com ele marcando será problema. E finalizações, precisa aprimorar – completou.
Na última Série B, Frizzo teve médias de 40 passes certos por partida, 88% de acerto nas tentativas de passe e praticamente um passe para finalização por jogo. Os números são do “Sofascore”. Além disto, também acumulou – por duelo – 21.2 passes na direção do campo adversário, 19.2 toques para a própria metade do campo e 75% de acerto nas bolas longas.
Em termos defensivos, acumulou 0,9 interceptações, 1.4 entradas, 3.9 disputas de bola vencidas e 0.6 cortes por partida, levando cinco cartões amarelos nas 17 partidas que disputou.
A passagem foi muito boa. Um dos poucos do elenco que foi muito bem quisto pela imprensa e a torcida. Vai fazer muita falta. Era um dos pontos de equilíbrio do meio de campo. Foi importante, além de acrescentar tecnicamente, taticamente era fundamental – completou Marcello.
The alert is for a section of the Great Southern Stand on December 27 and it has led to further measures for the Sydney Test
Daniel Brettig06-Jan-2021Victorian health officials have called for an entire zone of spectators in the MCG’s Great Southern Stand come forward for testing and quarantine amid fears that a mystery case of Covid-19 may have acquired the virus on the second day of the Boxing Day Test.The case, a man in his 30s who also shopped at Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs on Boxing Day, was seated in Zone 5 of the MCG under its covid-safe protocols – likely entering the ground through gates five or six – between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on December 27, before developing Covid-19 symptoms on January 5.As a result of this case, the New South Wales government has made the wearing of masks mandatory at all times for the crowd at the SCG Test except when eating and drinking although the game will continue with a crowd at 25% capacity. Anyone who attended the MCG at the date and time of the alert is banned from attending the Sydney Test. There had already been a ban on people attending from certain suburbs of Sydney based on the outbreaks in the city.”Based on the information available from the case, the man in his 30s, was not infectious while at the sites, but there is potential he acquired the virus while there,” the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. “The man developed symptoms on 30 December and the department was notified of his positive test on 5 January. Given he has not visited any high-risk Victorian exposure sites or travelled to New South Wales, a number of acquisition sources are being investigated.”The man was present at the MCG on 27 December, the second day of the Boxing Day test and is currently isolating. He was not infectious when he attended and is not linked to any other case or to the Black Rock Restaurant Outbreak. The MCG is being investigated as a potential source for the infection.Health authorities asked for anyone who had been present in the affected zone of the MCG to get tested. “We’re encouraging anyone who was in The Great Southern Stand, zone 5 of the MCG between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on 27 December, to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.”A Covid-safe event plan was in place for the match and the ticketing allocation system in place has enabled effective contact tracing. The venue also utilised the Victorian Government’s QR code system in an additional measure to support contact tracing.”The department is working with Melbourne Cricket Club to contact ticket holders in the relevant area directly and to ensure that all relevant public health actions have been undertaken.”Announcing the updated masks requirement for the SCG, NSW health minister Brad Hazzard said: “From the moment effectively you get into the transport to get there, and get into the queue at the front door of the SCG, and go to your seat, and sit in the your seat, you must wear a mask.”The only exception to that [is] if you’re eating or drinking. Obviously, Dr Chant and the public health team want people to enjoy a day at the cricket, but it’s a Covid day at the cricket and that means mask on, not mask off, unless you’re eating or drinking, in which case you can have your mask off.”Australia captain Tim Paine was asked whether he believed continuing the Sydney Test with even a reduced crowd was safe as cases of community transmission continued to be recorded in New South Wales, but he deferred to those with more knowledge of the situation.”It’s not really an area I can control or worry too much about. People who are in control of making these decisions [are] at government level,” Paine said. “There’s health experts, high level people at Cricket Australia and they’re all working as hard as they possibly can to do the best thing.”Obviously we want to get people in the gates, give people a chance to come in and watch international cricket and if they’re saying the safe number is 10,000 then I certainly can’t question that. Don’t have a medical background so we trust that the people who are in those positions are making the right decisions by us and the communities. We’ll go with whatever we’re told at this stage.”
da brwin： Newcastle United will be looking to extend their winning run to five matches in the Premier League as they host Liverpool at St James’ Park this afternoon.
da lvbet： The Magpies face off against the Reds as Jurgen Klopp’s team are battling with Manchester City to land the title this season.
It will be a difficult match for Eddie Howe’s men but they head into the game off the back of wins over Norwich, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Wolves.
Despite that fine run, one change that the 44-year-old must make from their last outing, a 3-0 win against the Canaries, is to bring Fabian Schar back into the starting XI.
Howe must unleash Schar
The centre-back, who signed a fresh two-year contract earlier this week, was rested at Carrow Road after 14 straight top-flight starts leading up to the game in Norfolk. Newcastle picked up a whopping 29 points from those 14 matches, which shows how important the Swiss defender has been to the club in 2022, as he has played a key role in their resurgence.
Toon legend Alan Shearer previously hailed him as “commanding” and a “danger” going forward in 2019. The 30-year-old was also dubbed “absolutely outstanding” by journalist Dominic Scurr earlier this year, with these comments illustrating how well he has performed over the years.
Upon the announcement of the defender’s new contract, Howe heaped praise on the Swiss hulk as he said: “I’ve been delighted with Fabian’s form. He is the ultimate professional and a hugely important player in our dressing room.
“I’m delighted he has committed himself to the club. He is very driven for future success and I’m pleased he will be a part of our future.”
This shows how highly the head coach rates the £40k-per-week defender, and Schar’s statistics this year prove that he is deserving of such applause.
He averaged SofaScore ratings of 7.2, 7.3 and 6.9 throughout January, February and March respectively and is currently averaging a score of 7.2 in April. This means that he is roughly averaging a score of 7.15 in the Premier League in 2022, consistently delivering excellent displays at centre-back.
For context, Bruno Guimaraes (7.25) is the only Newcastle player with more than five appearances this term to average a higher rating in the top flight for the club. Schar has established himself as one of Howe’s key players and he must be brought back into the team for a big clash with a Liverpool side which has only lost two games in the entire league campaign.
AND in other news, “I’m told”: Insider reveals deal NUFC are set to complete, supporters will be buzzing…
Leeds United are probing the market and have now entered the race to sign an experienced forward who has scored over 250 goals at senior level, according to a report.
Leeds United in the market for goalscorers
Without a striker capable of firing against the elite, it is hard to imagine any newly-promoted side managing to maintain their Premier League status.
Daniel Farke will be aware that his side need to act swiftly on the market, hence why Leeds United are firmly pursuing Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz to help offer a distinguished presence in front of goal.
Fulham's RodrigoMunizcelebrates scoring their third goal
Furthermore, Patrick Bamford is on the radar of Coventry City after being told that he isn’t part of the plans this season at Elland Road, which has left the door ajar for a new striker to arrive.
Wasting no time, Farke recently stated on his future: “I had a really open and honest conversation with Patrick, which was important, He knows how much I rate him as a player and I would have preferred a fit Patrick Bamford for the last two seasons, but he is a player who needs to be the main man.
“He needs an arm round the shoulder after some difficult seasons. I was not willing to tell him he was the main man at Premier League level. In the second day of pre-season, I got him into my office and told him he is not in my plans for the upcoming season.”
Leeds’ top five scorers in 2024/25
Joel Piroe
19
Daniel James
12
Manor Solomon
10
Wilfried Gnonto
9
Brenden Aaronson
9
Plenty of time remains in the window, but bringing in another forward option after Lukas Nmecha is bound to be on the radar and Leeds could now land themselves a bargain if reports are to be believed.
Leeds United fighting to sign Mehdi Taremi
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Leeds are in the mix to sign Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi, who could soon be subject of a £7.84 million bid from Botafogo. West Ham United and Fulham are also interested in the Iran international, who has netted 255 goals across his career for club and country.
The 33-year-old’s agents are in talks over a move to South America, but there is no mention that they are engaging in discussions over a potential path to Elland Road, yet.
Leeds agree deal and book medical to sign new 6 ft 5 star ahead of Newcastle
He’s been called a top target for the Whites.
ByCharlie Smith Jul 24, 2025
Labelled “excellent” by Rahman Rezaei, Taremi has been given extra time to assess his options in pre-season and hasn’t returned to training after a return of three goals and six assists in 43 appearances last term.
With his time in Italy looking certain to end, Leeds may be the ideal destination for Taremi to reignite his career at a bargain fee, albeit he would need to improve on his tally if a move to Elland Road were indeed to materialise.
Celtic continued to ramp up their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign with their latest pre-season clash against Portuguese giants Sporting earlier this week.
Goals from Reo Hatate, who scored from the penalty spot, and Luke McCowan in the second half secured a comfortable 2-0 win for the Hoops over the Liga Portugal champions.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have now won three of their four pre-season friendlies this summer, having also beaten Cork City and Queen’s Park, and they face Premier League side Newcastle United this weekend.
These pre-season games are primarily fitness exercises to prepare players for the upcoming season, but they also serve to identify who is ready to be a frontline option and who may need to take a backseat in the squad.
One player who has not furthered their cause to be a starter in the 2025/26 campaign is centre-forward Adam Idah, who missed several big chances in the win over Sporting.
The former Norwich City striker is currently the only senior number nine option available to Rodgers at the time of writing, but that may change before the end of the window.
Why Adam Idah may not be a starter next season
When Celtic agreed a deal worth up to £9.5m to sign Idah from the Canaries last summer, the Scottish Premiership champions may have been thinking that they had their starting striker for the foreseeable future in the building.
However, Idah’s performances in his first full season at Parkhead did not live up to the expectations that came with such a hefty price tag, despite the fact that he ended the campaign with 20 goals in all competitions.
That haul of 20 goals did come in 54 appearances, though, and consistency was an issue for the Ireland international, who failed to keep his place in the starting XI on a regular basis, starting 22 of his 45 appearances in the Premiership and the Champions League.
As shown in the clip above, former Celtic boss Neil Lennon explained that the striker needs to find more consistency in his all-round performances and needs to think more about his decisions on the pitch.
Idah’s inconsistency in front of goal in the Premiership was an issue for him in the 2024/25 campaign, as his finishing left a lot to be desired at times.
Daizen Maeda
14.95
16
+1.05
Adam Idah
14.77
13
-1.77
Kyogo Furuhashi
14.14
10
-4.14
Nicolas Kuhn
11.4
13
+1.6
Arne Engels
9.26
9
-0.26
As you can see in the table above, the Irishman had plenty of high-quality openings in front of goal for the Hoops, but failed to make the most of them as he underperformed his xG by almost two goals.
All of this together illustrates why Idah may not be viewed as a starter for Celtic next season, particularly amid interest in another centre-forward.
Celtic eyeing £7m centre-forward
According to TEAMtalk, Rodgers has identified Wycombe Wanderers number nine Richard Kone as a new target for the Hoops to potentially bolster their squad before the end of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Scottish giants are lining up a swoop for the 22-year-old marksman as a possible replacement for Daizen Maeda, who is attracting interest from a host of teams in the Premier League.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Brentford, Everton, and West Ham United are among the clubs eyeing up a possible move for the Japan international, who is valued at £25m by Celtic.
TEAMtalk adds that it will take a fee of around £7m to prise Kone away from Wycombe, and that is a fee that the Hoops are only willing to pay if they cash in on Maeda for a huge transfer fee.
Daizen Maeda
This suggests that it is a transfer pursuit that could rumble on late into the window, as it is linked to Maeda’s future, but it is a potential deal that should concern Idah.
Why Celtic signing Kone should concern Idah
The current Hoops number nine should be concerned by the club’s interest in Kone because the arrival of the £7m-rated star could result in the Irishman being consigned to the bench for the majority of the season.
As aforementioned, Idah did start 22 of his 45 outings in the Premiership and the Champions League, which means that he started just under half of the games in those competitions. He also started 19 of his 35 appearances in the Premiership, specifically, as Rodgers gave him plenty of opportunities to shine.
Kone’s arrival at Parkhead, though, if they manage to sign him from Wycombe, would send the former Norwich man to the bench almost permanently, because he could be an upgrade for the Hoops.
The Ivorian number nine’s performances for Wycombe in League One during the 2024/25 campaign suggest that the potential is there for him to be an excellent all-round centre-forward for Rodgers.
xG
15.89
Top 7%
xG on target
16.84
Top 6%
Goals
18
Top 7%
xA
3.33
Top 8%
Assists
3
Top 32%
Successful dribbles
44
Top 6%
Duels won
240
Top 5%
Aerial duels won
131
Top 9%
As you can see in the table above, the Celtic target plundered 18 goals from 15.89 xG in the division, which shows that he was a ruthless and efficient finisher for his side, ending the campaign with five more league goals than Idah managed for the Hoops.
Kone, who was hailed as a “goal machine” by teammate Joe Jacobson, also ranked highly among his positional peers when it came to completing dribbles, winning duels, and winning aerial battles, which shows that he is also a dynamic and physical striker.
This suggests that the £7m-rated star offers an all-round presence at the top end of the pitch, which is what Lennon suggested Idah was missing from his performances, which is another reason why he could be an upgrade on the Irishman.
Therefore, the Celtic number nine could be sent packing to the bench as a regular super substitute next season if the club can secure a deal for Kone, who may have the consistency in his all-round game that he lacks.
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The Wycombe star has shown consistency as a finisher, a dribbler, and a dueller in League One, which is the same league that Matt O’Riley was recruited from, and his impressive attributes and performance suggest that Idah could be a bench warmer next season if he joins the club.