AC Milan bide their time with Dusan Vlahovic offer and consider swap deal with desperate Juventus

AC Milan are not rushing the Dusan Vlahovic operation, well aware that Juventus are more desperate to offload the Serbian than they are to sign him.

Milan keep Juve waitingVlahovic could reunite with AllegriWages remain a point of contentionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Milan are eager to sign a striker this summer, and all signs point towards Vlahovic being the chosen one to reinforce head coach Massimiliano Allegri's attack. While negotiations have come to a standstill, media in Italy are suggesting that the two Serie A giants could find middle ground using a swap deal.

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claims Milan could offer centre-back Malick Thiaw to Juventus in exchange for Vlahovic, as a swap deal could help bring down the financial costs of the transfer. In the event of Daniele Rugani's departure, the Old Lady would be looking in the market for defensive reinforcements. However, getting Thiaw and offloading Vlahovic would be a win-win situation for both clubs.

Juve have reportedly denied the striker's request to terminate his contract — which ends next year — and have set an asking price of €25 million (£22m/$29m), a far cry from the €40m they initially demanded. However, Milan are not willing to pay that much.

DID YOU KNOW?

Another stumbling block in Milan's pursuit of Vlahovic has been the exorbitant wages the player wants. At Juve, he is currently earning €12m (£10m/$14m) after tax deductions. The Rossoneri, meanwhile, are willing to go only halfway, offering a proposal of €6m per year plus bonuses. They want to avoid creating tensions in the dressing room where Rafael Leao is the current highest-earning player in the squad with annual wages of €7m. Allegri is keen to reunite with the former Fiorentina forward, and the player himself finds the move attractive. However, Vlahovic's unwillingness to take a pay cut could further complicate an already delicate situation.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

Well aware that nothing is set in stone with regards to the Vlahovic deal, Milan are keenly looking at alternatives in the market. Per Fabrizio Romano, they have entered talks with Monaco to sign Swiss international Breel Embolo, who would cost just €15m (£13m/$18m) and would not be a burden on the wage bill. They are also monitoring the Premier League, with reports suggesting that Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Crystal Palace's Jean-Phillippe Mateta have found themselves on Milan's radar. A move for Bayer Leverkusen talisman Victor Boniface could materialise, too.

Mason can sign West Brom's next Fellows in young star who's like "Neymar"

After lots of speculation hinted at the possibility, Ryan Mason is now officially the brand-new West Bromwich Albion manager ahead of the 2025/26 campaign kicking off in the Championship.

It’s a bold next step for Mason, considering he has only ever taken the reins at Spurs on an interim basis, but his work behind the scenes has been praised in North London, meaning he could be the breath of fresh air needed at the Hawthorns to kickstart a promotion push.

Tottenham Hotspur assistant coachRyanMasonduring training

The 33-year-old could well rely on these Spurs connections when looking to make some impactful summer signings, with one or two young faces at the Premier League titans already being linked to make the switch to reunite with Mason.

Mason could use Spurs connections

The Baggies had frequently utilised the loan market when the likes of Carlos Corberan and Tony Mowbray stood in the dug-out.

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Indeed, raw gems such as Will Lankshear (0 goals in 11 games) and Lewis Dobbin (0 goals in 18 games) failed to ever get going at the Hawthorns, away from the more experienced Adam Armstrong who was also a disappointing capture, having netted three times in 16 matches.

Therefore, Mason will hope – if he’s given permission to raid his ex-side for some up-and-coming starlets – that these deals go swimmingly instead and aren’t categorised as similar failures, with Spurs attacking hotshot Jamie Donley one notable name previously linked with a move to the West Midlands.

This could go down as a big success story when you consider Donley is just fresh off collecting 18 goal contributions for Leyton Orient on loan, but Mason’s dream first Baggies signing could centre on one of the 20-year-old’s teammates.

Amazingly, if all went to plan, Mason might well win himself the club’s new Tom Fellows, with West Brom’s attacking personnel undoubtedly boosted by potential activity in the market.

Mason could sign the next Fellows

Whilst West Brom would depressingly let a playoff spot slip out of their grasp last campaign, Fellows still managed to be a bright spark for his boyhood club throughout the bumpy season.

By the close of the season, the dynamic 22-year-old had four goals and 14 assists next to his name in Championship action, with one Spurs youngster in the form of Mikey Moore wanting to follow in Fellows’ footsteps if he were to don Baggies blue and white shortly.

The time does feel right for Moore to spread his wings and gain an EFL education, with the 17-year-old now off the mark in the senior side when scoring the strike above in the Europa League earlier this year.

But, away from impressing here and there under Ange Postecoglou, the teenager needs regular minutes to fully strut his stuff with an appropriate platform surely coming his way now under Mason.

Reports do suggest that Mason has Moore on his early West Brom shopping list, and whilst the 17-year-old has lined up as a centre-forward and attacking midfielder during his fledgling Spurs career to date, he could well come into the Baggies step-up and terrorise defenders down the flanks much like Fellows.

After all, 18 of his Spurs appearances and counting have come down the left channel, with West Brom needing more numbers on the left too, owing to Mikey Johnston being the only recognised figure in Mason’s camp capable of wreaking havoc on this wing.

LW

18

4

6

AM

8

6

4

CF

7

11

4

RW

6

1

0

He can even slot in down Fellows’ trusty right-hand side if needed, but based on the numbers, Moore comes into his own as a creative force – much like the assist-heavy 22-year-old – when featuring on the left.

That is perhaps his best position with James Maddison having previously described him as “fearless” and a bit like Neymar in that role.

It will be intriguing to see if the North London prodigy can acclimatise well to the instant pressures of the Championship. If he can, Mason will have pulled off a dream first buy in the Hawthorns hot-seat.

West Brom targeting "fantastic" EFL ace who could be Mason's first signing

The Baggies are set to hold talks with Ryan Mason.

ByTom Cunningham May 29, 2025

Welsh Fire through to Hundred final as Hayley Matthews stars with bat and ball

Hayley Matthews continued her remarkable all-round form as Welsh Fire cruised to a commanding nine-wicket victory over bottom side Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl. The margin of victory ultimately guaranteed the Fire top spot and progression to the Hundred’s final on Sunday at Lord’s.The Barbadian, opening the bowling, delivered figures of 4 for 14 with her offbreaks, before her unbeaten 35, in the slipstream of Tammy Beaumont’s 59 not out off 40 balls, helped the visitors knock off their target with 26 balls to spare.Fire’s win put them in a strong position, due to their superior net run rate, to finish in top spot and qualify automatically for their first Hundred final. Their progress was confirmed when Oval Invincibles failed to chase their 92-run target inside 58 balls against Trent Rockets later on Wednesday afternoon, which would have been enough to leapfrog the Fire on net run-rate.”I think we’ve been really good,” Matthews said. “When you look at our line-up, we’ve got a lot of experience, and we’ve played on that really well.”The bowlers have done a really good job at making sure we don’t have to chase too big of a total. I think it’s been a complete team performance and that’s where we’ve performed really well, everyone’s been chipping in and playing their role.”Tammy Beaumont’s half-century set up Welsh Fire’s win•ECB via Getty Images

After Beaumont put the Brave in at the toss, Matthews dismissed the in-form Danni Wyatt, caught at deep midwicket, before Smriti Mandhana departed four balls later to the pace of Shabnim Ismail, to leave the Brave 15 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.And Brave were quickly four down when Jess Jonassen had Georgia Adams stumped, before Maia Bouchier fell to give Matthews her second after Phoebe Franklin held onto a superb diving catch in the deep.Wickets continued to fall. Freya Kemp got a feather to a Jonassen arm-ball, Naomi Dattani was bowled by a beauty from Matthews, and when Kalea Moore was stumped two balls later, the Brave were tottering on 47 for 7.Chloe Tryon singlehandedly rescued the innings with an aggressive 55 (38), dominating the latter stages with boundaries down the ground and through the cover region, adding 52 with keeper-bat, Rhianna Southby.Despite this mini-fightback, the result rarely looked in doubt after the Fire’s flying start, with 34 runs posted before the loss of Sophia Dunkley to the final ball of the powerplay.Beaumont was especially strong on anything loose, working the field with sweeps and cuts, while Matthews picked the gaps behind square as the former reached her half-century in just 31 balls. The pair put on 72 in 54 deliveries to ensure Fire roared into the latter stages of the competition.

The next Trippier: Newcastle express interest in "stupidly good" £29m star

da aposte e ganhe: Newcastle United’s season ended in the perfect way last weekend, despite a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton in the final game of the campaign. The Magpies secured Champions League qualification once again, after a year out of any continental competition in 2024/25.

da bet nacional: Their final finish saw them pip Aston Villa to that last Champions League spot by finishing in fifth, helped by the fact that the Premier League gained an extra spot due to high coefficient points. They have been in the top five since the second game in April, and have clung onto the position to return to the Champions League.

Thus, it will be a big summer for Eddie Howe and his squad, as they look to shape the perfect group ready to compete amongst Europe’s elite clubs.

Newcastle’s summer targets

Already, the rumour mill has been whirring, and the transfer window has not even opened yet. Newcastle were recently linked with Liam Delap by TeamTalk, who say they held ‘showdown talks’ with the Ipswich Town star.

Transfer Focus

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

Now, according to CaughtOffside, the North East outfit ‘have expressed interest’ in signing Atletico Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina. They are believed to be ‘keen on securing his signature’ as they look to add to full-back depth.

However, they are not thought to be the only side trying to sign him this summer. Premier League rivals Liverpool are also keen. They’re in the market for a new right-back after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.

Serie A sides Inter, Juventus and Roma are also interested. Should Molina leave the Spanish capital, he could cost upwards of £29m.

Why Molina would be a good signing

At 27 years of age, you might struggle to find a better option at right-back than Molina this summer. Not only is he in the prime of his career, but the defender is hugely experienced, too. He was a World Cup winner back in 2022 with Argentina.

This season, the former Boca Juniors star has featured in 44 games for the La Liga giants. In that time, he has contributed to an impressive 17 clean sheets playing mainly as a right-back, but even slotting into centre-back as well.

He has also managed to chip in with goal contributions this term. Not only has the defender registered three assists across all competitions, but he even managed to get himself on the scoresheet away to Paris Saint-Germain in a 2-1 win in the Champions League group phase. As Neal Gardner said, he is a “stupidly good” player.

Molina would not be the only right-back Newcastle have signed from Atleti in recent seasons. In fact, they brought Kieran Trippier to the club from the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano for just £12m back in January 2022.

Now, three years on from his move to St James’ Park, the former England international is still a big part of Howe’s squad, although maybe not as much of an important player. This term, he played 25 times in the Premier League, but featured for just 1309 minutes, the equivalent of 14.5 full 90-minute games.

Kieran Trippier

With that being said, there is no denying Trippier’s importance to this Newcastle project over the past few years under Howe. In 123 appearances, he has four goals to his name and an impressive 25 assists, which included ten in the Premier League in 2023/24.

During their most recent season for Atleti, Molina and Trippier can be compared statistically via Squawka. For example, in 2024/25, Molina created 0.8 chances and won 4.4 duels per 90 minutes, compared to Trippier in 2021/22, where he created 0.7 chances and won 5.8 duels each game.

Molina and Trippier – key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Molina (2024/25)

Trippier (2021/22)

Chances created

0.8

0.7

Forward passes

19.5

22.6

Take-ons competed

0.9

0.7

Duels won

4.4

5.8

Ball recoveries

3.8

5

Stats from Squawka

If Molina can come into Newcastle and recreate the impact Trippier has had at the club, then he will surely be a successful signing.

The 27-year-old might well have a role that is just as important to play.

For just £29m, this could be a steal for the Magpies, as they look to bring in a player who could be Howe’s next Trippier.

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Ronaldinho Gaúcho balança as redes no aplaudido 'Jogo dos Famosos' em Sorocaba

MatériaMais Notícias

da winzada777: O estádio Walter Ribeiro, em Sorocaba, interior de São Paulo, recebeu no último sábado (19), cerca de 10 mil pessoas em suas arquibancadas para o “Jogo dos Famosos”, encabeçado pelos craques Ronaldinho Gaúcho e Falcão.

da 888: A partida contou, também, com importantes nomes como Amaral, Marcos Assunção, Edilson Capetinha, Júnior, Zé Love, entre outros: “Um grande espetáculo foi realizado para o público. Não poderia ser diferente o encontro que reuniu importantes ídolos do esporte que é paixão nacional”, resumiu o empresário Túlio Patto, proprietário do Complexo Vila Don Patto, que mantém apoios às principais realizações em prol da sociedade sorocabana.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho que posou para as lentes dos fotógrafos presentes fez as redes balançarem com um dos dois gols, um com a bola rolando e outro nos pênaltis. Como de costume na carreira, a comemoração foi junto com a torcida, dando aquela sambadinha e no final da partida agradeceu os amigos e mostrou intensa alegria: “Foi ótimo. Que venham os próximos”.

Especialista nas quadras, Falcão já jogou profissionalmente nos gramados em 2005, no São Paulo de Émerson Leão. Falcão deu bicicleta, bateu falta de letra e também deixou seu gol.

O jogo teve ainda Baianinho, craque da sinuca e o cantor MC Biel, quer deixou seu golzinho no evento.

Sunderland hold 'formal' talks and now lead the race to sign £21m star

Sunderland have been working on the market to secure new arrivals and find themselves in the lead for an exciting centre-forward, according to a report.

Sunderland tipped to make some ambitious moves this window

The Black Cats find themselves back in familiar Premier League territory and have plenty of money to spend after Jobe Bellingham was sold to Borussia Dortmund for a base fee of £27 million.

With a wealth of financial capital to reinvest, Keith Wyness has suggested that Sunderland should sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea, though he acknowledges his high wages may be a sticking point for any interested parties.

He stated: “I think you’re really going to be restricted, in my opinion, to the three clubs coming up – Leeds, Burnley, Sunderland. I think that’s where he might find a space.

“But again, the wages are going to have to be really heavily subsidised to get him any move at all. But I think it’s going to come to the point that that will be the case. It’s going to be a difficult move and I don’t know how long he’s got left on his contract yet, but still it’s going have to be Chelsea subsidising those heavily to get him out there.”

Japhet Tanganga and Charlie Cresswell could come in to strengthen Sunderland’s defence if circumstances fall in a direction that would allow Regis Le Bris to land either individual from Millwall or Toulouse, respectively.

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ByCharlie Smith Jun 19, 2025

However, signing proven quality in front of goal will be key to remaining in the top-flight, and there is every chance the Wearside giants could now be well on the road to securing the services of a clinical international forward.

Sunderland leading race to sign Vladyslav Vanat

According to The Daily Express, Sunderland are leading the race to sign Dynamo Kyiv forward Vladyslav Vanat and formal talks have been held with his camp over a potential move to the Stadium of Light.

The expectation is a ‘speedy agreement’ would be easy enough to find on personal terms, only after the clubs have agreed on a fee involving the Ukraine international.

Vladyslav Vanat in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

45

Goals

21

Assists

9

However, there could be a sticking point on his price tag as Dynamo Kyiv are keen to recoup a figure reportedly said to be in the region of £21 million amid concerns over whether they will be able to secure a replacement capable of replicating his impact.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian giants want to keep striker Vanat ahead of their Champions League qualifying campaign, which begins on July 22nd against the winners of FK Vilnius Zagrinis and Hamrun Spartans.

Nevertheless, talks appear to be heading in a positive direction, so there is every chance Sunderland could manage to force this one over the line between now and the end of the summer window.

Man City now in talks for "immense" star with over double De Bruyne's goals

Looking to rebuild an ageing midfield, Manchester City have now reportedly made contact to sign a Serie A star with sporting director Hugo Viana hoping to secure his signature this summer.

Man City set to kick-start summer rebuild

The Premier League already received a glimpse of what Manchester City’s rebuild may look like in the January transfer window when the Citizens welcomed the likes of Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov. Now, six months on, the Manchester club could seriously step things up. With a Kevin de Bruyne-shaped hole to fill, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast.

Names such as Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz have both been mentioned, with a move for the former looking particularly likely to take place when the summer arrives. Following an excellent season at Nottingham Forest, the midfield star has earned the attraction of those at The Etihad, who are primed to make their move in the coming months.

If there were any doubts that Manchester City needed a rebuild, then their recent 0-0 draw against relegated Southampton should have acted as a timely reminder. The Saints were on course to match Derby County’s record low points tally in the Premier League before the most unexpected point saw them avoid embarrassment.

After a frustrating afternoon, City boss Pep Guardiola went against Ruben Dias’ criticism of Southampton’s defensive approach, telling reporters: “They can do whatever they want.

Big Nunes upgrade: Man City considering move for "outstanding" £40m star

Manchester City are in the market to sign a new right-back this summer, to replace Matheus Nunes, with an “outstanding” PL star “under consideration”.

By
Ben Gray

May 13, 2025

“For many years here, we faced teams in different approaches, and they decided they have to play. It’s on us to break them. In those terms, many times teams have played five in the back or six and the striker has gone on our holding midfielder and there’s no space, it’s difficult.

“You have to break it, and we had the chances. When you review the chances for nothing, we could not score and it happened. Now we prepare the [FA Cup] final and now it is next time and Fulham.”

Man City open talks to sign Reijnders

Away from their frustration on the pitch, meanwhile, the Citizens have pushed on with their summer rebuild. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester City have now made contact to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and whilst there is yet to be a formal offer, talks have begun and Viana is hoping to get a deal done this summer.

It would certainly be a statement opening for the new sporting director to sign such a talent, especially if Manchester City then go on and rebuild their midfield even further with the likes of Gibbs-White and Wirtz. In three swift moves, Guardiola’s side could be back to their dominant best.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Tijjani Reijnders

Ilkay Gundogan

Kevin de Bruyne

Minutes

2,948

2,050

1,628

Goals

10

0

4

Assists

4

5

7

Ball Recoveries

110

105

63

Once dubbed an “immense” signing for AC Milan by U23 scout Antonio Mango, all signs are pointing towards Reijnders becoming equally impressive if he decides to join Manchester City this summer. In a summer of change at The Etihad, the Dutchman could be the start of a much-needed midfield rebuild.

Washington: I had no idea I had to bowl the Super Over

The allrounder called Suryakumar’s leadership skills “amazing” for thinking out of the box

Andrew Fidel Fernando31-Jul-20241:44

Washington lauds Suryakumar’s ‘amazing leadership skills’

Sri Lanka needed nine to win off the last two overs in the third T20I. India still had the bowling of Mohammed Siraj to call on (Siraj had conceded just 11 off his first three overs). They also had one over from Khaleel Ahmed, who could have bowled the 20th.But with Kusal Perera still at the crease, captain Suryakumar Yadav went to the offspin of Rinku Singh, which had never before been seen in a T20 international. It worked out brilliantly – Perera first top-edging a cross-batted shot so badly, Rinku himself could get under it. Later in the over, Ramesh Mendis also holed out, to deep midwicket.Having watched Rinku concede only three runs and claim two wickets in a pressure over, Suryakumar made the decision to bowl his own offspin in the final over, taking two further wickets himself, and conceding only five to win the match.Related

Washington, Suryakumar, Rinku bowl India to Super Over win

Suryakumar after Super Over heist: I told the team I had seen such games

Sri Lanka's latest collapse a chef's kiss on their incompetence

After the match, Washington Sundar, the frontline offspin bowler in the team described this spell of captaincy as “amazing”. The pitch was taking big turn, and Sri Lanka were struggling hugely against the slow bowlers. Suryakumar gambled on two rank part-timers.”It was amazing from Surya and his leadership skills,” Washington said. “I think he felt given the situation if he bowled more spinners we’d have a good chance to win the game. Given the wicket and the situation, he took one or two options, and it did wonders for us.”There were only 12 balls to go and Kusal Perera was batting. Rinku got him out and Surya himself came on in the last over and almost won the game for us. We all know he has a big heart when he goes out there to bat, but he also has a big heart in leadership as well.”Washington himself then played a key role, bowling a Super Over in which he conceded just two runs, but took two wickets. In regular play he had taken 2 for 23.”Honestly, I had no idea I was going to bowl. It was after the batsmen walked out that Surya turned behind and said: ‘Washy, you’re on.’ I was very happy, to be honest. When the captain wants you to bowl especially in tough situations, in a Super Over. I thought it was a great opportunity for me to step up and win games for my country. Thank God it went well.”Although India didn’t seem capable of defending 137 for the vast majority of the chase, Suryakumar never lost hope, Washington said. Sri Lanka, at one stage, needed 28 runs off 28 balls, with nine wickets in hand. India would then set in motion a huge collapse.”Surya kept teling us that one or two wickets, and the game would definitely change,” Washington said. “In these kinds of wickets, in low-scoring games, even run-a-ball could be a lot of pressure on the batsmen because there’s something for the bowlers in the wicket.”He said one or two wickets in the middle overs would get us in the game, and that’s exactly what happened. I hope the audience enjoyed it because you will only see such games every now and then. To be a part of this game feels great.”

Odegaard upgrade: Arsenal racing to sign "one of the best 10s in the world"

Wednesday night proved that this season could, in fact, get worse for Arsenal fans.

While the Gunners were just about coming to terms with another season without a trophy, they had to watch bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur win the Europa League and, in turn, book their place in the Champions League next year.

So, to ensure it’s the red side celebrating silverware next season, Andrea Berta and Co need to make sure they bring in some incredibly talented players who can make a real difference in the summer.

Fortunately, that looks like it may well happen, as recent reports have linked the club with one of the most exciting internationals on the continent, someone who could be the perfect upgrade on the underperforming Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal looking at Odegaard replacement

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other exciting players touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Rafael Leao and Bryan Mbeumo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former might have a release clause worth an astounding £145m, but he’s been in fine form this season, racking up a tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances for AC Milan.

Mbeumo, on the other hand, appears far more attainable at around £60m, which could prove to be something of a bargain for a winger who has scored 19 goals and provided nine assists in 41 games for Brentford this season.

Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match

However, if a player is going to come in and replace Odegaard, they need to be comfortable in the middle of the park and blessed with immense skill, which is where Xavi Simons comes in.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in signing the RB Leipzig star.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen on the Dutch international, who could be sold for around £60m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer, but given Simons’ immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be an ideal Odegaard upgrade.

How Simons compares to Odegaard

So, the first thing to clear up is that while Simons can play in a number of positions – which is another reason Arsenal should sign him – attacking midfield is his second most played role, and with some of the other wingers linked to the club in recent weeks, we wouldn’t be surprised if that was where Arteta and Co would want to play him.

Therefore, his biggest competitor for game time would be Odegaard, so who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes to pure output, it’s the mercurial Dutchman who comes out way ahead.

In just 33 appearances this season, the 22-year-old has really showcased why he’s “one of the best 10s in the world” in the words of one analyst on social media, having scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games.

In contrast, the Norwegian ace has scored just five goals and provided 12 assists in 44 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.58 games.

The one-sided nature of the comparison only continues when we go back and take a look at their output from last season, when the Gunners captain was actually in form and won the team’s Player of the Year Award.

For example, he managed a respectable haul of 11 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.08 games.

Appearances

43

48

Goals

10

11

Assists

15

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.47

Appearances

33

44

Goals

11

5

Assists

8

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

0.38

However, the former PSV gem did even better and ended the campaign with a superb tally of ten goals and 15 assists in 43 appearances, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games.

Ultimately, while Odegaard remains an incredibly talented footballer, he’s been seriously underwhelming this season, and even when he was nearer his best last year, Simons outperformed him.

Therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign the Leipzig star before someone else beats them to it.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes May 22, 2025

Rizwan announced white-ball captain; Babar, Afridi, Naseem return for Australia tour

Rizwan will take over from Babar, who stepped down from the role recently

Danyal Rasool27-Oct-2024 • Updated on 30-Oct-2024Mohammad Rizwan has been announced as the new white-ball captain of Pakistan, and his first assignment will be the ODI and T20I series against Australia next month. The squad marks the return of Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. The trio, omitted from Pakistan’s last two Tests against England, make a return in both white-ball formats. None of them will feature in the ODI or T20I series in Zimbabwe that immediately follow.Salman Ali Agha, who is in all four white-ball squads for the away tours, has been named vice-captain. He will captain the side in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, with Rizwan sitting that series out.”I am committed to giving my absolute best in this role and look forward to working closely with the selectors, coaches and my immensely talented teammates,” a statement attributed by the PCB to Rizwan stated. “Together, we aim to meet and exceed the expectations of our fans and supporters.”Pakistan’s ODI and T20I squad for the tour of Australia•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, who both missed out on a central contract, do not feature in any squad, but central contracts weren’t always a reliable indicator of squad composition. Mohammad Hasnain didn’t get a central contract, but his performance in the Champions One-Day Cup – where he was Player of the Tournament – has earned him a berth in all four squads. Shadab Khan has been dropped, left-arm wristspinner Sufiyan Muqeem added to both T20I travelling parties, while offspin-bowling allrounder Qasim Akram will go to Zimbabwe for the T20Is.Related

  • Pat Cummins, and Pakistan: welcome back to ODI cricket

  • 'Sometimes people need a break' – Masood backs Babar to make strong comeback

  • Kirsten resigns as Pakistan's white-ball coach

  • Shan Masood gets PCB contract 'subject to captaincy', Babar and Rizwan alone in top category

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed Fakhar’s dispute with the PCB over a tweet he posted in opposition to Babar being dropped from the Test side was a factor in his omission, though according to the chairman, it wasn’t the biggest reason. “The tweet [he posted] is an issue for us,” Naqvi said. “It doesn’t matter as much as him failing his fitness test though. We have to make a decision over his show-cause notice, and after that he has to pass his fitness test. That’s why he isn’t in. He spoke very well at the connection camp, and it was him raising his voice that has led us to reform our international department. I appreciate that. But it’s unacceptable for a player to tweet against the selection committee. That is not permitted, and it will never be permitted.”Pakistan’s white-ball squads for the Zimbabwe tour•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Pakistan Shaheens wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris has also fallen down the pecking order, failing to make any of the squads, with wicketkeeper Haseebullah Khan, who played a solitary T20I in New Zealand in January, included in all four. His team-mate at Peshawar Zalmi Saim Ayub, who primarily made his name as a T20 top order power-hitter, will not feature in either of the T20I series after a sustained lean run in the format, but has made the cut for both ODI squads.The ODI series against Australia, set to begin on November 4, is Pakistan’s first in the format since the World Cup in India a year earlier. It kickstarts a busy period in the 50-over format in the build-up to the Champions Trophy in February, the first ICC event Pakistan are scheduled to host since the 1996 World Cup. The Australia and Zimbabwe ODIs are followed by white-ball games in both formats against South Africa, and a tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa in Multan just before the start of the Champions Trophy.Australia tour (Nov 4-18)
Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Agha Salman, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Irfan Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah AfridiT20I squad: Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), Abbas Afridi, Agha Salman, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan.Zimbabwe tour (Nov 24 – Dec 5)
ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Irfan Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Saim Ayub, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab TahirT20I squad: Agha Salman (capt), Abbas Afridi, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, Omair Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan11.50 GMT: This story was updated when Rizwan was confirmed as captain

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