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Manchester United are looking to kick on under Ruben Amorim after the win against Sunderland and could now look to beat Manchester City to a statement signing in the January window.

Manchester United look to elevate themselves in Premier League

Undoubtedly, the Red Devils have taken time to get going this season, and their start hasn’t been plain sailing as they integrate new signings and try to find their best starting line-up.

Nevertheless, a victory over Sunderland has restored morale at Old Trafford and has relieved some pressure on Amorim’s situation at the club, which will give supporters some cause for optimism as Manchester United head for the international break.

Oliver Glasner has been linked to the Red Devils’ hotseat, and there will be other names mentioned if results begin to take another dip, but Amorim appears safe for now and will hope his side can kick on over the coming weeks.

With international breaks splitting the season into mini-blocks, the January transfer window isn’t actually too far down the line and rumours are already beginning to circulate regarding who could come in to improve Manchester United’s squad.

Reports suggest that the Red Devils are fighting Manchester City to sign Atletico Madrid full-back Nahuel Molina in a deal that could be worth in the region of £26 million.

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Truthfully, it remains to be seen if spending power is there after a summer window that saw £250 million shelled out at Old Trafford. PSR rules will need to be respected, and January is a notoriously hard month to conclude business.

Still, Manchester United may not be done in their quest to pip Manchester City to signings if recent developments are to evolve.

Man Utd look to pip Man City to sign Aleksandar Pavlovic

According to SportBild’s Tobias Altschäffl, Manchester United have made an approach via intermediaries for Bayern Munich star Aleksandar Pavlovic and he is now firmly on their radar alongside rivals Manchester City, who have been strongly linked with the player for weeks.

He said when asked by Christian Falk about his situation: “Juventus Turin and Paris are not yet so moving. With the English, this is absolutely true. It is known that the Pavlović side was approached via intermediaries. They would like to get Pavlović. At City, he’s even higher on the list.”

Five similar players to Aleksandar Pavlovic (FBRef)

Jordan Ferri

Sampdoria

Benjamin Bouchouari

Trabzonspor

Manu Morlanes

Mallorca

Remo Freuler

Bologna

Valentin Rongier

Rennes

Making his presence felt at the Bundesliga holders, Pavlovic has made seven appearances across all competitions this term, scoring once against Hamburg.

Primarily a holding midfielder, the Germany international could well be a long-term replacement for Casemiro. Still, the Red Devils will need to convince him that their project is worth investing in, amid a run of inconsistent results this term.

Showing ambition hasn’t been a problem so far for INEOS, though this could be their most important capture yet amid strong interest from their rivals.

Leeds United may be without two of their wide options when they face off against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League this weekend.

Head coach Daniel Farke has revealed that both Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James may not be available to take part in the trip to the Molineux Stadium.

This means that Brenden Aaronson seems likely to keep his place on the right flank, unless the German boss decides to go with Jack Harrison ahead of the USA international.

The American flop, who is an attacking midfielder by trade, has scored one goal in 40 appearances in his Premier League career, per Sofascore, whilst the English winger has scored one goal and failed to provide any assists in 37 outings in the division since the start of last season.

These statistics do not make for great reading and do not suggest that Aaronson or Harrison are likely to come up with a moment of magic to win the game for Leeds against Wolves this weekend.

The Whites have failed to score a goal from open play in the Premier League this season, partly because of their lack of quality out wide, and they may still rue the fact that they were unable to land Igor Paixao.

Why Leeds failed to sign Igor Paixao

Leeds put a £30.5m offer down on the table for the Brazilian forward during the summer transfer window, only for the attacker to turn down a move to Elland Road to sign for Marseille.

Feyenoord, per the Yorkshire Evening Post, were willing to accept the club’s offer for Paixao, which meant that they left it up to the player to decide where he wanted to go next in his career.

Unfortunately, for Leeds and Farke, the left-sided attacker opted to sign for Marseille because they are a stable top-flight side and had Champions League football to offer him, which the Whites were unable to compete with in the end.

Missing out on Paixao was a frustrating blow for the Championship champions because he had the potential to be an exciting addition to the squad after an impressive campaign in the Netherlands.

The 25-year-old star, who is in the prime years of his career, racked up 18 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions for Feyenoord last term, per Sofascore, which convinced Leeds to put a bid of more than £30m in for his services.

xG

10.56

Top 2%

xG on target

16.25

Top 2%

Goals

16

Top 2%

Shots on target

43

Top 2%

xA

6.71

Top 4%

Chances created

70

Top 1%

Assists

10

Top 3%

As you can see in the table above, Paixao was one of the most productive forwards in the Dutch top-flight with his contributions as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Given the options currently at Farke’s disposal for this weekend’s clash and how the games have gone so far this season, missing out on Paixao was a big blow for the Whites.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

However, Leeds were brewing their own version of Paixao, and potentially their next Raphinha, at Elland Road in Largie Ramazani before Farke ditched him in the summer window.

Why Ramazani could have been Leeds United's own Paixao

The Belgian winger could have been a hybrid of both Paixao and Raphinha in West Yorkshire if the club had kept him and continued his development in England, instead of allowing him to join Valencia on loan.

Supporters will, of course, remember how exciting Raphinha was to watch when Leeds were last in the Premier League, after his move from Rennes in 2020.

Well, Ramazani played in LaLiga at the same time as the Brazil international in the 2023/24 campaign and they were listed as similar players, statistically, by FBref. The then-Almeria star averaged 0.33 xAG per 90 compared to the Brazilian’s 0.38 xAG per 90, as they both ranked within the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in LaLiga for creating high-quality chances.

After his promising form in LaLiga for Almeria, Ramazani completed a £10m move to Elland Road in the summer of 2024 to sign for Leeds in the Championship.

The left-sided attacker, who was described as a counter-attacking “weapon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, only started seven matches in the second tier during the 2024/25 campaign, but delivered six goals and two assists in his limited minutes on the pitch for the Whites.

Non-penalty xG

0.54

Top 2%

Shots on target

1.84

Top 2%

Goals

0.69

Top 2%

Assists

0.23

Top 20%

Chances created

1.50

Top 32%

Dribbles completed

2.07

Top 15%

As you can see in the table above, Ramazani ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers for goals and assists when filtered into per-90 metrics, which illustrates how efficient he was in the minutes that Farke handed him.

Fuelled by those performances in the Championship, FBref list Paixao as one of the most similar players to the Belgian forward over the past 365 days based on their statistics per 90.

The chart above shows that the £10m Leeds forward even outperformed the Brazilian in a host of statistics, but it is worth adding that he only started seven games whilst Paixao was a regular starter for Feyenoord.

What these statistics do show, though, is that Leeds had an exciting left winger who has been comparable to both Raphinha and Paixao on their hands, yet they allowed him to leave on loan.

It is a decision that seems more bizarre with each passing game that the Whites do not score an open play goal in, particularly when you consider that Ramazani already has an open play assist in two appearances for Valencia in LaLiga.

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The Whites, therefore, must regret ditching him in the summer window, even if it was only on loan, because he has the quality to provide an attacking spark in the final third, like Raphinha and Paixao, and that is something that they desperately need right now.

يستعد منتخب مصر الثاني تحت قيادة مديره الفني حلمي طولان، لمواجهة البحرين، في ثاني وديات المنتخب استعدادًا للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العرب التي ستقام في قطر ديسمبر المقبل. 

وكان منتخب مصر قد تعرض للهزيمة أمام المغرب في الودية الأولى ضمن برنامج المنتخب الاعدادي لبطولة كأس العرب المقبلة في دولة قطر.

وتمكن منتخب المغرب للمحليين من الفوز على منتخب مصر الثاني وديًا بهدفين عن طريق الثنائي أمين زحزوح ومحمود بنتايج. 

طالع.. عصام الحضري يحدد حارس منتخب مصر الثاني أمام البحرين.. ويهنئ حسام حسن

جدير بالذكر أن قرعة كأس العرب كانت قد أوقعت منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثالثة والتي تضم، الأردن والإمارات والفائز من مواجهة الكويت وموريتانيا.

ومن المقرر أن تنطلق بطولة كأس العرب في نسختها الجديدة في الفترة من 1 إلى 18 ديسمبر المقبل، في قطر.  موعد مباراة منتخب مصر الثاني والبحرين 

وسيواجه منتخب مصر الثاني نظيره منتخب البحرين مساء اليوم الأحد، في تمام الساعة الثامنة مساء بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.  القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر والبحرين اليوم

تنقل المباراة بشكل مباشر عبر قناة البحرين على القناة الرسمية عبر يوتيوب طالع القناة من هنا

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــــا

Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield pacesetter Jake Weatherald blazed another big century to put the heat on Victoria ahead of a final-day run chase in Hobart.The hosts began their second innings 22 runs behind Victoria, but the former South Australian opener turned the tables with a blazing 155 off 212 balls on Monday as Tasmania made 291.Related

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Victoria, second on the Shield ladder with three rounds remaining, were 55 for 2 at stumps They need a further 215 to deny the last-placed Tasmania just their second win in the seventh match of the season.Weatherald found some support from Jake Doran and debutant No. 9 Raf MacMillan, whose bright innings came to an unfortunate end when he miscued a juicy Harry Dixon full toss.Weatherald clattered 20 boundaries in his innings, lathering drives through point and cover, and latching on to anything short with sweetly timed pull shots that sounded like cannons echoing around the Bellerive stands.He was the last man out, his crisp knock following 185 against Queensland in November to put him on top of the Shield run-scoring list this season.Opener Marcus Harris was an early casualty in the chase, trapped in front by Gabe Bell. Bell then dismissed Campbell Kellaway in similar fashion, Jon Merlo and Sam Elliott the unbeaten pair at stumps.

Whilst Thomas Frank managed to win his first Premier League game as Tottenham Hotspur manager, the club still have work to do before the end of the summer transfer window.

He’s already been backed by the board, landing a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus, but ultimately, further big-money reinforcements are needed to avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Lilywhites ended the previous year in 17th place, still managing to win the Europa League, with the Dane the man to lead them into the Champions League this season.

However, if the 51-year-old is to be successful in either of the competitions in the near future, he will need added quality in depth within key areas of the pitch.

Big money will likely need to be spent if added success is to be achieved, but one of the club’s key dealings may have already taken place over the last couple of days.

Cristian Romero’s new contract at Tottenham Hotspur

Back in the summer of 2021, Spurs completed the loan signing of Cristian Romero from Italian outfit Atalanta, making the centre-back’s move permanent 12 months later – costing around £42.5m in the process.

Whilst his disciplinary record has often been brought into question, he’s been a key component of the Lilywhites’ backline, making 126 appearances over the last four years.

The 27-year-old was named the club’s captain last week, highlighting the trust new boss Frank has placed in him – understandably so given his Man of the Match showing in the European final against Manchester United.

The good news has continued for the Argentine, penning a new four-year deal until the summer of 2029, with such a move arguably one of the best pieces of business conducted by the club this window, amid interest from Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.

However, despite Romero’s new contract, the hierarchy are looking to add further quality into the club’s backline, handing Frank the added depth he needs to help the side challenge at the top of England’s top-flight.

Spurs targeting move for a new Romero partner

Over recent days, Spurs have entered talks with Manchester City over a potential deal for 20-year-old right-back Rico Lewis – potentially providing competition for Pedro Porro.

The Englishman has also been subject to interest from Nottingham Forest, but it’s been confirmed that the youngster wants to remain at the Etihad beyond the summer window.

However, he’s not the only defender in their sights, with the club also strongly considering a move to land Brentford star Nathan Collins, according to the Daily Mail.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been closely monitoring the Irish international, who featured in every single minute of the previous Premier League campaign.

It also states that Manchester United and Liverpool are also plotting a move for the 24-year-old, but Spurs could hold the key to any move, given the centre-back’s previous time playing under Frank at the GTEC.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be perfect for Romero

Whilst Frank has only overseen two competitive games as Spurs boss, he’s already showcased his versatility in the role, operating with various different systems.

In the UEFA Super Cup final against PSG, the Dane utilised a back-five, whilst switching back to a more familiar back four in the win against Burnley on Saturday.

However, if the club are to be a success, adapting the side based upon the opposition is vital, something which was hugely lacking during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.

A move for Collins could offer the new boss the depth he craves, adding another option to the heart of the defence, which could allow for a centre-back trio of Micky van de Ven, Romero and the Irishman.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Bees star would set the hierarchy back before the September 1st deadline, but it would be a transfer that would add the needed quality to the defensive unit.

When comparing his stats to those of Romero from 2024/25, the 24-year-old managed to outperform the Argentine in key areas, even ranking highly among other defenders in the division.

Collins, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by journalist Mario Marra, ranked in the 97th percentile for blocks made (2.1) whilst ranking in the 89th percentile for aerials won (3.1), according to FBref.

Games played

38

18

Goals & assists

5

1

Progressive carries

0.9

0.7

Progressive passes

4.8

4.5

Blocks made

2.1

1.1

Clearances made

5.9

3.6

Aerials won

3.1

2.6

Aerial success rate

63%

60%

Such figures are both higher than those produced by Romero, which would subsequently hand Frank the quality at the back to improve the record of 65 league goals conceded last season.

The Irishman also achieved a better aerial success rate last season, whilst making nearly two times more clearances per 90 – further highlighting the quality he possesses without the ball.

However, despite Collins’ ability without the ball, he’s also showcased his talent in possession, something which has been vital in Frank’s system – as seen by the Bees’ average possession of 48% in the Premier League during 2024/25.

He managed to achieve more progressive passes and carries per 90 last season, able to seamlessly fit into the manager’s plans given his previous stint under his guidance.

Whilst it’s unclear how much the Bees will be demanding to part ways with their captain, it’s a deal that could transform the Lilywhites’ fortunes within the defensive third.

If he can replicate such numbers from 2024/25, he could prove to be the perfect partner for Romero, which could provide added success for the club in the not-too-distant future.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer window could’ve been massively impacted by their failure to land Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Nottingham Forest star staying at the City Ground.

A deal had been all agreed, leading to the player even being set to have a medical with the Lilywhites, but Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis intervened, resulting in the midfielder signing a new contract.

However, such disappointment has fuelled Thomas Frank’s desire to land new additions, subsequently making a huge effort to land Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich this summer.

Huge progress has been made for his signature over recent days, leading to a deal being agreed, with the player in the process of completing his medical ahead of a loan move to North London.

Such a move also includes an option to buy next summer, but it appears as though their activity looks set to continue before the September 1st transfer deadline.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

In recent days, a move has been made by the Spurs hierarchy to try and secure the services of highly-rated Stade Rennais forward Arnaud Kalimuendo.

The Lilywhites have even entered talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential deal, leading to a £30m transfer being mooted, with Nottingham Forest, another side, currently in the running.

However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Barcelona star Ronald Araujo another top-level star they’re pursuing, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that Frank’s side have already made contact with the LaLiga outfit over a potential move for the Uruguayan centre-back before the end of the window.

It also states he could be open to a move to North London, potentially being attracted to the new project being undertaken at the club, which could see Barça open to negotiations at around the £50m mark.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a bigger coup than Palhinha

A holding midfielder has been massively needed at Spurs this summer, leading to a hunt for a proven ball-winner at the base of Frank’s side if they are to build on the recent success.

Whilst Palhinha may not have been the supporters’ first choice for the role, a move is seemingly edging ever closer, potentially proving to be an excellent pick-up if he can replicate his form from his last stint in England’s top-flight.

He spent a couple of years at Fulham before moving to Germany, averaging a tally of 2.5 tackles per 90, whilst winning 8.6 duels per 90, with both figures ranking him within the top 5% of all players in the division that year.

Numbers like that are nothing short of sensational and prove why Bayern splashed £47m on his signature last summer – highlighting the talent the Lilywhites will be getting their hands on.

However, a move for Araujo would be a huge coup for the club, especially considering his sustained spell of featuring at the top level of European football for the Spanish giants.

The 26-year-old has racked up 175 appearances since making his debut in the summer of 2019, having Champions League experience, which will be vital for Spurs next campaign.

Whilst he was injured at times throughout 2024/25, he managed to rack up 25 appearances across all competitions, producing numerous incredible figures that would add the needed depth and quality to Spurs’ backline.

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

12

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

92%

Progressive passes per 90

4.2

Tackles won

1.7

Blocks made

1.4

Clearances made

4.3

Aerials won

3.9

Araujo, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Dr Rajpal Brar, completed 92% of the passes he attempted, handing the Lilywhites a composed presence at the back, whilst allowing Frank’s side to play out from the back when needed.

Without the ball, the Uruguayan also starred in LaLiga, winning 1.7 tackles per 90 and making 1.4 blocks per 90 – having the tools to provide the side with a needed commanding presence at the back.

At just 26, Araujo has plenty of time to reach his full potential, with the £50m fee being mooted, undoubtedly a great price for a player entering his prime years as a professional.

Should he hit the ground running in North London, it would be a tremendous pick-up and one that would be a bigger coup than Palhinha, especially when taking his experience at the top level of European football into account.

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Glasgow Rangers are expected to make a bid to bring a Nike-sponsored attacker to Ibrox following their move for Thelo Aasgaard.

Rangers sign Thelo Aasgaard on four-year Ibrox deal

The Gers, new owners the 49ers Enterprises and manager Russell Martin have been busy so far at Ibrox this summer, with Aasgaard becoming the latest permanent addition from Luton Town.

An attacking midfielder, Aasgaard has cost those at Ibrox around £3.5m and has signed a four-year contract in Glasgow. Talking after completing his move to Scotland, Aasgaard said:

“When I heard about Rangers I was over the moon. I have played against the manager’s teams a few times and I always pictured myself in his team and to be here now is really good. It was an easy decision, I love the number of games here, it is like the EFL and I love playing. The stature and history is enough as well.”

Meanwhile, Martin was “delighted” at securing Aasgaard’s services: “We are delighted to bring Thelo to the club. He is a player who we have liked for a long time, and we believe he possesses the necessary qualities to thrive at this club and in this team. He wants to win and develop as a player, and we believe we can help him do both. His attributes will enhance the group and look forward to him getting to know his teammates on and off the pitch.”

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Aasgaard joins Lyall Cameron, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez as Rangers’ summer signings, and by the looks of it, a new attacker is now wanted by Martin and co.

Rangers and 49ers set to make Weslley Patati bid

According to recent reports relayed by Ibrox News, Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Weslley Patati is a target for Rangers this summer.

It is claimed that the Gers are expected to make an offer for the Brazilian in the coming days, with Patati’s asking price of more than £8m.

A left-footed attacker, Patati is primarily a right-winger but can also turn out on the left or even as an attacking midfielder if required. Still just 21 years of age, Patati is already sponsored by Nike and currently holds a career-high €2.5m Transfermarkt valuation.

Weslley Patati stats 24/25
Games	39
Goals	13
Assists	10

Under contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv until 2027 after signing last year, Patati enjoyed a successful first season with the Israeli side, winning the league title in 2024/25.

As can be seen, he registered double figures for goals and assists, so a move for Patati could be a shrewd one by Rangers, considering the Gers have just Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo and Ross McCausland as their only wing options at this moment in time.

Tottenham have some key transfer decisions to make in the build up to Thomas Frank’s first full season in charge, and chairman Daniel Levy could orchestrate the departures of some noteworthy names.

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7

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Spurs are fresh off the back of a much-needed end to an otherwise dismal campaign on the domestic front, winning the Europa League final in late May after breaking their record for most Premier League defeats in a single season.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

It was a mixed 2024/2025 to say the least, but their first major trophy in 17 years has gifted Frank something precious to build upon with his brand-new squad that he cannot wait to work with.

“The feeling of being the new head coach is extraordinary,” said Frank during his first interview as Tottenham boss.

“I’m really looking forward to this massive challenge together with a lot of good people. I only heard good stuff about all the people here, the training ground, the players, good squad, exciting, massive club, I think massive potential, so just super, super excited.”

However, as recent reports suggest, the 51-year-old may not be able to keep hold of every star player before deadline day on September 1.

Son Heung-min may have already played his last competitive game for Spurs, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, and Levy has reportedly placed a £50 million price tag on the South Korean’s head as he considers taking advantage of this limited window to sell him for a profit.

Meanwhile, Frank will also be wary of Atlético Madrid’s serious interest in Cristian Romero, which has already been confirmed by Diego Simeone himself.

The Argentine played a key role in Tottenham’s journey to the Europa League podium, and was awarded Player of the Tournament for his string of standout performances, but Frank apparently faces the real possibility of being without his star defender next season.

Tottenham reach "agreement in principle" to sell Cristian Romero

That is according to journalist Fernando Czyz, via Doble Amarilla, who makes a bold claim that Tottenham have reached an “agreement in principle” to sell Romero to Atlético for around £56 million, including add-ons.

The 27-year-old’s exit from N17 is described as closer than ever before, following positive talks over the weekend, and negotiations will apparently continue this week with an expectation that the transfer will eventually be finalised.

This information is yet to be backed up by other media sources, so supporters have the luxury of taking it with a pinch of salt, but it’s a clear indication that Atlético aren’t likely to end their interest in the centre-back any time soon.

Romero is an ever-present leader of the squad has been praised for his “world-class” performances since joining the club from Atalanta in 2021, with Micky van de Ven holding his central defensive partner in very high regard.

“For me, he is world-class. He is a leader. He is always one hundred per cent. He is a top-class player with the ball and without the ball when defending,” said van de Ven to Optus Sport.

“I can promise you he is not scared of anyone. He keeps going every game. From day one here he has helped me. He is just a world-class player.”

The former England allrounder has previously played four seasons for Sydney Sixers

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2024Allrounder Tom Curran has signed a two-year deal with Melbourne Stars in the BBL, committing to play the full duration of the tournament, while Chris Jordan will return to Hobart Hurricanes.Curran has previously played four seasons for Sydney Sixers but was caught up in controversy in the 2023-24 campaign when he was suspended for four matches for intimidating an umpire and his tournament was later ended by a knee injury. In 36 BBL matches he has taken 51 wickets at 19.76 with an economy of 8.25 and scored 359 runs at a strike-rate of 143.60.Related

Melbourne Stars get first pick in BBL overseas draft

Billings picks Sydney Thunder ahead of rival T20 leagues

Curran joins under the BBL’s new multi-year contract option which allows clubs to sign one overseas player before the draft. Any player joining under the new agreement has to stay for the entire tournament – including finals – from the 2025-26 season although Curran will do so for both years of his deal.Jordan, who took a hat-trick against USA to help secure England’s spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals, heads back to Hurricanes after claiming nine wickets in 10 matches during 2023-24 season plus hitting a 17-ball fifty.”CJ was our top priority to bring back as part of our multi-year overseas contract, he provided our squad with experience, both with bat, ball, and in the field, and showed our squad what professionalism in World T20 cricket looks like,” Salliann Beams, Hurricanes list manager and high performance general manger”He also provided a good balance to our bowling unit, and when paired with Nathan Ellis, we have two of the best death and powerplay bowlers in T20 cricket. We also saw what CJ can do at his destructive best with the bat and know that he can play a role for us in the lower order when required, I am excited to see what he can do for our franchise over the coming seasons.”Sam Billings was the first player to sign a multi-year deal in the BBL when he joined Sydney Thunder.Meanwhile, in an interview conducted by Stars, Curran said that Glenn Maxwell had played a key role in encouraging him to join the club when the pair spent time together for Royal Challenges Bengaluru in the IPL.”I’m really looking to getting out to Australia in a few months and playing at the MCG which will be a great honour to call my home ground,” he said. “You want to come in as an overseas player and have an impact and help win games, it’ll be a joy not having to bowl to Maxwell and Stoinis.””I was at the IPL with Maxi at the time and I knew Peter Moores was the coach – who I’ve never worked with but who I’ve heard great things about,” he said. “I had a decent idea of which players were part of team having played a fair bit against the Stars over the years. After the initial chat it didn’t take too long for me to decide to be honest.”Stars will need a new captain for next season after Maxwell stood down following last year’s campaign which saw Stars finish sixth. Marcus Stoinis has confirmed his interest in the role.Stars have the first pick in the overseas draft which will take place early in September.

Interestingly, it’s all gone a bit quiet on the centre-forward front for Liverpool, who are progressing with plans across other areas as Arne Slot works out how to improve his title-winning squad.

It’s curious because it’s been understood for several months that Liverpool are making the addition of a new focal frontman a priority, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s imminent departure now set in stone, FSG have moved quickly to land Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, with a deal in the closing stages.

It’s also understood that left-back Milos Kerkez will be bumped up to first priority once the Dutchman has signed, with Andy Robertson no longer at his rip-roaring best.

Interest in Florian Wirtz has dominated headlines in recent days, but none of this should detract from the fact that Liverpool are going to launch a statement move for a new striker this summer.

Darwin Nunez is set to leave, after all.

The latest on Darwin Nunez's Liverpool future

Nunez arrived on Merseyside to much fanfare, leaving Benfica after a prolific stint that saw goals scored against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in one Champions League campaign.

He joined, aged 22, for a club-record fee rising to £85m.

Fast track three years, and the 25-year-old is set to leave the club with rueful frustrations over what might have been. Despite flashes of brilliance, the mercurial talent has never kicked on, and actually fallen back several steps under Slot’s wing.

Ultimately, it just hasn’t quite worked out for Nunez. But he still leaves Anfield with a Carabao Cup medal and as a Premier League champion, having clinched 66 goal involvements across 141 appearances.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed he is expected to leave, with all parties keen on drawing a close to his Liverpool career.

Darwin Nunez – Liverpool Career (all comps)
Season	Apps	Minutes	Goals	Assists
24/25	45	1,982′	7	7
23/24	54	3,026′	18	15
22/23	42	2,366′	15	4
Stats via Transfermarkt

Slot has only started the Uruguay forward once in the top flight since Boxing Day, however, and it’s almost nailed-on that he’ll be plying his trade elsewhere next term, with Liverpool gearing up to advance interest in a talented new striker.

Liverpool eyeing bid for new striker

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool are weighing up a bid for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro, who has enjoyed two promising years on the south coast.

The Brazilian talent, still only 23, is also being pursued by Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, whose fate in qualifying for the Champions League will determine their place in the race.

The Premier League star is expected to fetch a fee of around €60m (£51m) if he leaves the AMEX this summer. No small sum, but more affordable than some other high-profile names on the market.

Joao Pedro is the perfect Nunez upgrade

Joao Pedro left Watford in the Championship to sign for Brighton in a deal just shy of the £30m mark in 2023, and he’s since posted 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches in all competitions.

While he’s undergone something of a quieter season this year, the versatile attacker has been regarded for his “really magical” quality by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, and has hit 17 contributions from just 24 starts.

He’s a work in progress, but one who has proved himself in the Premier League. There’s little question he would offer more for Slot’s team than Nunez has this season, adding a dimension that will surely be required to ease the burden on Mohamed Salah and angle Liverpool toward a more balanced offensive threat.

Contrasting the two forwards’ Premier League campaigns, it’s clear to see why Liverpool would be interested in making the change.

Premier League 24/25 – Darwin Nunez vs Joao Pedro
Stats (* per game)	Nunez	Joao Pedro
Matches (starts)	28 (8)	27 (23)
Goals	5	10
Assists	2	6
Shots (on target)*	1.2 (0.4)	1.7 (0.7)
Big chances missed	7	7
Pass completion	71%	75%
Big chances created	3	11
Key passes*	0.4	1.1
Dribbles*	0.3	1.1
Tackles + interceptions*	0.8	0.9
Duels won*	2.1	4.9
All stats via Sofascore

Joao Pedro certainly has aspects to improve upon, but there’s no question he’s a dynamic and rounded player with technical flair and a tenacious attitude besides.

By contrast, Nunez has plunged into deep fathoms, detached from the combative, committed player who first arrived at Anfield, raw but robust and raring to go.

FBref have crunched the data to reveal more about Joao Pedro’s skill set, and why his multi-facetedness would be perfect for Slot’s side.

Across the current Premier League campaign, the £50k-per-week talent ranks among the top 3% of forwards for assists, the top 15% for shot-creating actions and passes attempted, the top 20% for progressive carries, the top 17% for successful take-ons, and the top 6% for through balls per 90.

To put it another way, he’s endowed with an athletic and creative style that Slot would will into any direction he pleases, and while the clinical edge needs some sharpening, Joao Pedro has converted 19 big chances in the league for the Seagulls, missing 16 big chances all told.

Nunez, conversely, has missed 54 big chances since first playing in England’s top flight, only scoring 25 league goals in that timeframe.

His presence has waned in Slot’s system, a rather damning indictment on his at-odds efforts given the meteoric rises of Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.

A player of “ridiculous” talent who has yet to really break into his quickest stride, according to one Brighton analyst, Joao Pedro has what it takes to make a big improvement on an already thriving Liverpool frontline.

With Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota hoping to reprise their places in the Liverpool squad, this could be a dynamic addition to allow the team to do it all over again next year.

He plays a lot like Wirtz: Liverpool plot huge move to sign £85m "magician"

Liverpool are ready to throw the kitchen sink at a marquee attacking signing this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 17, 2025