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As Barcelona advance in their bid to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams this summer, the chances of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz moving to LaLiga dwindle considerably.

Earlier in June, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed La Blaugrana had seen a formal approach for the Colombian rebuffed, with FSG unequivocal in their response: Diaz is not for sale this summer.

While transfer stances are pliable things, it does seem silly to let Diaz leave for anything less than a mammoth fee. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been touted as a potential successor, but would the Three Lions star truly represent an upgrade, especially as he would cost up to £100m?

Coming off the back of his most productive campaign for Liverpool, and a title-winning term at that, the 28-year-old Diaz has also aroused the attention of Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, who would be more inclined to meet Anfield’s £70m valuation of the star.

If he does leave, Cody Gakpo at least provides Arne Slot with an existing presence on the left wing. Moreover, Florian Wirtz is Anfield-bound, and he’s more than capable of playing off the wide strip.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

Liverpool have pulled a blinder in securing Wirtz’s signature. The deal, which could rise to a British-record £116m fee, has been agreed, but not yet finalised, with a medical slated for Friday.

Despite concrete interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Liverpool have entered the final stages of a record transfer that should seal their position at the highest rung of a ladder which dangles over the scope of European football.

Typically placed as a central attacking midfielder, the German international ranked among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He’d raise the level of any forward he plays with, and while Diaz would go from strength to strength alongside Wirtz next season, should he leave, there’s another who may benefit from the Leverkusen superstar’s prowess.

Liverpool make approach for new forward

As per esteemed French outlet L’Equipe, Liverpool have entered the race for winger Malick Fofana, though Chelsea are leading the race, having already established direct contacts with Lyon for the 20-year-old.

However, Liverpool have now held talks with the representatives of Malick Fofana too, though they have joined a battle consisting of Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.

Fofana’s fast ascent to prominence in Ligue 1 has caught the eye of several Premier League heavy hitters, and while he’s been priced at €50m (£43m), this stands far lower than what FSG would have to fork out for someone like Newcastle’s Gordon.

What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool

Belgian prospect Fofana may still be in the fledgling phase of a promising career, but he’s already proved he has the clean finishing and robust motions of a player capable of succeeding in the Premier League.

Joining Lyon from KAA Gent in January 2024, Fofana scored three times in the French top flight before the end of the 2023/24 term, only starting four matches.

Last season, though, he reached new levels while starting the year as a teenager, posting 11 goals and six assists across 41 matches.

In the French first division, he certainly demonstrated his aptitude, scoring five goals and assisting four more despite only starting 16 times. With only four big chances missed and six big chances created himself, there’s a lot to like, with the speedy star almost economical in his play, making smart choices.

As per FBref, he actually ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for non-penalty goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 14% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

As is probably clear, he’s a naturally potent threat, looking to drive up the pitch and into the penalty area with fleet feet before striking on goal. Fofana has been described as a “game-changer” by journalist Antonio Mango, and it’s clear to see why.

The wideman’s performances, interestingly, have seen FBref draw up Gordon as one of his most comparable players, and so for a portion of the fee, surely this would be the track to head down for Liverpool?

He might be unrefined, but Gakpo resides in the Merseyside squad and, more to the point, Wirtz will soon be settled into the way of life at Liverpool, thus providing an electric talent such as Fofana with an elite supply line to direct toward the end of his darting runs.

For a Liverpool side whose creativity levels already rank as the best that the Premier League has seen in recent years, this is a tantalising thought that will become an exciting reality for the Reds faithful.

Premier League – Most Big Chances Created

Season

Team

BCC

24/25

Liverpool

112

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool & Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

Data via Premier League

Across the past four Bundesliga campaigns, Wirtz has averaged 2.4 key passes or higher per game three times, which is an incredible achievement and a clear depiction of the magic of Liverpool’s new addition.

His genius ball-playing and -carrying skills would be the perfect fit for any player worth their salt, but for Fofana, a raw talent with blistering pace and an already established prolific sense, Liverpool truly could be the perfect stomping ground for him to take the next step in his development, especially as the aforementioned Gakpo will ease any sense of being overburdened.

Transfer Focus

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

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If Liverpool sell Diaz and replace him with Fofana, they will be turning a profit while providing Wirtz with a forward to direct his playmaking skills toward for many years to come. What’s not to like?

Related He's better than Gordon: Liverpool among favourites to sign £77m winger

Liverpool may need to replace Luis Diaz in the transfer market this summer.

Posts 4 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2025

With Jobe Bellingham set to join Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland have instantly reportedly turned their attention towards the transfer market and an impressive Ligue 1 forward.

Borussia Dortmund set to sign Jobe Bellingham

Despite earning promotion to the Premier League, Sunderland have lost Bellingham to Dortmund this summer. The midfielder will follow in his older brother’s footsteps by swapping English football for the chance to play for the Bundesliga giants. It’s a path that led Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid and one that his younger sibling will hope to take with similar success.

As for Sunderland, whilst they’ll be frustrated to lose such a talented young player ahead of their Premier League return, they’ll at least have money to spend following his departure.

Bidding farewell to the 19-year-old in a deal which could eventually rise to as much as €40m (£34m), the Black Cats could instantly put that transfer fee to good use and set Regis Le Bris’ side up for first-time survival next season.

On that front, the rumours as to who could arrive have already been circling. Recent reports have mentioned names such as Tommy Doyle, who could replace Bellingham, and former Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga.

The latter would be a particularly impressive arrival. Following his Championship revival at Millwall, Tanganga is ready to step back into the Premier League and could yet do so courtesy of the Black Cats. It’s there that he could be joined by a talented Ligue 1 forward too.

Sunderland in direct contact to sign Matthis Abline

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland are now in direct contact to sign Matthis Abline after they ‘sounded out his entourage’, rivalling Marseille for the Nantes forward this summer in a deal worth €20m (£17m).

The Ligue 1 forward enjoyed an impressive campaign in France, scoring 11 goals in all competitions in a Nantes side that only escaped a place in the relegation play-off place by three points. Now, after a standout season for his side, the Abline could yet be on his way to the Premier League.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Matthis Abline

Wilson Isidor

Minutes

2,768

3,174

Goals

9

13

Assists

2

2

Expected Goals

8.5

15.2

Of course, Abline wouldn’t be the first French striker to arrive at the Stadium of Light. It wasn’t so long ago that Wilson Isidor was arriving and he has thrived ever since – scoring 13 Championship goals last season.

Related Sunderland now plotting 8-figure move for hugely in-demand Asian talent

He could become a star at the Stadium of Light.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Jun 9, 2025

The Nantes forward, once dubbed a “top talent”, could be even better than the Sunderland star, however. After outperforming his expected goals last season, whilst Isidor underperformed significantly, Abline has the potential to only increase his numbers with better chance creation around him. And at 22 years old, he may just be getting started.

No Manchester United supporter could’ve envisaged the impact Bruno Fernandes would’ve had at the club after his £47m move from Sporting CP back in January 2020.

The Portuguese international has exceeded all expectations over the last five and a half years, helping the Red Devils claim multiple trophies in such a period.

He’s registered 98 goals and 83 assists in his 290 appearances at Old Trafford, averaging a goal contribution every 1.6 matches he’s appeared in, a truly staggering record for a midfielder.

Fernandes has no doubt been their shining light over recent seasons, managing to register 37 goals and assists this campaign, despite the club finishing in a measly 15th place in the Premier League.

He will want to push the side back up the table next season, but if he is to have any chance of doing so, it’s vital the board back Ruben Amorim in the transfer market this summer.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer

Hugo Ekitiké has become the main target within the final third over the last couple of days, after it became apparent that Viktor Gyokeres preferred a move to Arsenal over United.

He’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo advancing after the club agreed personal terms with the Cameroonian international.

However, other areas of the pitch have also been of keen interest, with Amorim’s side making progress on a deal to land Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Argentine international is now keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, after the hierarchy made preliminary contacts with his agents in recent days.

It also states that Unai Emery’s side need to sell players to avoid a breach of the division’s PSR rules, which could see them demand a fee in the region of £40m this window.

Why Martinez would be United’s best signing since Bruno

The hierarchy at United have constantly tried to inject quality into the side during recent seasons, as seen with their £70m deal to land Casemiro from Real Madrid back in 2022.

The Brazilian has won five Champions League titles during his professional career, but has been unable to add to such a tally, often being an inconstant figure at the heart of the side.

He’s made 125 appearances for the Red Devils, but has often had to resort to minutes off the bench in recent times, starting just 18 league outings this campaign.

Matthijs de Ligt is another player with elite level experience in Europe’s top five leagues, but like Casemiro, has struggled in England, with injuries massively halting his progress under Amorim.

Both players have the pedigree, but their lack of experience in the Premier League before joining have seen them take time to adapt in order to make the desired impact.

The same can’t be said for shot-stopper Martinez, with the 32-year-old pretty much spending his entire career in the British Isles and starring for various different sides.

His figures from his 2024/25 campaign are evidence of the talent he possesses, offering Amorim that world-class goalkeeper he desires amid Andre Onana’s constant disappointment.

How Martinez compares to Onana in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Martinez

Onana

Games played

37

34

Goals conceded

1.2

1.3

Saves made

4

3.7

Save percentage

70%

68%

Pass accuracy

78%

72%

Long pass accuracy

49%

36%

Penalty save percentage

50%

25%

Crosses claimed

1.6

0.6

Stats via FBref

He’s massively outperformed the Cameroonian in countless key areas, including fewer mistakes leading to goals and a higher pass completion rate, offering the side the option to play out from the back should they need it.

Martinez has also starred at international level, winning the World Cup back in 2022, producing a miraculous save from Randal Kolo-Muani in the closing stages – forever writing himself into Argentina history.

He was named FIFA’s best men’s goalkeeper back in 2024, winning the award for the second time in his career, demonstrating the elite level he’s been performing at for the last couple of seasons.

£40m for such a player would prove to be sensational business, offering an immediate improvement on the current goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford.

If he can replicate the performances produced by Fernandes over recent seasons, he would be worth every penny, pushing the club one step closer to returning to their former glory under Amorim.

Related Dream Gyokeres alternative: £25m "superstar" set to be offered to Man Utd

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 21, 2025

To qualify for Super Eight, Netherlands need to beat Sri Lanka by a big margin and hope Nepal beat Bangladesh

Madushka Balasuriya16-Jun-20241:21

Maharoof: Sri Lanka need to unleash Chameera

Match detailsNetherlands vs Sri Lanka
Gros Islet, 8.30pm localBig pictureWell, where do you go from here? For Sri Lanka, safe to say, this is nowhere near where they would have wanted to be, as yet another major ICC tournament goes by with them toiling with little more than pride to play for.This turn of events might rankle even more considering that coming into this tournament there had been a quiet confidence in the Sri Lankan camp, particularly of positive results against one or both of South Africa and Bangladesh – certainly the latter whom they recently beat in T20Is – as well a deep run in the tournament. But things didn’t quite work out that way, and following a washout against Nepal, they are now faced with the very real prospect/ignominy of ending at the bottom of their group with not even a win to their name.It’s also their final ICC tournament until their home T20 World Cup in 2026 – there’s a Champions Trophy next year but they missed out on qualification – so regardless of the result, there will no doubt be an inquisition back home into the state of white-ball cricket.Related

Mathews on Sri Lanka's exit: 'We've let the entire nation down'

Bangladesh favourites to make Super Eight, but Nepal could ask difficult questions

As for the Netherlands, there is still a chance to qualify for Super Eight, but it requires a dominant win against Sri Lanka, as well as Nepal beating Bangladesh.If this scenario had been posited a couple of years ago, it’s safe to say Bangladesh would have been pretty relaxed, but such has been the upward trajectory of the Associate members, especially at this tournament, such upsets are not nearly as surprising as they once might have been.Nepal’s agonising defeat to South Africa allied with Sri Lanka’s dismal showing so far in this tournament has lent itself further to these unlikely scenarios, but there’s more to it. While Sri Lanka have Test tours of England and South Africa scheduled for the year following this campaign, the failure to qualify for the Dutch means their cricket for the foreseeable future is done, so they’re certainly not in want of added motivation. With them playing after Bangladesh and Nepal, they will go in knowing exactly what’s needed of them.In terms of head-to-head records, Sri Lanka have never lost to Netherlands, but the more recent encounters haven’t been as one-sided as the scorecards might suggest.Form guideNetherlands LLWLL (Last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Sri Lanka LLWLWIn the spotlight – Aryan Dutt and Angelo MathewsAryan Dutt had impressed with a three-wicket haul in the last encounter between these two sides – at last year’s ODI World Cup. While he was overlooked in the more seamer-friendly conditions of Dallas and New York, he found his way back into the side against Bangladesh in Kingstown. With spin set to play a key role in Gros Islet, Dutt’s control and variation could prove pivotal in the powerplay to expose Sri Lanka’s soft middle order.Angelo Mathews’ last T20I at Gros Islet was all the way back in 2010•ICC/Getty Images

When Angelo Mathews last played at Gros Islet, his career was in its infancy. Then too it was during a T20 World Cup, but Sri Lanka Cricket – at least on the field – was in a better place. Now 14 years later, he is back as an ageing stalwart with his team having been eliminated at the first hurdle. He has also struggled to keep up with the more aggressive approach T20 cricket demands – his career strike rate stalling at 119.48, well below the standard bearers of the format. With Sri Lanka’s power-hitters currently restricted to their top three and an out-of-form Dasun Shanaka, they need Mathews to show he’s capable of adapting to the times.Team news – spin to win?Spin-bowling allrounder Saqib Zulfiqar could come into the XI should the Netherlands opt for an extra spinner.Netherlands (probable XI): 1 Michael Levitt, 2 Max O’Dowd, 3 Vikramjit Singh, 4 Sybrand Engelbrecht, 5 Scott Edwards (capt, wk), 6 Bas de Leede, 7 Logan van Beek, 8 Tim Pringle/Saqib Zulfiqar, 9 Aryan Dutt, 10 Paul van Meekeren, 11 Vivian KingmaIf Sri Lanka want an extra spinner, they could hand allrounder Dunith Wellalage a T20I debut.Sri Lanka (probable XI): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamindu Mendis, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Angelo Mathews, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga (capt), 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Matheesha Pathirana, 11 Nuwan ThusharaPitch and conditionsThere were runs aplenty in the Australia-Scotland game, which will be encouraging for both sets of batters but Australia’s deployment of three spinners might provide some indication as to the most effective tactic on this Gros Islet pitch. As for the weather, there is a possibility of rain later in the night.Stats that matter Sri Lanka have a 9-0 win-loss record against the Netherlands in limited-overs cricket. Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka are the only Sri Lankan batters to average above 25 and have a strike rate of above 130 in T20Is since January 2023. The average first-innings score at Gros Islet is 161.Quotes”They gave us great support, no matter where we play. Whether it was in Sri Lanka or even here, there were a lot supporting us. And I feel very sorry as we couldn’t do anything for them. I want to apologise for that.”
“For our guys, it’s an awesome opportunity to play cricket in different parts of the world. It’s something we thrive off. We love playing in different conditions in different parts of the world. Obviously, it’s short breaks between games but that’s just part of how these World Cups go and our guys love that.”

Charith Asalanka had been appointed their T20I captain just before the ongoing series against India

Andrew Fidel Fernando30-Jul-2024

Sri Lanka’s selectors have appointed Charith Asalanka as the new ODI captain, replacing Kusal Mendis. Asalanka had been named T20I captain as well, ahead of the ongoing series against India after Wanindu Hasaranga had resigned from the role following Sri Lanka’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup.The same set of selectors had appointed Mendis as the ODI captain in December 2023, though he had also led Sri Lanka in several matches in last year’s World Cup in an acting capacity. Though Mendis has been in good touch with the bat, and Sri Lanka won six of the eight completed ODIs under his leadership, the selectors opted to go in a different direction. Under Mendis’ captaincy Sri Lanka had won five consecutive home matches against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, but lost 2-1 away to Bangladesh.Asalanka’s elevation to the T20I captaincy was expected following Hasaranga’s resignation, but a change in the ODI leadership was somewhat unexpected, largely because Mendis has not been in the position long. Nevertheless, Asalanka has been one of Sri Lanka’s more consistent ODI batters, averaging 43.59 with a strike rate of 90 across 52 innings.Test batter Nishan Madushka, 24, has also been included in Sri Lanka’s squad for the three ODIs against India on August 2, 4 and 7, while the likes of Akila Dananjaya and Chamika Karunaratne receive recalls.Seamers Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando, who were only added to the T20I squad after Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara were ruled out, will stay on for the ODI series. Left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage has also found a place.The remainder of this squad is largely as expected. Illness continues to keep Chameera out, while a fractured thumb makes Thushara’s participation impossible. In addition to Madushanka and Asitha, Matheesha Pathirana is the only other specialist seamer. This is understandable given Khettarama stadium in Colombo, where the three matches will be played, tends to be spin-friendly. There is no room for Lahiru Kumara or Pramod Madushan, who had played in Sri Lanka’s most-recent ODI series, against Bangladesh.On the spin-bowling front, Sri Lanka have plenty of options, between Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dananjaya and Wellalage. Kamindu Mendis and Asalanka himself can send down some part-time spin as well.The top order seems fairly set. Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Mendis are likely to form the top three. Kusal Perera has not been included, despite some good T20 performances recently. Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, and Kamindu are in the mix to be in the middle order. Captain Asalanka will likely bat at No. 5.Sri Lanka squad for ODIs vs IndiaCharith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando

Journalist Joshua Barrie claims that Glasgow Rangers will make more signings from domestic markets, in Scotland and England, than they did last summer.

There has been some intense reaction to his claim, with some supporters citing signings like Kieran Dowell and Ben Davies, who are now surplus to requirements at Ibrox.

However, it is also worth acknowledging that Rangers have picked up some bargains from England, specifically, in recent years, including Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo.

Rangers set to sign Brighton youngster

The Light Blues could be on the lookout to repeat the blinders they played with both of those players, as they are closing in on a young talent from England this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to Football Insider, Rangers have agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old starlet Zebedee Lawson from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.

The report claims that the Scottish Premiership giants have beaten several clubs to his signature, and that the winger, who was described as a “sensation” by journalist Pete O’Rourke, was highly-rated at the English club.

That is why Football Insider adds that this is regarded as a ‘major coup’ for the Ibrox side, and potentially for Russell Martin in the future, as they are now set to sign the teenage forward.

Rangers could now be about to repeat the masterclass they played when they snapped up Bassey from then-Premier League side Leicester City in the summer of 2020.

Lawson could be a Bassey repeat for Rangers

The Light Blues hit the jackpot with Bassey because they snapped him up for a fee of just £230k and slowly developed him to become a key first-team player before he made a big-money exit in 2022.

He only made eight Premiership appearances in his first year at Ibrox, as he settled into life as a first-team option, before the defender played 50 times in the 2021/22 campaign after Giovanni van Bronckhorst put his faith in the versatile star, who played at left-back and centre-back.

Calvin Bassey’s soaring market value at Rangers

Date

Market value

July 2020

Reported £230k fee

January 2021

£427k

June 2021

£340k

December 2021

£850k

June 2022

£8.5m

July 2022

Reported £22.7m fee

Valuations via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Bassey’s value did not immediately soar, due to a lack of game time, in his first time, but it did fly up when he was a regular in the side, before his £22.7m move to Ajax in 2022.

Lawson, who is only 16, will now be looking to follow in the Nigeria international’s footsteps by ditching a midtable Premier League academy to make the move to Ibrox, as Bassey did in 2020.

The teenage Brighton talent made a breakthrough at U18 level this season with a return of three goals and one assist in 13 matches as a right winger, despite only being 16, which may be why he is so highly-regarded at the AMEX.

This shows that he is making good progress and heading in the right direction, which is why he could be such an exciting signing, and the Gers will be hoping that the forward can continue to progress at Ibrox.

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Posts ByBen Gray Jun 29, 2025

There is no telling how he will develop in Glasgow, as not every player will soar in value as Bassey did, but Rangers have clearly identified him as a talented prospect, and hopefully he will live up to the hype and end up being a Bassey repeat for the Light Blues in the future.

تحدث محمود فتح الله لاعب الزمالك الأسبق، عن تعادل الأهلي وإنبي بهدف لمثله، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما أمس ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

والتقى الأهلي مع إنبي على استاد المقاولون العرب، ضمن لقاءات الجولة السادسة من عمر بطولة الدوري المصري.

وقال محمود فتح الله في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “إنبي قدم مباراة كبيرة ولا يستحقون الخسارة، لو مكان أي أهلاوي التعادل اليوم أفضل، الخسارة المبكرة قد تحسن مستواك ولكن بشرط عندما تكون واضحًا مع نفسك”.

طالع أيضاً.. سيد عبد الحفيظ: هذا أول تصريح يجب إصداره من الأهلي.. ومباراة إنبي شهدت “كارثة”

وتابع: “لو الأهلي كسب الأسهم كلها ستذهب للمدير الفني، المكسب يخفي أخطاء كثيرة، وجهة نظري اختيار ريبيرو كمدير فني للفريق كان خطأ فادحًا يدفع ثمنه الفريق”.

وأضاف: “لو أنت واضح مع نفسك كإدارة ناد، ستقول كان خطأ منّا في تكوين الفريق واخترنا مدربًا غير جدير بتولى مسؤولية ناد مثل الأهلي”.

وواصل: “اللاعبون الكبار في مثل هذه الظروف يجب أن يتحملوا مسؤوليتهم، وبالتأكيد يوجد تقصير منهم بدرجة كبيرة جدًا، ولكن ليس كل شيء على اللاعبين”.

وأتم: “في الفترة الأخيرة توجد تصريحات غير طبيعية من مجلس الإدارة وهذا يشتت اللاعبين، يوجد جزء كبير عليهم، وجزء كبير أيضًا على الناحية الإدارية والفنية”.

West Ham United are now reportedly closing in on another summer signing after reaching a three-year agreement to welcome an experienced defender.

Latest on West Ham incomings

After losing Mohammed Kudus, West Ham instantly reacted by signing El Hadji Malick Diouf. The former Slavia Prague winger arrives with big shoes to fill and for around £19m, but is well aware of how he could slot straight into Graham Potter’s plans.

The versatile 20-year-old told West Ham’s official website: “I’m really happy to be here and to make a progression for my career. I’m looking forward to working hard and joining my new team-mates.

“There were a lot of teams [who wanted to sign me], but I chose West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach [Graham Potter] and it was a good plan for me.

“Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. I think it is a dream for everyone. When they are here, they want to make everything good. I think they also have the personality to play here and if you are young, you want to continue your progression.

“If you are young, you have to keep your personality. It’s about the team. The most important thing is the team, not the player. I want to say to the West Ham supporters I’m very happy to be here with them. I think we’ll make a very good season this year.”

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Posts ByBen Gray Jul 18, 2025

Amid links to the likes of Jack Grealish and now one other player with plenty of Premier League experience, however, it’s clear that West Ham aren’t done there on the transfer front after Diouf, Daniel Cummings and Jean-Clair Todibo.

West Ham reach agreement with Walker-Peters

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have now reached a three-year agreement with Kyle Walker-Peters. The right-back became a free agent when he left Southampton at the end of last season and is now set to join up with Potter at the London Stadium in a bargain deal.

In a quickfire transfer, the Hammers look to be welcoming a replacement for Vladimir Coufal and impressive competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka down their right-hand side.

Even as his tenure ended in failure at Southampton, Russell Martin was often full of praise for Walker-Peters – highlighting his quality for all to see. The former Saints boss told reporters last season as transfer rumours commenced: “He’s still here. So, I hope he’ll still be here in a few weeks’ time.

“But whilst he is here, we had the chat and we need him to help us because he’s a really top player. He was great and he’s a fit, fit boy. He’s trained so well.”

Although Smith has opened for Australia after Warner’s retirement, Hayden believes the team is better off utilising him at his best batting positions – Nos. 3 and 4

Vishal Dikshit22-Aug-20241:42

Smith happy to open or bat at No. 4 against India

Former Australia opening batter Matthew Hayden is against the idea of Steven Smith playing as a Test opener. Hayden believes Smith should bat where he has scored most of his runs, suggesting moving him to a “completely different position” is “crazy”. Hayden, Australia’s most prolific opener in Tests before David Warner went past him in December 2023, believes that the top three positions need to be “protected” in Test cricket.”The rationale that [national selector] George Bailey gave was correct in so far as that he was choosing his best top six batsmen,” Hayden said on the sidelines of the CEAT cricket rating awards in Mumbai, of Australia’s batting plans. “Now, you can’t argue with Steven Smith, he is averaging 65 [57] in Test-match cricket…. 32 Test-match hundreds.”But, the role of an opening batsman compared to a middle-order batsman is very different. And it didn’t take long to discover that when you get into challenging conditions, like they faced in the first series outside of Australia, which was in New Zealand, that opening the batting is very difficult.”Smith played as an opener for the first time in his Test career earlier this year. First, during the two home Tests against West Indies and then in New Zealand for another two games. In those eight innings, he was out for 12 or less on five occasions and scored just one half-century – the unbeaten 91 in Brisbane – at an average of 28.50. In comparison, he averages 67.07 from No. 3 and 61.50 from No. 4.Related

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“I, personally, as I said at the time, was on record saying that I didn’t like changing,” Hayden added. “I think it’s crazy to think that you have the world’s best-in-class batter in a certain position. And then you change to a completely different position. For a few reasons, I think that’s crazy. Firstly, why? Such a gun in that position, such a coveted player.”And then it also is not a great nod to the first-class set-up, which is very much in the Australian culture, been driving great results towards key roles, be that any one of the roles – wicketkeeping, batting, spinners, fast bowlers, opening batters. So the [batting positions of] one, two and three is a category which needs to be protected in my opinion. It sets up play.”If Australia do move Smith back down the order, they will have to look for a new partner for opener Usman Khawaja. Since Warner’s farewell Test at the SCG at the start of this year, Smith and Khawaja have opened in all of Australia’s four Tests, and moving Smith out of the opening slot would mean giving that position to an inexperienced batter. Has that second opening slot been a concern for Australia after Warner’s departure?Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja have been the Australia openers since David Warner’s retirement•Getty Images

“Yes, it is. It is,” Hayden said. “For the first time, it doesn’t feel as secure. David Warner gave a great service to Australian cricket. He gave a service that was extremely competitive, wonderfully dynamic. He really took that legacy that I’d created through the 2000s to a new level, strike rates in excess of 80 [70] and gave great momentum to the top order, which otherwise is quite a conservative, very good, but very conservative batting line-up. So I think he’s an enormous loss in terms of how do you replace him.”Clearly, they’ve gone in the direction of Steven Smith and thus far, whether they continue with that strategy, time will tell. And we have guys like [Cameron] Bancroft that are always in the pipeline, Matt Renshaw is in the pipeline.”Bancroft, when you look at his form in England, has been excellent, but that’s domestic cricket. It’s not the Border-Gavaskar-type cricket so a bit of a few things to really prove from that engine room in Australian cricket, which has been challenged right now with David’s absence.”Smith himself has said recently that he has “no idea” about his batting position for the India Tests, and that a decision would be made after Australia’s white-ball tour of the UK starting September 4, where they play a T20I series against Scotland before three T20Is and five ODIs against England. “I’m happy anywhere and I’ll bat wherever for the team,” Smith had said. Both Cummins and Bailey have also recently hinted that Australia are likely to go with the same top six as their last four Tests to begin their Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign.

Nottingham Forest have submitted an offer for a “superb” player, who is now pushing for a move to the City Ground, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest eyeing new signings amid Gibbs-White saga

Having already lost Anthony Elanga this summer, it would be a blow for Forest if Morgan Gibbs-White were to move on too, but there has now been a twist in the ongoing transfer saga.

It has emerged that Gibbs-White hasn’t travelled with the squad for the start of the pre-season tour in Portugal, although Forest have stated the reason isn’t transfer-related, while Ola Aina has revealed that his teammate is still maintaining professionalism.

Aina said: “He’s keeping it professional; I don’t know the ins and outs of that. He was here today, playing, and he’s training, keeping fit as normal.

“At the end of the day, we’re all professionals – we’ve got a job to do and that’s what Morgan is doing right now. He’s keeping it professional.”

Nuno Espirito Santo will be faced with the very difficult task of finding a replacement for the attacking midfielder, should he move on, while the manager is also keen to bolster his options in defence, and there has now been a new update on the pursuit of RCD Mallorca’s Pablo Maffeo.

According to a report from Marca (via Sport Witness), Nottingham Forest submitted an improved offer for Maffeo over the weekend, increasing their proposal to €5m plus €1.5m in bonuses, around £6m in total.

The La Liga club do not plan to accept Forest’s most recent bid, as they are looking to receive €8m (£7m), which Forest are hesitant to pay, meaning the deal could be at a standstill.

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However, the player himself is seemingly very keen on a move, with the 28-year-old said to be putting on the pressure, and he hopes Nuno’s side are able to finalise a deal quickly.

"Superb" Maffeo could be solid Nottingham Forest signing

There are signs the Spaniard could make an impact in both an attacking and defensive sense, given that he ranks in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, while also placing in the 93rd percentile for clearances.

Once described as “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Argentina-born defender has been a dependable option for Mallorca across a number of seasons, most recently making 30 La Liga appearances as his side secured a 10th-placed finish.

That said, it may be very difficult for the defender to displace Aina in the starting XI, given that the former Chelsea man impressed across the 2024-25 campaign.

As such, while it would be nice to have Maffeo as a back-up option, with a Europa League campaign on the horizon, it would not be the end of the world if Forest were unable to get a deal over the line.