Tottenham are working on other targets amid the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

Thomas Frank will be hoping for a conclusion to the drama fairly soon, given the England international was scheduled to undergo a Hotspur Way medical eight days ago before Forest ultimately blocked the transfer.

Related Player's camp in talks with Tottenham, Frank convinced he'd join Spurs

The Dane is personally confident they can secure his signature.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

They’ve written a letter to both Spurs and the player’s agent threatening legal action, following what they deem to be an unlawful approach for the 25-year-old, and this has put an unceremonious halt to Gibbs-White’s north London switch (Sky Sports).

Nevertheless, Tottenham remain hopeful they’ll eventually get the green-light to make Gibbs-White their fourth signing of the summer after Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus (Fabrizio Romano), even if Forest insist he’s not going anywhere (Sky Sports).

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

Chairman Daniel Levy was ready to trigger Gibbs-White’s ‘confidential’ £60 million release clause before Forest stepped in, and they’re not looking for a ‘quick resolution’.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out from here,” said BBC Radio Nottingham’s Colin Fray.

“Most thought it would be ironed out and the transfer go through. Not many were expecting him back at training and here he is. That is another twist in the story.

“Forest have set their stall out that they aren’t looking for a quick resolution. They want to keep him.”

Amid this messy situation, the Lilywhites do have other plans they’re looking to see through before deadline day on September 1.

Tottenham reportedly want a new holding midfielder and number six. Talks have reportedly been held with Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha’s representatives, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, and it is believed by some that Juventus ace Douglas Luiz is keen on a move to Spurs – just one year after his switch to Turin from Aston Villa.

As well as this, a new centre-back is on the agenda, and Ukraine international Illia Zabarnyi is re-emerging as a top target.

Tottenham ready to pay £60m-plus for Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi

As per Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, via his official website, Tottenham are actively trying for Zabarnyi, despite his eagerness to join European champions PSG.

Di Marzio also reports that Tottenham are ready to pay north of £60 million for Zabarnyi, the amount “requested” by Bournemouth, if they’re given encouragement that the 22-year-old will forego a switch to France in favour of N17.

PSG have seen multiple bids rejected for Zabarnyi, worth up to £52 million, and they’re yet to return with an improved offer. Given Spurs are prepared to go higher and meet Zabarnyi’s asking price, this could open the door for Frank’s side, but it will hinge on the player’s own decision.

The defender has been a rock at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence and played a key role in their chase for European football last season.

“He is probably the most underrated player,” said pundit Jamie Redknapp.

“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”

Former Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders has told Football FanCast the player Unai Emery must keep hold of this summer amid exit rumours surrounding several of Villa’s top stars.

Villa players who could leave this summer

Emery has done a fantastic job re-establishing Villa on the European stage, reaching the Champions League quarter-final and narrowly missing out on the Premier League top five last season, but the success means rival clubs are now queuing up for their top players.

The likes of Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey, Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez have all been linked with moves away, and with the Villans still treading a fine line PSR-wise, it could be tempting to cash-in on one of their older players this summer.

In fact, Manchester United have now tabled a loan offer for Martinez, which was knocked back, but the Red Devils are now expected to return with a permanent offer, although it remains to be seen whether they are willing to match the £40m asking price.

Watkins is also in Man United’s sights, with Ruben Amorim’s side weighing up a bid for a striker, although it would be a risk to cash in, having already sold Jhon Duran in the January transfer window.

Discussing the players who could be sacrificed either to raise funds for Emery or to comply with PSR, Saunders gave Football FanCast, in partnership with NewBettingSites.uk, an emphatic “no” when asked about Watkins.

Villa must keep Watkins despite PSR concerns

Unfortunately, PSR rules mean clubs are now often forced to cash-in on their best players to avoid punishment, with Villa believed to be hours away from a 10-point deduction before completing the sale of Douglas Luiz last summer.

However, as pointed out by Saunders, the England international is far too important to even consider a sale, netting 16 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.

That said, given that the 29-year-old remains contracted until 2028, Villa should be in line to receive a sizeable fee if they do decide to cash in, with reports suggesting they are set to hold out for £60m.

Manchester United’s attempts to strengthen their frontline this summer have already been successful, already making two huge additions to their first-team squad.

Bryan Mbeumo was the latest addition made by boss Ruben Amorim, finally completing his £71m transfer to Old Trafford after weeks of speculation over his potential switch.

He joins Matheus Cunha in making the move to the North West, after the Brazilian joined in a £62.5m move from Wolverhampton Wanderers at the very start of the window.

However, despite the big money already being spent this summer, the club are still planning a move for a new talisman to help the side in their quest for success in the Premier League next season.

That doesn’t take away from the fact that other attackers are still also being pursued, potentially adding further depth after the arrival of the aforementioned duo.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers

Over recent days, United have made a move for Bologna star Riccardo Orsolini, even making a direct phone call to his representatives over a potential move this summer.

Their interest in the 28-year-old is hardly a surprise given his record of 15 goals in just 30 Serie A appearances last campaign, averaging a goal every other game.

However, he’s not the only player currently plying their trade in Italy on their shortlist, with teammate Dan Ndoye also a player in their sights, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal.

He claims that internal meetings have been held over a deal to land the 28-year-old star, who registered 15 combined goals and assists throughout 2024/25.

His post also confirms that he’s already spoken to Joshua Zirkzee over a potential move to Old Trafford this window, leading to a £43.5m price tag being mooted.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect alongside Watkins

Despite the interest in Ndoye, United are currently making efforts to land other talents in the final third, with Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins also on their radar.

It’s been reported over recent days that the Red Devils have entered fresh talks with Unai Emery’s side over a deal to land the 29-year-old striker, who scored 17 goals in all competitions last season.

However, any deal could cost them a fee in the region of £60m, which would take the club’s summer spending to just shy of £200m – a simply staggering amount given the recent cost-cutting operation.

Whilst it may appear like a hefty transfer fee. It’s one that would provide the side with the experienced Premier League talisman they will need if they’re to be successful.

Being able to score alone is one thing, but he will also be dependent upon players around him to provide the chances he craves to find the back of the net at Old Trafford.

Ndoye could prove to be the perfect player to aid Watkins in his potential quest, with his underlying stats highlighting the creative talent he currently possesses.

The Bologna star, who’s been labelled “dangerous” by one analyst, registered 5.5 progressive carries per 90, 2.1 of which were into the opposition’s 18-yard box – showcasing how much talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

30

Goals & assists

12

Progressive carries

5.5

Carries into opposition box

2.1

Successful take-ons

1.6

Fouls drawn

4.2

Key passes made

1.2

Passes into opposition box

1.1

He also notched 1.6 successful take-ons per 90, drawing 4.2 fouls per 90, having an impressive skillset that makes him a constant threat to the opposition’s backline.

Ndoye’s talents are further reflected in his tally of 1.2 key passes per 90, 1.1 of which were also into the opposition’s box, subsequently having the tools to hand Watkins the chances he craves in attacking areas.

Whilst £43.5m on another wide player may be a hefty investment, Ndoye has showcased he holds bags of talent and that he’ll only improve further in the years ahead.

If he can join the side alongside Watkins and provide him with key chances, it would be another superb signing for Amorim, massively helping him in his quest for success at Old Trafford.

He finishes like RVP: Man Utd make "phenomenal" £67m CF their main target

Manchester United have set their sights on a new talisman for Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 24, 2025

Arsenal have made a real splash in the market this summer, completing an array of high-profile deals with more to follow, but they’ll also need to sell this summer.

The north Londoners, once they announce their £50 million-plus deal for Noni Madueke, will have spent around £125 million on transfers, and that isn’t including their potential moves for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0
25/26 – summer	£75m

Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres, according to credible media sources, and the Swede is even refusing to train as he eyes a dream move to the Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile, positive discussions have been held with Eze’s representatives too, and the 27-year-old could join Arsenal in an entirely separate deal to Madueke – so Andrea Berta could easily take Arsenal’s spending to over £200 million if these moves come to fruition.

The signing of Madueke has brought up question marks surrounding both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard’s futures.

Given Arsenal need to balance the books, either one of the left-wingers could realistically depart, with The Athletic previously reporting that Arsenal are not averse to a suitable bid for Martinelli and will consider selling for the right price.

The Brazilian’s contract also expires in 2027, but Arsenal do have an option to extend it by a further year. However, the same cannot be said for Trossard, who’s now entered the final 12 months of his deal, and this window represents a final opportunity for Berta to make any cash back off the 30-year-old’s exit.

Fenerbahce "working tirelessly" to sign Leandro Trossard from Arsenal

According to Turkish news outlet Ntvspor, via Fener Ajans, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce could give Arsenal an avenue to agree Trossard’s departure before his contract expires.

What’s more, they could do it in imminent fashion, with Fenerbahce “working tirelessly” to sign Trossard for pre-season, which begins in just three days, as the Süper Lig giants fly out to Portugal and begin their camp on July 14 (Daily Sabah).

The Belgian has been a very useful impact player for Arteta since his move from Brighton, and perhaps underrated, with Trossard featuring in every single Premier League game for them last season.

Trossard also bagged 10 goals and 10 assists across 56 appearances in all competitions during 2024/2025, and he’s thought of highly by Arteta, so his departure would certainly come as bitter-sweet.

“Trossard, great player. He’s a little magician,” said Arteta about Trossard in 2024.

“He can score on any surface, and he’s a big threat; so composed, so cool, he can play in different positions. It’s just a joy to have him in the team.”

Manchester United are now believed to be leading the race to sign a hugely young prospect, with the Red Devils ahead of rivals Manchester City in the battle to snap him up.

Mbeumo likes Man Utd player's post

Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a priority target for United this summer, with the Brentford ace standing out as one of the best right-sided players in the Premier League last season.

Meanwhile, current Bees director of football, Phil Giles, has openly admitted that there is a “significant” amount of interest in the Cameroonian attacker.

“There is significant interest in Bryan. His current preference has been well publicised. He had an unbelievable season, and we expected interest in him. From what I understand, he is also, if needs be, happy to stay at Brentford next year as well. We’ve spoken to Bryan and his representatives. It’s not a given that he’s going to depart this summer. If we get the right offer, there is the potential for a deal to be done, but there is only so much we can say now on that.”

Now, Mbeumo has further stoked the fires ahead of a potential move to United this summer, liking a photo posted by centre-back Leny Yoro on Instagram.

Elsewhere, it looks as though the Red Devils are also looking at the long-term picture, with a new young talent backed to head to Old Trafford.

Man Utd leading race to sign young midfielder

According to The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell on X, Manchester United are in pole position to sign Fulham teenager Seth Ridgeon this summer, with talks taking place over a move for him and Tyrese Noubissie “seen as among best in country”.

“MUFC in talks to sign two 16-year-old midfielders seen as among best in country: Seth Ridgeon from Fulham + Tyrese Noubissie from Man City. Competition for both, who have been invited to facilities by academy staff, but United making good proposals.”

A Hojlund & Osimhen hybrid: Man Utd enter talks for "world-class" £44m CF

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a key target for Ruben Amorim this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 12, 2025

In his story for The Athletic, Whitwell adds that ‘United are believed to lead the race should Ridgeon leave Craven Cottage’ ahead of the likes of Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool. While many United supporters will be focusing on the club bringing in players who could be immediate starters next season, this update is exciting in its own right.

The Red Devils should always be looking to snap up the most eye-catching homegrown talent, as they have throughout history, bringing in Wayne Rooney as a teenager, for example.

Ridgeon, 16, is a potentially special talent, being capped by England at both Under-16 and Under-17 level, and beating City to his signature could feel like a major coup.

England Under-17s

8

1

England Under-16s

7

2

United have fallen down the pecking order in recent years, having been at the top of the football tree for so long in the 1990s and 2000s, but signing the best teenagers around would be a positive step in the right direction.

Aaron Hardie claimed two wickets in two balls while Josh Hazlewood also impressed on return

Andrew McGlashan21-Sep-2024

Mitchell Starc pinned Harry Brook lbw with a brilliant delivery•Getty Images

Mitchell Starc made a dramatic entrance to the ODI series with a searing inswinging yorker to England captain Harry Brook, after Alex Carey had produced a match-changing innings as Australia, strengthened by the return of key names, went 2-0 up in the series with a convincing 68-run victory at Headingley.Starc’s brilliant set-up of Brook, which he capped off with a wicked delivery that thundered into his pad as he was beaten for pace, added to England’s early problems in a chase of 271 after Carey’s 74 provided crucial late runs to a curious Australia innings. A short while later the home side were 65 for 5 when Aaron Hardie claimed two wickets in two balls, including a brilliant caught-and-bowled to remove the in-form Ben Duckett, to leave them with a mountain to climb.Jamie Smith and Jacob Bethell stopped the bleeding with a stand of 55 before Bethell somehow managed to skew a short, wide long hop from Glenn Maxwell to backward point. The game was just about done when Smith clipped Josh Hazlewood to midwicket for a very neat 49 although England’s lower order showed there were few demons in the surface.Australia had been bowled out with more than five overs remaining, having been nine-down in the 37th over before a last-wicket stand of 49 between Carey, only playing due to Josh Inglis’ quad injury, and Hazlewood. But with the visitors having welcomed back Hazlewood and Starc from illness, it still felt as though it would be a considerable test of an England side still trying to reestablish their one-day credentials. The Test duo would finish with five between them.Hazlewood landed the ball on a handkerchief to give Phil Salt a working over – a tough chance was put down at second slip by Matt Short – and it was little surprise when Salt slashed an edge to Carey. In the next over Will Jacks drove expansively outside off stump against Starc and this time Short held on safely in the cordon.Starc, playing his first game since the T20 World Cup in June, then produced a classy over against Brook, barring a delivery on the pads that was clipped for four, probing away across the right-hander before going fuller, straighter and with sharp inswing to have Brook trapped in front of leg stump.Alex Carey pulls during his fighting half-century•AFP/Getty Images

Duckett had again played well, scooping Hazlewood over the keeper and sending a bottom-handed whip over the leg side for six, but toe-ended a slower ball to the left of Hardie who took a spectacular catch low to his left. Next ball Liam Livingstone glanced a leg-side delivery to Carey who took an excellent grab to his left and England’s frontline batting was nearly done.In the first half of the game, Australia were not as dominant with the bat as they had been at Trent Bridge. Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne took them to 145 for 3 when Bethell and Adil Rashid, who claimed his 200th ODI wicket, took three quick wickets with another mini-collapse following a stand of 55 between Carey and Hardie.But Carey, who had been welcomed to the crease by a crowd needlessly reminding him of events last year, played smartly as he took singles late in an over to protect Hazlewood – who contributed just four to the stand – while exploiting boundary opportunities including handsome off-side sixes against Potts and Olly Stone.There had been movement for England’s new-ball attack, particularly Stone who was impressive after being recalled for the rested Jofra Archer, but Travis Head was just starting to move through his gears when he picked out deep backward square with a whip-pull off his hip. In his second spell, Potts nipped the ball both ways: movement away found Short’s edge then a peach of a delivery zipped back to take Smith’s off stump.Marsh and Labuschagne went about their task carefully and the run-rate slowed. They had to combat some sharp spin from Rashid, but Marsh flicked a switch with two sixes in three balls off the struggling Carse, the first a huge pull deep into the Western Terrace to take him to a 47-ball fifty and the second coming from a free hit after Carse overstepped.Adil Rashid claimed his 200th ODI wicket when he removed Glenn Maxwell•Getty Images

Then, much as it did for Australia two days ago, spin made an impact. Labuschagne spliced a pull against Bethell to mid-on and Marsh missed a sweep to give the left-armer his second. Maxwell pummeled his first ball from Bethell for six but picked out deep midwicket while attempting a repeat to hand Rashid his 200th ODI wicket.Carey and Hardie played positively as they took advantage of Brook’s decision to squeeze out some extra overs of spin, with Livingstone and Jacks going for 34 in three between them. A curious innings involved another twist when Carse’s day took a turn for the better. Recalled to the attack, he removed Hardie first ball with a pull spliced to midwicket and next delivery had Starc flicking into the leg side.When Adam Zampa carved Rashid to point it appeared the innings was on the brink of a very early finish but the final-wicket stand, coupled with Australia’s start with the ball, put a very different complexion on the game.

Sneh Rana, Poonam Yadav, Heather Knight and Lea Tahuhu are among the prominent players released by their respective Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchises ahead of the next auction in the lead-up to the 2025 season. The auction is likely to be in early December and the purse has been increased from INR 13.5 crore last season to INR 15 crore this year. Here is how the teams stack up currently.

Delhi Capitals

The biggest name released by Delhi Capitals (DC), the losing finalists in both seasons of the WPL so far, was legspinner Poonam. Once a mainstay of the Indian team across formats, Poonam hasn’t played international cricket since March 2022. She didn’t get a game in the last WPL either.Apart from Poonam, DC let go of Laura Harris, the Australian power-hitter, and Aparna Mondal and Ashwani Kumari, the two uncapped Indians who warmed the bench last season.Retained: Meg Lanning, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Shikha Pandey, Taniya Bhatia, Minnu Mani, Sneha Deepthi, Titas Sadhu, Marizanne Kapp, Jess Jonassen, Alice Capsey, Annabel Sutherland
Released: Laura Harris, Poonam Yadav, Aparna Mondal, Ashwini Kumari
Purse remaining: INR 2.5 crore
Slots remaining: 4ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Gujarat Giants

Gujarat Giants, who finished bottom of the five-team table in both seasons so far, let go of Rana, the allrounder who led them in the first season after captain Beth Mooney left the tournament with an injury, as well as New Zealand’s Tahuhu and Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce.Rana’ last white-ball game for India was in December 2023, her last T20I in February 2023. She has had a rough time at the WPL, too. In 12 matches across two seasons, she took only six wickets at an economy of 9.02 and scored 47 runs at an average of 6.71.Tahuhu, a veteran of the game, wasn’t one of Giants’ preferred overseas players in 2024, playing just two games in the season for one wicket at an economy of 7.60. Bryce played all eight games, averaged 20.75 with the bat and had an economy rate of 8.66 with the ball.Sneh Rana is one of the big-name players to be released ahead of the auction•BCCI

GG also released Lauren Cheatle, Mannat Kashyap, Veda Krishnamurthy and Tarannum Pathan, and will have the biggest purse (INR 4.40 crore) going into the auction.Retained: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Bharti Fulmali, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Laura Wolvaardt, Mannat Kashyap, Meghna Singh, Phoebe Litchfield, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare, Shabnam Shakil,Tanuja Kanwar
Released: Kathryn Bryce, Lauren Cheatle, Lea Tahuhu, Sneh Rana, Tarannum Pathan, Trisha Poojitha, Veda Krishnamurthy
Purse remaining: INR 4.4 crore
Slots remaining: 4

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians retained their strong core of international stars including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Matthews, Chloe Tryon and Shabnim Ismail. The only overseas player they released was England fast bowler Issy Wong. Apart from her, they let go of Fatima Jaffer, Humaira Kazi and Priyanka Bala.Retained: Amandeep Kaur, Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Mathews, Jintimani Kalita, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Pooja Vastrakar, S Sajana, Saika Ishaq, Shabnim Ismail, Yastika Bhatia
Released: Issy Wong, Fatima Jaffer, Humaira Kazi, Priyanka Bala
Purse remaining: INR 2.65 crore
Slots remaining: 4Heather Knight had pulled out of WPL 2024 due to international duty•BCCI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

England captain Knight, who had pulled out of the 2024 season due to international duty, was released by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They released six other players, including South Africa allrounder Nadine de Klerk who came in as Knight’s replacement last season. Among Indians, Shubha Satheesh, Disha Kasat, Indrani Roy, Simran Bahadur and Shraddha Pokarkar were let go of.Retained: Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Sabbineni Meghana, Shreyanka Patil, Georgia Wareham, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Singh, Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, Ekta Bisht, Kanika Ahuja, Kate Cross, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (traded from UPW)
Released: Heather Knight, Nadine de Klerk, Shubha Satheesh, Disha Kasat, Indrani Roy, Simran Bahadur, Shraddha Pokharkar
Purse remaining: INR 3.25 crore
Slots remaining: 4

UP Warriorz

UP Warriorz (UPW), who made the playoffs after finishing third on the table in the first season but only finished No. 4 in 2024, released legspinner Parshavi Chopra and wicketkeeper Laxmi Yadav, who was added to the squad as an injury replacement for Uma Chetry, seamer S Yashasri and England fast bowler Lauren Bell. Chetry remains part of the squad. UPW had earlier traded Danni Wyatt-Hodge to RCB.Retained: Alyssa Healy, Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, Chamari Athapaththu, Grace Harris, Sophie Ecclestone, Tahlia McGrath, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Saima Thakor, Anjali Sarvani, Gouher Sultana, Poonam Khemnar, Uma Chetry, Vrinda Dinesh
Released: Parshavi Chopra, Laxmi Yadav, S Yashasri, Lauren Bell
Purse remaining: INR 3.90 crore
Slots remaining: 3

“محمد صلاح يتعرض للسرقة في حفل الكرة الذهبية – نجم ليفربول يتعرض لإهانة إجرامية”، هكذا تحدثت صحيفة “ديلي إكسبريس” الإنجليزية عن مركز النجم المصري في جائزة مجلة “فرانس فوتبول” الشهيرة مساء يوم الإثنين.

واستضاف مسرح “دو شاتليه” في باريس مراسم حفل مجلة “فرانس فوتبول” الشهيرة لتوزيع جوائز الأفضل في العالم لعام 2025، وعلى رأسها الكرة الذهبية.

وحصل عثمان ديمبلي، لاعب فريق باريس سان جيرمان، على جائزة الكرة الذهبية لأفضل لاعب في العالم لعام 2025، في حين اكتفى محمد صلاح بالمركز الرابع (لمطالعة التفاصيل كاملة من هنا).

وقالت الصحيفة: “ليست هذه المرة الأولى، فقد سبق وأن شهدت جائزة الكرة الذهبية عملية سرقة مثل إيرلينج هالاند في 2023 وروبرت ليفاندوفسكي في 2020 وتييري هنري في 2003، فعلى الرغم من كون موسم محمد صلاح هو الأفضل من أي لاعب آخر على ذلك الكوكب، ولكن ذلك لم يُعترف به من جانب المصوتين في الجائزة، ففي سن الـ32 ودخوله العام الأخير من عقده، كان لدى محمد صلاح موسم 2024/25 رائع مع بطل الدوري الإنجليزي، ليفربول، الأفضل في مسيرته الرائعة”.

وأضافت: “قدم المصري 57 مساهمة في الأهداف (34 هدفًا و23 تمريرة حاسمة) في 52 مباراة في جميع المسابقات، ثلاثة منها فقط جاءت خارج الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ودوري أبطال أوروبا، تمكن من تسجيل هدف على الأقل وتمريرة حاسمة  في نفس مباراة الدوري الإنجليزي في 11 مباراة منفصلة”.

وواصلت: “ولم يتمكن أي لاعب من تسجيل المزيد من الأهداف والتمريرات الحاسمة في موسم واحد في الدوري الإنجليزي، فقد سجل كل من آندي كول وآلان شيرر 47 هدفًا في منتصف التسعينيات، ما الفرق؟ لعب كول 40 مباراة في الدوري، بينما لعب شيرر 42 مباراة، أما محمد صلاح، فقد حقق ذلك في موسم من 38 مباراة، ومن ثم لا عجب أنه اختير لاعب العام من قبل لاعبي رابطة اللاعبين المحترفين – من قبل زملائه في الفريق وخصومه – للمرة الثالثة وهو رقم قياسي”.

وأردفت: “ومثل آلان شيرر، منحت مغامرات صلاح فريقه اللقب، مع العلم إنه سجل أكبر عدد من الأهداف وصنع أكبر عدد من التمريرات الحاسمة في الدوري الموسم الماضي، وإذا حذفنا مشاركاته في الأهداف، فلم يكن ليفربول ليفز بالبطولة، الأمر بهذه البساطة، سجل ليفربول 86 هدفًا، وكان لـ صلاح تأثير مباشر على 54% منها، هذا لا يشمل حتى الأهداف الأخرى التي شارك في بناءها”.

واستكملت: “تألق محمد صلاح بشكل لافت في الدوري الأكثر تنافسية في العالم، ومن ثم فإن حصوله على مركز رابع في جائزة الكرة الذهبية هو انعكاس غير عادل لمدى جودته، هناك فائزون بهذه الجائزة في السنوات العشرين الماضية لم يكن لديهم مواسم رائعة مثل صلاح في الموسم الماضي”.

وتساءلت: “هل هو مجرد سيء الحظ؟ جزئيًا نعم، لقد كان لديه موسم فردي أفضل من اللاعبين الثلاثة الذين تصدروا أعلاه – فيتينها ولامين يامال وعثمان ديمبلي – ولكن لأن باريس سان جيرمان وبرشلونة فازا بألقاب أكثر كفريق من ليفربول الموسم الماضي، فإنهما يتفوقان على المصري، وهو لاعب سيدخل التشكيلة المثالية للدوري الإنجليزي في مركز الجناح الأيمن بحلول الوقت الذي يغادر فيه الدوري”.

واسترسلت: “هناك حجة يمكن طرحها بأن ديمبلي هو الفائز الشرعي، كانت مساهمته في حصول باريس سان جيرمان على ألقابه الأربعة خلال فترة التصويت عاملًا حاسمًا، وكان وصيفًا في كأس العالم للأندية، وسجل 35 هدفًا و16 تمريرة حاسمة في 53 مباراة، كان ممتازًا في دوري أبطال أوروبا، بمساهماته التهديفية في جميع مباريات أدوار خروج المغلوب باستثناء مباراة الذهاب ضد ليفربول”.

وأوضحت: “لكن 34 من مساهماته التهديفية الأخرى جاءت في المسابقات الفرنسية، حيث من المعروف أن الدوري الفرنسي وكأس فرنسا لا يُضاهيان البطولات الإنجليزية، ولو وضعنا محمد صلاح في الدوري الفرنسي، لكان من المخيف التفكير في الأرقام التي يستطيع أن يقدمها، خاصة مع فريق باريس سان جيرمان تحت قيادة لويس إنريكي”.

وأكدت: “لا تقتصر جائزة الكرة الذهبية على الأهداف والتمريرات الحاسمة، ولكن أليس هذا سببًا آخر لتفوق صلاح على منافسيه؟”، واقتبست تصريح مدرب منتخب مصر حسام حسن حيث قال قبل الحفل: “بالنظر إلى الصعوبات التي واجهها طوال مسيرته، فهو يستحقها، بناءً على حجم التحديات التي تغلب عليها، فهو يستحقها، بقياس سنوات التألق والتميز والإبداع في أقوى دوري في العالم، فهو يستحقها، الوصول إلى القمة أمر صعب، لكن الصعوبة كلها تكمن في الاستمرار على القمة، هو وصل إلى القمة واستمر فيها لسنوات عديدة بفضل الله أولاً، ثم بموهبته وعمله المميز وعزيمته حتى أصبح قدوة لكل من يسعى للنجاح، فهل حان الوقت لكرة القدم أن تكون منصفة وعادلة في اختيار الفائز؟”.

واستأنفت: “يبدو أن فرصة محمد صلاح للفوز بالكرة الذهبية قد تلاشت الآن، فقد احتل المركز السادس في 2018 رغم موسمه الذي سجل فيه 44 هدفًا، ثم الخامس في 2019، والسابع في 2021، والخامس مجددًا في عام 2022، والحادي عشر في عام 2023، وبالطبع الرابع هذا العام، ومن بين اللاعبين الذين أنهوا الموسم في مراكز أعلى من ذلك في السنوات القليلة الماضية، أنطوان غريزمان (2016)، وجورجينيو (2021)، وفينيسيوس جونيور (2024)، ولكن صلاح أفضل بكثير من هؤلاء اللاعبين الثلاثة”.

واختتمت: “للأسف لن تعكس تصنيفات الكرة الذهبية ذلك أبدًا، سيُخلد اسم محمد صلاح بالتأكيد كأحد أفضل اللاعبين الذين لم يفوزوا بها قط، وأحد أكثر اللاعبين تعرضًا للإهانة على مر العصور، وحقيقة أنه لم يصل أبدًا إلى قائمة المرشحين الثلاثة الأوائل لجائزة الكرة الذهبية تُؤكد ذلك”.

Head coach concentrates on team dynamic as rare series win becomes the priority

Danyal Rasool23-Oct-2024Not often in Pakistan cricket does someone pass up the chance to take credit for any successful outcome, regardless of how significant their part was. But Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie kept such praise at arm’s length when talking about Pakistan’s bounce-back win over England in the second Test.Gillespie made clear that effectively all the decisions taken in the wake of Pakistan’s chastening innings defeat in the first Test had little to do with him. Moments after the result was official, the PCB announced a new selection committee, one that included former umpire Aleem Dar, as well as Aaqib Javed. It excluded Gillespie and captain Shan Masood from having any say in selection matters – Masood, too, last week said he preferred to pass on the credit “to everyone else” for their part in the win.”The PCB came out and made some changes after that Test match,” Gillespie said ahead of the third Test. “It was decided that a new selection panel would come in and they would be making decisions. I was not involved in the decision-making, I was just there. I’m now just the coach on match-day strategy. I just keep out of things now and just focus on the players and getting them ready for cricket.”It is a remarkably different brief from the one Gillespie was given when he was offered the role earlier this year. At the time, he told ESPNcricinfo he had some “really positive conversations” with the board and the chairman to make sure “we’re moving in the right direction short term, in the medium and long term”.Industrial fans have been used to dry the Pindi pitch•AFP/Getty ImagesPakistan’s late decision to pack the bowling attack with spinners and prepare a surface to assist them does appear to run in contrast to Gillespie’s goals and ambitions when he took over the Test side. In that interview with ESPNcricinfo, he had specifically cautioned against short-termism. “It’s very easy when you’re coming into jobs; you’ve got a two-year contract or a one-year contract,” he had said. “You make short-term decisions to look after your own back. But that doesn’t help anyone, because if everyone has that approach, nothing long-term gets done.”When asked about the composition of the team, Gillespie repeated the point. “It’s not for me to talk about now. I’m no longer a selector, so I’m probably not the person to ask.” Corralled into a role that is much narrower in focus than his initial job description suggested, he did indicate he understood how unusual his situation was. “I’m getting splinters in my a*** from sitting on the fence here,” he quipped.But with a potential series win against England on the line, the importance of the final Test was not lost on Gillespie. In his short time as coach, he has built up positive relationships with several players in the side, paying as much tribute to their qualities as human beings as to their cricketing talent.Related

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“The last few years, Pakistan’s Test cricket hasn’t been where we’d like it to be. Any win is great, and any series win’s fantastic. Just coming into this environment, as a coach, I’m very protective of players. They’re the ones going out and representing their country. I suppose there’s a dad in me that comes out and I want to protect all the boys from all outside noise and whatever.”It is this ability to stay calm that Gillespie wanted to channel more meticulously in his players. At several key points during the second Test, with England appearing to swarm, Pakistan found a way to hunker down when the pressure was on. In the first ten overs, Pakistan fell to 19 for 2 as Babar Azam’s replacement Kamran Ghulam walked out for his Test debut. It could have gone awry very quickly, but Ghulam scored a hundred, and Pakistan put on 366.When England responded, they made light work of the spinners in the first 40 overs, and stood poised for a significant first-innings lead when they were placed at 211 for 2. But in the drying embers of Day 2, Sajid Khan slowed up the pace, found the rough, and triggered a collapse that helped Pakistan take a decisive 75-run lead.”There’s a lot of things in professional sport that you can’t control,” Gillespie said. “To be able to just park that and not focus on that is a skill within itself. Focusing on what we can control, the right things at the right times, and staying calm when things are all happening. The way England played, they looked to create things all the time and the way we want to go against them is to by staying calm and not getting flustered. I thought we did that really well in the last Test match. I was really proud of the boys.”You communicate with your players regularly, talking about their games and how we can help them improve as cricketers and people. I’m very fortunate, I’ve got a wonderful support staff who have developed some really good relationships with our players and players will gravitate towards certain coaches over others at times. But if you all work as a team, that’s the most important thing.”

It’s almost time for Chelsea to return to action.

While most Premier League clubs are spread all across the globe preparing for the new season, Chelsea players are currently on holiday, having a well-earned break, following their exploits at the Club World Cup, beating PSG 3-0 in the final in New Jersey.

Enzo Maresca will have just two pre-season friendlies before their league campaign commences against Crystal Palace, welcoming Bayer Leverkusen to Stamford Bridge on Friday 8 August, before also taking on Internazionale at home two days later.

Before then, how many more new signings will Chelsea supporters have to get excited about?

Chelsea's search for more attackers

As the table below documents, Chelsea have plenty of attacking options in their squad; we’ve attempted to categorize all the many, many players!

New signings

João Pedro

2025

3

Estêvão Willian

2025

Zero

Jamie Gittens

2025

Zero

Kendry Páez

2025

Zero

Liam Delap

2025

6

Existing squad members

Cole Palmer

2023

97

Pedro Neto

2024

51

Tyrique George

2024*

26

Marc Guiu

2024

16

Omari Kellyman

2024

Zero

Expected to leave/unavailable

Raheem Sterling

2022

81

Nicolas Jackson

2023

81

Christopher Nkunku

2023

62

Armando Broja

2020*

38

David Datro Fofana

2023

4

Mykhailo Mudryk

2023

73

*academy graduate; indicates year of senior debut

As the table outlines, Chelsea have a fair few attacking players in the squad, a contingent that’s seemingly only set to increase in size, with Xavi Simons on course to arrive from RB Leipzig for €50m (around £43m), according to James Olley of ESPN.

However, could an even more exciting attacker soon be on his way to Stamford Bridge too?

Well, as reported by journalist Ben Jacobs , Chelsea are plotting a bid to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.

Transfer Focus

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

The Argentine international finds himself in exile, told to find a new club by manager Rúben Amorim back in May, currently left behind at Carrington while the team are in the United States, part of the infamous ‘bomb squad’, alongside Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that Man United were demanding £70m for Garnacho but, given that it’s now public knowledge he is not in their plans, James Ducker of the Telegraph claims he is available for £40m, so could Chelsea secure a bargain?

How Alejandro Garnacho would improve Chelsea

As far back as early June, after they decided to pay a £5m penalty fee to not keep Sancho, Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian reported that Chelsea are ‘priori­tising the addition’ of a right-footed left-winger, with Garnacho on their shortlist.

Still only 21 years old, he has scored 26 goals and registered 22 assists in 144 appearances for a generally dysfunctional Man United side, with Statman Dave impressed by his “electric” impact.

Meantime, Andy Mitten of The Athletic notes that he has been one of the Red Devils’ ‘bright sparks’ in recent times, stating that his ‘work rate’ and finishing have both improved, while Kurosh Moghtader of Total Football Analysis labels him a ‘reliable attacking outlet’ who still has ‘room for improvement’.

So, let’s assess how he compares to Simons.

Minutes

2,195

2,157

Goals

5

10

Assists

2

7

Shots

55

33

Shots on target

30

23

Big chances missed

14

2

Chances created

37

50

Big chances created

4

12

Take-on success %

32.1%

37.1%

% of touches in the box

15%

5%

In a near-identical number of league minutes last season, it is true that Simons comes out on top when it comes to goals and assists as well as chances created and dribbling, but Garnacho is often more of a goal-threat, having more shots and taking an exponentially higher proportion of his touches in the opposition penalty area.

Across all competitions too, Garnacho finished with 21 goals and assists in all competitions, ahead of Simons’ return of 19 goal involvements back in Germany.

Two other factors work in Garnacho’s favour too.

First, he is Premier League proven; Chelsea have previous when it comes to signing highly-rated players from the Bundesliga that have not worked out, namely Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner (both also from RB Leipzig), as well as Kai Havertz too.

Second, there is a clear position available for Garnacho, who favours playing on the left wing, so would be in direct competition with Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens for starting minutes.

Simons, on the other hand, wants to be deployed as a number ten, a spot predominantly occupied by either an untouchable Cole Palmer or the improving Enzo Fernández, so who knows where he’ll fit in, hence why Garnacho could make the bigger impact, should he arrive for a knocked-down price.

Bigger talent than Simons: Chelsea submit bid to sign "special" £61m star

With Chelsea set to sign Xavi Simons, the Blues have also had a £61m big rejected for a “special” star who might actually be even more talented.

ByBen Gray Jul 27, 2025