خاض فريق برشلونة مباراته في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم موسم 2025/26، مساء يوم الأحد، ضد خصمه سيلتا فيجو.
واستضاف ملعب “بالايدوس” مباراة برشلونة وسيلتا فيجو، في ختام منافسات الجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري الإسباني، حيث حقق البرسا فوزًا بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدفين. أهداف مباراة برشلونة وسيلتا فيجو في الدوري الإسباني
وتحصل برشلونة على ضربة جزاء، في الدقيقة العاشرة من عمر الشوط الأول، بعدما سدد فيرمين لوبيز كرة اصطدمت في يد أحد لاعبي الخصم، وتمكن روبرت ليفاندوفسكي من تنفيذها بنجاح.
ولكن تفوق برشلونة لم يستمر طويلًا، حيث استقبلت شباك تشيزني هدف التعادل من سيلتا فيجو، والذي سجله اللاعب سيرجيو كاريرا في الدقيقة الحادية عشر من عمر الشوط نفسه.
وسنحت فرصة لـ برشلونة من أجل تسجيل الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 25، بعدما سدد ماركوس راشفورد كرة من داخل منطقة الجزاء، ولكنها اصطدمت بالقائم الأيمن، وارتدت ووصلت إلى ليفاندوفسكي الذي سددها بدوره ولكن حارس سيلتا فيجو تصدى لها.
وتمكن برشلونة من تسجيل الهدف الثاني في شباك سيلتا فيجو، في الدقيقة 37 من عمر الشوط الأول، عن طريق روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، حيث مرر ماركوس راشفورد الكرة ناحيته، ووصلت إلى البولندي الذي سددها على الفور في الشباك.
ولم يدم تفوق برشلونة طويلًا من جديد، بعدما سجل سيلتا فيجو الهدف الثاني في شباك تشيزني عن طريق بورخا إيجليسياس، بعدما سدد كرة صاروخية من على حدود منطقة الجزاء، في الدقيقة 42.
وقبل نهاية الشوط الأول، وتحديدًأ في الدقيقة 45، نجح لامين يامال في تسجيل الهدف الثالث لصالح برشلونة، بعد تمريرة من ماركوس راشفورد.
وضغط برشلونة بقوة في الربع الأول من عمر الشوط الثاني من المباراة، من أجل تسجيل الهدف الرابع وتعزيز تفوقه على سيلتا فيجو، ولكن الخصم لم يكن لقمة سائغة على الإطلاق.
ونجح برشلونة في تسجيل الهدف الرابع أمام خصمه سيلتا فيجو، في الدقيقة 73، بعد ركنية نفذها ماركوس راشفورد، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى روبرت ليفاندوفسكي الذي خادع الجميع وسددها في الشباك.
وكاد لامين يامال أن يسجل الهدف الثاني له والخامس لـ برشلونة في الدقيقة 87، حيث انفرد بحارس المرمى وسدد كرته، ولكنها اصطدمت بالقائم.
وطُرد لاعب برشلونة، فرينكي دي يونج، في الدقيقة 95، بعدما تحصل على بطاقة صفراء ثانية، ومن ثم الحمراء ليغيب عن المباراة المقبلة.
بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد برشلونة إلى 28 نقطة في المركز الثاني، خلف ريال مدريد بفارق 3 نقاط بعدما تعادل سلبيًا مع رايو فاليكانو في الجولة نفسها، في حين تجمد رصيد سيلتا فيجو عند 13 نقطة في المركز الثالث عشر.
Arsenal have already had to cope with several injuries in attack this season. Most recently, it is Noni Madueke who has suffered from a fitness problem. The England winger will miss the next couple of months due to a knee issue. He joins Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines.
However, the Gunners are bolstered in attack ahead of the weekend’s trip to Newcastle United. Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Martin Odegaard could return to the squad after injury. Bukayo Saka is also confirmed to be fit after playing an hour in the Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.
Arsenal’s injury issues in attack have meant Arteta has needed the full depth of his squad. Leandro Trossard got the nod to start against Manchester City last weekend.
Trossard’s performance against Man City
It has been a strange season so far for Belgium international Trossard. He’s very much been on the periphery of Arteta’s squad, playing just 166 minutes in five games. He was also an unused substitute in two Premier League games.
Yet, his impact has been notable when given the opportunity. He has two goals and two assists, which include one of each in the Champions League against Athletic Club. From the start, however, he has struggled to have an impact.
The former Brighton winger has only started once this season, in their recent 1-1 draw against Man City. It certainly wasn’t the best performance, with The Standard journalist Simon Collings rating his efforts a 5/10. Collings said it was ‘frustrating’ watching Trossard against City.
Indeed, the stats show just how much of a disappointing performance the 30-year-old forward put in from the left wing. He lost the ball 14 times, failed to create a chance, and didn’t complete any of his three crosses, per Sofascore.
With that poor performance in mind, it might not be a surprise to see Trossard ruthlessly dropped out of the lineup against Newcastle. Arteta could have the perfect replacement lined up.
Who Arteta could replace Trossard with
The Gunners are certainly short of attacking options ahead of their tough trip to St James’ Park. Madueke would surely have been a lock to start against Eddie Howe’s side, but he is, of course, sidelined. Eberechi Eze could operate out wide, but he shone in midfield against Port Vale.
Instead, Gunners boss Arteta could turn to 18-year-old attacker Ethan Nwaneri to start out wide against the Magpies. The Hale End graduate has played four times this season, and whilst all those appearances have come from central areas, he can certainly play on the wing.
Arsenal’s Spanish gaffer has shown adaptability this season when it comes to playing left-footed wingers on the left flank, which would be the case with Nwaneri. It is a role Madueke has filled already, with Saka operating on his favoured right-hand side.
Nwaneri certainly has the technical ability to operate out on the left and help break down the low block that Newcastle could well employ. This is something they have done in the past, as noted by analyst Adrian Clarke on the Premier League website.
Described as a “special talent” by Statman Dave, the 18-year-old created an average of 1.3 key passes last season for the Gunners. He could be crucial to unlocking the Magpies’ defence, who will no doubt be resolute.
Nwaneri key stats 24/25 in all comps
Stat
Per 90 mins
Season total
Minutes
38.8
1436
Goals and assists
0.7
11
Key passes
1.3
20
Dribbles completed
2.9
47
Tackles and interceptions
1.5
24
Expected goal involvements
0.29xGI
4.67xGI
Stats from Sofascore
The youngster is excellent when carrying the ball in tight spaces. Again, this could be important in breaking down the potential low block Howe will use. There won’t be much space to run with the ball, so having a player who is excellent at keeping possession in tight areas could be key.
This goal for England under-21s is a prime example.
Given how Newcastle deep might play against the Gunners on Sunday afternoon, Nwaneri could be a vital part of Arteta’s plan. His impressive technical ability to both pick an incisive pass and keep the ball in tight spaces could be key if the Magpies do play with a low block.
Arteta certainly trusts the 18-year-old, and giving him a chance out on the left would further show just how highly he rates him.
Arsenal have an "insane" Hale Ender brewing who'll one day take Eze's #10
The incredibly exciting talent will become a superstar for Arsenal.
The race to the IPL 2025 playoffs is over but the four teams that have made it – Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) – are still competing to finish Nos. 1 and 2 in the points table. Only two points separate first and fourth place at the moment and all of them have one game to play.The teams that finish in the top two play each other in Qualifier 1 on May 29 and the winner of that match goes straight through to the final. The loser of Qualifier 1 gets a second chance to make the final by playing Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator, which is a knockout match between the teams that finish Nos. 3 and 4 in the points table.Gujarat Titans (Points: 18, net run rate: 0.602)GT remain on top of the points table despite their recent defeat to LSG and that’s because both RCB (17 points) and PBKS (17 points) against SRH and DC respectively.If they win their final league game against CSK on Sunday and move to 20 points, GT will finish right on top of the points table. If they lose, it will leave them vulnerable to being overtaken by two of the three other teams.But even if GT lose their last game and stay on 18 points, they could still finish in the top two if RCB lose their final league game to LSG on Tuesday and remain on 17 points. If GT lose to CSK, the winner of the game between PBKS and MI will finish higher than them in the points table.Punjab Kings (Points: 17, net run rate: 0.327)PBKS’ defeat to DC on Saturday has left them facing a must-win game against Mumbai to finish in the top two. If they lose, they will be either third or fourth.Even if they beat MI to get to 19 points it may not be enough for PBKS. They could remain behind GT if GT get to 20 points by beating CSK on Sunday, and they could also finish behind RCB if RCB beat LSG by a big enough margin to get ahead of PBKS on net run rate.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Points: 17, net run rate: 0.255)RCB have the advantage of playing the last game of the league phase, against LSG on Sunday, which means they will know exactly what they need to do to in terms of net run rate to finish in the top two.The best scenario for them is if GT (18 points) or PBKS (17 points) lose their final games, which means RCB just need to win against LSG to get into the top two on 19 points without worrying about net run rate. But if GT and PBKS win their final games, then RCB will have to beat LSG by a particular margin to climb into the top two.Mumbai Indians (Points: 16, net run rate: 1.292)MI’s chances of finishing in the top two have been out of their hands in the last few days, but three results have gone in their favour to leave the top two spots still open. And they have the best net run rate among the four contenders by some distance.If MI beat PBKS on Monday to move to 18 points, then they will finish in the top two if one of GT (18 points) or RCB (17 points) lose their final league matches to CSK and LSG respectively. GT would have already played CSK on Sunday by the time MI play PBKS on Monday, and RCB take on LSG on Tuesday
NZC chief executive says growing NZC and players’ brand in India is vital, but potential growth in the US makes MLC an attractive proposition
Andrew McGlashan23-Apr-2025New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has become the first national governing body to invest directly in an overseas T20 league after joining forces with Major League Cricket (MLC) to launch one of the competition’s new teams in 2027.As reported by ESPNcricinfo, MLC will increase from its current six teams to eight in 2027, and there are ambitions to grow further by 2031, with the possibility a franchise could be based in Canada.The terms have been agreed, and NZC has become investors, with US-based True North Sports (TNS), which will be run by MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan, to operate one of the new franchises. A NZC statement said that among the private equity investors in TNS are 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.Related
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NZC will therefore part-own the team – with an option to invest in a second franchise at a later date – while also providing high-performance and operational support, including coaching, management and support staff, which it will be paid for, as well as integrating the franchise into New Zealand’s domestic high-performance system. In a second phase of development, NZC will provide expertise in cricket infrastructure and turf management.New South Wales and Victoria partnered with Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns respectively at the initial launch of MLC in 2023, but the depth of NZC’s deal goes significantly further.Scott Weenink, the NZC chief executive, said it was vital that the sport looked beyond traditional sources of income amid the rapidly changing landscape.”We put in place a five-year strategic plan in the middle of last year and one of the things that came clearly out of that was the need to try and diversify away from a reliance on just broadcast revenue and ICC distributions,” Weenink told ESPNcricinfo. “New Zealand Cricket, like most member boards, is heavily reliant on those two aspects.”At the moment, we don’t have our own franchise cricket tournament. We have the Super Smash, which we own, and is seen more as a tournament to help develop Black Caps and White Ferns. And we’re currently looking at what we do with that, but also part of our strategic plan was looking to diversify our revenue streams to pay for and invest in our high-performance community and pathways. One of which was looking at what we did with overseas domestic franchises.”
“There is obviously a recognition that broadcasting and ICC distributions will potentially come under pressure. So we need to look at alternative things, including do we privatise our own Super Smash? Certainly all those things are being considered as part of our longer-term strategic thinking”Scott Weenink, NZC’s chief executive
Weenink added that growing the NZC and players’ brand in India remained vital, but that the potential growth of the game in the US – including the hosting of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles where cricket will return – made MLC an attractive proposition. There is also a timezone advantage with evening games from the US being broadcast in the middle of day in New Zealand rather than during the night.He expected the new franchise to have a “heavy New Zealand influence” but the country’s players would be free to join any team in the competition. For centrally contracted players, international duty would continue to take precedence.Weenink also said that the move did not mean the governing body was taking any of its focus away from the game in New Zealand.”It’s additional funding and revenue, which we will then be able to invest in our high-performance community and pathways game in New Zealand,” he said. “We don’t see by making this investment in an overseas league as meaning we’re not going to invest further in our own Super Smash, or other leagues. We see this as complementary because we see it as an opportunity to generate revenue, to enable us to actually invest in our network, and in particular, our leagues.”In terms of the Super Smash, which is usually played from late December to early February, Weenink said various options remained on the table including private investment. There is also the potential for providing a team in the BBL should the tournament in Australia expand. The BBL is set to undergo a review, led by Boston Consulting Group, to assess its future options.1:50
Cummins: MLC is giving cricketers a platform in the US
“We have had informal talks with Cricket Australia about potentially putting a team in the Big Bash,” Weenink said. “And that’s certainly, if we’re both in agreement, something that we would consider. But as well as looking at that and considering some options there, we are actively considering what we should do with our Super Smash. Because we’ve actually been able to generate good revenue from broadcasting and also ICC distributions, we haven’t necessarily needed to do anything like privatise the Super Smash.”But there is obviously a recognition that broadcasting and ICC distributions will potentially come under pressure. So we need to look at alternative things, including do we privatise our own Super Smash? Certainly all those things are being considered as part of our longer-term strategic thinking.”Further details of the NZC-backed franchise, including its name, are expected to be announced later this year.”TNS is delighted to partner with NZC, an organisation admired for its sustained success despite limited financial and playing resources compared to other international cricketing bodies,” Mehta said. “As founders of start-ups that have rapidly grown to established businesses, we see NZC as a perfect fit for our new franchise. With NZC’s expertise, our expansion franchise will elevate MLC’s world-class T20 product and support cricket’s rapid growth in our region.”The 2025 edition of MLC will be played from June 13 to July 14 with Oakland’s Coliseum to host matches for the first time. Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra and Finn Allen are among the current New Zealand players set to take part.
South Africa allrounder switched to Mumbai Indians in the IPL after being the diamond pick for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2025
Danyal Rasool10-Apr-2025The PCB has banned South African allrounder Corbin Bosch from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for one year as a penalty for withdrawing from this year’s competition despite being picked at the draft.Bosch, who was a diamond pick for Peshawar Zalmi at the PSL draft, was later signed as an injury replacement by Mumbai Indians (MI) at the ongoing IPL.As the PSL clashes with the IPL this year, Bosch withdrew from the PSL, prompting the PCB to serve him a legal notice while alleging breach of contract. A statement posted on the PCB’s website stated that Bosch had “expressed his regrets” for withdrawing from the PSL, and that he would be barred from participating in the 11th edition of the competition in 2026.Related
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“I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the PSL, and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of Peshawar Zalmi, and the wider cricket community,” Bosch, who is yet to play for MI in IPL 2025, said in a statement released by the PCB. “I fully understand the disappointment caused by my actions.”To the loyal fans of Peshawar Zalmi, I am truly sorry for letting you down. I take full responsibility for my actions, and accept the consequences, including the penalty fine and the one-year ban from the PSL. This has been a hard lesson, but I am committed to learning from this experience, and hope to return to the PSL in the future with renewed dedication and the trust of the fans.”The PCB was keen to set a precedent with Bosch’s case to deter players from switching to the IPL after signing up for the PSL should the two leagues continue to clash in the future, as is expected. One of the reasons the PSL moved into the IPL window was to achieve greater certainty on player availability; the PSL draft took place after the IPL auction for this year to ensure it was only drafting in players left unpicked by the IPL.As a result, the PSL draft attracted a large number of high-profile players, including David Warner, Daryl Mitchell, Jason Holder, Rassie van der Dussen and Kane Williamson, who all went unsold at the IPL auction.The tenth edition of the PSL starts on April 11, when defending champions Islamabad United take on Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi.
Manchester United climbed to the top of the Women's Super League table with a 2-0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. The Red Devils did all of the damage in what was a dominant first-half performance as a wonderful strike from Hinata Miyazawa and a cool finish from Ella Toone maintained their side’s unbeaten start to the new league season.
In Liverpool’s first home league match following the tragic death of former manager Matt Beard, United raced into an early lead thanks to Miyazawa’s fantastic strike. The Japan international could have had a second but she hit the post with another effort, before Toone coolly slotted past debutant goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe to double the visitors’ lead.
In the second half, Liverpool had a great chance to pull a goal back when United captain Maya Le Tissier didn’t get enough distance on her clearance, but Kirsty Maclean couldn’t keep her shot down. Cornelia Kapocs was then through on goal but she fired wide under pressure from Jayde Riviere. Kapocs asked for a penalty but her appeals were quickly waved away.
Liverpool continued to push for what would have been just their second WSL goal of the season as substitute Mia Enderby forced a good save from United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. But after a flurry of late substitutions, United were able to take the sting out of the match en route to recording just their second victory over Liverpool in their last five league meetings.
GOAL rates United's players from the Totally Wicked Stadium…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (6/10):
She made a good save to deny substitute Enderby late on.
Jayde Riviere (6/10):
The defender propelled United forward by moving the ball quickly. Liverpool wanted a penalty when she challenged Kapocs before being substituted.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
The skipper was relieved when her headed clearance fell straight to Maclean, who fired over from a good position. Otherwise she was brilliant.
Dominique Janssen (7/10):
Alongside Le Tissier she helped form a solid wall in front of her goal, while her passing was very good as well.
Fridolina Rolfo (6/10):
It was a fairly quiet afternoon for the Sweden star with United's best moments coming in other areas of the pitch.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Julia Zigiotti Olme (7/10):
Perhaps she will be disappointed not to have done better with a header in the first half. She defended well, though.
Hinata Miyazawa (8/10):
Her amazing strike from distance set the tone for United. She was unlucky not to score another, with her effort striking the post.
Ella Toone (8/10):
She combined well with her team-mates all game, before scoring United's second with a calm finish.
Getty Images SportAttack
Jess Park (7/10):
She was superb down the right-hand side, causing all sorts of problems with her running power.
Elisabeth Terland (7/10):
She passed up one or two chances to score but she recorded a great assist for Toone's goal.
Melvine Malard (6/10):
Curled in a great cross for Julia Zigiotti Olme, who perhaps should have done better with her header.
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Gabby George (5/10):
A second-half substitute, Liverpool's Enderby got in behind her and forced a good save from Tullis-Joyce.
Celin Bizet (N/A):
She was introduced late on and helped United to victory.
Lisa Naalsund (N/A):
Another late substitute, she didn't have enough time to make an impact.
Rachel Williams (N/A):
Emerging from the bench, she too was not on the pitch long enough to influence things.
Marc Skinner (7/10):
He got his pre-match team talk spot on as United were excellent in the first half.
Leeds United know that they need to add more quality to their ranks at the top end of the pitch before the summer transfer window officially slams shut.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw with AC Milan at Elland Road in the final friendly of pre-season, Daniel Farke confirmed that attacking signings have to be made for the upcoming season.
In the summer transfer window so far, a move for Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg is the only signing Leeds have made in an attempt to bolster their attack.
The rest of their signings have either been goalkeepers, defenders, or defensive midfielders, as the emphasis early on in the window was clearly on improving the backline.
Leeds have already sent Mateo Joseph out on loan to Mallorca, and Farke has revealed that he has told Bamford that the former England international is not in his plans for the upcoming campaign.
The latter is still in the building, as it stands, but he will not be a part of the squad, which is why the Whites need to source a replacement for him.
Why Leeds need to replace Patrick Bamford
The left-footed marksman is the only number nine option at the club who has made a single start in the Premier League in their career heading into next season.
Nmecha played just 14 minutes in the division for Manchester City as a youngster and Joel Piroe has never played in the Premier League, or any top five European league, before.
This means that Farke does not have any Premier League experience in his striker ranks, assuming that Bamford moves on before the end of the window after being told that he will not be a part of the plans at Elland Road.
The English frontman has played 102 matches in the Premier League in his career and could have provided valuable experience to the group if he were good enough to be involved.
Patrick Bamford’s underwhelming form
Season
Appearances
Starts
xG
Goals
24/25 (Championship)
17
0
2.11
0
23/24 (Championship)
33
15
9.52
8
22/23 (Premier League)
28
18
8.61
4
21/22 (Premier League)
9
7
N/A
2
20/21 (Premier League)
38
37
N/A
17
Stats via Sofascore
Unfortunately, as you can see in the table above, Bamford has not done enough on the pitch in the last four seasons to justify being a key part of a top-flight squad.
Leeds, though, are now being linked with a Premier League proven number nine who could arrive at Elland Road as a big upgrade on the former Chelsea man.
Leeds have held talks with former England international
According to talkSPORT, Leeds United are one of a number of teams in the running to secure a deal for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The report claims that the former England international has held talks with the Championship champions, Newcastle United, and Manchester United, as he looks for his next club.
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Calvert-Lewin is currently a free agent after his contract with Everton expired earlier this summer, and Leeds are one of the sides hoping to snap him up for nothing.
TalkSPORT adds that the 28-year-old marksman has sacked his agent and represented himself in talks with the Whites and the other two teams in order to seal a move to a new club.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Everton.
However, the outlet reveals that the English forward is ‘unlikely’ to sign for a new team before next weekend, when the Premier League starts, so a decision on his future is not imminent.
Why Leeds should sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin
If Leeds want to sign a ‘replacement’ for Bamford, Calvert-Lewin could be the perfect signing to bolster Farke’s options in the number nine position.
He is available on a free transfer, has plenty of Premier League experience, played regularly in the division last season, and has showcased his quality in the past.
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates their third goal, an own goal scored by Tottenham Hotspur's Archie Gray
It is fair to say that the 2024/25 campaign was not his best, with just three goals in 26 games in the Premier League, yet he still managed more goals than Bamford did in the second tier (zero).
The former Everton star, who was once dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has had successful goalscoring seasons in the top-flight in the past, though.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Premier League career
Season
Appearances
Goals
24/25
26
3
23/24
32
7
22/23
17
2
21/22
17
5
20/21
33
16
19/20
36
13
18/19
35
6
17/18
32
4
16/17
11
1
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin scored an eye-catching 29 goals in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons combined, whilst he also managed a respectable tally of seven in the 2023/24 campaign.
These statistics show that he has plenty of experience in the Premier League and can chip in with goals, even if he is not as prolific now as he once was.
Even without goals, Calvert-Lewin also offers a physical presence up front, having averaged 3.3 aerial duels won per game at a success rate of 51% in the top-flight last term, which shows that he can more than hold his own against towering centre-backs.
Bamford won 1.3 aerial duels per game at a success rate of 46% in his last Premier League season, and only won 0.5 per match in the Championship in the 2024/25 campaign.
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates scoring their first goal
This suggests that the free agent marksman could offer more to the team in and out of possession, as he can help to alleviate pressure by winning flick-ons and knock-downs, making it difficult for opposition defenders.
He is a handful of a centre-forward, even without his goals, and that is a big reason why he would come in as an upgrade on Bamford, who offers very little when not at his best in front of goal.
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Therefore, Calvert-Lewin would be an ideal signing to replace the Premier League experience that they have lost with Farke’s Bamford decision, whilst also improving their team in the process.
Henry Hunt and Liam Scott made half-centuries were part of a stop-start SA batting display
AAP01-Nov-2024Former Test paceman Peter Siddle has again proven age is no barrier as the 39-year-old ensured a weakened Victoria remains well placed after day one of their Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.Wickets fell at regular intervals throughout the second and third sessions as South Australia ended the day 286 for 9 after being given first use of the Adelaide Oval batting strip by visiting captain Will Sutherland.Related
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Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey was again among the runs while there were half centuries for Henry Hunt and Liam Scott but it was Siddle who made the day’s most decisive contribution.Siddle struck twice in an over to remove Daniel Drew and Jake Lehmann for a second duck in as many matches.The indefatigable Siddle returned late in the day to clean bowl Scott and send the home side’s last recognised batter on his way for 53, and ended the day with 3 for 44 from 18 overs.Siddle, player of the match with 5 for 49 against a strong New South Wales last weekend, returned to the Shield side among a host of absentees for Victoria.Bowlers Scott Boland, Todd Murphy and Fergus O’Neill, as well as opener Marcus Harris, all missed the third round match due to Australia A commitments.Siddle, a veteran of 67 Tests, complemented a young Victoria bowling line-up featuring the returning Cam McClure, Mitch Perry and spinner Doug Warren, who replaced Murphy.The day began in bizarre fashion with the fifth ball of the match eluding wicketkeeper Sam Harper and striking the fielding helmet for five penalty runs.Despite the early gift, South Australia were unable to score fluently and only reached a scoring rate of two runs an over in the final moments of the morning session to be 62 for 1 at lunch.Conor McInerney was the only batter to fall, off the bowling of Sutherland, before Siddle made his double breakthrough after the interval.Hunt made a typically watchful 62 only to edge Warren to first slip from the first ball of the left-arm spinner’s spell.Siddle was also in action in the field, catching the in-form Carey on the boundary off the bowling of Perry.Carey’s knock ended on 44 as a pull shot failed to clear the narrow Adelaide Oval boundary to leave the home side at a wobbly 159 for 5.Scott then played an important innings to revive South Australia, with assistance from Ben Manenti and debutant Henry Thornton.
With Bumrah’s appointment as vice-captain, it is likely he will step in to take temporary charge of the team
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2024Rohit Sharma’s participation in the early Tests in India’s tour of Australia is in doubt owing to personal reasons.Rohit might not play the first Test – in Perth, from November 22 – and though India played the recent Test series against Bangladesh at home without a designated vice-captain, the selectors were keen on appointing one not on a temporary basis, as has been the norm in the past, but as a long-term choice. They picked Jasprit Bumrah.Rohit has led India in 18 Tests so far, winning 12 of them. He was appointed to the role in February 2022, succeeding Virat Kohli. Although his influence on the limited-overs team is much more identifiable – with a T20 World Cup to show for it – one of Rohit’s biggest challenges came in red-ball cricket when he faced a hyper-aggressive England team at home in 2024 without several of his senior players. India overturned a 0-1 deficit after the first Test into a 4-1 victory with their next generation putting in crucial performances. Shubman Gill grew into his role as a No. 3 batter. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel showcased their potential at the highest level and Yashasvi Jaiswal was a revelation.Much of Rohit’s success as a Test captain has been at home. In his tenure, India have only gone away twice – to South Africa, where they drew the series 1-1 and West Indies, where they won 1-0. There was the World Test Championship final at the Oval as well, which India lost to the same team that they will be facing in a month’s time. Australia also happens to be one of the places where Rohit has struggled as a Test batter. He averages 31.38 from 14 innings with a highest score of 63 not out.2:16
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With Bumrah’s appointment as India’s vice-captain for October’s three-Test series against New Zealand, it is highly likely that he will be in charge of the team in Perth. The fast bowler, who will turn 31 in December, has led India once, in the one-off Test in England in 2022, when Rohit was forced to sit out after having tested positive for Covid-19. It was Bumrah’s first match as captain at any level of representative cricket, and he became the first fast bowler to lead India since Kapil Dev in 1987.Before leading India in the Edgbaston Test, Bumrah was the vice-captain in the two-Test home series against Sri Lanka in March 2022. Later, he served in the position in the two-Test tour of South Africa in 2023-24 and then in the five-Test series earlier this year against England. Bumrah also led India in the T20I series in Ireland in 2023 after returning from an injury layoff. However, Bumrah needs his workload managed, which could mean missing out on certain Tests.Gill, one India’s few all-format players alongside Bumrah, is being viewed as a long-term candidate for Test captaincy. He is said to have impressed the team management with his leadership qualities in the dressing room during India’s home series against England. Gill, 25, has never held any leadership role in Test cricket, but the selectors believe he has the potential to grow in the role.In July, Gill led India in the five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, which they won 4-1. Gill was then appointed vice-captain in the white-ball home series against Sri Lanka. Recently, Gill led India A in Duleep Trophy in a team that also had Rahul, who has also been India’s vice-captain. Gill also led Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024.
The Saudi Pro League has attracted some star players in recent years, none bigger than Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been with Al-Nassr since 2023.
Al Nassr'sCristianoRonaldo celebrate
The Portugal icon signed a new two-year Al-Nassr deal in 2025 which sees him earn a staggering £488,000-per-day in Saudi Arabia.
Per season
£178m
Per week
£3.42m
Per day
£488,000
Per hour
£20,357
Per minute
£339.28
Per second
£5.65
The finances on offer have seen plenty of world-class footballers swap Europe for Saudi Arabia. However, others have also said no to heading to the Middle East.
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ByRobbie Walls Jul 11, 2025 Players who have turned down Saudi Arabia moves 1 Lionel Messi
Back in 2023, Lionel Messi decided to leave Paris Saint-Germain and was wanted by Al-Hilal.
The Argentine, fresh off the back of a World Cup triumph in Qatar, was offered a three-year contract worth £1.3bn, where he would earn €500 million per season to make him the richest footballer in history.
However, Messi, considered the greatest of all time by many, snubbed the advances of the Saudi Pro League and instead made the move to the MLS with Inter Miami.
2 Bruno Fernandes
In 2025, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was also wanted by Al-Hilal, two years after they moved for Messi.
The attacking midfielder was offered £700,000-a-week plus bonuses, treble his Old Trafford wage, whereas the Red Devils were also in line to bring in £100m in a transfer fee.
However, Fernandes wanted to play at the ‘top level in Europe’, so snubbed the Saudi interest.
3 Romelu Lukaku
A running theme with Al-Hilal missing out on European targets saw Romelu Lukaku snub them ahead of the 2023/2024 campaign.
At the time, the Belgium striker was still under contract at Chelsea after a loan spell with Inter Milan and was the subject of a £50m per season proposal.
He turned the Saudi Pro League down, though, counting his career in Italy with AS Roma and Napoli.
4 Kylian Mbappe
In what would have been the most expensive signing in football history, Kylian Mbappe was the subject of interest from Al-Hilal in 2023, and they even reportedly agreed a €300m transfer fee with Paris Saint-Germain.
Per season
€700m
Per month
€58.33m
Per week
€13.3m
Per day
€1.9m
Per hour
€79,900
Per minute
€1,332
Per second
€22
Mbappe was even offered a one-year deal worth €700m where he could of then sealed his dream move to Real Madrid. The French superstar did get his move to the Bernabeu, however, he stayed in Paris instead of heading to the Saudi Pro League for 12 months.
5 Son Heung-Min
Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-Min has become a Spurs legend since moving to north London back in 2015, and he turned down the chance to join Al-Ittihad in 2023.
The South Korean said that ‘money doesn’t matter’ when linked with a move to Al-Ittihad, who were willing to pay Tottenham more than £50m at the time. In the end, they brought in former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.
6 Ousmane Dembele
Ronaldo and Ousmane Dembele is a partnership that could have been for Al-Nassr, with the Saudi side targeting the France star when he was still on the books of Barcelona.
Al-Nassr were even willing to pay Dembele £35m per season for five years, however, he ended up turning them down to move to Paris Saint-Germain.
7 Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy has 13 hugely successful years at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes legend won the Premier League and FA Cup with Leicester, but back in 2023, turned down an approach from Al-Khaleej.
It is unknown just how much Al-Khaleej were willing to offer the striker, who ended up staying with the Foxes for two more years before leaving in 2025.
Games
500
Goals
200
Assists
71
Trophies
5
8 Luka Modric
Iconic Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was wanted by Al-Hilal in 2023 and was even offered a mammoth €200m deal over three years to head to the Middle East.
The Croatian decided against leaving Europe, though, instead spending two more years at the Bernabeu before heading to Italy with AC Milan.
9 Sergio Busquets
Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets came up against Ronaldo plenty of times in Spain, and the pair could have been teammates for Al-Nassr in 2023.
The holding midfielder was the subject of a €20m per season offer from the Saudi side, however, Busquets ended up snubbing the prospect of playing alongside Ronaldo to reunite with Messi at Inter Miami.
10 Bernardo Silva
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has been a Saudi Pro League target for a number of years, and in 2023, was offered a deal three times more than his Etihad contract to head to the Middle East.
Al-Hilal were willing to pay the Portuguese midfielder £500,000-a-week, however, he remained in England under Pep Guardiola.