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Newcastle United are now only a day away from facing off against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, in a Premier League fixture that will both excite and stress out Magpies fans in equal measure.

Those wearing black and white making the short journey to Wearside for the Tyne-Wear Derby will feel uneasy about what they’ll see from their very up-and-down team, having had to make do with a late point last time out on the road versus Bayer Leverkusen.

The travelling Toon also doesn’t have a glowing record at the Stadium of Light, with their last success at Sunderland’s home ground coming all the way back in 2011, when a Ryan Taylor free-kick won the jubilant Magpies the tight 1-0 contest.

Looking at the bigger picture beyond this vital showdown, Newcastle also have the January transfer window to look forward to, as Eddie Howe and the Saudi PIF surely plan some major new signings to push his team away from their current mid-table position.

Newcastle's transfer latest

Heading into what will likely be a bumper mid-season window in the Premier League, Newcastle look to be on the hunt for some new options in central midfield.

Indeed, the rumour mill has already suggested that PIF are keen on acquiring Tochukwu Nnadi from Zulte Waregem to bolster in the middle of the park, alongside also still being on high alert about a £30m move for AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit.

On top of both Smit and Nnadi’s names floating about, reports from Spain are also now indicating that Newcastle have made Valencia’s Javi Guerra a standout target, as yet another midfielder catches their eye.

The report states that Guerra’s future in La Liga is up in the air after a disappointing season to date.

Still, that hasn’t stopped suitors from the Premier League, like Newcastle, from remaining keen, with it being alleged that the Toon have watched the Spaniard for many years now, ever since he exploded onto the senior scene at the Estadio Mestalla.

£22m is the alleged amount that could be enough for Carlos Corberan and Co. to part ways with the 22-year-old, with such a deal perhaps spelling the end for Jacob Ramsey already at St James’ Park, only a matter of months on from his £43m switch from Aston Villa.

How Guerra signing could end Ramsey's career

Eyebrows would surely have been raised when Ramsey entered through the door in the summer for such an extortionate amount.

He did have 28 goal contributions next to his name for the Villans before moving to Tyneside, but in the here and now, the Birmingham-born midfielder is looking like an expensive flop at St James’ Park, having failed to collect a single goal or assist from 12 outings to date.

To make matters worse for the below-par number 41, he was also at fault in Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Burnley earlier in the month for the Clarets being handed a lifeline late on, as his clumsy handball allowed Zian Flemming to score from the penalty spot.

On top of that, Ramsey would also only manage one weak effort at the away side’s goal, as his previous Villa spark was nowhere to be found.

If Guerra were to arrive in January, too, Ramsey would surely be even more fearful of his long-term career at the Toon, with the 22-year-old definitely a better bargain for Newcastle’s buck at the £22m price range, having been branded a “joy to watch” and a “versatile” performer at his Valencia peak by scout Jacek Kulig.

Games played

36

15

Goals scored

3

0

Assists

3

2

Touches*

49.8

42.0

Accurate passes*

28.0 (80%)

23.9 (79%)

Big chances created

6

3

Total duels won*

3.5

2.4

Much like Ramsey, Guerra – who Como scout Ben Mattinson also lauded as a “special player” – has been thrust into the pressures of the senior game from a very early age.

But, unlike his English counterpart, who has struggled this season to make an impact at Newcastle, the number eight has managed to still stand out for Valencia, as they fight near the bottom of La Liga, with two assists collected from 12 league encounters.

Moreover, with his very best last season seeing him average an energetic 4.7 ball recoveries per league contest, there really doesn’t seem to be room for Ramsey in Howe’s first team plans moving forward, if the new £22m recruit is preferred.

It could be seen as harsh to dismiss the 24-year-old so early into his playing days at the Toon, with the 5-foot-11 midfielder clearly once seen as a bright future talent at Villa Park.

But, Newcastle can’t wait around forever for Ramsey to come good, and with it clear that the Magpies want reinforcements here this January, Guerra might well prove to be an inspired pick-up.

Howe's "diamond" looks like another Guimaraes in the making at Newcastle

Eddie Howe has now found his next Bruno Guimaraes in the making in this Newcastle United youngster.

ByKelan Sarson 3 days ago

Arne Slot is determined to put things right at Liverpool. Because it’s all gone very wrong this season, the champions 12th in the Premier League standings after losing five of their past six matches.

There is more than enough time for the Dutch coach to turn things around, but improvements are needed quickly if Slot is to repel rising noises regarding the security of his position in the hot seat.

The curious case of Alexander Isak. Liverpool’s record-breaking striker has flattered to deceive since joining from Newcastle United for £125m this summer, and getting him up to speed is paramount if the Reds are to fire on all cylinders going forward.

And with Mohamed Salah struggling and the Anfield side altogether imbalanced up front, FSG appear to be turning toward the transfer market once again.

Liverpool lining up new forward

Salah, 33, is waning. Then again, Liverpool have malfunctioned this season and the Egyptian superstar will surely rekindle his form after a lifetime of genius on Merseyside.

But, regardless, Liverpool need to draw up a succession plan, and they appear to have done exactly that after earmarking a former Premier League sensation to take his berth on the right wing.

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool view Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise as a “future dream target” to replace Salah, who extended his stay on Merseyside until the end of the 2026/27 season in April.

Olise would cost a pretty penny, though, having been priced by Die Roten at a staggering €140m (about £122m).

Still, FSG have shown they will do business for such a fee in recent times.

Why Michael Olise would be perfect for Alexander Isak

Olise was immense throughout his debut season in Germany last season, steering Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title and earning acclaim for his dynamic attacking displays.

The 23-year-old has gone up a gear this term, posting nine goals and ten assists from 18 matches in all competitions, and TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves said that he “could be as good as anyone” after one Champions League performance.

Whether Olise winds up at Liverpool remains to be seen, but his remarkable physical traits and natural playmaking qualities make him a tailor-made winger to accommodate Isak and Hugo Ekitike at number nine.

One thing’s for sure: he would provide a huge upgrade on this current version of Salah, whose wastefulness in front of goal is being matched by an inability to influence as he usually does across other areas.

Goals scored

0.63

0.34

Assists

0.63

0.17

Shots taken

4.62

2.43

Shot-creating actions

6.82

3.27

Touches (att pen)

7.55

6.21

Pass completion (%)

81.6

68.1

Progressive passes

6.40

4.19

Progressive carries

5.45

3.94

Successful take-ons

2.31

0.92

Ball recoveries

4.72

2.77

Tackles + interceptions

1.36

0.34

Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, but he needs service. The Sweden international darts upfield and finds space in between the lines. Olise could help activate this area of his skillset at Liverpool, averaging over six progressive passes per Bundesliga game this term.

Olise is also less focused on goalscoring side of the game. That’s not to say he’s not capable of show-stopping strikes, as has been seen numerous times in the Premier League, but serve as evidence that he could be the perfect counterweight in Liverpool’s attacking system to give rise to Isak’s striking ability.

Such an athletic and hungry wide forward with a proven pedigree in the Premier League could prove the key to success at Liverpool, whose forwards are toiling and surely need some fresh inspiration to lift them back into the ascendancy.

He's "as good as Bellingham": Liverpool submit record bid for Fabinho 2.0

Liverpool are getting ready to add new flavours to their flagging midfield.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2025

Scott Boras did his job this offseason.

The durable sports agent helped client Juan Soto land an astonishing 15-year, $765 million contract to become the next right fielder for the New York Mets. Thursday was a day of celebration in that regard, as the Mets introduced the player they hope will serve as a franchise cornerstone for years to come.

New York's celebratory mood, however, could not discourage Boras from responding to a question about Soto's other suitors with a classic Boras-ism.

"When you're at a wedding, you don't talk about the bridesmaids," Boras said of the New York Yankees, Soto's old team, and other squads.

The Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays were all reputed contenders for Soto's services.

In the end, however, the Mets outbid them all. All that's left to do is see if they can win the elusive World Series title that justifies it.

MatériaMais Notícias

O meio-campista Gabriel Pirani, que está no D.C. United, dos Estados Unidos, não escondeu a insatisfação com a perda de espaço no Santos antes da sua saída do clube. Além disso, pontuou a admiração pelo sucesso conquistado por Marcelo Fernandes.

+ Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro-2023 clicando aqui

Em entrevista exclusiva ao Lance!, o Menino da Vila fez um balanço sobre a falta de oportunidades na equipe do litoral paulista, que se deram principalmente após a saída de Fernando Diniz, e os fatores que podem ter contribuído para isso.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

– Eu não entendo (o motivo da falta de oportunidades), eu tive pouquíssimos jogos. Com o Carille eu ainda jogo, apesar de ter uma lesão nada séria, mas que me incomodava bastante. Eu jogava bastante até o final de 2021 e vinha dando resultado, eu contribuí para o time. Todos ali sabiam que a gente estava passando por um momento de reconstrução e dificuldades, e ainda está passando – disse o jovem atleta.

– Pela grandeza do Santos, jogar a responsabilidade em um menino também é uma coisa errada. Tiveram contratações no meu setor também e eu acabei sendo menos utilizado, mas quem conhece meu dia a dia sabe que eu estava louco por uma oportunidade. Se não estiver jogando, quero estar em algum lugar onde me dêem oportunidades. Não teve nada muito pontual, na minha visão foi porque chegaram contratações – continuou Gabriel Pirani.

+ Garanta o churrasco do feriado! Aposte R$500 e ganhe R$2000 com o Brasil!

O SANTOS CAI?

O jogador não escondeu o carinho pelo Peixe e demonstrou confiança na manutenção do Peixe na Série A do Brasileirão. Além disso, não escondeu o apreço por Marcelo Fernandes, atual treinador do clube.

– Sem dúvidas não cai. Primeiro pela grandeza do Santos, tudo conspira a favor. Tem pessoas ali que eu tenho muito carinho, como o Marcelo Fernandes que participou muito do início da minha carreira e eu sempre torço por ele. O carinho que eu tenho pelo Santos vai ser eterno na minha vida independente do que acontecer, ele mudou minha vida, sem o Santos não teria minha família por perto ou não conheceria a minha esposa. Enfim, tenho certeza que não vai cair não – opinou o Menino da Vila.

TITULAR PRECOCE

Convocado pela Seleção Brasileira para participar dos Jogos Pan-Americanos no Chile, Pirani afirmou não ter arrependimentos na carreira e acredita que a exposição na equipe principal aconteceu no momento exato.

– Eu acho que na minha vida eu não tenho muitos arrependimentos. Acho que aconteceu no momento certo minha subida no Santos. Passei por todas categorias, fiquei muito pouco no Sub-20 e Sub-23. Acho que (minha promoção ao profissional) aconteceu quando tinha que acontecer e para mim está perfeito. Meu começo foi muito bom, mesmo passando por um ano difícil, e depois eu não tive tantas oportunidades para demonstrar o que eu poderia. Não tenho nenhum arrependimento e não posso falar que faria algo diferente – finalizou Gabriel.

Neither side confirmed their XI the day before the final Test with Australia leaving the door ajar to leave out Nathan Lyon

Alex Malcolm11-Jul-2025Big picture: Starc’s milestone match carries significance for both sidesAlthough it will be played nearly 15,000km from his home in Sydney, it is fitting in some respects that Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test match is a pink-ball game under lights in Jamaica. No bowler has been more prolific with the pink ball, and it seems very likely that Starc will celebrate a second major landmark at Sabina Park, as he is just five wickets away from 400 Test wickets.If Australia’s bowlers continue to share the spoils this week as they have done throughout the series, then there could be further milestones celebrated. Josh Hazlewood needs eight wickets to pass 300, which would make Australia’s bowling quartet the first in history to play together with 300 wickets apiece. Nathan Lyon needs just two wickets to pass Glenn McGrath’s tally of 563 on Australia’s all-time list and move to second behind Shane Warne.Related

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'Might be a few things going on' as Sabina Park makes pink-ball debut

However, in a potential twist, Pat Cummins left the door ajar for a rare all-pace attack. Lyon bowled just one over in Australia’s previous day-night Test last December against India. Australia have never played with a pink Dukes before in a Test, but the prospect of a well-grassed Sabina Park pitch will have the quicks licking their chops as West Indies desperately search for the required runs to avoid a series sweep.The first day-night Test in Jamaica, and just second in the Caribbean, will be a significant occasion but it is also a key moment in the evolution of this new-look West Indies team. Coach Daren Sammy has been left torn between praising the outstanding bowling by his team while lamenting the batting displays. He has urged his batting group to adjust their techniques and temperaments depending on what the situation demands.But the reality is that the batting challenge might only get harder in Jamaica unless the surface provides some relief during the daylight hours or when the pink Dukes balls soften. Sammy has been encouraged by the effort of his team overall so far in this series to keep pace with Australia, but a win would go a long way to boosting confidence both within the dressing room, and throughout the Caribbean, and reassuring all that the revamped team is on the right path.Australia’s middle order has been key for them this series•AFP/Getty ImagesAustralia’s batting will be under equal pressure, despite the middle-order having done more than enough to secure the Frank Worrell Trophy in the first two Tests. The nature of the World Test Championship means there are no dead rubbers anymore and a third victory will be vital for Australia in a cycle that includes a home Ashes, an away series in South Africa and an away five-Test series in India.But there are also significant ramifications for the here and now for a top order that has been described as “muddled”. Cameron Green’s half-century in Grenada aside, it has been a difficult series for the trio against a pacey and skilled West Indies attack on some difficult pitches. While Cummins, coach Andrew McDonald, and batting coach Michael Di Venuto have all been strong in their defence and support of the struggling openers in particular, twin failures this week for Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja and even Green would spark a four-month public referendum on the make-up of the top three for the Ashes in November.A substantial score from any or all of them, especially in difficult batting conditions, would calm the debate significantly. But it would take three outstanding performances from all of them to completely quell any questions over their spots given the amount of time that will pass between now and when England arrive in Australia.Form guideWest Indies LLWLL
Australia WWLWWUsman Khawaja has fallen in familiar fashion in the first two matches•Associated PressIn the spotlight: John Campbell and Usman KhawajaJohn Campbell has arguably looked as comfortable and fluent as any opener in the series but he has only two starts to show for it. He made a breezy 23 in the second innings in Barbados before falling attempting to scoop-sweep Hazlewood. He played an equally poor shot in the first innings in Grenada having done the hard part to reach 40 and lay a decent foundation for West Indies.His Test record does not reflect his talent, and he does deserve more time than just three Tests on difficult pitches against an all-time attack to settle back into Test cricket after three years. But West Indies would want to see a more balanced approach to his batting in Jamaica, and a conversion of a start, to be assured that he is the right long-term option at the top of the order for this new-look team.Usman Khawaja has a lot of credits in the bank and there have been reasonably strong backings from Australia’s hierarchy that his place for the Ashes is safe. But those credits are dwindling at an alarming rate. He said at the start of the series that his stats speak for themselves. Right now, they are saying he has passed 50 just four times in 33 innings since the 2023 Ashes, with his 232 in Sri Lanka doing a lot of heavy lifting as his lone century. Worse than that, he is averaging 18.93 against pace bowling in his last ten Tests.That is worse than the axed Marnus Labuschagne and fractionally better than lower-order batters Starc and Cummins. His Jasprit Bumrah problem has spread. The repetitive nature of his dismissals is also of concern. He has been pinned lbw by full inswingers from around the wicket three times in a row in this series while sitting deep in the crease on each occasion. He may bemoan two umpire’s calls, but he’s had one successful review to overturn a decision in his last 10 tries in Test cricket, having lost six for his team and retained three through umpire’s calls. The last time he walked off without reviewing an lbw decision was 2018. He is equal fourth all-time for unsuccessful reviews, with only Steven Smith, Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root above him.The pitches have been brutal for openers in this series, and he is not the only one struggling. It may not get any easier this week against the pink Dukes. He is the only Australian batter to have faced a pink Dukes previously in England in 2018 and he returned 0 and 19 for Glamorgan at No. 4 against Jofra Archer and Sussex in a game that lasted two days. A solid performance would quieten the questions that are growing louder.Kraigg Brathwaite has had a series to forget•AFP/Getty ImagesTeam news: Will Brathwaite survive?Roston Chase didn’t reveal West Indies’ XI, saying discussions had yet to take place after their final training session. Given he did not confirm Kraigg Brathwaite’s spot, it appears a chance that he would be dropped. Chase also said there was strong consideration to recalling left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.West Indies (possible): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite/Mikyle Louis, 2 John Campbell, 3 Keacy Carty/Kevlon Anderson, 4 Brandon King, 5 Roston Chase (capt), 6 Shai Hope (wk), 7 Justin Greaves, 8 Alzarri Joseph, 9 Shamar Joseph, 10 Anderson Phillip/Jomel Warrican, 11 Jayden SealesCummins said Australia wanted another day to consider their options, explaining they were factoring in the night-time session and how the practice pitches have behaved. However, it would appear unlikely there will be any changes to the top order. The workload of the bowlers hasn’t been high, so any changes to the attack would be tactical.Australia (probable): 1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Sam Konstas, 3 Cameron Green, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Beau Webster, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh HazlewoodPitch and conditions: Even grass coverage, fresh pink DukesStarc said it was the best-looking pitch of the series when he surveyed it two days out with a much more even covering of grass than was presented in Barbados or Grenada. The weather looks pretty good for the week, although the odd shower may pass through as it did in Grenada and some forecasts show Monday as considerably wetter. The pink Dukes balls and the new lights at Sabina Park would be the biggest challenge for both sides. Australia’s top-order batters reported “swing and nip” during training and, albeit over a limited time span, the balls had retained their hardness. The red Dukes have been a problem throughout the series in terms of retaining their shape, as they have been in England. The new lights reach all the required levels but are potentially not as bright as what the players might be used to. Chase said they were a little lower than he would have liked but neither side has reported any significant issues.Stats and trivia Starc has 74 wickets at 18.14 in pink-ball Tests, striking at 34.8 with four five-wicket hauls. He has 31 wickets more than the next-best in Lyon. Each of Australia’s four bowlers have taken 37 or more wickets in pink-ball Tests. Alzarri Joseph has the most of the current West Indies players with 11. The combined batting average for the two teams in the series so far is 20.60, without a century scored. Only one three-match series in the last 25 years has yielded a combined batting average under 20.

His obligations as Derbyshire head coach will keep him away from Guyana, the venue of the tournament

Mohammad Isam29-Jun-2025Mickey Arthur will next month oversee Rangpur Riders’ Global Super League title defence even though he won’t be present in Guyana, the venue of the tournament. Arthur will be 7500km away in Derbyshire, from where he will do the job remotely, according to Rangpur’s team director Shanian Taneem.Arthur had a similar arrangement with Pakistan where he oversaw strategies remotely during his stint as team director while he also fulfilled his responsibilities as head coach of Derbyshire in 2023.Rangpur will return as defending champions in the GSL’s second season, which begins on July 10. The other teams in the tournament are Dubai Capitals, Central Stags, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Hobart Hurricanes.Related

BCB says the door is still open for Shakib to play for Bangladesh

Arthur was Rangpur’s head coach when they won the GSL’s inaugural edition last year. Since he will be concurrently coaching Derbyshire in Division Two of the County Championship, he will not be physically present at the GSL this time around.”As the English County Championship is ongoing and Mickey is coaching Derbyshire County Cricket Club, he is unavailable at the moment,” Shanian said during a jersey unveiling ceremony in Dhaka. “Therefore, we are appointing Greg Smith as our head coach. He is someone Mickey fully trusts. Mickey will stay connected with the players and continue to offer his input. Greg will lead the team under Mickey’s guidance.”Mickey Arthur was our head coach during the previous Global Super League and the last edition of the Bangladesh Premier League. We have strong confidence in his abilities. While forming our squad, we remained in constant touch with him and discussed which players would perform well on Guyana’s pitches.”Rangpur will be led by Nurul Hasan, who has been their captain since 2023. They have also retained Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Harmeet Singh from their 2024 squad. Their overseas contingent includes West Indies batter Kyle Mayers, South Africa wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, Pakistan allrounder Iftikhar Ahmed and Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran.They have not picked Shakib Al Hasan, however, even though the tournament is taking place in the West Indies. Shakib, a former Awami League MP, has not traveled to Bangladesh since the fall of the Awami League government last year. He now resides in the USA.”Shakib Al Hasan is still one of the most valuable players not only in Bangladesh but in any franchise league of the world,” Shanian said. “It is not that we did not want him in the squad, but we know the situation of the country at this moment. Shakib still can feature in the starting eleven of any franchise team. But keeping the current situation in mind, we were not able to take him in the squad.”Rangpur will start the tournament against the Guayana Amazon Warriors in the evening match on July 10, the opening day.Rangpur Riders squad: Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Mahidul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammad Saif, Abu Hider, Rakilbul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Akif Javed, Iftikar Ahmed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay.

Shubman Gill will lead the squad, with Rishabh Pant the vice-captain

ESPNcricinfo staff24-May-20252:39

Agarkar on why Nair, Arshdeep and Sai Sudharsan were picked

B Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh have been picked in India’s Test squad for the first time, while Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur have made comebacks for the five-match series in England that starts on June 20.The 18-man squad is led by 25-year old Shubman Gill, who was appointed India’s new Test captain by the selection panel headed by Ajit Agarkar at a meeting in Mumbai on Saturday. Agarkar said Jasprit Bumrah, who was India’s vice-captain on the recent tour of Australia, was unlikely to play all five Tests in England due to workload management and that was a factor in him not being given the captaincy.Gill succeeded Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format in May following poor returns over the past season, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Rishabh Pant was appointed vice-captain of the squad.Related

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Shubman Gill unveiled as India's new Test captain, Pant his deputy

The batting group includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran in addition to Gill, Pant, Sudharsan and Nair, with Dhruv Jurel as the second wicketkeeper.The squad has four allrounders (two pace, two spin) in Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy.There are five specialist fast bowlers – Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep – with Kuldeep Yadav the only specialist spinner in the 18.The series is India’s first since the retirements of Rohit, R Ashwin and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, and Mohammed Shami was also missing from the squad. Shami had not yet built up to Test match workloads during his recovery from the ankle surgery he had in February last year.Sarfaraz Khan and Harshit Rana are the only two players who were part of the original Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad to be dropped for the England tour. Tanush Kotian and Devdutt Padikkal, who came in as replacements during India’s tour of Australia, were not picked either.The five Tests against England will be India’s first in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. They play the first Test at Headingley (from June 20), the second at Edgbaston (from July 2), the third at Lord’s (from July 10), the fourth at Old Trafford (from July 23), and the final at The Oval (from July 31).They begin the tour with a four-day match against India A at Beckenham on the outskirts of London between June 13 and 16.India Test squad for EnglandShubman Gill (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (vc, wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Arshdeep Singh

The last 12 months have certainly been tumultuous for Tottenham Hotspur, whether that be on the field under various managers or even off the field and in the boardroom.

Ange Postecoglou ended the Lilywhites’ 17-year wait for a trophy, but it wasn’t enough to maintain his position at the helm after finishing 17th in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank was brought into the club during the summer, starting a new era to try and build on the Europa League success endured at the back end of the previous campaign.

However, another new era looks set to commence off the field, after chairman Daniel Levy stepped down in recent days after spending 25 years in the role.

Many of his decisions during his time in North London have been questionable to say the least, but his move to land Djed Spence now looks to be a fantastic piece of business.

Djed Spence’s rise to stardom at Spurs

Back in the summer of 2022, Spurs completed the £20m signing of right-back Spence from Championship outfit Middlesbrough – in a move that didn’t go down well with manager Antonio Conte.

The Italian was unhappy with the addition, even stating that he didn’t want to sign the player and subsequently excluding him from his plans for the 2022/23 campaign.

After just six first-team outings that year, he left to join Rennes on loan, before also spending the entirety of the following season on loan at Leeds United and Genoa respectively.

However, the injury setbacks endured during Postecoglou’s reign last season gave the 25-year-old an opportunity to showcase his talents – something which he grabbed with both hands.

Spence ended up making 35 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, even scoring his first Premier League goal in the win over Ipswich Town back in February.

Such a turnaround has been remarkable, especially considering he nearly left during Conte’s time at the club – with Frank now reaping the rewards of the hierarchy’s faith in the full-back.

The defender subsequently made his first England appearance in the triumph against Serbia on Tuesday night – further showcasing the sensational rise he’s endured in North London over recent months.

The player who could be Frank’s new Spence

After taking the reins during the summer, Frank will need time to implement his system that saw him take Brentford from the depths of the Championship to a consistent Premier League outfit.

However, glimpses of his tactical ability have already been evident, even beating Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad in just the second game of his tenure in North London.

He’s not been afraid to make big calls in recent weeks, even putting faith in striker Richarlison to make an impact after the Brazilian was hugely touted with a move away from the Lilywhites.

The 28-year-old already has two goals and an assist in his first three league games of 2025/26 – subsequently keeping summer addition Mathys Tel out of the starting eleven.

The Frenchman moved to the Lilywhites permanently during the off-season after spending the second half of last campaign on loan under Postecoglou – scoring three times in his 20 appearances.

However, it’s not been all plain sailing for the 20-year-old since his return to the club, failing to make a single start and being restricted to just 19 minutes of first-team action to date.

Tel’s misery has been further compounded in recent weeks, after being left out of the 25-man Champions League squad – a decision that has undoubtedly been a shock to the fanbase.

He gained a reputation for being a talented youngster at Bayern Munich, leading to one analyst claiming he can become “one of the world’s best”.

His recent snub from Frank’s side will certainly put his future at the club into huge doubt – suffering the same fate as Spence during the early months of his own spell in North London.

Games played

21

Minutes played

1287

Goals scored

3

Assists

1

Yellow cards

3

Red cards

0

Average rating

6.75

However, the right-back is evidence that players can still succeed even if they fail to make the best first impression, with Tel needing time to fulfil the potential he arrived with.

Offloading the Frenchman in the near future would be a huge mistake, potentially turning into a world beater with regular minutes away from the Lilywhites.

Competition for places isn’t a bad scenario for Frank to have, but it’s crucial he doesn’t neglect Tel’s talents, subsequently needing to manage his talents if the player is to follow in Spence’s footsteps.

Frank rates him very highly: Spurs must regret selling their answer to Rice

Tottenham Hotspur may regret offloading a star whom Thomas Frank has previously praised.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 9, 2025

Nottingham Forest have a new manager at the helm in Ange Postecoglou, and he may already be about to sanction his first major piece of business since arriving at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou speaks after appointment

Nuno Espirito Santo has now left the East Midlands after his public fallout with Evangelos Marinakis proved to be the final nail in the coffin for their relationship, in a development offset by Edu Gaspar’s appointment as sporting director.

Ultimately, the Tricky Trees opted to go in a different direction, and they didn’t wait long to secure their replacement. Postecoglou arrives with a Europa League title to his name and the question now surrounds how his high-octane style of play will take shape on the River Trent.

Speaking ahead of his first match in charge of Nottingham Forest against Arsenal, the Australian manager made it clear that his attacking mode of operation will be a key feature of his next career step in the Premier League, even if it isn’t the only trick up his sleeve.

Ange Postecoglou dealt first Nottingham Forest worry amid Arsenal decision

Mikel Arteta’s side are facing him this weekend.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 11, 2025

With anticipation growing surrounding how Postecoglou will take to life in his new role, he may have already sanctioned his first piece of transfer business at the club.

Nottingham Forest's Jota Silva set to sign for Besiktas

According to Fabrizio Romano on social media platform X, Nottingham Forest winger Jota Silva is set to join Besiktas on an initial loan deal with an option for the Turkish giants to purchase the Portugal international.

In a transaction that could see the Tricky Trees earn £17 million between the fee for his loan agreement and future permanent transfer, Marinakis may earn some funds for Postecoglou ahead of the January window once all is signed and sealed.

With the former Vitoria Guimaraes man flying to Turkey today, he will bring the curtain down on his time in England, which resulted in four goals and three assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

Dan Ndoye’s arrival has left Nottingham Forest well-stocked in the wide areas, so being able to offload a spare part for a healthy sum is a pleasing development for supporters.

The home side built a lead of 190 on a surface where run-scoring has been hard work

Andrew McGlashan19-Feb-2025Sam Konstas put away the scoops, ramps and sweeps on the second day at the SCG but could only make 17 before falling to Scott Boland for the second time in the match.The day after Konstas’ first-innings dismissal – missing a sweep against Boland from the 13th ball of the game – had ignited debate about his batting approach he was much more measured during New South Wales’ second innings in a clear response to what happened on Tuesday.Related

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Konstas under the microscope as Boland, Davies shine

Overall batting was tricky and NSW closed in a healthy position with a lead of 190 and six wickets in hand as both teams pushed for a victory that will be vital to their hopes of a place in the Sheffield Shield final.NSW head coach Greg Shipperd and batting coach Nick Larkin watched intently from the boundary edge for the duration of Konstas’ stay which ended shortly before tea when he square drove a short delivery from Boland to point.Until then, Konstas had shaped up solidly against some demanding new-ball bowling from Boland and Fergus O’Neill. He had taken until his 13th delivery to get off the mark, showing a clear intent to leave deliveries outside off, and defended largely with a straight bat although was troubled by Boland.Will Sutherland trapped Kurtis Patterson lbw•Getty ImagesIt wasn’t until the 11th over that he found the boundary, collecting back-to-back fours off Will Sutherland, before carving another just over point against Boland. It was an attempted repeat of that stroke which brought his downfall.”I’m all for entertainment and good batting, but that wasn’t good batting on day one. It was good fun for five minutes,” Phil Jaques, the former NSW coach, said on commentary. “It was better application from Konstas today, he was really patient and gave himself a chance to get in. It was a better innings, but unfortunately not much to show for it.”Nic Maddinson, who hit 20 off the second of the game yesterday, had fallen early to a pearler from O’Neill while Kurtis Patterson was pinned lbw by Sutherland having worked hard for 28.Matthew Gilkes and Josh Philippe, the latter who was struck a nasty blow on the helmet, added 55 to turn the game more firmly NSW’s way until Philippe fell late in the day to Boland. His innings had included a bizarre moment shortly before his dismissal when it appeared umpire Simon Lightbody was giving him lbw to Mitch Perry only to stop raising his finger part way through leaving Victoria perplexed.Victoria had resumed on 92 for 4 and were quickly in deep trouble when Jackson Bird had Marcus Harris caught at point second ball of the day then trapped Sam Harper lbw before the opening over was done. It left Bird on 399 Sheffield Shield wickets, one short of becoming the fifth bowler to reach 400.When Sutherland fell to Hanno Jacobs, Victoria were still more than 100 adrift but nightwatchman Perry, who was given a life at cover by Gilkes, and No. 9 O’Neill eked out 34 in 16 overs until O’Neill was well held at long leg by Jacobs when he top-edged what became the last ball before lunch.NSW were frustrated for nine overs by the last-wicket pair with Boland making a handy contribution before Perry was last out, driving to mid-off, have faced 122 balls for 29.