Setting their sights on January additions, Celtic are now reportedly set to sign a midfield star who Jurgen Klopp once described as “unbelievable”.
Celtic must solve goalscoring problem
By Celtic’s standards, it’s been a frustrating season so far. The Bhoys sit two points behind shock leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and have struggled to get going in the Europa League. Whilst they’ve been solid defensively, their frontline has struggled without Nicolas Kuhn and without Daizen Maeda at his very best.
Something must change after the international break if those at Celtic Park want to avoid handing Hearts an even greater advantage in what is proving to be an unexpected title race.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s form at the start of his Celtic career has at least provided Rodgers with one boost, but he still needs Maeda to find his form when the Bhoys return to action this weekend.
Of course, there is also a chance that the Japan international leaves when the January transfer window swings open. He has already attracted reported interest from the Premier League and will have just one year left on his current deal when next summer arrives.
Celtic dud who should be in "bottom end of League One" is on borrowed time
This Celtic attacker is now on borrowed time at Parkhead ahead of the January window.
ByDan Emery Oct 16, 2025
If that does prove to be the case, then Celtic will need to find an instant replacement for another key man. Whether they have the funds to do that in January is the big question, especially amid rumours that they’re already preparing to splash the cash on another upgrade.
Celtic set to sign Bobby Clark
According to The Times, Celtic are now set to sign Bobby Clark from Red Bull Salzburg in a January deal worth as much as £6m. The attacking midfielder is currently on loan at Derby County and is now expected to seal a permanent exit away from Salzburg courtesy of the Bhoys this winter.
At just 20 years old, Clark is still a player full of potential even if things haven’t worked out in Austria. Klopp knew the gem that he had on his hands during his time at Anfield and Rodgers could now get the best out of him when January arrives.
The former Liverpool boss praised both Clark and fellow youngster Stefan Bajcetic in 2023 after opportunities emerged for both, saying: “Obviously, we have a squad where everybody is needed. We are not like 25, 26 [key] players. But on the other side, it opens up opportunities, and I’m really, really happy with the boys Stefan [Bajcetic] and Bobby [Clark].”
“I’m not sure whether they would be that close to the first team already at 17 years old if we would have them all [the whole squad] available, and then now they make real steps. It’s unbelievable, every day in training. So that’s good. But of course, you would prefer to have an extra striker, an extra midfielder.”
Celtic centre-forward Kelechi Iheanacho has had a mixed start to life at Parkhead after his move to the club on a free transfer the day after deadline day.
The Nigeria international was signed around 24 hours after Sevilla decided to terminate his contract before the end of the summer transfer window, after the Hoops failed to bring in a striker before the deadline.
Iheanacho has delivered three goals and one assist in six matches in all competitions for the Scottish giants since his move to Glasgow, which is a respectable return on paper.
However, two of his goals have come from the penalty spot and the former Manchester City marksman has missed four ‘big chances’ from open play, per Sofascore.
Brendan Rodgers may be hoping that there is more to come from the left-footed attacker from open play in the weeks and months to come, to avoid having to dip into the market in January to sign another first-choice striker.
The Hoops did sell their first-choice centre-forward in the January transfer window at the start of this year, Kyogo Furuhashi, but opted not to replace him.
Why Celtic did not replace Kyogo Furuhashi
Celtic decided to cash in on the Japan international midway through the 2024/25 campaign after Rennes came to the table with an offer of £10m to sign the attacker.
The Scottish Premiership giants sold him to the French side for £10m, despite him being the first-choice striker at the club, and ended the window without bringing a direct replacement through the door.
Celtic were reportedly in talks with Brondby over a deal to sign Danish centre-forward Mathias Kvistgaarden before the end of the window, but they were unable to get a move over the line. He then signed for Norwich City for £6.9m this summer.
Losing Kyogo was a blow on paper, because he scored 85 goals in 165 matches for the club (Transfermarkt), but his declining form suggests that they got a good deal for him.
Kyogo’s decline at Celtic
Kyogo (Premiership)
22/23
23/24 + 24/25
Appearances
36
60
xG
20.55
32.73
Shots
88
164
Shots on target
42
69
Goals
27
24
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, the Japanese forward was incredibly wasteful in front of goal in his last 18 months at the club, underperforming his xG by almost nine goals.
This is why his exit was not as big a blow as it would have been after the 2022/23 campaign, which may also be why the club felt that they did not have to directly replace him.
Celtic star is ready to leave the club
Moving forward to the present day, one of the players who was tasked with replacing Kyogo’s goals in-house is now looking to leave the club in the upcoming January transfer window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, versatile Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda wants to move on from the Scottish giants ahead of the second half of the season.
Speaking to 67HailHail, the reporter said: “Maeda is ready to leave and I am told a move to England is very much on his radar, and he does have interest.
“Whether Celtic will let him out in January remains to be seen, but he will only have a year left come the summer and at that point he will go.”
This comes after Maeda revealed that a move away from Parkhead was blocked by the club during the summer window, which led Rodgers to claim that it has been a “difficult” situation for the forward to manage since the window closed.
Why losing Maeda would be a bigger blow than Kyogo's exit
It would be a bigger blow for Celtic to sell the Japan international in the upcoming January transfer window than it was to sell Kyogo to Rennes at the start of this year, for several reasons.
Firstly, the Hoops do not have the attacking options across their frontline that they did to soften the blow of losing Kyogo. They signed Jota from Rennes, Adam Idah scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, and they had Maeda.
Now, Jota is currently out with an ACL injury, Idah was sold to Swansea on deadline day, Sebastian Tounekti, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, James Forrest, and Hyun-jun Yang are all yet to score a league goal, and Iheanacho has scored one goal from open play.
Celtic’s top scorers (25/26 Premiership)
Player
Goals
Benjamin Nygren
4
Daizen Maeda
2
Kelechi Iheanacho
2
Johnny Kenny
1
Luke McCowan
1
Reo Hatate
1
Via WhoScored
This means that Rodgers may not have the confidence that he had when Kyogo left that the players he already has at his disposal can cover the goals that the team would lose if Maeda moved on.
Another reason why the winger’s exit from Parkhead would be a bigger blow than Kyogo’s move to Rennes is that his recent form for Celtic has been more impressive than the striker’s was at the end of his time in Glasgow.
Maeda won the Scottish Premiership Player of the Year award for the 2024/25 campaign just five months ago, after scoring 33 goals in all competitions last season, per Transfermarkt.
Kyogo did not make it into the Team of the Year, let alone the Player of the Year conversation, in the 2024/25 or 2023/24 campaigns, which shows that he left Celtic 18 months after his ‘prime’.
Maeda, who was lauded as “phenomenal” by former Rangers boss Barry Ferguson, is only a few months away from being crowned the best player in Scotland and is the team’s second-top scorer in the Premiership at the moment, having scored the winner against Motherwell last weekend.
This is why losing him in January would be an even bigger blow than losing Kyogo was, because he is more important to the team, because of his performances and because of the supporting cast, than his international teammate was at the start of the year.
As bad as Ralston: Celtic flop is in danger of becoming the next Forrest
One of Celtic’s players is in danger of becoming the next James Forrest at Parkhead.
ByDan Emery Oct 8, 2025
If Maeda does get his wish and moves on from Parkhead in January, Celtic and Rodgers may not be able to afford not to replace him with a new signing.
Liam Rosenior has publicly apologised for his comments on Lyon winger Malick Fofana's injury after initially defending Ismael Doukoure following his red card in Strasbourg’s defeat to Lyon. The Strasbourg coach admitted he “reacted in the heat of the moment” after reviewing footage of the heavy tackle that left Fofana stretchered off with a serious ankle injury that could rule him out for months.
Rosenior admits mistake over Doukoure red card
Strasbourg head coach Rosenior has issued an apology after retracting his earlier criticism of referee Eric Wattellier’s decision to send off Doukoure during the 2-1 defeat to Lyon on Sunday. The defender was dismissed in the 67th minute for a late and dangerous challenge on Lyon winger Fofana, who was forced off on a stretcher with a serious ankle injury.
Rosenior had initially protested the decision, suggesting that the red card was excessive and that Wattellier had “judged based on the injury, not the play.” The incident, which occurred just moments after Strasbourg had fought to regain control of the match, ultimately shifted momentum as Afonso Moreira struck late to secure victory for Lyon at the Groupama Stadium.
After reviewing the footage post-match, Rosenior reversed his stance. “We all make mistakes,” he admitted at his Tuesday press conference. “I reacted in the heat of the moment. I was wrong about the red card. I apologise. I hope Malick Fofana recovers quickly.”
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Strasbourg boss slammed referee before Fofana ruled out for months
Rosenior’s initial anger was rooted in the belief that Doukoure’s dismissal was influenced more by the aftermath than the action itself. Speaking immediately after the match, the English coach had said, “There were two fairly clear decisions that put us in a difficult situation. I don’t think there was a red card. For me, it was an unlucky play. I don’t want to see injured players on the pitch, but the referee judged based on the injury, not the play. It wasn’t a dangerous tackle.”
The aftermath of the incident brought grim news for Lyon as Fofana, one of the side’s brightest attacking talents, has been ruled out for at least three months after scans revealed a serious right ankle sprain. Further tests have indicated additional ligament damage that could require surgery, according to reports.
The 20-year-old Belgian, who has two goals and one assist this season, has been one of Paulo Fonseca’s key players. His absence comes at a difficult time for Lyon, who are already missing Ghanaian winger Ernest Nuamah until 2026 following an ACL injury.
Costly dismissal and Strasbourg’s setback
Doukoure’s sending off proved crucial in the match’s outcome, as the defender had earlier scored an own goal that brought Lyon level after Joaquin Panichelli’s opener for Strasbourg. Reduced to 10 men, Rosenior’s side conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 2-1, a result that extended their winless run to three matches across all competitions.
The red card not only cost Strasbourg crucial points but also exposed their vulnerability when forced to defend deep. “It was a harsh moment for the team,” Rosenior said. “We played well, but when you’re down to 10 men, it’s always difficult.” Strasbourg dropped from third to seventh in the Ligue 1 standings as a result, though their solid home record offers hope of a quick response.
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What next for Strasbourg and Lyon?
Strasbourg return to action on Wednesday with a crucial home fixture against struggling Auxerre. The Alsace side will look to bounce back at the Stade de la Meinau, where they have won 10 of their last 15 top-flight games. Rosenior’s men remain seventh in Ligue 1 with 16 points from nine matches, three more points than they had at the same stage last season.
Auxerre, meanwhile, visit on the back of four consecutive winless games and sit in the relegation zone with just seven points. For Lyon, the focus will shift to their midweek clash against Paris FC as they cope with the loss of Fofana. Paulo Fonseca’s men are expected to reshuffle their attack, likely to share responsibilities on the flanks in the coming weeks.
With Rosenior’s apology drawing a line under the controversy, attention now turns back to the pitch, where both clubs face defining fixtures amid mounting injury and form challenges.
تحدث أندرو روبرتسون، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول عن فوز فريقه على ريال مدريد في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.
وواجه ريال مدريد نظيره ليفربول مساء أمس، الثلاثاء، في الجولة الرابعة من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، على ملعب “آنفيلد”.
واستطاع ليفربول أن يحقق فوزًا غاليًا على ريال مدريد بهدف نظيف سجله أليكسيس ماك أليستر بضربة رأس رائعة سكنت شباك الحارس كورتوا الذي ظهرر بمستوى مميز ورائع للغاية في المباراة.
اقرأ أيضًا | فان دايك: لن أتحدث مع أرنولد بعد فوز ليفربول على ريال مدريد
كان آنفيلد في مباراة الأمس مليئًا بالحماس وهتافات جماهير الريدز خلقت طقسًا مختلفًا وفريدًا من نوعه خلال المباراة، وظهر ذلك في أداء لاعبي الفريقين سواء تألق ليفربول أو ظهور ريال مدريد بأداء هزيل للغاية.
وقال روبرتسون في تصريحات عبر الموقع الرسمي لـ”يويفا”: “أنا سعيد جدًا، الأمر يتعلق بمحاولة استعادة هذا الثبات في المستوى وهذه الروح، أعتقد أننا كنا جميعًا حاضرين في المباراة، كان حارس مرماهم رائعًا لكنها كانت ليلة ممتعة وحصدنا ثلاث نقاط ثمينة”.
وعن تألق برادلي: “أعتقد أنه لعب بشكل رائع، إنه موهبة استثنائية، ينسى الناس أحيانًا أنه صغير في السن، الأمر يتعلق بتقديم هذه الموهبة باستمرار، لطالما كان يمتلك هذا النوع من الأداء، كان جيدًا ضد ريال مدريد الموسم الماضي لكنني أعتقد أنه كان أفضل في مباراة هذا الموسم”.
وأتم: “صوت الجماهير كان مذهلًا للغاية، أعتقد أنه بعد هدفنا مباشرة عندما كان فلوريان على الأرض، ارتفع صوت المدرجات بشكل لا يُصدق”.
Com o zagueiro Gustavo Gómez de volta da Seleção Paraguaia, o Palmeiras treinou na manhã desta quinta-feira (14), na Academia de Futebol, em sequência à preparação para o confronto com o Goiás, na sexta-feira (15), às 21h30, no Allianz Parque, pela 23ª rodada do Brasileirão. Assim, o time deve ter todos os convocados para o retorno do campeonato.
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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
Após uma sessão de vídeo no auditório do centro de excelência, o elenco foi a campo para um trabalho tático posicional com ações específicas de ataque e defesa traçadas pela comissão.
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A Lance! Betting já aqueceu os mercados para o jogo. Você acredita que o Verdão mantém a superioridade? Antes 8.00, a odd turbinada para o Palmeiras bater o Goiás por 3×0 está em 8.75! Apostando R$10, seu retorno é de quase R$90!
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Gómez participou de todo o treino no campo, assim como Raphael Veiga, Piquerez e Richard Ríos, que retornaram da Data Fifa na quarta-feira (13). Dessa forma, os quatro estão à disposição de Abel Ferreira.
O Palmeiras ainda deve fazer mais um treino na manhã desta sexta-feira, dia do jogo contra o Goiás, para fechar a preparação e definir os titulares. Murilo, que foi expulso contra o Corinthians, está fora e será substituído por Luan.
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+ Palmeiras ainda sofre com os efeitos da grande queda de desempenho após a última Data Fifa
Um provável Verdão é: Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gómez, Luan e Piquerez; Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino e Raphael Veiga; Mayke, Artur e Rony.
O Alviverde está invicto há três jogos contra o Goiás (um empate e duas vitórias nos dois encontros mais recentes). No primeiro turno, a equipe goleou o rival por 5 a 0, com gols de Artur, Sidimar (contra), Raphael Veiga, Endrick e Dudu. O Verdão ocupa a vice-liderança do Brasileirão, com 41 pontos, dez a menos que o líder Botafogo.
“There are normally two voices in your head, the one that doubts and the one that believes. The second is the one that we keep feeding, especially in big moments”
Firdose Moonda17-Jun-20257:27
Bavuma: We’ve wiped all doubts with the way that we’ve played
We all know the adage about having an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other and the battle between them to influence our actions. Kagiso Rabada had a version of that going on in his mind throughout the World Test Championship final and he leaned into the positive one.”There are normally two voices in your head, the one that doubts and the one that believes. The second is the one that we keep feeding, especially in big moments like this, the World Test Championship final,” Rabada told reporters at Lord’s. “That’s why you saw the performances you saw. It’s a testament to our team this season.”In a tense Test that lasted 10 sessions, the advantage was seized early by South Africa when they bowled Australia out for 212 but then squandered it as they tumbled to 138 all out. Limiting Australia in the second innings was crucial to giving South Africa a chance. They had Australia on 73 for 7 at one stage and South Africa could have been chasing no more than 200. That ballooned to 282 but on a flattening pitch Conrad felt it was gettable and credited his bowlers, and Rabada in particular, for setting up their victory.Related
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“Where did we turn it around? Obviously, that bowling performance, because we could easily have fallen asleep in the field and then they would have gotten away from us in a big way,” Conrad said. “As for KG – that’s why he’s the superstar. He knew we had one chance at it.”Rabada refused to see himself in that light. “I don’t see myself as a star,” he said, despite the statistics which suggest otherwise. He is fourth on South Africa’s all-time wicket-taker’s list and has the best strike rate in the game for anyone with more than 200 wickets.”I see myself as someone who’s willing to give my blood for this team and continue working hard and improving. That’s me as a cricketer, always wanting to improve and playing for the badge with a lot of pride. I’ve been working extremely hard, and those second-innings spells, those are the ones that count more, when you’re a bit tired. You could be behind the game, or you could be ahead of the game. This time, we’re behind the game. But I think it was just about staying calm and looking at what’s in front of us. That’s the way I see myself.”He has previously described being part of this team as just playing with a bunch of mates which makes sense considering the make-up of this crop. Three of the XI – Rabada, Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickelton – are all from the same school in Johannesburg and two others – Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham – are from the same institution in Cape Town. Rabada and Temba Bavuma have been domestic team-mates since Rabada’s career began and Rabada and Aiden Markram were in the same, trophy-winning, under-19 side that won the age-group World Cup in 2014. Lungi Ngidi was due to be part of that under-19 side too but an injury kept him out of the tournament.And Ngidi deserves a separate mention. While Rabada took the first three wickets in Australia’s second innings, Ngidi’s scythed through the middle-order in a nine-over spell that brought three wickets and erased the memories of his first-innings performance. It also repaid the faith Conrad had when he picked Ngidi for “bounce, seam and swing movement,” Conrad said. “And he delivered.”Kagiso Rabada – “I’ll never forget this in my life. None of the boys will forget this in their lives”•Associated Press
After Ngidi’s poor first day, Rabada refused to be drawn into where Ngidi needed to improve and instead suggested a steak, a milkshake and a movie to make him feel better. What did Ngidi do? “He had a milkshake, he had a steak, he watched a movie and he came back,” Rabada joked, smiling towards Ngidi, who he clearly sees as an equal.That goes for the group as a whole. This is a team who have grown up together and in the public eye. Their learnings as a young squad finding their feet have happened on the biggest stage, sometimes painfully, which has made their recent run of success all the more striking. South Africa are on an eight-Test winning streak, and with two to come in Zimbabwe (sorry, neighbours) that should extend to 10 – their longest ever. They have won their first trophy with the word “world” in it. There is a sense that, even as league dollars call, they have a core of players who will put the country first. Rabada leads that list and in many ways this team.”I’ll never forget this in my life. None of the boys will forget this in their lives. Playing against Australia, they’re a well-accustomed team, a bit of an ageing team, with all due respect. Some of those guys were playing when we were still in high school,” he said. “So this is special, special, special. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I can’t really describe.”That’s how a lot of South Africans feel.
Somerset 169 for 3 (Kohler-Cadmore 64, Carson 1-22) beat Sussex 166 for 8 (Simpson 58, Henry 3-29) by seven wicketsSomerset maintained their 100% record in the Vitality Blast after cruising to a seven-wicket win over previously unbeaten Sussex Sharks at Hove.Having restricted them to 166 for 8 after putting Sussex in, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Lammonby broke the back of Somerset’s chase when they added 89 off 45 balls for the second wicket after Will Smeed departed in the first over.Kohler-Cadmore top scored with 64 – his 42nd fifty in the format – while Lammonby made 35 and Tom Abell an unbeaten 36 as last season’s beaten finalists sealed their third victory in this season’s competition with 12 balls to spare. Once again they look the team to beat in the South Group, although strangely this was only their third win at the 1st Central County Ground in T20 history.Somerset laid the foundations with good bowling at the start and end of the Sussex innings. The Sharks could only score 36 in the powerplay and lost three wickets, and they couldn’t regain momentum when skipper John Simpson, who top scored with 58, was dismissed in the 16th over, the first of four wickets to fall for 26 as Somerset’s seamers, led by Matt Henry (3 for 29) turned the screw.Sussex had already lost openers Dan Hughes and Harrison Ward cheaply when Henry had James Coles caught at wide mid-on off a leading edge, leaving Sussex 29 for 3 in the sixth over.Simpson led a spirited response, first in partnership with Tom Alsop with whom he added 63 off 35 balls. Somerset only bowled one over of spin by Lewis Goldsworthy which went for 13 and were in need of a breakthrough, which Henry provided in the 11th over when Alsop was caught behind off an under-edge for 23.Simpson, promoted to No3 for Sussex this season, logged the tenth T20 fifty of his career from 34 balls and found another useful ally in Tom Clark, who helped his captain add 41 for the fifth wicket after being dropped in the deep by Riley Meredith when he’d made just four.Simpson was trying to clear the rope for the seventh time when he was caught at deep backward square off Craig Overton’s bouncer and when both Jack Carson and Clark failed to clear long on as the innings gently declined.Somerset suffered an early blow in their reply when Smeed, having hit two boundaries, lost his off stump to Ollie Robinson. But Kohler-Cadmore and Lammonby displayed impressive power and placement in their ball striking. They took 68 from the powerplay to lay the platform for victory.Lammonby (35) was caught at extra cover in the 11th over giving himself room to hit off-spinner Carson over the top and Kohler-Cadmore, who was dropped on 59, played on to Tymal Mills in the 14th over for 64 off 43 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes). But Somerset only needed a further 34 at that stage and two more Toms – Abell and Rew – got the job done with a minimum of fuss, Abell hitting Coles to the extra-cover boundary off the final ball of the 18th over to seal victory.
Konstas reflects on managing nerves in his early Test outings, learning to stay composed under pressure, and growing within a stacked Australian squad
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2025For Sam Konstas, the biggest challenge in his early taste of Test cricket wasn’t the batting – it was managing the emotion of playing in front of a huge crowd at the MCG last December. At just 19, he is learning to steady his breath, trust his game, and find calm in the chaos of the international stage.”It was my first few Test matches, and the emotions probably got to me with the crowd,” Konstas told reporters in Barbados, reflecting on his debut series against India which started with his 60 off 65 balls at the MCG. “But having a bit of time off to reflect and strengthen my game has helped.”Konstas is a confirmed starter for Australia’s first Test against West Indies in Bridgetown, beginning June 25, with selectors announcing he and Josh Inglis will return to the side. Marnus Labuschagne was dropped while Steven Smith was ruled out with a dislocated finger.Related
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This will be his third Test cap after not playing in Sri Lanka, where Travis Head opened in a tactical switch, and narrowly missing out on the XI for the World Test Championship final when Labuschagne was promoted. With a week to prepare for the Barbados Test after landing in the Caribbean, Konstas spoke about his personal diary, which he started at school, becoming a key tool to revisit the basics.”The diary’s been important,” Konstas, who has Test cap No. 468 tattooed on his forearm, said. “Just reflecting on games, going back to my checkpoints, especially when you’re overseas. It helps me get grounded again.”He also credited much of his early learning to the senior players in the Australian squad. “I’m just trying to control my breath and have a good relationship with my batting partner to talk about things and how to go through, especially heated moments, when the game changes,” he said.”I always try to get advice from Uzi [Usman Khawaja], Marnus, Smith, just seeing how they go about things. I’m lucky to be around them, especially at 19. Playing for your country, travelling the world, it really is a dream come true.””For me, I just hope to grab an opportunity because it’s such a strong side. I’m very grateful for that.”It is expected that Konstas, who is favoured to open although the batting order has yet to be confirmed, will have all three Tests against West Indies to try and bed himself into the side ahead of the Ashes later this year after a period where Australia have had a revolving door of openers since David Warner’s retirement.After the first Test in Bridgetown, the series will move to Grenada for the second Test from July 3 and then to Jamaica for the third Test from July 12.
Tottenham are reportedly ready to pay over £50 million for a striker who manager Thomas Frank has already called “remarkable”, with the Lilywhites currently struggling for creativity in the final third.
Tottenham linked with new centre-forward amid attacking struggles
On paper, Spurs have made a very solid start to the new season under Frank.
Only Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea boast more Premier League goals so far this season, with Frank’s side losing just two of their opening eight top flight matches and by very narrow margins.
Matches
12
Wins
6
Draws
3
Losses
3
Points
18
Points per game
1.75
However, there’s been a recurring criticism surrounding Spurs’ most recent encounters, and that is their failure to convince going forward.
Xavi Simons is at the centre of debate following his lack of goal contributions since a £52 million move from RB Leipzig in the summer. His arrival was largely tipped to fill the void left by James Maddison’s long-term injury and the continued absence of fellow creator Dejan Kulusevski, but Simons has just one assist to show for his efforts so far.
Worries also surround the north Londoners’ striker options.
Mathys Tel, despite scoring against Leeds United at Elland Road before the international break, proved largely ineffective in Tottenham’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend. This came after Tel was given the starting nod again ahead of Richarlison, who’s come under fire from certain sections of the media for a lack of consistency.
Dominic Solanke should return soon after undergoing minor surgery on an ankle problem, but the England international’s struggles with fitness have been pretty consistent since his club-record move from Bournemouth last summer.
Rank
Player
Fee
Signed from
Year
1
Dominic Solanke
£65m
Bournemouth
2024
2
Tanguy Ndombele
£62.8m
Lyon
2019
3
Richarlison
£60m
Everton
2022
4
Mohammed Kudus
£55m
West Ham
2025
5
Xavi Simons
£52m
RB Leipzig
2025
As a result, Spurs are being linked with new strikers ahead of January, and one of them is former Brentford star Ivan Toney.
The England international, who bagged 20 Premier League goals during his best season at the G-tech under Frank’s tutelage, has been scoring for fun in the Middle East since his £40 million switch to Al-Ahli last year.
The 29-year-old has bagged 39 goals in 56 appearances for Al-Ahli, but Toney’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia threatens his place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans.
Toney, apart from one nod earlier this year, has largely been excluded from the Three Lions squad, and the prospect of a Premier League return to better his chances of an England re-call may appeal to him.
Tottenham ready to bid £52m for ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney
Some reports suggest that Frank has personally contacted Toney about joining Spurs on loan in January, and now there’s been another update on the club’s interest.
As per Spanish media sources, if a mid-season loan turns out to be impossible, Tottenham are prepared to bid £52 million for Toney and bring him back to the Premier League in 2026, with the north Londoners described as more advanced than Chelsea in a potential move for him.
It is worth noting that West Ham have also been linked with a swoop for Toney as well, so it appears a host of London clubs are weighing up the prospect of his signing.
However, there could be major hurdles to navigate, the main one being his seismic £427,000-per-week pay packet.
Toney would almost certainly need to take a massive wage cut to seal a return to England, but if Spurs’ co-sporting directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici find a realistic way to do it, there is little denying that Frank would be thrilled to have the number nine.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks with two more big-name players about new deals after Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and David Raya, with the transfer chief looking to tie down a host of high-profile names.
Arsenal agree David Raya terms with Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka talks ongoing
After agreeing a new deal with star defender William Saliba to keep him out of Real Madrid’s clutches and at the Emirates Stadium until 2030, Berta has shown absolutely no sign of stopping there.
The Gunners are taking decisive steps to secure the futures of some of their most important players, with goalkeeper David Raya recently agreeing to a new and improved contract as well.
The deal, which still runs until 2028, rewards Raya for his stellar form since joining from Brentford and reflects his status as one of the Premier League’s top shot-stoppers. His new contract comes with an increased salary, acknowledging back-to-back Golden Glove seasons and his pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Much like Leandro Trossard’s improved deal, it wasn’t officially announced by the club and the contract itself wasn’t extended, but there is apparently an option in it for a further year (BBC).
Alongside Raya’s contract, Arsenal are actively working to lock down two more key members of their squad — defender Jurrien Timber and star winger Bukayo Saka.
Negotiations with Timber, who has quickly established himself as a versatile and vital member of the back line, are now underway. The Dutchman’s current deal runs until 2028, but Arsenal want to reward his strong performances and commitment since returning excellently from an ACL injury with improved terms.
For Saka, the North Londoners are reportedly confident they can agree a new deal before Christmas with his current contract expiring in 2027, and it could take his earnings beyond the £250,000-per-week mark (Football Transfers).
Bukayo Saka’s career at Arsenal so far in all competitions
Stats
Appearances
270
Goals
73
Assists
71
Bookings
31
Red cards
0
Minutes played
20,448
Some reports suggest that Saka could even become the first Arsenal player to earn £300,000-per-week, and if completed, new contracts for Raya, Timber, and Saka would push Arsenal’s wage bill past £400 million for the first time — reflecting both the club’s growing ambition and its determination to challenge for Premier League and European glory.
Now, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, it is believed Arsenal could elevate their wage bill further with new and improved contracts for star midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Berta holds talks with Odegaard and Rice over new Arsenal deals
Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey says that Berta has held talks with Rice and Odegaard about fresh terms, so we could yet see more high-profile names tied down with extensions.
Rice, who has quickly established himself as their midfield commander since his £105 million move from West Ham, brings not just world-class ability but also leadership.
Locking him down for the long term would ensure Arteta retains the club’s defensive anchor and one of their most influential players — vital for challenging on all fronts for years to come.
Odegaard, meanwhile, is the creative heartbeat of Arteta’s side. As captain, his vision, technical skill and work rate set the standard when fit and available.
The Norway star is expected to be out for at least a month after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury against West Ham, having only just come back from a shoulder problem, but extending his contract would send a clear message about Arsenal’s ambition to keep their best talent and build around a player who embodies the club’s footballing philosophy.
Both Rice and Odegaard are entering their prime years, and their continued presence would provide stability, inspire younger teammates and reassure supporters that Arsenal are committed to sustained success.