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Marcus Rashford's hope of making a permanent switch to Barcelona next summer has hit a roadblock as the Spanish giants are all set to see their spending power slashed by £100m due to La Liga's latest constraints. Rashford has regained his old form since moving on loan to Barcelona from Manchester United in the summer and the player reportedly wishes to stay back beyond this season.

• Rashford dazzles in Barca's UCL win

  Rashford dazzled on his return to England earlier this week as his brace helped Barcelona kick off their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park. The United flop has been in fine form since he left Old Trafford in the summer to complete a loan switch to the Catalan side. 

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  Rashford's permanent move hits stumbling block

  Rashford, who fell out of favour under United boss Ruben Amorim, is now regularly getting game time under Hansi Flick and the England international is reportedly considering making his switch permanent to the Spanish giants. However, his wish might not materialise as the Catalan giants' spending power has been curtailed by La Liga's salary caps, according to the . 

• Barca's spending curtailed by more than €100m

  The report adds that as per the new La Liga regulations, Barcelona's official salary cap for the 2025-26 season has been cut from €463million to €351 million, a drop of €112m. The reduction is due to a reported disputed financial mechanism relating to their VIP boxes at Camp Nou. The delay in renovation of Barcelona's home ground has significantly reduced their matchday income, which is also affecting their spending power. 

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  When are Barcelona playing next?

  Flick's side will be back in action in La Liga on Sunday as they host Getafe in a crucial fixture. Barcelona have won three out of their first four league games and are two points behind rivals Real Madrid on the points table. 

دافع آرني سلوت، المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، عن تصرفه في مباراة جالطة سراي في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، حيث تعرض الجانب الإنجليزي للهزيمة.

وحل ليفربول ضيفًا على جالطة سراي في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري من دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2025/26، حيث خسر بهدف دون رد.

وأجرى آرني سلوت العديد من التعديلات على التشكيل الأساسي لفريق ليفربول في مباراة الأمس، أبرزها تواجد النجم المصري محمد صلاح على دكة البدلاء قبل الدفع به في الدقيقة 62، إلى جانب ألكسندر إيزاك.

وسُئل سلوت عما إذا كان المداورة التي قام بها لعبت دورًا على أداء الفريق وأدت إلى ارتكاب الأخطاء الفردية، حيث رد في تصريحات نشرها موقع ليفربول: “الأمر صعب، قد تكون هناك أسباب كثيرة لارتكاب لاعب خطأ في التمريرة أو ارتكاب هفوة”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ردود أفعال جماهير ليفربول على أداء محمد صلاح أمام جالطة سراي: لا نفهم ما يفعله سلوت

وأضاف: “ما تراه، وأعتقد أنني شرحته مرارًا وتكرارًا، هو أن بعض لاعبي فريقنا غابوا عن فترة ما قبل الموسم، لذا لا يمكن إشراكهم في كل مباراة، يمكن ذلك لكن هذا قد يشكل خطرًا على اللاعبين”.

وواصل:”لقد رأينا هذا الأمر أكثر فأكثر لأن المتطلبات تزداد باستمرار، وإذا زادت، يجب إعداد اللاعبين لها، هذا يعني أنني لا أرغب دائمًا في التدوير، ولكن في بعض الأحيان أحتاج إلى ذلك لأن اللاعب غير جاهز للعب ثلاث مرات لمدة 90 دقيقة في سبعة أو ثمانية أيام”.

وأردف: “أنا معجب بفريقي كثيرًا، لكن ليس لدينا 25 أو 26 لاعبًا، لذلك إذا انتهى بنا الأمر بإصابة اثنين أو ثلاثة أو أربعة لاعبين، سيكون لدينا 15 أو 16 لاعبًا، سيكون لاعبين مثل ريو نجوموها وتري نيوني، في حاجة إلى لعب معظم الدقائق، وعندها يمكن أن تصبح الأمور معقدة”.

وأكد: “لكن هذا قرار اتخذناه معًا، أنا أؤمن به تمامًا، لأنه إذا كان لديك 25 لاعبًا، فسيكون من الصعب جدًا إدارة فريقك، نتيجة لذلك، مع عدم حصول إيكتيكي وإيزاك وكونور برادلي وماك أليستر على فترة إعداد ما قبل الموسم التي يستحقها اللاعبون، فإن هذا يؤدي أيضًا إلى حقيقة أنني لا أستطيع إشراكهم في كل مرة”.

As Alexander Isak edges closer to the exit door, Newcastle United are beginning to map out life without their talismanic striker.

The Swede’s choice to skip Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia and instead train at former club Real Sociedad has only heightened speculation about his future.

While Liverpool lodged a bid to secure his signature, the Magpies are already working on contingency plans. In Benjamin Šeško, Newcastle believe they have identified an heir to Isak’s throne.

A towering presence at 1.94m, the 22-year-old is equally capable of leading the line with intelligence and intensity.

Despite the club’s willingness to meet RB Leipzig’s valuation, the Slovenian appears to prefer a move to Manchester United – even in the absence of European football.

This has left the door open for alternatives.

One name is emerging as a serious contender – a raw but high-ceilinged talent who combines power, pace and composure in front of goal.

Newcastle looking at Europe's next powerhouse forward

According to TEAMTalk, Newcastle and Aston Villa are among five Premier League clubs interested in Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

The 21-year-old Spanish-Nigerian powerhouse has taken Europe by storm since joining Porto from Atlético Madrid for around £15m last summer.

Aghehowa has scored 27 goals in 45 games, including six in the Europa League and two against Manchester United, evidence of his ability to shine on the biggest stage.

As per the report, sources close to the player suggest he is keen on a move to the Premier League, drawn by its competitiveness and global appeal. However, Porto’s valuation, a steep £70 million, partly due to Atlético Madrid’s 50% sell-on clause, may complicate matters.

Nevertheless, it’s believed a lower fee could be negotiated, with £50m-£60m having been suggested.

Why Samu Aghehowa Might Be the Next Šeško — Or Better

Standing at 1.93m, Aghehowa fits the same physical profile as Šeško. Indeed, analyst Ben Mattinson described Omorodion as an “absolute powerhouse”, while also noting that he is the “real deal”.

Crucially, he’s already proven capable of shouldering a club’s attacking burden, an attractive quality for both Newcastle and Villa, especially with the latter facing uncertainty over Ollie Watkins’ future.

Should Newcastle miss out on Šeško, Aghehowa represents a similarly ambitious gamble, albeit one with a potentially higher ceiling.

In truth, comparisons between the pair are as inevitable as both are towering, physically dominant forwards.

What’s more, both are under the age of 23 and represent the archetype of the modern target man: capable of bullying defenders whilst also possessing the technique to play in dynamic, high-tempo systems.

According to data from FBref, his non-penalty expected goals (npxG) stood at 8.4, with 11 goals scored in open play, and he averaged 2.5 shots per 90 minutes. But as promising as those numbers are, Aghehowa’s hold up well in comparison.

In the Liga Portugal, the Porto man scored 19 league goals and added three assists. Across all competitions, he notched 27.

The same data shows he ranks in the 75th percentile for non-penalty xG per 90 (0.43) and the 86th percentile for total shots per 90 (3.10).

In terms of pass completion, he’s even more efficient than Šeško, ranking in the 96th percentile (77.8%), demonstrating his ability to play quick link-up football.

Additionally, the former Atleti starlet is an active presence in the box.

He ranks in the 86th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (5.45), and, surprisingly for a striker, in the 73rd percentile for interceptions – testament to his defensive work rate.

Šeško, for all his finishing prowess, has a more passive off-ball profile. With Isak increasingly detached, training independently at Real Sociedad and unlikely to return without resolution, Newcastle’s hierarchy must make a call.

Wait for a Šeško U-turn, or invest in the next rising star before the market catches up?

Aghehowa might not be a household name yet, but neither was Haaland before his Salzburg breakout, nor Šeško before Leipzig.

The traits are all there: size, speed, hunger, and a fearless eye for goal. In the end, signing him wouldn’t just be a response to Isak’s departure, it could be a defining statement of ambition for the years ahead.

Gordon's new Isak: Newcastle leading the race for £50m Sesko alternative

Newcastle are faced with the unenviable position of finding an Isak replacement this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 1, 2025

كشف مصدر مسؤول داخل نادي بيراميدز عن موقف الظهير الأيسر محمد حمدي من الاستمرار مع الفريق، مؤكدًا حقيقة الأنباء المتداولة حول انتقاله إلى الأهلي.

وكانت تقارير صحفية قد ربطت بين اللاعب محمد حمدي والنادي الأهلي خلال الفترة الأخيرة، تمهيدًا للتفاوض معه من أجل ضمه لصفوف القلعة الحمراء.

وأوضح المصدر في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات، أن عقد محمد حمدي ينتهي بنهاية الموسم الجاري، مشيرًا إلى وجود مفاوضات جارية بين إدارة بيراميدز واللاعب من أجل تجديد التعاقد.

وعلى صعيد آخر، شارك بيراميدز للمرة الأولى في تاريخه في بطولة كأس الإنتركونتيننتال، بعد تتويجه بلقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا في الموسم الماضي، وقد استهل مشواره بمواجهة أوكلاند سيتي النيوزيلندي في الدور التمهيدي الأول، وحقق الفوز بثلاثية نظيفة، ليحجز مقعده في الدور المقبل.

طالع أيضًا | الأهلي السعودي يتوجه بطلب إلى فيفا قبل مباراة بيراميدز في كأس إنتركونتيننتال

وينتظر بيراميدز مواجهة قوية أمام الأهلي السعودي، بطل دوري أبطال آسيا، حيث ستقام المباراة في مدينة جدة بالمملكة العربية السعودية، ضمن منافسات كأس القارات الثلاث (آسيا – إفريقيا – المحيط الهادي).

وأعلن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم (فيفا) عن إقامة اللقاء يوم الثلاثاء الموافق 23 سبتمبر الجاري، في تمام التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية، على استاد الإنماء بمدينة الملك عبد الله الرياضية بجدة.

كشف الإسباني بيب جوارديولا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي عن اللاعب الذي ندم على رحيله من تشكيله خلال فترته مع السماوي بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وجاء جوارديولا مدربًا للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي في موسم 2016/2017 ويمتد مشواره حتى الآن، حيث استطاع أن يتوج ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي 6 مرات وإحراز بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا للمرة الثالثة في تاريخه والأولى في تاريخ النادي.

ويعيش مانشستر سيتي مع بيب فترة خريف، إذ ظهر الفريق الموسم الماضي بمستوى سيئ للغاية، ولم يتوج بأي بطولة وخرج جوارديولا بثاني موسم صفري له في مشواره التدريبي.

ويبدو أن الموسم الحالي سيستمر على نفس الحال إذ لم يتمكن رجال جوارديولا إلا في جمع 3 نقاط من أصل 9 بعد فوز على وولفرهامبتون وخسارة من توتنهام هوتسبير وبرايتون.

اقرأ أيضًا | توخيل يعلن استبعاد لاعب مانشستر سيتي من قائمة مباراة أندورا

وظهر جوارديولا في برنامج “وداعًا للشياطين الحمر” وسُئل عن اللاعب الذي يرى أنه كان يستحق البقاء في مانشستر سيتي فترة أطول.

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “سأختار اسمًا أقل شهرة وهو خيسوس نافاس، كان ينبغي أن يبقى معنا لفترة أطول”.

يُذكر أن الدولي الإسباني قد انضم إلى النادي الإنجليزي عام 2013، ثم انتقل إلى إشبيلية مجددًا بعد 4 سنوات، أي أنه لم يستمر مع مانشستر سيتي سوى موسم واحد تحت قيادة بيب جوارديولا.

وعندما سُئل بيب بشأن اللاعب الأكثر أهمية بالنسبة له خلال سنواته في مانشستر سيتي، أتم: “بلا شك جوندوجان لأنه يعتبر قيمة كبيرة لنا، سأحافظ على التواصل معه دائمًا”.

Arsenal are ready to spend big this summer and could now gain the upper hand on Chelsea in pursuit of a talented star plying his trade at the Club World Cup, according to a report.

Arsenal ready to make statement signings

The Gunners hope to establish themselves as a frontrunner in the race for the Premier League title and Mikel Arteta is set to be backed this window as high-profile targets are identified at the Emirates Stadium.

In an honest assessment of his former side’s hunt for a striker, Arsenal icon Theo Walcott has pointed out that the club need to pursue someone in Liam Delap’s mould as they search for a new source of goals.

Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are Arsenal’s two main striking targets, and the latter has given his priority to Arteta’s side following an excellent campaign at Sporting.

That development comes in spite of interest from Manchester United, which will undoubtedly provoke optimism among a support desperate to see the final piece of the jigsaw added over the coming months.

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However, it has to be taken into account that signing a forward isn’t the only requirement to exceed their rivals’ points tally next season; you also need an effective foil to maximise attacking output across the board.

With that in mind, Arsenal now have a winger on their radar that they could steal from under the nose of rivals Chelsea, according to reports.

Arsenal prepare bid to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are preparing a bid to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, and he is viewed internally as someone who would fit their philosophy to develop talent over the long-term.

Berta and company are ready to put forward an offer that could amount to roughly £42.5 million, while Chelsea have also been heavily linked with Gittens and came close to signing him before the Club World Cup registration window closed. There have even been claims the Blues still want him and could make a new bid in days.

Jamie Gittens in 2024/25 – Bundesliga (FBRef)

Shot-creating actions

73

Goals-creating actions

10

Progressive carries per 90

5.53

Touches in opposition penalty area per 90

5.53

Successful take-ons per 90

3.57

Labelled “fantastic” by Nuri Sahin, the England Under-21 international registered 12 goals and five assists as Borussia Dortmund left it late to secure Champions League qualification.

Bukayo Saka’s injury issues throughout the campaign demonstrated that additional depth is needed for the Gunners to juggle domestic and European endeavours. Taking that into consideration, what better way for Arsenal to secure another talented outlet out wide than to beat Chelsea to Gittens’ signature.

Erling Haaland is the current top striker in the Premier League, with the Man City superstar scoring for fun since moving to England.

The Norway international, should he remain in Manchester, could go on to break all kinds of records, but is he the best centre-forward the Premier League has seen since 1992? He’s got some catching up to do…

Ranking factors Appearances Goals scored Teams played for What others have said about them 20 best strikers in Premier League history: in pictures 20 Les Ferdinand QPR, Newcastle, Tottenham, West Ham, Leicester, Bolton

One of the top strikers around when the Premier League was formed in 1992 was Les Ferdinand. A powerful target man who loved a duel in the air, he scored 20 goals in the first ever Premier League campaign for QPR and featured for five more clubs in the top flight.

Best known for his impressive short stint at Newcastle and six-year period with Tottenham, Ferdinand ended with an impressive 149 goals.

Appearances

349

Goals

149

Assists

34

19 Jamie Vardy Leicester

Considering Jamie Vardy has only played for Leicester City in the Premier League, his tally of 144 goals in just under 350 appearances is hugely impressive.

The rapid striker scored in 11 consecutive top-flight games back in 2015/16, helping the Foxes win the title under Claudio Ranieri in what is arguably the greatest underdog story in sporting history.

Appearances

340

Goals

144

Assists

47

Golden Boot

1

Titles

1

18 Teddy Sheringham Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Man Utd, Portsmouth, West Ham,

At the peak of his powers at the end of the 1990s was Teddy Sheringham, who is known best for his time at Tottenham and Man Utd.

Arguably a forward who went under the radar at the time, Sheringham was clinical in front of goal and appeared to get better with age, with Sir Alex Ferguson calling the striker “remarkable” during his time at Old Trafford.

Appearances

418

Goals

146

Assists

76

Golden Boot

1

Titles

3

17 Jermain Defoe West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Bournemouth

Agile, quick and a clinical finisher were some of Jermain Defoe’s main attributes as a striker, with the Englishman enjoying a successful partnership with towering forward Peter Crouch during his career.

Defoe certainly knew where the back of the net was and scored goals in 19 different Premier League campaigns, with a highlight netting five against Wigan in 2009.

Appearances

496

Goals

162

Assists

33

16 Ian Wright Arsenal, West Ham

Despite starting his Premier League career late at the age of 29, Ian Wright made a big impact for Arsenal, hitting double figures in the first six top-flight campaigns.

Wright was even the Gunners’ all-time top scorer for a period of time, and despite being known for his punditry work today, his talents as a striker in the 1990s cannot be forgotten.

Appearances

213

Goals

113

Assists

22

15 Dennis Bergkamp Arsenal

Another Arsenal star in attack in the 1990s and 2000s was Dennis Bergkamp. The Dutch forward was versatile, intelligent and technically brilliant, enjoying a brilliant partnership with Thierry Henry at Highbury under Arsene Wenger.

Bergkamp may not have scored as many goals as others, but he was called a “dream” by Henry, “the best” Wright has played with and the definition of a “footballer” by Johan Cruyff and loved to create. (talkSPORT)

Appearances

315

Goals

87

Assists

94

Titles

3

14 Robbie Fowler Liverpool, Leeds, Man City, Blackburn

Robbie Fowler scored an impressive 162 goals during his Premier League career, and was best known for his time at Liverpool, with those at Anfield naming him ‘God’.

His goal record in the 1990s at Anfield was every two games, and despite netting 53 times in the 1993/94 and 1994/95 seasons, never actually won a Golden Boot. In front of goal, Fowler was clinical, with Andy Cole calling the Englishman the “best finisher ever”.

Appearances

379

Goals

163

Assists

39

13 Ruud van Nistelrooy Man Utd

Sir Alex Ferguson called Ruud van Nistelrooy “the most prolific” striker he had at Man Utd, and his game to goal ratio certainly backs that up.

The Dutch striker arrived at Old Trafford having cored for fun in his native country, and he didn’t take long to adjust to life in the Premier League, scoring 23 league goals in his first campaign. It’s a shame Van Nistelrooy’s time in England only lasted five years, but he certainly won’t be forgotten.

Appearances

150

Goals

95

Assists

14

Golden Boot

1

Titles

1

12 Robin van Persie Arsenal, Man Utd

Another Dutch icon who spent longer in the Premier League was Robin van Persie, who made the controversial move from Arsenal to Man Utd in 2012.

It was a decision that worked out for Van Persie, who won the Premier League title with the Red Devils after missing out with Arsenal, and the forward had one of the best left foots the league has ever seen.

Known for scoring some outrageous goals, Van Persie’s effort against Aston Villa to help seal the title for Man Utd in 2013 was called “goal of the century” by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Appearances

280

Goals

144

Assists

53

Golden Boot

2

Titles

1

11 Luis Suarez Liverpool

Luis Suarez’s stay in England was short but sweet, with the Uruguayan becoming a Liverpool icon in such a brief period of time.

Capable of scoring out of nothing and winning games on his own, Suarez was at Anfield for just three-and-a-half seasons, with his 2013/14 campaign one of the greatest individual seasons in Premier League history.

He netted 31 goals in 33 games that year and almost took the Reds to a title before Barcelona came in and signed Suarez for big money.

Appearances

110

Goals

69

Assists

23

Golden Boot

1

Arsenal are now eyeing a surprise move for a “fantastic” Premier League striker, who is desperate to leave his club this summer, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit heating up

As we edge closer to the summer transfer window, the Gunners have now stepped up their pursuit of a new striker, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has recently joined the list of targets, with a hijack of Newcastle United’s move for the Cameroonian on the cards.

Talks have also been held over a deal for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, with the north Londoners now pushing hard to complete a move for the Slovenian, but the 21-year-old is not believed to be their top target.

Right at the top of the list is Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with talks recently being held over a deal for the Sweden international, ahead of what could be an early summer deal.

Related "Exciting" player will choose to join Arsenal over Man Utd and Man City

The Gunners are frontrunners as things stand.

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Talks have since been accelerated, with the forward clearly held in very high regard at the Emirates Stadium, but a surprise alternative option from the Premier League has also entered the frame.

That is according to a report from France (via Sport Witness), which states Arsenal are now in the picture to sign Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku this summer, with the Frenchman determined to seal a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Having fallen down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca, the 27-year-old’s relationship with Chelsea is at the point of no return, which means he is set to search for a new club this summer, and he would be keen to sign for a side in the Champions League.

There may be competition for Nkunku’s signature, however, with Bayern Munich expressing an interest, having also been keen to take him to Germany back in the January transfer window.

Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures

Date

PSG (h)

April 29th

AFC Bournemouth (h)

May 3rd

PSG (a)

May 7th

Liverpool (a)

May 11th

Newcastle United (h)

May 18th

"Fantastic" Nkunku needs fresh start

The France international arrived at Stamford Bridge for the hefty fee of £52m, but it would be fair to say he has flattered to deceive, particularly this season, scoring just three goals in 27 Premier League outings.

However, the former RB Leipzig man picked up a remarkable 70 goals and 55 assists in 172 matches during his time with the German club, so it is clear he has quality, but he may need a fresh start at a club more willing to give him consistent starts.

The forward has also been praised for his versatility by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, who said: “He is a player, a fantastic player, that was top scorer in the Bundesliga and he can play in different positions. His quality is amazing.”

That said, Arsenal should have serious reservations about signing Nkunku, given his failure to adapt to life in the Premier League, and it would probably be wise to pursue an alternative target.

Will Delhi Capitals look to bring back former captain Rishabh Pant? And is Mohammed Shami the obvious choice for Gujarat Titans?

Dustin Silgardo19-Nov-2024What is the right-to-match (RTM) rule?
Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, each team was allowed to retain up to six players, with a maximum of five capped players and a maximum of two uncapped Indian players.For the eight teams that did not use all of their six retentions, they can now use right-to-match options on players from their 2024 squads to fill up the remaining slots. The limits of five capped and two uncapped players still apply, so teams that have retained five capped players can use their RTM option on only one uncapped Indian player. And if a team has retained two uncapped players, they can use their RTM options on only capped players. If a team uses a RTM option on one of their former players at the auction, the last bidder will be allowed to raise the bid one final time, and the choice of whether to continue with the right-to-match option and match the bid then lies with the team using the RTM option.
Delhi Capitals
Players retained: Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, Abhishek Porel

Purse remaining: INR 73 crore
Right-to-match options: 2The big question for DC ahead of the auction is whether they will use a right-to-match option on former captain Rishabh Pant. While DC did not retain Pant, there is talk that they still want him at the franchise. DC can use both their right-to-match options on capped players, so they could also target Khaleel Ahmed, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Mitchell Marsh or Harry Brook.Khaleel spent three years at DC and consistently provided powerplay wickets. That he is an Indian left-arm seamer also makes him someone worth using a right-to-match option on. While Mukesh is not the most spectacular T20 bowler, his death-bowling numbers over two seasons with DC have been fair. His name only comes up in Set 16, though, so DC may not have a right-to-match option remaining then. Nortje was one of DC’s retentions in 2022 after two strong seasons with them, but he had a shocker in 2024. He has regained some form since but is still a risky pick.Among the batters, Fraser-McGurk, who is in Set 3, is the name that stands out after his eye-catching first season. His international form since then, though, has been underwhelming. With Australian coaches at two other franchises, the bidding for Fraser-McGurk might go quite high, which will make the right-to-match option handy. Marsh and Brook have both failed to impress in the IPL but are proven internationals.If DC somehow reach the latter stages of the auction with a right-to-match option still in hand, they may look at 24-year-old uncapped seamer Rasikh Salam Dar, who had an impressive debut season in 2024. He is in Set 11.BCCIGujarat Titans
Players retained: Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan

Purse remaining: INR 69 crore
Right-to-match options: 1 (capped)Will Gujarat Titans use their lone right-to-match option on Mohammed Shami? He was the Purple Cap winner in 2023 and played a crucial role in GT’s run to the final in both 2022 and 2023 before missing the 2024 season with injury. Injuries and age are the main concerns surrounding Shami. He played his first competitive match since 2023 just ahead of the auction and took seven wickets across two innings for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in a first-class game. That show of fitness could be the deciding factor in GT going for him.If GT don’t use the right-to-match option on Shami, the other options are David Miller, who is in Set 2, and Noor Ahmad, who is in Set 7. Miller, 34, had a disappointing 2024 season but was in fine form during the recent Caribbean Premier League. Noor, meanwhile, topped the wicket charts in the CPL and at 19, might be seen as an investment for the future.

New York Strikers, themselves first-timers, face Samp Army in Qualifier 1, while Team Abu Dhabi and Deccan Gladiators meet in the Eliminator

Aadam Patel03-Dec-2022The final four of the Abu Dhabi T10 is set after Friday’s triple-header at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, with New York Strikers and Morrisville Samp Army, the two new franchises, topping the league table. They will now be going head-to-head in Saturday’s Qualifier 1, with the winner directly making it to Sunday’s final.After Delhi Bulls beat Chennai Brave in a dead rubber on the last day of the round-robin matches, Samp Army brushed Northern Warriors aside to temporarily go atop before Strikers reclaimed top spot by hammering Team Abu Dhabi.In what is the same format as the IPL, the loser between Samp Army and Strikers will get another go on Saturday evening against the winner of the Eliminator between Team Abu Dhabi and defending champions Deccan Gladiators.Related

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Moeen Ali’s Samp Army side came into their final league match knowing that a win would be enough to finish in the top two, but found themselves in a bit of bother after losing four wickets in the space of eight deliveries during their chase of 118. At 82 for 5 at the start of the seventh over, the game was in the balance, with Moeen, David Miller, Shimron Hetmyer, Karim Janat and Johnson Charles back in the dugout.Both Moeen and Miller were dismissed without troubling the scorers, but a rapid 45 off 18 deliveries from Hetmyer – including five monstrous sixes – had set Samp Army up, after which Dwaine Pretorius (17* off seven) and Chamika Karunaratne (22* off eight) held their nerve to take their side home with nine balls to spare.Hetmyer was in the headlines in October after missing West Indies’ rescheduled flight before the T20 World Cup, and subsequently getting removed from the West Indies squad, but has enjoyed being a part of the T10. He walked into the post-match press conference with a bandage around his left arm after hurting himself during the run chase, but still with a beaming smile.”Whatever’s happened before has happened, and I’m trying to put that behind me,” Hetmyer said. “One of the best things about T10 cricket is just the freedom to go out and express yourself. Win, lose or draw, I try and play the game with a smile on my face, and enjoy it as much as I can.”After seeing Samp Army’s win, Chris Lynn’s Abu Dhabi outfit knew that nothing less than two points would do if they wanted to get back in the top two, and coming off the back of a four-game win streak, they would have certainly fancied their chances. But Strikers have found another gear throughout the last week, and came into the game with a five-match winning run of their own. And from the moment Kieron Pollard won the toss, they were in control.They struck regularly with the ball, with Wahab Riaz taking 3 for 4, and Rashid Khan showcasing his craft and guile by bowling his namesake Adil Rashid and Andrew Tye. At the halfway mark, a total of 78 was never going to trouble Pollard’s side, who had spent their previous two evenings in Abu Dhabi pulling off chases of 144 and 113.Though Paul Stirling was undone by a superb inswinger from Naveen-Ul-Haq, it was Eoin Morgan and Muhammad Waseem who steadied the ship before Adil Rashid removed his former England captain. But any doubt of a Strikers’ win was removed in the next over, as David Payne was sent for three sixes by Waseem, and Pollard secured victory in style with a huge hit over long-on.Eight teams are now down to four, and it is the new boys who are making all the noise at season six of Abu Dhabi T10.