Brandon Mavuta and Wessly Madhevere return to the side after completing their suspensions for drug use
ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2024
Antum Naqvi: from Belgium to Zimbabwe, via Australia•Zimbabwe Cricket
Batter Antum Naqvi has received his maiden call-up for Zimbabwe for the five-match T20I series against India in Harare. His inclusion, however, is subject to confirmation of his citizenship status.Zimbabwe recalled allrounders Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta for the series after they completed their suspension for drug use. Experienced fast bowler Tendai Chatara, who last played the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, also found a spot after being left out of the series against Ireland and Bangladesh.Craig Ervine and Sean Williams were not considered for selection*, while Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie and Ainsley Ndlovu were dropped. The five players were part of Zimbabwe’s most recent T20I assignment – an away series in Bangladesh which they lost 4-1.Related
Justin Sammons appointed Zimbabwe head coach
With an eye on 2026 T20 World Cup, Raza wants youngsters to rebuild Zimbabwe's future
Antum Naqvi breaks Zimbabwe cricket records with unbeaten 300
Naqvi, 25, rose to prominence at the start of the year, when he became the first to score a triple-century for any Zimbabwe team in representative cricket. He scored an unbeaten 300 for Mid West Rhinos in the Logan Cup, and also captained them in just his second year in domestic cricket in Zimbabwe.A top-order batter, Naqvi boasts of a strike rate of 146.80 in seven T20 matches. Of Indian and Pakistani descent, he was born in Brussels, Belgium and moved to Australia when he was four, where he earned a commercial airline pilot’s license. He put his aviation career on hold, as per BBC Sport, to pursue cricket.Zimbabwe failed to make the cut for the just-concluded T20 World Cup 2024, and are aiming to re-build under new head coach Justin Sammons. The intention is reflected in the average age of the squad to face India – 27.Captain Sikandar Raza, 38, is the most experienced player in the squad with 86 T20Is, and allrounder Luke Jongwe is the second with 63 T20I appearances.Zimbabwe squad for T20I series against IndiaSikandar Raza (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Antum Naqvi, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba
تحدث المجري دومينيك سوبوسلاي، لاعب وسط فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي، عن المواجهة المرتقبة التي ستجمعه بالنجم البرتغالي كريستيانو رونالدو.
ويلتقي منتخب البرتغال مع منتخب المجر، غدًا الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.
في عام 2009، كان سوبوسلاي أحد الأطفال المتواجدين أمام اللاعبين، بمباراة المجر والبرتغال، وكان يقف على بُعد أمتار قليلة من كريستيانو رونالدو.
سوبوسلاي سيواجه رونالدو غدًا بمباراة الفريقين، وسُئل عن الأمر، وقال المجري بحسب ما نشرت شبكة “TNT sports” عن شعوره بمواجهة كريستيانو رونالدو: “كثيرًا ما فكرت في هذا الأمر”.
اقرأ أيضًا | فيديو | رونالدو يقود البرتغال لاكتساح أرمينيا بخماسية في تصفيات كأس العالم
وأضاف: “لقد لعبت ضد لاعبين عظماء، لكنني لم ألعب ضده أبدًا، منذ طفولتي، كان قدوتي، لذا حان الوقت أخيرًا، آمل أن تكون تجربة إيجابية”.
لم تتأهل المجر لنهائيات كأس العالم منذ عام 1986، وتأمل في تحقيق نتيجة إيجابية أمام البرتغال بعد تعادلها 2-2 مع أيرلندا الأسبوع الماضي.
وحقق منتخب البرتغال 10 انتصارات وتعادل في 4 من أصل 14 مباراة سابقة له ضد المجر، ويأمل في فوز جديد أمام خصمه غدًا.
Everton chiefs are now confident in their bid to sign a “menacing” forward who has a £34 million release clause, according to a new report.
David Moyes wants midfield reinforcements at Everton
Heading into the new stadium, it is clear to see that David Moyes is keen to put together a squad at Everton that can look up the table rather than over their shoulder. The Toffees are unlikely to have lots of money to spend this summer as like everyone else they dance around PSR, but Moyes will have no intentions of another relegation scrap.
Everton in race with West Ham to sign midfielder who can leave for £25m
Everton are now involved in a Premier League race to sign an experienced international midfielder.
ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025
Strengthening his midfield appears to be high on the list, and that can be shown with their latest transfer targets. According to talkSPORT, Everton have returned to Wilfred Ndidi as a potential target this summer. The midfielder could cost Everton as little as £9 million, due to a release clause that has now been activated due to Leicester City suffering relegation.
Leicester City's WilfredNdidiin action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier
As well as looking at Ndidi, the Toffees have reportedly registered their interest in signing James McAtee from Manchester City. The attacking midfielder is expected to leave the Etihad due to his lack of game time last season, and he could be available for around £25 million.
There is now a new name on their midfield list, and that is Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge. Everton are said to be in pole position to sign him, with Club Brugge looking to get £25 million for his services.
Everton confident in their bid to sign Thierno Barry
But as much as Moyes wants a new midfielder, that may have to wait, as the Toffees focus on securing their top striker target. According to TBR Football, Everton are now ready to accelerate talks to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
The Toffees’ interest in Barry emerged at the very start of the summer transfer window, but they have had to be patient when it comes to a transfer, as the forward has been away with France at the U21 Championships, only knocked out by Germany on Wednesday.
Despite interest from other teams across Europe, The Friedkin Group are confident they can sign Barry this summer. The forward’s representatives have already held talks with the Premier League side, and he is now open to the move. The fact that Barry has a £34 million release clause makes the deal easier to do, but the Toffees may even end up paying slightly more than that if they do the deal in installments.
Thierno Barry’s 24/25 La Liga stats
Apps
35
Starts
25
Goals
11
xG
12.41
Total shots per game
2.1
Big chances missed
15
Chance conversion
15%
Assists
4
Big chances created
7
Barry, who has been dubbed “menacing” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, joined Villarreal in August 2024, and in his first full season, the striker scored 11 goals in 35 La Liga appearances.
His presence and ability to find the net have made him a target for Everton, who lacked a serious presence at the top end of the pitch last season and now look set to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of this month.
The three wickets were spread across two overs in the death overs
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2024
Pat Cummins became the seventh man and second Australian to take a T20 World Cup hat-trick in men’s cricket•ICC/Getty Images
Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins starred with a hat-trick against Bangladesh in the Super Eight game of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Antigua.It was the first hat-trick of this World Cup and the seventh overall in the tournament’s history.Cummins became the second Australian after Brett Lee to achieve this feat in the Men’s T20 World Cup. Curtis Campher (who took four in four balls), Wanindu Hasaranga, Kagiso Rabada, Karthik Meiyappan and Josh Little are the other bowlers to have completed hat-tricks at the event.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
However, Cummins later admitted he had forgotten about the hat-trick chance. “I didn’t know I was on a hat-trick,” he said. “I did the previous over, saw it come up on the screen, and by the time the next over came around had totally forgot about it. Think Stoinis ran in from the deep [and] was cheering and everyone’s like, oh yeah. So, nice one.”After a wicketless first spell, Cummins claimed his hat-trick across overs 18 and 20. On the fifth ball of the 18th over, he induced an inside edge with a short-of-a-length delivery to rattle Mahmudullah’s stumps. The next delivery was also a back-of-a-length ball from outside the off stump which Mahedi Hasan tried to upper-cut, but holed out to Adam Zampa at deep third.When Cummins came on to bowl the final over of the innings, he started with a slower one from outside off against set batter Towhid Hridoy, who scooped the delivery to short fine leg. The hat-trick had Hridoy departing for a 28-ball 40 while it was the sixth time that Mahmudullah was a victim in a hat-trick in international cricket.Cummins’ three wickets and Zampa’s 2 for 24 helped Australia restrict Bangladesh to 140 for 8. Australia were on the charge in their chase led by David Warner’s half-century before rain interrupted the game and Australia were eventually declared winners by 28 runs by DLS method.
Tottenham Hotspur salvaged their season in the most glorious fashion last month, beating Manchester United in the Europa League final to end 17 agonising years of searching for silverware.
However, it wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou, who Daniel Levy dismissed at the start of the month following a wretched Premier League season that concluded with Spurs completing a miserable 17th-place finish.
But with Thomas Frank brought in to replace the Aussie, there’s hope yet that Tottenham can use the past year as a springboard for future success, having already targeted Bryan Mbeumo, who is expected to leave Brentford this summer and has expressed a preference to go to Old Trafford, although Spurs’ new manager could tempt him to change direction.
It’s the kind of signing that simply wouldn’t have been possible had Tottenham failed to clinch the Europa League. But now, the door is very much open for what would be a marquee move.
Why Spurs want Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo has truly established himself as one of the most threatening forwards in the Premier League, vital for Frank’s side’s success over the past several years.
His shooting marks the most salient part of his skill set, for sure, but Spurs would also be getting their hands on a dynamic and layered player who, as per Sofascore, created 17 big chances in the league, and averaged 1.3 tackles and 4.7 successful duels per game.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match
Brennan Johnson holds down the fort on the Tottenham right wing, but for all the Welshman’s potency in the final third, he’s shown to drift in and out of games, his influence waning all too often.
As such, a player like Mbeumo would prove a marked improvement, someone refined and talismanic who could serve as a leader and an example to follow.
However, while Tottenham will be buoyed by Mbeumo’s supposed change of stance in considering their offer now that Frank is at the helm, it would be foolish to put all their eggs in one basket after he previously made it clear that he wants to move to Old Trafford.
Premier League 24/25 – Top Scorers
#
Player
Apps
Goals
1.
Mohamed Salah
38
29
2.
Alexander Isak
34
23
3.
Erling Haaland
31
22
4.
Chris Wood
36
20
5.
Bryan Mbeumo
38
20
Data via Premier League
The Cameroonian has proved himself to be one of the most prolific forwards on English shores, but if he does opt to become a Red Devil, the Lilywhites may have found the perfect alternative.
Spurs lining up another Premier League forward
As per Caught Offside, Tottenham have been scouting Bournemouth star Justin Kluivert, with the report stating that the Londoners are currently weighing up an official offer.
Bournemouth's JustinKluivertcelebrates scoring a goal
Curiously, Man United are also interested in signing the Netherlands international, clearly following a similar train of thought as Spurs. Arsenal and Liverpool are also in the mix.
Bournemouth don’t want to sell their dynamic attacker but would, of course, for the right price, with that tag seemingly set at around €55m (£47m), although it remains to be seen whether or not Spurs would be willing to meet their demands.
Why Spurs want Justin Kluivert
Kluivert has proven himself across two seasons as being worthy Premier League material, instrumental for Bournemouth across their impressive campaign under Andoni Iraola’s wing.
Justin Kluivert for Bournemouth.
Tenacious and technically talented, Kluivert, 26, brings a dribble-centric game that has been refined to establish him as one of the most impressive goalscorers in English football, scoring 12 times in the division last season.
The exciting part is that he is clinical with his chances, thus proving he could be the perfect Mbeumo alternative, with Frank labelling his star Brentford forward as being “unplayable” at times.
Justin Kluivert – Premier League Stats
Stats (* per game)
23/24
24/25
Matches (starts)*
32 (26)
34 (29)
Goals
7
12
Assists
1
6
Shots (on target)*
1.8 (0.6)
1.9 (0.9)
Big chances missed
7
6
Pass completion
72%
81%
Key passes*
0.7
1.4
Ball recoveries*
2.8
2.3
Dribbles*
0.8
1.1
Duels won*
2.9
2.9
Data via Sofascore
There’s no question that the Dutchman has gone up a gear over the past year, and who’s to say that he wouldn’t raise his game once again under Frank’s wing down N17?
Kluivert has truly become one of the most dangerous shooters in the Premier League, so economical and precise with his finishing, capable of drifting into space from close or indeed firing from range.
As per FBref, Kluivert actually finished the 2024/25 Premier League campaign ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers for goals and assists per 90 (0.69), which even led to him being considered a player of statistical likeness to Mbeumo.
Though Mbeumo is a right-sided forward, and Kluivert tends to operate in a central attacking midfield berth, the Cherries man has been singled out for his pace and energy in the past and indeed has a wealth of experience on the flanks, scoring 55 goals and providing 47 assists across 221 career appearances out wide.
Moreover, he’s been hailed for his “incredible” finishing this season by writer Ifreke Inyang, scoring Premier League hat-tricks against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United.
If Frank can get the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison performing at the top of their respective playmaking games, Kluivert could find himself reaching even loftier tallies than he has so far achieved.
The versatile forward’s vibrant, physical style suggests he could be the perfect Mbeumo alternative, still providing Tottenham with exciting new qualities while playing in such a way that could see Frank turn him into his new version of Mbeumo.
Transfer Focus
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It’s the kind of shrewd signing that might just see Tottenham go from strength to strength.
Their next Werner: Spurs in battle to sign "special" £25m man for Frank
Spurs would be making a massive mistake signing this player.
As Aston Villa prepare for a busy summer in the transfer market, how they would love to unearth a forward as prolific as Christian Benteke.
The Belgian striker scored 49 goals in just 101 appearances for the Villans, thereby averaging a goal every 172 minutes, despite the fact they were struggling throughout his time at the club.
Having arrived from Genk for just £7m in 2012, Benteke was sold to Liverpool for £32.5m three years later, quite the return on investment.
A decade on from his departure, could Villa be about to make a Benteke-esque striker move in this transfer window?
Aston Villa targeting new striker
According to a report by Football Transfers, Monchi has made Brighton & Hove Albion forward João Pedro a ‘high-priority’ target this summer, adding that the Brazilian is valued at around £58m by the Seagulls.
Pedro has not been seen since being sent off at Brentford on 19 April, first serving the customary three-match suspension.
However, despite then being available for Brighton’s final two fixtures of the campaign, Fabian Hürzeler chose not to select him.
This is because, as outlined by Pedro was involved in a ‘training ground altercation’ with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, merely fueling speculation around his future.
Southampton's Flynn Downes in action with Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro
Sam Dean of the Telegraph has previously documented that Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are all ‘interested’ to Pedro this summer, but could Aston Villa position themselves at the front of the queue by acting swiftly?
Why Pedro would be a better signing than Rashford
Now that his loan spell has come to an end, there was always going to be much speculation about Marcus Rashford’s future.
In 17 appearances for Villa, he looked like a different player, enjoying a ‘career rehabilitation’ in the Midlands as he scored four goals and registered six assists, on target against Brighton and Manchester City in the Premier League, also bagging a brace at Preston North End in the FA Cup.
Nevertheless, Jamie Jackson of the Guardian reports that, even though he is contracted to the club until 2028, Rashford has no future at Manchester United, who value him at £40m, with reports in Spain documenting Barcelona’s long-standing interest.
However, rather than pushing to make Rashford’s deal permanent, would Villa be better served signing Pedro?
Well, let’s attempt to find out.
Pedro vs Rashford: 2024/25 PL season
Stat (per 90 mins)
Pedro
Rashford
Goals
0.46
0.38
Assists
0.28
0.19
Key passes
1.39
1.77
Progressive passes
3.61
2.15
Shot-creating actions
3.33
3.54
Successful take-ons
1.34
1.14
Progressive carries
3.06
2.66
Stats via FBref.
As the table outlines, Rashford and Pedro’s statistics this season are remarkably similar.
In around 300 more minutes across all competitions, the Englishman scored one more goal, registered two more assists and accumulated more shot-creating actions per 90.
Nevertheless, Pedro came out on top for carrying metrics across passing and dribbling, suggesting he’s even more of a livewire than Pedro in forward areas.
Presenter Sam Ucko labels the Brazilian a ‘special player”, while Liam Tharme of the Athletic praises his ‘technical prowess’, which enables him to drop deep and be involved in the build-up play.
So, the smarter business decision would be to spend big on the younger Pedro, rather than splurging on a 27-year-old whose best days could be behind them.
Pau Torres 2.0: Aston Villa submit offer to sign £21m "big game player"
Aston Villa are looking to do their transfer business early
Crystal Palace have now held talks with the agents of a Leeds United defender as they look to win a hotly contested race and secure his signature, according to a recent report.
Crystal Palace set for Eze fight as they identify suitable replacement
This summer looks to be another transfer window where the Eagles are going to have their work cut out in keeping hold of their best players. Palace lost Michael Olise last summer, and it is anticipated that they may find it hard to keep hold of Eberechi Eze, who is wanted by several top clubs.
Sky Sports: Crystal Palace now want 4-2-3-1 manager should Glasner leave
Steve Parish has his eye on a new managerial target if Glasner departs Selhurst Park.
ByBrett Worthington May 6, 2025
It was reported last week that Eze has now told Palace chiefs that he is ready to leave Selhurst Park, as he believes this is the right time for a new challenge. Manchester United are hopeful they can sign Eze this summer, but they face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who consider Eze as someone who can replace Son Heung-min.
However, both these teams appear to be behind in the race, as Premier League champions Liverpool are considered to be leading the way when it comes to signing the Englishman.
As Eze makes his feelings clear, the Premier League outfit are on the lookout for a potential replacement, and according to The Boot Room, Palace are pushing to sign Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland.
The Black Cats are demanding at least £20 million for the young star, and Palace also face the hurdle of Man United again, as they are also keeping a close eye on Bellingham heading into the summer.
Crystal Palace hold talks with agent of £60k-p/w Leeds ace
As well as looking to strengthen their midfield, the Eagles are also in the market for a new left-back, and according to TBR Football, Crystal Palace have held talks with Junior Firpo’s representatives over a move to Selhurst Park.
Firpo is coming to the end of his contract at Elland Road, and while Leeds are open to the idea of him staying beyond this season, this report states that he is looking at other options. Palace, Everton and West Ham have all made contact with Firpo’s representatives.
However, there is genuine interest from Italy and Spain, as his former club Real Betis are interested in a deal, as well as Atlético Madrid. Firpo, who earns £60,000 a week at Elland Road, has been one of Leeds’ standout performers this season, grabbing 10 assists in the Championship, which means he’s in the 99th percentile for assists as a full-back in comparable leagues.
Junior Firpo’s 24/25 Championship stats for Leeds United
Apps
32
Goals
4
Assists
10
Firpo, who has been dubbed a “leader” by Leeds boss Daniel Farke, has been with the Whites since July 2021, and during his time in England, he has played 43 games in the Premier League. He didn’t have the same effect going forward in the top flight as he did in the Championship, but the Eagles obviously feel he can improve their options in the left-back spot.
Palace took Ben Chilwell on loan in January and also have Tyrick Mitchell coming to the end of his contract, so the need for a left-back may be great this summer.
Manchester United are in the market for some statement arrivals this summer and could take a step closer to landing one of their primary targets, per reports.
Man Utd look to tool up for next season
The Red Devils’ prospects this season hang in the balance as the curtain starts to come down on a disappointing Premier League campaign. However, they could still make a forgettable year a memorable one by winning the Europa League.
Ruben Amorim has endured a baptism of fire since entering the dugout at Old Trafford and will need time to piece together a squad worthy of challenging for domestic honours.
Improving a forward line that has failed to yield enough goals is a priority. Manchester United have made contact over a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to try and solve that problem.
Villarreal’s Alex Baena has a £50 million release clause that the Red Devils could look to take advantage of during the summer window, though he is more likely to take up a berth behind the main striker at Old Trafford.
One thing is clear: United need reinforcements, and a sea change is expected in the off-season to prevent another below-par Premier League campaign in 2025/26.
Man Utd and Amorim want to sign 30 y/o compared to Matic in £34m transfer
Man United and Ruben Amorim have their eye on a player who will improve their midfield.
ByBrett Worthington Apr 27, 2025
INEOS will hope that winning the Europa League can strengthen returns to reinvest in prospective targets. That remains to be determined, but plenty of work is already ongoing in the infancy of their latest recruitment drive.
Stepping up their pursuit of fresh blood, Manchester United have now put forward a significant proposal to a talented striker who is on their radar.
Man Utd offer five-year contract to Matheus Cunha
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United have now submitted a five-year contract to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha as they look to get a deal over the line for the Brazil international.
Matheus Cunha
Despite some ends needing to be ironed out regarding his salary structure, a new meeting has been scheduled between his entourage and the Red Devils to smooth over the fine details.
Matheus Cunha’s impressive Premier League campaign for Wolves
Appearances
29
Goals
15
Assists
6
Shots on target
40
Chances created
52
Successful dribbles
57
Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause could be paid by Manchester United, though they would prefer the fee to be spread across three or four years to avoid conflict with PSR regulations. There is a feeling of confidence from all sides that a deal can be agreed, while Rasmus Hojlund is set to be made available should a deal come to fruition.
Labelled “absolutely sensational” by Micah Richards, Cunha is exactly the type of inventive presence Manchester United need in the final third to unlock defences under Amorim next season.
Now, it remains to be seen whether a transfer can be pushed over the line or whether any complications present themselves in negotiations.
The summer transfer window is fast approaching, and Liverpool are set to spend big as they prepare for Arne Slot’s second, Premier League title-defending season at the helm.
Of course, the top-flight trophy isn’t yet wrapped up, but the Reds need just two wins from their remaining six fixtures to put things beyond Arsenal’s reach.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has wrapped up Mohamed Salah’s new contract; captain Virgil van Dijk’s fresh deal is soon to follow. Now, focus can be turned to the upcoming transfer window, with Liverpool expecting flurries of activity through the summer months.
While signing a centre-forward, left-back and central defender are the priorities for the Reds, Slot would be wise not to neglect his midfield.
Liverpool – Remaining Premier League Fixtures 24/25
Date
Venue
Opponent
20/04/25
King Power Stadium
Leicester City
27/04/25
Anfield
Tottenham Hotspur
04/05/25
Stamford Bridge
Chelsea
11/05/25
Anfield
Arsenal
18/05/25
AMEX Stadium
Brighton & Hove Albion
25/05/25
Anfield
Crystal Palace
Liverpool’s midfielders have been immense through the 2024/25 campaign, but they aren’t infallible. There’s been a lack of bite and physicality at times of late that suggests a new addition to the engine room could go down a treat.
Why Slot shouldn't neglect Liverpool's midfield
When Liverpool fell from grace under Jurgen Klopp in 2022/23, the German manager knew he needed to repackage his side’s long-serving midfield.
Jordan Henderson was a first-standard leader but was starting to look a weak link from a technical standpoint, while Fabinho’s legs had gone after so many years serving as a world-class anchor at the heart of one of the highest-octane squads on the globe.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho
Their replacements, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, have been immense this season (and last) as Liverpool’s mainstays in the middle, but there’s no denying Liverpool have lacked a combative sheen and that extra bit of dynamism at times recently, namely being overrun by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Newcastle United at Wembley.
Liverpool have won more duels than their opponents in just one of their past 11 matches across all competitions, denoting fatigue and a lack of sharpness that opponents are capitalising on.
Though packing quality across more needy areas will ultimately hold sway for Liverpool, there’s no question that a high-class midfielder would elevate an already immense team.
It’s something FSG are bearing in mind.
Liverpool lining up marquee midfielder
According to Italian outlet InterLive.it, Liverpool’s interested in signing Nicolo Barella this summer is said to be ‘serious’, with Inter Milan anticipating offers for their midfield linchpin after yet another standout campaign.
Nicolo Barella for Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich.
Now, Barella, 28 years old, is contracted to the San Siro until 2029 and thus Inter are in a commanding position regarding his future and have listed him at €100m (about £87m).
Liverpool’s interest is confirmed to be serious, however, and given the Serie A leaders are keen on Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa, a deal wouldn’t be out of question.
What Nicolo Barella would bring to Liverpool
Described as “the best Serie A midfielder of the 2020s” by journalist Zach Lowy, Barella has already won two Scudettos and two Coppa Italia titles with Inter Milan, joining from Cagliari in 2019.
Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella
Having featured 277 times for I Nerazzurri, Barella has scored 25 goals and supplied 59 assists. He’s not the most prolific of midfielders, but then that’s not really his jurisdiction.
With Simone Inzaghi’s side battling it out with Napoli for the Italian title, Barella has been the architect of his team’s challenge, averaging 1.9 key passes, 4.7 successful duels and 5.2 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, illustrating his wide range of quality.
Of course, the Italian has also been immense in Inter’s quest for the Champions League trophy, with outlets stating that he delivered a career-defining performance at the Allianz Arena last week, taking a 2-1 lead over Bayern Munich back to the San Siro.
Talent of this level suggests that Liverpool could be getting their mitts on one of the most gifted midfielders in many years, one who could stand out above the current Anfield crop.
He might even prove to be Liverpool’s best midfielder since Fabinho.
douglas-luiz-fabinho-liverpool-opinion
For the uninitiated, Fabinho was absolutely spellbinding in his role as Klopp’s number six, so cultured and commanding as he held together a hard-grafting midfield that worked around the clock to facilitate the attacking successes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Bobby Firmino.
Once hailed as “one of the best in the world” by Klopp, Fabinho truly was a core part of the most illustrious era in Liverpool’s modern history, joining from Monaco for roughly £40m in May 2018 and going on to play 219 times for the Reds before his legs finally failed him.
When in his pomp, the Brazilian was truly one of the most dominant forces out there, and now Barella could emulate him and become Liverpool’s new centrepiece, perhaps unlocking the next level in Slot’s existing options.
Tough-tackling, tenacious and iron-willed, Fabinho performed dutifully and blended his natural qualities with a sharpness of mind and quickness of reaction that differentiated him from his positional rivals.
The Italy international has the experience and the multi-skilled ability to be a real standout for Liverpool over the next several years, with his FBref data discussed above suggesting the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Pedri are among his most statistically similar players.
Such ball-playing specialists, maestros and conductors wrapped into one, would fit snugly into Slot’s system – just look at how Gravenberch has got on this term.
Italy'sMoiseKeancelebrates scoring their second goal with Italy's Nicolo Barella, Italy's Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Italy's Giacomo Raspadori
Barella, then, would fit right in. He’s a world-class player, dubbed a “genius” on the pitch by sports editor Mike Pielluci, and a trophy winner besides, and if Inter are willing to discuss deals containing the likes of Nunez and/or Chiesa, Liverpool might just sign their best midfielder since Fabinho.
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It was another tough day at the office for Ipswich Town last Sunday but it was shaping up to be a remarkable one for the relegation candidates.
For a while, it looked as if Kieran McKenna’s side would come away from their game against Chelsea with all three points and close the gap on survival.
Julio Enciso and Ben Johnson had given the Tractor Boys hope of pulling off a remarkable league double against the Blues but an own goal from Axel Tuanzebe and a strike from Jadon Sancho meant they had to settle for a point.
Ipswich Town managerKieranMcKenna
Consequently, it now is really starting to look like next season will see the Suffolk side return to the Championship.
However, they certainly have the players to bounce right back, and if they are forced to sell, they’ll make a pretty penny, especially off one star who’s been compared to an international ace valued at over £100m.
Ipswich's biggest sales
So, before talking about the player who could easily become Ipswich’s biggest-ever sale, it’s worth examining those who currently make up the list, such as Tyrone Mings.
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The Aston Villa star joined the club for just £10k from non-league Chippenham Town in 2013 and would go on to make 63 appearances for the Tractor Boys, scoring once and providing eight assists.
Then, in the summer of 2015, Bournemouth paid a whopping £8m for his services, which equates to a massive 79900% increase on what he originally cost the Suffolk side – talk about wheeling and dealing.
One of the other most expensive sales in the club’s history was of striker Connor Wickham.
The Englishman was an academy product and, after making his first team debut in the 08/09 season, went on to score 15 goals and provide four assists in 72 appearances.
Wickham’s Ipswich career
Appearances
72
Minutes
4165′
Goals
15
Assists
4
Goal Involvements per Match
0.26
Minutes per Goal Involvement
219.21′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
It was in the summer of 2011 that Sunderland paid an initial fee of around £8.1m for the centre-forward’s services, which, again, netted the Blues a hefty profit.
However, if the club are forced to sell some of their stars this summer, then there is one who, thanks to his form and comparisons to other top players, could net them a fortune.
The star who could be Ipswich's biggest sale
While there are several top-quality players in Ipswich’s squad, it will likely come as no surprise that the one we are talking about is Liam Delap.
While he didn’t start the game against the Blues due a lack of training in midweek, one does wonder what the result may have been had he begun the game, notably scoring against Enzo Maresca’s side in the reverse fixtures.
Liam Delap
The former Manchester City star joined the club for around £20m in the summer and has since racked up a sensational haul of 12 goals and two assists in just 30 Premier League games.
Such a brilliant rate of return has not only caught the interest of other top sides, like Manchester United, but also seen the 22-year-old “wrecking-ball,” as dubbed by Sky Sports reporter Lewis Jones, compared to another of Europe’s most exciting strikers, Benjamin Sesko.
The comparison stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Slovenian is the ninth most similar striker to the Englishman.
The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, crosses, goal-creating actions, ball recoveries and more, all per 90.
Delap & Sesko
Statistics per 90
Delap
Sesko
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.36
0.40
Shots on Target
1.01
1.13
Key Passes
0.78
0.72
Expected Assists
0.05
0.06
Crosses
0.16
0.14
Goal-Creating Actions
0.27
0.36
Ball Recoveries
2.13
2.49
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
However, while the comparison to a Champions League striker is nice in and of itself, it’s also encouraging regarding Delap’s value.
For example, the CIES Football Observatory values the former RB Salzburg star at a whopping €116.6m, which converts to about £100m, and if the Blues’ ace is so statistically similar, why shouldn’t his price tag be?
Ultimately, while going down and losing their best player is far from ideal, Ipswich can at least rest assured that if they sell Delap this summer, he will undoubtedly become their most expensive departure of all time.
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