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The Nigerian forward is subject to interest from the Red Dragons according to a report

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Wrexham targeting CF MTL's IbrahimClub value forward in $300-500k rangeNigerian striker on contract through 2026, option for 2027Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

AFC Wrexham are reportedly leading the race for CF Montreal forward Sunusi Ibrahim following their promotion to the English Championship this season. The Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned club is targeting the Nigerian striker ahead of a big summer, where it is bolstering its roster.

reports that CF MTL value the Nigerian at $300-500k, while several clubs are reportedly interested in his services.

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Ibrahim, 22, has been with the Canadian side since the 2021 MLS campaign. Signed on a U-22 initiative contract, he has 13 goals in 89 career appearances for the club. In 2024, he scored six goals in less than 1,000 minutes for the club – though he has barely played in 2025, making just seven appearances across 50 total minutes played.

Wrexham recently earned their third-consecutive promotion within the English football pyramid, and will compete in the English Championship in the 2025-26 season – England's second division.

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Ibrahim had a base salary of $350,000 in 2024, with a guaranteed compensation of $410,000.

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CF Montreal take on Inter Miami on Wednesday in MLS action, as they look to secure a result against Lionel Messi and Co.

Mitchell Marsh has had a lean time with the bat while Josh Hazlewood has yet to make an appearance

Andrew McGlashan27-Apr-20235:15

How long a rope can Capitals afford for Marsh?

David Warner (Delhi Capitals)One of the major narratives from an Australian point of view has been Warner’s form and it has provided a curious situation. His strike-rate has come under significant scrutiny amid Capitals’ poor start to the competition, but he has consistently produced runs with four fifties. While conditions in the IPL could not be further removed from those that will confront him in the Tests, strike-rate will be less of a concern come June (notwithstanding Bazball). His most recent half-century, a 41-ball 57 against KKR, was much more fluent. Whatever happens over the next few it’s unlikely to be dull.Cameron Green (Mumbai Indians)Related

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After a somewhat uncertain start, Green has hit his stride – certainly with the bat – scoring back-to-back half-centuries against Sunrisers and Punjab Kings. The second of them came in defeat, but the first was part of a matchwinning all-rounder display. Ahead of the WTC final and Ashes the selectors will have an eye on his workload and the quick transition from T20 to Test cricket could yet provide challenges for a player who has not made that switch often.Mitchell Marsh (Delhi Capitals)After looking a million dollars in the ODI series against India, it’s been a lean time with the bat for Marsh which has contributed to Capitals’ early-season woes. He started with four single-digit scores either side of returning home for his wedding, but getting back into the fray with the ball has been a good sign and will have helped in him earning a recall for the Ashes.Glenn Maxwell reverse-sweeps Yuzvendra Chahal for a six•Associated PressGlenn Maxwell (Royal Challengers Bangalore)For someone who suffered what was not far off being a career-threatening injury late last year, the sight of Maxwell launching the ball to all parts has been a heartening story in this IPL. He is not yet back to 100% and continues to play through some pain, but has looked very much like his old self with the bat. Two of his half-centuries have come in defeat as the regular debate about a top-heavy RCB order is revived, but the 77 off 44 against Royals was a matchwinner.Marcus Stoinis (Lucknow Super Giants)Stoinis is putting together a handy tournament for LSG. He produced a brilliant 65 off 30 balls against RCB to conjure remarkable chase of 213 after they had been 23 for 3 and has chipped in elsewhere without quite matching that display. In the last couple of matches he has bowled for the first time in the season and with excellent results, playing a key role in a relatively low-scoring affair against Royals (where he was Player of the Match) and again proving effective against Titans.Tim David (Mumbai Indians)David has perhaps not hit the heights that he has become known for, but he has still produced some useful displays for Mumbai Indians. He and Green got them over the line in a tight chase against Capitals then David helped ice a substantial target against KKR which they made look relatively simple. He had a big part to play in the field against SRH where he claimed four catches, one short of the IPL record.Nathan Ellis has again produced some clutch displays•BCCINathan Ellis (Punjab Kings)Ellis has continued to enhancing his T20 reputation. He produced a Player of the Match performance against Royals with 4 for 30 in a high-scoring game, including the key wicket of Jos Buttler. Then in a contest against Mumbai Indians with over 400 runs, where he was brought in as the Impact Player, he got the better of Australia team-mate Green at a vital moment.Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bangalore)Hazlewood, whose Test career has hit the buffers over the last two years, has yet to make an appearance following his delayed arrival as he continued his recovery from the Achilles injury that ended his India tour. George Bailey, Australia’s chair of selectors, said that four-over spells in the IPL would be a good gradual return to action ahead of the Test matches although questions remain about whether he’ll be ready. He had an extensive bowl off his full run-up in a recent training session.And a few moreAmong the other Australians at the IPL, Jason Behrendorff has picked up eight wickets for Mumbai Indians although his economy rate has touched 10 an over. Matt Short, the BBL Player of the Tournament, hasn’t quite been able to hit his stride for Punjab Kings although a brace of 30s showed what he can produce. In a Royals outfit featuring R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa has not found a regular starting spot and has played just twice – once as the Impact player. Matthew Wade, who is with defending champions Titans, and Daniel Sams (LSG) have yet to make an appearance.

Manchester United have reportedly made a big-money offer for one of Europe’s top players this season, according to a new report.

Man Utd extend unbeaten run with win at Leicester

Manchester United look to be finally turning the corner under Ruben Amorim. On Sunday, the Red Devils extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to four games as they beat Leicester City – managed by former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy – at the King Power Stadium.

Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and captain Bruno Fernandes were on the scoresheet in a comprehensive 3-0 win that moved Amorim’s side back up into 13th place.

While hardly the run of the century, United’s recent form suggests they have finally begun to find themselves under Amorim after what had been poor start to life for the Portuguese boss at Old Trafford.

Sadly for United and Amorim, however, because of the international break, they will now be without a game for next month.

Saved by Fernandes: Amorim must drop 5/10 Man Utd star who lost 100% duels

Man United extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a thumping 3-0 win at Leicester.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Mar 17, 2025

“It’s a shame we stop for the national teams when our confidence is at its biggest,” said Amorim after the win over Leicester. “It was clear today my players are at the limit. We are going to use this window to rest and recover, it will be good.”

On Hojlund, whose goal was his first in the top flight since December, the Portuguese added: “It’s really important for Rasmus. He’s doing the right things, helping the team, fighting for every ball. He scored a very good goal and I think he deserved it more than anybody.”

Man Utd make £58m bid for Raphinha

Regardless of their recent good form, United will still be wanting to reinforce in the summer if they want to meet their aim of returning to their former glory.

And according to a report from Spain, the Red Devils have already made their first move, having submitted a huge bid for Barcelona star Raphinha.

The Brazil international has scored 27 goals and produced 21 assists in 42 games this season – form that has put him firmly in the running for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

It is reported that Man Utd have tabled a €70 million (£58 million) for the 28-year-old winger, and that Amorim is keen on bringing the former Leeds United star to Old Trafford in the summer.

Back in November, Barcelona and Brazil legend Romario heaped praise on Raphinha, describing him as one of the best players in the world.

“Barca now have a great team. They’ve won some good games and played well. I think we’ll be champions again this year,” Romario told Mundo Deportivo, per Barca Blaugranes.

“Raphinha is one of the best players today,” he said. “He is one of the best in the world. He does very well with the Barca shirt and he is also doing very well with the Brazilian shirt. Raphinha is a pride for all Brazilians, he will give us very special things in football.”

Ahead of the 2025 Gold Cup, GOAL revisits the last U.S. men's national team to win the tournament

The current edition of U.S. men's national team looks considerably different from the one just four years ago. From the coach to the players, there has been drastic change within the program.

Only three of the 26 players from the 2021 Gold Cup-winning team remain on the 2025 roster for the tournament: Matt Turner, Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson. The USMNT have won the Gold Cup seven times, but the most recent was that trophy lift in 2021, as the Gregg Berhalter-coached team stunned Mexico, 1-0, in the final.

And those winning memories remain vivid, and special, for those remaining U.S. players.

"For me, winning that Gold Cup in 2021, I'm not really sure I was in a period where I could process exactly the gravity of what we achieved," Turner said this week. "If you look at that, that team and the Mexico team that we beat in the final, the Qatar team that we beat in the semifinal, we just really enjoyed it. I think looking back at that team, the joy that we played with – the passion, the energy, the way we started games, I think all of that kind of stuff are things that I look back upon and think that we could bring towards the future.

"From there, I've grown a lot. I'm pretty sure that Gold Cup is essentially what launched me to get my move to Arsenal. And I'm now fighting my way through Europe, and trying to make it work over there right now. Since then, I've been through a lot. I've had two kids, I've moved to three different teams, so I've had a lot of change. But yeah, it's definitely an experience I hold near and dear to my heart."

The 2025 Gold Cup starts next week, the final continental tournament ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Mexico, Gold Cup champions in 2023 and winners of the 2025 Nations League, will look to remain to the top, but they'll be competing with a red-hot Canada side and a USMNT squad with a chip on their shoulder.

Beyond Zimmerman, Robinson and Turner, a number of names from that squad have dropped out of the player pool. It was an entirely different group, and a team that pulled off an upset with a relatively young roster.

GOAL revisits the 2021 squad and what happened with them in the years since.

Getty ImagesGoalkeepers

Brad Guzan: Currently the starter for Atlanta United, Guzan, 40, is still going strong as one of MLS's most reliable goalkeepers. He has not been called up to the USMNT since his Gold Cup win.

Sean Johnson: Currently plays for Toronto FC, where he's been since January 2023. Previously, he played for NYCFC from 2016 onward, and with the Chicago Fire before that. He last appeared on a roster for the USMNT in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he served as a backup.

Matt Turner: Currently the USMNT's No. 1, Turner is on the books of Nottingham Forest, but spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Crystal Palace. It is expected that he will leave this summer. Turner has said he is keeping his options open.

AdvertisementGettyDefenders

George Bello: He currently plays for Austrian first division side LASK, and has not appeared on a USMNT roster since spring 2022 when he replaced an injured Sergino Dest in camp. A former Homegrown with Atlanta United, he has not had an impact on the national team since moving to Europe.

Reggie Cannon: He had a whirlwind career in Portugal with Boavista, which included a legal saga, but has now returned to MLS with the Colorado Rapids. His last call-up with the U.S. was in 2022, when he came off the bench in a 2-0 loss to Japan in an international friendly.

Shaq Moore: He was named to the 60-man shortlist for the 2025 Gold Cup roster, but was not selected. He currently plays for FC Dallas and was a part of Mauricio Pochettino's January Camp, as well as the U.S. team at Copa America 2024.

Donovan Pines: He has not appeared for the U.S. since the 2021 Gold Cup, when he received his first call-up. He currently plays for Barnsley in League One in England.

Miles Robinson: He is on Pochettino's roster for the 2025 Gold Cup and currently plays for MLS side FC Cincinnati, where he has become one of the best defenders in the league.

James Sands: He is on loan at German Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli from MLS outfit NYCFC, but is currently sidelined with a lower-leg injury. He was a part of the 2023 Gold Cup roster, but has not been called up since.

Sam Vines: He had a stint in Europe following the 2021 Gold Cup, but is back with the Colorado Rapids in MLS, where he's become a regular. He hasn't appeared for the USMNT since September 2022. He was not selected for the 2022 World Cup.

Walker Zimmerman: He was selected as an overage member for the USMNT at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and is back with the senior team for this month's Gold Cup. The captain and stalwart for Nashville SC, the 32-year-old has amassed 43 senior caps for the U.S. and was a member of the 2022 World Cup team.

Getty ImagesMidfielders

Kellyn Acosta: He amassed 58 appearances for the senior U.S. roster and now plays for the Chicago Fire in MLS. He has not been called up since the 2023 Gold Cup.

Gianluca Busio: He was a member of the roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and plays in Italy with Venezia – who were relegated to Serie B this season. He has not appeared for the senior USMNT since the 2023 Gold Cup.

Sebastian Lletget: He was last called up in 2021, with the Gold Cup his last major tournament for the USMNT. He currently plays for FC Dallas.

Cristian Roldan: He was a member of the 2022 FIFA World Cup roster and is currently a club stalwart with the Seattle Sounders. Roldan has consistently been a top midfielder in MLS over the past five years.

Eryk Williamson: He currently on the roster for Charlotte FC, and has become a rotation player with the Eastern Conference side. Facing a career plagued by injury, he was last called up in January 2023.

Jackson Yueill: He last appeared at the 2023 Gold Cup, and has been a consistently good player in MLS – but has never made it extensively with the senior team.

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Paul Arriola: He transferred to the Seattle Sounders ahead of the 2025 MLS season, but sustained an ACL tear early in the 2025 season. He last appeared for the USMNT in September 2022, but did not make the World Cup roster.

Daryl Dike: He currently plays for English Championship side West Brom, and in recent years, has sustained back-to-back Achilles injuries. He has not appeared for the U.S. since the 2023 Gold Cup, but remains an option in the player pool now that he is back to health.

Nicholas Gioacchini: He has not appeared for the USMNT since the 2021 Gold Cup and currently plays as a winger for Greek Super League club Asteras Tripolis

Matthew Hoppe: He has not appeared for the USMNT since 2021, and after bouncing around Europe and MLS, he now plays for Danish Superliga club Sønderjyske.

Jonathan Lewis: He played for Barnsley in League One in England during the 2024/25 season, but was released at the end of the campaign, making him a free agent. Lewis has not appeared for the USMNT since the 2021 Gold Cup.

Gyasi Zardes: He earned 68 caps for the USMNT, but is currently a free agent. He played for MLS side Austin FC in 2024 and last appeared for the U.S. in 2021.

Nottingham Forest have now stepped up their interest in a £20m transfer target by making contact over a summer deal.

Marinakis ready to splash the cash for Nottingham Forest this summer

It promises to be an exciting end to the season on the pitch for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who are on course to qualify for the Champions League in the manager’s first full season in charge.

Currently third in the Premier League table, Forest are currently six points clear of Manchester City who sit fifth, and the Reds are also preparing for an FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening.

Should Forest be preparing for Champions League football over the summer, it looks as if owner Evangelos Marinakis is ready to break the bank and spend big on some marquee signings.

Those at the City Ground have been linked with an ambitious move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Victor Osimhen has also been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, and domestically, Forest also have targets. Wolves star Matheus Cunha and Brentford forward Yoane Wissa are two of those with Forest working on deals, whereas Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham is of interest to the Reds.

Nuno loves him: Nottingham Forest working on deal for "fantastic" £20m star

The forward has now been identified as the Tricky Trees’ priority target for the summer transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Mar 27, 2025

Now, a new transfer update has emerged regarding Forest and Bellingham.

Forest make contact over signing Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham

According to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest have made contact over a deal for Bellingham this week, as the club step up their interest in the Championship star.

The 19-year-old is also being eyed by Manchester United, however, ‘Forest are pushing hard to secure his signing ahead of a huge summer of spending at the City Ground’.

Thought to be valued in the region of £20m, Bellingham would be keen to move and play at the highest level, should Sunderland miss out on promotion over the coming months.

Capable of playing as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder, Bellingham has already made more than 100 senior appearances during his career.

Sunderland

Birmingham

Games

81

26

Goals

11

0

Assists

4

0

He’s caught the eye of his teammates as well, with fellow Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil calling him a “freak of nature” in the past: “He’s an absolute freak of nature, physically. I have never seen a 17-year-old that size. Technically, he is a top, top, player as well.”

Now, it looks as if a move to the City Ground for Bellingham could be a real possibility, and who knows, he could challenge the likes of Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolas Dominguez for a starting spot in midfield during the 2025/26 season.

The Australia opener said he wouldn’t want his children hear some of the things being said

Andrew McGlashan17-Jul-2023Usman Khawaja believes abuse from the crowds towards players has gone too far – both in England and Australia.Khawaja was involved in the confrontation with MCC members in the Lord’s pavilion after the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow which has led to three members being suspended. However, he is equally concerned about what children in the stands are hearing as insults get hurled near the boundary.The Bairstow incident prompted strong reaction from the crowds, with Alex Carey saying there had been some “nasty stuff” said, but players had been facing plenty even before that.Related

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Khawaja returns to where he feared Test career had ended

“Personally, if I am coming to the cricket and watching the cricket, I wouldn’t want my kids to be around that,” Khawaja said ahead of the Old Trafford Test. “If I saw that I would 100 percent make a complaint or just leave. I think some of the stuff can be pretty poor. Over at Edgbaston they were calling Travis Head a c… you know what. I’m like I can’t believe you can actually say that in a public domain anywhere.”England’s players are often quick to point out that they receive similar treatment on tours of Australia and Khawaja does not condone that either.”If you talk about it to England guys, they say we are equally as rough when [they go to Australia]. I don’t agree with it either way. I don’t think it’s the right thing to do,” Khawaja said.”It can be a little disappointing at times, and I think we can take it too far in Australia. I’m not a big fan of it. I know watching a lot of sport and loving sport that it happens around the world. You watch the NBA [and] it happens there. Particularly when crowds can get real close to you, which they can in cricket. It is what it is, I don’t agree with it.”Khawaja would not be drawn into further discussion about the events in the Lord’s pavilion. “I’m just going to leave it there,” he said. “MCC are all over it. I trust them to do the right thing.”With the Ashes on the line, and Old Trafford another ground where the crowd can get boisterous, it is unlikely the Australians will be in for a quiet time this week.”There’s some nasty stuff been said but…it is the Ashes,” Carey said last week. “There was nasty stuff said before that as well. From Australia I still think we’ve got lots of fans and from England, I don’t think we’ve made any, but we probably didn’t lose any.”It is the Ashes we’ve got to remember, and we’ve had some amazing crowds. We love coming over here, we love playing the Ashes and my first experience [playing Test cricket] in England has been amazing.”

Lautaro Martinez has yet to come to terms with Inter's Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, admitting he could not talk for days.

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Inter defeated 5-0 by PSGLautaro at a loss for words after the defeatStriker has urged team-mates to move onFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Inter's promising season ended in disaster as they were annihilated 5-0 by the French champions in Munich. The Italian giants had been in contention to win a treble of trophies, but ended the campaign empty handed as they crashed out of the Coppa Italia and lost out on the Serie A title in the last game of the season.

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The European final set a record for the highest margin of defeat in a Champions League final. Since then, they have seen coach Simone Inzaghi leave for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and Christian Chivu, who won the treble with the club in 2010, was appointed new coach before the Club World Cup. Argentine striker Martinez is still reeling from the horrific evening in Munich as he revealed the emotional toll of the upset, but he urged his team-mates to move on under their new coach.

WHAT LAUTARO SAID

Martinez told reporters: "I can't understand how it was possible to lose such a great opportunity in that way. I was sad, it was difficult to get to the bottom of the reasons, it took me five or six days to talk, I wanted to explain to my people. That night nothing was possible and everything was possible for them: it wasn't us, we weren't a team. It's football. And now however we have to move on, there is no other possibility, even if everything remains in the head."

But then he rallied his troops and urged his team-mates to move on, saying: "We have to turn the page and not think about what happened. I asked my team-mates to be strong in the head, I explained that in the USA we need one last effort before the holidays."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR LAUTARO AND INTER?

Inter are set to take on Monterrey today at the Club World Cup as they look to erase the memories of the Champions League final and add silverware to an underwhelming 2024-25 season.

El Tri begins title defense with 3-2 victory as Álvarez, Jiménez, and Montes find the net

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México will face Suriname next WednesdayRaúl Jiménez reached 40 goals with Costa Rica is next for the Dominican Republic in Group A actionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE

Mexico kicked off their 2025 Gold Cup campaign with a 3-2 win over tournament debutants the Dominican Republic, as Javier Aguirre’s side looks to defend the title they won in 2023 and secure a record-extending 10th championship.

Goals from Edson Álvarez, Raúl Jiménez, and César Montes lifted Mexico past a Dominican team that, despite being seen as heavy underdogs, caused plenty of problems – especially in the first half. Peter González and Edison Azcona scored for Marcelo Neveleff’s squad in what turned into a surprisingly competitive contest at SoFi Stadium.

Despite ’s perceived superiority on paper, it was the Caribbean side that created more danger early on. As Mexico struggled to find rhythm, the Dominican Republic began pushing forward. However, when the visitors were playing their best football, Edson Álvarez broke the deadlock with a powerful header off a corner kick in the 44th minute.

Mexico finished the first half strongly and came out even better in the second. Just two minutes after the restart, Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead with a well-executed team move initiated by Santiago Giménez.

The match appeared to tilt decisively in Mexico’s favor, but just four minutes later, Peter González pulled one back for the Dominicans with a well-placed shot that left goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón helpless. The response from Mexico was immediate – Álvarez once again rose for a header in the 51st minute, but this time the ball deflected off César Montes and into the net for the 3-1.

As the game opened up and Mexico looked poised to seal a comfortable win, the Dominican Republic struck again in the 67th minute. Edison Azcona’s effort took a deflection off Álvarez and found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to one and puttingunder pressure once more.

Mexico’s defense, already under scrutiny after conceding four goals to Switzerland and winning narrowly to Turkey in recent friendlies, looked vulnerable again. While Aguirre's side ultimately held on for the win, the performance raised more questions than answers ahead of tougher group-stage clashes.

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Aguirre has now won eight of his 13 matches in his current stint as head coach of the Mexican national team. Meanwhile, Raúl Jiménez reached 40 goals with El Tri, putting him just six behind Jared Borgetti (46) for second place on Mexico’s all-time scoring list. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández remains the national team’s top scorer with 52 goals.

THE MVP

Mexico delivered a lackluster and tense performance in their Gold Cup debut, narrowly edging out a modest Dominican Republic team that pushed for an equalizer until the final whistle. Despite the 3-2 victory, left more doubts than certainties on the pitch.

West Ham midfielder Álvarez was Mexico’s standout performer in a match full of ups and downs for Javier Aguirre’s side. Álvarez broke the deadlock late in the first half when Mexico was at its worst and later assisted in the build-up to the third goal, just minutes after the Dominicans had pulled one back to make it 2-1.

Following the substitution of Israel Reyes, Álvarez dropped into the center-back position, where he was unfortunately involved in the defensive sequence that led to the 3-2 goal by the Dominican Republic. Still, his impact on both ends of the field highlighted his importance to a Mexican team that showed clear structural vulnerabilities in its back line.

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THE BIG LOSER

The 139th-ranked team in the world made Mexico sweat in their Gold Cup opener, exposing vulnerabilities in Aguirre’s squad and making it clear that El Tri must raise their level in the matches to come.

Whether Mexico underestimated their opponent or have simply declined in quality over the years, the performance left little to celebrate. The 54,309 fans in attendance at SoFi Stadium were left concerned – not just by the narrow scoreline, but by the sense that the days of dominant, stylish Mexican wins may be behind them. The gap between CONCACAF powers and so-called minnows appears to be closing fast.

Aguirre emerged as the biggest loser of the night, despite securing three points. His side ended the match defending deep, looking shaky, and far from the confident, attacking team fans once expected. The result did little to satisfy a Mexican fanbase hungry for convincing performances, not just wins.

Matt Henry, Craig Overton take six wickets each with hosts fighting to avoid another innings defeat

ECB Reporters Network20-Jul-2023Northamptonshire 180 (Vasconcelos 78, Overton 4-50, Henry 3-36) and 151 for 6 (Procter 37*, Henry 3-36, Overton 2-39) f/o trail Somerset 351 (Dickson 70, Bartlett 55, White 5-77) by 20 runsSomerset’s seamers were in ruthless mood as they bulldozed Northamptonshire’s fragile batting line-up and enforced the follow-on to move within sight of victory at Wantage Road.Matt Henry’s shrewd seam bowling, coupled with Craig Overton’s brutal pace and bounce, proved a potent combination as 16 wickets fell on the second day, with the duo picking up six apiece overall.Northamptonshire were dismissed for 180 in their first innings and inserted again despite Ricardo Vasconcelos hitting a season’s best 78, with Henry taking 3 for 36 and Overton 4 for 50.The home side stumbled to 151 for 6 second time around before bad light brought play to a halt, still needing 20 more to prevent what would be their fifth innings defeat this season.Henry was a handful straight away when Northamptonshire began their response to the visitors’ first-innings total of 351, making the ball move both ways and persuading Emilio Gay to nibble the fifth delivery of the morning into James Rew’s gloves.Despite registering successive boundaries off Henry, Justin Broad soon followed – forced to play at one that left him and edging to first slip to leave the home side in difficulty at 17 for 2.There was also a near escape for Vasconcelos, his thick edge off Overton whistling through the slips for Northamptonshire’s first scoring shot in 31 balls but, despite plenty of playing and missing at Henry, he weathered the storm.The left-hander looked far more comfortable against Somerset’s change bowlers, drilling a series of crisp boundaries through the off side – and the 10th of those, sweetly struck off Overton, brought up his half-century from 76 balls.By then he had lost Sam Whiteman, playing on to Lewis Gregory and Henry returned for a pre-lunch spell to keep Somerset in the ascendancy by prising out Luke Procter, taken low at first slip.Vasconcelos continued in similar vein after the interval, looking on course for a first century of the season until he was undone by a ball from Gregory that veered away to hit off stump – triggering a further surge of wickets.Overton was the chief architect of Northamptonshire’s collapse during a fearsome second spell, having Rob Keogh caught in the slips and ripping out the off stump of Lewis McManus before Ben Sanderson feathered one behind.Running out of partners, Saif Zaib did his best to propel the home side past the follow-on target with a lively knock of 38, including two colossal sixes off Kasey Aldridge, but fell short when he skied Overton and was taken by Shoaib Bashir, running back on the leg side.Somerset had no hesitation in putting the hosts back in and Vasconcelos was soon on his way for the second time in the session, caught behind off Henry – who also trapped Gay lbw shuffling across.With Broad also departing leg before to Gregory, Northamptonshire sank to 29 for 3, but Procter and Zaib – back at the crease barely half an hour after his dismissal – displayed some grit to slow the Somerset charge.However, neither Zaib nor Rob Keogh, another leg before victim for Henry, managed to build on promising starts and it was left to the skipper to tough it out with an undefeated 37 while Taylor went for his shots.The all-rounder clubbed Overton for successive boundaries to reach a brisk 24 not out from 17 balls before darkening skies prompted the umpires to halt proceedings with 8.4 overs still remaining.

Manchester City have reportedly made contact to sign a £50m star who has been compared to both Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan.

Man City latest as Pep suffers Haaland injury blow

Those behind the scenes at the Etihad appear to have one eye on the summer transfer window, however, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to salvage their season by winning the FA Cup.

City came from behind to beat Bournemouth on Sunday to set up a semi-final with Nottingham Forest after goals from Omar Marmoush and Erling Haaland.

However, Man City were dealt an injury setback regarding Haaland, who is now set to be out for seven weeks with an ankle problem.

Talking on Haaland’s injury, Guardiola said: “Sometimes there are years that these things happen – it’s happened all season. It could have been different if it was the end of the season [before the Club World Cup]. With all the injuries we have this season, I’m sorry for them and for Erling as well. Hopefully the recovery is as speedy as possible and he can come back.

“We don’t have another player with his skills or specific qualities, but we have to adapt. For many years, we played with different ways up front. It depends on the quality of the players. We are going to try and find a solution.”

Viana's a fan: Man City battling to sign "unbeatable" 6'8 star worth £17m

He could replace Ederson.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 1, 2025

Ahead of the summer, midfield could be where Guardiola and co conduct an overhaul, with the likes for Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and Gundogan could be on the move. Now, it looks as if the club have made their first moves for a key target.

Man City make contact for £50m AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders

According to TEAMtalk, Man City have made an enquiry to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan. The Sky Blues have made contact ‘to understand the conditions of a potential deal’, with reports prior claiming the AC Milan midfielder is valued at £50m and is City’s top target.

The 26-year-old has been starring for AC Milan this season, scoring 13 goals and registering four assists in more than 40 games.

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal

Phil Foden

Man City

Julian Brandt

Borussia Dortmund

Ilkay Gundogan

Man City

James Maddison

Tottenham

As can be seen, he has been compared to Foden, and Gundogan among others and can play as a defensive central or attacking midfielder.

Iconic midfielder, Frank Rijkaard has also been impressed with what he’s seen from Reijnders, saying: “I hope that Reijnders becomes one of the best midfielders in the world, but I sincerely believe he’s already on the right path. I really like his style of play.

“As time goes on, he’s becoming increasingly important for Milan. He can cover all roles in the midfield and shows his generosity: he never holds back from a run for the team and always gives his best.

“With the quality he has, he’s excellent at creating dangerous chances for his teammates and setting up the play well.”