On the hunt for a central defender after solving their striker problem with Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing a shock candidate this summer.

Ekitike undergoes Liverpool medical

After they broke the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz earlier this summer, some may have thought Liverpool were done with their big spending. As it happens, however, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are out to make a statement, and the arrival of Ekitike is only the latest part of an extensive plan.

After agreeing a deal worth an initial £69m, plus £10m in potential add-ons, Liverpool are set to welcome the Frenchman to their pre-season tour of Hong Kong once he completes his medical.

Taking their spending to almost £300m this summer, it would be easy to assume that the Reds are finally done with their spending. Once again, however, that does not seem to be the case.

Anfield chiefs are still reportedly plotting a move to sign Real Madrid’s Rodrygo if luis Diaz swaps Liverpool for Bayern Munich this summer. Meanwhile, they’re also reportedly looking to replace Federico Chiesa with Lyon’s Malick Fofana. And that’s without mentioning their desire to also sign another centre-back this summer.

A better signing than Rodrygo: Liverpool leading race to land £45m star

Liverpool are hoping to make a few more signings in the summer transfer window.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 23, 2025

To that end, Marc Guehi has been their main target all summer long. The England international has just one year left on his Crystal Palace deal, potentially allowing Liverpool to land a cut-price deal.

Whether Crystal Palace remain stubborn on their £45m stance will be the big question in negotiations, of course, and Liverpool certainly won’t overpay for the central defender. Instead, they could yet turn their attention towards an unexpected alternative.

Liverpool eyeing shock Charlie Cresswell move

As reported by GiveMeSport, Liverpool are now eyeing a move to sign Charlie Cresswell this summer after the Toulouse defender caught the attention of their scouts.

The former Leeds United youngster has thrived in France and deservedly has the interest of the Premier League champions. Standing at 6 foot 3, Cresswell would – like Guehi – tick the homegrown box for those at Anfield and represents one for the future at just 22 years old.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Cresswell	Guehi
Minutes	2,592	3,059
Progressive Passes	69	134
Tackles Won	23	34
Aerial Duels Won	98	68

Although Cresswell’s work in possession would need fine-tuning, his 6’3 stature would provide Liverpool with an undeniable asset. Winning almost 100 aerial duels last season, the 22-year-old would provide better aerial dominance than Ibrahima Konate, who won 74 duels last time out.

Praised for an “excellent” tournament with England at the U21 Euros by scout Jacek Kulig, Cresswell is now ready to step back into English football and perhaps come back to haunt former club Leeds.

If Liverpool fail in their Guehi pursuit, then the Toulouse man should be among their top alternative options this summer.

The current norm is for the chair and independent director to serve three terms of two years each

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-2024Jay Shah could end up being the ICC chair for two terms of three years each instead of three terms of two years each, which is the current norm, after he takes over on December 1. This after the ICC Board, which met in Dubai over the weekend, recommended that the term – for the chair and the independent director – be changed.In a statement on Monday, the ICC said that the recommendation will now be “circulated for approval” among its members, comprising Full and Associate Members.While no reason behind the recommendation was made public, it is understood that the move is part of the ICC’s drive for better governance. The ICC Board believes it will provide security and stability to both the chair and independent director, who sit on the ICC Board, without having to worry about elections every two years. Also, while the overall term of six years remains the same, there will be more continuity.Shah, who is 35, was elected unopposed to replace outgoing ICC chair Greg Barclay, who has served two of his three terms since being elected in 2020 for the first time. The independent director’s position, meanwhile, has been lying vacant since former Pepsico chair Indra Nooyi finished her three terms earlier this summer.There were changes to the ICC men’s cricket committee, too, with New Zealand businessman Scott Weenink appointed Full Member representative, and Scott Edwards, the 28-year-old Netherlands captain, named Associate Member representative.In a statement issued by the Royal Dutch Cricket Association*, Edwards said, “I am extremely excited and grateful to have the opportunity to join the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. Having been in the ICC Associate Member system, and playing with and against many Full Member and Associate Member sides over the past six years, I believe I have a good understanding of the challenges Associate countries and players face. I look forward to representing these countries to the best of my ability.”The women’s FTP – the second, after the one announced in 2022 – will be out soon•Getty ImagesWomen’s FTP for 2025-2029 to be out soonThe ICC Board has approved the next women’s future tours programme (FTP) for the 2025-2029 cycle, which will be announced in a few days. It will be the second FTP for women following the one announced in 2022.The ICC chief executives’ committee (CEC) also approved shifting the calendar for the women’s rankings annual update from October 1 to May 1 each year. In order for the rankings to reflect, the teams will have to play a minimum of eight matches per format (ODIs and T20Is) as opposed to the six currently. This is because of the increase in the volume of women’s cricket.The mechanism for Associate teams to gain ODI status has also been formalised. Currently, there are 16 women’s teams with ODI status. Apart from the 11 Full Members, five Associate Members – Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and USA – were included in the 2022-2025 cycle. For the 2025-2029 cycle, the top-two Associate teams that qualify for the women’s ODI World Cup qualifier 2025 will gain ODI status, while the remaining three slots will be filled based on the T20I rankings at the time of annual update [May 1, 2025]. This will mean that their ODI status will hinge on their T20I performances.The creation of two annual T20I tournaments between 2025 and 2028 for Associate teams has also been approved. This is to boost competition ahead of the 16-team women’s T20 World Cup in 2030.

يستضيف فريق مانشستر سيتي، عصر السبت، خصمه بيرنلي وذلك في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.

تأتي تلك المباراة في خضم لقاءات الجولة السادسة من الدوري الإنجليزي لذلك الموسم، على ملعب “الاتحاد”.

ويمتلك مانشستر سيتي 7 نقاط في المركز التاسع في جدول الدوري الإنجليزي، بينما يحتل بيرنلي المركز السادس عشر برصيد 4 نقاط.

ويسعى مانشستر سيتي إلى تحقيق الانتصار على بيرنلي في مباراتهما المرتقبة اليوم من أجل تعويض ما حدث في صدام آرسنال، الجولة الماضية، عندما تعادل السكاي بلو في الوقت القاتل.

ولن يشارك النجم المصري عمر مرموش في مباراة اليوم حيث لا يزال يعاني من الإصابة التي تعرض لها في الركبة خلال مباراة منتخبي مصر وبوركينا فاسو، في وقت سابق من شهر سبتمبر الجاري. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي المتوقع أمام بيرنلي في الدوري الإنجليزي

حراسة المرمى: جيانلويجي دوناروما.

خط الدفاع: ريكو لويس، روبن دياز، جفارديول، نيكو أوريلي.

خط الوسط: رودري، برناردو سيلفا.

خط الوسط الهجومي: تيجاني ريندرز، فيل فودين، جيريمي دوكو.

خط الهجوم: إيرلينج هالاند.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Mumbai Indians are set to retain their four major Indian players – Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav – along with Tilak Varma ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.With those five capped players retained, MI can use their one right-to-match option only on an uncapped player at the auction. While the individual amounts for each of their retained player is yet to be ascertained, MI will lose at least INR 75 crore from their purse of INR 120 crore, or more if they have paid a higher aggregate amount to the five.MI had a disappointing IPL 2024, finishing at the bottom of the league under the leadership of Hardik, who was traded in from Gujarat Titans and replaced Rohit as captain. Hardik was regularly booed at various venues last season as fans expressed their displeasure at the change of leadership, but he bounced back from poor personal form with significant contributions during India’s successful 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. However, Suryakumar was preferred as India’s T20I captain after that tournament once Rohit retired from the format, even though Hardik had captained India in T20Is for much of 2023.Related

• SRH to retain Travis Head and Nitish Reddy as well ahead of IPL mega auction

• LSG set to retain Pooran, Mayank and Bishnoi for IPL 2025

• IPL retention: How many players can a team keep? And at what cost?

• Gill, Rashid, Sudharsan to be retained by Gujarat Titans

• Samson, Jaiswal, Parag and Sandeep set to be retained by Rajasthan Royals

ESPNcricinfo has learned the MI management had a chat recently with their senior players on the plan going forward before agreeing on retentions.October 31 is the deadline by which the ten franchises have to submit their lists of retained players to the IPL. The teams have been allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction before the 2025 season, of which a maximum of five can be capped internationals and two can be uncapped players. While the IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each player retained – INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, INR 14 crore for the fifth, and INR 4 crore for an uncapped player – the franchises are free to pay more or less than those amounts to their retained players.

With Alexander Isak pushing for a move to Liverpool and Benjamin Šeško firmly on the radar of Manchester United, Newcastle United’s hunt for a new striker has taken on renewed urgency.

A replacement who can offer a consistent goal threat, hold-up play, and experience at the highest level is now a top priority for Eddie Howe and his recruitment team.

Though Šeško has long been considered Newcastle’s ideal replacement for Isak, the difficulty of securing the Slovenian this summer has forced the Magpies to explore alternatives.

RB Leipzig are open to a sale, but with growing interest from Manchester United, Newcastle are unlikely to match the wages on offer at Old Trafford.

What they need is a reliable, Premier League-proven scorer who can slot straight into Howe’s system without a lengthy adaptation period.

And crucially, someone who wants to join.

Newcastle looking at Sesko alternative

Enter Yoane Wissa.

The 28-year-old Brentford forward has emerged as a frontrunner in Newcastle’s striker search, and with good reason.

While not their first-choice profile due to age, Wissa has made it clear he wants to move to Tyneside, refusing to train with Brentford in a bid to push the transfer through.

Well, there seems to be an expectancy that the move goes through. Speaking to Football Insider, former Manchester United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown revealed this week:

“He’s made it clear he wants to leave, he’s told Brentford that and he’s refusing to train, so Brentford have to decide whether they want an unhappy player at the club. I expect they’ll reach an agreement at some stage.”

Despite competition from Tottenham, Wissa’s priority is reportedly to join Newcastle.

Brentford, who have already lost Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United and Christian Nørgaard to Arsenal, may be forced to lower their original £50m valuation.

So why are Newcastle willing to consider a player much older than their usual recruitment age of 24 and under?

Comparing Wissa to Šeško

The answer lies in Wissa’s output.

In the 2024/25 Premier League season, only Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals.

Wissa notched 20 goals and four assists in 3,072 minutes, a remarkable return in a Brentford side that struggled for form at times last season.

His efficiency in front of goal is particularly eye-catching.

Though he only averaged 1.26 shots on target per 90 minutes, his movement and composure inside the box meant he made those moments count.

Thomas Frank was keen to point this out: “Wissa, we knew, has always been a goalscorer. It’s remarkable. I definitely think he is best as a No. 9. He’s got that nose for goals.”

However, he’s also far more than a poacher. According to FBref, he ranked higher than Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland for completed passes (76.5%) and recorded more shot-creating actions per 90 than Dominic Solanke.

Wissa’s mobility and involvement in buildup play give him an edge over other traditional No. 9s.

Joao Pedro

43.5

Alexander Isak

33.5

Yoane Wissa

28.5

Liam Delap

23.7

Erling Haaland

21.0

Still, comparisons with Šeško are inevitable.

The 22-year-old is a more natural fit for Newcastle’s long-term vision, standing at 194cm with a powerful frame that mirrors Erling Haaland.

His age, athleticism, and contract until 2029 at Leipzig make him a major investment, but potentially a transformative one.

Šeško scored 21 goals in 45 appearances last season, including 13 in the Bundesliga.

Data from FBref also revealed that he offered 1.78 progressive carries and 1.74 progressive passes per 90, alongside a solid 43.9% shot-on-target rate and 2.50 shots per 90.

While Šeško remains an exciting long-term project, Wissa is ready-made.

He has performed under Premier League pressure and is pushing to join a club where his profile suits the manager’s tactical outlook.

One point of concern, however, is availability. Wissa is likely to miss part of the 2025/26 season due to AFCON commitments with DR Congo, something Newcastle will need to weigh carefully.

At nearly 29, he also lacks the resale value that players like Šeško might offer.

Still, in terms of what he offers now, Wissa could be the stopgap solution that Newcastle need.

Newcastle may yet revisit their interest in Šeško if Isak is sold for a huge fee, but in Wissa, they’ve found a player who ticks more boxes than he’s given credit for, and who is desperate to prove he belongs at a higher level.

Elanga's new Wood: Big-money CF has agreement in principle to join Newcastle

A striker has reportedly agreed to join Newcastle United.

ByWill Miller Jul 28, 2025

Tottenham have now entered advanced talks to sell one player with “a lot of character”, and the Lilywhites are said to have reached an agreement on the fee.

Player's camp in talks with Tottenham, Frank convinced he'd join Spurs

The Dane is personally confident they can secure his signature.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has seen Mathys Tel arrive on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich, to the tune of £30 million, with Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus following the Frenchman as they anxiously wait for a potential Morgan Gibbs-White move to go through next.

Nottingham Forest have written a letter to Spurs and the player’s agent threatening legal action, following what they perceive to be an ‘illegal’ approach for the 25-year-old (Sky Sports), but Frank’s side remain hopeful they’ll be able to sign Gibbs-White before deadline day on September 1 (Fabrizio Romano).

In the meantime, attention is turning to other transfer targets, and Brentford star Yoane Wissa remains chief among them amid a reported preference to reunite with Frank in north London.

Tottenham are also yet to make a single sale this summer, despite uncertainty surrounding the futures of many squad members.

Bryan Gil has already confirmed his intention to leave Spurs, while Manor Solomon’s sale would count as pure profit in the eyes of PSR after he signed as a free agent two years ago.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Richarlison is attracting interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia as well, with club captain Son Heung-min also tipped to leave this summer as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

Alejo Veliz re-joined Rosario Central on loan, but this has been the sum of Daniel Levy’s business in terms of outgoings, at least until now.

Tottenham in "advanced talks" to sell goalkeeper Josh Keeley

Indeed, according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, Tottenham are now in “advanced talks” to sell goalkeeper Josh Keeley.

The 22-year-old is now on the verge of a move to Kenilworth Road, and if all goes to plan, he’ll be playing in League One next season following Luton’s back-to-back relegations.

Tottenham apparently couldn’t agree a new contract for the Irishman, who spent last season on loan at Leyton Orient, with Levy opting to part company despite rave reviews by managers who’ve worked with him.

“His reputation is growing all the time,” Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens told BBC Radio London after their win against Derby County.

“I’m a big believer that goalkeepers, it’s not making great saves from penalties, it’s about having the character about you to believe you can save it. Josh has got that personality and that swagger.

“The fact that he comes up and keeps us in the competition with that header is the extreme, but the kid has got a lot of character and will go far in the game.”

Sky Sports add that the fee agreed is around £1 million, and there will be no buy-back clause.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko this summer feels as though it’s been dragging out for months, with an end to the saga currently not in sight for the Red Devils.

Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled to win the race for the RB Leipzig striker’s signature, also facing competition from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.

Rumours have been circulating that current centre forward Rasmus Hojlund could potentially be included in any move to bring the cost of the transfer down this summer.

However, with the September 1st transfer deadline rapidly approaching, the hierarchy will need to act quickly if they are to secure the Slovenian’s signature ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

There’s no denying that the 22-year-old will remain as their number one target between now and the end of the window, but other targets are being considered as a result of the saga.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

As previously mentioned, Newcastle are also considering a move for Sesko, even taking the next step in their pursuit of the forward after submitting their second offer in recent days.

However, David Ornstein confirmed this afternoon that the Red Devils have made their own offer for the 22-year-old, totalling £74m including add-ons – leaving the player to decide which move he prefers this summer.

Despite the update on a move for Sesko, bids are also being prepared for other options, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a player in their sights, according to Stretty News.

They claim that the Red Devils and Jason Wilcox are preparing a €30m (£26m) bid for the 26-year-old, who currently has one year left on his contract with the Ligue 1 giants.

It also states that the Italian international could be keen on a move to England this summer, after his current employers landed Lucas Chevalier to be their new number one this summer.

Why United’s £26m target would be a better signing than Sesko

There’s no doubt that, after scoring just 44 league goals in their 38 outings last season, United desperately need a new striker if they are to rise up the table throughout 2025/26.

The additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already added needed quality into the final third, but further moves by Wilcox and co are needed if the club are to endure any success during Amorim’s reign.

Sesko, who scored 21 times last season, would undoubtedly offer an upgrade to the boss, but with the Magpies’ advances, it could make a deal somewhat trickier, even though they have made their own offer in recent hours.

Cheaper alternatives have already appeared on their radar, with Ollie Watkins and Nicolas Jackson two Premier League-proven options they could turn to as a result.

Both could easily fill the needed void at the top end of the pitch, with any money saved potentially playing a huge part in their move to land goalkeeper Donnarumma.

A shot-stopper has also been desperately needed, with current number one Andre Onana out injured, but also dropping multiple clangers during his spell in the side last season. Indeed, he made five errors leading to a goal in the Premier League and Europa League combined.

The Cameroonian cost the side in numerous key moments, including the Bilbao final, where he was unable to keep the ball out from Brennan Johnson’s close-range effort.

Donnarumma, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former ‘keeper Diego Lopez, has showcased his talents in recent times, registering 2.2 saves per 90 last season, helping the French side win the Champions League.

He also ranked in the top 15% of all ‘keepers in Europe for goals conceded per 90, handing United that needed quality they’ve been lacking between the sticks in recent months.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s stats in Ligue 1 (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

24

Goals against per 90

1.08

Saves made

2.2

Save percentage

70%

Pass accuracy

86%

Defensive actions outside the box

0.9

% of passes launched

13%

Errors leading to goals

0

Stats via FotMob

The major key to any move for the former AC Milan star is his lack of errors, not making a single mistake that led to a goal, which would see him massively provide an upgrade on Onana.

£26m for a player of his calibre in today’s market would be phenomenal business, handing Amorim a superb option to bolster his chances of success at Old Trafford.

There’s no doubt that Sesko would provide an excellent option in attacking areas, but there are cheaper options available this summer that could offer just as big of an impact, which could also free up funds to pursue a move for Donnarumma.

Related Amorim's very own Ibrahimovic: Man Utd to make bid for "phenomenal" talent

Manchester United are making moves for a player who could replicate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Posts 3 ByEthan Lamb Aug 4, 2025

New Zealand vs Pakistan

Dubai, 6pm local time

New Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (capt), Muneeba Ali (wk), Aliya Riaz, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Najiha Alvi.Tournament form guide: New Zealand recovered from a heavy defeat against Australia and registered an important eight-wicket win against Sri Lanka to remain strong contenders for the semi-final. As for Pakistan, they started their campaign with a win against Sri Lanka but slumped to defeats against India and then Australia.News brief: Thanks to Australia’s win over India, all New Zealand need to do is beat Pakistan to qualify for the semis. Their confidence will be boosted by Georgia Plimmer finding form as well as Amelia Kerr being among the runs and wickets. While the target of 116 they chased down against Sri Lanka was a modest one, it was a case of the batters bouncing back after being bundled out for 88 against Australia. They have resources to go in with six bowling options whether they persist with Fran Jonas or bring back Jess Kerr.Fatima Sana (in front) should return to the Pakistan XI•ICC/Getty Images

Pakistan will be buoyed by the return of their regular captain Fatima Sana, who returned to the UAE after going home upon her father passing away. However, Diana Baig, one of their strike bowlers, has been ruled out with a calf injury and Najiha Alvi, her replacement, could be in with a chance to play.Player to watch: Rosemary Mair, with six wickets in three games, is the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand going into the game. She went wicketless against Sri Lanka but bowled 14 dots and conceded at only 4.25 an over. She has dismissed key batters like Alyssa Healy, Harmanpreet Kaur and has been used both as a new-ball bowler and a first-change bowler. Sana was dearly missed in Pakistan’s game against Australia and is key for their prospects although they only have an outside chance of qualifying for the semis. Sana has scored at a strike rate of 153 and has taken four wickets with the ball, apart from leading the team competently.

West Ham United supporters are demanding that their team be busy in this transfer window.

So far, the Irons’ biggest move in the market is selling Mohammed Kudus to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur for a reported fee of £55m which, fair to say, has not gone down well!

The arrival of full-backs El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters have done little to quell the anger in East London, with Graham Potter in desperate need of reinforcements, but are the Hammers set to make a new signing, reminiscent of Jarrod Bowen’s arrival five years ago?

West Ham's search for a new goalkeeper

There are plenty of areas of the West Ham squad that could do with improving this summer, one of which is certainly goalkeeper, as outlined by the table below.

West Ham’s goalkeepers 2024/25 Premier League statistics

Statistics

Alphonse Areola

PL rank

Łukasz Fabiański

PL rank

Minutes

2,260

18th

1,160

22nd

Saves

77

15th

50

21st

Save %

64.3%

20th

74.6%

2nd

Goals conceded per 90

1.63

6th

1.63

7th

Clean sheet %

20%

13th

15.4%

17th

Post shot xG – goals conceded

-2.6

36th

+1.6

12th

% of crosses prevented

3.8%

21st

4.5%

18th

Punches

10

17th

9

19th

High claims

15

19th

9

24th

Average SofaScore rating

6.87

34th

7.08

18th

Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table shows, neither the form of Alphonse Areola nor Łukasz Fabiański was particularly impressive last season, both ranking generally pretty lowly for the vast majority of metrics.

Despite actually seeing fewer minutes, the Polish international’s numbers were more impressive, but the 40-year-old has been released this summer, leaving the French World Cup winner as the current number one. He started Saturday’s Premier League Summer Series clash with Manchester United, but the Irons are seemingly targeting an upgrade.

That’s because, as noted by Will Unwin of the Guardian, the Hammers are targeting a move to sign Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper.

West Ham had previously been ‘interested’ in signing Mads Hermansen from Leicester City, but have now turned their attention to Cooper, who Alan Nixon and Henry Tomlinson of the Sun claim is valued at around £15m by the Blades.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

So, could he soon swap South Yorkshire for East London?

How Michael Cooper would improve West Ham

After beginning his senior career at Plymouth Argyle, making 161 appearances for the Pilgrims, Cooper joined Sheffield United for a reported fee of £4m just last summer and certainly impressed at Bramall Lane.

After his debut, Cooper featured in 46 of Sheffield United’s 47 EFL Championship fixtures, including the gut-wrenching play-off final defeat to Sunderland at Wembley, with Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout heralding his “incredible” form in the past.

Meantime, Nancy Frostick of the Athletic labels him a ‘strong all-rounder’ who is ‘capable of game-changing saves’ as well as boasting ‘effective distribution’, forecasting that he is ‘destined for great things’.

His statistics in the Championship certainly support these assertions.

Michael Cooper EFL Championship statistics 2024/25

Statistics

Cooper

Championship rank

Saves

109

8th

Save %

79.6%

2nd

Clean sheets

21

2nd

Clean sheet %

48.8%

3rd

Post-shot xG – goals conceded

+6.5

5th

% of crosses prevented

9.6%

1st

High claims

54

1st

Average SofaScore rating

7.19

4th

Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table outlines, Cooper ranks highly for all goalkeeping metrics included, most notably shot-stopping and high claims, statistics that weren’t particularly impressive when it came to West Ham’s current goalkeeper Areola.

He would not be the first player West Ham have signed from the EFL in recent times, as documented below.

West Ham signings from EFL clubs (2017-present)

Players

Year joined

Fee

West Ham appearances

Crysencio Summerville

2024

£25m

22

James Ward-Prowse

2023

£30m

67

Maxwel Cornet

2022

£17.5m

37

Saïd Benrahma

2020

£26m

155

Jarrod Bowen

2020

£22m

238

Jordan Hugill

2018

£10m

3

Marko Arnautović

2017

£20m

65

Robert Snodgrass

2017

£10m

86

All information courtesy of Transfermarkt

Fair to say, West Ham have spent plenty of money signing EFL stars in recent years, a few of which have been massive flops; looking at you, Maxwel Cornet and Jordan Hugill!

Unquestionably, however, the best signing of them all is the £22m spent to bring in Jarrod Bowen from Hull City in January 2020.

Now the club captain, Bowen has scored 74 goals in 238 appearances for the Irons, most memorably bagging the winner in the Europa Conference League Final against Fiorentina in Prague, securing the club’s first major silverware since winning the FA Cup in 1980.

Speaking to Goal, Michail Antonio jokingly stated that Bowen “needs to leave”, given that he is just 12 goals behind Antonio’s all-time Premier League goals record for the club of 68, a record he’s expecting will be broken this season.

So, while Cooper will have to go a long way to have the impact in East London that Bowen has had, the goalkeeper certainly has the potential to be another transformational signing, especially when considering the Hammers’ ongoing issues in that position.

Related Better move than Wilson: West Ham open first talks to sign "exciting" CF

West Ham are looking to sign a striker or two this summer

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jul 28, 2025

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino says he was "in shock" following the news that chairman Daniel Levy was leaving the club.

Pochettino in shock after Levy exitLevy departs after almost 25 yearsPochettino managed Spurs between 2014 and 2019Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Spurs announced on Thursday that the long-serving chairman was departing after almost 25 years at the helm. While the club stated he was "stepping down" with immediate effect, the have since reported that Levy was eased aside by owner Joe Lewis and the board.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

And Pochettino – who worked alongside Levy during his five-and-a-half-year spell as Tottenham head coach – has revealed he immediately texted his former boss after learning the news of his shock exit from north London.

WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

Pochettino, who is now in charge of the United States men's national team, said: "I am a little bit in shock because he [Levy] was my former president. I don't know what happened there. Of course, I sent a text to him, and I sent a text to different people that were very close to him. I wish him the best. My relationship [with him] always was very good, and yes, I was in shock."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

After he was appointed by Levy in 2014, Pochettino enjoyed a successful spell in charge of Tottenham. Under the Argentine's stewardship, the club finished inside the top four in four consecutive Premier League seasons, while also reaching the Champions League final in 2019 before he was dismissed in November of that year. Pochettino has since managed Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and the USMNT, while Levy oversaw Tottenham's Europa League victory over Manchester United in May, ending the club's 17-year wait for a trophy.