With the loss Renegades’ chances of making it to the playoffs took a massive beating

AAP14-Jan-2025

Big hitting from Hobart Hurricanes mainstays Matthew Wade and Tim David has proved to be the difference in a crucial win over Melbourne Renegades in Hobart.The four-wicket home win with two balls left, however, has come at a potentially high cost, with opening bowler Billy Stanlake injuring his shoulder only six days out from the knockouts. The win puts Hurricanes on top of the points table with two games left and almost ends Renegades’ slim playoffs hopes.Sent into bat, Renegades fought hard after another top-order collapse, but their 154 for 7 was not enough. In the chase then, after limping to 66 for 4 at the ten-over mark, Hurricanes steadied through Nikhil Chaudhary’s 36. Wade then belted 36 from 23 balls with five fours and one six, but his dismissal in the 17th over meant another plot twist, with Hurricanes needing eight off the last over.Tom Rogers was unlucky not to trap David leg before with the third ball of the over – the review showed it pitched just outside off stump. Rogers tried a yorker with the next ball and David hoiked the low full toss over deep square leg for a massive six that tied the scores.David’s single then won the game and he hit an unbeaten 24 from 15 balls, including two fours and a six.Jacob Bethell scored a fluent 87 off 50 balls•Getty Images

Jacob Bethell picked two wickets with his left-arm spin after anchoring the Renegades with a 50-ball 87.The Hurricanes won the toss and paid a high price for the first Renegades wicket when Stanlake took a great diving catch off Riley Meredith to dismiss Josh Brown. Stanlake immediately held his right shoulder and briefly left the field. He twice tried to start the next over, but pulled up in his delivery stride and went off the ground again for the rest of the innings.The Renegades’ top order failed again and were in trouble at 23 for 3 and then 69 for 4. Then Bethell combined with Tim Seifert (24) and Sutherland (15) to put the pressure back on the hosts.Bethell was run out in the last over after facing 50 balls, with eight fours and four sixes. Meredith was the pick of the Hurricanes attack, taking 3 for 36 from four overs.Hurricanes brought in Caleb Jewell and Jake Doran for Ben McDermott (hamstring) and Chris Jordan (back), while Renegades’ left-arm wristpinner Callum Stow took a wicket on debut after he replaced Kane Richardson (soreness).

تحدث البولندي فويتشيك تشيزني، حارس مرمى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، عما قاله هانز فليك، بعد الخسارة من إشبيلية وباريس سان جيرمان خلال حواره عبر صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية.

وخسر برشلونة بأثقل هزيمة له هذا الموسم أمام إشبيلية بنتيجة 4/1 ليتوقف رصيده عند النقطة 19، ويفقد صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني لصالح ريال مدريد الذي يمتلك 21 نقطة.

كان برشلونة قد خسر أيضًا بثنائية مقابل هدف أمام باريس سان جيرمان، في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وعن الهزيمتين أمام إشبيلية وباريس سان جيرمان، قال: “كانتا مباراتين مختلفتين تمامًا، كان باريس سان جيرمان أفضل منا وأكثر دقة وانتعاشًا ومتميزًا تكتيكيًا، لا يعجبنا ذلك إنه مؤلم للغاية، لكن علينا تقبُل النتيجة ضد باريس سان جيرمان”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ديلي ميل: ليفربول يحدد بديل محمد صلاح.. “متألق في فانتازي”

وأكمل: “في إشبيلية لم نبذل قصارى جهدنا، كان الشوط الأول سيئًا، مباراة سيئة وهذا وارد الحدوث، إنه أمر مقلق بعض الشيء لكن من المهم أن نفهم أن هذا الموسم لن يكون سهلًا أبدًا وأن علينا التركيز، وأننا إذا لم نبذل قصارى جهدنا، فقد نتعرض لضربة قوية، يجب أن نؤدي بشكل أفضل بكثير”.

وعن وجود قلق بالفريق: “لا أعتقد أن هناك ما يدعو للقلق، فقط إذا أردنا موسمًا مثل الموسم الماضي أو أفضل إذا لم نبذل قصارى جهدنا في كل مباراة ونحافظ على تركيزنا فقد يتكرر ما حدث في إشبيلية، لكن لدينا فريقًا ذكيًا للغاية والجميع فهموا أنه علينا العمل والتعافي والاسترخاء”.

عما قاله فليك بعد الهزيمة: “قال لنا لم أكن سعيدًا، لأن خسارة مباراتين في 3 أيام كمدرب لـ برشلونة ليست السيناريو الأمثل، يجب أن نفهم أنه إذا خسرنا مباريات، فعلينا العودة وقد حان وقت العودة إلى العمل وتقديم أفضل ما لدينا، والمنافسة على الألقاب كما فعلنا الموسم الماضي”.

Chelsea fans will be optimistic heading into the new Premier League season after watching their side lift the Club World Cup during an eventful summer.

Already, new signing Joao Pedro has stuck out by hammering home three goals from three games in the summer tournament, with the same excitement levels in the air regarding what Jamie Gittens could be capable of in the English game moving forward after his bumper £48.5m switch from Borussia Dortmund.

With the might of Arne Slot’s Liverpool in the way, it will be viewed as a tall order to expect Enzo Maresca’s men to be title-challengers.

However, Maresca and Co. could send ripples through the Premier League still by landing this in-demand talent who is touted to be available for an eye-watering £104m.

Chelsea in race to sign £104m star

Only the aforementioned title-winning Reds have splashed the cash more this off-season, with Liverpool spending a whopping £295.5m, which is £45m less than Chelsea’s own high amount of £250m.

Expect that spending to increase before September’s cut-off point, too, with £35m potentially forked out to snap up rising Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman amid Levi Colwill’s horrific ACL injury.

That is nothing when contrasted with Chelsea’s chase for coveted Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, however, with that weighty £104m expected to be enough to tempt the 21-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

It won’t be that straightforward, though, with Caught Offside now reporting that the intense race for Baleba’s services also involves not just Chelsea, but Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Whilst it is further stated that a move for Baleba to join Chelsea this summer is unlikely, it would be quite the statement move to make if it were to suddenly accelerate into motion.

Why Baleba is a better signing than Simons

Snapping up the £104m-rated midfielder would surely be seen as a better signing than Xavi Simons joining the building, with Baleba already well-versed in what it takes to be a success in the Premier League, among other standout reasons.

That isn’t to say Simons wouldn’t make an instant impact if he were to swap RB Leipzig for the Premier League imminently.

After all, he hasn’t just amassed a hefty 77 goal contributions by fluke for both Leipzig and PSV Eindhoven, with his adaptability to play down the left flank – as well as through the middle as a number ten or down the right – gifting Maresca multiple options in the attacking positions.

However, there is no guarantee that Simons would be able to gain a spot in the Italian’s starting XI straight away, particularly if he was trying to usurp Cole Palmer, who managed to collect five more goals and assists last season than his Dutch counterpart.

Whereas, Baleba could stand more of a chance at making a name for himself in the holding midfield positions at Stamford Bridge immediately.

After all, the Cameroonian possesses a fierce effort such as the one above in his back pocket, which varies his game away from just being known as a solid midfield presence.

Moreover, he has also matched and even bettered the likes of Blues stalwarts Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez all across last campaign when assessing their respective numbers, lending credence to analyst Ben Mattinson’s claim that he is “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”

Amazingly, despite being well-known for their anchor roles in the Chelsea set-up, over the last year, Baleba has actually trumped both Caicedo and Fernandez when it comes to interceptions and blocks registered per 90 minutes.

Boasting the highest number of successful take-ons when weighed up head-to-head, too, landing the 21-year-old might just gift the Blues some youthful exuberance in the middle, with Mattinson further labelling Baleba as “exceptional” for his well-rounded approach centrally.

Winning his services against all the odds really feels as if it would be a summer pick-up that would send shockwaves through the division as Chelsea aim to be bombshell title hopefuls.

On the contrary, with Gittens already in through the door from the Bundesliga, and with Palmer fresh off a goal-and-assist laden Club World Cup, Simons might be an unnecessary splurge of money, as the Blues roll ever closer to the window slamming shut.

Chelsea reduce asking price for player by 70 per cent amid Saudi interest

The Blues are prepared to sanction a cut-price deal.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 10, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Autor do ‘pênalti’ que gerou o gol de empate em 1 a 1 do Corinthians e motivou as reclamações do São Paulo sobre a arbitragem do carioca Bruno Arleu de Araújo no clássico deste domingo (14), em Itaquera, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, o lateral-direito Rafinha foi mais a endossar o coro tricolor contra o homem do apito nos vestiários. O jogador relembrou também a expulsão de Nestor no empate sem gols com o Fortaleza, durante o meio de semana. Confira:

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After the spinners limited England to 132, India’s batters aced the chase to go 1-0 up

Vithushan Ehantharajah22-Jan-20251:34

Manjrekar: India’s spinners made it impossible for England to recover

India brutally cast aside England in the first T20I at Eden Gardens, as Abhishek Sharma’s 79 from just 34 deliveries munched a meagre target of 133 with 43 balls to spare.Abhishek’s third 50-plus score in the format capped an accomplished all-round performance from India. A combination of Arshdeep Singh’s 2 for 17 up top and Varun Chakravarthy’s 3 for 23 through the middle accounted for England for 132, scuppering their attempts to mark Brendon McCullum’s first match in charge in the format with the attacking verve he craves.But for Jos Buttler’s 68 – his 26th T20I fifty – things could have been worse. Buttler’s evening had begun by losing a crucial toss to Suryakumar Yadav. With the 7pm start in Kolkata, moisture was in the air throughout, and dew a factor in the first innings itself. Both captains wanted to bowl, and only one got the chance.Related

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Arshdeep made the best of the conditions, removing openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in his first 11 deliveries. Those dismissals took the left-arm seamer to 97 wickets in T20Is, leapfrogging Yuzvendra Chahal as India’s top wicket-taker in the format.By the time Buttler departed in the 17th over, he had provided 68 out of the 109 on the board, with Harry Brook the only batter to reach double-figures before Jofra Archer pitched in with 12 from No. 9.Brook’s 17 was part of a stand of 48 with Buttler, the vice-captain and captain setting about a rebuild that was ended by Varun’s googlies. Varun bowled Brook and Liam Livingstone in the space of three deliveries to turn England back to rubble. His third was Buttler, holing out to deep square-leg.Whatever little jeopardy there was in the chase, was restricted to just the fifth over, when Archer removed both Sanju Samson – who had done the early running – and Suryakumar for a duck in four deliveries. Archer, who bowled his four overs on the bounce having opened the innings, was comfortably the pick of England’s bowlers with 2 for 21. By contrast, Gus Atkinson was taken apart for 38 runs across his two overs, with his first blitzed for 22 by Samson.The onus was then on Abhishek, who was put down by Adil Rashid on 29 off 16. He would bring up his half-century just four balls later.Though Rashid eventually got his man, India had all but established a 1-0 lead in this five-match series by then. A top-edged four from Tilak Varma off Mark Wood’s bouncer off the penultimate ball of the 13th over confirmed it.ESPNcricinfo LtdArshdeep Singh sets the toneBefore England were choked through the middle by a three-pronged spin attack, they were clipped up top by the lone Indian full-time quick. Since debuting in 2022, Arshdeep has been a new-ball banker for India’s shortest format. Consistently devastating and devastatingly consistent.It was fitting that on the night he became India’s leading T20I wicket-taker, he reinforced his credentials as one of the format’s leading seamers in an opening three-over spell of 2 for 10. Movement away and up off a good length did for Salt, who could only sky a leading edge, and it was followed by nip the other way that left the left-handed Duckett for a similar demise.Of those initial 18 deliveries, a remarkable 12 were dots, which saw him get the better of Buttler and Brook without reward. On another day, their feelers outside off stump may have resulted in edges, bringing more joy Arshdeep’s way. But rather than bemoan missing out on those extra notches in the wicket column, he seemed happy enough with his work, having opened the door for his spinners.Jos Buttler top-scored for England with 68 off 44 balls•Getty ImagesFamiliar failingsThere is no shame in falling to India’s spinners in any format, least of all when they are operating at home. But there was a haunting familiarity about England’s failure at Eden Gardens – and it has nothing to do with what happened here in that final in 2016.Eight years on from that heartbreak, England were roughed up in 2024’s semi-final in Guyana, as Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja combined to take 6 for 58 from 11 overs. Only Axar remained this time around, but the results were about the same – 12 overs of web-spinning prising out five for the concession of just 67.It is easy to say the likes of Brook, Livingstone and Jacob Bethell should have taken cues from Buttler, particularly his ability to pick length. But Buttler’s vast IPL experience and superior ability makes that hard to replicate. Credit belongs to the bowlers, particularly Varun.Despite the grass on the surface, the spinner was unperturbed. His IPL nous came to the fore at a ground where he has taken 24 wickets at 22.20 from 16 appearances.A holding pattern of deliveries just short of a length kept the ball out of hitting arcs, and he was not pre-occupied with spinning the ball past the edge – even though he beat the insides of Brook’s and Livingstone’s bats. “Bowling sidespin, I cannot beat batsmen with sidespin. The only way I can beat batsmen with bounce,” Varun, as he nursed a deserved Player-of-the-Match award, said. Perhaps most galling for England is he rated his display a humble “seven out of ten”.Nitish Kumar Reddy took a running, tumbling catch to send back Jos Buttler•AFP/Getty ImagesIndia’s cleaner handsBethell’s drop of Abhishek, charging in from deep midwicket, tracking the ball all the way only to see it spill through his hands as he dived forward, did not matter.A ball later, Abhishek was caught at longoff. An over later, India had confirmed their win. But the sight of one of England’s best fielders fall short in that moment highlighted the gap between the two fielding efforts on Wednesday evening.It would have been one hell of a take, but still not the best of the night. That honour belonged to Nitish Kumar Reddy, who pulled off a tougher version of Bethell’s effort, sprinting in at a greater rate of knots and intercepting the ball so close to the ground that the umpires asked for a second look. Buttler, whose charge was halted by that brilliance, had already made it back to the dugout when the television umpire finally gave it the all-clear.Despite playing no part with bat or ball, Reddy got plenty of airtime, taking a simpler catch to remove Jamie Overton and scurrying about the deep on a one-man mission to restrict England’s boundary count. That endeavour was matched by those in the ring, with Rinku Singh setting the tone when he claimed a leading edge off Duckett that required him to sprint back from cover with one eye over his shoulder.Of course, Bethell’s drop was not even the worst off Abhishek. Rashid’s was a far simpler caught-and-bowled chance. The legspinner was duly punished when the left-hand batter blitzed three boundaries – the last two sixes over midwicket, then straight down the ground – off the remainder of his over. England’s heads dropped – a nod to the nourishing effect of taking your catches.

Manchester United’s transfer window has already been a huge success, with Ruben Amorim making key additions to help him in his quest for success at Old Trafford.

He’s already landed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, costing a staggering £62.5m but massively bolstering the number ten position within the first-team squad.

Bryan Mbeumo also made the move to join the Red Devils, also costing a pretty penny, with the hierarchy forking out a whopping £71m to lure him away from Brentford.

Whilst the pair have already set the club back over £130m this summer, they will offer that creative spark Amorim’s side have been missing, notching 35 combined Premier League goals between them last season.

However, their big-money window also looks set to continue with a couple of weeks remaining, targeting multiple talents who would further improve the club’s chance of success in the near future.

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

Benjamin Sesko looks to be United’s latest addition this summer, after the club made a £74m offer for the RB Leipzig striker in the last 24 hours – a figure that could be enough to land his signature.

Newcastle United have also submitted a bid for the Slovenian international, but the latest reports suggest that the player himself is favouring a move to Old Trafford over a switch to St James’ Park.

However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz a player appearing on their radar, according to Football Insider.

Their report claims that the Red Devils have entered talks with the Serie A side over a move for the Brazilian, who’s been allowed to depart the club less than 12 months after joining.

It also states that West Ham United, Everton and Nottingham Forest are also in the race for his signature, leading to a loan with an obligation to buy being mooted for the 27-year-old.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Mbeumo & Cunha

Given United’s measly Premier League tally of just 44 goals last season, it’s evident that the side desperately needed added reinforcements in the final third – something which the hierarchy have evidently done this window.

The aforementioned duo of Cunha and Mbeumo’s tally of 35 goals would’ve equated to 80% of the side’s tally, highlighting the added threat the Red Devils will possess in 2025/26.

However, they will need ammunition if they are to succeed in their first season at the club, with Bruno Fernandes likely to be the main candidate based on the previous campaign.

The Portuguese international notched 18 assists across all competitions last season, but he could be joined by Luiz in his quest to provide his teammates with chances in the final third.

Whilst he only managed 27 appearances for the Old Lady last season, the former Aston Villa star still managed to thrive with the ball at his feet, making him an excellent deep-lying option in Amorim’s system.

His talent on the ball could provide the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo with added chances for success in front of goal, whilst also being an excellent buy given his previous five-year spell at Aston Villa in England’s top-flight.

Luiz, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Adam Gilks, registered an 87% pass completion rate, whilst making 2.6 key passes per 90 – ranking him within the top 1% of all players in Serie A last campaign.

Games played

19

Minutes played

516

Pass accuracy

87%

Progressive passes

6.1

Progressive carries

2.7

Key passes made

2.6

Passes into final third

3.2

Tackles won

1.4

% of tackles won

67%

Such tallies would be perfect for those ahead of him, with his figure of 6.1 progressive passes and 3.2 passes into the final third per 90 further highlighting his creative ability, which would massively aid the new additions in attacking areas.

Out of possession, the Brazilian has been just as impressive, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 at a success rate of 67%, handing the side the needed defensive talent at the heart of the side.

Any move for Luiz this summer would be an excellent piece of business, offering Amorim with the perfect box-to-box option in midfield, subsequently able to have the tools to impress at both ends of the pitch.

If he can carry his creativity over with him from Italy, he can help his fellow new additions to thrive during their first year in Manchester, which could allow the side to rise up the table throughout 2025/26.

The next Bruno: Man Utd readying bid for "outstanding" talent after Sesko

Manchester United’s activity this window is showing no signs after making their move for Benjamin Sesko.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 6, 2025

Cricket Australia contracted fast bowler Jhye Richardson will undergo shoulder surgery this week which will end his summer, despite Perth Scorchers still being in contention to play finals, with the aim of being fully fit for the 2025-26 Ashes series.Richardson, 28, has already had two surgeries on his right bowling shoulder since initially dislocating it while fielding in an ODI in March of 2019. His last shoulder surgery was in 2020 but he has had multiple dislocations since, including while celebrating a wicket on his Sheffield Shield return in November.Richardson did get through that match, which was his first first-class match in 12 months, but had to ban himself from high fives due to his shoulder instability. He has had a number of other injury issues including undergoing hamstring surgery last summer.Related

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• Wickets, injury, wicket: Jhye Richardson's dramatic Shield return

Fielding has been a major issue for Richardson ever since his first dislocation in 2019. He was previously a livewire in the field but has since been limited in the outfield because of his inability to throw. He has bowled balls to the keeper from the outfield or underarmed from in close and has not been able to dive having suffered multiple dislocations when doing so. He also dropped a catch in Scorchers’ loss to Sydney Sixers, in part due to his hesitation in trying to get his arms above his head quickly.But even with that injury, Australia’s selectors decided he was fit enough to be added to the Test squad for the fourth and fifth Tests against India in Melbourne and Sydney although he didn’t play. He was not selected for the Test tour of Sri Lanka with Australia opting to take Sean Abbott as the third pacer alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable.Richardson has only played five of Scorchers’ eight BBL matches due to his inclusion in the Test squad. Scorchers currently sit fifth on the table and could still technically play in the finals despite having lost their last three matches.Jhye Richardson could only low-five due to his shoulder issues•Sarah Reed – CA / Getty Images

But it is understood that a decision was made on Richardson’s surgery a week ago and CA announced it just a day out from Scorchers’ next match against Sydney Thunder.”After careful consideration and many discussions with my medical team, I’ve made the decision to undergo shoulder surgery to improve stability and reduce the risk of future injury,” Richardson said in the statement.”For the past few years, I have been limited by my shoulder in the field and know how increasingly important it is to be capable to back up my teammates. While it’s a tough call, especially as it means I won’t be able to finish the season with the Scorchers, this is the best option to set me up for a strong and healthy return to cricket.”The timing of the surgery is crucial to ensure I have the best possible build-up, including Shield cricket leading into next summer. I’ll be giving everything I’ve got to the rehab process, determined to come back as the best version of myself.”

After eight seasons outside the luxuries of the Premier League, it’s fair to say Sunderland returned with a bang against West Ham United.

The first half played out as a tense 0-0 affair, before the Black Cats then suddenly burst into life as Eliezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard, and Wilson Isidor all found the back of the net in quick succession to hand Regis Le Bris’ underdogs a glorious 3-0 win.

Off the back of such an impressive victory, Sunderland find themselves just below top spot in the Premier League on goal difference, owing to Manchester City’s slightly more emphatic 4-0 success.

The aim will be to continue to put wins on the board to ensure a heartbreaking relegation doesn’t happen, with more signings looking to be in the pipeline, too, in order to help matters on the pitch.

Sunderland explore move for £30m star

Sunderland really have been one of the big spenders in the Premier League this summer, despite their newly promoted status.

£141.5m has been splashed out in total on 12 brand new signings, with the Black Cats adding former Bayer Leverkusen right-back Nordi Mukele to their camp just after the resounding triumph over the Hammers for £9.5m.

More cash could soon be spent on landing Getafe attacker Christantus Uche, with both Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers also keen on the Nigerian forward, on top of Le Bris’ outfit further taking a fancy to this new £30m target to upgrade their options up top.

Indeed, it had been reported that Sunderland had lodged a £27m bid for Leicester City star Abdul Fatawu. An update from BBC Sport confirms that the Wearside club is exploring a possible move for the standout Foxes winger, but a move may well prove to be tricky to get over the line, owing to his pricey valuation, which is now allegedly closer to £30m.

That means any move for the Ghanaian to join the Stadium of Light ranks would match their record transfer fee for Habib Diarra.

It could well be deemed a gamble worth exploring, with a potential here for Sunderland to pick up their next Amad Diallo if Fatawu goes on to be as tricky and effective as the Ivorian was all those years ago donning the famous red and white stripes.

How Fatawu could be Sunderland's next Amad

Amad would never get to grace the Stadium of Light turf in the Premier League.

Instead, he proved to be a dangerous spark throughout his loan stint in the Championship for the Wearside outfit, with Sunderland fans still possessing a fondness for the slick 23-year-old two years on from his explosive stint at the club.

14 goals and four assists would fall into Amad’s lap from 42 memorable appearances for the Black Cats, with his game then taken to that next level back at parent employers Manchester United, leaving him with a healthy haul of 14 goals and 12 assists for the Red Devils from 65 outings.

Fatawu will hope he can become as established in the Premier League if a move to Sunderland does manage to get off the ground, having already been dubbed “unplayable” for his heroics in the EFL by scout Jacek Kulig.

Fatawu for Leicester (23/24)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Fatawu

Games played

40

Goals scored

6

Assists

13

Big chances missed

0

Big chances created

32

Total duels won*

6.1

Stats by Sofascore

During Leicester’s title-winning exploits under Enzo Maresca, Fatawu would routinely light up the Championship – in a similar rampaging fashion to Amad on Wearside – with the right-sided winger accumulating a ridiculous 19 goal contributions from 40 clashes.

Staggeringly, 32 big chances would also be created from those contests, with the 21-year-old always on the front foot, wanting to make openings happen, much like his fellow left-footer Amad always looked to dazzle and please supporters when situated at Sunderland.

The next big stride Fatawu will have to make is translating this jaw-dropping Championship form over to the Premier League regularly, having managed to amass two assists at the level last campaign, before a cruciate ligament nightmare took over.

Sunderland might well be the best place for him to explode into life even more, based on their gung-ho performance against the Hammers, with the opportunity there for him to emerge as the next exciting young talent on the right flank, in the mould of Amad before him.

Moreover, their glittering track record with up-and-coming gems coming good is also in their favour here, as another major buy looks to be completed by the ambitious, top-flight newcomers in the nick of time.

Related An Adingra repeat: Sunderland submit huge bid to sign "unplayable" star

Sunderland aren’t done just yet with their excessive summer spending.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Aug 19, 2025

Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer believes wantaway striker Alexander Isak needs to “sack” his agent immediately after his recent statement.

Isak and Newcastle transfer latest

The Swedish striker has been trying to force a move out of St James’ Park all summer but was frustrated earlier this month when the Magpies rejected an offer from Liverpool, reportedly worth £110m plus add-ons.

Isak missed Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa last weekend and looks set to be absent once again as the Reds visit St James’ Park on Monday evening.

Earlier in the week, Isak put out a statement, believing Newcastle have “broken” their promise this summer and the “trust is lost”.

“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To act now as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”

Newcastle responded by denying that Isak had been granted any assurances over a potential move. “We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.”

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The transfer window shuts on September 1, so there could be more to this transfer saga before the deadline, although Newcastle are now adamant selling Isak is now not possible, despite bidding for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

Shearer reacts to Isak and Newcastle latest

Speaking this week, relayed by PA Media, Shearer said the situation is now an “absolute mess” as he pointed the finger at Isak’s agent Vlado Lemic.

Isak’s current contract runs until 2028, and with no release clause, Newcastle hold all the cards in the final days of the window.

U.S. legend Tony Meola voiced concern over Yunus Musah’s recent form, calling it part of a troubling decline dating back to his final year at AC Milan. Meola urged the midfielder to change course, regain confidence and aim to develop on his potential. Musah struggled mightily in Atlanta's 4-0 defeat by PSG in a midweek Champions League match.

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  'It was a tough test for Yunus Musah'

  Meola acknowledged Musah getting his first start for La Dea against the European Champions isn't ideal, but also insisted his struggles aren't isolated to that match. 

  “It was a tough test for Yunus Musah,” Meola said on the Call it What You Want podcast. “When you talk about performances, I’m still more worried about Yunus Musah because this, for me, isn’t a one off. Remember, he was at Milan. I watched him all year, I watched him all season, and the play just continued to decline and decline. 

  “So this is, for me, like an extension of what happened last year. And I get worried because at some point, I want it to turn around. And I don’t know if we should be judging in this game, because as [co-host] Charlie [Davies] mentioned, [Fabian] Ruiz, Vitinha, [Joao] Neves. Like you’re dealing with a midfield that is the best midfield in the world, arguably…but I’m a little bit concerned that Yunus Musah has to start turning this around.”

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  Praise for 'phenomenal' Weah

  While Musah struggled in his Champions League debut for Atalanta, there was plenty of praise for Tim Weah's first Champions League match for Marseille.  Davies offered glowing praise for the winger's impressive showing for Marseille against Real Madrid in the Champions League, calling it one of the best performances of his career. 

  “Oh, [he was] phenomenal,” Davies said. “He absolutely torched the backline with his movement. He was running, and he was confident. The 1-v-1s, I was really impressed with his influence for Marseille. Remember, they signed Igor Paxiao. They have Mason Greenwood, and Igor Paxiao is just catching up. You have [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang there as well. 

  "So this is a talented Marseille team, and I think Weah proved that he’s got to be on the pitch. To do this against a Real Madrid side? Phenomenal! This was probably one of the best games I’ve seen from Timothy Weah in his career.”

• Musah and Weah's Champions League journeys

  Both players have some signature moments in the Champions League, arguably the best club competition in global football. Musah, 22, made his Champions League debut with AC Milan in September 2023 against Newcastle United and has since built steady experience, logging 13 total appearances in his career. While he has yet to register a goal or assist in the competition, the fact that he has now featured for two clubs in the competition showcases the value of his versatility to teams. Weah, who previously featured in Europe for Paris Saint-Germain and Lille, has made 13 total Champions League appearances and is on an upward trend in the competition, scoring in his last two games. 

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  Big matches ahead

  Weah will likely feature in one of Marseille's biggest matches of the season when they host PSG in Le Classique. Musah will look to rebound when Atalanta take on Torino.