The remainder of PSL 2025 has been postponed indefinitely. The PCB cited the “worsening of the situation” at the Pakistan-India border as the reason, saying the board had acted on advice from the Pakistan prime minister Shahbaz Sharif.The board said it had “sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home” and that was considered when making the decision.The development came less than 24 hours after the PCB had announced that the remaining eight games of the PSL would be played in the UAE, without specifying the dates or the venues, with the expectation that it would take about a week to resume.Overseas players as well as Pakistani players who currently hold visas to the UAE were scheduled to leave on Friday night, with the remaining visas being applied for over the weekend. That, however, has changed, and the teams have begun disbanding with immediate effect, with travel back home being arranged for foreign players.There is no word yet on when, or if, the remaining games will be played. The postponement came hours after the IPL was temporarily suspended owing to the tensions between the two countries.The PSL held an emergency meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, and involved the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi meeting with foreign players, who overwhelmingly expressed a desire to relocate the league to the UAE.”The PCB recognises the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organisers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause…” the PCB statement said.
Jonny Bairstow says it would be stupid not to push for an England return this summer and is targeting big runs for Yorkshire in a bid to end his international exile.Thursday will mark exactly nine months since Bairstow’s last appearance in an England shirt, during the T20 World Cup semi-final defeat to India. That summer began with his axing outright from the Test side as part of a revamp of the red-ball side following a 4-1 tour of India, in which Bairstow earned his 100th cap in the fifth and final Test at Dharamshala.Since then, England have overlooked Bairstow when opportunities have arisen for a wicketkeeper-batter.While Jamie Smith started the 2024 Test season with the gloves, his absence from the New Zealand tour for the birth of his first child saw Essex’s Jordan Cox brought into the squad. When Cox broke his thumb ahead of the first Test, Durham’s Ollie Robinson was drafted in as a replacement, with Ollie Pope keeping for the series.Smith was also installed behind the stumps for the Champions Trophy, replacing Phil Salt across the limited-overs formats. Salt himself had taken on the role when former white-ball captain Jos Buttler opted to give up keeping.Bairstow’s situation is especially complicated because he remains on an ECB central contract, which is only set to expire this October. Speaking at Headingley during Yorkshire’s pre-season media day, the 35-year-old refused to address whether he had received any clarity from head coach Brendon McCullum or men’s managing director Rob Key but is adamant a return is not out of the question.”Yes, because I’m still contracted,” Bairstow said, when asked if a recall was still realistic. “I’d be stupid not to. The whole purpose of everything is to try and play for England, and that will be the challenge for the whole group. Everyone wants to go on and do that.”As an ‘exile’ and someone who hasn’t played for however long, it’s something that of course you want to get back to. And that comes by scoring runs.”[It’s] Not my fault I got given a two-year contract, just to stay at the periphery. I was in at Yorkshire doing everything I can pre-season-wise, I went on pre-seaon with Yorkshire, starting the summer with Yorkshire, putting my best foot forward for the guys in the dressing room and seeing what the best for us as a group is. That bit is completely out of my control.”It’s not my choice. I can load the gun, but I won’t be the one pulling the trigger. We’ll wait and see on that.”Bairstow was integral to a remarkable 2022 summer that launched the Bazball project under McCullum and newly installed Test captain Ben Stokes. His four centuries in five innings, which included twin hundreds against India at Headingley, drove a philosophy of unwavering positivity with the bat.It was a hot streak that was only curtailed by a devastating broken leg, which subsequently kept Bairstow out until the 2023 season, when he returned for the Ashes. As well as ruling him out of the final Test that summer against South Africa, and tours of Pakistan and New Zealand, he missed the opportunity to pick up a second global title as England triumphed in 2022’s T20 World Cup. Previously he had been integral to 2019’s 50-over success as one of the most dominant ODI openers in the format’s history.Having been told he was left out due to a run of low scores, Bairstow believes he has the capacity to change that opinion. And with India touring for five Tests this summer, and an Ashes to follow in the winter, he feels his record against both opponents should hold him in good stead. Particularly with a hundred on each of his last two tours of Australia.”It was just mentioned around form, really,” he said of the initial conversation following his axing. “That’s obviously subjective, people’s opinions and what have you – and that’s fine.”This is obviously a big summer with India, then Australia coming up. My numbers against those two teams, especially in England and Australia, have been good on the last couple of tours to Australia. The last time India toured here, I was not too bad. We’ll wait and see what happens.”First and foremost my job is to concentrate on Yorkshire, and making sure we get off to a good start to the year. I’ll let the rest take of itself.”Bairstow will begin the season for Yorkshire following the club’s promotion to Division One, with Joe Root and Harry Brook set to play some part in the first six rounds of the Championship ahead of the summer’s opening Test against Zimbabwe on May 22.Earlier this week, reported Bairstow will be handed Yorkshire’s red-ball captaincy, filling the vacancy left by Shan Masood, who took on the role for two years before moving to Leicestershire.Conversations between Bairstow and the club around the captaincy have been ongoing since last summer. His potential participation in the IPL, and then PSL, are understood to be the reason why Yorkshire have delayed confirming his appointment, with the season due to start next week. Bairstow’s late father, David, captained the county between 1984 and 1986.
Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the ODI tri-series in Pakistan as well as the Champions Trophy after experiencing tightness in his groin while bowling at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria on Wednesday.* Before the latest setback, a left-hamstring injury had restricted Coetzee’s SA20 to just one appearance.”Following further assessment by the Proteas medical team, it was determined that the symptoms posed an increased risk of significant injury at a higher bowling load required for the upcoming 50-over matches,” CSA said in a release. Corbin Bosch and Lutho Sipamla are the frontrunners to replace him.Earlier in the day, South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter named the 12-member squad, which included Coetzee, for the first match of the tri-series, against New Zealand, in Lahore on February 10. It has as many as six uncapped players, but that will change as the SA20 ends over the coming weekend.For the opening game of the series, Walter will have among his choices batter Meeka-eel Prince, fast bowlers Gideon Peters and Eathan Bosch, and allrounder Mihlali Mpongwana – none capped at the international level so far – as well as Matthew Breetzke and Senuran Muthusamy. Breetzke has been capped in Tests and T20Is, while the experienced Muthusamy has played four Tests.
Tri-series schedule
Feb 8 – Pak vs NZ in Lahore Feb 10 – NZ vs SA in Lahore Feb 12 – Pak vs SA in Karachi Feb 14 – Final in Karachi
Players will be added to the squad following the SA20 Eliminator between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings on February 5, CSA said in a statement, adding that Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen would be available for South Africa’s second ODI of the series, against Pakistan on February 12 in Karachi, and the squad for the remainder of the series would be announced on February 9 after the SA20 final.The series is of great significance to the three participating teams, since it will be their last set of games before the Champions Trophy is played in Pakistan (with India’s matches to be held in Dubai) from February 19. Of South Africa’s squad members for the big eight-team tournament, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen will not play any part in the tri-series. They will leave for Pakistan on February 14, the same day as the tri-series final in Karachi.South Africa, in Group B at the Champions Trophy, will open their campaign on the third day of competition, against Afghanistan in Karachi. The others in their group are Australia and England.The 11 players for the first ODI, including captain Temba Bavuma and the support staff, will leave for Lahore on Wednesday evening.
South Africa squad for first ODI of the tri-series
Temba Bavuma (capt), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne* 1210 GMT, February 5, 2025 The story was updated after Coetzee was ruled out.
Thomas Frank is set to be without star playmaker James Maddison for the foreseeable future, with Tottenham confirming on Thursday morning that the Englishman is set to undergo surgery on a ruptured ACL.
It was solely meant to be a night of farewell glory for club legend Son Heung-min last Sunday, but Tottenham’s fireworks fizzled into despair when Maddison collapsed in agony just minutes after stepping onto the pitch in Seoul.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Maddison’s right knee – the same one that kept him out of the Europa League final – let him down once again. One moment he was chasing the ball, the next he was on the ground, clutching his face in disbelief. A stretcher carried him off as crutches awaited outside – with Frank describing the injury as a “bad” one.
FFC Spurs – James Maddison
The worst was yet to come, though, as Spurs have now announced that Maddison is set for surgery on an ACL problem which could force him to miss the vast majority of the season.
The 28-year-old is staring down the barrel of a six-to-nine-month recovery period, as is usually the case with ACL ruptures.
It’s heartbreak, pure and simple. Tottenham, already shaken by Son’s exit, now face a long season without the talent, vision and creativity of their star number 10. If they needed a new attacking midfielder before, they certainly need one now.
Chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange have undoubtedly shot the signing of a playmaker to the very top of their transfer priority list, coming after they missed out on a deal for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer.
Spurs booked a medical for Gibbs-White this time last month ahead of a proposed £60 million move before Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, unceremoniously stopped the transfer, threatened Frank’s side with legal action and persuaded the 25-year-old to pen a new deal.
A swoop for Gibbs-White is completely off the table, but Tottenham’s need for another creative presence is more vital than ever before.
Dejan Kulusevski is also still sidelined with a knee injury, and having also lost Son, Spurs must get to work on Maddison’s replacement with just weeks to go before the transfer deadline.
Tottenham offered AC Milan forward Rafael Leao after James Maddison injury
According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, intermediaries recently floated AC Milan forward Rafael Leao in their direction, which happened in the aftermath of Son’s exit and Maddison’s injury blow.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaocelebrates scoring their first goal
However, while Tottenham have been offered Leao by these representatives, it is believed a move for the Portugal international, who’s been called “unstoppable” by Tammy Abraham, and valued at around £74 million by the Rossoneri, is unlikely as things stand.
“My understanding is that intermediaries on the back of Son’s transfer and Maddison’s injury have put Leao to Spurs, in theory,” said Bailey.
“Opportunistic, yes, but that is how some of the biggest deals in the world have come about.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaobefore the match
“I am told that [Massimilano] Allegri has informed Milan’s hierarchy that he can turn Leao into one of the very best forwards in the world. They are not planning on losing him, and I don’t believe Leao has the wish to leave at this point; he is excited by Allegri.”
The opportunity to play Premier League football is always a temptation, but given Leao’s current stance, Allegri’s unwillingness to part company and the 26-year-old’s asking price, Levy will likely need to look elsewhere.
Tottenham have made recent contact over Jack Grealish, but face competition from Everton (Fabrizio Romano), while Harvey Elliott has also been named as a potential Spurs target amid discussions over a move to RB Leipzig (Florian Plettenberg).
Their options are growing thin, but Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze could be available for the taking as Arsenal continue to stall a potential deal.
Everton’s summer business has been nothing short of ambitious.
The arrival of Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City has stolen headlines, but David Moyes isn’t content to stop there.
With the opening fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road just days away, the Scot is pressing to secure one final signing – a right-sided attacker to balance his frontline.
That position has been something of a headache for Everton in recent seasons.
Despite flashes of quality from the likes of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrøm, the Toffees have lacked a consistent threat on the right wing.
Moyes has long favoured wingers who can carry the ball at speed, stretch defensive lines, and cut inside to shoot – traits that became a hallmark of Jarrod Bowen’s game at West Ham.
The club’s pursuit of Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling has been well documented, but negotiations have stalled. Multiple bids have been rejected, with the Saints demanding £45m plus £5m in add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause.
Dibling has trained away from the first team, and talks are expected this week, but the price tag is proving prohibitive.
In the meantime, Moyes has turned his focus to a player who could offer many of the same qualities and perhaps even mirror the impact Bowen had when he first joined Moyes’ West Ham side in 2020.
Everton's search for a winger
According to Sébastian Vidal, Abdul Fatawu has been “targeted” Everton this summer, with Aston Villa also now entering the race for his signature.
Known for his blistering pace and direct dribbling style, he has drawn comparisons to Bowen not only for his position but also for his playing profile.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given was unequivocal in his praise after Leicester’s win over Southampton last October:
“This guy is absolutely lightning… a brilliant talent.”
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Fatawu’s journey has already taken him from Sporting Lisbon to Leicester, where he initially arrived on loan before signing permanently in 2024 for €16m (£14m).
His market value now sits at €11m (£10m), as per Transfermarkt, making him an attainable target in a summer where Everton have already spent wisely.
Why Fatawu could thrive under Moyes
Moyes has a proven track record of maximising the output of dynamic wingers.
When Bowen joined West Ham from Hull City, he was a promising Championship player with raw potential.
Under Moyes’ guidance, Bowen developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable wide forwards, scoring 56 goals in 193 appearances for the Hammers and netting the decisive goal in the 2023 Europa Conference League final.
Bowen’s success came down to several tactical factors that could also suit Fatawu.
Firstly, Moyes built his attack to give Bowen space to run into, often with overlapping full-backs drawing defenders away.
Secondly, Bowen was encouraged to cut inside onto his stronger left foot, opening up both shooting and passing angles.
Abdul Fatawu
Fatawu, a left-footed right-winger, thrives in similar situations, using his dribbling to force defenders onto their weaker side before striking at goal or slipping through a teammate.
Moyes believes Fatawu’s pace, power, and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas could transform Everton’s attacking play.
Matches played
40
Starts
33
Minutes
2,814
Goals
6
Assists
13
Progressive carries
144
Progressive passes
116
Shot on target percentage
20.0%
Pass completion rate
74%
Shot-creating actions per 90
4.26
His statistical profile backs up the hype – ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 minutes (4.51) and progressive carries per 90 (6.53) last season, as per FBref.
For context, Bowen’s own numbers in the 2023/24 Premier League season sat at 1.01 and 2.69 respectively, making Fatawu one of the league’s most dangerous ball carriers.
What’s more, he’s not just quick in straight lines – he’s explosive over the first few yards, able to burst past a defender before they’ve had time to adjust.
That acceleration makes him ideal for counter-attacking football, a hallmark of Moyes’ best sides.
Fatawu’s ball progression numbers are even more striking when compared to Bowen’s.
His 6.53 progressive carries per 90 dwarf Bowen’s 2.69 from the 23/24 season, while his take-on success rate shows a player who can consistently beat his man.
That skill could be invaluable when breaking down deep, compact defences – something Everton struggled with throughout the last campaign.
Adding Fatawu to an attack that already features Grealish and Thierno Barry could give Moyes the balance he craves.
Barry’s aerial dominance and hold-up play would create space for Fatawu to drive into, while Grealish’s creative passing could feed him in behind.
The result could be a front line capable of hurting opponents both in transition and in sustained possession.
Fatawu’s similarities to other Premier League wide forwards are also worth noting.
His profile mirrors that of Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye and Brentford-bound Dango Ouattara, as per FBref.
Of course, there are risks.
Fatawu missed 29 games last season due to his ligament injury, and his injury history will be under close scrutiny by Everton’s medical team.
But at just 21, his potential ceiling is significant, and his international experience – 19 caps for Ghana, with two goals – shows he can handle the demands of high-pressure football.
With Villa also monitoring him as a possible replacement for Leon Bailey, Everton may need to move quickly.
The Toffees’ recruitment team are understood to be preparing their approach, with the expectation that Leicester would want to at least recoup the £14m they paid for him.
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Aymeric Laporte’s dream return to Athletic Club fell apart over paperwork, but Besiktas are now set to hand him an Al-Nassr escape route.
Besiktas reportedly agree loan deal with Laporte and Al-NassrDefender's transfer to Athletic Club was blocked by FIFA last weekThe Turkish club will pay half of the Spaniard's salaryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Spaniard's hopes of leaving Al-Nassr have been revived after Turkish giants Besiktas stepped in with a loan offer. According to , the Black Eagles’ president Serdal Adali has agreed personal terms with the 31-year-old defender and formally offered a proposal to the Saudi Pro League side on Tuesday morning.
Besiktas are ready to pay half of Laporte’s €13 million (£11m/$14m) annual salary, with no loan fee attached. The deal also includes an option to buy in May 2026 for €15m.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Laporte had been on the verge of sealing a return to Athletic Club for €10m, but the move fell apart at the last moment. Athletic had filed their paperwork with La Liga before the deadline, but Al-Nassr failed to submit the required documents to the Saudi federation in time. Without international clearance, FIFA blocked the transfer, ruling that the centre-back will have to wait until the winter window to get registered.
Laporte's move to Besiktas would be a major blow for Athletic, who are already short in defence. With Unai Egiluz out injured and Yeray Alvarez suspended after a positive doping test, manager Ernesto Valverde has only Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes available as experienced centre-back options.
DID YOU KNOW?
Laporte is no stranger to San Mames, having come through Athletic’s academy before making a move to Manchester City in 2018. In five years in England, he won multiple titles before joining Al-Nassr in 2023. After two seasons in Saudi Arabia alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, he terminated his contract this summer in a bid to return to Spain, only for the move to collapse.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AYMERIC LAPORTE AND ATHLETIC CLUB
With his Athletic return blocked, Besiktas are moving quickly to finalise a loan that would give Laporte a fresh start in Turkey. The deal could be completed within 24 hours, handing the 31-year-old an immediate escape route from Al-Nassr. At the same time, the Basque club have not given up entirely. Los Leones have reportedly appealed their case to FIFA, with a ruling expected as early as Thursday, though the chances of a decision in their favour are slim.
Oval Invincibles claimed the most significant scalp of their title defence so far with a six-wicket over Southern Brave in their top-of-the-table clash at The Kia Oval.Tom Curran claimed four wickets, his younger brother Sam chipping in with two, to restrict Brave to 118 for eight before a curious chase that saw Dawid Malan face 10 consecutive dot balls and Chris Jordan not concede a run from his first 11 deliveries.Jordan Cox, England’s latest call-up to the Test squad, and Sam Curran eventually broke the shackles in a 58-run stand from 27 balls to usher the hosts over the line with 15 balls to spare.James Vince was the only Brave batter who came to grips with the home attack, scoring 52 from 39 balls, as Invincibles moved a step closer to booking their place in the knockout stages.Skipper Sam Curran has been central to a run of five wins in six games, and while he would claim a third successive Meerkat Match Hero award again tonight, it was his older brother Tom who took the limelight with the ball taking 4 for 24 in front of a crowd of 23,948. The visitors slipped to 31 for four as wicket fell too regularly around Vince.Sam Curran was unfurling his airplane celebration early when he bowled Alex Davies before Tom found a regulation edge from Andre Fletcher through to Sam Billings. Will Jacks bowled Leus du Plooy and Laurie Evans top-edged Adam Zampa to leave Brave immediately behind the game.Captain Vince set about hauling his side back into the contest, sharing a 58-run stand with Kieron Pollard, who edged Sam Curran to give Billings his third catch after managing 18 from 15 balls.Tom Curran was on a hat-trick from the final ball of the innings, removing Jofra Archer and Akeal Hossein from successive balls, before Craig Overton just about avoided the field and saw the ball run away to the rope.Jacks thumped the first ball of the reply for six, only to get a leading edge to Overton two balls later, before the chase lost all momentum.Malan did manage a heaved six before he simply could not locate the ball, eventually being well held by Archer at mid-on to depart for 14 from 31 balls.But the in-form Sam Curran joined Cox and immediately set about putting the game to bed, the pair taking 23 from four Hosein deliveries to settle any nerves. Hosein did get Sam Curran, but not before he added 35 from 18 balls, as Cox finished unbeaten on 46 from 29 balls.Meerkat Match Hero, Sam Curran, said: “Huge win. The two form teams at the moment and a top of the table clash. We knew we had to win this to give us the best chance of going straight through to Lord’s (and reach the final).”We have complemented each other really well with the ball this season. Towards the end we just had a swing and hope and it worked out.”I’m really confident and enjoying the environment. I feel this team has got it right and hopefully we can do that for the rest of the tournament.”
After missing out on Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra, Leeds United are now reportedly taking concrete steps in the race to sign an 18-year-old defender this summer.
Leeds turning towards alternatives after Sadiki & Diarra
With just one month until their Premier League return gets underway, Leeds find themselves in a frustrating position after missing out on both Diarra and Sadiki to rivals Sunderland. Forced back to the drawing board, the 49ers will be desperate to land their next top target to continue their spending after Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw.
As things stand, the latest name to arrive remains Bornauw, who told the official Leeds website after putting pen to paper: “I’m really pleased to be here, it’s an amazing club.
“The Premier League was always my dream, and then to play for such a big club in England and in Europe, it’s a dream come true. I think the Premier League for me is the biggest league in the world.
“Obviously, Germany is a really strong league too, but I think as a football player, we aim for the highest and I think the Premier League is the highest for me.”
Those at Elland Road will be pleased to have welcomed the former Wolfsburg defender, but they won’t want their business to end there. After missing out on other targets, the Whites have reportedly set their sights on the likes of Nuno Tavares and Juventus star Timothy Weah.
Nuno Tavares in action for Lazio in Serie A.
Both players would be excellent additions. Tavares, returning to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Arsenal, would instantly replace the departed Junior Firpo, whilst Weah would hand Daniel Farke an impressive attacking boost with ample experience at the top level.
It’s not just experience that the 49ers have set their sights on, however, amid recent reports that they’re now chasing an impressive young talent this summer.
Leeds taking concrete steps to sign Jassi
As reported by TeamTalk, the 49ers and Leeds are now taking concrete steps towards signing Suaibo Jassi from Santa Clara this summer after scouts became huge admirers of the 18-year-old right-back. Rivalling Brentford in pursuit of the teenager, the Yorkshire club could finally get one over on a Premier League rival.
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The defender only signed for Santa Clara this summer but could already be on the move amid interest from the Premier League, according to reporter Rudy Galetti.
One for the future, Jassi’s may not be the type of player to make an instant impact but he may well be one ready to take hold of Daniel Farke’s right-back spot in years to come.
As speculation continues to arrive about Sandro Tonali’s future, Newcastle United are reportedly in pole position to sign a midfield star who could replace the impressive Italian.
Juventus interested in Sandro Tonali
When Newcastle were without Tonali at the start of the season, it showed. Eddie Howe’s side struggled in pursuit of Champions League qualification and were lacking that added power in the middle of the park. Ever since the return of the Italian, however, the Magpies have dominated the majority of their midfield battles and formed quite the trio between Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
Starts
28
38
29
Progressive Passes
128
271
116
Tackles Won
32
47
35
Ball Recoveries
117
188
149
The perfect blend of combative midfielders and those who have the ability to step onto the front foot, not many can stand in the way of Newcastle’s bulldozing midfield three at their best.
As a result, interest was always likely to arrive with reports in Italy now indicating that Juventus are interested in signing Tonali in this summer’s transfer window. The Italian giants are seemingly looking to bring the midfielder back to the Serie A for the first time since he left AC Milan in what should send alarm bells ringing around St James’ Park.
Jamie Carragher has been among those to praise the Newcastle midfielder this season, even including him in his Monday Night Football Team of the Season. The Sky Sports pundit said when asked why: “I went for Tonali because Newcastle look like they are going to finish third in the Premier League.
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“I don’t think many people would have predicted that. They’ve won a trophy for the first time in 70 years. But they actually made a poor start to the season. I don’t think their season turned around until Eddie Howe put him [Tonali] in the holding role.”
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Tonali will give into the temptation of Italy, but it seems as though Newcastle have a much-needed plan in place nonetheless.
Newcastle now leading race to sign Matteo Guendouzi
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now leading the race to sign Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio this summer. The former Arsenal midfielder is reportedly valued at just €40m (£34m) and could now be on his way back to the Premier League if Tonali decides to leave St James’ Park.
Starts
28
37
Progressive Passes
128
316
Tackles Won
32
21
Ball Recoveries
117
173
Not only does Guendouzi progress play better than Tonali, he has also outperformed the impressive Guimaraes in that department. Since leaving the Premier League with a whimper, the Frenchman has simply discovered another level to his game.
Matteo Guendouzi at Lazio
Earning plenty of praise ever since his time at the Emirates, football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Guendouzi a “fantastic signing” by Marseille in 2021 and the midfielder has only proved to be equally as fantastic at Lazio.
There might be another 90 minutes to play, but for most Arsenal fans, the season is now done.
Instead of looking forward to what is now a pretty meaningless Premier League game on Sunday afternoon, supporters are beginning to dream about what the club might do in the summer transfer window.
After all, after last year, new Sporting Director Andrea Berta has a big job on his hands convincing them that the board are prepared to go all in to finally get the club over the line next season.
Fortunately, recent reports have now touted an international superstar for a move to the Gunners, someone who is just the sort of signing fans have been crying out for and someone who’d be a dream addition for Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal transfer news
The last few weeks have seen Arsenal linked to a plethora of incredibly talented footballers, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former could end up costing the club as little as £55m if reports are to be believed, which may well be one of the deals of the summer, as in just 51 games this term, he has scored 53 goals and provided 13 assists.
Eze, on the other hand, will cost around £68m due to a release clause in his current deal, although again, thanks to his ability to play in multiple positions and the fact he’s racked up 25 goal involvements in 42 games this season, makes that fee seem more than reasonable.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
However, to really help take the team to another level and across the finishing line next season, Arteta and Co may want to sign a bonafide superstar, someone like Rodrygo.
According to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are “now seriously considering” moving for the Real Madrid star.
The journalist has revealed that talks have already “begun behind the scenes” and that the deal is “on.”
The report does not mention a price, but according to other stories from earlier this month, the Brazilian winger could be available for around £85m.
It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but given Rodrygo’s stature and ability, it’s one worth pushing the boat out for, especially as it would seriously help Saka as well.
Why Rodrygo would be a dream signing for Saka
So, if Arsenal are able to get the deal done and bring Rodryo to the Emirates this summer, just why would his signing be such a good thing for Saka?
Well, the first thing is that he’d finally be able to take some of the burden off his shoulders, as not only is he a natural left-winger, but he’s one who knows just where the goal is.
Said to be among the “best players in the world” by Carlo Ancelotti, in 52 appearances last season, he scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 52 games, which worked out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.92 games.
Then this season, even though Los Blancos have struggled more, he’s still managed to put up impressive numbers of 13 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games.
For context, Gabriel Martinelli has scored ten goals and provided six assists in as many games, and Leandro Trossard has scored ten goals and provided nine assists in 55 games.
Rodrygo vs Martinelli vs Trossard
Players
Rodrygo
Martinelli
Trossard
Appearances
50
50
55
Minutes
3290′
3493′
3428′
Goals
13
10
10
Assists
10
6
9
Goal Involvements per Match
0.46
0.32
0.34
Minutes per Goal Involvement
143.04′
218.31′
180.42′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
So, with someone as effective as the Brazilian off the left, the Gunners mercurial number seven wouldn’t have to do quite as much himself, which could help him perform better.
The next significant benefit to signing the Real ace is that he’s more than comfortable playing off the right as well, so Arteta could more easily rest the Hale End superstar and help prevent him from suffering any more serious injuries.
Finally, during his time in Madrid, the Osasco-born dynamo has won everything there is to win in the club game, from league titles to the Champions League, so his know-how in those tense must-win games could finally help the North Londoners get over the line next season, and in turn, help Saka achieve his dreams of leading the team to glory.
Ultimately, while he’ll cost them a pretty penny, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, as not only would he help elevate the whole team, but he could also be the perfect teammate for Saka.
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