The visitors suffered a collapse to finish on 81 for 7 after Will Sutherland had earlier taken five wickets
AAP01-Mar-2024
Gabe Bell was among the wickets as Tasmania took charge•Getty Images
Matthew Wade pulled off arguably the best catch of his glittering career as Victoria’s star-studded batting line-up imploded against Tasmania on a day of Sheffield Shield carnage at Blundstone Arena.A total of 17 wickets fell across the opening day in Hobart, with Victoria entering stumps in huge trouble at 81 for 7 in reply to Tasmania’s 240.The highlight of the day belonged to Wade, who spent the bulk of his career as a wicketkeeper but on Friday proved just how good he is in the field as well. Fielding at gully, Wade pulled off a stunning one-handed catch while diving to his right to dismiss Peter Handscomb for a duck.Ladder leaders Tasmania will secure a spot in the final if they can beat second-placed Victoria. Defending champions WA sit third and are looking to leapfrog Victoria with just one round remaining after this.Wade’s piece of magic was part of a Victorian collapse of 5 for 18 as the visitors slumped from 48 for 1 to 66 for 6. Will Sutherland fell to Riley Meredith in the final over of the day to add further misery to Victoria’s cause. Fit-again Tasmania paceman Gabe Bell, Iain Carlisle and Beau Webster all shared the load as Victoria’s top and middle order crumbled. The top three of Nic Maddinson, Marcus Harris and Will Pucovski all made starts, but none was able to go on with it.It was disastrous from that point on as Handscomb and Matt Short fell for ducks at the hands of Webster, before Sam Harper departed for 7.”It didn’t quite finish the way we would have liked,” Victorian assistant Adam Griffith said. “We were probably a bit off in both parts of the game.”We’ll get as close as we can (to their score) in the morning. We’ve played some really good cricket this season, we’ve hung in there when we’ve been behind in the game. We’ll be looking to do that again.”Things looked much brighter for Victoria earlier in the day on the back of Sutherland’s heroics with the ball.Tasmania were cruising at 78 for 0 as openers Caleb Jewell and Wade set a solid foundation. But it was the Sutherland and Fergus O’Neill show after that as the duo combined for eight wickets.Wade was the first to fall when he edged Sutherland to first slip, and Jewell followed a short time later when Pucovski took a sharp catch above his head at gully.Then it was O’Neill’s turn to strike, trapping Jordan Silk lbw for 6. Wicketkeeper Harper then took a stunning one-handed catch diving to his left to pocket Charlie Wakim’s inside edge.Jake Doran and Jarrod Freeman put up stiff resistance, but both fell to the in-form Sutherland.
The allrounder had an impressive tour of Bangladesh having returned from lengthy injury layoffs earlier in the year
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Apr-2024
Sophie Molineux has cemented her spot back in the CA contract list•Getty Images
Sophie Molineux has returned to Cricket Australia’s central contract list following her successful comeback across formats.Molineux, who was dropped from the list two years ago, has played Tests, ODIs and T20Is over the last two months after an extended period on the sidelines due to a variety of injuries, most recently an ACL. Those appearances had been enough for her to earn an upgrade to a contract before confirmation of the 17 names in 2024-25 group.Related
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Molineux made her comeback in the Test against South Africa in Perth. She was named Player of the Series in the T20Is against Bangladesh which concluded last week having taken six wickets at 8.33. Earlier in the tour she took 3 for 10 on her return to the ODI side.She has recently forced the experienced Jess Jonassen out of the squad but Jonassen, who has not featured since the tour of India last December, has retained her contract.The retired Meg Lanning is the only player to drop off the list from last year. The MoU between CA and the Australia Cricketers’ Association allows for between 15 and 18 contracts.”We’re really pleased to be able to offer Soph a contract after her successful return to the side this summer,” national selector Shawn Flegler said. “She’s shown a great deal of resilience to get back to full fitness and she’ll play an important role next summer.”Players not awarded contracts as part of the initial squad can earn upgrades throughout the year by accruing 12 upgrade points. Players receive five points for a Test match, two for an ODI and two for a T20I.Australia face another busy season of action in 2024-25 including the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and the multiformat Ashes next January. They will host New Zealand for T20Is before the World Cup followed by a return series in December while they also host India for three ODIs.Australia women’s contract list 2024-25Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
With Europa League action looming, there is still time left for Rangers to save their season, with the Old Firm side hoping to emulate – and better – their European heroics in 2022 by reaching the competition’s showpiece in May.
In essence, the upcoming tie against Athletic Bilbao represents all that is left to play for at Ibrox for the remainder of the campaign, with the Light Blues having tumbled out of title contention in the Premiership.
Frustratingly for interim boss Barry Ferguson, his side have failed to build on the recent dramatic derby triumph, with Saturday seeing the Glasgow giants slip to a fifth successive defeat on home soil Hibernian.
That 2-0 loss – which was followed by a shock 1-0 defeat for Celtic away at bottom side St Johnstone – has only served to epitomise what has been a miserable domestic campaign at Ibrox, with the gap now at 13 points between the division’s top two.
Such woes have perhaps not been helped by the uncertainty surrounding the permanent manager role and the impending 49ers takeover, with it set to represent a real summer of change for the Gers in all departments.
Indeed, Saturday’s setback showcased once again why the playing squad is also in need of major surgery…
Rangers' worst performers vs Hibs
First and foremost, it proved to be another frustrating day for the polarising Cyriel Dessers in attack, with the experienced striker looking back to his former self with a profligate display against the Edinburgh side.
Cyriel Dessers
The Nigerian striker – who notably scored in the first-leg win over Fenerbahce – had scored four across his last four league games heading into the weekend clash, although went on to squander two big chances as the hosts failed to make the breakthrough.
The £27k-per-week striker notably saw his effort denied from the angle after being teed up by skipper, James Tavernier, before then lashing over the bar following a clever, threaded pass from Hamza Igamane.
Dessers stats vs Hibernian
Stat
Record
Minutes played
88
Touches
24
Shots on target
1
Shots off target
2
Big chances missed
2
Pass accuracy
85%
Key passes
0
Ground duels won
3/6
Aerial duels won
0
Possession lost
5x
Offsides
3
Stats via Sofascore
Aside from that moment of quality, meanwhile, it proved to be a ‘completely anonymous performance’ from young Igamane – as per The Scotsman’s Mark Atkinson, with the Old Firm hero notably squandering possession on 20 occasions from just 54 touches, as per Sofascore.
Elsewhere, it was also a grim outing for the members of Ferguson’s backline, with promising full-back, Jefte, having looked off the boil down the left, having failed to complete any of his five attempted crosses, while also losing the ball 18 times in a desperate bid to create for his side.
The Brazilian – and his defensive colleagues – were almost comically undone for the game’s clincher as Martin Boyle was afforded acres of space to run into, with the Australian star duly converting through the legs of Jack Butland, epitomising what was another rough afternoon for the Gers’ number one.
The Rangers star who now needs to be sold
With Dessers failing to fire at one end, Ferguson and co weren’t helped by the woes of the Englishman at the other end, with Butland failing to keep out Dylan Levitt’s deflected strike as the Easter Road side surged into the lead.
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In isolation, that mistake from the £25k-per-week stopper could be accepted, although the ex-Crystal Palace man has now produced a string of gaffes that have proved costly for his side in recent months.
The 32-year-old had initially looked like a real coup following his free transfer arrival back in the summer of 2023, having ended that debut season as something of a shining light for the Gers, after keeping 18 clean sheets and conceding just 32 goals in the league.
Jack Butland
Such inspired form even led to calls for Butland to be selected in England’s Euro 2024 squad, with Rangers icon Graeme Souness among those tipping the experienced ‘keeper to be on the plane to Germany:
Unfortunately for Butland, that call never came, with it now looking increasingly unlikely that international recognition will come his way any time soon, with Saturday’s mistake just the latest in a catalogue of errors in 2025.
Journalist Josh Bunting notably stated back in late December, following the 2-2 draw with Motherwell, that Butland was in a “real rut of form”, having begun to look “so shaky with each passing game”.
Indeed, the one-time Manchester United loanee proceeded to punch the ball into his own net against his former side in the 2-1 loss at Old Trafford, while more recently, he could only spill the ball straight into the path of Dundee striker, Simon Murray, in that 4-3 thriller.
Of course, Butland did enjoy the highs of his penalty shoot-out heroics against Fenerbahce, although considering his status among the club’s highest earner – and the fact that he was signed on a free – the 49ers regime may deem it wise to try and cash in on the 2023 arrival this summer in order to secure a profit.
Yes, perhaps he is merely a victim of the wider issues that are currently impacting Rangers, although at a time when no one should be safe from the axe, Butland may find himself nudged toward the exit door.
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When Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk decided to extend their contracts at Liverpool and put months of speculation pertaining to their futures to bed, they wanted reassurances that FSG mean to invest.
The veteran superstars are arguably the finest players in their respective positions worldwide, and despite Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down from his long-held manager’s role last year, have enjoyed staggering success under Arne Slot to move within an inch of the Premier League title.
Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah
Liverpool are Champions Elect, all but confirmed as this year’s English top-flight winners. It’s a remarkable feat, built upon the foundations laid by Klopp.
However, now is the time for Slot to put his own stamp on the Anfield side, with Federico Chiesa the sole arrival of his reign so far – goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to arrive this summer after a deal was agreed last year.
While Salah’s staying put and Liverpool are expected to prioritise the signing of a new centre-forward with Darwin Nunez expected to leave, there’s a good chance sporting director Richard Hughes will be tasked with signing a new wideman.
Liverpool need more quality on the wings
Make no mistake, Liverpool’s attacking force has been exactly that under Slot’s wing: a force to be reckoned with. However, with Nunez and Chiesa struggling and Jota enduring a disappointing season too, it’s understandable that the club wish to bolster.
Liverpool’s Frontline in 2024/25 (all comps)
Player
Apps
Goals
Assists
Mohamed Salah
46
32
23
Cody Gakpo
43
16
6
Luis Diaz
45
15
8
Diogo Jota
32
9
4
Darwin Nunez
42
7
7
Federico Chiesa
12
2
2
Stats via Transfermarkt
The likes of Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that Nunez is set to leave this summer after Saudi side Al-Nassr failed with a series of bids in January, but Liverpool may also look out wide in spite of Salah’s contract renewal.
Indeed, Luis Diaz is in red-hot form at the moment but, aged 28 and entering the penultimate year of his contract, is also deemed expendable, should the right offer come in.
Of course, FSG aren’t going to want to let the Barcelona- and Saudi-linked star leave on the cheap, letting suitors know that they will field bids totalling €80m (£67m).
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Salah will be 33 by the time the 2025/26 season kicks off, and though Liverpool’s data analysts, some of the best in the business, are confident that the Egyptian King will continue firing true over the next two years, some more firepower wouldn’t go amiss.
When Salah does enter his twilight, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka looks ready to take his mantle and assume the star spot as the Premier League’s most dangerous winger. Liverpool won’t want to let that happen, of course, and have actually identified their own version of the Three Lions superstar.
Liverpool step up interest in rising star
Liverpool are planning for a big summer, alright. If Diaz should leave, plans are being drawn for the transfer of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, one of the most coveted young wingers in Europe right now.
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According to Football Insider, FSG are actually accelerating their plans to sign the 20-year-old after sorting out Liverpool’s contractual obstacles, having been scouting him for a while. He is believed to be a “key target”, as per scout Mick Brown.
Dortmund recognise the value of their youngster, however, and have previously responded to links away by placing a whopping €100m (£85m) price tag on Gittens’ head. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have also registered interest.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in action
Liverpool aren’t likely to engage in such exorbitant demands, but if a more agreeable figure can be agreed, there’s every chance the Reds could secure one of the most exciting English talents around after identifying him as a key target.
What Jamie Gittens would bring to Liverpool
Gittens might still be in the fledgling stage of his professional career, but he’s already made quite the impression in Dortmund’s senior squad, following Jadon Sancho’s footsteps in moving to the German club from Manchester City’s youth academy.
Jamie Gittens for Borussia Dortmund.
The Yellow Wall have long been a hothouse for developing exciting talent and Gittens will hardly regret his decision, having already featured 102 times for the club.
The step-by-step progress he has shown will have pleased Liverpool’s scouts to no end, always regarded as an athletic, pacy and powerful winger but starting to sharpen his attacking tools, enjoying success as a proper goal threat this term.
Jamie Gittens – Senior BVB Stats by Season (all comps)
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
24/25
44 (32)
12
5
23/24
34 (18)
2
8
22/23
20 (5)
3
1
21/22
4 (1)
0
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
This incremental growth does suggest that Gittens could match his compatriot Saka down the line, albeit in Liverpool’s shade of red.
As per FBref, Gittens ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.
This perfectly illustrates his blend of physicality and potency, something that perhaps Saka, 23, performs without rival at the moment.
Arsenal dispatched Real Madrid over two legs to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League, and Saka was the star forward at the Santiago Bernabeu, his chipped goal taking his haul to 11 strikes and 14 assists across 29 matches this term.
So dangerous. So dynamic. The right-sided forward’s completeness is part of what makes him such an incredible, highest-class footballer, but Gittens truly has the skills to match him.
The Dortmund man has also been impressive in the Champions League this year, hailed by Romano for one “special” performance against Club Brugge in the group stage, scoring two goals.
The rising star’s technical quality suggests he can go all the way, and under Slot’s wing at Liverpool, maybe he can take the next steps toward rivalling Saka for the position as England’s prized winger.
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Glasgow Rangers are set to miss out on the Scottish Premiership title for the fourth season running, and only an Ianis Hagi equaliser against Aberdeen prevented it from having already happened.
The Gers came back from 2-0 down against the Dons to secure a point away from Ibrox, when a defeat would have seen their city rivals crowned once again.
Rangers know that they have to improve significantly to compete for the title in the 2025/26 campaign, and that means that they will have to move on from some players who have failed to show their worth, including Ross McCausland.
Why Rangers should sell Ross McCausland
The academy graduate made his first-team breakthrough last season under Philippe Clement, but he has failed to kick on and establish himself as a key figure for the Gers.
Rangers forward Ross McCausland.
McCausland, who was sent off for two yellow card offences against Aberdeen, has produced three goals and five assists in 42 appearances in the Premiership in the last two seasons.
The Northern Ireland international has as many red cards as goal contributions (one) in 13 outings in the Premiership so far this term, which illustrates his lack of impact at the top end of the pitch.
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This is why Rangers should finally move on from the 21-year-old attacker. However, he is not the only attacker who should be ruthlessly ditched by the Gers, as Oscar Cortes should also be on the chopping block.
Why Rangers should move on from Oscar Cortes
The Colombian winger is currently on loan to the club from Lens, as he has been since January of last year, but the Scottish giants have an obligation to make that deal permanent this summer.
Oscar Cortes
Rangers have to sign him permanently at the end of his loan spell, and Football Insider recently reported that those inside the club now see that as a ‘gamble’, due to his lack of success on the pitch to date.
Cortes (£6k-per-week) earns even more than McCausland (£4.7k-per-week), as per Salary Sport, and has offered even less than the Northern Irish forward in the past 18 months.
Oscar Cortes (Premiership)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
6
8
Starts
3
4
Goals
1
0
Key passes per game
1.2
0.5
Big chances created
1
0
Assists
1
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Colombian flop – who pundit Michael Stewart claimed has a “heart the size of a pea” due to his lack of desire – has rarely been available to make appearances in the Premiership, playing just 14 times in almost a season-and-a-half.
Cortes, who has dealt with several injury issues this season, was given an opportunity from the start against Aberdeen last weekend and was withdrawn at half-time after losing five of his six duels in the first 45 minutes.
Like McCausland, the 21-year-old attacker has failed to prove that he has the quality, or the availability, to be a key player for a team that wants to compete for the title in the Premiership.
This is why Rangers must immediately, and ruthlessly, move on from Cortes as soon as they officially sign him on a permanent deal, whether that means loaning him out to another team to go and attempt to play regular football, or to another team on a permanent basis.
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Rangers need reliable players who can perform week-in-week-out to put themselves in contention for the biggest trophies, which is why McCausland and Cortes should be axed this summer.
Will Leeds United be able to consolidate themselves as a Premier League-worthy outfit next season after finally breaking free of the Championship’s grip?
It will certainly be easier said than done, however, considering all three promoted teams that went up at Leeds’ expense at the end of the 2023/24 campaign are all tumbling straight back down to the EFL’s top league after a short-lived top-flight stay.
Moreover, Daniel Farke himself has a sketchy track record in the Premier League, having picked up just six career wins at the tricky level, leading to speculation surrounding his future at Elland Road that he could be let go of despite successfully guiding the Whites up to the big-time.
To help in their mission to stay afloat, one of Leeds’ tactics in the summer transfer window could be to poach some of the Championship’s cream of the crop.
Who Leeds could sign this summer
Before looking to bring in some of the EFL’s very best, it might be a case that the Whites look at strengthening courtesy of some Premier League players.
Inevitably, rumours linking Kalvin Phillips with a return have been lingering in the background over the last few months, while last week, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has reportedly become a target for the club.
Tomas Soucek for West Ham
But, who else is on their radar?
Well, heading into the 2024/25 campaign, they were persistently linked with Sheffield United playmaker Gustavo Hamer.
Leeds would, of course, snap up Jayden Bogle from the Blades, but this other switch wouldn’t go ahead, with the ex-Coventry City attacker then going on to win the coveted prize of Championship’s Player of the Season at the EFL awards this weekend for his efforts under Chris Wilder’s wing.
Gaining such recognition could well reignite the promoted side’s interest, with Hamer now having to fight it out for a place in the Premier League next season via the playoffs.
It’s a move pundit Lee Hendrie thinks has legs too, telling Football League World: “Obviously (Leeds) were interested (in Hamer), and particularly if the Blades don’t go up, I think that is going to be the key factor, isn’t it? He’s a very good player, and he has had a lot of clubs that were sniffing around him, even before going to Sheffield United. He’s proven that he has got that x-factor, one of the better players in the Championship arguably, in that position, anyway.”
Why Hamer would be a major upgrade on Aaronson
Described as an “unbelievable” player by former teammate Oli McBurnie, signing Hamer could finally see Brenden Aaronson pushed to one side in Farke’s starting lineups.
Aaronson should be commended for slotting back into the Whites set-up this season after his time at Elland Road had become sour but that doesn’t mean an upgrade shouldn’t be sought once their Premier League return is here.
The 24-year-old was loaned out to Union Berlin for all of the 2023/24 season right after his side’s demise down to the EFL, only for the number 11 to notch up nine goals and two assists from 44 Championship appearances the following campaign back among the first-team fold.
Unfortunately for the rejuvenated USA international, he has endured a poor personal end to the season even as his side sit pretty in the league’s top two, with a mere two goal contributions falling his way in the Championship in 2025.
Whereas, Hamer – as seen via his sumptuous free-kick against Coventry back in March – has been a constant menace all campaign long for Wilder and Co, with four of his impressive 16 goal contributions in league action coming during United’s last six contests.
Hamer at Sheff Utd vs Aaronson at Leeds
Stat
Hamer
Aaronson
Championship games played
163
44
Premier League games played
36
36
Champ goals
26
9
Champ assists
31
2
PL goals
4
1
PL assists
7
3
Stats by Sofascore
Shades of a certain Pablo Hernandez – a goalscoring and creative midfielder, Hamer certainly blows Aaronson out of the water with his standout Premier League output.
While goals certainly haven’t been hard to come by for Leeds in 2024/25, he would be a welcome addition to Farke’s ranks if a move whirred back into motion, with Hamer more than comfortable as a number ten option to usurp his ex-Red Bull Salzburg counterpart.
Also equally as lively down the left where he’s predominantly starred this season at Bramall Lane, Hamer would potentially give Farke a whole host of options in attack ahead of the step-up in quality, with this signing one that would undoubtedly boost Leeds in their fight for instant survival.
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After a middling season in which they ended up finishing fifth in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur decided to splash the cash on a new centre-forward.
Daniel Levy and Co went out and spent a club-record £65m on then-Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke, who had just racked up a haul of 25 goal involvements in all competition.
Now, while the Englishman has not been poor this year, his eight goals in 25 league games is a far cry from the often inhuman exploits of Harry Kane that fans were so used to seeing in campaigns prior.
So, with that in mind, it’s not surprising that we have seen reports in the last couple of months linking the North Londoners to another striker ahead of this summer, including one who’s won comparisons to the club’s all-time top scorer.
Spurs' striker search
Before getting to the free-scoring dynamo in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other marksmen linked with Spurs in recent weeks, like Liam Delap and Daizen Maeda.
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The former reportedly has a £30m release clause in his current deal, and considering he’s scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 34 Premier League games for a terrible Ipswich Town side, he could prove to be a very savvy signing.
Likewise, while the latter is playing north of the border, he’s been nothing short of spectacular this season, racking up a simply unreal tally of 45 goal involvements in 48 games, and once again, with a relatively modest price tag of £25m, he may be too good a deal to miss out on.
However, Daniel Levy and Co might be after more of a sure bet to lead the line next year, which would explain some of the links we have seen to Jonathan David in recent weeks.
If the North Londoners do act on this supposed interest, then the good news is that the Canadian international wouldn’t cost them a penny in transfer fees, as his contract with LOSC Lille is set to expire at the end of the season.
It could still be a complicated transfer to get done, but David is certainly someone Spurs should be doing all they can to sign, especially as he’s won comparisons to Kane.
How David compares to Kane
Before getting into some of the other reasons why David could be looked at as a young Kane, it’s worth examining where this comparison has come from.
Well, in this case, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the seventh most similar forward to the Lille gem.
The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive carries, goals per shot and shot on target key and live passes, carries and more, all per 90.
David & Kane
Statistics per 90
David
Kane
Progressive Carries
1.28
1.12
Goals per Shot
0.17
0.15
Goals per Shot on Target
0.37
0.36
Key Passes
1.28
1.31
Live Passes
22.3
23.5
Carries
17.9
19.6
Ball Recoveries
2.26
2.27
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
Furthermore, while we wouldn’t want to suggest that the Canadian international is as good as the Lilywhites legend – very few players in world football are – he has shown a level of consistency up top that mirrors the 31-year-old’s.
For example, since the start of 21/22, the New York-born monster, whom journalist Tony Marinaro dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world,” has scored 96 goals and provided 25 assists in just 182 club appearances.
What makes that continued level of output that much more impressive is that it’s come in a traditional top-five league, whereas some of the other aforementioned strikers linked with a move to Tottenham have thrived in comparatively weaker leagues.
Finally, as the England captain did in N17, the “mind-blowing” goalscorer, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has shown a surprising level of loyalty to Les Dogues, as, thanks to his consistently brilliant numbers season on season, he probably could have left earlier than this year but did not.
Lille'sJonathanDavidcelebrates scoring their first goal with Edon Zhegrov
Ultimately, everything from his underlying numbers and raw output to his commitment to the cause reminds us of a younger Kane, and should Spurs want to supercharge their attack next season, they’ll do what they can to sign David in the summer.
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Newcastle United are now considering a move for a £27m striker, who could be brought in to partner Alexander Isak, according to a report.
Race for Isak heating up
It is no surprise that so many clubs are keen on signing Isak this summer, given just how impressive the Swedish forward has been this season, most notably scoring against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final to help end Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a trophy.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Premier League
33
23
6
EFL Cup
6
3
0
FA Cup
2
1
0
Arsenal are now ramping up their pursuit of the striker, with a jaw-dropping £127m offer now being prepared, while he has also been identified as a dream signing for Liverpool, having left manager Arne Slot impressed at times this season.
That said, the Magpies remain in a strong negotiating position, with the 25-year-old contracted until the summer of 2028, so they may be able to retain his services beyond the end of the campaign.
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However, according to a report from Spain, Newcastle are now considering a move for Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth as a potential replacement for Isak, should their talisman move on this summer.
Alternatively, the report adds Sorloth could be brought in as a partner for the Sweden international, should Eddie Howe’s side secure a place in the Champions League, with the Tynesiders weighing up the possibility of forming a top-level attacking duo.
There is a belief that the Atletico forward would be able to adapt to life in the Premier League, and his qualities make him a good fit for Howe, who is looking for a strong and aerially dominant forward.
"Stellar" Sorloth impressing in La Liga
The Norwegian has not been at Atletico for long, arriving in a €32m (£27m) deal last summer, but he has certainly caught the eye during his debut campaign with the Spanish side, netting 21 goals in all competitions, including 17 in La Liga.
The 29-year-old didn’t manage to make the desired impact in the Champions League, with Atletico exiting the competition at the hands of Real Madrid, but the Spanish side should be encouraged by his first season in Spain.
Atletico Madrid's AlexanderSorlothcelebrates scoring their second goal
The Norway international ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, when compared to other strikers, while also placing in the 95th percentile for aerials won, showcasing the threat he poses in the air.
Lauded as “stellar” by journalist Zach Lowy, there are signs that Sorloth could be a fantastic signing for Newcastle this summer, but it seems unlikely that Atletico would be willing to cash-in, given his exploits in his first campaign with Atletico.
Glasgow Rangers announced earlier this month that Czechia international Vaclav Cerny will return to his parent club Wolfsburg following the conclusion of his loan spell at Ibrox.
The left-footed winger spent the season on loan in Glasgow and it now remains to be seen whether or not the Gers will be able to bring him back to the club for a second stint.
Cerny looks set to be the third loan star in as many seasons to light up Ibrox before moving back to their parent club before going elsewhere, following in the footsteps of Abdallah Sima and Malik Tillman.
Sima scored 16 goals in 39 games on loan from Brighton in the 2023/24 campaign, and Tillman racked up 12 goals and five assists in 43 matches on loan from Bayern Munich in the 2022/23 season.
This shows that the club’s top wide options in the last three seasons have all been contracted to other clubs, which is not ideal because it means that Rangers have to replace them every year and have no option to potentially sell them on for profit as a result of their performances.
With this in mind, the Scottish Premiership giants should be trying to find a permanent solution to their problems out wide by finding their next Ryan Kent.
Rangers hit the jackpot with Ryan Kent
The English forward was a rare loanee that they were able to sign permanently for a reported fee of £7.5m during Steven Gerrard’s reign at Ibrox, and he went on to be a big success in Glasgow.
Rangers were willing to splash the cash to sign him permanently, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision as he was a terrific servant for many years on the left flank.
Rangers winger Ryan Kent.
Kent played on the left flank, cutting in on his right foot, and delivered plenty of quality at the top end of the pitch for the Gers, particularly in the 2020/21 campaign.
Ryan Kent’s Rangers career
Season
Appearances
Goals
Assists
22/23
44
3
10
21/22
46
3
19
20/21
52
13
14
19/20
33
8
4
18/19
43
6
9
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, the English flanker produced an eye-catching 27 goals and assists combined in 52 games that term, in which the Light Blues won the Scottish Premiership title under Gerrard.
The right-footed speedster moved on from Ibrox in the summer of 2023 and Rangers have failed to replace him with a permanent replacement, signing Sima and Cerny on loan since, but that they could change that with their latest target.
Rangers in strong position to sign new star
According to GIVEMESPORT, Rangers are one of 26 clubs that are interested in a deal to sign Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that Birmingham City, Celtic, Sheffield United, and Sunderland are also eyeing up a deal to sign the Ghana international to bolster their respective clubs.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It reveals that Rangers and Celtic are in a strong position to sign the 23-year-old star, though, because they would not have to pay as much in compensation as English teams would.
Poku’s contract at Peterborough is due to expire at the end of next month, making him a free agent, but because of his age, the Posh would be due compensation, and UEFA’s cross-border compensation rules mean that the Scottish teams would land him for a cut-price fee.
GIVEMESPORT adds that the Scottish teams have sent scouts to watch the attacker in action, but it remains to be seen who will win the race for his services this summer.
Rangers should, now, look to use their compensation advantage to put together an attractive contract package that can convince him to make the move to Ibrox, as he could be Kent 2.0.
Why Kwame Poku could be the next Ryan Kent
Poku could be the next version of Kent at Ibrox as an exciting wing talent who could be a long-term option for the next Light Blues manager, rather than a one-season loan.
The Scottish giants could build their attack around the 23-year-old star, who could be a key player for the club for many years to come, as Gerrard did with Kent after the English ace joined on a permanent deal.
Poku, who was described as “outstanding” by journalist Lukman Evergreen, has produced impressive performances for Peterborough over the last two seasons, and his form for the League One side suggests that the potential is there for him to be a fantastic signing for Rangers.
The left-footed star delivered 11 goals and seven assists in 39 appearances in the division during the 2023/24 campaign, before he improved on that haul at the top end of the pitch in the season that just finished.
Stats
Kent (20/21 Premiership)
Poku (24/25 League One)
Appearances
37
27
Goals
10
12
Big chances missed
8
3
Big chances created
9
9
Key passes per game
1.8
1.2
Assists
9
8
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Poku’s 2024/25 campaign for Peterborough was even more impressive than Kent’s in the Premiership title-winning season under Gerrard, with more goals and as many ‘big chances’ created in ten fewer appearances.
These statistics suggest that the potential is there for the 23-year-old to be a Kent-esque figure on the right flank for the Light Blues next season and beyond, as a winger who has the quality to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.
Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not he can make the step up to the Premiership, Poku would be an exciting signing as a player with the potential to improve and develop over time as a long-term addition to the squad, rather than a one-season loan.
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Therefore, the Light Blues could find their next version of Ryan Kent at Ibrox by winning the race to bring the Peterborough star to Ibrox this summer.
Chelsea securing qualification for the Champions League next season means Enzo Maresca will be able to entice a greater calibre of players to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Of course, that hasn’t exactly been a problem over the previous year or two, but returning to Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since 2022/23 should give all at the club a massive boost of confidence.
The rumour mill has already begun as several players have been linked with a move to the Blues and the window isn’t even open yet.
Indeed, Marc Guehi is reportedly a player routinely linked with a move to Chelsea and this may accelerate following their fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
Maresca is also looking for another striker or two. Victor Osimhen appears to be a key target, as does Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. The latter is available for a fee of just £30m due to his club’s relegation from the top flight.
Another player has emerged as a potential signing recently, however, as Brighton and Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro is the latest attacking player to be linked with a move to Chelsea.
Chelsea eyeing move for Joao Pedro
According to reports from Brazil last week, the Blues have made an offer worth £51m to sign the Brazilian. It appears as though the club are attempting to ‘speed up negotiations’ in a bid to have him ready for the upcoming Club World Cup which begins in June.
Pedro wasn’t involved in Brighton’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur on the last day of the Premier League season following a ‘training ground altercation’ with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
Joao Pedro celebrates for Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Seagulls look certain to cash in on him sooner rather than later, with the Blues jumping to the front of the queue.
Since joining the club in the summer of 2023, the 23-year-old has registered 40 goal contributions in just 70 matches – 30 goals and ten assists – which represents an excellent return.
This season has been particularly productive, netting ten goals in 27 league games, and these helped the Seasiders to an eighth-place finish in the top flight.
It would be a smart signing by Maresca to bring the former Watford man back to London. He knows the Premier League and, as evidenced over the previous two seasons, knows where the back of the net is.
Money will be available for the manager, that’s for sure. But should a chunk be spent on Pedro? Or is there another option out there which might be a better long-term signing?
Chelsea have held talks over Pedro alternative
Maresca is in the market for a new centre-forward this summer and the one player he appears to be most serious about is Benjamin Sesko.
The youngster has been a target for quite some time, but now Arsenal have joined the list of potential suitors.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
Sesko has a reported release clause worth £67m, and they will have to act swiftly amid reports that Arsenal are now in talks about securing a move for the RB Leipzig striker.
Journalist Simon Phillips claims that the Blues are also working hard behind the scenes to secure a move for the Slovenian international.
“The new info I have is that Arsenal are now really pushing for Benjamin Sesko as well as Chelsea,” said Phillips.
“Both clubs have held talks and laid down some groundwork to sign him. Arsenal also really like Viktor Gyokeres, but there’s a split internally there as to which striker they want to push for.”
Benjamin Sesko’s Budlesiga stats for RB Leipzig
Metric
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
14
13
Assists
2
5
Shots on target per game
0.8
0.9
Successful dribbles per game
0.5
1.2
Big chances created
1
5
Via Sofascore
Pedro may have 89 Premier League appearances under his belt, but the sheer raw talent of Sesko means he could be the better signing of the two.
Why Chelsea must sign Benjamin Sesko this summer
The 21-year-old made his mark at Austrian side RB Salzburg, enjoying a breakthrough season in 2022/23, scoring 18 goals in 41 appearances for the club.
This secured him a move to the German Bundesliga with Leipzig, and he hasn’t looked back since. Across 87 games for the club, he has scored 39 goals and grabbed eight assists, working out as a goal every 2.2 matches.
Following a late-season goal splurge during his debut season in Germany, U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed the striker as a “monster” for his performances in front of goal.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig even hailed Sesko as “the new Erling Haaland” back in May 2021, and while he might not be at that level just yet, his trajectory has been trending upwards ever since.
Still only 21, Sesko has plenty of time to reach the level of Haaland, that’s for sure. Judging by the statistics, he could certainly turn out to be a better signing for Chelsea than Pedro this summer.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
Indeed, according to FBref, Sesko has registered more goals and assists (18 vs 16) than the Brazilian across their respective domestic leagues.
Furthermore, he has also registered more shots per 90 (2.5 vs 1.94), boasts a higher successful take-on percentage (52% vs 33.7%) and wins a higher percentage of aerial duels (58.8% vs 48.8%) per 90 this season.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
In the Bundesliga, Sesko averaged a goal every 185 minutes for Leipzig during 2024/25, while registering 0.9 shots on target per game.
In comparison, Pedro averaged a goal every 195 minutes for the Seagulls, while averaging 0.7 shots on target in the Premier League during the same time period.
Not much to choose between, but on paper, Sesko would be the perfect long-term option for Chelsea and Maresca given his high ceiling for development.
That’s not to say Pedro wouldn’t be a good signing, but if the Blues are going to be spending northwards of £50m on a striker, bringing in one who has better potential makes perfect sense.
The Blues face competition from Arsenal, but this might not pose much of a problem for Maresa, who will be keen to entice the Slovenian to Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks.
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