Category Uncategorized

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now made contact with Xavi as a replacement for Vitor Pereira, with the 57-year-old being dismissed after the 3-0 defeat against Fulham on Saturday.

Pereira was given plenty of time to turn things around, but the loss against the Cottagers was the final straw for Fosun, with the Old Gold now eight points adrift of safety in the Premier League, having made a very poor start to the season.

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was particularly critical of the performance after the match, describing it as “embarrassing.”

Wolves are still searching for their first top-flight victory, having collected just two points from their opening ten games, while they were also dumped out of the EFL Cup by Chelsea last Wednesday, with the Blues emerging as 4-3 winners at Molineux.

It is going to be a tall order for whoever replaces Pereira to dig the Wanderers out of trouble, but Fosun are now eyeing what has to be considered an ambitious move for Xavi…

Wolves make contact with Xavi to replace Pereira

That is according to a report from Spain, which states that is indeed not Gary O’Neil at the top of the wishlist. Wolves have now made contact with the former Barcelona manager, who they have identified as the main candidate to replace Pereira, given his experience of managing at an elite level.

Fosun see appointing the legendary midfielder as a golden opportunity, as they are admirers of his possession-based style of play, and believe the 45-year-old could restore confidence to the squad.

The Spaniard is the top target, but he is not the only manager on the shortlist for the Old Gold, who are working quickly to appoint a new manager, with Bologna boss Thiago Motta emerging as a potential alternative option, given the Italian side’s impressive start to the campaign.

It would no doubt be a major coup if Wolves were somehow able to tempt the former Al-Sadd manager into a move to Molineux, given that he is held in very high regard by Barca president Joan Laporta.

The Terrassa-born manager, who prefers to implement a 4-3-3 system, has won eight trophies as a coach, across spells in Qatar and La Liga, most impressively lifting the Spanish title in the 2022-23 season.

Xavi has been out of work since being dismissed by Barcelona over 18 months ago, but in truth it is difficult to picture him moving to Molineux, given the mess Wolves currently find themselves in, sitting bottom of the Premier League, having shipped 22 goals, the highest number of any side.

Wolves also targeting Brendan Rodgers as replacement for Pereira Wolves targeting Brendan Rodgers amid doubts about Vitor Pereira

The Old Gold have made a very poor start to the season.

2 ByDominic Lund Oct 29, 2025

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah piled up a few records along the way

Sampath Bandarupalli23-Oct-2023283 Target successfully chased by Afghanistan in Chennai, the highest they have ever managed in ODI cricket. The previous highest target they overhauled was 274 against UAE in 2014.1 This was the first instance of Pakistan failing to defend a 275-plus target at the men’s ODI World Cup, having defended them successfully on 13 previous occasions. India’s chase of 274 in 2003 was the previous highest against Pakistan at the World Cup.Related

• Babar: 'When we bowl well, we don't bat well; when we bat well, we don't field well'

• Young stars Noor and Ibrahim light the way on famous night for Afghanistan

• Relax, Pakistan have got this

• Gurbaz, Ibrahim, Rahmat boss 283 chase in Afghanistan's first ODI win over Pakistan

1 Afghanistan defeated Pakistan for the first time in ODIs after losing their previous seven meetings in this format. They have now defeated 13 of the 17 teams against whom they have played ODIs.3 Consecutive defeats for Pakistan in this World Cup. They lost to India and Australia in their last two matches. Only once before have Pakistan suffered a hat-trick of losses in an ODI World Cup – against Bangladesh, South Africa and India in 1999.1 Targets higher than Afghanistan’s 283 that have been successfully chased at the men’s ODI World Cup for the loss of two or fewer wickets. Sri Lanka defeated England by nine wickets while chasing 310 in 2015, while New Zealand also chased 283 against England in the opening game of this edition, for the loss of only one wicket.ESPNcricinfo Ltd4 Century stands between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran in ODIs, the joint-most by any pair for Afghanistan, equaling Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah. All four century stands between Gurbaz and Ibrahim have come in 2023, the joint-most by any pair in men’s ODIs this year alongside Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.1 This was the first time the top three batters in any side scoring 50 or more in a men’s ODI World Cup run chase. There have been eight previous instances of the top three batters making 50-plus scores in World Cup innings, but all of them have come while batting first.2 Instances where Afghanistan’s top three batters made 50-plus scores in the same ODI. The previous was against Sri Lanka in last year’s Pallekele ODI, also by the trio of Gurbaz, Ibrahim and Rahmat Shah.
Monday’s game was also the first time Afghanistan have had fifty-plus stands for the first three wickets in an ODI.2 Sixes by Abdullah Shafique in this game, both in the first ten overs. These were the first sixes hit by Pakistan inside the first powerplay in men’s ODIs this year. The game against Afghanistan was the 20th ODI innings for Pakistan in 2023, with their first six in this phase coming after 1168 balls. Pakistan’s two sixes in the first ten overs are still the joint-fewest among the 22 teams who have played men’s ODIs in 2023.

MatériaMais Notícias

da betcris： O goleiro brasileiro Max Walef, ex-Fortaleza, está pronto para deixar o Dnipro-1, da Ucrância. A guerra com a Rússia, que já perdura cerca de um ano e meio, afetou o futebol da região do Leste Europeu, que também teve que se adequar em meio aos conflitos. Na última temporada, o Dnipro-1, atual vice-campeão do Campeonato Ucraniano, teve que mandar as suas partidas na Eslováquia, longe da sua cidade.

RelacionadasDicasBrasileirão: como foram os últimos jogos entre Atlético-MG e Fortaleza ?Dicas30/10/2023FortalezaMesmo com derrota na Sul-Americana, Fortaleza está no caminho certo para se tornar clube modelo no BrasilFortaleza29/10/2023FortalezaO que faltou para o Fortaleza ganhar a Sul-Americana?Fortaleza29/10/2023

da betano casino： + Confira os palpites dos jornalistas do Lance! para a 31ª rodada do Brasileirão

Portanto, nesta temporada, Max decidiu rescindir o seu contrato ao saber que o clube teria que voltar para a cidade de Dnipro. A região é alvo de constantes bombardeios e o clima de apreensão aumentou internamente, já que não há uma certeza em relação ao fim da guerra.

Max Walef foi contratado para reforçar a equipe ucraniana na temporada passada e encerra a sua passagem pelo clube com 57 partidas ao todo. Em 25, o brasileiro saiu de campo sem ser vazado. O goleiro foi decisivo na campanha do vice-campeonato ucraniano, terminando o torneio sem sofrer gols em metade dos jogos – foram oito “cleansheets”.

Além disso, Max foi o goleiro que ficou a maior quantidade de minutos seguidos sem ser vazado, sendo crucial também na campanha da equipe na Conference League.

O goleiro atou durante 13 anos no Fortaleza, participando de conquistas históricas pelo clube: o título Brasileiro da Série B em 2018 e o bicampeonato da Copa do Nordeste. Max Walef se despediu do Leão em 2022, justamente na temporada em que se destacou como titular da primeira campanha do Tricolor na Libertadores em sua história.

+ Mesmo com derrota na Sul-Americana, Fortaleza está no caminho certo para se tornar clube modelo no Brasil

Agora, devido aos conflitos no território ucraniano, o goleiro brasileiro se viu obrigado a rescindir o seu contrato com o Dnipro-1 e está livre no mercado para negociar com clubes interessados, considerando até mesmo um possível retorno ao Brasil.

The proposed plan involves a total of 22 matches, with a maximum of five overseas players in each XI

Nagraj Gollapudi13-Oct-2022The long-awaited women’s IPL is set to become a reality next year with the BCCI planning a five-team tournament for March 2023, immediately after the Women’s T20 World Cup ends in South Africa on February 26.The BCCI’s proposed plan involves a total of 22 matches, with each squad comprising 18 players with a maximum of six from overseas. No more than five overseas players can feature in a playing XI, with four from Full Member countries and one from an Associate nation.As per the plan, which the BCCI sent on Thursday to state associations and which has been seen by ESPNcricinfo, each team will play the others twice during the league phase (20 matches), with the league topper heading straight to the final. The second finalist will be decided via an Eliminator between the second and third-ranked teams from the league phase. The BCCI is yet to finalise the schedule of the WIPL, but it will be wrapped up before the men’s IPL begins, which is likely to be at the end of March.Whether the March window has been pencilled in for the long term remains to be seen, but the BCCI said in a paper on the WIPL that it has identified a “clear 25 days Women’s IPL window in the FTP cycle”. The inaugural WIPL is likely to clash with the inaugural season of the Women’s Pakistan Super League.”It will be a challenge to play the WIPL in the home and away format, because with five to six teams it is not possible to have a match every day,” the BCCI said in its paper on the WIPL, which was sent to the states as part of the wider agenda for the board’s annual general meeting scheduled in Mumbai on October 18. “It is suggested that the tournament can be played in caravan style, where after finishing ten matches at one venue, the next ten matches to be played at the next venue. Therefore, ten matches each to be played across two venues in the 2023 WIPL season, ten each in the next two venues in the 2024 season, and for the 2025 season ten matches in the remaining one venue and the remaining ten in one of the venues from 2023 season.”Where will the teams be from?
Unlike the Women’s T20 challenge, the precursor to the WIPL, where the teams were assembled randomly, the BCCI will sell the five franchises. However, unlike the men’s IPL, where franchises bid for teams in a particular city, the BCCI has chalked out two plans for the WIPL. The first one comprises selling teams across six zones spanning the country. A set of cities in each zone has been shortlisted and comprises: Dharamsala/Jammu (North zone), Pune/Rajkot (West), Indore/Nagpur/Raipur (Central), Ranchi/Cuttack (East), Kochi/Visakhapatnam (South) and Guwahati (North-East).The second plan involves teams being sold but without a solid home base, with matches to be played at six shortlisted IPL venues: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.The BCCI will present the WIPL plan at the AGM next week but a final decision will be taken by the IPL Governing Council chairman – who that is will be decided at the upcoming AGM – along with the BCCI office bearers.Exponential growth in participation – the reason behind WIPL
Women’s cricket in India became a big talking point ever since they reached the final of the ODI World Cup in 2017 at Lord’s, where they lost to England in front of a full house. In 2018, the BCCI launched the Women’s T20 Challenge, but it was restricted to just one match. Over the next three years, it expanded to a three-team competition. Voices across women’s cricket, both in India and globally, were critical of BCCI’s reluctance to launch a women’s IPL at the time.The board and several state associations were originally concerned by the shallow player pool in women’s cricket, but those reservations have gradually receded now.”With the rise in popularity of women’s cricket in the country mainly due to prominent performances by the Indian Senior Cricket team on world stage by qualifying for semi-finals in 2018 T20 World Cup, finals in 2020 T20 World Cup, securing silver medal in recently held 2022 Commonwealth games in Birmingham, we intend to conduct the Women’s IPL on similar lines with the Indian Premier League,” the BCCI said in its paper on WIPL.The growth on the domestic front was massive with the paper listing “an overall increase of 111% in participation of players along various categories” in the eight-year period between 2014-22. A further breakdown listed the number increasing by 129% in the senior women’s category and a 92% increase in the Under-19 category.The WIPL – and the proposed WPSL – will join the FairBreak Invitational, the Women’s Hundred, WCPL and WBBL as T20 leagues that bolster the popularity and growth of women’s cricket globally. The WIPL paper also noted that the BCCI had studied both the WBBL and the Women’s Hundred models before finalising its plan.

Dele captured the hearts of the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase during his spell in North London, joining in a bargain £5m transfer from MK Dons in the summer of 2015.

No supporter could’ve imagined the immediate impact he would have on the first-team, racking up 269 appearances – netting 67 goals, with 22 of which coming back in 2016/17.

The Englishman won the PFA Young Player of the Year back-to-back, but his time at the club would come to an abrupt end – falling down the pecking order after scoring 14 times in his final three years at the club.

In an attempt to resurrect his career, he joined Como back in January, but only featured once – for a total of 10 minutes – subsequently departing Cesc Fàbregas’ side during the off-season.

There’s no denying the attacking midfielder failed to live up to the early expectations he once had in his professional career – potentially landing a similar player before the September 1st deadline.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacker this summer

Xavi Simons has been a player who has emerged on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of days, with the Lilywhites hierarchy even entering talks with the German side over a £60m transfer.

Chelsea have been said to be leading the race over recent weeks, but Thomas Frank’s side could complete their own hijack for the Dutch international’s signature in the coming days.

However, he’s not the only attacker who’s emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Manchester United bomb squad member Jadon Sancho a potential option, according to TBR Football.

Journalist Graeme Bailey claims that the Lilywhites have “been offered” a last-minute deal for the Englishman, who looks certain to depart the Red Devils having initially cost them £73m.

It also states Frank’s side are desperate for a left-winger before Monday’s deadline, potentially targeting a move for the 25-year-old, who scored five times on loan at Chelsea in 2024/25.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Dele 2.0

Had his career continued on the same trajectory, Dele would still have been a key member of the Spurs squad, subsequently entering the prime years of his career.

At 29, he should be thriving in the Premier League, but unfortunately, off-field events have prevented the former England international from kicking on his career.

He spoke openly about his personal life two years ago, allowing the supporters to gain an insight into his struggles – with sympathy undoubtedly being directed the midfielder’s way.

Ultimately, despite his excellent start to his career, it’s safe to say the player never managed to fulfil the potential he burst onto the scene with – something which is also evident with Sancho and his own career.

The winger thrived at Borussia Dortmund, making over 120 appearances for the Bundesliga side, before completing a £72m switch to join Manchester United back in the summer of 2021.

He’s only made 83 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring just 12 times and failing to match the high expectations he arrived at Old Trafford with – leading to his pending departure this summer.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 25-year-old would cost, but the stats from his loan spell at Stamford Bridge showcase he does still possess top-quality talent, with Frank needing to unlock such talent if he joins the Lilywhites.

Sancho, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Joe Cole, ranked in the 91st percentile for progressive carries (5.1) and 91st percentile for carries into the opposition’s box per 90 (2.9).

Such numbers highlight the threat the former Dortmund star possesses in attacking areas, showcasing his ability to drive forward with the ball at any given opportunity.

He also completed 2.3 take-ons per 90, at a success rate of 46% – further offering Frank’s side an added dimension within the final third for his first campaign in the role.

The winger has also been able to find a teammate consistently, completing 83% of the passes he attempted, subsequently ranking in the 93rd percentile for passes into the opposition box – which could provide those around him with key opportunities in front of goal.

There’s no denying that Sancho won’t be many of the supporters’ first choice between now and the end of the window, but it could be an excellent option if he can recapture his best form.

It’s unclear how much a deal would set the Spurs hierarchy back this summer, but it’s certainly a risk worth taking – with the upside massively outweighing the potential drawbacks.

The new Son: Spurs make last-minute approach to sign "phenomenal" £60m star

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land a star who could be their next Heung-min Son.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 28, 2025

After winning the Carabao Cup last season, ending Newcastle’s 56-year wait to win a major trophy, it looked as though the PIF project was coming to a head.

Qualification for the Champions League was then secured on the final day of the campaign and the Toon were ready to attack this transfer window with intent.

To their credit, Eddie Howe’s men haven’t been shy in the transfer window but they’ve simply been met with fierce resistance and a series of rejections.

Supporters came into this window with plenty of excitement but it’s been nothing shy of a nightmare. Their best player since Alan Shearer, Mr Isak, wants to depart and hasn’t been shy of letting his desires be known, releasing quite the angry statement on Tuesday evening ahead of the PFA awards.

Newcastle have, at least, welcomed Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale to St James’ Park, but a striker continues to elude them.

The latest on Newcastle's striker hunt

Crikey, what a summer, eh? Newcastle have missed out on a whole plethora of forwards in recent months, notably Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko who turned down the Magpies’ advances, instead signing for Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.

Transfer Focus

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

Work is currently being undertaken to bring Yoane Wissa to the north east but despite the player’s apparent desperation to make the move, Brentford are stubborn. After losing Bryan Mbeumo, Thomas Frank and skipper, Christian Norgaard already this summer, they are not keen on seeing their prized striker leave for cheap.

Newcastle are trying hard to sign him but with an alleged £60m price tag, obstacles have so far yet to be cleared.

Still, there are alternatives including the likes of Ollie Watkins, Nicolas Jackson and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand-Larsen.

Yet, according to French reporter, Julien Laurens, Sporting CP attacker Conrad Harder is also on their radar.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast on Wednesday, he stated: “They’ve tried to find a replacement for him [Isak]. They like Conrad Harder at Sporting, but he is not as developed already compared to the others we mentioned already. Certainly no Premier League experience, unlike the other three [Wissa, Jackson, Larsen].”

Amid interest from Milan, reports in Italy have indicated that the Portuguese club are seeking a fee of £24m to sell this summer, although that does seem unlikely given they have already sold Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal.

Speaking of the Gunners’ new striker, Harder has already been described as “the next Viktor Gyokeres” by Scouted Football. Here’s why.

How Harder compares to Wissa and Watkins

It’s abundantly clear that Wissa is Newcastle’s leading target this month and while they would love to sign someone like Watkins too, that one feels more unlikely.

Yet, by landing a bargain deal for Harder before the transfer window slams shut on 1st September, they’d be acquiring a raw player but someone who is actually already more complete than the pair of them.

Harder had to play second fiddle to Gyokeres in Lisbon last term but he still caught the eye, with the 20-year-old scoring 13 goals and supplying ten assists across 54 appearances in all competitions. It’s worth noting that those involvements came from just 20 starts. Impressive work indeed.

The Dane does need to refine his skillset but it’s clear to see why he’s already being compared to Gyokeres. Slightly stockier, talent scout Jacek Kulig hails his “powerful finishing” and his “excellent top speed” while describing him as a “complete forward”.

So, what do the numbers say? Well, it looks favourable when comparing him to Watkins and Wissa.

It’s safe to say that the Sporting youngster isn’t as prolific as the more proven talents of Wissa and Watkins just yet.

However, in every metric besides progressive passes, the Denmark youth international has proven himself to be an incredible talent, undeniably showcasing that he’s more complete across a whole range of facets.

Harder is not just a goalscorer but he’s capable of creating goals on a regular basis, notably registering more key passes than Watkins, who actually finished as the Premier League’s leading assist maker back in 2023/24.

Furthermore, he’s capable of dribbling with the ball on a regular basis, ranking highly for progressive carrying, and he can hold the ball up well, winning far more aerial duels per 90 minutes.

Newcastle fans will be holding out for a big-money striker, particularly with Isak’s future in doubt, but they could do far worse than bringing Harder to England.

Elanga will love him: £50m Wissa alternative is now a top Newcastle target

Newcastle are looking for a new striker this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 21, 2025

Arne Slot has boldly claimed that he will not focus on Liverpool's defence as the Reds boss hopes that his side will outscore every opponent on the way, emerging stronger than before. Following a humiliating 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield, questions have been asked of the Reds' leaking backline, but the Dutch manager insisted that he will not compromise his attacking principles even as the club’s defensive frailties threaten to unravel their season.

Slot refuses to panic despite Liverpool’s slide

The Carabao Cup defeat was Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven matches across all competitions. The last time the Reds suffered five consecutive league defeats was during the 1953/54 season, the year they were relegated from the top flight. Despite making a lightning start to the Premier League, winning their first five games, the Reds now sit seven points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, and their defensive resilience has simply evaporated into thin air. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in 10 matches and have conceded first in seven straight games. Yet, Slot remains adamant that abandoning his offensive philosophy would be a mistake.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'My beliefs won’t change': Slot

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s crucial Premier League clash with Aston Villa, Slot was asked whether adopting a more cautious approach might be the temporary fix his struggling side needs. The Dutchman’s answer was defiant.

"It does go against my beliefs but I have won games in the past, like Man City away, that went against my beliefs but it was necessary to play it like that over there in the second half," he said. "I would be more than open to adapting in certain situations, but I don't think the story is that we conceded chance after chance or that we are too open, every single game, maybe apart from Palace and Brentford, all the other games we deserved much more than we got, and we hardly conceded a chance."

The manager doubled down on his mantra and further insisted that he wouldn’t rip up his attacking blueprint just to grind out results.

"I don't see a reason to change our playing style completely but we need to do better in not conceding goals that for sure," he said. "Even with the team this week which played for the first time together, I think they only conceded three big chances but unfortunately they all went in. But that's because they were big chances, not chances, they were big chances."

Slot wants to defend better during set-pieces

However, Slot did acknowledge one glaring weakness in his defensive setup, which is Liverpool’s recurring problems from set-pieces. Reflecting on their recent defeats to Brentford and Manchester United, he admitted his players lacked physicality and concentration at key moments.

"It is never helpful if you end a game of football against Man Utd with conceding a set-piece, and you start another one in the Premier League, and you concede a throw-in after five minutes," he said.

"I'm not 100% if I'm correct, but we had to defend 16 set-pieces [against Brentford], and 15 we defended well, but at this moment, 15 isn't enough because we conceded 16. The first one, someone said to me, no player survives the first contact, and that is also a little bit what makes it difficult if you are five minutes in and 1-0 down. That is never helpful for confidence and for the plan you had, but like I said, if I liked a little part of the game, it was the part after we conceded 1-0 because we were creative, we created our chances, but we couldn't score, and in the last 10 minutes, it became more of their game again. Eventually, the way we conceded the 2-0 – that is something that is far from our standards."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesVilla’s rise adds pressure to the Reds’ Plight

As Liverpool struggle for consistency, Aston Villa have surged back into contention after a dreadful start. Unai Emery’s side, who were winless in their first five games and briefly in the relegation zone, have now recorded four consecutive victories, including an impressive 1-0 triumph over Manchester City last Sunday. While Liverpool’s high-octane attacking style has been thrilling, injury to Alexander Isak and a misfiring Mohamed Salah have not helped their cause. Slot’s philosophy faces a stern test, but without defensive discipline, it risks turning into chaos.

da luck： West Ham United are now in “ongoing negotiations” over a dealt to sign a new centre-back, who Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich once described as a “beast”.

West Ham keen on new defender despite impressive Forest victory

da 888casino： West Ham finally got their first win of the new season under their belts on Sunday afternoon, securing a 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest courtesy of late goals from Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Callum Wilson.

Graham Potter will undoubtedly be pleased the three attackers were able to get on the scoresheet, but his side also looked far more solid from a defensive point of view, picking up a first clean sheet, after conceding eight goals in the previous two Premier League games.

Max Kilman was particularly impressive, winning all four of the duels he contested, with Konstantinos Mavropanos also catching the eye in his first league outing this season, making six clearances throughout the match to keep the home side at bay.

Related West Ham in talks to hijack Crystal Palace for £15m "animal" to replace Aguerd

The Hammers are “exploring a move” for a new centre-back.

Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 1, 2025

However, it is clear that Potter wants to add more defenders to his ranks before the 7pm deadline, with talks ongoing over a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Igor Julio, alongside Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell.

According to an update from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, West Ham are also in “ongoing negotiations” over a deal for S.C. Braga defender Bright Arrey-Mbi, and they are exploring a deadline day deal for the 22-year-old.

It is unclear whether the move for Arrey-Mbi will go through today, but there is clearly firm interest on the Hammers’ behalf, with talks over a deal being opened days ago.

A potential transfer fee is not discussed by Plettenberg, but Braga spending €6m (£5m) to sign the defender from Hannover 96 last summer provides a reference point.

"Beast" Arrey-Mbi could be solid long-term addition for West Ham

The Braga defender, who represents Germany U21s internationally, has been hailed by former teammate Joshua Kimmich in the past, with the Bayern Munich man saying: “Bright is already a beast. You can tell that he uses every muscle on his body. It surprised me in training that he’s not shy at all. He really goes into challenges and has a certain calmness on the ball.”

Since then, the Cameroon-born defender hasn’t exactly kicked on, but he has managed to get a lot more first-team experience under his belt over the previous two seasons, making a combined 47 league appearances across spells with Hannover 96 and Braga.

Given that Arrey-Mbi is yet to prove himself in a major European league, it would make sense to bring in Igor or Cresswell alongside the young defender, but having caught Kimmich’s eye at a young age, he could have what it takes to be a long-term success at the London Stadium.

Unbeaten 74 combined with Lyndon James fifty ends run of three defeats

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay14-Jun-2025

Notts Outlaws ended a run of three successive Vitality Blast defeats with a scintillating six-wicket victory at Edgbaston.The Bears piled up 206 for 7, with Tom Latham striking 69 off 39 balls and Dan Mousley 53 off 40 before a spectacular late barrage from Moeen Ali and Ed Barnard brought 57 in 20 balls. Liam Patterson-White took 3 for 37.But the Outlaws, who chased down 226 to beat the Bears at Trent Bridge a month ago, powered to 212 for 7, clinching victory when Tom Moores hit the last ball of the match for six. Moores finished on 74 not out off just 33 balls after Lyndon James struck a vital 50 off 40 and Daniel Sams 16 not out from six balls, including two sixes in a final over from which they needed 16.The Outlaws chose to field and started solidly. They removed Alex Davies, bowled by Farhan Ahmed through an attempted cut in the second over, and restricted the home side to 37 for 1 in the powerplay.Latham and Mousley then sped through the gears, however, in a partnership of 116 in 70 balls. Mousley reverse-lapped, swept and straight-drove Ahmed for sixes while Latham reached his half-century, from 29 balls, by pulling a short ball from Calvin Harrison into the crowd.Latham’s demise, when he skied Patterson-White to square leg in pursuit of his fifth six, sparked a wobble of four wickets for 22 runs in nine balls. Patterson-White removed Sam Hain, lbw, and George Garton, caught at long on, and Mousley, his tenth T20 half-century banked, slapped Dillon Pennington to extra cover.It was a spirited fightback from The Outlaws but they then ran into a late storm of sixes and fours from Moeen (34, 12) and Barnard (23 not out, 8) which lifted the total over 200.Joe Clarke dominated the start of The Outlaws’ reply, hitting 30 of the first 34 but then missed a Mousley full toss and was lbw. The spinner struck again with his seventh ball which Jack Haynes was lbw to, one that pitched on his boot. A third lbw decision terminated Freddie McCann’s counter attack of 32 off 17 when he missed a reverse-sweep at Moeen.James, starved of the strike early on, and Moores hit freely to keep the Outlaws in contention, with 60 needed from the last five overs, but the first of those overs, from the excellent Barnard, cost just five runs.Moores lifted Hasan Ali mightily over extra cover for six and followed up with four to reach a 24-ball half-century. James followed to his half-century in 39 balls but was run out by quick-thinking Hasan Ali to leave the Outlaws needing 16 off the last over, from Barnard.Sams lifted the first and fifth balls for six leaving the scores level with one ball left – and Moores thumped that one over long off for another six to complete a remarkable Outlaws double over the Bears.

AC Milan are still struggling to part ways with Divock Origi, whose €4 million-a-year contract continues to weigh heavily on the club. Despite not featuring for the Rossoneri since May 2023, the former Liverpool forward earns more than Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot, a financial headache Milan are desperate to end before his deal expires in 2026.

From Champions League hero to Milan outcast

Origi’s transfer to Milan in 2022 was meant to add experience and depth to their attack, but it quickly turned into one of the club’s most regrettable deals in recent years. Signed on a free transfer from Liverpool, the Belgian was handed a four-year contract worth around €4m net per season. However, after scoring just two goals in all competitions, injuries and form issues left him sidelined and eventually loaned to Nottingham Forest, a move that also failed to revive his career.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportContract costs continue to burden the Rossoneri

Despite his lack of involvement, the Belgin striker remains on Milan’s books, continuing to collect wages that surpass those of new signings Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot, reports. His last competitive appearance for the club came in May 2023, yet the Rossoneri are still obligated to pay him until 2026 unless a mutual termination can be agreed. For a club carefully managing finances under RedBird Capital, Origi’s deal represents a costly reminder of past transfer missteps.

Failed loan spells and off-field silence

The 30-year-old's stint at Nottingham Forest ended without impact, and his return to Milanello brought more confusion than clarity. Origi was instructed to join Milano Futuro a reserve project aimed at rebuilding confidence and fitness, but he never reported for duty. Instead, he has been training privately between Florence and Rome, keeping a low profile both publicly and on social media. His absence from the squad has only deepened frustration within the Milan hierarchy.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportTalks over contract termination set to resume in 2026

Discussions between Milan and Origi’s representatives resumed earlier this year in hopes of finding a settlement. However, no agreement has been reached, with both sides expected to revisit negotiations in January 2026. For Milan, terminating the deal early would provide crucial financial relief; for Origi, it could mean a final chance to relaunch his fading career elsewhere. Until then, the situation remains a costly stalemate neither party benefits from.