Category Uncategorized

It has certainly been a positive start to the 2025/26 campaign for Leeds United. Daniel Farke’s side were tipped by many to go straight back down to the Championship, with more than half of ESPN’s pundits predicting they’d finish in the bottom three.

Of course, there is still plenty of time left this season, but the Whites have made an excellent start to their return to the top flight. They currently sit in 12th in the Premier League, having won two and drawn one from their five games. They already have a four-point cushion on the relegation zone, too.

A large part of why Leeds have started so well is their summer business. One of the most impressive additions so far has been Anton Stach.

Stach’s start to his Leeds career

German international Stach made the move to Elland Road from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim over the summer. He cost the Whites £17m, which seems to have been a bargain given his performances already.

The versatile midfielder, who can also operate at centre-back, has played five times in the Premier League.

He’s already chipped in with two goal involvements, including that sublime free-kick at Molineux against Wolves last time out.

The 26-year-old has certainly caught the eye during his short time at Elland Road so far. Former Watford captain Troy Deeney has been full of praise for the German, explaining that he has “been impressive”, describing him as “a very physical, very demanding player.”

Some of the numbers Stach has put up so far show just how well he has performed. For example, he’s averaged 2.6 combined tackles and interceptions and 1.8 accurate long balls per 90 minutes, as per Sofascore.

Indeed, Leeds’ new midfield gem has already become a key component of their midfield. However, there is another player in Farke’s side who is arguably even more important under Farke.

The Leeds star who's more valuable than Stach

If Stach could already be considered a pivotal cog in the works at Elland Road, then it shows the sort of quality he has brought to Farke’s side, both in and out of possession.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

He has slotted seamlessly into the starting lineup.

He is arguably on the right trajectory to match the importance of club captain Ethan Ampadu. The Welshman has long been viewed as an “indispensable” member of the Leeds side, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

So far, this season has been no different. Although he missed two games during the 2025/26 campaign, the former Chelsea star has started both of Leeds’ wins and the narrow 1-0 loss away to Fulham.

He’s operated in the heart of their midfield alongside Stach.

The quality Ampadu has brought to the centre of the park has been clear to see, and he’s played a huge part in both of their victories. Against Everton on the opening day of the season, he won six duels and completed 81% of his passes.

In their recent win at Molineux, the Welsh international won seven duels and four from four tackles.

Touches

72

74

Pass accuracy

81%

95%

Ground duels won

4/5

5/7

Aerial duels won

2/3

2/4

Tackles won

3/3

4/4

With that in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that the Leeds skipper is one of the highest-valued players in their squad. According to Transfermarkt, he’s worth £17.4m, bettered only by attacker Wilfried Gnonto.

That is also a higher value than what Stach is deemed to be worth. The German midfielder, who cost the club a fraction less than Ampadu’s value over the summer, is only said to be £12.2m by Transfermarkt.

That certainly shows the importance Ampadu has in the Leeds side. Their skipper, who can play as a centre-back or in midfield as he has done this season, is an integral member of Farke’s side. The fact that he is worth more than Stach highlights his quality.

Leeds are brewing the next Kalvin Phillips in exciting 17-year-old starlet

Leeds United is now brewing their next Kalvin Phillips in this 17-year-old starlet.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 25, 2025

Mikel Arteta opened up on Viktor Gyokeres' lean patch of form after the Arsenal striker fired another blank against Newcastle United. The Swede, who joined the Gunners from Sporting CP this summer, has netted only three goals in eight appearances across all competitions, and Sunday’s clash saw him stifled by the Magpies' rugged defence.

Gyokeres carrying the load without Havertz

Gyokeres has been thrust into an extended run of action due to Kai Havertz’s knee injury, picked up in August. With the German sidelined until later in the season, the Swede has started nearly every game, stepping up under mounting pressure.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportArteta raves about Gyokeres' character

Arteta has praised Gyokeres’ work rate, noting that the striker was heavily involved in dangerous situations against Newcastle, even if the final touch just didn’t come off. Gyokeres also kept fighting despite seeing a first-half penalty call overturned after a VAR review.

“I loved it,” he said. “I absolutely loved how he took it. He went on board, not a single moment when he’s showing frustration. I told him you’re going to get some decisions, some others not. Stand up, you’re going to have two or three players around you in many moments, the ball is in the air and a lot is going to happen.

“But I loved his reaction, I loved the way he handled the situation emotionally and as well because he was involved in a lot of dangerous moments that he created. He was very much involved in them. It’s a pity that he didn’t score a goal at the end because in my opinion he fully deserved it.”

Beyond goals: Gyokeres the complete striker

While goal droughts often draw criticism, Arteta stressed that Gyokeres’ value to the team goes far beyond finishing. He repeatedly creates opportunities, links play, and battles opponents in the air and on the ground. The Arsenal boss hinted that the Swedish forward’s ceiling is still very high.

“In a really natural and organic way I would say,” he said. “He’s a really confident boy, his work ethic is incredible – the demands that he puts on himself every single day. 

It’s a joy to work with him, he gives so much to the team and the ceiling is very, very with what he can still give to the team. So, I am very happy with him.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportFocus shifts to Europe

Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table, keeping pace with leaders Liverpool. However, the Gunners now turn their attention to Europe, facing Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday. It will be another test for Gyokeres to prove he can shine on the continental stage, and Arteta will be hoping his striker’s confidence remains high despite recent blanks.

Big picture – Pooran vs KKR’s spinners

Only Rishabh Pant and Ravi Bishnoi are yet to hit their stride, but otherwise, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are steadily assembling a winning formula in IPL 2025. Mitchell Marsh has notched up three fifties in four games, while Nicholas Pooran is the top run-getter of the season. When Pooran faltered against Mumbai Indians (MI) last Friday, Aiden Markram, Ayush Badoni, and David Miller stepped up. The Indian seamers have been impressive, and Digvesh Rathi is already a contender for the tournament’s emerging player.LSG are at the right juncture to take off but their ability to handle spin, especially under the hot afternoon sun at Eden Gardens, could define the outcome against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Since IPL 2024, Markram has fallen to spin five times in 12 innings; Marsh’s strike-rate plummets from 194 to 139 against spin and Pant averages just 15.4 against legspin.Pooran is the exception. He has crossed 200 runs this season and has the best strike-rate (209) against spin since IPL 2024. But even he has struggled against Sunil Narine. That said, if Pooran and Miller can launch against KKR’s spin attack, it could swing the game.Related

• 'Welcome, Mufasa' – No-nonsense Bumrah returns with typically no-nonsense Bumrah spell

• Pooran on his six-hitting: 'Never worked on my bat speed, I'm just blessed with incredible talent'

• Langer: Mayank is 'up and running' at '90-95%'

• Rishabh Pant has started IPL 2025 poorly, but it's too early to judge

KKR, too, seem to be clicking into gear, especially after their impressive showing against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh adapted well on a sticky pitch, which might be a recurring feature at Eden Gardens this season. Ajinkya Rahane and youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi have offered consistency, but they’d want better starts from their openers and more time in the middle for Andre Russell.Off the pitch, the clash also carries a unique flavour for Kolkata’s football faithful. The last few seasons have witnessed plenty of Mohun Bagan fans from Kolkata shift allegiances to LSG for one day; the two teams are owned by the same group headquartered in the city.

Form guide

Kolkata Knight Riders WLW
Lucknow Super Giants WLW

Team news and likely XII

Kolkata Knight RidersQuinton de Kock smashed a 97* against Rajasthan Royals but he’s scored in single digits in the other three games. It remains to be seen whether KKR would consider Rahmanullah Gurbaz in place of him. Even though Moeen Ali did not bowl against SRH, he could retain his spot in place of Spencer Johnson, based on pitch conditions.Likely XII (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Ajinkya Rahane, 4 Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 5 Venkatesh Iyer, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Ramandeep Singh, 9 Moeen Ali, 10 Harshit Rana, 11 Vaibhav Arora, 12 Varun Chakravarthy2:23

Rayudu: KKR could look to open with Moeen and give Narine a break

Lucknow Super GiantsMayank Yadav, who is bowling at “90-95% fitness” at the Centre for Excellence, is not yet available. They can use Markram as a third-spinner, but otherwise, left-arm spinners M Siddharth and Shahbaz Ahmed – who is also an allrounder – could be tempting options.Likely XII (probable): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Mitchell Marsh, 3 Nicholas Pooran, 4 Rishabh Pant (wk), 5 Ayush Badoni, 6 David Miller, 7 Abdul Samad/Shahbaz Ahmed, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Avesh Khan, 10 Akash Deep, 11 Digvesh Rathi, 12 Ravi Bishnoi

The big question

Andre Russell has faced only 16 balls all season and scored ten runs. Given KKR’s batting-heavy line-up, Russell has been batting down the order and is expected to start hitting as soon as he walks in. Even though he has hit his strides with the ball, are KKR underutilising one of their most expensive retentions by not giving him enough batting opportunities?

In the spotlight: Ravi Bishnoi and Vaibhav Arora

Ravi Bishnoi’s effectiveness has dropped since IPL 2024. This season, it has worsened. He has the poorest economy of all spinners in IPL 2025 with only three wickets in four outings. Rathi is outshining him, and despite being one of three retained LSG players before the mega auction, Bishnoi could lose his place in the XII if his season does not turn around. The surface on Tuesday, though, could suit him.Vaibhav Arora has been in sensational form this season•BCCI

Vaibhav Arora was called KKR’s powerplay specialist by Venkatesh after their win last game. Left-handed batters average only 9.60 against him, but against right-hand batters, like the openers he will encounter on Tuesday, he has been less effective. They score at a strike rate of 152.63 and average nearly 38 against Arora. Will he be able to turn it around?

Pitch and conditions

It was a sticky surface with patches lacking grass last time. Expect the same for the LSG fixture. Dew should not be a factor in the second innings although temperatures are expected to be around 33 degrees during start time, which could dictate the toss decision.

Stats and trivia

• Only two times has a captain opted to bat at the toss this season. Both were in day games
• Since IPL 2023, the team batting first has won eight of the 17 games at Eden Gardens. The average first innings score has been 191 while the lowest total defended is 176 (excluding shortened games)
• In 19 balls across five innings, Russell has hit Thakur for 54 runs at a strike-rate of 284
• Pooran has scored only 25 runs in 33 balls against Narine in the IPL

Years before Cristiano Ronaldo became a global icon and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, he made a striking declaration to then Manchester United team-mate Edwin van der Sar. The Dutch goalkeeper, reflecting on former Real Madrid and Juventus forward's early days at Old Trafford, remembers a hungry individual confidently stating he would become the best player in the world.

• Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner

  Ronaldo will, without any shadow of a doubt, go down in football history as one of the greatest players ever. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus marksman has scored close to 950 goals in his career at the top-most level, winning five Ballons d'Or, as many Champions Leagues, and breaking countless other records. In a recent interview, legendary former United goalkeeper and Ronaldo's ex-teammate, Van der Sar, revealed the words the young Portuguese told him at the time. 

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  'I'll be the best in the world' – Van der Sar reveals Ronaldo's bold prediction

  Speaking to , Van der Sar said: "Cristiano was incredible; he was always in the gym before and after training. I'd never seen such a hungry young man. He always told me: 'Edwin, I'm going to be the best in the world.' I told him not to overdo it, but he was right."

• Ronaldo still going strong at 40

  After winning his first Ballon d'Or with the Red Devils in 2008, lifting four Champions Leagues and becoming Real Madrid's highest goal scorer of all-time, and joining Juventus in 2018, where he scored over a century of goals, Ronaldo famously returned to Old Trafford for a second spell in 2021. After a terrific first season upon returning, in which he scored 18 Premier League goals, Ronaldo had a public outburst against then-head coach Erik ten Hag, during which he was also critical of United. His contract was terminated, after which he crossed continents to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. There, he has already scored over a hundred goals and continues to be prolific for both club and country at the ripe old age of 40.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images
  

  When does Ronaldo play next?

  Ronaldo and Al-Nassr will next be seen in action on Wednesday as they kick-off their AFC Cup campaign against Tajik outfit Istiklol.  

Manchester United have been extremely active within the transfer market during the summer, as the hierarchy look to back the manager in his quest for success.

Ruben Amorim took the reins back in November after Erik ten Hag was dismissed, only having the January transfer window to make the changes he desired to the squad.

However, this window presents fresh opportunities, securing the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from fellow Premier League sides Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford respectively.

Such dealings have seen the Red Devils already splash over £125m on new additions this summer, but their spending looks set to continue in the coming weeks.

A new striker remains a priority for the club this summer, leading to numerous players being linked with a move to join Amorim’s revival during the 2025/26 campaign.

The latest on United’s striker hunt this summer

Randal Kolo Muani has emerged as a potential target for United this summer, with the Frenchman set to leave current side PSG during the off-season.

The Red Devils have reportedly prepared an offer for the 26-year-old in recent days, with the Ligue 1 outfit currently demanding a fee in the region of £39m for his signature.

However, he’s not the only name currently on their shortlist, with Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson firmly on their radar this window, according to TEAMtalk.

They claim that Jason Wilcox has been at the centre of internal talks to land the 24-year-old, after he registered 13 goals for Enzo Maresca’s side last campaign.

It also states that winger Alejandro Garnacho could be used to sweeten any deal after he was left out of the Red Devils’ pre-season tour, reducing the cost of the Senegalese international’s fee, as he’s currently valued at £80m.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect alongside Mbeumo

There’s no denying that Mbeumo is an exciting talent that will hand the United side the needed attacking threat they’ve craved ahead of next season.

The Cameroonian managed to register 20 goals in the Premier League last season, a tally that was just under 50% of what the Red Devils first team managed collectively during the same period.

Despite his goalscoring tallies, he’s also impressed in teeing up his teammates, ending the most recent season with eight assists across all competitions for the Bees.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, registering 1.8 chances created during the 2024/25 campaign under boss Thomas Frank, having the tools to create carnage at Old Trafford.

Such figures could hugely benefit potential new addition Jackson, with the forward potentially getting all the ammunition needed for success from the Cameroonian.

His stats from his spell at Stamford Bridge highlight the talent he possesses in the final third, certainly aiding Amorim in his quest for success during his time in the role.

Jackson, who’s been labelled a “monster” by former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel, registered 1.4 shots on target per 90 last season, playing a huge role in his tally of 13 goals across all competitions – subsequently handing the side the focal point they’ve been craving.

Games played

30

Goals & assists

15

Shots on target per 90

1.4

Pass accuracy

77%

Aerials won

38%

Touches in opposition box

6.2

Chances created

1.2

He also won 38% of the aerial battles he entered, offering Amorim’s side a focal point to play off, which could allow Mbeumo to improve his own tallies as a result.

That ability to aid United’s new man is also seen in Jackson’s statistical likeness to both Ollie Watkins and Yoane Wissa, as per FBref, two players whom Mbeumo thrived alongside at Brentford.

Indeed, the left-footer and Wissa contributed to 39 league goals between them last season, having previously scored 42 goals combined with Watkins during the 2019/20 campaign in the second tier. Could Jackson be next?

The Senegalese international’s impressive form within attacking areas is further reflected in his tally of 6.2 touches in the opposition’s box per 90, potentially being the poacher they’ve lacked since the 40-year-old’s appointment.

It may prove to be an excellent deal for United if they can land Jackson, with the forward able to transform the Red Devils’ fortunes in attacking areas – whilst also moving Garnacho out of the door in the opposite direction.

The prospect of the 24-year-old linking up with Mbeumo in 2025/26 is certainly an exciting one, certainly pushing the side in the right direction throughout the upcoming campaign as a result.

Better deal than Mbeumo: Man Utd preparing bid for "superstar" £39m CF

Manchester United appear to be making another huge move within the transfer market.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 22, 2025

David Warner has called on Cricket Australia to fully explain what happened when the ball was changed on the final day of the Australia A-India A game in Mackay.The Indian players, particularly wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, were angry when a different ball was handed to them by the umpires before play. Audio picked up over the stump microphone heard umpire Shawn Craig saying there were scratches on the previous one and telling Kishan he would be put on report for calling the decision “stupid.”Related

• Bowling to Smith, Labuschagne, Rahul at the MCG: Rocchicioli's rise continues

• Warner's leadership ban overturned by Cricket Australia

• Kishan escapes dissent charge despite anger over ball change

• David Warner named Sydney Thunder captain

“You scratch it, we change the ball,” Craig said. “There will be no more discussion, let’s play.”Hours after the game finished, a CA statement said the ball had “deteriorated” and that no further action would be taken. “Both teams’ captain and manager were informed of the decision prior to the start of play,” the statement added.Warner, who said he was not across the whole incident but had seen the exchanges in the middle, suggested the issue had been “squashed” ahead of the imminent arrival of India for the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy.”The ultimate decision is with CA isn’t it?,” Warner said. “I think they have obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer. But if the umpires deemed something happened, I am sure there will be a follow up. I think the umpires or the match referee should be standing here answering questions.””I think the match referee should be coming out and addressing his own staff which are the umpires. And if they’re sticking by the umpire’s decisions, you have to stand up for that. That’s obviously a statement CA have to release. I have not seen anything.”It’s understood there is no footage available of anything untoward being done to the ball.Under the laws, a five-run penalty is imposed if the umpires change the ball after they consider it to have been unfairly altered. However, the CA playing conditions include an extra clause which mean the umpires can make a change without implementing penalty runs if it’s unclear how the ball came to be damaged.Warner’s comments came on the day he was unveiled as Sydney Thunder captain following the overturning of his lifetime leadership ban imposed for his role in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal in 2018.”The punishment that was handed down was there for a reason and I thoroughly accept that,” he said. “You’re always going to be disappointed that you can’t lead but what was done was done and I moved on from that.”But I get the opportunity to lead the Thunder and share my wealth of knowledge about the game and hopefully some of the youngsters can come ask me some questions after the game, decisions that I’ve made or some errors that I might have made and have that confidence and hopefully one day they can grow into a captain as well.”

Chiefs have now flown into London for talks, following an important Arsenal player agreeing terms to leave the club this summer, according to a report.

Gunners could sanction departure to help fund Madueke move

The Gunners are now closing in on a deal for Noni Madueke, as well as Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca recently confirming the winger has decided to make a move across the capital.

However, with the north Londoners reportedly set to spend £52m on the Chelsea ace, fans appear to have been left less than impressed by the news, with ‘Arteta Out’ graffiti even appearing at the Emirates Stadium over the past few days.

While the reaction is excessive, given that Mikel Arteta has turned his side into consistent Premier League title challengers, the decision to sanction a significant outlay on the winger can be called into question, considering he is yet to establish himself at the highest level.

As such, Arsenal may have to sell one of their current forwards to soften the blow, and a report from The Boot Room has revealed that Fenerbahce chiefs were set to fly into London for talks over a deal for Leandro Trossard this weekend.

Trossard is said to have agreed terms in principle over a move to the Turkish club, with the Gunners willing to cash-in on their £27m signing this summer, despite him featuring in every single Premier League game in the 2024-25 campaign.

Their own Huijsen: £16m "monster" now wants to join Arsenal after Madueke

Arsenal could sign their answer to Dean Huijsen.

By
Ben Gray

Jul 13, 2025

Arteta’s side are willing to take a loss on Trossard, with a price tag of £17m being demanded, although Fenerbahce are currently unwilling to spend that much, meaning some aspects of the deal still need to be ironed out.

"Magician" Trossard could still have part to play at Arsenal

It could be a mistake to sanction the Belgian’s departure this summer, given that he is a versatile option for Arteta, able to play on the left-wing and through the middle, while he also amassed 16 goal contributions in the Premier League last season.

Arsenal fans will know all too well the importance of having a big squad, given that Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz getting injured arguably derailed their Premier League title pursuit in the 2024-25 season, and the 30-year-old has proven himself as a reliable source of goals and assists.

That said, despite the recent outrage, Madueke’s arrival could soften the blow of losing Trossard, given that the Chelsea ace is much younger than the Fenerbahce target at 23-years-old, while he has also been dubbed “fearless” by scout Antonio Mango.

Not only that, but Arsenal also remain interested in a forward with more experience at the top level, with recent reports suggesting they are leading the race for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Thompson whacks unbeaten 40 off 14 balls after Malan anchors with 93 to keep Yorkshire alive

ECB Reporters Network14-Jul-2024

Dawid Malan shuts his eyes and swings hard over the leg side•Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images

Yorkshire achieved the second highest successful run chase in their history in Vitality Blast cricket to keep alive their qualification hopes thanks to a brilliant innings from opener Dawid Malan against Worcestershire Rapids at New Road.The Vikings chased down a 206 target to win by six wickets in a perfectly-paced innings to secure a sixth victory of the campaign with three balls to spare.Malan was the hero with an unbeaten 93 off 50 balls with five sixes and seven fours and now Yorkshire will look to defeat Notts Outlaws in their final game at Headingley and hope results go in their favour.The Vikings never panicked despite being well behind the required run rate at 74 for 1 at the halfway stage and requiring another 132 from the final 10 overs.After Adam Lyth’s slow start, James Wharton and Jordan Thompson provided important cameos in support of Malan. Only once have Yorkshire chased a bigger total to win when they reached a 208 target against Durham at Headingley two years ago.Worcestershire topped 200 for the first time this season thanks to aggressive batting all down the order from Brett D’Oliveira, Josh Cobb, Ethan Brookes and Rob Jones. It was the fourth successive match that they had achieved their highest score of the campaign after making 181 for 4, 184 for 8 and 187 for 8 against Lancashire Lightning, Leicestershire Foxes and Birmingham Bears respectively.The Rapids total would have been even higher but for another splendid performance from Vikings leg spinner Jafer Chohan. He followed his 5 for 14 on his previous outing against Durham with 4 for 29 in another top-class display from the South Asian Cricket Academy product.Worcestershire suffered a double pre-match setback with Kashif Ali (side strain) and T20 vice-captain Adam Hose (groin) ruled out but D’Oliveira returned after a shoulder injury. Yorkshire kept faith with the side which defeated Durham before Friday’s derby with Lancashire was washed out. Vikings captain Shan Masood won the toss and put the Rapids into bat on a fresh pitch.Ben Cliff took the new ball and struck in his second over when Ed Pollock (10) holed out to Adam Lyth at mid-on. But a succession of boundaries from D’Oliveira and Cobb meant the Rapids 50 came up in 4.2 overs. Cobb tucked into Cliff with 4-4-6 off successive deliveries as the Rapids ended the powerplay on 67 for 1.Jafer Chohan was in the wickets again•Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images

D’Oliveira carved Thompson over backward point to complete a 23-ball half-century stand. Three times in the opening seven overs the Vikings conceded 18 runs. The introduction of Chohan ended the partnership on 64 with D’Oliveira (42) easily stumped after coming down the pitch to the spinner.Gareth Roderick then tried to reverse-sweep Chohan and was bowled but the Rapids were well placed at 106-3 at the half-way stage. Cobb became Chohan’s third victim after he switched ends when picking out long off. There was more success for Chohan when Brookes, having hit 44 off 21 balls, perished at cover.Jones sustained the momentum for Worcestershire by making an unbeaten 35 from 25 balls. When Yorkshire batted, Lyth and Malan played themselves in against some accurate bowling from Tom Taylor and Cobb before gradually accelerating to reach 41 for 0 at the end of the powerplay. The rate climbed above 12 runs an over and Lyth was pouched out cover off Brookes with 66 on the board in the 10th over.Malan struck Matthew Waite for six over midwicket to complete a 32-ball half-century. Brookes came back to end a cameo 24 off 12 balls from Wharton as he picked out long-off and in the same over Donovan Ferreira went after D’Oliveira backpedalled from cover.Malan struck 20 off a Cobb over to reduce the target to 64 from the final five overs. But Brookes had more joy when Masood found the hands of long-off. It was the Rapids’ last success as Thompson delivered a series of massive blows to see his side over the finishing line with three balls to spare.He ended unbeaten on 40 from just 14 balls with four sixes, and the unbroken fifth-wicket partnership was worth 49 in three overs.

A crucial afternoon awaits for Chelsea.

Going into the final day of the Premier League season, the Blues kick off in fifth place, thereby occupying the final Champions League spot, but are far from guaranteed to remain there.

Their hosts, Nottingham Forest, are just a point behind Enzo Maresca’s team, so, defeat at the City Ground would see them slip out of the Champions League places and, assuming Aston Villa avoid defeat at Old Trafford simultaneously, the Blues would end up seventh.

This would mean, if they’re then also beaten by Real Betis in Wednesday’s Conference League Final in Wrocław, they would end up back in next season’s Conference League, which absolutely no Chelsea supporter wants to come to pass.

Given all of that, there is so much for Maresca’s men to play for on the pitch while, off it, plans are already coming together for next season, so could Chelsea land a new striker?

Chelsea's search for a new striker

According to a report by Cahê Mota of Brazilian outlet Globo, Chelsea have made a €60m (around £51m) offer to sign Brighton & Hove Albion forward João Pedro, adding that the Blues are attempting to ‘speed up negotiations’, hoping to have the star in place ahead of the Club World Cup.

Well, the 23-year-old appears likely to be on the move at some point this summer because, as documented by Steve Sutcliffe of BBC Sport, Pedro will not be involved when the Seagulls face Spurs on Sunday, have also not been in the matchday squad to take on Liverpool last Monday either, following a ‘training ground altercation’ with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.

Despite this, the Brazilian is still a sought-after striker, with presenter Sam Ucko labelling him a ‘special player’ who is destined to go to ‘the very top’, so could he be on his way to Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea's search for their next great striker

As noted by Richard Jolly of Four Four Two, Chelsea have had their fair share of striker flops through the years; the names Andriy Shevchenko, Chris Sutton, Adrian Mutu, Mateja Kežman, and many others immediately spring to mind.

In fact, one could argue that Chelsea have not had a clinical centre-forward since the days of Diego Costa.

After arriving from Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2014 for a reported £32m, the Spanish international scored 59 goals in 120 appearances for the Blues, winning two Premier League titles and the EFL Cup, also named in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of his first campaign in England.

The table below outlines all the Blues’ highest-scoring centre-forwards in the last decade.

2014/15

Diego Costa

20

21

2015/16

Diego Costa

12

16

2016/17

Diego Costa

20

22

2017/18

Álvaro Morata

11

15

2018/19

Olivier Giroud

2

13

2019/20

Tammy Abraham

15

18

2020/21

Tammy Abraham

6

12

2021/22

Romelu Lukaku

8

15

2022/23

Kai Havertz

7

9

2023/24

Nicolas Jackson

14

17

2024/25

Nicolas Jackson

10

12

As the table outlines, no Chelsea centre-forward has reached 20 goals across all competitions since Costa’s departure, while noting that Eden Hazard in 2018/19 as well as Cole Palmer last season did reach this milestone, albeit, of course, neither of those are strikers.

So, could João Pedro change this fact?

Well, let’s look at his statistics this season to help answer this question.

Minutes

1,948

170th

Goals

10

19th

Goals per 90

0.46

17th

Assists

6

26th

Goals + assists per 90

0.74

9th

Shots per 90

1.94

59th

Goals – xG

+1.1

65th

Shot-creating actions

72

72nd

Goal-creating actions

9

63rd

As the table outlines, despite limited minutes, Pedro has managed ten Premier League goals this season, thereby ranking very highly for goals-per-90 in particular.

This is on top of the 20 goals he managed last season, six of which came in the Europa League, a very impressive return during his debut campaign with the Seagulls and would have been the highest by any Chelsea striker since Costa left.

Adrian Clarke of the Premier League praises the Brazilian’s ‘versatility’ as well as his quick movement and ability to ‘dribble past players with ease’, while Liam Tharme of the Athletic underlines how his ‘technical prowess’ allows him to drop deep and get involved in the build-up play.

Meantime, Shay Hicks of Talent Football Scout asserts that Pedro ‘would thrive with higher-quality teammates’, so could he be on his way to Chelsea, possibly becoming the striker they’ve spent nigh on a decade searching for?

A younger Isak: Chelsea make contact for "one of the best STs out there"

Chelsea are looking to sign a striker or two this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 23, 2025

Liverpool clinched their 20th Premier League title on Sunday, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur to bestow upon Anfield the hometown celebrations they have craved for 35 years.

The wider squad came together in a huddle of pure joy as they danced across the pitch and celebrated in front of the wide-beaming supporters. However, one or two may have felt the niggling concern that this is their final trophy in a Liverpool shirt.

Diogo Jota, for example, sadly doesn’t look to have the same snap and athleticism he once had, the 28-year-old only scoring one goal across 15 appearances since recovering from muscular issues in January.

But Darwin Nunez is the player widely expected to be leaving this summer, having fallen by the wayside after his club-record £85m move from Benfica in 2022, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the news on several occasions.

The club need a new star at number nine, but who that might be is as yet indeterminable.

24/25

43 (17)

7

7

22/23

54 (33)

18

15

21/22

42 (26)

15

4

One thing’s for sure, Liverpool miss Bobby Firmino in his pomp.

Why Liverpool miss Bobby Firmino

It was perhaps summed up best when Nunez was played through on goal and had the chance to add a sixth as Liverpool laid siege on Spurs’ flimsy defences and claimed the Premier League title.

The Uruguayan, drained of confidence after three testing years on Merseyside, opted against striking on goal himself, sealing some form of poetic justice in capping off the title-winning result, and instead played a pass across goal to the onrushing Salah.

Firmino would have played the pass with weighted perfection. Or, perhaps, he would have recognised that striking on goal himself was by far the best option, and done just that.

Nunez, sadly, lacks in temperament what he boasts in tenacity and toughness, and after Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot have failed to crack the nut, Firmino’s replacement is set to leave, with a new version of the silky Brazilian targeted once again.

While Firmino’s unique take on the striker’s game is not something readily replicable, FSG are looking to sign a player with a noteworthy technical quality, actually gearing up to hijack another club’s deal.

Liverpool ready to hijack deal for new centre forward

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are gearing up to land a hijack on Inter Milan this summer, with the Serie A title contenders pushing to sign Jonathan David when his contract at LOSC Lille expires this summer.

Inter presented their offer to David’s camp in March and are confident that they are getting closer toward an agreement, though the temptation of Saudi Arabian riches is there and Arsenal and West Ham United want to add him to their ranks too.

While opting for a free transfer might feel somewhat deflating, David is a clinical striker with a ball-playing game that most strikers don’t boast. In that way, he could prove to be a Firmino-esque presence at number nine once again, albeit with a wildly different take.

Why Jonathan David would be perfect for Liverpool

David is a talented goalscorer, sure, but he’s also known to have a crisp and intelligent passing game. It’s one which could see him grow into a role as Slot’s very own version of Firmino, with Nunez having failed in his season-long audition for that role.

The 33-year-old didn’t score every game, but he was so important in engineering a sense of unmatched fluency, centred between Salah and Sadio Mane.

In David, Liverpool might find their best striker since the attacking maestro, one whose goalscoring skills are actually above those of both Firmino and Nunez. Indeed, since the Canadian star left Gent and signed for Lille back in 2020, he’s scored 109 goals and supplied 29 assists across 229 outings.

24/25

47

25

11

0.77

23/24

47

26

9

0.74

22/23

40

26

4

0.75

21/22

48

19

0

0.40

20/21

48

13

5

0.37

Still only 25, David has demonstrated incremental growth across his five campaigns in France, with his last three campaigns establishing him as a top-class goalscorer with creative qualities to applaud.

This newfound creativity is a product of his much-improved ball game. As per FBref, David actually ranks among the top 1% of centre-forwards across Europe over the past year for pass completion, with an average success rate of 83.4%.

Firmino had plenty of tricks and flicks, but David doesn’t embroider his football with such fleet feet. He’s more economical, but that suits Slot.

The Dutch tactician is sure to be looking for a striker with a proven track record in front of goal while adding a bit flair and, most importantly, coherence to the attacking ranks.

Nunez, for example, has completed just 68% of his passes over the past year, putting him among the bottom 35% of strikers for that metric.

When Canadian football expert Tony Marinaro described David as “one of the best strikers in the world” back in 2022, many undoubtedly scoffed at such a high-held opinion.

Transfer Focus

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

But consistency is the key. Just ask Nunez, for his big Liverpool move has been derailed by a distinct lack of the stuff.

David has all the ingredients to become a success for the Anfield side. He’s scored ten goals in the Champions League already (including against Liverpool this season), having played just 18 matches.

The Canada international is athletic, powerful and pacy with a crispness in possession that Firmino would be proud of.

Oh, he’s not cut from the same cloth as Liverpool’s dazzler, but then no one is. But David has a style of play, and it’s an approach which really could work a treat for Slot’s title-winning side.

Liverpool struck gold on "world-class" star who was worth more than Palmer

This Liverpool star has immortalised his name after his years of service.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 28, 2025