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Russell Martin is the man charged with bringing the glory days back to Glasgow Rangers. He was announced as the club’s 20th permanent manager in midweek, and thoughts now turn to the transfer window.

The 49ers will likely give the new manager some funds to strengthen his squad, especially given how important next season is for the Ibrox side.

The dream XI Martin could build at Rangers: Vardy and £15m duo all sign

Now that Rangers have officially appointed Russell Martin as their new manager, we assess the dream lineup the new boss could build at Ibrox.

1

By
Ben Gray

Jun 5, 2025

Reclaiming the Premiership title will be his priority. To build a squad capable of challenging Celtic, he might need to cash in on a prized asset or two.

Why Rangers could sell Mohamed Diomande

Both Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande have been linked with moves away from Glasgow this summer.

The latter has been subject to interest from Everton recently, although Martin may well reject an offer should it arrive for the Ivorian.

However, should the Toffees make a bid too good to turn down, Martin simply must cash in.

Mohamed Diomande’s stats for Rangers last season
Metric	Premiership	Europa League
Goals	4	1
Assists	7	2
Key passes per game	1.2	0.9
Total duels won per game	4.3	5.3
Tackles per game	1.2	1.9
Via Sofascore

Far too often in the past have the club rejected bids, only to see star players walk away for a pittance. Or even worse, for free, in the case of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, for instance.

Diomande recorded 15 goal contributions last season – six goals and nine assists – while showcasing his versatility across numerous positions.

Given that the club may have to rely on Europa League football next season, selling players when the iron is hot might be the best way to bolster the finances.

If so, Martin may look to seal a deal to bring in an ideal replacement for Diomande this summer…

Rangers could land the perfect Diomande replacement

Last month, the Light Blues were linked with a move to sign Brazilian starlet Metinho from Ligue 1 side Troyes.

The Daily Record has since claimed earlier this week that it will take an offer of around £5m to secure his signature this summer. It remains to be seen how much Martin will have to spend, but selling a player for a high fee could help his cause.

He will be out of contract next summer, hence Troyes’ decision to move him on this summer if the fee is right. Martin could be signing an ideal replacement for Diomande should he land the player, that’s for sure.

Metinho spent the second half of last season out on loan at FC Basel, helping them win the Swiss league title in the process.

Although not as effective in the final third as Diomande, Metinho shone defensively, averaging 2.6 tackles, one interception and recovered 4.4 balls per game for the club.

Having started his career at Fluminense, Metinho was hailed as one of “Brazil’s best” by SelecaoTalk in 2021.

Transfer Focus

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

While his career might not have lived up to this lofty praise as yet, there are still signs as to why he could be an “excellent” signing for Rangers – as noted by writer Kai Watson.

Still only 22, Metinho has plenty of time on his side to fulfil his potential. If he does this at Rangers, there is no doubt the midfielder could land the club a solid profit in a few years.

Rangers can sign best striker since Morelos in move for "world-class" star

Now that Russell Martin has officially been appointed the new Rangers manager, could they sign a “world-class” striker on a free transfer?

By
Ben Gray

Jun 6, 2025

While buying the right players remains a key point of concern at Manchester United in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, it could be argued that there has been just as much difficulty with regard to selling players in recent times.

Indeed, the £10m profit made on Daniel James in 2021 showcases a rare example of the Red Devils actually making an astute move in the market, with the club having far too often let talents go on the cheap – the £500k sale of £40m man Donny van de Beek a notable example.

There is a sense, however, that things are perhaps beginning to change, with the last few years seeing the Old Trafford hierarchy allow numerous academy graduates to be sold, namely Anthony Elanga (£15m), James Garner (£15m), Dean Henderson (£20m) and, of course, Scott McTominay.

Having so often been poor sellers, can fans and pundits alike really be too critical of the club trying to strike while the iron is hot with regard to cashing in?

The problem is, however, that the woes of a side who could still finish 17th in the Premier League table have been heightened by the success of those who have moved on, with McTominay playing a vital role in steering Napoli to the Serie A title.

The MVP in that stunning Scudetto charge, the 28-year-old is the man of the moment. Why did the Red Devils ever let him go?

Why Man Utd sold Scott McTominay

McTominay’s heroics in Naples are a sight to warm the heart, with the 6 foot 4 sensation scoring 12 goals en route to league glory, including a remarkable bicycle kick on Friday night to help clinch the title.

Sold for a reported fee of £25m, the Scotland star is seemingly a player that Erik ten Hag “didn’t want” to sell by his own account, although he was almost “forced” into doing so amid the club’s financial woes. Those funds were subsequently used to help seal a move for fellow midfielder, Manuel Ugarte.

Therein lies the problem, with that latter deal now looking like something of a mistake, with Ugarte on course to soon emulate Van de Beek, not least after sitting out Wednesday’s Europa League final.

With McTominay netting ten times in all competitions last season, his impact would likely have been far greater than the Uruguayan, a player who has scored just twice this term under Ruben Amorim.

Yes, McTominay himself at times looked “not good enough” alongside Fred, as per club legend Roy Keane, although he was a valued squad member who stepped up when needed. Who can forget his remarkable long-range strike in the Manchester Derby in March 2020?

While not always a guaranteed starter – having started just 27 times in 2023/24 across all fronts – here was a player who had “Manchester United in his veins”, according to Ten Hag. A player looking set to be a future “captain” of the club, in the words of Ralf Rangnick.

As it is, a love story is now brewing between the people of Naples and their new shining star. Back at Old Trafford, it could be time for Amorim and INEOS to acquire a suitable replacement.

Man Utd could land their next Scott McTominay

Amorim is set to stay put despite United’s midweek woes, although change is afoot elsewhere, not least with Alejandro Garnacho having reportedly been told he can leave the club this summer.

The Argentine winger – who was dropped to the bench for the showpiece in Bilbao – may not be the only high-profile exit from the Theatre of Dreams, with speculation still rife regarding the future of talismanic skipper, Bruno Fernandes.

That uncertainty has come amid concrete interest in the 30-year-old from Saudi Arabian side, Al Hilal, with Fernandes having admitted following the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur that he would accept it if United did decide to cash in.

While that still remains an unlikely prospect, if the playmaker does indeed move on this summer, the Red Devils have already drawn up plans for a replacement, a player perhaps in the mould of the aforementioned McTominay.

Indeed, it was reported earlier this month that the Premier League outfit are lining up Athletic Club star, Oihan Sancet, should Fernandes depart, with the 25-year-old having a £67m release clause in his current contract with the Basque side.

The Spain international was absent from the Europa League semi-final meeting with Amorim’s side due to injury, although it has been an otherwise standout campaign, amid his return of 17 goals in all competitions.

That includes 15 goals in LaLiga from only 19 starts, with the attack-minded star boasting that “box-crashing” impact that McTominay has shown for both Napoli and United, as noted by analyst Ben Mattinson.

A player capable of operating as a number ten or as a second striker, much like the Lancaster-born giant, Sancet also mirrors McTominay in being something of an unsung hero, having been described by Mattinson as “one of the most underrated players in Europe” right now.

That is a suitable statement considering that the Athletic star ranks in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals this season, as per FBref. For context, McTominay ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in that same metric.

McTominay vs Sancet – 24/25 League stats

Stat (per 90)

McTominay (Serie A)

Sancet (LaLiga)

Non-penalty goals

0.37

0.68

Shots

2.33

2.66

Assists

0.12

0.06

Shot-creating actions

2.11

2.83

Pass completion

84.1%

81%

Progressive passes

3.43

5.09

Progressive carries

1.72

2.94

Touches in opposition box

3.25

3.85

Aerial duels won

2.02

0.68

Stats via FBref

A slightly more advanced, attack-minded option than the ex-United man, an added bonus is also Sancet’s superior quality on the ball, as evidenced with regard to his progressive carries and progressive passes record.

To be able to combine a McTominay-esque instinct in front of goal with a composed presence in possession could be an ideal mix as far as Amorim is concerned, with Sancet looking a perfect fit for one of the Portuguese’s two number ten berths.

A man who has risen up through the youth ranks to sparkle for the Basque outfit, much like McTominay in Manchester, the £67m man would be a worthy addition for the new INEOS regime this summer.

Yes, there may be more glamorous, highly touted names out there, but as the Red Devils found with the case of McTominay, never overlook such an invaluable, ‘underrated’ goal threat.

Related Man Utd's "outrageously good" flop has been better than McTominay in 24/25

INEOS must terribly regret letting this player leave Old Trafford.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair May 25, 2025

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is now ready to cash in on a £150,000-a-week player who is happy to leave the club, according to a new report.

Aston Villa face Man Utd in two separate transfer battles

As the Premier League enters the month of May, transfer business is expected to heat up, and at Villa Park, there is an expectation there is going to be a lot of coming and going, as there has been ever since Emery joined the club.

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Posts ByDan Emery Apr 30, 2025

The transfer window has yet to open, and already the Villans find themselves in two separate battles with Manchester United. The first is for goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who currently plays for Espanyol.

The shot-stopper has impressed in La Liga, and he is now wanted by both Premier League teams, as they have their eyes on strengthening their goalkeeper department. Villa are looking to win the race for Garcia by acting fast, and they are willing to trigger his release clause, which stands at £21 million. United are not out of the race though, as they have made contact with the player’s representatives over a deal to come to Old Trafford.

The second battle Villa face against United is signing teenager Christian Kofane from Albacete Balompié. The 18-year-old is wanted by Villa, United and Newcastle United, as well as many other top teams across Europe. His recent form in front of goal has put him further in the spotlight, and once again, he is a player who has a release clause, but this time a low one, as he would cost as little as £4.2 million.

Emery ready to wave goodbye to Emi Martinez

Winning the race to sign Garcia may be more significant for the Villans, as according to TBR Football, Emery now wants to sell goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who is ready to leave the Premier League club.

The report states that Saudi Pro League clubs are ready to make a move for Martinez, who won the World Cup with Argentina back in 2022. It goes on to add that Villa are interested in doing business over a possible sale, despite the fact that he is still under contract until 2029. Meanwhile, Martinez is also interested in a move away from Villa Park, after joining the club in September 2020.

The 32-year-old, who earns a weekly wage of £150,000 at Villa Park, has become one of the strongest keepers in the Premier League as well as European football. But the fact that Villa have shown an interest in Garcia could mean they see now as the ideal time for the club to cash in and bring in a younger replacement.

Emi Martinez’s 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

33

Clean Sheets

5

Goals conceded

45

Goals conceded per game

1.4

Saves made

87

Penalty saves

1/2

Saves per game

2.6 (66%)

Errors leading to a shot

5

Errors leading to a goal

1

This season has been a slight struggle for Villa and Martinez in terms of keeping out the goals, as they have conceded 45 goals so far in the league with Martinez in goal, and the Argentine has kept just five clean sheets, which is lower than the nine he kept last season.

When it comes to superstars, few clubs in England have had more than Arsenal.

With the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, Mesut Özil and most recently, Bukayo Saka, the Gunners have long been a club that can boast a tradition of fielding icons of the game.

However, the North Londoners have also had more than their fair share of cult heroes over the years, from Santi Cazorla to Emmanuel Eboue and Lukas Podolski.

The former German international didn’t spend much time with the club, but he certainly ingratiated himself with the fans, and based on recent reports, the club could be about to sign a player who could be a repeat of the powerful ace.

Arsenal's summer plans

It’s no secret that the one position Arsenal need to strengthen above all others this summer is striker, and based on reports from the last few weeks or so, that’s where most of their attention seems to be at the moment.

For example, just a couple of days ago, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that the club were developing a ‘strong interest’ in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Just a day later, reports claimed that the North Londoners were also incredibly keen on RB Leipzig’s up-and-coming Benjamin Sesko, who has scored 23 goals in 37 appearances this season.

That said, while a new striker is of paramount importance, it’s not the only area of the frontline that needs to be addressed, nor is it the only position the club are looking to bolster.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are interested in signing Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané.

Plettenberg claims that while the winger wants to stay in Bavaria and is negotiating a new deal, he has also held “concrete talks” with the Gunners regarding a free transfer in the summer.

However, according to other reports, North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also held talks with the player’s camp, so moving fast could be imperative to seal a deal.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Sané’s ability and experience, it is worth fighting for, especially as he could be Arsenal’s next Podolski.

Why Sane would be Arsenal's new Podolski

So, to kick things off, the pair would have joined the Gunners from the Bundesliga, with Podolski moving to the Emirates in a £10.9m deal from FC Koln in the summer of 2012.

Moreover, the Gliwice-born star also spent a few years playing for FC Hollywood, scoring 26 goals and providing 20 assists in 106 appearances between July 2006 and July 2009.

In addition to their similar careers at club level, the pair are also left-footed attackers who have amassed an impressive number of senior caps for Germany.

The former Manchester City star is now on 69, and the Górnik Zabrze ace retired from international duty with 130.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the pair are both positionally versatile players who can thrive out on the left and have an impressive track record of scoring and providing assists in their careers.

Sane & Podolski’s senior records

Player

Sane

Podolski

Appearances

403

678

Goals

111

227

Assists

101

136

Goal Involvements per Match

0.52

0.53

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, in 403 senior appearances, the Bayern star has scored 111 goals and provided 101 assists, which comes out to a stellar average of a goal involvement every 1.90 games. Is it really any surprise that Julian Nagelsmann once proclaimed he was “one of the best players in Europe.”

The former Gunners star, on the other hand, has scored 227 goals and provided 136 assists in 678 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.86 games, which is remarkably similar to his younger compatriot.

Ultimately, Arsenal need more than just a striker this summer, and Sane looks like he could provide them with more threat off the left, just like Podolski did during his time with the club.

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Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 1, 2025

Last year, he failed to defend 28 in the last over. This time, he denied Dhoni a fairytale finish

Ashish Pant19-May-20243:23

Moody on Dayal: He’s now remembered for one significant over

Cast your mind to April 9, 2023. Yash Dayal is bowling the final over of Gujarat Titans’ league game against Kolkata Knight Riders. He has 28 runs to defend but is carted for five sixes in a row by Rinku Singh as GT lose the game by three wickets. Dayal is heartbroken. The image of him on his haunches, covering his eyes with a towel is splashed around the internet for the next few days. Dayal does not get a game for more than a month and is then released into the auction pool where he is picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Fast forward to May 18, 2024. Dayal, who has had a good run in IPL 2024, is tasked with perhaps the most important over of his short IPL career. His team’s playoff hopes hinge on these six balls. He has 16 runs to defend for RCB to advance and is bowling to one of the greatest finishers in IPL history in MS Dhoni. The first ball he bowls is a full toss on Dhoni’s pads which he duly clatters out of the stadium for a 110m six.Dayal’s subconscious mind immediately takes him one year back to that difficult evening in Ahmedabad. The nerves start to jangle. Is history repeating itself? With CSK requiring 11 off five to qualify, Dayal takes a moment for himself. This is his shot at redemption, a way to show that he belongs. He runs in and delivers a back-of-the-hand slower ball on a length around off stump. Dhoni swings across the line but is deceived by the lack of pace and the big top edge carries to deep-backward square leg.Related

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Pandemonium sets in the Bengaluru stands. The RCB fans are ecstatic, the CSK fans stunned.But Dayal knows the job isn’t done. Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja are more than capable of getting 11 off four. Dayal, though, remains unflappable. He lands four slower balls on the spot for 0, 1, 0, 0 as RCB complete the most stunning turnarounds to qualify for the playoffs. Virat Kohli is nearly in tears, Faf du Plessis doesn’t know what to do, and the RCB fielders are haring around the Chinnaswamy Stadium. And amid all that, Dayal stands tall with a beaming smile and a final-over redemption story for the ages.”After what happened to me last time [against KKR in 2023], there was nervousness,” Dayal said after the game. “When I got hit off that first ball, I subconsciously went back to that place. But I have done well in the past, I have done well after that, so all that was running through my mind was to deliver a good ball. I didn’t want to look at the scoreboard or the result. I just wanted to bowl well. I was confident with my execution.”But Dayal wasn’t even supposed to bowl the last over. “I was supposed to bowl the second last over,” he said. “Suddenly DK [Dinesh Karthik] and Faf talked to each other, and it was decided that Lockie [Ferguson] bowls the 19th and me the last. I was fine with anything.”Perhaps it was meant to be for Dayal.Yash Dayal bowled a superb final over, conceding only seven•AFP/Getty ImagesIt was a performance worthy of a match that had so much at stake. RCB-CSK clashes, in general, have that extra bit of spice to them and the air of anticipation around this one was palpable hours before the start of the game. The games at the Chinnaswamy generally have a sea of red dominating the stands, with the aar-cee-bee chants taking the decibel level through the roof. But not when CSK are in town. There were as many yellow shirts in the stands as red. At any point that the RCB-RCB chants went up, they were quickly drowned by the CSK-CSK shouts. If Kohli was welcomed with wild frenzy, there was bedlam in Bengaluru when Dhoni walked out.Sent into bat, RCB started like a train, then saw their momentum stymied by rain before a middle-order revival and a strong finish took them to 218. The equation was simple. To qualify for the playoffs, RCB needed to restrict CSK under 201. Glenn Maxwell prised out Ruturaj Gaikwad for a first-ball duck, Daryl Mitchell fell cheaply to Dayal, and when Rachin Ravindra and Shivam Dube fell in quick succession, it seemed like RCB were destined to make it to the playoffs.Jadeja and Dhoni, though, had other plans.They got together with CSK needing 72 off 30 to qualify. By the end of the 18th over, they needed 35 off 12. Then Ferguson went for 18, and with 17 required in the final over, the game once again was in balance.As Dayal stood at the top of his mark, all he wished for was to “deliver two balls well”. He hadn’t had the best of days up to that point, going for 35 off his first three overs. The execution with the first ball of the 20th went awry too, but he came back splendidly bowling the next five on the spot to take RCB into the playoffs. The redemption arc was complete.But after the game, Dayal had to face the banter for conceding a six off the first ball.”The best thing that happened today was Dhoni hitting a six outside the ground… we got a new ball which was much better to bowl with,” Karthik said in a video tweeted by RCB. “Yash, that was good bowling. If you have a doubt, always bowl a hip-high full toss on leg stump. It is a good mantra to follow when the ball is wet.”For the longest time, Dayal’s name has been associated with the bowler who failed to defend 28 in the final over. From Saturday, perhaps, he might be known as the one who denied Dhoni a fairytale finish.

Goodall and Bosch admit there is still a lot to work on ahead of the Commonwealth Games

Firdose Moonda24-Jul-2022South Africa are on a five-match losing streak in white-ball cricket and have just one game left before the Commonwealth Games, but are not hitting the panic button just yet.”It’s been tough to be on the losing side because we haven’t experienced it for a while but there are girls who were around when we used to lose every game. We have to find a way to deal with things and help each other get through,” Lara Goodall, the opening batter said after they lost the T20I series to England.Related

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“I had a quick chat with Trisha Chetty and asked her, ‘How do you get through it?’ A lot of young players are asking the senior players how to get through the tough times. The mood is still very good. We are still enjoying each other’s company and having a lot of fun off the field.”It’s true that things have been worse for this team. South Africa lost 13 straight T20Is between August 20008 and October 2010 and Chetty played in all but one of those games. Though she has been benched in favour of Sinalo Jafta in the shortest format in this series, she remains one of South Africa’s most experienced campaigners and in the absence of Lizelle Lee and Marizanne Kapp, someone to turn to for advice. And coping with defeat is not all Goodall has been researching. She has also been canvassing ideas to adjust to a new role at the top of the order.That’s where the team has suffered a major blow with Lizelle Lee’s mid-tour retirement . The exact reasons for Lee stepping down have not been revealed (and may come out in the wash after this tour) but there’s little doubt it rocked South Africa. Kapp, who has since left the squad after her brother-in-law suffered an accident, said being without Lee, who is “one of my best friends,” had taken a mental toll on her , and doubtless, there have been similar effects on the rest of the group. For the batting line-up, finding an immediate replacement for South Africa’s leading run-scorer in T20Is has not been easy.Lara Goodall: ‘There’s still a lot for us to work on consistency-wise and a few things to iron out as individuals’•Getty ImagesTazmin Brits, who was being considered, struggled in Ireland and now South Africa have installed Goodall and Anneke Bosch in the opening positions. They both recognise they have a “massive opportunity,” to make the roles theirs and so far, they have laid down one good marker. They posted South Africa’s fifth-highest first-wicket partnership in the format with their 102 in the second match , and though there might be criticism over how long they took to accelerate, they were aware that they had to. “We had an alright start and by over 10 or 11, Lara and I said we should probably go for it. After 11 overs, we said we both have to try and go. I struggled a bit in the middle period but Lara was hitting it well,” Bosch said.Goodall struck at 123.52 and had started to take on the spinners, which is more in line with her natural game, when she played one big shot too many. Bosch followed two overs later, prompting a mini-collapse and South Africa were unable to finish strongly. But they’re both still working out how to pace an innings and given that they’ve only opened together twice, some patience would not go amiss. “I’ve still got a lot of work to do,” Bosch said. “To change my game plan and be even more aggressive in the beginning and show more intent is something I still need to work on.”But already she’s shown signs of being able to adjust. Bosch went from attacking balls outside offtsump to hitting straight down the ground because she recognised she would “get more value for shots.” Their partnership has to be one of the “positives” Sune Luus told the broadcasters South Africa are taking from every game, but are there any others?South Africa’s middle order has failed in both matches so far and their finishing has been absent. In the field, they’ve made simple errors and their attack lacks a specialist spinner who can control the game the way someone like Sophie Ecclestone does. Resources are a concern because South Africa’s domestic system does not have the depth of England’s, Australia’s or India’s. The gap between those who have become big-name players, the ones who were around when losing was more common than winning, and the rest has shown itself to be quite large. There’s a sense that one golden era may have culminated at the last 50-over World Cup and there won’t be enough time before next year’s T20 World Cup at home for the glimmers of a new one to emerge. For this group, that’s not a problem to solve immediately.Right now, they want to take something out of their series in England to the Commonwealth Games before they regroup ahead of hosting the T20 World Cup in 2203. They know there’s work to be done. “There’s still a lot for us to work on consistency-wise and a few things to iron out as individuals,” Goodall said. “But if we execute our skills we know we can be hard to beat on the day.”

Temba Bavuma admits recent discussions about his place in the side have weighed heavily on him

Firdose Moonda at Newlands04-Feb-2020Temba Bavuma has acknowledged that constantly being viewed through the prism of his skin colour has weighed on him and asked for South Africa’s transformation process to be credited for its positives if it is going to be criticised for failures. Speaking for the first time since his recall to the national team last month, Bavuma said playing in the ODI team made him feel “like a kid with no burden out there” after he dominated the country’s cricket conversation even though he was absent for most of the Test series.”It has been hard,” he said. “It’s not so much the dropping part, all players get dropped, everyone goes through slumps of not scoring well. The awkwardness and uncomfortability from my side is when you are thrown into talks of transformation.”Yes, I am black, that’s my skin. But I play cricket because I love it. I’d like to think the reason I am in the team is because of performances I have put forward in my franchise side, and also for the national team, whenever I have been able to. The discomfort was there, having to navigate myself around all those types of talks. Players get dropped, I am not the last guy to get dropped. That’s something we’ve come to accept.”ALSO READ: De Kock lays down marker after Shamsi lifts SABavuma, who has been a regular in South Africa’s Test team for the last four years, was injured for the opening match against England on Boxing Day. He recovered in time for the New Year’s Test but was left out of the side on form, having only scored one century in his career, in 2016. At the time, Bavuma was told to work his way back through “weight of runs”, under the guidance of new batting consultant Jacques Kallis.”Jacques has been hands-on with most of the batters,” Bavuma said. “He has been very open to sharing his knowledge and his expertise in batting. It’s been a breath of fresh air working with him. Technically, there’s no-one who knows better than him. It’s been wonderful working with him.”At the same time, Bavuma also took the opportunity to reassess his own game. “The time away from the team has given me time to reflect and realign with my goals and to find the strength and courage to keep chugging along and keep enjoying the game,” he said.Within two weeks, he answered the call for runs with a career-best 180 in a first-class fixture for the Lions. That allowed him to force his way into XI for the Test series finale. He was also named in the one-day squad and is expected to be part of the T20 outfit. He remains the only black African batsmen in South Africa’s set-up, which is why his Test snub sparked controversy.On social media, Bavuma found himself caught in a race storm, with some arguing that he was only part of South Africa’s plans because of the existence of the transformation target (the national team is required to field six players of colour, including at least two black Africans, on average over the course of a season) and others believing he was being discriminated against because of his race. He rejected both arguments and called for a fair judgement of the ideology of transformation.Temba Bavuma fell lbw for 98•Gallo Images/Getty Images”The one thing that irks me is when you are seen through the eyes of transformation,” he said. “When you do well, transformation is not spoken about but when you do badly, transformation is thrown at the top of the agenda. I have a serious problem with that. We’ve got to be able to take the good with the bad. If transformation is bad when black African players are not doing well, then when we are doing well, let’s also recognise transformation for what it’s done.”In the Newlands ODI, for example, South Africa could field a team with seven players of colour, of which four (Bavuma, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lutho Sipamla and Lungi Ngidi) were black African, and that did not come at the expense of quality. The margin of victory, a healthy seven-wicket win, proves that a representative side and a winning side are not mutually exclusive. Bavuma called the win “massive for the team” and instrumental for himself.”It was just good to be on the field,” he said. “It’s a different format and a different kind of pressure. I felt like I was a kid with no burden out there.”But South Africa had a huge task – to pull off the highest successful chase at Newlands – and Bavuma’s 98 in a 173-run second-wicket stand with Quinton de Kock, who scored 107, took them there. But he knows one performance is not enough to keep him in the picture and is willing to work hard to stay there. “I don’t think I have nailed my spot in the side. This was just my third game and I am just happy to be on the field,” Bavuma said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen after this series or next week. It’s just to enjoy the little moments I have.”

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future remains shrouded in uncertainty after a dramatic public outburst intensified his feud with manager Arne Slot, but the Egyptian has received unexpected support from his first-ever coach. Ivica Todorov has spoken out to defend Salah’s professionalism and commitment, urging observers not to rush to judgment as the transfer storm grows louder.

• Salah's deteriorating relationship with Liverpool

  Salah’s situation at Liverpool has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, with the Egyptian superstar finding himself at the centre of a major stand-off with manager Slot. A run of poor form, combined with tactical disagreements and his shock interview following the draw with Leeds United, has amplified speculation over whether he has already played his final game for the club. The matter escalated further when Salah was excluded from the squad for the Champions League clash with Inter Milan, a clear sign of ongoing tension behind the scenes at Anfield.

  The Liverpool hierarchy is now attempting to navigate a crisis involving one of the club’s greatest-ever players, who until recently had been indispensable to their attacking structure. While most figures around the club have supported Slot’s approach, Salah’s own camp has remained firm in their belief he has been unfairly targeted for the team’s struggles. The growing division has prompted major questions about his contract, his January availability, and whether the Saudi Pro League or MLS may attempt a swoop.

  Amid the noise, former coaches, pundits and former players have weighed in on Salah’s character, but few have taken his side until his first manager, Todorov, stepped forward. The Serbian-French coach who gave Salah his debut at El Mokawloon in Egypt has defended the forward’s integrity and work ethic.

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  Salah's first manager defends Egyptian's professionalism

  Speaking to Africa Foot, Todorov delivered an emphatic defence: “I know Mo Salah well. I don’t doubt for a moment his commitment, his work ethic, his lifestyle.”

  He continued with strong praise for the professionalism of the Liverpool icon: “He’s a great professional. But time passes, he’s 33 years old, he’s been at Liverpool for more than eight years. I get the impression that Arne Slot no longer really trusts him.”

  Todorov also questioned the club’s handling of the situation: “It’s going to be difficult for the two men to mend fences. Liverpool is struggling in the Premier League. I don’t understand why the coaching staff is depriving themselves of such an important player to try and get out of it.”

  He concluded by warning that only a few clubs could realistically match Salah’s value: “There aren’t many clubs in the world that can offer him a higher salary than he earns at Liverpool. The Saudis can, but does he want to play in a league that, while it has improved over the last three years, isn’t as competitive as those in England or Spain?”

• Salah linked with a January transfer away from Anfield

  Todorov’s comments arrive at a time when Salah’s relationship with Liverpool feels more strained than at any point since his arrival in 2017. The winger, who once dominated the Premier League and led the club to Champions League and Premier League glory, is enduring one of his least productive seasons, scoring only five goals so far. As the team’s struggles intensify, Slot appears to have made the bold choice to reshape Liverpool’s attack without its long-standing talisman. The fallout has shifted into the public sphere, something extremely rare for Salah, whose career has been defined by professionalism and discretion.

  Meanwhile, external pressure continues to mount, with the Saudi Pro League monitoring developments closely and MLS officials openly expressing interest. Salah remains under contract until 2027, but the longer the tension persists, the more likely Liverpool will need to make a definitive decision. For now, Todorov’s public support adds a rare positive voice for the Egyptian star during a turbulent chapter of his career.

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• Saudi Pro League move on the cards for Salah?

  Liverpool now face a delicate balancing act as they attempt to stabilise their season while addressing the future of one of the club’s most influential players. Slot’s tactical rebuild appears incompatible with Salah’s current form and relationship with the manager, raising questions about whether a January exit may become inevitable. If Salah departs, Liverpool will be tasked with replacing not only his goals but his leadership, a challenge that could reshape the club’s trajectory.

  For Salah, the next few weeks could define the twilight of his career. A move to Saudi Arabia would provide financial magnitude, while remaining in Europe may offer the competitive edge he still craves. Alternatively, a shock move to MLS has entered the conversation, though a resolution between him and Slot remains the least disruptive scenario for Liverpool.

MatériaMais Notícias

Carlos Miguel novamente foi o nome do jogo no Corinthians. O goleiro salvou o Timão em diversas ocasiões durante a vitória sobre o Nacional-PAR, pela quarta rodada da fase de grupos da Sul-Americana, e foi exaltado pela Fiel.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansSem brilho, Corinthians vence o Nacional-PAR e ‘respira’ na Sul-AmericanaCorinthians07/05/2024Fora de CampoTorcedores do Corinthians detonam opção de António Oliveira por meia: ‘Medo de jogar’Fora de Campo07/05/2024

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

Carlos Miguel completou seu quarto jogo como titular na meta do Corinthians, sua maior sequência desde que chegou ao Corinthians.

➡️ Siga o Lance! Corinthians no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Timão

A tendência é que Carlos Miguel seja mantido como titular no confronto do Corinthians deste sábado (11), contra o Flamengo, pelo Brasileirão.

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
NACIONAL-PAR 0 X 2 CORINTHIANS
COPA SUL-AMERICANA – FASE DE GRUPOS – QUARTA RODADA

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários de todos os jogos da Sul-Americana

🗓️ Data e horário: terça-feira, 7 de maio de 2024, às 19h (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Estádio Defensores del Chaco, em Assunção, no Paraguai
GOLS: Yuri Alberto e Matheuzinho
🟨 Árbitro: Angel Arteaga (VEN)
🚩 Assistentes: Alberto Ponte (VEN) e Freker Colmemares (VEN)
🖥️ VAR: Carlos Orbe (EQU)

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⚽ESCALAÇÕES
NACIONAL-PAR (Técnico: Victor Bernay)
Antony Silva; Juan Luis Alfaro, Brian Blasi, Alexis Cañete, Leonardo Conge; Leandro Meza, Juan Fernando Alfaro, Gustavo Caballero, Benítez; Diego Duarte e Ignacio Bailone

CORINTHIANS (Técnico: António Oliveira)
Carlos Miguel; Fágner, Cacá, Felix Torres e Hugo; Paulinho, Breno Bidon e Rodrigo Garro; Wesley, Gustavo Mosquito e Romero (Yuri Alberto)

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Carlos MiguelCorinthiansSul-Americana

Liverpool are now reportedly pushing to sign a Celtic youngster in what could deal the Hoops a frustrating blow ahead of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival.

O'Neill: Celtic have restored "confidence"

As far as interim managers go, Celtic couldn’t have done a lot better than Martin O’Neill. There would have been concerns that the 73-year-old was out of ideas in the modern game, but he’s since proved any doubters wrong by getting the Bhoys back on track and rolling back the years.

Signing off in style in his final European game, Celtic secured a much-needed victory against Feyenoord on Thursday evening and O’Neill admitted that “confidence” has been restored in the squad.

The veteran manager told reporters: “Judging from last season, the format, you are looking for 10 or 11 points to qualify. It won’t be easy, but Celtic have two home games and the confidence is in the side now.

“I told my two brothers who came to the game to start my chant, so they must have done so. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts. In the dressing room, the lads are full of it.

“It’s hard to say what I thought [when I took charge]. My two daughters were all in on going for it, but my wife said I would probably mess it up. I haven’t messed it up so far. It’s been great. The results are what you live by and they’ve been terrific.

“[The new manager] has got some players who are big winners, which is great. I’m sure he will lean on some of those lads and then it’s about improving some of the other players.

“The restoration of confidence is big and it’s keeping it going after that. Winning away from home is terrific – it’s not easy away from home in Europe. It gives them belief that they can come and compete.”

The job will now be passed over to Nancy, who could be about to lose one of his best academy stars right away amid Liverpool’s interest in Derek Jikiemi.

Liverpool pushing to sign Celtic gem Jikiemi

As reported by The Daily Record, Liverpool are now pushing to sign Celtic gem Jikiemi after sending their scouts to watch the 15-year-old Parkhead wonderkid. The central defender is one of the most talented players in Celtic’s academy, but could be about to follow in Ben Doak’s footsteps by swapping Glasgow for Merseyside.

Although Jikiemi is one for the future, losing him would represent where Celtic currently find themselves in the European pecking order. They won’t be expected to compete Liverpool in the market, but they must do better to keep hold of homegrown talent.

Nancy must unleash Celtic's most frustrating player since Engels

Wilfried Nancy must unleash this Celtic star who is their most frustrating player since Arne Engels.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 26, 2025

If the teenager did complete a move to Anfield then Celtic would only receive compensation for the years that he came through their system in an added blow.

The Hoops can, however, secure their young star to professional terms at the end of the season when he’s 16 years old. Whether they get the chance to do that remains to be seen, however.

Celtic now confident they'll beat Man City to history-making first signing for Nancy