Thakur on high-scoring pitches: 'All bowlers want is a fair chance and opportunity in the game'

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

The LSG fast bowler wants the IPL to use pitches that produce an even contest between bat and ball

Ashish Pant30-Mar-20251:28

What makes Shardul Thakur effective?

Shardul Thakur has advocated for having pitches which give the bowlers a “fair and square chance” and not be heavily laden in favour of the batters as has often been the case in the IPL. Thakur, speaking on behalf of all bowlers, said that all he wanted were pitches which were not one-sided where “batters are coming and smashing us.””It is not what I want, but it is what the bowlers want,” Thakur said ahead of Lucknow Super Giants’ first home game of the season against Punjab Kings. “A lot of them might not be outspoken or they might not get a chance to speak in front of media or give interviews about the pitch conditions.”All that the bowlers are asking is to prepare the pitch in such a manner that the game hangs in balance and it should not be just one-sided where batters are coming and smashing us, because all we want is a fair chance and fair opportunity in the game.”Scores in excess of 200 have already been breached six times in 10 matches in IPL 2025, with Sunrisers Hyderabad piling up 286 for 6 in their first match of the season. While Thakur was slightly critical about the Impact Player rule, he maintained that more than the new rule, the pitches need to have a better balance.”We have already seen the rule change and the Impact Player rule coming in, so every team is potentially playing an extra batter, especially while chasing or even let’s say you are batting first, then [everyone] is going in with that depth, because they have now an opportunity to change the batter and call a bowler while defending or vice versa,” he said.”The Impact Player rule is an entertainment factor and games change a lot, but that these 250 scores are being made is not only because of this rule change, but also because of the way the pitches are being made. We are just saying as a bowling unit that give us a fair and square chance where we can get a batsman out.”Shardul Thakur is LSG’s leading wicket-taker so far this season•AFP/Getty Images

Thakur has quickly become LSG’s poster boy even though he had come into the team as a replacement player. He is their leading wicket-taker with six wickets in two matches, going at an economy rate of 8.83. What has been his process heading into the season?”I think it is all part of the preparation,” Thakur said. “The strength lies in how well you understand your own game and what is the best possible way that you can bowl on that particular day, looking at the pitch conditions, looking at the situation of the game and which batter is playing.Related

LSG aim to take down Punjab Kings in bowler-friendly Lucknow

Reverse swing for Arshdeep or drier ball for Chahal – Punjab Kings have to decide

KKR coach bats for home teams getting favourable conditions

'It was always on the cards' – Thakur savours return after going unsold at auction

'Lord' Thakur and the Prince clip SRH's wings in Hyderabad

“I don’t know about others, but what I try to do is just give myself the best chance to perform.”LSG have been waylaid by injuries this year. Mohsin Khan was ruled out, while Mayank Yadav, who is recovering from a lumbar stress injury, recently picked up a toe injury. Akash Deep is also yet to regain full fitness after the back injury he picked up on the Test tour of Australia. Thakur, however, was adamant that the team can’t focus on the players not available and that all players in the squad are equal.”As a team, I believe that what is in front of you is important. Today, we have these bowlers in our team and we can do a good job with this bowling unit. We have to focus on this,” he said. “No player thinks that Akash Deep is not there, Mayank Yadav is not there, so our bowling attack has become weak.”In the IPL, there is a squad of 25. All 25 of them are equal. Yes, due to your previous performance, or due to your talent, you can get more chances. But when you enter the match, this has nothing to do with performance. The performance depends on your confidence, how was your day, and how was your preparation coming into the tournament.”

Better than Strand Larsen: Newcastle discussing late move to sign £55m CF

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Newcastle United’s need for a striker before next Monday’s transfer deadline has never been clearer.

With Alexander Isak still on strike and surely out of action when the Toon visit Leeds United next week, regardless of the outcome of his present situation, it was inconceivable that Anthony Gordon should get himself sent off against Liverpool at St. James’ Park.

Anthony Gordon is sent off for Newcastle

The Magpies lost to Liverpool on Tyneside, but it was an incredible contest that showcased all the good of Eddie Howe’s side, even when so much went wrong.

But, even so, the desperate need for a number nine was accentuated, and a bid continues for Premier League forward Jørgen Strand Larsen.

The latest on Strand Larsen to Newcastle

Whether Liverpool sign Isak at some point this week is anyone’s guess, but Newcastle’s bid to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers’ rangy frontman remains a priority focus regardless.

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope corroborated news on Monday that the Magpies saw a £50m offer rejected for the Norwegian, and they are expected to return with an improved bid.

Hope made it clear that Larsen is being chased with a view toward him succeeding Callum Wilson, who left Tyneside at the end of his contract in June and has since signed for West Ham United.

Strand Larsen scored 14 Premier League goals last season, playing an instrumental role for the Old Gold as they staved off the threat of relegation.

But whether he’s the right frontman for Newcastle, for a figure sure to be in excess of £50m, is another question. Especially when there’s a younger and more exciting name on United’s shortlist.

Newcastle discuss move for Strand Larsen alternative

As per The Athletic, Newcastle have discussed a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos as the transfer window is reduced to less than a week before closure.

Ramos, 24, has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth in Luis Enrique’s super-team, but he’s still showcased his quality across the past two years, and was tracked by the Tynesiders during his Benfica days.

PSG appear open to selling, but the Portugal international wouldn’t come cheap. It’s been mooted this month that Ramos would fetch a fee in the region of £55m.

What Ramos would bring to Newcastle

Ramos has started the 2025/26 season strongly, bagging against Tottenham Hotspur in the dramatic Super Cup victory earlier this month before starting PSG’s Ligue 1 opener against Nantes.

Newcastle’s need for a new number nine borders on desperation, but they won’t let themselves be fleeced. Having seen a £50m offer rejected for Strand Larsen, might it be better to instead invest the set-aside funds in Ramos, whose dynamic profile aligns more with what Howe would need if Isak is to leave St. James’ Park this week.

Hailed for his “outrageous” performances on the international stage by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ramos is a prolific striker, and no mistake. His clinical value in dangerous positions could admittedly do with some work, but he creates space regularly through expert usage of his mobility and physical attributes, and thus maintains a steady goalscoring flow.

Ramos – Career Stats (all comps)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

25/26 – PSG

3

1

0

24/25 – PSG

46

19

6

23/24 – PSG

40

14

2

22/23 – Benfica

47

27

8

21/22 – Benfica

46

8

4

20/21 – Benfica

12

4

0

19/20 – Benfica

1

2

0

Data via Transfermarkt

And, according to data platform FBref, the Iberian striker ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored,

While Strand Larsen has provided proof of his ability to score goals and perform convincingly in the Premier League, whereas Ramos has not, the latter man has highlighted performances at the highest level, including (but not limited to) that hat-trick at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Goncalo Ramos celebrates PSG's Super Cup victory against Tottenham Hotspur on penalties.

14 goals were scored by the 25-year-old in last year’s Premier League edition, but he also completed only 65% of his passes, lost 68% of his duels and averaged just 0.2 dribbles per game, as per Sofascore.

There’s nothing wrong with that; Strand Larsen is a powerful target man, after all. But it’s inconceivable that he should replace Isak, one of the most complete strikers in the business.

Of course, Newcastle chiefs have maintained that their interest in the Scandinavian is linked to Wilson’s departure, and not Isak’s possible exit.

Ultimately, Newcastle could do with two strikers, should Isak leave. Efforts are maintained for Brentford marksman Yoane Wissa, but that’s why Ramos’ profile could be so important for the Tynesiders, injecting dynamic athleticism without detracting from goalscoring, that core tenet of the striker’s game.

Wissa, like Strand Larsen, is limited in terms of technical scope, but he’s still proven himself to be a deadly Premier League striker with impressive link-up play besides. Given that the 28-year-old would ostensibly come at a cheaper price than his Wolves positional peer, he should be the priority.

And, in that case, Ramos must be targeted over a second bid for Strand Larsen, with the Portuguese man sure to bring goals and an electric presence too.

After the past few months of misery on the transfer front, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether Newcastle manage to sign a striker worth their salt – let alone two.

But it’s clear who they should move for after the latest series of rejected bids. Don’t blink: Newcastle are bound to ramp up the gas and seal a signature before the end of the month.

He's like Isak: Newcastle make late approach to sign £61m Wissa alternative

Newcastle continue to search for strikers as the summer transfer window enters the final week.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 25, 2025

Cadê? Luan segue sem espaço no São Paulo mesmo após renovação

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo renovou o contrato do volante Luan em maio deste ano. O que parecia ser uma ‘reviravolta’ em sua fase no Tricolor, já que não vinha sendo muito utilizado pelo ex-técnico Rogério Ceni, não aconteceu.

Mesmo com Dorival Júnior no comando do São Paulo, o camisa oito não vem ganhando chances. Contra o Bragantino, por exemplo, quando o Tricolor foi com um time alternativo, Luan não entrou como titular e ficou no banco de reservas durante toda a partida. Essa vem sendo uma tônica do jogador nesta temporada.

+ Veja tabela e as próximas rodadas do Brasileirão

Em 2023, Luan fez somente 21 jogos, com 719 minutos somados em campo. Dessas partidas, apenas em oito o Cria de Cotia foi escalado como titular, sendo três vezes com Dorival Júnior e cinco com Rogério Ceni. Ele não entra em campo desde o dia 21 de junho, quando o São Paulo venceu o Athletico por 2 a 1, no Morumbi. Luan foi substituído no intervalo.

ATUAÇÕES: Zagueiro da base se destaca em empate do São Paulo no Brasileirão

Agora, de acordo com Dorival, Luan disputa posição no São Paulo com Jhegson Méndez, que foi titular contra o Bragantino. Portanto, na ‘hierarquia’ do elenco, o camisa oito está atrás do equatoriano e de Pablo Maia, dono da posição.

“Luan tem a mesma condição que o Méndez, o mesmo espaço, apenas foi um momento a situação. Luan trabalha de uma maneira muito intensa, buscando suas melhores condições. Quando cheguei, estava um pouco afastado, sentindo muito o ritmo de trabalho. Havia ganho peso, fez trabalho sério, voltou às melhores condições e agora é questão de tempo. Que mantenha a postura, porque não tenho dúvidas de que não demorará para ele ter novas oportunidades”, disse Dorival Júnior após o duelo diante do Massa Bruta.

High-flying Punjab Kings hope to set home record straight

by csb10.top Uncategorized

Big picture: PBKS put the chaos behind

A year ago, Punjab Kings (PBKS) had hit a few lows with confusion around the real Shashank Singh, Shikhar Dhawan’s dismal form, and them finishing ninth with just five wins to miss out on a playoffs spot for the 10th year in a row.There’s a sense of calm around the group now. Led by Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, they have started IPL 2025 with two away wins and hope to set right their home record.PBKS won just one out of their five games in Mullanpur in IPL 2024. But this is a different team, with the kind of depth that makes them everyone’s envy. Only their top order is doing so well that it has made that depth almost decorative. Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Marco Jansen are all very useful with the bat but they have hardly been needed.Rajasthan Royals (RR), though, are grappling with several issues, starting from Yashasvi Jaiswal’s underwhelming start to concerns about their batting depth. They have tried to circumvent this issue by being flexible with their line-up, which is why their win over CSK, courtesy a Nitish Rana special last week to round off the Guwahati leg, would have come as a soothing balm.Both sides have had the propensity to produce thrillers while playing each other. Can they produce another?

Form guide

Punjab Kings: WWL (Last three matches, most recent first)
Rajasthan Royals: WLL
Sanju Samson will take back captaincy of Rajasthan Royals•Associated Press

New Loyalties

Yuzvendra Chahal is up against his former franchise, with whom he achieved considerable success. He took 27 wickets for RR in IPL 2022 and earned the purple cap and a place in the final for his team. RR let him go and PBKS snapped him up for INR 18 crore, making him the most expensive spinner in the tournament’s history.

Team news and likely XII

Sanju Samson is set to take over the RR captaincy from Riyan Parag after being cleared by the Centre of Excellence to keep wicket following a finger injury. Samson had played the first three matches as an Impact Player.Rajasthan Royals (probable): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 3 Nitish Rana, 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Dhruv Jurel, 6 Wanindu Hasaranga, 7 Shimron Hetmyer, 8 Jofra Archer, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Tushar Deshpande, 11 Sandeep Sharma, 12 Shubham DubeyPBKS have used two different impact subs in the two games so far. How they juggle with their options is anybody’s guess.Punjab Kings (probable): 1 Prabhsimran Singh, 2 Priyansh Arya, 3 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Shashank Singh, 7 Suryansh Shedge, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Lockie Ferguson, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal, 12 Vijaykumar Vyshak/Nehal Wadhera

Big Question

Should Shimron Hetmyer be batting as low as he has been in the first two matches? Against KKR, Hetmyer came in at No. 8, even below their impact sub, Shubham Dubey. Against CSK, Hetmyer came in at No. 7, behind Wanindu Hasaranga. RR are seemingly focused on his entry point as against his batting number, but the question remains. Are they maximising his potential?

In the spotlight

Prabhsimran Singh has been playing IPL since 2019. He has got through two mega auction cycles with the same franchise. But for all that time, he only has five half-centuries, including the his 34-ball 69 from earlier this week. This is Prabhsimran’s opportunity to show he can add consistency to his potential.Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been anywhere near his best in the 32 deliveries he has faced so far in IPL 2025. Between his previous game and now, his switching from Mumbai to Goa in domestic cricket has been dissected threadbare. If he can find form, Jaiswal will help deflect attention away from the off-field rumblings.2:58

Boucher: Jaiswal almost seems to be missing Buttler

Pitch and conditions

PBKS were left confused about what home advantage really means, having to navigate through slow surfaces in Mullanpur in IPL 2024. The bigger boundary dimensions at the ground usually bring spinners into play and explain why in five games last year, 180 was breached just twice while batting first.

Key Stats

  • Samson is one win away from being the most successful RR captain outright. He is currently tied on 31 with Shane Warne.
  • Sandeep Sharma has a favourable match-up against Shreyas Iyer, whom he has dismissed three times in nine T20 innings while conceding 47 runs at a strike rate of just 84.
  • Samson has been out five times in 11 T20 innings to Chahal. Will that force PBKS to go out of the box and throw him the ball during the powerplay?
  • Teams scoring 170 or more while batting first have defended their score successfully eight times out of nine in all T20s in Mullanpur

Quotes

“Rolls-Royce just stayed in third gear for most of the day. Didn’t have to go any harder than that. Just steers the ship home.”
PBKS coach Ricky Ponting on Shreyas Iyer’s 52* off 30 after their second win against LSG”It was just two games, but it felt very long. Happy.”
Riyan Parag after securing his first win as RR’s stand-in captain

Chelsea's stance on Robert Sanchez as odds of Mike Maignan deal revealed

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Chelsea attempted to sign AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan earlier in the window as they tried to upgrade on Robert Sanchez, with a report sharing the Blues’ fresh stance over signing a new shot-stopper.

Enzo Maresca started with Sanchez during Chelsea’s eventual 5-1 hammering of West Ham at the London Stadium on Friday, and it wasn’t exactly a perfect game for the Spaniard, who conceded an early goal to Lucas Paqueta before the Blues floodgates opened.

Maresca’s side eventually ran riot in east London, putting an abject Hammers team to the sword, with Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah all getting on the scoresheet in a routine win.

Chelsea’s imperious attacking play and overall dominance perhaps spared Sanchez’s blushes, who perhaps could’ve been better positioned to claw away Paqueta’s superb long-range strike inside 10 minutes.

In June, Maignan was seen as their desired alternative to Sanchez, and the France number one was pushing to make the move to Stamford Bridge at one point.

However, both Milan and Chelsea couldn’t agree on his final asking price, which was rumoured to be around £25 million. BlueCo saw that figure as a bit steep considering Maignan has just one year left on his deal (Sky Sports), with £10m seen to be a more realistic valuation from their perspective.

Given the 29-year-old’s pedigree as one of world football’s most elite keepers, there is a case to be made that £25m for a player of his calibre/experience is 100 per cent worth the punt – regardless of his contractual situation.

Chelsea stance on Robert Sanchez as Mike Maignan deal odds revealed

According to journalist Simon Phillips, though, the odds of going back in for Maignan at this stage are unlikely – as Chelsea are currently adopting a ‘sell-to-buy’ policy due to their complex settlement with UEFA.

AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts

Any deal for a new goalkeeper or centre-back would require an outgoing, and one from one of their Conference League-winning squad last season.

It appears as if Sanchez will continue to be the go-to, and perhaps there is time for the keeper, who’s still very young for players in that position, to mature and come good on a consistent enough basis.

Lamine Yamal told he'd have 'no chance' of winning Ballon d'Or at Liverpool as former Chelsea star explains why Cole Palmer's chances would improve with Real Madrid or Barcelona

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been told – in an exclusive interview carried out by GOAL – that he would have “no chance” of winning the Ballon d’Or at Liverpool, as Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer is offered advice on how he could push himself into contention for the most prestigious of individual honours. Those words have been delivered by Blues legend Gus Poyet, who continues to keep a close eye on European football.

  • Getty

    Best in the world: Dembele lands Golden Ball in 2025

    In 2025, the title of best player on the planet has gone to Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele. The France international now forms part of an exclusive club – alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho – when it comes to players that have won the Ballon d’Or, World Cup and Champions League. His exploits when helping PSG to three major honours last season helped him to secure Golden Ball recognition.

    Competition from Yamal was fended off when landing that prize, with the teenage wonderkid enjoying a meteoric rise. At 18 years of age, he is already considered to form part of the global elite – with it seemingly only a matter of time before he emulates fellow La Masia academy graduate Messi by winning the first of many Ballons d’Or.

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  • Does Palmer need transfer to compete for Ballon d'Or?

    Palmer will also be hoping to challenge for upcoming awards, with his creativity being put to good use by Chelsea and England. He finished eighth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote despite enduring a slight dip in the 2024-25 campaign – with his goal output dropping from 25 to 18. He is now tied to a contract at Stamford Bridge through to 2033.

    The 23-year-old has, however, been informed that a future switch to a team such as Barcelona or Real Madrid would make it easier for him to win the Ballon d’Or. Quizzed on whether that is the case, ex-Blues star Poyet – speaking in association – told GOAL: “100 per cent, no doubt. For me, [Jude] Bellingham when I saw him at Dortmund, I liked him a lot. Then his first season at Real Madrid, I love him. Why? Because he was at Real Madrid doing what he was doing, simple. And I thought, maybe he is the Ballon d’Or. It was a big opportunity because he was amazing his first season in Spain – he was tremendous, another dimension, another level, and that helps.

    “Would Lamine Yamal win the Ballon d’Or if he was playing at another team, Liverpool? No chance. I would say that I don’t like the Ballon d’Or nominations and I don’t like the vote, I think they are not fair. The people in Spain vote for the ones that play in La Liga, the people in England vote for those in England. The countries that don’t have anyone nominated, such as Uruguay, maybe they vote for the real one, the one that you think is the best. I don’t think it’s right, but it’s a great party for the players and it’s great to have one of them.”

  • Getty

    Top 10: Palmer now in elite company

    Another former Chelsea star, Joe Cole, has told of Palmer’s claims to a Golden Ball after breaking into the top 10 of that poll: “He is there, he is in that elite level of players, so I am happy for him that he got that. These individual awards are wonderful; man of the matches, player of tournaments, they are great – they are not the be all and end all. They are nice and it is really nice for Cole Palmer that he is recognised, and I think it will give him a little boost.”

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  • Injury blow: How long will Palmer be out for?

    Palmer has been nursing an injury of late, with physical issues forcing him out of Chelsea’s Premier League defeat at Manchester United on September 20. He has made just four appearances across all competitions this season, scoring two goals, with Enzo Maresca desperate to get his talismanic No.10 back.

    The Blues cannot afford to take any risks, though, on a player that is so important to the collective cause in west London. It is already being suggested that a groin complaint could keep him out for the remainder of the calendar year.

Better than Iheanacho: Celtic must rue selling their "god of goals" for £4m

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

All is not well at Celtic right now.

On the pitch, the Hoops were ignominiously dumped out of Champions League qualifying by Kairat, ousted on penalties in Almaty after over three and a half hours of drab, goalless football, before the most dull Old Firm derby in history at Ibrox last Sunday.

Supporters would argue that this is the metaphorical chickens coming home to roost, concerned all summer long about the Celts’ lack of attacking quality, given that Kyōgo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kühn and Matt O’Riley have not been sufficiently replaced.

So, following protests at a charity match against Manchester United legends on Saturday, the club issued an official statement that did nothing to quell dissenting voices, with the names of no individuals attached to the rambling statement, taking no accountability or responsibility for a transfer window many believe to be the club’s worst in modern times.

Thus, Brendan Rodgers has been left massively short ahead of a Europa League campaign that begins against Crvena zvezda in Belgrade later this month, so how he must wish the Hoops hadn’t sold Celtic’s “god of goals” for just £4m.

Celtic's catastrophic striker situation

On deadline day, having failed to replace Kyōgo, who departed in January, Celtic sold their only remaining centre-forward Adam Idah to Swansea City for around £7m, representing a £2.5m loss on the Irishman in just 12 months, but they actually did well to recoup such a large amount, following an underwhelming campaign.

As reports of this sale emerged, supporters thought that the Celtic hierarchy must have a replacement lined up, or at least that’s what one would assume.

The Hoops number one target was Kasper Dolberg but, after haggling over the price, Anderlecht instead sold him to Ajax for a reported fee of €10m (around £8.7m), with the Denmark international re-joining the Amsterdam-based giants.

The window then duly slammed shut, and Celtic did not have a striker, meaning they had 24 hours to secure a free agent, if they were to be included in their UEFA squad.

Emmanuel Dennis and Patrick Bamford were among the underwhelming names mentioned, but they instead secured Kelechi Iheanacho, albeit only after Sevilla had terminated his contract to facilitate the move, emphasising how wanted he was in Southern Spain.

The Nigerian actually scored against Celtic for Manchester City back in December 2016, as the pair drew 1-1 in the Champions League.

Once highly rated, Iheanacho’s career has essentially fallen off a cliff in recent years, scoring just 26 goals across the last four seasons, having netted 19 times during the 2020/21 campaign prior to this decline.

So, how Celtic supporters must wish they still had the forgotten goal machine from the Postecoglou era.

Kelechi Iheanacho at Leicester.

Celtic's "god of goals"

Giorgos Giakoumakis was not at Celtic for a long time, but he certainly made his mark in Glasgow.

In just 57 appearances in hoops, the Greece international scored 26 goals, averaging a goal every 97 minutes, winning the Premiership golden boot during his only full season at Parkhead.

Former Celtic forward Giorgos Giakoumakis.

However, unable to secure a regular starting spot due to Kyōgo’s presence, imagine having depth like that now, he was sold to Atlanta United for around £4m in March 2023.

Since then, Giakoumakis has become something of a globe-trotter, leaving Atlanta after less than 18 months in MLS, sold to Cruz Azul for $10m (around £7.4m), albeit he did not live up to expectations in Mexico City, returning to his homeland this summer by signing for PAOK on loan.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Well, he has made an immediate impact in Thessaloniki, on target off the bench during a 5-0 victory over HNK Rijeka last month, a victory at Toumba Stadium that secured PAOK’s place in the Europa League.

Following Giakoumakis’ arrival in Major League Soccer, Jaime Uribarri labelled him the “Greek God of goals”, while Tom Bogert simply noted that, wherever he goes, the striker “just scores goals”, a useful skillset for a centre-forward to possess.

So, let’s assess how his recent seasons compare to Celtic’s latest centre-forward Iheanacho.

2025/26

0

1

2024/25

4

9

2023/24

6

5

2022/23

8

28

2021/22

8

17

2020/21

19

29

Total

45

89

As the table documents, across the last five seasons, and the start of this one, Giakoumakis has scored almost twice as many goals as Iheanacho, who hasn’t reached double figures in a single campaign since lockdown when he was at Leicester.

More recently, the Nigerian international endured a miserable loan spell at Middlesbrough this time last year, before scoring just three goals for Sevilla, all of which came in the Copa del Rey, bagging a brace against fifth-tier Las Rozas, before also scoring against UE Olot of the fourth division, but bagging no goals in La Liga.

Having worked with him before, Rodgers will believe he can resurrect Iheanacho’s form and confidence, but this is certainly a gamble, while Giakoumakis guarantees goals, so what a difference the Greek striker would make to this current Celtic side.

Celtic can unearth their own Dolberg in 18-year-old who's "some talent"

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers may unearth his own version of Kasper Dolberg with this academy talent.

ByDan Emery Sep 7, 2025

INEOS to bid 50% below "incredible" star's price as Man Utd scouts spotted

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Manchester United are already looking ahead to the January transfer window and could bid for an “incredible” talent once the market period opens.

Manchester United prepare for Premier League return as Onana departs

The international break is in full swing, and supporters of the Red Devils have been left to reflect on a mixed start to the campaign, resulting in one victory, a solitary draw, and a defeat within their first three Premier League matches.

Ruben Amorim will still be reeling from the effects of a shock EFL Cup exit to Grimsby Town, albeit time moves on, and so does the narrative surrounding Manchester United.

In a surprise turn of developments, Andre Onana is set to join Trabzonspor on loan, something that Fabrizio Romano has added further context to via his platform on social media outlet X.

He stated: “André Onana agrees to join Trabzonspor, here we go! All contracts are now signed on player side, waiting on counter approval from Trabzonspor and travel next week. Deal done on loan from Manchester United as revealed on Saturday, no buy option or loan fee.”

Intriguingly, reports claim that Manchester United could join the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi after his failed move to Liverpool during the summer window.

Amorim does appear to be intent on strengthening his defence, but he has an alternative star in his sights that he could look to make inroads to sign once the mid-season market opens for business.

Manchester United set to submit Zeno Debast January bid

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are set to submit a January bid for Sporting Lisbon defender Zeno Debast after they’ve been spotted scouting him over the last few weeks. Arsenal are also keen on the Belgium international, though the Portuguese champions are holding out for a fee close to £69 million for his services.

Amorim can revive Mainoo by binning £150k-p/w flop in Man Utd system switch

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim can revive Kobbie Mainoo by changing his formation.

ByDan Emery Sep 7, 2025

However, Manchester United are more likely to come in with an offer around the £34.5 million mark, something that may test the waters, but won’t be enough to tempt him to England.

Anderlecht retain a 15% sell-on clause for Debast, and there may be room for negotiation on that front for the 21-year-old, who is primarily a central defender and has made five appearances this season.

Labelled “incredible” by scout Jacek Kulig, the Halle-born man would be another worthwhile long-term investment in Manchester United’s backline, though it remains to be seen if they can meet Sporting’s demands.

Josh Tongue five-for seals Notts victory as Colin Ackermann's twin tons go in vain

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Durham lost their last five wickets for 21 runs, leaving Nottinghamshire needing 89 to win from 40 overs

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay07-Apr-2025Nottinghamshire 579 (James 125, Slater 92, McCann 79, Montgomery 75, Tongue 55) and 89 for 2 (Hameed 39*, Clarke 35*) beat Durham 378 (Ackermann 116, O’Neill 5-81) and 289 (Ackermann 124, Clark 62, Tongue 5-66) by eight wicketsColin Ackermann’s second century of the match was not enough to stave off defeat for Durham, who succumbed to Nottinghamshire by eight wickets after a match-turning spell by England fast bowler Josh Tongue.South African-born Netherlands international Ackermann made 124 to go with his first-innings 116 as Durham, who had trailed by 201 on first innings, looked to emerge with a draw from the opening round of the Rothesay County Championship.But Tongue, on a Nottinghamshire debut delayed by a full season because of injuries following his 2023 move from Worcestershire, shattered that ambition by taking 5 for 66, somehow conjuring four wickets in 12 deliveries from a ball right at the end of its 80-over match lifespan.Durham lost their last five wickets for 21 runs, leaving Nottinghamshire needing 89 to win from 40 overs remaining in the match, a task they completed for the loss of two wickets, skipper Haseeb Hameed making 39 and Joe Clarke 35.Tongue’s achievement came after Nottinghamshire’s other debut-making fast bowler, Australian international Fergus O’Neill, had taken 5 for 81 in the first innings. Tongue also made a career-best 55 with the bat in Nottinghamshire’s first innings.It was a painful defeat for Durham, who posted 378 in their first innings and had the home side 319 for 6 in reply only for Lyndon James (125), Matt Montgomery (75) and Tongue to bat the home side into a position of strength.If Durham’s approach to the final day was always likely to be cautious, it was confirmed after Dillon Pennington opened with a sharp seven-over spell that brought him two wickets for 10 runs.At 87 behind overnight, even with seven wickets in hand on a pitch that had yielded runs at around 3.75 per over, the visitors had at least needed a productively trouble-free morning to consider revising that perspective.Yet after the pacy Pennington had removed Ollie Robinson via an edge to first slip and Will Rhodes leg before, angling one in from a wide delivery point, Durham found themselves five down and still 78 behind.From then on, Ackermann and Clark dug in for a long fight and any hope that Pennington’s burst might trigger a rapid Durham collapse soon subsided.The sixth-wicket pair reached lunch still together, before clearing the arrears seven overs into the afternoon session with the innings 68 overs old.Durham’s first-innings centurion completed his second hundred of the match five overs later, a career-first for the 34-year-old and a 28th in all in first-class cricket. Conditions have largely favoured the bat in this match, but Ackermann did a superb job for his side in both innings.By now, Nottinghamshire’s best chance of making a breakthrough seemed to be with the second new ball, which was seven overs from being available as the Durham dressing room celebrated Ackermann’s feat.Yet Tongue dramatically changed the picture in what would have been the last over – the 80th – with the old ball, taking wickets with the first and last deliveries of it as Clark was bowled off an inside edge, ending a partnership with Ackermann worth 145, and new batter George Drissell was leg before, beaten for pace.Not surprisingly, Hameed invited Tongue to carry on with the same ball. A wise move it was, the England player repeating the trick in his next over, ripping out Ben Raine’s middle stump with the first delivery, beating Ackermann’s flick across the line with the sixth.O’Neill promptly finished things off with the new ball by inducing an easy return catch with a slower ball to Matty Potts, meaning Durham had collapsed from 268 for 5 to 289 all out in the space of six and a half overs.After tea was taken between innings, the home side had 40 overs available to score 89. They lost their own first-innings centurion, Ben Slater, leg before to Potts for a duck, and Freddie McCann to a slip catch off a reverse sweep, but wrapped up victory at 4.55pm with 22.5 overs to spare.

Not just Onana: "Sunday League" level flop now looks finished at Man Utd

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Manchester United have often spent big over the last couple of years in an attempt to land the calibre of players needed to mount a Premier League title charge.

The hierarchy have splashed around £800m on new additions in the last three years alone, but the Red Devils only have an FA Cup triumph to show for their heavy spending.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try his luck at Old Trafford, leading to £200m being spent throughout the summer window to try and correct the 15th-place finish achieved last campaign.

Any successful side in England’s top-flight need to balance the books and offload players to allow for heavy spending – not to mention avoiding any financial implications.

However, the hierarchy will be extremely lucky to get the money back they spent on Andre Onana, given his embarrassing stint at the club over the last few years.

Andre Onana’s decline at Manchester United

As part of United’s heavy spending in recent years, goalkeeper Onana moved to Old Trafford in a deal worth around £47.2m, including add-ons from Serie A side Inter Milan back in the summer of 2023.

Many supporters viewed the Cameroonian as the long-term solution to the situation between the sticks – coming in to replace David de Gea after the Spaniard was released after a decade at the club.

The last two years for the 29-year-old have been disastrous, subsequently registering nine errors leading to goals, resulting in the side dropping points in key moments, whether it be the Premier League or in European competition.

Last season alone, Onana notched six errors, including the Europa League final, where he failed to keep out Brennan Johnson’s effort – resulting in Tottenham Hotspur winning the final in Bilbao.

His only outing this campaign for Amorim’s side was the Carabao Cup clash against Grimsby Town, conceding twice and arguably being at fault for both of the hosts’ goals that night.

Altay Bayindir has since been the number one for the Red Devils, but that could be about to change given the summer arrival of Senne Lammens from Belgian side Royal Antwerp.

Senne Lammens for Royal Antwerp.

Onana also looks set to leave Old Trafford in the coming days, after the club and player agreed a transfer to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.

Despite the English window being shut, another player should be pushed closer to the exit door, given his lack of impact at the club over the last couple of months.

The United player who should leave alongside Onana

Kobbie Mainoo is another player currently at United who has struggled for game time under Amorim – only starting the cup game against Grimsby, just like Onana.

The academy graduate was a player with huge potential during 2023/24, even scoring in the FA Cup final, but it’s safe to say his career has failed to take off since Amorim’s appointment.

He only started 50% of the league games last campaign, also yet to get off the mark in 2024/25, leading to the player himself requesting a move away from the club this summer.

However, he stayed put at his boyhood club beyond the end of the transfer window, but he will need to fight for his place if he is to become a regular starter once again.

He’s not alone in struggling to make an impact, with Dutch international Joshua Zirkzee also a player who’s failed to meet expectations since his own move to the Theatre of Dreams.

Zirkzee

The 24-year-old joined the club from Bologna in a £36.5m transfer in the summer of 2023, but he’s only managed seven goals in his 51 appearances – just three of which have been in the Premier League.

Like Mainoo, he’s also yet to start in the league this campaign, with his only outing in England’s top-flight coming as a substitute in the 3-2 win over Burnley before the international.

His lack of action is no surprise to anyone, given his lack of form, coupled with the new additions in the attacking department, leading to one content creator claiming he looks like he’s now playing in “Sunday League.”

Zirkzee’s underlying stats highlight his lack of impact, only completing 72% of his passes and winning just 29% of the aerials he entered, subsequently unable to make much of a tangible impact – as seen by his lack of goals.

Joshua Zirkzee – PL stats (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

72%

Chances created

0.7

Dribbles completed

31%

Aerials won

29%

Shots on target

0.7

Possession lost

2.9

Stats via FotMob

He also only completed 31% of his dribbles and lost possession 2.9 times per 90 – further showcasing his lack of positive impact when featuring for the Red Devils.

Given his lack of minutes, coupled with his poor displays, the club should be looking to move the former Bayern Munich star on over the next couple of months.

The arrivals of players such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have undoubtedly pushed the Dutchman further down the pecking order – with the hierarchy desperately needing to cut their losses.

Worth more than Baleba: Man Utd have struck gold on "generational" talent

Manchester United already have a big-money talent on their books despite missing out on Carlos Baleba.

2 ByEthan Lamb Sep 10, 2025