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Adelaide, meanwhile, has secured a seven-year commitment to a pre-Christmas slot for their Test

Andrew McGlashan18-Aug-2024

More Australia-England Test cricket…what’s not to love•Getty Images

Australia and England will play a one-off Test at the MCG in March 2027 to mark 150 years of the format. The confirmation of the anniversary fixture in Melbourne came as Cricket Australia [CA] and state governments announced that the MCG, SCG and Adelaide Oval had locked in seven-year staging agreements for their regular Tests.The Test in 2027 will replicate the Centenary Test of 1977 which Australia won by 45 runs, matching the margin of the first Test played in 1877. In 1977, Rod Marsh and Derek Randall struck centuries while Dennis Lillee claimed 11 wickets.The annual Boxing Day (Melbourne) and New Year’s Tests (Sydney) have been guaranteed in until 2030-31 while Adelaide has secured a seven-year commitment to a pre-Christmas slot for their Test after the South Australia government made a pitch for the New Year’s Test.Although the current Future Tours Programme (FTP) is only inked up to early 2027, England and India have confirmed tours in the four years after that.Related

Gabba to be demolished after 2032 Olympics, cricket to get new home in Brisbane

Australia-England 150th anniversary Test in 2027 will be a pink-ball day-night match

Australia-England Test to mark 150 years of Tests scheduled for March 11 in 2027

Ashes 2025-26: CA schedules Brisbane day-night Test after Perth opener

Is this the end for the Gabba?

Meanwhile, Optus Stadium in Perth will host the opening Test of the season for the next three seasons. Mike Baird, the Cricket Australia chair, said that it was the Western Australian government’s decision not to seek a longer deal. That means next year’s Ashes will start in the west rather than the traditional Gabba in Brisbane. They will then host New Zealand at the start of the 2026-27 season.The future of Gabba has been left clouded amid uncertainty over the redevelopment plans for the stadium ahead of the 2032 Olympics and only the next two seasons – matches against India and England – have been confirmed with a chance the Gabba doesn’t host a Test for a considerable time after that. The 2026-27 season will be the first time in 50 years that the Gabba won’t host a Test.”In Brisbane it is harder [to plan] because of the infrastructure,” Baird said. “There is just uncertainty, so we’re not sure of the long-term solution. What we do know is the Gabba has a use for life that ends in 2030. We need a solution, and are working with the AFL as well on a long-term solution.”We want a great venue in Brisbane, that can support Queensland Cricket and Australian cricket for years to come.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Adelaide is the traditional home of day-night Test cricket having hosted seven of the 12 matches held in Australia although the new agreement does not guarantee that all future Tests there will be pink-ball encounters and the 2025-26 Ashes Test will be a red-ball game with Brisbane hosting the day-nighter. Adelaide Oval will also host a New Year’s Eve BBL game for the next seven years.England will tour for a five-match Ashes series in 2025-26 and New Zealand will be the visitors in 2026-27. The latter series will be extended to four Tests from the original three on the FTP and be played in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. Australia are then due to tour India for five Tests in January and February 2027.With the additional anniversary Test, there is a potential squeeze on the calendar in March 2027 with Australia due to host Bangladesh in two matches which are part of the World Test Championship. There is a chance those games will be moved although under the current WTC structure would need to be played ahead of the June 2027 final.Although rival states made attempts to take the marquee Christmas and New Year Tests off Melbourne and Sydney it was always an unlikely outcome. Beyond 2026-27 there could be an opportunity for other venues to compete for a Test should the Gabba be unavailable which would bring Hobart and Canberra into the mix. Tasmania has ambitions to host indoor Test cricket at their proposed new multipurpose stadium although that won’t be available until at least 2028.The staging agreements confirmed on Sunday are one of the final big projects completed by outgoing CA CEO Nick Hockley who announced earlier this month that he would be stepping down next March.A future schedule for women’s internationals will be confirmed in the coming months when the next FTP is complete but Adelaide has been guaranteed an ODI or T20I every season.Cricket Australia match allocationsNew South WalesSeven seasons (2024/25 to 2030/31)
Confirmed matches: Men’s New Year’s Test each summerQueenslandTwo seasons (2024/25 & 2025/26)
Confirmed matches: 1 Men’s Test to be played prior to 30 December each summer and 1 Men’s ODI/T20I each summerSouth AustraliaSeven seasons (2024/25 to 2030/31)
Confirmed matches: Men’s Day/Night Test vs India (2024/25), Men’s Christmas Test (2025/26 to 2030/31), 1 Men’s ODI/T20I each summer, 1 Women’s T20/ODI each summer and BBL match on New Year’s Eve each summerVictoriaSeven seasons (2024/25 to 2030/31)
Confirmed matches: Men’s Boxing Day Test each summer, Women’s 90th Anniversary Day/Night Test vs England in 2024/25 and Men’s 150th Anniversary Test vs England in 2026/27Western AustraliaThree seasons (2024/25 to 2026/27)
Confirmed matches: First Men’s Test each summer and 1 Men’s ODI/T20I each summer

Seamer takes Thunder’s last four wickets in eight balls to secure 30-run win at Chelmsford

ECB Reporters Network30-Jun-2024

Sophie Munro claimed three wickets in an over•Harry Trump/Getty Images

Sophie Munro produced a stunning spell on her Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy debut for Sunrisers to keep them in the top two with a tense win over Lancashire Thunder at Chelmsford.Seamer Munro, on loan from The Blaze, captured three wickets in four balls – including the key scalp of ex-Sunrisers batter Naomi Dattani – as she wrapped up her side’s first victory over Thunder in any format with figures of 5 for 25.Dattani’s knock of 36 seemed likely to steer Thunder past the home side’s total of 253, which might have been higher but for a middle-order collapse after skipper Grace Scrivens (51 from 54 balls) and Jo Gardner (63 from 78) had shared an opening stand of 94.Sunrisers then lost six wickets for 52, with left-arm spinner Hannah Jones returning four for 50 to become the tournament’s joint highest wicket-taker with 14.Even with drizzle and dark clouds hovering above the ground, Scrivens chose to bat after winning the toss and, despite some early swing for left-armer Tara Norris, the home side built steadily. They reached 48 in the 10th over before the drizzle developed into heavier rain and, once the players returned after almost an hour’s delay, the contest was reduced to 48 overs a side.Scrivens looked nicely set, taking successive fours off former team-mate Dattani as she advanced to her 50 only to be bamboozled soon afterwards by Fi Morris, with Ellie Threlkeld completing a stumping.Gardner might have gone the same way when she misjudged a ball from Sophie Morris, who bowled consistently to finish with 2 for 38, but the opener survived to post her first half-century of the tournament.Having pumped Fi Morris for two leg-side sixes, Gardner’s pursuit of a third proved costly as Katie Mack clasped the catch just inside the rope to trigger Thunder’s fightback. Fi Morris was also the architect of Jodi Grewcock’s downfall, deflecting Cordelia Griffith’s full-blooded drive onto the stumps to run her out and Jones then weighed in by having Flo Miller and Amara Carr leg before sweeping in the same over.Clean hitting by Mady Villiers took her to 35 from 26 with back-to-back boundaries off Jones but, when she was clean bowled by the next delivery, that appeared to signal an end to Sunrisers’ hopes of posting 250. However, the visitors surprisingly returned to Dattani and Phoebe Graham’s expensive medium pace and last pair Munro and Kate Coppack took advantage, adding a valuable 32 to set a slightly adjusted target of 255.Thunder openers Emma Lamb and Seren Smale looked comfortable at the start of the chase, working the ball around with ease and ticking along at above five an over in their stand of 63 from 69. Grewcock finally broke the partnership when Villiers’ diving catch at midwicket accounted for Smale and the spinner also collected the scalp of Lamb, caught top-edging a paddle two short of a deserved half-century.Mack – who registered a hundred in Thunder’s win over Sunrisers earlier in the tournament – looked on course for another match-winning knock with 33 from 42 until Eva Gray trapped her in front.With Threlkeld and Danni Collins both run out after mix-ups, the burden fell on Dattani’s shoulders – and she survived a couple of close calls against Scrivens, with a pull fumbled at midwicket and a stumping chance going begging.But Munro’s sixth over proved decisive as she dismissed Norris and Graham in successive balls and had Dattani caught behind before Jones holed out to long-off to round off the win with 16 deliveries to spare.

With Habib Diarra signed and Reinildo also on his way, Sunderland are now reportedly battling against Paris Saint-Germain to secure their third arrival of the summer.

Sunderland set to sign Diarra and Reinildo

Just when Leeds United believed they were in the driving seat, Sunderland came bustling in to steal Diarra from under their noses. Outbidding the 49ers, those at the Stadium of Light are reportedly set to secure the midfielder’s signature for a club-record fee of £30m. But they are not done there – far from it, in fact.

After Diarra, the Black Cats have turned towards La Liga and Atletico Madrid to agree a deal for Reinildo Mandava. The left-back is set to become a free agent at the end of next month, allowing Sunderland to swoop in and secure his signature.

Both incoming arrivals signal Sunderland’s intent. None of the last six promoted teams have survived at the first time of asking in the Premier League, but the playoff winners are spending as though they’re in the mood to finally put an end to that trend.

Diarra particularly stands out between the two. The former Strasbourg midfielder gave English football a glimpse of his talents against the Three Lions earlier this month when he scored Sengal’s second goal in a 3-1 win. Now, 20 days on, he’s set to become a permanent feature in the Premier League.

There’s still plenty of time remaining in the summer transfer window, however, and the Black Cats could yet reportedly turn back towards La Liga for yet another reinforcement.

Sunderland racing to sign Gasiorowski

Having already agreed a deal to sign Reinildo from Atletico Madrid, those in Wearside have seemingly returned to La Liga for another talent. According to reports in Spain, Sunderland are now racing PSG to sign Yarek Gasiorowski from Valencia, who are willing to let their centre-back leave below his huge €60m (£51m) release clause.

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The Black Cats could pull off an ambitious move.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Jun 29, 2025

Up against PSG and Brighton & Hove Albion, Valencia’s willingness to sell the 20-year-old for around €25m (£21m) rather than demanding his £51m release clause should hand Sunderland a major boost, but would still take their spending upwards of £50m for the summer.

A player with “immense potential” according to scout Jacek Kulig, Gasiorowski would slot straight into Sunderland’s plan to mix players who are on the rise and those who are more established – joining Reinildo and Diarra.

Whether the Black Cats can fend off interest from PSG and Brighton remains to be seen, however, in what would be another impressive signing.

أعلن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، عن مشوار الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي بيراميدز، في كأس إنتركونتيننتال، حتى المباراة النهائية.

وسيشارك بيراميدز في بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال، التي من المقرر إقامتها نهاية العام الحالي، بمشاركة الأندية أبطال القارات.

طالع| موعد مباراة بيراميدز وأوكلاند سيتي في كأس إنتركونتيننتال مشوار بيراميدز في كأس إنتركونتيننتال

وبحسب فيفا، تقام مباراة بيراميدز وأوكلاند سيتي في التاسعة مساء يوم 14 سبتمبر المقبل، بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية على استاد الدفاع الجوي بالقاهرة.

وتابع فيفا: “سيواجه الفائز منهما الأهلي السعودي في جدة بتاريخ 23 سبتمبر،  لتحديد بطل كأس إفريقيا-آسيا-المحيط الهادئ”.

وستقام المواجهة بمدينة جدة بتاريخ 23 سبتمبر 2025 في تمام الساعة التاسعة بتوقيت مكة والقاهرة، علماً أن الفائز سيُتوج بكأس إفريقيا-آسيا-المحيط الهادئ، كما سيحجز مقعده في الدور التالي.

وبعدها ستقام ثلاث مباريات أخرى، بما فيها نهائي كأس القارات للأندية 2025، خلال شهر ديسمبر 2025.

وتبدأ الثلاث مباريات بموقعة ديربي الأمريكتين، المقررة يوم الأربعاء 10 ديسمبر 2025، بين كروز أزول المكسيكي، الفائز بنسخة 2025 من مسابقة كأس أبطال أمريكا الشمالية والوسطى والكاريبي، وبطل أمريكا الجنوبية لهذا العام نادي فلامنجو البرازيلي. موعد مباراة نصف نهائي كأس إنتركونتيننتال 2025

ستقام يوم السبت 13 ديسمبر 2025 مواجهة بين الفائزين في المباراتين 2 و3 للتنافس على كأس التحدي وحجز بطاقة التأهل للنهائي. موعد نهائي كأس إنتركونتيننتال 2025

الفائز في المباراة 4، سيواجه نادي باريس سان جيرمان، الفائز بدوري أبطال أوروبا 2024-2025، يوم الأربعاء 17 ديسمبر 2025 في نهائي كأس القارات للأندية 2025، على أن يتم الإعلان عن مكان تنظيم المباريات 3 و4 و5 في وقت لاحق.

Tottenham Hotspur have taken a risk this summer in sacking Ange Postecoglou, especially after the Aussie ended their 17-year wait for any form of silverware.

The responsibility has subsequently fallen into the hands of Thomas Frank, who was appointed as the new boss on a three-year contract, with the hierarchy forking out £10m for his signature from Brentford.

The Dane will likely be under huge pressure to make a fast start to his tenure, needing to get results on the board and help the club rise up the Premier League table.

Their lowly league standing was what subsequently cost Ange his job in North London, with Frank wanting to avoid such a repeat, which could see his job on the line in the near future.

However, if he is to have the best possible chance of replicating the Aussie, he will need additions, with owner Daniel Levy needing to provide him with the options he craves.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

Xavi Simons is a star who has set Europe alight this season, registering 11 goals for RB Leipzig this season, with Spurs open to making a move for his signature this window.

He’s not the only player in their sights, with Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo also under consideration ahead of a potential deal over the coming weeks.

However, another name has emerged on their shortlist in recent times, with Brighton and Hove Albion talisman Joao Pedro a firm target for Frank, according to Spurs Web.

They claim that internal talks have been held in North London over a deal for the Brazilian forward, who’s set to leave the AMEX after scoring 10 Premier League goals this season.

It also states that the 23-year-old could be available for around £70m this summer, but face tough competition from Newcastle United and Chelsea for his signature.

Why Spurs’ £70m target could become Frank’s next Mbeumo

During Frank’s reign as Brentford boss, he took the club from the Championship and made them an established top-flight outfit, developing many talents in the process.

Forward Bryan Mbeumo is just one example, joining from French side Troyes back in 2019, before developing into a leading Premier League star in recent months.

The Cameroonian international managed to score 20 times for the Bees in 2024/25, the most he’s registered in a single season, leading to interest from the Lilywhites and Manchester United.

It appears as though he will move to Old Trafford this window after informing Frank’s side that he’s only interested in a switch to join the Red Devils this window.

Such a decision could see Pedro become a key option for the club in the transfer window, potentially being the Dane’s new version of Mbeumo in North London.

The Brazilian has been labelled a similar player to the 25-year-old by FBref, managing to outperform him in numerous key areas throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Pedro, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Ryan Adsett, has posted a better goal and assist per 90 record, handing Frank the added attacking threat he will need in North London.

How Pedro compares to Mbeumo in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Pedro

Mbeumo

Games played

27

38

Goals & assists

16

27

Goals & assists (per 90)

0.74

0.71

Pass accuracy

73%

66%

Passes into final third

1.9

1.6

Take-ons completed

1.4

1.3

Fouls won

2.1

1.1

Aerials won

49%

31%

Stats via FBref

Alongside his goalscoring record, the Brighton star has also completed more passes into the final third and registered a better pass accuracy rate – able to hand out chances to those around him in the final third.

He’s also won more aerial battles and completed a higher tally of take-ons, handing an all-round and versatile option to the manager in his quest for success with the Lilywhites.

£70m may appear to be a hefty price tag for the Brazilian, but it’s a competitive fee for a player who’s been just as impressive as Mbeumo this campaign.

If he can replicate such talents for the Lilywhites next season, he has all the tools to become a fan favourite and play a huge part in the new era at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 28, 2025

Corteen-Coleman, MacDonald-Gay take command in death overs to edge a tight semi-final

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2024

Sophia Dunkley set the tempo for South East Stars•Getty Images

South East Stars 162 for 5 (Dunkley 49) beat Southern Vipers 157 for 9 (Dean 43, Corteen-Coleman 2-23) by five runsSouth East Stars held their nerve to win the chance to take on The Blaze in the final of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, beating holders Southern Vipers by five runs in a gripping semi-final that went down to the last over.Although seven wickets down, Vipers fancied that their experience would carry them through after needing 21 from the last three overs but two fine overs from Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Ryana MacDonald-Gay left them with a requirement of 10 off the final over, the key moment coming when Charlie Dean (43 from 29 balls) was run out off Tash Farrant’s second ball of that over.Sophia Dunkley (49 off 34) and Georgia Redmayne (39 off 38) had earlier shared a second-wicket stand of 74 to give the Stars a strong platform after losing skipper Bryony Smith earlier before Paige Scholfield cracked an unbeaten 34 off 22 balls to post 162 for five.Danni Wyatt struck 34 from 17 to get Vipers off to a flying start in reply but Corteen-Coleman (two for 23), Dani Gregory (two for 25) in particular bowled superbly to give Stars the edge.Having opted to bowl first, the Vipers dealt the Stars a big blow in the fourth over when Bryony Smith hauled Dean over the midwicket boundary for her second six but skewed the next delivery into the hands of extra cover, but the Stars made a bright start nonetheless, with Dunkley assuming the lead role and Redmayne offering solid support.They turned 48 for one after six overs to 92 for one after 12, giving themselves a platform to set the defending champions a testing chase.Vipers were concerned enough to turn to left-arm spinner Linsey Smith in mid-innings rather than keep her back for the death. It paid off, a flighted turning ball combined with some nifty glovework behind the stumps sending Dunkley on her way one short of a half-century. Freya Davies bowled Emma Jones in the next over to leave the Stars 109 for three with 34 balls remaining.Scholfield’s clean hitting advanced the total by 36 in three overs and though they were checked by a couple of good death overs by Charli Knott and Davies, Vipers knew they would need to bat well to win.Needing a tad over eight an over, Vipers scored at nines in the powerplay, although at a cost of two important wickets. England’s Maia Bouchier fell for two, bowled behind her legs to add to the growing list of big scalps acquired by 16-year-old left-arm spinner Corteen-Coleman. Australian all-rounder Knott hit 21 as she and Wyatt plundered 48 from 29 balls but the last ball of the opening six saw her bowled by Smith sweeping.An even bigger blow for the Vipers came as Wyatt, looking in ruthless mood and picking up her second six in the same over, hit Gregory’s leg spin down the throat of deep mid-wicket.At 84 for three at the halfway point, Vipers were still well in the chase but lost another wicket in an eventful 11th over that saw skipper Georgia Adams caught off a no-ball and dropped off a legitimate delivery before Freya Kemp was stumped as Gregory claimed a second success.When Adams then became another victim of Redmayne’s sharp hands behind the stumps off some more clever bowling by Corteen-Coleman, the balance was tilting in the Stars’ favour, an impression that was strengthened when Smith had Georgia Elwiss leg before and Rhianna Southby was run out by a brilliant throw by MacDonald-Gay running in from deep midwicket.Dean now held the key. She eased the pressure by hoisting Smith over the long-on boundary but a five-run final over from Corteen-Coleman left Vipers needing 16 from the last two overs, which became 10 from six balls after MacDonald-Gay’s last over restricted them to six singles.The decisive blow came with five balls left as Dean, at the bowler’s end after taking a single off Farrant, as non-striker, committed to running whatever Smith did at the other end but was left hopelessly out of her ground as Farrant picked up the ball in her follow through and turned to break the stumps, Vipers ultimately finishing six short of their target.

Far removed from the days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer treatment or Brian Clough’s no-nonsense approach, players have all the power in modern football.

Teams who hover around the bottom half of the Premier League have felt the full force of player power since the rise of the ‘big six’, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Matheus Cunha and Kalvin Phillips moving within the top flight for huge fees in recent years.

Leeds United have dealt with their fair share of star players leaving for pastures new, including Ballon d’Or candidate Raphinha and academy starlet Archie Gray.

Leeds' record departures

Leeds’ largest ever sales

Signed for – fee

10. Chris Wood

Burnley – £14m

9. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Atletico Madrid – £14.5m

8. Luis Sinisterra

Bournemouth – £20m

7. Tyler Adams

Bournemouth – £23m

6. Crysencio Summerville

West Ham United – £25m

5. Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United – £30m

4. Archie Gray

Tottenham Hotspur – £40m

3. Georginio Rutter

Brighton – £40m

2. Kalvin Phillips

Manchester City – £42m

1. Raphinha

Barcelona – £50m

Despite Leeds’ status as a huge club with a rich history, some players are just destined for greater things, as Pascal Struijk revealed just how good Raphinha was right from the off at Elland Road: “I knew for sure that he would be able to play with a top team.

“You look at his goals and assists, which he did for us as well. When you go to a big team, it’s about how you react when you make a move like that and I always believed in his ability, I had no doubts.

“My first impression of him was, ‘this guy’s got quality’. Sometimes you have players and you see them on the pitch and you think, he’s got that bit extra. When you see him doing it in the Prem, the talent speaks for itself.”

The Brazilian left Yorkshire on good terms after scoring in the game that secured the Whites’ Premier League status for another year, but not everyone on the list above can say the same.

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Posts ByCharlie Smith Jun 5, 2025 Ferdinand: 'I was a nightmare to make Leeds sell me'

Rio Ferdinand was perhaps the most controversial transfer of his time, leaving Leeds to join arch-rivals Manchester United in 2002, going on to win six Premier League titles under Fergie as one of the greatest centre-backs of all time.

And while it may be of little surprise to the Elland Road faithful who have never forgiven the legendary England defender, he told talkSPORT this week that he refused to leave then-chairman Peter Ridsdale’s office, imploring Leeds not to haggle on their price.

That’s not to say Leeds were hard done by from a financial point of view however. Accounting for inflation, Ferdinand would be the second most expensive Premier League transfer of all time, coming in at around £200m in today’s terms.

Considering Southampton only received £75m for Van Dijk, widely regarded as the world’s best current centre-back, when he joined Liverpool in 2018, Ferdinand certainly cost the Red Devils a pretty penny.

However, his attitude towards his former employers only soured relations further after what was already a controversial move, taking advantage of the club’s financial difficulties as they plummeted to the third tier of English football.

Being a Leeds United supporter has certainly been somewhat of a rollercoaster over the last couple of years, with the club always in the middle of some form of drama on or off the pitch.

From big-money departures to Wembley defeats and title victories, the fans have truly been through it all, with another new chapter appearing on the horizon in the coming months.

After promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League, it hands the Whites a fresh opportunity to create new history and cement themselves as one of England’s greats.

They will face a huge task to beat the drop, given the gap between the two divisions, but after their ninth-placed finish back in their previous return to the top flight is evidence that they can defy the odds.

If they are to break the mould, investment is needed, but it’s also pivotal that players who are not required are moved on to provide boss Daniel Farke with added funds to make changes.

The latest on Leeds players who could leave Elland Road this summer

Striker Patrick Bamford has failed to deliver throughout 2024/25, not scoring a single goal across all competitions, leading to rumours about his future in Yorkshire.

He’s been linked with a move to newly promoted Championship side Wrexham, which could lead to a permanent move away, looking to cash in given the fact he has just one year left on his current deal.

The 31-year-old won’t be the last player to depart Elland Road this window, with full-back Junior Firpo also touted with an exit, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

He confirmed that the Dominican international has been approached by his former side, Real Betis, over a return to the LaLiga outfit, with his contract set to expire in just over two weeks.

The Whites have made an offer to extend his stay in Yorkshire, but as of yet, no agreement has been reached, with the defender looking more likely to leave given the time remaining on his deal.

Why Leeds’ £60k-p/w star could be a repeat of Summerville

Crysencio Summerville captured the hearts of the Leeds fanbase during his spell at Elland Road, producing numerous moments of magic after breaking into the first team setup.

His first major moment came back in October 2022, coming off the bench to score the winner against Liverpool at Anfield – in a game which was undoubtedly the highlight of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Dutchman would become a key member of the side after relegation to the Championship, scoring 20 times and registering nine assists, but it wasn’t enough as the club lost in the play-off final against Southampton.

He would subsequently depart and join West Ham United in a £25m deal last summer, banking a huge profit but losing one of their shining lights in the process.

Whilst Firpo would be leaving for nothing, it could see a repeat of a deal for Summerville, with both players moving on after impressive years in the second tier, with the defender notching 14 goal contributions this season.

The defender, who also earns £60k-per-week, has matched the Dutchman in struggling in the top flight previously in Yorkshire, leading to many fans previously voicing their displeasure over his performances, with such a move freeing up money off the wage bill.

The winger has struggled with injuries since his subsequent move to the top tier, starting just seven league games this season, with the deal now favouring the Whites despite the disappointment at the time.

Junior Firpo’s stats for Leeds in the Championship (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals & assists

14

Pass accuracy

83%

Chances created

1.7

Touches in opposition box

4.1

Duels won

6.3

Tackle success rate

52%

Stats via FotMob

Such a deal allowed for Manor Solomon to move to the club, handing Farke an added talent whilst banking good money, something which could replicate itself with Firpo this summer.

Understandably, given his form at Elland Road, no fan would want to lose the defender, with continuity crucial if the side are to beat the drop throughout 2025/26.

However, if the full-back doesn’t want to stay, it would be best to part ways this month and make a move for a player who could fill the void in Yorkshire.

Should he struggle to make an impact away from the club like Summerville, it would be a good decision to allow him to depart, putting trust in the hierarchy to recruit a suitable replacement in the coming months.

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Posts ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2025

Football might have stopped for a few months, but the powers that be at Arsenal can’t afford to take a break.

The transfer window is here, and with it, the Gunners have the chance to close the gap between Premier League rivals Liverpool.

However, while the impending signing of Martin Zubimendi is undoubtedly exciting, Mikel Arteta and Co need to add some attacking stardust to the team, as the Reds look intent on bringing the incredible Florian Wirtz to Anfield in the coming weeks.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the North Londoners with another international superstar who has won comparisons to the German monster and could, therefore, be their answer to him.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the superstar in question, it’s worth looking at some other exciting attackers who have been touted for a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Rafael Leao and Ademola Lookman.

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The former could cost up to a staggering £145m thanks to a release clause in his contract, but with a tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 games this season, he’d undoubtedly improve the Gunners’ frontline.

Lookman, on the other hand, would cost far less at around £55m but has actually been even more impressive than the Portuguese international this season, racking up a haul of 20 goals and seven assists in 40 games for Atalanta.

Yet, to match a signing like Wirtz, Arteta and Co need someone of comparable significance in the eyes of football fans, someone like Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spanish outlet AS, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Real Madrid superstar.

In fact, the report claims that alongside other suitors like Manchester City and Chelsea, the Gunners are now ‘moving’ for the talented winger, who is awaiting a conversation with new manager Xabi Alonso to determine his future at the club.

The report does not mention a potential price, but according to other stories last month, the former Santos star could be available for around £85m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability and stature in the game, this is a transfer Arsenal should fight for, especially as he’s won comparisons with Wirtz.

Why Rodrygo could be Arsenal's answer to Wirtz

So, before we go into the other reasons why Rodrygo could be Arsenal’s answer to Wirtz this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to the German and where it even comes from.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it has been concluded that the Bayer Leverkusen star is the seventh most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Real ace across the last 365 days.

Rodrygo & Wirtz

Statistic per 90

Rodrygo

Wirtz

Progressive Carries

5.28

5.02

Progressive Passes Received

11.8

11.8

Goals per Shot

0.11

0.11

Key Passes

2.29

2.18

Crosses

3.79

3.87

Aerial Duels Won

0.33

0.34

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to progressive carries, goals per shot, key passes, crosses, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

However, besides having some undeniably statistical similarities to the Bundesliga winner, the “terrifyingly good” Brazilian, as dubbed by journalist Sam Tighe, would also be moving to one of next season’s Premier League challengers.

Moreover, as the 24-year-old would be moving to the Emirates from Los Blancos, it would have a similar project-defining feel and be just as much of a statement as the Merseysides signing the Pulheim-born gem.

Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be cheap, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, as it would be an unmistakable signal to their title rivals that they are not planning on going anywhere anytime soon.

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Birmingham City really were in a league of their own at the summit of League One.

Chris Davies’ men blew away all of their competition with a mammoth 34 wins being picked up across 46 clashes, leading to the Blues ending the memorable campaign with a record-breaking 111 points next to their name.

The attack regularly stole the headlines as Jay Stansfield and Alfie May terrorised many a League One defence, but Birmingham also finished the season with the meanest defence when shipping just 34 strikes.

Still, Davies and Co will know the Championship will be a far trickier level when it comes to collecting clean sheets galore, with reported target Harry Darling one potential defensive purchase the Blues could now make heading into next campaign.

Birmingham's pursuit of Darling

The newly crowned champions of the third tier could end up landing Darling on a free transfer with his future at Swansea City remaining on shaky ground.

Undoubtedly, the 25-year-old could settle in nicely to his new environment at St. Andrew’s as a confident and composed performer out from the back, away from the brute forces already at Davies’ disposal in Christoph Klarer and Krystian Bielik.

Indeed, Darling would close out his impressive individual season with the Swans by chipping in with five league goals and three assists, on top of also averaging an unerring 53.9 accurate passes per league clash.

But, Birmingham could well land themselves a better signing than the in-demand centre-back by opting to go for this more experienced figure instead, who already knows the lay of the land in the West Midlands.

Exceptional target could be better than Darling for Birmingham

Davies won’t want to make wholesale changes for the sake of it, knowing full well his runaway League One leaders should be able to acclimatise back to the Championship smoothly.

Therefore, instead of signing Darling, the Blues could go all in to snap up former loanee Ben Davies on a permanent deal, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that this could soon be a deal that goes ahead, albeit after his parent side, Rangers, have appointed a new manager.

Darling might well be fresh off a stylish season with the Swans, but Davies is already very firmly in the hearts of Birmingham supporters for his battling performances that saw the Blues coast to the League One title.

Moreover, there’s no guarantee that the 25-year-old would be able to come in and complement the likes of Klarer and Bielik immediately. Whereas, with a season already done alongside the Austrian and the ex-Derby County man, it’s safe to say Davies knows all the quirks of their respective games and how he is able to slot in alongside them to form an imposing back-line.

Davies’ league numbers (24/25) vs Klarer’s vs Bielik’s

Stat (* = per game)

Davies

Klarer

Bielik

Games played

35

43

32

Goals scored

1

1

1

Assists

1

3

0

Touches*

88.6

91.8

72.4

Accurate passes*

67.9 (88%)

68.4 (88%)

52.3 (88%)

Ball recoveries*

3.3

3.5

4.1

Clearances*

6.2

5.6

3.3

Total duels won*

6.3

7.5

5.8

Clean sheets

20

18

6

Stats by Sofascore

Looking at the table above, it’s no great shock to realise that Birmingham had the sternest defence in the division, with Davies picking up 20 clean sheets across 35 league clashes. Moreover, the 29-year-old’s gleaming average of nearly 70 accurate passes per game even betters Darling’s high amount.

With 151 career games already under his belt in the Championship too, it does feel like a no-brainer of a decision to make to bring back the “exceptional” defender, as he was lauded by his manager last season, over adding Darling into the camp.

Davies has already shown he’s more than ready for a return to the second tier by bossing League One, meaning a permanent deal will surely be struck up soon.

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