ANÁLISE: Empate não esconde displicência, e Corinthians joga com alma de rebaixado

MatériaMais Notícias

Dos seis pontos disputados contra o lanterna do Brasileirão, o Corinthians conquistou apenas um ponto. No empate de domingo (22) com o América-MG, o Timão foi apático dentro de casa e não conseguiu dar a resposta esperada pelo torcedor para mostrar que a equipe é capaz de esboçar uma reação contra o rebaixamento.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansMano reconhece Corinthians abaixo contra América-MG e manda recado à torcida sobre rebaixamentoCorinthians22/10/2023CorinthiansGiuliano admite nervosismo do Corinthians, mas valoriza empate com o América: ‘Dos males o menor’Corinthians22/10/2023CorinthiansNo último lance, Corinthians arranca empate com o América-MG no BrasileirãoCorinthians22/10/2023

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O torcedor corintiano esperava uma equipe ligada e capaz de pressionar o Coelho em Itaquera após boa impressão deixada contra o Fluminense. Contudo, a equipe apresentou o mesmo nível apenas nos dez primeiros minutos.

Mano repetiu o esquema tático usado contra o Flu, mas o Timão não conseguiu furar a retranca da equipe mineira, que explorou com maestria o lado esquerdo da defesa corintiana e abriu o placar após bonito chute de Benítez.

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Ao contrário dos últimos jogos, Mano não foi feliz nas substituições, e o Corinthians seguia jogando de forma displicente, errando muitos passes e sem conseguir conectar uma jogada de perigo no ataque.

O empate caiu do céu, já que o Timão não teve organização e competência durante os 90 minutos para furar a defesa do América-MG. O Corinthians pode não estar dentro da zona do rebaixamento, mas jogou com espírito de equipe rebaixada, sem alma e senso de urgência dentro de casa.

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Para não repetir 2007, o Corinthians precisa vencer ao menos um dos próximos dois jogos (Cuiabá e Santos) e esboçar uma reação na reta final do Brasileirão. Mais do que pontuar, Mano e os jogadores precisam mostrar comprometimento na luta contra o rebaixamento e comprar de uma vez por todas que a ameaça do rebaixamento é real.

Slot has found a "frightening" talent who will end Chiesa's Liverpool career

It hasn’t been the start to the season that Arne Slot might have hoped for at Liverpool, with a shaky start, albeit a winning start, now preceding a three-match losing run that has accentuated the flaws running through the squad.

But adversity is there to be overcome in football, and the Premier League champions have so much quality and confidence in themselves. Teething problems after a summer spending spree are to be expected, and now the onus is on returning to action after the October international break with fresh impetus and focus.

Chelsea struck late to win against the Reds on Sunday, but there’s no hiding from the lack of attacking coherence in the second half. Some fans were confused by Slot’s decision to keep Federico Chiesa on the bench.

Slot must use Federico Chiesa

Last summer, Liverpool’s only addition, purchased from Juventus for a cut-price £12.5m fee. The versatile forward has long been highly regarded for his technical quality and potency in the final third, but injuries have eaten away at his one-time prodigious potential.

Federico Chiesa for Liverpool

But he scarcely played last year, with fitness problems and criticisms from Slot keeping him on the fringes. Excluded from Liverpool’s pre-season tour across the pond, Chiesa’s time on Merseyside looked to have wrapped up.

And yet he stayed, and yet he now plays a big role at Liverpool, one of the most dangerous and effective attacking threats across the opening months of the season.

Liverpool’s Frontline in 25/26 (all comps)

Player

Apps

Goals (assists)

Hugo Ekitike

10

5 (1)

Mohamed Salah

10

3 (3)

Federico Chiesa

6

2 (2)

Cody Gakpo

10

2 (2)

Alexander Isak

6

1 (1)

Rio Ngumoha

5

1 (0)

Data via Transfermarkt

This revival is nice to see. Will it last? Slot continues to be hesitant in giving Chiesa a star role, and given that Mohamed Salah’s eventual departure will warrant a big-money replacement, Chiesa might find his renaissance is short-lived.

Because Rio Ngumoha has already disrupted FSG’s transfer plans, and his rise to the top could come at the expense of the Italian’s game time.

Rio Ngumoha could end Chiesa's Liverpool career

Liverpool poached Ngumoha from Chelsea in 2024, and what a coup it is turning out to be. John Terry knew it, saying he was “gutted” to watch the electric winger leave for a Premier League rival.

Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha

But Chelsea’s loss is Liverpool’s gain. The 17-year-old Ngumoha showed flashes last season, starting for the seniors in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley, and now he has raised his game under Slot’s wing, having featured five times already.

His dribbling and directness have been met by promising physical growth that has not yet finished.

Ngumoha will continue to be guided through adolescence, but the coaches are very much aware they have a prodigy on their hands, with the lad’s long-time youth coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst saying, “I don’t say it lightly, he is one of the best academy talents I have come across, and I have seen some top players become superstars.”

The composure and awareness to find space and score against Newcastle in August tells of the potential, and though he predominantly plays off the left flank, Ngumoha’s bearing is such that he could play across the frontline, an art mastered by teammate Chiesa.

Chiesa, 28 this month, will play a big part at Liverpool this season, but it’s difficult to see him reach the highest level in Slot’s squad. This, however, couldn’t be further away from Ngumoha’s pathway, for the “frightening” talent – as said by reporter Lewis Bower – is viewed as a one-of-a-kind prospect.

It’s crazy to think that Ngumoha only turned 17 in August, four days after firing the winner into Nick Pope’s net. The best, surely, is still to come from this one, and as he develops into a Premier League starter, and hopes of Chiesa establishing himself in an even bigger role at Liverpool are likely to come to nought, sad as that may be.

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Moyes could have a bigger English talent than Grealish in Everton's "beast"

Everton has long been synonymous with the development of English talent, cultivating players through one of the Premier League’s most respected academy systems.

From the legendary emergence of Wayne Rooney to modern stars like Anthony Gordon, the club has consistently provided a pathway for young players to break into the first team and make an impact on both domestic and international stages.

The club’s focus is clear: technical development, tactical intelligence, and professional growth are embedded from academy to senior squad.

Competitive youth fixtures, exposure to domestic cups give emerging players confidence and experience under pressure.

This structured approach ensures that English graduates are not only technically proficient but also resilient and tactically aware – qualities essential in modern football.

Under David Moyes, Everton’s strategy of integrating homegrown talent continues, blending experienced professionals with promising English players.

This season, Jack Grealish has become the symbol of the club’s revival, while another young talent represents the future of English defensive prospects at Goodison Park.

Why Grealish deserves a World Cup place for England

Grealish, 30, has been central to Everton’s resurgence under Moyes.

Arriving from Manchester City, Grealish has gradually regained the form that once made him a household name in England – staking his claim to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans heading into 2026, despite being overlooked recently.

In the 2025/26 season, he has already contributed a goal and four assists in seven Premier League appearances, playing 557 minutes – almost matching his totals from last season when he played only 721 minutes due to injury.

Known for his creativity and ability to dictate the tempo, Grealish ranks in the 6th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (6.27), 4.39 progressive passes per 90, and maintains an 84.1% pass completion rate.

His shot-creating actions per 90 sit at 4.55, while he completes nearly two successful take-ons per game.

These metrics underline his influence in Everton’s attacking transitions, providing both flair and functional output.

His 93rd-minute goal against Crystal Palace to end their 19-match unbeaten run highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, again boosting his claim to be in Tuchel’s next squad, or next summer’s roster at the very least.

Despite past injuries limiting his minutes, Grealish’s resurgence under Moyes shows that he remains a key creative fulcrum, bridging experience and leadership for Everton’s younger English talents.

However, while all eyes focus on Grealish’s headline performances, his role may impact other English players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who thrive in similar carrying and passing areas but lack the freedom to shoot.

Everton’s system will need to balance flair and structure, ensuring Grealish’s influence does not inadvertently limit opportunities for other homegrown talents.

Why Branthwaite is the next big English talent at Everton

While Grealish is providing immediate returns, Jarrad Branthwaite represents the long-term promise of Everton’s English talent pipeline.

Born in 2002, the 6 foot 5 left-footed centre-back joined Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020 after nine league appearances.

Branthwaite has since made over 75 appearances for the senior side, featuring prominently during loan spells at Blackburn Rovers (ten appearances in 2021) and PSV Eindhoven (27 league games in 2022/23), where he scored twice, featured in European competitions, and won the KNVB Cup.

His leadership qualities and composure on the ball are complemented by defensive steel, ranking in the top 9% for clearances among Premier League defenders per 90.

Matches Played

30

Minutes

2,511

Blocks

31

Tackles

36

Challenges

20

Internationally, Branthwaite has progressed steadily through England’s youth setup, earning eight U21 caps and winning the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship before making his senior debut in June 2024 in a 3–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Despite missing the start of the 2025/26 season due to a hamstring injury, his market value of £42m – as per Transfermarkt – and long-term contract until 2030 underscore Everton’s commitment to securing homegrown English talent.

Branthwaite – described as a “physical beast” by analyst Ben Mattinson – embodies the club’s vision: combining technical skill, tactical awareness, and maturity beyond his years.

As Everton continue to develop a squad capable of competing in the top half of the Premier League, the centre-back is expected to play a pivotal role once fully fit, complementing experienced players like Grealish and ensuring Everton’s tradition of nurturing English talent endures.

Everton’s commitment to developing English talent remains clear, blending the immediate impact of established stars like Grealish with the long-term promise of Branthwaite.

While Grealish’s resurgence provides creativity, energy, and leadership, Branthwaite represents the next generation of homegrown players ready to step into key roles.

Under Moyes, Everton continues to balance development and performance, giving both established and emerging English talents the platform to succeed.

Everton's "revelation" could become the biggest loser from Grealish's rise

Jack Grealish’s form at Everton could nudge another star out of Moyes’ best team

ByWill Miller Oct 16, 2025

Ex-West Ham player shares disarray "behind the scenes" in warning to McKenna

West Ham United have been linked with a move for Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, among others, as pressure continues to mount on Graham Potter.

Potter has recorded the worst win percentage of any West Ham manager in Premier League history apart from Avram Grant, who led the Hammers to relegation in 2011, so the tactician needs to turn things around quickly.

Worst West Ham managers in the Premier League

Win percentage

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12, Graham Potter

27.3%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

West Ham have also conceded more goals than any other side in the top flight so far, becoming the first team to hit double digits in that regard this season, with their lacklustre 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham bringing Potter right back down to Earth.

The east Londoners recorded their first victory of 2025/2026 with an impressive 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest prior to the international break, which turned out to be West Ham-linked manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s final game in charge at the City Ground.

However, West Ham’s weaknesses were laid bare for all to see during the London derby last Saturday, with goals from Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven rounding off what was a convincing display for the visitors.

With Crystal Palace, Everton and Arsenal still to come before the next international break in October, these next few weeks could prove vital to determine Potter’s future, amid links to an array of potential replacements.

José Mourinho was tipped with a potential West Ham move, but the Portuguese appears more likely to join Benfica. Meanwhile, ex-West Ham star and England legend Frank Lampard has also been mentioned as a candidate to succeed Potter.

Nuno, now a free agent after leaving Forest, could be West Ham’s best bet, as David Sullivan is rumoured to be an admirer (Alan Nixon). Reports also suggest that Nuno’s priority is to stay in England and wants an immediate return to management.

While some media sources have rebuffed claims that McKenna could join (Claret & Hugh), others state he was a guest of the West Ham boardroom during their 3-0 loss to Spurs (Football Insider).

Ex-West Ham player warns McKenna not to join amid "disarray behind-the-scenes"

Now, speaking to C&H, an unnamed former West Ham player has sent a stern warning to McKenna over taking the job — urging him against it as the club is in “disarray” behind-the-scenes.

Given how things have been since David Moyes’ departure, he could have a point.

Should Kieran McKenna stay at Ipswich?

The 39-year-old, despite suffering relegation with the Tractor Boys last season, is still one of England’s most exciting young coaches.

Back in 2024, McKenna was credibly linked with both Tottenham and Chelsea after two fine seasons at Portman Road — where he guided Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

His stock has fallen since then, especially amid Ipswich’s slow start to 25/26, but the gap between England’s first and second tier is considerable. All the newly-promoted teams have gone straight back down at the first time of asking since 23/24, so relegation is hardly a reflection on McKenna’s managerial prowess.

McKenna won’t want another league drop on his CV, but West Ham’s squad boasts an array of talent and the tactician could arguably work wonders with them.

Tottenham could be regretting Mathys Tel deal as "frustrating" claim made

In one of his final acts as chairman, Daniel Levy signed Mathys Tel in a cut-price £30 million deal for Tottenham, but it’s been far from plain sailing for the Frenchman thus far.

Initially, Spurs agreed a £45 million buy-option in the January loan deal which saw him join from Bayern Munich. However, Levy managed to re-negotiate a lesser fee to make Tel the Lilywhites’ first signing of the summer bar Kevin Danso.

The arrival of Bayern’s former prodigy brought plenty of excitement with it, especially after Julian Nagelsmann once tipped the 20-year-old to bag 40 goals a season one day.

Whilst Tel garnered a fearsome reputation as a hot commodity during his time in Bavaria, it’s been a mixed start to life in north London.

He grabbed back-to-back Premier League goals against Southampton and Wolves in April last season, and an assist against both West Ham and Brighton, but is yet to get off the mark since Thomas Frank took charge.

Tel also missed a penalty in the UEFA Super Cup shoot-out against PSG, with Frank ultimately sacrificing the forward for Europe by omitting him from Spurs’ 22-man Champions League squad alongside the likes of Yves Bissouma, Kota Takai, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Appearances

24

Goals

3

Assists

2

Bookings

3

Minutes played

1,366

via Transfermarkt

He therefore won’t be eligible to make a single Champions League appearance until after the league phase, if they even get that far, with pundit John Wenham suggesting that the north Londoners may be regretting the type of deal they’ve secured for Tel.

Tottenham could be regretting Mathys Tel deal as "frustrating" claim made

Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham hints that Tottenham will be looking back on the permanent deal for Tel with hindsight, asking themselves whether they should’ve just gone for another loan.

Of course, there is still time for him to come good, and that is far more likely than not.

Why Mathys Tel could prove people wrong at Tottenham

Tel is still raw, but Frank has been very impressed by the attacker since his Champions League snub, not least for a hard-working display against West Ham.

The France Under-21 starlet’s main strengths lie in his athleticism and versatility. Comfortable through the middle or out wide, he gives Frank multiple options in attack. His pace allows him to stretch defences, while his ability to play with his back to goal offers a different profile to Spurs’ other forwards. That adaptability will be key in a side competing across several competitions this season.

His finishing, movement and composure are still maturing, but those are qualities that can sharpen with experience.

Worse than Nygren: Rodgers must drop Celtic flop who "offered little"

Celtic head into the first international break of the season off the back of a disappointing performance in the Scottish Premiership against their city rivals.

The Hoops travelled away from Parkhead to take on Russell Martin’s Rangers side at Ibrox on Sunday, and were held to a drab 0-0 draw in the derby clash.

There were a number of disappointing performers across the park for Brendan Rodgers in the bore-draw, including Benjamin Nygren on the right flank.

Benjamin Nygren's performance in numbers

The Sweden international has mainly played on the right of the midfield three for the Hoops since his move to the club in the summer, but the manager opted to play him on the right wing ahead of Hyun-jun Yang and James Forrest.

Unfortunately, Nygren failed to offer much of a threat up against the pacey Jayden Meghoma at left-back for Rangers, failing with all five of his attempted dribbles. He ended the 90 minutes with zero key passes and zero shots on target, per Sofascore, which speaks to his lack of impact on the game.

The left-footed star did, however, work his socks off out of possession to help his team out defensively, winning nine duels and making six tackles and one interception, per Sofascore.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Whilst Nygren’s performance lacked a cutting edge at the top end of the pitch, Rodgers can still be pleased with his physical and defensive contributions, which cannot be said for Arne Engels.

Why Arne Engels should be dropped

The Belgium international was brought into the midfield three for this game, thanks to Nygren’s move to the right wing, but did not do enough to suggest that he should keep his place.

Rodgers must ruthlessly ditch the former Augsburg man for the clash with Kilmarnock after the international break because he was poor in and out of possession against Rangers in midfield.

The club-record signing played alongside Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor in the middle of the park and did not offer any creativity or a goal threat on the ball.

Minutes

65

Pass accuracy

76%

Big chances created

0

Crosses completed

0/2

Shots

0

Ground duels won

1/7

Aerial duels won

1/3

Tackles + interceptions

0

As you can see in the table above, Engels did not create anything of note for his side and was incredibly weak out of possession, losing eight of his ten physical duels.

This shows that the Rangers midfielders, Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron, found it far too easy to get the better of him in midfield in physical battles for the ball, and shows that he was even worse than Nygren, who found success in his defensive actions.

Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker noted that the Belgium international “offered little” for Celtic before he was substituted by Rodgers in the 65th minute of the match, with Forrest coming on so that the Swedish ace could play in that right-sided midfield role.

This suggests that the manager felt that Nygren was better suited to seeing out the game in the position that Engels was hoping to impress in, which says a lot about who the preferred option in that role may be when they play Kilmarnock in a fortnight.

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Therefore, Rodgers should be looking to ruthlessly ditch Engels from the starting XI after he flopped at Ibrox, moving Nygren back into his central midfield berth.

South Africa clinch two-wicket thriller to seal WTC final spot

South Africa have qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) final after beating Pakistan by two wickets in a high-drama encounter at SuperSport Park. Set a modest but challenging target of 148 to win, they were 99 for 8 just before lunch and it was left to Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen to score the remaining 51 runs in a tense ninth-wicket stand against a Pakistan attack with their tails up.Mohammad Abbas, on a comeback from a three-year absence from the Test side, bowled a marathon 19.3 overs spell from the Hennops River End and took a career best 6 for 54 but could not end Pakistan’s lean run in South Africa. This is the eighth successive Test they have lost in the country, dating back to 2007.Pakistan gave themselves every chance by running through South Africa’s middle order on a morning of mayhem, where South Africa lost 5 for 37, including four wickets for three runs in 12 balls, which put the onus on the bowlers to finish the job.Related

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Jansen and Rabada are both capable with the bat but with the pressure turned up fully, every ball was an event, from the second one Rabada faced, that he hit up and over point for four, to the final one, steered delicately by Jansen through point to secure the winning runs.Those strokes are also screenshots of the way the pair approached the chase: Rabada backed himself to play his strokes while Jansen was more conservative and happy to wait for scoring opportunities.Between them, they offered only once chance, when Rabada, on 12, fished outside off and edged but the chance fell short of Mohammad Rizwan. That came post-lunch, the break South Africa went into needing 32 to win.By the time Abbas found Rabada’s edge, they needed 28. Rabada went on to score five boundaries in his 31, the third-highest score by a batter at No.10 or lower in a successful chase.A normally nervous character, Jansen, who spoke about his game plan on the third evening, was solid in defence and then struck two of the sweetest fours of his career, first when he got on top of the bounce from Abbas and then to seal a famous win.While Rabada and Jansen held their arms up in celebration on the field, South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad embraced in the changeroom. The pair came together at the end of the last WTC cycle to lead South Africa through this one. Mission accomplished.Mohammad Abbas ran through South Africa in the morning session•Gallo Images

Bavuma would have also been a relieved man after he worked his way to 40 and then walked when he did not hit the ball. He was given out off what seemed to be the inside-edge and walked. Replays showed the ball had brushed a part of his clothing and, with all three reviews available, South Africa could have asked for a second opinion.Instead, Bavuma, who had received treatment on his elbow shortly before that, left the middle order to finish the job.This is the second time Bavuma has walked at SuperSport Park – in 2020 against Sri Lanka, he was on 71 when he thought he had under-edged Dasun Shanaka and left the field before the umpire had raised the finger. This time, Alex Wharf had given Bavuma out but he chose not to review to the surprise of the South African changeroom. His dismissal triggered the collapse that left the tail at the crease.Kyle Verreynne could not get behind the line of a Naseem Shah delivery and chopped it onto his stumps. In the next over David Bedingham chased an Abbas ball and was caught behind, and Corbin Bosch did almost exactly the same thing to give Abbas his sixth wicket and South Africa had crumbled from a position that felt comfortable: 96 for 4 after teetering precariously on 27 for 3 overnight.Bavuma got the first runs of the morning, and his first runs, off the fifth ball, off a Abbas half-volley that he clipped through square leg. Abbas adjusted to back of a length and in his next over, thought he had found Bavuma’s edge. Rizwan indicated the ball had brushed Bavuma’s thigh but Shah Masood reviewed anyway. Rizwan was proved right and Bavuma, on 5, could continue.Aiden Markram looked slightly more in control but got a streaky boundary off the edge before Bavuma creamed Khurram Shahzad through mid-on to leave South Africa with 100 runs to get.Off the next ball, Bavuma, on 13, was given out lbw to Shahzad but reviewed immediately. Replays showed an inside edge and Bavuma survived again.South Africa scored just three runs off the next 27 balls before Bavuma released the pressure with a hook shot off Abbas that Naseem thought he could get under. Naseem got hands under the ball but the momentum carried him over the boundary rope and not only did Bavuma get away with the shot he has fallen to several times this season but he got six for it.Temba Bavuma pulls away a short one•AFP/Getty Images

To add insult to injury, Markram smashed the second ball of Naseem’s next over over extra cover for four. Fourteen dot balls followed before a Markram single took South Africa to the first drinks break with no damage done and 35 runs scored in the first hour.Three balls after the interval, Markram was bowled by an Abbas delivery that kept low as he tried to jam his bat down and keep it out. That ended a 43-run fourth-wicket stand between Bavuma and Markram and brought Bedingham, who has a top score of 35 this summer, to the crease.He started with a wristy flick for four before Bavuma reeled off an exquisite cover drive but the eye-catching shots were followed by risky ones.Bavuma could not resist another hook, despite not being able to extend his elbow fully, but the chance fell safely. He went on to advance on Shahzad, brought back to replace Naseem, and hit over the covers but could never get comfortable.Two balls later, Shahzad thought he found his outside edge but Rizwan saw it was pad and Masood listened. Bavuma faced eight more balls before he required treatment on his right elbow – the left was injured before this season – but continued. In the next over, he drove expansively and loosely against Abbas and walked but his team-mates had enough in the tank to guarantee South Africa’s place at Lord’s next year and take a 1-0 series lead. South Africa will play one more Test in this cycle, against Pakistan, at Newlands next week.

Fleming on Ashwin: 'We can use him in a number of ways'

“It’s a bit of a homecoming for Ashwin, but he’s a world-class bowler,” Fleming says of the INR 9.75 crore buy

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-20241:48

Moody ‘a little bit surprised’ by Ashwin’s price tag

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming called R Ashwin’s return to the franchise “a homecoming” after buying him for INR 9.75 crore (US$1.16 million approx.) at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah. Ashwin was with CSK from 2009 to 2015. To acquire Ashwin, CSK had to beat Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a four-way bidding war.The franchise also signed Afghanistan’s left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad for INR 10 crore (US$1.19 million approx.). Mumbai Indians (MI), too, were interested in Noor but stopped bidding when CSK raised the price to INR 5 crore. Gujarat Titans (GT) exercised the right-to-match option but when CSK raised the bid, they backed off. Having retained Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the auction, CSK look all set to stifle teams on their spin-friendly home pitches.”It’s a bit of a homecoming for Ashwin, but he’s a world-class bowler,” Fleming said. “It’s not so much the price – you look at how someone fits in, and there’s an emotional attachment for Ashwin with Chennai, so it’s a nice fit. He has still got a very good skillset; his numbers are fantastic. He’s obviously towards the latter part of his career, but the experience he brings, he’s handy with the bat, and we think we can use him in a number of ways.”The Noor Ahmad pick was looking more at the middle [overs] to attack. So if we do get turning conditions, then we’ve got an opportunity to keep taking wickets. We’ve got [Matheesha] Pathirana at the end, which is the death aspect.

“We’ve just identified that the way the game is going, your bowling has to be really specific, and you have to take wickets to slow teams down. And if you’re just trying to contain, then some of the hitting power of players these days will just take the game away from you. So we’ve tried to be smart with our options given our retained players and add some variation, which maybe we lacked a little bit last year.”CSK also bought back the New Zealand pair of Devon Conway (INR 6.25 crore) and Rachin Ravindra (INR 4 crore). Fleming was asked if he was surprised not to see more tussle for them, especially Ravindra, who was the leading run-getter for New Zealand during their recent 3-0 Test series win in India.”Yeah, we were,” he said. “We thought Rachin, given his success in the Test series that often counts, the performances leading up to an IPL… but we obviously experienced the IPL with him last year, and to pick him up at a what I think is a low price, and continue his development. He could be a player with that skill set just same as Jadeja at the moment, but looking forward, there could be an opportunity. So if his development continues, he’s a very silky player, and we’re really happy to have him at that price. We’re happy to have him full stop.”

Bigger talent than Ekitike: Newcastle targeting £70m "menace of a striker"

What a whirlwind 24 hours or so it has been for Newcastle United. On Tuesday afternoon, it was reported that they received a huge approach from Liverpool for star striker Alexander Isak, which is said to be a ‘record bid’ from Fabrizio Romano.

That is something that could scupper their move for French striker Hugo Ekitike. The Magpies are believed to have bid £69m for the Eintracht Frankfurt star, also confirmed by Romano, but the German side rejected that offer. If Liverpool are priced out of a move for Isak, they could instead move for Ekitike.

The two clubs are certainly embroiled in one of the sagas of the summer so far, although perhaps Newcastle will turn their attention elsewhere completely.

The latest on Newcastle's transfer business

It will be fascinating to see who ends up where at the end of the Isak and Ekitike saga, with it looking increasingly likely that one will play for Liverpool next season. Thus, the Magpies may well switch their focus and look for an alternative centre-forward, regardless of what happens.

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A recent report from Chronicle Live says that Eddie Howe’s side are ‘long-term admirers’ of RB Leipzig and Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko. Reading between the lines, perhaps a move for the 22-year-old will materialise.

However, there is a stumbling block, and that is the fact that he is ‘one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe’, as described in the report. Arsenal are one club linked with the striker, having reportedly been in talks over a £70m move for him back in June.

With the Gunners now set to sign Viktor Gyokeres instead, it remains to be seen if Sesko is still on their list.

How Sesko compares to Ekitike

There is no doubt that Sesko would move to St James’ Park with a fantastic reputation. Described as a “menace of a striker” by football scout Antonio Mango, the Slovenia international is well-regarded across European football.

The 2024/25 campaign was an impressive one for the Leipzig striker. In 45 appearances for the German side, he scored 21 goals and grabbed six assists along the way. His Bundesliga record of 13 goals and five assists is impressive for someone just 22 years of age.

When you think of a “menace” in front of goal, as Mango described the Leipzig number nine, a deadly centre-forward who can score plenty of types of goals may spring to mind.

Look at this strike in the Champions League last season, which really highlights what the scout means. That is a deadly finish.

There is certainly a case to be made that the striker is a bigger talent than Ekitike. The Frenchman impressed for Eintracht last term, with 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games for the Bundesliga outfit.

There is no doubt that the former PSG player is a superb striker and someone whose game is well-rounded, given the number of assists he gets. He also knows where the back of the net is, too, as the video showcases.

However, looking at some of the numbers on FBref, you can certainly make a case for the fact that the Leipzig striker is a bigger talent. Some of the key numbers for a striker certainly weigh in Sesko’s favour. It is also worth bearing in mind that, whilst Ekitike scored more goals last season, he did feature in more games.

For example, the 22-year-old Slovenia international averages 0.38 goals per shot on target per 90 minutes, compared to 0.32 goals per shot on target each game for the Frenchman. In terms of off-the-ball work, Sesko wins 2.65 aerial duels per game compared to Ekitike’s 1.82.

Sesko and Ekitike key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Sesko

Ekitike

Goals

0.49

0.53

Goals per shot on target

0.38

0.32

Shots on target

43.9%

38.6%

Goals per shot

0.17

0.12

Aerial duels won

2.65

1.82

Stats from FBref

You can certainly form a strong argument which says Sesko is a way bigger talent than Ekitike, not least having already scored 93 club goals to date at senior level, from 214 games. The latter man, by contrast, has scored just 44 club goals from 136 games, despite being just over a year older than the Leipzig sensation.

Whilst the Magpies are in many ways stuck in limbo with their striker signing, perhaps the opportunity to sign Sesko could present itself this summer.

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates

A £70m fee is expensive, but it is only the same fee that they bid for the Eintracht star, and would surely be enough to tempt Leipzig into a sale. The Newcastle striker saga, from here, will be fascinating, but Sesko is surely a strong option.

He'd be magic with Ekitike: Newcastle to hold talks to sign £40m star

Newcastle’s summer transfer window has roared into life.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 15, 2025

Same agent as Barry: Everton battling to sign "fantastic" 27-goal striker

Having already reinforced their frontline with the addition of Thierno Barry, Everton have also reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive 27-goal striker.

The latest in Everton's incomings

The Toffees commenced the transfer window in statement fashion – welcoming Carlos Alcaraz in a permanent deal and talented forward Barry – and have since also welcomed new No.2 Mark Travers. But, if reports are anything to go by, they’re only just getting started. Recent rumours have suggested that The Friedkin Group could even spend as much as £150m on additions this summer.

Top of Everton’s wishlist on that front seems to be Manchester City’s James McAtee. The young midfielder is reportedly looking to leave the Etihad in pursuit of much-needed game time this summer, with a permanent switch to the Hill Dickinson Stadium now among his options.

Even as he struggled to hand McAtee a consistent place in his plans, Pep Guardiola took the time to praise the 22-year-old after he scored a hat-trick against Salford City.

The Spaniard told reporters: “I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat trick is not easy. He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score and I am very happy for him.”

He's a dream for Barry: Everton open talks to sign £50m "superstar"

Everton initiate talks to sign LaLiga star in bold bid to strengthen attack

ByWill Miller Jul 23, 2025

McAtee’s not the only name on Everton’s shortlist, however. The Toffees have also reportedly set their sights on Douglas Luiz and former Real Madrid gem Takefusa Kubo.

Attacking targets seem to be the priority in Merseyside too, whether it’s Kubo who arrives or an impressive 27-goal striker this summer.

Everton now battling to sign Mika Biereth

As reported by Caught Offside, Everton are now battling to sign Mika Biereth from AS Monaco this summer. The Toffees are joined by Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Wolves in a very busy race, but the fact that the forward is represented as the same agent as Barry could yet hand those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium an advantage.

Minutes

2,495

2,559

Goals

24

16

Assists

6

4

Scoring a combined 40 goals between them last season, Biereth and Barry would form quite the partnership at Everton. In two moves, David Moyes would go from a fairly blunt attack to an underrated and dangerous frontline.

After watching on as Biereth missed a penalty then went on to score in a 2-1 victory against rivals OGC Nice last season, Monaco boss Adi Hutter told reporters: “This is his mentality, his character. He never gives up and he fights for the team. It is fantastic.”

Mika Biereth scores for Monaco

Six months on from welcoming the Dane into his side, however, and Hutter could be forced to bid farewell if Everton or others get their way this summer. And just like when he swapped Sturm Graz for France in January, Biereth would be more than ready to hit the ground running elsewhere.

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