Manchester United have unveiled their first summer singing in the form of Wolves star Matheus Cunha.
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Man Utd sign CunhaKey addition for AmorimBrazil foward expected to play key role Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
After weeks of reports, United have finally confirmed the transfer of Cunha, who is joining from the Midlands after the Red Devils activated his £62.5million release clause on the opening day of the transfer window.
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In a statement on the club website, United said: "Manchester United has reached agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signing of Matheus Cunha.
"The Brazilian forward’s signing is subject to visa and registration.
"The 26-year-old has 13 senior caps for Brazil, and, in his club career, has made 270 appearances and scored 72 goals in the English, Spanish, German and Swiss top flights.
"During two-and-a-half seasons at Wolves, Cunha has scored 33 goals in 92 appearances.
"Everyone at Manchester United looks forward to welcoming Matheus to Old Trafford."
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Cunha enjoyed a sterling season at Molineux, scoring 15 goals and registering six assists throughout a campaign in which Wolves finished 16th. Ironically, they ended the campaign level on points with United.
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Cunha could make his first appearance for United in a pre-season friendly against Leeds on July 19.
Royals’ Impact Player strategy and use of Holder has come into sharp focus following back-to-back losses
Sidharth Monga26-Apr-20235:32
Dasgupta: Jaiswal needs to find the right tempo after powerplay
Big picture: Royals are under threat of losing steamNot for a long time have these two teams been thought of and spoken of as the two finalists of the first IPL. Fifteen years later, halfway into the 16th IPL, you think of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals as the top contenders because they have been that good.Without making drastic changes in personnel, CSK have become the most explosive team with the bat even though they like to start a little conservatively. Their pace bowling is slightly thin but they are putting up large totals to give them the cushion.A large total is what Royals put up for CSK in their first encounter this IPL only for CSK to come within striking distance. Even though they might be among the top teams on the table, Royals are under threat of losing steam having lost their last two matches.In sharp focus will be Royals’ toss and Impact Player strategy. Their XIs have not tended to depend on the toss. Last time they named just the five bowlers in their field-first XI, and didn’t have a proper batter in the substitutes should they need one in the second innings.Royals’ use of Jason Holder the batter, too, remains a mystery: he has batted just two balls in seven matches, and has been sent behind R Ashwin regularly. With 10 needed off two balls in the last match, with even Ashwin dismissed, they chose to send Abdul Basith, an IPL debutant with a highest T20 score of 27, ahead of Holder.Form guideRajasthan Royals LLWWW (8 points from 7 matches) Chennai Super Kings WWWLW (10 points from 7 matches)Team news: Stokes and Chahar still unlikelyBefore their last match, the CSK coach Stephen Fleming had said Ben Stokes had “another little setback” on his road to recovery. Deepak Chahar is also unlikely to return to action soon.Yashasvi Jaiswal could pose a threat to CSK with his big-hitting•PTI Toss and Impact Player strategyRajasthan Royals The last match in Jaipur was played on a slow and low pitch where scoring was difficult. Assuming a similar pitch is in the offing, Royals might like to include Adam Zampa in their plans, especially considering how they have been using Holder just as a specialist bowler.Possible XII: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Jos Butter, 3 Sanju Samson (capt. & wk), 4 Devdutt Padikkal, 5 Riyan Parag, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Dhruv Jurel 8 R Ashwin, 9 Trent Boult, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Sandeep Sharma, 12 Adam Zampa/ Jason HolderChennai Super Kings CSK have had great success with a fixed combination for the last three matches, but if the pitch is slow there might be temptation to go in with Mitchell Santner in place Matheesha Pathirana. Ambati Rayudu will continue to be the batter to not field.Possible XII: 1 Devon Conway, 2 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3 Ajinkya Rahane, 4 Moeen Ali, 5 Shivam Dube 6 Ambati Rayudu 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 MS Dhoni (capt. & wk), 9 Matheesha Pathirana/ Mitchell Santner, 10 Tushar Deshpande, 11 Maheesh Theekshana, 12 Akash SinghStats that matter Of all the IPL venues, sixes are hit most infrequently in Jaipur: one every 29.7 balls. Ruturaj Gaikwad strikes at under a run a ball against the two RR opening bowlers, Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma. Only Bhuvneshwar Kumar has got Jos Buttler more often in T20s than Moeen Ali: 44 balls, 60 runs, four wickets.Pitch and conditionsEven if the pitch is not as slow as it was in the first match in Jaipur, Sawai Mansingh Stadium has historically not been a high-scoring venue. So don’t expect too much fireworks.The big question
Marcus North delighted to have beaten off competition for Netherlands allrounder
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jun-2023Durham have signed Colin Ackermann and Callum Parkinson on three-year contracts, after the pair turned down contract extensions at Leicestershire.As revealed by ESPNcricinfo, Durham made approaches to sign Ackermann and Parkinson after they entered the final months of their contracts at Leicestershire and turned down new deals. Veteran seamer Chris Wright has also left the club, instead joining Sussex.Related
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“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining up with Durham from next season,” Ackermann, who has played international cricket for Netherlands under Durham coach Ryan Campbell, said. “I feel the time is right for a change and a new challenge. “There will be a few familiar faces in the changing room which is always nice, and I look forward to creating some amazing memories on the field.””I am absolutely delighted to be joining Durham,” Parkinson said. “I’m really excited for the next chapter of my career and feel like the squad matches my desire to win trophies and improve myself as a cricketer. When I heard Durham had interest in signing me, I was delighted.”Marcus North and Ryan Campbell have a clear vision for taking their strong group of players forward and I’m delighted to become a part of that group. I have good friends in the Durham dressing room who keep telling me how good the north east is and I’m looking forward to finding out first-hand.”Like brother Matt, Callum Parkinson is moving counties•Getty ImagesParkinson, 26, was made Leicestershire’s four-day captain last season but lost the job over the winter after refusing to sign a contract extension, while Ackermann is their incumbent T20 captain. Both players will remain available for selection for the rest of the summer.Ackermann attracted interest from several counties, with Yorkshire understood to have been another potential suitor, and Durham’s director of cricket Marcus North said that getting the deal over the line represents “great news for Durham”.North said: “Colin is a proven performer in county cricket and to have secured his signature among a lot of competition is great news for Durham. Recruiting an experienced batting all-rounder who can perform in all formats was a priority to our recruitment strategy.He added: “We are excited to have secured the signing of Callum Parkinson. Callum is an experienced spinner on the domestic circuit and his arrival will enable us to continue to be effective in all conditions.”Callum is one of the best spinners in the country and is proven in both red- and white-ball cricket, we feel that by bringing him to Durham he will take his game to the next level and contribute and play a big part in Durham’s future success, which we are all excited about.”
West Ham United always have an eye on emerging talent and are ready to move for an exciting midfielder this summer should circumstances align, per reports.
West Ham looking to rebuild after an inconsistent season
Safety looks to be all but secure for West Ham, but there is no doubt fans haven’t got anywhere near what they bargained for this season as they sit 16th in the Premier League table.
Graham Potter has done his best to reverse their inconsistent nature, though it appears the Hammers are simply ticking off their remaining fixtures ahead of an expected summer rebuild at the London Stadium.
Nevertheless, there is plenty to be positive about for supporters when evaluating movement that could occur in East London. According to reports, Lille’s Jonathan David and Fiorentina forward Moise Kean are West Ham targets in an attempt to solve their striking crisis.
Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug have endured unfortunate circumstances, forcing Potter to operate with auxiliary options through the middle for large parts of his early tenure. Still, there are other areas that will require a similar level of nifty talent identification.
Midfield could be another position subject to change. West Ham are set to put Guido Rodriguez up for sale in the upcoming window and Carlos Soler isn’t expected to be offered a permanent stay, sparking speculation that the engine room could be set for a makeover.
Mark Noble discussing cheap West Ham transfer to sign "sensational" forward
West Ham could finalise a bargain deal ahead of next season.
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Long-serving Tomas Soucek has been linked to Everton, again fanning flames that reinforcements to solidify the middle of the park may become a necessity in months to come.
Heeding that warning, Potter has now turned his attention to bringing one of England’s most promising youngsters to the London Stadium once the summer window opens.
West Ham eye half-price £10m move for Sunderland star Chris Rigg
According to The Sun, West Ham want to sign Sunderland star Chris Rigg and have him high on their list should the Black Cats fail to win promotion to the Premier League this season.
Despite being valued at around £20 million at the Stadium of Light, the Hammers feel he is worth closer to the £10 million mark and may try to proceed on those terms as they see the 17-year-old as an ideal fit for their domestic squad.
Chris Rigg’s successful Championship campaign with Sunderland
Chances created
36
Pass completion
79.7%
Successful dribbles
33
Duels won
138
Fouls won
46
Compared to Jack Grealish and labelled “incredible” by former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini, Rigg has notched four goals and one assist in 36 appearances this term across all competitions.
Coming in as a long-term asset, he also carries the carrot of being a homegrown star that may benefit Potter’s men should they return to featuring in Europe later down the line.
Unlikely to be short of suitors this summer, West Ham now face a challenge on their hands to convince Rigg that they are the best fit for his development over the coming years.
Real Madrid have reportedly reached a final agreement over the signing of Alvaro Carreras with Benfica and will pay the full release clause.
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Madrid and Benfica to finally reach agreement over Carreras Los Blancos will pay release clause in full Left-back to become third defensive reinforcement of the summer Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
After prolonged negotiations, Benfica and Real Madrid are finalizing the transfer of Carreras, which will see the full-back return to the Spanish capital and join Los Blancos in time for the revamped FIFA Club World Cup starting June 14, according to a report from
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Despite Real Madrid's efforts to negotiate a lower fee, Benfica held firm on their financial terms. Ultimately, the Spanish giants agreed to meet the full value of the player’s release clause, worth €50 million (£42m/$57m). The agreement will allow Carreras to participate in the Club World Cup under the new Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso’s management.
DID YOU KNOW?
Madrid had hoped to conclude the deal last week to prevent Carreras from rejoining Benfica's pre-season training. However, the Lisbon outfit’s firm stance delayed proceedings. In the meantime, the player has maintained a professional attitude, rejoining training with Benfica on Tuesday and continuing to prepare in Lisbon while awaiting the finalisation of his move.
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Once the transfer is officially signed off, Benfica are expected to release full details of the agreement, including the final fee and any performance-related add-ons. Carreras will become the third defensive reinforcement of the summer for the Merengues and can be expected to feature in the first group stage game of the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal on June 18.
Leeds United potentially have a huge summer on their hands under Daniel Farke, especially if they were to complete the job and secure promotion from the Championship.
The Whites are in pole position to end their two-year top-flight exile, sitting top of the table with just eight games remaining – whilst also having the best run-in of any side in the title race.
Should they replicate their form from the last few months, there’s no denying Farke will add a third promotion to his CV, but he would face his biggest task in management should he achieve the feat.
Staying in the Premier League after promotion now looks a huge ask given the failures of other clubs in recent years, looking almost certain that all three sides who went up last time around are to drop back down.
Recruitment is vital for any chance of maintaining their top division status, with the hierarchy needing to back the manager, leading to one name already being touted with a move to Elland Road.
Leeds targeting summer move for £20m talent
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are one of multiple sides plotting a summer move for Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin should they be a Premier League outfit in 2025/26.
The 24-year-old also has admirers from Aston Villa and Brentford, with the Whites potentially facing a battle for his signature in the summer should they want to complete a deal for his services.
Nicolas Raskin
The report claims the Scottish side value the Belgian international at around £20m, a figure undoubtedly bolstered by his national team debut during the current international break.
Raskin has made 39 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, registering two goals and six assists from his central midfield role, whilst also posting solid defensive numbers – winning 4.3 tackles per 90 this campaign.
Whilst it may appear like a hefty fee for a player in a non-top five league, but he possesses some serious talent, potentially being a better option than another player touted with a move to Yorkshire.
Why Raskin would be better than Phillips for Leeds
Kalvin Phillips has been touted with a fairytale return to Leeds this summer, three years after leaving his boyhood side in a £45m deal to join Manchester City to further his career.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
However, his move to the Etihad has been nothing short of a disaster, making just 31 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men, subsequently being sent out on separate spells to West Ham and Ipswich Town.
He’s currently spending the campaign on loan at the latter, but has once again struggled to make an impact, with a move back to Yorkshire potentially getting his career back on track.
However, City are also demanding £20m for his signature, a figure that may be too high given his lack of impact in recent years, with the club needing to put their focus in Raskin as a result.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from 2024/25, the Belgian has outperformed Phillips in various key areas, further adding to the argument as to why they should steer clear of any reunion.
Games played
26
17
Goals & assists
6
0
Progressive carries
1.2
0.3
Pass accuracy
82%
80%
Take-ons completed
0.7
0.3
Tackles won
4.3
2.5
Interceptions made
1.7
1.2
Aerials won
1.7
0.5
Raskin, who’s previously been dubbed “superb” by Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge, has registered more progressive carries per 90, whilst also completing more of the passes he’s attempted – highlighting his impressive ability in possession.
He’s also managed to win more tackles per 90, whilst posting more interceptions made per game, showcasing his excellent ball-winning capabilities, making him the perfect box-to-box midfielder in Farke’s system.
Whilst it would be another pricey addition for the 49ers this summer, it’s one that needs to be made to hand the club the best possible chance of survival should they achieve promotion.
Phillips will remain a modern-day club icon after his previous stint in Yorkshire, but his lack of form since his move is a cause for concern, with the hierarchy needing to act with their head instead of their heart this summer – subsequently targeting Raskin over the former fan-favourite.
Not just Bamford: 49ers must sell Leeds dud who's rinsed them of £20m
Leeds United need to brutally offload Patrick Bamford and one other star this summer.
Defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs retained Fabian Allen, Brandon King and Raymon Reifer among others
ESPNcricinfo staff23-May-2023West Indies allrounders Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers are among eight players retained by Barbados Royals ahead of the Caribbean Premier League 2023 season.Left-arm quick Obed McCoy and allrounder Rahkeem Cornwall were also retained along with Justin Greaves, Joshua Bishop, Nyeem Young and Ramon Simmonds.Defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs retained Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Shamarh Brooks and Raymon Reifer along with the uncapped Amir Jangoo, Shamar Springer, Nicholson Gordon, Kirk McKenzie and Joshua James.Royals had earlier traded in Rovman Powell from Tallawahs. Powell was the captain when Tallawahs beat Royals in the final last year.Related
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As part of the trade, Hayden Walsh Jr. went from Royals to Tallawahs.Royals also let Oshane Thomas move to St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.The rest of the squad will be firmed up in the CPL draft at the end of June, when teams will pick their overseas players.CPL 2023 is set to begin on August 16 and Barbados will host games for the first time since 2019. Tallawahs will kick off the tournament against Saint Lucia Kings in Gros Islet. The Royals will play their first match, also against Kings, on August 17.
Barcelona have completely ruled out the prospect of pursuing Nico Williams and other targets, instead diverting all their attention to Luis Diaz.
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Liverpool refuse to sell Luis DiazBarca determined to sign him anywayWilliams interest has been droppedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona have decided to go all in for the signing of Liverpool left winger Diaz this summer, having ruled out the prospect of signing Williams from Athletic Club as well as other targets such as Marcus Rashford and Rafael Leao. Recent reports even suggest that the Spaniard is in talks with the Basque side over a new deal.
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states that the Catalans have pulled out from their pursuit of Williams and believe Diaz is the best option to reinforce their attack ahead of the 2025-26 season. Although Liverpool, on their part, remain adamant on keeping the Colombian, Barca are aware that with the deadline of the transfer window still three months away, there's enough time for the tide to turn. Besides, the Reds' will have to offload some players to adhere to Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, having already signed wing-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and remain locked in in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz, who will reportedly not be sold for anything less than €140 million (£118m/$156m).
WHAT LUIS DIAZ SAID
The Colombian international has kept all his doors open, explaining that while he wouldn't mind renewing is contract at Anfield beyond 2027, his camp has already began talks with other clubs. "I'm very happy at Liverpool. They've treated me well since the first day. We're talking with other clubs. It's the transfer window, it's normal. If Liverpool renews my contract, or if I have to stay the two years I have left, I'll be happy. It's up to them," he said.
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It remains to be seen if Barcelona can convince Liverpool to reduce their asking price for the attacker. Per past reports, the Premier League champions are demanding a fee in the region of €80m (£67m/$89m). Much will depend on whether they can manage to conjure significant income in the form of sales, especially considering that they will be paying Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia's €25m (£21m/$28m) release clause this week.
Athletic Club have made a decisive move to re-sign their former star Aymeric Laporte from Al-Nassr but European clubs intend to compete.
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Athletic contacted Al-Nassr over Laporte transferFinancial demands and salary are key obstaclesMan Utd and Marseille remain in contentionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to , Athletic have initiated contact with Laporte and his current club, Al-Nassr, over a potential return to San Mames. The Spanish international, who left the Spanish club for Manchester City in 2018, is now a target for the Basque side as they look to bolster their defence ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Laporte remains under contract with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr until 2026. However, a transfer could mean a significant reduction in his salary and require a fee for the deal.
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The Spanish club are prioritising the signing of a central defender, with manager Ernesto Valverde pushing for reinforcements. While Unai Nunez was initially preferred due to cost, the club reportedly turned their attention to Laporte. Participation in the next season's Champions League is viewed as a key bargaining tool to lure the 31-year-old back to La Liga. However, the situation is made complicated by financial constraints and major competition from other clubs across Europe, including Marseille and Manchester United.
DID YOU KNOW?
Al-Nassr signed Laporte from City in 2023 for €27 million (£23m/$29m). Any transfer out of Saudi Arabia is expected to require a similar valuation for the Euro 2024 winner with Spain. On the other hand, Al-Nassr are unwilling to accept a financial loss.
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Athletic Club are preparing a formal offer and must engage with Al-Nassr sporting director Fernando Hierro to negotiate terms. Laporte will also need to accept a pay cut to facilitate the move. Meanwhile the Red Devils have reportedly submitted an offer as they look to strengthen their back line; Marseille remain active in the race. The final decision will rest on financial terms and Laporte's personal desire to return to Spain or seek a new challenge elsewhere in Europe.
Ethan Bamber five-for, Ryan Higgins fifty help visitors take grip in tricky conditions
ECB Reporters Network 25-Jul-2023Middlesex took ruthless advantage of winning a valuable toss by bowling Warwickshire out for 60 on the opening day of their LV=Insurance County Championship match at Edgbaston.Warwickshire were skittled for their lowest championship total since 1982 – when they made 43 versus Sussex at Edgbaston – as Ethan Bamber took 5 for 20 and skipper Toby Roland-Jones 3 for 27. The seamers skilfully exploited helpful conditions but were abetted by some flawed defensive shots.Middlesex then replied with 199, with Ryan Higgins making 53 from 72 balls, for a first innings lead of 139 – and there was still time on a chaotic day for the home side to lose two wickets second time round, reaching 53 for 2 by the close.When Roland-Jones won the toss, he hoped his seam attack would make early inroads – to have the home side 17 for 5 after 23 minutes did that job.It all started swimmingly for Warwickshire as both openers struck their first ball for four, but Roland-Jones launched the clatter with a lifter which Alex Davies gloved to the wicketkeeper. Two balls later, the skipper sent a full-length ball into Will Rhodes’ stumps.Bamber then found Sam Hain’s edge and Sam Robson took a slick catch at second slip. A simpler chance, offered by Rob Yates off Roland-Jones, was also accepted by Robson before Bamber bowled the entire middle order in 44 balls. Dan Mousley and Jake Bethell were bowled through the gate, Michael Burgess was castled by one that kept low and Ed Barnard’s off stump was clipped by a peach of an outswinger.When Henry Brookes edged Higgins to third slip, No. 11 Mir Hamza found himself striding in at 12.20pm. He was soon making the return journey after nicking a pull at Higgins.In ten minutes’ batting before lunch, Middlesex lost Robson who edged Olly Hannon-Dalby to first slip. Soon after the interval, Steve Eskinazi edged Hannon-Dalby behind and Mark Stoneman fell lbw to Hamza who then bowled Max Holden through another open gate.After diligent innings of 18 from Jack Davies and Jon Simpson were ended by fatal edges, Higgins and Josh de Caires counterattacked. For the first time the pressure was turned on the bowlers as the seventh-wicket pair added 71 in 18 overs.Higgins has damaged Warwickshire in the past with the ball, notably with 11 for 96 for Gloucestershire in the Bob Willis Trophy at Bristol in 2020. This time he biffed seven fours and a six on his way to his 18th first-class fifty before becoming the first of three wickets for Barnard. Higgins was bowled, de Caires skied a slog and Roland-Jones struck the ball into the crowd at long-on but clipped off a bail with his after-stroke and departed hit wicket.When Bamber fell lbw to Hannon-Dalby, Middlesex had a chunky lead of 139 and, remarkably, Warwickshire were in again for 13 overs. Their traumas continued as Davies sliced Bamber into the cordon to add a first-baller to his morning second-baller and Rhodes nicked an indiscrete waft at Tom Helm. That was careless from the captain but it was Warwickshire’s morning of mayhem that has left them in a cavernous hole.