Category Uncategorized

England captain hints that winter debutant is likely first-choice to bat at No.3 for five Tests against India

Vithushan Ehantharajah21-May-20251:36

Stokes: Cook has the skills to complement our attack

Ben Stokes has given a strong indication that Jacob Bethell will return as England’s No.3 against India despite his absence for the first Test of the summer against Zimbabwe.Though the international season kicks off at Trent Bridge on Thursday, Bethell will be more than 4,000 miles away in Lucknow preparing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s penultimate fixture in the IPL league stages against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. It will be his last appearance for the franchise before returning to the UK to report for the first ODI against West Indies at Edgbaston next Thursday (May 29).Bethell was always due to miss the Zimbabwe Test, as per the agreement the ECB had in place with its IPL stars, with the competition originally due to finish on Sunday, prior to the competition’s suspension following unrest between India and Pakistan. Nevertheless, he is expected to return to the Test XI at first drop, after impressing Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum during his maiden Test series against New Zealand at the end of last year.Related

Bashir shows he belongs despite all evidence to the contrary

Stokes blames media 'agenda' for pre-match pressure on Pope

England find value in mismatch to get the gang back together in style

Ben Curran on his journey with Zimbabwe: 'Everyone's got their own path'

Sam Cook confirmed for Test debut as England name XI to face Zimbabwe

An average of 52.00 from 260 runs, with three half-centuries among six innings, was underpinned by a level of flair and maturity that earned the 21-year-old rave reviews. McCullum was particularly enamored by how Bethell dealt with the last-minute circumstances of his promotion, following an injury to Jordan Cox on the eve of first Test. With Cox set to keep wicket with Jamie Smith on paternity leave, a rejig saw vice-captain Ollie Pope take the gloves and drop down the order. That opened the door for Bethell to state his case at three, having never batted in that position in the 20 first-class matches prior to his debut in the first Test. He eventually steered England to victory with an unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries in the fourth innings.Speaking at the end of the series, McCullum credited both Bethell and Pope for their work during the series, but acknowledged the former had made the future a little less clear for the latter: “He’s [Bethell’s] definitely given us a good headache and we’ve got a couple of months to work out what we’re doing.”It seems England have now worked out what they are doing. Speaking in the pre-match captain’s press conference, Stokes more or less confirmed Bethell will slot back in.”If you’re smart enough, the series that Beth had out in New Zealand, obviously he’s going to be back in the UK for that India series,” Stokes said, when asked about Bethell. “I think you put 2 and 2 together, you probably know what’s going to happen.”You look at what Beth did in the winter for us, if you talk about nailing down a position, Beth has done himself the world of good by the performances he put in there with being part of our plans going forward.”Jacob Bethell seized his chance in the New Zealand Tests•AFP via Getty Images

Stokes’ backing of Bethell, on the eve of the first of 11 Tests in a legacy-defining nine months for the team, dials up the pressure on Pope and indeed Zak Crawley. Both have failed to score consistently at the top of the order, with Crawley in particular found wanting in New Zealand, averaging 8.66.Yet the Kent opener feels the more secure of the two, particularly given his recent exploits against this summer’s opponents India, and Australia, finishing as England’s leading runscorer in the 2024 and 2023 series against both. Nevertheless, both players have a chance to complicate matters with big runs over the coming days.That Stokes has willingly heaped pressure on two of his top three batters reflects a broader desire to take his team to the next level. England are now second in the ICC Test Rankings having moved up in May, a jump that prompted the skipper to send a message to McCullum and men’s managing director Rob Key saying “one more place to go”. There is scope, he feels, for much more.England have not been No.1 in the world since 2011, off the back of a 2010-11 Ashes success Down Under that they hope to replicate later this year. And though they were knocked off top spot by South Africa in 2012, Stokes believes greater focus and more fine-tuning could bring about a return to the top of the tree should progression and results trend in the right direction.”If we win what we’ve got coming up, the likelihood is that we will be at the top of that leaderboard. There’s no doubt in my mind we have the ability to be that team.”A change of mindset, a change of what we think about going out there – it’s something both me and Baz felt was needed. We’ve taken all good things that we’ve felt we’ve built over the last three years, but adding to all the good stuff we’ve managed to achieve and all the good things we’ve created in that dressing room, it’s something we felt this time was the perfect time to do that.”Baz uses this phrase a lot – we’re starting from a place of strength. So for us to be able to build on that, and everyone knows that we have got improvement to do, it’s very very exciting that we are where we are as a team at the moment. Everyone understands and knows we’ve definitely got another level to go to.”

Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to prevent the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from joining the Georgia national team after he was called up for their World Cup qualifiers. The French champions, already frustrated after Ousmane Dembele's recent injury on international duty, will attempt to prevent their star winger from travelling.

PSG show concern for Kvaratskhelia

PSG are heading towards another club-versus-country dispute after the injured Kvaratskhelia was named in Georgia's squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. According to a report from Spanish outlet , the French champions will attempt to prevent their star forward from joining his national team as he recovers from a thigh injury.

AdvertisementKvaratskhelia called up despite thigh injury

Georgia coach Willy Sagnol included Kvaratskhelia in his squad for crucial matches, starting with a fixture against Spain on October 11. However, the winger is currently sidelined after picking up a thigh injury in last Saturday's Ligue 1 match against Auxerre. The problem forced him to miss the midweek Champions League clash with Barcelona, and he has also been ruled out of Sunday's trip to Lille. Medical reports suggest a recovery period of at least 10 days, making his availability for international duty highly unlikely.

Getty Images SportDembele dispute fuels PSG's frustration

PSG's firm stance is influenced by a recent negative experience during the September international break. The club alerted the French Football Federation (FFF) that Dembele was not fully fit, but the player was used by Didier Deschamps and subsequently suffered a thigh injury. That incident created a dispute between the club and the FFF and has made PSG particularly cautious about releasing players who are carrying injuries.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

PSG's stance on Georgia's 'crucial' qualifiers

While Georgia are keen to have their most important player available for what they consider vital qualifying games, PSG's medical staff are focused solely on his recovery. The Parisian club is expected to make contact with their Georgian counterparts to insist that Kvaratskhelia remains in the French capital to complete his rehabilitation. According to reports, the club's staff are not considering "any scenario other than him completing his recovery in Paris."

Leeds United are looking to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch before the transfer window officially slams shut for another year this evening.

The Whites were reportedly looking to sign Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week to add to their attacking midfield ranks, after he spent last season on loan at Leicester City.

Unfortunately, Chelsea decided to pursue a loan move for the Argentine playmaker and are now closing in on a deal to add him to their squad at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds were, of course, unable to compete with the Champions League football that Enzo Maresca’s side have on offer, and look set to miss out on Buonanotte.

Leeds have playmaker on their radar

The Championship champions are still in need of another option in the frontline after missing out on the Brighton youngster, and are reportedly looking further afield for an alternative.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

According to LeedsLive, Krasnodar attacking midfielder Eduard Spertsyan has emerged as a potential option for Leeds United on deadline day, as they could make a last-gasp move for the star.

The report claims that the Armenia international is one of a number of playmakers on the club’s radar as they look to bolster their options in that position before the window slams shut.

It adds that Bilal El Khannouss, Dilane Bakwa, and Manor Solomon are also being looked at by the Whites, as they look at traditional number tens and natural wingers on both sides.

Daniel Farke, though, worked with Spertsyan, who was linked with an £11m move to Southampton earlier this summer, and he may be a shrewd addition to the squad.

Why Leeds should sign Eduard Spertsyan

The West Yorkshire outfit should look to pursue a deadline day deal for the Armenian star because he could be an even better option than Buonanotte as an attacking midfielder.

Spertsyan has not experienced English football before, so it would be a risk in that respect, but his form for Krasnodar suggests that he has the potential to be an incredibly exciting addition to the squad.

The 25-year-old star, who was described as an “elegant” player by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is heading into the prime years of his career and could offer a huge threat at the top end of the pitch if he can adapt to the Premier League.

Spertsyan (Russian Premier League)

24/25

25/26

Appearances

28

7

Goals

11

4

Big chances missed

5

1

Key passes per game

2.1

3.9

Big chances created

6

5

Assists

6

8

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Spertsyan has delivered 15 goals and 14 assists in his last 35 appearances in the Russian Premier League, including eight assists in seven games this season.

These statistics show that the £11m-rated star is an incredibly creative player who looks to play key passes constantly each match, whilst he can also provide a significant threat as a goalscorer.

Meanwhile, Buonanotte has produced eight goals and three assists in 58 outings in the English Premier League in the last two seasons for Leicester and Brighton combined, per Sofascore.

This suggests that Spertsyan would be an even better signing for Leeds if they can get him to translate his performances for Krasnodar over to English football this season.

It would be a risky addition, given his lack of experience in England, but his immense form in Russia suggests that it could be worth the risk as an alternative to Buonanotte, who has not delivered consistently in the final third in his career to date.

Related James upgrade: Leeds are in late talks to seal "remarkable" £20m signing

Leeds United are reportedly in talks to sign a star who could be an upgrade on Dan James.

Posts 1 ByDan Emery Aug 31, 2025

Bukayo Saka had some harsh words for VAR after Arsenal had a penalty decision overturned in the first half, following a challenge by Nick Pope on Viktor Gyokeres. Referee Jarred Gillett had initially pointed to the spot but was recommended to go to the screen by VAR and changed his mind. The Gunners went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp Gabriel header but Saka expressed his disappointment at the decision to reverse the first-half penalty.

Saka criticises VAR despite Arsenal win

Saka claimed in his post-match interview that such decisions “always go against” Arsenal, questioning whether the bar for a “clear and obvious error” was met in the call to overturn the penalty.

Replays showed that Pope had in fact got a small touch on the ball before taking down Gyokeres, while room was left for interpretation over whether the Swedish striker had a clear chance at goal despite this. The final decision was no penalty, leaving Arsenal incensed as they were denied the opportunity to take the lead – before Newcastle United soon scored through Nick Woltemade at the other end.

The Gunners and Saka, who returned the starting line-up after injury, would go on to win the win in stoppage time as it took a late comeback involving some inspired substitutions to secure victory.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGunners on the up – but will rue VAR penalty call

Arsenal went up to second in the table with the victory, moving to just two points behind Liverpool following the Reds’ defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday. But it could have been a far simpler afternoon had the Gunners been awarded their first-half penalty shout.

As Saka outlined, the key VAR terminology of “clear and obvious” has become increasingly clouded in recent seasons. What was brought in as a medium to prevent major errors has, at times, been criticised as a new way to re-referee the game from Stockley Park.

Whether Pope’s touch on the ball negates his foul on Gyokeres is one thing. Whether it was obvious enough a decision to overturn the call is another, as Saka states. The fact that Arsenal won the game renders the decision meaningless in the grand scheme of things, but Gunners fans will have some choice words for the decision regardless.

Saka speaks on VAR and Arsenal's win

Saka said: "There are a few things we can speak about, for example the penalty. For me if we have VAR, it is for a clear and obvious error and the fact that it took the ref that long to decide shows it is not a clear and obvious error. It is things like this that always go against us, but today we got what we deserved and that's why we are all so happy. It doesn't matter now, does it?"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportArsenal target title charge as VAR continues to divide opinion

Arsenal will approach a trio of London derbies against West Ham United, Fulham and Crystal Palace with a spring in their step following another victory in a tough away game at St James’ Park, where they have often fallen short in recent years.

With Champions League games against Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid also on the horizon, October could ultimately be a month which begins to shape Arsenal’s season. A succession of victories could suggest that another title challenge could be on the way under Mikel Arteta.

This weekend was no doubt a tough test, as the Gunners could have been an almost-unassailable eight points behind Liverpool had results gone against them. As it is, late goals across both fixtures – including a big goal by former Gunner Eddie Nketiah- have meant that gap is just two. This could ultimately be a significant weekend in Arsenal’s season.

The VAR debate will rage on, though, with multiple contentious decisions taking place this weekend, including the decision not to send off Nathan Collins at Brentford against Manchester United.

It is unlikely that we will ever reach a place where everyone is happy with every decision – but some more uniformed guidance over what is clear and obvious could make a major impact and avoid points of contention such as this. But as the Gunners take their well-earned three points home from the North East, Saka and co. will let it go on this occasion.

South Africa have selected their strongest available squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan in order to make full use of their last opportunity to play together ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy.Though South Africa will play a tri-series in Pakistan, which also includes New Zealand, in February next year, those matches will take place too close to the conclusion of the SA20 on February 8 for a first-choice squad to be available.There are nine additions to the squad that last played the format, against Ireland in the UAE, including the return of Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, who last played an ODI almost a year ago.

South Africa vs Pakistan ODI series

Dec 17 – 1st ODI, Paarl
Dec 19 – 2nd ODI, Cape Town
Dec 22 – 3rd ODI, Johannesburg

Eighteen-year-old quick Kwena Maphaka is the only uncapped player in the squad, Maphaka was the leading wicket-take at this year’s Under-19 World Cup, which is played in the 50-over format, and has impressed with speeds of up to 152kph in the T20I series against Pakistan. He also gets an opportunity thanks to the absence of several injured quicks. None of Anrich Nortje (broken toe), Lungi Ngidi (hip injury), Gerald Coetzee (groin injury), Wiaan Mulder (broken finger) and Nandre Burger (lower back stress fracture) could be considered for selection.The squad will be led by regular captain Temba Bavuma, who was injured when playing an ODI against Ireland in October but has since returned to form in the Test arena. It is likely he will be partnered by Ryan Rickelton at the top of the order with Reeza Hendricks, who did not cross 20 in his last five ODIS, dropped. Tony de Zorzi is another top-order option. Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Klaasen and Miller all give South Africa an experienced and strong batting line-up.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Two seam-bowling allrounders in Andile Phehlukwayo and Marco Jansen have been selected, while one other specialist seamer, Ottneil Baartman, and two frontline spinners – Maharaj and Shamsi – have come in at the expense of Bjorn Fortuin and Nqaba Peter. Shamsi’s return is significant because he opted out of a national contract in October in order to have flexibility for league performances and was not included in the T20I series to play India last month. He has since been recalled for the Pakistan matches.”The bowling line-up features one of the fastest in the game in KG, and this series offers another great opportunity for a young talent like Kwena to come in and learn first-hand from the best,” Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach, said. “In the batting department, we are thrilled to welcome back David and Heinrich, two of the most destructive players in the game. Overall, we are very pleased with this squad.”Bavuma, de Zorzi, Jansen, Maharaj, Markram, Rabada, Stubbs and Rickelton will have a four-day turnaround between the end of the ODI series and the start of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. South Africa need one more Test win to guarantee themselves a place at next year’s World Test Championship final.

South Africa squad for ODI series against Pakistan

Temba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

Arsenal are unrecognisable from the disjointed and wandering outfit that Mikel Arteta took charge of over five years ago.

Though the Spaniard has failed to win any silverware across his five full seasons at the helm (bagging the FA Cup after replacing Unai Emery midway through the 2019/20 term), the Gunners are now one of Europe’s elite units.

With Bukayo Saka the poster boy, Arsenal have become a force to be reckoned with, and though the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi bespeak the club’s transfer vision, the Hale End academy stands as strong as ever. Saka would attest to that.

But with a meteoric rise comes heightened interest in the product. Arsenal have some of the most talented footballers in the business, and Real Madrid have started sniffing around.

Real Madrid want Arsenal talent

It was less than a week ago that news emerged of Real Madrid’s mounting interest in Arsenal’s star centre-back William Saliba, who has been instrumental in creating one of Europe’s superlative defensive forces over the past few years.

But the Frenchman, 23, isn’t the only one on Los Blancos’ radar. Indeed, though Saka has also been reported to be on the La Liga giant’s radar in 2025, Arsenal and Arteta must be concerned following revelations about an even bigger talent.

Could that be possible?

Well, Max Dowman’s incredible start to life as a professional during the Gunners’ pre-season tour says it could be so.

And according to Spanish reports, the 15-year-old prodigy has impressed Madrid scouts of late, with an official offer not out of the question in the coming years.

Dowman has the potential to become a generational player, so let’s hope the relevant parties come together and agree that his future is best served in north London.

Why Max Dowman is a bigger talent than Bukayo Saka

Dowman was introduced in Saka’s stead (a portent of things to come?) as Arsenal beat AC Milan 1-0 earlier this month, and Arteta could only marvel at the youngster’s “special” introduction to the senior stage.

It’s important not to overinflate an up-and-coming prospect when they have only just started cutting their teeth, but there’s little question that Dowman is a cut above the rest.

An attacking midfielder with fleet feet, remarkable power for one so young and an incredible amount of confidence, it feels likely that Arteta will hand him his senior debut at some point during the 2025/26 campaign.

Given the noise surrounding him already, there’s every chance that Arsenal have got an even bigger talent than Saka on their hands; should his progress over the coming years be managed deftly, Arteta could have one of the game’s most dangerous players in his mix.

Saka started off as a relative unknown, but he’s now a world-beater. The Three Lions superstar made his Premier League debut aged 19, in January 2019, during a 4-1 win over Fulham. It looks likely that Dowman will eclipse his countryman’s record and then some. Indeed, expect a Premier League debut this season at the tender age of 15.

24/25

25

6

11

23/24

35

16

12

22/23

38

14

12

21/22

38

11

7

20/21

32

5

4

19/20

26

1

5

18/19

1

0

0

Dowman might not have made his (competitive) senior debut for Arsenal yet, but does that not add to the fanfare?

Here is a teenager who conducts themselves with such swagger and style on the pitch that Madrid are desperate to get their hands on his signature before he pens his first professional deal at the Emirates.

Let’s hope that Arteta and technical director Andrea Berta have their wits about them and ensure Dowman stays at Arsenal for many years to come.

He’s the real deal, and in fact, he might prove to be an even bigger talent than Saka.

He's as fun as Alexis: Arsenal in pole position to sign "special" £68m star

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reshaping his frontline this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 29, 2025

Tottenham still have some key transfer business to conduct ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full season in charge of the Lilywhites.

As important as Kudus: Tottenham also confident of winning race for £25m forward

Spurs believe they can beat their Premier League rivals to the signature of a “electric” striker.

1 ByDominic Lund Jul 7, 2025

Spurs are yet to really make a statement signing this summer. Mathys Tel made his stay permanent for a cut-price fee of around £30 million, and Kota Takai’s £5 million move from Kawasaki Frontale was finally confirmed by the club this morning.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Tottenham have high hopes for Takai, and he will be in and around the first team next season, according to Alasdair Gold, but far more eyes are on whether the north Londoners can strike a deal with rivals West Ham United over the signing of Mohammed Kudus.

Spurs are in ongoing talks with West Ham to agree a move for Kudus after seeing an opening £50 million bid rejected, and he’s the calibre of potential signing which supporters are crying out for as Frank prepares for his first-ever season coaching in the Champions League.

Their pursuit of proven top-level additons is made even more important by uncertainty surrounding the futures of vital Tottenham men – most notably Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero.

The former has attracted rumoured interest from both Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles FC, but any potential exit for the South Korean will likely be delayed until after their pre-season tour of Asia – due to the obvious commercial appeal Son has in the far east (BBC).

Son’s entered the final 12 months of his contract, so chairman Daniel Levy could well be tempted to sell the 33-year-old in the event of a suitable offer.

Meanwhile, reports from Spain and South America have continued to heavily link Romero with a move to Atlético Madrid.

Tottenham in talks to sell Cristian Romero after Atlético Madrid offer

Spanish newspaper AS have an update on the £165,000-per-week defender’s future this week, with Atlético already tabling a £60 million bid, including add-ons, for his services.

This hasn’t met Spurs’ valuation of the centre-back, who won last season’s Europa League Player of the Year award, as Levy demands closer to £60 million all-in.

Nevertheless, Diego Simeone’s side are not giving up or shying away. Atletico are in ongoing talks with Tottenham over signing Romero, who James Maddison called Spurs’ most “underrated” player, and this story is unlikely to go away any time soon.

Simeone publicly confirmed his desire to sign the Argentine in a recent press conference, and there is an expectation that Romero could be more than open to this La Liga switch.

“You’ve got to want to be there, and I’m not sure he wants to be at Spurs,” said pundit Tony Cascarino on talkSPORT.

“I’ve always felt that he’s played his best football that he’s played his best football when he’s had to and when Atletico have made a clear indication they want him. That would be one of his issues [Frank], he’s got to look players in the eye and find out do you want to be at this football club.”

Manchester United had problems aplenty last season, but one of the most damning issues was the inability to produce the kind of slick attacking performances that would have merited a European-qualifying finish or indeed a trophy.

Bruno Fernandes did all he could, posting 19 goals and assists apiece across all competitions, but it wasn’t enough to stop Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, nor did it amount to silverware, or a respectable Premier League finish.

But the Red Devils can now look forward to a pre-season of preparation under the wing of Ruben Amorim, and despite all the issues, optimism remains that a corner can be turned, especially with the prestigious club’s pull still firmly intact.

Perhaps the greatest British outfit of all time, United fell by the wayside last term, but Old Trafford remains one of the most attractive destinations for high-quality players, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha rejecting offers from teams like Arsenal to complete a “dream” £62.5m move to Manchester this week.

The Brazilian forward has been hailed as “one of the most coveted players in the league” by content creator Dev Bajwa.

However, he’s not the only top Premier League forward INEOS have pushed to reel in this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo in talks to move to the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd

Man United’s reputation as one of Europe’s big boys was underscored when Brentford’s Mbeumo intimated his preference to join Old Trafford this summer, even though Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom have Champions League football to look forward to, have been firmly in the race.

After scoring 20 goals across 38 league outings, the intrigue is understandable, and also points toward a revised United strategy to strengthen by securing Premier League-proven players.

However, Mbeumo’s stock is high, and while he is hoping to make the move to Old Trafford, Spurs’ appointment of Thomas Frank has thrown something of a spanner in the works, with the former Bees boss’ arrival giving the Londoners renewed optimism that they could strike a deal for the Cameroon international.

United will remain confident that they can complete a statement signing, but if not, why not turn to an alternative who has also enjoyed success on English soil over the past couple of years?

Man United join race for PL star

As per Caught Offside, Manchester United have joined the race for Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, who’s coming off the back of a prolific campaign in the Premier League.

The Dutchman, 26, is highly regarded at the Vitality Stadium, who are under no pressure to cash in. However, if suitors were to make an offer worth roughly €55m (£47m), they might just be tempted.

A host of rivals, such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham, are also keen, but the Red Devils registered their interest some time ago and could use their peerless pull once more to bring him in.

Why Man Utd want Justin Kluivert

Kluivert has truly stepped out of his famous father’s shadow to become his own player, joining Bournemouth from Roma two years ago in a deal just shy of £10m.

Across his two campaigns at the club, the Netherlands international has scored 22 goals and supplied ten assists, though it’s been his “red-hot” 2024/25 season that has taken him into another sphere, as has been noted by journalist Ryan Taylor.

If Man United do miss out on Mbeumo, Kluivert could prove the perfect alternative. As per Sofascore, he only missed six big chances in the league, putting away 12 more chances. Moreover, he averaged 1.4 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game while completing 81% of his passes, bespeaking technical control and indeed the right application of his abilities.

This offers shades of Mbeumo, in a way. The Brentford sensation, 25, supported his prolific success through a base range of talents, averaging 1.8 key passes, 1.4 dribbles, and 4.7 successful duels per game.

Kluivert was utilised across a range of attacking areas by Andoni Iraola last season, and that is in keeping with his career at large, suggesting he could perform across different berths for Amorim, whose three-pronged attacking set-up could see him dovetail right in.

He’s proven his capacity to impress across the frontline, which speaks of dynamism in a similar vein to Mbeumo, a right-sided forward by trade but not without his strengths as a focal frontman, actually playing seven times as Frank’s striker over the past year, scoring four goals and laying on one assist.

Kluivert’s demonstrable Premier League success, so clinical and composed, could see him become a star in Amorim’s system. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of forwards in the division for goals and assists per 90, leading the data-driven site to rank Mbeumo up as one of his most comparable players.

United need more goals, and by injecting Amorim’s fold with talents such as Cunha and Kluivert (or indeed Mbeumo), they would take a confident step toward a lifting resurgence.

Furthermore, they’re hardly one-trick ponies. All are physical and multi-faceted players, capable of creating chances and using their athleticism to serve the fluency of the wider team.

Amorim has weathered a storm, all right, but there might just be light at the end of the tunnel. United have been here before, roused by ostensibly effective transfer windows, but there’s a certain astuteness about INEOS’ dealings right now which suggests brighter fortunes may lie around the corner.

Ekitike upgrade: Wilcox in constant contact to bring "monster" to Man Utd

Manchester United appear to be making positive moves over a deal to land a new striker for Ruben Amorim.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 14, 2025

Manchester United have now opened talks over a deal for a “world-class” Barcelona player, with the La Liga champions willing to sanction a departure this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd's summer rebuild underway

After one of the worst seasons in their modern history, no Man United player has been safe from criticism, and Jamie Carragher has suggested that Bruno Fernandes doesn’t fit into Ruben Amorim’s system.

Carragher said: “I’ve always described Bruno Fernandes as a great talent but not a great player. Where does he play?

“He’s a bit mad in that he just runs all over the place, like a kid in the school yard. The best player in the school yard doing everything but in a really poor team. I don’t think he’s ever had any discipline in those No. 10 positions.”

It has since been confirmed that Fernandes is set to remain at Old Trafford, but the rebuild is very much underway, with Matheus Cunha arriving at the start of the month, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has also emerged as a major target in attack.

Related Forget Gyokeres: Man Utd have had talks to sign "world-class" £50m+ striker

The Red Devils have engaged in discussions with the entourage of a centre-forward.

Posts ByDominic Lund Jun 10, 2025

Having been the subject of widespread criticism throughout the campaign, there have also been indications that Amorim could look to bring in an upgrade on Andre Onana this summer, and an initial approach has now been made for a Barcelona star.

Indeed, according to a report from Spain, Man United have now opened talks over a deal for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, submitting an enquiry about the goalkeeper, and they may have discovered that Barca are now willing to sanction a departure.

Onana is no longer part of Amorim’s plans, which means the manager will be tasked with bringing in a replacement, and Ter Stegen is very much of interest, although there could be competition for his signature from Galatasaray and Al-Hilal.

The German is in no rush to leave, but Joan Garcia’s arrival could unsettle him, as reduced game time may impact his chances of going to the 2026 World Cup.

"World-class" Ter-Stegen has track record of success

The 33-year-old has won 20 trophies for club and country across a glittering career, most recently playing a minor role in Barcelona’s La Liga triumph by making eight appearances throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

However, the £103k-a-week shot-stopper missed the majority of the season through injury, and given his age, there are questions over whether he would be a viable long-term replacement for Onana.

Having been lauded as “world-class” by Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, Ter Stegen is clearly a top goalkeeper, but the rival interest coming from Galatasaray and Al-Hilal, rather than some of Europe’s top clubs, speaks volumes.

As such, it may be wise to go all out for a younger goalkeeper on the shortlist, having previously identified a number of potential targets.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic

Torino

£17m

James Trafford

Burnley

£30m

Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa

?

Bart Verbruggen

Brighton

£34m

This season has felt like one long nightmare for Tottenham Hotspur.

On top of losing a staggering 20 games in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou will now be without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the club’s Europa League final next week.

Moreover, on top of losing player after player through injury during the campaign this year, they now look like they’re going to lose one of their most important in the transfer window: Cristian Romero.

However, it is not all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked them with a Premier League star who could be the ideal replacement.

Tottenham transfer news

Unfortunately, in the last few months, a number of reports have emerged touting Romero for a move to La Liga this summer, with Atlético Madrid being his supposed destination last month.

Transfer Focus

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

It was even said that the Argentine defender had personally spoken to Diego Simeone about the purported move.

However, in the last few days, the World Cup winner’s supposed destination has changed to Real Madrid, with reports claiming that Xabi Alonso is a big fan of the player, who could be sold for around £60m.

While this situation is far from ideal, the good news is that the North Londoners have been linked with someone who could be an ideal replacement: Marc Guéhi.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Spurs have maintained their strong interest in the full England international following their failed £70m bid for him in early February.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Chelsea and Newcastle United are keen to sign the Crystal Palace star, who could be available for a pretty reasonable fee of around €55m, which is about £46m.

It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Guéhi’s ability and the potential departure of Romero, Spurs should do all they can to get it done.

Why Guéhi would be a great replacemnet

So, if Spurs cannot keep hold of Romero this summer and are forced to shop for a replacement, why would Guéhi be such a great option?

Well, first of all, not only is he vastly experienced for someone who is still just 24 years old, but he’s also thoroughly Premier League-proven at this point and someone clearly quite sought-after.

For example, across his career to date, the “exceptional” centre-back, as dubbed by The Athletic’s Stuart James, has made 132 top-flight appearances, 52 in the Championship, 15 in the FA Cup and a handful more in several other competitions.

On top of that, the 6 foot “tank,” as dubbed by former England U21 teammate Joe Bursik, is now a full member of the national team, making 23 appearances since his debut in March 2022, and most crucially, was an ever-present in the country’s backline when they made it all the way to the final of the European Championships last year.

Furthermore, while the Lilywhites’ Argentine warrior has missed a staggering 75 games for club and country across his career, the former Chelsea prospect has missed just 16, and you know what they say: availability is the best ability.

Finally, if that’s still not enough to convince you, then perhaps his rather impressive underlying numbers will.

According to FBref, the Palace ace sits in the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for through ball, the top 4% for passes blocked, the top 5% for goal-creating actions through a defensive action, the top 9% for goals plus assists, key passes and shot-creating actions, the top 11% for expected assists and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, replacing a player as talented Romero is always going to be difficult, but Guéhi looks like he could get pretty close, and therefore, Spurs must do what they can to sign him this summer.

Ange can solve Kulusevski blow by unleashing £45m Spurs star in new role

The gifted ace could provide some more attacking spark to Spurs.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 15, 2025