The Portuguese coach has been appointed by Manchester United, and could be joined in England by some of his current players from Lisbon
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The Portuguese top-flight – through the many memorable and fleeting generations of bwin LIGA, Liga Sagres, Liga ZON Sagres, Liga NOS, Liga Portugal Bwin and now Liga Portugal Betclic – has proven a reliable source of up-and-coming talent to the rest of Europe.
A proverbial magnifying glass is once again on the Iberian country, with Ruben Amorim recently being appointed as the new head coach of Manchester United, and his Sporting CP side taking on his future rivals Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.
No one's suggesting that Amorim is going to go full Erik ten Hag and simply sign everyone from his former team and home country, but it wouldn't be the worst idea in the world for Premier League clubs to recognise the talent on offer in Portugal.
GOAL has picked out six Sporting players who have been linked with moves to England and why they should follow Amorim to the Premier League:
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Viktor Gyokeres
Right, well, obviously we are going to start with the big goal-scoring machine who could rival Erling Haaland as a freakish Premier League striker from Scandinavia. England's elite were negligent to allow Viktor Gyokeres to leave the country and swap Coventry City for Sporting in the first place back in 2023, and they can't afford to watch him go elsewhere for a second time.
The gigantic Swede is averaging nearly a goal a game across his entire spell with Sporting so far, with 59 in 65 already – including 16 in 15 this season alone. Even beyond the numbers and fear that he could be flattered by a weaker league, he passes the eye test to boot. There are few forwards who can throw around the full weight of their 6'2" self and still have the agility of a spritely winger.
Arsenal and Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for Gyokeres earlier in 2024 before they decided to shelve plans to try and bring Sporting down from his €100m release clause, which he himself confessed is pretty steep, but looking more worth biting the bullet for with each passing week in which he tears some poor Portuguese outfits limb from limb. United, despite already spending nine figures on tall but ineffective strikers, are also in the mix.
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Ousmane Diomande
In a world where the imposing, unusually tall and powerful centre-back is in vogue again, Ousmane Diomande is becoming hot property. The Ivory Coast international is still only 20 but brings the physicality and brutishness of a veteran defender who has been scarred by the battles of deep European runs and emboldened by life-changing victory.
Don't let the armour of his bulky exterior fool you, though; Diomande is still a modern player in his own right capable of bringing the ball out from the back and defending in wide areas, a man who can do it all.
Diomande has been a regular in transfer gossip columns over the last 12 months, with Arsenal and Chelsea the two clubs most commonly tipped with an interest. He certainly fits what the Gunners want as a natural third-choice behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, while he would be the central figure to any defence built by Enzo Maresca over at Stamford Bridge.
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Goncalo Inacio
Alongside Diomande in Sporting's three-man defence has often been Goncalo Inacio, who has amassed 186 appearances for the senior side by age 23 and is now a regular in the Portugal setup. Like his Ivorian team-mate, he is the perfect blend of physically dominant and technically gifted, making him the ideal contemporary centre-back.
Amorim's tactics and Inacio's own capabilities mean he can drift into the wide left channel and step into midfield in equal measure. On paper, he should be able to take to any league and system with grace and ease.
United are one of several big boys who have previously been linked with Inacio, though they already have Lisandro Martinez as a crucial left-sided centre-back to play that role under Amorim. Elsewhere, Liverpool are said to have looked at Inacio as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, and with good cause.
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Geovany Quenda
From the academy that brought you Cristiano Ronaldo comes 17-year-old Geovany Quenda, already under the watchful eye of United's scouts having got their man and his manager in Amorim.
It's hard for any homegrown winger coming through in Lisbon not to draw comparisons with CR7, but Quenda is a different sort of wide-man, one who comes in off the right onto his left foot and burns defenders with searing pace.
United's frontline definitely needs a leftie to balance their attack, and could also spell the end of Antony. With Amorim already familiar with Quenda's game, it does seem like a no-brainer for the Red Devils, doesn't it?
Following the arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, Manchester United are still reportedly in talks to sign a midfield reinforcement, despite seeing "several" offers already knocked back.
Man Utd transfer news
The Red Devils can consider the summer transfer window a success so far. They've welcomed a young striker in an attempt to solve their goalscoring problems and welcomed one of the best young defenders that European football has to offer in the form of Yoro, who also had interest from the likes of Real Madrid. In a major coup, those at Old Trafford secured the 18-year-old's signature, adding a solution to the heart of their defence for years to come in the process.
Man Utd struck gold on "future legend" who's worth more than Yoro & Ugarte
He’s been an excellent servant during his time at Old Trafford.
ByEthan Lamb Jul 24, 2024
Manchester United may not end on two arrivals, however, with Erik ten Hag's squad one that still has plenty of room for improvement, which could yet see the likes of Noussair Mazraoui arrive. The Bayern Munich defender has reportedly been the subject of concrete talks between Manchester United and the Bundesliga club, though a deal is yet to be agreed.
Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui.
He's not the only one who's reportedly the subject of negotiations, either. According to Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United's negotiations are "ongoing" to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, despite having "several verbal offers" already knocked back by the Ligue 1 champions who are demanding €70m (£59m) for their midfielder this summer.
The Uruguay international certainly has a hefty price tag, but those at Old Trafford have been more than willing to splash the cash so far this summer and could yet do so once more before the end of the transfer window.
"Superb" Ugarte would be major upgrade on Casemiro
When looking at Manchester United's woeful campaign last time out, it was easy to spot weaknesses going forward, within their backline and, perhaps most prominently, at the base of their midfield as Casemiro began to edge past his best. Now, with two of those problems seemingly solved, the Red Devils must welcome an upgrade on the Brazilian in the form of Ugarte this summer.
Progressive Carries
16
12
Progressive Passes
87
112
Tackles Won
57
56
Ball Recoveries
181
133
Off the ball, in particular, Ugarte outperformed Casemiro last season and the Brazilian is only likely to gradually decline more and more on that front at 32 years old. His potential replacement, meanwhile, is still just 23 years old and has plenty of time to discover new levels.
The PSG star has earned plenty of praise over the years, including from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who dubbed his ability to read the game "superb". Now, it's Manchester United who could benefit from that ability, should they finally decide to match PSG's reported price tag this summer.
Andre Onana has urged incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim to keep "very good coach" Ruud van Nistelrooy in his backroom team.
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Amorim to become new head coachPortuguese to take over from November 11Ex-striker in charge on interim basisFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Devils have taken the decision to make another change in their dugout, with Erik ten Hag being relieved of his managerial duties at Old Trafford. With one Dutchman moved on, another has inherited the reins on an interim basis.
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Van Nistelrooy has overseen an unbeaten run across three competitions, with United picking up Carabao Cup and Europa League wins over Leicester and PAOK while taking a point from a Premier League draw with Chelsea.
WHAT ONANA SAID
Van Nistelrooy has called for "patience", with no decision made on his future as yet, but Onana wants to see the former Red Devils striker stay on under Amorim. When asked if he wants Van Nistelrooy to stay, the Cameroonian goalkeeper told : "100 per cent. He’s a very good guy, a very good coach. Since he’s here, he’s helping us a lot. He has so much experience and he advises us a lot. He’s doing amazing since he’s here, you know. Obviously, we have him a few days as a head coach. He’s different, but he’s doing amazing. It’s fantastic what he’s doing and the players are happy.
"But at the end of the day, it’s not something we can decide. The club made the decision and we have to accept it. But this has to be between him and the club because at the end of the day, they are the ones who have to sit at the table and decide what is best for the club."
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Van Nistelrooy has one more game to come at the United helm, as Leicester prepare to visit Manchester on Sunday, with Amorim set to officially take charge on November 11 – giving him the next international break in which to find his feet in the most demanding of roles.
Calmest man in the arena. Trent Alexander-Arnold stepped up when England needed him most, expertly dispatching his decisive penalty, his team's fifth, in the quarter-finals shootout against Switzerland to advance to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, where the Netherlands now await.
The Liverpool vice-captain has been on the periphery this summer after being shoehorned into the centre of the park in the Three Lions' opener and failing to hold a motley crew together against Serbia.
It was always going to be an uphill battle, but Liverpool fans will be safe in their knowledge that their homegrown talent is one of the very best in the business.
Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates for Liverpool
Courted by Real Madrid and entering the final year of his contract, there's an uneasy focus on the 25-year-old's future, with his technical quality and presence in the Anfield side simply irreplaceable.
However, for all his strengths, he's not the most valuable member of Arne Slot's first team, with one of Jurgen Klopp's later signings actually overtaking him in that regard.
Why Liverpool signed Cody Gakpo
The man in question is none other than Cody Gakpo, who is starting to show signs of growing into the player that Liverpool envisaged when they paid PSV Eindhoven the big bucks to bring him to the Premier League in January 2023.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo
Liverpool paid £35m for Netherlands international Gakpo's services, with the dynamic forward having lit up the Dutch Eredivisie and turned global heads onto his journey after an impressive campaign in Qatar, at the 2022 World Cup.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 18% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive passes, the top 11% for successful take-ons and the top 8% for tackles per 90.
Liverpool might not feel that they have quite got bang for their buck just yet but Gakpo is a unique attacking outlet and he could positively explode under Slot's leadership in just over one month.
Cody Gakpo's market value in 2024
Hailed for his "special skill set" by Klopp's former assistant manager Pep Lijnders, Gakpo has not seen his market price skyrocket since alighting in Liverpool, but he's made steady progress that has been reflected through his impressive overall tally of 23 goals and nine assists across only 46 starting appearances.
The 25-year-old, who is thriving at the Euros and has notched three goals and an assist over five matches for Oranje – set to meet England at the penultimate hurdle on Wednesday – has so much more to give, but this is a wonderful illustration of just how talented a player the Reds have at their disposal.
Make no mistake, some of the listed market prices below are a tad modest, but there's no question that numbers have been crunched to accurately establish the most important and marketable members of the Anfield crop. Alexander-Arnold, despite his glittering quality, doesn't even make the grade, with the site recording his current market value at £33m, likely due to his contract situation.
Football Transfers' Most Valuable LFC Players
Rank
Player
Market Value
1.
Dominik Szoboszlai
£46m
2.
Alexis Mac Allister
£45m
3.
Darwin Nunez
£43m
4.
Cody Gakpo
£40m
5.
Luis Diaz
£36m
Sourced via Football Transfers
Gakpo's place in the rankings bears testament to his high-class ability. While he hasn't always been performing at the apex of his game at Liverpool under Klopp, the Dutchman is a sharp goalscorer with a dynamic and far-reaching skill set.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo.
Supporters might be yearning for new signings on Merseyside, but if Alexander-Arnold is kept on the books and Gakpo is provided the license to thrive under his countryman's tutelage, Liverpool might just find they have the tools to sculpt the illustrious success they so dearly crave.
Liverpool hit gold on Klopp superstar who's worth more than Anthony Gordon
This talented player could explode under Arne Slot’s management.
Bayern de Munique x Eintracht Frankfurt – 12h30 Favoritaço ao tÃtulo alemão, o Bayern de Munique fecha a rodada da Bundesliga recebendo o Frankfurt na Allianz Arena. As odds para vitória do gigante europeu estão baixas, pagando 1.17 pelo triunfo. Os entusiastas das apostas podem encontrar opções com mais rentabilidade no Mais ou Menos gols. Por exemplo, considerar que mais de 3.5 gols serão anotados neste domingo em Munique tem odds de 1.50 na KTO.
Dananjaya, who was banned for a year in 2019, was cleared by a panel that viewed footage of his new action
Andrew Fidel Fernando08-Jan-2021
Akila Dananjaya was suspended from international cricket for a year•Associated Press
Akila Dananjaya has been cleared to bowl in international cricket after an ICC “expert panel” concluded that the flex in his elbow is now within the permitted limit, following remedial work on his bowling action.Dananjaya had suffered a 12-month suspension from international cricket after his action was found to be illegal on two separate occasions within the space of a year. That suspension period ended in August last 2020, but Dananjaya was still required to show the ICC that his action had been remodelled to comply with the maximum limit of 15 degrees of elbow flexion. As travel to an ICC-accredited biomechanics lab was not possible due to Covid-19 restrictions, Dananjaya was cleared by a panel that viewed footage of his new action. Sri Lanka Cricket had provided the footage.Although still suspended from internationals at the time, Dananjaya did play in the Lanka Premier League late last year, bowling largely his googly and legbreak, while avoiding the stock offbreak that was understood to have been the delivery that ran afoul of the flexion limit. His returns in that tournament had been modest, however. He claimed only two wickets and conceded runs at 10.56 an over,Prior to his suspensions, Dananjaya had been Sri Lanka’s leading spinner in the limited-overs formats, and was also beginning to be utilised increasingly in Tests. The suspension was a substantial setback for his career, and if he is to return to international level, he must now compete for places with the likes of left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga.
If there is one area that Manchester United heavily tipped to recruit in during the 2024 summer transfer window, it is at centre-back. Injury issues hampered the Red Devils at times last season, and the centre of defence was one area that was hit particularly badly throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
Two United defenders have left this summer. Raphael Varane departed the club upon the expiration of his contract, which was confirmed before the end of last season. Academy graduate Willy Kambwala also left Old Trafford on a permanent deal, joining Spanish side Villarreal in a deal worth £9.6m, although United do have a buy-back clause.
Manchester United's Raphael Varane.
To replace those two departed defenders, United signed one of Europe’s most highly-rated young defenders, Leny Yoro, from Lille. The 18-year-old Frenchman cost the Red Devils £52m with £6.73m in add-ons and joined on a five-year deal. United beat off competition from Real Madrid to secure his signature.
Aside from Yoro, the Red Devils have been linked with other centre-back signings, most notably Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite. However, there have recently been reports of another defender who Erik ten Hag’s side are targeting to bolster his options at the back.
Man Utd target Premier League defender
The player in question here is Chelsea academy graduate centre-back Trevoh Chalobah. The 25-year-old is not currently in favour at Stamford Bridge, under new manager Enzo Maresca, and could depart the club this summer as a result.
According to a report from Pete O'Rourke, transfer correspondent for Football Insider, the Red Devils have 'joined multiple Premier League clubs in the race' to sign the Englishman this summer, with O’Rourke confirming that the defender will definitely leave Stamford Bridge this summer. This comes after he was left out of their squad to tour the USA this preseason.
Trevoh Chalobah
O’Rourke’s report does not name any other Premier League clubs who want to sign Chalobah this summer. However, he did state that there are 'clubs across the Premier League' who are considering signing the defender, although it could be a risk given his injury issues in the past.
The Red Devils are 'keeping tabs' on the Chelsea defender with his versatility at the back being seen as a 'valuable asset' by the Old Trafford recruitment team, as the report states. A price for Chalobah has seemingly been set at around around £30m, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Why Chalobah would be a good signing
Sadly, the Blues defender suffered from injury issues last term that kept him out for a whopping 32 games. His main problem was a thigh issue, through which he missed 26 games and 162 games in total.
With that in mind, Chalobah played only 17 times in all competitions, which included just 13 games in the Premier League. Towards the back end of the season under former Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino, he became a key player. The 25-year-old started ten games in the top flight once he returned from injury.
Should the Red Devils sign Chalobah this summer, he could prove to be a perfect player to play next to Yoro at the heart of United’s defence. He is a very versatile player and could slot in at right-back, tucking inside when United have the ball and playing at right centre-back, with Yoro to his left.
The Chelsea number 14 could also play left centre-back next to Yoro, which would allow Lisandro Martinez to rest and reduce the risk of an injury to the Argentine. He is an incredibly versatile player, and could also slot in at the base of United’s midfield, as he has done in the past for Chelsea.
Position
Games
Minutes
Centre back
58
4.558
Right back
12
981
Defensive midfield
2
68
One of the benefits of signing Chalobah this summer is the fact he would likely not be on much money each week. According to Capology, the 25-year-old currently earns just £50k per week. Whilst United may well give him a pay rise, he would not demand the hefty wages United have given out to some players in recent seasons,
United could be adding a William Saliba-like player if they bring the Chelsea defender to Old Trafford this summer. According to FBref, the pair are similar players, which is certainly reflected in some of their stats.
Defensively, several of Chalobah’s numbers actually exceed those of the Arsenal defender. He averaged 2.26 combined tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, compared to Saliba’s 1.84. The Chelsea man also averaged more clearances with 4.81 compared to the Frenchman’s 2.13. However, the Arsenal centre-back does have a better aerial duel win rate, with 59.5% compared to Chalobah’s 46.3%, and more ball recoveries with 5.61 compared to Chalobah’s 4.34.
In terms of when his side are in possession of the ball, the 25-year-old is very comfortable on the ball, and averages more progressive carries each game than Saliba. Chalobah averages 0.47 progressive carries, with the Frenchman slightly fewer at 0.42. However, Saliba does average more carries, with 52.4 compared to the Chelsea defender’s 44.8 per 90 minutes.
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.
Where Saliba does trump Chalobah is in his progressive passing. The Frenchman averages an impressive 4.13 progressive passes per 90, and 4.61 passes into the final third. In comparison, the Chelsea academy graduate averages almost half of that. In each game, he plays 2.92 progressive passes and 2.83 final third passes.
Chalobah could well be a smart piece of business for the Red Devils this summer. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “monster”, and that is certainly reflected in his FBref stats from last season.
Whilst it could well be a risk to add someone with a poor injury record to their squad, United would be adding a versatile player who could thrive next to Yoro and allow tactical flexibility for Ten Hag.
Man Utd want £88m "superstar" who's a bigger talent than Yoro
INEOS are ‘convinced’ that they can get the deal done.
Glasgow Rangers continue to ramp up their pre-season preparations by playing a glamour friendly at Murrayfield Stadium this weekend against Manchester United.
With the opening Premiership fixture taking place in just two weeks, Philippe Clement will be hoping to bring at least another two or three players to Ibrox, thus bolstering his squad.
If he doesn’t, then the starting XI against Hearts could look fairly similar to the one that ended the 2023/24 campaign, featuring the likes of Cyriel Dessers and Scott Wright in some capacity at Tynecastle.
Hopefully this isn’t the case, but with every passing day of no new announcements, it could turn into a reality when the league season begins.
Despite numerous links in recent weeks, transfer activity has been laboured. Could this change in the coming days? As a fresh update has been provided.
Rangers showing interest in former Championship starlet
At the start of the year, Football Insider claimed that the Light Blues were interested in signing then Stoke City centre-forward Tyrese Campbell this summer.
He had just six months left on his deal with the Championship side and Clement was keen on a deal to bring the Englishman north of the border once the season concluded.
Campbell’s deal with Stoke expired, and he is now a free agent, which could give the Belgian coach a boost, especially as the Daily Mail state Rangers are just one of the clubs showing interest in the player.
A raft of second-tier sides, including QPR, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United are all keen on signing Campbell, but the chance to win trophies and play in European football should be plenty of incentive for the striker as he seeks his next move.
It won't be the first time the club have signed a player who shone in the Championship, as Todd Cantwell had made his breakthrough at Norwich City in the second tier.
Could the Englishman emerge as Cantwell 2.0 for the Light Blues should he join the club this summer?
Todd Cantwell’s Rangers career in numbers
The Englishman was one of Norwich’s prized assets just a few years ago after shining in the Premier League during the 2019/20 season, scoring six goals in the top flight.
In the summer of 2021, the Canaries valued him at £40m amid interest from Aston Villa as they sought a replacement for Jack Grealish.
Rangers midfielder Todd Cantwell.
In January 2023, however, his career appeared to be at a crossroads, falling out of favour at his boyhood club. Michael Beale rescued the midfielder from his purgatory and the move to Ibrox looked like a smart piece of business.
Indeed, his first six months in Glasgow saw Cantwell score six goals while grabbing five assists, not bad for someone who cost just £1.5m.
Todd Cantwell's Premiership stats since joining Rangers
Metric
2022/23
2023/24
Goals
6
7
Assists
4
5
Key passes per game
1.3
1.7
Big chances created
5
7
Successful dribbles per game
1.5
1.2
Via Sofascore
Last season saw the former Norwich starlet register 15 goal contributions – eight goals and seven assists – despite missing several games due to injury issues.
He ranked fourth in the squad for goals and assists (12) in the Premiership throughout 2023/24, along with ranking third for big chances created (seven), fourth for key passes per game (1.7) and fifth for successful dribbles per game (1.2), showing how impressive he was in the final third.
Todd Cantwell
Campbell may play in a more advanced position than Cantwell, but there is no doubt Clement can get him firing should he make the move to Ibrox this summer.
Tyrese Campbell’s season in numbers
Campbell missed six matches due to a hip injury last season, while falling out of favour upon his return to full fitness, making just 24 appearances for Stoke.
This meant he managed to score just four goals and grab two assists, hardly numbers which demonstrate his potential.
Cantwell failed to score or assist in the six months prior to his move to Rangers. Perhaps Campbell – who has been described as "always a handful" by former boss Michael O'Neill – could come to life next term in new surroundings.
The 6 foot striker still managed to average 2.1 shots per game while succeeding with 0.5 dribbles per game – a success rate of 55% – despite averaging only 52 minutes each game.
Again, not earth-shattering, but with more opportunities in the starting XI, these could have improved further, indicating there is plenty of potential there.
What Tyrese Campbell could offer Rangers
Despite a poor 2023/24 campaign, Campbell demonstrated his vast talents the season prior. Indeed, among his Stoke teammates, the striker ranked first for goals and assists (14), along with ranking first for shots per game (2), third for big chances created (six) and second for successful dribbles per game (0.8), showing how impressive he can be in the opposition third when at full fitness.
Football writer Ollie Walton dubbed the player as a “great talent” earlier this year, but it is time for him to add some consistency to his game, which could come with a move north of the border.
His statistics when compared to his positional peers over the previous 365 days are certainly impressive and prove that he is more than just an out-and-out striker.
Not only does he rank in the top 5% for progressive carries per 90 (2.79), but Campbell even ranks in the top 9% for total shots per 90 (3.69) and in the top 13% for both progressive passes (2.64) and touches in the attacking penalty area (6.03) per 90.
These figures are certainly encouraging and if interest in the centre-forward is concrete, then it could be a solid enough signing which adds some depth to Clement’s attacking department.
The reality is, Rangers will have to sell a few players in order to raise funds for future arrivals. While free transfers might not be all that glamorous, they are key to beefing out the squad, which is exactly what Campbell will do.
Hopefully, he can remain fit and healthy should he join the Gers in the coming weeks, as his skillset could be perfectly suited to Scottish football, making him a decent option to call upon.
Rangers could land "impressive" signing who's a dream Cantwell replacement
The Light Blues are reportedly keen on a deal to sign the talented teenage maestro.
They will meet the Perth Scorchers at Canberra on Thursday
Daniel Brettig31-Jan-2021Sam Heazlett and Jimmy Peirson took full toll of some obligingly loose death bowling from the Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval to rocket the Brisbane Heat into a preliminary final meeting with the Perth Scorchers, also to take place in Canberra on Thursday after a late change due to a snap lockdown in Western Australia.The Heat had control of the Thunder’s innings for most of its journey thanks to a tight initial powerplay and then quality overs of spin from Mitchell Swepson and Marnus Labuschagne. However some characteristic big hitting from Ben Cutting allowed the Thunder to hammer 48 from the final four overs of their innings and set-up a defendable tally.A couple of early wickets gave the Thunder further reason for optimism, but Heazlett held his nerve to get himself set alongside Labuschagne, before counter-attacking boldly and in the end definitively in the company of the wicketkeeper Peirson. The Heat, having won two finals in a row from fourth on the table, are now two more wins from plucking the title itself.Heat plans give and take awayQuite transparently, Brisbane’s new ball plan called for a single over from Xavier Bartlett before he was subbed out for Morne Morkel. But so well did Bartlett bowl, bending the white Kookaburra late and at decent pace, that not only should he have had Usman Khawaja out lbw but his opening maiden raised questions of whether or not the Heat should divert from the blueprint and give him another over. Chris Lynn elected not to step in, handing the ball to Ben Laughlin and leaving Bartlett’s contribution to end with 1-1-0-0.Whatever the debate over this decision, the Heat ended up enjoying much the better of the powerplay anyway. Laughlin should have had Alex Hales caught at short third man only for Mark Steketee to mistime his jump and see the ball skate through his unsteady fingers. Steketee, though, bowled beautifully at the other end, rewarded when Hales jammed a catch to mid on to depart for just eight after a dominant BBL.Swepson’s middle overs, Cutting’s late showMuch as Khawaja and the captain Callum Ferguson tried, the Thunder were unable to build much momentum at all through the middle overs, held back largely by the spin of Swepson and Labuschagne on a surface that gave them just enough assistance. Swepson’s command of changes in pace while bowling a stumps-threatening line was testament to his evolution over recent years. Alex Ross and Daniel Sams were both beaten comprehensively on the back foot to each be lbw, while at the other end Labuschagne tempted Khawaja into a stumping.Mitchell Swepson celebrates with team-mates after dismissing Alex Ross•Getty ImagesAt 8 for 134 with 10 balls remaining, the Thunder were staring at the sort of total they had themselves successfully chased to knock out the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba. Cutting, though, had plenty of reason to be focused against the Heat after a running verbal battle with his former club for much of the season. He was able to find the range of Morkel, cracking one six over midwicket in the 18th over that pinged off the top of the Bradman Stand, then following up with two more telling blows in the 20th. Brendan Doggett chimed in with a couple of boundaries and suddenly the Heat was facing a pursuit closer to 160.Heat regather after initial reversesWhen Joe Denly and then Lynn were dismissed cheaply by the hard new ball, the Heat captain causing scenes of unrestrained jubilation when he miscued Doggett wretchedly to mid off, the game was drifting very much towards the Thunder. Brisbane’s response may in the past have been to panic; certainly that had been a not uncommon occurrence in recent seasons. Instead, Labuschagne and Heazlett took their time, calmly allowing the required rate to drift towards 11 per over but building a base from which to attack.Importantly they did not allow Tanveer Sangha or Chris Green to be as impactful as their Heat counterparts, leaving plenty of overs for the pacemen to bowl in the closing overs. Labuschagne’s exit, to a highly debatable run out decision when it could not reasonably be determined whether the bails had been first dislodged by the ball or Sam Billings’ gloves, looked to be a blow to the chase, but also allowed the busy Peirson to enter the fray with plenty of balls to spare.Heazlett and Peirson bring it homeWhat the calm, “take it deep” attitude of the Heat did was it presented a scenario where the Thunder bowlers could not afford to miss their marks as the overs ran out. Heazlett was by this time well established at the crease, familiar with the pace of the pitch, and able to capitalise with some panache from all the various errors in line and length the Thunder’s pacemen proceeded to serve up. Peirson was as effective himself, their left-right combination helping to bring further errors from the bowlers, with the runs piling up at better than two per ball.There will doubtless be plenty of post-mortems from the Thunder and their coach Shane Bond on why the Sydney side’s bowling fell apart so completely. But the value of set batsmen for the closing stages was writ large across a stand worth 92 from 44 balls, bringing a conclusion that was both dramatic in its turnabout but also remarkable for how much ease the Heat ultimately won with. For Heazlett, given an arguably premature ODI debut in New Zealand as far back as 2017, it was a cathartic performance; demonstrating quality that has seldom been seen on this stage. A light sprinkling of drizzle in these overs made the ball fractionally greasy, aiding Heazlett as he feasted square of the wicket.
West Bromwich Albion supporters would have breathed a major sense of relief after finding out Alex Mowatt had put pen on paper on a new contract to finally commit this future to the Hawthorns, signing a new two-year deal with the Championship outfit.
The good news didn't just stop there, however, with the club also revealing that Kyle Bartley had agreed to stay after fears he'd walk away for nothing had become very real too.
Mowatt staying put could signal the end for one West Brom player though, who has faded into the background owing to recurring injury problems, and has seen his stock take a hit consequently.
Jayson Molumby's time at West Brom
Jayson Molumby hasn't featured in a game for the Baggies since New Year's Day, sidelined with a troubling injury that has even required surgery, with the Irish midfielder's West Brom career hanging in the balance as a result.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion man had made 24 appearances under Corberan last season before pulling up, only picking up one assist from those matches though, with 105 games under his belt in total when he was previously excelling at the second-tier outfit.
With five goals and five assists amassed along the way, it's been an unfortunate and swift decline for the 24-year-old, which could now result in him being pushed towards the exit door soon, especially if he can't wriggle free of being a permanent fixture in the Hawthorns treatment room this forthcoming campaign.
Once on the radar of Leeds United at his prime in the West Midlands, with Carlos Corberan even referring to the Baggies number eight as an "animal" when using him week in week out, West Brom could still sell on Molumby for profit if a suitor was willing to gamble on his services, having purchased him for just £900k from the Seagulls.
Molumby's transfer value at West Brom
Even with setback after setback being thrown his way, Molumby's transfer value, according to Football Transfers, is still higher than that of Mowatt's, despite the former Leeds United man only missing three Championship games all season long.
The Irishman's transfer valuation hasn't taken a significant dent despite his lack of minutes, with his price tag standing at a hefty £2.2m, which makes him a more valuable asset than Mowatt in the current West Brom camp.
In contrast, Molumby's 29-year-old counterpart is worth a lesser £1.5m, despite being a crucial player for Corberan's men last season in their hunt for promotion, with the former Whites man impressively misplacing zero passes in his side's play-off semi-final first-leg stalemate against Southampton.
2024
£2.2m
2023
£3.6m
2022
£900k
Picking up four goals and four assists during the 23/24 campaign once saw Molumby come in as having a worth of £3.6m, as can be seen looking at the table above, with a real concern now that his valuation could continue to plummet, if he finds himself way down the pecking order, even when back at full sharpness.
The 24-year-old could be sold on soon, therefore, particularly when you consider his contract also expires in 2025, meaning they could end up losing him for nothing if they're not careful.
Away from Molumby, Mowatt will no doubt be expected to be a calming and influential presence again next season from a holding role, as the Baggies address their wounds from their play-off disappointment and push for promotion once more.
West Brom hit gold signing gem who's worth more than both Mowatt & Kipre
West Bromwich Albion will be more hopeful that this gem will line up for the Baggies next season.