Nitish Kumar Reddy happy to have already proven his doubters wrong with the bat, but he wants to fill the allrounder’s role better for India

Alagappan Muthu29-Dec-20243:31

Reddy revels in ‘two-three years of hard work’ paying off

Finding ways to defy expectations is something that has brought Nitish Kumar Reddy joy on this tour. He was a relative unknown when he was picked, having played only 21 first-class matches with his best work coming in T20 cricket. Now he has a century at the MCG.”I haven’t given a thought like that, but I know some people doubted me,” the 21-year-old allrounder said at the end of day four. “Like such a youngster who played IPL, who came here, and he can’t perform in such a big series, and I know a lot of people talk about that. I just want to make them feel wrong about what they have said about me, and that’s what I’m doing, I want to make people know that I’m here to give my 100% for Indian team.”Reddy also looked back to the end of day three when, in front of more than 80,000 fans and his team watching from the dugout, he hit Scott Boland down the ground for four to bring up his hundred. He also expressed his thanks to the No. 11 batter Mohammed Siraj for helping him get there by getting through the last three balls of the previous over from Pat Cummins.Related

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“It was such a grateful moment for me, I’ve been watching Virat [Kohli] since childhood and making him as my idol, and grown up, now finally I played with him, he scored a hundred when I was in non-strike [in Perth], I felt so happy, and I scored a hundred when he appreciated me, he came to me and said that you really played well, you get the team back in the game, I felt so happy for that, I always dreamed about this moment, and finally when he talked with me that’s the best moment for me.”And yeah, I don’t know, the crowd went crazy after Siraj’s last ball defence, even my century was not that loud I guess, but I really loved the way Siraj came and approached three balls and I should thank him for making my 100.”Reddy’s strokeplay – particularly down the ground – has been eye-catching but he’s done other little things that have garnered attention as well, like how he tried to negate Australia’s most disciplined bowler by stepping out of his crease.”I would say Boland is a more consistent bowler, and I just want to change his line and length so that it will be easy for me when he is bowling,” Reddy said. “I don’t have to be on my crease, so I can move on a little bit forward and I can adjust to the bowler, that’s what I tried and it’s been working.”Mohammed Siraj did his little bit to help Nitish Kumar Reddy to his hundred•Associated PressHaving arrived in Australia with the India A side in early November, winning his first Test cap in Perth, and top-scoring for India in four innings, it’s been a brilliant start to Reddy’s batting career but he’s conscious that he’s not done enough with his second skill. Reddy has picked up three wickets from four Tests at an average of 49 and economy rate of 4.22.”My expectations [at the start of the tour] was to be a pure allrounder, and I know still I need to work a little bit more on my bowling, I’m still not happy with the way I’m bowling, and I hope that I come back strong in bowling, and I want to fulfil that allrounder slot in the coming days.”I can see my last three years, two years, how hard I have been working on my batting and bowling, obviously fitness is main for me as an allrounder, and I kept pushing myself. After my first IPL season, I realised what I have to improve on my batting, and when I got the off phase [time off], I have worked a lot on my batting and that’s what working now. As I mentioned, it’s not about the one month and two months, but I have done the work from the last two to three years to come here.”

أشاد ليونيل سكالوني مدرب منتخب الأرجنتين بإدارة ريال مدريد وتشابي ألونسو بسبب أحد لاعبي الفريق في الدوري الإسباني بموسمه الأول.

وكان فرانكو ماستانتونو قد انضم لصفوف ريال مدريد قادماً من ريفر بلات الأرجنتيني الصيف الماضي وأثار إعجاب الجميع بأدائه واحترافيته.

وأثيرت تساؤلات حول مدى تأقلم ماستانتونو مع ريال مدريد وكيفية استفادة تشابي ألونسو من خدماته، ويبدو أن المدرب يملك خطة تطوير واضحة للاعب الشاب.

وقال سكالوني في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “الماركا”: “يقدم مدربه وفريقه أداء رائعا معه، يمنحونه كثيرا من وقت اللعب والمشاركة وهو يحسن استغلال ذلك”.

وأضاف :”ماستانتونو شاب يحتاج إلى أن يعامل بالطريقة التي يعامله بها ناديه ونحن نفعل الشيء نفسه”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. سكالوني يوضح موقفه من مشاركة ميسي أمام فنزويلا وديًا

وأكد سكالوني أنه لم يحسم بعد إذا كان ماستانتونو سيشارك في مباراتي الأرجنتين الوديتين ضد فنزويلا وبورتوريكو: “إذا رأينا أنه بحاجة للعب سيشارك، إنه بخير ومتحمس”.

واختتم سكالوني: “أنا متأكد من أنه سيشارك في إحدى المباراتين أو كلاهما، نحن سعداء بإمكانياته، يجب ألا ننسى صغر سنه”.

جدير بالذكر أن ماستانتونو قد عانى من بعض الانزعاج خلال مباراة ريال مدريد وفياريال وتم تشخيص ما تعرض له بأنه شد خفيف في أوتار الركبة، وأكد الجهاز الطبي لريال مدريد أنه من المتوقع مشاركة اللاعب في المباريات الودية للأرجنتين وأن إصابته ليست خطيرة.

In the morning, Jomel Warrican took 7 for 32 but Pakistan had accumulated enough lead by then

Danyal Rasool19-Jan-2025

Well, how do you sum that up? A madcap two sessions of cricket on the third day saw 17 wickets fall. Pakistan lost seven for 48, with Jomel Warrican registering the third-best figures for a visiting bowler in Pakistan. And yet, with half an hour to go for tea, Pakistan’s spinners had wrapped up a 127-run victory, skittling West Indies out for 123 in 36.3 overs to go 1-0 up in the series. Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed were the chief architects, taking nine of West Indies’ ten wickets as the visitors’ challenge appeared to melt away along with the solidity of the playing strip.West Indies had about 15 overs to face before lunch, and Pakistan just about made victory safe in this time. The visitors began with positive intent, having realised that poking and prodding would get them nowhere. It saw them through the first four overs, but as Sajid said yesterday, the strategy was to attack with the ball and defend with the field. Brathwaite employed the slog sweep to good effect so Pakistan had a fielder at deep midwicket, and it was him that the opener picked out to give Pakistan their first breakthrough.With prodigious turn around, especially to the right-hander off the footmarks, the stumps were always in play, and it helped Sajid clean up Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge to reduce West Indies to 37 for 4. Noman Ali, who had surprisingly not opened the bowling from the other end, came into the attack and picked up a wicket on the stroke of lunch when Justin Greaves missed a sweep laden with risk in front of middle stump.Alick Athanaze was the only West Indies batter to score a fifty in the match•PCB

There was plenty of West Indian resistance in the first hour after lunch, most notably from Alick Athanaze, whose half-century – West Indies’ only such contribution all Test – just about kept them alive. Alongside Tevin Imlach first and then Kevin Sinclair, Athanaze worked to give the Pakistan spinners as little as possible. They ditched the belligerent shot-making, and for the first time all Test, Sajid and Noman briefly didn’t look like a huge threat.But the momentum shifted once more when Shan Masood turned to Abrar Ahmed. The slightly different challenge his legspin poses saw a beauty to dismiss Imlach, the ball drifting in and ripping away to take his outside edge. He would also break the next partnership, thanks to some variable bounce and a splendid diving catch at first slip from Salman Agha, before Agha took the regulation catch the following ball to send Gudakesh Motie on his way.By now, West Indies’ resistance had been completely broken. Athanaze missed a straight one from Sajid to leave Pakistan one away, and Abrar put a bow on proceedings as the shot West Indies played often to try to cope on this surface – the high-risk reverse sweep – carried onto the stumps.Jomel Warrican took his career-best 7 for 32•AFP/Getty Images

The omens for this kind of day were there. It began with Pakistan’s best player of spin, Saud Shakeel, falling off the first delivery when he clipped one into short midwicket’s hands. Warrican followed it up with the wicket of Rizwan the following over, and on a pitch where grip and turn became ever more variable, Pakistan’s batters were finding it hard work.Kamran Ghulam had hung around until then, but some extra turn from Warrican drew his outside edge to give Warrican his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. West Indies began to burrow into the tail as Warrican grew in confidence. He varied his pace to trap Noman in front of the stumps as he tried a reverse sweep, before making it seven when Sajid miscued a slog and got an edge to backward point.The ninth wicket did not register directly in Warrican’s account, but it may as well have. Agha prodded one to him on the off side and hared off for a single, but Warrican picked up cleanly and hit the stumps direct, catching Khurram Shahzad well out of his crease. The innings wrapped up when Agha tried to go over the top against Motie, only to find long-off, and Pakistan were all out for 157.On a surface like this, and with the spinners Pakistan have, though, it was still, by some distance, more than enough.

Manchester United have now made contact with the agents of a “wonderful” £100m rising star, who could join after RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Sesko set for Man Utd medical

Man United now look set to win the race for Sesko, despite rival interest from Newcastle United, and Romano has revealed that a deal is edging closer to completion.

In fact, the Slovenia international is now “ready to fly” to England to complete a move to Old Trafford, having struck an agreement on personal terms, with United trying to get the deal over the line as soon as possible.

Should the Red Devils complete a move for Sesko, it will be a huge relief for Ruben Amorim, having chased a new centre-forward throughout the summer, but it is not the only position in which the manager is looking to strengthen.

According to a new update from Romano on X, Man United are also keen to get a new defensive midfielder through the door, having made an approach to the agents of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

After wrapping up the deal for Sesko, United plan to try and bring in a new midfielder, but a deal for Baleba could be difficult, given that he is valued very highly by his current employers.

In fact, transfer expert Graeme Bailey believes the Seagulls could hold out for £100m, adding: “I am told that Brighton are not contemplating a Baleba sale this summer and are not encouraging it either. They are saying he is not for sale.”

"Wonderful" Baleba could take Man Utd's midfield to next level

Man United already have Manuel Ugarte at their disposal in defensive midfield, but the 24-year-old received widespread criticism for his debut season at Old Trafford, and the more experienced Casemiro hasn’t always set the world alight either.

In fact, former Liverpool man Jamie Carragher infamously suggested the Brazilian’s time at the top level is over.

Consequently, it is no surprise that Amorim is looking to bring in a new defensive midfielder this summer, and the Brighton star clearly has what it takes to succeed at Old Trafford, having been lauded by Alan Shearer for a fantastic all-round performance against Manchester City last season.

Shearer said: “He was absolutely wonderful and he just changed the tempo of the game. He changed the performance of Brighton. Not only on the front foot but he did his bit defensively as well and he got wired in which no one really did in the first half.”

With Baleba also placing in the 90th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, and the 85th percentile for blocks, he is evidently a very talented defensive midfielder, but the £100m asking price could be prohibitive.

MatériaMais Notícias

A ação de bandidos que furtaram cabos de rua na região do CT da Barra Funda, zona oeste paulistana, obrigou o São Paulo a adiar a apresentação do atacante Alexandre Pato, marcada para a tarde desta segunda-feira (29).

Segundo o clube, toda a região foi afetada, ficando sem sinal de TV, telefone e internet por toda a manhã. O LANCE! apurou com a Polícia Militar que os serviços seriam reestabelecidos no decorrer do dia. De acordo com a corporação, a ação criminosa ocorreu na Avenida Marquês de São Vicente, onde fica o CT, durante a madrugada. O caso será investigado pelo 7º DP (Lapa), onde foi registrado.

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Ainda de acordo com a Polícia Civil, é o 14º registro desse tipo de ocorrência na região só neste mês.

Pato será apresentado agora oficialmente como nova contratação são-paulina nesta terça-feira (30). O atacante terá sua terceira passagem pelo Morumbi. E a expectativa é grande entre os torcedores para saber quando acontecerá sua reestreia. Mas projetar uma data não é o que acontecerá com o técnico Dorival Júnior.

Nos vestiários após a vitória de virada por 2 a 1 sobre o Goiás na noite deste sábado (27), no Morumbi, resultado que levou a equipe para o G4 do Campeonato Brasileiro, o comandante tricolor disse que o trabalho para que o experiente jogador de 33 recupere uma forma física adequada para poder entrar em campo será árduo.

– Temos que ter tranquilidade com o Alexandre. Ele está iniciando o primeiro treinamento depois de meses e meses buscando recuperação física. Não contem tão já, mas não teremos tão rápido, vamos acompanhar o processo de informações dele, trocando ideias com Alexandre, fisiologia. Ele é diferenciado, concentrado, recuperado e focado, não tenho dúvidas que será muito importante. Pela identificação também, foram passagens importantes.

Conforme o LANCE! revelou no dia 20 de abril, Pato e Tricolor encaminharam um contrato de produtividade para que o atacante de 33 anos defenda o Tricolor pelo menos até o final do ano. Há cláusula que permite a renovação por mais uma temporada.

A notícia animou, acima de tudo, o elenco são-paulino. Fontes confidenciaram à reportagem que Alisson e Nestor, respectivamente camisas 7 e 11 do Tricolor, ofereceram seus números para serem usados pelo provável novo reforço do clube e se propuseram a trocar a numeração.

Completamente ambientado, Pato, de 33 anos, já é tratado como um colega de grupo pelos jogadores. E segundo pessoas do dia-a-dia no CT, tem um papel de liderança e confiança, principalmente entre os mais jovens.

O final feliz já se desenrolava para as partes. Isso porque Pato sempre deixou claro nos bastidores que seu objetivo é atuar pelo São Paulo. Fator esse que o fez recusar sondagens de diversos clubes, como Santos, Cuiabá, Coritiba, Fluminense e Fortaleza.

A reportagem apurou que o anúncio oficial do retorno do jogador ao Morumbi só não aconteceu ao término da última janela de transferências, no final do mês passado, por conta de dois empecilhos: questões burocráticas envolvendo as luvas a que Pato ganharia e também um período extra de 20 dias necessários para que ele se recupere por completo da cirurgia realizada no ano passado e que o levou a buscar o Reffis em fevereiro para readquirir a melhor forma física.

Importante ressaltar que por estar parado desde novembro do ano passado, quando rescindiu contrato com o Orlando City, dos EUA, Pato poderia ser contratado e inscrito normalmente pelo clube para as disputas do Campeonato Brasileiro e Copa do Brasil. Na Sul-Americana, o jogador só poderia atuar a partir do mata-mata.

Ficou na cabeça dos dirigentes a imagem de um Pato cooperativo durante os episódios, que conversou com os atletas protagonistas das polêmicas, passou confiança aos mais jovens, mais participativo, enfim, mesmo sem nenhum vínculo formal com o clube.

O atacante, por exemplo, teve papel fundamental em episódios como o caso Pedrinho e a briga entre o antigo técnico Rogério Ceni e o meia-atacante Marcos Paulo, quando conversou com os dois e procurou tranquilizar o restante do plantel.

Segundo oL!apurou, Pato e Dorival possuem um trato bem próximo. É normal que o técnico passe um tempo conversando com o jogador, mesmo durante os treinos. É um tipo de experiencia que o comandante são-paulino espera ter dentro do plantel.

O atacante teve passagens no clube do Morumbi entre 2013 e 2015, e retornou em 2019, deixando a equipe em agosto de 2020. Somando suas duas passagens pelo time, disputou 136 jogos, com 47 gols marcados e 18 assistências. É onde garante ter sido mais feliz no futebol, feito que o fez até mesmo abrir mão de quantia milionária devida pelo Tricolor. E que garante a terceira temporada de uma novela em que os personagens parecem, de fato, terem nascido um para o outro.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão

+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados do Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan wrestled for the advantage on a fast-paced day of Test cricket in Bulawayo, with the hosts only slightly ahead.Two-hundred-and-eighty-three runs were scored and 13 wickets fell on the second day where the momentum see-sawed between the two teams, leaving the Test delicately poised.Resuming from 6 for 0 after bowling Afghanistan out for 157 on a rain-hit first day, Zimbabwe were in early trouble thanks to a top-order collapse. But half-centuries from Craig Ervine (75) and Sikandar Raza (61) and a knock of equal value from an injured Sean Williams (49) saw Zimbabwe take an 86-run lead – one that was significant given the difficult nature of the pitch.Zimbabwe then removed three Afghanistan batters – with Blessing Muzarabani accounting for two – to end the day 40 runs ahead, while Afghanistan have just seven wickets in hand to try and set up a challenging target.There was enough in the pitch for bowlers in the morning and Zimbabwe started off showing a lot of discipline. But Joylord Gumbie’s patience didn’t last long as he edged Fareed Ahmad as Abdul Malik took a good low catch at second slip.Yamin Ahmadzai then had Takudzwanashe Kaitano strangled down the leg side to make it two wickets in two overs.Just as Ben Curran started to gather momentum with a couple of boundaries off both Afghanistan quicks, Fareed trapped him with front with an in-ducker, with Curran playing down the wrong line.Afghanistan applied instant pressure on Zimbabwe’s No. 5 Dion Myers, who was promoted because Williams was nursing a back injury from Thursday. With a catching mid-on in place, Myers opted to hit his way out of trouble. He lofted Ahmadzai down the ground for a boundary, but nicked off trying to cut a short and wide one to leave Afghanistan on 41 for 4.It could have been five down next ball when Fareed drew the outside edge from Raza – who was on seven – only to see a regulation catch go down at first slip. The drop from Riaz Hassan proved expensive. Raza got going with consecutive boundaries off Ahmadzai – an elegant on-drive followed by a cut through point.Raza and Ervine soon added 71 for the fourth wicket, mostly relying on singles, while Raza came up with the occasional boundary. Raza, playing his first Test since 2021, brought up his fifty by driving Rashid Khan through the covers for two in the second over after lunch.In the next over, Raza had another slice of luck as he miscued a pull to deep square leg’s left, but Ismat Alam let the ball slip through his hands, much to Fareed’s frustration for the second time in the day.Sikandar Raza steadied Zimbabwe after an early collapse•Zimbabwe Cricket

However, Raza could only add eight more runs to his total as Hashmatullah Shahidi brought Zia-ur-Rahman into the attack. Rashid changed ends, and Raza ended up missing a sweep the first ball he faced against the left-arm spinner.Rashid also looked sharper from the other end, and soon had Brian Bennett caught behind off the inside edge with a wrong’un. It did the trick again for Rashid as he knocked over Newman Nyamhuri.Zimbabwe were still ten runs behind Afghanistan’s first-innings total and Williams, coming out to bat at No. 9, and Ervine pulled Rashid and Ahmadzai respectively for two boundaries in the next two overs to take Zimbabwe into the lead.With Williams struggling with his back, Ahmadzai targeted him with short balls and nearly created a caught-and-bowled opportunity in the 52nd over, but the ball fell short. One ball later, Williams took on another short ball and crashed it through midwicket, but also went down on a knee holding his back in the process.Williams then decided to go on the attack, lofting Rashid over mid-on before driving Ahmadzai past mid-off twice in an over. In Ahmadzai’s next over, Williams slogged him for back-to-back boundaries. Ervine, who was happy to play second fiddle at the other end, reached his half-century in the final over before tea.Zimbabwe started positively in the final session, with Williams hitting Zia over mid-off for his fourth boundary in the second over after tea. But in the next over, Rashid got a wrong’un to spin away as Williams looked to turn it leg side. There was barely any audible noise but Rashid was loud in his appeal for caught behind. The umpire however, was unconvinced, but Williams, batting on 49, walked.”Obviously the medical staff have been working really hard to get him on the park today, they did a magnificent job there, and we’re going to have to continue to do that,” Zimbabwe coach Justin Sammons spoke after the day’s play about Williams’ back issue.”It’s going to be tough, he’s in a lot of pain, but he showed tremendous courage to go out there and he showed what he’s about and what it means to him to play for Zimbabwe. You can see that in the way he goes about his business.”I can’t look too far ahead, obviously we take it step by step with him. We’re just going to try to get him into the best physical state we can as we move forward in this Test.”Ervine tried to the strike once play resumed after a brief rain break, but Ngarava convinced his captain to take a single off the second ball of the 71st over but was knocked over by an Ahmadzai length ball that stayed low.Ervine took Rashid on in the next over, first coming down the pitch to loft him down the ground and then slogging him over square leg for back-to-back sixes.However, another attempt at a slog sweep in Rashid’s next over saw Ervine hole out at deep-backward square leg. Zimbabwe now had an 86-run first-innings lead.Afghanistan’s second innings had a frantic start. Abdul Malik flashed at a full delivery and edged it to gully where Curran dropped him, before a vociferous appeal for caught behind from Ngarava, who got the ball close to Malik’s outside edge, was turned down.In the next over, Muzarabani drew a leading edge from Malik, with the ball popping to mid-on. In the eighth over, Muzarabani struck again, when he had Hassan Riaz edging behind to make it 18 for 2.Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, double-centurions in the last match, then tried to stave off the bowlers, but Raza gave Zimbabwe a late boost with a lovely offbreak that drifted in to pitch on middle before turning away past the outside edge and crashing into off stump, removing the Afghanistan captain in the penultimate over of the day.

Newcastle United suffered a late defeat to Liverpool on Monday as Rio Ngumoha scored on his debut to make it 3-2. However, the loss of that point is only the second biggest problem to come out of the game for Eddie Howe.

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It looks certain that four of Monday’s starting 11 will be unavailable for their next Premier League fixture against Leeds on Saturday, as Anthony Gordon was sent off for a late challenge on Virgil Van Dijk and is currently facing a three-game suspension.

The other three absences are all injuries, with Fabian Schar having to be taken off due to a concussion. He is the most likely of the four to be available for the Leeds match, but that will depend on his recovery over the coming days.

The bigger injuries were suffered by midfield duo Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. Tonali had to be removed due to an apparent shoulder injury, and Joelinton followed ten minutes later with a muslce problem.

Post-match, Howe was asked about both injuries and said it “doesn’t look good” and “they both look threatening for us in the sense they could be out for a while”. Due to this, Newcastle are considering drastic action in the transfer market and bringing in a replacement midfielder in the final few days of the window.

Newcastle one of six Premier League teams considering Gallagher

Newcastle are considering signing Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher as a replacement for the injured Tonali and Joelinton. Graeme Bailey of TBR Football spoke about a number of teams showing interest in Gallagher but told fans “don’t rule out Newcastle” and “keep an eye on Newcastle”.

Gallagher appears to have been on Newcastle’s radar prior to this week but their interest has intensified following the injuries. How much Atlético would want for the 25-year-old is currently unknown, but they paid £33 million for him last summer.

On the personal side of things, Gallagher is reportedly on just over £150,000 a week, and Newcastle have a working relationship with his agency, Elite Management Agency, as they also represent centre-back Dan Burn.

Gallagher is receiving interest from multiple clubs hoping to bring him back to the Premier League before the transfer window ends – Newcastle and Everton currently look the most likely to make a move, but West Ham, Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Manchester United are all also considering the England midfielder.

Gallagher can ease long term depth concerns

While several clubs are interested in signing Gallagher, they’re all looking to replace slightly different midfielders. It speaks to his versatility that the six different clubs see him as a potential solution to their problems.

Manchester United and Tottenham are considering Gallagher as a typical defensive midfielder, with Tottenham considering him if Yves Bissouma moves on. Last season, he was in the top 15% of players for defensive recoveries and tackle success rate, making him more than capable of breaking up play and supporting the defence.

Crystal Palace may be looking at Gallagher as a replacement for Eberechi Eze following his move to Arsenal, in which case, he would be a far more attacking signing. During his season on loan at Crystal Palace, Gallagher registered 13 goal involvements in 39 games, demonstrating his attacking acumen when properly utilised.

Newcastle’s typical midfield of Joelinton, Tonali and Bruno Guimarães are all players who can perform both defensively and offensively. With various suitors wanting Gallagher for both of these attributes, it makes him the perfect replacement if it turns out that both injuries are long-term, also providing depth behind all three when the trio are fit and firing.

After a challenging 2024/25 campaign that saw Manchester City finish third, a distant 13 points behind champions Liverpool, Pep Guardiola knows something must change in midfield.

Kevin De Bruyne’s exit on a free transfer has left a creative hole that no one has yet been able to fill.

City moved last summer to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon for £30m, but the Frenchman is yet to pull on a shirt in the Premier League.

Lucas Paquetá, so heavily linked with City last year, seemed a logical solution before allegations of betting rule breaches halted a potential move.

Although Paquetá has since been cleared and is reportedly available for £30m, City’s attention appears to have shifted.

According to reports from Spain last week, they are now considering a bid for a 22-year-old midfielder, already being dubbed by many as the new Andres Iniesta.

Why Man City could be chasing the new Iniesta

Fermin López is a graduate of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy – the same finishing school that honed teammates Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri.

After Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Sevilla in 2023, Planet Football described López as “an Iniesta regen,” while respected talent scout Jacek Kulig labelled him a “genius.”

Those comparisons are not unfounded. López is technically sublime, boasting a silky first touch, a powerful engine, and an uncanny sense of space.

Last season, he played 46 games for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing ten assists.

That kind of production is impressive, particularly for a player who only started eight matches in the league.

He thrives as an advanced midfielder but can also operate off the left wing, where his sharp movement and awareness of space can be especially dangerous.

His influence extends beyond club football.

López was a central figure in Spain’s Olympic gold medal win last summer, starting every match and finishing with six goals and two assists in six.

Barcelona, however, are reluctant to let him go.

While his contract is valid until 2029 with a colossal €500m buy-out clause, reports suggest the Catalan club might listen to serious offers around £52m.

Given Barcelona’s well-documented financial issues, City could sense an opportunity to secure a player uniquely suited to Guardiola’s system.

Why Lopez could be Pep’s new midfield maestro

A deeper dive into López’s metrics makes a persuasive case for why City are so interested.

Transfer Focus

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

Statistically, according to FBref, he ranks in the 95th percentile for assists per 90 (0.42) and the 91st percentile for non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.39).

This is a player who doesn’t just move the ball well; he directly contributes to scoring opportunities and even finishes them himself.

His pass completion rate of 82.2% (88th percentile) suggests composure under pressure, while his progressive passing numbers are also strong – 4.96 progressive passes per 90, ranking in the 74th percentile.

Crucially, he ranks in the 91st percentile for passes into the final third per 90 (4.12), reflecting a player capable of breaking lines and unpicking compact defences.

López is active beyond just attacking numbers.

His involvement is consistent, with 59.33 touches per 90 (84th percentile), and he offers defensive contributions with 4.65 ball recoveries per 90 (80th percentile), which is crucial to Guardiola’s counter-pressing approach.

These figures paint the picture of a complete midfielder who can contribute on both sides of the ball, matching City’s demands for work rate, positional intelligence, and technical skill.

In profile, López is similar to other multi-functional, creative players like Dani Olmo, Jamal Musiala, or Michael Olise.

He can carry the ball, link short combinations, and accelerate the game when needed.

That hybrid skillset is precisely what Guardiola values most – someone who can help dominate possession but also break lines and score goals.

For City, Fermín López could represent a long-term successor to De Bruyne. The Belgian’s departure has left a gap not just in terms of output but in leadership and a sense of decisive creativity.

López, with his La Masia education and fearless big-game mentality, could inherit that responsibility.

There are still elements to refine – he will need to adjust to the Premier League’s speed and physicality – but his technical base gives him a solid platform.

Of course, the question is whether Barcelona will really cash in.

The club remains under financial pressure, which means a serious bid from City could get their attention despite the €500m release clause.

And with López under contract until 2029, it may take persuasive negotiations, and a hefty offer, to bring him to the Etihad.

While the Paquetá rumours have resurfaced thanks to his clearance, City fans may be more excited by the idea of López: younger, and with a trajectory that mirrors some of Spain’s most legendary midfielders.

If Pep Guardiola does get his wish, Manchester City supporters could soon be watching a player built in the image of Iniesta, but wearing sky blue.

Do Celtic lack attacking firepower?

So far, Brendan Rodgers’ side have started the Premiership campaign with two wins out of two, albeit they’ve been made to work hard for these victories, requiring a late Luke McCowan strike to overcome St Mirren 1-0, before a 2-0 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Only once since 2012 have the Hoops scored three goals or fewer across their opening two league fixtures, doing so in 2018, albeit they did then demolish Falkirk 4-1 in the League Cup on Friday night.

Nevertheless, ahead of Wednesday night’s season-defining Champions League play-off against Kairat at Parkhead, supporters are concerned that Rodgers’ squad lacks the top-end talent to compete at European level.

With that in mind, could the Scottish champions sign a “world-class” striker, available on a free, that Rodgers knows rather well?

Celtic's need for attacking reinforcements

Since Rodgers returned to Celtic two summers ago, nine players have scored ten or more goals for the club, of whom four are no longer there, namely Kyōgo Furuhashi (31 goals), Nicolas Kühn (24), Matt O’Riley (19) and Luis Palma (10).

Adam Idah is on that list with 29 goals, second only to Daizen Maeda in the current squad, but the Republic of Ireland international is yet to get off the mark this season, with his compatriot Johnny Kenny given the nod on Friday night.

Following a fruitful loan spell, Idah’s move to Glasgow was made permanent for a humongous fee of £9.5m, but he has largely flattered to deceive since, so could Celtic target an upgrade during the remaining weeks of the transfer window?

Well, according to a report by the Scottish Sun, Rodgers ‘would love’ Celtic to sign free agent Jamie Vardy this summer.

They claim that the 38-year-old has ‘his heart set’ on a move to Parkhead, adding that the England international is a ‘model professional’ who ‘believes he can play week in week out’ at the highest level for another two years at least.

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

So, will the Vardy party relocate from the East Midlands to Glasgow’s East End?

What Jamie Vardy would bring to Celtic

Earlier this year, Vardy waved goodbye to Leicester City after 13 years with the Foxes, during which time he won a Premier League title and the FA Cup.

He marked his final appearance for the club with a goal against Southampton, thereby bowing out with 200 goals in exactly 500 appearances, very satisfying for fans of symmetry.

Overall, Vardy netted nine times in the Premier League last season, a more than respectable feat for a generally woeful Leicester team, this representing 36% of their total goals.

However, as documented below, it is Vardy’s exploits during the Foxes’ promotion-winning campaign from the EFL Championship the year before that provide the biggest cause for optimism.

Goals

18

5th

Goals inside the box

18

3rd

Shots

53

51st

Shots on target %

50.9%

9th

Goals-per-shot

0.26

5th

Average shot distance

11.4 yards

1st*

Big chances missed

16

7th

Offsides

17

19th

Average Sofascore rating

7.02

14th**

*minimum 44 shots. **among strikers only.

As the table outlines, in the Championship, Vardy was prolific; the fact all 18 of his goals were scored inside the penalty area underlines his penalty-box poacher style of play, as does the fact his average shot distance was just 11.4 yards, so round about the penalty spot.

Also, impressively, these goals were scored from only 53 total shots, squandering a mere 16 Opta-defined big chances, emphasising that he still possesses that clinical edge.

Worth also noting that, according to Global Football Rankings, the EFL Championship is the seventh-best league in the world, while the Scottish Premiership is down in 27th, further suggesting Vardy would score goals for a dominant team in Scotland.

When the pair were together at Leicester, following a Premier League win over Arsenal in October 2020, Rodgers labelled Vardy a “world-class striker”, while then-Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy described him as a “living legend” prior to his Foxes farewell.

So, would he represent an upgrade on Idah?

Well, the Irishman did score 20 goals across all competitions last season, but his highest-ever total in an EFL Championship campaign was six, exponentially fewer than Vardy.

So far this season, starting both Premiership fixtures against St Mirren and Aberdeen, Idah has had five shots but missed three big chances, yet to find the back of the net and failing to make much impact, which has to be a concern with tougher tests to come.

Thus, it is clear that Vardy would score goals at Premiership level, and in Europe too, so signing the Englishman appears to be a no-brainer.

Forrest upgrade: Celtic "pursuing" deal to sign "exciting" £5m star

Celtic are reportedly interested in a deal to sign a winger who would be an upgrade on James Forrest.

1 ByDan Emery Aug 18, 2025

Ange Postecoglou was satisfied with Nottingham Forest's progress since Arsenal defeat and Swansea collapse despite a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Burnley. The contest had all the hallmarks of a relegation six-pointer, with both sides desperate for points, but Forest were left licking their wounds after surrendering a lead.

Burnley bite back leaves forest frustrated

Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony struck the killer blow, cancelling out Forest’s opener and stretching Postecoglou’s unwanted drought to nine Premier League matches without a victory. For a man who has lifted silverware in Australia, Japan, Scotland, and even England, this marks the longest barren spell of his career in top-flight management.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAnge looks for progress not perfection

Despite the disappointment of dropping points, Postecoglou remained upbeat when speaking afterwards. The Australian was keen to underline the strides his side have made since last weekend’s 3-0 hammering at Arsenal and their midweek League Cup implosion against Swansea.

"It is always a tough game here," Postecoglou told . "From seven days ago from when we played Arsenal, we look a different team and we saw elements of that on Wednesday night too. I am disappointed but, at the same time, the progress in our play is the most positive thing for me."

Keeper heroics deny forest breakthrough

Forest carved out enough opportunities to win two matches, but a stubborn Burnley shot-stopper stood firm. Time after time, clear openings were created only to be smothered or tipped wide, leaving the visitors wondering how they hadn’t returned to Nottingham with three precious points. For Postecoglou, the problem wasn’t a lack of creativity but a lapse in concentration that allowed Burnley to grow into the game.

"We lost a certain amount of control but disappointed we didn't take all three points," he said. "We had a couple of sloppy moments and it allowed them to get a bit of traction in the game. We still created enough chances to win the game."

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Getty Images SportEuropean memories keep spirits alive

Next up is a trip back to Postecoglou’s comfort zone: the Europa League. Forest lock horns with Real Betis in midweek, giving the Australian a chance to end his winless streak in the competition he knows best. He has three seasons of experience in the tournament, most recently guiding Tottenham to European glory before his shock sacking in June, barely two weeks after lifting the trophy. Now, with Forest, he has the chance to remind the football world that his pedigree on the continental stage still matters.

"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "It'll be great for this group of players. I have three years of experience in the Europa League. Last year went well but it'll be great for these players."

For now, it’s progress without pay-off, promise without prizes. But if Postecoglou’s faith in his project holds true, Forest’s story could yet turn from frustration to revival.