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Chelsea appear to have wrapped up a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed that the Blues have an agreement in place to sign the player for £30m.

It could be a shrewd piece of business for the Stamford Bridge outfit, especially as they needed another centre-forward.

Enzo Maresca is also targeting a defender or two when the transfer window opens. With this in mind, it appears as though a Dutch talent is being earmarked for a move to London.

Chelsea in talks to sign new defender

Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed that the Blues have enquired about a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite regarding a summer move.

Elsewhere, he stated that Chelsea are “advancing on talks” for Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, with the Blues ideally wanting to bring in two new defenders, ahead of next season.

Hato could cost the club £46m should negotiations go smoothly. On the surface, this certainly looks like a wonderful bargain given his age and potential for growth.

Champions League football next season should also be an enticement for the Dutchman.

Comfortable at playing either centre-back or left-back, Maresca will likely utilise the Ajax gem as his starting left-back. If so, he could be the club’s next Ashley Cole.

Why Chelsea must sign Jorrel Hato

Cole is arguably one of the finest left-backs that England have produced. Across eight seasons with the Blues, Cole racked up 337 appearances, winning the Champions League and Premier League with the club.

Excellent at bombing forward and creating chances for his teammates, while also offering plenty of defensive qualities, which contributed to him becoming arguably the “best” left-back in Premier League history, as per his former Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2013/14

26

0

2

2012/13

51

1

5

2011/12

48

0

9

2010/11

48

0

4

2009/10

35

4

5

2008/09

49

1

3

2007/08

41

1

2

2006/07

39

0

4

Hato – who talent scout Jacek Kulig has described as the “complete full-back” – exudes plenty of the same sort of qualities, and he would be a worthy heir to the Englishman, that’s for sure.

Going forward, the 19-year-old registered eight goal involvements, created six big chances and averaged 0.6 key passes per game in the Eredivisie last season.

Defensively, Hato helped Ajax keep 11 clean sheets in the league, while also winning 52% of his total duels, making 1.9 tackles and recovering 4.2 balls per game.

On this evidence, Hato – who has been dubbed “immense” by Kulig – could be a wise signing for Maresca this summer, especially as he could be a long-term option on the left side of the defence.

When compared to his peers across the men’s next 14 competitions, the teenager ranks in the top 1% for pass completion percentage (89.4%) per 90, along with ranking in the top 12% for aerial duels won (1.77) and the top 11% for touches in the attacking penalty area (2.33) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

No one will ever replace the genius of Cole, but in Hato, Chelsea can bring in a player who is still a few years away from being at his very best.

Still, he has the potential to become one of the best full-backs on the continent. For just £46m, Maresca could make a stunning signing.

He's better than Delap: Chelsea make enquiry to sign "world-class" striker

Chelsea appear to be making a move for another striker despite the links to Liam Delap.

ByEthan Lamb May 30, 2025

Chelsea are working on a “behind-the-scenes” deal for a former Man City gem who’s also being targeted by Premier League champions Liverpool, according to a former club chief.

Chelsea targeting new striker and winger this summer

As per credible media sources, Chelsea are in the market for a new wide player and striker this summer.

Chelsea set to hold talks with star forward who Juventus are "prioritising"

The west Londoners could spoil Juve’s main transfer plan.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025

Supporters will be especially eager for BlueCo to bring in a prolific number nine, given Nicolas Jackson has bagged just one Premier League goal this calendar year, while Christopher Nkunku is also expected to leave Chelsea.

They’ve been targeting RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, Lille star Jonathan David, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen, according to Sky Sports, but some of these names will be in high demand at other elite European sides.

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Chelsea must also think of their Club World Cup campaign, as they could bring home a financial windfall of around £97 million if they win all of their group games and the tournament itself (BBC).

Stamford Bridge officials will be keen for Enzo Maresca’s side to perform well in the tournament, and the club will have a special early transfer window to utilise if they wish to reinforce the squad in time for the CWC, which will open from June 1st to June 10th.

The Blues also wish to require a new winger, amid the rumoured uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho’s long-term futures.

There are reports that Chelsea could even offer Sancho in a separate swap deal for key target Jamie Gittens, who’s enjoyed an impressive 2024/2025 campaign at Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea working on "behind-the-scenes" deal for Jamie Gittens

However, according to ex-Man United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, Chelsea face competition from Liverpool in pursuit of the English sensation.

That being said, Brown hears Chelsea are working on a “behind-the-scenes” deal for Gittens, as they look to get in ahead of Arne Slot’s side.

“Chelsea look like they could have another busy window,” said Brown. “Maresca wants to sign a new winger because there are questions about where he sees Madueke and Sancho in his plans for the future. One name who has been on their radar for a while is Jamie Gittens.

“Lots of teams had the opportunity to sign him when he left Man City a few years ago, but he ended up making the move to Germany. After the season he’s had for Dortmund, there are a lot of teams in for him.

“He’s come into the team and has been playing regularly, so teams have been assessing him and I expect him to move back to England. Liverpool are one of those teams I’ve heard have been having a look, but I think the interest from Chelsea is a bit more advanced.

“From what I hear, they’ll be working on that deal behind the scenes and they’re aiming to get ahead of teams like Liverpool to sign him.”

The 20-year-old has racked up 12 goals and five assists in 45 total appearances for Dortmund this season, becoming a mainstay for both Nuri Şahin and Niko Kovač, and it appears Gittens fits Chelsea’s transfer mould of a young, exciting player with bags of potential. He’s also valued at just £35 million, so his signing wouldn’t exactly break the bank.

Because of the slower pace of the game, big, banana swing is far more common in the women’s game, almost defining its entire vocabulary

Sidharth Monga03-Oct-2024Cricket balls swing. Swing makes the game richer. It might be the least challenging of the movements bowlers access, but visually it is arguably the most spectacular. It occurs over a longer trajectory than seam and turn off the surface, and it is quicker and higher in degree than the subtle drift and dip of the spinner. Extra swing is among the first things that stand out in women’s cricket.Think Shikha Pandey’s inswinger going as wide as the wide guideline at one point before ducking back in to take the top of Alyssa Healy’s off and middle stump, or this hypnotic highlight reel of Megan Schutt hooping the ball in again and again.Cricket balls swing more in women’s cricket. This is not just a visual impression created by the many reels and Twitter videos we see of the banana swing in women’s cricket. Data backs what we see. We compared swing in all T20 cricket in the year 2023 in both men’s and women’s cricket. The median swing in men’s cricket was 0.54 degrees, but in women’s cricket it was 0.74 degrees. That is not a small difference.It is natural that the ball should swing more in women’s cricket. Rabindra Mehta, a NASA scientist who once shared the new ball with Imran Khan at school, has spent a significant amount of his time studying swing. A “side force” makes the ball swing, Mehta has written in his papers, which is generated because of a pressure difference between the two sides of the ball split by a seam that is not wobbling or wobbling very little.Mehta’s experiments have shown the maximum side force is generated when the ball is bowled at 112.65kph, the seam is tilted at 20 degrees, and the backspin on the ball is 11 revolutions per second. Some later papers suggest 108kph generates the maximum swing. About half the deliveries bowled in women’s T20 cricket in 2023 were between 100 and 110kmph, and 21% in the 110-120 band.There are other factors such as height and time in the air. Mehta once contended how in the 2007 men’s ODI World Cup final, Chaminda Vaas didn’t find swing but Nathan Bracken in the same match did because Vaas didn’t release the ball “in the optimum altitude”. Because of the slower pace in women’s cricket, the ball spends more time in the air.Related

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Rabindra Mehta: The science of swing bowling (2018)

As a combination of more time in the air and the ideal side force, both because of the slower pace compared to the men’s game, women’s cricket is the ideal playground for swing. Or at least conventional swing. Old-ball swing is slightly complicated. For the sake of convenience, we call all old-ball swing reverse swing these days. The literal reverse swing needs a tilted seam and high pace that women, at least so far, don’t ever hit. Contrast swing, though, is achievable at their pace with an upright seam provided the ball is ready. There is hardly any time for this to happen in limited-overs cricket, and women play so few Tests that there is hardly any contrast swing of note.Now we need to make ourselves a little less comfortable about our trust in what we think we see. The casual, almost unanimous assertion is that women swing the ball predominantly into the right-hand batter. Pandey, whose inswinger to Healy got dubbed the ball of the century by many including Wasim Jaffer, is the first one to dispel the notion despite being an inswing bowler herself.”I don’t really agree that there are only inswing bowlers,” Pandey tells ESPNcricinfo. “There are a lot of outswing bowlers as well. Shabnim Ismail, for example, is a seam bowler, but she does get the ball to swing out. Marizanne Kapp is someone else who swings the ball both in and out. Katherine Brunt used to get nice shape out. Towards the later part of her career only, she learnt how to get the ball to come in, but that was very subtle, not banana swing. So probably what you’re trying to say is banana inswing.”As a kid growing up, my bowling action was such that my hand was very close to my knee. I didn’t use to get that big inswing when I started. But then I realised that in domestic circuit, the ball coming in was the one that was fetching me wickets. So subconsciously my action became more and more inswing-friendly because I was getting wickets. And at that age you were not really thinking about anything else, you’re just thinking about the results.”Shikha Pandey: “Subconsciously my action became more and more inswing-friendly because I was getting wickets”•Annesha GhoshWhen Pandey made it to international cricket, she realised within a year that just big booming inswing was not going to cut it. People began to take the off-stump guard and cover the stumps by getting outside of the line. Bowled and lbw were almost out of the picture. She started to work on the ball that straightens, and now has that variation, which basically uses angles on the crease and slight technical adjustments.The point is, there are enough outswing bowlers in women’s cricket too. “Look at the current scenario,” Pandey says. “In India there is Pooja Vastrakar, who bowls outswing and wobble-seam to bring the ball in. Renuka Thakur is mostly inswing. In England, Lauren Bell inswinger, Natalie Sciver mostly seam bowler. Kate Cross again, wobble seam to get the ball to come in, otherwise she gets the ball to shape out.”In Australia, Megan Schutt inswinger. Darcie Brown is a tearaway bowler, genuine outswinger, doesn’t swing the ball in at all. Tayla Vlaemink is fast, 125ks, doesn’t need swing. Kim Garth, again, genuine outswinger, but has worked on the wobble-seam delivery. South Africa, Shabnim is now retired, but as I said she bowled beautiful outswing. Marizanne gets the ball to move both ways in the air. Ayabonga Khaka is an inswinger.”Preliminary data – just counting the number of bowlers of each kind – seems to suggest there is a much more even split of inswing and outswing in women’s cricket than widely assumed. We dig deeper. The following bell curve suggests no partiality towards inswing. If anything, the peak of the graph tells us the likeliest ball we are to see in women’s cricket is a small outswinger. Minuses are outswing for the right-hand batter, pluses are inswing. It probably is indeed true that we have let highlight reels cloud our opinion here.ESPNcricinfo LtdIn India, though, inswing bowlers are easier to find. Krithika Venkatesan, talent scout at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, says young bowlers are mostly inswing bowlers, and they tend to run the risk of getting injured when trained to add outswing to their arsenal.Beyond the visual appeal, though, the extra swing and everything that comes with it has a significant impact on almost the whole vocabulary of women’s cricket. Almost everything in fast bowling is described in relation to good length. For men, we all tend to agree that a good length is a pitching point from where the ball can hit the top of the stumps.This hack doesn’t quite work for women. The height of the stumps is 0.71m. On average, in 2023, men hit that height when the ball bounced 6-7m from the stumps. It is consistent with what we have largely agreed upon in men’s cricket: 6-7m from the stumps is good length, 7-8m is the hard length, and 5-6m the aggressive good length. For women to hit the top of the stumps, they have to pitch in the 7-8m band, closer to 8 than 7. Now, at their pace, against batters of shorter stature, if they bowl that length, it gives batters enough time to play off the back foot.Women, thus, have to operate more on the literal definition of good length: one where a batter is not close to the pitch of the ball if they play forward, and hurried if they go back. So everything gets pushed a metre fuller in women’s cricket.Women’s cricket uses a smaller ball and shorter boundaries, but the pitch and the stumps remain the same. It becomes a completely different sport. Women fast bowlers have to bowl fuller. And because they swing it more, fast bowlers train to bowl a 4-5.5m length, and then adjust to the given conditions. Now this sounds a little too ambitious, but they believe the movement brings in jeopardy. A drive even slightly on the up comes with risk. Nor do women batters charge at the quicks as often as men do.Some coaches believe that batters’ hitting technique has far more room for improvement in women’s cricket than the bowling. It is evident in how bowling slow rollers is not good enough in women’s cricket anymore as batters have learnt to generate their own power into shots.In T20 cricket in 2023, women fast bowlers bowled 12.48% of their deliveries in the 4-5m zone. Men went into the aggressive 5-6m good length only 9.61% of the time. Women extracted better results from 5-8m lengths before the shorter balls started going for more runs. These are not great trends for their optimism. The batters will still keep unlocking their hitting prowess; how bowlers catch up is something to keep an eye on.

Since the 2019 World Cup, Pakistan have scored at less than five an over in the first powerplay – and another such showing very nearly cost them against Netherlands

Danyal Rasool17-Aug-2022In this age of suffocating scrutiny for elite athletes, it is unsurprising most of them perpetually have their guard up, allowing no emotion and barely any candour to slip through. Any signs of weakness may be exploited by opponents, so most opt for mundane, media-trained answers in a predictably formulaic way, such that almost all public interactions meld into one.Pakistan captain Babar Azam, as his responsibilities and public profile have exploded, has picked up this art particularly skilfully, his defensive guard off the pitch almost as impregnable as it is on it. But even then, his first comment after Pakistan sealed a somewhat nervy 16-run win in the first ODI against Netherlands in Rotterdam saw a rare slip of that shield.”Definitely,” he replied when asked at the post-match conference if the emotion was more of relief than delight. That might not be too surprising – the answer to almost every question put to Babar starts with that word, almost a verbal lubricant to get his thoughts in order. But the tone revealed the sincerity behind it this time, and he went on to double down, saying, “It’s a huge relief.”In fact, few in the team or the support staff would regard the game as anything other than an imperfect performance, with the flaws lying in all the wrong places. It might be okay, for example, to lose wickets going out all guns blazing on a pacy flat track, because the philosophy behind it could be in tune with the direction in which white-ball cricket has been heading, but here they would err in the other extreme.Under a hot, sunny sky, Pakistan won a toss both captains wanted desperately to win in their eagerness to bat first. Pakistan’s top three at the moment is perhaps the most consistent in the world, scoring almost two-thirds of the team’s runs and all their 12 ODI centuries since the 2019 World Cup. Their confidence could not be higher, and yet what transpired in the first half hour suggested anything but.Shadab Khan made a 28-ball 48 to end Pakistan’s innings on a high•PCBPakistan managed just three runs in the first four overs, choosing to be circumspect in the extreme against what was little more than tidy, consistent line-and-length bowling. That is the lowest four-over total for Pakistan since a 2018 Asia Cup game against India, and – to put it mildly – Aryan Dutt and Vivian Kingma are no Bhuvuneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman poked and prodded with little intent of scoring during those early stages, and by the time Imam was put out of his misery, Pakistan had scored just ten runs in six overs.It’s tempting to look at the scorecard and Fakhar’s final score, a run-a-ball 109, or Pakistan’s final tally of 314, and dismiss such concerns as exaggerated because they caught up and won the game. And while there is empirical evidence to suggest some players benefit from early caution that allows them to bed in before unleashing their more destructive side, no one could really argue that nine runs off his first 21 balls was as brisk as Fakhar could have gone in the powerplay against a Dutch attack.While these early passages of play often tend to be forgotten towards the back end of a game because they happened about eight hours prior, it was that first half-hour that brought Netherlands tantalisingly close to a remarkable upset. In the end, Pakistan didn’t really “catch up” because plenty of runs were left out in the middle, and it was only sensational death bowling from their quicks that bailed them out.Pakistan’s much more pressing concern in ODI cricket is their middle order, but that should not excuse the top three from all scrutiny. The field restrictions in the first ten overs are an opportunity to get off to a flying start, but for all of Pakistan’s top-order brilliance, it’s a trend they have never quite latched themselves onto. Since the 2019 World Cup, Pakistan have scored at less than five an over in the first powerplay. Taking the aerial route has proved even more elusive; among the 20 ODI sides, their five sixes in 18 innings in this period are the joint-fewest with Zimbabwe.ESPNcricinfo LtdThere are obviously reasons for the high levels of early conservatism. A lack of confidence in the batters coming lower down invariably places more pressure on the top three, who are likely to prize their wickets much more highly than sides with more balanced batting line-ups. This is where the potential weakness of the middle order begins to bleed into other areas of the team, and potentially hinders their ability to play the brand of modern ODI cricket that is likely to see them at the business end of an ODI World Cup.However, the fact that such extreme circumspection forced its way so significantly into a contest against a side like Netherlands in a series with relatively little pressure should set alarm bells ringing. It showed their middle-order problem is becoming increasingly challenging as more teams look to exploit this weakness. It is why Shadab Khan’s recent form in the middle order is likely to be far more valuable to Pakistan than another Fakhar hundred or Babar half-century.Few Full Member sides would have allowed Pakistan to sneak away with a win in that first ODI. Having let the middle order issues persist for so long, it was perhaps inevitable they would begin to metastasise. There’s still time for remission, but with the 2023 50-over World Cup bearing down, it’s running out fast.

The ICC cites the issue of safety without appreciating that the world has changed

George Dobell15-Aug-2020It seems unthinkable that there was once a time when the Sunday of a Test was used as a rest day. Equally, it is hard to imagine spectators being prepared to sit through games with pedestrian scoring rates – it was 2.30 runs to the over in Test cricket in the 1950s – or the sort of safety-first cricket that saw a six-match series between India and England in 1981-82 finish in a 1-0 victory to India.The world has changed. It’s less patient. There are more leisure options available and what might once have been found acceptable now seems intolerably antiquated. We see far fewer draws, improved drainage has resulted in far shorter delays for rain and the rate of scoring… well, the advent of T20 has seen it change out of all recognition. Cricket might well never have been more entertaining.One of the few areas the game hasn’t made much progress is on the issue of bad light. Despite the improvement of protective equipment and use of floodlights, interruptions to the second Test between England and Pakistan have been pretty common. As a result, the momentum of games is dissipated. Spectators (when they are allowed in) become frustrated and, inevitably, drift off to other pursuits.ALSO READ: England ‘a little disappointed’ not to bowl Pakistan out – BroadHow bad was the light on day two in Southampton? Well, it wasn’t perfect. Clouds hung around the Ageas Bowl all day and the floodlights were on at all times.But, two balls before the players came off, Mohammad Rizwan had driven Stuart Broad through the covers. A couple of balls before that, he had skipped down the pitch and driven him over mid-off. He later said he had been “ready to play”. So it wasn’t the batting side that wanted to come off.James Anderson, meanwhile, suggested the fielding side hadn’t wanted to come off, either. “We’re a little bit frustrated we didn’t get a chance to finish them off,” he said. “It didn’t seem like the batmen were struggling too much.”So, it wasn’t the batsmen who wanted to come off. And it wasn’t the bowlers, either.It may also be revealing to reflect on the start of the day. With poor weather preventing play before 12.30pm and a poor forecast suggesting an early finish, it might have made sense to play as much cricket as possible once the resumption happened. A two-hour session, at least, seemed feasible.Instead, after one hour of cricket, we had a 40-minute lunch break at 1.30pm.Why? Well, that’s the way it’s always been. Nobody involved seems to have the gumption to do things differently and nobody involved seems to have a huge amount of respect for the paying customer. On the issue of bad light, in particular, the game still relies on hand-me-down thinking – much of it inculcated before batsmen wore helmets – that is starting to look absurdly archaic.(As an aside, Rod Bransgrove, the chair of Hampshire, says he did explore the possibility of putting a roof over the ground. It was possible from an engineering point of view, he found, but would have cost over £100m, and this was a few years ago.)

The ICC and its Members have to put spectators at the heart of future plans. At present, the game is run by people who have forgotten what it’s like to pay to watch cricket

Let’s put all this in context. In the short term, this Test series is being played during a pandemic. Both sides have made huge sacrifices to take part. Already, some of the established features of the game – such as using saliva to shine the ball – have been abandoned for safety reasons. At a time when schools and offices are shut, the ECB has created something close to a bio-secure bubble at vast expense. Both teams have been prepared to spend weeks in lockdown in, at times, modest hotels. All to ensure this series takes place and English cricket avoids financial meltdown.Meanwhile, in the longer term, the ECB has warned its stakeholders that the next broadcast deal could be worth 50% of the value of the current one. As a result, it remains imperative to provide an attractive product that can be staged with some of predictability. Several hours of men squinting at clouds might not be exactly what the broadcasters are after.The point is, everyone involved has been forced to adapt to ensure this series is played. Yet at no stage do the umpires appear prepared to consider this context. They have been given too much power – even if it was in response to players previously being “offered” the light and using it arbitrarily according to the match situation.The ICC previously tried to persuade players to “bite the bullet” and play on using floodlights. “However that approach wasn’t accepted by any of the teams,” David Richardson, then chief executive, said in 2015. “They felt that would be unfair and would lead to unjust finishes.”The playing regulations now state play can be suspended if, in the umpires’ view, conditions are “dangerous” or “unreasonable” to continue. There is a further caveat stating: “Conditions shall not be regarded as either dangerous or unreasonable merely because they are not ideal.”The floodlights were on throughout the second day•Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesThose definitions are subjective, however. The word “dangerous” can be utilised at pretty much any time. In Manchester, during the first Test, England’s fielders said they “couldn’t see” the ball. Not, you’ll note, that it was harder to see it; that they couldn’t see it at all.Now, we already accept that batting or fielding in some conditions is tricky. We accept that atmospheric conditions can change over the course of a day (or match), giving one side or another an advantage. We accept, too, that wearing pitches can make batting last a huge disadvantage. And we accept that players can sometimes struggle to follow the path of the ball against a background of packed stands or a bright sun. So why don’t we also accept that less-than-perfect light can, within reason, provide another dimension to the game?Safety has to be paramount, of course, and that is the line the ICC continues to stress. But using “health and safety” as a blanket answer to any question over this subject is disingenuous and limits the scope for debate and progression.Because, if we’re honest, the game needs to strike a balance between health and safety and competitive edge all the time. Was it safe when Jofra Archer was bowling at 96mph last summer? Is it safe when tailenders are on the end of a barrage of bouncers? Is it safe for bowlers or umpires in T20 or ODI cricket? Why is it only when the light is involved that the ICC and the umpires adopt a safety-first approach? And if we’re really in the business of minimising risk, shouldn’t the umpires be wearing helmets and all fielders be wearing some sort of head and neck protection? If we want to eliminate all risk, let’s have a conversation about using a different type of ball. If safety really is the ICC’s top priority, that’s the logical direction of travel.Short of that, what can be done? Well, we could also talk about using pink balls in such situations. It’s not uncommon to utilise heavier bails in windy conditions; maybe it should become established practice to change the ball in poor light? Yes, it might behave differently. But it behaves differently under cloud, after rain and according to the natural variation of it having been handmade, too. We accept that.ALSO READ: Umpire Kettleborough spoken to by anti-corruption officials over smartwatchMore pertinently, the ICC could conduct research in partnership with the appropriate scientific bodies (friends in eye places, if you will) and come up with a standardised level at which play is deemed to be unreasonable or unsafe. That figure could then be published with a reading included alongside the scoreboard both at the ground and for TV audiences. That way we could take this issue out of the hands of umpires and manage the expectations of all involved. The umpires would also have a cast-iron defence against criticism and in face of potential legal challenges from players who claim their safety was compromised by playing in unfit conditions.Again, as an aside, you wonder if such research might find that playing in gloomy light is easier than playing in bright light. Players say they lose sight of the ball in the sun quite often.Most of all, though, the ICC and its Members have to put spectators at the heart of future plans. At present, the game is run by people who have forgotten what it’s like to pay to watch cricket. Who have forgotten what it’s like to buy tickets, take holiday entitlement and buy TV subscriptions for the thrill of watching the game. Who cannot necessarily just watch the following day instead. Who will not tolerate these delays and will pursue other leisure opportunities instead.Former players have fantastic experience to offer. It is only right that their views are heard and incorporated into decision making. But the views of spectators should be considered and represented at all levels of the game, including on the ICC board. At present, the game is elitist, complacent, inconsistent and unaccountable. Spectators are treated like a barely necessary evil. Unless we start to put their concerns at the heart of decision making, we will lose them. It’s meant to be a spectator sport, after all.

Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has left his role as head of loans and pathways after six months in the role at Old Trafford. At 37, Evans decided to hang up his boots after his second spell as a player with the Red Devils came to an end last summer. In his first period at Old Trafford, Evans won the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup and Club World Cup.

Evans leaves Man Utd role

According to of , Evans has left his role as Manchester United's head of loans and pathways, a job he took only six months back, following his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

The report adds that Evans left his job to spend more time with his family and his departure was mutually agreed upon with the Red Devils. Evans made 241 appearances for United after coming through their academy. The centre-back won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the FA Cup and two League Cups with the Premier League giants. 

Other than his two spells at Old Trafford, Evans also played in the Premier League for West Brom and Leicester City and had enjoyed two loan spells at Sunderland. He also won 107 caps for the Northern Ireland national team.

AdvertisementAFPWhat were Evans' duties at Old Trafford?

After officially announcing that he had hung up his boots, Evans returned to his boyhood club almost immediately after leaving them as a player as he accepted the role of head of loans and pathways. The 37-year-old's job saw him work closely with United's director of football Jason Wilcox to enhance the progress of young players and help them become ready for the first team.

After accepting the role, Evans had said: "I want to officially announce my retirement from my playing career, not with sadness, but with pride, gratitude and excitement for the next chapter ahead. I’ll be forever indebted to the managers, coaches, staff and, of course, my team-mates, that I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my 20 years in professional football. I am looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential. Having had experience of loans myself, I know the crucial role that they can play within a player’s development."

Wrexham were linked with Evans

In April, Wrexham were keen on a move for the experienced defender, who was supposed to leave Old Trafford after his second spell at the club following the expiry of his contract. However, no such move materialised as the Red Dragons never formally approached the player, who later announced his retirement.

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Getty Images SportWill Evans return to Man Utd in future?

While there has been no indication from Evans' side that he would come back to Old Trafford in future, his former team-mate Wes Brown had backed him to become United manager someday. Earlier this season, Brown said: "Could Jonny Evans be a future Manchester United manager? It’s happened before with Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy getting chances. He has a calmness about him and he has been a great servant to the club and a fantastic professional. If he wants to go into management then he will give it everything and I’d love to see it. Giggs, Carrick and Ruud have been in the hotseat, sometimes it just takes a bit of luck and it will be a dream for all United players that go into management."

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Diretor de Relações Externas do Flamengo, Cacau Cotta deu detalhes do projeto do clube para a construção do estádio próprio. Após o Futebol Solidário, partida beneficente em prol do Rio Grande do Sul, o dirigente atualizou a situação e prometeu que os planos sairão do papel.

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– Vai sair. Presidente (Rodolfo) Landim está à frente, e estou ajudando no que eu posso. Tenho trabalhado diuturnamente junto do presidente, junto ao Rodrigo Dunshee, vice geral. Estamos trabalhando muito. Tem muita coisa boa para anunciar. Se você aperta um botão, cai um prédio inteiro. Mas para construir, é demorado, é reunião, é amarrar as pontas. Como o presidente disse a mim hoje, temos que amarrar todas as pontas. Vai sair do papel, nosso terreno vai sair. O presidente vai lançar esse estádio para a Nação – afirmou Cacau Cotta, em entrevista à Coluna do Fla.

– O estádio vai sair, pode me cobrar. O terreno vai sair ainda esse ano. Presidente (Landim) está trabalhando diuturnamente para isso, já faz algum tempo. Cada dia é uma reunião, para amarrar várias pontas. Amanhã (27), o presidente, o prefeito e a Caixa (irão se reunir), e a noite ele estará conosco numa reunião de grandes rubro-negros para debater esse assunto e trazer as novidades – disse o dirigente do Flamengo em momento posterior, em entrevista ao Paparazzo Rubro-Negro.

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No sábado (25), o Prefeito do Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, apareceu ao lado de Cacau Cotta e do Deputado Pedro Paulo para falar sobre o projeto do estádio do clube. Ele reafirmou o compromisso da Prefeitura em facilitar a construção junto à Caixa Econômia.

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كشفت تقارير صحفية توتر العلاقة بين الألماني هانز فليك ولاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة بعد عدم مشاركته في المباريات الأخيرة للفريق الكتالوني.

واستضاف ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” مباراة الفريقين، إذ حل برشلونة الإسباني ضيفًا على تشيلسي، ضمن مباريات الجولة الخامسة من مرحلة الدوري في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وخسر برشلونة بثلاثية نظيفة أمام تشيلسي في لقاء ظهر فيه رجال فليك بأداء باهت للغاية على عكس المتوقع، كما نال قائد الفريق رونالد أراوخو، بطاقة حمراء في آواخر الشوط الأول مما أثر تأثيرًا كبيرًا على أداء البلوجرانا.

وتوقف رصيد برشلونة عند 7 نقاط في جدول ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا بالمركز الـ 15، فيما رفع تشيلسي رصيده لـ10 نقاط محتلًا المركز الخامس.

اقرأ أيضًا | تشيزني عن حديثه مع جيرارد مارتن بعد مباراة إنتر ميلان: ذكرته بماضيه

ووفقًا لصحيفة “آس” الإسبانية فإن علاقة هانز فليك مع مارك كاسادو متوترة للغاية ويبدو أن الألماني فقد الثقة في قدراته.

كان كاسادو لاعبًا أساسيًا للمدرب الألماني في النصف الأول من الموسم الماضي خلال غياب فرينكي دي يونج لكنه الآن مجرد لاعب بديل في الفريق.

بالنظر إلى الإصابات التي ضربت خط الوسط لفريق برشلونة فإنه كان من المتوقع مشاركة كاسادو في المباراة الأخيرتين أمام تشيلسي وأتلتيك بلباو، إذ شارك كل من إريك جارسيا وأندرياس كريستنسن في خط الوسط المدافع.

وأفادت “آس” أن هذا الوضع مفاجئ نظرًا لأن فليك كان أول من عارض رحيل كاسادو خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الماضية.

Manchester United and Ruben Amorim could now be without one Red Devils star for their next five Premier League games.

Man Utd injury latest on Martinez, Mainoo, Maguire

The Red Devils have been without Lisandro Martinez for the majority of 2025 due to an ACL injury, however, the Argentine defender appears to be closing in on a return.

Back in full team training, Martinez wanted to travel with the side for the draw against Nottingham Forest and has since been training with his national side during the international break.

Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo missed the 2-2 draw with Tottenham last time out, whereas Harry Maguire was replaced with a hamstring issue, however, both could return in time as Man Utd host Everton at Old Trafford on Monday.

Summer signing Benjamin Sesko also joined the injury list prior to the international break after being replaced late on against Spurs. Amorim admitted that he was “concerned” with Sesko’s injury and not his form.

“That [his recent form] is not the biggest concern now. I’m concerned with an injury, because it is in the knee, and I don’t know. We need Ben [Sesko] to be a better team. We have to check. He has something in his knee. Let’s see.”

Now, Amorim has found out how long the Slovenian will be missing for.

Man Utd handed Sesko injury update

As reported by Sky Sports, Sesko has avoided a major knee injury after further scans.

The forward will now undergo a period of rehab running into December and is expected to be sidelined for a month.

Should that prove accurate, Sesko will miss United’s next five Premier League fixtures and could return just before Christmas against Aston Villa on December 21.

Man Utd vs Everton

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Crystal Palace vs Man Utd

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Man Utd vs West Ham

December 4

Wolves vs Man Utd

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Man Utd vs Bournemouth

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This will come as a blow to Amorim, who hailed the £160,000-a-week striker following his performance and goal in the 2-0 win over Sunderland.

“He has time, he’s going to stay here for a lot of years. The media puts a lot of pressure on the goals for the striker but for me it’s the effort that is the most important thing. Every time we kick the ball he’s fighting for it, that’s massive for us. To win the second ball and give us time to breathe. I’m really happy with that.”

Now, Amorim will have to find a way to cope without the towering striker, whether that be by bringing back someone like Joshua Zirkzee or using Matheus Cunha as a forward with captain Bruno Fernandes playing in a more advanced midfield role.

Forget Bruno and De Ligt: Man Utd "monster" is looking like a new captain

Levante star Karl Etta Eyong has revealed it would be a “dream” to play for Chelsea one day, even as Real Madrid and Barcelona monitor his rapid rise in La Liga. The 22-year-old striker, who has scored six goals this season, continues to attract major transfer interest across Europe — with Levante rejecting a €30 million bid amid growing speculation about his future.

Etta Eyong's Chelsea 'dream' revealed

Eyong’s meteoric rise in La Liga has turned him into one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards. Having joined Levante from Villarreal in the summer for €3 million, Eyong has been sensational, finding the net six times in the league and quickly becoming the heartbeat of his team’s attack, and it is Chelsea who appear to hold a special place in his heart. The  Levante striker admitted that joining the London club would fulfil a lifelong dream inspired by his African footballing heroes. Speaking to GiveMeSport, he explained his deep admiration for the Blues and what they represent to him.

“Growing up, Chelsea was the English team I probably watched the most because of Drogba, and Eto’o was there a year as well,” Eyong said. “Chelsea have often signed incredible African players. There are so many big clubs in England, but as for [joining] Chelsea, why not? It would be a dream for me to play for Chelsea.”

Though Chelsea are reportedly monitoring him closely, their current transfer priorities lie elsewhere, with a new defender at the top of the list, meaning any move for Eyong may have to wait until summer.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLevante rejected £26m bid for Etta Eyong

Eyong’s growing stardom has not gone unnoticed by clubs across Europe, prompting intense speculation about a potential transfer. But according to Levante CEO Jose Danvila, the Spanish club have already rejected a major offer and are in no rush to sell their new talisman. Danvila confirmed that a €30 million (£26.3m) bid, made by Russian side CSKA Moscow, was firmly turned down, even though the proposal included a lucrative salary for the striker.

“What I can tell you is that Barcelona and Real Madrid haven’t contacted Levante about Etta Eyong,” Danvila told Radio Marca. “And we haven’t had any calls from the Premier League either. We received one firm offer for the player, but it has already been rejected. I’m reading many stories about Etta, and it’s true there is growing interest, but he's not going to be sold this winter.”

FIFA regulations also restrict Eyong from playing for a third club this season after already featuring for Villarreal and Levante, meaning a move before the summer is impossible. Levante, therefore, are determined to keep him and are even considering offering improved terms to reflect his outstanding form. Los Granotes view him as central to their campaign and believe his presence is key to achieving their goal of a top-half La Liga finish.

Eyong opens up on Barcelona and Real Madrid links

While Chelsea remain the team Eyong dreams of joining, the striker’s performances have also drawn admiring glances from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Both clubs have been monitoring his progress closely, viewing him as one of the most exciting attacking talents to emerge from La Liga this season. Eyong said he was “flattered” by the links but remains focused on his development at Levante.

“Eto'o was the best,” said Eyong, reflecting on one of his footballing idols. “He is one of my biggest influences. I loved him at Barcelona. And I'd call Lewandowski another role model, especially when I was younger and he was at Dortmund. Lewandowski has managed to score so many goals throughout his career. It's really impressive what he's doing at Barcelona right now. He is a great finisher and has intelligent movement. He always seems to know the right time to ask for the ball. I can learn a lot from him. When we play Barcelona next [in February at the Camp Nou], I hope to get Lewandowski's shirt to add to my collection.”

He continued: “I'm really flattered [to be linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid]. It means so much because it shows my hard work is paying off. But I just have to continue on my journey with Levante and then see what happens in the future.

"I try not to look at my phone too much because my friends call me with all the gossip. I tell them, ‘I don’t know anything – I have just been on my PlayStation!' I would much rather play Call of Duty, watch anime or read history books than occupy my head with rumours. If a big move is meant to be, it will only happen if I work hard."

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Getty Images SportEtta Eyong will wait until the summer before thinking about move

While reports in Spain have suggested Eyong favours a move to Barcelona — even resurfacing an old photo of him in a Blaugrana shirt from 2017 — the player himself insists he remains open-minded about his next destination. He continues to express admiration for both La Liga and the Premier League, refusing to choose between the two while reaffirming his commitment to Levante for now. For Eyong, the focus remains on improving his game and letting the future take care of itself.

“I can't pick between La Liga and the Premier League because I love both leagues,” said Eyong. “I have already achieved my dream of playing in La Liga and my other dream is to one day play in the Premier League. I think I have the quality to thrive in the Premier League and that my style is well suited to English football. I am physically strong and can link up play. I love watching Premier League matches. My favourite period is the Boxing Day games. You can see the players give everything – 200 percent! What I love about the Premier League is that every game feels important. But for now my focus is just on Levante and I am ignoring all other news.”

For Levante, keeping their star man beyond this season will be a challenge, with interest from across Europe showing no sign of fading. Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, are all expected to revisit their scouting reports ahead of the summer window, where a bidding war could ignite with Manchester United and Arsenal also said to be interested.