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Hayes has given opportunities to 24 USWNT debutants and, while many have impressed, some have more work to do

Since leading the U.S. women’s national team to Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games, manager Emma Hayes wasted no time reshaping the squad’s future.

From the Olympics on, she handed out first caps to 24 different players – an extraordinary number in such a short span, and a clear signal of her intent to thoroughly evaluate the entire player pool ahead of the 2027 World Cup. 

This level of experimentation is rare for a USWNT head coach, but Hayes has emphasized the need to build a sustainable and competitive roster over time and has wanted to look at the entire playing pool – from youth to senior – since taking over the team last summer.

Several debutants impressed and staked claims for long-term roles, while others have faced setbacks due to injuries or inconsistency. As the team looks toward October fixtures, the selections made will likely offer the clearest picture yet of Hayes’s core roster and tactical vision for 2027.

INDIVISA breaks it all down in the USWNT Debutant Tier Rankings.

Getty ImagesHere for the long run

Phallon Tullis-Joyce: Based off recent performances, Tullis-Joyce may just be the No. 1 keeper, at the moment. Her pathway to starting in net for the USWNT has been far from linear. The goalkeeper began playing professionally for Reims in France, after not getting drafted into the NWSL following her collegiate career at University of Miami. She eventually found her way back to the NWSL, playing for OL Reign. In 2023, she signed with Manchester United in the WSL and then two years later was called into the national team camp and made her debut that April. Tullis-Joyce earned a clean sheet against Brazil, one of 10 USWNT keepers to earn a shutout in their first cap. She also recorded six saves.

Michelle Cooper: In her first performances under Hayes, Cooper made an immediate impact. After earning her first senior national team call‑up during the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, she debuted off the bench against Colombia. In her second cap against Australia, scored a stunning game‑winning goal. From her goal-scoring versatility, to her strength, size and service, Cooper is on a clear trajectory toward contention for the 2027 World Cup squad.

Gisele Thompson: At just 19 years old, Thompson has emerged as a standout young defender for both Angel City FC and the USWNT. After earning two senior caps during the 2025 SheBelieves Cup – debuting off the bench against Colombia and earning her first start versus Australia – she impressed Hayes. Her club season likewise featured meaningful moments, including scoring her first professional goal – assisted by sister Alyssa – forming the first sister‑to‑sister goal in NWSL history. Thompson has the ability to play up too, which makes her versatile.

Avery Patterson: Emerging as a dynamic defensive presence, Patterson has quickly made her mark on the USWNT. After earning her first senior cap in April - briefly subbing on in the second half of a 2-0 friendly win over Brazil – she earned her first start days later. In six appearances, she not only solidified her defensive stripes, but also scored her first senior international goal – heading one home in a 4-0 victory over Ireland. Patterson’s rapid ascent from Futures Camp attendee to senior team contributor reflects both her collegiate pedigree and her breakout rookie season with Houston Dash.

Ally Sentnor: After earning her first senior cap in November 2024 at Wembley Stadium, Sentnor started in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup – where the U.S. Youth Soccer Player of the Year drilled a stunning long-range strike for her first international goal. She added a second in the final match against Japan, becoming one of only six players to record goal contributions in all three games of the SheBelieves Cup. Her blend of calm finishing, intelligent movement, and natural goalscoring instincts mark her not just as a rising star, but as a potential no-brainer in the team’s future plans.

Claire Hutton: Just 19, Hutton has become a cornerstone of the USWNT midfield – and Sam Coffey's right-hand woman – by showcasing defensive maturity and tactical insight well beyond her years. Hutton earned her first senior cap in the SheBelieves Cup against Australia – starting and helping spring NWSL Kansas City teammate Michelle Cooper’s goal. Fellow midfielder Rose Lavelle told INDIVISA that she “plays well beyond her years."

Lily Yohannes: You're probably thinking, another teenager that can score? Perhaps, but even still, the 17-year-old has made a strikingly poised entry into the USWNT midfield, blending technical finesse with exceptional vision. Hayes handed her first senior call‑up in March 2024, and Yohannes didn’t waste time, scoring within her first 10 minutes on the field in a friendly against South Korea – becoming the third‑youngest goal scorer in USWNT history.

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Yazmeen Ryan: Making her senior debut for the USWNT in October 2024, Ryan immediately brought energy and pace from the wing. The Houston Dash forward has accumulated 12 caps and has found the back of the net twice, adding two assists. Her versatility – she's capable of playing central midfield, attacking midfield, and anywhere on the wing – is a strength. Still, we’ve only seen glimpses of what she can bring. Ryan needs to keep getting minutes.

Lilly Reale: Making her senior USWNT debut in June, Reale lined up at left back in a friendly against Ireland – and immediately left her mark by providing the assist for Alyssa Thompson’s goal in the 4-0 victory. Reale’s composure and ability to contribute going forward make her a compelling new face in the squad. But with just one cap and one decisive assist, the next step is clear: she needs more consistent minutes.

Izzy Rodriguez: Earning her first senior cap during the USWNT’s 4‑0 friendly win over Ireland in June, Rodriguez started at left-back and scored a first-half goal. It was special because she was the first USWNT player since Emma Sears (2013) to score in her first start. Even with the goal, the debut, and strong all around performance, Rodriguez will still need to get more consistent minutes.

Kerry Abello: Making her USWNT debut in June, Abello started at left-back in a 4-0 friendly win over Jamaica. The Orlando Pride defender has been instrumental in her club's success, and given her impact on the USWNT, she's another talented outside back that – with a little more time in front of Hayes – could make a strong case for herself.

Emma Sears: She made a remarkable debut for the USWNT last October. Sears came on as a 56th-minute substitute, assisted Lynn Biyendolo's equalizer and then scored in stoppage time. That made her the first USWNT debutant since Christen Press in 2013 to record both a goal and an assist in her first cap. Sears now has made eight appearance for the USWNT, but has a tough task to compete against other fast and technical wingers. One thing going for Sears? She is fit beyond measure and can keep up with the rigor an outside forward must bring at this level.

Getty ImagesShowing some promise

Tara Mckeown: In early 2025, McKeown received her first call-up for the SheBelieves Cup. She made her debut in the opening match against Colombia, starting at centerback alongside veteran Emily Sonnett and helping secure a shutout victory. McKeown has eight appearances, pairing with Sonnett during Naomi Girma's absence. The Washington Spirit defender could easily be the first off-the-bench option at centerback come 2027.

Emily Sams: After a standout 2024 season with the Orlando Pride, where she was named NWSL Defender of the Year and played a pivotal role in the team's league-leading defense, Sams earned her first senior cap last October. She started and played the full 90 in a 3-1 victory over Iceland. Sams has five appearences under Hayes, and is another promising option at centerback.

Sam Meza: She quickly emerged as a promising talent for the USWNT after a far from conventional pathway to the pros. Meza was selected 17th overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft by Seattle Reign FC, and her early professional journey included a loan to USL Super League's Dallas Trinity FC. Upon returning to Seattle in 2025, she became a key figure in the midfield, leading the team with 47 tackles and 29 tackles won, while also contributing two assists. Her performance in the NWSL earned her a call-up to the USWNT, and she made her senior debut in a 4-0 victory over Ireland, starting and playing 87 minutes. The midfielder has two caps under Hayes.

Eva Gaetino: In March 2024, Gaetino earned her first senior USWNT call-up for the SheBelieves Cup. She made her debut in a 3-0 victory over Argentina. At 22, her blend of physicality and international experience paints a promising future..

Claudia Dickey: Her remarkable shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box, especially during free kicks, earned her a call-up to the USWNT's January 2025 training camp. Dickey made her senior debut in a 4-0 victory over Ireland in June, becoming the 29th goalkeeper in USWNT history to earn a cap and the 10th to record a shutout in her debut. Dickey's blend of experience – she's been playing pro since 2022 – skill, and composure positions her as a promising candidate for the keeper pool.

Getty ImagesPerhaps?

Mandy McGlynn: In October 2024, McGlynn replaced an injured Jane Campbell, and then started in a friendly against Argentina, securing a 3-0 victory and recording a clean sheet. Since then, McGlynn has been a steady choice for Hayes in goal, earning the most minutes. Still, McGlynn has a lot of work to do to establish herself as the No. 1, and it doesn't help that she's in goal for Utah Royals in the NWSL – they sit in last place with 31 goals allowed. If McGlynn wants a legitimate chance at being named to the World Cup roster, she's going to have to find her niche goalkeeper skill – whether that's being a shot stopper, a strong distributor, or just all around more consistent.

Hal Hershfelt: After being selected fifth overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft by Washington Spirit, Hershfelt quickly became a fixture in the midfield. She rarely leaves a game un-bruised, as she's known for her tackling and box-to-box execution. Her performances at the club level earned her a call-up to the USWNT's training camp in June 2024, and she was named an alternate for the 2024 Olympics. After that, she earned her official first cap against in October. She has three appearances for the USWNT, but has been left off the training camp rosters since January.

Croix Bethune: The beginning of 2024 was a year and then some for Bethune, who not only picked up NWSL Rookie of the Year and NWSL Midfielder of the Year awards, but also made her USWNT debut in July. Bethune made her Olympic debut against Australia. Unfortunately, Bethune she was out of commission for the remainder of 2024 after sustaining a torn meniscus. She returned to the USWNT in June, showing some promise, but not standing out.

Jordyn Bugg: At just 18 years old, Bugg earned her first senior cap during the USWNT's match against in June, coming off the bench in the 72nd minute. In the subsequent game, she made her first start, partnering with McKeown at centerback. Bugg's performances have drawn praise for her composure and technical ability. Hayes highlighted her as a candidate for the 2028 Olympics, emphasizing the importance of long-term development.

علق راؤول ألبيول، مدافع نادي ريال مدريد السابق، على أحداث مواجهة الميرنجي أمام برشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى، والتي لعبت يوم الأحد الماضي على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

ريال مدريد تفوق على برشلونة وحسم كلاسيكو الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى وهزم البلوجرانا بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد ليعزز صدارته في تريتب البطولة المحلية.

وشهدت مواجهة الكلاسيكو أحداث مؤسفة، بعدما دخل ثلاثي ريال مدريد، داني كارفاخال وفينيسيوس جونيور وتيبو كورتوا، في خلاف مع جناح برشلونة، لامين يامال.

واعترف ألبيول في تصريحات نقلتها إذاعة كادينا سير، أن ما حدث بين كارفاخال وفينيسيوس وكورتوا مع يامال، قد ذكره بما حدث في كلاسيكو ريال مدريد وبرشلونة خلال فترة جوزيه مورينيو وبيب جوارديولا، حيث قال: “ذكرني الكلاسيكو بأيامنا وخاصةً في نهاية المباراة مع الشجار”.

اقرأ أيضًا .. رقم صادم في مباراة الكلاسكيو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة

وأضاف ألبيول في حديثه: “في النهاية، هناك الكثير من الكلام لكن يجب أن يبقى في الملعب، ليس من الممتع رؤية فينيسيوس وهو يقول عبارة هيا بنا نخرج إلى خارج الملعب”.

وأوضح: “إنهم زملاء في الفريق، لذا فإن التوتر والإثارة أمر طبيعي، عندما يطلق الحكم صافرة النهاية عليك أن تحاول الحفاظ على هدوئك والاستمتاع بالعرض”.

وأردف ألبيول: “خلال فترة لعبي مع المنتخب الوطني، كان هناك العديد من لاعبي برشلونة ومن ريال مدريد، كنا خمسة لاعبين من ريال مدريد، كنا نحن وبرشلونة الفريق بأكمله تقريبًا”.

وتابع: “صحيح أن التوتر وصل أحيانًا إلى المنتخب الوطني، انقطع التواصل تقريبًا بين لاعبي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة لكن بشكل عام كان هناك دائمًا احترام خلال التدريبات والمباريات، لذلك لم يؤثر ذلك على أي شيء”.

وواصل ألبيول: ”لم تكن هناك نوايا سيئة، ولا توتر ولا أجواء سيئة ولا أي شيء من هذا القبيل. لقد تم المبالغة في ذلك بشكل كبير”.

واستكمل ألبيول في حديثه عن منتخب إسبانيا وفرصه في كأس العالم العام المقبل: “لقد ثبت هذا المنتخب أنه فريق فائز وسيكرر ذلك. عندما يصل الجميع إلى كأس العالم، سيكونون جميع لاعبي إسبانيا في فريق واحد ويحاولون الفوز به”.

With just over a year until the 50-over World Cup, a few of the questions facing Aaron Finch’s team

Andrew McGlashan26-Aug-20220:34

Warner: ‘Cricket schedule over next five years looks scary’

Chance for Abbott
For a cricketer of the quality of Sean Abbott, 13 international appearances since a debut in 2014 is scant reward. Injury has not always been kind to him – his recent tour to Sri Lanka was ended before it started due to a broken finger – and as a pace bowler (and pace-bowling allrounder) he is in a skillset where Australia are well served. But with Pat Cummins rested from these two series and six matches in quick succession it would be a surprise if there wasn’t an opportunity for him at some stage. He was in the side for the three games against Pakistan earlier this year where he had stronger returns with the bat than ball in what were tough conditions for pace bowlers. He enters this series on the back of a useful spell for Manchester Originals at the Hundred which included a return of 4 for 8 where he became the first bowler to complete two maiden sets of five balls in the men’s competition.Cameron Green could be down at No. 8 in an allrounder-heavy side•Getty ImagesHow many allrounders?
Abbott is also part of a wider debate about the balance of Australia’s one-day side. Ahead of next year’s World Cup there is a move to lengthen the batting at the expense of another specialist bowler. In the six matches Cameron Green has played this year he has batted at Nos. 7 and 8, effectively becoming one of three quick bowlers alongside whichever pair of specialists is selected. He took the new ball during the series against Pakistan although was sparingly used against Sri Lanka given conditions. Australia are trying to work out if the combined overs from the likes of Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Marnus Labuschagne give them enough bowling depth alongside two specialist quicks plus Adam Zampa. Having the batting ability of Green as low as No. 8 should, in theory, allow them to go harder earlier in an innings and push for totals well beyond 300.Related

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Who at No. 3
The day before the opening match, Aaron Finch confirmed that Steven Smith would slot in at No.3. It makes a lot of sense. Marsh has been a resounding success since moving to No. 3 in Australia’s T20I side and in his most recent ODIs – three games against West Indies last year and three against Sri Lanka after recovering from a side strain – he has taken the same role. In the 50-over format he has yet to enjoy the same returns, with a top score of 29 in six innings against West Indies and Sri Lanka, and was seen as a player capable of exploiting the powerplay. However, the knock-on effect was moving Steven Smith and Labuschagne a spot lower down in the order. Smith makes no secret of liking to start an innings as soon as possible – he made a half-century at No. 3 against Sri Lanka when Marsh was sidelined – and in 2020 against India (he has only played two ODIs since) he scored back-to-back hundreds from 62 balls from No. 3. Overall, his ODI average in the position is 53.85 – putting him comfortably inside the top 10 – it drops to 35.61 at No. 4.

Rain couldn’t completely dent Bangladesh’s only practice match on their tour of the West Indies, as the visitors had a pretty good outing against the West Indies Select XI in Coolidge.After the four-and-a-half-hour delay on the second day, Bangladesh reduced the hosts to 87 for 9, with rookie left-arm spinner Hasan Murad bagging a hat-trick. Murad removed Daniel Beckford, Navin Bidaisee and Chaim Holder back-to-back in the 28th over, after which Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons immediately signaled the end of the match.The Bangladesh bowlers had a moderate workout on the second day. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud took two wickets each, while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz also got one apiece.One of Mahmud’s strikes, which came on the first evening, included that of the West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who was also leading the West Indies Select XI. That might end up boosting his confidence ahead of the first Test against West Indies, which starts in Antigua on Friday.Earlier in the game, Bangladesh had batted for 73.2 overs on the first day, before declaring on 253 for 7. Jaker Ali and Mahidul Islam had retired on 48 and 41, respectively. Litton Das, who had missed the second Test against South Africa at home last month due to fever, retired on 31 to kickstart the West Indies tour.Mominul Haque, Bangladesh’s most experienced cricketer on tour, also made 31. Bangladesh’s concerns, though, will continue to revolve around the opening batters Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan, who both got out cheaply.For the West Indies Select XI, Jair McAllister and Holder had taken two wickets each, while Kimani Melius top-scored with 23 when they batted.

Celtic supporters are starting to get very excited about next season.

On Tuesday afternoon, in one of the worst-kept secrets in the history of Scottish football, Kieran Tierney’s return to the club was confirmed, six years after he was sold to Arsenal for £25m, still to this day a joint-club record.

So, with a true club icon and fans’ favourite on his way back to Paradise, Brendan Rodgers and his recruitment staff can turn their attention to other targets, but are the Premiership champions set to miss out on their dream centre-forward?

Latest on Celtic's pursuit of Mathias Kvistgaarden

According to a report by Michael Gannon of the Daily Record, Celtic’s interest in Mathias Kvistgaarden has cooled, with the 22-year-old, who is valued at £12m, set to join either West Ham United, Eintracht Frankfurt or Lazio instead.

The striker scored 23 goals this season for Brøndby, who finished third in the Danish Superligaen, and his performances have earned widespread praise.

Farzam Abolhosseini of Tipsbladet labels him “magical”, scout António Mango believes that he is “absolutely sensational” and Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout forecasts that Kvistgaarden will only continue to improve.

However, his £12m price-tag was always likely to prove prohibitive, considering Celtic’s record signing remains the £11m paid to sign Arne Engels last August.

So, with the Hoops now focusing on other targets, one in particular stands out.

Celtic's search for a new number nine

As has been previously reported, Celtic are one of many clubs interested in securing the services of Youssef El Kachati.

The 25-year-old is available as a free transfer, having left Telstar following the expiration of his contract.

Despite that, he departs Sportpark Schoonenberg a bona fide club legend, having scored 25 goals this season, firing the White Lions back into the Eredivisie for the first time in 47 years, netting five times in six play-off matches, on target home and away as Telstar defeated Willem II in the final.

So now, Martin McMillan of the Glasgow Times claims that El Kachati has turned down the chance to join German second-tier outfit Hannover, with Anthony Evans of the Daily Record reporting that Celtic are ‘supremely confident’ of making this deal happen.

The Dutch-born, Moroccan youth international’s performances in the Eerste Divisie have yielded plenty of praise, including from writer Martin Bjerke, who notes that El Kachati “combines physical presence with dynamic movement”, adding that he is “technically gifted”.

So, let’s assess how he compares to Kvistgaarden.

Appearances

45

38

Minutes

3,517

2,542

Goals

25

23

Assists

6

7

Shots on target %

40.5%

48.8%

Shots per 90

3.86

3.58

Shots on target per 90

1.56

1.75

Goals per shot

0.14

0.21

First and foremost, worth stating up front that, according to Global Football Rankings, the Superligaen is the 13th strongest league in the world, with the Dutch second division down in 70th, which is obviously worth considering.

That caveat aside, the pair do have similar statistics this season, with El Kachati scoring two more goals, albeit in around 1000 more minutes, while registering slightly more shots per 90.

Transfer Focus

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

Thus, it goes without saying that Kvistgaarden is a massive talent, and it is a blow that Celtic are seemingly set to miss out on him, but El Kachati certainly offers a low-cost, low-risk and potentially high-reward alternative.

Sinclair 2.0: £4.6m star who "wins games on his own" is Celtic's top target

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ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2025

An English manager has never won the Premier League. In fact, the only Brits to get their hands on the illustrious trophy have been Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Kenny Dalglish. But that’s not to say England hasn’t been blessed with some of the most talented and charismatic coaches football has ever seen.

The fact that English football proudly created managers like Alf Ramsey, Bob Paisley and Brian Clough only for their successors at the top level to later create such a dismal Premier League record makes it all the more bizarre.

In the Premier League era, Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan particularly stand out, but the truth is that England’s best products came before the top flight received a new lick of paint.

Before Robson and Keegan, the likes of Ramsey and Paisley etched their legacies into English football history. Paisley’s name still echoes around Anfield as one of the most successful managers in their incredible history, whilst Ramsey remains the last manager to win silverware with England – winning the 1966 World Cup.

Bob Paisley

Liverpool

Sir Alf Ramsey

Ipswich, England, Birmingham

Sir Bobby Robson

Fulham, Ipswich, England, PSV, Sporting, Porto,

Barcelona, Newcastle

Kevin Keegan

Newcastle, Fulham, England, Man City, Newcastle

Roy Hodgson

Inter, Blackburn, Udinese, Finland, Fulham,

Liverpool, West Brom, England, Crystal Palace, Watford

Out of all those names, from Paisley to Hodgson, one manager who doesn’t get enough credit at times is Keegan. But the iconic David Ginola wasted no time before giving his former boss his flowers.

Ginola: Keegan made Newcastle feel "invincible"

The man who took Newcastle United closest to the Premier League title, Keegan is unfortunate to be known for his famous “I would love it if we beat them” rant, but the story behind that infamous interview is even more dramatic.

Labelled “The Entertainers”, Keegan’s Newcastle side finished second and third in their first seasons back in the top flight before going toe-to-toe with Ferguson’s Manchester United side.

Ginola and Les Ferdinand were among those to arrive in a £16m spending spree, and the Magpies soon found themselves 10 points clear at Christmas.

By the time that March arrived and United came to town to secure victory, however, Newcastle’s lead had been cut to just four points following the beginning of a collapse. Stan Collymore then famously closed in at Anfield a month later to hand Keegan another defeat.

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Which club can claim to have the proudest history when it comes to winning trophies?

ByRoss Kilvington May 21, 2025

It was then Ferguson’s suggestion that Nottingham Forest could hand Newcastle preferential treatment due to their meeting for Stuart Pearson’s testimonial which sparked Keegan’s infamous rant. In the end though, as much as he wished it to happen, Newcastle could not find a way to beat United to the title in the 1995/96 campaign.

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has made considerable progress in his recovery from an ankle injury that has sidelined him from cricket since the ODI World Cup last November. The hope is that he will be ready to play India’s home season, which begins with a Test series against Bangladesh in September.The selectors have been apprised of Shami’s progress and a decision on whether he should play at least one of the Duleep Trophy matches, beginning on September 5 in Anantapur, to prove his fitness will be taken soon.Shami is currently in his final stages of rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Last month, he had resumed bowling for the first time since his surgery and is understood to have slowly built up his bowling workload after being pain free.Related

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Prior to India’s departure for the tour of Sri Lanka in July, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had confirmed Shami had “started to bowl” and the first Test against Bangladesh starting on September 19 in Chennai “was always the goal” for his comeback.”We more or less know who the guys are, there are some injuries at the moment and hope they will be back up,” Agarkar had said. “Shami has started to bowl which is a good sign. September 19 is the first Test and that was always the goal. I don’t know if that is his timeline for recovery, will have to ask the guys at the NCA about that.”There are so many Tests coming. We will need some depth. Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have been around for a while, these are the obvious ones. But there will be some conversation around it. Got a lot of first-class cricket coming up so we can build guys up like that.”Mohammed Shami was the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup•AFP/Getty Images

Late last month in Kolkata, Shami had expressed hope of playing for Bengal first before returning to the national team, while he took part informally in a few motivational and fitness sessions for the state players.Even if Shami misses some or all of India’s home Tests – two against Bangladesh and three against New Zealand – he still has enough time to build his bowling rhythm for the tour of Australia, for which the team will depart shortly after the third Test against New Zealand ends on November 5. There is the Ranji Trophy beginning in October, following the BCCI’s decision to split the first-class competition into two halves to prevent matches being affected by weather disruptions, especially during winter in north India. India’s A team will also play two first-class games in Australia from October 31, giving Shami plenty of opportunities should he need them.The ankle injury, which came to light soon after the 2023 ODI World Cup, was initially believed to be not so severe. Shami had been included in India’s Test squad for the two-match series in South Africa in December-January subject to fitness. He was subsequently withdrawn from the tour.Shami went back to the NCA in the hope of recovering for the home Tests against England in February-March, but was advised surgery after he experienced continuous swelling on his right ankle, forcing him to miss the series and IPL 2024 for Gujarat Titans.Shami was a key player in India’s run to the final of the ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets in just seven games at an average of 10.70 and strike rate of 12.20.

Arsenal have now joined the race for a “dangerous” £35m Premier League forward, who could go on to “reach Sadio Mane’s level”, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new winger

There have been calls for the Gunners to sign a new winger this summer, amid concerns over some of Gabriel Martinelli’s performances in the 2024-25 campaign, with former defender Nigel Winterburn suggesting a replacement may be necessary,

Winterburn said: “That performance against Liverpool was better, but his form has been a bit erratic this season. He definitely needs to get back to the consistent levels of performance that we’ve seen in the past that we know he can produce.

“However, it wouldn’t surprise me, if I’m honest, if Arsenal brought someone in on that left-hand side to be a challenge and eventually replace Martinelli next season.”

Since then, Mikel Arteta’s side have identified a number of wingers as potential summer targets, including Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, who is now believed to be a prime target, and Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.

However, with Tottenham Hotspur considered the favourites to secure Sane’s signature, Arsenal could move on to alternative options, and a report from Spain has now revealed they have joined the race for Brighton & Hove Albion star Yankuba Minteh.

Minteh is attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also closely monitoring his progress, and he could be allowed to leave Brighton for a fee of around £35m.

Arsenal now pull plug on £60m striker signing after Mikel Arteta decision

The Spaniard wants to withdraw.

ByEmilio Galantini May 31, 2025

None of the aforementioned clubs have submitted a formal offer as things stand, but the Seagulls could find it difficult to retain the forward’s services if they receive a significant bid, and there is certainly no shortage of interest.

"Dangerous" Minteh "can reach Sadio Mane's level"

Prior to the 20-year-old’s move to Brighton last summer, a Serbian football scout suggested the youngster “can reach Sadio Mane’s level”, which is high acclaim, given how important the Senegalese winger was to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side for several years.

Since then, the Gambian has gone on to establish himself as a key player for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, picking up six goals and four assists in 32 Premier League matches during his debut campaign in England.

Former Feyenoord striker Pierre van Hooijdonk has also lauded the young forward as “extremely dangerous”, which is underlined by his performance on some key attacking metrics over the past year, while some of his defensive showings indicate that he is a well-rounded player.

Statistic

Average per 90

Successful take-ons

2.25 (85th percentile)

Touches (Att pen)

7.15 (93rd percentile)

Tackles

2.35 (96th percentile)

Clearances

1.52 (97th percentile)

Minteh is yet to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s top wingers, but he is certainly exhibiting very promising signs at Brighton, and at £35m, he could be a savvy signing for Arsenal this summer.