Category Uncategorized

أعلن مجلس إدارة الإسماعيلي، الحصول على حكم من الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم فيفا، بشأن ثلاث قضايا تتعلق بأزمة القيد، ووصفه النادي بأنه انتصار لقلعة الدراويش.

وأكد الإسماعيلي في بيانه، حصوله على حكم رسمي من غرفة تسوية النزاعات بالاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم فيفا في ثلاث قضايا، برفض الشكوتين المقدمتين من نادي أوكام السنغالي والمتعلقتين بأزمة قيد وانتقال الثنائي عبد العزيز سيسه وسليماني كوليه.

طالع| رئيس الإسماعيلي يوضح تطورات إيقاف القيد ويؤكد: موضوع الهبوط انتهى

وأشار مجلس الإسماعيلي، إلى رفض غرفة التسوية، الشكوى المقدمة من اللاعب سليماني كوليه. بيان الإسماعيلي بشأن 3 قضايا

تهنئ إدارة النادي الإسماعيلي، جماهيرها عقب نجاح الإدارة القانونية في تحقيق انتصار جديد لصالح النادي، وذلك بصدور حكم رسمي من غرفة تسوية النزاعات بالاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، في الثلاث قضايا برفض الشكوتين المقدمتين من نادي أوكام السنغالي والمتعلقتين بأزمة قيد وانتقال الثنائي عبد العزيز سيسه وسليماني كوليه.

كما رفضت غرفة التسوية الشكوى المقدمة من اللاعب سليماني كوليه.

ويؤكد مجلس الإدارة تقديره الكامل للجهود الكبيرة التي تبذلها الإدارة القانونية في الدفاع عن حقوق النادي في مختلف القضايا، ومواصلة العمل باحترافية وشفافية للحفاظ على مصالح الكيان.

There will be a player draft as well as a round of pre-draft signings ahead of the tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jan-2025

The 13th edition of the men’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be held from August 14 to September 21 this year, Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the CPL announced on Friday. “Once again there will be no clash with West Indies international matches,” a CPL statement said.”We are pleased to have once again worked with Cricket West Indies to find a window that allows the very best players from across the region to take part in the CPL,” Pete Russell, the CPL chief executive, said. “The 2024 season was our most successful to date and we are looking forward to building on that success in 2025.”As has been the case since 2022, there will be 30 league-stage matches featuring the six teams, followed by four playoffs – the eliminator, two qualifiers, and the final. St Lucia Kings are the defending champions, and the tournament will feature losing 2024 finalists Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Royals, Trinbago Knight Riders, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, who replaced Jamaica Tallawahs before the 2024 edition.Lynford Inverary, acting chief executive and chief operating officer of CWI, said, “While CWI continues to take a leading role in shaping our overall cricket calendar, the CPL remains a key part of our cricketing ecosystem, playing an important role in the development and promotion of the game throughout the Caribbean.”Specifics in terms of venues, fixtures, etc will be announced later. There will be a draft as well as a round of pre-draft signings for the teams to get their squads in place.

Liverpool’s pre-season schedule commences on Sunday July 13, at the Deepdale Stadium. It’ll be a feeling-out process, but one which Arne Slot will hope to use his new recruits.

And the head coach might have a range of new options to pick from. Indeed, Jeremie Frimpong is already signed and sealed as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s successor on the right flank, left-back Milos Kerkez is the subject of advancing talks with Bournemouth and the outcome of Darwin Nunez’s future move (he’s “planning to leave”, reports Fabrizio Romano) will see a new striker brought in.

But, of course, the name on everyone’s lips is that of Florian Wirtz, with the playmaker’s Bayer Leverkusen employers locked in talks with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes to agree to a British-record transfer.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

Wirtz is quite the player. While biased in his opinion, former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has described him as “the best midfielder in the world”, which is high praise indeed and justifiable, if subjective.

Liverpool have done so well to beat off competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich to come to the closing stages of a deal for Wirtz, which isn’t there yet.

Until the negotiations are brought to an agreeable close, fans will continue to bite their nails, with Liverpool seeing a £110m bid rejected. The Werkself are holding out for a British-record £120m fee.

While it would be a travesty if the bid unravelled now, it wouldn’t be unprecedented. Remember Nabil Fekir, anyone?

Liverpool would be wise to have a back-up plan. And they do.

Liverpool eyeing Wirtz alternative

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have joined a host of clubs in the race for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, who has also attracted Chelsea’s attention following Manchester City’s earlier declaration of interest.

City might have the lead, but Liverpool may yet make their move for the £70m-rated playmaker, with Forest said to be bracing themselves for official bids.

Gibbs-White, 25, may have been monitored by the Anfield side for a while, but they will need to up their game in the coming weeks if they are to beat off the divisional competition.

Why Liverpool want Morgan Gibbs-White

One of the principal architects of Nottingham Forest’s extraordinary campaign, qualifying for Europe, Gibbs-White is now proving the Tricky Trees have received bang for their buck after forking out £42.5m for his services back in August 2022.

This season, the part-time Tricky Trees skipper scored seven goals and supplied ten more across 34 Premier League matches, creating ten big chances, averaging 4.5 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.

Gibbs-White clearly boasts the kind of profile Liverpool desire for their midfield, especially since BBC analyst Raj Chohan has also humourously hailed him as “the Aldi Jude Bellingham.”

Real Madrid superstar Bellingham has opened up about his “hero” being the iconic Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, no doubt having fashioned elements of his game on Gerrard in his pomp.

Liverpool wanted Bellingham in 2023, but pulled out of the race for the Borussia Dortmund prodigy when it became clear he was leaning toward the Spanish capital, funds instead put toward making sweeping midfield changes.

The point is, though, that the Reds wanted Bellingham’s athletic, dynamic approach, and Gibbs-White could be the perfect man to bring such an identity to the Anfield heart, providing Slot with the perfect Wirtz alternative.

Ah yes, it’s probably worth noting Liverpool would only make their move for Gibbs-White if a deal for Wirtz falls through, which would strike a sense of profound numbness across Merseyside if it came to be.

But the Forest man has the skills to succeed under Slot’s wing. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 12% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers last term for goal-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 9% for through balls, the top 12% for interceptions and the top 15% for aerial battles won per 90.

One scout has even remarked that the all-action midfielder has a “Steven Gerrard mentality”, so influential and willing to take control of a match, to spearhead the pursuit of victory.

Once called a “real character and leader” for his club by Tottenham Hotspur historian John Wenham, Gibbs-White might not be in the same talent bracket as Gerrard once was, but that’s not to his discredit.

Gerrard was in a different sphere to the lion’s share, in fairness, retiring as one of the standout midfielders of his generation and perhaps the greatest player in Liverpool’s history, devoting his entire European career to Anfield and its denizens.

A supreme leader and fiercely rounded midfielder, Gerrard’s blueprint has been replicated by new blood, but he’s never been overtaken.

However, Gibbs-White could perform the role to an emphatic effect, breaking lines, inspiring his teammates and providing a combative sheen too, the complete player.

Maybe he wouldn’t succeed in becoming quite so legendary a Liverpudlian as Gerrard, who featured 710 times for the Merseysiders, his boyhood club, but he could play an instrumental part in winning the Premier League, breaking clear of Manchester United and becoming the most successful

It would be nice to bring Wirtz in, for he is matchless in his position right now. However, Gibbs-White would do a job in Slot’s system.

He’s still an immense midfielder with a vibrant personality and a persistent attitude besides. If Liverpool wish to continue to make gains over the coming years, this is exactly the kind of profile they should be going for.

If the move for Wirtz doesn’t come to fruition, of course.

Liverpool exploring move for £30m "iron barrel" who's just like Van Dijk

Liverpool are interested in signing a new centre-back this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 6, 2025

Arne Slot has refuted claims that Darwin Nunez's exclusion from the Liverpool first XI is due to a clause that would trigger a payment to Benfica.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Nunez hasn't started since March 8
• Reports claim Liverpool will owe Benfica €5m after 60 starts
• Slot unaware of clause

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Uruguayan forward has had a tough campaign, managing just seven goals across 42 outings in all competitions. He has not featured in the starting XI since Liverpool’s 3-1 triumph over Southampton on March 8, a prolonged absence that has only added fuel to the rumours surrounding his future at Anfield.

Advertisement

• getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Earlier this week, media outlets in Portugal reported that Benfica are due an additional €5 million (£4.3m/$5.7m) once Nunez reaches a milestone of 60 combined starts in the Premier League and Champions League. Currently sitting at 59 starts, the striker's omission has drawn speculation that Liverpool are intentionally delaying his appearances to avoid triggering the payment.

• WHAT SLOT SAID

  Slot, who took charge of Liverpool ahead of the 2024-25 season, strongly denied those allegations, saying he had no knowledge of such a clause and rejected the idea that financial motives are influencing team decisions.

  "Do you always believe what journalists say? Not always? Me neither," Slot told reporters. "Sometimes you should, but sometimes it’s better not to believe everything that is written about players. This is completely new to me, and I’ve said many times that I’m working at a club here where it’s really nice to work. Mainly sporting directors are judged by the players they bring in, for me it’s very important to have a great working environment and I have that with Richard (Hughes).

  "The last thing he would do, as I expect working with him for 10 months, is tell me: ‘If you play him it would cost us this much.’ That he would never do. I don’t even know if it’s true, yes or no, because we never talk about that. He never interferes with a lineup."

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR NUNEZ?

  Nunez’s goal return in the Premier League has been particularly underwhelming, with just five goals in the current campaign. Despite being previously linked with a January move to the Saudi Pro League, he remained on Merseyside but his role in the squad appears increasingly uncertain. Speculation continues to grow that the summer transfer window could bring an end to his time at Anfield, especially if Liverpool opt to retool their forward line ahead of the next campaign.

  Meanwhile, Liverpool are now on the verge of being crowned Premier League champions. A draw or a win against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday would secure the title.

Connolly had played just four first class games and was wicketless from his 96 deliveries before his Test debut in Galle

Tristan Lavalette06-Feb-20250:40

Connolly: ‘I like to be aggressive while I’m playing red-ball cricket as well’

From the moment his clutch batting memorably lifted Perth Scorchers to the BBL title almost exactly two years ago, Cooper Connolly quickly became a fan favourite and there was plenty of intrigue over the potential of this promising left-arm spinning allrounder.But even his legion of admirers out west could not have foreshadowed his rise to Test cricket would be so swift. After just four first-class matches, the 21-year-old Connolly became Australia’s 471st men’s cricketer after he replaced offspinner Todd Murphy in Australia’s XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He became Australia’s fourth debutant in as many Tests.With his emotional parents standing nearby, Connolly, 21, was presented with his baggy green cap by former Test batter and fellow Western Australian Simon Katich.Related

'I earned my opportunity' – Connolly reflects on whirlwind Test debut ahead of Shield return

Cummins and Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy

Travis Head expects Sam Konstas to open in WTC final

Sri Lanka hope for Nissanka boost as Australia target rare series win in Asia

Sri Lanka's 'strength is spin', but it's a game Australia can play too

His selection for this Test had been murmured in recent days with expectations that the surface used for this match would be notably dry and especially favourable to spin.Connolly’s selection has raised some eyebrows given he is wicketless from 96 deliveries in his first-class career so far. But all three of his Shield matches have been at the pace-friendly WACA ground, while he bowled only six overs against India A in Mackay in early November which was his last first-class match.Albeit a different format, but Connolly did take six wickets in the recent BBL season – where he was named player of the tournament after scoring the most runs in the league stage – highlighted by a strong performance against Sydney Thunder in favourable spinning conditions at the Showgrounds.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

If the surface for the second Test does spin sharply, Connolly could prove dangerous and provides another left-arm spinning option alongside Matthew Kuhnemann, who had so much success in the series opener.”From what I’ve seen in the nets he bowls some really good balls,” stand-in captain Steven Smith said on Wednesday. “He was pretty consistent when he was bowling in Dubai and in the nets here.”That’s kind of all you’ve got to do in these conditions, just try and bowl as many good balls in a good area and let the conditions take over.”Connolly’s inclusion also underlines bolder selections from Australia’s hierarchy who have shown a willingness to experiment ever since picking 19-year-old Sam Konstas for the Boxing Day Test against India.Cooper Connolly receives his debut cap from Simon Katich•Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

With Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship final secured, Connolly edged veteran Glenn Maxwell for a spot on the Sri Lanka tour having made his T20I and ODI debuts in the backend of last year. Undoubtedly, selectors have an eye towards the future – Australia’s next tour of India is just two years away – but they will insist his selection in the second Test is a decision based on specific conditions.At this stage of his fledgling career, Connolly is certainly a much stronger batter and adds significant depth to Australia’s order at No. 8. He has already scored three half-centuries from his six first-class innings, starting with 90 off 115 balls on debut at No. 7 in last year’s Shield final between WA and Tasmania.It was an elegant knock on a tricky WACA surface that instantly drew comparisons to former WA great Shaun Marsh. But given his all-round skills and X-factor ability, with an uncanny knack of hitting the most mesmerising shots, Connolly has been likened to Maxwell and Travis Head.”It’s pretty cool to be honest. You dream of it as a kid watching them smack it around,” he told ESPNcricinfo last December about the comparisons to Maxwell and Head. “I feel proud of myself… it’s a dream to put on a baggy green.”

Tottenham have joined Manchester United in monitoring Randal Kolo Muani’s uncertain future, with Juventus talks dragging on.

• Spurs and United keeping tabs on Kolo Muani
• Juventus talks ongoing but no agreement yet
• PSG rejected loan offers with buy clause

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kolo Muani’s proposed move from Paris Saint-Germain to Juventus has stalled, with the two clubs failing to agree on the structure of the deal. Juventus want a loan with a buy clause, while PSG prefer a full transfer or a large upfront loan payment. In the meantime, according to , Premier League sides Tottenham, United and Newcastle are closely watching how the situation develops.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The French striker enjoyed a productive six-month loan spell in Turin, scoring 10 goals and assisting twice. He has publicly stated his desire to stay at Juve, who welcomed him warmly. But Les Parisiens, who spent €90 million (£76m/$97m) including bonuses to sign him from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023, are unwilling to let him go on cheap or delayed terms. He is currently training with PSG’s U21s, clearly no longer in Luis Enrique’s first-team plans, and eager to secure a move away.

• WHAT DAMIEN COMOLLI SAID

  Juventus general manager Damien Comolli addressed the situation on Thursday, saying: "Kolo Muani wants to come back and play for Juventus, we're working on it."

  He added: "We have [Jonathan] David and [Dusan] Vlahovic as strikers, we're not worried. We're talking to PSG, there's no rush."

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  If the Bianconeri fail to meet PSG’s expectations, Premier League clubs could swoop in. Tottenham, in particular, have reignited their interest, despite investing in Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel. United and Newcastle are also keeping tabs. Unless Juventus act soon, Kolo Muani’s next destination might not be Serie A after all.

خاض فريق ريال مدريد، مساء يوم الأحد، مباراته في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم ضد نظيره خيتافي، لصالح المجموعة التاسعة.

وحل ريال مدريد ضيفًا على خيتافي في الجولة التاسعة من الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2025/26، حيث حقق الملكي فوزًا صعبًا بهدف دون رد. هدف فوز ريال مدريد على خيتافي في الدوري الإسباني

وكاد كيليان مبابي أن يسجل هدفًا لصالح ريال مدريد في الدقيقة الثامنة من عمر الشوط الأول، بعدما سدد كرة من داخل منطقة الجزاء، ولكن حارس خيتافي تصدى لها.

وفي الدقيقة التالية، سنحت فرصة جديدة لـ كيليان مبابي حيث سدد كرة قوية من خارج المنطقة، ولكنها مرت بجوار المرمى.

وطالب خيتافي بالحصول على ضربة جزاء في الدقيقة 22 من عمر الشوط الأول، نتيجة سقوط أحد لاعبيه داخل المنطقة عقب تدخل من دفاع مدريد، ولكن الحكم لم يحتسب أي شيء.

وتألق حارس مرمى خيتافي، ديفيد سوريا، في الدقيقة 42 من الشوط نفسه، بعدما سدد رودريجو كرة خطيرة من داخل منطقة الجزاء، إلا أن حارس أصحاب الأرض تصدى بشكل رائع.

وقبل نهاية الشوط ذاته، سدد ديفيد ألابا كرة ناحية مرمى خيتافي في محاولة لتسجيله هدف أول لكتيبة تشابي ألونسو، ولكن سوريا تصدى لها.

وقرر المدرب تشابي ألونسو إجراء تبديل مع بداية الشوط الثاني حيث دفع باللاعب راؤول أسينسيو بدلًا من ديفيد ألابا، خاصة وأن لياقة الأخير لا تجعله يستطيع خوض مباراة كاملة.

وفي الدقيقة 56، دفع تشابي ألونسو بالنجم البرازيلي فينيسيوس جونيور بدلًا من الأرجنتيني فرانكو ماستانتونو.

ونفذ كيليان مبابي ركلة ثابتة في مكان خطير في الدقيقة 72، ولكن كرته مرت بجوار القائم، وسط ذهول من جانب النجم الفرنسي.

وشهدت الدقيقة 77 حصول لاعب فريق خيتافي، آلان نيوم، على بطاقة حمراء مباشرة بعد ثوانِ من دخوله كبديل نتيجة تدخله القوي على فينيسيوس جونيور، لاعب ريال مدريد.

حالة غريبة في كرة القدم! 😲

آلان نيوم يُطرد 🟥 بعد أقل من دقيقة من مشاركته أمام ريال مدريد!#الدوري_الإسباني #خيتافي #ريال_مدريد pic.twitter.com/7UHOTgs7cE — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) October 19, 2025

واحتج لاعبو خيتافي وكذلك مدربهم على قرار طرد نيوم، ولكن تقنية الفيديو أكدت الأمر، ليضطر الفريق إلى اللعب منقوصًا.

وفي الدقيقة 80، سجل كيليان مبابي هدف ريال مدريد الأول بعد تمريرة رائعة من زميله التركي أردا جولر، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى الفرنسي الذي سددها في الشباك، معلنًا عن التقدم.

وازداد الوضع سوءًا على خيتافي بعد طرد جديد في صفوفه حيث تحصل لاعبه، أليكس سانكريس على بطاقة صفراء ثانية ومن ثم حمراء، في الدقيقة 84، بسبب تدخله على فينيسيوس جونيور.

وكاد لاعب خيتافي كامارا أن يسجل هدف التعادل القاتل في الدقيقة 96، لولا تألق الحارس تيبو كورتوا الذي تصدى للكرة بطريقة مميزة من جانبه.

بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد ريال مدريد إلى 24 نقطة في المركز الأول، بينما تجمد رصيد خيتافي عند 11 نقطة في المركز الثاني عشر.

It’s been a truly bizarre campaign for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

The fans will only remember this season for the club’s historic triumph in the Europa League – and rightly so – but the powers that be cannot ignore just how disastrous the team’s Premier League performances were, injury crisis or not.

While there are likely plenty of things the club can and should address behind the scenes, one of the best ways Daniel Levy and Co can ensure next year is more successful is by signing the right players this summer.

The good news is that recent reports seem to indicate that they’re targetting at least one bonafide star who’d be an incredible addition to the squad, but it could be bad news for James Maddison as the target in question would likely be an upgrade on him.

Tottenham transfer news

Given how poorly the team fared on the domestic front this season, it’s not been a surprise to see Spurs linked with a host of talented stars in recent weeks, like Xavi Simons and Angel Gomes.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost the club around £65m, but with a tally of 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 appearances for a lacklustre RB Leipzig side this season, that’s a fee that feels pretty reasonable.

Gomes, on the other hand, wouldn’t cost a penny in transfer fees, as his contract with LOSC Lille expires this month, although for all the experience and quality he’d bring with him, he couldn’t be described as an upgrade for Maddison, unlike Eberechi Eze.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Spurs have maintained their intense interest in the Crystal Palace star.

In fact, the report goes a step further, proclaiming the Englishman as the North Londoners ‘top target’ for the window.

The story does not reveal how much the 26-year-old dynamo might cost the Lilywhites, but it has been pretty widely reported in recent weeks and months that he has a release clause in his current contract worth around £68m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Eze’s incredible ability, it would be more than worth it, even if his arrival would be bad news for Maddison.

How Eze compares to Maddison

Now, while Eze is a positionally versatile player and has spent plenty of his career playing out wide on the left, his most played position, and where he’s spent most of this season, is attacking midfield.

Therefore, his main rival for game time at Spurs would be Maddison, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes to their pure output, it’s the Eagles ace who comes out on top, as in 43 appearances for the South London side, he scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.72 games.

In comparison, the former Leicester City star scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists in 45 appearances for the Lilywhites this year, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.95 games.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out victorious when we take a look under the hood?

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.52

0.50

Progressive Passes

3.37

8.16

Progressive Passes Received

5.31

4.73

Progressive Carries

2.36

2.24

Shots

3.48

1.94

Shots on Target

0.94

0.85

Key Passes

2.01

2.04

Shot-Creating Actions

4.69

4.73

Tackles

1.35

1.54

Blocks

0.94

0.74

Successful Take-Ons

2.33

1.64

Ball Recoveries

5.07

3.78

Well, things are once again somewhat close here, but overall, it’s the FA Cup-winning “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, who comes out on top.

For example, he comes out ahead in more relevant metrics than his compatriot, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Maddison is a brilliant player, Eze is two years his junior and performing at a higher level in a side that most would have predicted to finish lower than the North Londoners this time last year.

Therefore, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign the versatile star this summer before someone else beats them to him.

Shades of Dembele: Spurs make "generational" £60m star a priority signing

The sensational gem could develop into something truly special at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 4, 2025

Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of a £84m striker, as he is now keen on a summer move to Anfield, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new striker

While Mohamed Salah may have received most of the plaudits, Jamie Carragher has asserted that the Reds having lots of different goalscorers is the reason they won the Premier League title, considering Arsenal have been more defensively solid.

However, the lack of a dependable centre-forward is a real concern for former Red Danny Murphy, who has claimed Arne Slot is no great admirer of Darwin Nunez, saying: “Slot obviously doesn’t fancy him.

“Slot has played a winger, Luis Diaz, ahead of him as a striker at times. That tells you everything you need to know.”

Murphy also states he would be “amazed” if Nunez remains at Anfield beyond the summer, and work has started on bringing in a potential replacement for the Uruguayan, with DaveOCKOP recently dropping a new update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.

Sky Sports: Liverpool may sell "amazing" £50m player after transfer twist

He played in the 3-2 defeat away to Brighton on Monday night.

By
Henry Jackson

May 20, 2025

The report states that Sesko is now interested in a move to Anfield this summer, with the Reds holding a serious interest, but a concrete offer may have to wait until after Nunez is offloaded, with Napoli and clubs from Saudi Arabia keen on the 25-year-old.

The Slovenian striker is attracting interest from across Europe, but a deal will not be cheap, with RB Leipzig looking to hold out for a fee of €100m (£84m), although there may be some leeway to negotiate a lower fee.

"Incredible" Sesko admired by Jürgen Klopp

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is known to be a big admirer of the 21-year-old, stating he has “incredible potential” earlier this year, while also detailing that he is happy to have him at a Red Bull Group-owned club.

The forward certainly isn’t short of admirers, with former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell also adding: “Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6’4″) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”

The Reds are known to have a good business relationship with Leipzig, which they will be hoping they can use to their advantage in negotiations, as it is evident that Slot will need to bring in an upgrade on Nunez this summer.

The former Benfica man has just five Premier League goals to his name this season, so it is exciting news that Sesko is now a serious target to replace the striker, alongside a number of other top forwards.

They came unstuck against Pakistan spinners in the UAE but records at home offer cause for optimism

Alex Malcolm15-Nov-2018Ninety-one runs from 78 balls with eight wickets in hand. That equation for any professional T20 team should be a cakewalk. That was the equation for Australia against Pakistan in Dubai last month.Chris Lynn, a feared T20 batsman the world over, had been dropped six balls earlier at deep square leg having top-edged a sweep off Imad Wasim. He attempted another sweep, without even a sighter from the legspin of Shadab Khan, and holed out at deep midwicket.Three overs later Australia needed 76 from 60 balls with six wickets in hand. Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh were at the crease with D’Arcy Short still to come. Maxwell tried to hit the next ball from Shadab into the stands from the crease; he miscued to long-off and holed out. Australia went on to lose.A week later at the same venue Pakistan needed 104 runs from 84 balls with nine wickets in hand to clinch the series against New Zealand. Babar Azam, the world’s No.1 ranked T20 batsman, with a T20 career strike rate of 118.31 compared to Lynn’s 144.10 and Maxwell’s 155.55, batted for the next seven overs without risk. He faced 12 balls of spin excluding two wides, scored 12 runs and didn’t hit a ball in the air.He was caught for 40 off 41 balls trying to loft a Tim Southee slower ball over the ring. Pakistan’s new equation was 58 off 42 with eight wickets. Mohammad Hafeez faced six balls, absorbed one dot, scored four singles and a two. With 40 needed from 24 deliveries, Hafeez launched Ish Sodhi twice in three balls. Pakistan won by six wickets with two balls to spare.**Cricket Australia is intent on taking T20I cricket seriously.So much so that of the 42 recommendations set out in the Longstaff Review, that has purged Australian cricket of its ills, the only one CA rejected was the call for Australia Test and one-day players to be excused from T20Is in order to play more Sheffield Shield cricket.The selectors have turned the Australian T20 team into a specialist side over the last 12 months, picked specifically on the back of BBL form and chock-full of Australia’s best T20 talent. In fact, Australia’s T20 team has played matches in Australia and New Zealand while the Test team has started tours in India and South Africa in the last two years.But the left-arm orthodox of Imad and the right-arm legspin of Shadab rendered that talent useless on good, albeit slow, surfaces in the UAE. Australia’s play against spin in Test cricket has been a cause for concern over many years, one they went some way to rectifying in the UAE, only to come unstuck by the military medium precision of Mohammad Abbas. Their play against spin in T20 cricket is also under the spotlight.