RCB play their first home game this season after back-to-back wins, while GT have started with a win and a loss each
ESPNcricinfo staff02-Apr-2025
Time for Rashid Khan vs Virat Kohli at Chinnaswamy•AFP/Getty Images
Toss Shubman Gill called correctly and had no hesitation in bowling first in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first home game of the season at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.GT, who are playing their first away game of the season, have won and lost one match each so far. They brought in left-arm fast bowler Arshad Khan in place of Kagiso Rabada, who missed out due to personal reasons. That left GT with only two overseas players in their bowling XI, with Sherfane Rutherford likely to come in while batting.”It looks like a good wicket. The conditions don’t change much, so we are looking to bowl first,” Gill said at the toss.”We are all about reducing our unforced errors, and we will try and fine-tune the areas that need some fine-tuning.”Rajat Patidar, the RCB captain, said that he would have bowled first as well, while confirming that RCB are going with an unchanged XI.”We wanted to bowl first as well,” he said. “The surface is pretty hard, [and] will not change much. We will try and keep them under pressure. The way everybody is chipping in gives me confidence. Everyone is looking in a good frame of mind.”RCB are coming into the game with two stellar wins. They began their season with a seven-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener. Six days later, they did something that they hadn’t since 2008 – defeated Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk by a huge 50-run margin. That means RCB are in their hometown while being top of the points table with a superb NRR of +2.266.GT, on the other hand, lost their opening match of the season to Punjab Kings by 11 runs, but made up for it by beating Mumbai Indians by 36 runs at home.Gujarat Titans: 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 Sai Sudharsan, 3 Jos Buttler (wk), 4 Shahrukh Khan, 5 Rahul Tewatia, 6 Arshad Khan, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 R Sai Kishore, 9 Mohammed Siraj, 10 Prasidh Krishna, 11 Ishant SharmaRoyal Challengers Bengaluru: 1 Phil Salt, 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Devdutt Padikkal, 4 Rajat Patidar (capt), 5 Liam Livingstone, 6 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7 Tim David, 8 Krunal Pandya, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Yash Dayal
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has made no secret of his desire for further offensive reinforcements before the end of the summer transfer window.
After the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League, the manager said: “In defence and midfield, goalkeeper position and full-back position, we’ve done really good business. But we spoke quite open and honest about it, we would need to add some more quality up front.”
The Championship champions have only scored one goal in their first three matches back in the top-flight, which has placed further emphasis on the need for new attacking talent to arrive at Throp Arch.
Leeds in talks to sign new winger
With only a few hours left before the deadline passes, the club are reportedly looking to sign a player from one of their Premier League rivals.
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According to journalist Graham Smyth, Leeds United are in talks with Fulham over a potential deal to bring Harry Wilson to Elland Road in the coming hours.
The reporter does not reveal whether it would be a permanent or loan move for the former Liverpool man, who signed for the Cottagers for £12m in the summer of 2021.
Smyth adds, though, that he expects the club’s business to be done for the summer if they are able to get a move for Wilson over the line in this last-ditch approach.
What Harry Wilson could bring to Leeds
The Wales international is a proven Premier League performer who could slot straight into the side on the right wing as an upgrade on Daniel James.
Farke’s current Welsh winger has failed to create a ‘big chance’ or register a shot on target in any of his three starts in the Premier League so far this term, and only managed two goals and one assist in 24 outings in his last season in the top-flight with Fulham in the 2022/23 campaign, per Sofascore.
These statistics suggest that Leeds should not expect the former Manchester United man to deliver much in the way of quality at the top end of the pitch this season.
Harry Wilson (Premier League)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
35
25
xG
3.38
4.21
Goals
4
6
Big chances created
5
2
Key passes per game
0.7
0.8
Assists
6
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Wilson has delivered ten goals and seven assists in his last two seasons in the Premier League with Fulham.
These statistics show that the left-footed star, who was once hailed as “incredible” by Jurgen Klopp, can provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals on the right wing.
The Fulham forward has shown that he can score and assist goals at a decent rate in the Premier League and could, therefore, hit the ground running at Elland Road as an upgrade on Dan James, who has consistently struggled to deliver in front of goal at that level.
He has shown that he can make a bigger impact in front of goal than the current Leeds winger and that is why a move for the £12m forward could be a shrewd last-minute move.
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Ruben Amorim capped off Manchester United’s hard-fought victory over Chelsea with a classy gesture that has further endeared him to the Red Devils faithful. Despite torrential rain lashing down outside Old Trafford, the United boss stayed until late in the evening to sign autographs and take photos with supporters. The act of appreciation followed a much-needed 2-1 win that lifted pressure and boosted morale.
Amorim's classy gesture towards Man Utd fans
Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-1 in a rain-soaked clash that saw both sides reduced to ten men. After the game, hundreds of supporters waited outside Old Trafford in grim conditions to meet Amorim. The Portuguese coach obliged, staying until after 9 pm to greet fans, sign shirts and pose for selfies in the pouring rain.
AdvertisementAFPBuilding a bond to last at Old Trafford
The victory not only provided a morale boost but also gave Amorim vital breathing room after a tough run of results. His willingness to connect with fans beyond the pitch shows a human side that has struck a chord with the United faithful. The bond between manager and supporters could prove crucial as he looks to build trust and stability in a new era at Old Trafford.
Amorim: It's time to create a bit of momentum
Amorim welcomed the win but stressed the importance of consistency moving forward. He said: "Now it's time to create a bit of momentum. We deserved the win, it's just one win. And we need to think about the next one. It's really important because I understand the environment around the team and the coach.
"It's Manchester United winning a game at home, it's just that. Three points. We cannot forget that we suffer a lot when we are not in the top, in our maximum in all aspects. We can lose against Grimsby, we can win against any team. We need to take that for the next week. Of course it's really good to win, you can feel the environment in the dressing room. But forget that feeling. I prefer the other feeling now, because it will bring us the urgency to win again. That is really important again."
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Getty Images SportNext up for Man Utd: Brentford away
Amorim will hope the win over Chelsea can serve as a turning point for his side. United are due back in action next Saturday when they take in a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford.
Crystal Palace now hold strong interest in signing a “gifted” defender, with a bid currently being planned, according to a report.
Palace looking to bolster defensive options ahead of European campaign
It is still unclear which European competition Palace will be taking part in next season, but they are planning to make one last-ditch attempt to secure a place in the Europa League, and former Everton chief Keith Wyness believes they have a fighting chance.
Wyness said: “The chances are less than 50%, but they’ve got a chance, and I really hope they win. I think they have a case and the Woody Johnson thing can’t have hurt. It does have a bearing on the case because they can say, look, we’ve cleaned up the whole mess with Textor, so please let us go now.”
Johnson, of course, recently bought John Textor’s shares in the club, which Steve Parish will be hoping is enough to win UEFA around, but the situation is complicated, given that the March 1st deadline to change the ownership structure was missed.
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Regardless of which European competition the Eagles take part in next season, they may need to deepen their squad this summer to cope with the increase in matches, and they have now set their sights on a new target.
That is according to a report from Spain, which states Crystal Palace now hold strong interest in signing Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez, but there could be competition for his signature, with a number of other Premier League clubs also in the picture.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have already agreed a deal with Sevilla, while Everton are also named as potential suitors for Juanlu, who is thought to be valued at a fee close to €20m (£17m).
Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.
The full-back is expected to make the move to England very soon, and Palace will be hoping he is tempted by a move to Selhurst Park, with an opening bid currently being prepared.
"Gifted" Juanlu could be excellent signing for Palace
Oliver Glasner already has one talented right-back at his disposal in the form of Daniel Munoz, with the 29-year-old putting in some very impressive performances in the Premier League last season, collecting ten goal contributions in 37 outings.
However, there are signs the Sevilla defender could be able to push for a starting spot at Palace, given that he is also a real threat on the front foot, amassing four goals and four assists in La Liga in the 2024-25 campaign.
The 21-year-old, who has been described as “gifted” by reporter Jose Manuel Rodriguez, has also impressed across a number of key metrics over the past year, when compared to other full-backs.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.21 (98th percentile)
Assists
0.21 (85th percentile)
Tackles
2.61 (84th percentile)
Blocks
1.41 (80th percentile)
While it is unclear which competition Palace will be playing in next season, they will be hoping that European football of some description being on offer will give them the edge over the likes of Everton and Wolves in the race for Juanlu’s signature.
O Flamengo bateu o Coritiba por 3 a 0, no Maracanã, pela primeira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. O duelo trouxe uma equipe mais segura do Clube da Gávea, embora ainda esteja longe do ideal. O esquema, inclusive, era muito parecido com o de Jorge Sampaoli.
Presente no Maracanã, o treinador argentino certamente curtiu o resultado, que deu a liderança ao Flamengo. No entanto, percebeu que ainda existem algumas questões na equipe, especialmente na confiança dos atletas.
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BOM JOGO DA DEFESA
Muito criticado nas últimas partidas, o sistema defensivo do Flamengo sofreu pouco contra o Coritiba. É certo que o Coxa aposta muito na velocidade e drible de Alef Manga para construir o ataque, mas a defesa rubro-negra fez a diferença.
+David Luiz sente dores na coxa e é vetado de jogo do Flamengo contra o Coritiba
Wesley foi muito bem na lateral direita e pode ter ganho a posição de vez. Fabrício Bruno e Léo Pereira fizeram jogo seguro, enquanto o destaque ficou por parte de Ayrton Lucas, autor do primeiro gol rubro-negro.
Ao todo, Santos realizou apenas três defesas, nenhuma difícil, e o Flamengo terminou um jogo sem sofrer gols após três compromissos. Vale destacar, também, os 15 desarmes e três finalizações do Coritiba contra a meta do arqueiro.
CONFIANÇA EM FALTA
Apesar de terem sido melhores do que nos últimos jogos, alguns atletas do Flamengo ainda apresentaram nível abaixo. Gerson foi mais ousado e buscou boas jogadas, mas Everton Ribeiro e Cebolinha não foram bem. A verdade é que falta confiança aos atletas.
Confiança também faltava para Gabigol, que fazia jogo ruim até marcar de pênalti e encerrar o jejum que já durava dez partidas. Pedro, seu substituto, precisou de apenas 15 minutos em campo para balançar as redes e finalizar a goleada.
+Flamengo homenageia Denir antes de jogo contra o Coritiba
O resultado foi bom, mas Sampaoli terá muito trabalho para trazer o Flamengo ao seu ideal. A estreia do argentino será nesta quarta-feira, diante do Ñublense, pela Libertadores. O duelo acontecerá às 21h30 (de Brasilia), no Maracanã.
Arsenal know their hunt for a striker will define the type of campaign they enjoy under Mikel Arteta and there has now been a significant development on that front, according to reports.
Arsenal look to finalise move for Cristhian Mosquera
Undoubtedly, Mikel Arteta has become an admirer of solid foundations when analysing his recruitment strategy this summer, which may explain why he has focused primarily on defensive-minded arrivals early in the window.
Martin Zubimendi is set to join the Gunners from Real Sociedad. At the same time, Kepa Arrizabalaga will become David Raya’s deputy between the sticks following a solid loan spell at Bournemouth last campaign.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
Furthermore, Arsenal are set to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard for a fee of £15 million including add-ons. With Thomas Partey and Jorginho now no longer in the building, making two smart additions in the engine room will ensure a balance in squad depth.
Nevertheless, there could be more in the way of solidity soon to enter the frame amid news that Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera could soon be on his way to North London.
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While that is all well and good, Arsenal will be judged this window on what they do to strengthen their frontline amid Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus’ injury struggles last term, so fans may want to take note of the latest update emerging from the Emirates.
Viktor Gyokeres demands meeting to force Arsenal move
According to reports in Portugal via Sport Witness, Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres has demanded a meeting with Sporting president Frederico Varandas in relation to broken promises over a potential move away from the Primeira Liga champions this summer.
The Sweden international has an £85 million release clause in place. Still, there is a disagreement over how much he will be allowed to depart for as the club prepares to return to pre-season, with Varandas publicly stating Sporting won’t be held to ransom.
Viktor Gyokeres’ incredible record in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
52
Goals
54
Assists
13
Talks are set to act as a move to push Sporting into a sale, while the report names Berta and Arsenal as the team now in the front seat to land Gyokeres after a summer transfer saga that has dominated headlines across the globe.
Manchester United have also been heavily mentioned. However, the Gunners are believed to be the only contender in line for Gyokeres, who has been labelled the “hottest striker in the world” by talkSPORT pundit Flex.
Potentially, this development could bring the curtain down on a nerve-shredding summer episode for everyone involved with the North London giants, though supporters won’t be getting too excited until he is paraded at the Emirates Stadium.
Mark Wood admitted England had been aware of “a few negatives flying around” in the lead-up to their crucial victory over Oman on Thursday, but said he had harnessed the “nervous energy” to help deliver a statement performance that has got the team’s T20 World Cup back on track.With nothing less than victory required, Wood proved too hot to handle in his fierce three-over burst against Oman. He struck twice in his opening powerplay over, including a return catch first-ball, and finished with 3 for 12 as Oman were rolled aside for 47 in 13.2 overs.England’s fate is still not entirely in their own hands despite rushing to their target in just 19 balls, to revive their flagging net run rate. Assuming they overcome Namibia on Saturday, in what will be the first T20I between the two teams, they will still require Australia to beat Scotland 24 hours later to confirm their place in the Super Eight.But, after a washout in their own match against Scotland, followed by a 36-run loss to Australia in Barbados last week that had left them needing such favours, Wood was delighted with the focussed display that England produced to see off Oman, given the doubts that had been swirling externally about the team’s readiness to defend the title that they won two years ago.”It feels great,” Wood said. “We had to put a stamp on the game … the table didn’t look great obviously before, but it looks a lot better now. There’s still work to do, but I’m feeling a lot better about things after this game.”Wood himself had come in for particular criticism during the Barbados leg of the campaign, not least in the Australia defeat where – on a surface that was not suited to raw pace – he was taken apart by David Warner in the powerplay, conceding three sixes and a four in a 22-run opening over.Mark Wood bowled with pace to claim three wickets against Oman•ICC via Getty Images
He came back well from that indignity, conceding just ten runs in his next two overs by resorting to a diet of cutters, but it was not sufficient to rescue England’s position in the contest.”I’ve been pretty happy with how it’s gone apart from that one really stinking over,” Wood said, having previously been England’s most economical option in the two overs he was able to bowl before the Scotland match was abandoned. “I know I’ve come in for a lot of flak and a lot of stick in the last few days, but I was determined to put on another performance.”I was probably more pleased with the fact that I came back [against Australia], showed some resilience and actually bought some cutters which isn’t natural to me. Normally I’m just trying to bowl quick so to use some guile and some skill, I was pleased. There were obviously doubts about me keeping my spot, but I’ve been quietly trying to keep my focus to perform for the team.”Part of that focus, Wood said, had come from working with David Young, the team psychologist who aided England’s 2019 World Cup campaign and who has been brought back to the squad on a consultancy basis from his current role with Manchester City.”Self-doubt is common for players,” he said. “I was speaking to Youngy about more of the things that I focus on, rather than outcome all the time.”Of course, you have doubts every game you play for England,” he added. “I don’t think there’s a cricketer who doesn’t have a little bit of self-doubt, but the nerves before the game, that’s what helps people bowl fast as well, because you have that nervous energy, that excitement.Related
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“You want to perform, you’re out there in front of cameras, the millions of people watching, the media, opposition … it’s all judgment, so you’ve got to just remember your focus and what you’re trying to do. In Twenty20 it’s a bit different, isn’t it? You can bowl really well and get whacked, or you can bowl rubbish and get two or three wickets. So, it’s the realisation that you’re doing the right things in your own mind.”Above all else, Wood was pleased with the ruthlessness of England’s victory over Oman, first with the ball and in the field, and then with the bat during their rapid run-chase. However, the team are still reliant on another display of ruthlessness from Australia against Scotland, if their mini-revival is to count for anything in the qualification stakes.All the talk in the build-up to the Oman match had centred around Josh Hazlewood’s suggestion that Australia might go easy on Scotland to help knock England out early. Far from being fired up by the notion, however, Wood said the team had taken that suggestion as a compliment, adding that they had no doubts that Australia would be gunning for victory, as ever, on Sunday.”I think that’s part of being England and Australia, isn’t it?” he said. “I think actually I saw it more as a respect thing, if I’m honest, that he was saying that England have done well against Australia in the recent past and thinks we’re a big threat and a big team, so I have no problem with it.”He did, however, admit it would be slightly strange to be cheering on Australia in the final group game.”I know I’m close to the Scottish border [coming from Durham] and Australia and Scotland are England’s rivals… but we’ll obviously be supporting Australia because we’re trying to get through,” he said.”We have got to show a little bit more and then fingers crossed for Australia. Then when you are through to that next stage every team can go on from there. I’m absolutely confident they’ll play the game their hardest, that’s the Australian way. They’ll play hard and fair and try to get the win.”
There was a point during the overtures of the summer transfer window that Liverpool were clear ahead of any hopefuls in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool are considered frontrunners in the race to sign the French forward, but Chelsea and Manchester United are also locked in negotiations with the Bundesliga club and the player’s representatives.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
It’s an open race, and one which the Anfield side will be frustrated that they cannot advance in, given Darwin Nunez still sits firmly in Arne Slot’s squad. The Uruguayan striker is expected to leave the club this summer but, despite interest from Serie A and the Saudi Pro League, real progress has not yet happened.
Luckily, not much should change on the Ekitike front just yet, with his employers standing firm on their €100m (£85m) price tag – a valuation they don’t seem keen to meet.
Since Nunez is all but set to go, it would be wise for the Reds to search for alternatives, and Viktor Gyokeres is a name that has been bandied about.
Liverpool's interest in Viktor Gyokeres
Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League and does have the capacity to double down on their staggering £150m valuation of Alexander Isak.
Thus, alternatives like Ekitike and Sporting’s Gyokeres have been mapped out, and the latter is certainly an attractive option, given he has scored 97 goals across 102 appearances for the Portuguese club.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
Arsenal and Manchester United have both shown more concrete interest than Liverpool in recent weeks, even if the Reds are keen, with the Gunners sure to be emboldened by the striker’s intimation that he would rather move to the Emirates than Old Trafford.
There’s no doubt that Gyokeres would prove an upgrade on Nunez, whose natural talent hasn’t been enough to make things click in England’s top flight, but the former is 27 and Sporting chiefs want his €100m (£85m) release clause met, which would put him in the same park as Ekitike.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
Liverpool reportedly made contact with the Sweden international back in May, though there are concerns that his ridiculous rate of scoring would struggle to translate into Premier League life, and that’s why Liverpool have made contact with an exciting upgrade.
Liverpool open talks for Nunez replacement
As per the latest from TEAMtalk, Liverpool believe they have found a way to offload Nunez and solve their quest for a number nine at the same time.
Indeed, that’s by offering the 25-year-old, along with Federico Chiesa, to Napoli in return for Victor Osimhen, with talks having already happened regarding a potential swap deal.
Osimhen, 26, has just completed a successful loan spell with Galatasaray after a divorce from the Naples side, and his summer transfer is a given.
Valued at £60m, the Nigerian goalscorer is more affordable than the other forwards we’ve mentioned, and if Nunez, Chiesa or both are included in the package, he would be cheaper still.
Why Liverpool should sign Victor Osimhen
Frugality has been something that dissenters have targeted FSG with for a while, but who can say Liverpool’s owners have been anything but ambitious in the market thus far this month?
Even so, there’s a lot going on in the Anfield offices, and the coffers aren’t inexhaustible. Osimhen represents an affordable deal for an elite-level marksman.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates after the match
Ekitike has a high ceiling, but the Frenchman isn’t as refined as Napoli’s man right now, and perhaps Osimhen is also more accomplished than Gyokeres, who has yet to prove himself at age 27 in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Indeed, the rangy centre-forward has been hailed for his “world-class” finishing by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, and that’s something Liverpool have been lacking at the front of the ship to be sure.
24/25 – Galatasaray
41
37
8
23/24 – Napoli
32
17
4
22/23 – Napoli
39
31
5
21/22 – Napoli
32
18
6
20/21 – Napoli
30
10
3
But goalscoring isn’t Osimhen’s sole forte. Powerful, robust and more dynamic than he might seem at a glance, the £83k-per-week striker likes to drive forward with the ball at his feet and make things happen for his teammates.
Make no mistake, Gyokeres is a high-level finisher and complete in his forward play, but Liverpool would be gambling in bringing him to the Premier League over someone more proven in Osimhen. The Premier League champions, after all, need the best of the best.
Napoli star Victor Osimhen
As per FBref, he ranked among the top 4% of forwards across Europe last season for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for progressive carries and the top 16% for ball recoveries per 90.
This shows that he’s mobile and efficient in utilising his athleticism, not just standing as a target man in spite of his prowess in the box.
Silky and stylish and all the rest, Osimhen would be a credit to Liverpool’s first team, bringing a fiery personality and a winning mentality.
Gyokeres is a physical force of a player himself, but he simply hasn’t achieved the same heights as Osimhen despite being a year his junior, and given that he would cost more, Liverpool will need to consider their options carefully, lest they make the wrong choice and hinder their chances of defending their Premier League title with Slot at the helm and indeed struggle to conquer trophies on tournamental fronts.
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Manchester City could be a force to be reckoned with in the transfer market and have made their first step to landing a priority target this summer, according to reports.
Man City look to enjoy successful summer window
The Premier League title may have headed to Anfield this season in a transitional year for the Citizens, but you get the impression they will be quick out of the blocks once the window opens for business.
Pep Guardiola acted decisively to bring in Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah in January, and no stone will be left unturned as Manchester City aim to position themselves among the elite.
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With some statement arrivals on the agenda, the Blues are said to be keen on a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Desire Doue, even if they will have to stump up £85 million or over to have a chance of landing his services.
Barcelona winger Raphinha is another high calibre target at the Etihad Stadium and he is believed to be among their priority options to strengthen out wide due to his excellent form for club and country.
Even if the Citizens were to miss out on Champions League football, they still hold an appeal that very few would be able to match with Guardiola’s long-term project likely to yield further silverware.
Nevertheless, Manchester City remain at a vantage point from which they will be confident they can finish the job before a summer when changes could be made to fuel the fire for success. Now, they have taken a step forward in their pursuit of another key target as their ruthless approach to recruitment begins to take its course.
Man City submit £34m+ offer for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa
According to reports, Manchester City have submitted an initial £34.1 million offer for Porto stopper Diogo Costa and look set to improve on their opening bid, which was rejected, sooner rather than later.
FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
The Portugal international’s contract includes a £64 million release clause, but he may be allowed to leave for a fee in the region of £51.1 million if appropriate interest arises for his services.
Labelled “incredible” by countryman Diogo Dalot, Costa has kept 18 clean sheets in 44 appearances across all competitions this season as Porto look to seal continental qualification.
Diogo Costa’s key statistics in 2024/25 – Liga Portugal
Saves
51
Save percentage rate
66.2%
Goals conceded
26
Acted as sweeper
18
High claim
17
Errors led to goal
0
Ederson is expected to leave Manchester City for Saudi Arabia, so it is intriguing to see that they have now upped the ante in pursuing a long-term replacement for the Brazil international.
Looking ahead, it seems plausible that progress could be made in their move for Costa and it will be intriguing to see if he does end up becoming the man between the sticks at the Etihad Stadium.
Celtic failed to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership when they were beaten 1-0 by St. Johnstone away from home on Sunday.
The Hoops had the chance to move 16 points clear at the top of the division after their city rivals Rangers had been beaten 2-0 on Saturday by Hibernian, but failed to pick up a singe point of their own a day later.
Celtic had 26 shots on goal, nine of which were on target, and did not do enough to beat Andrew Fisher, who saved all nine of those efforts on target, between the sticks for the Saints.
The likes of Nicolas Kuhn, who was substituted at half-time in the match, Daizen Maeda, and Jota all ended the game without helping the team to find the back of the net.
It was an off-colour performance from Jota on the left wing as he played 76 minutes without scoring a goal or creating a ‘big chance’ for his teammates, although he did register a shot on target and two key passes.
Why Jota has been a great signing for Celtic
The Hoops swooped to sign the Portuguese forward on a permanent deal from Rennes in the recent January transfer window for a reported fee of £8m, 18 months on from his £25m move from Parkhead to Al Ittihad.
His performance against St. Johnstone was not reflective of his form since making that return to Glasgow from France at the start of the year, though, as he has been a great signing for Brendan Rodgers so far.
The 26-year-old talent has scored four goals, created three ‘big chances’, and assisted two goals in six starts and three substitute appearances in the Premiership since his £8m switch, which shows that he has been incredibly productive in the final third for the Scottish giants.
Goals
0.71
Top 4%
xG
0.52
Top 4%
xG on target
0.76
Top 1%
Shots on target
1.60
Top 1%
Assists
0.32
Top 16%
Chances created
2.13
Top 20%
As you can see in the table above, his statistics also place him very highly among his positional peers in the Premiership, as he has been one of the most frequent scorers and creators in the division per 90.
These statistics also show that he is well on his way to replicating the kind of form that earned him his £25m move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 in the first place.
As you can see in the graphic above, Jota consistently provided a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the Premiership during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns under Ange Postecoglou earlier in his Celtic career.
Whilst the Hoops managed to bring the former Benfica man back to the club in January, the Bhoys did lose a talent last summer who could have become Jota 2.0 at Parkhead in Rocco Vata.
Why Rocco Vata deserved more chances at Celtic
The Irish youngster came up through the academy system at Parkhead and only made six appearances in the first-team before he left the club at the end of his contract last summer to sign for Watford.
After four appearances in the Premiership under Postecoglou in the 2022/23 campaign, Vata was not given many chances to impress at senior level by Rodgers last season.
Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly
The teenage sensation made two appearances, one in the Premiership and one in the SFA Cup, and played 29 minutes of football in the first-team, scoring against Buckie Thistle in his 26 minutes of cup action.
Vata, who was valued at £43k by Transfermarkt at the end of his Celtic career, scored 12 goals in 15 Lowland League matches in the 2023/24 campaign and scored in his only appearance that lasted more than three minutes for the first-team, but that was not enough to earn him any more outings for Rodgers.
The Ireland international took his chances, limited as they were, when they came and excelled as a goalscorer at youth level, yet still did not get more than three minutes of Premiership football in the entire season, leading to his move to Watford last summer.
Rocco Vata's soaring market value
At the time of writing (07/04/2025), Vata is currently valued at £854k by Transfermarkt and this means that his value has soared by a whopping 1,886% in the 2024/25 campaign from the £43k he was rated at by the end of his time in Glasgow.
Rocco Vata
His market value has skyrocketed as a result of his exposure to regular first-team football with Watford in the English Championship, as the Hornets have been willing to offer him the senior minutes that his promise at Celtic suggested that he deserved.
Market Movers
Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?
The 19-year-old talent has racked up 31 first-team appearances and 1,282 minutes of action in all competitions so far this season, including 27 outings in the Championship, after his 29 minutes of football for the Hoops this term.
Vata, whose screamer against Premier League side Fulham in the FA Cup is shown above, has shown that he has what it takes to play regular football at senior level, and that he can contribute at the top end of the pitch.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the Irish whiz, who has been playing on the left wing of late for Watford, had an “exciting” future ahead of him during his time at Parkhead, and his potential is finally starting to shine through.
Appearances
27
Starts
10
xG
2.35
Goals
3
Big chances created
4
Assists
3
As you can see in the table above, Vata has been directly involved in six goals in ten starts in the second tier for Watford so far this season, which shows that he is well on the path to delivering goals and assists on a regular basis.
His return of 23 goals in 34 matches for Celtic’s B team showed that he had the potential to be a Jota-esque figure on the wing, by finding the back of the net on a regular basis, whilst he has now added creativity to his performances with the Hornets.
The Hoops, therefore, messed up when they failed to keep him at Parkhead last summer because they lost a player who could have developed into their next version of Jota on the wing, with the quality that he displayed at youth level in Glasgow and at Watford this season.
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