Chelsea are now seriously keen on signing a “sensational” player, who was recently on the verge of signing for Sunderland, according to reports.
Blues eyeing new signings amid Club World Cup campaign
The Blues have been faring well in the new-look Club World Cup, progressing out the group before most recently dispatching of Benfica 4-1 in the round of 16, setting up a very winnable quarter-final clash against Palmeiras.
However, manager Enzo Maresca was less than impressed by the two-hour break which interrupted play, saying: “I think it’s a joke to be honest, it’s not football. It’s not for us.
“You cannot be inside. I struggle to understand. I can understand that for security reasons, you suspend the game. But if you suspend seven, eight games, that means that probably [this] is not the right place to do this competition.”
Fabrizio Romano: Star now set to sign new deal instead of joining Chelsea
Enzo Maresca won’t be signing him.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025
Despite being out in the USA for the Club World Cup, the west Londoners remain active in the transfer market, with widespread reports suggesting deals for Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro are edging closer to completion.
Having already signed Liam Delap, it is clear Maresca is very keen to bolster his attacking options this summer, but the manager is also looking to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch, according to a report from Caught Offside.
The report states that Chelsea now hold a serious interest in OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, who is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League, with it being revealed he was on the verge of signing for Sunderland just days ago.
Marcin Bulka.
Manchester United, Leeds United and Aston Villa are also in the race for Bulka, who is set to be available for the affordable price of just €20m – €25m (£17m – £21m), so there could be fierce competition for his signature.
The Blues’ interest comes amid doubts over Robert Sanchez, with the Spaniard failing to convince Maresca he should be the first-choice option between the sticks moving forward.
"Sensational" Bulka could be solution to Chelsea's problems
Maresca clearly wasn’t impressed by both Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen at times last season, with the goalkeepers being used interchangeably, and there are signs the Nice goalkeeper could be the answer to the manager’s problem.
Once lauded as “absolutely sensational” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Pole caught the eye in Ligue 1 on a number of occasions, being voted as Player of the Month after impressing in September 2023.
More recently, the 25-year-old proved himself against European champions Paris-Saint Germain, making nine saves from inside the box to keep the Ligue 1 title-winners at bay and help his side secure a 3-1 victory.
Bulka could be a bargain signing for Chelsea at just £17m – £21m, and they should move swiftly to ensure they win the race for his signature.
Newcastle United are on the hunt for what seems to be their primary target this summer, a new right winger.
The Magpies have a huge season ahead of them, with Champions League football returning to St James’ Park, and are looking for extra depth on the right to go along with Jacob Murphy.
After being rejected by Bryan Mbeumo, the Magpies seemingly switched their attention to Anthony Elanga.
According to David Ornstein, they placed a bid of around £45m, but that was rejected by Nottingham Forest, the Sweden international’s current club.
Whilst there is still a chance they could return with a bid for Elanga, there have been reports about their new targets out wide.
Newcastle's new right-wing targets
It is definitely a blow for the North East giants to perhaps lose out on the signing of Elanga. He was a player they have seemingly targeted for a while, having made a move for him last summer. However, they certainly have other options.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It seems as though Newcastle could move for a new target after they failed to sign Elanga. Keith Downie of Sky Sports reported a few days ago that they are ‘exploring’ a move for other players, including Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi.
If Eddie Howe’s side decide to try and sign the Germany international, he could cost £43m, according to SportBILD a few weeks ago.
The same report also suggests that Juventus, Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested in the winger, although it is not clear if they will challenge the Magpies in their move or Howe gets a clear run at his latest winger target.
How Adeyemi compares to Anthony Elanga
At 23 years of age, Adeyemi has already played a great deal of football at the highest level and has made a great impression. He notably impressed last season for Dortmund despite struggling with an injury, and is now playing in the Club World Cup in the United States.
In 2024/25 so far, including the ongoing competition happening Stateside, he has played 38 times, scoring an impressive 12 goals and grabbing a further nine assists. Given that he has featured for just 2,261 minutes, the equivalent of 25.1 full 90-minute games, contributing to 21 goals in that time is a great effort.
The Magpies will certainly know a bit about the damage Adeyemi can cause. Having played against him twice before in the Champions League, he grabbed an assist against them at Signal Iduna Park. Adeyemi’s quick feet and excellent long pass enabled Julian Brandt to counter-attack Newcastle, which he ended up scoring.
Sweden international Elanga had a fantastic campaign in the Premier League last season too. He played all 38 of Forest’s games, scoring six goals and grabbing 11 assists, including a sublime effort against former side Manchester United.
Those numbers are fairly similar to the ones Adeyemi put up in the Bundesliga; he contributed 13 goals and assists in the German top flight, but played just 25 games.
Described as a “counter-attacking weapon” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and as “unstoppable” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, you can certainly see how that is similar to Elanga by watching how quick he is in the above goal. Adeyemi is not exactly slow, and, as per Speeds Database, has a top speed of 36.30 km/h.
Statistically, via FBref, Adeyemi has numbers which far exceed Elanga. For example, the German international averaged 0.82 goal involvements and 0.69 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, compared to the Forest star’s 0.61 goals and assists and 0.65 goal-creating actions each game.
Adeyemi vs. Elanga key stats compared
Stat (per 90)
Adeyemi
Elanga
Goals and assists
0.82
0.61
Goals per shot on target
0.39
0.25
Progressive carries
4.28
3.67
Take-ons completed
2.52
0.90
Goal-creating actions
0.69
0.65
Tackles and interceptions
1.7
0.90
Stats from FBref
If this is the type of profile Newcastle want to sign this summer, and they miss out on Elanga, they might end up with the better option in Adeyemi. The Dortmund attacker is quick, dangerous in transition and able to score and assist at a consistent level, more so than Elanga.
Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi celebrates scoring their second goal withDonyellMalen, Julian Brandt and Pascal Gross
For £43m, a fee they’re clearly willing to spend, this seems like a fantastic addition to the Magpies’ squad, and could be a better option than the Forest star.
Advanced talks: Newcastle accelerating move to sign "incredible" £30m ace
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third season running, but you’d be blind not to see the progress that Mikel Arteta has driven across the years of his tenure.
Injuries, contentious officiating and plain bad luck all played their part in the Gunners’ setbacks in front of goal this term, but there’s also been a yawning hole at the front of the ship which has impeded Arteta’s pursuit of silverware.
To be sure, Arsenal will be frustrated with having failed to secure a new number nine across the past several transfer windows, but there’s so much to like about this team, balanced, dynamic and youthful.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetalooks dejected after the match
However, to emerge from the looming market without a brand-new centre-forward would be a travesty. Luckily, Arteta, Andrea Berta and co are on the case.
Why Arsenal need a striker
The fact Mikel Merino has been forced into 12 matches as a makeshift striker this season emphasises the injury crisis and need for more firepower at the Emirates Stadium.
Saying that, the fact Merino scored six goals and laid on three assists across those fixtures underscores his quality and Arteta’s tactical expertise.
Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have missed much of 2025 with respective injuries, and Arsenal are ready to sign a new marksman.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres is one of the principal targets, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealing two months ago that the Gunners have been developing strong interest in the Sweden international. Sporting director Berta, in particular, is felt to be championing the potential addition.
However, Arteta feels Arsenal’s future is best served in a different direction. Indeed, there’s another name on the list. You know who it is.
Arsenal reach agreement for new ST
As per Arsenal sources, an agreement on personal terms has been reached for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with Arsenal no doubt buoyed by the revelation that exorbitant claims of a £93m price tag are wide of the mark.
Talks are also ongoing between Arsenal and the Bundesliga club, who want a swift resolution after giving Sesko a gentleman’s agreement he could leave in a year when the Premier League outfit came knocking last summer.
With a €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract, as per Sky Germany, Arsenal will need to wrap this one up swiftly, especially with rivals Chelsea and Liverpool both registering their interest too.
What Benjamin Sesko would bring to Arsenal
Arsenal have been searching for a prolific goalscorer for several years now. You’d have to date back to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to find the last time a Gunner surpassed 20 goals in a single Premier League season.
24/25
Kai Havertz
9
23/24
Bukayo Saka
16
22/23
Martin Odegaard
15
21/22
Bukayo Saka
11
20/21
Alexandre Lacazette
13
19/20
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
22
Aubameyang might not be too fondly remembered in north London after joining Barcelona on a free transfer in February 2022, having been stripped of his captaincy due to a disciplinary issue, but who could argue against the Gabon forward’s prowess?
He scored 92 goals and provided 21 assists across just 163 appearances for Arsenal, worth the club-record £60m outlay that was paid to Borussia Dortmund for his four years of service.
To have such a prolific star back in the mix would be a brilliant move for the development of Arteta’s project, and Sesko might just be the man for the job.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
While Sesko, 22, has yet to reach his peak, the signs of greatness are there. This season alone for Leipzig, he has scored 21 goals and added six assists from 45 appearances, 40 starts.
There’s a reason the 6 foot 5 striker has been dubbed “the next Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with his rangy profile, sinewy strength and electric pace all combining to make him the prototypical modern striker for a top outfit worth their salt.
RB Leipzig
24/25
45
21
RB Leipzig
23/24
42
18
RB Salzburg
22/23
41
18
RB Salzburg
20/21
37
11
RB Salzburg
20/21
1
0
FC Liefering
20/21
29
21
FC Liefering
19/20
15
1
He’s raw, full potential as yet untapped, and thus there would be an element of risk in Arsenal sealing a deal. However, Sesko is one of the most exciting young forwards on the map, hailed as a ball-striking “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson.
But the potential is indeed staggering, and there’s every chance he could become the club’s best striker since the days of Aubameyang, who was one of the most prolific players in Europe during his finest days in an Arsenal shirt.
Perhaps he could even eclipse the former talisman. The Slovenia international has missed 18 big chances across his two campaigns in the German top flight, but he’s also put away 27 goals, as per Sofascore.
Moreover, this term he has averaged 4.1 successful duels per game, indicating an energy and combativeness that will serve him well in the harsh environs of the Premier League.
That and his brutish power. Frankly, the ingredients are all there for a superstar, and if Sesko is already serving prolifically in the Bundesliga, backed up by impressive underlying data, there’s every reason for Arsenal fans to start getting optimistic about a deal being completed.
With the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka all serving chances for him on a silver platter, this might be a move that is lauded across years to come, should Arteta get his man and provide his side with their finest centre-forward since Aubameyang.
Better than Sane: Arsenal in talks to sign £50m star alongside Sesko
Arsenal could be about to make multiple key signings within the attacking department ahead of 2025/26.
Celtic are basking in the glory of becoming Scottish Premiership champions and could now have eyes on a bright starlet who has admitted he is dreaming of a move to Parkhead, per reports.
Celtic set to enjoy another productive transfer window
Brendan Rodgers leads his side into battle against Rangers this weekend and will hope they can lay down a marker after claiming their fourth successive league title against Dundee United.
The Irishman will also hope to become the first Celtic manager to deliver three trebles during his tenure in charge if the Bhoys can navigate past Aberdeen in next month’s Scottish Cup final, though it is reasonable to assume he will already have one eye on the summer window.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
There is an expectation at Parkhead that some form of squad refresh could take place. New blood is expected, and James Wilson could be on his way to the Hoops after a breakout campaign at Heart of Midlothian.
Kieran Tierney is on his way back to Celtic on a free transfer once his contract at Arsenal comes to an end. AC Ajaccio forward Moussa Soumano could join the Scotland international to bolster Rodgers’ options across the final third.
Champions League league phase involvement isn’t guaranteed for the reigning Scottish champions next campaign, meaning they will need to adopt a laser-focused approach to recruitment amid a swift turnaround between the end of this term and 2025/26.
Worth more than Tierney: Celtic have hit the jackpot on "brilliant" star
Celtic have hit the jackpot on this star who is now worth more than Kieran Tierney.
By
Dan Emery
May 1, 2025
However, there is also time for Celtic to look to the future with long-term additions who can develop into stars of the future, and they may now have their next candidate after a surprise transfer admission.
Dylan Leonard admits his dream is to play for Celtic
Speaking to A Leagues, Western United youngster Dylan Leonard has admitted he wants to join Celtic in the future, claiming signing for the Scottish Premiership champions is his ‘ultimate dream’ in football.
He stated: “That’s probably one thing I want to achieve in football is play for Celtic. Win something with Celtic obviously, but that’s definitely the one thing I want to do, the one club I want to play for.”
Enjoying an impressive campaign in his homeland, the 17-year-old has registered a goal and an assist across 24 appearances in the Australian top-flight. Primarily a central defender, Leonard has also come out in 100 duels and made 28 tackles on league duty, illustrating his potential to grow into a solid presence at the back.
Celtic are always on the lookout for talent and the Carlton-born starlet definitely appears to be someone that would fit the bill, but it remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck between all parties.
Who is the greatest player in Liverpool’s modern history? Certainly, if we’re talking about post-millenial brilliance, Steven Gerrard sits at the top of the tree.
Gerrard might be the greatest player in the Merseysiders’ history anyway, utterly incredible and synonymous with the city’s beating red heart.
However, we’re looking at Liverpool’s resurgence over the past decade, here, when Jurgen Klopp saved a team from drowning and turned it back toward the light.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp bows out
So many superstars have graced Anfield’s pitch since the former German manager was appointed as Brendan Rodgers’ successor, but it’s hard to argue against Virgil van Dijk being the cream of the crop.
Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool's hero
When Liverpool paid Premier League rivals Southampton a £75m sum to take their prized centre-back in January 2018, many opposing fans chuckled at such an obscene figure for a defender.
But it’s difficult to say that Liverpool and their Dutch skipper haven’t had the last laugh, with Van Dijk transforming the Reds’ shaky backline and leading them to glory, winning all the biggest honours, coming within a whisker of Lionel Messi on the Ballon d’Or podium in his prime and immortalising his name as the leader of Liverpool in their finest period in modern times.
The 33-year-old is no longer a bright new voice in the Premier League but he’s still matchless in defence, so important this season as Arne Slot’s side surprised everyone and assumed a commanding lead at the top of the table – 11 points clear with seven games to go.
Matches (starts)
31 (31)
Goals
1
Assists
1
Clean sheets
13
Pass completion
92%
Key passes*
0.3
Dribble success
60%
Ball recoveries*
3.1
Tackles + interceptions*
2.7
Clearances*
5.1
Total duels (won)*
4.7 (67%)
And he’s not done yet. Van Dijk has completed 313 appearances for Liverpool and won the full gamut, and though his lucrative contract is into its eleventh hour, he’s recently allayed fans’ concerns by confirming that talks are ongoing regarding a renewal.
This will be crucial for the Anfield side as it steers into the second year of Slot’s project, giving the Netherlands icon another year (or two) to drive the stake of his legacy even deeper into the rich Liverpool soil.
To be fair, you’d have to say that Mohamed Salah is Liverpool’s best signing in a long, long time. The Egyptian joined the club from AS Roma for just £34m and has gone on to claim legendary status.
However, his arrival preceded the skipper’s. He was followed from the Serie A by another though, and it is he who stands proud as Liverpool’s standout signing.
Liverpool's best signing after Van Dijk
You’ve probably already guessed who it is. While Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and co have reshaped Liverpool’s midfield and charged the club’s charge toward the Premier League title this season, it’s not them.
While Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz and and Cody Gakpo have been instrumental in Liverpool’s success in recent years, it’s Alisson Becker between the sticks who has been the life-juice since arriving in the early knockings of Klopp’s still-standing (even if he’s gone) dynasty.
Alisson Becker.
Liverpool paid a world-record £67m fee – for a goalkeeper – to secure Alisson’s signature, but it still feels like something of a bargain. Quite simply, the Brazil international’s positional rivals all pale in comparison.
Slot has been more than happy to chip in about his keeper’s calibre, hailing his “world-class” saves. He’s the best of the best, with his stunning display at the Parc des Princes in February the perfect illustration of his lofty skills.
Making nine stunning saves and preventing an xG total of 2.26 goals, as per Sofascore, the South American called it “the performance of my life” as Liverpool somehow survived a ceaseless onslaught and emerged victorious – they lost the return leg, of course, but Alisson still put in a good shift.
First-leg match-winner, Harvey Elliott, also called his towering teammate “the best in the world” – and it’s a fair claim indeed.
It’s not just this season that the 32-year-old’s been in fine fettle, as you surely know. Back in May 2023, Klopp declared that his shot-stopping star had been the club’s “most consistent player” through a testing year.
Alisson
In fact, injuries aside, Alisson is rarely in the firing line for poor performances, with his leadership, command and shot-saving prowess all converging to present a player who is truly the complete package.
The fact that Alisson, who arrived at Liverpool way back when, remains Liverpool’s best signing since Van Dijk was brought into Klopp’s squad six months earlier makes a telling comment on the issues behind recruitment over recent years.
Liverpool'sAlissonBecker during the warm up before the match
It also details a pretty firm assessment regarding the Reds’ absolutely staggering longevity, not really making the sweeping changes of their divisional rivals over the past eight years or so.
Liverpool have done well to prudently tie Giorgi Mamardashvili down, but whether he’ll reach the same incredible heights as the Brazilian is another question entirely.
The Georgian keeper is set to join from Valencia this summer in a deal worth £29m, but the 24-year-old is sure to spend some time serving as Alisson’s understudy, replacing Caoimhin Kelleher as the able deputy leaves in search of a first-choice spot.
Alisson’s place is at Anfield for the foreseeable, but he’s about to enter the penultimate year of his contract and could leave for a transfer fee in one year’s time or maybe see his £150k-per-week deal out to its end.
In any case, the 6 foot 4 sensation is one of Liverpool’s finest modern players, so important, so influential, over the years. There’s a firm case to be made that all who have walked through the gates since have failed to outstrip him.
Better than Diaz & Gakpo: "Perfect" £62m star wants to sign for Liverpool
Arne Slot is hoping to make a range of signings this summer to improve Liverpool’s starting 11.
On a day when one of them ran through New Zealand, the other endured 14 overs of wicketless toil
Alagappan Muthu01-Nov-20241:31
Manjrekar: ‘This pitch was tailor-made for Jadeja’
Mumbai was really pretty for Diwali. The high-rises were all lit up. The roadside had pop-ups selling garlands. The sky had trouble holding onto the night. There was colour everywhere. Then the sun came up.Daryl Mitchell spent a little over three hours under it. On occasion, he tried to hide from it. At 1.28pm, with temperatures hitting 37C, he crumpled into a heap and toppled clean over onto his back. This was a small window where he could relax. Will Young had just been dismissed and there were precious seconds before the new man would make his way out to the middle. He wasn’t the only one in discomfort.R Ashwin had figured out what to do on this pitch. He needed to bowl straight. He did that. He needed to put revs. He did that. He needed to be quick. He did that. But the wickets just would not come. It was only the ninth time in 126 innings at home that he’s returned to the dressing room without any success. Even when he thought he had something, the umpire raising his finger to adjudge Mitchell lbw on the reverse sweep, Ashwin already knew there was bat on it.Related
Eight balls at the Wankhede: India's post-Halloween horror story
Ajaz triggers late India slide after Jadeja five-for keeps New Zealand to 235
India shelve intra-squad match in favour of training, centre-wicket
The funny thing is, he was bowling from the other end when New Zealand were made to part with four of the their top five. He was helping build the pressure that paid out at the other end because it was being manned by bowlers who were a little more naturally suited to bowling those 90kph darts.Ravindra Jadeja bagged his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. But even he seemed to have trouble operating at the pace that India seemed to have collectively decided upon. He offered a lot of easy drive balls after lunch, New Zealand scoring 24 off 34 deliveries in the full-length area, which was weird because, before lunch, 17 of Jadeja’s first 18 deliveries had been full, but had only led to nine runs. Before the break, he was better at bringing the batter forward and then stranding them there, denied the opportunity to really get to the pitch of the ball.ESPNcricinfo LtdAshwin created similar uncertainty, but as many boxes as he ticked, there was just one more that let the batter off the hook. In the 19th over, Rachin Ravindra faced an offbreak at 91kph. It drew him onto the front foot. It squared him up. All of this was good. But the menace in this ball was doused all too easily because it pitched just that little bit too close to the batter. Ravindra pressed down with his hands so that his mis-hit went straight to ground right by his own feet. This outcome was still an improvement from Ashwin’s first spell, where he was being played off the back foot.None of these things made him seem like a weak link. New Zealand still couldn’t relax while he was there at the top of his mark. His bowling led to 20 false shots, which was only seven fewer than the guy who ended up running through the opposition.”Sometimes it happens that you don’t even get a wicket on a turning track,” Jadeja said. He was speaking about himself here but the point he made applied to Ashwin too.”Sometimes it happens. Sometimes you don’t even need a lot of turn, a little turn is enough for the slip and keeper to come into play. Sometimes when the pitch is turning a lot, it becomes a matter of luck. I haven’t got a wicket on a lot of such pitches. I haven’t got a wicket in a lot of such matches. And sometimes it happens that I get a wicket with a little turn. That’s why I would say that it is important to have some luck.”Ravindra Jadeja acknowledges the cheers after his five-for•BCCIJadeja bowled unchanged in the middle session in the kind of heat that was trying to melt people’s faces off. The wicket of Young kicked off a period where his control of length, line and pace was as close to perfect as can be. No more easy drives. Forty-seven full-length deliveries from the 44th over onwards could only be converted to 13 runs and they came at the cost of two wickets.The Glenn Phillips dismissal highlighted the agony that Jadeja can put a batter through in conditions like these. He had walked in to bat after seeing Tom Blundell play for the straight ball – badly, he closed the face, suckered in by the angle Jadeja was creating from wide of the crease – and get bowled. That ball pitched outside leg stump and took out off stump.Phillips was bowled by the one that went straight on. It landed on the fuller side of a good length, which meant he had to go forward even though he knew he was never going to reach the ball on the half-volley, and it came at him at a speed of 94.3 kph. He played for the turn. There wasn’t any. And at that pace, he had no hope of coping with the natural variation.These were the kinds of wickets Ashwin was looking for too, but he was just missing his marks. When the pace was right, the length was not quite right, when the length was right, the pace was a touch off. That’s partly why, even though he was the first spinner that India turned to, the other two outbowled him just in terms of overs.0:57
Manjrekar: ‘Unfair to say Ashwin’s skills are waning after one series’
Could a line be drawn from Ashwin’s outcomes in this series – six wickets in five innings at an average of 51.33 – to India finally being beaten at home? His figures are startlingly similar to when the last time that happened, against England in 2012-13 – 14 wickets from eight innings at an average of 52.64.That seems way too simple.”Sometimes we lose a couple of matches. But it’s okay,” Jadeja said. “As a player, we [he and Ashwin] never had a discussion in the dressing room about who played badly. We lost two matches, but no one pointed out to each other that you played badly, he played badly. Okay, if we win, we all play together. If we lose the series, 15 people from each team still play together.”India didn’t get enough first-innings runs in Bengaluru and Pune. That’s why they’ve lost their fortress. Though Jadeja has a different theory. “I was afraid of this. I had personally thought that [as long as] I played in India, I didn’t want to lose a single series. But this happened. So, now I haven’t thought in my mind that I don’t want to do this. Whatever I think about, it happens suddenly.”That’s all gone now. It’s time to build again and Ashwin definitely remains a part of that process, though it isn’t often that a plan he puts together doesn’t come off, and it is even rarer that he gets outbowled by someone practicing the same discipline he does. Washington Sundar’s arrival has added an unexpected chapter to this story.
“I’ve got to try and be myself and I can’t be him. Every time I go out and bat, I just try to be me and get some runs”
Firdose Moonda06-Mar-2023Tagenarine Chanderpaul does not have the most conventional batting stance going around, except perhaps in his family.The son of Shivnarine, who was coached by his grandfather Khemraj, is less square on than his dad but there are still many similarities. His front foot starts off well outside leg stump, his heel points towards square leg and he shuffles across just in time to be in line to meet the ball. At that point, Tagenarine looks as regular as any other batter, which is sort of how he sees himself.”My stance is pretty conventional,” he tells ESPNcricinfo, almost chuckling. “But I guess when my trigger starts, I can get a bit square on. My dad, when he came back to Guyana, I was about 13 and we would practice together in the afternoon, so yeah, some of the stuff started to rub off.”Tagenarine was not born when Shivnarine made his Test debut, in 1994, and grew up mostly with his mother, Annalee, in Unity Village in Guyana. His first coach was his paternal grandfather, who taught him to play cricket on the same cement pitch that Shivnarine learnt on. “He was my first coach,” Tagenarine says. “Where we lived, he would throw balls at me. We also have a cricket ground not too far from us – Unity Cricket Ground – so we would go there in the afternoon and hit balls. And then he took me to join a club in town. After school, we would go and practice there. It took off from there.”That is pretty much the same journey Shivnarine took, and his presence, albeit not always physical, was keenly felt by his son. “Growing up, if we go about somewhere people would know him or speak about him or talk about a game from the previous day,” Tagenarine says. “It was a proud feeling.”
“My dad is a totally different person from me, personality wise. He’s achieved so many things. I can only do what I can do.”Tagenarine on his father Shivnarine
It was also a source of rising expectation. The talk around Tagenarine was that he would take the same path as his famous father, and when Shivnarine returned to Guyana in 2009, there was hope the pair would walk the road together. Four years later, Tagenarine made his first-class debut, with limited success. He scored 105 runs in his first three matches. In his fourth, he played in an XI alongside his father, who scored a second-innings century, to his own 42 and 29.”Unfortunately, we didn’t bat together as much as we would have liked and it’s because I got out quite a few times before he came in,” Tagenarine says. “But when we were together, he gave me some advice and ways to score and what shots I can play so it was good to have him around.”All told, the pair played 11 first-class matches together over a span of five years and in the last of them, Tagenarine scored his first red-ball century. Later that year, Shivnarine played his final first-class match and the baton appeared to have been passed. But it would take almost five more years before Tagenarine earned his first Test cap, after a century against the Australia Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. And that’s when Tagenarine had to remind himself that as much as there was a reputation to live up to, he is his own player.”My dad is a totally different person from me, personality wise. He’s achieved so many things. I can only do what I can do,” he says. “I’ve got to try and be myself and I can’t be him. Every time I go out and bat, I just try to be me and get some runs.”Tagenarine scored 51 and 45 in this first Test and 47 and 17 in unfamiliar conditions and against a strong Australian attack, under the guidance of none other than Brian Lara. “He wasn’t a team mentor then but he was doing commentary and he would come to practice sessions and offer some advice,” Tagenarine says.Tagenarine Chanderpaul got his Test cap from Brian Lara in Australia•Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesThen, with Lara assigned to the team full time, his baptism of fire has continued with his season ending in South Africa. “Australia and South Africa have very good bowling attacks and the conditions are very different from back home. It was nice to get some runs in Australia on debut. Here, the South African attack is very good. They are very consistent and they don’t give you many loose balls. You’ve got to try and concentrate for long periods.”He has already demonstrated he can do that because in between those two series, West Indies were in Zimbabwe, where Tagenarine scored his first Test century, and made it a double. He spent four minutes short of 10 hours at the crease crafting that innings. “It was a very special feeling – my first century,” he says. “I didn’t really celebrate too much. I’m not really too much of a party person.”Instead, he is committed to the growth of cricket in Guyana, where significant investments are being made to develop the game. “The government is putting a lot of emphasis on sports right now. They’re building a few stadiums and getting some more indoor facilities,” he says.In January, the Guyana government announced a budget of US$4.3 billion for the development of sports which includes the development of a cricket academy.That, together with a renewed resolve from players like Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers – both of whom left the SA20 to play the Tests in Zimbabwe – to the longest format, gives Tagenarine hope that West Indies can become more competitive in Tests. In particular, he singled out his captain and opening partner Kraigg Braithwaite as someone who has put a particular importance on the red-ball game.”Kraigg has been a consistent performer over the years. He is pretty tough mentally and accustomed to pressure situations,” Tagenarine says. “And we have players who are committed. Jason and Kyle left leagues to come back and play Test matches. Everyone gets along very well and the guys gel together. Guys are very easy to approach and welcoming. Hopefully all goes well for us.”As for Tagenarine himself, the T20 game has not yet lured him and has yet to play a single one, although he’d like that to change. “It’s something I could venture into. If given the opportunity, I’ll try and get involved,” he says. “I’ve got to work on a few more scoring shots and areas I can improve to try and be well equipped for that type of cricket.”And that you may say, is what underlines his case as the most conventional cricketer, even in his own family.
The Bangladesh quick seems to have realised where he was going wrong, and is desperate to make amends
Mohammad Isam19-Mar-2021A smile flashed across Taskin Ahmed’s face after he took the last West Indies wicket in the Chattogram ODI in January this year. Bangladesh had won by 120 runs and clinched the series 3-0. Ahmed, bowling with a more stable action than before and hitting decent lengths consistently, topped 140kph for the most part in his 8.2 overs. That smile, albeit fleeting, might have been an expression of relief more than anything else, after three years of torment.It was a phase during which he said he “felt like I was in depression”. So much so that Ahmed, still only 25, had to consult a mental-health expert. But that’s not all he did.’He is done, he is finished’Ahmed’s last international appearance before that was a wretched one, as he went for 40 runs in three overs. The Sri Lanka batsmen feasted on his mild, hit-me pace and inconsistent lines. That was the last straw for the team management, which dropped him for the rest of the Nidahas Trophy. The national selectors then didn’t turn his way for the next three years.From the poster boy of Bangladesh’s pace attack, Ahmed was reduced to a cautionary tale. His domestic performances were being ignored too, as the men who matter focused on other bowlers. Bangladesh’s spin-based approach in home Tests didn’t help either.Then came the pandemic, and Ahmed grew desperate.Related
Taskin Ahmed: 'I told myself, whether I break or I die, I will wear the red and green jersey again'
Mahmudullah and Taskin Ahmed revel in comeback party
Taskin Ahmed creates space for pace in new Bangladesh bowling plan
Domingo 'very excited' about fast bowlers' performance
The start of a new Bangladesh pace bowling revolution?
Ahmed cajoled a trainer into opening his gym for a couple of hours every day. He contacted real-estate company owners to let him run in their dusty and sandy under-construction plots of land. He called up his bowling coach and mentor for help, contacted a nutritionist to find a better diet, and, when he realised the problem might really be between his ears, he sought a mental health expert.”People said things like ‘he’s done, he’s finished’. They said that I have nothing more to offer, that I have a bad lifestyle and am always injured. You know, the usual things people say when you are not successful,” Ahmed told ESPNcricinfo. “At one stage, I felt like I was in depression. Speaking to a mental-health expert definitely helped me. It really cleared my mind up. I was motivated to do more in terms of fitness and my bowling. I am still in touch with him, and the rest of the people who helped me get fitter and bowl better.”The time away from the Bangladesh team made him realise what he was missing, and it hurt. More than what was being said or written about him. The solution was to make sure he did his best, not look back years later with regret at what he could have done better.”I think more than what anyone around me is saying, the most disappointing aspect is not being able to play for your country. I achieved my dream to play at the top level in 2014, but I lasted only three years. It is never a good feeling to be left out of contention, and I don’t want it to happen again. I want to become the main bowler in our pace attack, be consistent. For that, I will have to keep working hard.”A photograph of Ahmed running in the sand with two tyres tied to his body surfaced. It was a welcome sight – he was trying. He was among the first to return to full-time training when the Shere Bangla National Stadium opened for use in June last year. Then, Ahmed was among the top wicket-takers in two domestic tournaments during the pandemic, enough to earn selection for the ODI series against West Indies at home, and he is now among seven pace bowlers in New Zealand.Taskin Ahmed had gone from a bowler with an ODI hat-trick to one that couldn’t be trusted to bowl four overs in a T20I•AFP/Getty ImagesComplacence, or something like itAround the time he had been dropped, Ahmed was struggling to be taken seriously. He had lost much of his pace; he chugged in off a long run-up, but didn’t seem capable of making it to the end. In the space of a year, from March 2017 to March 2018, he had gone from a bowler with an ODI hat-trick to one that couldn’t be trusted to bowl four overs in a T20I.”At the start of my career, everything was happening for me – I was playing well, I was becoming famous. Things like following up on fitness and skill work never crossed my mind. I assumed everything will go well, I wouldn’t get injured. But when a player relaxes even for a moment in international cricket, this is what happens, they get to the back of the queue.”After he took only two wickets in the 2017 Champions Trophy, Ahmed had a torrid tour of South Africa. He took only two wickets in six matches, averaging 188.50. He was dropped for the ODI tri-series at home a few months later. Once he bombed in the Nidahas Trophy, where he was picked to provide extra pace, that was it. For Ahmed, the good things might have been that he finally had an opportunity to look hard at himself.”When a cricketer is with the national team, the trainers take care of everything. But I think it’s critical what we are doing at home and during our off-time,” he explained. “Every fast bowler should have a personal trainer, bowling coach, mind trainer and nutritionist to maintain their standards at the highest level. A young player who hires these people is going to be in better shape when he is not training with the national team.”Taskin Ahmed bowls during a practice session as Ottis Gibson looks on•AFP/Getty ImagesBig decisions, three of themThe uncertainty caused by the pandemic last year pushed Ahmed into taking three crucial decisions.First, he decided to improve his fitness, for which he requested Debashish Ghosh, a reputed trainer in Dhaka, to open his gym for a few hours every day during last year’s Ramadan. Struggling to find a ground where he could run, Ahmed called up a couple of people he knew, people who owned land. And he went back to the basics in terms of his bowling.”I was struggling for fitness and form. During the early days of the lockdown, I called the trainer Debashish Ghosh and convinced him to open his gym, which had shut because of the pandemic. He was kind enough to open it for couple of hours every evening after Iftaar. After Eid ul Fitr, I started running on sand twice a week for agility and to strengthen the lower part of my body. I used to go to one of the real estate projects in the western outskirts of Dhaka.”For technical help, Ahmed called up his childhood mentor, Mahbub Ali Zaki, a BCB bowling coach with a growing reputation, and former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud, the BCB director who is also a coach.”Zaki sir was my coach since the Under-15s, while Sujon sir [Mahmud] had been giving me opportunities since I was a kid. They gave me a few technical pointers, on which I started to work in my garage. Cricket grounds were still not available then, due to the pandemic, so I used to call up everyone to tell me where I could bowl with a full run-up.”In an interview with ESPNcricinfo in January, Zaki had pointed out that to become a more explosive bowler, Ahmed needed more balance at the crease. For that, he needed improved muscle-build and a leaner physique.Ahmed followed Zaki’s advice to the last letter. “To improve my fitness, I was also strict on my diet. I don’t do cheat days. I sacrificed my favourite biriyani. My mother and my wife now prepare my food separately at home. I also spoke to a mental-health expert. Being out of the national team for close to three years was weighing me down.”‘My pace is back’, but that’s not allAlong with Ahmed’s personal transformation, another interesting development was taking place: fast bowlers were leading the wicket charts in the BCB President’s Cup, a three-team one-day tournament to kick off cricket after the lockdown, and the Bangabandhu T20 Cup that followed. It was explained as a result of unused pitches and batsmen being out of cricket for a long time, but pace bowlers like Ahmed, Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman were among the top wicket-takers in both tournaments. It was a massive change than the last two decades when left-arm spinners ruled the roost.Ahmed and newcomers Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud were picked in the Bangladesh ODI side. That, however, didn’t change Ahmed’s mindset.”No matter how tired I am these days – and national team training can be quite tough – I keep doing my personal drills. I haven’t reached Mushfiq ‘s [Mushfiqur Rahim] level of discipline, he is a role model, but among the fast bowlers, I believe that if I maintain myself properly, I can stay ahead.”By Allah’s grace, my pace is back. I touched 146kph during the Chattogram ODI. I can’t be Brett Lee in one day, but I want to deliver on the potential that Allah has given me. I have to be fit, and stick to my process. I don’t want to have any regrets that I didn’t give my best.”But pace isn’t everything. “In this day and age, a bowler cannot just rely on his pace. The wickets are batting-friendly even in countries like Australia, England and South Africa. There will be times when I have to bowl a lot of slower balls and then there will be times when I have to rely on pace. By playing more matches, I can be ready for every situation.”Ahmed is a young cricketer who has learned an important lesson at an early stage of his life and his career, and is better for it; he isn’t taking anything for granted anymore. And he is fully aware that if he shells this chance, there may not be another one.
Treinador campeão do mundo com a Argentina em 1978, César Luis Menotti faleceu no último domingo (6). A divulgação da morte do veterano de 85 anos foi feita pela Associação de Futebol da Argentina (AFA).
continua após a publicidade
➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!
➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
Embora não tenha tido um grande destaque como jogador, El Flaco, como era conhecido, teve uma passagem rápida pelo Brasil, tendo vestido a camisa da Juventus-SP. No entanto, o profissional tornou-se referência como técnico.
O primeiro grande trabalho do treinador foi com o Huracán, onde permaneceu entre 1971 e 1974. Nesse período, o comandante conseguiu tirar o clube de 45 anos sem conquistar um título nacional e venceu o Campeonato Argentino em 1973. Inclusive, esse foi o último troféu na elite do país.
continua após a publicidade
Devido ao grande trabalho com o El Globo, Menotti foi promovido a comandante da Argentina em 1975 visando a Copa do Mundo de 1978. E em casa, a lenda foi responsável pela primeira conquista da Albiceleste no maior torneio de futebol. E no ano seguinte, venceu o Mundial Sub-20 com os hermanos.
Referência em seu país, o treinador foi contratado pelo Barcelona, onde conquistou uma Copa do Rei, uma Copa da Liga Espanhola e uma Supercopa da Espanha. Após o período na Catalunha, o profissional passou por Peñarol, Boca Juniors, Atlético de Madrid, mas sem o mesmo sucesso em relação ao início de sua carreira.
continua após a publicidade
RELAÇÃO COM MARADONA
Maior ídolo do futebol na Argentina, Maradona recebeu sua primeira oportunidade com a camisa da Albiceleste sob comando de Menotti. Juntos, os dois conquistaram a Copa do Mundo Sub-20, além de terem trabalhado juntos no Barcelona.
No entanto, a relação dos dois foi um pouco estremecida pelo fato do técnico não ter convocado o camisa 10 para o Mundial de 1978. Ainda assim, o Dios cravou que El Flaco foi o melhor treinador com quem trabalhou na carreira em uma entrevista dada em 1996.
O Corinthians encara o Cruzeiro no domingo (14), às 18h (de Brasília), na Neo Química. Será o segundo jogo da semifinal da Copa do Brasil. Dorival Júnior convive com a expectativa de contar com dois titulares para a partida: Yuri Alberto e Raniele.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansMP mantém punição e organizada do Corinthians segue proibida de ir aos estádiosCorinthians12/12/2025CorinthiansCorinthians tem queda de 23% na receita e deixa ‘clube do bilhão’ do futebol brasileiroCorinthians12/12/2025CorinthiansOrganizada do Corinthians terá encontro com MP por presença em decisão contra o CruzeiroCorinthians12/12/2025
O atacante sentiu dores na região do adutor da perna esquerda e precisou ser substituído aos 19 minutos do segundo tempo na vitória por 1 a 0 do Timão contra o Cruzeiro, no Mineirão. Antes do triunfo, Yuri Alberto havia sido poupado de duas partidas por uma sobrecarga na região.
O Corinthians divulgou que Yuri Alberto seria reexaminado na sexta-feira (12), mas não apresentou nenhum diagnóstico. O atacante é o artilheiro do clube alvinegro na temporada com 18 gols marcados. Caso não conte com o camisa 9, a tendência é que Dorival Júnior escale Gui Negão em seu lugar.
continua após a publicidade
No meio de campo, a dúvida é sobre Raniele. O volante não foi relacionado no primeiro jogo das semifinais, devido a um edema no tornozelo esquerdo. O atleta segue trabalhando e será reavaliado até o confronto. Em seu lugar, José Martínez fez uma boa partida.
Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians
Vantagem do Corinthians
No primeiro jogo, deu Timão. Os comandados de Dorival Júnior venceram após Memphis balançar as redes e garantiram a vantagem do empate no duelo de volta. Em caso de vitória por um gol de diferença do Cruzeiro, a decisão será nas penalidades.
continua após a publicidade
O Corinthians ainda não sofreu gols na atual edição da competição, em que eliminou Novorizontino, Palmeiras e Athletico Paranaense na trajetória. Ao todo, foram sete jogos. O adversário na final saíra do confronto entre Fluminense e Vasco. O Cruzmaltino venceu o jogo de ida por 2 a 1.