Gerrit Cole remains sidelined for the 2025 season after he underwent Tommy John surgery in early March. On Monday, he spoke to reporters for the first time following the surgery which ended his season before it began.
He was able to remove the brace protecting his right two-and-a-half weeks ago according to ESPN's Jorge Castillo. And now, he's starting to spend more time around the New York Yankees as he continues his rehab process. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he hopes the time Cole spends around the team will be therapeutic throughout the long road to recovery.
Cole dealt with elbow issues since last season that caused him to miss more than two months of action, not making his season debut until mid-June. Now, missing the 2025 season, and even possibly part of 2026, the ace badly wants to get back on the mound. That will have to wait until August, when he plans to start throwing again, but he can still imagine.
“I still pitch before I go to bed every night,” Cole said Monday via the. “I haven’t given up any hits recently.”
His road to recovery is a long, difficult one, which he acknowledged.
"It starts out really dark," Cole said on his recovery via ESPN. "And then you work your way closer to the end of the tunnel."
Castillo said Cole described the eight-week checkpoint after the surgery as "significant." Now, the sidelined ace plans to be around the team more to provide guidance amid his recovery. Although fans won't see Cole on the hill this season, the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner remains upbeat.
Spinner’s five-for sees Kent follow on, before hosts stumble to close five down
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-Sep-2025Kent 271 (Ekansh 71, Dawkins 61, Morley 5-99) and 136 for 5 (Compton 55*, Evison 53, Reece 4-33) trail Derbyshire 698 for 6 dec by 291 runsDerbyshire were closing in on a huge victory against Kent when bad light forced a premature end to day three of their Rothesay County Championship match at Canterbury.Kent were 135 for 5 in their seconds innings, still 291 behind, after Luis Reece ripped out their top order with 4 for 33.That came after Jack Morley took 5 for 99 as the visitors dismissed Kent for 271 in the first innings, a lead of 427. Ekansh Singh and Ben Dawkins both hit career-best scores of 71 and 61 respectively, but when the former was out Kent’s last four wickets went for just nine runs.Derbyshire enforced the follow on and Reece reduced them to 20 for 3 before Joey Evison and Ben Compton offered some resistance. Reece eventually got Evison for 53, but Compton was unbeaten on 55 when the light failed.The lights were on but very few people were at home when play began on time, with Kent on 117 for 2. Morley, who removed nightwatcher Michael Cohen with the final ball on day two, struck again in his first full over of the morning, getting Jaydn Denly lbw for a five-ball duck.Ekansh was given a life when Wayne Madsen couldn’t cling on to a slip catch after he flashed at Ben Aitchison, but Dawkins was strangled as soon as Zak Chappell returned from the Nackington Road End.Ollie Curtiss got his first first-class runs, but Morley had him brilliantly caught by Martin Andersson at midwicket for 14, leaving Kent on 217 for 5 at lunch.Morley claimed his fifth in style by clinging on to a violent return catch from Ekansh at the second attempt and in doing so he became the first Derbyshire spinner to claim five wickets at Canterbury since Les Townsend in 1931.There was raucous applause from the Nackington Road End when Evison hit Harry Came for successive boundaries to earn Kent a solitary bonus point, but he then slashed Reece to Aneurin Donald at first slip, before Aitchison got his second strangle of the day when Harry Finch flicked him behind for 14.Corey Flintoff went for a second-ball duck, hitting Aitchison straight to the sub fielder Nick Potts at square leg and Matt Parkinson lasted four balls before he edged Reece to Wayne Madsen, who took an outstanding one-handed grab at second slip.If that was bad, there was worse to come as Reece bowled Dawkins for nought with the second ball of the second innings and then had Denly caught behind for four in his next over. Reece got his third of the innings when Ekansh was caught behind for 4, but Compton and Evison steadied things.The latter was dropped by Amrit Basra off Chappell when he was on 28 in the final over before tea, at which point Kent were 61 for 3. He was dropped again on 52 when he drove Dal to midwicket, but Donald put him down, apparently while celebrating a catch he hadn’t actually taken.Donald’s embarrassment was fleeting as Evison chipped Reece to Andersson in the next over and Dal then bowled Curtiss for 4 but Compton swept Morley for four to pass 50 and bad light stopped play at 5.39pm, with eight overs remaining.
Giuliano Simeone has spoken candidly about life under his father, Diego Simeone, revealing how he balances the weight of a famous surname with the responsibility of earning his place at Atletico Madrid. With the club preparing a new long-term contract after his breakout season, the 22-year-old reflects on his journey from Calderon ball boy to first-team contributor, and the expectations that come with both roles.
Giuliano Simeone's relentless push to be an Atleti
Simeone’s story with Atletico began long before he stepped onto the pitch as a professional. As a long-haired eight-year-old, he served as a ball boy at their former stadium, but his path to the first team required a long diversion.
After years n River Plate’s youth academy, he was finally snapped up by the Atletico youth academy while his father was building a solid reputation as coach of the senior team, but it took spells on loan to Real Zaragoza and Deportivo Alaves to lay the foundation for his breakthrough in the capital.
The 2024-25 campaign finally opened the door: his first senior goal, his first Champions League moment, and his growing influence in his father's demanding system.
Advertisement
AFP
"At Cerro, he's the coach. Outside of training, he's my dad"
For years, Simeone has lived with a familiar accusation: that every opportunity he receives is because he is Diego Simeone’s son. Every debut, every promotion, every appearance has come with someone claiming he is “only there because of his father.” The criticism follows him everywhere, from the youth system to La Liga, and he knows it will never fully disappear.
Asked directly about the nepotism narrative in an interview on , he delivered a clear response: "I've said it many times, I think we have a coach-player relationship where we both have a lot of respect. When we go into training at Cerro del Espino, when we cross those gates, he's the coach and I'm a player. And the player always does what the coach says. Outside of training, obviously he's my dad and he loves me a lot, like any father, and we have a different relationship. Outside of training, we talk a lot about football. We have a WhatsApp group with my brothers, and they send us videos of their plays, highlights, and we discuss them. Everyone gives their opinion. We're all big football fans in the family, of course."
The 22-year-old added: "I was told that a lot when I was very young. When we played matches at 12 years old: 'You play because you're your father's son.' At first, you kind of get used to it, but then it becomes a habit, and you know you play because you love it and you give it your all. I don't know if I kept quiet or silenced them, I swear I try to isolate myself from what's said, I focus on myself, on growing and improving."
Simeone battle odds to become Atleti's first-team player
Simeone describes his biggest transformation in recent years as a physical one, an evolution forged inside Atletico's famously demanding training environment. The club’s conditioning standards reshaped him, making him stronger, quicker, and far better suited to the defensive intensity that defines his father’s footballing philosophy. Working daily alongside top-level teammates pushed his technique to a higher level.
He reviews every match the following morning, once the adrenaline has faded and his judgment is clear, as he looks to improve on an important aspect of his game: "Technically, my striking, my finishing… There are many aspects or facets of the game that help you raise your level. I always watch all my matches. But not with my dad, please, there are already enough videos at the Cerro, no, no, no… (laughs). I watch myself quite a bit because I like it and I think it's a way to learn and improve. Before, as soon as I got home, I'd put on the match and wouldn't sleep. Now I do it better and watch it the next day. Sometimes I say: 'What a great match I played!' And then I watch it and say: 'Does this really seem like a great match to you, Giuliano?'"
His rise has not been smooth, but it has been steady. Giuliano scored three goals across two seasons with Atletico B, then proved himself in the physically demanding Segunda Division with Zaragoza, scoring nine goals and playing a leading role in their attack. His momentum was halted by a serious injury during his loan at Alaves, a moment that forced him into long months of rehabilitation and mental resilience. But he returned to Atletico stronger and soon delivered his first La Liga and Champions League goals.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFP
Atletico eye contract extension talks with Giuliano
Los Colchoneros are finalising an extension that will keep Giuliano at the club until 2030, accompanied by a salary correction that aligns with his new role. Until now, he was among the lowest earners in the first-team squad which is typical for academy graduates—but his increased importance has made the renewal a priority. Giuliano says he dreams of a career like Koke’s.
"I'm very happy to be at Atlético. Very happy, I hope to be here for many years. I hope to have a career like Koke's. I would love to be here for many years," he says.
Jansen misses out as he’s recovering from surgery to his left thumb while Miller will be playing in the Hundred
Firdose Moonda24-Jul-2025South Africa’s regular white-ball captains Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma will return to lead the T20I and ODI squads, respectively, for next month’s tour of Australia. Markram was rested from South Africa’s Test and T20I series in Zimbabwe while Bavuma missed the Zimbabwe Tests with a hamstring injury he sustained at the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June. Both skippers will have relatively full-strength squads available to them.Notably, the squad was announced a week before Patrick Moroney, the new convenor of selectors, starts work on August 1, which means this was the last squad that all-format Shukri Conrad picked independently.”It’s great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final,” Conrad said in a statement. “Their experience and quality add real value to the group as we continue to build a strong core in both formats. Every series from here on plays a part in shaping our squads for next year’s T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup at home in 2027.”Of South Africa’s regulars, Marco Jansen and David Miller are the only two not named. Jansen is recovering from surgery to his left thumb from an issue picked up at the WTC final, while Miller will be playing in the Hundred. He is expected to return for South Africa’s white-ball tour of England in September.South Africa’s squads for Australia tour•ESPNcricinfo LtdThe rest of South Africa’s frontline attack, led by Kagiso Rabada in the seam department and Keshav Maharaj in the spin one, are all included. But Maharaj is not part of the T20I squad.Instead, left-arm spinners George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy, who are both currently in Zimbabwe, will play the T20Is alongside legspinner Nqaba Peter as South Africa assess their options for next year’s T20 World Cup. Tabraiz Shamsi, who opted out of a national contract last year, is not included in either squad. Conrad had indicated prior to the Zimbabwe series that he would speak to Shamsi to discuss his future.”Unfortunately, things got away from me, and I was never able to have that chat,” he said. “The spinners who have been selected have the inside track.”South Africa’s T20I playing group sees the return of Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs to the batting line-up, and the retention of Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, who are both in Zimbabwe. Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka make up the seamers, but Gerald Coetzee is not included.Rassie van der Dussen was not included in the ODI squad for Australia•Zimbabwe Cricket”There are only so many quicks you can put in your team in terms of balance,” Conrad said. “The players who have been selected are ahead of Gerald in the pecking order. In the 50-over squad, I wanted to try and get as many allrounders in the squad. You cannot ignore what Corbin Bosch has done. Gerald sits behind him.”The ODI squad’s batting line-up has the four named above as well Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi. Wiaan Mulder provides an all-round option in Jansen’s absence. While Rassie van der Dussen, who has South Africa’s second-highest ODI average, is not included in the ODI squad, Conrad also conceded that he is “very much in contention for the T20 World Cup”.”He gives you the option of batting at the top and at No. 3, and he is a great in a leadership role. With the 50-over [team], because I’ve got time before 2027, it gives me the opportunity to blood new players and see how they develop.”T20I squadAiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der DussenODI squadTemba Bavuma (capt), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen
Newcastle United knew they would make forward progress after PIF completed their much-anticipated takeover in 2021, but the appointment of manager Eddie Howe has helped grease the wheels and then some.
There have, of course, been bumps in the road, but the Magpies have qualified for the Champions League across two of the past three Premier League campaigns; last year, they won the Carabao Cup after beating Liverpool in the final.
One of Howe’s biggest strengths, aside from his deep tactical understanding and awareness of how to bring many players together, is his ability to keep a bond knitted through his side. Togetherness and Toon DNA.
That’s why selling Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest was such a bitter thing. Academy gems are crucial for a team rising to the top, and this Howe knows.
Elliot Anderson's return to Newcastle
When Anderson stepped out at Newcastle on Sunday, he did so with the knowledge that Howe had publicly intimated his interest in bringing him back to the club.
Sold. £35m. August 2024. Nottingham Forest benefitted from United’s financial troubles, losing a homegrown player who had clear and compelling potential.
Maybe Sunday’s showdown has reinforced in Anderson’s mind the potential for a return to Tyneside, a permanent return. After all, Howe revealed last week that he would be keen on welcoming the 22-year-old back to St. James’ Park.
And for good reason: Anderson is a “do-it-all midfielder”, as said by analyst Ben Mattinson, and the statistics back that up.
Matches (starts)
37 (33)
7 (7)
Goals
2
0
Assists
6
1
Touches*
54.2
103.3
Pass completion
82%
89%
Key passes*
1.0
1.1
Dribbles*
1.0
1.3
Ball recoveries*
5.6
7.9
Tackles + interceptions*
2.5
3.7
Duels (won)*
6.5 (52%)
7.9 (57%)
Newcastle must ensure something similar does not happen again. There are a number of high-quality prospects waiting in the wings, and none more so than Seung-soo Park, who may even be a bigger talent than Anderson – and the rest.
Meet Seung-soo Park
This summer, Newcastle signed Park from K League 2 side Suwon Bluewings for an undisclosed fee. He posted a goal and three assists across 27 appearances in South Korea and landed on Tyneside as a potential superstar.
Primarily appearing down the left channel, the 18-year-old is fleet-footed and powerful when on the ball, and he made a positive impression during pre-season.
Thailand’s Brazilian coach Emerson Pereira has singled out the youngster’s “dangerous” presence on the ball, so direct and slippery when taking on defenders. He is always willing to cause his opponents problems, and if he can marry this with requisite athletic improvements that come with growing up, he may well be a fierce forward indeed.
So fast is the winger that he has even been described by Asian football expert John Duerden as being “similar to Mbappé”, and if he can refine his shooting ability over the coming years, this could be quite the addition for Howe’s starting line-up.
So far, he has only featured six times for Newcastle’s development side, although it’s curious to note that he was named on the bench for United’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa, an unused substitute.
It will take time before he reaches the fluent level to sustain a place in the first team, but Anderson was a part of Newcastle’s U21 squad when he was Park’s age, then spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan in League Two with Bristol Rovers.
Park has the skills and the playing style to rocket right to the top, and by keeping hold of this one, Newcastle might even strike gold with an even bigger talent than Anderson, the one who got away.
Not Woltemade: Newcastle star is "one of the signings of the summer"
Nick Woltemade may not be Newcastle’s best signing of the summer.
Barcelona have been dealt a major setback ahead of El Clasico after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) dismissed their appeal against Hansi Flick’s red card. The German coach will serve a one-match ban following his dismissal against Girona, leaving assistant Marcus Sorg to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu in a much-awaited game of the Spanish league.
Flick suspended after failed appeal
Barcelona’s hopes of having boss Flick on the sidelines for the El Clasico have been dashed after the RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee rejected the club’s appeal, according to . The committee confirmed that Flick will serve a one-match suspension following his red card in the 2-1 victory over Girona, ruling that Barca’s evidence was insufficient to overturn the decision.
The German coach was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession from referee Jesus Gil Manzano, first for sarcastically applauding stoppage time and then for gesturing in protest moments later. Barcelona argued that the report “did not correspond to what happened,” but the disciplinary body concluded that “no evidence whatsoever” disproved the referee’s account.
“The request to annul the double caution must be rejected, and the disciplinary consequences arising from the expulsion of Mr. Hans-Dieter Flick must be maintained,” the committee stated. The decision invokes Article 120 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, confirming a one-match suspension with the corresponding fines.
Advertisement
AFP
Barca leadership rallies behind Flick
Barca president Joan Laporta strongly defended his manager after the ruling, calling the referee’s handling of the situation “excessive” and “unfair.” Addressing club members during the General Assembly, Laporta said: “We’ve appealed both cards to our coach. The referee overstepped his bounds. I know it’s difficult to get his suspension overturned, but I’ve told the manager we’re with him.”
Laporta also criticised the referee’s history of dismissing prominent players and coaches before major matches, adding: “This man has always sent off all the players who stand out. He has a CV to show for it. We always think nothing will happen… and it always ends up happening.”
Flick felt remorseful about his touchline reaction, which was captured by cameras as he gestured in frustration following his dismissal, and he later also implored to set the right example. Laporta light-heartedly told him: “I told him he looked good while doing the gesture. But they pushed him to the limit with the cards.”
Deco claims referees are harsher with Barcelona
Barcelona sporting director Deco echoed Laporta’s sentiments, insisting that officials often treat the Catalan club with greater severity than others in La Liga. Speaking to reporters after the ruling, Deco said: “The referees against us are always more strict, they go much further to the limit.”
Deco admitted that while the suspension would not serve as an excuse for the upcoming El Clasico, it highlighted a persistent sense of unfair treatment.
“Winning with Barca is always more complicated, but it gives you greater satisfaction. We fought hard against many things. It won’t be an excuse, whatever the result against Madrid.”
Flick’s absence comes at a crucial moment for Balaugrana, who trail Los Blancos by two points at the top of the table. His leadership on the sidelines has been key since his arrival, with the team showing improved discipline, pressing and attacking fluidity under his command.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFP
Barcelona plan final appeal as Clasico looms
Despite the committee’s ruling, Barca’s legal department reportedly has plans to file a final appeal to the Appeals Committee on Wednesday, leaving little time before Sunday’s showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.
If the suspension stands, assistant coach Marcus Sorg is expected to take charge from the touchline while Flick watches from the stands. The German tactician’s absence would be both tactical and emotional, particularly against a Real Madrid side that has started the season in strong form.
Barcelona are coming off a resounding 6-1 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League, a result that boosted morale heading into one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. The club remains optimistic that their final appeal could yield a reprieve, though precedent suggests the chances are slim.
As the countdown to Clasico continues, the spotlight now shifts from Flick’s suspension to whether Barcelona can overcome adversity and maintain their title push without their coach on the bench, remains to be seen.
Left-arm seamer returns to Chelmsford after three previous seasons in 2017-19
ESPNcricinfo staff01-May-2025Mohammad Amir, the Pakistan left-arm seamer, has rejoined Essex for this season’s Vitality Blast campaign.Amir, 33, previously featured for the club across two spells, in 2017 and 2019, claiming 24 T20 wickets in 21 matches. The latter saw him take 10 at 20.10, with Essex – as County Champions – going on to win the Blast final and complete the double.For Pakistan, he has claimed 71 wickets at 21.64 in 62 T20Is, up to and including the 2024 T20 World Cup in June last year. He will arrive at Chelmsford having represented Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, for whom he has taken seven wickets in six matches.”I am very excited to join Essex once again,” Amir said. “I have always enjoyed my time at this club where I feel at home and the love I received from the team and the amazing supporters was overwhelming.”I look forward to contributing to the team and hopefully help the club achieve success this season.”Chris Silverwood, Essex’s director of cricket, was instrumental in the signing of Amir in his first stint as the club head coach in 2017, and said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mo back to Chelmsford and are very excited to see him in Essex colours again.”I know the experience and skillset he brings having worked with him with here before. He will certainly strengthen what is an already strong squad for our T20 Blast campaign this season.”Amir, who will wear the No.5 shirt, is available to Essex throughout the group stage of the competition, with an option to extend his stay should the club progress to the knockouts.
Nottingham Forest are keen to strengthen the ranks before the window shuts and have now opened talks with an experienced international over a move to the City Ground, according to a report.
Nottingham Forest draw at Selhurst Park amid managerial uncertainty
Creating a backdrop of intrigue, the furore over Crystal Palace’s expulsion from the Europa League that led to Nottingham Forest taking their place fanned the flames of an entertaining 1-1 draw between both sides at Selhurst Park last weekend.
Furthermore, Nuno Espirito Santo’s uncertain future and links with Ange Postecoglou replacing him at the City Ground haven’t quietened things down, albeit the Portuguese boss appeared to cool talk that he is set for an imminent exit.
Nottingham Forest managerNunoEspirito Santo is seen before the match
He told Match of the Day: “I am a person that thinks a lot before saying anything. I say because I believe that things can improve but now is a moment to ignore the noise and focus on what I have to do. My job is clear.
“Of course, there will be resolution. Everything is going to be OK, for sure. It is the moment to sit down and talk. More important is how we play football and I think we are improving, trying to adjust some things and that is where my focus is.”
Speculation is rife over potential additions and AS Monaco midfielder Soungoutou Magassa is on Nottingham Forest’s radar to strengthen their midfield amid competition from West Ham United for his signature.
Matty Cash could also pitch up at the City Ground to provide competition for Ola Aina at full-back, and many suspect there will be more signings to come as Espirito Santo looks to build a squad capable of challenging for continental qualification once again.
Nottingham Forest open talks to sign Dominik Livakovic
According to The Guardian, Nottingham Forest have opened talks to sign Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and he is open to a Premier League move before the window draws to a close.
The Croatia international, who has been capped 66 times by his country, is wanted to provide competition for Matz Sels between the sticks and his current employers would be willing to let him leave Istanbul should the correct fee be put on the table.
Nottingham Forest "exploring" deal to sign "versatile" Premier League rival
Forest fans are more than familiar with his ability.
ByTom Cunningham Aug 21, 2025
Praised by Luka Modric for his role in Croatia’s penalty shoot-out victory over Japan at the 2022 World Cup, the 30-year-old kept nine clean sheets in 32 appearances last season, maintaining a save percentage of 66.2%.
Ante Budimir also lauded Livakovic’s “absolutely unbeliavable” contribution on that famous night in Qatar, though he has now fell out of favour under Jose Mourinho and could be set for an exciting new challenge.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have made their interest known over the last few years. However, Livakovic would provide genuine competition for Sels and Angus Gunn as the Tricky Trees juggle domestic and European endeavours.
The stadium used by Manchester United Women and the club's Under-21 men is officially being renamed from Leigh Sports Villag. The immediate change was approved by Wigan Council this week and reflects a renewed emphasis on community spirit and shared values. The rebrand comes just days after United Women set a new attendance record at the venue.
Leigh Sports Village undergoes a rebrand
Leigh Sports Village, the long-time home of Manchester United Women, has undergone a significant change. The stadium will now be called the Progress With Unity Stadium following approval at a Wigan Council meeting, although the overall site, which includes various health, sport and leisure facilities, will retain the original LSV name. The new stadium name takes immediate effect, with the venue continuing to host both United Women, the club's Under-21 team, and the Leigh Leopards rugby league team.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
Wigan Council Leader explains the change in name
Council leader David Molyneux MBE explained the reasoning behind the change, stating: "It's important to note that Progress With Unity isn't just our initiative, it has partnership working and the strength of our communities at its heart. In many ways, Leigh Sports Village encapsulates this approach; it is a complex of facilities to be proud of, hosting professional and grassroots organisations and delivering community-based services. We believe the new name for the stadium is therefore, an appropriate step to promote what we are trying to achieve here in our borough and be a figurehead for our shared values."
Man Utd set Leigh Sports Village attendance record
The timing of the name change adds extra significance after United Women's latest home match against Arsenal drew a record crowd of 8,665 supporters. That figure surpassed the previous high of 8,348 set in the same fixture last season. The rebrand is seen as a way to further strengthen the stadium's identity as a hub of both elite and community sport.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty
Man Utd to continue playing at Progress With Unity Stadium
Marc Skinner's Manchester United will continue to use the Progress With Unity Stadium as their primary home ground, alongside occasional fixtures at Old Trafford. The venue will also keep serving rugby and grassroots events, ensuring it remains central to the borough's sporting life. Next up for the WSL side is the visit of reigning champions Chelsea on Friday, October 3.
The mood around West Ham United at the moment isn’t a particularly positive one, as Graham Potter’s side got their Premier League campaign underway with a demoralising defeat away to newly promoted Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.
The game was a stark reminder that the club need to do more business before the window closes next month, as with the squad the way it is, a relegation scrap feels almost inevitable.
One of the areas most desperately in need of reinforcing is up top, as while he certainly tried, Niclas Füllkrug looked miles off the pace and like someone who will struggle all season.
Fortunately, recent reports have linked the Hammers with an exciting centre-forward who’d be a massive upgrade on the German.
West Ham target a Füllkrug upgrade
While it’s undoubtedly true that West Ham have not done enough business this summer, it’s also true that some of the few deals they have completed have been pretty good.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
For example, securing someone as experienced as Kyle Walker-Peters on a free in undeniably great work, and from what we saw in pre-season, and in flashes on Saturday, El Hadji Malick Diouf looks like he could be a real difference-maker this year.
Yet, to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap, the Eastenders need to bring in more talent, which appears to be what they’re trying to do.
At least that is according to recent reports, which claim West Ham are interested in Rodrigo Muniz.
In fact, it’s more than that, as the reports have revealed that the club have now made a bid for Fulham’s goalscoring Brazilian.
A potential price is not mentioned, but stories from earlier his summer claimed that the Cottagers could ask for as much as £43m to sell the 24-year-old.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Muniz has shown over the last year or so that he has what it takes to make it in the Premier League, and would be a massive upgrade on Füllkrug.
How Muniz compares to Füllkrug
Now, when it comes to centre-forwards, what matters most is their raw output, and if we compare Füllkrug’s to Muniz’s, there is only one winner.
Fulham'sRodrigoMunizcelebrates after the match
For example, in his 36 appearances for the West Londoners last season, totalling 1355 minutes, the latter racked up an impressive tally of 11 goals and two assists.
That means that the Brazilian “revelation,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, maintained an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.53 games, or every 104.23 minutes.
In rather stark contrast, the Hammers’ German forward was only able to score three goals and provide two assists in 20 appearances, totalling 877 minutes.
In other words, the former Borussia Dortmund star averaged a goal involvement every four games, or every 175.4 minutes, which just isn’t enough to be leading the line for a club the size of West Ham.
Appearances
36
20
Minutes
1355′
877′
Goals
11
3
Assists
2
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.36
0.25
Minutes per Goal Involvement
104.23′
175.4′
Now, on top of the simple fact that the Fulham man is the far more dangerous striker, there are some other key reasons why he would be an upgrade on the Hannover-born poacher, such as his age.
At just 24 years old, the former Flamengo gem still has plenty of upside, and according to research from The Athletic, he is still three years away from hitting his peak.
The 24-capped German, on the other hand, is 32 and will be turning 33 midway through this season, which suggests that his struggles to keep up with the pace of the Premier League are only going to continue and worsen as the campaign goes on.
Moreover, he missed 28 games last season, whereas the Cottagers’ ace has missed just 22 across his entire career, so availability is something else that has to be taken into consideration.
Ultimately, Füllkrug is not a bad player, but he’s certainly not of the level required to be an important member of West Ham’s squad, and therefore, the board should do what they can to sign Muniz as his replacement before the window closes.
West Ham lodge major enquiry for "magic" £21m maestro who's keen on PL move
The Hammers have made an approach to sign a versatile midfielder.