West Ham United are now closely monitoring an “intelligent” £84m striker, who is also in the sights of Premier League rivals Arsenal and Aston Villa, according to a report.
Hammers set sights on new striker
Niclas Fullkrug may have won over some West Ham fans with his extremely honest reflection on the team’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Southampton last month, which left manager Graham Potter not best pleased.
However, the German has hardly set the world alight himself during his first season at the London Stadium, netting just three Premier League goals, and with the striker now 32-years-old, it could be a shrewd move to bring in a replacement this summer.
Celtic’s Daizen Maeda is one potential option, with the Hammers currently preparing a substantial offer for the versatile Japanese forward, while Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap also remain of interest.
Delap could be an ambitious target, given the level of interest in the Englishman, and the same applies to Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, with a report from Spain now revealing that West Ham are now racing their Premier League rivals for the Brazilian’s signature.
Botafogo'sIgorJesuscelebrates scoring their second goal
Arsenal and Aston Villa are also keen on Jesus, who the Hammers have been closely monitoring, with the Gunners thought to be seriously considering a move, which could pose a major problem for Potter’s side.
The 24-year-old is also protected by a €100m (£84m) release clause, although the Brazilian club should be willing to sanction his departure for a lower price.
Their best signing since Bowen: West Ham in the race to land £12m EFL star
As West Ham United manager Graham Potter looks to oversee a major squad rebuild this summer, should they make a move to sign a “brilliant” EFL star?
ByBen Gray May 18, 2025 "Intelligent" Jesus impressing for Botafogo
Brazilian pundit Walter Casagrande has been impressed by some of the Brazil international’s performances since returning to his home country after a spell with Dubai-based side Shabab Al-Alhi, lauding him as “very intelligent” in September last year.
The forward played an important role in Botafogo’s 2024 league title triumph, picking up five goals and three assists and receiving some very high praise for his displays.
Jesus could now be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, and at 24-years-old he is at the right age to be a long-term success at the London Stadium, but the serious interest from Arsenal could be a major issue for West Ham.
An “unbelievable” Premier League player is now ready to leave his club this summer, amid interest from Nottingham Forest, according to a report.
Forest set to bolster attacking options
Forest will be in a good position to attract some top players this summer, should they manage to qualify for the Champions League, and Nuno appears to be particularly keen on strengthening his squad in attacking areas.
With signing a new striker on the agenda, the Tricky Trees have recently emerged as potential suitors for AFC Bournemouth’s Evanilson, having shortlisted the Brazilian, alongside Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who could be available for £50m.
Not only does Nuno want to bring in a new striker, but the manager is also interested in signing a new winger, with Manchester City’s Jack Grealish of interest, while teammate James McAtee has been named as a target in attacking midfield.
Napoli and Roma chase £80k-p/w Nottingham Forest ace amid new contract talks
Forest have a battle on their hands to keep hold of one of their best attackers.
ByBrett Worthington Apr 28, 2025
There is a feeling the midfielder could be available for £25m this summer, with Forest keen, and there has now been a new update on the City ace’s future, which suggests he may not remain at the Etihad Stadium for much longer.
According to a report from Football Insider, McAtee is now ready to approve a move away from Man City this summer, amid interest from Nottingham Forest, given that he has struggled to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans.
The 22-year-old has only featured sporadically this season, meaning he is eager to reignite his career, and a move to the City Ground could be on the cards, although there is also interest from the likes of West Ham United and Fulham.
By June, the Salford-born midfielder will have just one year remaining on his contract, with City keen to agree a contract extension to ensure they receive a fee that reflects his value.
"Unbelievable" McAtee needs regular game time
The former Sheffield United loanee caught the eye in the early stages of his career, picking up nine goals and three assists for the Blades during their promotion-winning 2022-23 campaign, but he has struggled to make a breakthrough at Man City.
At 22-years-old, the attacking midfielder needs to be receiving regular game time, so it is little wonder he is thinking about moving on for the good of his career, and there are plenty of indications he could make an impact at Forest.
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap was left particularly impressed with the England U21 international after bagging a brace in his side’s 2-1 victory against Ukraine U21s earlier this season.
Delap believes McAtee can achieve great things in the game, but that will only be possible if he receives regular game time, and a move to Forest could be an attractive proposition, should they manage to qualify for the Champions League.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is set for a decision over the potential signing of a “unique” player, after the 53-year-old personally held talks with his representatives.
Andrea Berta working on Arsenal targets ahead of summer window
According to reports, since his arrival was confirmed in late March, Berta has wasted absolutely no time in laying the groundwork over Arsenal’s top summer transfer targets.
Arsenal ready to pay £56m asking price for "star" after accelerating talks
The Gunners have pushed more “in recent weeks”.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 23, 2025
The former Atlético Madrid chief has been tasked with spearheading the club’s recruitment drive after 12 successful years at the Metropolitano, and he comes to Arsenal with a glittering reputation which he’ll be determined to maintain.
Arsenal’s final Premier League games of the season
Date
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
There are suggestions Berta could spend up to £300 million to reinforce Arsenal’s squad in almost all areas, including by bringing in a second-choice keeper, full-back, midfielder, left-winger, right-winger and striker (GiveMeSport).
Ahead of his debut summer window at the club, the Italian is also reliably believed to have personally reached out to the agents of key targets for discussions.
As per journalist Graeme Bailey, Berta has held talks with Martin Zubimendi’s camp, as Arsenal attempt to strike a full agreement for the Spain international after months of reported negotiations.
While Arsenal are in discussions to extend Thomas Partey’s contract, following his very impressive 2024/2025 campaign, Mikel Arteta will still be in need of further midfield reinforcement, with Jorginho set to leave on a free deal.
Alongside Zubimendi, in one of his “first acts” as sporting director, Berta also held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons.
The highly-rated forward’s contract includes a tempting £50 million release clause, but it could still prove to be a costly operation when factoring in the Spaniard’s £170,000-per-week wages, agent fees and payment structure.
Berta set for final say over Arsenal deal for Nico Williams
According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking to GiveMeSport, Berta is set to decide whether Arsenal sign Williams this summer – and it could prove to be one of his trickiest tasks.
“Nico Williams, the situation is this, there’s a €58million release clause, and he could finally, finally leave a club that he’s very much in love with,” said Jacobs.
“The overall cost of the deal is expensive, though, and the reason for that is because Williams has got a very high wage, €200,000 at the moment, and then there’s agent fees and taxes.
“So there is Premier League interest from Arsenal and from Chelsea as well. Arsenal are looking at a left-sided attacker. And it will be for Andrea Berta to decide whether or not there’s now value in Williams, because Arsenal have been put off by the cost in the past.”
The 22-year-old has enjoyed an excellent end to 24/25 after a dip in form, showcasing his “unique” talent, after he also racked up an incredible 19 assists in all competitions last season.
He is without doubt one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers, and he’d come in as great competition for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka out wide.
This summer could be make or break in terms of Ruben Amorim’s future as Manchester United manager, needing to make the right decisions in the transfer market if they are to progress next season.
The Red Devils currently sit in 13th position in the Premier League, with their only hope of securing European football next season relying on their success in the Europa League.
Their lowly league standing is huge evidence that the board need to back the 40-year-old in the window, allowing him to make the additions he wants to fit his 3-4-2-1 system.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimreacts
He’s so far only had one window to implement his own changes, largely having to operate with the players signed under the guidance of former manager Erik ten Hag.
However, he appears to have wasted no time in identifying players to improve his first-team squad, targeting one player who could massively improve the situation at Old Trafford.
Man Utd already in talks to land huge PL talent
According to GIVEMESPORT, United are already in talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers over a summer deal to sign their star man, Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian only signed a new contract back in February but has stated his desire to depart Molineux this summer, with any club wanting him needing to trigger his £62.5m release clause.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhareacts
The 25-year-old has registered 13 goals and four assists in the league to date, undoubtedly playing a huge role in maintaining the club’s top-flight status this campaign.
The report claims he’s interested in making a move to Old Trafford this summer, potentially making personal terms a forgone conclusion should the Red Devils trigger his release clause.
Whilst it would be a huge sum to fork out on yet another attacker at the Theatre of Dreams, it would be a worthwhile investment, providing a better option than another player already on their radar.
Why Cunha would be a better signing than Delap for United
Over the last week or so, reports have emerged that United have made Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap their number-one choice to become their new talisman next season.
The 22-year-old is set to be a man in demand this summer, with Chelsea also in the race to land the forward who has a £30m relegation release clause within his current contract.
The former Manchester City youngster has been the Tractor Boys’ key man in 2024/25, registering 12 goals in 30 appearances – scoring 39% of Kieran McKenna’s outfit’s efforts to date.
However, despite the huge difference in fee, Cunha would undoubtedly be the better option for Amorim’s side, having the ability to feature in a centre-forward or attacking midfield role.
When comparing the pair’s respective figures from 2024/25, the Brazilian massively outperformed Delap, showcasing why the hierarchy should pay the added difference between the player’s different clauses.
How Cunha compares to Delap in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Cunha
Delap
Games played
26
30
Goals & assists
17
14
Progressive carries
3.9
2.2
Progressive passes
4.7
1.1
Shots on target
1.5
1.1
Pass accuracy
70%
61%
Take-ons completed
2.1
1.4
Stats via FBref
The Wolves star, who’s been labelled “sensational” by current boss Vitor Pereira, has managed to register more combined goals and assists, whilst also registering more shots on target per 90 – showcasing his clinical nature in attacking areas.
He’s also completed more progressive passes per 90, whilst completing more take-ons per 90, achieving a higher pass completion rate – highlighting his all-round nature with the ball at his feet.
Whilst the club would pay more than double if they were to land Cunha, it’s evident that he would be a better option for the Red Devils based on the stats he’s produced in England’s top flight in 2024/25.
If they are to return to the summit of the Premier League in the next couple of years, it’s pivotal they learn from their mistakes in the market, needing to invest in top-quality talent rather than players who have only impressed over one season.
64 touches, 93% passes: Man Utd's 8/10 star is now as important as Bruno
Manchester United could only secure a 2-2 draw with Lyon in the Europa League last night.
Manchester United are set to head into yet another summer window with question marks surrounding their first-choice goalkeeper, with it having been just two years since Erik ten Hag opted to replace long-serving star, David de Gea, with his former Ajax stopper, Andre Onana.
There may be those now ruing the decision to let De Gea leave on a free transfer, although it’s worth remembering that the Spaniard had become a costly figure in his own right in that final campaign, with the £375k-per-week asset notably enduring an error-strewn display away in Seville, having also failed to keep out Ilkay Gundogan’s tame volley in the FA Cup final.
The decision to part ways with the former Premier League winner arguably remains the correct call, albeit with the Red Devils seemingly getting it wrong with regard to his placement, not least in having forked out £47.2m for a player that they could have signed for nothing in 2022.
The ex-Inter star has since made more errors leading to a goal in all competitions than any other Premier League goalkeeper, with Thursday’s 2-2 draw away in Lyon marking almost the final straw with Onana at fault for both of the hosts’ goals on the night.
Manchester United's Andre Onana vs Lyon.
Frustratingly for Ruben Amorim, the decision to remove the Cameroonian from the firing line for Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park failed to have the desired effect, with one-time FA Cup hero, Altay Bayindir, enduring an afternoon to forget on Tyneside.
Altay Bayindir's game in numbers vs Newcastle
With Onana dominating the headlines in midweek – amid both his display and pre-match spat with Nemanja Matic – it appeared the appropriate time for Amorim to make a change in the sticks, ahead of the weekend clash with Newcastle United.
Signed for just £4.3m from Fenerbahce back in 2023, Bayindir has been patiently waiting for his chance at Old Trafford, with the meeting with the Magpies remarkably marking just his first Premier League start since arriving from his native Turkey.
The 27-year-old – who made just two appearances under Ten Hag – had previously caught the eye following his penalty shootout heroics against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round, with that standing out as a rare high point in an otherwise forgettable United career.
Finally afforded his opportunity in the top-flight, Bayindir – unfortunately – could not take his chance, having been particularly culpable for Newcastle’s fourth goal after producing an errant kick which led to Bruno Guimaraes’ strike.
In all, the struggling understudy made just two saves up against the rampant hosts, having also finished with a meagre pass accuracy of just 49%, as per Sofascore, after looking particularly uncomfortable with the ball at his feet.
The 68-touch ‘keeper also only successfully completed ten of his 37 long balls, with such woes emphasising just why he has largely been on the periphery across his two seasons in Manchester.
That performance will likely ensure that Onana is reinstated for Thursday’s reverse fixture with Lyon, although that is hardly the ideal situation. Could Amorim look elsewhere to find a much-needed solution?
How Man Utd can replace Andre Onana
With Onana – who has made three errors leading to a goal in the league this season – still producing a catalogue of mistakes, and with Bayindir also failing to convince, there could be a desire to throw veteran backup, Tom Heaton, into the mix this week.
Andre Onana compared PL goalkeepers – 24/25
Stat
Per 90
Ranking
Goals against
1.32
Top 36%
Save percentage
69.8%
Top 48%
Save % (penalties)
25%
Top 30%
Clean sheet %
29%
Top 25%
Touches
40.52
Top 33%
Passes launched
29.1%
Bottom 39%
Crosses stopped
5.7%
Bottom 45%
Defensive actions outside of area
0.65
Bottom 17%
Stats via FBref
The United academy graduate has, however, only played three times since returning to Old Trafford on a free transfer back in the summer of 2021, with recent reports suggesting that the 39-year-old is set to depart amid the expiry of his contract in June.
The former Burnley man could represent a short-term option for Amorim, although his lack of game time over a consistent period should certainly be a concern, having also been hampered by injury in recent months.
That absence – alongside Bayindir’s own spell on the sidelines – did see young Elyh Harrison thrown into the matchday squad for a string of games in February and March, with the 19-year-old notably making the bench for both legs of United’s Europa League last-16 tie with Real Sociedad.
It could represent a huge call to chuck the teenager in at the deep end, yet having seen the woes of the senior stoppers ahead of him, could the Englishman really do much worse?
Equally, unlike Heaton, the academy starlet has enjoyed regular action this seen both in the youth set-up and during a stint on loan at National League North outfit, Chester, in the first-half of 2024/25.
That temporary spell saw the England U20 international concede just 16 goals in 18 league games, while keeping seven clean sheets, with manager Calum McIntyre full of praise for his performances:
With United ultimately opting to cut that loan short to bring him back to Carrington, it could be time for Amorim to put his faith in another rising star, having already handed senior debuts to the likes of Harry Amass and Chido Obi in recent months.
Andre Onana
Previously described as ‘one of the most promising homegrown goalkeepers of his generation’ by the Manchester Evening News, Harrison could potentially represent the future of United’s goalkeeping ranks.
He might also be a wildcard option for the present too…
Worse than Bayindir: 4/10 Man Utd flop should be nowhere near Amorim's XI
Manchester United were battered by Newcastle United on Sunday evening.
As Matheus Cunha’s future continues to come into question, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly joined the race to sign an attacking midfielder who has outscored their star man this season.
Cunha clarifies "next step" comments
As if he wasn’t stealing enough headlines thanks to his talent alone, Cunha managed to grab hold of the spotlight once again away from the pitch when claiming that he’s ready to take “the next step” and “fight for titles”. With the club still in the middle of a relegation scrap, albeit one that looks almost certain to end in success, the Brazilian’s comments were far from ideal.
Cunha, however, has since added some clarity, taking to social media to say: “Hey guys, Cunha here. I only came here to talk about the noise around my name, the interview I gave, and show my point. I don’t think people read the interview, and I don’t think people have the correct interpretation.
“The point was talking about Wolves to show everyone how happy I am to be here, to play for this team and these team-mates, and to give back all the love they give me. Like ambitious players, we want to play for something more, to put this club on another level. Me and my team-mates will give our all to achieve this goal.”
Wolves make contact in shock move to sign "special" winger once worth £73m
This would be a major coup…
ByTom Cunningham Apr 4, 2025
When the summer arrives it will certainly be interesting to see whether that clarity sees Cunha stay put or if he does, indeed, go in search of fighting for titles. The Brazilian certainly won’t be short on options, with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur already linked with moves to secure his signature in the coming months.
Wolves, meanwhile, would benefit from his exit on the financial front, given that Cunha has a release clause worth £63m ahead of the transfer window. If that clause is triggered, those in the Midlands could instantly go in search of reinforcements, which could yet include one particular star.
Wolves plotting to sign Sem Steijn
Losing Cunha would undoubtedly be a major blow for Vitor Pereira and his side, but they could yet welcome a player who has outscored the Brazilian this season. According to The Boot Room, Wolves are now plotting a move to sign Sem Steijn from FC Twente this summer and have already sent scouts to watch the attacking midfielder in action.
Sem Steijn for FC Twente against Man Utd.
In all competitions, the Dutchman has scored an impressive 27 goals whilst assisting another six. Cunha, meanwhile, has managed 15 goals and four assists in all competitions for Wolves this season. And when it comes to league action, there’s only one winner on the stats front.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Sem Steijn
Matheus Cunha
Starts
26
24
Goals
23
13
Assists
5
4
Dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Steijn’s steady improvement season after season should result in a move away from the Netherlands sooner rather than later. If Cunha does depart Wolves, it’s those in the Midlands who should do everything to secure the FC Twente star’s signature. There’s no doubt that he’s one to watch.
Newcastle United’s wait for a first away win of the season is now over.
On Saturday night, the Magpies demolished Everton 4-1 on Merseyside, enjoying their first-ever visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Malick Thiaw broke the deadlock inside 60 seconds, with Lewis Miley lashing home a second and then Nick Woltemade making it three in first half stoppage time, before Thiaw bagged his second shortly after the interval, rubber stamping victory.
Before this, Eddie Howe’s side had failed to win any of their six Premier League away games this season, losing each of their last three on the road, their most recent away league victory coming at a hopeless Leicester in April.
Now, ahead of back-to-back home games this week against Tottenham and Burnley, which Newcastle player put in an excellent performance at Bramley-Moore Dock, suggesting he may be the club’s best young talent?
Can Lewis Miley break into Newcastle's midfield?
For so long, the backbone of Newcastle’s rise, twice qualifying for the Champions League and winning last season’s EFL Cup, has been their midfield trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
However, attempting to balance both domestic and continental commitments, Howe has started to rotate his team a bit more, ahead of a jam-packed December featuring eight fixtures, so could Lewis Miley force his way into the starting lineup on a more regular basis?
Still a teenager, Miley started in the Premier League for just the second time this season on Saturday evening, scoring his first goal since netting during a 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest in February.
Dominic Scurr of the Shields Gazette awarded him a 9/10 for his performance against Everton, stating that it was ‘so good to see him shining’ having been handed a rare start, getting the nod over Tonali.
For a long time now, Miley has been viewed as the brightest young talent in this Newcastle squad, becoming the second-youngest player in the club’s Premier League history to both score and record an assist in a single match, behind only Charles N’Zogbia.
Meantime, almost two years ago, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout asserted that he is a “special talent”, labelling him “technical, elegant, composed, and hardworking” who is an “absolute unicorn in midfield”, emphasising that he’s been in the spotlight for quite a while.
However, did another player come to the fore at Hill Dickinson Stadium and underline that he is Newcastle’s brightest young thing?
Newcastle's bigger talent than Lewis Miley
Given their side’s inconsistent form, the Geordie faithful have been calling for Howe to tinker with his lineup, and they may be getting their wish.
Aaron Ramsdale displaced Nick Pope this weekend, while full-back is the other positions supporters have wanted to see a change, with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall both starting too, and the latter certainly caught the eye.
The 21-year-old has now started back-to-back Premier League games, having been included in the lineup only twice this season in any competition beforehand, and underlined why supporters have been eager to see more of him, as the table documents.
Hall’s stats vs Everton
Stats
Hall
Match rank
Assists
1
1st
Successful dribbles
3
1st
Passing accuracy
91%
7th
Key passes
2
1st
Accurate crosses
2
2nd
Big chances created
2
1st
Ground duels won
5
1st
Tackle win %
100%
1st
Touches
87
3rd
Match rating
7.8
4th
Stats via SofaScore
As the table notes, Hall ranked first in a wide variety of statistics on Merseyside on Saturday evening.
He registered an assist, created two big chances and completed 91% of his 55 passes, while also winning five ground duels and 100% of his tackles.
For the majority of this season, Dan Burn has been the first-choice left-back, but the 6 ft 7 in hometown hero has been massively exposed in recent weeks.
This was particularly the case when he met Dango Ouattara of Brentford earlier this month, conceding a penalty and being sent off for fouling the Burkinabé winger during a 3-1 defeat in West London.
Thus, against both Man City and now Everton, Hall has proved he has to be Howe’s first-choice going forward, while the same may not yet be the case for his namesake in midfield.
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Leeds United secured a sensational win in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Daniel Farke’s side beat title challengers Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road, to pick up a huge three points in their quest for top-flight survival.
The game started in perfect fashion for the West Yorkshire outfit.
Defender Jaka Bijol rose highest from a corner to head home, after making a darting run from the edge of the 18-yard box to the corner of the six-yard box before unleashing his powerful header.
Chelsea did not really threaten despite dominating possession, having 71% across the game. Leeds were able to double their lead on the stroke of half-time, thanks to a sublime effort from Ao Tanaka.
The ball broke to Jayden Bogle on the edge of the box, who laid it off to Tanaka. The midfielder smashed it in from range to put his side 2-0 up.
Enzo Maresca’s men were able to pull a goal back just five minutes after the restart through Pedro Neto. However, Leeds resisted their pressure and managed to get a third goal after a calamitous mistake from Chelsea allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score.
It was a superb win for Leeds, with some standout performances across the pitch.
Leeds’ best players vs. Chelsea
One of the most impressive things about this Leeds victory was how hard everyone worked. That was certainly the case for captain Ethan Ampadu. Playing against his former club, the Welshman was the dominant force in midfield.
His stats from the game reflect how well he performed, both on and off the ball. Ampadu had 54 touches of the ball and had an 86% pass accuracy. He also won six duels and made six ball recoveries.
It was an all-action showing from the Wales international.
Another player who shone for the Whites was right wing-back Bogle. He was a real handful for Chelsea going forward, with his performance earning him an 8/10 rating from Graham Smyth, journalist for the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Smyth praised the fact that he ‘drove Leeds forward’, with the defender a real threat in attack.
That all came to a head with his assist for Tanaka, where he pounced on a loose ball before a Chelsea player could reach it, and quickly found his teammate with a first-time pass.
Ampadu and Bogle played well, but they were arguably outshone by one of their teammates.
Leeds’ best signing since Raphinha
It seemed to be a good night for wing-backs at Elland Road. Bogle was not the only one who stood out, with left wing-back Gabriel Gudmundsson one of the best players in a White shirt against Chelsea.
He enjoyed plenty of success defensively, coming up directly against the electric Estevao, and offered a threat going forward.
Gudmundsson won an exceptional 12 from 19 duels and five from eight tackles, as well as creating two chances.
Gudmundsson key stats vs. Chelsea
Stat
Number
Touches
55
Ground duels won
12/19
Tackles won
5/8
Ball recoveries
6
Crosses completed
2
Key passes
2
Stats from Sofascore
The excellent performance from the Swede was noticed by Smyth, who gave him a 9/10 for his efforts. The journalist praised him for how well he got forward, and credited him for the fact that he ‘got back in to defend and do his bit’.
As far back as September, the left-back was being called “the best” player in the Premier League in his position by journalist James Marshment.
The 26-year-old has made a brilliant start to life at Elland Road, featuring in all 14 of their top-flight games so far, and playing 90 minutes nine times.
There is a case to be made that the defender is Leeds’ best signing since Raphinha. The Brazilian was exceptional for the West Yorkshire side, and really hit the ground running in the Premier League. He managed 15 goals and assists in his first top-flight season.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Well, Gudmundsson is making an equally fast start. To be branded as one of the best players in the league so soon is a testament to how well he has performed.
There haven’t really been any Leeds players who have started this fast, especially on the top-flight since Raphinha, with several of the players they have signed in previous Premier League campaigns now having left the club.
Farke will be desperate for this form to continue, and for Gudmundsson to prove he is one of their best signings since Raphinha.
Better than Calvert-Lewin: 9/10 hero had his best game for Leeds vs Chelsea
This Leeds star shone in their 3-1 win over Chelsea
Pakistan romped to a modest target of 129 on a pitch that was tough to bat on
Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Nov-2025
Sahibzada Farhan powered Pakistan to a modest total•PCB
Pakistan’s attack squeezed Sri Lanka’s batters: their seamers bossed the powerplay, before Mohammad Nawaz claimed three wickets through the middle. Sri Lanka could muster no more than 128 for 7, and Pakistan strode to the target in 15.3 overs, with seven wickets to spare.Sahibzada Farhan led the chase from the top of the order, with 80 not out off 45 balls. His knock, in fact, was the only real fluent innings in this game. Janith Liyanage – the next-best scorer with 41 not out – struck at only 108. On the other hand, Farhan hit five sixes and five fours in the innings. His most productive partnership was with Babar Azam – the two put on 69 together.The victory puts Pakistan at the top of the tri-series table with two victories. Sri Lanka are the only winless side, and also have the worst net run rate by a distance, having now suffered two exceedingly heavy losses.Mohammad Nawaz’s three wickets ensured Sri Lanka never got going•PCB
Pakistan peg Sri Lanka back in the powerplayKamil Mishara made the big plays for Sri Lanka early in their innings, hitting 22 off his first 11 balls. But Mishara misread a slower ball from Faheem Ashraf and holed out to mid off. After he was dismissed early in the fourth over, they managed only one further boundary in the powerplay. Then, in Ashraf’s next over, Kusal Mendis was run out attempting a needless second. Sri Lanka finished the powerplay on 44 for 2.Nawaz dominates the middle oversNawaz bowled an unbroken four-over spell starting with the eighth over, took 3 for 16, and was virtually unhittable – so accurate were his overs, and so cleverly did he vary his pace. He didn’t concede a boundary, and his third over was probably the best of the match – he first bowled Kusal Perera with a delivery that ripped through the left-hander’s gate, before slipping a straight one past Dasun Shanaka’s defences. In his final over, he had Kusal Mendis caught excellently on the deep-midwicket boundary by Mohammad Wasim Jr, who tossed the ball in the air as he was going over the rope, before regaining his footing inside the field and completing the catch.Farhan blasts Sri LankaIt didn’t take long for him to get going. By the time he’d faced ten balls, Farhan had hit two fours and a six. His main hitting zones were in a broad V, with the vast majority of his boundaries coming in the arc between cover and midwicket. He was especially severe on the legspinners – he hit 23 off 12 against Wanindu Hasaranga, and 21 off 13 off V Viyaskanth. Farhan hit the winning runs – a four down the ground off Eshan Malinga.Viyaskanth breaks new groundNever before have Sri Lanka fielded a born-and-raised player from the Jaffna peninsula, although cricket has been popular in the north for well over a century. This is largely because a 27-year Civil War in the region, which prevented many northerners from pursuing cricket. Legspinner V Viyaskanth had played a T20I before, in the Asian Games, to which Sri Lanka sent only an emerging team. This was his first major international appearance, and as such, the first appearance for a Jaffna player in a televised international match. His figures read 0 for 28 from four overs.
Dono da SAF do Botafogo, John Textor foi oficialmente denunciado pela procuradoria-geral do Supremo Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) nesta segunda-feira (25), por não ter apresentado as provas de corrupção no futebol brasileiro que alegou ter. A informação é do jornal “O Globo”.
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➡️ Tudo sobre o Glorioso agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Botafogo
O empresário norte-americano afirmou ter “juízes gravados reclamando de não terem propinas pagas”, após vitória do Botafogo sobre o Bragantino, em 6 de março. Dois dias depois, o STJD abriu inquérito e deu prazo de três dias úteis para que Textor entregasse as provas que dizia ter, porém, a ordem foi ignorada pelo bilionário.
Desta forma, o dono da SAF alvinegra foi denunciado no artigo 223 do Código Brasileiro de Justiça Desportiva (CBJD), por “deixar de cumprir ou retardar o cumprimento de decisão”. A pena prevista em caso de condenação é de 90 a 360 dias de suspensão, além de pagamento de multa.
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➡️ É O BRASA! Coloque R$200 no Brasil contra a Espanha e fature mais de R$640 no Lance! Betting
No dia 14 de março, o pleno do tribunal chegou a votar a possibilidade de suspensão automática de John Textor, mas foi formada maioria contra. Além disso, foi definido também que o STJD tem competência para julgar o caso, ao contrário do que alega a defesa do empresário.