The ICC is expected to make a decision this week on where the tournament is hosted
Andrew McGlashan19-Aug-20241:23
Healy: ‘I just want to create a really connected group’
Australia captain Alyssa Healy has said it feels like the “wrong thing” to host the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh as the country continues to deal with the consequences of the recent violence which led to hundreds of deaths and the ousting of the government.The ICC is expected to make a decision this week on where the tournament will be hosted with UAE considered the favourite after BCCI declined a request. Sri Lanka is another option while Zimbabwe has emerged as a potential late solution.The Australian government is among those including the UK and India to have issued warnings about traveling to Bangladesh.Related
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“I find it really hard to see a cricket event going on over there at the moment and taking resources away from a country that is really struggling,” Healy said. “They’re needing everyone they can possibly get in there helping people that are dying.””I’d find it hard to fathom playing there at the moment, as a human being, I feel like it might be the wrong thing to do. But I’ll leave it to the ICC to work out.”Speaking on Sunday, allrounder Sophie Molineux said players had been kept in the loop.”We’ve been [in] chats with Cricket Australia and they’re doing a lot of work with the ICC, and we’ve got full faith that they’ll come up with the right decision for everyone.”Australia will name their World Cup squad next Monday and Healy was confident they would be able to adapt to whichever country ended up hosting. They had seen their tour of Bangladesh earlier this year where they played three ODIs and three T20Is as a key fact-finding mission.”I feel like we’re so well balanced in the…players that we get to choose from, wherever the World Cup gets put, I think we’re going to have the right squad to take it on,” Healy said. “We’re obviously blessed we got to Bangladesh and got a taste of those conditions. But wherever we get put, we’ll be ready to adapt.”Meanwhile, England captain Heather Knight said that if the replacement venue was UAE then she does not expect vastly different conditions to those in Bangladesh.It is expected Australia will name a settled squad. Fast bowler Darcie Brown is set to be available after spending the winter recovering from a stress fracture of her foot which kept her out of the Bangladesh tour. Molineux (rib) and Grace Harris (calf strain) were also recently ruled out of the Hundred through injury, but neither are considered a major doubt for the World Cup.Jess Jonassen was the significant omission from the previous squad for Bangladesh and she is likely to find it hard to squeeze back in for the World Cup barring injuries with Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Alana King and Ashleigh Gardner the spin options. The World Cup squad will also play the three T20Is against New Zealand in September which act as preparation for the tournament.
Leeds United already have a hat-trick of signings done and dusted as the new Premier League season grows ever closer next month.
Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw have all relocated to England in quick succession to be a part of Daniel Farke’s top-flight camp, but their speedy business has been somewhat overshadowed by Sunderland stealing the transfer market limelight.
Before Sunderland won his services for a handsome £30m, Leeds were very much in the running to snap up Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, with history unfortunately rapidly repeating itself when you also consider the Black Cats are edging closer to signing Noah Sadiki right from under Farke and Co’s nose.
All this drama will surely make the race to beat the drop even spicier this forthcoming campaign, with Leeds wanting to press on now to make even more signings.
Leeds targeting other midfielders
The number of arrivals at Thorp Arch could soon go up, particularly Leeds’ bank account is set to be boosted soon by Maximilian Wober’s £11m exit.
That money could be spent on new midfielders with the likes of ex-Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and Southampton youngster Mateus Fernandes on their radar.
Yet, the most tantalising transfer rumour comes from the Netherlands, via Sport Witness, which states that Leeds are in the driver’s seat over a deal for Sheffield United ace Gustavo Hamer.
It’s no secret that Leeds have been admirers of the ex-Coventry City man for some time now, with this new development suggesting that Hamer is more inclined to accept a summer move to a Premier League club over Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven.
This has all the ingredients of being a game-changing signing for Farke’s men in improving their attacking personnel, with the recent Championship Player of the Season winner reportedly available for £18m, which could also mean he’s a much better pick-up in the long run than gambling on Diarra.
Why Hamer would be a better signing than Diarra
Leeds have already raided the Blades effectively for some of their top-quality talent, too, with Jayden Bogle formerly a Bramall Lane favourite before defecting to Elland Road to seal promotion at his former side’s expense.
Now, Hamer could follow suit, having been an exceptional talent to watch during all of that promotion run in himself, but unfortunately, coming up short in South Yorkshire.
In total, the exciting Blades number 8 would chip in with ten goals and eight assists across all competitions last season, which included an effort being brilliantly hammered home against Plymouth Argyle.
To add context, Manor Solomon, who slotted into many of Farke’s XIs last season down Hamer’s trusty left-hand side, just about beat the 28-year-old with his own healthy tally of 22 goals and assists.
With Solomon looking unlikely to return to Elland Road, Hamer could be a perfect replacement for him, alongside also boasting the versatility to be able to line up as a number 10, with Brenden Aaronson a notable worry in this position as Premier League football returns.
AM
13
2
3
CM
13
2
2
RM
1
0
0
Based on the table above, Diarra might well have struggled with the pressure of being a starter for Leeds in this problem area, as seen in just five goal contributions coming his way from this position last season in Ligue 1.
Moreover, the expensive Senegal international might well have struggled further back in Farke’s side in a bid to displace Ao Tanaka, with the Japanese gem eclipsing Diarra in many different areas last season, as seen in him averaging a glowing 90% pass accuracy in the second tier, next to his counterpart’s lesser 87% success rate.
On top of that, Tanaka also displayed more steel by winning 4.5 duels per game in league action, next to Diarra’s 3.3, meaning this might have been a sum of money ultimately wasted.
Whereas, landing the “outstanding” Hamer, as he’s been glowing labelled by ex-manager Chris Wilder – at £18m feels like a steal, particularly with the 28-year-old’s impressive return of four goals and seven assists when previously starring in the top-flight.
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Chelsea officially announced the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town earlier this week, after triggering his £30 million release clause, and it is believed they’re seriously pursuing another former Man City gem to accompany the Englishman and Cole Palmer.
Chelsea announce Liam Delap deal as striker pens six-year contract
The 22-year-old was Kieran McKenna’s shining light in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Ipswich, who dropped straight back down to the Championship just one season after clinching promotion.
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Delap bagged 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys, which is impressive for an under-performing side, and Chelsea will only pay around £20 million of the clause up front with the rest due via installments (Sky Sports).
Knowing his quality, Ipswich smartly inserted a sell-on clause into the deal, hoping to make a further profit if Chelsea eventually decide he isn’t suited to them after all.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea
8.08
Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town
8.05
Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa
8.04
Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton
7.83
Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town
7.55
via WhoScored
“I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” said Delap about his move to Chelsea.
“It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies. Growing up watching this club and how incredible it has been over the years, I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.
“The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.”
Delap is in very good company at Stamford Bridge, having worked with Enzo Maresca during their time together at Eastlands, as well as Palmer, with both players coming through the academy together.
According to recent reports, Chelsea are attempting to add another ex-City academy ace to their ranks who could accompany the duo – heavily-linked Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.
Jamie Gittens
Some media sources claim that Chelsea have already submitted an offer for Gittens, and journalist Simon Phillips says that they’re really trying to get a deal done.
Chelsea "pushing" to sign Jamie Gittens amid £20m price drop
While the consensus was that the winger would cost around £50 million, his price has now dropped to around £30 million, gifting BlueCo a £20 million discount.
Phillips also states that Chelsea are “pushing” to sign Gittens, and they have a trump card in the form of Carney Chukwuemeka, who Dortmund would ideally like to keep in the Bundesliga, so they’re actually being very open in negotiations.
“Any fee for Jamie Gittens to join from Dortmund would not be £50m, it would actually be closer to £30m,” wrote the journalist.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
“This has now been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
“Chelsea are pushing on Gittens, and again, our insiders believe that this will get over the line. SPTC sources have heard that Dortmund are ‘being nice’ to Chelsea in these discussions and this is likely to be because they want to keep Carney Chukwuemeka in some capacity. Gittens to Chelsea is moving, but there is other interest.
“If Chelsea sign Gittens, I do not believe that it will be the only new winger arriving this summer with Jadon Sancho now gone. Although, that ‘winger’ could just be another new attacking midfielder who is versatile and can play on the left wing as well as other positions.”
The 20-year-old bagged 12 goals and registered five assists in all competitions last season, with ex-Dortmund captain and sporting director Sebastian Kehl believing Gittens is “almost impossible to defend against” inside the penalty area.
Gittens is also represented by the same agency as Romeo Lavia and Tyrique George, which could further help to facilitate a deal.
After what was a dire season for Manchester City, they ruined their chance to end it all on a high note on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side travelled to Wembley for the FA Cup final with Crystal Palace, but came out second best, much to the dismay of their manager come full time.
They will hope to right their wrongs just a few weeks on when the East Mancunian outfit travel to the United States of America for the Club World Cup, where they will compete for the competition for the first time in its 32-team format. Moroccan side Wydad AC, UAE outfit Al Ain FC, and Italian giants Juventus are their three group stage opponents.
Manchester City's James McAtee.
One player who will play a huge role in any success over the next few weeks is Josko Gvardiol.
Gvardiol’s importance for City
There are not many players in the City squad whose form is as important to their success as Croatia international Gvardiol. The 23-year-old was described as a player who “does stuff very few can” by football analyst Umir, who also said the defender has been “brilliant” going forward this term.
There have been just four games in which Gvardiol has not appeared this term, further highlighting his importance to Guardiola’s side. In total, he has played 51 times across all competitions, including all but one in the Premier League.
One of the biggest benefits of the former RB Leipzig is his versatility. A centre-back by trade, he has featured more often than not at left-back for the Citizens this term, which has been important for Guardiola amid injuries and a lack of options.
The other thing that the 23-year-old offers to this City side is goals. He had found the back of the net six times this term, which has been bettered by just five players at City.
The fact that he is such a rich source of goals shows just how important the left-back is to Guardiola.
Interestingly, City are linked with a player who could join the club and become just as important to Guardiola as Gvardiol has this term.
Man City's search for a defender
If a report from Fabrizio Romano earlier this week is to be believed, then City are plotting a move for Newcastle United right-back Tino Livramento.
The 22-year-old is ‘under consideration’ at the Etihad Stadium, with City looking to sign a new right-back. A price tag is not clear at this time, but he cost the Magpies £40m including add-ons almost two years ago.
Newcastle's Tino Livramento
Described as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, Livramento has played an important role for Eddie Howe, in a side pushing for a second-place finish this season. That would see them leapfrog City in the Premier League.
The London-born right-back, who is a product of Chelsea’s academy, has played 44 games in all competitions this campaign for the Magpies. Perhaps one of the biggest worries for City is the fact that he has just one assist, which came in a 3-0 win away to Leicester City.
Like Gvardiol, Livramento is a versatile player. This term, he has featured at right-back, left-back and even as a wing-back for Howe’s side.
Admittedly, he has made 29 appearances on his favoured right side, but with another 12 coming on the left, it shows dependable versatility.
Alexis Mac Allister challenges Tino Livramento
In fact, the similarities between the two players do not stop there. The underlying numbers on FBref highlight how alike they are, too. For example, the Newcastle star averages 0.78 key passes per 90 minutes, compared to 0.73 each game for Gvardiol.
Key passes
0.78
0.73
Passes into penalty area
0.88
0.58
Tackles and interceptions
2.53
2.7
Ball recoveries
5.98
3.84
Progressive carries
2.5
2.53
There is evidence to suggest that Livramento could be City’s best defensive signing since Gvardiol. Vitor Reis was one of two defensive signings in January, but he is unproven and has played just three first-team games.
Fellow winter addition Abdukodir Khusanov did well to bounce back from a nightmare start to his City career, following his error on debut against Chelsea, but is also largely unproven at Premier League level, despite glimpses of promise shown.
Matheus Nunes, a midfielder by trade, has been playing right-back this term but “doesn’t know how to defend”, according to Man City content creator Steven Mcinerney.
This could be a wonderful signing for City. There is no doubt about just how important Livramento can be under Guardiola, given his attacking capabilities and how reliable he is defensively. He could certainly be their best signing since Gvardiol, given the lack of experience or struggles those made since have experienced.
If he can replicate anywhere near the impact Gvardiol has had at the Etihad Stadium, this is a signing that City fans can surely get excited about.
Chelsea are now “really looking” at signing a “new name” in the market who was reliably believed to have agreed terms on a switch to Arsenal last year, but the move to their London rivals ultimately fell through.
Chelsea's transfer plans amid chase for Premier League top five
Enzo Maresca’s sole attention right now centres around Chelsea’s bid to seal a top five Premier League finish this weekend, and the result of this is set to have a profound effect on BlueCo’s plans for next season.
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1
By
Emilio Galantini
May 21, 2025
Chelsea play Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, with Nuno Espirito’s men also firmly in contention for Champions League qualification, so it is quite simply a must-win game for both sides.
Race for Champions League qualification with one game remaining
Points
3. Man City
68
4. Newcastle
66
5. Chelsea
66
6. Aston Villa
66
7. Nottingham Forest
65
A draw would gift Aston Villa an opportunity to go above them both, so there is absolutely no room for error, and a place in Europe’s most prestigious competition will be crucial when it comes to determining Chelsea’s transfer plans for this summer.
Chelsea's Marc Cucurellacelebrates scoring their first goal with teammates
Competing in the Champions League would not only hand Chelsea a major pull when it comes to attracting the continent’s most high-profile players and their desired targets, but it would also gift the Blues a major financial windfall via revenue to help get those stars through the door.
The west Londoners are looking to bring in a centre-back, winger and striker, while funds generated through Europe and player sales may also allow Chelsea to go for a left-back, second central defender, versatile attacking player and a new goalkeeper (Simon Phillips).
Some doubts have surrounded both Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez throughout 2024/2025, leading to Chelsea reportedly expressing an interest in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, among others.
A shot-stopper is still believed to be on the agenda of Stamford Bridge officials heading into June 1, and they’ve now got a fresh target under consideration.
Chelsea "really looking" at signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia has made his way onto Chelsea’s shortlist, following two excellent seasons at the La Liga side.
“A new name added to Chelsea’s shortlist, and one we are really looking at, is Joan Garcia from Espanyol,” wrote the reporter, via his Substack.
“The 24-year-old has been linked with Newcastle and Arsenal for a summer move, but you can add Chelsea to his list of potential suitors now as well. The rumoured fee of £25m to sign him this summer is appealing to all interested clubs.”
Interestingly, Fabrizio Romano reported last summer that Garcia agreed terms on a move to Arsenal, but his switch to the Emirates eventually collapsed, and it would appear that Chelsea could try to succeed where Mikel Arteta failed.
The 24-year-old is already making quite a name for himself in Spain, with Football Analyst Ben Mattinson calling him an “exciting” keeper with a great physical profile. Garcia would also fit the mould of a good-value, young signing with a potentially high ceiling, and Chelsea are widely known for targeting that kind of player, especially since the takeover.
This one could definitely be one to watch as we fast approach what will be a busy summer for the club.
West Ham United supporters will no doubt be feeling hugely disappointed with their 2024/25 campaign, falling way below the usual high standards they’ve set for themselves.
The Hammers currently sit in 15th place in the Premier League with just two games remaining of the 2024/25 campaign – a staggering 23 points off the Champions League places.
Graham Potter has so far been unable to turn around the early-season slump endured under former boss Julen Lopetegui, with this summer crucial if he’s to maintain his position at the helm.
West Ham United manager GrahamPotterafter the match
The former Chelsea boss only had part of the January window to make his own mark on the current squad, with the summer huge if he’s to be successful at the London Stadium.
With the window just around the corner, the hierarchy have already started work behind the scenes to provide the 49-year-old with the ammunition needed to improve the situation.
The latest on West Ham’s hunt for new signings this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, numerous players have been touted with a switch to West Ham, undoubtedly strengthening the options currently on the books.
Morten Frendrup and Liam Delap are just two names mentioned with a switch to the club, with both players improving the midfield and front line should they make the switch this summer.
However, a defender has been thrown into the mix in recent days in the form of Genoa’s Koni de Winter, with GIVEMESPORT naming the Hammers as one of the interested sides.
The report claims that Potter’s men have made an enquiry to the Serie A outfit over a deal for the 22-year-old, with Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace also in the race for his signature.
It also states that the Belgian international could be available for a fee in the region of £25m this summer, as the hierarchy looks to add youth to the first team squad.
Why West Ham’s £25m target could be Potter’s own Van Dijk
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been the leading defender in the Premier League over the last couple of years, leading the Reds to new heights after his £75m transfer.
Liverpool's VirgilvanDijkapplauds fans before the match
The Dutch international has made over 300 appearances at Anfield, winning multiple major honours in the process, including the Premier League and the Champions League.
He’s also constantly posed a threat at the other end of the pitch, often popping up with a crucial goal or two – including in the recent 2-1 win over the Hammers in April.
However, Potter’s side could be about to land their own version of the superstar this summer in the form of De Winter, with the youngster having the tools to match his accomplishments.
The defender’s agent has previously claimed that he could be the next big star, matching Van Dijk’s high levels of performance, with a switch to England handing him that platform to succeed.
When comparing his stats to those of the Liverpool star, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – highlighting what a superb addition he would be for the club.
De Winter, who’s been labelled “unreal” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has won more tackles per 90, achieving a higher tackle success rate – handing Potter the defensive quality his side have lacked this campaign.
How De Winter compares to Van Dijk in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
De Winter
Van Dijk
Games played
23
36
Goals scored
3
3
Tackles won
0.9
0.4
% of tackles won
71%
55%
Successful take-ons
0.3
0.08
Recoveries made
4.8
3.1
Aerials won
3.2
3
Stats via FBref
He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, having the quality on the ball to play out from the back should the boss want his side to.
The Belgian has also matched Van Dijk for goals, whilst winning more aerial duels, handing the club the added threat at both ends of the pitch – improving the situation the Hammers find themselves in.
£25m for a player of De Winter’s quality would be an absolute bargain in today’s market, massively improving the options currently at Potter’s disposal at the London Stadium.
Should he manage to replicate the levels produced by the Liverpool star in the Premier League, it would be a phenomenal addition and one that could catapult the club back towards European success.
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Manchester United are now readying a £68 million bid to sign a player from Barcelona ahead of rivals Liverpool, according to a new report.
Man Utd's summer transfer plans taking shape
As the summer transfer window moves another week closer, the Red Devils are gearing up for what could be a very busy time for the hierarchy. United have the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao this week, and the hope is that they can keep their three-goal lead and seal their spot in the final.
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Winning the Europa League would be a huge boost for United and Ruben Amorim, as not only does it bring more money to the club, but it also means they are in the Champions League, and this could be so beneficial for bringing in top players in the summer.
Signing a new striker is high on the list, and while United are reportedly closing in on the signature of Matheus Cunha, the Red Devils are also planning to make a bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, with the forward valued at £65 million.
But as well as looking to add to their forward line, Amorim and United are also looking to strengthen their options at the back. It’s been reported that United have held talks over the signing of Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The defender’s contract is soon set to expire and has interest from the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
Man Utd readying £68m bid to beat Liverpool in race for Barça ace
Tah is not the only defender on United’s radar, and if Barcelona do win the race for the German international, it could benefit the Red Devils a lot. That is because, according to a report from Spain, Man Utd and INEOS are willing to go all out and sign Ronald Araujo from the Spanish giants this summer.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo
The report states that United chiefs are ready to do what they can to bring Araujo to Old Trafford and are willing to offer € 80 million, which is roughly £68 million, to Barcelona to secure his signature. The Red Devils see the defender a key player for their defensive rebuild and hope this offer is enough to tempt Barca into selling.
Araujo, who has been dubbed an “athletic monster” by BBC analyst Raj Chohan, is seen by United as the leader to solidify their defence, which at times this season has been all over the place. United’s interest isn’t a new thing, but they hope an offer like this can convince Barca to sell, but can also see them beat Liverpool to Araujo’s signature, as they have also been linked with a move for the defender in recent weeks.
Apps
10
Starts
9
Goals
1
Touches
66.0
Key passes
0.4
Interceptions per game
0.8
Tackles per game
1.2
Balls recovered per game
2.3
Clearances per game
1.6
Barcelona have not ruled out selling Araujo this summer, and that has also raised interest from Bayern Munich, who are also fans of the Uruguay defender. The 26-year-old has struggled with a few injury problems this season, but when he’s been fit and available, Araujo has been a key player for Hansi Flick as they close in on the La Liga title and a possible Champions League final.
Therefore, this could make it even more difficult for United to secure Araujo’s signature, given he is highly thought of by Flick.
Manchester United are set for a crucial summer under boss Ruben Amorim, with the off-season the first real opportunity to get his feet under the table to make the changes he desires.
January was the first chance he had to make the changes he wanted, signing Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to add to the first-team squad, with more additions expected in the coming months.
However, alongside new signings, departures are desperately needed to free up the wage budget and create funds to allow for the potential arrivals ahead of the Premier League season in 2025/26.
Countless players may be moved on and allowed to kickstart their careers elsewhere, as the owners look to avoid a repeat of the current campaign, which has seen them occupy a place in the bottom half.
With the window rapidly approaching, Amorim has already wasted no time in identifying potential targets to bolster his chances of being a success during his first full year at the helm.
An update on United’s hunt for new signings this summer
The cost-cutting operation in place at Old Trafford in recent months could make funds difficult to come by for the manager over the summer, restricting the additions he could possibly make.
However, Atalanta midfielder Ederson has already emerged as a key target for the club, with progress already being made in an attempt to provide needed depth in the middle of the park.
Atalanta midfielder Ederson
It was confirmed that the Red Devils were already in talks with the Serie A outfit over a potential move for the 25-year-old who’s made 29 league starts this season.
He’s not the only player who has appeared on their radar in recent days, with Real Betis sensation Jesus Rodriguez another player on their list ahead of the summer.
According to one Spanish outlet, United have made a swap offer for the 19-year-old forward, which would see big-money attacker Antony move in the opposite direction on a permanent basis – allowing them to bypass the Spaniard’s £42m release clause.
The Brazilian is currently spending the second half of 2024/25 on loan with the LaLiga side, with Amorim’s men looking to take advantage of their interest in signing him by moving for youngster Rodriguez.
Why United’s £42m target could be their next Amad
Ivorian attacker Amad Diallo has endured an excellent breakthrough year at Old Trafford after the former Sporting CP boss took the reins, enjoying increased minutes within the side as a result.
He’s made 36 appearances across all competitions, registering nine goals and seven assists, including the winner against local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.
However, his progress has been restricted in recent months, missing the last 10 weeks of first-team action after suffering an ankle issue during a training session.
Despite originally being ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, Amorim confirmed this week he’s set to return to training, potentially playing a key role between now and the end of May.
They could land another version of Amad in the form of Rodriguez, signing a talented young forward from a European club to try and push them back in the right direction.
When comparing his stats to those of the current Red Devils star, he’s managed to match or outperform him in numerous key areas – highlighting how much of a superb addition he would be.
Games played
17
22
Goals & assists
2
12
Shot-on-target accuracy
36%
32%
Shots on target per game
0.8
0.7
Take-ons completed
2.7
2
Carries into final third
3.1
2.6
Fouls won
3.3
1.3
The Betis talent, who’s been labelled “outstanding” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but he’s notched a higher shot-on-target rate – showcasing his clinical nature.
He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons that he’s attempted to date, along with more carries into the final third, having all of the tools to provide others in attacking areas.
Should the club manage to complete a swap deal with Antony moving in the opposite direction, it would be a phenomenal piece of business, using him as a bargaining tool to get themselves a superb young prospect.
It’s evident from the figures the Spaniard has produced this year, he is a talent who will hand Amorim the quality to try and make amends for their dismal season throughout 2024/25.
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A look at the key records from the nine seasons so far, with the tenth edition upon us
Sampath Bandarupalli10-Apr-2025
Transition of dominance from bowlers to batters
The PSL was once known as a bowler-dominant league, with the UAE hosting most of the games. But the batters have taken the lead ever since the tournament moved completely to Pakistan. Across 124 matches held in the UAE, the average batting strike rate was 123.36. That has gone up to 138.79 in the 158 games hosted by Pakistan.The balls per wicket are more or less the same – 18.21 in the UAE, and 18.39 in Pakistan – but the average has gone up by three runs, from 22.25 to 25.52. The boundary frequency has also increased, from 6.40 balls per boundary to 5.35, and the balls-per-six ratio has improved from 20.23 to 17.63.
Rawalpindi’s run feasts
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has the best run rate among all the venues that have hosted PSL games. The run rate here is 9.71 across 25 matches, one run higher than the second-placed National Stadium in Karachi.Across 18 matches in the last two seasons, Rawalpindi saw 16 totals of 200 or more. In seven matches, both teams breached 200. Four of the top five match aggregates in the PSL, including the top three, have come in Rawalpindi.Peshawar Zalmi have made the knockouts, or playoffs, every single season•PSL
Finishing in top four every year
Peshawar Zalmi are the only team in the PSL to have made it to the knockouts, or playoffs, in all nine editions. Although they have won the title only once (in 2017), they have qualified for the final four times and finished as runners-up three times (2018, 2019 and 2021).Multan Sultans have also reached the final in four different seasons – 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Islamabad United, the most successful team in the league with three titles, has failed to make the playoffs only once, in 2020.
Multan Sultans’ fortress
Sultans have an impressive record when playing at their home ground, the Multan Cricket Stadium. They have a win-loss ratio of 5.5 at this venue, the best among all teams at any venue in the PSL. Sultans have won 11 of the 13 matches they played here, losing only two – by margins of one run and five runs.Five of their 11 wins came by a margin of 30-plus runs, including four by 50 or more. Twice, they won chasing with five or more overs to spare. In those 13 matches in Multan, their batters averaged 39.36 and scored at 9.07 runs per over. Their opponents averaged 18.35 at a scoring rate of 7.89.
Ronchi, the boundary hitter
Luke Ronchi, who last played the PSL in 2020, has hit a boundary every 3.7 balls – the best among those with 500-plus runs in the PSL. Among the active players, Mohammad Haris has the best ratio: 3.92 balls per boundary.Tim David is at the top when it comes to six hitting, with a ratio of 7.84 balls per six. He has hit 42 sixes off 337 balls across 22 matches. Asif Ali is the best among those who will be playing this year, with 8.53 balls per six. Only Fakhar Zaman (104) has hit more sixes in the PSL than Asif’s 90.Shaheen Shah Afridi is different gravy in the first over of the innings•AFP/Getty Images
Can Gladiators get their mojo back?
Quetta Gladiators finished in the top four in each of the first four editions, and played the final the first three times – in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Till 2019, when they won their maiden title, Gladiators had the best win-loss ratio among all teams – 1.625; they won 26 matches, and lost 16. But since then, they have won 18 and lost 31, and their win-loss ratio of 0.580 is the worst among six teams.Till 2019, Gladiators’ scoring rate of 7.98 and economy rate of 7.66 was the best in the league. Since then, they are worst on both metrics, with a run rate of 8.31 and an economy rate of 9.23. In the last five seasons, they have made the playoffs only once, in 2024.
Shaheen’s first-over strikes
Shaheen Shah Afridi is one of only three bowlers to take 100-plus wickets in the PSL. But when it comes to striking in the first over, he is a clear leader. He has struck 19 times in the first over of the innings, seven times more than the second-best Hasan Ali.
Three hundreds in seven innings
Sultans’ Usman Khan came under limelight when, in PSL 2023, he smashed a 36-ball century, the fastest in the league’s history. He returned in 2024 with back-to-back unbeaten tons, becoming the first player to score hundreds in successive innings in the PSL. Usman’s three centuries came in a span of seven innings; no one else has even two in seven innings.Usman Khan has three hundreds in just 17 innings•PCB/PSLUsman is currently tied with Kamran Akmal for the most PSL tons. Usman has played only 17 games while Kamran played 74.
An unlikely record-holder
Predominantly a batter, Ravi Bopara has only one five-for in his 21-year T20 career. And only once did he take six wickets in an innings in his 1000-plus match professional career.That came in the PSL when Bopara took 6 for 16 against Lahore Qalandars in the inaugural 2016 season. Three others have taken six-fors in the PSL since then, but none have managed to better Bopara’s figures.
Team hundred in the powerplay on cards?
No team in the PSL has scored 100 runs inside the powerplay. The highest powerplay total is 97 for 0 by Islamabad against Gladiators in 2021. They reached the 100-run mark in 6.2 overs, the fastest team hundred in the PSL. With the increasing scoring rates in the past couple of years, PSL 2025 could see the 100-run barrier breached in the powerplay for the first time.