Final to be played on February 11, but tournament will be split by South Africa hosting England for three Super League ODIs

Firdose Moonda08-Nov-2022Cape Town will host the opening match of the SA20 between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals, with Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium due to host the final of the inaugural season of the 33-match tournament.The SA20 will run from January 10 to February 11, 2023, although it will be halted between January 25 and February 1 when South Africa host England in three World Cup Super League ODIs. This is in order to ensure full player availability for the league, which includes maximising access to English players.Related

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The ODIs, which were postponed from December 2020 due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in both camps, are crucial to South Africa’s chances of automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup after they called off three ODIs in Australia to accommodate SA20 and ensure their best players are available.Each of the six SA20 franchises will have five home and five away matches, with the fixtures in Cape Town, Paarl and Gqeberha to be completed first, as those venues will then need to be readied for the Women’s T20 World Cup. That tournament will take place between February 10 and 26, which left only SuperSport Park in Centurion, Kingsmead in Durban and Wanderers available to host the playoffs.Durban misses out on a knockout match, with the semi-finals shared between Johannesburg and Centurion, venues which are less than 50 kilometres apart. Johannesburg will also be hosting the final, which has a reserve day in place, alongside the two semi-finals.Start times for the matches are set for 13.30 and 17.30 local time, which would be 17.00 and 21.00 IST, respectively. With all six franchises owned by teams who are involved at the IPL, the Indian market is considered crucial to the SA20’s success, as highlighted by a landmark broadcast deal for the country. Double-headers will be played on at least one day of all four weekends in the group stage, and also at least once during the week.”Fans will be able to watch the best local and international T20 stars live in action at prime viewing times for the afternoon and evening matches,” Graeme Smith, SA20 league commissioner, said. “This is also an ideal broadcasting slot, ensuring viewers around the world can also keep up with the enthralling entertainment.”The SA20 is South Africa’s third attempt at a franchise T20 league after the Global League T20 failed to get off the ground in 2017-18 and the Mzansi Super League was played for two seasons without a television broadcast deal. SA20 is part-owned by broadcaster SuperSport, and has already secured an overseas broadcast deal.CSA’s intention remains to play the league in the same window every season, in the prime summer period of early January to early February.

A report has shared how Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy are preparing to stop a big-name star in their squad from joining Real Madrid, with a seismic offer said to be at the ready.

Postecoglou slammed after Tottenham defeat to Aston Villa

It isn’t exactly the happiest time to be a Spurs supporter right now, with under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou bearing the brunt of fierce criticism amid a lacklustre 2024/2025 campaign.

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It would be a significant move by the Lilywhites.

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The Lilywhites crashed out of both domestic cups recently after defeats to Liverpool and Aston Villa, and calls for Postecoglou’s dismissal have seriously heightened since their 2-1 defeat at Villa Park in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Man United (home)

February 16th

Ipswich Town (away)

February 22nd

Man City (home)

February 26th

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

It would be unfair on the Australian to not bring up Tottenham’s extensive injury list, which includes absolutely pivotal first-team players who haven’t been available for months, but critics have made a case of suggesting that recent results still haven’t been good enough.

“It’s time to go now, Ange is out of his depth,” said pundit Jamie O’Hara in the aftermath of Spurs’ 2-1 loss at Villa.

“[Unai] Emery is on a different planet compared to him and his players bopped us off the park. Should have been five, we’re like a reserve team playing in academy games that don’t matter, it’s crazy.”

O’Hara’s talkSPORT colleague, Gabriel Agbonlahor, also went one further by calling Tottenham the “laughing stock” of the Premier League.

“You’ve become the laughing stock of the Premier League, especially when Ange Postecoglou said those words, ‘I always win something in my second season,'” Agbonlahor said.

“You just knew the pressure was on. Tonight, Villa had 16 shots, Jacob Ramsey could have taken two match balls home. The chances we missed… it was easy. Where are the tactics?”

If results continue in this manner, especially after his key stars return from injury, questions will have to be asked in regard to Postecoglou’s future.

Tottenham have reportedly done their due-diligence on potential replacements for Postecoglou, with the likes of ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Brentford’s Thomas Frank all linked this week.

According to some reports in Italy, even close advisor Fabio Paratici is urging Spurs to consider Simone Inzaghi, who guided Inter Milan to the Serie A title last season.

How Levy is preparing to stop Romero from joining Real Madrid

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, elite clubs are also looking to poach some of Tottenham’s most crucial players amidst this crisis.

Real Madrid are believed to have identified defender Cristian Romero as one of their top centre-back targets for the summer window, despite Spurs placing a mammoth £150 million price tag on his head.

This could come as a worry for Spurs, but according to Bailey, Tottenham are ready to make Romero their highest-paid player with a lucrative contract offer to fend off Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

The Argentine World Cup winner is among Postecoglou’s star absentees of recent months, and his absence has been sorely felt on the pitch. Spurs need to ensure his long-term future is secured, with or without their current manager at the helm for next term.

The former MLS striker has suggested that the MLS would benefit from transitioning its franchise model to a club ownership structure

Gomez highlights MLS expansion fees as a major entry barrierSuggests the English pyramid system provides more accessible ownership opportunities.Cites Wrexham's Hollywood-backed success story as a modelGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Following Wrexham’s back-to-back promotions from the National League into League One and the League One into the Championship, many have praised their celebrity American owners. So much so that former U.S. international Herculez Gomez has questioned whether MLS’ model is limiting soccer investment in America, especially in light of Wrexham’s success. Gomez contrasted this with the English football system, where investors like Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were able to purchase historic club Wrexham AFC for approximately $2.5 million and build it into a global phenomenon.

“You see American ownerships all around the world, and it makes you wonder what it would look like if it was in the United States,” Gomez said on . “You see Major League Soccer, they sell franchises. It’s a better investment or more worth their time for them not to spend upwards of 500 or 600 million for a franchise and be approved, and just go out and buy a team and see if you can win.”

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The contrast between America's closed franchise system and England's open pyramid with promotion and relegation has long been a point of contention in soccer circles. Wrexham's rapid rise through the English football pyramid – securing back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One – has captured American imaginations partly because such a meteoric rise is structurally impossible in the current MLS system.

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While a complete restructuring of American soccer remains unlikely in the near term, the success of lower-league clubs in the US Open Cup and Wrexham’s surging popularity suggest a growing appetite for alternative models. However, for now and for Wrexham, their focus will be on securing their squad ahead of what will be a gruelling season in the Championship.

As they prepare to square off against Leeds United with closing the gap on the Championship leaders in mind, one Sunderland star has taken a key step towards returning from a lengthy absence.

Sunderland injury news

The Black Cats maintained their push for promotion last time out, returning to winning ways by defeating a struggling Luton Town side to stay within five points of Sheffield United in the automatic promotion spot and seven behind leaders Leeds.

That seven point gap makes this weekend’s clash all the more interesting, of course. Win at Elland Road and Regis Le Bris’ side will be just four points behind the Whites with just 14 games remaining in the Championship – setting up an intense race for automatic promotion.

Defeat, meanwhile, could all but end Sunderland’s title hopes and leave them as many as eight points behind automatic promotion, let alone runaway leaders Leeds.

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Ahead of such a crucial tie then, Le Bris will be glad to have been handed a positive update on the injury front. As revealed by Le Bris and relayed by The Northern Echo, Alan Browne has made his return to action with the U21s after missing the last 18 games with a broken leg in what is a key step towards a full comeback.

The summer signing has been out since November, but could finally get the chance to make his mark in the coming weeks alongside Romaine Mundle, who is back in full training.

Le Bris confirmed the news and provided an injury update before Sunderland’s victory over Luton, telling reporters: “Alan is very close, which is good news for us. We need his experience in the dressing room. When a player is missing, you understand how important they are.

“Romaine is training fully with the team, Tommy will need one more week to be in contact training with the team Touch wood, we are very close to having a full squad. Another two or three weeks, we could have a full squad.”

Sunderland returns arriving at perfect time

With just 14 games remaining, Sunderland couldn’t have asked for better news on the injury front as they close in on a full-strength squad at a crucial time. Browne, in particular, will be a welcome return after he missed 18 games through a major injury. Dubbed “important” by Le Bris, the midfielder’s experience could prove to be the key that unlocks promotion.

Meanwhile, the Black Cats still have Jayden Danns to return. The young striker has been injured since arriving with a back injury on loan from Liverpool, but will be desperate to complete his comeback and take full advantage of his opportunity at The Stadium of Light.

As the fixtures come thick and fast, depth will be more important than ever and Sunderland’s returning stars should reflect that. With automatic promotion still out of reach for the Black Cats, it’s set to be 14 games full of drama once again in the Championship.

The fans were ecstatic when the goal-scoring icon bought the club in September 2018 but now they can't wait for him to leave

After a dramatic but draining draw with European rivals Inter on Wednesday night, Barcelona return to domestic action this weekend when they take on Real Valladolid on Saturday evening. Victory is imperative for La Liga's leaders, who are starting to feel the effects of playing nearly every four days since the start of the season, as they look to maintain their four-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid going into a crucial Clasico at Montjuic on May 11.

However, Barcelona really couldn't have picked a better team to play in the middle of an already-epic Champions League semi-final tie with Inter. Real Valladolid aren't just bad; they're historically bad, having been relegated from the Spanish top flight with a record-breaking five rounds remaining. They're also a club in complete crisis. Indeed, things are going so badly on the field because the situation is so dire off it.

It wasn't meant to be like this, of course, not with a footballing icon for a president. Ronaldo promised to have Valladolid fighting for Champions League qualification by now; instead, they're once again heading back to the second division. Consequently, the calls for the Brazilian to "go home" have only intensified the longer the season has gone on and another mass protest is expected at the Jose Zorrilla on Saturday.

So, how did it come to this? How did one of the game's most beloved characters become such a figure of hate at Valladolid? GOAL explains all below…

• 'Ronaldo puts Valladolid on the map'

  "Today begins a new era for Real Valladolid," then-president Carlos Suarez said on September 3, 2018 – and it certainly felt that way at the time.

  Suarez had just sold his 52 percent stake in the club to Ronaldo, a living legend respected and revered throughout the footballing world for his sensational exploits as a player with the likes of Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid and Brazil.

  So, when he said that the World Cup winner's arrival at the Zorrilla "puts Valladolid on the map", he had a point. Unfortunately for Suarez, his faith in Ronaldo's ability to help "the club take a leap forward in quality" proved sadly misguided.

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  'Football is a passion for me'

  In fairness to Suarez, Ronaldo talked a good game. He initially appeared fully committed to his new business venture.

  "I assure you that you will find me to be a lover of Castilla-Leon, Valladolid and Real Valladolid," he told reporters immediately after his €30 million (£26m/$34m) takeover.

  "We want to consolidate the club in the top flight and continue building from there. Indeed, [the project] will not stop because we want to grow as much as we can possibly imagine.

  "This new management will be defined by four words: competitiveness, transparency, revolution and social. I have gone through many stages in my training in football to prepare for this, and football is a passion for me."

  Over the past couple of years, though, Ronaldo seems to have lost nearly all interest in Valladolid.

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  Questions over competency and commitment

  The early signs had been encouraging. Ronaldo met with various local groups and organisations, while he even broke bread with supporter groups.

  The feeling was during those first couple of years that Ronaldo wanted to establish a close connection with not just the club but also the community.

  He wasn't merely relying on his time as a player to get by in the world of football administration either. Ronaldo had studied sports management and sports marketing after bringing the curtain down on his illustrious playing career, while he had already made several other relatively successful forays into entertainment, property, marketing, motorsports and even esports.

  Consequently, he was supremely confident in his ability to turn Valladolid into one of the best teams in Spain.

  “If we can establish ourselves in the Primera Division, restructure the club and make all the investments we’re planning, in five years the normal thing would be for us to be battling for Champions League qualification,” Ronaldo said at the World Football Summit in September 2019. "That might be scary at the moment, but why not think big?"

  However, Valladolid remained a yo-yo club, bobbing between Spain's first and second divisions, and, after they were relegated for a second time in three seasons on Ronaldo's watch, in 2023, legitimate questions were being asked about his business acumen, as well as the competency and commitment of those he had entrusted with the responsibility of running the club.

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  Ronaldo vs The Radicals

  The decision to change the club's crest certainly suggested that Ronaldo and his right-hand men were completely out of touch with the feelings of the fans.

  Ronaldo argued that it was just "a few hundred radicals who were refusing to change, evolution, and a look toward the future" and that "every time they chant to return to the old crest, the vast majority of the stadium boos them."

  "Valladolid's fans are much larger than hundreds of radicals who make a lot of noise," Ronaldo was quoted as saying by in June 2023. "But if you look at the overall situation, we have a 91% approval rating, and I don't see any disaffection with the fans or the city. Every time I come here, I walk through the streets and feel the affection and respect of the city's fans, and this gives me more and more strength.

  "It's true that in today's world there are radicals for all kinds of causes, but we operate by listening to the people, by engaging in dialogue.

  "Also, the same radicals ask us for money to buy flags, to buy things to finance their activities in the stands. And many times when we say no, there's a reaction in the form of criticism. So, it's not because we've changed the crest that they're protesting; it's because they may not have the benefits they had before.

  "But we don't have to think about a group of radicals. We have to think about all the fans."

  However, it really wasn't just the radicals or ultras that were upset; the vast majority of the club's fans were against the move, and losing faith in Ronaldo as a result.

  It was clear from the start that his purchase hadn't been motivated by any deep love for the club – Ronaldo had explored the possibility of buying a team in England or the United States before focusing on Spain because it was the "more affordable option".

  The fans nonetheless felt he didn't put enough people in senior roles that at least had an understanding of Valladolid and La Liga in general, with the former Ballon d'Or winner preferring instead to hire people with whom he had either previously played or worked.

يُسدل الستار، مساء اليوم السبت 31 مايو 2025، على الموسم الحالي من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، بإقامة المباراة النهائية بين فريقي باريس سان جيرمان وإنتر ميلان.

ويخوض باريس سان جيرمان نهائي 2024/25 من دوري أبطال أوروبا ضد خصمه إنتر ميلان، على ملعب “أليانز آرينا” في مدينة ميونيخ الألمانية.

كان باريس سان جيرمان قد تأهل إلى المباراة النهائية بعدما تغلب على آرسنال بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف (مجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب).

في حين أن إنتر ميلان تحصل على بطاقة التأهل إلى النهائي بعد مباراة درامية أمام برشلونة، حيث فاز بنتيجة 7/6 في نصف النهائي.

ويلتقي الفائز من مباراة اليوم مع فريق توتنهام في كأس السوبر الأوروبي، في شهر أغسطس المقبل. موعد مباراة باريس سان جيرمان وإنتر ميلان اليوم في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة باريس سان جيرمان وإنتر ميلان اليوم في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناتي beIN SPORTS 1 وbeIN SPORTS 2. معلقين مباراة باريس سان جيرمان وإنتر ميلان اليوم في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا

سيعلق كل من حسن العيدروس وعصام الشوالي على أحداث مباراة الليلة.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا

Leeds United are now preparing a new formal offer for a young forward who is keen on a move to Elland Road, according to a new report.

Leeds searching for goals in the transfer market

Leeds will aim to strengthen their position at the top of the Championship when they welcome Cardiff City to Elland Road on Saturday. Daniel Farke’s team, who recently played out a goalless draw against third-placed Burnley, currently hold a two-point lead at the summit.

Meanwhile, Cardiff, despite a recent upturn in form which has seen them go undefeated in seven, remain down in 18th.

Speaking to the press on Thursday ahead of the game, Leeds boss Farke said he expects the Bluebirds to pose a tough challenge.

“They will come with confidence and freedom given their good past couple of results,” he explained. “Cardiff play with intensity and are active. Really good team spirit so we have to move the ball really quick. We have to be on it.”

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Farke also touched on Leeds’ transfer plans, suggesting that he’s in the market for a new striker before the window closes on Monday night.

“We also stay awake for the striker position if we are one injury away from being unable to use in a game,” said the German coach. “I look at Manchester City. If Haaland scores, they are successful. If not, they are not. Due to the situation, we will [consider options].”

Leeds to make second Archer bid

One striker Leeds reportedly have their eye on is Southampton’s Cameron Archer. Leeds have already had a loan bid for Archer turned down. However, according to TeamTALK, the Whites are expected to return with another offer in the near future.

The publication claims that the second bid will be a permanent one, which will be just over the £15 million Southampton paid Aston Villa for Archer in the summer. With the 23-year-old himself understood to be keen on moving to Elland Road, Leeds are hopeful of getting the deal over the line despite Saints’ insistence on not losing the player this month.

Archer came through the ranks at Aston Villa, but never made his mark at Villa Park and moved to Sheffield United in 2023 after loan spells with Solihull Moors, Preston North End, and Middlesbrough. He signed for Southampton in August, just three months after he rejoined Villa on a permanent transfer.

In December, former Saints boss Russell Martin heaped praise on the Englishman, who has scored two goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season.

“I think he’s been really good for us,” Martin said in a press conference. “In his short spell here, he’s been a real threat. He’s improving all the time. I really love him as a boy. I think he’s a brilliant signing for us. I think he’ll score a lot for us.”

A total of 140 cricketers have signed up for the season, including the likes of Eoin Morgan, David Miller and Alex Hales

Aadam Patel22-Nov-2022

The sixth season of the Abu Dhabi T10 begins on Wednesday at the Zayed Cricket Stadium with New York Strikers, led by Kieron Pollard, taking on Bangla Tigers, who will be captained by Shakib Al Hasan.Wednesday’s double-header will also see the reigning champions Deccan Gladiators clashing with Team Abu Dhabi. The two sides will be led by Nicholas Pooran and Chris Lynn respectively,Mushtaq Ahmed will once again be in charge of a Gladiators team with the likes of Andre Russell, David Wiese and Tabraiz Shamsi. The Gladiators came on top of the group standings last year, winning seven out of their ten games before beating Delhi Bulls in the Qualifier and then again in the final.The Bulls, coached by Andy Flower, will begin their campaign in a triple-header on Thursday and are captained by Dwayne Bravo who will be hoping to go one better after falling short after fellow West Indian Russell smashed 90* off 32 balls in last year’s final.Two new franchises have joined for this year’s edition from USA with the launch of the Strikers and Morrisville Samp Army increasing the amount of teams to eight.Moeen Ali will lead the Morrisville franchise once he joins up in the UAE after winning the T20 World Cup with England in Australia, while Lance Klusener is head coach. The Strikers will be coached by Carl Crowe and will also benefit from having Yuvraj Singh as a mentor.He isn’t the only Indian name set to feature, with the likes of Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth all signed up for the competition.The tournament will feature some of cricket’s most well-known names with 140 cricketers signed up, including the likes of Eoin Morgan, David Miller, Adil Rashid, Wanindu Hasaranga and Alex Hales.Each team will face each other once, with 33 games scheduled over the next 12 days in Abu Dhabi. The top two sides will advance to a Qualifier with the winner progressing to the final on Sunday, December 4. The winner of the eliminator between third and fourth place will face the loser of the Qualifier in a virtual sem-final, with the winner of that game advancing to the final.A T10 league for Sri Lanka has also been announced with the Lanka T10 League schedule to take place in June next year.

With less than a week to go in the transfer window, time is ticking for Enzo Maresca to add to his Chelsea squad – something which is to be expected given the recent rumours in the market.

The Blues have been known in recent years to be very active in the window, splashing over £1.2b since May 2022 alone, but they’re yet to sign anyone to improve the first-team squad.

Additions could prove the difference between qualifying for a Champions League and finishing in the Premier League’s top four or missing out completely, in what is the Italian’s first season at the helm.

He’s made a phenomenal start to life in charge, sitting just a point off Manchester City in fourth, but incomings in the coming days could add to his ambitions of making that step back into the mix.

Numerous names have constantly been mentioned over a move to Stamford Bridge, including a duo who look the most likely to move to the club before Monday’s deadline.

Chelsea’s hunt for a new attacker this month

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has been one player widely linked with the Blues in recent weeks, but they have faced serious competition from Napoli for his signature.

The Argentine came through the Red Devils academy before making the jump into the first team and becoming a key player under Erik ten Hag before his dismissal.

However, he’s struggled to maintain his starting role under Ruben Amorim, opening the door for an exit to boost their PSR standing, something which Maresca’s side have been looking to take advantage of.

Garnacho is not the only attacker touted with a move, however, with Bayern Munich youngster Mathys Tel another name on the club’s shortlist, receiving a boost in their pursuit of the Frenchman in recent days.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the 19-year-old has made the decision to leave the Bundesliga side after failing to feature in any of the last three outings across all competitions.

It’s unclear whether any move for the forward would be a temporary or permanent deal, but the club remain in the race for his services amid his recent desire to depart his current side.

However, the Blues have already hit the jackpot with one current first-team member who’s already worth more than the talented teenager.

The Chelsea player who’s already worth more than Tel

Given the investment from the hierarchy in recent years, Chelsea already possess a very talented frontline with huge strength in depth across all areas.

Cole Palmer has been the most successful, registering 60 combined goals and assists in just 70 appearances, cementing himself as one of the most potent attackers in England’s top flight.

Striker Nicolas Jackson has had his fair share of critics since his move from Villarreal back in the summer of 2023, but has found the back of the net with regularity, producing some vital goals in the process.

The Senegalese international has scored 26 times in all competitions since the move, often featuring alongside Noni Madueke in the final third since Maresca’s appointment.

Madueke joined the club from Dutch side PSV back in January 2023, having to bide his time for a regular role, often being an impact player during his first 18 months in West London.

However, since the Italian took charge during the off-season, he’s already made 21 Premier League appearances, just two fewer than he made during the entirety of last season.

Madueke, who’s previously been dubbed “world-class” by journalist Simon Phillips, has registered eight goals and four assists in 2024/25 to date, bettering his tally from his two previous years at the club.

As a result of his recent displays under Maresca, the 22-year-old has seen an increase in his market value, with Transfermarkt valuing the Englishman at €40m (£33m).

His subsequent value is higher than that of current transfer target Tel, who’s only valued at €30m (£25m), highlighting how impressive Madueke has been in recent times.

Given the rise and form of the former PSV ace, it shows that the Blues are evidently doing something right with their transfer philosophy, certainly making more money than they’ve invested.

However, whilst Tel appears to be on the radar, he could well be the next player to endure such an increase, but it could take away vital minutes from the likes of Madueke – preventing his own development at the Bridge.

He's better than Garnacho: Chelsea weigh up late move for £50m "superstar"

Chelsea could forget Alejandro Garnacho with a move for a £50m sensation this month.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 28, 2025

Paul Pogba could reportedly join the Baller League as the former Manchester United midfielder plots his next career move amid DC United talks.

Article continues below

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• Pogba is eligible to return to action
• Yet to sign a deal with a professional side
• Could try his luck in the Baller League

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pogba is reportedly mulling over an unexpected return to football — this time through the Baller League, a UK-based six-a-side competition. The Baller League, hosted at London’s Copperbox Arena on Monday evenings, has become a hotbed of celebrity football, blending competitive spirit with showbiz flair. Each team features a blend of former professionals, academy dropouts, futsal specialists, and free agents. Players earn around £400 per match, and the tournament has attracted several household names to its coaching benches.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  During the sixth night of action in the Baller League, internet personality, boxer, and league president KSI hinted at a high-profile addition to the tournament. When asked by Sky Sports to name a realistic wildcard signing he would like to see take the field, KSI didn’t hesitate to drop the bombshell.

• WHAT KSI SAID

  With a grin on his face, KSI said: "Ooooh…. Pogba." He added: "He's a free agent. We do follow each other on socials and we are in talks."

  If Pogba were to join, KSI believes the France international might be best suited to one of the league’s struggling teams — namely, N5. Named after the postcode associated with Arsenal Football Club, N5 are managed by Gunners icons Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg, and Jens Lehmann.

  "'It depends on who he wants, but I feel like a player of that calibre would have to play for like an N5, a team that is at the bottom," he said.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite the playful tone surrounding the Baller League rumours, Pogba’s most serious contract negotiations are ongoing with D.C. United in the MLS. The Washington-based club owns his discovery rights, which means no other American side can approach the player without first reaching an agreement with D.C. According to reports, conversations between the club and Pogba’s representatives have stretched over several months. GOAL understands the Frenchman has not held talks over joining the Baller League, as he focuses on returning to top-level professional football.