Suryakumar Yadav knew he “hadn’t touched the rope” and that he’d made the split-second decision of going all out for the catch the moment he saw Rohit Sharma further away from the ball at long-on as compared to him at long-off.The topic of discussion was the catch he took to dismiss David Miller in the final over to tilt the T20 World Cup final in India’s favour, decisively, as it turned out.”Rohit usually never stands at long-on but at that moment he was there,” Suryakumar told the . “So when the ball was coming, for a second I looked at him and he looked at me. I ran and my aim was to catch the ball. Had he [Rohit] been closer, I would have thrown the ball towards him. But he was nowhere close. In those four to five seconds, whatever happened, I can’t explain.”Related

• Bumrah and Hardik script stunning comeback to lead India to T20 World Cup glory

• Sometimes sports can be messy and without any explanation

• Rohit Sharma: This is my greatest achievement, I wanted it badly

• Rohit and five other Indians headline ESPNcricinfo's team of the T20 World Cup

Was the catch clean? Did Suryakumar’s foot tickle the advertising skirting? Replays have been inconclusive so far.”When I pushed the ball [up and inside the playing area] and took the catch, I knew I hadn’t touched the rope,” he said. “The only thing I was cautious about was that when I pushed the ball back inside, my feet don’t touch the rope. I knew it was a fair catch. In hindsight, anything could have happened. If the ball had gone for six, the equation would have been five balls, ten runs. We might have still won, but the margin would have been closer.”Suryakumar revealed the method behind taking such catches, while also crediting fielding coach T Dilip for motivating the entire group by introducing the fielding medal after every match, which has ensured “everyone wants to do something extra on the ground”.”The catch I took, I have practised it at different grounds, depending on the wind,” he said. “I was standing a bit wide because Hardik [Pandya] and Rohit had put a field for the wide yorker, and Miller had hit straight. My mind was clear that I have to catch it come what may.”A day before the game, we do a quality fielding session where for 10-12 minutes, we have more than ten high catches, flat catches, direct hits, slip catching. It’s not a one-day exercise, I practise these kinds of catches during IPL, during bilateral series. Yesterday’s catch was the reward of the hard work done over the years.”Getty Images

Suryakumar said that such balance and agility wouldn’t have been possible without working on his fitness. He spent four months on the sidelines from November 2023 to March 2024, recovering from a sports hernia and an ankle injury. It was during this period that he worked on slimming down as part of his fitness regimen which also included working with a nutritionist.”I remember last August, I was at around 93kg, maybe because I was having too much local food,” he said. “I got injured and then had a hernia operation. I went to NCA [BCCI’s National Cricket Academy] from January 1 to April 1 [this year]. Even during off days, I used to not go home because I knew Monday morning would be my session. I couldn’t waste time.”I ate proper food prepared by my chef. I used to sleep sharp at 10pm and get up early in the morning. Even now, I have decided on my meals for the next week with the help of the chef and nutritionist; they decide how much protein and fat I will have daily, how much water I need to take with my food. We have a group for it which also has my wife. They decide and I just follow. It helped me here.”How has he soaked that moment in, along with the euphoria of being a world champion?”In those four to five seconds, whatever happened, I can’t explain,” he said. “The amount of reaction I have been getting for that, people have been calling, messaging; there are more than 1000 unread WhatsApp messages on my phone. The catch is all over social media. I’m grateful that I was there in those five seconds of play.”

Chelsea now want to trigger the £70m release clause included in the contract of an “unbelievable” Premier League star, according to a report.

Blues set for exciting end to the season

As the season approaches its climax, the Blues still have everything to play for, with the result in next Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest set to decide whether Enzo Maresca’s side return to the Champions League next season.

Not only that, but the west Londoners also have the opportunity to become the first club to win all three major European trophies, should they defeat Real Betis in the Conference League final at the end of the month,

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Gus Poyet recently spoke about the importance of Maresca winning the Conference League, despite it not being the most prestigious competition, saying: “I think for him, Chelsea winning the European competition will be the platform to build on for next season. It’s always important winning a trophy for Chelsea and you cannot lose that.

£172k-per-week star keen to join Chelsea regardless of Champions League race

He’d want the move to Stamford Bridge no strings attached.

13 ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025

In order to compete for the more major honours next season, however, Chelsea may need to strengthen this summer, and a report from Spain has now revealed they are lining up a move for Eberechi Eze, fresh off the back of the winger scoring the winner in the FA Cup final.

Such is the Blues’ level of interest, they are willing to trigger the £70m release clause in Eze’s contract, but there may be competition for the Crystal Palace star’s signature, with Manchester City also making moves.

Palace are, understandably, reluctant to sell the 26-year-old, but the England international thinks this summer could be the perfect time to leave and start competing for major trophies more regularly elsewhere.

Eze could be "unbelievable" signing for Chelsea

The 26-year-old could now be tempted to remain at Selhurst Park beyond the summer, with his goal in the shock 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City securing Europa League football for the Eagles next season.

However, the London-born attacker has certainly earned a big move this summer, having regularly provided goals and assists in all three of the domestic competitions he has competed in this season.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

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32

7

8

FA Cup

5

4

1

EFL Cup

4

2

2

The Palace star has been performing at a very high level for quite some time, having been lauded as “unbelievable” by Statman Dave last season, so it is little wonder that some of the Premier League’s top clubs are queuing up for his signature.

Right now, Eze will undoubtedly want to revel in the glory of securing a first-ever major trophy for Palace, but the Englishman will have a difficult decision to make this summer, as a move to Chelsea could be of great appeal, should they manage to qualify for the Champions League.

Late flurry of wickets boost hosts as Liam Dawson remains unbeaten on 46

ECB Reporters Network29-Aug-2024

Hampshire’s Fletcha Middleton made his second century of the season but his team could do no better that share the spoils with relegation-threatened Lancashire on the first day of their Vitality County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford.Middleton made 109 and shared a second-wicket partnership of 151 with Nick Gubbins, only for the home side to take six wickets in the evening session and leave the visitors on 330 for nine at the close.However, having asked Hampshire to bat first and using a Kookaburra ball on a pitch offering them little obvious help, Lancashire’s bowlers will surely be pleased to have fought back against opponents who had been 158 for one in mid-afternoon.Tom Aspinwall was the most successful of the quicker bowlers with three for 96 but leg-spinner Luke Wells matched his contribution with three for 69 from 19 overs.Opener Toby Albert was caught by George Bell off Aspinwall for six in the fourth over of the day but Hampshire’s second-wicket pair dominated the rest of the first session and came into lunch on 80 for one after 30 overs.Middleton and Gubbins continued to milk the Lancashire attack in the afternoon session. Gubbins reached his fifty off 122 balls with seven fours and Middleton the same landmark off 96 but with two fewer boundaries.Indeed, the pair looked set to threaten the second-wicket records for matches between these counties when Gubbins was caught at the wicket off Wells for 75 to end his stand with Middleton on 151.Hampshire skipper James Vince cover-drove his first ball for four but came yards down the wicket to Tom Hartley in the next over and skied a catch to Josh Bohannon at short-extra cover. Vince’s dismissal for five left the visitors on 165 for three and it was left to Middleton and Ben Brown to guide their side to 203 without further loss at tea.Middleton hit two fours in the space of four balls off Aspinwall and then tucked the next delivery from the Lancashire seamer backward of square for a single to reach his century off 173 balls with 13 fours.A quarter of an hour later, though, he inside-edged an attempted drive off Wells into his stumps and that began a poor half-hour for Hampshire, who lost three wickets for 14 runs in nine overs.Lancashire took the new ball as soon as it became available and Aspinwall struck twice in successive overs with it. Having made 40, Brown pulled the 20-year-old straight to Wells at square-leg and Tom Prest lasted just nine balls before he was caught by Venkatesh Iyer at backward point for one.Three overs from the close James Fuller was caught behind off George Balderson for 23 and Kyle Abbott was then leg before wicket for a three-ball duck in the same over. And next over there was even more success for Lancashire when John Turner was leg before to his first ball, thus giving Wells his third wicket of the day. Liam Dawson hit Wells for a six and a four off the last two balls of the day to finish on 46 not out.Lancashire left out Phil Salt, who is nursing a slight back injury, and also Saqib Mahmood and Luke Wood, both of whom are “managing their workloads” after The Hundred and before next week’s T20 quarter-final against Sussex

Also, what’s the highest ODI total without a fifty?

Steven Lynch22-Jan-2019South Africa lost a one-day international the other day despite losing only two wickets. Was this a record? asked Brian Taylor from England

South Africa made 266 for 2 in that match in Port Elizabeth last week, but still lost to Pakistan. This was the fifth time that a team lost an ODI despite losing only two wickets: the last one was also in South Africa, in Johannesburg in 2003-04, when West Indies lost despite amassing 304 for 2, with Chris Gayle making 152 not out. Pakistan lost a World Cup match against West Indies in Melbourne in 1991-92 despite scoring 220 for 2 (West Indies replied with 221 for 0, so only two wickets went down all day, although Brian Lara did retire hurt). The other instances were by India (183 for 2) against Pakistan in Sahiwal in 1978-79 (India conceded the match in protest at a barrage of short-pitched bowling), and by New Zealand (167 for 2) against Australia in Auckland in 1989-90 (they were behind the target score when rain ended the match).Two ODIs have been lost by a team losing only one wicket, although both of them were badly affected by rain. In the 1991-92 World Cup, Zimbabwe lost to India despite scoring 104 for 1 in Hamilton, as they were behind the target score when rain ended the match. And in Hambantota in 2013-14, Sri Lanka had scored 138 for 1 before a long rain delay; New Zealand were set a Duckworth-Lewis target of 198 in 23 overs, and got there off the last ball.MS Dhoni scored 193 runs in the three-match ODI series against Australia without a century. What’s the most in a three-match series where the batsman did not score a hundred? asked Savo Ceprnich from South Africa

Surprisingly perhaps, Mahendra Singh Dhoni – who scored 51, 55 not out and 87 not out in the recent series in Australia – comes in quite a way down this particular list. Another Indian, Kris Srikkanth, leads, with 244 runs in the home series against Sri Lanka in 1981-82, when his scores were 57, 95 and 92. The New Zealand opener Martin Guptill hit 232 runs – 70, 77 and 85 – at home against Zimbabwe in 2011-12. Dhoni’s average of 193, however, is the highest in a three-match ODI series without a hundred, beating Ricky Ponting’s 186 for Australia in Zimbabwe in 1999-2000.Has there been a Test in which the team batting last required only one run to win? asked Anas from Pakistan

There have been seven Test matches in which the scores were level after three innings, so the side batting last had to come out and score one run to win. In two of those, someone hit a four to end the match – Sarfraz Nawaz for Pakistan against New Zealand in Hyderabad in 1976-77, and Marcus Trescothick for England against West Indies at The Oval in 2004. When West Indies beat India by ten wickets in Bridgetown in 1982-83, the winning run was a no-ball from Syed Kirmani.Kris Srikkanth piled up 244 – 57, 92 and 95 – runs against Sri Lanka in 1981-82, the most in three ODIs without a century scored•Getty ImagesWhat’s the highest ODI total without a fifty? asked Brian Powell from England

The highest one-day international total without an individual half-century is England’s 285 against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford in 2006, when the highest score was Andrew Strauss’ 45, unusually scored from No. 4. They beat the previous record, Pakistan’s 281 for 9 against West Indies in Adelaide in 2004-05, when the highest individual contribution was also 45, by Mohammad Yousuf.The record for Tests is England’s 315 against West Indies in Port-of-Spain in 1985-86 (highest score 47 by David Gower), just ahead of South Africa’s 313 against England in Johannesburg in 2015-16 (Dean Elgar 46).Virat Kohli now has five international centuries at the Adelaide Oval. Is that a record for the most hundreds by a batsman at an overseas venue? asked Aditya Alok from India

Virat Kohli does indeed now have five international centuries at Adelaide Oval – three in Tests and two in one-day internationals, one of those being against Pakistan in the 2015 World Cup. The record for an away venue is seven centuries, by Saeed Anwar and Sachin Tendulkar in Sharjah (all in ODIs).England’s Jack Hobbs scored five centuries in Melbourne, all in Tests (a record), while Tendulkar collected five at both the Premadasa Stadium (four in ODIs) and the Sinhalese Sports Club (four in Tests) in Colombo. Younis Khan made six international centuries in Abu Dhabi and five in Dubai, while Misbah-ul-Haq scored five in Abu Dhabi – but most of those came while Pakistan were playing “home” matches in the UAE.Use our feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Nottingham Forest’s sublime season in the Premier League might well have run out of steam towards the back-end – with only one league victory coming their way in May – but Nuno Espirito Santo’s men still have the Conference League to look forward to next campaign after finishing in a fantastic seventh spot.

Espirito Santo’s Tricky Trees won’t just be content with one unbelievable season in isolation, however, with an ambitious approach during this summer transfer window perhaps allowing Forest to upgrade all over the pitch ahead of European football coming to the City Ground.

Already, Forest are flexing their muscles as they aim to finalise a deal for Botafogo attacking sensation Igor Jesus, but they might not be done there when adding in some exciting options up top.

Forest's search for a striker

As per a report by the Athletic, Forest remain keen on a deal for Brentford ace Yoane Wissa, having previously been interested in the Bees sharpshooter back in January.

At that time, the Premier League high-flyers were put off by the 28-year-old’s steep £40m valuation, resulting in a £22m bid for his services falling flat.

Now, a move could be back on the cards, even as Forest edge closer to landing the aforementioned Jesus from Brazil.

Worryingly so for the South American hotshot, Wissa’s arrival in through the door could see Espirito Santo and Co. win themselves an instant upgrade on the one-time Arsenal target, with the Congolese international very much a revered marksman in the Premier League.

Why Wissa would be an upgrade on Jesus

Wissa could soon go down as a fan’s favourite at City Ground, even though the long-standing Brentford servant would score this delightful effort only last month versus Forest to seal a 2-0 away success.

Still, they won’t be turning their noses up at adding Wissa to their attacking arsenal alongside Chris Wood, with that breakaway effort just one of 20 strikes the 28-year-old would fire home last season for Thomas Frank’s regular overachievers – 19 of which came in the top-flight.

To add context, the much-talked-about New Zealand powerhouse would tally up that exact amount last season in all competitions, meaning the pair working together in unison could be a dynamite duo.

But, away from any potential partnerships forming, the electric Bees number 11’s dependable record in the Premier League means he would instantly get the first-team nod over Jesus, with the experienced top-flight presence never looking back after entering the level in 2021.

24/25

39

19

5

23/24

34

12

4

22/23

38

7

3

21/22

30

7

1

Looking at the table above, Wissa has gradually improved by season by season at the daunting level, with that tally of 19 league strikes last season his most lethal return in the top-flight to date.

On the contrary, whilst Jesus is an entertaining watch with a hefty 3.5 total shots averaged on goal in Brazilian top-flight action this year, he doesn’t possess that same potency Wissa has in abundance, with a weaker output of seven goals coming his way from 24 Brasileirão Betano contests.

He does have an additional eight goals next to his name playing for Botafogo from 55 total appearances, but the concern will be that the four-time Brazil international could struggle to immediately make an impact in the English game.

Wissa wouldn’t have any of these issues to contend with, with the clinical number 11 once even labelled as “unbelievable” by his Brentford boss for his blistering goalscoring prowess.

Adding in both strikers could well be the dream scenario here, with Jesus able to bounce off a Premier League-recognised striker to up his standards.

After all, Forest might as well aim to strike up as many golden deals as possible whilst the club is on an all-time high.

Wow: Nottingham Forest could now sign £100m star in Gibbs-White swap deal

The Tricky Trees could look to bring in a forward, as part of a swap deal for Morgan Gibbs-White.

2 ByDominic Lund Jun 1, 2025

Some players moved closer to Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad, others will be left wondering if they did enough

HOUSTON – The Gold Cup is over. But we won't really what it all meant for another 11 months. Sunday was the finale, yes, and it was a deflating one for the U.S. men's national team. But from the start, the Gold Cup was never really about the Gold Cup – it was a stepping stone on the ultimate journey to the 2026 World Cup.

With that target now less than a year away, a group of 26 players gathered for 40 days to play eight games all over the United States. It wasn't the strongest possible collection of players for Mauricio Pochettino and his USMNT staff, but they were the ones on the roster, those tasked with not just winning a tournament, but with setting a tone.

In the end, they didn't win the tournament. Mexico managed to do that – again – by overcoming an early deficit and winning, 2-1, over the USMNT. But was that tone set? The next year will provide the answer.

"I think we understand the standard now," said defender Tim Ream. "We understand what we need to do on and off the field. We understand what kind of culture is wanted for us and it took a little bit longer than it probably should have. Guys will come in and out. This group will more than likely not be the same again.

"But it's down to us players to now drive home the ideas that they want, the culture that they've created. And it's going to be important for whoever has been in camp for these five weeks to make sure this continues moving forward in every single camp."

This camp, like any other, featured the rise of some players, the fall of others. It was a measuring stick for not just those on the fringes, but also those at the top of the player pool. With just a few camps remaining until the World Cup – and nothing but friendlies ahead – this was the longest gathering before the U.S. squad is selected for next summer.

Some players moved closer to being a part of that squad with their performances in these games. Others will be left wondering if they did enough. Who stood out? Whose stock rose in this Gold Cup run, and whose fell? GOAL takes a look.

• Getty Images
  

  STOCK UP: Malik Tillman

  For the first time in his USMNT career, Malik Tillman was allowed to be a big fish in a small pond. He lived up to that label, taking control to establish himself as a bona fide starter one year out from the World Cup.

  From the start, Tillman proved he was clearly in a different class technically, so much so that it took his teammates time to realize just how little space he needed to make things happen. He continually delivered, scoring or assisting in all but two of the games in this tournament. When the U.S. generated a big chance, Tillman was often on the end of it, which went a long way towards building his confidence.

  "Malik is one, the quietest guy ever, but he's leading by example," Ream said. "You have guys who are more vocal and guys who lead by example so finding more of those and unearthing more of those within this group has been a really big positive."

  That confidence should carry over when the USMNT veterans rejoin the squad. Tillman no longer has reason to defer when with the "A team" arrive. He's comfortably part of it now. He translated his PSV successes to the national team, erasing any doubt about whether or not he could contribute at the international level.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  STOCK DOWN: Matt Turner

  It could have been a summer for Matt Turner to rebuild his confidence. Instead, it was a summer to build up a competitor for that No. 1 goalkeeper spot.

  Matt Freese, not Turner, was in goal for the U.S. all summer, leaving the Crystal Palace goalkeeper on the bench. It was his time on the sidelines at Palace that put him in this scenario, a lack of playing time that opened up a race. Now, Turner will have a lot of work to do to make up ground, as the USMNT went 5-1 with Freese as the starter in the Gold Cup run.

  Turner, to his credit, handled it fantastically. Throughout the Gold Cup, he was frequently seen tutoring Freese, who had nothing but good things to say about the veteran. Turner wasn't bitter; he was helpful, and that goes a long way.

  Still, if Turner wants to be the starter next summer the way he was back in Qatar, he'll need to play on the club level. That message was sent quite clearly by Pochettino and his staff. A move to Lyon may or may not be in the cards but, no matter where Turner does end up, all that matters is that he gets minutes. If not, the door will remain open for Freese, Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte with the World Cup looming.

• Getty Images
  

  STOCK UP: Diego Luna

  Where to begin with the USMNT's Moon Man? He's become a cult hero and, arguably, already among this team's biggest stars. Based on this summer, he's also likely bound for the World Cup next summer, too.

  Pochettino has been enamored with him since January, and for good reason. He brings attitude, heart and fight to a team that has, at times, lacked all of those qualities. Just boiling him down to that shortchanges him, however. Luna, at his core, is also one hell of a player, one with quality and creativity.

  He sparked this team often in this tournament. He was the difference-maker against Guatemala and Costa Rica. He had two assists, one that should have been a goal, against Trinidad & Tobago in the opener, too. In the end, Luna finished with five combined goals and assists, level with Tillman in the Gold Cup. Only Panama's Ismael Diaz had more.

  Luna isn't going anywhere. The question is no longer if he can contribute to the USMNT, but whether he's made a case to start in the final few camps leading up to the World Cup.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  STOCK DOWN: Johnny Cardoso

  As with Tillman, Cardoso entered this USMNT camp with open questions. Despite all of his club successes, which have led to a reported move to Atletico Madrid, Cardoso never looked particularly good in a USMNT shirt. The hope was that this Gold Cup would change that.

  Just the opposite. Injuries limited Cardoso throughout the tournament, and he ends this Gold Cup in the same state as he began it: a question mark.

  In total, he played just 11 minutes at the tournament after putting in a downright bad 45 against Turkey and a poor 90 against Switzerland in pre-Gold Cup losses. When he was on the field, Cardoso did himself no favors – and injury issues prevented him from making up for it. It's bad fortune, for sure, for a player who has generally been pretty unlucky when representing the national team.

  Is September the window in which he figures it all out? Pochetino will hope so. He is too talented not to contribute, but this tournament was yet another without a signature Cardoso moment.

Sometimes in football, things are just meant to be. Despite not picking up a single victory in their last six standard Championship games, Sunderland rallied and came up through the play-offs in dramatic circumstances.

As they weaved their way through the most lottery system in world football, they must have thought the gods were with them when Dan Ballard powered home an injury-time goal in the semi-finals against Coventry.

The gods were shining down on them again last weekend when Tom Watson, soon to be of Brighton, slid the ball home in the dying embers to send the Black Cats up.

Sunderland have been through hell and back since their exit from the top-flight several years ago, so you can’t say they don’t deserve to be back.

But, what lies in store now? Well, a move for Jordan Henderson could be on the cards.

The latest on Jordan Henderson's future

A Premier League and Champions League winner, Henderson left Liverpool behind in search of luxurious riches in Saudi Arabia.

However, his move to the Pro League wasn’t exactly filled with success. He left after a matter of months, heading to Ajax.

A European titan, his spell in the Netherlands hasn’t been too pleasing either. He’s been attacked by reporters for showing an alleged disrespect to the club amid talk he could leave, while the Amsterdam club lost the Eredivisie title on the season’s final day to PSV.

Still, there has been some solace for Henderson who, after Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager, is now back in the Three Lions setup.

To top things off, he could also return to his boyhood club. That’s according to talkSPORT, who revealed earlier this week that the Mackems are ‘contemplating’ a move to bring the midfielder back to the Stadium of Light.

Henderson first left Sunderland behind back in 2011, having played 79 times for the club.

Would he be a good signing? Well, speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of BetVictor Casino, former Black Cats defender Wes Brown seemed to think so.

“Jordan Henderson going back to Sunderland would make sense. He’d understand that he might not play every week, but when needed, definitely show the heart,” Brown began.

Sunderland’s squad boasts some fabulous young players from Jobe Bellingham to Chris Rigg, but Brown thinks adding some experience to the squad now they’ve been promoted would be a fine idea.

The former Manchester United star said: “You do need a few experienced players in the squad, to settle the ship. We all know it’s not going to be perfect next year and there are going to be games where it’s not a good day. There has to be people in the squad to pick the other players back up. You see it year after year, how teams that come up, they can’t quite get back up from a defeat and their heads go down, everyone’s nervous.”

2008/09

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2009/10

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6

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Concluding why the 34-year-old should head back to the northeast, Brown commented: “You need players to bring the life back into the team and Jordan would definitely be a player that would easily help do that. It’s his boyhood club as well. He would try everything to help the team.”

While Henderson’s arrival would be noteworthy, so would a potential exit for Bellingham.

Brown provides verdict on Jobe Bellingham's future

With a name like Bellingham, you’re always going to attract the attention of elsewhere and it looks like the younger brother of Jude could follow in his footsteps this summer by heading to Germany.

Sky Sports Germany reported this week that the attacking midfielder has been in talks over a move to sign for Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.

What does Brown make of the young Sunderland star?

He told FFC: “I like Jobe Bellingham, he’s not his brother but he’s a solid player, still young. I can tell you, I played in the Championship, it’s a tough league to get out of, it’s horrible. You could be sitting pretty one minute, you lose two games on the bounce and you’re back in tenth, and you don’t know what’s going on. He’s got a great mindset, determination and they seem like a great bunch of lads.”

Brown concluded: “He’s fitted into that team fantastically and there’s a lot of people who will be looking forward to seeing what Jobe can do in the Premier League.”

While the 19-year-old’s numbers were not jaw-dropping this season, scoring four and assisting three, it’s clear he’s got immense potential and losing him just as they earn promotion would undoubtedly be a big blow.

Big O'Nien upgrade: Sunderland targeting move for "freak" £20m "monster"

Sunderland might look to upgrade on Luke O’Nien when venturing up to the Premier League.

ByKelan Sarson May 30, 2025

Track the squads ahead of the new seasons as clubs build their lists

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2024 • Updated on 12-Oct-2024Adelaide StrikersMenFabian Allen, James Bazley, Jordan Buckingham, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Chris Lynn, Jamie Overton, Lloyd Pope, Ollie Pope, Alex Ross, D’Arcy Short, Matt Short, Henry Thornton, Jake WeatheraldIn Fabian Allen, Jordan Buckingham, Ollie Pope, Alex Ross (Thunder)
Out Wes Agar (Thunder)Women Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Maggie Clark, Ellie Johnston, Katie Mack, Eleanor Larosa, Smriti Mandhana, Anesu Mushangwe, Tahlia McGrath, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Orla Prendergast, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt,In Maggie Clark, Ellie Johnston (Heat), Eleanor Larosa, Smriti Mandhana, Orla Prendergast
Out Dani Gibson, Georgia Adams (Thunder), Courtney Neale, Annie O’Neil, Ella WilsonBrisbane HeatMenTom Alsop, Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler, Paul WalterIn Tom Alsop, Callum Vidler
Out Josh Brown (Renegades), Sam Billings (Thunder)WomenBonnie Berry, Nadine de Klerk, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Laura Harris, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Shikha Pandey, Grace Parsons, Georgia Redmayne, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mikayla WrigleyIn Bonnie Berry, Sianna Ginger, Shikha Pandey, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mikayla Wrigley
Out Amelia Kerr (Sixers), Georgia Voll (Thunder), Courtney Sippel (Sixers), Ellie Johnston (Strikers)Hobart HurricanesMenIain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Shai Hope, Rishad Hossain, Caleb Jewell, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Mac WrightIn Shai Hope, Rishad Hosein, Charlie Wakim
Out Corey Anderson, Sam HainWomenSuzie Bates, Nicola Carey, Zoe Cooke, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Tabatha Saville, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Chloe Tryon, Elyse Villani, Callie Wilson, Danni WyattIn Lauren Smith (Thunder), Chloe Tryon, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Suzie Bates
Out Maisy Gibson (Stars), Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith, Naomi Stalenberg (Renegades)Melbourne RenegadesMenJacob Bethell, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Laurie Evans, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Gurinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Adam ZampaIn Jacob Bethell, Josh Brown (Heat), Laurie Evans, Gurinder Sandhu (Thunder)
Out Aaron Finch, Nic Maddinson (Thunder) Shaun MarshWomenAlice Capsey, Sarah Coyte, Emma de Broughe, Josie Dooley, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Hayley Matthews, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Prestwidge, Naomi Stalenberg, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney WebbIn Alice Capsey, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum (Stars), Milly Illingworth (Stars), Naomi Stalenberg (Hurricanes)
Out Tammy Beaumont, Jess Duffin, Harmanpreet Kaur, Ellen Falconer, Erica Kershaw, Rhiann O’DonnellAmelia Kerr has been a big-name signing for Sydney Sixers•ICC/Getty ImagesMelbourne StarsMenScott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Tom Curran, Ben Duckett, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Usama Mir, Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Beau WebsterIn Tom Curran (Sixers), Ben Duckett, Hamish McKenzie (Stars)
Out Nick LarkinWomenYastika Bhatia, Sophie Day, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Maisy Gibson, Hasrat Gill, Liv Henry, Marizanne Kapp, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid, Deepti Sharma, Annabel SutherlandIn Yastika Bhatia, Maisy Gibson (Hurricanes), Marizanne Kapp (Thunder), Deepti Sharma, Hasrat Gill
Out Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Nicole Faltum (Renegades), Milly Illingworth (Renegades)Perth ScorchersMenAshton Agar, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Matthew Hurst, Josh Inglis, Keaton Jennings, Matt Kelly, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Spoors Ashton Turner, Andrew TyeIn Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Sam Fanning, Matthew Hurst, Keaton Jennings, Matthew Spoors
Out Hamish McKenzie (Stars)WomenChloe Ainsworth, Stella Campbell, Piepa Cleary, Maddy Darke, Sophie Devine, D Hemalatha, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Hinkley, Amy Jones, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Chloe PiparoIn D Hemalatha, Mikayla Hinkley (Heat)
Out Taneale Peschel (Thunder), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Winfield-HillSydney SixersMenSean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Jafer Chohan, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Akeal Hosein, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Kurtis Patterson, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steven Smith, James VinceIn Jafer Chohan, Akeal Hosein
Out Steve O’Keefe, Tom Curran (Stars)WomenHolly Armitage, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Mathilda Carmichael, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Amelia Kerr, Isabella Malgioglio, Kate Pelle, Ellyse Perry, Kate Peterson, Courtney SippelIn Holly Armitage, Sophie Ecclestone, Amelia Kerr (Heat), Isabella Malgioglio, Courtney Sippel (Heat)
Out Chloe Tryon, Suzie Bates, Jess Kerr, Lindsey SmithSydney ThunderMenWes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Sherfane Rutherford, Will Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David WarnerIn Wes Agar, Sam Billings, Lockie Ferguson, Nic Maddinson (Renegades), Sherfane Rutherford
Out Alex Ross (Strikers), Gurinder Sandhu (Renegades)WomenGeorgia Adams, Chamari Athapaththu, Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Sienna Eve, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail, Sammy Jo-Johnson, Heather Knight, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Claire Moore, Taneale Peschel, Georgia Voll, Tahlia WilsonIn
Georgia Adams, Sienna Eve, Shabnim Ismail, Taneale Peschel (Scorchers), Georgia Voll (Heat)Out Lauren Bell, Marizanne Kapp (Stars), Lauren Smith (Hurricanes)

ألقت تقارير دنماركية، الضوء على تعيين ياس سوروب مدربًا للنادي الأهلي، بعد توصله لاتفاق مع مجلس إدارة القلعة الحمراء بقيادة محمود الخطيب.

ووفقاً لـ”سبورت” الدنماركية، فقد نشرت أنه قد يكون من الصعب على المواطن الدنماركي العادي فهم ما يفعله سوبورب في القاهرة والذي أصبح يدرك ذلك بنفسه.

وأجرى سوروب مقابلة مع قناة “TV Sport2” حول انتقاله لكرة القدم المصرية والذي لا يعد أمرًا مألوفًا، رغم أنه أصبح واقعًا، وقال: “إذا نظرنا إلى قارة مثل إفريقيا، نجد أن أكبر ناد هناك يضم أكثر من 80 مليون مشجع”.

وأضاف: “الأمر أشبه بمحاولة الوصول إلى أوروبا والانتقال لبرشلونة أو بايرن ميونخ، إنه ناد من هذا المستوى”.

وأضاف عن عرض تدريب الأهلي: “لقد أغراني أن يفتح لي ذلك أبوابًا جديدة وقارة جديدة، مع ما يصاحب ذلك من ضغط، لذلك وافقت في النهاية على هذا التحدي الهائل”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. الأهلي يعلن تفاصيل الجهاز المعاون لـ ياس سوروب.. وموعد وصوله

وكان النادي الأهلي قد حقق لقب الدوري المصري ثلاث مرات متتالية، وبلغ مجموع ألقابه 45 بطولة في تاريخه.

وسيحصل سوروب على عقد لمدة عامين ونصف، ووفقًا لما نشرته “Tipsbladet” الدنماركية، فإنه من المتوقع أن يتقاضى راتبًا سنويًا يقارب 20 مليون كرونة دنماركية.

ولم يتم الكشف عن المبلغ المحدد الذي سيحصل عليه المدرب صاحب الـ55 عامًا، لكنه اعترف بأن العرض المادي لعب دورًا في قبوله المهمة.

وواصل سوروب: “لا أتحدث عن الأمور المالية فهي ليست جزءًا من هذا، سأذهب إلى هناك لتحقيق بعض النتائج ولأخطو خطوة مهمة في مسيرتي المهنية، من الواضح أن الراتب جزء من ذلك وهو بالتأكيد جيد، لكن مهما كان الأمر سأحتفظ به لنفسي”.

وأتم المدرب الدنماركي عن مشروع تدريب الأهلي: “إنه مشروع متكامل، تجلس وتدرسه في النهاية وتقيم ما إذا كان يناسبك المشروع ككل، الأهلي تواصل معي عدة مرات، لكن هذه المرة فقط تمكنا من تحقيق أهدافنا”.

وسئل سوروب عن مشاركة الأهلي المثيرة في كأس العالم للأندية حيث يأمل المدرب في إضافة لمسة مميزة لأداء النادي: “هم يحققون أداء جيدًا أيضًا في البطولات الكبرى، إنه ناد يضم العديد من اللاعبين الدوليين، لذلك فهو لا يسعى فقط للفوز بالدوري المصري بل عليه أن يبذل قصارى جهده لبناء سمعة طيبة لنفسه عالميًا”.

وختم سوروب: “ما رأيته خلال الشهر الماضي من كرة القدم المصرية، هو دوري يتمتع بجودة فردية عالية لكنهم يفتقرون للقليل من الفهم التكتيكي للفريق، والذي آمل أن أتمكن من المساعدة فيه واتخاذ الخطوة التالية للأمام للتطوير”.

Liverpool have entered the fray to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, potentially disrupting Newcastle United's long-standing pursuit of the 22-year-old striker having made their interest known in the Magpies' Alexander Isak. The Merseyside giants have initiated contact with the Bundesliga club, seeking to open negotiations.

Liverpool set sights on FrankfurtNewcastle are also vying for his servicesThe Reds are tracking Alexander Isak as wellFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle, who have tried on two previous occasions to bring Ekitike to St. James’ Park, had a recent offer believed to be worth around €75 million (£65m/$87m) rebuffed by Frankfurt, according to . With the Magpies’ attempts again facing resistance, Liverpool have moved swiftly to explore their own interest.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Liverpool's renewed focus on strengthening their attacking options has gained urgency after their attempt to sign Newcastle's Isak met resistance. They have seemingly made public their willingness to offer up to £120m ($161m) for the Swedish forward, but Newcastle’s firm stance that the striker is not available has complicated matters. Moreover, the player himself has not communicated his desire to leave the club, but if Liverpool continue to push, there might be a change in the scenario, as revealed by The report also claims that the Geordies are determined to make their own statement by landing Ekitike, having held positive talks.

DID YOU KNOW?

With both Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz potentially on their way out, Liverpool have made acquiring a top-tier centre-forward a priority. Ekitike fits the bill after his impressive output last season – 22 goals and 12 assists across 48 appearances in all competitions – played a key role in Frankfurt securing a third-place finish in the Bundesliga.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Having already brought in Florian Wirtz and promising talents like Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Armin Pecsi, spending a combined £185m ($247m), Liverpool are still prepared to invest further. With financial expert Kieran Maguire confirming Liverpool's healthy PSR standing and revenue streams, the Reds are well-positioned to fund another marquee signing without regulatory issues. While Isak remains their top priority, Ekitike is increasingly seen as a realistic, high-upside alternative who could flourish under Arne Slot’s guidance.