South Africa batters made easy work of the 145 chase after Burger and Bosch stifled Zimbabwe with the new ball

Sreshth Shah20-Jul-2025

Rassie van der Dussen and Rubin Hermann added 106 together•Zimbabwe Cricket

Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burger stifled Zimbabwe with the ball, and rookie Rubin Hermann struck his maiden T20I fifty to secure South Africa’s place in the T20I tri-series final – while knocking the hosts out – in a seven-wicket win in Harare.Zimbabwe’s total of 144 for 6 was too little to trouble South Africa. Their third loss in as many outings also makes the last two league games dead rubbers. South Africa and New Zealand, both on four points, have their spots in the final assured with Zimbabwe still on zero points with one more fixture remaining for them.It was another insipid batting display from Zimbabwe after Rassie van der Dussen opted to bowl first. They posted the lowest powerplay score of the tri-series and managed just 55 for 3 in the first ten overs. Only Brian Bennett’s counterattacking 61 gave the innings a degree of respectability.South Africa then overcame an early stutter in the chase courtesy Hermann’s 63 and van der Dussen’s 52 not out. They won with 16 balls to spare.Brian Bennett celebrates fifty during his 78-run stand with Ryan Burl•Zimbabwe Cricket

Bennett turns it aroundBennett faced only 10 balls in the powerplay and was starved of strike as Zimbabwe crawled to 29 for 2 in six overs. His first boundary came in the eighth over, a back-foot cut off George Linde, and he finally blossomed during a 78-run fourth-wicket stand with Ryan Burl that gave the innings some direction.Legspinner Nqaba Peter bore the brunt of Bennett’s charge, hit over his head and past deep square leg for fours, then over wide long-on for a six that landed on the roof of the Sports Club. Linde, brought on to stem the flow, couldn’t halt the assault either: Bennett cut him behind square for four and launched a six onto the midwicket grass banks in the 13th over, then repeated the four-six combo in the 15th. The second six, that just cleared long-off, brought up Bennett’s half-century off 38 balls.He then got away with a thick edge for four off Ngidi and followed it with a Douglas Marillier-style ramp past short fine leg. But Ngidi had the final word, bowling him with a slower yorker off the last ball of the 16th. Bennett’s 61 off 43 helped Zimbabwe add 60 runs between overs 11 and 16.Bosch earns the rewardsBosch capitalised on early pressure from Ngidi and Nandre Burger, with Zimbabwe crawling to 17 in the first three overs.Brought in for the fourth over, Bosch struck with his third ball – a full delivery on middle stump – dismissing Wessly Madhevere caught at mid-off. In the next over, he bowled short and angled into Clive Madande, who spooned a catch back to the bowler.Corbin Bosch was tough to put away•Zimbabwe Cricket

But it was in the death overs that Bosch really showed off his skills. Mixing yorkers on the stumps with wide-line deliveries, he gave away just six runs each in the 18th and 20th overs, stifling Zimbabwe’s attempt of a late flourish. Bosch ended with 4-0-16-2 and didn’t concede a single boundary.Burger also returned a tidy performance with 1 for 20 in four overs, delivering 15 dots across spells in the powerplay and death overs. The duo combined to allow only 22 runs to be scored in the final four overs, leaving South Africa a target of 145 to chase. Zimbabwe’s second-highest run-scorer was Burl with 36 in 31 balls, who despite staying unbeaten till the end, failed to get the slog-overs connection that Zimbabwe desperately needed.Maposa delivers a scareWithout Blessing Muzarabani, who was unavailable owing to a bereavement in his family, Zimbabwe needed someone else to step up with the new ball. And it was Tinotenda Maposa who brought the fire.He tested the aggressive Lhuan-dre Pretorius with a short ball in the second over that forced the batter to miscue a shot to mid-on where Sikandar Raza took a screamer. Extra bounce was at the forefront again in the fifth over as Maposa got a short and wide ball to rise enough to induce the edge off Reeza Hendricks’ bat when he tried to play the cut.The two openers combined for only 10 runs in 20 balls.Hermann’s encore, Rassie clinicalHermann top-scored with 45 on his T20I debut in the tri-series opener against Zimbabwe, and with his 36-ball 63 on Sunday flattened them again. Combining with van der Dussen, Hermann was the majority contributor in a 106-run partnership for the third wicket that lifted South Africa from a tricky 22 for 2 to the position of ease.He was on top of Zimbabwe almost right away, driving Maposa uppishly for four off his second delivery. He then dispatched Raza’s loose deliveries in the tenth over by flat-batting a short ball to long-on for four and pulling another half-tracker over deep midwicket for six. Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza was then slapped for six down the ground and swatted for four through the leg side, and by the 12th over, Hermann had brought up his maiden T20I fifty in only 29 balls when he hit Maposa for six down the ground.Van der Dussen’s unbeaten innings of 52, that included six fours, complemented Hermann’s beautifully. In the powerplay, he used his wrists well to dispatch Trevor Gwandu for fours to fine leg in the powerplay, took a backseat when Hermann was hitting it well, and then picked up his pace when South Africa grabbed pole position again.Hermann’s poles were eventually flattened by Richard Ngarava in the 16th over, and he walked back disappointed. After his debut, he had said he wanted to be the “guy who finishes games” for South Africa, and this was yet another opportunity squandered. But by then, the equation read 17 runs required in 27 balls and the game was wrapped up within the next 11 deliveries.

تحدث آلان شيرر، مهاجم نيوكاسل السابق وأسطورة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عن موقف ليفربول من المنافسة على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”.

ويحتل ليفربول المركز الثامن في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج” برصيد 18 نقطة ويبتعد عن آرسنال المتصدر بحوالي 8 نقاط.

وخسر ليفربول في 5 مباريات خاضها في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي من أصل 11 مباراة وفاز في 6 ولم يتعادل مباراة واحدة حتى الآن.

وقال شيرر، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “إندبندنت”: “أعتقد أنهم سيضطرون للفوز بكل مباراة من الآن وحتى نهاية الموسم، لا أعتقد أن هذا ممكن لذلك أعتقد أن سباقهم على اللقب أصبح صعبًا”.

وعن لعب فيرتز في الجهة اليُمنى، قال: “تحدث الكثير من المشاكل في الناحية الدفاعية، هم في كل مكان في الملعب لديهم مشاكل دفاعية”.

اقرأ أيضًا | كاراجر: مشاركة محمد صلاح أساسيًا مع ليفربول يجب أن تنتهي

وواصل: “محمد صلاح ليس قريبًا مما كان عليه في الموسم الماضي ومستواه الحالي ليس هو الطبيعي ولا أعلم إن كان صلاح يشعر بذلك أم لا”.

وأردف: “ليس لدي سببًا واضحًا، هل بسبب الأموال التي أُنفقت على فلوريان فيرتز وألكسندر إيزاك، فبسبب ذلك شعر بأنه لم يعُد اللاعب الأول”.

وأضاف: “من المؤكد أن هناك شيئًا غير صحيح، سواء كان ذلك يتعلق بتقدمه في السن وعدم قدرته على اللعب كما كان من قبل، أو ما إذا كان لديه شيء من الحقد تجاه شيء ما”.

وأتم: “لكننا بالتأكيد لا نرى نفس مستوى محمد صلاح الذي رأيناه، يُمكن قول ذلك عن معظم لاعبي ليفربول وليس صلاح وحده”.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic made his return for AC Milan, coming off the bench after an hour following three weeks out with a lower leg injury. The 27-year-old wasn’t fit enough to start under manager Max Allegri but contributed valuable minutes in the second half as Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Parma after giving up a two-goal lead.

AFPWorking his way into the team

Pulisic had missed the last three weeks after being forced off with a lower leg injury in the USMNT’s friendly win over Australia. He was on the wrong end of a heavy tackle from behind and picked up a hamstring issue that ruled him out of action. He returned to Milan training this week, and Allegri confirmed Friday that he’d be available for limited minutes.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA mixed cameo

Pulisic's impact was mixed. He entered the game with the score level and Milan hoping to regain the advantage after ceding a 2-0 lead to struggling Parma. He was presented with a glorious opportunity to score soon after when Rafa Leao sent him through on goal, but put his shot a yard wide. Still, he plugged away – and really should've had an assist. A quick pivot and timely pass gave Alexis Saelemaekers space and just the keeper to beat. However, the Belgian got his finish all wrong, and fired over after failing to round the goalie.

(C)Getty ImagesMissing November action

His appearance comes shortly after U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino announced his squad for a duo of friendlies – which Pulisic was not named in. There was scattered talk that he might be able to recover in time to represent his country against Paraguay and Uruguay, yet Milan were eager to ease his recovery. 

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Recovery time

Pulisic will now have ample time to recover. The international break has put club soccer on hold, and leaves Milan without a game until Nov. 23. That will be a big one, though, when they will face city rivals Inter in an important Serie A clash. Milan are currently top of Serie A.

Last MLB offseason, all eyes were on Shohei Ohtani. This offseason, it's Juan Soto.

Every winter, several interesting free agents become available for teams to court and attempt to add to their roster in a quest to improve their odds of the ultimate goal: Winning a World Series.

While some free agents fit more in the category of situational additions—like teams looking for more hitting from a particular side, or help at a specific defensive position—there are players who are show-stoppers: You add them if you have the chance to no matter how they fit your roster now and figure the rest out later.

Soto is one of those players. And much like Ohtani, his free agency will be a massive domino in regards to free agency at large. Teams interested in spending on Soto will have lots of money to spend in their budget, but only once they learn they're definitely out of the running on Soto.

So, in this guide—which will be updated frequently with the latest information—let's start there: How much will Soto cost the winning team?

Everything to Know About Juan Soto Free AgencyJuan Soto Favorites: It's UnclearJuan Soto Contract Value: How Much Will He Earn on New Deal?Juan Soto Free Agency Timeline: When Will He Make Decision?Juan Soto Meetings: Every Team Reported to Have Met With Juan SotoMore of the Latest Around MLBJuan Soto Favorites: It's Unclear

"At this point, we don't know who the favorites are," Jeff Passan swooped in and reported on Dec. 4 after plenty of shoddy reports back and forth about various teams in the running having a lead. The Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers are, "still in it," as of Friday.

Juan Soto Contract Value: How Much Will He Earn on New Deal?

Several factors play into how much a player can earn on his contract in a salary cap-less world. How good is the player? How old are they? What length of deal are they looking for? How is the contract structured?

Soto sits in the top tier of players that can essentially ask for "the new record": A deal that bests the previous high-water mark. That would put him above Aaron Judge, who played the first year of his new contract with the Yankees in 2024. Asked if the team captain would be content with that inequity, Judge said, "It ain't my money, I really don't care as long as we get the best players."

Jon Heyman reported on October 31 that Soto was seeking a $700 million deal. That raw value would be the same as the one Ohtani landed on last winter with the Los Angeles Dodgers, however, Ohtani's deal is unique and largely deferred (it pays Ohtani even after his playing years with the Dodgers are expected to be over). The present value of Ohtani's contract when signed last offseason was around $337 million. Taking into other factors, it has been described as a value closer to $430 million.

Heyman later reported Soto's deal, "could reach $600 million," but did not write off a $700 million contract. It sounds as if Soto is not interested in a largely deferred deal, presumably desiring his annual payout to be close to the AAV of the contract itself. On Nov. 27, Heyman reported that Soto is seeking a 15-year deal.

Later, most reporting and insider speculation has been around a very high AAV and a contract length anywhere from 12-14 years. Jack Curry of YES reported that the deal is likely to exceed Ohtani's $46 million per year. That would put it in a range of $564 million to $658 million if he beats Ohtani's AAV by just $1 million.

On Dec. 4, ESPN's Jeff Passan said the, "final number is going to be $600 million dollars over a double digit figure number of years." He said it was possible it could go in excess of $700 million.

Surely, some team may the $700 million he and his agent, Scott Boras, seek, but that may not be Soto's final decision. Players routinely take pay cuts for situations they view as more favorable, and all indications are Soto heavily values a setting that will give him lots of chances at the playoffs. Soto is also looking for a deal with opt-outs, a factor that seemingly pushed the Yankees to revise their opening offer to him, possibly to push back against their division rivals, the Boston Red Sox upping the aggression of their pursuit.

Juan Soto Free Agency Timeline: When Will He Make Decision?

Scott Boras, Soto's free agent, said in early November the decision will not be soon. He cited an abnormally large number of interested parties that Soto and Boras want to vet fully.

Many have speculated the Winter Meetings to be the most likely time for a deal to get done. Those take place Dec. 8-12.

Boras later (in a press conference related to one of his other clients on Dec. 3) said though no decision is imminent for Soto, the outfielder will soon start eliminating teams from contention for his services. It is not yet clear which teams are finalists.

Then, on Dec. 4, Passan reported that more meetings will take place over the weekend of Dec. 7/8 and, "at that point, Juan Soto will decide where he's going to go and we will know at latest, by the time the Winter Meetings in Dallas start."

On Nov. 26, The Athletic's Brendan Kuty confirmed that the schedule of offer rounds appears to position the finality of negotiations around the general timeframe of the Winter Meetings. Jon Morosi confirmed that in a report on Dec. 2, saying, "we will know where Juan Soto is going in the next 10 days."

Juan Soto Meetings: Every Team Reported to Have Met With Juan Soto

Here is a look at every team reported to have met with Soto to this point.

Offers

On Monday, Nov. 26, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that five teams have made official offers to Soto: The Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Blue Jays. No word on whether or not the Phillies, who were at one point expected to meet with Soto, have made an offer.

The Athletic's Brendan Kuty reported that there are expected to be, "multiple rounds," of offers for Soto.

It was reported on Dec. 2 that the Toronto Blue Jays are expected by some to have the highest offer for Soto.

On Dec. 2, Yankees insider Jack Curry reported the Yankees, "feel they've made this a priority," and, "have put their best foot forward. And they say that they are comfortable with whatever decision he ends up making because they feel that they have sent the message to him they want him in New York."

Previously, Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy publicly committed hard to the idea of handing out a massive contract to Soto even though the team has major money invested in Rafael Devers.

First Meetings

Soto met with the Boston Red Sox on Nov. 14, the first team reported to have met with him. Soto was said to be impressed with the presentation Boston brass put on, and inquired about three specific items.

Soto then met with the Toronto Blue Jays on Nov. 15, another meeting described as "impressive".

The most recent team to meet with Soto was the New York Mets on Nov. 16. He met with them on Saturday, and the Queens contingency was described as "hopeful" coming out of the meeting.

It has been speculated the New York Yankees meeting happened on Monday, Nov. 18. Team owner Hal Steinbrenner confirmed he and team officials traveled to Calif. to meet with Soto and said he was a, "priority."

"He's definitely a significant part of why we got to the World Series. I've got ears. I know what's expected of me," Steinbrenner said to the press. He said that in addition to himself, general manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone, and a few other front office members attended. Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media reported that Soto sought confirmation from Steinbrenner and the Yankees' entourage that the team would be improved year after year.

Mark Feinsand reported that the Dodgers will meet with Soto on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Alden González of ESPN confirmed it. Feinsand also reported Soto has spoken with, "at least," one other team beyond the ones that have been reported, suggesting the Giants, Phillies, and Rays were all possibilities.

Jon Heyman reported on Tuesday, Nov. 19 that the Phillies plan to meet with Soto at some point.

Second Meetings

No one has received a follow-up meeting yet, but Passan reported more meetings would occur this upcoming weekend, Dec. 7 and 8.

It's unclear if Soto will actually meet with teams a second time or just hold one meeting with each team that he shares mutual introductory interest with.

The Philadelphia Phillies, winners of 95 games and the champions of the NL East, had their season come to an abrupt end Wednesday with a 4-1 loss to the New York Mets in Game 4 of their NLDS.

The Phillies jumped out to a 1-0 lead before the Mets scored all of their runs on Francisco Lindor's grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Phillies lost in seven games in the NLCS last season and fell to the Astros in the 2022 World Series. They haven't won a title since 2008 when they beat the Rays.

A local Philadelphia news station interviewed fans after the game and one woman had a priceless take on her emotions following the loss.

"There’s a couple of low points in my life—my dog passing away and them getting a grand slam," Courtney O’Neill said. "The grand slam took the cake."

She added: "I feel like I might either check into AA, therapy, or an institute of some sort because this is crap. It's full of crap."

You gotta love sports.

Richarlison could now make a sensational return to Everton in the January transfer window amid reports that The Friedkin Group are ready to back David Moyes this winter.

The American owners went all in on the Everton boss in the summer, spending big to welcome Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish and making Tyler Dibling their second most expensive signing of all time. It was a summer fit for a side about to enter a grand new home.

But Friedkin aren’t done there. Reports are now suggesting that they’re looking to solve Everton’s striker problems in 2026 following the struggles of both Beto and summer arrival Barry.

The £27m striker has particularly disappointed. After scoring 19 goals in all competitions at Villarreal last season, he is yet to find the back of the net at Everton. His struggles have also been made worse by Beto’s poor performances.

The towering forward has scored twice in 11 games to once again highlight the Toffees’ struggles in that role. It’s something that Friedkin must solve if they want Moyes’ side to compete in the top-half.

To that end, a number of names have emerged as potential options. Everton’s scouts were reportedly in attendance for Galatasaray’s recent Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt and watched on as Victor Osimhen netted a brace. There’s no doubt that the Nigerian would hand them the ultimate solution to their problems.

Everton's £45k-p/w talent is now giving "Pienaar 2.0 vibes" under Moyes

Everton have already hit the jackpot on this talented first-teamer.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 29, 2025

Ivan Toney has also been in the headlines. The Al-Ahli forward is aware that he’ll likely need a January switch to the Premier League if he is to get into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad and reportedly wants to work with Moyes. Whether those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium are willing to match his hefty salary is another question, however.

Instead, a familiar face could yet be on his way back to Merseyside.

How Richarlison feels about Everton return

According to TeamTalk, Richarlison would now jump at the chance to join Everton in the January transfer window in what would be quite the return. The Tottenham striker has been forced to watch on from the bench in the last three Premier League games and may need to move on if he wants consistent minutes.

That’s where Everton could come in. Friedkin are ready to go all in for Moyes in January and he desperately needs an impressive striker to lead the line – something Richarlison has been for the Toffees in the past.

Appearances

152

Goals

53

Assists

15

Whether Spurs boss Thomas Frank will be open to losing his forward is another question, however.

The Dane told reporters after Richarlison got off to an excellent start earlier this season: “Fantastic he is scoring. The first one is definitely easier to score without being easy, but I have a striker that takes those two chances and helps us win the game.

“He deserves a lot of praise. He was very good against PSG and today he was exceptional, with his work-rate, driving the team, link-up play, hold-up play, just dominating and then the two finishes.

“So happy on his behalf and again performance department, medical department did a top job to build him.”

Everton's most expensive sales

Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz admitted he would love to make a switch to Manchester United despite playing for their Premier League rivals. The 29-year-old has been nothing short of transformative since arriving at Selhurst Park from Genk in January 2024. His first full season in England saw him score six goals and provide eight assists in all competitions. It was a level of productivity that caught the attention of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and several elite clubs across the continent.

The rise of Palace's defensive star

Munoz’s journey to the top of European football has been anything but conventional. Growing up in Medellín, a city once synonymous with cartel violence and some of Colombia’s most dangerous neighbourhoods, he had little margin for error. 

"I come from a difficult neighbourhood," he told Belgian newspaper . "One of the toughest in Colombia. There are few options. I don’t think you know that in Belgium. Young people don’t have the chance to just become what they want to become.

“It was difficult for me and my family. There have been certain moments that have shaped me, such as the death of several friends. You see a lot of things: death, hooliganism, robbery… it is a different world, one where everything does not always end well. At one point, I had to make a choice. Which way do I want to go? Do I choose the path that ends as it ended with one of my friends? Or do I walk a different path and make the best of it? I chose the latter."

Those experiences hardened him and shaped him into a player and person who understands adversity far better than most. Before he ever stepped onto a professional pitch, Munoz was part of the ultras at Atletico Nacional, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Los del Sur, as he sang and chanted for the club he adored. And at 16, he walked away from the terraces to pursue the game full-time.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFrom South America to the Premier League

Munoz’s early professional years with Aguilas Doradas saw him play nearly 100 matches in Colombia’s top flight before he fulfilled his childhood dream of joining Atletico Nacional in 2019. In less than two seasons, he became the captain of his team.

His performances drew the eye of European scouts, and Genk paid €4.5 million to bring him to Belgium. There, he blossomed into the Jupiler League’s standout right-back, and Palace did not hesitate when the opportunity arrived, signing him on a four-year deal. Since then, Munoz has become an indispensable piece of Glasner’s high-intensity system. He assisted the goal that helped the Eagles clinch the FA Cup last season and his consistent performances reportedly drew interest from Barcelona and Champions League winners PSG.

A dream to represent the continent's best

Munoz spoke candidly to Colombian outlet about the long-standing rumours linking him to major European powers.

"First of all, I think there’s a lot of talk about one club or another," Munoz said. "If you ask me, it would be a dream come true to play for one of these clubs, whether it’s Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, or Manchester United."

Munoz did not disguise the ambition that has fuelled his rise: "I think I’m working towards that; I strive every day to one day attract the attention of one of these clubs, because it’s a dream of mine to get there."

However, the defender quickly brushed aside those rumours and insisted that he remains focussed on his job at Palace. 

"Right now I’m focused on my club, on doing things well at Crystal Palace," he said. "If you ask me, I don’t have any concrete information that any of these clubs are interested in me. My focus is on Crystal Palace; we’ll see when the winter transfer window gets closer. Right now, I’m fully focused on these two matches with the national team."

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Getty ImagesWhat comes next?

For Palace supporters, his words might provoke mixed emotions. On the one hand, his desire to reach the highest level and play for the European heavyweights is very natural. On the other hand, his presence has been vital to their transformation under Glasner. However, he has a contract with the Eagles until 2028, and any suitor will have to fork out a significant transfer fee to whisk him away from the English capital. In the short term, Munoz will complete Colombia’s upcoming internationals against New Zealand and Australia during the November break. After returning to London, he will shift focus to Palace’s next Premier League fixture against Wolves on November 22.

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda could be on the move in the January transfer window after it was claimed that he is open to leaving the Scottish giants.

Journalist Graeme Bailey reported earlier this week that the Japan international is “ready to leave” the club, which comes after the Hoops blocked a potential transfer away from Parkhead in the summer.

It remains to be seen how much money the Scottish Premiership champions could rake in for him in January, but he is currently the most valuable member of the squad.

The most valuable players in the Celtic squad

Per Transfermarkt, Maeda is valued at £13m at this moment in time. That is at least £1m more than any other member of the squad, which speaks to how valuable he is to the team.

The Japanese forward scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists in 51 matches in all competitions (Transfermarkt) last term, hence why he is so highly valued and why losing him in January would be a big blow.

Daizen Maeda

£13m

Cameron Carter-Vickers

£12m

Reo Hatate

£11m

Arne Engels

£8.5m

Alistair Johnston

£8m

As you can see in the table above, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels, and Alistair Johnston make up the rest of the top five most valuable players at the club.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Celtic’s top goalscorer in all competitions, Benjamin Nygren, does not feature within the top five most valuable players, but he could break into that list if he keeps up his current form, as the Hoops already appear to have hit the jackpot with him.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with Benjamin Nygren

The Scottish giants signed the central midfielder from Nordsjaelland for a reported fee of £1.3m in the summer transfer window to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ options out wide and in midfield.

Celtic were able to agree a cut-price deal for the Sweden international because his contract with the Danish club was due to expire at the end of 2025, which means that they were able to take advantage of the situation to land a bargain.

The left-footed star, who was described as “fearless” by international teammate Alexander Isak, has produced quality performances on the pitch in the Premiership that prove that the Hoops hit the jackpot with this signing.

xG

2.82

Top 1%

xG on target

4.37

Top 1%

Goals

4

Top 1%

Shots on target

9

Top 1%

xA

2.36

Top 4%

Chances created

18

Top 1%

Assists

1

Top 33%

As you can see in the table above, Nygren has been one of the best midfielders in the division, if not the best, at scoring and creating goals this season.

The 24-year-old star, who is the club’s top scorer in all competitions with four goals (Transfermarkt), has scored four goals and created 2.6 chances per game across seven outings in the Premiership, per Sofascore.

Whilst these statistics show that Celtic have hit the jackpot on Nygren because of his outstanding performances on the pitch, the club have also struck gold with his market valuation.

Transfermarkt currently values the Sweden international at £5.2m. This is 300% more than the £1.3m fee that the Hoops reportedly paid for him in the summer, which suggests that they could make a significant profit on him if they decided to cash in.

Forget Tounekti: Celtic's "exciting" star could become their new Kuhn

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ByDan Emery Oct 7, 2025

Therefore, Celtic have hit the jackpot with this signing because it has already worked out on the pitch, and the finances behind it make it all the more impressive.

Everton’s defeat at Manchester City last weekend was a setback many have to endure across a Premier League campaign, being put to the sword by Erling Haaland.

But David Moyes knows his side have made headway since the summer all the same, 12th after eight matches but within a stone’s throw of European contention.

Recruiting the likes of Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer was a concerted effort toward adding difference-makers to the ranks.

But Jarrad Branthwaite might be the most influential of them all, and the hitch in his recovery from injury could be a significant blow for Moyes’ side.

The latest on Branthwaite's fitness

For the second season running, Everton have been without Branthwaite’s powerful service for the opening months. Now, as we near November, the England defender requires surgery on his persistent muscular problems.

The complication from the hamstring issue he has been recovering from is expected to rule him out for a lengthy period, and though an exact timeframe has not been provided, it’s likely we will not see the “absolute monster”, as he has been described in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig, until 2026.

While the Merseysiders have impressed from a defensive vantage, nine goals conceded, Branthwaite’s inclusion would only elevate Moyes’ project.

Michael Keane, 32, has proved a solid deputy in his countryman’s stead this season, starting each of Everton’s eight Premier League matches.

However, there’s another member of the Toffees squad who Moyes might want to consider dropping into the middle. When this has occurred thus far this term, it could be argued that Everton look a more balanced and smoother outfit.

Everton "revelation" could replace Branthwaite

Everton have improved since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in the dugout, but the issues picked out at the start of the campaign – the concerns over the quality of the strikers and the lack of depth on the defensive flanks – remain key points of discussion as we inch toward the winter transfer market.

Despite the problems on the flanks, Moyes might want to consider drawing Jake O’Brien into his natural centre-half berth, having utilised the Irishman almost exclusively as a makeshift right-back since arriving at Goodison Park in January.

O’Brien, 24, joined Everton from Lyon for £15m in August 2024, but he was left on the periphery for the bulk of Dyche’s half-term in charge last year.

Moyes saw a left-field solution in the towering defender, though, and placed him on the wing of his backline. There he remained for the duration of the campaign.

Now several months into the new campaign, the “revelation”, as he was hailed by journalist Zach Lowy for his performances in France, remains Moyes’ most trusted lieutenant.

Moyes’ Most-used Everton Players (2nd tenure)
#	Player	Apps
1.	Jake O’Brien	29
1=	Beto	29
3.	James Garner	28
4.	Jordan Pickford	28
5.	Idrissa Gueye	28
Data via Transfermarkt

But the time has come for him to return home. Everton might have a paucity of potential at right-back, but a natural option in the role may well prove to iron out tactical wrinkles which are proving to the detriment of Everton’s fluency.

O’Brien, after all, stands at 6 foot 5 and struggles to progress the ball effectively. On top of this, Sofascore record that he has lost 60% of his ground duels in the Premier League this year, which runs counter to his combative and crunching qualities when operating in his natural habitat.

James Garner isn’t a natural right-back, but he is good on the ball and could fill in if need be.

Keane is an industrious defender, but he’s slow and limited on the ball. Everton are all about evolution right now, but if Branthwaite is booked in for an extended stay in the infirmary, shifting O’Brien into his natural position is surely a no-brainer.

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By
Will Miller

Oct 17, 2025

Worcestershire 316 for 6 (D’Oliveira 138, Libby 69) beat Derby 315 (Jewell 113, Montgomery 92) by four wicketsBrett D’Oliveira’s List A best 138 led Worcestershire Rapids to a four-wicket victory over Derbyshire Falcons in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup Group A match at Repton School.Rapids skipper Jake Libby made 69 before 19-year-old Dan Lategan scored an unbeaten 42 off 39 balls on his first-team debut to take the Rapids to their target of 316 with 11 balls to spare.Caleb Jewell made 113 off 107 balls and Matt Montgomery 92 before the Falcons lost their last five wickets for 25 to be bowled out for 315. The Rapids were in trouble at 11 for 2 but D’Oliveira and Libby revived them before Lategan saw them over the line.There was a sell-out crowd as first team cricket returned to Repton School for the first time since 1988 and the Falcons made a solid start after they were put in.Jewell and Harry Came took the score to 46 before Came pulled Kurram Shahzad into the hands of leg slip. But that was the Rapids last success for 24 overs as Jewell and Montgomery took full advantage of a good batting pitch.After reaching 50 from 57 balls, Jewell pulled Ben Allison for six and swept D’Oliveira for another maximum with 15 coming from his first over. Jewell surged towards his century, which came off 96 balls, by driving and sweeping D’Oliveira for two more fours before pulling Ethan Brookes over the ropes.Montgomery drove Brookes down the ground for four to go to his first 50 for the Falcons and the stand was worth 150 when Jewell skied a cut at Brookes into the covers.Brooke Guest missed a cut at Fateh Singh and the left-arm spinner ended Montomery’s fine innings by having him caught behind.Amrit Basra drove Allison to mid-on and the Falcons hopes of a total above 350 crumbled as the last five wickets fell in six overs. After Martin Andersson was lbw to Singh, Allison had Ross Whiteley caught at short midwicket and bowled Zak Chappell before Shahzad cleaned up.Even so, a target of 316 was a challenging one and it looked even tougher when the Rapids lost two wickets in the first four overs. Isaac Mohammed was dropped at second slip without a run on the board but failed to take advantage, slicing Ben Aitchison to third man.Rory Haydon beat Kashif Ali’s drive but D’Oliveira and Libby regrouped before asserting themselves on the bowlers.D’Oliveira cut and drove Haydon for sixes on his way to a run a ball 50 and with Libby easing the ball into the gaps, the momentum swung towards the Rapids.D’Oliveira took three fours from a Chappell over as he accelerated to an 84 ball hundred but Haydon returned to give the game another twist. He bowled Libby to end a stand of 183 in 28 overs and then deceived Brookes who chipped to short midwicket.Lategan pulled Haydon for six and with 67 needed from the last 10 overs, drove Jack Morley for another maximum. When he went for a repeat, Aitchison took the catch at long-on only to step on the rope but Morley hit back by bowling D’Oliveira.Henry Cullen sliced to cover but Lategan showed nerve and skill to settle an absorbing contest.