Lionel Messi has hinted that he will form part of Argentina’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, with the all-time great expecting that event to be “extraordinary”. Questions have been asked of whether Messi, who will turn 39 next summer, will grace another international tournament. He is, however, excited about what the United States, Canada and Mexico have to offer.
Messi's international record: Caps & goals for Argentina
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi helped his country to global glory at Qatar 2022. He completed his medal collection there, with the most prestigious of trophies being hoisted aloft in the Middle East.
Ever since that triumph, speculation has raged regarding how much longer the South American GOAT will make himself available to Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi has reached 195 international caps, scoring 114 goals along the way.
He is considered to have taken in a final competitive outing on home soil, but is expected to remain in contention for selection through to next summer. That will allow him to lead the Albisceleste into a World Cup title defence as captain of his nation.
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World Cup hint? Messi excited about 2026 finals
Messi has been playing cards close to his chest when it comes to potential involvement at that tournament, but he has now spoken of his excitement at seeing the World Cup head to America – where he is currently plying his club trade for MLS side Inter Miami.
Speaking at the American Business Forum in Florida, Messi said: “I have very high expectations that the World Cup is going to be something extraordinary. There are going to be some great matches. Teams from all over the world are coming, and some of them are very big.”
Having previously suggested that he would not make another appearance at FIFA’s flagship event, Messi said after bidding an emotional farewell to Argentina supporters during a qualification clash with Venezuela in September: “I said it at the time. I don't think I'll play in another World Cup. Due to my age, it's logical that I won't make it, but we're there and I'm excited. I'm taking it day by day, feeling the sensations. And what's clear is that today was the last game here.”
Last dance: Messi urged to join Ronaldo at World Cup
Messi has been urged to take in a last dance with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 finals, with both men entering the latter stages of their record-shattering careers. Cope journalist Tomas Guasch has said: “We were all very calm until Leo Messi appeared, questioning his presence at next year's World Cup. He says it's normal for him not to be there. But if that World Cup had any appeal, it was the final dance between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, in what would be one of the most tremendous and grandiose epics in the history of football and world sport. But Leo casts doubt on that.
“I hope he plays in the World Cup even if he's embalmed. Because there are 48 teams playing, hundreds of players, and only Messi is missing? I think it would be a joke for football, and someone should intervene. You can't leave us alone.”
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Inter Miami contract: Messi committed through 2028
While international retirement appears to be imminent, Messi has extended his contract at Inter Miami through 2028. He is looking forward to helping the Herons move into a new stadium next year, with Sir David Beckham and Co drawing up ambitious plans for the future.
Messi said of penning a new deal: “The fact of renewing goes hand in hand with how well we are doing, how well the family is doing and being able to continue helping in the growth of the club.”
Messi and his wife Antonela have felt settled in South Florida since moving to the United States in 2023. Inter Miami have savoured Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield triumphs since then, with a crucial playoff decider with Nashville set to be taken in on Saturday as the Herons look to chase down ultimate MLS Cup glory in 2025.
حدد نادي ليفربول الإنجليزي، أحد اللاعبين ليكون أولوية له خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفية المقبلة، للتعاقد معه كبديل للنجم المصري محمد صلاح على المدى البعيد.
ويبلغ محمد صلاح 33 عاماً حالياً، وأمامه موسم شاق على مستوى النادي والمنتخب، حيث سيشارك في بطولتين دوليتين مع منتخب مصر ويواجه ضغطًا كبيرًا على الصعيد المحلي والأوروبي.
ويمتلك محمد صلاح عقداً مع ليفربول حتى عام 2027، وقد يكون مستقبله مفتوحاً في الصيف المقبل وستكون أكبر الأندية السعودية مهتمة باللاعب وسيقدمون إغراءات للحصول على خدماته.
وبحسب “ANFIELD WATCH” فإنه في حالة رحيل محمد صلاح عن ليفربول، فإن بطل الدوري الانجليزي قد يسعى للتعاقد مع أنطوان سيمينو لاعب بورنموث أو مايكل أوليس لاعب بايرن ميونخ أو أي لاعب آخر في مركزه.
اقرأ أيضاً.. مازلت عالقاً في ذاكرته.. كورتوا يكشف السر وراء لقطته المضحكة مع محمد صلاح
وقد انضم جارود بوين نجم وست هام كأحد الأسماء التي برزت مؤخراً ليكون خليفة للنجم المصري محمد صلاح ويعد محل اهتمام ليفربول على مدار السنوات القليلة الماضية، ولكنه يمتلك عقداً حتى عام 2030.
ويبلغ لاعب وسط وست هام 28 عاماً حالياً وسيتطلب انتقاله دفع تكلفة باهظة بجانب راتبه، ومع ذلك فإن بوين يبقى لاعباً مهماً على مستوى التسجيل وصناعة التمريرات الحاسمة.
وقد يجد وست هام صعوبة كبيرة في الاحتفاظ بنجمه بوين خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفية 2026، ويعد توتنهام أكثر الأندية إلى جانب الريدز، إعجاباً بقدرات لاعب الهامرز، بالإضافة إلى مانشستر يونايتد ونيوكاسل وأتلتيكو مدريد الذي راقبه في وقت سابق.
Chelsea now hold concrete interest in signing a “powerful” striker, having already submitted an offer for his services, it has been revealed.
Blues keen on centre-forward despite Pedro's strong start
After sanctioning the departures of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson in the summer transfer window, the Blues brought in Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, with the latter making a flying start to life in west London.
The Brazilian has amassed five goal contributions in his opening six Premier League games, although he hasn’t been his best as of late, recording an xG of 0 in the disappointing 3-1 defeat at home against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
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With Delap still relatively inexperienced and set to be sidelined until around December due to a hamstring issue, Enzo Maresca is currently short on options in attack, and another centre-forward has been identified as a target ahead of the January transfer window.
According to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now shown concrete interest in signing Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, after making an impressive start to the campaign in La Liga.
The Blues have already made a formal approach for Etta Eyong, submitting a bid off the back of a solid 2024-25 season, and they are now set to battle it out for his signature.
Back in the summer, it was widely reported that Levante paid just €3m (£2.6m) for the 21-year-old, but former employers Villarreal have the right of first refusal, which could complicate a potential approach from Chelsea.
"Powerful" Etta Eyong impressing in first campaign at senior level
The youngster was unable to make the grade at Villarreal, playing reserve football throughout the 2024-25 campaign, but he has since made the step-up to senior level, amassing seven goals and assists in La Liga so far this season.
Lauded as a “powerful” striker by journalist Kai Watson, the Cameroonian has also showcased his ability to perform against some top clubs, scoring Levante’s only goal in the 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid, while also finding the back of the net against Arsenal back in pre-season.
Not only is the starlet impressive going forward, but he has also displayed his ability to pitch in defensively, placing in the top 2% for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.76 (97th percentile)
Assists
0.46 (99th percentile)
Tackles
1.52 (98th percentile)
Blocks
0.91 (90th percentile)
Clearances
1.22 (82nd percentile)
That said, having already signed Delap in the summer, there are doubts over whether Chelsea need to bring in another young striker anytime soon, and Etta Eyong is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, so it will not be the end of the world if they miss out.
A worrying update has dropped regarding the future of a “fantastic” Liverpool player, with a huge club confident that they will sign him next year.
Liverpool linked with potential Salah successors
Mohamed Salah continues to be one of the best players in the Premier League, despite the fact that his form has been well short of its best so far this season.
At 33 years of age, however, Liverpool do need to be aware that the Egyptian legend isn’t getting any younger, and that an elite replacement will eventually need to be found, in order to make the transition as seamless as possible when it happens.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana has been linked with a move to Anfield, being touted as a Salah successor, with the Belgian a hugely talented young player who can excel on either flank. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich star Michael Olise is also reportedly considered a leading option to come in and be Liverpool’s next star winger, with the Frenchman already scoring three goals in two Bundesliga appearances this season.
Away from the Salah situation, there is a Reds player whose future needs to be resolved as soon as possible, with a new update dropping.
Club think they will sign Liverpool regular
Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic, journalist Mario Cortegana claimed that Real Madrid feel Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate wants to move to the Bernabeu.
This comes just days after it was reported that Konate is in “very advanced” talks over a move to Madrid, with the rumours refusing to go away.
He doesn’t appear to be any closer to extending his stay, with the European giants considering him a key target alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba.
At this point, it does certainly feel more than possible that Konate could join Madrid next year, with his current Liverpool deal expiring in 2026 and no sign of an extension being agreed currently.
The £70,000-a-week Frenchman is an important player who the Reds should be looking to tie down, though, with Virgil van Dijk one admirer, heaping praise on him early last season.
“I think we need everyone to be at their best. He is a fantastic player who still can be better. As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding in my opinion.”
Konate has received criticism for some poor form this season, but that shouldn’t cloud the fact that he is Liverpool’s second-most important defender and he has been a regular under Slot.
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While losing him to Madrid wouldn’t necessarily feel like the end of the world, some supporters may only fully appreciate the job he does when he leaves, and how hard it may be to replace him.
Arsenal’s summer transfer window underlined their ambition to finally turn promise into silverware.
After finishing second last season, ten points behind Liverpool, and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, Mikel Arteta moved aggressively in the market.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetacelebrates after Bukayo Saka scores their second goal
Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Nørgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapié all arrived.
However, the two headline signings were Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon and Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.
Although Arsenal’s early results have shown promise, several issues still need to be addressed.
They opened with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford and followed it with a 5-0 demolition of Leeds at the Emirates.
But a trip to Anfield exposed their old frustrations, as they failed to test Liverpool and slipped to a 1-0 defeat courtesy of a wondrous Dominic Szoboszlai free-kick. Gyokeres, meanwhile, was far from his best…
Gyökeres and the Anfield Test
Gyökeres was signed for £63.5m with the expectation that he could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s title chase.
The 27-year-old had left Sporting Lisbon with a scarcely believable record of 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 appearances.
According to FBref, he combines the raw power of a traditional striker with modern mobility, ranking in the 94th percentile for goals per 90 minutes (0.85) and the 97th percentile for progressive passes received (8.50 per 90).
In other words, he not only scores frequently but consistently finds space behind the defensive line. His home debut hinted at that pedigree.
Two goals against Leeds made for a dream Emirates introduction.
Yet the Anfield clash told a very different story. Arsenal mustered just a single shot on target across 90 minutes, and Gyökeres looked isolated throughout.
He finished the game with no shots attempted, just one dribble, and only two key passes created for teammates. Of his seven attempted passes, just five found their mark (71%), and he lost possession six times.
In duels, he fared little better: winning three of five on the ground but none of his three aerial battles.
Those numbers didn’t reflect a lack of effort; they reflected a lack of supply.
Gyökeres is built to attack space and thrive off quick service, but when that supply line is starved, he drifts out of games.
At Anfield, he was forced to drop deep in search of the ball, which blunted his penalty-box threat and left Arsenal short of a central presence when they did occasionally progress up the pitch.
For a striker capable of bullying defences and finishing ruthlessly, the lesson was clear: he cannot do it alone.
He needs a consistent creative partner feeding him opportunities.
Eberechi Eze is the key to unlocking Gyokeres
That’s where Eze comes in.
Signed for £60m, the England international returned to the club that once released him as a teenager.
Introduced from the bench at Anfield on the 70th minute, he offered a glimpse of why Martin Keown once called him an “immense talent.”
His ability to glide into half-spaces, receive under pressure and commit defenders suggested a player tailor-made to unlock Gyökeres.
The data paints the same picture.
Matches Played
34
Goals
8
Assists
8
Progressive Passes
97
Progressive Carries
69
Shot-Creating Actions
135
At Crystal Palace last season, Eze ranked in the 84th percentile for assists per 90 (0.30) and the 83rd percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.64), underlining his consistent creative output, as per FBref.
He also sat in the 75th percentile for key passes (1.97 per 90) and the 73rd percentile for crosses (4.09 per 90).
Few midfielders in the league combined end product with such variety in chance creation.
Just as importantly, Eze has proven he can thrive alongside a physically imposing striker.
At Palace, his link-up play with Jean-Philippe Mateta became a central weapon.
Eze would drift between the lines, drag markers out of position, and release angled passes into Mateta’s runs.
Gyökeres, with his superior movement and finishing, is a natural upgrade on that template.
The parallels are striking: a technician who thrives on the half-turn paired with a hulking centre-forward built to punish defences.
At Anfield, Arsenal’s failure to connect midfield and attack highlighted the need for exactly that kind of partnership.
As Eze becomes an established member of the side, Gyökeres’ movement into channels and across the penalty area can finally be rewarded.
Gyökeres has already shown he can bully defenders and stretch backlines, while Eze has proven he can unlock tightly set defences with vision and flair.
Together, they can transform Arsenal’s sterile possession into penetrative football.
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Fabrizio Romano has now shared another update on Tottenham and their pursuit of Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, with chairman Daniel Levy serious about backing new manager Thomas Frank in this latter stage of the summer window.
Spurs are in dire need of a fresh number 10 option, and were so even before James Maddison’s lengthy injury lay-off.
The Lilywhites were on the verge of striking a £60 million deal for Morgan Gibbs-White this time last month, but an unprecedented chain of events involving legal threats saw the attacking midfielder remain at Nottingham Forest – where he’s since penned a new deal.
Maddison’s ACL rupture has merely accelerated Levy’s plans to reinforce Frank’s central attacking options, with Spurs now actively pursuing a deal for Eze as their chief solution.
Reports earlier this week claimed that Tottenham want to pay a similar fee to that of Mohammed Kudus, who they signed from West Ham for around £55 million, whereas Palace are demanding close to £70m.
“Eze a longstanding target, but earlier in the window Spurs had decided not to move,” wrote journalist Ben Jacobs, via X.
“Spurs aware Arsenal have player buy in, but believe Eze has not discounted their project. Spurs also prepared to move quickly. Both Spurs and Arsenal view Eze as a No.10. Understand Spurs’ starting valuation similar to the £55m paid for Mohammed Kudus. Palace want £68m release clause triggered or matched, even after it expires.”
In some exciting news for Spurs supporters, a deal for the 27-year-old wouldn’t have any impact on their pursuit of Man City winger Savinho, who’s viewed as a separate move entirely to Eze and not an alternative.
In quick succession, Levy and technical director Johan Lange are attempting to both fill the creative void left by Maddison’s absence and sign a replacement for club legend Son Heung-min, who departed for MLS side LAFC nearly two weeks ago.
Fabrizio Romano shares what he's now heard about Tottenham and Eberechi Eze
Taking to X on Thursday, Romano shared an update on Tottenham’s negotiations for Eze.
The reliable transfer journalist claims that Spurs are prepared to open formal talks for the England international, and confirmed that Eze would be keen on a move to N17 if Palace and their London rivals can agree on a fee.
The former QPR star bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, not to mention Palace’s FA Cup final-winning strike against Man City at Wembley – a moment of heroics which saw Oliver Glasner’s side lift the club’s first ever major trophy.
He also averaged more shots, key passes and successful takes-ons per 90 than any of his teammates in the top flight, with Tottenham now working to hijack Arsenal’s long-term interest in Eze by moving ahead first.
The quick bowlers have purely played one-day cricket so far this season amid a carefully managed return
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Australia contracted fast bowlers Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson are in line for their first Sheffield Shield appearances in a year after being named in Western Australia’s squad to face South Australia for the day-night game at Adelaide Oval.The pair have been carefully managed in the early stages of this season – Richardson has played four domestic one-day games and Morris three alongside the final ODI against Pakistan – and it’s understood they will both be on workload restrictions during the Shield match.Related
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That could leave captain Asthon Turner, who continues to deputise for the injured Sam Whiteman, with a juggling act and opens the door for allrounder Keaton Critchell to possibly make his debut.Richardson was buoyed by how he came through a recent Second XI match as he increased his workloads.”To be honest, felt like I was alive again,” Richardson said last week. “The bones and the muscles were a little bit sore, but that’s a good thing. Means you’ve done something purposeful. Haven’t had that feeling for a long time. So very happy.”I think for the game, I bowled a spell of six, a spell of seven, and another two spells of six, or something like that. So they were relatively long spells, which is a good thing. I was able to sort of get into a bit of rhythm and feel what it’s like to bowl a long spell again.”Lance Morris featured in the last ODI against Pakistan•Getty ImagesMeanwhile, Morris was the one positive to emerge from Australia’s thrashing against Pakistan in Perth as he took 2 for 24 from six overs.Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar has been ruled out due to the left shoulder injury he sustained against Victoria in the last round and WA said he was targeting the “early stages” of the BBL with Perth Scorchers for a return. Quick bowler Brody Couch has been rested after playing all four matches this season.Defending champions WA were beaten in the previous round but remain second on the table with two games remaining before the BBL break.This floodlit fixture is one of three added to the schedule at the behest of the Australia management who wanted players to have more exposure to day-night four-day matches.Western Australia squadAshton Turner (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Hilton Cartwright, Keaton Critchell, Joel Curtis, Sam Fanning, Cameron Gannon, Jayden Goodwin, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Teague Wyllie.
Glasgow Rangers have agreed a deal to bring a “truly great” player to Ibrox, according to a big update from Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.
Russell Martin unhappy after Rangers draw
The Gers kicked off their Scottish Premiership season in disappointing fashion on Saturday, only managing to draw 1-1 away to Motherwell after conceding a late equaliser.
It’s fair to say that Rangers manager Russell Martin wasn’t holding back after the game, telling certain players to “drop their ego” and making it clear that improvements are needed.
“Some of them have to drop their ego, I’ll look at us tactically and accept my responsibility in it. But today, it’s not really tactical, it’s a mentality problem, and we got more than what we deserved actually.
Rangers managerRussellMartinapplauds fans after the match
“We need work out who really wants to be all in and who doesn’t. But Europe is not an excuse. This club demands to play in Europe. We’ve qualified for that, so we’re going to be playing in Europe a lot and we’re going to have games after the European games a lot, and we have to manage them way better than today.”
There is still time for Rangers to make new signings, which Martin may want if he is unhappy with some of his current squad, and it now looks as though one piece of business is edging closer to being completed.
Rangers agree deal to sign "truly great" player
According to Joseph on X, Rangers have now agreed a deal in principle to sign Oliver Antman from Go Ahead Eagles this summer, worth £3m.
This is great news for the Gers, with the draw at Motherwell showing that added quality is required this summer, not least in wide attacking areas. Antman has the potential to be an excellent signing for the Scottish giants, with Ibrahim Afellay showering him with praise in the past.
“That Antman is really… I think the treasurer is rubbing his hands. He’s just going to make a great transfer at the end of the season. That boy is so smart. He is also technically skilled and has depth in his game. A truly great player. If I were AZ, I would take him blindly.”
Finland
22
7
Finland Under-21s
11
2
Finland Under-19s
5
0
Finland Under-18s
2
1
Still only 23 years of age, there is so much time for Antman to improve as a player, and his ability to thrive on either flank will appeal greatly to Martin.
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A tally of 16 assists in just 36 appearances for Go Ahead Eagles speaks volumes about his creativity, while seven goals in 22 caps for Finland is also an impressive return.
Australia sweat over captain Healy’s fitness ahead of the knockouts
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Aus vs SA match-ups: Can Schutt trip up Brits?
Australia vs South Africa Dubai, 6pm local timeAustralia squad: Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Heather Graham, Tayla Vlaeminck (ruled out)South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe TryonTournament form guide: Australia are unbeaten in this T20 World Cup, winning all four of their games so far. In their last group match, they beat India in a high-octane clash by nine runs. South Africa have a 3-1 record having lost their second match of the tournament to England.News brief: Australia were without captain Alyssa Healy for their match against India. She arrived at the game in Sharjah on crutches having sustained a foot injury while batting on 37 against Pakistan on Friday. Tahlia McGrath led the side in her absence, with Ellyse Perry deputising and Beth Mooney keeping wicket.”As it stands, it’s the same thing for Midgie [Healy],” Perry said on the eve of the semi-final. “The medical staff and the team are going to give her every opportunity and possibility of playing tomorrow night but I don’t think anything’s changed in that respect. We’ll just have to see in the next 24 hours.”Alyssa Healy watched Australia’s win against India from the sidelines•ICC/Getty ImagesFast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, who hurt her shoulder on her T20 World Cup return against Pakistan, was ruled out of the tournament with Heather Graham named her replacement. Grace Harris and Darcie Brown came into the playing XI as replacements for the India game.South Africa do not have injury concerns and are unlikely to make changes to their winning combination. Their record against Australia is not great, having won just one out of the 10 T20Is they’ve played each other. Their first-ever win came in Canberra in January this year in a bilateral series. South Africa have not won a single World Cup game against Australia in either format. Thursday will be a rematch of the 2023 T20 World Cup final, in which South Africa suffered a heartbreaking loss in front of their home crowd in Cape Town.South Africa have played three matches in Dubai this tournament while Australia have played just one match – against Pakistan – at the venue. The average first-innings score is 126, with India posting the highest total of 172 against Sri Lanka last Wednesday.Player to watch: Experienced pacer Megan Schutt’s miserly spells have been crucial to all four of Australia’s wins. She started the tournament with 3 for 12 against Sri Lanka on a spin-friendly track, finished with stunning figures of 3 for 3 against New Zealand and followed it up with 1 for 7 in her three overs against Pakistan in Dubai. Against India, she gave away 24 runs in her first three overs but returned to turn the game on its head in the 17th over by conceding just one run, leaving India with 40 to get off 18 balls.Tazmin Brits’ solid starts have been among the biggest positives for South Africa. After a 57 not out to start the competition, she crossed the 40-run mark in each of her last two matches. Against Bangladesh, on a slow track, she played a patient innings of 42 off 41 balls to help South Africa to a comfortable win. She also played an important hand in South Africa’s first and only T20I win against Australia earlier this year, scoring a fiery 41 off 28 with eight fours in a chase of 143.
Birmingham City now want to sign an “outstanding” midfielder with experience at the highest level on a free transfer this summer, according to a recent report.
In preparation for their season back in the Championship, the Blues have been busy in the transfer market, adding nine new players to Chris Davies’ squad, with Kyogo Furuhashi their most expensive capture to date.
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However, their business appears to be far from finished as they remain interested in signing Kieran Dowell from Rangers. The attacking midfielder spent last season on loan at St Andrews, and the Blues are said to be keen on striking a permanent transfer. However, they face a fresh problem, and that is Rangers boss Russell Martin has been using Dowell in pre-season, after it was expected that he would be surplus to requirements on his return to Ibrox.
Kieran Dowell
As they continue to look into a deal for Dowell, Birmingham are also interested in signing attacker Hwang Hee-Chan from Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. It is reported that Hwang is considered a top target, given his experience in the Premier League.
However, the £14 million fee Wolves would want plus the player’s wages mean a deal may be hard, and the Championship side are now turning their attention to alternative targets.
Champions League winner could join Blues in free signing
According to EFL Analysis, Birmingham City are among the teams from the EFL who are interested in signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The 31-year-old, who has been capped 35 times by England, is leaving Turkish giants Besiktas, as they have decided to agree to a settlement on the final year of his contract. Oxlade-Chamberlain is now expected to head back to the UK, as he is in talks with a number of clubs over a possible transfer.
As well as Birmingham, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Sheffield United, Coventry City, Stoke City and former club Southampton have been made aware of his situation. North of the border, Rangers are also interested in a deal and are considering making an approach.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s 24/25 league stats
Apps
18
Starts
14
Goals
1
Touches per game
34.7
Passes per game (accuracy)
23.2 (85%)
Key passes per game
0.1
Interceptions per game
0.3
Tackles per game
0.9
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who won the Champions League back in 2019 with Liverpool, has been with Besiktas for two seasons, during which he has struggled for regular game time in the Süper Lig. He has played 38 games in total across the two league seasons and has scored a combined five goals.
His time in England was more successful, as he scored 20 goals in 235 Premier League games, and while he wasn’t always a regular at Liverpool, former boss Jürgen Klopp labelled the England international an “outstanding” player.
Klopp said: “Ox is an outstanding player, an outstanding player, was always and will always be.”