West Ham United have now submitted a major enquiry over a deal for a “magic” midfielder, who is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.
West Ham set sights on midfielder amid Alvarez uncertainty
There is now an expectation that Edson Alvarez will exit the London Stadium this summer, having fallen down the pecking order, and Ajax are thought to be considering a loan move for their former midfielder.
The Mexican was benched for Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against Sunderland, but starters Guido Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse didn’t exactly fare well at the Stadium of Light, both being withdrawn after the 70-minute mark with the Hammers 2-0 down.
Consequently, Graham Potter may be eager to get at least one new central midfielder through the door prior to the transfer deadline, and the Irons have now joined the race for Bayer Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia.
Bayer Leverkusen'sAleixGarciacelebrates scoring their fourth goal with Nathan Tella
However, the five-time Spain international is not the only option on the shortlist, with Potter’s side now joining the race for a versatile midfielder, who is able to play in a multitude of positions.
That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which states West Ham have now submitted a major enquiry over a deal for RB Leipzig’s Eljif Elmas, who has regularly featured in attacking midfield and on both wings throughout his career.
Elmas has predominantly been utilised in a central midfield role, however, and the maestro was particularly impressive during a stint with reigning Serie A champions Napoli, who are also in the race for his signature.
Their new Rice: West Ham now in the mix to sign PL "monster" for Potter
West Ham are in the race to sign a midfielder who could be their best since Declan Rice.
ByWill Miller Aug 17, 2025
Despite only arriving at Leipzig for a fee of €24m (£21m) in 2024, the 25-year-old wants to leave the German club this summer, and he would be keen on a move to the Premier League or a return to the Serie A.
"Magic" Elmas could be exciting addition for West Ham
While the North Macedonia international’s move to Leipzig hasn’t worked out, with the Bundesliga side open to sanctioning a departure this summer, there are plenty of signs he could be a solid addition to Potter’s midfield.
The former Napoli man was a key player for the Italian club during their Scudetto-winning 2022-23 campaign, picking up six goals and three assists in 36 outings, with his side going on to lift the title.
Robert Earnshaw has also praised the Leipzig ace for his performances at international level in the past, saying: “He has this magic in him. He has the ability to create something out of nothing. Great movement, intelligent, he understands spacing and time and he can finish.”
Elmas’ attacking prowess, coupled with his versatility, could make him an exciting addition to West Ham’s squad, although the fact the North Macedonian struggled to adapt to life in the Bundesliga will be a concern.
Aston Villa fans will be concerned about the amount of outgoings currently being talked about at Villa Park.
Indeed, every passing day seems to throw up another rumoured casualty from the West Midlands giants, with Ollie Watkins the next high-profile name to be linked with an exit as Arsenal show an interest in the lethal Premier League goal machine again.
Emiliano Martinez’s name is also in this constant conversation, with a move to Manchester United reportedly lined up.
But why is this all happening? Well, Unai Emery’s men are trying to balance the books by whatever means necessary to comply with stringent PSR rules.
Aston Villa chasing £30m signing
Martinez and Watkins aren’t the only key members of the Villa squad who could depart the Midlands this summer with Arsenal also allegedly eyeing Morgan Rogers.
If the England international does exit, presumably for a colossal fee, they would need a replacement.
Morgan Rogers
Well, according to reports from Spain, via Sport Witness, Villa are continuing to hunt the signature of Real Betis starlet Jesus Rodriguez this summer.
It is stated that several clubs are looking at the teenage sensation, with Cesc Fabregas’ Como said to be accelerating their efforts to tempt the Spanish hotshot to Italy, alongside Monchi also powering ahead with Villa’s own advances.
Betis are reportedly willing to sanction a move for Rodriguez to leave when he returns from international action with Spain U21s at the ongoing Euros tournament, with a £30m price-tag also above his head if he does seek out a new home shortly.
Villa could well have that amount in the bank if a major sale is signed off on, with this going down as a worthwhile investment if Rodriguez can instantly acclimatise to his new environment.
Already, the Seville-born attacker has made waves in the senior picture at Betis, as seen in this coolly tucked away chance in European action.
How Rodriguez could become Emery's next Rogers
Much like Emery managed with a once wide-eyed Rogers, Rodriguez could soon be transformed into a far more impressive forward player under the ex-Arsenal manager’s expert guidance.
After all, Rogers was only two years older than Rodriguez is now when he was first handed a senior shot at Villa, having cost £15m to obtain from Middlesbrough.
Now, Rogers is spoken about as a player worth around £100m, and for good reason too when you consider his whirlwind rise at Villa Park from promising youngster plucked out of the EFL, to one of the key first names on Emery’s teamsheet.
Rogers wasn’t an overnight success, however, with only four goal contributions coming his way from his first 16 Villa first-team outings. But, the rest is history now for the “unstoppable” attacker, as Jamie Carragher glowingly labelled him last season, with a spellbinding 29 goal contributions next to his name during his second campaign at Emery’s men.
Rodriguez will hope he can be turned into a similar superstar under the Spaniard’s tutelage, with the 19-year-old already being described as “explosive” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, even as he’s still navigating the fledgling stages of his career.
Rodriguez’s G/A numbers for Betis
Age bracket
Games played
Goals scored
Assists
First team
32
3
2
Betis B
36
9
3
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Everything is pointing in the direction of the Betis number 36 going on to live up to his hype, with Rodriguez ahead of Rogers’ development already by showing immense flashes of his quality at the very peak of Spanish football.
To add context, when Rogers was only 19 years of age himself, he was attempting to cut his teeth in the Championship with AFC Bournemouth, while Rodriguez is already confidently scoring in the Conference League.
Real Betis' Jesus Rodriguez.
Patience will need to be exercised on the ends of the Villans like they offered up to a growing Rogers, but with their depleted numbers down the left wing clear for all to see, Rodriguez might be immediately chucked into the deep-end, with a hope he doesn’t sink under all the pressure and instead excels.
Amazing Watkins replacement: Aston Villa ready move for "special" £32m CF
It’s set to be a busy summer transfer window at Aston Villa, so could Unai Emery be reunited with a “fantastic” PL star as Ollie Watkins’ replacement?
Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the appointment of Brentford boss Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s immediate successor, just five days after the club announced chairman Daniel Levy’s decision to part company with the Australian.
Tottenham set to hire Thomas Frank as new manager after talks
The 51-year-old appears set to end his impressive tenure at Brentford in imminent fashion, after Levy earmarked Frank as the top candidate to replace Postecoglou.
Jack Wilshere played against Messi but named Tottenham icon as toughest ever opponent
The former Arsenal star said he’s impossible to take the ball from…
ByBen Goodwin Jun 8, 2025
Unlike their infamously drawn-out hunt for a new manager in 2021, their search has ended pretty quickly, and Frank is now on the cusp of a switch to N17. Tottenham were in talks with Frank and Brentford over the last few days, with negotiations coming to a conclusion in a very swift fashion.
Brentford managerThomasFrankapplauds fans after the match
According to trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, Frank will become Tottenham’s new manager, with the Lilywhites paying his £10 million release clause and already finding an agreement on contract terms/backroom staff.
The tactician is perhaps a perfect fit, considering he’s proven to be efficient at operating on a limited budget, not to mention working with a data-driven recruitment model at Brentford, which is quite similar to Tottenham.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
However, there are some reservations over Frank’s lack of experience when it comes to managing high-profile clubs, competing in the Champions League or winning silverware – with some comparisons already made to Spurs’ failed appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo.
Time will tell whether the Dane’s appointment will prove the correct one, but attention is now turning to how Tottenham will tackle the transfer market under his watch.
Thomas Frank urging Daniel Levy to consider Eberechi Eze deal at Tottenham
According to GiveMeSport, he’s already starting to have his say on Spurs’ summer recruitment drive, with Frank said to be a fan of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy
It is believed Frank has already urged Levy to consider a Tottenham deal for Eze, if they cannot hijack Man United’s deal for Bryan Mbeumo, with the new head coach giving his green-light for them to move for the £100,000-per-week England international.
The former QPR star fired Palace to their first ever major trophy, scoring the winner against Man City in their 1-0 FA Cup final win at Wembley, adding to his 2024/2025 tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.
Eze’s contract is rumoured to contain a £68 million release clause, so Spurs know the price it would take to back Frank with the attacker’s signing, which would undoubtedly be a statement signing.
“This guy is an immense talent, there’s no doubt about that,” said ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown about Eze.
“He was released by Arsenal as a kid. I wonder if that will come back to haunt Arsenal here today? He said he cried for a week. He realised when it hits you really hard as a young man, you think, ‘Ok, I’m coming back from this.’ It proves that he’s made of really strong stuff.”
In what could finally see him realise his potential, Leeds United now reportedly have a genuine chance of signing a £13m+ forward who was once deemed a player destined for the very top.
Leeds preparing for Premier League
It’s a big summer for Leeds and the biggest since the arrival of the 49ers. They must get things right, too. They’ve already seen what can go wrong when promoted clubs either fail to spend or fail to recruit wisely, and they’ll be desperate to end a two-year-long trend of instant relegations in the top flight. So far, ahead of the transfer window, the extent of the task doesn’t seem lost on the 49ers, either.
Chairman Paraag Marathe has already set his ambitions high ahead of a return to the Premier League, claiming that he wants Leeds to become one of the biggest clubs in Europe and not just survive.
Leeds considering swoop for "incredible" striker who'd be their new Wood
Leeds are reportedly considering a move for a star who could be Daniel Farke’s own Chris Wood.
ByDan Emery May 21, 2025
He told reporters following Leeds’ promotion: “This was really hard to do. Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty, makes right now that much more rewarding and makes today so special. I hope I never forget this moment. I want to live in this moment as much as I can.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe.
“This is a journey, this is not the end. We have to keep going, this is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe.”
Amid recent reports linking Leeds with moves for the likes of Jamie Vardy and Caoimhin Kelleher, it seems as though Marathe’s talk is far from cheap. It doesn’t end with Kelleher and Vardy, either, with another name now mentioned as a potential target.
Leeds could sign former wonderkid Kasper Dolberg
According to Voetbal Krant, Leeds now have a genuine chance to sign Kasper Dolberg this summer. The Anderlecht forward has become somewhat of a forgotten name in recent times, but it wasn’t so long ago that he was tipped to be the next best thing. Now 27 years old and fresh from a revived season in Belgium, the Dane could get the chance to step back into the limelight.
Having scored 24 goals in 44 games for Anderlecht this season, Dolberg will reportedly cost Leeds over £13m if they want to secure his signature this summer. The move would, of course, come with its risks given the false dawns that the forward has enjoyed, but following an excellent campaign it could be one worth taking.
Included on TuttoSport’s Golden Boy top 10 alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in 2017, Dolberg should be desperate to get back into similar conversations sooner rather than later.
Leeds United will have to be ruthless in the upcoming summer transfer window in order to create a squad that can survive in the Premier League next season.
The Whites, who clinched the Championship title with a win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day, know that it will be difficult because the last two sets of promoted teams have been instantly relegated from the top-flight.
Daniel Farke and his staff will have to be ruthless when it comes to deciding which players are up for the task of making the step up to the Premier League, and one star whose future remains up in the air is Sam Byram, as his current deal is due to expire this summer.
Speaking to The Athletic, the English full-back said: Now we’ve achieved the final target, I’m sure they’ll speak as a team, investors, everyone, and make a plan for the future. Hopefully, I’m part of that, and, if not, I’ll watch on and always be a supporter.”
Leeds defender Sam Byram.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Whites will look to extend his contract beyond this summer, or if they will allow the former academy graduate to move on from Elland Road for the second time in his career.
Why Leeds should allow Sam Byram to leave
The 31-year-old defender has been a useful utility player for Farke to call upon since his return to West Yorkshire on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, thanks to his ability to play at right-back, left-back, and sometimes as an emergency centre-back.
He has made 75 appearances for the club in all competitions in the last two seasons, which shows how much the manager has relied upon him, but his recent availability is an outlier in comparison to the rest of his career.
Sam Byram’s availability issues
Season
Games played
24/25
38
23/24
37
22/23
16
21/22
18
20/21
0
19/20
18
18/19
7
17/18
10
16/17
18
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, in the seven full seasons he played, after leaving Leeds in January 2016 to join West Ham, Byram did not play more than 18 games in a single campaign for the Hammers, Nottingham Forest, or Norwich City.
That included missing the entire 2020/21 season for the Canaries through injury, as well as 39 games in the 2018/19 campaign and 40 matches in the 2019/20 term through injury, which shows that there are still concerns over his long-term availability.
Therefore, Leeds should consider releasing Byram when his contract expires this summer, instead of attempting to extend his deal, and use that space to bolster their squad with a new signing.
In fact, there is reportedly an active full-back target for the West Yorkshire outfit who could come in as a big upgrade on the former Norwich defender ahead of next season.
Leeds make contact to sign Premier League defender
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United have made contact with £15m-rated Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters to discuss a potential move to Elland Road.
The reporter claims that the Whites are one of a number of clubs in the race to sign the English defender, whose contract at St. Mary’s is due to expire at the same time as Byram’s.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey said: “I’m told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”
This suggests that Leeds have a fight on their hands to get a deal over the line for the two-time England international, as they line up a move for him alongside a host of other, more established, Premier League sides.
Southampton'sKyleWalker-Petersapplauds their fans after the match
The 49ers must, now, push to win the race for Walker-Peters when his contract at Southampton expires this summer because he could arrive at Elland Road as a big upgrade on Sam Byram.
Why Leeds should sign Kyle Walker-Peters
Perhaps most importantly, the England international is not injury-prone and unreliable when it comes to being available for his team throughout a season.
Walker-Peters has never missed more than eight games in a single campaign and has only been absent for 24 matches through injury in his entire career to date, which suggests that the club could be far more confident of having him available week-in-week-out than they would be with Byram if they extended his contract.
The 28-year-old star has also proven that he can handle the intensity of the Premier League, when it comes to avoiding injuries, as he has played 148 times in the top-flight, which is the main reason why he would be a huge upgrade on Byram, given his availability.
Walker-Peters, who was once described as a “beautiful” footballer by former manager Russell Martin, is also similar to Byram in the sense that he can competently play as a right-back or a left-back, with over 50 appearances in his career as a left-back.
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez in action with Southampton's KyleWalker-Peter
The English defender could also come in to provide Jayden Bogle with some strong competition for his place in the side, despite being part of a dismal Southampton team this season, as evidenced by his form in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.
Championship
Walker-Peters (23/24)
Bogle (24/25)
Byram (24/25)
Appearances
43
44
36
Goals
2
6
1
Big chances created
12
11
5
xA
7.43
5.87
1.50
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.9
3.0
1.5
Dribbled past per game
0.4x
0.8x
0.1x
Ground duel success rate
60%
55%
60%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Bogle offers a great goal threat, but Walker-Peters is more creative and harder for opposition wingers to beat with attempted dribbles.
These statistics also show that the Saints star would be a huge upgrade on Byram because he can provide the defensive solidity, given his duel success rate and tackles and interceptions per game, that the ex-Norwich man provides, whilst also offering a big threat as a creator from a right-back position.
Their answer to Hamer: 49ers lining up Leeds swoop for "special" £25m star
Leeds could land their own version of Gustavo Hamer in a move for this £25m star.
ByDan Emery May 12, 2025
Therefore, Leeds could land a big upgrade on Byram, allowing themselves to release him this summer, by signing Walker-Peters, who can offer more quality on the pitch whilst also being less of an injury liability.
Spanish giants Atlético Madrid now want to sign a £200,000-a-week Arsenal player as the Gunners begin talks over a new contract, according to a recent report.
Arsenal desperate for a new striker this summer
One of the main reasons why the Gunners were unable to mount a serious title challenge with Liverpool was because of the lack of goals in the team. There are not many weaknesses in Mikel Arteta’s squad, but the lack of a number nine has cost them in the last 18 months to two years, especially once injuries compounded the issue.
He's like Saka & Salah: Arsenal plan talks to sign £55m Ballon d'Or nominee
The free-scoring international could be just what Arsenal need.
1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 28, 2025
Therefore, it is no surprise to see that Arsenal are already looking at the market and trying to find the best possible number nine who will fit into their team. Benjamin Sesko and Jonathan David of RB Leipzig and Lille, respectively, have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now. Meanwhile, it was reported over the weekend that the Gunners have made an enquiry over the possibility of signing Christopher Nkunku, who looks set to leave Chelsea at the end of this campaign, given his lack of game time.
Reports have also stated that Arsenal are in advanced talks in a deal to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club this summer. The Spain international has a release clause worth £50 million, and the Gunners are willing to trigger it to get a deal done.
Williams may not be the only high-profile arrival at the Emirates, as Arsenal are now willing to make a bid worth £69 million to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. This figure would be a lot lower than his release clause, which is reportedly worth £86 million.
Atlético Madrid want to sign £200k-p/w Arsenal ace
These potential arrivals will cost the Gunners a lot in terms of fees and wages, and there is an expectation that some players will have to be let go – Thomas Partey could be one.
According to Marca, relayed by The Mirror, Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Partey amid talks over a new deal with Arsenal.
Partey, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is currently in talks with the Gunners over extending his stay beyond this campaign. However, Arsenal need to act quickly, as Atlético are keeping a close eye on the situation and will be ready to make a move should an agreement not be found. They are not the only team interested either, as Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, and the player himself is said to be open to joining Barcelona.
Partey, who has been labelled a player “Arteta loves”, has been a key player for Arsenal since arriving from Atlético back in 2020. This season the midfielder has played 31 games in the Premier League, 27 of which he has started. The Ghana international has also started 10 of the 11 Champions League games the Gunners have played, and he will be looking to add to that as Arsenal face PSG this week.
Apps
31
Goals
4
Assists
2
Touches
65.0
Big chances created
3
Key passes
0.5
Passing accuracy per game
46.5 (89%)
Tackles per game
2.5
Interceptions per game
1.0
Balls recovered per game
3.9
Arsenal appear keen to tie Partey, who earns a weekly wage of £200,000 at the Emirates, to a new contract, but it’s been reported that the player’s entourage are in active talks with other clubs, meaning he could be ready to move away from the London side.
Liverpool are edging ever closer to being crowned Premier League champions, but they could now have an intriguing proposal on the table from one of their elite competitors on the continent, per reports.
Liverpool prepare for Premier League title party and summer window
The champagne remains on ice for Liverpool as they need three points and an Arsenal loss at Ipswich Town to officially claim the top-flight crown at Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.
Arne Slot has done a magnificent job at Anfield and has been the subject of adulation from all quarters across the season, though the Dutchman has admitted he doesn’t care where the Reds win the title as their campaign reaches a sweet conclusion.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Undoubtedly, sealing a second Premier League of the modern era will fuel the appetite for more silverware on the red half of Merseyside. With rivals set to come back stronger next term, a positive summer window is a must to ward off any potential threat.
Tapping into that mindset, Liverpool are willing to break their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle after preparing an offer of roughly £130 million for the Sweden international.
Planning for the future, the Reds are also interested in Sheffield United youngster Ryan One, and there may be scope for a push to sign the Scotland Under-21 international to continue his path on an upward trajectory.
Liverpool in talks over new deal for £15k-p/w ace with Van Dijk and Konate
Talks have reportedly opened over an extension at Anfield.
ByHenry Jackson Apr 14, 2025
Presumably, the likes of Diogo Jota or Darwin Nunez could make way for new arrivals. However, plenty of movement is expected in both directions as Slot shapes his squad for the coming years.
Nevertheless, the Liverpool boss may now have to make a decision regarding a surprise swap proposal involving one of their key men and a global star.
Liverpool offered Arda Guler in surprise Alexis Mac Allister swap proposal
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are set to be offered Arda Guler plus a significant fee for Alexis Mac Allister in a surprise swap deal involving Slot’s side and European competitors Real Madrid.
The outlet claim Carlo Ancelotti and company have been won over by the Argentina international’s attributes, creating a scenario where they are willing to include players in exchange to seal an agreement.
Alexis Mac Allister vs Arda Guler – how do both players compare this season?
Alexis Mac Allister – Premier League statistics
Goals
4
Assists
4
Chances created
38
Successful dribbles
15
Duels won
156
Arda Guler – La Liga statistics
Goals
1
Assists
3
Chances created
23
Successful dribbles
12
Duels won
64
Labelled “exceptional” by Jose Mourinho, Guler’s tally of three goals and seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions is a fairer reflection of his contribution in the Spanish capital.
Valued at £35 million, per various outlets, his scope to develop into one of the world’s finest playmakers is clear for all to stay. That said, should his arrival come at the price of losing Mac Allister? Only time will tell on that front.
What do the six PSL 2025 squads look like after the disruption, and where do their campaigns stand at this stage?
Danyal Rasool16-May-2025Quetta GladiatorsGladiators are arguably best placed. Having already secured a top-two berth for the playoffs, they know precisely the path they will need to tread if they are to replicate their heroics from 2019, when they won the title. The one game they have left in the league phase comes against the already-eliminated Multan Sultans, giving them an opportunity to test out a fresh team composition.And on that note, too, they have perhaps done better than most.Rilee Rossouw, their greatest ever overseas player and an architect of their 2019 triumph, has opted to return for what remains of the league. As has Finn Allen, maintaining to a large extent their top order composition. While significant overseas names like Kusal Mendis, Sean Abbott and Mark Chapman do not make the trip back, Gladiators have bolstered their ranks with Dinesh Chandimal, Gulbadin Naib and Avishka Fernando.Karachi Kings’ superstar captain David Warner will continue to lead the side•PCBKarachi KingsAmid all the uncertainty over the league’s postponement, the one thing everyone seemed to be sure of was that Kings’ superstar captain had no qualms about returning. David Warner will continue to lead a side that has seen a transformation from the last three seasons, when they missed the playoffs, to sitting on the cusp of finishing inside the top two. They have two games left, coming against sides that would be desperate for the points: Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United, who are both fighting to finish inside the top four.Aside from Warner, Kings have Mohammad Nabi. Tim Seifert and James Vince returning too. The quartet formed the core of Kings’ playing overseas roster for much of the earlier part of the season. Kane Williamson will not return, but Kings have been strengthened by bringing in Scotland top-order batter George Munsey, described eye-catchingly on his ESPNcricinfo profile as “the reverse-sweeping demon of the Associate world”.Ben Dwarshuis is one of the key players who have returned to Islamabad United’s ranks•PCBIslamabad UnitedWhat’s happened to the best side in PSL history? Having stormed to the title last year, they began 2025 in the same vein, winning the first five matches to register a ten-game winning streak across seasons, the best in the league’s history. They rested five players for the next game, and suddenly, they couldn’t buy a point. The last four games have been relatively comprehensive defeats, leaving them on a precarious ten points with the third-worst net run-rate and just one game to go – against Kings.However, United have built a reputation as a side that is well managed, and, just as importantly, one that drafts exceptionally well. They have perhaps been the best of all six sides at bringing in the players they require. Ben Dwarshuis returns, while Rassie van der Dussen, unavailable for the first part of the season, will now be a part of their squad. Alex Hales returns, while allrounder James Neesham and fast bowler Tymal Mills also come into the roster.Lahore Qalandars need to win their game against Peshawar Zalmi•PCBLahore QalandarsQalandars, much like United, found themselves relatively comfortable until two-thirds of the way into the season, but two rain-affected games, one of which ended in a no-result even as they lost the other, now leave them in a virtual must-win knockout before the playoffs. Nine points from nine games mean they need to win their game against Zalmi on Sunday, or they will not be a part of the playoffs – which take place in Lahore – for an unprecedented seventh time in ten seasons.They pulled out all the stops to ensure Sikandar Raza came back to join them for that one game on Sunday. He has a Test match to play against England at Trent Bridge that starts just four days later, so he will not be a part of the playoffs, even if Qalandars make it. With David Wiese and Sam Billings also not returning, Qalandars have turned to Shakib al Hasan – who has not played competitively since November last year – and Bhanuka Rajapaksa – who has not played competitive cricket since January.Mitchell Owen will not return to the PSL and instead play in the PSL•Getty ImagesPeshawar ZalmiZalmi’s record of making every single playoff in the league’s history is under threat. For the first half of the league, they looked like they would have fallen out of contention by this stage, but three wins in the last four have helped them cling on. Sitting fifth, one point behind Qalandars, they have the advantage of a game in hand. Victory against Qalandars will guarantee them passage to the playoffs, but they also have a game against Kings, which offers them a slightly more circuitous route, with net run-rate potentially entering the mix.They have not managed to hold on to Mitchell Owen amid interest from the IPL, but do bring back Tom Kohler-Cadmore, one of Zalmi’s mainstays over the years. Luke Wood, the second-most economical fast bowler this year, will also be part of what remains of their campaign, as will big-hitting Australian Max Bryant. While Alzarri Joseph and Nahid Rana will be absent, Afghanistan top-order batter Najibullah Zadran returns.Dilshan Madushanka is one of the new recruits for Multan Sultans•ICC/Getty ImagesMultan SultansWhat Sultans really care about is the end of this season. Already eliminated with one of the worst campaigns in the history of the PSL, they sit rock bottom, having lost eight of their nine games. At one stage, it appeared they would bring in no overseas player at all and, indeed, none of their overseas players from their original roster will come back.However, with the league requiring a minimum of three overseas players per game, they brought in Australian batter Josh Brown and spinner Peter Hatzoglou. In keeping with the season they have had, Brown has pulled up injured, and will be replaced by Sri Lanka fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka. ESPNcricinfo understands Sultans will also bring in a batter, though they are yet to confirm the name.
A year after a pulsating finish at the Asia Cup, the same protagonists delivered another blockbuster climax
Danyal Rasool25-Aug-2023It’s often said that all current mainstream cinema is the same superhero storyline with a superficially rehashed script. If cricket classifies as theatre, the second Afghanistan-Pakistan ODI stretched that concept to an almost parodic degree.Hostility between the sides had nearly spilled over into physical aggression during their dramatic T20 fixture at last year’s Asia Cup, before Naseem Shah pulled off a victory a scriptwriter would have dismissed as too corny. With one wicket remaining and 11 still needed, Pakistan’s golden boy swung hard twice against Fazalhaq Farooqi, and struck gold both times. Throwing down his gloves and helmet, he set off on an in-your-face victory lap as exhilarating as it was provocative.Related
Broken heart, broken body: Naseem Shah's trysts with loss and injury
Gurbaz 151 in vain as Pakistan hold nerve in last-over thriller
In the time since, Naseem has made little effort and shown little desire to get himself out of the way of Afghanistan’s firing line. Earlier this month at the Lankan Premier League, he directed an especially boisterous send-off the way of Rahmanullah Gurbaz; any half-decent Pashtun lipreader would have told you what he said wasn’t family-friendly.On Tuesday, after Afghanistan were bowled out for 59 – the lowest total anyone has scored against Pakistan in an ODI – Naseem was interviewed by the PCB’s in-house media unit. His team-mate Mohammad Haris was the interviewer, with Naseem flanked by Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi. It was supposed to be gentle, wholesome content. Until that game, Naseem had scored just three ODI runs; on the day, he’d managed an unbeaten 18. When asked what he put his improved batting down to, Naseem went for a mischievous jab. “The Afghan bowlers,” he couldn’t resist saying, before breaking into peals of laughter.In the year since the Asia Cup drama, Afghanistan had landed a blow of their own, beating Pakistan 2-1 in a T20I series in March. Gulbadin Naib at the time remarked that his side had specifically targeted Naseem. But Naseem is a unique phenomenon, a boy who still possesses the charmed optimism of youth as well as a man with the grit and raw ability to bring those dreams to fruition.Last year’s Asia Cup was the setting for the first iteration of Naseem vs Farooqi•AFP/Getty ImagesAnd as this year’s sequel plays out, Naseem is the first to realise he’s seen this movie before.Afghanistan have worked themselves into a position of dominance, but if you know your Afghanistan-Pakistan history, that really doesn’t mean much until the final ball is bowled. Shadab Khan may bleed Islamabad United red but he knows when to shelve blanket all-out attack in favour of taking the game deep. The conditions are slow, and Afghanistan take pace off the ball. So instead of galloping, Shadab inches.”When you’re a senior player, you go through these stages again and again,” he says. “Sometimes you fail, sometimes you succeed. I try to be as calm as possible. Their team has world-class spinners so I wanted to see their overs off and accelerate against their fast bowlers. The boundaries are long so there are easy twos, so when Shaheen and Naseem came our plans were to go for twos.”Shadab wants to run at every possible opportunity, and he doesn’t care who knows. And with fate conspiring to have Farooqi bowling the final over of a humdinger to Naseem once again, Afghanistan know. There’s a team huddle before the start of an over Shadab desperately wants to be on strike for, and he sneaks out furtively with Farooqi enters his delivery stride, which begins well behind the wicket.Farooqi has his eyes on Shadab, and has no qualms about whipping off the bails. There’s little love lost between the two sides; Afghanistan don’t need to think twice about effecting that dismissal, and Shadab doesn’t even look back to know there will be no reprieve. When Naseem’s penultimate partner Asif Ali was dismissed in the Asia Cup, the contretemps that followed nearly overshadowed the game. There’s no such drama here.Naseem followed his career-best 18* in the first ODI with a provocative line about Afghanistan’s bowling•AFP/Getty ImagesThis should, really, be a no-contest between a young man who has trained to bowl fast all his life against an even younger man whose approach to batting constitutes little more than casual fun. The numbers would write off last year as an aberration, and the odds would favour a reversion to the mean.But there’s a certain state of mind a few sportspersons are able to call up, when the mere desire to win allows them to see a way against bookmakers’ odds or conventional wisdom. Ben Stokes famously possesses it, but at least he knows how to bat. Naseem? He just doesn’t want to lose, especially not against Afghanistan, and especially not against Fazalhaq Farooqi.A remarkable inside out-drive brings him four first ball after Shadab’s exit. As Afghan nerves fray, confusion on the boundary allows Pakistan a third run that brings him back on strike for the denouement, with three needed off two balls. Naseem has a slog that reminds everyone he’s really not a batter, but no legendary sporting tale develops without fortune. There’s an outside edge, a desperate look back. The man at short third has no chance, and from there, it’s clear green grass all the way to the rope.Naseem reprises the frenzied tossing of the helmet and gloves, but this time he doesn’t get far before his team-mates are all over him. It’s almost like they expect him, the youngest man in the side, to lead them out of trouble each time. The context of the win from last year, the acrimony that followed, and the spice that tinges each encounter between these sides only makes this win sweeter.The targeting of Naseem will invariably become even more laser-focused. And Naseem will simply spread his chest out and walk towards it every time. Perhaps there is a reason, after all, that superhero films continue to be box-office.
The WTC mace may have gone to the deserving victors, but only one man was really competing for the other crown
Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Jul-2021True love Through the course of its life so far, the World Test Championship has been kicked at, spit on, and abused. Back in November, the ICC’s chairman claimed he wasn’t sure if the Test Championship had “achieved what it intended to do”. As recently as March, Virat Kohli said it didn’t really motivate his team any more than usual. More recently, Stuart Broad asked why the Ashes couldn’t be worth more points than a two-match Test series (the old “our series should count double” argument). All this while the competition survived a global pandemic, which threatened seriously to end it.In the end, though, Test cricket’s biggest prize found its way to a team that truly adored it – New Zealand, who have invested heavily in red-ball cricket, frequently treated the format with the dignity it deserves, and never spoken ill about the league. After everything the World Test Championship has been through, the mace is currently where it deserves to be, cradled in the ultra-soft hands of BJ Watling, like Jenny at the end of .Bad-behaviour bros Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka have been sent home from the tour of England after having gone out towards the city centre in Durham, despite being told explicitly that such an excursion would violate the team’s biosecure bubble. They were discovered after videos were posted on social media of them out in public.The whole thing didn’t even seem to be worth it – they were merely snapped looking around the city’s market square, with Mendis fiddling with what appeared to be cigarettes (though this has not been confirmed). If you’re going to be sent home from a tour, you should at least have been at a raging party, right?The most embarrassing thing, though, was that despite clearly being on the lookout, these players didn’t spot the person who was recording from just metres away – practically from short leg – which, uh, should probably be handed over to the team analyst as footage that might explain some batting averages.Bad-behaviour king But in the grand scheme of bad behaviour, Sri Lankan bubble poppers are probably small fry. They thought they could get away with it until someone recorded them. Shakib Al Hasan, meanwhile, knew for sure cameras were rolling and media were in attendance when he let his temper explode at a Dhaka Premier League game, first kicking the stumps when he had an appeal turned down, then uprooting them and throwing them into the pitch when the umpire dared to take the teams off the field for rain.It’s hasn’t even been two years since Shakib was banned for failing to report a corrupt approach, on top of which he has angrily threatened walkouts, cussed out umpires, allegedly beaten up a fan, and more, in a rap sheet that is truly something to behold. If there was a World Bad Behaviour Championship, this is the winner. Just race out of the room as soon as you award him the trophy, because of course he will throw it.The long wait The Hundred is finally set to begin in July. It’s been so long since the tournament was announced, everybody seems to have by now run out of comic material to throw at it. Kudos marketing geniuses who foresaw this.Next month on The Briefing: – As punishment for the bubble-popping trio, SLC invites Shakib to gruffly pluck each of them up and fling them to the ground.- The Hundred matches attract tens of thousands people in their 40s, with the kids the tournament had set out to attract at its inception having by now become middle-aged slobs with beer guts.