There are three Gujarat Titans players in the top four highest run-getters at this stage, with Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill joining Sai Sudharsan

ESPNcricinfo staff03-May-20251:59

A tale of two opening duos: how SRH and GT are so different

Orange Cap tableEver since Nicholas Pooran (LSG) went into a rut of sorts – he has had scores of 8, 11, 9 and 27 since his fourth, and last, half-century – three Indian batters, B Sai Sudharsan (GT), Virat Kohli (RCB) and Suryakumar Yadav (MI) have scrapped for the Orange Cap, each getting to the top at various points. Sai Sudharsan, the least experienced of the three, has had it for the longest, and after losing it earlier this past week, has reclaimed it following his 23-ball 48 against SRH. That innings also made Sai Sudharsan the first batter to cross the 500-run mark this season, getting to 504.As has been the case the last few days, it’s difficult to keep that cap.Kohli will turn out against CSK on Saturday night. He is currently on No. 5 on the table, 61 runs behind Sai Sudharsan. His last three innings have been 73*, 70 and 51, so you wouldn’t bet against him getting to the top – weather willing – with a good hand against CSK, the first team to have been eliminated from the race to the playoffs.GT batters have crowded the top five. There is Suryakumar (475 runs) at No. 2 right now, but Jos Buttler (470) and the captain, Shubman Gill (465) are at third and fourth respectively. Pooran has slipped to seventh spot, with 404 runs, while Yashasvi Jaiswal of RR is at sixth with 439 runs.2:11

‘Prasidh is from the Hazlewood school of fast bowling’

Purple Cap tablePrasidh Krishna has won back the Purple Cap following his Player-of-the-Match-winning 2 for 19 against SRH, which took his tally for the season up to 19. But Josh Hazlewood will be in action next, on Saturday night, and he is just one wicket behind with 18.At No. 3 is MI’s Trent Boult with 16, followed by CSK’s Noor Ahmad with 15, and then three bowlers tied in fifth place with 14 wickets apiece: CSK’s Khaleel Ahmed, GT’s Mohammed Siraj and DC’s Mitchell Starc.Meanwhile, here’s what the ESPNcricinfo MVP table looks like at this stage.Here are some other IPL 2025 tables.Highest batting strike ratesBest bowling economy ratesMost sixesBest bowling figures in a match

Though most of the attention has been on Liverpool’s remarkable summer spending spree, with the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz having featured prominently in the early weeks of the season, the Reds have continued to strengthen their academy standard.

Liverpool’s transfer business this summer has issued a declaration of intent to the rest of the Premier League and Europe. On Monday, capping off such ambitious spending, Alexander Isak completed his record-breaking move to the club, ending an unsavoury saga that culminated with FSG the victors.

Liverpool have sold a few of their forwards, in fairness, and moved for two strikers instead of signing a left winger.

Luis Diaz, indeed, joined Bayern Munich for £65.5m, but Slot thinks academy sensation Rio Ngumoha has what it takes to star in the Colombian’s stead over the coming year.

The meteoric developments of the Anfield side’s youth scene in recent years have played an enormous part in the top-level success, and it’s perhaps fair to say that the bar has never been higher.

Rio Nghumoha's big moment

It was a stunning moment. Liverpool had blown their lead against ten-man Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, and looked to be heading for a 2-2 draw in their second fixture of the season, having relied on a last-minute winner one week before against Bournemouth at Anfield.

It is only over the past several years that there has been a shift in youth quality, with ‘Klopp’s Kids’ notably playing a significant role in winning the Carabao Cup in 2023/24 and steering the ship through a period of steep injury problems.

Klopp’s decision in creating this culture took Liverpool above anything they had previously created through their youth system, the academy playing a bigger role than ever before.

Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have since overseen the sales of several such youngsters, but Liverpool remain the source of some of the country’s finest football talent, with Nguomha the perfect example of this.

Youngest Scorers in Premier League History
#	Player	Age
1	James Vaughan	16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days
2	James Milner	16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days
3	Wayne Rooney	16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days
4	Rio Ngumoha	16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days
5	Cesc Fabregas	17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days

Having turned 17 shortly after scoring the winner at Newcastle, Ngumoha is now one of the Premier League’s youngest goalscorers, and on his debut in the competition at that.

The electric-paced left winger has what it takes to be a future talisman at Liverpool, like Mohamed Salah before him and as Isak is expected to perform after his much-publicised move.

But, he’s not the only one in Slot’s sights, with Liverpool having also signed a young striker who might be viewed as becoming Isak’s understudy in the coming years.

Liverpool have a young version of Isak

In Isak, Liverpool have opted away from their typical strategy of signing up-and-coming prospects with bags of potential, and have instead landed a number nine they view as being in contention as one of the best in the world.

Last season, pundit Jamie Carragher even remarked that he was “the best striker in the Premier League right now”.

Liverpool would love to create a homegrown version of the Swede, and might find that they can do exactly that with teenager Will Wright, who joined the club from Salford City in League Two this summer.

Technically gifted and clinical in front of goal, Wright proved himself to be one of the most prolific youngsters in his sphere last season, scoring over 40 goals for the development side.

His ease and accuracy when finding space and taking a strike truly show how he could grow into one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League, with Total Football Analysis describing him as having ‘many of the characteristics to be a top-level centre-forward’.

Furthermore, the 17-year-old is already 6 foot 3, and so has that unique blend of lankiness and technical quality that falls into the same tactical DNA as a superstar like Isak, who uses his frame effortlessly to bypass defenders and find an opening to score.

Wright has already featured four times for the Liverpool U21s after earning as many first-team outings with Salford last season. Clearly, the Preston-born talent is held in high regard, belying his youth to impress at a higher level.

Isak, 25, might be a superstar right now after his prolific performances with Newcastle over the past three years, but he has developed over many years and different grounds, first finding his feet in the final third when a Borussia Dortmund prospect on loan in the Netherlands with Willem II. There he scored 13 goals across 16 matches in the Eredivisie.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

If Wright succeeds in translating his form from the youth stage to the top level, he has shown that he has the physical attributes and natural-born goalscoring sense to make a real impact under Slot’s wing at Liverpool in the years to come.

Ngumoha might be the talk of the town after scoring the winner at Newcastle, coming up trumps in the most remarkable of ways to secure his side three points.

But Wright only needs some time to showcase his quality in the box, and fixtures in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this term might see him earn the chance to shine.

Isak is set to be Liverpool’s number one for quite some time, but with Ekitike bolstered by top talents like Wright, Liverpool have the depth to create a project of sustained success over many years.

Perfect for Isak: Liverpool may regret selling Klopp's "world level player"

This former Liverpool star could have been a difference-maker in Slot’s squad this year.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 3, 2025

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to clarify comments made about Northern Ireland's style of play. While apologising for any offence caused, Nagelsmann has issued a stark warning to his team about the dangers of their "tough" opponents heading into a crucial World Cup qualifier, with both teams level on points at the top of their group.

• Nagelsmann apologises for 'long ball' description

  Nagelsmann has issued an apology to Northern Ireland after his description of their style of play caused a stir ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifying match in Belfast. Speaking to the media as quoted by Sport1, Nagelsmann clarified that his comments about their direct approach were not meant to be disrespectful. The controversy arose from his analysis of the clash in September, a 3-1 win for Germany, where he described Northern Ireland as a team that plays "a lot of long balls." Addressing the reaction, Nagelsmann stated, "If anyone took it that way, I'm sorry."

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Germany boss warns of 'tough' Belfast test

  Despite the controversy, Nagelsmann has warned his squad they face a significant challenge at Windsor Park on Tuesday night. "I expect a tough opponent. We have to give it our all," the Germany coach said. He stressed the importance of defensive solidity against Northern Ireland's "special" style of play, which forces opponents to "fight for the second ball, sometimes the third and fourth." 

  Nagelsmann noted their ability to generate pressure, as seen in their recent 4-0 victory over Luxembourg, and emphasised the need for his side to be clinical. "You have to defend very well, you have to mark man-to-man to avoid crosses and set pieces," he added, confirming his team had specifically prepared for their opponents' dangerous set-piece routines.

• Crucial Group A qualifier awaits

  The clash at Windsor Park is pivotal in World Cup Qualifying Group A, with Germany, Northern Ireland, and Slovakia all level on six points after three matches. Germany currently sit top of the group on goal difference following their dominant victory over Luxembourg on Saturday. Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland side are also in good form, having secured an impressive 2-0 win against Slovakia on the same day. The result of Tuesday's match will be critical in determining which nation takes control of the group heading into the next round of fixtures.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  What next for Germany?

  Germany travel to Belfast for the qualifier on Tuesday, October 14. Nagelsmann has demanded full focus from his players, urging them to secure a vital win and not "try to die a beautiful death." A victory would see Germany create a three-point gap at the top of the group and put them in a commanding position to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

On Tuesday, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) officially presented Sonia Bermudez as the new head coach of the Spanish women's national team, who will be succeeding Montse Tome in the role. Bermudez, one of the best players in Spain during her time, addressed the future of veteran striker Jenni Hermoso, who was left out of the Euro 2025 squad.

Bermudez presented as new Spain coach

Having retired in 2020, Bermudez obtained her UEFA Pro License immediately and started coach the women's youth teams of Spain. She has managed the U-19s, the U-20s, and the U-23s. On Tuesday, she was presented as the new head coach of the senior women's team on a two-year contract, which will end after the 2027 Women's World Cup. The former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid forward takes over from Montse Tome, who led La Roja to a runners-up finish at the Women's Euro in the summer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportHermoso's international career with Spain could be over

Speaking at her presentation, Bermudez spoke highly of Hermoso, a player she has previously shared the dressing room with at Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona. However, the 40-year-old didn't clarify whether the Tigres UANL forward was in her plans. 

"I'm not going to reveal who Jennifer Hermoso is. She's a legend, the national team's top scorer, who's now in Mexico. But you'll have to wait for the list," she said. "We're starting from scratch. We want to focus on the project and we're going to try to bring in the best players. We're following all the players and monitoring them every week. I'm looking forward to getting started. When the list arrives, we'll talk about all the players."

Hermoso is Spain's all-time top scorer

The 35-year-old made her debut for Spain in 2012 and has since made 123 appearances for her country, scoring 57 goals. No other footballer has scored more for Spain's women's team in history. She won the Silver Ball for her exploits in Spain's World Cup-winning campaign in 2023, scoring three goals and delivering two assists. What's more, she has finished as the top scorer in Spain's top-flight five times. 

Her time with Spain, though, seems to be coming to an end. Despite finishing as Spain's joint top scorer in the Euro qualifying campaign along with Salma Paralluelo, she was surprisingly left out of the Euro 2025 squad, with the likes of Esther Gonzalez, Alba Redondo, Claudia Pina and Mariona Caldentey getting the nod.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWhen do Spain play their first games under Bermudez?

Bermudez will make her senior managerial debut on October 24, when Spain host Sweden in the first leg of the Women's Nations League semi-final. The return leg will be played four days later.

Sunderland will be hoping they can make the Stadium of Light a firm fortress for all of the Premier League season to come.

The Black Cats are currently two wins from two on their own patch, with the only defeat they’ve tasted so far this league campaign coming on the road to fellow newly promoted side Burnley.

Of course, it’s unrealistic to expect the wins at home to keep piling up, but if more and more positive performances come their way on Wearside, survival will surely be in their clutches.

Regis Le Bris will be more at ease about his side’s survival chances, too, having just snapped up the services of former Ajax goal machine Brian Brobbey for a standout £21.6m.

Brobbey's standout deadline day move

Transfer deadline day was a busy one at the Stadium of Light.

An unwelcome bump in the road would come Sunderland’s way when news filtered out of the Premier League club that short-term loanee Marc Guiu was being recalled by Chelsea, with the Blues light on numbers up top after Liam Delap went down with an injury.

Thankfully, much like they had done throughout the chaotic window, Sunderland had a seamless plan up their sleeve in attempting to win more exciting purchases, with Brobbey drafted in late on to make up for Guiu’s unanticipated departure, alongside Bertrand Traore and Lutsharel Geertruida also entering the fray.

The expectation will now be that the lethal Dutchman can instantly hit the ground running after leaving his native Netherlands behind, having garnered quite the reputation for being a potent finisher in the Eredivisie.

Indeed, after smashing home a ridiculous 85 goals at youth level for the Amsterdam giants, the forceful 5-foot-11 hotshot would then go on to amass a similarly clinical 56 strikes from 163 senior outings, leading to former Dutch attacker turned pundit Pierre van Hooijdonk labelling him as “very annoying” to try and hinder.

Sunderland will, of course, now pray he can be as commanding in the English game.

But, they might well possess their own homegrown Brobbey already, if one raw youngster goes on to be a hit in the senior side down the line.

Sunderland's homegrown Brobbey

It isn’t a strange occurrence when a rising star from the Black Cats academy starts to make a name for himself in the senior ranks. Rather, it’s almost expected at this point.

Indeed, in recent years, both Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson have graced the Stadium of Light turf for their boyhood side in the Championship, with Watson – who is now at Brighton and Hove Albion – even scoring the decisive strike in the playoff final last season to send his beloved team back to the Premier League.

The next up-and-coming youngster in line for more consistent, first-team opportunities could well be Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi, with the teenage sensation already being dubbed a “super talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango for his whirlwind displays up front for both the U21s and U18s.

From 56 appearances in these age brackets, the promising Belgian talent has managed to amass a hefty collection of 27 strikes and four assists, and while those numbers do slightly pale in comparison to Brobbey’s own haul of 85 goals when starring on the youth pitches at Ajax, it does feel written in the stars that he will be their next highly-talked-about starlet that takes the first team by storm.

Games played

58

284

Goals scored

27

141

Assists

4

45

Age at first team debut

18

18

After all, when studying the table above, despite their vast difference in numbers, both Samuel-Ogunsuyi and Brobbey coincidentally share the same age when they made their respective senior debuts for Sunderland and Ajax.

Hopefully, the 18-year-old can soon follow in the Dutchman’s footsteps even more by becoming an overwhelming success story for the Black Cats, with a formative loan spell to come at Falkirk – where he has already been tipped to be a “crowd-pleaser” by Falkirk boss John McGlynn – likely to boost his confidence even more that he can cut his teeth in the senior game.

If all goes to plan, Sunderland could have their own version of Brobbey for free, with the teenager looking to the 23-year-old, too, for some guidance through the choppy waters of the men’s game.

How Fiorentina cancelled transfer to stop Sunderland signing 6'3 prodigy

What a shame for the Black Cats.

ByHenry Jackson Sep 4, 2025

Allrounder claims career-bests with bat and ball but is denied at the last as visitors hold out for draw

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-May-2025

Ben Kellaway claimed a five-for but Glamorgan couldn’t force victory•Getty Images

Derbyshire fought out a final-over draw as Glamorgan took a pendulum-swinging thriller down to the final ball thanks to Ben Kellaway’s heroics in the Rothesay County Championship.Kellaway claimed career best batting and bowling figures on the same day as Luis Reece and Derbyshire No. 11 Blair Tickner survived 28 balls to secure a draw. Kellaway, 21, had struck 78 to set up a declaration before taking 5 for 101 in 25 overs, falling just short of handing Glamorgan a win.Tasked with the last over after taking two wickets in two balls, Kellaway produced a spectacular turnaround after twists and turns on the final day with Derbyshire firing towards victory on numerous occasions when set 338 in 65 overs.David Lloyd ignited Derbyshire’s winning hopes against his former side before Martin Andersson and Brooke Guest’s 97-run partnership put Derbyshire in the ascendancy for 56 of their 65 overs.The day began with all results possible. Glamorgan had an explosive end to the first session via Chris Cooke and Kellaway, despite the latter having some fortune when kicking a ball away from his stumps on 19. With 124 added in 32 overs from the overnight score, Glamorgan subsequently declared at lunch with the veteran keeper on 49 not out.Derbyshire, requiring a chase which would rank fourth amongst their successes if achieved, started strongly with the opening pair chalking up a half-century partnership in just 10.5 overs, stamping their authority early.But Ned Leonard struck in his first over to trigger a “will they, won’t they” scenario. Wayne Madsen took over as enforcer for his 22 from 19 balls, ended by a diving catch from Andy Gorvin at fine-leg, another for Leonard.Kellaway sparked Glamorgan hopes on two occasions, initially with the prize wicket of Caleb Jewell short of 50, sweeping against the spin. But Guest and Andersson’s run-a-ball 50 partnership with innovation and big hitting in form of reverse-sweeps, muscled pull shots and clean strikes over mid-on put Glamorgan into defensive mode, until Asitha Fernando broke through by trapping Guest in front.Kellaway kickstarted the hosts for a second time to forehadow a Derbyshire collapse, removing Andersson and Zak Chappell with successive balls before having Anuj Dal stumped to complete his five-for. That dismissal left Derbyshire nine down with almost five full overs remaining.But Tickner showcased his international experience in blocking out for 1 in 10 balls alongside the injured Reece, batting at No. 10, as the last pair survived against an ambidextrous over from off-spinner-come-left-arm-orthodox Kellaway.

Middlesex have batted themselves into a commanding position at the end of day two of their Rothesay County Championship match with Kent at Canterbury, reaching 222 for 6 at stumps, a lead of 226.Stephen Eskinazi gave them a platform with 57 before Ben Geddes cashed in after being dropped twice to make 73 not out.Earlier Kent were all out for 218, handing the visitors a four-run first-innings lead. Grant Stewart made 56 and Harry Finch 52 but their 101-run partnership was broken in the second over of the morning session. Blake Cullen had Middlesex’s best figures with 4 for 60, while Ryan Higgins took 3 for 37.Kent were still 50 in arrears at the start of Day 2 but after passing 50 in the first over, Stewart swished Ryan Higgins to Zafar at midwicket. Finch punched Roland-Jones through the covers to bring up his 50 but Higgins pinned him lbw in the next over.Jas Singh and Kashif Ali almost got Kent to parity, until an eventful 83rd over. Kashif was on 16 when he hooked Cullen, but Brookes reacted a split second too slowly and the chance went down. However, he was run out off the very next delivery, when Singh drove Cullen through the covers and Zafar Gohar’s throw allowed Cullen to break the stumps with Kashif a centimetre from making his ground. Cullen then bowled Singh middle stump to give Middlesex a slender advantage.Nathan Fernandes’ run of single-figure scores this continued when Nathan Gilchrist had him lbw for one in the fourth over.Max Holden, lucky to get off the mark with a tailender’s swipe at Stewart, nicked Gilchrist to Daniel Bell-Drummond at third slip for five in the next over, but Eskinazi and Leus du Plooy steered them to 33 for 2 at lunch and looked well set for an hour after the resumption until the latter edged Stewart to Jack Leaning for 26, breaking a 56-run partnership.Joey Evison struck with his second ball, bowling Higgins off stump for 15 and Ben Geddes nearly went in the same over but Tawanda Muyeye couldn’t cling on at first slip.Eskinazi clipped Evison for a single to reach 50 but was lbw to Singh in the 42nd over and there was further encouragement for Kent members, during an otherwise interminable afternoon session, when Michael Cohen came on as a sub fielder after missing the entire 2024 season with a back injury.Middlesex, however, were 147 for 5 when tea was finally taken at 4.23 pm and the game began to drift away from the hosts, with Gilchrist unable to take a return catch off Geddes, who subsequently straight-drove Evison for four to reach his 50.Jack Davies joined him in making batting look easy on a track that had looked treacherous on day one until Leaning got him for 27, caught by Bell-Drummond at first. Cullen then came in for three deliveries before the players came off for bad light.

Nottingham Forest travel to face Swansea City in the third round of the Carabao Cup tonight, with new manager Ange Postecoglou hunting for his first victory in charge.

The Aussie suffered a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, but has the opportunity to make amends in South Wales this evening.

Whilst the game against lower league opposition presents an excellent chance for rotation, the 60-year-old needs to avoid a shock defeat to help win over the fanbase.

He stated in his pre-match press conference yesterday that changes are likely to be made to rest some players and hand the opportunity for others to impress the new boss.

However, the competition presents the first opening for the former Spurs boss to claim a trophy for the Reds – something which owner Evangelos Marinakis desperately desires.

With the Europa League also on the horizon, rotation will certainly be needed, which could result in Morgan Gibbs-White being dropped against his former side, with numerous debuts being handed out across the board.

Forest’s last nine meetings against Swansea

Date

Result

30/04/2022

5-1 (W)

11/12/2021

4-1 (W)

17/02/2021

1-0 (L)

23/01/2021

5-1 (L)

29/11/2020

1-0 (L)

15/07/2020

2-2 (D)

14/09/2019

1-0 (W)

30/03/2019

2-1 (W)

15/09/2018

0-0 (D)

Stats via 11v11

So, here is our Forest predicted XI to take on Swansea this evening.

GK – John Victor

The Brazilian shot-stopper joined the Reds late on in the summer transfer window, providing a needed backup to Matz Sels after Carlos Miguel returned back to his homeland.

He’s expected to make his debut for Ange’s side tonight and hopefully stake his claim for a regular first-team role in the months ahead – given the hectic schedule.

RB – Nicolo Savona

Nicolo Savona made his first Forest appearance in the defeat against Arsenal last Saturday, being brought on after Murillo limped off during the first-half.

The Italian should be handed his first start this evening, helping him build up the needed match fitness to fill the void left by the injured Ola Aina.

CB – Willy Boly

The 34-year-old has often provided a needed experienced presence at the back, which is undoubtedly a reason he penned a new contract at the City Ground over the summer.

He could provide that just that once again this evening, potentially partnering a young talent at the heart of Postecoglou’s backline.

CB – Jair Cunha

Jair Cunha is one of just four additions made from Botafogo by the Reds hierarchy this summer, but has had to bide his time before making his debut in the Garibaldi.

He’s only been named in one matchday squad to date, but the cup competition could offer the 20-year-old a perfect start to kickstart his career in England.

LB – Oleksandr Zinchenko

The 28-year-old was a surprise late addition on deadline day for Forest, joining the club on a season-long loan from fellow Premier League side Arsenal.

He was unable to make his debut against the Gunners on Saturday, but like Savona, he needs valuable minutes to build up his fitness given the lack of depth in full-back areas.

CDM – Ryan Yates (C)

Ryan Yates is a player who has constantly defied the odds at Forest, still remaining as the only player left in the first-team squad from the promotion-winning side.

The 27-year-old is yet to make a Premier League start in 2025/26, but could be set to lead the side with the armband once again tonight, potentially starring alongside another summer signing.

CDM – Douglas Luiz

Huge excitement was generated amongst the fanbase after the loan signing of Douglas Luiz from Juventus, but his transfer is yet to take off given his lack of action.

The Brazilian is yet to make a single appearance for the Reds, but tonight could be the perfect chance for the former Aston Villa star to stake his claim for a regular starting spot.

RW – Omari Hutchinson

Eyebrows were certainly raised when Omari Hutchinson joined Forest in a club-record £37.5m deal from Ipswich Town – but they reached another level when he was left out of the Europa League squad.

However, the youngster is deserving of an opportunity to feature in the Carabao Cup, needing valuable minutes given his lack of action in the Premier League to date.

CAM – James McAtee

Former Manchester City star James McAtee was another one of the club’s big-money additions during the off-season – costing a fee totalling £30m including add-ons.

However, like Hutchinson, he’s yet to start a single game for the Reds, but could be utilised in the number ten role ahead of Gibbs-White in South Wales.

LW – Dilane Bakwa

While the Reds suffered a 3-0 defeat on Saturday, winger Dilane Bakwa was a bright spark, making a huge impression on the fanbase despite only featuring for just 30 minutes.

He completed 100% of his passes, while also attempting two dribbles – potentially having the opportunity to start from the off for the first time in his Reds career.

ST – Arnaud Kalimuendo

Alongside Bakwa, Arnaud Kalimuendo was another young star brought into the club from France – costing a fee in the region of £26m from Stade Rennes.

The 23-year-old scored 18 times in all competitions last campaign, having the goalscoring nouse that could see him be the long-term replacement for Chris Wood.

Forest XI to face Swansea: Victor; Savona, Boly, Cunha, Zinchenko; Yates, Luiz, Hutchinson, McAtee, Bakwa; Kalimuendo.

Related Nottingham Forest now willing to make serious bid for "super" £22m striker

Forest are preparing the groundwork for a transfer, with a centre-forward now in their sights.

Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 16, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Nessa sexta-feira (28), o Palmeiras teve mais um frustração no mercado da bola. Pela terceira vez o clube viu sua proposta por Aníbal Moreno, volante do Racing-ARG, ser recusada pelos argentinos. Assim, diminuem as chances de Abel Ferreira ter um reforço para as oitavas de final da Libertadores. No entanto, caso aconteça alguma reviravolta neste sábado (29), ainda será possível inscrever o jogador na competição continental.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasSaiba quanto a atual patrocinadora do Palmeiras investiu no clube desde o início da parceriaPalmeiras29/07/2023PalmeirasDe olho no futuro, Palmeiras contrata jovem que pode ter multa de mais R$ 500 milhõesPalmeiras28/07/2023PalmeirasRacing-ARG recusa oferta por Aníbal Moreno, e Palmeiras fica mais longe de se reforçar para a LibertadoresPalmeiras28/07/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Segundo Anderson Barros declarou ao GE, o Alviverde foi “ao limite” para tentar contratar o meio-campista argentino. A pedida final do Racing foi de 10 milhões de dólares (R$ 47,3 milhões), valor que se mostrou irredutível e o diretor de futebol palmeirense não conseguia chegar. Lembrando que a proposta anterior havia sido de 7,5 milhões de dólares (R$ 35,4 milhões).

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

Como se trata do alvo principal e aquele que o Verdão tentou a última cartada no prazo limite, dificilmente o clube buscará outro jogador neste momento. Aníbal Moreno era o nome “ideal”, aprovado pelos departamentos envolvidos e havia mostrado enorme vontade de vestir a camisa alviverde. Dessa forma, é muito improvável que um reforço chegue para as oitavas de final da Libertadores.

continua após a publicidade

No entanto, há ainda um recurso possível caso o Palmeiras consiga uma reviravolta neste sábado (29), ou até mesmo encontre outra oportunidade de mercado. Segundo a Conmebol, é preciso entregar a lista de 50 nomes dos inscritos 72 horas antes do início da fase (1º de agosto, terça-feira), ou seja, neste sábado (29). São permitidas até cinco substituições na lista inicial entregue para a fase de grupos.

+ Racing-ARG recusa oferta por Aníbal Moreno, e Palmeiras fica mais longe de se reforçar para a Libertadores

Para que o nome do jogador pudesse ser inscrito, ele precisaria ter aparecido no BID da CBF até sexta-feira (28), algo que não aconteceu. Mesmo assim, ainda seria possível um atalho. Caso a negociação esteja encaminhada, o Verdão pode pedir à entidade uma inscrição provisória contanto que se apresente os documentos da regularização até segunda-feira (31).

continua após a publicidade

A chance de isso acontecer é muito pequena, mas é importante destacar que ainda é possível uma inscrição. Caso a presença de um hipotético reforço na Libertadores seja mesmo descartada, o novo prazo para contratar seria quarta-feira (2), quando se encerra a janela de transferências para clubes brasileiros. Dessa forma, o jogador poderia ser inscrito nas quartas de final da competição, mas o Palmeiras tem a missão de eliminar o Atlético-MG para que isso aconteça.

Newcastle United and Eddie Howe have inched closer to a successful Carabao Cup title defence, beating Bradford City in the third round and then drawing Tottenham Hotspur.

There’s a tough test, but Newcastle have a fine recent record against the Lilywhites, and the fluency of Howe’s side is building by the day.

It’s quite understandable in hindsight that the sale of Alexander Isak would disrupt the harmony and snap of United’s frontline, with goals scored in only two of their five Premier League games so far.

Isak left for Liverpool on deadline day, and Newcastle banked a record-breaking £125m fee. They lost one of the world’s finest strikers, who scored 27 times in black and white last season and who bagged against Arne Slot’s Reds at Wembley.

Newcastle did replace the Sweden striker with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, but William Osula is also staking his claim for a big role this term.

William Osula's early-season form

Howe issued rotation as the top-flight and European action took a breath. Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and brace-scoring Joelinton all featured, but so too did the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley get some more minutes under their belt.

However, Osula might feel he was the biggest winner, scoring twice against the high-flying League One side to take his haul to three goals this season, also scoring in that frantic game against Liverpool in August.

Having signed from Sheffield United for £15m last summer, Osula scarcely played across his debut campaign at St. James’ Park, scoring once in the league.

But he’s making headway now.

Osula got himself on the scoresheet before 20 minutes had been played, and then again in the closing stages, sealing his side’s 4-1 victory.

He might have had a hat-trick save for some poor finishing after neat work from Gordon, but, as Howe noted during his post-match press conference, the Danish forward offered more than just goals, holding up well and linking up with his teammates. He looked dangerous and dynamic when playing down the wing.

“He’s done his chances no harm,” Howe said, discussing the potential of the 22-year-old starting in the Premier League once again.

However, Newcastle turned down a £30m approach from Eintracht Frankfurt for the fringe forward this summer, and Howe may come to regret rejecting such a hefty sum, especially when the Magpies have an academy talent who might be even better than his peer.

Newcastle have a bigger talent than Osula

The word on the street is that Newcastle still expect to sell Osula, perhaps next summer. There’s a player in there, but Osula is very much unrefined, and after what Howe described as a “turbulent” summer for the number nine, he finds himself third-fiddle on Tyneside.

Wissa is currently sidelined with a knee injury and has yet to make his debut after joining from Brentford, but Woltemade has shown plenty of promise after completing a club-record £69m move from Stuttgart, scoring on his debut and showcasing his talent thereafter.

Osula has been left somewhat in the lurch, even after scoring against Liverpool.

And with an up-and-coming talent like Sean Neave knocking on his door, Osula may well find himself completing that transfer away next summer.

A natural-born finisher, Neave, 18, has been riding the crest of a wave in Newcastle’s academy. He has always been a reliable goalscorer, but the youth’s ability to carry his form up the levels with relative ease suggests he may soon be knocking on Howe’s door. In fact, he might already be.

Six games into the season for Newcastle’s development side, Neave has scored three goals and provided one assist. No longer playing for the U18s, he is a regular starter in the Premier League 2, despite having reached adulthood only at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Newcastle U18

37

21 (7)

Newcastle U21

15

7 (3)

Newcastle YL

6

1 (1)

Newcastle

–

–

Neave is a “good finisher”, all right, as has been said by Newcastle blogger TomTalksToon, and he already stands at 6 foot 1. A gangly frame that does not inhibit his pace and athleticism, the teenager is akin to Isak, but let’s just wait and see if he can match the former Toon man’s almighty scoring record in the English top flight.

Perhaps Neave was somewhat frustrated to have been left out of the matchday squad against Bradford. However, his professional debut is sure to be right around the corner, with his electric pace and threat in the final third sure-fire ingredients for success in the Premier League.

Osula is more refined physically, but Neave is on a programme that is giving rise to his strength and athletic focus on the field. It’s only a matter of time.

And when that time comes, might Howe and co not regret cashing in on Osula when they had the chance? If Neave continues his meteoric rise with such speed, he may well overtake his goalscoring rival, which would do United’s chances of shipping him out for a big fee no favours.

Newcastle’s 4.6 xG (expected goals) total in the Premier League this season puts them 16th. Not great, but neither is it an accurate representation of the talent and the creativity coursing through Howe’s team.

Instead, Newcastle will continue to go from strength to strength, and Wissa and Woltemade will too.

It’s difficult to see how Osula surpasses either, so unpolished is the Denmark U21 international. And when considering Neave is waiting in the wings and bound to make his senior debut sooner rather than later, Howe may come to wish he had taken the £30m and ran.

Howe could unleash Newcastle's own Yamal in 18-year-old "elite talent"

Newcastle’s academy setting has changed for the better in recent years.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 24, 2025