Tottenham Hotspur fans will undoubtedly be disappointed with their activity in the transfer window over recent days, after missing out on numerous key targets.

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Savinho was one player who was firmly in their sights, even making an offer to land the Manchester City star, but it was rejected, with Pep Guardiola’s side refusing to offload the winger.

Eberechi Eze has arguably been the biggest target, previously agreeing personal terms with the player and Crystal Palace, but a move hasn’t been all plain sailing.

North London rivals Arsenal pounced at the 11th hour to hijack the move, which has seen Thomas Frank miss out on a star who would’ve played a key role in the Premier League for the Lilywhites.

The Dane must be wishing he was able to rely on one talent during his maiden year at the helm, with the former player highlighting the excellent work previously done by the hierarchy in the transfer market.

Gareth Bale’s time at Tottenham Hotspur

Back in the summer of 2007, Spurs completed a deal for baby-faced 17-year-old Gareth Bale from Southampton – originally joining the side as an option at left-back.

He struggled to establish himself in his early years in North London, leading to rumours around his future at the club, subsequently being within touching distance of a £2m switch to Nottingham Forest.

However, he would remain at the Lilywhites, with the 2010/11 season a turning point in his time in the capital – shifting further up the field into a forward position, even scoring a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

The Welshman would operate in such a role for the remaining three years at the club, racking up 71 goals in his 237 appearances, including 26 in his final campaign.

He would complete a then world-record £85m transfer to Real Madrid, ending his six-year stint in the Premier League, with the side lacking that quality off the flank since his departure.

Current boss Frank would hugely benefit from a player of his calibre in the present day, potentially landing his own version of the winger in the closing stages of the transfer window.

Spurs targeting their next Bale this summer

The failure to land Savinho and Eze in recent weeks has certainly highlighted the need for work to be conducted rapidly, leading to West Ham star Lucas Paqueta emerging on their radar.

It’s been reported that the Lilywhites are considering a move for the Brazilian before the deadline, after the Hammers dropped his asking price to just £40m.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling another talent they’re preparing a move for, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He claims that the Spurs hierarchy have reached out to Will Still’s side to ask about the conditions over a potential move for the 19-year-old star.

The journalist also states that he’s one of a number of talents in their sights, but key work has already been conducted over a move for the Englishman, who could cost as much as £50m this summer.

Why Spurs’ £70m target would be Frank’s answer to Bale

After taking the reins during the off-season, new boss Frank would’ve been hoping that owner Daniel Levy backed him in the transfer market to build on the club’s Europa League success.

To date, Joao Palhinha has joined the Lilywhites on loan from Bayern Munich, whilst Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel are the only permanent additions – seeing around £85m forked out for the pair’s signatures.

Whilst moves have been made, they’ve so far been to no avail, leading to questions being asked about the owner’s lack of spending during the summer transfer window.

With just 11 days remaining until the market closes, key work will have to be rapidly made on potential deals in the final third, with forward-minded signings desperately needed to satisfy Frank’s demands upon his arrival.

Whilst it would be an expensive addition to land Dibling, it would be one that could end their pursuit for his summer, also landing a player who can develop into a world-beater, given his tender age.

It would see the youngster follow in the footsteps of Bale, joining the Lilywhites as a teenager, having the chance to emulate the Welshman should he make the big-money move to North London.

Dibling, who has been labelled “world-class” by Southampton academy manager Andy Goldie, ranked in the 87th percentile for successful take-ons last season (2.2) – highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

Such an asset is what made Bale such a hit with the fans in North London, with Dibling needing to add an end product to his mazy runs, but that’s something which will come with experience in his career.

The teenager’s talents were further reflected in his tally of 2.4 carries into the final third per 90, with the winger evidently wanting to get the ball into dangerous territory as often as possible.

The aforementioned numbers have caused havoc for opposition defenders, often having to result to fouling Dibling to prevent him from creating carnage within attacking areas – as seen by his tally of 2.4 fouls won per 90.

Whilst driving forward with the ball is undoubtedly one of the Saints star’s biggest assets, he’s also able to pick out a teammate – allowing the likes of Kudus to further impress should he be on the receiving end of his 3.1 progressive passes per 90.

Undoubtedly, the price tag will concern a lot of supporters, but ultimately, it’s the price that has to be forked out for young English talents in the modern market.

There’s no taking away the quality he possesses, having the tools to develop further under Frank’s guidance – potentially emulating the success of Bale in any move to join the Lilywhites.

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Forget about Eze: Spurs in the mix for "one of the best 10s in the world"

Tottenham Hotspur have already identified a new target after missing out on Eberechi Eze.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 21, 2025

Javagal Srinath and Nitin Menon “mutually agreed” with the ICC that they would not undertake any officiating assignments in Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Feb-2025Champions Trophy 2025 will have no Indian officials with two of the likeliest candidates having excused themselves from travelling to Pakistan.It is understood that Javagal Srinath, one of the most prolific ICC match referees, and Nitin Menon, part of the ICC’s elite panel umpires, had “mutually agreed” with the ICC that they would not undertake any officiating assignments in the Pakistan leg of the tournament.And since all matches in Dubai will feature India and require neutral officials, it automatically rules out Indian match officials. Srinath, the former India fast bowler, is currently officiating India’s bilateral white-ball matches against England, but neutral officials have been the norm at all ICC tournaments.Though Pakistan remains the official host of the Champions Trophy, a hybrid model was adopted after protracted negotiations which allowed India to play all their matches, including the semi-final and the final, should they qualify, in Dubai. The same principle will apply to Pakistan in upcoming ICC tournaments hosted by India in the current cycle, whereby all their games will be played at a neutral venue.The 12-member umpires panel includes the ICC’s Umpire of the Year Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Michael Gough, Paul Reiffel, Chris Gaffaney and Kumar Dharmasena among others. Ahsan Raza is the sole Pakistani umpire on the list.David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle and Andrew Pycroft will be the match referees.Sean Easey, the ICC senior manager – umpires and referees, said: “We always try to name the most suitable and deserving officials for any event, and we are confident this group will do a fine job across the matches in Pakistan and the UAE.”Match officials for Champions Trophy 2025Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel, Sharfuddoula, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel WilsonMatch Referees: David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft

Who’s playing

Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, February 14, 2025, 7.30pm IST

What to expect: Mandhana vs Gardner

No bowler has dismissed Smriti Mandhana more often than Ashleigh Gardner in Women’s T20s or in ODIs. With Gardner assuming the captaincy of Giants, she could look to bring herself on early against the RCB captain. With Mandhana in sublime form, it could be an interesting contest.Two of Giants’ four wins across two seasons of the WPL have come against RCB, including their first-ever victory.Related

• RCB's title defence hit by player unavailability, injuries

• Can new captain Gardner change Giants' fortunes?

• How the WPL is changing life for young Indian women

• Vastrakar, Sobhana ruled out of WPL with injuries

Team news and likely XIs: Mooney’s opening partner, Perry’s fitness in focus

The choice of Beth Mooney’s opening partner could pose a headache for Giants. Given Deandra Dottin commands a place in the XI, only one of Laura Wolvaardt and Phoebe Litchfield might find a place in the XI.Gujarat Giants (probable): 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Laura Wolvaardt, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Deandra Dottin, 5 Dayalan Hemalatha, 6 Ashleigh Gardner (capt), 7 Simran Shaikh, 8 Sayali Satghare, 8 Meghna Singh, 9 Tanuja Kanwar, 10 Kashvee Gautam, 11 Shabnam Shakil/Mannat Kashyap.Ellyse Perry is heading into WPL 2025 on the back of suffering a hip injury during the Women’s Ashes Test in Melbourne. She could take the No. 4 spot in the absence of Sophie Devine. If Perry does not pull up well for the opening game, RCB could go with Georgia Wareham at No. 4 and play Charlie Dean as well. The injury to Asha Sobhana, a sure-starter who has been ruled out of the tournament, adds to the selection complications for them.1:43

Gardner: We have fantastic youth in our set-up

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable): 1 Smriti Mandhana (capt), 2 Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 3 S Meghana, 4 Ellyse Perry, 5 Richa Ghosh, 6 Raghvi Bist, 7 Kanika Ahuja, 8 Georgia Wareham, 9 Jagravi Pawar, 10 Kim Garth, 11 Renuka Singh.

Players to watch: Deandra Dottin and Richa Ghosh

With their acrimonious equation from WPL 2023 behind them, Deandra Dottin could be key to Giants’ success. She made a successful return to internationals just ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup last year, where she was West Indies’ leading run-scorer while picking up five wickets at an economy rate of 5.42. In the home T20Is against Bangladesh, Dottin scored 110 in three games at a strike rate of 203.70. Having played ODIs against India at the Kotambi Stadium, Dottin would have an idea of what to expect, and Giants would want her to step up with the ball too, especially at the death.4:32

RCB will have it tough against well-rounded Giants

Very few Indian players in the WPL can do what Richa Ghosh can – finish matches as a power-hitter. With RCB battling player-unavailability and fitness issues, Ghosh will be a vital cog in that middle order. She showed good hitting form in the home season against West Indies and Ireland. RCB relied on her prowess last year to win the title. She is third in the list of most sixes in the WPL; expect her to move up as the season progresses. How she does could well decide how the defending champions start their campaign.

Key stats

• Ashleigh Gardner is Giants’ leading run-scorer (324) as well as wicket-taker (17)
• Giants have had eight opening pairs in the two years, the most in the WPL.
• Giants have hit 43 sixes in the WPL, the fewest among all teams.
• RCB have two bowlers in their squad with T20I hat-tricks – Ekta Bisht and Heather Graham.

After a dismal 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season, it was vital that the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy invested money into the first-team ahead of 2025/26.

Thomas Frank was the man to fill the void left by Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal, with the Dane being handed the funds as a result to try and transform the Lilywhites’ top-division fortunes.

He’s so far landed duo Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons for a combined £107m, subsequently bolstering the options at his disposal within the attacking department.

Joao Palhinha has also arrived on loan, whilst Mathys Tel also made his loan move permanent – after spending the second half of the previous campaign in North London.

However, with just a couple of days remaining in the transfer window, the new boss will still want further additions to help him in his quest for success during his tenure at the club.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions before deadline day

Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has been a surprise target for Spurs over the last couple of days, with the player himself wanting a temporary move away from Old Trafford.

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The Lilywhites hierarchy have held talks with Ruben Amorim’s side over a potential move before Monday’s deadline, but it’s unclear if a move could materialise given the Red Devils’ reluctance to offload the youngster.

However, he’s not the only Englishman currently in their sights, with Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher once again appearing on their radar, according to CaughtOffside.

They claim that Frank’s side are preparing a £35m-£40m bid for the 25-year-old, with the Spanish outfit prepared to let him leave if an acceptable offer is presented. Man United are also in the race, although Spurs are said to be the frontrunners.

It also states that Diego Simeone’s side would want as much as £45m this summer, potentially being the third big-money addition for Spurs during the current window.

Why Spurs’ £52m target would be perfect for Simons

The recent transfer of Simons to Spurs has injected added excitement into the fanbase, and understandably so when delving into his numbers from last season.

The Dutchman registered 10 goals and seven assists for Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, and ended the year as one of the most threatening attacking options in the division.

Chelsea seemed destined to land the former PSG youngster at one stage, but Frank’s men swooped in at the 11th hour, with the move finally ending their hunt for a new attacking midfielder.

If he can replicate such numbers in 2025/26 for the Lilywhites, he would be a phenomenal pickup, having the tools to star immediately – but also improve further, given he’s just 22 years of age.

However, should Simons want to be a success in North London, he will need to be aided in any attempts, which could prompt the hierarchy to land Gallagher in the coming days.

The Englishman, who is a former Chelsea first-team member, would be the perfect box-to-box option, that’s if he can replicate the numbers he produced in LaLiga throughout 2024/25.

Gallagher, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, could offer a presence at the heart of the side which could free Simons up to cause carnage in attacking areas and show why the club forked out £52m for his signature.

Gallagher – LaLiga stats (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

3.5

Passes into final third

2.5

Tackles won

1.8

Interceptions made

1.1

Recoveries made

5.9

Stats via FBref

The Atlético star ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries made (5.9) – showcasing his ability to regain possession for the side.

However, he would need to help transition the play after winning the ball – something which he demonstrated in abundance in Spain throughout 2024/25.

He made an average of 3.5 progressive passes per 90 at a pass completion rate of 85% – allowing him to do the ‘dirty work’ before finding the Dutchman with his line-breaking ability.

Whilst a deal for Gallagher would be an expensive addition, he would be one who could help transform Frank’s side for the better between now and the end of the Dane’s reign.

If he can strike up a partnership with Simons in 2025/26, it would be a worthwhile investment and one that can complete the summer overhaul of the midfield department.

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Related A Kudus repeat: "Incredible" £70m ace now wants to join Spurs after Simons

Tottenham Hotspur could now complete another deal after landing Xavi Simons earlier today.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 29, 2025

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in MLS, including Luna's excellent playmaking performance

Real Salt Lake’s playoff hopes were hanging by a thread. Against an Austin FC team on the verge of clinching their own spot, anything short of a win would have ended Pablo Mastroeni’s push. Fortunately for the manager, and for RSL, they have Diego Luna. 

The 22-year-old midfielder was at his creative best Saturday, helping the Claret and Cobalt to a stunning upset of Austin, setting up two of the home side's goals to cement a 3-1 win. Yet, RSL's triumph wasn't the only surprise result over the weekend. 

Tim Ream's Charlotte FC, who looked like MLS Cup favorites just three weeks ago, were brought back to reality with a 4-1 loss to CF Montreal. You read that correctly, the 13th-placed Le CFM ran every which way against a team that crushed Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on Sept. 13. Life in MLS. Meanwhile, Vancouver's Brian White is also back, scoring on his return. 

GOAL looks at the major takeaways from USMNT players in MLS.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowLuna approaching milestone

Before Saturday's match, Luna had actually gone back-to-back games without a goal contribution. He ensured, at a critical time, the streak wouldn't extend to a third game. 

Yes, Luna's first contribution was very much a MLS version of a hockey assist as he fed the ball to Diogo Gonçalves, who found U.S. international DeAndre Yedlin charging toward goal to score. But the game-sealing goal was all Luna. 

Surrounded by three defenders, the No. 10 saw Victor Olatunji with yards of space behind him and fed a beautiful diagonal through ball. The Nigerian striker converted past All-Star goalkeeper Brad Stuyver to put the home side ahead 3-0. 

The two assists mean Luna is inching close to the coveted 20-goal contribution mark on the season, which he also notched last year. He's now at nine goals – a career-best – and seven goals, which are five short of his top mark of 12 last season. It's important to note that Luna will have fewer appearances than last year – he played in 31 matches. This year, the most possible is 28 due to his involvement with the Gold Cup.

More importantly, Luna's heroics keep RSL's slim playoff hopes alive. The team is one point back of the San Jose Earthquakes, and they have a game in hand. Luna and RSL face a crucial potential six-pointer against rivals Colorado Rapids at home.

Colorado sit in eight place on 40 points with an extra match played. A win for either side could determine fates.

AdvertisementImagnTumbling at the wrong time

Two weeks ago, everything appeared to be going Charlotte's way. They had reeled off nine-straight wins, matching an MLS record, and put an exclamation mark on it all by routing Inter Miami 3-0 two weeks ago. 

However, in MLS, a lot can change in 16 days, and now The Crown find themselves reeling after successive losses to NYCFC, and more surprisingly, CF Montreal on Saturday. For an ambitious club looking to make noise in the postseason, you can't lose by three goals to one MLS' most challenged teams.

After taking an early lead from a Wilfried Zaha goal at home, Charlotte quickly became undone by a careless red card from Ream's centerback partner, Adilson Malanda. Once Malanda came off, Ream struggled with one of his worst games of the season. While he made four clearances, he had zero tackles and couldn't stop Montreal – tied for the worst scoring output in MLS this season with D.C. – from scoring four.

Of equal concern, Charlotte fall out of the top four home playoff seeding spots in the East, now sitting in fifth. Outside of their shocking loss to the Canadian side, Dean Smith's team is very good at home with a 12-3-1 record (W-L-T). Charlotte have just two games to try to reclaim the spot, but have Inter Miami ahead with two games in hand.

ImagnBrian White is back

Only the Gold Cup and injuries could slow down White, who was seemingly the best striker in MLS prior to the CONCACAF tournament. Vancouver have eased him back into action since his return in late September, and he delivered two strong performances in cameos against Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders. 

He scored the game-tying goal in the 88th minute to force a draw against the Timbers on Sept. 24 and then followed that up to score the game-opening goal against the Sounders on Saturday. 

The Whitecaps have become a different team. Daniel Ríos has started up top in the majority of the games since White last played on Aug. 23, and while his numbers aren't as guady as White's, his willingness to do the little things has opened up spaces for new star Thomas Muller.

Whether that remains the same for the rest of the season is uncertain, but if White remains productive, it will help Vancouver remain in the hunt for the Supporters' Shield and also keep him in the mix for a spot on the U.S. national team. 

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Stealing a point from Cincy

Is there anything Alex Freeman can't do in MLS? The 21-year-old continued his breakout season at right back for Orlando City with another big moment.

With FC Cincinnati all but assured three points in a home clash against the visitors, Freeman delivered in the clutch to help his side share the spoils. Freeman might play fullback, a position usually reserved for smaller, quicker players, but he's a towering for a soccer player at 6-2 and used his frame and head to leap up and score. 

If it sounds familiar, it should. Alex's dad, Antonio, was an All-Pro receiver in 1998 with the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Alex has six goals and two assists in his first full season in MLS.

Leeds United are looking to force some late deals over the line in the market and were closing in on their next summer capture before being hijacked.

Leeds release Patrick Bamford as space opened for fresh faces

After making it clear that the former England international wasn’t part of his Premier League plans, Daniel Farke took the step to release Patrick Bamford this week to free up space in his forward line amid the Whites’ hunt for reinforcements.

Largie Ramazani has moved on loan to Valencia, and Isaac Schmidt will spend the season at Werder Bremen. However, news that the experienced striker has been let go has become a late talking point at Elland Road.

Addressing his departure, former Chelsea man Bamford admitted he has been left feeling ‘raw’ regarding recent events, though looked back on pride at what he achieved during his time in Yorkshire.

He stated on social media: “Right now, with the way it has come to an end and the way things have been handled recently it is all too raw for me to reflect on immediately. But in the years to come, I will look back at this period of my life with nothing but joy and pride and be super happy with what I have achieved.

“I want to thank all the managers I played under but especially Marcelo Bielsa. I don’t know where the club would be without the foundations he laid.”

With that now said and done, Leeds are lining up a move for Getafe forward Christantus Uche after his move to Wolves stalled. Meanwhile, they have also made a late approach to sign German forward Timo Werner.

Time is running out to conclude deals, though they were moving closer to bringing in a much-needed element of creativity to bolster the ranks.

Leeds hijacked by Chelsea in Facundo Buonanotte deal

Taking to social media platform X, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook confirmed Leeds were closing in on Facundo Buonanotte, offering credit to fellow reporter Ben Jacobs as the Whites near a deal to land the Brighton & Hove Albion attacking midfielder.

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However, since this, it has been revealed that Chelsea have moved to hijack Leeds’ deal for Buonanotte after they missed out on Xavi Simons to Tottenham.

Labelled “huge talent” by Jacek Kulig, the Argentina international spent last season on loan at Leicester City, amassing six goals and three assists in 35 appearances.

Now likely to follow that up with a loan to Stamford Bridge, the 20-year-old could have moved to Yorkshire and offer a degree of versatility in the forward areas, given his capability to feature in the ten role or as a right winger. FBRef claim his play style is similar to the likes of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, with both players thriving on a per 90 minutes basis for defensive metrics.

Indeed, both the Brighton starlet and Bellingham rank in the top 25 per cent for tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances and aerials won when compared to other attacking midfielders over the last 365 days, offering some insight into the pressing benefits of having him in the team.

Ao Tanaka’s recent injury left a slot for another midfielder to enter Farke’s rotation, and Buonanotte would have allowed the German coach to shuffle things around in the engine room, but Leeds now need to look elsewhere.

A couple of years ago, Kobbie Mainoo was seen as the latest talent to emerge out of the Manchester United academy, potentially cementing his place in the first-team squad.

The excitement around his performance was understandable, especially after he popped up with key goals, including a late winner against Wolves, before scoring in the FA Cup final back in 2023/24.

However, last year was an injury-hit campaign for the youngster, only making 25 appearances in the Premier League, with just 19 of which coming from a starting position.

Mainoo has also had to face competition from the likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro for the starting role, but has rapidly dropped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order at Old Trafford.

Things could be about to get a lot worse for the 20-year-old in the months ahead, especially considering the hierarchy are targeting added reinforcements in such an area in the coming weeks.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder

A new name has entered the mix for United over the last couple of days, with Stuttgart talent Angelo Stiller a player the Red Devils are considering, according to recent reports.

The German, who made 47 appearances across all competitions last season, could be available for around £50m this summer – a potential bargain if they don’t land one other target.

Another player has been firmly in their sights over the last few weeks, with Crystal Palace talent Adam Wharton one option the club are considering, according to one report.

They claim that Amorim’s side have made an approach for the 21-year-old, who helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield under Oliver Glasner.

It’s also been confirmed that the player has been valued at around £100m this summer, a potential hefty fee, given he’s only made 36 appearances in England’s top-flight.

Why United’s latest target is a bigger talent than Baleba

It’s no secret that United have been pursuing a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer, even holding talks to land the 21-year-old.

At one stage, it appeared as though a move for the Cameroonian was rapidly progressing, with the player himself open to a switch to move to Old Trafford before the September 1st deadline.

However, a deal has somewhat evaporated over the last couple of days, leading to the Red Devils accepting the Seagulls’ stance that the youngster is not for sale this summer.

As a result, the hierarchy have had to look down other avenues, leading to the recent rumours to land German star Stiller after his rapid rise in the Bundesliga in recent months.

Whilst he would be a superb addition, a move for Wharton must now be the priority, potentially being an expensive pickup, but one that would be worth every penny if he carries on his current trajectory.

In his short career, he’s already picked up two more trophies than Baleba, getting a taste for success – something which the Red Devils desperately need in the near future.

When comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Englishman managed to massively outperform the Cameroonian in key areas – showcasing why he’d be a bigger talent for Amorim’s side.

Games played

20

34

Goals & assists

2

4

Progressive passes

7.6

3.9

Key passes made

1.8

0.7

Passes into final third

5.3

3.6

Interceptions made

1.6

1.5

Clearances made

1.9

1.4

Carries into final third

1.6

1.5

Recoveries made

7.1

6.6

Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by HLTCO, notched more passes into the final third and more key passes completed – having the tools to provide the players ahead of him with chances in front of goal.

He also made more recoveries per 90 and registered more interceptions per 90, outperforming Baleba in such an area – highlighting the defensive quality he possesses.

Given the similarities in the fees touted for the aforementioned duo, either player would be an expensive addition – further showcasing the ambition shown by the board this summer.

The nature of the money involved makes it pivotal that the club make the right decision about whom to sign, with Wharton showcasing that he would be a better addition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

It would be extremely harsh on Mainoo, with any deal massively disrupting his progress in the side, but unfortunately, the world of football is a cutthroat industry, with the academy graduate needing to try and force himself back into the manager’s plans.

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Mark Nicholas says club “leaning towards using MCC colours in livery” as part of joint-venture with Silicon Valley investors

Matt Roller14-Feb-2025

MCC have discussed renaming London Spirit and having them play in the club’s egg-and-bacon colours with their new Silicon Valley co-owners.MCC will enter into a joint-venture with Cricket Investor Holdings Limited, a consortium of US-based entrepreneurs who have been dubbed the “Tech Titans”, to run the Lord’s-based Hundred franchise from 2026. They were the highest bidders at a three-hour auction on January 31, which eventually valued London Spirit at £295 million, by far the highest of any of the eight Hundred teams.The two parties have been speaking for several months and have extended those discussions over the past two weeks during their period of exclusivity. “We already have a very good understanding of our respective positions on most of the important matters which will govern our partnership,” Mark Nicholas, MCC’s chair, said in a letter to members on Friday.Related

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Gould: Hundred IPL links won't affect Pakistan player involvement

These have included discussions around the name of the franchise and their royal-blue kits. “Both parties have maintained an open mind on whether or not to continue with the London Spirit name,” Nicholas said. Any changes to team names or kits would not take place until 2026, with this year’s Hundred seen by the ECB as a transitional season.”There are advantages in using the name of the club, MCC; the name of the ground, Lord’s; and the name of our home city, London; the latter may give us the greatest traction as we look to grow the franchise and its brand,” Nicholas said.”Team colours have also been the subject of discussion and we are leaning towards using MCC colours in the livery. On both name and kit, we will take decisions alongside our new partners. It should be pointed out also that these decisions will need ECB approval.”Nikesh Arora, who is leading the consortium, has also hinted at a change of colour scheme. “All decisions will be taken in the interests of the franchise, collectively with our partners at the MCC,” Arora told the BBC. “If the right answer collectively is, ‘Hey, a little more red or a little more yellow might make it more exciting’, then fine: we’ll have a little more red and a little more yellow.”Nicholas reiterated MCC’s intention to retain their 51% stake in the franchise, and said that four of the team’s seven board members would be MCC-appointed directors, one of whom is likely to be incoming chief executive Robert Lawson.

وجه المدير الفني السابق لفريق الأهلي المصري، مارسيل كولر، رسالة تهنئة إلى منتخب مصر بمناسبة تأهلهم إلى منافسات كأس العالم نسخة 2026.

وحقق منتخب مصر فوزًا أمس الأول على جيبوتي بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، في إطار الجولة التاسعة من التصفيات المؤهلة إلى النسخة المقبلة من كأس العالم.

وتحصل منتخب مصر بذلك الفوز على بطاقة التأهل إلى بطولة كأس العالم، التي ستُقام الصيف المقبل في أمريكا، كندا والمكسيك.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إنفانتينو يوجه رسالة إلى أبو ريدة بعد تأهل منتخب مصر لـ كأس العالم

وكتب مارسيل كولر عبر حسابه الشخصي بموقع “فيس بوك”: “تهانينا لـ منتخب مصر على تأهله لكأس العالم 2026، هذا النجاح نتاج عمل دؤوب وروح الفريق الواحد وعزيمة على مدار سنوات طويلة”.

وأضاف: “تهنئة خاصة لجميع اللاعبين، وللجهاز الفني، وللاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم ولكل من ساهم في هذا النجاح، وللجماهير المصرية، بكل تأكيد، التي تشجع فريقها دائمًا بشغف كبير”.

وواصل: “خلال فترة عملي مع الأهلي، حظيت بشرف العمل مع العديد من هؤلاء اللاعبين، لقد أبهرتني احترافيتهم وشغفهم وعقليتهم، وهم يواصلون تشكيل هذا الفريق حتى اليوم، إنها لحظة رائعة لكرة القدم المصرية”.

The USL has added an investor with significant capital as it aims to compete with MLS with a first division of its own starting in 2028. BellTower Partners, a private investment firm run by ex-Carlyle Group CEO Kewsong Lee, has purchased a minority equity stake in the North American soccer league. Lee reportedly has a net worth of $28 billion.

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  Pushing forward with promotion/relegation

  The investment was reportedly made with an eye on helping the USL launch its yet-to-be-named Division One league and its announced plan of having promotion and relegation across its men's leagues, according to the Guardian. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed. 

  While promotion and relegation is common in global soccer, it hasn't taken effect in America yet. MLS has used a single-entity structure since its launch in 1996. 

  As part of the investment, Lee will sit on the USL's Board of Directors as vice chairman, serving alongside league CEO Alec Papadakis and chairman Rob Hoskins. Papadakis expressed his excitement about having Lee on board. 

  “Kewsong and BellTower are joining the USL at a moment of tremendous opportunity,” Papadakis said in a statement.  “The investment underscores their confidence in, and alignment with, our vision for the future of the USL. It strengthens our ability to deliver on that promise by advancing top-tier Division One, introducing promotion and relegation, and aligning American soccer more closely with the global game.

  "As we enter this next chapter, we have charted a bold course for the sport in the United States. With Kewsong’s strategic perspective, operational acumen, and proven leadership, we gain an invaluable partner in the ongoing effort to bring that vision to life.”

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  Previous success and ties to USL

  Lee founded BellTower Partners in 2022, shortly after leaving his role as CEO at Carlyle Group. He spent more than two decades as an investor at Warburg Pincus, where he was a partner and member of the executive management Group. 

  Since starting BellTower Partners, Lee has been involved in a number of investments, including sports. The firm bought into Patricof Co, which helps athletes identify investments and counts Travis and Jason Kelce, along with former NFL star J.J. Watt, among its clients.

  Patricof notably guided Watt’s stake in English club Burnley. For the USL, BellTower’s most relevant tie is to United Sports Development Partners, the Connecticut developer behind Rhode Island FC’s Centreville Bank Stadium.

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  'Significant upside'

  Lee noted the USL's significant potential and his commitment to helping the league reach the next step in its development. 

  "The USL has built something rare in American sports – an independent, multi-tier league system of scale that is both high-growth and impactful,” Lee said in a statement. “We see durable demand for authentic, community-focused clubs; a favorable environment for public-private partnerships; and significant upside for all stakeholders as the USL continues to expand its men’s and women’s pathways. 

  "We are excited to partner with the USL’s management team and share their commitment to realizing the USL’s next phase of its journey.”

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• Timing is pivotal

  The league noted in its statement that the investment comes at a time of "rapid momentum" as it aims to capitalize on the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics to expand.

  The USL currently has a ecosystem with the Championship, League One, League Two on the men's side, and the  Super League and W league on the women's side.