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There are many experienced players in the India team that New Zealand men’s side will be wary of in the Champions Trophy final. But one of their most inexperienced players will also loom large on the minds of New Zealand’s batters.Varun Chakravarthy has played all of three ODIs, but in that stretch, he has got eight wickets, and averages 18.12. By far his best haul came against New Zealand, in these teams’ final group match, when on a big-turning track, he claimed 5 for 42, with several New Zealand batters unable to pick him.In fact it’s not only New Zealand’s own batters. On Friday evening, two days out from the final, Chakravarthy was even seen bamboozling no less a player than Virat Kohli in the nets at the ICC Academy. Chakravarthy had followed up his five-for against New Zealand with another solid outing against Australia, on a track less given to spin, in the semi-final. He took 2 for 49 from 10 overs.Related

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Having seen him once already could make it easier for the batters to handle him, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said on the eve of the final.”I think guys will be better for the run against Varun. He’s obviously a world-class bowler we’ve seen it here and in the IPL. He’s got that little bit of mystery. But it was the first time some of the guys have been facing him. I think they’ll learn from the other day.”Santner got a particularly vicious delivery from Chakravarthy in the group match, one that was flat and fast, and yet took substantial turn to take out his off stump.Varun Chakravarthy picked up five wickets against New Zealand•ICC via Getty Images

“If the pitch plays a similar way, it’s going to be a challenge along with all three of their other spinners. I think the boys will be ready for tomorrow having looked at a little bit more footage. We know what his threats are now. That 115kph arm ball, that got me – that was a bit of a threat.”While Chakravarthy is India’s top spin-bowling wicket-taker in the tournament, their other three spinners have also prospered on a turning Dubai track. Axar Patel has five wickets for the tournament, and Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have four each. They had been effective through the middle in that previous game against New Zealand.”I think the way Axar and Jadeja denied us for a long time, it might be something similar again on a slow wicket, where it’s as if you can kind of just rotate and hit the odd bad ball away, you can get yourself up to a decent score,” Santner said.”We’ve got some good players of spin and it’s about them trying to just play their games and whether it’s to get your broom out and sweep, or it’s to use your feet, I guess we kind of give our players the freedom to play their own way.”New Zealand have their own quartet of spinners, in Santner himself, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.”On the flipside, it’s the same with us. For us it’s about trying to build pressure for a long period of time to produce a false shot.”

Manchester City have now opened talks over a deal for a £86m star, with Pep Guardiola considered a big fan, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Man City eyeing new forward amid Savinho uncertainty

Jack Grealish is set to leave Man City imminently, with Everton agreeing to sign the England international on a season-long loan deal, and the 29-year-old is not the only winger who could be on the move before the transfer window closes.

Indeed, Tottenham Hotspur are now ramping up their pursuit of Savinho, with the Brazilian thought to be willing to make the move to north London, if a suitable transfer fee can be negotiated by the two clubs.

As a result, Guardiola may be keen to bolster his wide options prior to the September 1st deadline, and Romano has revealed that Man City have opened talks over a deal for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with the Brazilian now right at the top of their shortlist (via City Xtra).

In an update on X, Romano also added that the 24-year-old is City’s “dream target”, given that Guardiola is known to be a “big fan”, with Madrid willing to sanction a departure for a fee of around €100m (£86m) if the player himself makes it clear he wants to leave.

However, a deal may have to wait until the Blues finalise some departures of their own, with the likes of Savinho and James McAtee also in line to leave after Grealish.

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford Aug 11, 2025 Rodrygo could take Man City's attack to next level

Savinho impressed at times during his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium, picking up ten assists in the Premier League, but the Madrid forward could be a real upgrade on City’s current options, given his vast experience at the top level.

Indeed, the Brazil international has demonstrated an ability to take big matches by the scruff of the neck in the past, most notably scoring a brace against Guardiola’s side in the second leg of the 2021-22 Champions League semi-final.

In total, the Madrid star has amassed 25 goals and 14 assists in 64 Champions League matches, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level, and the Osasco-born forward has played a part in his side winning 13 major honours.

After enduring a rare trophyless campaign last season, Man City may be keen to bring in proven top-level players, who know what it takes to win trophies, and Rodrygo would certainly fit the bill.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly submitted a blockbuster £80m+ offer to sign a new left winger after saying an emotional goodbye to Son Heung-min.

Son plays final Tottenham game

Having revealed the news that he wants to leave Spurs this summer and bring an end to an iconic 13-year run last week, Son has now played his final game for the North London club. Bidding his farewell, the winger bowed out in the Lilywhites’ friendly draw against Premier League rivals Newcastle United in his home country, South Korea.

Next up for the 33-year-old seems to be MLS side LAFC, who have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Son and with Spurs over a summer switch.

As for Spurs, their next task is to replace a player that some may deem irreplaceable. Already this summer, they’ve welcomed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich, Mathys Tel in a permanent deal and Mohammed Kudus.

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Now, however, they could be about to pull off their most impressive signing yet amid reports that Daniel Levy and co. have submitted a stunning opening offer.

Tottenham submit Rodrygo offer

According to Spanish media outlets, Tottenham have now submitted an opening offer to sign Rodrygo worth as much as €100m (£87m) this summer. The Real Madrid winger has been the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool in recent months, and even agreed personal terms with the Reds recently, but with their focus elsewhere, the Lilywhites are reportedly attempting to steal the headlines with a shock move.

Interestingly, Rodrygo’s statistical profile matches up with another Liverpool signing – Florian Wirtz. Both players rank highly against their positional peers for non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions and succesful take-ons, as per FBRef.

Five similar players to Rodrygo

Club

Florian Wirtz

Liverpool

Kenan Yildiz

Juventus

Nico Williams

Athletic Club

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

PSG

Amad Diallo

Manchester United

Replacing Son is no easy task for all involved in North London, but Rodrygo is arguably the best candidate to do exactly that and more. The Brazilian is a serial winner who has played a pivotal part in Real Madrid’s success in recent years. Now, he could yet become the star of the show under Thomas Frank in what would become Spurs’ record signing by a considerable margin.

However, although Real Madrid have given them permission to speak to Rodrygo, convincing the 24-year-old to swap the Spanish giants for North London will reportedly be a tough task for Tottenham chiefs. And overcoming that obstacle is likely to be the turning point to any deal getting over the line this summer.

Dubbed “special” by former Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, Rodrygo continues to be linked with a summer switch to the Premier League, with Spurs the latest of a growing list of clubs to pursue his signature.

Murphy claimed 3 for 38 after Usman Khawaja posted 57, as Victoria held on despite some late batting heroics from Michael Neser

Alex Malcolm27-Sep-2024Three wickets to Test offspinner Todd Murphy and some nerveless catching from Victoria helped them to a thrilling six-run win at the Junction Oval after a brilliant cameo from Michael Neser almost stole the game for Queensland.Murphy took 3 for 38 as Queensland collapsed from 106 for 1 in the 24th over to 205 for 9 in the 46th chasing a very gettable 241. Neser was left with No.11 Tom Straker to chase the last 36 required from 24 balls. That equation became 19 off six after three excellent overs from captain Will Sutherland, Fergus O’Neill and Peter Siddle gave up just 15 runs.Neser faced two dots from Sam Elliott in the final over before launching two massive sixes to pull the Bulls within seven runs of victory with two balls remaining. But off the penultimately delivery he holed out to Jono Merlo at deep square who took an excellent catch looking into the setting sun to finish the game. Neser finished with 49 from 41 balls.Earlier, Test opener Usman Khawaja made a fluent 72-ball 57, sharing in a 90-run stand with opening partner Ben McDermott to have the game under control. But Murphy shifted the tide with an excellent spell. He forced a mistake from McDermott to break the stand after building some pressure. Sutherland then seized the moment.Noticing the grip and turn Murphy was getting on the worn surface, having seen another Test spinner in Mitchell Swepson take 3 for 38 earlier in the day, he called on the part-time offspin of opening batter Josh Brown, who had previously bowled just three balls in his professional career. After conceding a boundary first ball, Brown snared Khawaja caught behind with some extra bounce.Siddle then squeezed through the middle overs picking up two wickets. The second was courtesy of a stunning one-handed diving catch by Marcus Harris at mid-on. When Matt Renshaw fell for 38, Murphy turned the screws picking up two more to swing the game in Victoria’s favour.”It was really good that we were able to sort of stay in it,” Murphy said after the match. “I think when the ball got a little bit older, a bit softer, it’s a bit harder to hit as well. And I think we knew, especially the way their team structured, that they were very heavy at the top. So if we could make a breakthrough, sort of at any point and get a new batter in and put some pressure on him with a soft ball and a wearing wicket it was always going to be difficult.”Victoria were able to hold on despite Neser’s late heroics. His stand-in captain Swepson was full of praise for his efforts.”Ness played an unbelievable knock on a very tricky wicket, it seemed like it got harder and harder at the end there,” Swepson said. “For him to get us into the game in that last over, incredible knock from him. Unfortunately, we just fell short.”Queensland thought they had done enough with the ball, restricting Victoria to 240 for 7 after winning the toss. Harris made a vital 63 to hold the innings together before Sutherland (31 not out) and Elliott (32) produced more late-over heroics as they did against Tasmania, sharing a 63-run stand off the final 35 balls to post a winning total.Harris was pleased to spend some time in the middle after missing out in the opening game against Tasmania. But he was more excited to talk about his one-handed catch to dismiss Hugo Burdon.”I didn’t move very well and I thought I better stick a hand out and see what happens,” Harris said. “It was luck more than anything.”The win moves Victoria to the top of the One-Day Cup table after two rounds with two wins. Queensland depart Melbourne with just two points following a wash out against Tasmania.

Taskin Ahmed replaced him in Bangladesh’s XI

Mohammad Isam31-Aug-2024Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam has been ruled out of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi with a groin injury. He is now in a race against time to be fit for the two Tests in India next month.According to the Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan, Shoriful complained of discomfort in the groin area after the first Test last week, and subsequent tests confirmed the injury.”Shoriful underwent an MRI following the first Test and the results show a Grade 1 left adductor strain,” Bayjedul said. “Recovery usually takes around 10 days in such cases and he has started his rehab.”Shoriful had taken three wickets in Bangladesh’s ten-wicket win in the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. He was also handy with the bat, hitting two sixes in a 14-ball 22. Taskin Ahmed replaced him in Bangladesh’s starting XI for the second Test.Shoriful has played 11 Tests but also missed 11 Tests for Bangladesh since his debut three years ago. Taskin, meanwhile, is returning to the format after more than a year.Bangladesh’s next assignment is a tour of India, with the first Test in Chennai from September 19. They play two Tests and three T20Is during the tour that run until October 12.Bangladesh have a busy schedule till the end of 2024: after the tour of India, they have two Tests at home against South Africa in October, and a full tour of West Indies in November and December.

Well, it feels like Liverpool and Newcastle United are primed for a summer of fencing over Alexander Isak. The Magpies striker is on FSG’s wishlist, even if there’s a prevailing sense that Eddie Howe’s side are going to ensure their talisman stays put.

In fact, PIF have priced the centre-forward at £200m and are reportedly prepared to make him the highest-paid player in Newcastle’s history.

It’s unlikely that this one will come to fruition for Arne Slot’s side, but the door isn’t completely closed on a stunning summer capture to complement the thick breadth of talent already being added to the Anfield ranks: Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz brought in from Bayer Leverkusen, Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez just announced too.

Isak was only outscored by that man Mohamed Salah in the Premier League last season, and is one of the most mobile and talented nines in Europe, even remarked to have been “the best striker in the world” last season by analyst Raj Chohan.

Of course, in order to get such a deal over the line, Liverpool would need to make sure they offload Darwin Nunez.

The latest on Darwin Nunez's future

25 years old, Nunez should be heading into his prime – and he might be, but not at Liverpool. It hasn’t worked out for the man who cost FSG some £64m to bring over from Benfica (his full £85m fee will not be reached).

Anticipated to be on the move for several months, things are starting to move, with Serie A champions Napoli locked in talks with Liverpool to bring the player – who has green-lit the potential transfer – over to Naples.

Despite his flaws, Nunez remains popular within the Liverpool fanbase and is endowed with the archetypal physical faculties of the modern high-level striker. But consistency has proved elusive across his three years on Merseyside, and now it’s time for change.

Nunez actually regressed under Slot’s management, scoring just seven times across 43 matches in 2024/25. Others rose to the occasion, stepped up, but, tactically, the Uruguayan was incongruent in the system, unable to process the calculated and measured nature of the coach’s vision.

Liverpool might not sign Isak this summer, but it’s pretty clear that a new striker will be required to combat Nunez’s departure. Someone refined and respected as one of the continent’s sharpest marksmen.

And someone affordable at that.

Liverpool open talks for Nunez upgrade

According to Correio da Manha, Liverpool have entered the race for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, with Arsenal and Manchester United the notable competitors.

The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past few years and is believed to have a €80m (£68m) price tag, something Liverpool have confirmed after opening talks with the player’s representatives.

Said to be ‘heartbroken’ after Sporting president Frederico Varandas purportedly went back on a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for a comparatively modest fee at the end of the 2024/25 season, Gyokeres has no intention of playing for the two-in-a-row Liga Portugal champions again.

Arsenal are the clear favourites in the race, but Liverpool are there, and they need a striker.

Why Liverpool should sign Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres is at the top of his game and has been profiled favourably by some of English football’s heaviest hitters. He might not have the same depth of talent as Isak, and indeed remains at this point unproven in the Premier League, but he’s a “ball-striking monster”, as per analyst Ben Mattinson and could prove a massive upgrade on Nunez.

When you consider he’s available for a fraction of the cost that FSG would need to pay to bring Newcastle’s goal-getter over to Anfield, snapping him up before rivals steal ahead feels like a bit of a no-brainer.

In fact, Isak’s 27-goal haul across the campaign is dwarfed by that of his compatriot, who fired 54 goals home for his outfit across domestic and European endeavours, playing only 52 matches.

Top Scorers – Top 10 Leagues (24/25)

#

Player

Apps

Goals

1.

Viktor Gyokeres

33

39

2.

Kylian Mbappe

34

31

3.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

4.

Robert Lewandowski

34

27

5.

Harry Kane

31

26

Data via Transfermarkt

Think of a forward, the best you can. They didn’t outscore Gyokeres in any of Europe’s top ten divisions last season, with the Swede’s 39-goal haul an illustration of his prowess.

His clinical nature – something that Nunez is decidedly lacking in – has even illustrated a sharper ball-striking quality than Isak, and if that can be translated over to English football, Slot will be a happy man indeed.

A fair criticism would be that he plies his trade in Portugal, and Nunez wrapped up his final campaign in the country with 34 goals across 41 matches in all competitions, prompting Jurgen Klopp to spend prodigally on his signature.

However, Gyokeres is far more accomplished, technically, athletically and physically, having been described as a “very physical striker” and a “powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Moreover, he’s proven his ability to steal the show against the Premier League’s finest.

And if that’s not sold him, just take a look at FBref’s evaluation, Gyokeres’ data gleaned across a period of 12 months to paint a vivid picture of his completeness, not just a goalscorer.

Indeed, he ranked among the top 11% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for assists, the top 1% for progressive carries and shot-creating actions, and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

Nunez was much younger when he arrived in the Premier League, a raw prospect with the hint of something special. Conversely, Gyokeres is at the heart of his prime years, no doubt robust and confident enough to work well with Salah, Wirtz and the like.

Fans have always clung onto hope that their record forward would come good, but when Slot stated in February that he “can’t accept” his work rate after a string of disappointing performances, it became quite clear that his day was done.

It’s time for change, and Gyokeres would be a fantastic addition given his relatively affordable price tag and the existing depth of creative quality in Slot’s squad.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jun 26, 2025

Whilst Daniel Farke will want to keep the main ingredients of his Leeds United camp together, which just sealed a fantastic Championship title success, he will be very aware that some stars from that promotion journey might not be able to cut it in the intense environment of the Premier League.

After all, despite Ipswich Town cruising to automatic promotion alongside Leicester City during the 2023/24 campaign, both of those previously high-flying outfits have now been hit over the head with the reality of relegation, alongside an equally dire Southampton side.

Therefore, if there is an upgrade available to Farke, he should bring them into the building with open arms.

Leeds could consider loan swoop for Aaronson upgrade

As per a report from journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds have been ‘looking at’ signing long-term target £15m-rated Emiliano Buendia, with Aston Villa preparing to loan him out again this summer.

The report states that Unai Emery’s Villans are seeking out a fresh loan destination for Farke’s former Norwich City wizard, and this availability will surely pique the interest of the German situated in the Whites dug-out after promotion.

Nixon further elaborates that the Whites will wait it out, however, considering they are only allowed two Premier League loan arrivals. But, the silky South American has starred under Farke before, so the temptation will surely be palpable for a reunion.

Adding Buendia will also gift the former Canaries boss more freedom in the number ten spot in his starting lineups to come, with a worry that Brenden Aaronson just isn’t well-equipped to be a dangerous attacking midfield force up a level, having struggled in the elite league before.

How Buendia could be a huge upgrade on Aaronson

When Buendia has been injury-free at Villa Park, he has more than shown off his suitable nature for the testing division.

Indeed, minus picking up eight goal contributions for Norwich during his debut season at that level under Farke, a further 17 of the Argentine attacker’s goal and assist tally in the Premier League have come about when donning Villa claret and blue.

Unfortunately for Aaronson, away from just helping Leeds seal the title with a respectable nine goals and two assists, he can only boast one goal and three assists next to his name in the deep-end of the Premier League, with his spell so dismal that he was chucked out on loan to Union Berlin.

Therefore, if there is an opportunity to bring in one of Farke’s former Carrow Road favourites, Leeds should persist, with Buendia not just comfortable playing in a number ten spot to potentially usurp Aaronson, meaning he could also offer the Whites plenty of versatility ahead of the gruelling 38-game marathon to come.

Buendia’s G/A career numbers by position

Position played

Games

Goals

Assists

RW

129

25

43

AM

88

13

10

LW

44

9

7

RM

8

0

1

SS

4

0

0

CF

3

0

0

RB

3

0

0

LM

2

1

0

CM

1

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Judging by the numbers, Buendia is actually more adept playing as a right winger than an out-and-out number ten.

As a result, the “outstanding” South American – as Farke once waxed called him – could give the likes of Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto a run for their money, away from stealing the American’s starting space.

Having also played in the Champions League last season with Bayer Leverkusen, this could be just one temporary signing, alongside other new recruits entering Elland Road, that allows Leeds to compete in the big time, knowing he has what it takes to dazzle some tough defenders.

Whilst Aaronson didn’t miss a single game in the Championship last season, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether, as plans begin to be put in place to ensure Leeds upgrade all over the park.

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Manchester United are now readying a £68 million bid to sign a player from Barcelona ahead of rivals Liverpool, according to a new report.

Man Utd's summer transfer plans taking shape

As the summer transfer window moves another week closer, the Red Devils are gearing up for what could be a very busy time for the hierarchy. United have the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao this week, and the hope is that they can keep their three-goal lead and seal their spot in the final.

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By
Henry Jackson

May 6, 2025

Winning the Europa League would be a huge boost for United and Ruben Amorim, as not only does it bring more money to the club, but it also means they are in the Champions League, and this could be so beneficial for bringing in top players in the summer.

Signing a new striker is high on the list, and while United are reportedly closing in on the signature of Matheus Cunha, the Red Devils are also planning to make a bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, with the forward valued at £65 million.

But as well as looking to add to their forward line, Amorim and United are also looking to strengthen their options at the back. It’s been reported that United have held talks over the signing of Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The defender’s contract is soon set to expire and has interest from the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.

Man Utd readying £68m bid to beat Liverpool in race for Barça ace

Tah is not the only defender on United’s radar, and if Barcelona do win the race for the German international, it could benefit the Red Devils a lot. That is because, according to a report from Spain, Man Utd and INEOS are willing to go all out and sign Ronald Araujo from the Spanish giants this summer.

The report states that United chiefs are ready to do what they can to bring Araujo to Old Trafford and are willing to offer € 80 million, which is roughly £68 million, to Barcelona to secure his signature. The Red Devils see the defender a key player for their defensive rebuild and hope this offer is enough to tempt Barca into selling.

Araujo, who has been dubbed an “athletic monster” by BBC analyst Raj Chohan, is seen by United as the leader to solidify their defence, which at times this season has been all over the place. United’s interest isn’t a new thing, but they hope an offer like this can convince Barca to sell, but can also see them beat Liverpool to Araujo’s signature, as they have also been linked with a move for the defender in recent weeks.

Ronald Araujo’s 24/25 La Liga stats
Apps	10
Starts	9
Goals	1
Touches	66.0
Key passes	0.4
Interceptions per game	0.8
Tackles per game	1.2
Balls recovered per game	2.3
Clearances per game	1.6

Barcelona have not ruled out selling Araujo this summer, and that has also raised interest from Bayern Munich, who are also fans of the Uruguay defender. The 26-year-old has struggled with a few injury problems this season, but when he’s been fit and available, Araujo has been a key player for Hansi Flick as they close in on the La Liga title and a possible Champions League final.

Therefore, this could make it even more difficult for United to secure Araujo’s signature, given he is highly thought of by Flick.

2025 has already been a year of big spending by Manchester City, but they’re only just getting started.

In January, as outlined by, the Sky Blues spent around £180m, which is more than the other 19 Premier League clubs combined, recruiting Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Omar Marmoush, Nico González and Juma Bah.

Now, as Pep Guardiola oversees a mass-squad overhaul, could Man City beat their Premier League rivals to the signature of one of the division’s most sought-after talents?

Manchester City seeking to sign Premier League star

So, with that winter overhaul complete, the attention now turns to the summer where more money will need to be spent in order to bridge the gap to Liverpool and Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Where will they begin? Well, as reported by Caught Offside, Man City are one of many Premier League clubs ‘eager to snap up’ Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze this summer, reportedly valued at £60m.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are also ‘competing’ for his signature.

Eze’s goal at Craven Cottage on Saturday, a strike his manager Oliver Glasner hailed as “unbelievable”, took the 26-year-old’s tally to six goals, as well as nine assists, for the campaign, also opening his international account by scoring for England against Latvia at Wembley last Monday.

Now into his fifth season in South London, there are many rumours about Eze potentially leaving Palace this summer, so could he be on his way to Manchester City, potentially tasked with filling the void vacated by the club’s greatest-ever player?

How Eze compares to De Bruyne

Back in January, it was reported by the Athletic that San Diego FC, who have joined Major League Soccer as an expansion club this year, are very interested in signing Kevin De Bruyne on a free this summer.

Joe Lowery of Total Soccer Show meanwhile, believes this move is ‘increasingly likely to happen’, given that San Diego have kept a Designated Player roster spot available, while the Belgian also hasn’t signed a new contract in Manchester.

De Bruyne remained an unused substitute when the Citizens were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid at the Bernabéu in February, something Sam Lee of the Athletic claims would’ve been ‘unthinkable’ not too long ago, with Richard Martin of Goal believing that the 33-year-old ‘has reached terminal decline’.

Considering De Bruyne is ‘the best playmaker to grace modern English football’, according to James Westwood of Goal, he’s going to be tough to replace, so let’s assess Eze’s credentials to do just that.

Eze (23/24-24/25) vs De Bruyne (19/20-20/21) PL comparison

Statistics

Eze

De Bruyne

Appearances

52

60

Minutes

4,069

4,788

Goals

13

19

Assists

10

32

Chances created

106

210

Through-balls

16

45

Progressive carries

126

241

Shots on target %

32.3%

30.5%

Shot-creating actions

218

381

Pass completion %

75.6%

74.3%

Attempted take-ons

250

148

Touches per 90

61

85

Stats via of FBref and Squawka

Slightly unfairly to Eze, we’ve compared him to peak-De Bruyne, with 2019/20 and 2020/21 chosen, considering the Belgian equaled Thierry Henry’s record for most assists in a single Premier League season during the period analysed.

Nevertheless, across this season and last, Eze compares well to De Bruyne, even if the Belgian ranks higher for the overwhelming majority of statistics included.

In summary, De Bruyne is a world-class creator, while Eze is more of a dribbler, but the Englishman’s shot-creating actions, pass completion and chances-created statistics do suggest he would be a good fit.

Aged 26 and approaching his prime, Palace content creator Luke Weaser-Seychell believes Eze is capable of becoming “world-class” and he could reach that potential by joining a club like City.

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Posts ByBen Gray Apr 3, 2025

Clarkson’s ability to go bang from the get-go makes him a particularly daunting T20 prospect

Deivarayan Muthu18-Feb-2024No James Neesham (Bangladesh Premier League). No Daryl Mitchell (injured). Step forward, Josh Clarkson. Josh, who?The biggest hitter in the Super Smash in recent years, that’s who.Since the start of 2020, Clarkson has had a strike rate of 155.70 in New Zealand’s premier domestic T20 tournament – the highest among all batters who have played more than 30 innings during this period. The next best on this list is Chad Bowes with a strike rate of 153.50. And only Finn Allen (66) and Bowes (51) – both top-order batters – have hit more sixes than Clarkson (50) in the Super Smash from January 2020.Clarkson’s ability to go bang from the get-go, like Allen does, makes him a particularly dangerous T20 prospect. This is the opinion of Glenn Pocknall, Clarkson’s domestic coach at Central Districts, who has also had a stint as New Zealand coach.”Look the Blackcaps have plenty of brilliant ball-strikers and Josh can do it (hit sixes) from ball one which is what makes him dangerous,” Pocknall tells ESPNcricinfo. “Finn Allen is another who can hit from ball one and when these types of players get going, they make batting look easy.”Related

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Pocknall has also been at the receiving end of Clarkson’s middle-order onslaughts when he was Wellington’s coach from 2018 to 2022. A strong Wellington attack, which included Hamish Bennett, Logan van Beek and Ben Sears, had reduced Central Districts to 81 for 4 at the start of the 11th over, but Clarkson came out and crashed an unbeaten 71 off 32 balls to lead his team to a match-winning total of 190 for 4 at the Basin Reserve in a Super Smash game in December 2021.Clarkson, 27, is a modern T20 player. His towering frame – 6 feet 3 inches – and long reach gives him a broad range and there are no half-measures about his ball-striking.”Of late he’s worked really hard on his ability to hit the ball behind the wicket which has enabled him to use not only his power but also have some finesse when it’s required,” Pocknall says. “Given his height he can turn good balls into fuller balls and then they go sailing over the bowler’s head. Also, a big development I’ve seen over the last few years is his ability off the back foot meaning he can now access all areas of the ground, which makes him hard to bowl to.”Ross Taylor, who has played alongside Clarkson at Central Districts, also rates Clarkson’s middle-order batting highly and backs him to do a job with the ball as well.”When I played the last season, he [Clarkson] was head and shoulders the best middle-order player, I think, going around,” Taylor told in December after Clarkson was called into the New Zealand ODI side. “Obviously had a few injury issues with elbows, backs, and things like that, but don’t underestimate his bowling.Since the start of 2020, Clarkson has had a strike rate of 155.70 in the Super Smash•Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images”We’ve talked a lot about his batting – probably the biggest hitter going around in the circuit – but his bowling is there, especially on wickets that are low and slow. He’s a tall bowler, probably that Colin de Grandhomme 125-130 [kph] and bowl wicket-to-wicket to give the skipper an option, I think. Hopefully, he can turn that potential into reality in the next sort of a while.”While de Grandhomme more or less kisses the pitch with the ball, Clarkson can actually hit the deck with hard lengths, like he showed on his ODI debut against Bangladesh in Dunedin, where he bounced out opener Anamul Haque. And in his most recent game, in the Ford Trophy, he returned career-best List A figures of 4 for 60 against Canterbury in Christchurch.”His bowling is going from strength to strength and naturally bowls a heavy ball given his height,” Pocknall says. “His accuracy and change-ups have developed over the last few seasons and is becoming more and more a genuine threat with the ball.”Clarkson won’t tinker with his game and will continue to play with the same approach that has brought him domestic success over the years.”Nothing really changes. Obviously picked on your performances in the domestic game, so nothing really changes for me,” Clarkson said recently. “It’s just go out there with freedom and just play the way I do.”The biggest hitter in the Super Smash is finally ready for the big stage. Against Australia, the ODI World Cup champions and T20 World Cup title contenders, in Wellington on February 21, in front of his family.