Jacobs' checklist: debut for NZ, 2026 T20 World Cup, return to the IPL

Hard-hitting batter is likely to make his international debut against South Africa, his country of birth, in Zimbabwe

Deivarayan Muthu27-Jun-2025A lot has happened in Bevon Jacobs’ life since he earned his maiden New Zealand call-up for the home T20I series against Sri Lanka in December last year. A maiden Plunket Shield century, debut in the UAE’s ILT20 league, working with Kieron Pollard and Jasprit Bumrah in the IPL, and most recently a CPL deal.During this period, especially at IPL 2025, where Jacobs didn’t get a game at Mumbai Indians (MI), he often had to make do as the outsider looking in. As he prepares to make his international debut for New Zealand in the upcoming tri-series in Zimbabwe next month, also involving South Africa, Jacobs hopes to harness his IPL experience and put his name up for the 2026 T20 World Cup.”The IPL was an amazing experience, and I got three months there to learn new facets of my game,” Jacobs said. “And I definitely think I’ve made those learnings and improvements. Obviously, implementing into my game is going to be a longer work in progress.Related

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“But taking away from the technical stuff, there’s also a lot of mental learnings that I’ve got from it as well, which I know will change me just for the time being. So, hopefully, I can bring what I’ve learnt from there into the series.”I mean, that (playing the T20 World Cup) is a massive goal for me. It would be a dream come true to go to that. And I guess for me, it’s just about controlling what I can control. And if that opportunity comes again, that would be pretty special to me.”The first step towards that goal will be a potential debut against his country of birth, South Africa. Jacobs was born in Pretoria before his family emigrated to New Zealand when he was around three years old. He emerged through the Auckland pathway system before he shifted to Canterbury, where he made his senior T20 and List A debuts. Ahead of the 2024-25 domestic season, Jacobs, however, returned to Auckland.”I still like to see myself as a Kiwi,” Jacobs said. “I’ve been here for a very long time. But, yeah, I guess that part of it would be pretty cool if that was to be my debut against South Africa.”I’m sure a lot of family who are over in South Africa and just my family that are here would find that pretty cool.”At over six feet tall, Jacobs has the levers and power to clear any boundary, traits which earned him a surprise IPL call-up. Jacobs’ height and reach enable him to mess with the length of bowlers and provide his team with a potent point of difference. For instance, on ILT20 debut in January in Dubai, when Blessing Muzarabani dug in a hard-length delivery from his six-feet-eight-inch frame, Jacobs stood tall, got on top of the ball, and pumped it over extra-cover for four.Lasith Malinga has a chat with Bevon Jacobs at Mumbai Indians in the IPL•Mumbai IndiansWhile Jacobs had slotted in at No. 4 in his most recent innings for Auckland in the Plunket Shield, New Zealand perhaps see him as a finisher in T20 cricket, as do franchises around the world.”I guess my experience in my career is short, but I’ve had almost two different roles, obviously, starting off in that finisher role,” Jacobs said. “I guess that’s where Mumbai picked up a point of difference for me, which I find really cool. And then, obviously, when I came to Auckland, a little bit more moving up into the middle order.”Either way, I think for me, maybe that skill set, what’s seen at the moment, is trying to finish off in innings. And I guess I’m just going to try and get better at that step by step, and hopefully that’s what gets me into the side.”Jacobs believes that a strong international season could boost his stocks in leagues around the world. He has played just 20 T20s so far but teams see potential and a high ceiling.”Yeah, 100% [hoping to return to the IPL],” he said. “I mean, obviously, with Mumbai and just with the Sri Lankan experience, both were really cool for me. I think there’s a lot to learn.”There’s players with a crazy amount of knowledge there. For me to be able to pick their brains and to bring what they’ve learnt in their careers into my game is really cool for me. So, I think I took both opportunities when I could. Hopefully, if this means a game time this time around, that would be awesome.”Despite the absence of Kane Williamson (currently with Middlesex), Lockie Ferguson (load management), Ben Sears (side injury), Devon Conway (dropped), Kyle Jamieson (personal break), New Zealand have depth in their side and Jacobs’ rise is an example of it.”Yeah, the squad looks really strong. I’m just grateful to be part of it,” Jacobs said. “They’ve got some really experienced names in there. So, for me to just be there is going to be pretty special.”I’ve spent a little bit of time with him (Rob Walter, the new coach). And just from the conversations we’ve had, it all sounds pretty positive.”

The new Zinchenko & Jesus: £66m Arsenal duo must never start together again

Heading into the 2025 summer transfer window, Arsenal fans were expectant. They were promised an unprecedented summer and despite the slow pace with which a deal for Viktor Gyokeres was completed, the Gunners indeed had a crazy summer.

That striker deal was finally wrapped but Andrea Berta strengthened Mikel Arteta’s squad in every single position possible.

At the back, Kepa arrived from Chelsea in a £5m deal while Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie, two of the most exciting young defensive talents in Europe, both signed.

In midfield, Martin Zubimendi was the marquee addition but he was joined by former Brentford skipper, Christian Norgaard.

It was the forward line that was bolstered most, however. Gyokeres, of course, was the big addition but beside him came Noni Madueke – a signing that sparked controversy – and one that had the whole fanbase unified; Eberechi Eze.

What those signings have done is take this squad to the next level. It’s another phase and level of progression for Arteta’s side and even with a whole host of injuries – namely to William Saliba, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka – they swept aside Nottingham Forest with ease on Saturday.

It’s not the first time that Arteta has chosen to take the team in a new direction; Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are testament to that.

The Jesus and Zinchenko sagas at Arsenal

In the summer of 2022, Arteta knew he needed something to take his project to the next level.

In order to do that, he signed Jesus for £45m and Zinchenko for £30m from Manchester City within just a few weeks of each other.

Proven winners, players he knew from his days as assistant head coach to Pep Guardiola, this was a strong recipe tor success and indeed they changed the game when they first arrived.

Zinchenko allowed a huge level of tactical progression. The left-back is one of the finest inverted full-backs in European football which allowed Arsenal to gain more possession and control the tempo of a game more efficiently.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

How about Jesus? Well, he brought spice, he brought trickery and he brought goals. The Brazilian’s first few months at the Emirates Stadium were a sight to behold.

A proper Brazilian forward, Jesus was spellbinding. He beat players for fun and, importantly, he scored goals. In his first nine Premier League outings, he bagged five times and also registered four assists, proving to be a unique all-round threat.

Signed for

£30m

£45m

Games

91

96

Goals

3

26

Assists

5

20

Mins played

5,282

5,461

The trouble is, while Arsenal got better as a squad, the importance of Zinchenko and Jesus became less and less.

The Ukrainian, for all of the good he brought in possession, was a liability defensively and Jesus, well, he just can’t seem to stay off the treatment table.

We all got a reminder of just how good the 28-year-old is when he scored six goals in the space of five games over the 2024/25 festive period, including a hat-trick in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace.

Yet, his season was turned upside down when he ruptured his ACL in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

Even before that, however, he was beginning to be phased out by Arteta. Kai Havertz was now the golden striker.

At left-back, meanwhile, Arteta upgraded on Zinchenko by adding Riccardo Calafiori to the fray. The emergence of Hale Ender, Myles Lewis-Skelly, also bumped him further down the pecking order.

Arsenal’s game-changers were no longer game-changers; they were merely spare parts in this squad.

The same is now happening for two of Arteta’s most trusted forward players at the Emirates. It would be a surprise if they started games regularly again.

£66m Arsenal duo are going to suffer this season

What a transfer window Arsenal had. Yet, unfortunately for two players in the forward line, they may well find themselves reduced to bit-part figures, just like Jesus and Zinchenko in the last few years.

The players here are Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, key components of the Gunners’ forward line for a number of seasons now.

Unfortunately for Martinelli, he doesn’t look as though he’ll ever live up to his sky-high potential. Once described as a “talent of the century” by Jurgen Klopp, it feels like a long time now since the Brazilian netted 15 Premier League goals in a single campaign.

It also feels like a long time since Trossard’s 17-goal haul in 2023/24. That season, only Bukayo Saka scored more goals for Arsenal.

It’s safe to say that 2024/25 was not one full of too much success for either player. While Martinelli did score inside the Bernabeu, he and Trossard both ended the term with ten goals apiece from 51 and 56 games respectively.

It’s not an awful tally, but you need more, particularly when Arsenal were contending with injuries to the likes of Saka, Havertz and Jesus.

So, over the summer of 2025, Arsenal have undergone another level of progression, one that could spell the end for any thoughts both Martinelli and Trossard had of gaining regular starts.

Indeed, with Madueke and Eze having entered the fray, immediate upgrades have been sourced on the £270k-per-week duo. We saw that first-hand during Arsenal’s win over Forest at the weekend.

While Madueke didn’t leave the pitch with a goal or an assist, he was relentless down the right-hand side and showcased why he will be the most natural back-up and competition for Saka. He completed five key passes and also registered five successful dribbles.

As for Eze, he was a breath of fresh air on the left-hand side of the attack. Jinking past players for fun, he was the player who registered the assist for Gyokeres’ goal.

Running in behind, the Hale Ender was picked out by Calafiori. Eze did not need a touch to set himself, ultimately sliding the ball into the path of the big Swede who couldn’t miss from a matter of yards out.

It was a performance that evoked memories of the 2022/23 side, one that Jesus and Zinchenko were part of. The football was slick, it was sweeping and it got past the Forest defence with ease.

Unfortunately for the £66m-rated pair of Trossard and Martinelli, it’s not good news. Still, for fans of the club, it was incredibly refreshing to see a pair of wingers with the desire to beat their man.

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Man Utd player ratings vs Sunderland: Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko deliver for Ruben Amorim as solid Senne Lammens does everything right on impressive debut

Ruben Amorim can put his feet up and enjoy the international break knowing his job is safe for now after Manchester United enjoyed a surprisingly comfortable 2-0 win over Sunderland. Mason Mount struck early to get the Red Devils off on the right foot then Benjamin Sesko pounced after waves of pressure from the hosts, who deservedly won a third home game in a row.

United looked comfortable from the off and scored their earliest goal since Amorim's first game in charge at Ipswich 11 months ago when Mount trapped a cross from Bryan Mbeumo with his left foot then used his right to slot low into the net in the eighth minute. They continued to look at ease and were pushing for a second. Mbeumo and Amad were denied by good stops from Robin Roefs, who produced a tremendous save to tip a fizzing Fernandes strike onto the crossbar.

The second goal duly arrived just after the half-hour mark as United joined the new-found Premier League craze of scoring via throw-ins. Dalot lobbed the ball into the danger zone, Sunderland couldn't clear it properly and Sesko volleyed home from close range, scoring for the second game in a row.

United nearly shot themselves in the foot when Sesko stuck out a high foot defending a corner and appeared to strike Trai Hume in the head. Referee Stuart Attwell gave a penalty but overturned it on review, deeming that no contact had been made.

United took their foot off the gas a bit in the second half and Sunderland had a couple of half chances but debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens impressed, guaranteeing Amorim a peaceful end to a game for once.

GOAL rates Man United's players from Old Trafford…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Senne Lammens (7/10):

A solid debut. Got across goal to beat away Granit Xhaka's strike and saved with his legs to prevent Chemsdine Talbi scoring late. Looked comfortable on the ball and dealing with crosses and got a big reception from United fans, which says a lot about the low standard of goalkeeping witnessed recently.

Leny Yoro (7/10):

More than justified his return to the line-up. His pace helped snuff out the occasional visiting attack while his distribution helped United control the ball.

Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):

The type of assured display he needed after his difficult showing at Brentford. Cleared the danger with little fuss and dominated his opponents in the air.

Luke Shaw (6/10): 

Played it simple and safe, often going backwards when the crowd wanted him to go forward.

AdvertisementMidfield

Amad Diallo (7/10):

An encouraging return after missing Brentford on compassionate leave. Took a step up from his previous level this season, carving away at Sunderland's defence from the right flank. Tested Roefs with a stinging shot while his lay off to Casemiro deserved a better attempt. 

Casemiro (6/10):

The pace of the game suited him well as he was able to use his strength to his advantage. His distribution was way above what Manuel Ugarte usually offers. Booked for a cynical tackle on Brian Bobbey.

Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

Not his best performance. Didn't do as much damage as you might expect in a relatively straightforward win, aside from his strike off the bar, and was exposed a couple of times defensively.

Diogo Dalot (6/10)

Hit and miss. Looked good in the first half and his throw-in led to Sesko scoring. His passing was a bit off key and he was soon replaced by Dorgu.

Attack

Bryan Mbeumo (6/10):

Worked hard as usual but his passing and finishing was lacking today. His cross to Mount got the ball rolling and he fired a good effort at goal but he wasted a fine Sesko pass and botched a through ball attempt which would have set Cunha on his way to score.

Benjamin Sesko (7/10):

A pleasing afternoon for a player who has taken his time to settle. Scored for the second game in a row and battled well off the ball, creating an excellent chance for Mbeumo.

Mason Mount (8/10):

Showed why Amorim loves him so much. Produced a fine finish to score his first goal of the season while his build-up play was outstanding.

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Subs & Manager

Patrick Dorgu (6/10):

Didn't offer much of an attacking threat when he replaced Dalot save for one late burst of pace.

Matheus Cunha (6/10):

Didn't get the rub of the green and will be disappointed not to have contributed more. Had a snapshot which went straight at Roefs.

Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):

Got 13 minutes plus added time and must be getting frustrated with not starting a league game seven games into the season.

Harry Maguire (N/A):

Replaced Yoro in the 85th minute.

Manuel Ugarte (N/A):

Got 10 minutes when he came on for Casemiro.

Ruben Amorim (7/10):

Made the right selection calls, crucially finally giving Lammens his chance. It was mostly a pleasing performance from his point of view, even if the team dropped off a little in the second half.

Man Utd now eyeing January move for "unbelievable" £47m Baleba alternative

Manchester United are now eyeing a January move for an “unbelievable” Carlos Baleba alternative, who could be perfect for Ruben Amorim.

Man Utd in need of central midfielder

Prior to the transfer deadline, Gary Neville made it clear he felt Amorim needed to bring in a new central midfielder, saying:

“In central midfield I think United have to do a piece of business now.

“I would have liked to have thought that Mainoo could step up and be that person, but it’s quite clear that at this moment in time Ruben Amorim is not having him.

“He starts with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, he then puts Mason Mount back in there and then he brings [Manuel] Ugarte on in front of him, which tells you he’s fourth-choice really.

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However, Man United were unable to bolster their options in the engine room before the deadline, missing out on Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, after being quoted over £100m.

It has since emerged that United are planning to hold a meeting with Baleba ahead of potentially revisiting a move, with personal terms already being agreed, but alternative options have also now entered the frame.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Red Devils are laser-focused on bringing in a new midfielder this January, with Amorim seeking dynamic and creative players.

One of the options on the shortlist is Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves, who is described as being perfect for Amorim, given that the manager is looking to bring in a player with plenty of experience, in order to complement his young squad.

Neves joined Al-Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £47m back in 2023, but with his contract now nearing its end, the Portugal international is keen to return to Europe.

"Unbelievable" Neves is Premier League proven

During his time with Wolves, the central midfielder caught the eye of journalist Raj Chohan, who suggested he could be capable of flourishing at a top club.

Ultimately, the 28-year-old opted to make the move to Saudi Arabia instead, however, where he has continued to impress, albeit in a weaker league, regularly providing assists across the previous two campaigns.

Season

League appearances

Assists

2023-24

32

12

2024-25

26

8

The Portuguese maestro is also well-known for his ability from dead-ball situations, scoring a superb free-kick in Wolves’ 3-0 victory over Brentford back in 2018.

Man United have made a point of bringing in proven Premier League players in recent times, signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the summer, and Neves would certainly fit the bill in that regard, given his exploits with Wolves.

Smith's triumph: Australia surge to clinical 2-0 series victory

Australia 414 (Carey 156, Smith 131, Jayasuriya 5-151) and 75 for 1 (Khawaja 27*, Labuschagne 26*) beat Sri Lanka 257 (Kusal 85, Chandimal 74, Starc 3-37) & 231 (Mathews 76, Kusal 50, Kuhnemann 4-63, Lyon 4-84) by 9 wicketsSteven Smith completed an outstanding series at the helm with his 200th Test catch, but he wasn’t needed with the bat as Australia clinically sealed a rare series victory in Asia early on day four.After wrapping up Sri Lanka’s second innings within the opening 20 minutes of the day’s play, Australia only lost opener Travis Head in pursuit of the 75-run victory target to win the second Test by nine wickets and sweep the series 2-0.Related

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Usman Khawaja, who set the tone with a double century in the first Test, finished unbeaten on 27 while Marnus Labuschagne made a fluent 26 not out in a confidence boost with his place in the side attracting some scrutiny.Frontline spinners Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon claimed four wickets apiece in Sri Lanka’s second innings to cap their brilliant series. They combined to take 30 of the 40 Sri Lankan wickets in the series.It was Australia’s first Test series victory in Sri Lanka since 2011 having lost four of five matches across the 2016 and 2022 tours. Australia’s only other series victory in Asia since 2011 was in Pakistan three years ago.The only concern for Australia will be the fitness of Smith, who looked sore in the field in what might be an aggravation of an elbow injury that he suffered ahead of the series in the BBL. But he remained on the field and was padded to bat.Sri Lanka’s hopes of setting a tricky chase rested entirely with Kusal Mendis, who had raced to 48 in a counterattack late on day three. Resuming at 211 for 8 with a lead of 54, Sri Lanka promoted Lahiru Kumara to No. 10 after he survived 26 balls in the first innings in a 33-run last wicket partnership with Mendis.Mendis on his second delivery of the day’s play reached his second half-century of the match, but he fell two balls later to vicious bounce from Lyon as a top-edge ballooned to fine-leg where Smith became the first Australian to claim 200 Test catches.With Sri Lanka’s hopes dashed, the only remaining interest centered on whether Kuhnemann or Lyon would finish with a five-wicket haul. Lyon had two big lbw shouts on Nishan Peiris turned down by umpire Adrian Holdstock as Australia reviewed unsuccessfully.Lyon’s frustrations grew after Kumara edged low down to Beau Webster at second slip only for replays to show it didn’t carry. Webster took it upon himself to end the innings when – just like late on day three – he unfurled his offspin and clean bowled Kumara on his first delivery.It completed a strong allround match for Webster, who showcased his versatility with the ball and he also took several sharp catches.Kusal Mendis’ half-century was ended by a top edge•Getty Images

Desperately needing early wickets, skipper Dhananjaya de Silva went straight to his offspinners and Peiris produced sharp spin, but Head pounced when the bowlers missed their lengths.After a nervous start, Head whacked Ramesh Mendis down the ground before Khawaja hit a couple of boundaries as Australia started to cruise. De Silva had to quickly resort to left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who promptly dismissed Head off the top-edge.With just 37 runs needed, there wasn’t a lot to gain for Labuschagne who had missed out in this series amid a century drought stretching back to the 2023 Ashes.He eased his nerves with a superb drive to the boundary and he whacked another off Jayasuriya to bring up Australia’s 50. After a tough tour, Labuschagne had the satisfaction of hitting the winning run as Australia celebrated their first clean sweep in Asia since beating Bangladesh 2-0 in 2006.Contests between the teams in Sri Lanka had been traditionally competitive, but Australia flipped the script with consecutive ruthless performances that felt out of the Steve Waugh era.Their selections worked well and Australia had contributions across the board with four centurions and an attack that was all over Sri Lanka’s struggling batting-order.Lone quick Mitchell Starc built on his outstanding record in Sri Lanka, while Kuhnemann claimed a series-high 16 wickets at 17.18 to prove why he has been deemed so valuable in these conditions. He also showed plenty of grit to play through a sore thumb he injured in a BBL game on January 16.After having little to do during the seam-dominated India-series, Lyon as expected shouldered plenty of responsibility and finished with 14 wickets at 22.5.But this battle for the Warne-Muraliduran Trophy will be remembered for stand-in skipper Smith. He issued a reminder on his mastery in Asian conditions with brilliant back-to-back tons as his renaissance continues. Smith led superbly in the absence of Pat Cummins with his tactical nous coming to the fore as he made all the right moves in the field.In contrast, Sri Lanka were bitterly disappointing in a sad end for retiring opener Dimuth Karunaratne as they slumped to their fourth straight Test defeat.

Estreia de Dorival Júnior no São Paulo traz melhora na produção ofensiva

MatériaMais Notícias

O primeiro jogo de Dorival Júnior pelo São Paulo, na vitória por 3 a 0 contra o América-MG, guardou boas estatísticas que já permitem compreender melhor qual será o panorama de trabalho do treinador na equipe. Ao comparar com o último jogo comandado por Rogério Ceni, na vitória por 2 a 0 contra o Puerto Cabello, o Tricolor de Dorival cruza menos e acerta mais no gol.

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Contra o Coelho, em partida válida pelo Brasileirão, de acordo com levantamentos do FootStats, o Tricolor cruzou 23 vezes, sendo seis certos e 17 errados. Destes certos, dois pertenceram a Alisson. Quanto a finalizações, foram 16 ao todo, com sete certas.

+Dorival Junior projeta decisão do São Paulo contra o Ituano pela Copa do Brasil: ‘Lutar contra o tempo que falta’

+Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil

Além disso, de todos os jogos disputados pelo São Paulo neste ano, foi o que a equipe mais encontrou chances grandes para balançar as redes – quatro no total, superando o confronto com a Portuguesa pelo Campeonato Paulista, que foram três.

Ao comparar com o último jogo de Ceni pelo Tricolor, a diferença é vista nestas estatísticas. Contra o Puerto Cabello foram 34 cruzamentos. Destes, oito certos e 26 errados. Ou seja, além de cruzar mais, a taxa de acerto também é menor. Falando em finalizações, foram 21, com nove certas. Mais uma vez, com uma taxa de acerto menor, o São Paulo de Ceni acertava menos o alvo.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração

continua após a publicidade

Como adiantou a análise feita pelo LANCE!, já era esperado que – tomando como base trabalhos anteriores de Dorival – a ofensividade fosse um dos maiores pontos de destaque do seu estilo. Agora, Dorival Júnior tem um grande desafio: garantir a classificação da equipe para a próxima fase da Copa do Brasil. Nesta terça-feira (25), o Tricolor encara o Ituano buscando avançar para as oitavas.

Vindo de um empate sem gols em casa, a expectativa é que use estas estatísticas ao seu favor, pensando em garantir o São Paulo na próxima fase sem grandes complicações. No caso, o ideal era uma vitória. Caso empate, terá que decidir nas penalidades. Se perder, aí dá adeus para o campeonato. O confronto será às 21h30 (de Brasília), no Novelli Júnior.

Better move than Gassama: Ibrox target wants to sign for Rangers this week

Glasgow Rangers completed their latest signing of the summer transfer window on Tuesday when they confirmed the arrival of Djedi Gassama at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old winger has arrived at Rangers on a four-year deal to bolster Russell Martin’s options on the flanks, after he scored seven goals in 43 games last season.

Gassama will be hoping to provide a threat in the final third on a regular basis for the Scottish Premiership giants next term, and could be in line to make his debut against Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifier later this month.

The French forward may not be the only player to arrive at Ibrox this week, though, as there is another player who wants to make the switch to Glasgow in the coming days.

English star pushing to sign for Rangers

One of Martin’s transfer targets is said to be pushing for a move to Ibrox this week, and it could be an even better signing than Gassama if they can get it over the line.

Transfer Focus

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

According to the Daily Record, Leicester City central defender wants to complete a transfer to Rangers from the Championship side by the end of this week.

The report claims that the former England international is ready to plead with the Foxes to give him the green light to make the move to Ibrox, in order to be in the squad to face Panathinaikos later this month.

It adds that Martin is a big fan of Coady and that the player wants to join the club to be the ‘linchpin’ of the new defensive set-up at Ibrox next season.

Why Coady would be a better signing than Gassama

At least for next season, the veteran central defender could be an even better signing than Gassama because of the quality and experience that he could use to hit the ground running.

Gassama, at the age of 21, is a young and promising forward who may need time to adapt to Scottish football and to grow as a player, having only managed eight goal contributions in 43 games in the second tier in England last term.

Meanwhile, Coady is 32 and has made 198 appearances in the Premier League. He has proven himself at the very top level in domestic European football, and showcased his in-possession qualities when Leicester were in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.

Passes completed

84.99

Top 5%

Pass accuracy

93%

Top 1%

Progressive passes

7.20

Top 1%

Passes into the final third

7.20

Top 2%

xAG

0.05

Top 16%

Progressive passing distance

556 yards

Top 3%

Through balls

0.26

Top 2%

As you can see in the table above, the English star is a centre-back who has the quality and mentality to be incredibly progressive with his use of the ball, helping his team to play through the thirds quickly and effectively in a ball-dominant team.

Off the ball, Coady won 64% of his duels that season for the Foxes in their title-winning campaign, which shows that he can also dominate opposition attackers in physical tussles.

Leicester City's Conor Coady.

The former Wolves captain, who was described as an “infectious” character by Gareth Southgate, is a proven quantity who would be able to arrive at Rangers to provide instant, almost guaranteed, quality on the pitch with his abilities in and out of possession as a centre-back.

There is far less risk attached to signing a proven player like Coady, who was playing in the Premier League last season, than bringing in a 21-year-old from the second division in England.

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That is not to say that Gassama will be a bad signing, or that he is not an exciting addition, but Martin also needs instant quality and that is why Coady may be an even better piece of business if they can get it over the line this week.

Aston Villa make enquiry to sign £60m star who scored in win at Villa Park

Aston Villa have now made an enquiry to sign a £60 million star who scored in a win at Villa Park during the 2023/24 season, according to a recent report.

Rumours of Aston Villa exit for Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa made the hard decision to let Jhon Duran leave Villa Park in January, as they prioritised keeping Ollie Watkins over the Colombian international. Six months later and the Villans could now have a battle on their hands to keep hold of the England international.

That is because Watkins is attracting strong interest from teams in the Premier League. Earlier this week, Caught Offside reported that Manchester United are considering a move to sign Watkins, as the forward is being described as a “key target” for Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, it’s also been reported that Arsenal are also in the race to sign Watkins and have opened talks over a possible transfer.

Aston Villa ready talks to sign £18m forward and may use Malen in swap deal

Talks are planned ahead of a potential move to Villa Park.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 12, 2025

Newcastle United are another team who have identified Watkins as a possible transfer target this summer, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. The Villans would ideally like to keep hold of their striker this summer, but it’s also been reported that the Midlands side have placed a £60 million price tag on the 29-year-old’s head.

Villa have already been linked with a move for Semih Kilicsoy of Besiktas, but there is now a new forward on their list, and he is already well known to the Premier League.

Aston Villa make enquiry to sign £60m striker Jackson

According to journalist Nabil Djellit, Aston Villa and Monchi have submitted an enquiry to Chelsea over signing striker Nicolas Jackson.

Djellit reports that the door is open for Jackson to leave Stamford Bridge in this transfer window, with a decision being made on his future after the Club World Cup final on Sunday evening. He claims that Jackson could leave Chelsea for a fee of £60 million and has been the subject of an enquiry not only from Villa but also from Manchester United, who are searching for a new striker.

Napoli are also a team interested in the Premier League striker, as they look to provide competition and backup to Romelu Lukaku now they are back playing in the Champions League. Jackson is under contract at Chelsea until 2033, but given the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, his time at Stamford Bridge could now be coming to an end.

Nicolas Jackson’s 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

30

Starts

28

Goals

10

xG

12.34

Shots per game

2.5

Goal conversion

13%

Big chances missed

19

Assists

5

xAG

1.92

Big chances created

6

Key passes

0.9

The 24-year-old has taken to life in English football very well, as he’s scored 24 goals in 65 league games and 30 goals for Chelsea in 81 games in all competitions. In fact, he is a player Villa do know well, as the forward scored at Villa Park in an FA Cup fourth-round replay during the 2023/24 season.

Jackson started all but two games in the Premier League last season when available, but recent ill-discipline issues in the Premier League and Club World Cup could spell the end of his time working with Enzo Maresca.

Ben Stokes feels the need for speed as England move on from Anderson-Broad era

Prospect of Atkinson and Wood in same XI is early indication of attack England want for Ashes

Vithushan Ehantharajah17-Jul-2024From Thursday, James Anderson will be perched up on the England balcony in the Trent Bridge pavilion, at the side of the ground that is due to be renamed “The Stuart Broad End” before the start of the first day’s play. Broad himself will be at the other end, on the ones-and-twos as part of the Sky commentary team.Meanwhile, out in the middle, sandwiched by the gaze of 355 caps and 1,308 Test dismissals, a new era of English Test fast bowling will get underway. No pressure, lads.And yet, despite this being the first time in 12 years on home soil that England have put out a Broad-and-Anderson-less XI, a familiarity remains. Chris Woakes will earn his 50th cap. Mark Wood will return to Trent Bridge, nine years on from taking the decisive wicket here to secure England’s most recent Ashes success. Fresh from 18 overs in the first Test, Ben Stokes is on his way back to being the allrounder he once was.The biggest change is England’s shiniest new thing, Gus Atkinson, taking the new ball. Indeed, this promotion might also be the biggest indicator of what is to come. Not since a Test against New Zealand in 2021, when Olly Stone lined up alongside Wood, have England picked two genuine quicks in their attack.This was always going to be the direction of travel as soon as the 2025-26 Ashes were put at the top of the in-tray, leading to Anderson’s pensioning-off. Despite the deserved eulogies and celebrations of a remarkable career, it is in this second Test – only days after his Lord’s farewell – that England have truly shown their hand. And while it is no overt criticism of Anderson, the England captain made no secret that speed was at the top of England’s agenda.”You ask any batter in the world, whether it be Joe Root, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, pace is a massive weapon that makes you do different things,” Stokes said.”It makes you think differently. But also there has got to be skill attached to your pace. Gus showed that last week, that he’s more than just an out-and-out quick bowler, he’s incredibly skilful. As is Mark Wood. The ability for him to be able to bowl as quickly as he does but have the control and swing as well is something that’s very rare in someone who bowls that fast.Gus Atkinson will take over new-ball duties from the retired James Anderson•Gareth Copley/Getty Images

“It’s an added bonus having people who you can select who can bowl at 90mph and above, but you still have to be very skilful with what you’ve got.”Trending towards a quicker attack tallies with the make-up of October’s central contract list. Quicks populated every tier, from Wood on his three-year deal, down to the three development contracts, all of which were handed to fast bowlers: Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood (both capped at Test level on the Broad-and-Anderson-less tour of the Caribbean in 2022) and, most intriguingly of all, John Turner.Despite not featuring in four-day cricket since July 2023, Turner was plucked off the Hampshire bench to play for the County Select XI against West Indies at the start of the month and impressed with five in the match, including 4 for 60 in the first innings. It would be a rogue shout to elevate a 23-year-old with just three first-class appearances to his name this summer. But is it that much more bold than, say, parking Anderson?Jofra Archer, meanwhile, is the biggest indicator of England’s caution. An encouraging return at the T20 World Cup, with 10 dismissals across eight matches, does not mean a revision to the management’s initial plans to reintroduce him to red-ball cricket in 2025.”For us, it’s about not getting too giddy with it,” Stokes said on Archer’s progression from his 18-month nightmare of elbow and back injuries. “If we don’t see him until next summer, for example, because we’re just making sure… if we don’t have him for a year, let’s say, but it prolongs his career for another two, three years, that’s what we are looking at trying to do.Related

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England go back to the future as post-Anderson era begins at Trent Bridge

“We’re not looking to rush Jof back. For me, as a huge Jofra Archer fan, it’s just great seeing him back in an England shirt.”Moving the seam attack along won’t be, erm, seamless. Atkinson has only opened the bowling three times in competitive first-class cricket. Wood, while not in need of overs under his belt to fire at full throttle, is making his first Test appearance after a chastening tour of India.Woakes, too, is emerging out of a tough period following the loss of his father. Following a break from the game, he returned to action for Warwickshire in June, ending a four-month absence from competitive action.His one wicket from 18 overs in the first Test showcased a lack of the snap and zip that earned him the Player-of-the-series gong for last summer’s Ashes, despite only being parachuted into the series from the third Test at Headingley.Woakes admitted a return to Test whites was his way of moving forward after his father’s death., and it promises to be an emotional cap presentation for his half-century of appearances on Thursday, after a journey which began in August 2013. Stokes, who lost his father in 2020, empathises with his desire to use the game to process his grief.”I’m probably guilty of that as well,” Stokes said. “But we had a chat before the game started. Coming into his first game back for England, when you look at the grand scheme of things with what Woakesy went through, that was his first game back without his dad there. There was a lot more emotion attached to that game for him.”I still think, even though he did not quite hit his straps like we’re used to seeing from Woakesy, it was a good run-out – if that makes sense – coming into this week. He’s played a game, obviously took some time out of the game because of an emotional time, but now he’s back out on the field doing what he wants to be doing. There was a lot of emotion last week attached to Woakesy.”Meanwhile, Anderson’s guidance in his new mentoring role was evident on Wednesday as he spent time coaching Stokes through developing a wobble-seam delivery. “I wish I had it last week when it was swinging,” Stokes said. “I could have nipped one back in. Everything he said to me made complete and utter sense and made it sound like the easiest thing in the world to do … but it’s not.”For all the wisdom that will sit watching on from that balcony – and critiquing from the other end – this new iteration of the England pace attack must apply it out on the field. All while staying true to their own attributes that have them front and centre of this new era. A daunting ask, but one Stokes implores all incumbents – present and future – to relish.”I think it’s a great opportunity for someone like Woakesy and even myself to take on a bit more responsibility in terms of speaking to the bowlers.”Jimmy has taken the new ball and will always see what is best to do; swing it, if not, go to his wobble ball. That burden and responsibility now falls on Gus and Woakesy this week and then whoever is lucky enough to take that new ball going forward.”

Doucoure replacement: Everton now eyeing £25m deal to sign "underrated" ace

After failing to negotiate a new contract with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Everton watched on as the Frenchman departed and are now reportedly eyeing his potential replacement in a £25m deal.

Everton must replace Doucoure this summer

For all his experience and important moments to match, Everton failed to offer Doucoure a new deal in Merseyside in a decision that they’ll be desperate not to regret this time next season. The veteran midfielder spent five years at the club in a spell full of ups and downs, from being dropped by Frank Lampard to thriving under Sean Dyche and David Moyes.

Doucoure was the man who scored the goal to keep Everton afloat in the 2022/23 campaign and he was the man who battled Curtis Jones in what proved to be his final-ever Merseyside derby. A Frenchman turned scouse, there is no denying that replacing his influence will not be a simple task for the Toffees this summer.

Saying goodbye to the fans, Doucoure said at the end of last season: “Hi Evertonians – just wanted to share this message with you that I’m going to leave the football club at the end of the season.

“After five wonderful years, my time at Everton came to an end. Everton means a lot for me. Obviously the past five years it’s been hard but I will always remember my time as a dream for me, to play for Everton Football Club.”

Everton fighting Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland for free agent signing

The Toffees are lining up a bargain transfer…

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 11, 2025

It’s a decision that Everton must now justify by signing a younger, improved model this summer and, to their credit, they could do exactly that by welcoming one particular midfield star.

Everton eyeing £25m Yarmolyuk deal

As reported by Caught Offside, Everton are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Yegor Yarmolyuk from Brentford, who value their young midfielder at just €30m (£25m).

The 21-year-old is represented by the same agent as Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko and could now join his countryman in Merseyside to hand Moyes his Doucoure replacement. Joining Everton in pursuit of his signature, however, are Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United.

Premier League stats per 90 24/25 (via FBref)

Yegor Yarmolyuk

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Minutes

1,450

2,564

Progressive Passes

3.91

2.88

Tackles Won

1.74

0.98

Ball Recoveries

7.02

5.26

More robust than Doucoure whilst also outperforming the Frenchman when progressing play last season, there’s even an argument to be made that Yarmolyuk would be an upgrade on the former Everton man rather than just a replacement.

At just 21 years old, the Ukraine-born midfielder has already found himself at the centre of praise and that includes from Ben Mattinson. The analyst dubbed the Brentford star “underrated” and “physical” back in January and could now watch on as he swaps West London for Merseyside.

Yegor Yarmolyuk

In a deal that would reportedly cost around £25m, the Toffees could commence their summer business with an absolute bargain whilst instantly replacing Doucoure in the process.