Alice Capsey and Maia Bouchier lifted England to an impressive total which proved more than enough when Charlie Dean ripped into a struggling New Zealand line-up to seal victory in a rain-affected second T20I in Hove.Persistent rain delayed the start by two hours and cut the match to nine overs per side. Capsey’s 28 off 15 balls and Bouchier’s 23 off 15 set England up for a total of 89 for 6, then Dean took 2 for 3 in a single over as New Zealand crumbled to 42 for 5 in 6.4 overs before the rain returned to end the match even more prematurely than expected, the hosts taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series which moves to Canterbury on Thursday.New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. They made two changes to the side which lost the opening match at Southampton on Saturday by 59 runs, bringing in seamer Hannah Rowe and offspinner Leigh Kasperek for Fran Jonas and Eden Carson. England, meanwhile, brought back Lauren Bell – rested after her five-wicket haul in the third and final ODI – and called up Dani Gibson to replace Freya Kemp and Linsey Smith.

Dry, not dull

Hove’s enviable drainage – and hardworking ground staff – ultimately delivered a playing surface that was sufficiently dry. But, at nine overs per side, the match promised not to be. Although there were no big individual scores, Capsey and Bouchier found, and cleared, the boundary with finesse while Heather Knight struck three fours in her 14-ball cameo of 15 and Sophie Ecclestone hammered a six off the only ball she faced to end the England innings in the best possible way.It took four legitimate deliveries for Bouchier to get off the mark but to do so she despatched a shorter ball from Jess Kerr over backward square leg and into the stands and she followed up with four through midwicket off Rowe’s first delivery. When Danni Wyatt fell for a third-ball duck, Capsey arrived and helped herself to back-to-back fours off Sophie Devine, a lap through fine leg and a glance through third. Bouchier overcame a knock to the grille via an edge onto her own glove attempting a reverse off Lea Tahuhu to find the boundary twice more but her attempt at a third in a row went awry when she holed out to Maddy Green at long-on.Georgia Plimmer put down a straightforward chance off Jess Kerr running in from deep square leg when Nat Sciver-Brunt was on 3 and Sciver-Brunt looked to capitalise when she swung Tahuhu into the grounds of the flats which sit beyond the fence at deep midwicket. She survived a review for caught behind next ball but fell moments later as Tahuhu pegged back middle stump. Capsey, who had smashed a six off Jess Kerr over wide mid-off, welcomed Kasperek back to T20Is for the first time in a year by launching her third ball over midwicket and into a hospitality tent, but fell next ball, caught by Jess Kerr at short third.Amelia Kerr grabbed two wickets in three balls with a return catch to remove Knight and tempting Gibson down the pitch and beating the bat as Izzy Gaze whipped off the bails. That left Ecclestone one ball to face and she muscled it into the stands over long-on.

Dean defeats damp squib

Devine promised the most in terms of fireworks and walked out to open with Suzie Bates, but she fell for just 9 spooning Lauren Bell tamely to Capsey at mid-on. Then Amelia Kerr picked out Capsey at midwicket off Sciver-Brunt and England had two prize wickets inside the three-over powerplay. Sciver-Brunt fell to the ground, rolled over and stayed there, waiting for it to swallow her up after she parried a Brooke Halliday slog over the rope for six. But Dean managed to remove Halliday in the next over, pinned lbw for 14 and New Zealand were 28 for 3 needing 62 off 29 balls.Sarah Glenn held an excellent catch diving forward from short third to remove New Zealand’s remaining big hope, Bates for just 4, giving Dean her second wicket in the space of five balls and, after Jess Kerr picked out Knight at extra cover to give Ecclestone her first, the rain returned. The players left the field with 2.2 overs remaining and the rain set in, with handshakes exchanged a short time later, the weather deciding the result in the end on the DLS method and Dean walking away with impressive figures of 1-0-3-2.

As Thomas Frank looks to welcome the second signing of his Tottenham Hotspur tenure after Mathys Tel, the Lilywhites have reportedly submitted a big-money offer to sign a top target.

Tottenham seeking Mbeumo alternative

Amid reports that Manchester United are pushing to sign Bryan Mbeumo to leave Spurs settling for second place in the race for his signature, those in North London have been forced to seek alternative options. And whilst there’s no doubt that Frank would have wanted a swift reunion with his Brentford star, the reported alternative could prove to be just as effective.

It’s clear to see why the new manager and Daniel Levy instantly set his sights on attacking reinforcements too, given that Heung-min Son looked past the peak of his powers last season and Dominic Solanke remained unreliable on the injury front. Just who arrives is the big question now that it’s unlikely to be Mbeumo.

Already, reports have mentioned the likes of Daizen Maeda and Evann Guessand have both been mentioned, with the former particularly standing out following an excellent period at Celtic.

The Japan international was once again in electric form in Scotland last season and could yet arrive to hand Spurs the replacement for Harry Kane’s output that they’ve needed ever since he swapped North London for Bayern Munich.

Appearances

51

Goals

33

Assists

12

Of course, the step from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League wouldn’t be a routine one, but Maeda has the quality to become a top star under Frank if he does make his move this summer.

The Celtic star isn’t the number one target in North London, however. Instead, the Lilywhites have reportedly set their sights on signing an attacking option who’s far closer to home in the coming months.

Tottenham submit £50m Kudus bid

According to David Ornstein, Tottenham have now submitted a bid worth £50m to sign Mohammed Kudus from London rivals West Ham United, who have already turned that offer down.

Even after rejection, however, Spurs aren’t giving up. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Frank has already given his approval and the Lilywhites are set to submit a second offer to sign the winger as they look to accelerate talks to secure his signature.

Even during a difficult campaign last time out in a struggling West Ham side, Kudus earned plenty of praise from Graham Potter, who described his star man as “fantastic”.

Frank's own Vertonghen: Spurs make enquiry for "unreal" £21m CB

Tottenham need to sign a new defender or two this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2025

Now potentially on the move, the 24-year-old may well be the perfect fit for Frank as he looks to rediscover his best form away from the London Stadium. Before the Lilywhites get the chance to see Kudus’ talent up close, however, Spurs must hope to see their second bid accepted by West Ham.

Rangers are “very keen” to sign an England international after making an approach over a transfer, according to Sky Sports.

Rangers want defenders and attackers after Cameron signing

The Gers secured the services of Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron back in February, with the 22-year-old penning a pre-contract agreement at Ibrox.

Cameron has now been pictured in a Rangers shirt and described a move to Glasgow as a “no-brainer” earlier this week.

Martin can replace Hagi with Rangers move for "explosive" £10m "weapon"

Rangers can brilliantly replace Ianis Hagi by signing this reported transfer target.

ByDan Emery Jun 17, 2025

“It’s amazing to walk in the door, it’s a privilege really. I have been looking forward to it for a long time. It was a no-brainer as soon as Rangers came in, I was desperate to be here. It is obviously a massive club and the history and everything about it is just amazing. Being from Scotland, I know what the club stands for, so I just wanted to jump at the chance.

“It is a new project, they are looking to build, improve and win leagues again and I really wanted to be a part of it. I want to come here, make an impression, do as well as possible and get this club back to where it belongs.”

With a new midfielder though the door, Rangers and Russell Martin are now looking to bolster the defensive and attacking ranks.

In regards to specific defensive targets, Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons is a wanted man at Ibrox, and in attack, the Gers are keen on Peterborough United’s Kwame Poku when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Rangers “very keen” to sign Leicester City’s Conor Coady after approach

As reported in Sky Sports’ live transfer blog on Tuesday evening, Rangers have made an approach to Leicester City over a deal to sign Conor Coady. The Foxes are open to selling the centre-back after their relegation from the Premier League, and those at Ibrox “are very keen” on a move.

Coady, who picks up £3.9m per year at The King Power Stadium, made 26 appearances for Leicester in all competitions last season, captaining on three occasions.

Best known for his time at Wolves, Coady has plenty of Premier League experience, has won 10 caps for England and has even played in the Europa League 12 times.

Called a player with a “real infectious personality” by Gareth Southgate, Coady is an out and out centre-back who Martin will be well aware of during his time as a player and manager in England.

Games

22

Goals

1

Pass completion %

91.5%

Clearances per 90

3.1

Blocks per 90

1.1

Average WhoScored match rating

6.17/10

A move looks like one to keep an eye on, and if Coady does move north, that may see Robin Propper seal a return to FC Twente following recent rumours.

Moreeng served as South Africa women’s head coach for 11 years before his stint ended in March

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jul-2024

Hilton Moreeng served as South Africa head coach for 11 years•Sportsfile via Getty Images

Hilton Moreeng has been appointed the new head coach of USA’s senior and Under-19 women’s teams. He takes over from Shivnarine Chanderpaul, whose contract came to an end in 2023.Moreeng served as South Africa women’s head coach for just over 11 years before his stint ended in March this year. Under him, South Africa made two ODI World Cup semi-finals, two T20 World Cup semi-finals, and became the first national senior side to reach a World Cup final, at home in the 2023 T20 World Cup.”I am thrilled to join USA Cricket and eager to collaborate with both current players and emerging talent,” Moreeng said. “My goal is to methodically build a competitive squad capable of rivaling the best in women’s cricket globally. Together, we aim to foster a culture of excellence and achievement within USA Cricket, paving the way for a successful future on the international stage.”Former Australia international Julia Price served as the head coach of the team from 2019 to 2022 before Chanderpaul took over.”Coach Hilton brings a rich background and vast experience to USA Cricket having been a critical part of the transformation of South African women’s cricket,” USA Cricket chairman, Venu Pisike, said. “USA women are also at the beginning of a transformative period with an Olympics in four years’ time and we believe Hilton’s successes, diverse experiences, and understanding of challenges in an emerging cricket nation is well suited for our program.”Moreeng’s first assignment will start with preparations for the 2025 U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh vice-captain says he was left out on the day for reasons of team combination

Mohammad Isam02-Jul-2024Bangladesh vice-captain Taskin Ahmed has admitted that he missed the team bus on the morning of their Super Eight game against India in the T20 World Cup 2024 in North Sound, but said that was not the reason he did not play the game. He was left out for team combination reasons, Taskin said.”I was a little late, but I reached at the ground before the toss,” Taskin told Dhaka-based newspaper . “I arrived at the ground around 30-40 minutes before the toss. I missed the team bus. The bus left the hotel at 8.35am. I left for the ground at 8.43am. I almost reached the ground with the bus. It is not as if they didn’t pick me because I arrived late. I wasn’t going to play anyway.”Bangladesh had replaced Taskin with Jaker Ali for the game, with Mahedi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan opening the bowling. Tamim Iqbal, in his capacity as expert on ESPNcricinfo TimeOut, had said then he was “very surprised” by the move to leave Taskin out. Taskin returned to the line-up for Bangladesh’s next game, against Afghanistan on June 24.Related

Ban vs Ind report: Hardik, Kuldeep lead India to their second Super Eight win

Shakib, Tamim criticise Bangladesh's batting intent against India

Taskin: 'Haven't seen such a bad patch from Bangladesh batters in 10 years'

ESPNcricinfo has learned that there was no fine levied on Taskin for the incident. Shakib said on Tuesday that the matter ended after Taskin apologised, though he did say the incident made it “difficult” to select him for the India game.”The bus usually leaves at a certain time. It is the rule that the team bus doesn’t wait for anyone,” Shakib told reporters on Tuesday. “If by chance someone misses the bus, they can arrive in the managers’ car or a taxi.”West Indies is a difficult place for transport. He arrived 5-10 minutes before the toss, so naturally it was difficult for the team management to select him. It was also a difficult situation for the player. Taskin apologised to the team, and everyone took it very normally. It was an unintentional mistake. It ended there.”The incident also came up when BCB president Nazmul Hassan addressed a press conference following a board meeting on Tuesday. “When I saw that Taskin wasn’t in the XI, I called [team manager] Rabeed [Imam], who told me that Taskin missed the team bus,” Hassan said. “But [Rabeed said that] he is now in the field, he arrived a bit late.”I will read the report from the concerned department.”

Tottenham Hotspur are now confident about winning the race for a £25m striker, who could be in line to join alongside West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, according to a report.

Tottenham pushing to sign Kudus

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that Tottenham are in ongoing talks over a deal to sign Kudus, with the Ghanaian winger keen to make the move across the capital.

The interest in Kudus comes amid doubts over Son Heung-min’s future, with widespread reports suggesting the forward wants to remain in north London for one more year, which means Thomas Frank may have to bring in a long-term replacement for his captain.

With Everton and a whole host of other Premier League clubs keen on Richarlison, a new striker may also be required, and Tottenham have now been provided with an update on their pursuit of OGC Nice’s Evann Guessand.

Football Insider sources say that Spurs are confident about winning the race for Guessand this summer, with the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers also in the race for the forward’s signature.

Tottenham targeting £35m swoop to sign goalscoring midfielder with Kudus

The Lilywhites are set to step up their transfer business.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 7, 2025

The French side have set an affordable asking price of £20m – £25m, off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign, with transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke adding: “There’s been talk that Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce would like to sign him as well.

“My sources tell me the player himself is not overly keen on that move, so that will be positive news for his Premier League suitors.

“Looking at the interested clubs, Brighton, West Ham, Wolves… Tottenham I’m sure would be pretty hopeful that, if they do follow up their interest, that they could win the race for his services.”

"Electric" Guessand could be versatile option for Frank

The 24-year-old is capable of playing on both wings and through the middle, meaning he could be a versatile option for Frank in attack, and the 2024-25 campaign was by far the Nice star’s best season to date.

The Ivory Coast international registered 12 goals and nine assists in 33 Ligue 1 outings, indicating he could be a solid replacement for Richarlison, who missed a whopping 37 games through injury last season.

Having averaged a 7.19 match rating in Ligue 1, the France-born forward was also Nice’s second-best-performing player last term, while outperforming every Tottenham player to make more than six Premier League appearances.

Player

Average rating (Premier League)

Son Heung-min

7.0

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

At just £20m – £25m, Guessand could be a bargain addition to the Tottenham squad, and a move to north London should be a far more attractive proposition than joining Wolves or Brighton.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in a race to sign a versatile £6.7 million international who could be a replacement for Nélson Semedo, according to a recent report.

Wolves target new midfielder and new striker

Given the fact the Midlands side have already seen Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri leave the club in big-money deals, Wolves have a rather large back pocket full of money. Manager Vitor Pereira will be hoping the club chiefs allow him to spend that money in the transfer market, as they look to avoid another relegation battle.

Related Wolves make approach for "major talent" also wanted by seven other clubs

The Old Gold are in the market for reinforcements…

Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 4, 2025

According to a report from Spain, one way the Premier League side want to spend some of their cash is by signing Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid. It is claimed that Wolves are among the teams wanting to sign the midfielder, and they would be willing to pay as much as £43 million to bring him back to England. The Spanish giants could be open to letting the England midfielder leave in this transfer window, as that would allow them to improve their squad in other areas.

As well as a new midfielder, Wolves also want to add more firepower to their team and have made an approach to sign El Bilal Toure from Atalanta. The striker, who scored three goals in all competitions last season, is very much a wanted man this summer, as teams from France, Turkey, and England are all queuing up with an interest.

Wolves in race to sign Tchatchoua to replace Semedo

As well as looking to strengthen their midfield and forward line, the Premier League side may be in the market for a new right-back, and according to Tuttomercatoweb, relayed by Molineux News, Wolves are interested in signing Jackson Tchatchoua from Hellas Verona.

Wolves are still working on a deal to keep Semedo at the club, as his contract expired at the end of June and he has been offered fresh terms. However, they are yet to receive an answer, and now the Premier League side are looking at possible replacements and therefore have turned their attention to Tchatchoua, who is also wanted by Everton, Marseille and Galatasaray.

The 23-year-old, who has earned 10 caps for Cameroon, joined Hellas Verona on loan for the 2023/24 season, and that move was made permanent last summer. He can operate as a right-back as well as a right midfielder, scoring two goals to go with three assists in 36 Serie A games last season.

Jackson Tchatchoua’s 24/25 league stats compared to Nelson Semedo

Tchatchoua

Semedo

Apps

36

34

Starts

36

32

Goals

2

0

Assists

3

4

Progressive carries

88

67

Progressive runs

163

119

Tackles (Won)

50 (31)

62 (36)

Blocks

21

32

Interceptions

14

23

Clearances

75

104

It has been previously reported that Hellas Verona value Tchatchoua at €8 million, or roughly £6.7 million, which could be an absolute bargain if Fosun can convince his agency, DWMA, to bring him to England. The group also represented Wesley Fofana in his £75m move from Leicester to Chelsea however, so may be looking to drive that price up.

Leicestershire still in with a shout of the top three after holding their nerve at Grace Road

ECB Reporters Network11-Aug-2024Australian international Peter Handscomb rescued Leicestershire from 59 for five with a superb 103 to set up a winning score against previously unbeaten Group B leaders Glamorgan and keep the defending champions in contention for the knock-out stages of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.Chasing 272 after seamer Timm van der Gugten had taken 5 for 49, Glamorgan were all out for 262, with Foxes left-arm spinner Liam Trevaskis their star man with the ball, taking 4 for 54 to go with the 47 he made with the bat in a vital 103-run partnership with Handscomb for Leicestershire’s seventh wicket, although ex-Glamorgan man Roman Walker ran him close, taking the last three wickets for figures of 3 for 40 to seal a nine-run victory.Veteran Colin Ingram top-scored for the Welsh side with 68. His dismissal to Trevaskis with 75 still needed from 55 balls looked to have swung the balance heavily towards the home side, but a List A career-best 61 from Dan Douthwaite took the contest into the penultimate over.The result puts Lewis Hill’s side on 10 points, one behind Glamorgan and Warwickshire – who also surrendered their unbeaten record against Yorkshire – and two ahead of Gloucestershire and Yorkshire.Both Glamorgan, who take on Yorkshire in Cardiff in the final round of group matches on Wednesday, and Warwickshire, who face eliminated Nottinghamshire at Rugby School, are already sure of at least a quarter-final place. Leicestershire, who travel to Bristol to meet Gloucestershire, have the potential to finish in any of the top three places – or be knocked out on net run-rate.The one shadow over their celebrations after this victory was an injury to Handscomb suffered while batting, after which he did not field in Glamorgan’s innings and may make him a doubt for Bristol.Needing to score at 5.44 per over, Glamorgan – missing top scorer Eddie Byrom through injury – lost both openers in first nine overs to all-rounder Ian Holland, Tom Bevan helping a leg-side delivery into the hands of short fine leg before Will Smale’s attempt to clear the leg-side fence only picked out the man at deep square. They were 43 for 2 from 10.Leicestershire’s attack was depleted by injuries and Hundred call-ups, yet by the halfway stage of their innings at 108 for 4, they seemed not so much to be biding their time as making hard going of what was required.They had lost Sam Northeast to a return catch tamely chipped back to Trevaskis for 31, the same score at which Kiran Carlson, showing signs of frustration, had holed out to deep midwicket off Tom Scriven. The rate needed was up to 6.56.Billy Root was caught behind square on the reverse sweep off Trevaskis, Asa Tribe holing out to deep midwicket, a third wicket for the left-arm spinner. Ingram, who hit two sixes and seven fours, reached his fifty from 48 balls and needed to be there at the end if Glamorgan were to win, so little wonder there were loud celebrations among the home players when Trevaskis had him leg before sweeping.Douthwaite’s four fours and four sixes kept Glamorgan in the hunt but after Walker bowled Van der Gugten and had Andy Gorvin caught at backward point in the space of four deliveries, he was the hero again as Sol Budinger patiently waited for the ball to come down at deep midwicket and Douthwaite’s brave effort came to an end.Glamorgan had won the toss and while a frenetic opening powerplay saw them concede 59 runs after opting to bowl first on use on a green-tinged pitch but take four wickets, with a fifth quickly following in the 11th over. Four of them came from Van der Gugten.The pacy Netherlands international dismissed Ian Holland leg before in his first over. Sent back by the lively Sol Budinger, skipper Hill was run out by Asa Tribe’s direct hit from extra cover before the former edged to first slip, having hit six fours in a 23-ball 28.The departure of the Foxes’ leading run-scorer was quickly followed by that of their undoubted star turn, the Indian Test batter Ajinkya Rahane, who was leg before offering no shot, and Louis Kimber, who returned from The Hundred to be bowled through the gate for a four-ball duck.New man Ben Cox hit six boundaries in his 34 but hooked Douthwaite to deep backward square, leaving the Foxes 105 for 6. The combination of Andy Gorvin and the spin of Carlson and Bevan proved restrictive but Handscomb and Trevaskis stayed patient, adding 103 in 23 overs before the latter was bowled by the returning Van der Gugten.Handscomb pulled Gorvin for his only six and dispatched Van der Gugten for his 10th four before completing his second hundred of this year’s competition, never hurried yet taking only 91 balls. He and Scriven added 47 in five overs before the Australian – limping towards the end of his innings – succumbed to a catch at backward point.

Those of a Liverpool persuasion appear to have come down with a nasty case of Alexander Isak fever, and well, who can blame them?

The bombshell news emerged on Tuesday that, after months of whispers and speculation, the Premier League champions are finally ready to firm up their interest in the Newcastle United man, amid the prospect of a potential £120m bid for the Swede.

That mammoth offer – which would eclipse the Reds’ recent club-record capture of Florian Wirtz – could put the icing on the cake for the Anfield side’s summer business, with Isak fresh off the back of a season that saw him score 23 top-flight goals.

Unsurprisingly, the Magpies are hell-bent on keeping hold of their star man for a little while longer, albeit with Richard Hughes playing the trump card after rivalling Eddie Howe and co in the pursuit of Isak’s heir apparent, Hugo Ekitike. Checkmate?

Either way, it would appear that the Merseysiders are in a strong bargaining position, with optimism growing that the division’s “best striker” – as described by Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson – could be lining up alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah next season.

Isak, as stated, might well be the delicious icing, but Hughes could also sprinkle a little cherry on top by sealing yet another high-profile deal in the coming weeks…

Latest on Liverpool's transfer pursuit

Wirtz. Jeremie Frimpong. Milos Kerkez. Isak next?

It may now be a waiting game to see if the Newcastle marksman will agitate for a move, albeit with Liverpool no doubt keen to pounce on the 25-year-old’s contract uncertainty, with the Daily Mail’s Dominic King outlining that talks have ‘stalled’ over a new deal at St James’ Park.

According to King, Hughes and his recruitment team will officially move for the former Real Sociedad striker if they ‘receive encouragement’, with this game of cat and mouse likely to have a few twists and turns to come.

Transfer Focus

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

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Football Insider have reported that Liverpool are expected to soon seal a deal for Crystal Palace skipper, Marc Guehi, with that move looking ‘increasingly likely’ amid developments at Selhurst Park.

Indeed, the report outlines that with the Eagles seemingly closing in on the £45m signing of Sporting CP centre-back, Ousmane Diomande, it would pave the way for Guehi to depart.

The suggestion is that with the England international having just a year left to run on his Palace contract, the south Londoners are keen to cash in this summer, rather than lose him on a free in 12 months’ time.

Why Liverpool could be set to seal another Isak-esque signing

It’s fair to say that after sitting out the recent friendly win over Preston North End, excitement is brewing over finally seeing the aforementioned Wirtz in action in a Liverpool shirt, with the 22-year-old German signing off his time at Bayer Leverkusen with 122 goals and assists in 97 games in all competitions.

That capture is a statement deal, no doubt, but if Isak were to arrive, it would truly take the biscuit, with the 6 foot 4 sensation a Premier League-proven talent, having scored 44 league goals across the last two seasons combined.

The man who helped steer Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory over Arne Slot’s side earlier this year, the £63m goal machine could now be the figurehead of a new era at Anfield, with the rest of the division likely to already be quaking in their boots.

As for Guehi, while such a deal would almost go under the radar amid the current circumstances, there would be shades of Isak about that acquisition, with Liverpool in line to poach another key figure from a fellow Premier League outfit.

Currently captain at Selhurst Park, the 25-year-old has already made 132 appearances in England’s top tier to date, having notably skippered his side to shock FA Cup glory in 2024/25.

Minutes played

61

Touches

17

Pass accuracy

75%

Key passes

1

Possession lost

2

Ground duels won

1/2

Aerial duels won

1/4

Tackles

1

Clearances

4

Like Isak, the in-demand defender – who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer – has more than proven himself against Premier League opposition, with both men also seemingly at the perfect point of their careers. Indeed, with both men still only 25, they have gained notable experience at the top level, but may not yet have entered their peak.

Described as a “monster” of a centre-back by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi – like Isak – is also “one of the best in the country” in his position, as per scout Mick Brown, with Liverpool able to acquire a player who would slot straight into their starting lineup.

Much like with Isak, there would be no period of transition or adaptation, this is a player who could well hit the ground running on Merseyside.

This is a man who ranks in the top 10% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for key passes per 90, as well as in the top 10% for through balls, as per FBref. In essence, he is a master at playing out from the back.

Having romped to the title at a canter last season, Liverpool are at a point now where they can poach the very best that the Premier League has to offer. In their respective positions, Isak and Guehi would be just that.

Romano: Liverpool plan to submit record-breaking bid to sign Alexander Isak

The Reds could spend big once again…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025

أكد بول بوسا المدير الفني لنادي أوكلاند سيتي النيوزيلندي، على علمه بمدى قوة بيراميدز قبل المباراة المرتقبة بينهما، والتي تجمعهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

ويستضيف بيراميدز بطل قارة إفريقيا، نظيره أوكلاند سيتي بطل أوقيانوسيا في التاسعة مساء غدًا الأحد باستاد الدفاع الجوي، في إطار الدور الأول من بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

وقال بوسا في تصريحات خلال المؤتمر الصحفي اليوم: “أنا أعلم جيدًا مدى صعوبة المواجهة التي تجمعنا بنادي بيراميدز في كأس إنتركونتيننتال خاصة كونه بطل قارة أفريقيا وأحد أهم أنديتها حاليًا، وبعد متابعة عن قرب، أعلم جيدًا مدى الجودة التي يتمتع بها الفريق والإمكانيات الكبيرة في صفوفه وبالتالي المهمة ستكون غاية في الصعوبة أمامه”.

وأوضح: “تابعت الفترة الأخيرة فريق بيراميدز سواء معسكر الإعداد القوي أو اللقاءات الأخيرة في الدوري المصري، وأعلم عنه كل شيء، هو فريق يحاول فرض نفسه في الملعب من خلال الاستحواذ الكامل على الكرة”.

طالع | قائد أوكلاند سيتي: استنفدنا من تجربة الأهلي وقادرون على تحقيق المفاجأة أمام بيراميدز

وواصل: “كون اللقاء يقام في مصر، فأنا أعلم أن بيراميدز سيلعب على السيطرة وفرض أسلوبه، وعلينا الاعتماد على الدفاع القوي في مواجهته، من أجل الخروج بنتيجة جيدة تؤهل فريقي إلى الدور الثاني”.

وزاد: “فريقي يمتلك خبرة كبيرة في مشاركات عديدة بكأس العالم للأندية والبطولات الكبرى وسيحاول الاستفادة من تلك الخبرات رغم قوة المنافس الممثل لقارة أفريقيا، القوية والأكثر خبرة في مثل هذه المباريات”.

وأتم: “أوكلاند سيتي يستعد جيدًا لتلك المواجهة الصعبة من خلال معسكر لعدة أيام في أبوظبي، وأكثر ما يقلقني هو الإرهاق خاصة وأن بيراميدز يلعب على أرضه في حين استغرق أوكلاند قرابة 17 ساعة في رحلة طيران من أجل الوصول للإمارات ومنها إلى القاهرة”.