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Not giving up on their pursuit, one European club are now reportedly preparing to launch their biggest offer yet to sign a talented Liverpool star this summer.

Liverpool announce Ekitike arrival

Welcoming yet another expensive arrival, Liverpool officially announced the signing of Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69m with £10m in potential add-ons. The Frenchman’s arrival takes the Reds’ summer spending to almost £300m and, according to reports, they’re still not done with their spending spree.

It’s easy to see why Liverpool splashed out to sign Ekitike. The talented forward scored 22 goals and created a further 12 in all competitions last season and has often found himself at the centre of praise in recent years.

That praise includes the words of former Liverpool star Steve Nicol, who told reporters: “This guy can score every type of goal possible. He doesn’t just score goals in the penalty box, he scores goals from outside the box as well. He links play up, he sets people off, he scores goals with his head, he can do everything.”

Joining arguably the most dangerous frontline in the Premier League, the former Eintracht Frankfurt man could line up next to Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo next season as the champions look to retain their crown in style.

Scouts sent: Liverpool eyeing move to sign new 6 foot 3 Guehi alternative

He’s caught the eye of the Reds’ scouts.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 23, 2025

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes aren’t done there, however. Reports suggest that they still have some unfinished business in the transfer window.

The likes of Marc Guehi remain on their shortlist as they aim to add a centre-back to their list of incomings, whilst Darwin Nunez and one other Liverpool star could still be heading for the exit door even as pre-season gets underway for Arne Slot’s side.

Bayern now "intent" on signing Luis Diaz

According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Bayern Munich are now preparing an offer worth up to €80m (£69m) to sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool this summer. The Premier League champions have reiterated the stance that the South American is not for sale all summer long, but Bayern’s incoming offer is likely to put that to the ultimate test.

Earlier reports indicated that Diaz set his sights on a move to the Bundesliga giants this summer, but has Liverpool standing in his way as things stand.

Of course, if those at Anfield did sanction a move to sell the winger then they could turn towards Real Madrid’s Rodrygo to land what would be a blockbuster replacement.

Even at £69m, however, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool finally give in to Bayern Munich’s pressure and sell a player who Jurgen Klopp once dubbed “absolutely incredible”.

The last few weeks have been quite extraordinary for Arsenal.

The club has gone from signing no one as their rivals made additions to already securing three impressive players in Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard, and they aren’t done yet.

The promising Valencia defender Christian Mosquera had his medical this afternoon, the goalscoring monster Viktor Gyokeres looks like he’ll be on the plane to preseason on Saturday, and Noni Madueke could be announced at any moment.

The latter will add some quality depth to the squad and could even push for a starting role on the left, although, based on reports, Arsenal might be pushing for an even more exciting attacking signing this summer.

Arsenal target star more exciting than Madueke

It would be fair to say that when news first broke of Arsenal’s interest in Madueke, the reaction from the fanbase wasn’t entirely positive.

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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In fact, it got so vitriolic at one point that murals outside the stadium were vandalised, and journalist Sam Dean questions whether a big-money signing had ever resulted in such backlash.

However, as you’d expect, the club pushed on and ended up reaching an agreement worth up to £52m for the player, who has passed his medical and should be announced either today or tomorrow.

Madueke might have an uphill battle to win over some at the Emirates, but he’s undeniably talented, and Arteta would not have wanted him if he did not think he could add something to the squad.

With that said, it now looks like the North Londoners have switched their attention to another wide talent, someone who would undoubtedly be a more exciting addition than the former Chelsea man.

At least that is according to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, which claims Arsenal have entered fresh talks with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential move.

The report has revealed that if the Real Madrid star moves to the Emirates, he’d want a contract that made him the top earner, which would see him surpass Kai Havertz, who is currently making £280k-per-week.

The story does not reveal how much the Gunners might have to pay to secure their man, but reports from earlier this week claim that an offer of around £80m should suffice.

It would be a massive financial investment to bring in Rodrygo, but he’s proven in recent years that he would be worth it, and a far more exciting transfer than Madueke at that.

Why Rodrygo would be more exciting than Madueke

Starting with the indisputable, the first reason Rodrygo would be a more exciting signing than Madueke this summer is the simple fact that he’s more effective.

For example, despite being played out of his favoured left-wing position, the 24-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 54 appearances, totalling 3452 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.16 games, or every 138.08 minutes.

In contrast, the Englishman scored 11 goals and five assists in 46 appearances, totalling 2647 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.87 games, or every 165.43 minutes.

Rodrygo vs Madueke in 24/25

Players

Rodrygo

Madueke

Appearances

54

46

Minutes

3452′

2647′

Goals

14

11

Assists

11

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.46

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.08′

165.43′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

The second reason is that the game-changing “monster,” as dubbed by Arsenal journalist Eduardo Hagn, would bring with him so much more top-level experience.

For example, he’s won two La Liga titles with Los Blancos and played a pivotal role in two Champions League triumphs as well.

In fact, of the 25 goals he has scored in the competition, to go along with his 14 assists, eight of them have been game-winning goals, and eight have come in the knockout rounds.

Finally, and this may be somewhat superficial, the Real ace wouldn’t be another player making the all-too-common move from Stamford Bridge, a journey some fans have become particularly tired of seeing.

Ultimately, Madueke will provide Arsenal with some much-needed depth in attacking areas, but if it happens, there is no denying that Rodrygo’s signing would be far, far more exciting.

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Arsenal could sign a player with shades of Leandro Trossard.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 16, 2025

Southee and Boult picked up five wickets between them to demolish Uganda, as New Zealand completed the small chase in 5.2 overs

Andrew Fidel Fernando15-Jun-2024Trent Boult delivered searing, full inswing, Tim Southee went at the stumps as well, before Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra tested both edges of the bat with their left-arm spin.The result was another Uganda collapse at the T20 World Cup, their inexperienced batters simply unable to contend with the quality of New Zealand’s bowling.Uganda were all out for 40 in the 19th over, with only one of their batters – Kenneth Waiswa – having made double figures. They struck three boundaries all through their innings, and were unable to find scoring options, the New Zealand bowlers frequently beating their bat.New Zealand ran down the target in 5.2 overs, with the loss of just one wicket.Boult homes in on the stumps earlyEven top batters from more established teams would have been tested by Boult’s first over. He began with a couple of inswinging yorkers to Ronak Patel, who managed to to get off strike second ball.Boult’s next two deliveries were big-swinging, and pinpoint. First he had left-hander Simon Ssesazi plumb in front, before cleaning up Robinson Obuya with a delivery that curved in through the gate.After Boult delivered that double-wicket over, conceding just one run, Southee bowled a maiden, then Boult delivered another maiden – Uganda’s top order often unable to make contact.The pair bowled right through the powerplay, and left Uganda 9 for 3, with Southee having trapped Alpesh Ramjani in front in his second over.Spinners and Ferguson wreck Uganda’s middle orderThen it was over to Santner, Lockie Ferguson, and Ravindra. Santer struck first, drawing the outside edge of Ronak, held nicely by wicketkeeper Devon Conway.Ferguson then took out Waiswa’s stumps. Even Riazat Ali Shah, and Dinesh Nakrani looked incapable of scoring against New Zealand, and by the end of the 14th over, Uganda were seven down for 27.Their only minor consolation was getting past the 39 – their lowest T20 total ever – they had slumped to against West Indies.The pursuitThe chase was largely smooth, and the only wicket Uganda got had a touch of good fortune about it – Riazat getting Finn Allen caught down the legside with a full delivery.New Zealand had trouble hitting boundaries too, finding the rope only twice in the first four overs. But with such a small target, singles and twos would work too. Conway finished the game with back-to-back boundaries off Jumo Miyagi.

Chelsea chiefs are expected to undergo another hectic summer window of incomings and outgoings, with many players set to be put on the transfer list by BlueCo and face uncertain futures.

Players expected to leave Chelsea this summer

It is perhaps a given that, barring any U-turns from Enzo Maresca, a plethora of loaned-out senior players in the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi are all but set to quit Stamford Bridge.

£60m Premier League forward has spoken to friends about joining Chelsea

He’s apparently interested.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 21, 2025

BlueCo’s mountainous task ahead of June 1 is beginning to find new homes for all the surplus to requirement, out-of-favour members of Chelsea’s full to the brim squad list.

As things stand, they’re all set to return to Chelsea once their temporary spells elsewhere conclude, with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell both commanding huge salaries and proving a drain on the club’s wage bill.

Chelsea will be especially keen to find new homes for the England international duo, and the same can be said for summer flop Joao Felix.

The Portuguese returned to west London in 2024 for around £45 million, with Cobham academy graduate Conor Gallagher heading the other way to Atlético Madrid in a separate deal.

However, since that ‘sort of’ swap deal was agreed, both players’ fortunes have contrasted significantly. While Gallagher has gone on to become a mainstay under Diego Simeone, making 46 appearances in all competitions and racking up nine goal contributions, Maresca has already deemed Felix an unwanted man just one season into his stay.

Felix was shipped off on loan to AC Milan in January, failing to impress at the San Siro, with the Rossoneri deciding long ago that they’re not interested in keeping the 24-year-old beyond this season (Fabrizio Romano).

Benfica working to re-sign Joao Felix from Chelsea

It seems pretty inevitable that Chelsea will attempt to rid themselves of Felix’s £130,000-per-week wages once he returns to Cobham.

This is echoed by Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo, and their journalist Manuel Pedrero, who provides an update on Felix’s precarious situation.

He writes that Felix is aware he’ll need to pack his bags and quit Chelsea this summer, and he could have a golden chance to return to his former club. Benfica are said to be working on bringing the attacking midfielder back home, with the Portuguese heavyweights viewed as his most credible next destination as things stand.

In an alternate universe, and one where Aston Villa had the financial capabilities to match his demands, Felix would be working under Unai Emery right now. The ex-Arsenal boss once confirmed that he couldn’t quite get him over the line at Villa Park before Chelsea swooped in, but does rate the forward very highly.

“He’s a special player and it was not totally impossible for us (to sign him), but he wanted to play for a team in the Champions League,” Emery said last year.

“We are realistic about how we can improve and how we can add players to improve our squad. He has a high salary and Chelsea paid a lot of money for that.

“I like him, but we were never really in the running for him. He can assist, score goals, drop deep to build up and he can play in the small spaces and drive into the box. He’s special.”

Everton boss David Moyes will no doubt have one eye on the summer transfer window as the 2024/25 campaign reaches the last knockings.

Though a deep-rooted defensive understanding remained, Everton were almost formless in the final days of Sean Dyche’s tenure, rudderless.

But a now snapped nine-match unbeaten run in the league and some signs of exciting attacking play, togetherness, highlight the turning of a corner, threaded together by the uplifting completion of The Friedkin Group’s takeover from erstwhile chairman Farhad Moshiri.

With a lionised figure back in the dugout, the club’s identity has been restored. However, not every player has proved themselves worthy of a place at Bramley Moore next season. Some ties need to be cut.

The Everton players who need to go

You could field a starting line-up and leave four men on the bench, with the number of Everton players approaching the end of their contracts.

Some are more expendable than others. For example, centre-back Michael Keane, who reportedly earns £80k per week, is being shown the exit, having featured nominally in recent seasons and impressed less still. Replacements are already being lined up.

Abdoulaye Doucoure still plays an important part, but he’s Everton’s highest-paid player and, aged 32, is no longer justifying his keep.

The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Idrissa Gueye could still be key figures under Moyes’ wing next season, with Gueye, who has been in fine fettle, touted for a renewal, but there are two other mainstays who have to be swiftly sold.

Everton's misfiring duo are now finished

Neither of the players in question is a permanent resident at Everton, but Jesper Lindstrom, on loan from Napoli, and Leeds United’s Jack Harrison have both played regular roles at the club this season.

However, Everton have been a tad blunt in attack and both players have been culpable of poor showings in front of goal, both directly and as more creative outlets.

Combined, the disappointing duo make up £140k of Everton’s weekly wage bill, with Harrison earning £90k per week, Lindstrom £50k.

Given that Harrison has just one goal and one assist apiece in the Premier League this term, across 28 appearances, while Lindstrom has yet to break his duck in England’s top flight, it’s hard to say either has coated themselves in glory, or even sufficiency.

This isn’t to completely discredit their value. Both wingers are industrious and have performed dutifully across the campaign. Both have shown signs of improvement since Moyes replaced Dyche.

But Everton are stepping into a new era, need shinier parts. With Dwight McNeil fit once again, you could argue that the ball specialist and Iliman Ndiaye both deserve starting berths, with one shifting onto the right flank.

Given that Doucoure or Charly Alcaraz will want to play centrally, and indeed Everton will invest further in attacking midfielders during the summer, the respective loanees may well be staring down the barrel on Merseyside.

Moyes is prepared to be ruthless this summer, but getting rid of Harrison and Lindstrom after such underwhelming campaigns would hardly be a brazen move.

With McNeil fit again, the loanees might find themselves further into the sliding morass as their final hour beckons.

Not just DCL: Everton's £55k-p/w "warrior" is finished & won't start again

Everton are set to undergo a series of changes in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 21, 2025

This summer could be an exciting one for Everton and their supporters, having the opportunity to strengthen the first-team squad with investment from The Friedkin Group.

It will be the first full transfer window David Moyes has to make his own mark on the side after taking the reins from Sean Dyche back in January – largely having to work with the players already at Goodison Park.

A move to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season could play on the mind of any player linked with a move to join the Toffees, possibly being a star in a new chapter for the club and taking them to the next level.

It’s no secret that the side have been underperforming for numerous years, being involved in countless relegation battles, with the summer a huge opportunity to push the side closer to the top half of the table.

Rumours have been swirling over the last couple of weeks ahead of the opening of the transfer window, with a shock move potentially on the cards for one player already on Merseyside.

Everton planning shock move for £30m star

According to Football Insider, Everton are ready to target a surprise summer move for Liverpool’s young forward Ben Doak.

The 19-year-old, who’s spending the season on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough, could be available for £30m with the teenager unlikely to break into the first-team picture at Anfield.

He’s had an impressive debut season in England’s second tier, notching three goals and seven assists in his 24 outings, playing a key role in Michael Carrick’s play-off push.

The report claims that the Toffees have a growing interest in the Scottish international, with Arne Slot’s side having no issue with selling him to their rivals should an acceptable offer present itself.

It would be a huge investment from the board, but one that could set them up for future success – potentially being their own version of a leading Premier League star.

Why Doak could become Everton’s own Salah

Mohamed Salah has been a leading talent in England’s top flight over the last few years, undoubtedly to the annoyance of Everton supporters.

The Liverpool winger has notched 184 goals in the Premier League after his move to Anfield back in the summer of 2017, with eight of his efforts coming against the Toffees.

There’s no denying that he’s an elite-level talent, but Moyes’ side could land their own version of the Egyptian this summer should Doak move across Merseyside.

The similarities between the Scotsman and Salah are there for all to see, with the pair both having blistering pace and their desire to cut inside onto their favoured foot – with the obvious factor being that both currently are on the books of Slot’s side.

Joining from the Reds would undoubtedly be a controversial move, but one that could excite supporters, with Doak producing some similar stats to the Liverpool star – albeit in a lower-quality division.

Games played

24

31

Goals & assists

10

44

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

46%

Progressive carries

6.8

4.2

Pass accuracy

79%

71%

Take-ons completed

1.8

1.6

Fouls won

1.3

1.1

The Scotsman, who’s been labelled a “generational” talent by one analyst, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed to achieve a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing the attacking threat he carries.

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, whilst also achieving more progressive carries per 90, highlighting his superb talent with the ball at his feet.

Doak is still only 19, having the ability to develop further down the line, subsequently taking his career to the next level with more minutes in the top-flight, something which he won’t receive with the Reds.

Whilst £30m would be a huge sum to splash out on a young prospect, he’s already demonstrated that he has the tools to make it at the top level, potentially being a bargain should he continue on his upward trajectory.

Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Salah over the last few years, it would be a sensational piece of business, taking the side to new heights upon their move to the new stadium.

He plays like Moise Kean: Everton join race to sign £40m "wrecking ball"

Everton are gearing up to sign a striker in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 9, 2025

Maiden Test century follows hot on heels of 95 against West Indies, with more still to come

Vithushan Ehantharajah23-Aug-2024England’s wicketkeeping culture war has raged on for decades. But on Friday, if only for one day, there was peace in the world.A calming equilibrium was established in a void usually filled with conversations pitting technique against tenacity, catching percentages against batting average. A fresh, welcome relief.As Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes bagged County Championship half-centuries in Scarborough and south London respectively, Manchester belonged to Jamie Smith and his first Test century. Two impressive careers carry on off-Broadway as Smith takes centre stage for a run that already looks like outlasting either of theirs.Of course, Smith will eventually get sucked into that debate. Already, people are wondering if he needs the gloves at all – his batting is good enough to command a top-six spot outright, even if he only finds himself there because of Ben Stokes’ torn hamstring. But there is no need to get bogged down in any of that just yet. He will be around for a good while.His innings of 111 contained gear shifts, soothing drives and the odd outlandish whip to the leg side, and came one match after he had fallen short of his century by five runs in the third Test against West Indies. At the time of that innings, Smith had been happy with his lot, but he did anticipate feeling “a little bit gutted in a couple of days”. That sorrow never came, and the wait has been no wait at all.Smith showed patience throughout, particularly on Friday morning, taking 39 deliveries for the 28 runs required for his 11th first-class century. His marshalling of Gus Atkinson was particularly mature, helped by the fact that Atkinson can hold his own. The Surrey pair embraced after Smith tucked the ball off his toes for two runs to move to 100, before a subdued raising of his bat and helmet towards the dressing-room and the stands.That reaction was in step with what Surrey’s and England’s age-group coaches have said about Smith; he’s comfortable in his skin, mature beyond his years, and has steadfast belief in the skill at his disposal. He only turned 24 last month, but it feels as if he has been around the block. The nonplussed celebration of a moment every cricketer dreams about, but few ever experience, was a case of point.But beneath the calm exterior was a profound sense of pride. His parents were at the ground, along with his girlfriend, with whom he is expecting his first child. Messages from those watching on from afar were picked up once he walked off the field at stumps, each of them reinforcing the scale of his achievement to have even made it this far.”I probably didn’t show it, but inwardly I was obviously very happy with that milestone and I guess it’s proud,” he said. “I think, it’s when you look back and I guess it’s your phone; it sort of blows up with people that have either watched it or have played a part in your journey, messaging their congratulations.Smith cuts through the off side during his morning stand with Atkinson•AFP/Getty Images”My family are here, my girlfriend was here, so for them to experience it as well, people that played a significant part of being on the journey the whole way, I guess the overriding feeling is definitely pride.”As it happens, one of his earliest champions was sat on the Sri Lanka balcony. Ian Bell, currently acting as batting coach for the tourists, worked with Smith while coaching the England Lions. They also spent the last month together with Birmingham Phoenix in the men’s Hundred, where Bell would bait Smith that he couldn’t wait to arm Sri Lanka with the necessary information to best Smith.Speaking before Smith’s press conference, Bell could not withhold his pride. It was in 2023, on an A tour to Sri Lanka, that Smith struck the fastest century by a Lions batter which led Bell to rave about the keeper-batter to anyone and everyone. “Yeah, annoying,” was Bell’s first response when asked what he made of Smith’s progression to this moment. But the praise was not far behind.”I think he’s going to be a world-class player for England over a long period of time. He is class. And the players have acknowledged that it’s up to us now to find ways of getting him out in this series.”Fair play to him. Today, the game was on the line this morning, and the players have talked about it. We probably weren’t our best for that first hour, and he showed his class as well.Related

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“And you know, the small part that I suppose played in his development; I’ve watched a guy who’s worked extremely hard. He’s confident, and he’s taken to international cricket with ease. Even his celebration just shows the kind of person he is. And I’m sure he’s going to be a massive part of this England team in all formats to come over a long time.”Given Bell’s 118 Tests, he is as sage a judge as any when it comes to assessing what it takes to excel at this level. And Smith is already excellent. Granted, we are only five innings in, but the 318 runs at an average of 63.60, and the three fifty-plus scores speak of a cricketer tailormade for the big time. And it speaks volumes that, of all the talented keepers England have had behind the stumps, at 24 years and 40 days, he is the youngest of them to score a Test century.His glovework has been solid, with 18 catches so far, though he did miss a chance to register his first stumping on Wednesday, failing to gather a full dart from Shoaib Bashir when Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva had 65 to his name. And on Friday, his enthusiasm saw him trigger a rare no-ball law, with his gloves not “wholly behind the stumps”, which was flagged when England reviewed an LBW shout against the unbeaten Kamindu Mendis. Smith admitted he was not totally up to speed with the nature of his indiscretion. “I’ll know the law moving forward,” he said with a smirk.Neither were costly; Bashir eventually snared Dhananjaya for 74, and DRS would have stuck with the on-field not-out decision on umpire’s call for the impact into the stumps. But it was at least a reminder to Smith of the challenges within Test cricket. Not that he was under any illusions that all this was a piece of cake, despite how he has made it seem.”It’s not easy at all, no,” Smith said. “I think everyone knows, especially the way you play cricket, that there’s going to be ups and downs. I think that’s what it is and you’re riding the wave a little bit at the moment.”There’s going to be times when you’re going to be out of form, out of nick, and there’s going to be that judgement coming. When you do feel really good about yourself and the way you’re playing, it’s almost trying to take advantage of that as you can.”

Middle-order logjam caused by Harry Brook’s emergence raises questions about Foakes’ long-term future

Vithushan Ehantharajah14-Dec-2022Ollie Pope says there is no animosity between him and Ben Foakes after he usurped his Surrey team-mate as England’s Test wicketkeeper in Pakistan.Foakes came into the tour as the first choice behind the stumps, having played in six of the first seven Tests under captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. Regarded as one of the finest operators with the gloves in world cricket, he affected 34 dismissals this summer alone, while posting an average of exactly 40 with the bat along with a second career century against South Africa at Emirates Old Trafford.Related

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However, on the morning of the first Test in Rawalpindi, Foakes fell victim to the virus that had taken out more than half the squad the day before which led to doubts over whether the match would start on time. England were eventually able to rouse an XI, but Foakes was ruled out and replaced by Will Jacks. It meant Pope, who had previously kept wicket for England against New Zealand in November 2019 and has also deputised as a stand-in on occasion, took the gloves, scoring a century in the first innings and then taking six catches and a stumping in the match.Even though Foakes was fully fit for the second Test, Pope’s performance meant England felt comfortable picking him as their keeper, meaning they could afford to bring in another bowler – Mark Wood – in Multan. Stokes insisted the decision was “definitely no sign of Ben Foakes’ future going forward” but Pope affected five dismissals, including two decisive catches on the fourth and final day off Wood, as England took the match and the series.Pope is expected to keep his place behind the stumps for the third and final match in Karachi which begins on Saturday. And though Foakes is likely to be dismayed by his misfortune, Pope insists he has received nothing but encouragement from his good friend. In fact, the pair have been working together between games, something for which the man in possession has been grateful.”Not at all,” Pope replied, when asked if there was any awkwardness their relationship at present. “You just do what you’re told. I didn’t expect it but I was happy to do the job. He’s a Surrey team-mate and the No. 1 keeper. It was just a way to get an extra bowler in these conditions.”I definitely didn’t expect to be keeping out here to be honest. It wasn’t on my radar. But with the guys getting ill last week, it gave us another bowling option so I was happy to take it on. I’ve enjoyed the experience. He’s the best in the world and one of my best mates – great to learn from.”Ben Foakes and Ollie Pope are Surrey team-mates•Getty Images for Surrey CCCReflecting on how he has fared, Pope ceded that there is room for improvement in his glove work. There have been a handful of missed opportunities and while nothing has cost England thus far, he enjoyed the rub of the green in Multan when third umpire Joel Wilson gave a marginal decision in his favour when he caught Saud Shakeel down the leg side, tilting the second Test England’s way.Shakeel, on 94, was given out on the field by umpire Marais Erasmus. Replays gave some indication that Pope might have grounded the ball while taking the catch, but Wilson, ultimately, decided that there was insufficient evidence to overrule the on-field decision.”I took my chances,” Pope reflected. “I can still do better. I’m not even going to compare myself to Foakesy as a keeper, but I took my chances in this game. Out there there isn’t the wobble you get in England but there is that low, skiddy bounce. You’re dealing with that, and you have to stand nice and close.”Ultimately, though, Pope’s priority remains his batting. When Stokes took over, Pope called up his new captain and implored him to give him a shot at No. 3 despite no experience at that position for Surrey. Since then, he has averaged 40.18 with two hundreds in 17 innings, compared to 28.66 and one hundred in 40 innings before the start of the 2022 summer.In Multan, after keeping wicket for 62.5 overs in Pakistan’s first innings, he dropped down to No. 6 with Jacks stepping up to assume the role at first drop. It speaks to the fact batting at the top of the order as a wicketkeeper is not viable.As far as Pope is concerned, 32 caps into his international career, his batting has never been in better place. Neither has his status in this team, underlined by the fact he was given the opportunity to captain England in a warm-up against the Lions in Abu Dhabi last month. Ensuring he remains on that upward trajectory is paramount for both himself and the rhythm of this team.Pope has thrived with the bat under Stokes and McCullum•Matthew Lewis/Getty Images”I’d still love to tie down No. 3, make that my own,” he said. “That will be my primary focus. Obviously in different conditions, somewhere like New Zealand, we might go with a more regular team. That’s not for me to decide: my main priority is to keep churning runs at No. 3.”I feel a new player at the minute, personally, to what I felt in the past playing for England. I feel I’ve been a bit more consistent, I’ve stopped fearing getting out. The two guys at the top have helped me grow – not confidence, but the freedom to express myself and how I want to play. It’s been great for me, hopefully I keep that consistency.”Quite what this all means for Foakes remains to be seen. But it is hard not to wonder if his days as first-choice keeper are numbered, despite Stokes’ insistence before the Multan Test that he sees him as “the No. 1 gloveman in England” and even “the best keeper in the world”.The emergence of Harry Brook, the top run-scorer in the series with 357 runs at an average of 89.25, presents a conundrum down the line when Jonny Bairstow returns to fitness. It seems highly unlikely – and counterproductive – that Brook might return to the sidelines; likewise, for Bairstow not to assume the role he filled spectacularly in the English summer.Perhaps the most tempting option would see Bairstow reassume keeping duties for the first time since September 2021, allowing Pope to focus on his batting at No. 3 and Brook to maintain his spot at No. 5. Not to mention it would take an already aggressive batting line-up to the next level.As cruel as that would be for Foakes, who has done everything asked of him, such a positive option is entirely in keeping with how Stokes and McCullum have operated so far.

And what’s the lowest fourth-innings total by a team that won a Test with nine wickets down?

Steven Lynch25-Aug-2020There were six Tests in England this summer but not a single Test debutant – how often has this happened? asked Dominic Wood from Turkey

That’s a good spot, because actually this is the first English summer ever that has had Test cricket but no new caps at all. There have been two previous Test summers with no debutants for England – 1953 and 2011 – but both of those featured new players from the visiting teams. In 1953, Australia blooded Alan Davidson and legspinner Jack Hill in the first Test, at Trent Bridge, and batsman Jim de Courcy in the third, at Old Trafford. In 2011, Sri Lanka introduced
Thisara Perera in the first Test of the season, in Cardiff, and Lahiru Thirimanne in the third, in Southampton.What’s the lowest fourth-innings total by a team that won a Test with nine wickets down? asked Narasimhan Vuruputoor from India

There have now been 14 Tests that ended in one-wicket victories for the side batting last. The lowest total involved, by quite a distance, is 104 for 9 – by New Zealand against West Indies in Dunedin in 1979-80. Next is England’s 173 for 9 against South Africa in Cape Town in 1922-23.The highest such score came in a match fresh in the memory – England’s Ben Stokes-inspired 362 for 9 to beat Australia at Headingley last August.I noticed that Everton Weekes reached double figures in his first 14 Test innings, and when I checked Frank Worrell he did too (sadly, Clyde Walcott didn’t). But is 14 the Test record? asked Samuel Harris from Barbados

You’re right about the Three Ws: Everton Weekes reached double figures in his first 14 Test innings (going on to hundreds in five of them) before falling for 1 in his 15th, against England at Old Trafford in 1950, while Frank Worrell also had 14 before he fell for 6 in Adelaide in 1951-52. Clyde Walcott, however, was out for 8 in his first Test innings, against England in Bridgetown in 1947-48.Tamim Iqbal holds the one-day record of most runs scored at a single venue: 2619 at the Shere Bangla, Mirpur•AFPTwo players, both openers, started their Test careers by reaching double figures in 15 successive innings – Sid Barnes of Australia, and England’s Geoff Pullar. But the leader on this particular list, with 16 double-figure scores from debut, is another Australia opener, Colin McDonald: he won his first cap in 1951-52, and did not have a single-figure score until he finished with 7 not out as Australia beat West Indies in Kingston in 1954-55. McDonald was not actually dismissed in single figures until his 24th innings, when Tony Lock removed him for 1 in the opening match of the 1956 Ashes series, at Trent Bridge.The England opener Brian Bolus, who died earlier this year, holds the record for a whole career with no single-figure scores: he had 12 innings in his seven Tests, with a lowest of 14.Does Sanath Jayasuriya still hold the record for most runs in ODIs at a single ground? asked Neville de Alwis from Sri Lanka

Sanath Jayasuriya scored 2514 runs in one-day internationals at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, which remained a record for a single ground from 2009 until January 2018, when Tamim Iqbal passed it: he now has 2619 runs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.Seven other batsmen have made 2000 runs on a single ground in ODIs. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim so far have 2472 and 2351 respectively at Mirpur, while Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saeed Anwar scored 2464 and 2179 in Sharjah. Kumar Sangakkara amassed 2156 runs at the Premadasa, Ricky Ponting 2108 at Melbourne, and Brendan Taylor so far has 2067 at the Harare Sports Club. Here’s the list of most runs at a venue by a player.Don Bradman figured in 11 Test series – did he score centuries in every one of them? asked Joel Pojas from the Philippines

I’ve included this one as it’s the birth anniversary of Don Bradman in a couple of days’ time. Test cricket’s greatest batsman did feature in 11 Test series in all – eight against England – and made a century in every one of them, as this list shows. In nine of his series, the Don scored two or more hundreds – the only ones in which he managed just one apiece were the Ashes of 1928-29 (his first series, aged 21), and the Bodyline tour of 1932-33, when he missed one of the matches.Use our
feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour stop in Kolkata descended into chaos as overcrowding, security breaches, and pitch invasions left the Argentina icon "visibly uncomfortable" before he exited the Salt Lake Stadium after less than 20 minutes. Fans who had paid hefty prices were left furious as mismanagement plunged the event into disorder.

Messi's GOAT Tour turns sour in Kolkata

Chaos engulfed Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 as Messi’s much-anticipated appearance lasted barely 20 to 25 minutes before he was escorted away amid local politicians swarming the pitch for photos with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Over 85,000 fans had arrived for a glimpse of the football legend, but more than 100 individuals, politicians, officials, celebrities, and security staff swarmed the pitch as soon as Messi entered, obstructing visibility and disrupting the schedule. As frustration grew and fans realised they could hardly see the Argentine superstar, the atmosphere shifted rapidly from euphoria to anger.

Stadium unrest escalated when groups of supporters began ripping out seats and hurling objects onto the pitch after Messi left the field. Videos showed fans climbing over barriers and jeering officials as the event collapsed under mismanagement. Reports confirmed that Messi, along with Inter Miami team-mates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, were rushed out of the venue due to immediate safety concerns as organisers lost control of the situation.

Former India midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick, who participated in the exhibition match planned as part of the programme, later revealed to Sports Now that Messi had become "visibly uncomfortable" once the crowd began encroaching on him. The celebrity presence on the pitch, combined with an overwhelmed security apparatus, left the event in disarray. By the end of the night, Messi’s first Indian appearance of the tour had turned into a public-relations disaster, overshadowing the footballing spectacle.

AdvertisementAFPKolkata event organizer Dutta arrested after celebs and politicians storm the field

The fallout from the Kolkata chaos has spiralled into a significant controversy, prompting the arrest of lead organiser Shatadru Dutta and the launch of two police cases under multiple stringent legal sections. Authorities allege severe lapses in crowd management, public-order violations, and endangerment, leading to Dutta reportedly being denied bail and placed in 14-day police custody.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and issued a public apology, acknowledging the failure to manage an event hosting a global icon. An inquiry committee comprising senior officials has already begun an investigation into the causes, with initial inspections suggesting that access control, security perimeter planning, and VIP coordination had collapsed simultaneously. The committee will assess accountability and recommend structural reforms to prevent such lapses at future large-scale events.

Fan anger has continued to grow, with many supporters demanding refunds after paying high ticket prices only to be unable to see Messi during his rushed, heavily obstructed lap. Some accused organisers of prioritising dignitaries over genuine supporters, while others criticised the chaotic execution that turned a once-in-a-lifetime moment into disappointment. 

Getty Images SportFormer Indian midfielder reveals Messi was 'visibly uncomfortable'

Bhowmick’s account shed further light on Messi’s discomfort, describing how his demeanour changed as uncontrolled crowds converged on him for selfies and photos. He revealed that Messi initially appeared relaxed, signing autographs and greeting players, but quickly grew irritated when dozens of unplanned politicians and dignitaries flooded the pitch. According to Bhowmick, both Messi’s own security team and teammates Suarez and De Paul were visibly unhappy with how rapidly the environment deteriorated.

Bhowmick told Sports Now: "Everything was going fine at the start as Messi walked into the stadium. He seemed relaxed, smiling, and shaking hands with all of us. He even gave autographs without hesitation. The moment too many people rushed onto the field and started clicking pictures, he became visibly uncomfortable. It got overcrowded very quickly, and we could see his reaction change as everyone around him started clicking pictures. He began showing signs of irritation, lost his cool, and everything went out of control."

The mismanagement not only affected the fans but also deeply impacted the athletes involved in the exhibition match, which was meant to celebrate Messi’s presence in India. With officials and politicians crowding the field, players were unable to proceed with the programme as planned, creating confusion about whether the exhibition match would begin at all. The decision to cut the event short, Bhowmick confirmed, was driven by security concerns rather than Messi’s unwillingness to engage with supporters.

The reaction in Kolkata contrasted sharply with Messi’s warm reception later in the day in Hyderabad, where he finally played with local youth players and addressed an appreciative crowd. The difference in experiences only intensified scrutiny of Kolkata's failed organisational effort.

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AFPMessi's tour continues in Mumbai and Delhi after Hyderabad success

Messi’s tour will continue as planned, with stops scheduled in Mumbai and New Delhi after the successful Hyderabad leg restored a sense of normalcy to the India visit.  Even so, Kolkata’s events will remain under investigation as authorities attempt to determine the scale of lapses and whether refunds or additional sanctions will follow.

For organisers, the priority now is damage control as the inquiry committee prepares its findings and outlines responsibility for the widespread mismanagement. The repercussions could influence future international sporting events in the region, as stakeholders re-evaluate safety protocols and VIP handling procedures. Balancing crowd enthusiasm with proper infrastructure planning will be essential to rebuilding credibility.

Meanwhile, Messi, Suarez, and De Paul are expected to proceed with engagements in a more controlled environment, with security teams implementing stricter procedures after Kolkata’s breakdown. With thousands of fans still eager to see the World Cup winner, ensuring smooth execution in the remaining cities will be crucial to salvaging the GOAT Tour’s legacy in India. The hope now is that Messi’s remaining appearances unfold in celebration, not controversy.