كشف المدرب ييس توروب عن تفاصيل انضمامه إلى الأهلي، مشيرًا إلى أن المشروع الرياضي الذي عرض عليه جذب انتباهه منذ اللحظة الأولى.
وأوضح أن الإدارة قدمت له تصورًا احترافيًا متكاملًا جعله يشعر أن الانضمام إلى القلعة الحمراء هو الخطوة الصحيحة في مسيرته التدريبية.
وأكد توروب أن الأهلي يتميز بوضوح الرؤية والاهتمام بالتفاصيل الدقيقة في اختيار الكوادر الفنية، مشيدًا بالدور الكبير الذي لعبه أسامة هلال، مدير التعاقدات، في إقناعه بالمشروع وتوضيح الأهداف المستقبلية للفريق.
اقرأ أيضًا | محسن صالح: الأهلي يحتاج 5 صفقات.. ولا تنسيق بين المنتخبين الأول والثاني
وقال ييس توروب في حوار مع صحيفة “Bold” الدنماركية المشفرة وحصل بطولات على نسخة منه: “إنه نادٍ ضخم بكل ما تحمله الكلمة من معنى، كل شيء فيه يتمحور حول البطولات والألقاب، وخاصة دوري أبطال إفريقيا”.
وأضاف: “هذا ما جعل التجربة مثيرة منذ اللحظة الأولى، ويجب أن أقول إن النادي قام بعمل مذهل حقًا حتى تم الاتفاق”.
وتابع: “مدير التعاقدات، أسامة هلال، كان يعرف عني تفاصيل تفوق ما أعرفه أنا عن نفسي”.
وأوضح: “زارني أسامة هلال عدة مرات، وتحدثنا خلالها كثيرًا عن المشروع ورؤية النادي”.
وأردف: “منحني ذلك شعورًا رائعًا بأنهم كانوا يتابعونني منذ فترة طويلة”.
وكشف توروب عن تفاصيل لقائه الأول مع رئيس الأهلي، محمود الخطيب، قائلًا: “في يومي الأول داخل النادي، أجريت حديثًا مع الرئيس، الذي يُعد أسطورة في مصر، وأعظم لاعب في تاريخها”.
وأضاف: “تحدثنا في الكثير من الأمور من بينها عن ماضينا المشترك كمهاجمين، كانت محادثة ودية للغاية، وأكد لي الرئيس خلالها أنه يمنحني دعمه الكامل، وأنه يتطلع بشغف إلى تعاوننا في المستقبل”.
واختتم ييس توروب حديثه قائلًا: “كانت الأساسات قد وُضعت مسبقًا، وسرعان ما أدركنا أن الأمر يشكل توافقًا مثاليًا بين الطرفين”.
Pochettino promised this roster would offer a clearer vision into his World Cup thoughts, with a 60-man roster winnowed to 26
During the September window, Mauricio Pochettino offered a glimpse into what this month's camp would look like. It would be less experimental, he said. It would also likely be more European-based. Having expanded the player pool by giving opportunities to as many contenders as possible, it was time to start tightening.
In truth, it was time to really start looking ahead.
On Thursday, Pochettino announced his latest squad, a 26-man list including most of the heavy-hitters. Only 11 are holdovers from last month's camp, showing just how much has changed. Several absences are due to injury. One is due to paternity leave. Much of the squad, though, is made up of players being welcomed back in for one reason or another.
From big names such as Weston McKennie to less familiar ones such as James Sands, this team is, by and large, made up of talented players with points to prove. More than anything, though, it's a team that makes sense.
Pochettino promised that this month would offer a clearer vision into his World Cup thoughts and, by and large, it does. What was once a 60-player pool has been winnowed down. This camp, then, will narrow it even further as those in the team, and those out of it, fight for those World Cup spots.
GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from the USMNT squad.
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WINNER: Antonee Robinson
He's finally back, and that's good news not just for Robinson, but for the USMNT as a whole.
This will be Robinson's first camp of 2025, believe it or not, as injuries have essentially derailed his calendar year with the USMNT. Throughout that span, the U.S. was repeatedly confronted with a fact that, in truth, everyone already knew: there is no replacement for the Fulham star. Other players have stepped in capably, and Max Arfsten has been turned into a decent backup, but Robinson is in a class of his own.
The only real negative is that, because of injury, Sergino Dest is out on the other side, so we won't get a proper look at what this three-back system could look like with the two primary wingbacks. Maybe next month. But in the meantime, the USMNT will be glad to welcome back Robinson, who remains an integral a piece to this team.
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LOSERS: The injured bunch
With time dwindling before a World Cup, every camp seems all the more important. So, for those not on the squad, this is quite obviously a missed opportunity, whether you're a player on the fringes or one in the starting XI.
It would have been very nice to see how Dest played in this system with Robinson on the other side. His PSV teammate, Ricardo Pepi, meanwhile, is also dealing with injury issues that are, for the moment, preventing him from pushing Folarin Balogun for that spot as the USMNT's starting striker.
In the midfield, Johnny Cardoso is dealing with an injury, and no player needs a good international performance more than the newly-signed Atletico Madrid man, who has had few opportunities with the World Cup coming. And then there's Gio Reyna. There's no guarantee he'd have been here even if he was fully fit, due to his lack of minutes but, again, the clock is ticking.
There aren't many chances remaining for players to prove that they belong next summer. For several players in the pool, this one will pass them by due to unfortunate timing.
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LOSER: Joe Scally
Speaking of fullbacks, there's one big absence in that spot: Joe Scally. His exclusion comes after a wild performance in the Bundesliga, one in which he provided two assists in a chaotic 6-4 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt.
At least for the moment, it seems that Alex Freeman is in pole position for that backup spot on the right side. The reasons why are fairly clear. Freeman, at his core, is an attacking fullback, more of a like-for-like replacement for an injured Dest. Tim Weah, too, is an option in the right-wingback spot, having played there fairly regularly on the club level in recent years.
As a result, Scally is the odd man out at the moment. Despite his assists this weekend, he's more defensive by nature. He does provide versatility in that he can play on either side or as part of a back three. But with the squad expanded to 26 players, there's room to take more specialists than Swiss army knives. At the moment, it seems that fact is keeping Scally out of the team.
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WINNER: Patrick Agyemang
He's seemingly settled in at Derby County, even if he's waiting for that first goal. Now, Patrick Agyemang is back with the USMNT, offering some indication of where he remains in the overall pool.
The now-former Charlotte FC striker has two assists already for his new Championship club and has offered glimpses into the skillset that convinced both Pochettino and Derby of his overall talent. After missing the September camp due to injury, Agyemang will be competing with Balogun and Haji Wright for minutes at the top of the USMNT attack.
Striker, of course, is a unique position, one that depends on form more than anywhere else on the field. You have to be in the mix, though, to make that form count, and Agyemang remains right there.
The two teams haven’t made their own luck at the tournament, looking out of ideas at most times, and go into their last fixture knowing the result doesn’t really matter
Mohammad Isam26-Feb-20251:54
Urooj: Pakistan have let themselves down again
Big picture: Pakistan and Bangladesh hope rain stays awayIt has not been a tournament to remember for either Pakistan or Bangladesh, and the team talks ahead of their last game, against each other in Rawalpindi, are likely to be similar: play for pride, etc. With some chatter about the poor weather – if it continues, as the forecast says, the long faces in the two dressing rooms will get longer.Pakistan’s numbers in the Champions Trophy matches against New Zealand and India don’t make for pretty reading. Their top-order batters haven’t pulled their collective weight. With Fakhar Zaman out injured, Imam-ul-Haq came in and didn’t do much. Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam have both hit a half-century each, but not been able to have any major impact. Mohammad Rizwan hasn’t looked in any sort of form despite scoring a century in the tri-series at home before the Champions Trophy. Pakistan could bring in Kamran Ghulam just to freshen things up, but who do they drop?After the top four, it’s no better. Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir seem to be playing similar roles, which has led to stagnation in the middle. Faheem Ashraf, potentially, could have balanced the side a bit, but hasn’t been given a go. And the quick bowlers have struggled to control the flow. India took apart Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Naseem Shah has been better, but has looked below his best. Abrar Ahmed has bowled one great delivery that was overshadowed by his celebration.Related
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Bangladesh haven’t been too different, bar their quick bowling. Their batting has been one-dimensional, and not been able to go through the gears, with the lower order having to bail them out. Their top order caved in against India, while Michael Bracewell’s offspin got rid of their middle order in the other game. Najmul Hossain Shanto showed form against New Zealand, while Jaker Ali has been consistent – they might have to do even more against Pakistan. As is the case with Towhid Hridoy, who scored an impressive century against India.1:58
‘Disappointing to see Bangladesh’s big players go missing in a must-win game’
But they will want veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah to sign off from what could be their last ICC game with a bang and not a whimper. Their lack of fire has been disappointing to see, though, in Mahmudullah’s case, it’s just been one match and one failure.Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana have to do the heavy lifting again on Thursday, with Mustafizur Rahman continuing to be steady without being spectacular. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, the lead spinners, have a lot to do, too, especially in Rawalpindi where they should have a more central role.But the two teams will also be looking beyond this game. They have to set their priorities right in the domestic circuit and then look for improvement in their international teams. They will both have to go back to the drawing board ahead of the next ICC tournament, and figure out how they can make a better fist of it, especially with a transition of sorts possibly around the corner.Form guidePakistan LLLWL Bangladesh LLLLLIn the spotlight: Abrar Ahmed and Jaker AliHis send-off after the wonder ball to Shubman Gill has attracted all the attention, but Abrar Ahmed has been one of the few success stories for Pakistan in the last couple of weeks. He’s posed a wicket-taking threat. He’s been economical as well. But Bangladesh handled him well last year in the Rawalpindi Test so it will be interesting to see what happens on Thursday.Jaker Ali has been a revelation for Bangladesh in the lower-middle order in the last few months. It has been just seven ODIs, but he averages 50-plus with two fifties. He is a strong hitter in the death overs, often finding the boundaries, but wouldn’t mind having another specialist batter at the other end for at least a part of the time. Jaker can also offer his wicketkeeping if Bangladesh look to tinker with their XI and leave out Mushfiqur.For Mushfiqur Rahim, as well as Mahmudullah, this could be a final appearance in an ICC tournament•ICC via Getty Images
Team news: Will the teams ring in the changes?Could Pakistan leave out one of their star quick bowlers to give Mohammad Hasnain or Faheem Ashraf a chance? They also have batting options in Usman Khan and Kamran Ghulam.Pakistan (possible): 1 Imam-ul-Haq/Usman Khan, 2 Babar Azam, 3 Saud Shakeel, 4 Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), 5 Salman Agha, 6 Tayyab Tahir, 7 Khushdil Shah, 8 Shaheen Shah Afridi/Mohammad Hasnain, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar AhmedBangladesh are likely to field the same line-up that played against New Zealand.Bangladesh (possible): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 3 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 4 Tohwid Hridoy, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Nahid RanaPitch and conditions: An eye on the weatherPakistan will hope that their farewell from their own Champions Trophy is not rained out. There is rain in the forecast. The previous match at the venue, between South Africa and Australia, was abandoned because of rain too. The pitch would have been under cover for a lot of the last three days by the time the game starts, and there’s always the chance of extra moisture around the square.Stats and trivia: Bangladesh’s pacers slightly better This is the first Pakistan vs Bangladesh contest in Champions Trophy history Pakistan beat Bangladesh in their only previous ODI in Rawalpindi in 2003 Pakistan have a 12-0 overall home record against Bangladesh in ODIs The fast bowlers across the two teams have taken 11 wickets, but Bangladesh’s group has a bowling average of 44.83 and have conceded runs at 5.12 per over, while Pakistan’s have an average of 63.50 and an economy rate of 7.18.
How many more signings will West Ham United get through the door before their Premier League opener against Sunderland?
So far, the Hammers have brought in Callum Wilson on a free transfer from Newcastle United, while full-backs El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters have also arrived.
Meantime, they also appear set to bolster their goalkeeping options, having reportedly agreed a £9m deal to sign Botafogo shot-stopper John Victor.
Now though, the Irons have their sights set on a midfielder, one who would belatedly replace Declan Rice, two years on from his departure for Arsenal.
West Ham United targeting a new midfielder
Fair to say, neither Graham Potter, nor his predecessor Julen Lopetegui, settled on a reliable, first-choice midfield combination last season, as the table below illustrates.
Tomáš Souček
35
30
2,567
Lucas Paquetá
35
27
2,380
Edson Álvarez
28
20
1,772
Carlos Soler
31
14
1,409
Guido Rodríguez
23
16
1,149
James Ward-Prowse
15
12
1,039
Andy Irving
10
1
166
As the table documents, aside from Tomáš Souček and wantaway Lucas Paquetá, none of West Ham’s midfielders were ever able to establish themselves as nailed-on starters, with both managers in charge chopping and changing their options.
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek
As they seek to bolster that area of the pitch, Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider is reporting that West Ham have made a formal move to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus on loan, amid interest from Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.
The Brazilian only moved to Turin from Aston Villa, for a reported fee of £42.3m as recently as last summer, but O’Rourke notes that la Vecchia Signora are eager to move him on following, as former-Juve player Alessio Tacchinardi puts it, a “disaster” of a campaign.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Luiz featured in only 17% of I Bianconeri’s minutes across all competitions last season, not winning over either Thiago Motta or current manager Igor Tudor, hence why O’Rourke asserts that it is ‘inevitable’ he will return to the Premier League, so could this be in East London?
How Douglas Luiz would improve West Ham
While Luiz did endure a nightmare campaign in Italy, it’s worth remembering that the reason Juventus spent big to sign him in the first place is because he was amongst the Premier League’s best midfielders during his last couple of seasons at Aston Villa.
Statman Dave heralded his “exceptional performances”, while his then-manager Unai Emery stated that he was “progressing a lot as a midfielder… adding goals and… being demanding”.
Meantime, Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines praises his ‘duel-winning capacity’ and ‘press resistance’ in possession, describing these as his greatest strengths, concluding that he would be a ‘valuable addition’ to any Premier League squad.
Adam Bate of Sky Sports agrees, noting that Luiz added goals to his game, starting to ‘showcase his creative qualities’ during his final campaign in the Midlands, ‘often operating in more advanced areas’ and flourishing when utilised with a more solid midfield base behind him, namely provided by Boubacar Kamara.
This is similar to the transformation undergone by Rice following his move to Arsenal; Mikel Arteta thought he was buying the best number six in the Premier League but, as outlined by Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian, he thrives as a number eight, set to be given even more attacking license this forthcoming campaign, following Martín Zubimendi’s arrival in North London.
Over in the east side of the capital, Luiz could do something similar because, if there’s one thing West Ham do boast, it is an array of defensively astute midfielders, namely Souček, Guido Rodríguez, Edson Álvarez and others.
So, let’s put that hypothesis to the test by comparing where these midfielders take their touches.
Douglas Luiz
2,373
22%
53%
25%
Lucas Paquetá
1,810
20%
55%
25%
Tomáš Souček
1,284
28%
49%
23%
Edson Álvarez
1,248
29%
55%
16%
James Ward-Prowse
851
21%
60%
19%
Guido Rodríguez
710
31%
60%
9%
As the table notes, when compared to the vast majority West Ham’s midfielders last season, Luiz took an exponentially higher proportion of his touches during his most recent Premier League season, in the final third, with only Paquetá’s figures comparable, and he will purportedly be on the move this month.
Álvarez, Rodríguez and James Ward-Prowse in particular do the vast majority of their work in the defensive or middle third of the pitch, which could be exactly what Luiz needs to thrive in a more attacking role.
Thus, all the available evidence suggests a move to the London Stadium could be the perfect fit for Luiz, where he could become the talismanic midfielder Hammers everywhere have been craving, ever since Rice waved goodbye.
Better deal than Wilson: West Ham reach verbal agreement for £9m "warrior"
After securing the signing of Callum Wilson on a free, West Ham might have a better deal on the cards…
Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing a move for an “unbelievable” Arsenal player, who is attracting widespread interest from a whole host of clubs, according to a report.
Spurs dealt major blow as Gibbs-White signs new contract
Tottenham looked poised to sign Morgan Gibbs-White after triggering the £60m release in the attacking midfielder’s Nottingham Forest contract, but they have now been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of the England international.
Gibbs-White is now set to remain at the City Ground, having put pen to paper on a new deal, which will keep him at Forest for the next three years.
As such, Spurs will now have to move on to alternative targets, and Paul O’Keefe has revealed that Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott is one of the potential options.
With Richarlison now up for sale, the Lilywhites may also have to bring in a new striker this summer, and a report from Caught Offside has revealed they are keeping tabs on a Premier League forward.
Indeed, it has been revealed that Tottenham are now eyeing what would have to be considered a shock move for Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, with the centre-forward attracting widespread interest from all over the globe.
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Tom Cunningham
Jul 27, 2025
A number of European sides have made contact over a deal for Jesus, while Brazilian clubs are also monitoring the situation closely, alongside Spurs’ Premier League rivals, Newcastle United.
Daniel Levy and co are yet to launch a formal offer, but negotiations could be stepped up once the Brazilian’s medical status becomes clearer, having struggled with a number of injury problems across the past three seasons.
Season
Games missed
2022-23
17
2023-24
16
2024-25
41
Jesus unlikely to cross the north London divide
The 28-year-old is likely to have fallen down the pecking order even further after the recent capture of Viktor Gyokeres, meaning he needs to move on this summer, although a move to Tottenham seems unlikely.
Only two players have moved directly from one north London club to another this century, with Sol Campbell infamously crossing the divide in 2001, before William Gallas did the same in 2010.
However, both of the aforementioned players moved on free transfers, and it is difficult to envisage Arsenal and Spurs directly doing business with each other, especially given that the £265k-a-week striker has a whole host of other potential suitors.
Having been lauded as “unbelievable” by Jamie O’Hara in the past, the 64-time Brazil international could be a solid replacement for Richarlison, but a move does not seem likely.
It would be very risky for Tottenham to bring in another injury-prone striker, and the move could be unpopular among the fanbase, so it is probably best to avoid pursuing a move for Jesus.
Arsenal have been blessed with some incredible attacking players over the years.
In Mikel Arteta’s team today, you have the talismanic Bukayo Saka, who over time could become one of the greatest players the club has ever had.
Go back a couple of decades, and you reach the man with the current title in Thierry Henry, but you go back even further than that, and you hit the record-breaking Ian Wright.
The iconic forward was a force to be reckoned with during his time in North London, and while he was a unique player and character, it looks like Arsenal could be about to sign someone who could be a modern version of the Englishman.
Arsenal target attacking superstar
It’s been a brilliant summer of transfer business for Arsenal so far, with the stand-out acquisition undoubtedly being Viktor Gyokeres for around £63.5m including add-ons.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Swedish international racked up an astounding 54 goals and 13 assists in just 52 games last season, and therefore could be the key to turning the defensively solid Gunners into an attacking tour de force next season.
On top of the former Coventry City star, Andrea Berta and Co have also added the likes of Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga to the side.
However, even though the club have been jam-packed in the market, they don’t appear done just yet, as they now appear keen on an international who could be their new Wright.
At least that is according to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Arsenal are still incredibly interested in Eberechi Eze.
The Italian journalist claims that the Crystal Palace star is now their “top target” and that they have been in talks with the player’s camp.
However, it could be a financially complicated transfer to get over the line, as reports from earlier this week claimed that the South Londoners want buying clubs to pay the Englishman’s £67.5m release clause, and that the first payment has to be a lump sum of around £30m.
While that is a lot of money to spend, it would be worth it for Eze, as he’s more than proven his ability over the years and could even be Arsenal’s new Wright.
Why Eze could be the new Wright
So, the first thing to say is that, yes, Eze plays in a very different position to the one Wright played in during his career, but this comparison is not really about that.
Instead, there are several other easy comparisons to make between the two players, with the first being that, should this deal go ahead, it would be another example of the Gunners going back to Crystal Palace and signing their most important attacking outlet.
Moreover, while he’s not an old player, like Gyokeres, the former QPR gem is older than other players the Gunners have tended to target in recent years, coming in at 27 years old, and when the former Arsenal striker moved to Highbury in 1991, he did so at 28 years old.
The next similarity is that the midfield “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also a dangerous player in front of goal.
While he’s never going to have the goalscoring numbers of the former England international, due to his position, he’s still a genuine threat, much like the Gunners great, as over the last two campaigns for the Eagles, he’s been able to amass a seriously impressive tally of 25 goals and provided 17 assists in 79 appearances, totalling 5588 minutes.
Eze recent form
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
36
43
Minutes
2285′
3303′
Goals
11
14
Assists
6
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.47
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
134.41′
132.12′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
In other words, the Greenwich-born “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, has averaged a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 133.04 minutes across two years for a team that is mid-table at best.
On top of that, the former Hale Ender has shown an ability to take games by the scruff of the neck like Wright used to, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the FA Cup to deliver Palace their first ever major trophy.
Finally, while it was some time ago now, the 61-year-old goal machine was also a tremendously entertaining player to watch when he was in red and white, and while he has a different style of play due to his primary position, you can say the same thing about the Eagles star.
Ultimately, while it won’t be an easy deal to get over the line, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Eze this summer, as he has the potential to follow in Wright’s footsteps and help guide the club back to the glory days.
Arteta's new Saka: Berta working to sign "incredible" £86m star for Arsenal
The sensational winger could be a real game-changer for Arsenal.
Tottenham are ready to back new manager Thomas Frank in the summer transfer market, with Daniel Levy poised to follow up his deals for Mathys Tel and Kota Takai by completing a £55 million move for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus.
Tottenham open talks with Premier League club to sign £30m star with Kudus
The Ghanaian isn’t Spurs’ only target.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 9, 2025
The Ghanaian, after weeks of talks, is set for his third season in London, but at a rival club, with Kudus expected to undergo a medical imminently ahead of his proposed switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
On Wednesday, news first emerged from the reliable David Ornstein that Spurs and West Ham have finally reached an agreement over the 24-year-old’s transfer, and it will be the first piece of business between both sides since Scott Parker’s move to Tottenham in 2011.
The versatile £90,000-per-week former Ajax star, who can be deployed on the left-wing, right-wing, in central attacking midfield and even as a centre-forward, is one of the Premier League’s most devastating dribblers.
Only Man City’s Jeremy Doku completed more successful take-ons per 90 on average than Kudus in the top flight last term (WhoScored), and that was in a campaign where many critics thought he didn’t quite perform at his best level compared to his debut season.
Kudus could be rejuvenated by his pending move to Spurs, with the forward now braced for an opportunity to play Champions League football for the first time since his final year at Ajax.
“Congratulations to Tottenham because they signed an excellent player to start this new project with the new coach Thomas Frank,” said Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel.
“Agreement done for Mohamed Kudus. I told you over the weekend only Tottenham despite the reports about Chelsea, despite the reports about more clubs, the player only wanted to go to Tottenham.
“Very clear in his intentions despite calls and approaches from several clubs. Kudus wanted to play for Spurs and now the deal is completed. £55 million paid in three years for Mohamed Kudus to leave West Ham and join Tottenham Hotspur.”
Mohammed Kudus put in transfer request to join Tottenham
Interestingly, West Ham insider Claret & Hugh have shared just how desperate Kudus is to link up with Frank across the English capital.
Sharing information and quoting a “top” London Stadium source of theirs, C&H report that Kudus “put in a transfer request” to force through a move to Tottenham – so Frank will be working with a player who’s very enthusiastic about donning the Lilywhites jersey.
Many Spurs supporters will remember Kudus’ bust-up with Micky van de Ven and Pape Sarr during a 4-1 London derby win last season, which resulted in the player’s sending off and an eventual five-match ban.
However, both van de Ven and Sarr will now seemingly have to put any tensions with their new teammate behind them, with Kudus on the verge of completing a move to N17.
2025 has been the year of the returning hero at Celtic Park so far.
Kieran Tierney has returned to Celtic, six years after departing, following in the footsteps of Jota, who re-joined the Hoops during the January transfer window.
So now, could Brendan Rodgers, who is no stranger to a Glasgow return himself, be re-united with a star he once labelled one of Europe’s best young players?
The reaction to Kieran Tierney's Celtic return
After completing his return to his boyhood club last week, Tierney said it “feels amazing” to be back, adding “my ambition is just for Celtic to be as successful as possible”.
Rodgers too exclaimed that he’s “delighted” to add a “talented and high-quality” player to his squad, while Tierney is unquestionably a fans’ favourite in Glasgow’s East End, having come through the academy to make 170 appearances for the club during his first spell, winning 11 major trophies.
So, while there is major excitement about seeing the left-back bedecked in green and white hoops once again, could an even bigger talent also be back later this summer?
Celtic's search for a new striker
Tierney’s return to Parkhead this summer has been met with glee, but when has a left-back ever been more exciting than a new striker? Arguably never.
The Scot has the potential to come back and be a roaring success down the left channels, carving out goalscoring opportunities at will for teammates, but who will be on the end of his teasing balls into the box? Well, another Celtic return could be on the cards and it’s more eye-catching than Tierney.
Indeed, as noted by Ryan McDonald of the Daily Record, Celtic could re-sign striker Odsonne Édouard this summer, with ex-Celtic midfielder Scott Allan believing the club shouldn’t think twice if they are able to add a “fantastic player” to their ranks.
The striker initially arrived at Parkhead on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, scoring on his debut against Hamilton Academical at New Douglas Park, before his move was made permanent the following summer, costing a then-club-record £9m.
In total, Édouard scored 87 goals in 179 appearances for the Celts, numbers that are comparable with the club’s other great centre-forwards of modern times.
Kyōgo
165
85
126
Giakoumakis
57
26
97
Édouard
179
87
140
Dembélé
94
51
120
Griffiths
262
123
118
Hooper
138
82
136
The numbers above rubberstamp why he was more exciting than Tierney in green and white, with only Leigh Griffiths having scored more goals for Celtic since Henrik Larsson’s departure in 2004, with the Scotland international doing so in 83 more appearances.
Former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.
Édouard ultimately departed for Crystal Palace in August 2021, costing around £18.5m, scoring 21 times for the Eagles, including bagging a memorable double on his debut against Tottenham, but his career has gone off the rails in the last year or so.
Not in Oliver Glasner’s pre-season plans, the Frenchman joined Leicester City on a season-long loan last summer, but this has to go down as one of the most disastrous loan spells of all time, now valued at just £7m by Transfermarkt.
Appearances
6
Minutes
113
Starts
1
Matches an unused sub
3
Matched not in the squad
31
Total matches
40
Édouard was completely frozen out by both Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester, most recently a substitute on Boxing Day, his last appearance coming on 10 November, while his one and only start for the club came in the Carabao Cup at Walsall in September.
Odsonne-EdouardOdsonne-Edouard
As outlined by John Percy of the Telegraph, having featured for both Palace and Leicester in 2024/25, FIFA regulations stipulate that he was unable to represent a third club in the same season.
Thus, Édouard remained stranded in the proverbial wilderness from January onwards, despite the fact the Foxes broke all sorts of records when it came to not scoring, most notably losing eight successive Premier League home games to nil, an unprecedentedly miserable run.
Nevertheless, still 27 years old, the striker certainly still has plenty to offer.
When Édouard signed permanently for Celtic in the first place, Rodgers labelled him one of European football’s “elite young talents”. While he may not still be too young, he still has elite potential, particularly if it took him to Scotland again.
Still searching for a Kyōgo Furuhashi replacement, if the Frenchman becomes available at a cut-price, this would surely be a no-brainer.
More exciting than Tierney: Celtic expected to complete "no-brainer" deal
Celtic are expected to seal the signing of a star who would be more exciting than Kieran Tierney.
“The players are ready and raring to go in the multi-day format; to adjust to that is a different story,” India head coach says
Sruthi Ravindranath26-Jun-2024
Harmanpreet Kaur and Amol Muzumdar have had a good start as the captain-coach combo•PTI
India are going into the one-off Test against South Africa on the back of successive white-ball series sweeps – T20Is in Bangladesh and ODIs vs South Africa at home – but head coach Amol Muzumdar believes there’s scope for improvement in every department for the team.”We do have the momentum – we won in Bangladesh, we won against South Africa,” Muzumdar said two days out from the Test in Chennai. “They are different formats, but at the same time, we are trying to focus on every game as it comes. The demands [of playing a Test] are different. I think the team is up for it, and I think as far as improvement is concerned, I think all three departments – batting, bowling, and fielding, and fitness – four departments [can improve].”India last played a Test in December, beating Australia in Mumbai by eight wickets. That came on the back of another one-off Test at home, against England, which also India won. Also, most of the top players were also part of the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-day Trophy in Pune in March-April.Related
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The teams got only five days to prepare for the upcoming Test against South Africa following the conclusion of the ODIs on June 23, but Muzumdar feels the players are aware of the challenge of switching formats, considering red-ball cricket is part of their long-term plans.”In December, we played against England and Australia; we played back-to-back Tests,” he said. “We are aware that red-ball cricket will be a part of women’s cricket going forward, and hence I feel that the inter-zonal, which happened in March-April, was very critical. So that the players also get the message that it’s not just white-ball cricket or just T20s that we are focusing on. We are also focusing on the red-ball stuff, and I think they are aware and they are ready and raring to go in the multi-day format. To adjust to that is a different story.”Those are the demands of modern-day cricket. You know you cannot escape that as a team. So we try to cater to all the demands. It’s not easy, but at the same time it’s a challenge and we accept it as a challenge to adapt to different formats.”While the core of the team won’t change as India switch formats, the likes of Shubha Satheesh, Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Meghna Singh, who did not play the ODIs, will be coming in for the Test.”I think those four players are very important players. We did have a camp that happened at the NCA about 15 days back, and they were specifically given red-ball stuff to be done in the camp,” Muzumdar said. “So they’ve already had the workload. The workload has been shared to them, and also when they went back home, they were told a few things to do. Their weekly chart was organised and given to them. So they’re completely fresh and raring to go. Even when they’ve come here and [are] in the squad, we just had a practice session yesterday with those four players, and they look absolutely fine.”India won back-to-back Tests against England and Australia late last year•Getty Images
While the ODIs against South Africa were part of the Women’s Championships, Muzumdar said he wouldn’t mind a men’s style World Test Championship for women to add more context to the format. However, only four teams – Australia, England, India and South Africa – currently play Test cricket.”It’s not a bad idea to have Test Championships,” he said. “That’s something to look forward to, but that is for the board to decide. And if it happens, it’s even better for the game. Test cricket is always special. We like to keep it that way, that you know every game is important [regardless of the context] – whether it’s ODI, T20 or Test match. I know there is no Test Championship to look forward to, but at the same time, every game is important. We take part to win them.”Muzumdar also said that Shabnam Shakil, the 17-year-old uncapped medium-pacer, was brought into the side for all three formats so she could get a feel of the team culture. Shakil was part of the U-19 World Cup-winning India team last year, and also made an impression at WPL 2024 for Gujarat Giants, especially when she took 3 for 11 against Mumbai Indians.”She’s definitely a superb talent, and that’s the reason she is here,” he said. “We’ve made a conscious decision of including her in the team so that she gets a feel of the dressing room, and also the atmosphere and the culture that we’re building. She gets a first-hand experience to that. She’s definitely a good talent, and we will hear more about her in the future.”
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly added a marquee new transfer target to his list of potential signings this summer, with preparations beginning for what is expected to be an active window.
Arsenal scheduling talks as clock ticks towards summer window
2024/2025 is about to draw to a close, and following the end of their previously hopeful Champions League campaign, full attention is beginning to turn towards the off-season.
Arsenal move with "formal" offer to £50m player as Real Madrid stall
The Gunners have get in there first.
By
Emilio Galantini
May 9, 2025
Arsenal lost out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by a seismic distance, thanks largely to key-player injuries and an inability to put teams away, with Mikel Arteta’s side registering 13 draws in the top flight so far, which is more than any other side in the top nine.
The Gunners did knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League in statement fashion, dismantling Carlo Ancelotti’s side 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, but competition favourites PSG put an end to their European dream in the next round.
Arsenal’s final Premier League games
Date
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
It is now back to the drawing board for Arteta and Berta in preparation for 25/26, with a transfer overhaul anticipated at the Emirates this summer.
Arsenal could spend up to £300 million on seven major signings across the squad (GiveMeSport). It is also believed they’re targeting a new second-choice goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, right-winger, left-winger and striker among their recruitment priorities (GiveMeSport).
Arteta’s left side of attack will be a key area to watch, as reports suggest Gabriel Martinelli could be sold by Arsenal in the event of a suitable offer arriving (The Athletic).
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellicelebrates scoring their second goal
Leandro Trossard’s deal also expires in 2026, and with no sign of a renewal so far, Arsenal will be planning for life without the Belgium international if they decide not to extend his stay.
Berta adds Milan star Rafael Leao to Arsenal target list
According to Calciomercato and Italian transfer journalist Daniele Longo, Portugal international Rafael Leao is now emerging as a possible Arsenal solution.
The 25-year-old has been a star player for the Rossoneri over the last few seasons, chalking up 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this term, with his form turning heads at N5.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaocelebrates scoring their first goal
It is claimed that new director Berta has personally added Leao to Arsenal’s transfer target list ahead of the summer window, but he could be a pretty expensive option.
His contract contains a €175m (£148m) release clause, which will be active from July 5 to July 15 (Foot Mercato). However, it is unlikely Arsenal would be willing to pay this, and may well look to whittle this down to a far more acceptable and doable fee.
Longo reports that the lowest offer Milan would entertain is around €100m (£85m), which still comes as a pretty significant outlay and would make Leao one of Arsenal’s most expensive ever signings.
A potential deal for the Sporting academy graduate is therefore set to be an ambitious one, and with Chelsea also in contention for Leao, Arsenal face a serious battle on their hands if they wish to tempt him to north London.