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It has been a strange season in front of goal for Chelsea in the Premier League in 2024/25. The Blues are one of the highest scoring teams in the top flight this term, with 62 goals to their name, bettered by just five times. However, only Liverpool, with 81 goals, have scored more than 67.

So, in that sense, it has not been too bad for the Blues. Yet, they have still underperformed their expected goals, as per Understat. That metric suggests the West London outfit are almost eight goals short of what they should have, with an expected goals tally of 69.87xG.

With that in mind, it might not come as much of a surprise that Chelsea are chasing a striker in the summer window.

The latest on Chelsea’s move for a striker

One player who seems to be a target for several of the elite sides in the Premier League is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old has impressed once again for the Bundesliga side this term, and could be subject to a transfer this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of the sides thought to be ‘preparing’ a bid for the Slovenian international, and they are believed to ‘consider Sesko a top target’ going into the 2025 window.

However, they are not going to be alone in the race for the striker. Sesko, valued as high as £76m by Leipzig, is a wanted man in the Premier League.

Chelsea’s “Big Six” rivals, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all linked with a summer move for the striker. Outside of the Premier League, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain want to sign the Slovenian.

Why Sesko would be a good signing

It has been an impressive campaign for 21-year-old striker Sesko. He has played an important role for Leipzig across all competitions, leading the line alone or in a front two. He has even played as a second striker and attacking midfielder at times.

In total, the Leipzig number 30 has played 43 games in all competitions, scoring 21 goals and registering six assists. That includes 13 goals and five assists in 31 appearances in the Bundesliga this term.

One of the eye-catching things about the Slovenian attacker is his consistency in front of goal. In the German top flight this term, he has never gone on a run of more than four games without a goal, showing how regularly he can find the back of the net.

Sesko certainly has a unique profile, and is someone who football talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a “complete CF”. His ability to score goals consistently and play in a two-man strike partnership speaks volumes about his quality.

If the Blues do bring Sesko to Stamford Bridge, they might have a player in the squad who can upgrade on Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international has struggled for consistent form this term for the Blues, despite being the first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge.

In 29 Premier League games this season, Jackson has found the back of the net on ten different occasions. However, he has recently broken a Premier League goal drought of 12 games thanks to a goal in a 1-0 win over Everton, which came either side of an injury.

Indeed, there are stats via FBref that suggest Sesko is an upgrade on Jackson. For example, the Leipzig man averages 0.38 goals per shot on target per 90 minutes, compared to 0.29 goals per shot on target each game by Jackson.

Sesko & Jackson key stats compared
Stat (per 90)	Sesko	Jackson
Goals per shot on target	0.38	0.29
Progressive passes	1.72	1.52
Goal-creating actions	0.35	0.41
Progressive carries	1.8	1.89
Aerial duels won	2.66	0.78
Stats from FBref

Make no mistake about it, a deal to sign Sesko this summer will be an expensive one. However, he could be the answer to Chelsea’s occasional struggles in front of goal, and he is more consistent than Jackson across a whole season.

Although £76m is a lot of money, this seems like a deal that Chelsea could do to help improve their fortunes from a goal-scoring point of view.

Even better than Hato: Chelsea plotting bid to sign £42m "freak technician"

Chelsea are looking to upgrade their options at the back

By
Joe Nuttall

May 7, 2025

Graham Potter will be looking forward to the 2025/26 season, where he will be able to put his own spin on this West Ham United squad. However, Julen Lopetegui took charge in the summer, having his say on quite a big spend ahead of the current Premier League season.

The Hammers spent €144.40m (£123.7m) in the 2024/25 summer transfer window, bringing eight new players to the club on a permanent basis, whilst also making two loan signings. This comes after significant spending in the 2023/24 season too, with an outlay of €144.56m (£124m).

Maximilian Kilman

£40.7m

Crysencio Summerville

£25.1m

Niclas Füllkrug

£23.1m

Luis Guilherme

£19.7m

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

£15m

Guido Rodriguez

£0

Wes Foderingham

£0

Mohamadou Kante

?

The reason West Ham were able to spend important funds for two years straight was much down to their record sale, Declan Rice, joining Arsenal in the 2023/24 summer window for a fee of around £105m.

Declan Rice going from strength to strength

Rice made his breakthrough at West Ham, signing his first senior contract with the club in 2015, receiving his first senior call-up in 2017 and making his Premier League debut from the bench in the 2016/17 season against Burnley during a 2-1 win.

The England international made 245 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 15 goals, providing 13 assists and totalling 20,580 minutes played. Rice went on to become the club captain, leading his side to UEFA Conference League glory in the 2022/23 season, securing his legend status at the club.

But the 26-year-old has taken it to another level in recent weeks, being awarded back-to-back man of the match awards against Real Madrid in the Champions League, scoring two unbelievable free-kicks and helping Arsenal to secure their spot in the semi-final of the competition.

West Ham fans will be dreaming of the next wonderkid to come through at the club, having seen the success that Rice enjoyed with them. Whilst he isn’t through their own academy, they could well have their next wonderkid already on the books.

West Ham's next wonderkid

West Ham made a significant investment during the 2024/25 summer window, spending £25.5m on a 18-year-old Brazilian from Palmeiras, with Luis Guilherme becoming Lopetegui’s first signing at the club.

However, the youngster has struggled for involvement in England this year, being given minimal chances to prove himself.

Goals + Assists

0.00

0.44

0.00

xG

0.11

0.20

0.07

xAG

0.19

0.50

0.07

Progressive Carries

5.47

6.00

2.14

Progressive Passes

4.53

4.00

2.14

Shots Total

2.11

2.22

1.43

Key Passes

1.88

5.00

2.14

Passes into Pen Area

2.34

2.00

2.14

Successful Take-Ons

3.44

3.50

2.86

When comparing Guilherme’s underlying metrics from his breakthrough season at Palmeiras, just 16-years-old, with his second season in Brazil and his first season at West Ham so far, you can see his numbers have slightly regressed, which could be attributed to fewer minutes and a tougher league.

Marcos Watts from Transfermarkt stated Guilherme would become a “top player” if he continued to develop along the same path. Whilst this seems to have stunted slightly at West Ham this season, only managing 118 minutes in his 11 appearances so far, the talent is still clearly there.

West Ham have some extremely talented wide players and attacking midfielders currently ahead of the “electric” Brazilian – as described by analyst Ben Mattinson – in the pecking order, but if he continues to work hard, there is no reason Guilherme can’t break through and start earning his minutes, going on to reach his true potential at the club.

It may not be long before he proves himself to be the Hammers’ next young sensation after Rice.

Their best CF since Tevez: Potter asks West Ham to sign "mind-blowing" star

West Ham could sign their best CF since Tevez as a Fullkrug upgrade this summer

1 ByConnor Holden Apr 16, 2025

In what was a must-win game for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Mohammad Rizwan and the bowlers helped them get the better of Guyana Amazon Warriors by five runs in a last-over finish in Providence.Chasing a mere 150, Amazon Warriors needed 11 from six balls with three wickets in hand. Naseem Shah held his nerve and had Keemo Paul caught at long-on with the first ball. For the rest of the over, he mixed slower balls into the pitch with yorkers to give away just five. While the result ended Patriots’ three-match losing streak, their playoff chances still look bleak. They need nothing less than a win in their last league match, against Barbados Royals on Friday, but also other results to go their way.Earlier, Patriots did not have a great start and were 26 for 3 inside five overs with Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers and Leniko Boucher all falling in single digits. But Rizwan’s 85 off 62 balls steered them to 149 for 6.Rizwan stabilised the innings with Rilee Rossouw and took the side to 64 for 4 at the end of ten overs. He was on 36 off 30 at that point but scored 49 off the next 32. In all, he hit eight fours and three sixes and was responsible for Patriots scoring 45 in the last four overs.Patriots’ Pakistani stars Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah celebrate the big wicket of Shimron Hetmyer•CPL T20 via Getty Images

Amazon Warriors had a much better start, reaching 41 for 1 after the powerplay. But they could not build on that, losing two wickets in the next four overs to be 67 for 3 at the halfway mark. Patriots pegged them back further by dismissing Hassan Khan and Shai Hope in successive overs. Dominic Drakes had Hassan caught and bowled and Navin Bidaisee castled Hope with a slider that kept low.After 15 overs, both sides were 100 for 5. But while Patriots had a set better in Rizwan, Amazon Warriors did not. With 50 needed from the last five overs, Dwaine Pretorius tried to take on Waqar Salamkheil but perished attempting a slog sweep. On the very next ball, Salamkheil could have had Romario Shepherd caught behind but Rizwan was not sure if there was bat involved. Replay showed a clear outside edge.Shepherd rubbed it in by pulling the last ball of the over for a six. Paul did the same against Naseem in the following over but could manage only a leg bye from the other five deliveries.With 21 needed from ten balls, Jason Holder had Shepherd caught at long-on with a short ball. Quenton Sampson hit two fours off the next three balls to bring it down to 11 needed from the final over. But Naseem denied them.

One of the biggest troubles for Leeds United this season is how poorly they have performed in front of goal. Daniel Farke’s side find themselves in a relegation battle, which many people expected would be the case. ESPN journalist Bill Connelly said they need “random bursts of quality attacking” to help them stay up.

Well, things haven’t worked out that way so far for the Whites. They’ve found the back of the net just nine times, better than just two sides, including bottom of the league Wolverhampton Wanderers. Leeds’ expected goals tally is just 12.94xG, the 12th best in the top flight.

One man who has struggled for his best goalscoring form is Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin’s struggles in front of goal

Leeds secured the signing of Calvert-Lewin in the summer on a free transfer, after his contract at Everton expired. He was brought in with the aim of bolstering their Premier League goalscoring stocks, although it hasn’t really worked out that well so far.

The experienced 28-year-old, who has 11 caps and four goals for England, has not quite hit the ground running in a Leeds shirt.

In nine games for the club so far, Calvert-Lewin has only found the back of the net once, against fellow strugglers Wolves.

It was a good finish, too, from the new Leeds number nine. He got on the end of a loopy cross from Jayden Bogle, finding space between the Wolves defenders and heading home. That is the kind of striking instinct Leeds fans may have expected.

However, it hasn’t really worked out for Calvert-Lewin, aside from that goal. His underlying numbers are surprisingly low, averaging just 2.8 shots per 90 minutes, with an expected goals per game of 0.33xG. That places him in the 25th percentile for Premier League strikers.

With a huge game against Nottingham Forest next up, Farke may decide to rotate the striker out of the side in favour of a man who knows where the back of the net is.

Leeds’ Calvert-Lewin alternative

Ultimately, Leeds need to start finding the back of the net more consistently soon. Goals win you football matches, and right now, they could do with a few victories to help propel them up the table.

Chalkboard

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

Well, Farke could well make the decision to axe Calvert-Lewin against Forest this weekend, and bring in Joel Piroe.

The Dutchman is someone who knows where the back of the net is, and Farke even called him the “best finisher” he’s ever seen as a manager.

With strikes like this one against Bristol City in the Championship last season, it is easy to see where the Whites’ boss is coming from.

Piroe bagged from quite a tight angle outside of the area, which takes some doing.

Indeed, he has put up some impressive numbers in a Leeds shirt so far. In 102 games for the club, the striker has 33 goals and ten assists. Last term in the Championship, Piroe was the main man up front and bagged 19 goals with seven assists in 46 games.

His underlying stats showcase how deadly he can be, too. During the league-winning 2024/25 season, the Dutch striker averaged 0.56 goals per 90 minutes, with an expected goals tally of 0.49xG. Both of those stats placed him in the top 5% of Championship strikers.

Goals

0.56

95th

Shots on target

1.14

89th

Expected goals

0.49xG

95th

Shot-creating actions

2.43

84th

Goal-creating actions

0.38

91st

Bringing Piroe into the side for the trip to the City Ground could be a stroke of genius from Farke. He has a point to prove, having fallen out of favour this season. He’s only played 164 top-flight minutes, but would surely love to get more regular game time.

Calvert-Lewin has been out of form this season. With someone who Farke himself has admitted is a deadly finisher waiting in the wings, he could be the difference in helping find the back of the net more often.

Farke can get DCL firing by ditching Aaronson for "unstoppable" Leeds star

Daniel Farke can finally get Dominic Calvert-Lewin firing at Leeds United by unleashing this speedy winger.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 6, 2025

In a statement, Smriti Mandhana says “it’s time to move forward”

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Dec-2025

Smriti Mandhana was India’s top-scorer at the women’s ODI World Cup•ICC/Getty Images

India batter Smriti Mandhana has confirmed that her wedding has been “called off”. She and music composer Palash Muchhal were scheduled to marry on November 23, but it was initially postponed after Mandhana’s father was hospitalised.Mandhana appealed for privacy in her statement on Instagram. “Over the past few weeks there has been plenty of speculation around my life and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time,” she wrote in her post. “I am a very private person and I would like to keep it that way but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off.”I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. I request you to please respect the privacy of both families at this time and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace.”I believe there is a higher purpose driving us all and for me that has always been representing my country at the highest level,” she wrote. “I hope to continue to play and win trophies for India for as long as possible and that is where my focus will forever be.”She concluded her statement by saying, “It’s time to move forward.”Mandhana was the second-highest run-scorer during India’s successful campaign in the recent women’s ODI World Cup, with 434 runs at an average of 54.25.Her next assignment is the five-T20I series against Sri Lanka at home from December 21 to 30, after which she will lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2026 WPL from January 9. RCB play the opening game of the season against Mumbai Indians in Navi Mumbai.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Cruzeiro fez uma proposta por quatro milhões de euros (R$ 22,86 milhões) pela compra de Kaio Jorge, da Juventus. De acordo com a “Goal”, a Raposa aguarda uma resposta dos italianos.

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➡️ Clique para assinar o Premiere por 30 dias grátis!

A Velha Senhora não deu sinal positivo com relação a uma oferta de empréstimo pelo atleta, uma vez que pretende negociá-lo em definitivo. Por outro lado, o clube mineiro tem conversas adiantadas com o entorno do centroavante em busca de um acordo.

Formado no Santos, Kaio Jorge tem 22 anos e nunca conseguiu se firmar na Juventus. Além de ter tido uma grave lesão no joelho, o atacante foi emprestado ao Frosinone, da Itália, mas também não convenceu.

continua após a publicidade

Além do jovem, o Cruzeiro deve buscar outros dois reforços para o setor ofensivo visando fortalecer o elenco para 2024. Atualmente, a Raposa ocupa a 9ª colocação do Campeonato Brasileiro.

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CruzeiroJuventus

Chasing 113 in 31 overs, Pakistan were well in control before rain ended the game prematurely

Valkerie Baynes15-Oct-2025

Fatima Sana wrecked Pakistan’s top order•ICC/Getty Images

No result Pakistan will never know, and England won’t want to know after they escaped what had threatened to be the upset this World Cup craved, thanks to the start of the Colombo monsoon.Both teams took a point – Pakistan’s first from four matches and England’s moving them to the top of the table, leading Australia on net run rate – after what had shaped as a thriller ended in a washout, the second in as many days at the R Premadasa Stadium.But it is Pakistan who should hold their heads high after a devastating opening spell from their captain Fatima Sana, who put England on the canvas at 78 for 7 before a 47-run stand for the eighth wicket between Charlie Dean and Em Arlott dragged them to 133 for 9 in 31 overs.Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 113, Pakistan were well in control, reaching 34 without loss after 6.4 overs before heavy showers returned to end the match prematurely.Related

Fatima Sana – a captain burdened, a fast bowler unrestrained

England's lucky break masks deeper batting issues

England, unbeaten heading into the match, were without their spin and seam-bowling spearheads when Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell were ruled out through illness and replaced by legspinner Sarah Glenn and seamer Arlott.But it was their misfiring batting line-up that came unstuck. Of England’s recognised batters, only Nat Sciver-Brunt, with a century in the previous match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, and Heather Knight, with a gritty 79 not out that rescued England from the threat of another upset at the hands of Bangladesh, had been in the runs since England chased down a paltry target of 70 without loss in their opening game with South Africa.Arlott, who had impressed England head coach Charlotte Edwards with a century at the start of the domestic season and went on to make her international debut during the English summer, was run out for 18 off 23 balls in the penultimate over while Dean expertly picked gaps in the field to top-score with 33 before becoming Sana’s fourth wicket, scooping to Omaima Sohail at short fine leg.Tammy Beaumont was bowled for 4•Getty Images

Earlier, openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones continued to struggle and both departed inside the first three overs of the match. Beaumont left a dazzling nip-backer from Diana Baig to her peril as the ball clipped the off bail, leaving her with scores of 21 not out against South Africa followed by 13, 32 and 4 so far.Jones, meanwhile, helped herself to two fours off Sana’s first over before the latter produced a superb nip-backer which clattered into the top of middle and off, Jones departing for a second single-figure score in three innings.Knight, who had three dismissals overturned against Bangladesh, challenged an lbw decision in Sana’s next over and replays showed the ball was missing down the leg side. She also survived a hopeful Pakistan review for lbw two balls later when the ball was tracking outside off.But Sana’s biggest and best wicket was arguably that of Sciver-Brunt, done by yet another one that nipped back off the seam. She shaped to cut only for the ball to slide under her glove and onto the top of middle stump.Knight tried her luck once more when she was rapped on the pad by Sana but, with the ball on target to hit the top of leg stump, England were left floundering at 38 for 4.Sadia Iqbal chimed in for the spinners when she bowled an out-of-sorts Emma Lamb, sitting back in her crease to an arm ball that dipped and slid through her defences. Lamb had entered the World Cup in great form with half-centuries in warm-up games against India and Australia but she is another England batter yet to reach 20 at this tournament.Omaima Sohail scored an unbeaten 19 off 18 balls•ICC/Getty Images

Likewise, Sophia Dunkley, who was removed for 11 via a successful review when she was struck on the pad attempting to sweep with the ball homing in on leg stump as Iqbal celebrated her second wicket and England lurched to 57 for 6 in the 12th over.Alice Capsey, on 8, swept Rameen Shamim’s first delivery, a low full toss, straight to square leg where Muneeba Ali shelled a simple chance. But Shamim had Capsey lbw for 16 when she missed a sweep shortly before the rain arrived for the first time, with England 79 for 7 after 25 overs.After a stoppage of around three hours and 45 minutes, play resumed with England needing to bat out another six overs, during which time they added 54 runs, thanks largely to Arlott and Dean.Pakistan have never beaten England in ODIs and have just one win against them in T20Is in 2013, which only added to their sense of what might have been had the weather not intervened.Sohail hadn’t played since her first-ball duck in Pakistan’s defeat to Bangladesh in their opening game but, recalled to bolster a batting line-up which – apart from Sidra Amin – had proved fragile at this event, she marshalled Pakistan’s pursuit here, easing to 19 off 18. She was supported by Muneeba, who remained unbeaten on 9.Pakistan’s performance offered some encouragement for a side that also had Australia 76 for 7 before losing by 107 runs, although that may well be an empty consolation.For England, it is a sharp reality check for a side which perhaps hasn’t fully exorcised the demons of a year ago, where their shortcomings under pressure knocked them out of another global showcase.

South Australia paceman credits off-season hobby for marked increase in bowling speed and stamina

Alex Malcolm23-Mar-2025Brendan Doggett is slightly torn about his upcoming stint with Durham in the County Championship.On the one hand, the 30-year-old is excited about a great opportunity to continue playing after a season in which he got himself back into Australia’s Test squad following an outstanding performance for Australia A, and has helped South Australia reach the Sheffield Shield final.On the other hand, he misses out on doing something that he has loved over the past few Australian winters, something he believes has helped his cricket career immensely, and that is compete in the Port Macquarie and Cairns Half Ironman triathlon events.”It’s bit of a left-field one to be honest,” Doggett told ESPNcricinfo. “I did two last off-season, one the off-season before.”But I just think running and riding and swimming, most of it’s low impact besides the running.Related

• 'I'll be ready' – Doggett waits on an Ashes call after six wickets on Shield return

• 'They saved my career' – Sangha repays South Australia's faith with Shield final heroics

• Pope squeezed out as South Australia hope to break 29-year drought

• Hazlewood ruled out of second Test; Abbott, Doggett added to squad

• Doggett released for BBL duty with Adelaide Strikers

“I start seasons fit and fresh. I feel like that’s been a little bit of success to my injury woes. It’s just helped me stay fit and strong and healthy, and then, the mental side of it too is sort of taking me away from cricket, and allowed me to dive into something else that’s physically demanding in a way, but it’s allowed me to have a little hobby outside of the game.”Peter Siddle, who has just retired aged 40 after an extraordinary 20-year first-class career that included 67 Tests, got heavily into road cycling in the latter part of his career to help maintain an incredible fitness base whilst not overloading his body.But Half Ironman’s are another step up altogether. The triathlon includes a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run.While most professional fast bowlers opt to lower their golf handicaps during their time off, Doggett has been spending his off-season weeks riding 250-300kms, running 30-35kms and swimming 6-10kms in preparation.There were no concerns in terms of the impact that type of training would have on his cricket as South Australia’s sports science staff saw nothing but upside. Swimming was great for his shoulder mobility and his back and core strength. The only issue they saw was road running and hence his weekly running loads were capped compared to what an elite triathlete might do. He does not do any triathlon training during the season.He got into the sport via his brother Samuel, who also competes. But Doggett hasn’t just been making up the numbers in the races either.Doggett claimed a career-best 6 for 15 against India A in Mackay•Getty ImagesDoggett competed in two last winter prior to his domestic pre-season starting with South Australia. In May 2024, he completed the Port Macquarie course in 4 hours, 30 minutes and three seconds (4:30:03) to finish 47th out of 1104 competitors and 10th of 152 in his age group. Less than six weeks later, he completed the Cairns race in 4:17:23 to finish 37th overall. He finished less than 17 minutes behind race winner Sam Musgrove, who went on to finish top five in his age group at the World Championship in Hawaii later in the year.”I felt like I was more nervous at the start line of a Half Ironman than taking the new ball for a Big Bash game or a Shield final,” Doggett said.The benefits have been enormous on his game. His last two Australian summers have been his best in first-class cricket. He’s taken 65 wickets at 22.55 across two seasons, including a career-best 6 for 15 for Australia A against India A in Mackay. He also has bowled 236.4 overs this summer in eight games, the most overs and appearances he has ever made in an Australian first-class season since his debut summer of 2017-18.”I don’t know whether that’s part of it, or if it’s just getting older, the body’s maturing and learning how to bowl long spells,” Doggett said.All that propelled him back into the Test squad as cover for the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests against India after Josh Hazlewood suffered a side strain. It was the first time Doggett had been in a Test squad since he was a shock inclusion on the 2018 tour of the UAE for a two-Test series against Pakistan.”It was nice to be in and around that environment again after quite a long break,” Doggett said. “But I guess for me and my journey in cricket, I was fairly injury-ridden there for probably five or six years and just never felt like I was ever going to get to that place again.Brendan Doggett has been part of a formidable South Australia attack•Getty Images”Last year and this year have been game-changers for me with my body. I’ve held out throughout the seasons. My perspective on the game has changed a lot. I’m here to enjoy it and make sure that I’m always having fun. That comes with being a new dad, I’ve got a two-year-old now so the game looks very different.”I think that’s been a big change, just the attitude and not too much pressure on. It’s helped me succeed, I guess, and play with a bit more freedom and bowl how I want to bowl and walk off the field feeling satisfied and happy.”Australia’s selectors are big fans of Doggett’s skill-set. He can sustain higher speeds than most in Australian domestic cricket throughout long spells and is a weapon on flatter surfaces with his ability to keep the stumps in play. He could be considered for an Australia A tour of India that is likely to take place in either August or September this year.He will get another opportunity to impress for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield final at Karen Rolton Oval this week. He has already won two Shield titles with Queensland and performed well in both his previous finals, taking bags of 5 for 101 from 31 overs against Tasmania in the 2017-18 final and 3 for 37 against New South Wales in the 2020-21 decider.”I was trying to sit back and reflect on how I felt leading into both my previous Shield finals, I was probably a bit naive to be honest,” Doggett said. “I was the younger squad member, so I sort of had people to lean on. But it’s a bit of a different situation for me now, a bit more of a senior figure in our squad, and especially in our bowling attack.”Thereafter he is set to play four games at Durham, linking up with two former Australian players in coach Ryan Campbell and director of cricket Marcus North.”My body is feeling good so it’s a good stage of my career to go over there and play some more cricket,” Doggett said.

Following the release of the beta last week, Football Manager fans have finally been able to get to grips with the new game ahead of the full launch on November 4th, and it has been a long time coming.

The 2025 edition of the game was cancelled, with Sports Interactive studio director Miles Jacobson revealing the problems with the game would’ve done irreversible damage to their reputation if it had been released.

It is full steam ahead for FM26 however, with a number of exciting new additions being made, including official FIFA tournaments, a Premier League license, over 40 new roles and the introduction of women’s football.

However, many of the core principles have stayed the same, and undoubtedly one of the most satisfying parts of FM saves is developing lesser-known talents into world-beating stars.

Goalkeeper Guillaume Restes

Every top side is built from the back, and one of the most exciting up-and-coming goalkeepers is Toulouse’s Guillaume Restes, who has already made 18 appearances for France’s U21 side, indicating the youngster could be the heir to Mike Maignan.

Just 20-years-old, the Frenchman is still in the very early stages of his career, but he has emerged as Toulouse’s first-choice option between the sticks, keeping three Ligue 1 clean sheets this season.

If you aim to emulate Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal by building from the back, Restes will provide a rock-solid foundation, but be sure to snap him up quickly, as the goalkeeper is likely to attract interest from plenty of Europe’s elite clubs.

Hidden gems: Quenten Attigah, Tommaso Martinelli, Alessandro Nunziante

Right-back Givairo Read

Previously an unfashionable position, with Jamie Carragher famously quipping “no one wants to grow up and be a Gary Neville”, Trent Alexander-Arnold showcased just how influential right-backs can be during his time with Liverpool.

It may be difficult to replicate Trent’s stellar assist record, but there are plenty of options to choose from in FM26, although many are already at top clubs, such as FC Barcelona’s Hector Fort and Real Madrid’s Jesus Fortea.

Givairo Read, on the other hand, may be easier to prise away from Feyenoord, despite the 19-year-old breaking out as a first-team player for the Dutch side, chipping in with two assists in nine Eredivisie games this season.

World Cup glory and over 40 new roles: 5 changes coming to Football Manager 2026

Anyone for project San Marino?

ByTom Cunningham Oct 19, 2025

Hidden gems: Martim Fernandes, Daniel Banjaqui, Marco Palestra

Centre-back Willy Kambwala

Manchester United may end up ruing the decision to let Willy Kambwala leave in the summer of 2024, with the 21-year-old going on to make an immediate impact for Villarreal last season, making 19 appearances in La Liga.

Kambwala also caught the eye in a United shirt in the very early stages of his career, when called upon against Liverpool near the end of the 2023-24 campaign, at which point he was just 19-years-old.

If you do try to sign the Villarreal star, watch out for United, who retain a buy-back clause which doesn’t expire until 2027.

Hidden gems: Matteo Palma

Left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly

Lewis-Skelly needs very little introduction, given the impact the 18-year-old has made at Arsenal since such a young age, infamously mocking Erling Haaland with his celebration after scoring in the Gunners’ 5-1 rout of Manchester City last season.

The teenager hasn’t featured quite as regularly for Arteta’s side this season, but it is a testament to his ability that he has already amassed six international caps for England, with the youngster’s World Cup debut very much on the cards next summer.

The north Londoners are likely to demand a huge fee for their left-back, however, so it may also be worth taking a look at the more affordable options below…

Hidden gems: Saba Kharebashvili, Davinchi, Tom Rothe

Central midfield Ayyoub Bouaddi

It is no surprise that Ayyoub Bouaddi has already started to attract the attention of some top clubs, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal all hatching plans to sign the Lille midfielder.

Boauddi only turned 18 earlier this month, but he has already emerged as a key first-team player for Lille, making 66 appearances for the French club, during which time he’s displayed his versatility by featuring in both defensive and attacking midfield roles.

Having been born just one month too late to be included in the previous edition, FM26 fans should be chomping at the bit to sign the Lille starlet, given that beta players have already discovered he develops into a midfielder with phenomenal physical and mental attributes.

Hidden gems: Tom Bischof, Niccolo Pisili, Kees Smit

Right-wing Lamine Yamal

It would be impossible to compile this list without mentioning Lamine Yamal, who is already regarded as one of the best wingers in world football, currently sitting in second place in the 2026 Ballon d’Or power rankings.

Having established himself as one of the best players in the world, however, signing Yamal is likely to break the bank, which means it may be worth taking a look at some lesser-known prospects, such as Vasco da Gama’s Rayan, who Tottenham Hotspur recently opened talks to sign.

Still, if you choose to start a Barca save or somehow manage to persuade the La Liga giants to cash-in, you can be sure the 18-year-old will remain one of the best right-wingers in the world for a decade to come.

Hidden gems: Rayan, David Martinez, Ian Subiabre

Left-wing Kenan Yildiz

Much like Bouaddi, Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz has already started attracting major interest from the Premier League, with it recently being revealed Man United were preparing an ‘aggressive pitch’ to sign the 20-year-old.

Having initially made his breakthrough in the 2023-24 campaign, it was last season in which Yildiz truly started to flourish, regularly providing goals and assists for Juventus across all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goal contributions

Serie A

35

12

Champions League

10

2

Club World Cup

4

5

Italian Cup

2

1

Italian Super Cup

1

1

The Turkish starlet announced himself to the world with his stellar performances at the Club World Cup, and he could make all the difference in your pursuit of European domination on FM26…

Hidden gems: Jeremy Monga, Gabriel Mec

Attacking midfielder Arda Guler

Arda Güler has already gotten his big move to Real Madrid, which means he will no doubt cost a pretty penny on FM26, but the Turk has shown all the signs he is capable of reaching the very top level with his performances under the helm of Xabi Alonso.

Alonso clearly has a lot of faith in the 20-year-old, having played him in every La Liga match this season, and the Turkish youngster has repaid his manager with three goals and four assists.

FM fans will know all about the Real Madrid star, given that he was among the highest-potential players on FM24, and he is once again set to be one of the most exciting young attacking midfielders, although there are some potentially more affordable alternatives.

Hidden gems: Rodrigo Mora, Luca Williams-Barnett

Striker Vitor Roque

South American strikers have helped transform countless struggling sides into European champions in FM saves over the years, and Vitor Roque has the ability to do exactly that.

The 20-year-old Brazilian has been prolific in front of goal for Palmeiras in the 2025 Serie A, picking up 13 goals and three assists in 27 matches, and it no doubt won’t be too long before links with a move to England re-appear, having previously been targeted by Newcastle United.

With the now one-time Brazil international still currently plying his trade in his home country, a deal will not break the bank, at least in comparison to his potential, which is among the highest of any striker in the game, as it has been revealed he is expected to cost around £45m.

Hidden gems: Sami Bouhoudane

Newcastle United ended a long wait for an away win in the Premier League this season with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson on Saturday.

Eddie Howe will have been delighted with how clinical his team were in the final third, as Malick Thiaw scored twice, either side of goals from Nick Woltemade and Lewis Miley.

Woltemade has now scored five goals in the Premier League this season since his £69m move from Stuttgart during the summer transfer window, after he replaced Alexander Isak.

The Germany international’s impressive form has not been great news for everyone at St. James’ Park, though, because it has meant that opportunities for other forwards in the squad have been limited.

Newcastle forward seeking January transfer

Woltemade is the guaranteed first-choice number nine for the Magpies, as evidenced by ten starts in ten Premier League outings, and that has left another player to consider their future at the club.

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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According to German outlet BILD, via Newcastle World, Newcastle United centre-forward William Osula ‘wants to leave’ St. James’ Park in the January transfer window in search of regular first-team football.

The report claims that Eintracht Frankfurt, who were keen on him in the summer, remain interested in a potential deal to snap him up from the Magpies ahead of the second half of the campaign.

Newcastle World notes that Frankfurt came close to signing the Dane on a permanent deal for £30m in the summer before they pursued a loan move at the last minute, which led to a breakdown in negotiations.

It adds that a similar transfer fee to that £30m offer could see a transfer done in January, and PIF must now move to cash in on the forward in the German side are willing to put that kind of money on the table again.

Why Newcastle should sell William Osula

Osula, who is currently out with an ankle injury, is clearly a talented prospect who could become a key player for the Magpies in the future. He has scored three goals in just 370 minutes this season, per Sofascore, including a goal against Liverpool in the Premier League.

At 22, the Danish marksman has the majority of his career left ahead of him to develop and improve, but it is a question of when and where his development will happen, because he needs to be playing games in order to progress.

Woltemade is only a year older than Osula and Newcastle have Yoane Wissa to come back from injury, which means that there is no visible short-term route to him being a first-choice option for Howe.

Where Osula would rank in Newcastle’s record sales

Player

Fee

Alexander Isak

£125m

Andy Carroll

£35m

Elliot Anderson

£35m

Yankuba Minteh

£30m

Moussa Sissoko

£30m

Ayoze Perez

£30m

Will Osula

£30m (rumoured)

Gini Wijnaldum

£25m

Allan Saint-Maximin

£23m

Aleksandar Mitrovic

£22m

Fees via Football FanCast

As you can see in the table above, selling the 22-year-old to Frankfurt, or any other team, for £30m in January would make the youngster one of the most expensive sales in the club’s history, with only three players having been sold for more.

Osula was once described by former teammate Curtis Davies as being like “a poor man’s Haaland” with his physicality in the number nine role, and you saw a glimpse of that with the way he bundled his way through to score against Liverpool.

However, it does not appear as though he will get the time on the pitch that is needed for him to realise his potential at Newcastle, because of Woltemade and Wissa, which may be why he now wants to leave the club in January.

PIF and Howe should not step in his way because selling him for a potential fee of £30m could be the best possible outcome for all parties involved. Osula would get to go and pursue regular football and find a new home, whilst the Magpies would have funds available to bolster their squad in other areas.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 1, 2025

Therefore, PIF should axe the Danish striker when the January transfer window opens for business, should Frankfurt make a significant offer for his services, as it may be the right decision for the club and the player.