The offspinner had played in all Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield games over the last two seasons
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2024Tasmania offspinner Jarrod Freeman has taken an indefinite break from cricket to manage his mental health.Freeman, 23, has played in all Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield matches over the last two seasons, taking 40 wickets at 46.00, and was part of the side that reached the final in the 2023-24 campaign.Last October he also played a key role with the bat in a famous Tasmania win as they chased down 432 against Queensland.”Cricket Tasmania extends its support to Jarrod during this leave period and values the importance of mental health,” Cricket Tasmania said in a statement. “The organisation hopes to see him return to cricket in the future.”Cricket Tasmania continues to support all athletes with appropriate mental health training and education, acknowledging the challenges professional athletes can face throughout their careers.”Tasmania have bolstered their spin resources in the off-season with the signing of Test left-armer Matt Kuhnemann from Queensland and Australia Under-19 offspinner Raf MacMillan on a rookie contract.Kuhnemann, who was recently on standby for Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, has moved states in a bid for more red-ball cricket having only played four first-class matches (three for Durham and one for Australia A) since featuring in the Test series against India early last year.Legspinner Mitchell Swepson was Queensland’s spin option in the Sheffield Shield last season although the pair played together as a key part of Brisbane Heat’s BBL title-winning side. Kuhnemann will remain with Heat for the 2024-25 season.
India are unbeaten in the T20 World Cup 2024, while England have got to the semi-final with some hiccups
Andrew Miller26-Jun-20241:58
Manjrekar: Defeat to England in 2022 semi-final was a ‘wake-up call’ for India
Match detailsEngland vs India, 2nd semi-final Guyana, June 27, 10.30am local timeBig picture – Adelaide reduxAll the best origin stories start from a point of intense trauma. England’s rise from their humiliation in Adelaide at the 2015 ODI World Cup has been well documented – the shedding of reticence and the embracing of risk, the faith in a new generation under the guidance of a handful of wise old heads, and the reaping of rewards that could scarcely have been countenanced while the old mentality held sway – including (albeit briefly) concurrent World Cups of the 50 and 20-over variety.Who rightly knows where England’s narrative arc has now reached, particularly after that feeble 50-over defence in India last year, but also during a skittish journey through the Caribbean that has been carried, almost exclusively, by their brutal treatment of Associate opponents.Related
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Kul-dip and driftin' away to becoming one of the best
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'Most important player' Adil Rashid looms as key threat against India
What we do know, however, is that – as they passed through Adelaide in November 2022 en route to that second world title – England’s arc intersected with India’s own nadir. As in 2015, the sense after that ten-wicket drubbing in the T20 World Cup semi-final was of a team so wrapped up in its home-soil dominance that it had lost sight of the need to mitigate for foreign conditions. Something had to change urgently, and to judge by India’s inexorable (but as yet unrewarded) response, it surely has.Here, though, is an appetising acid test of India’s new methods. At some stage, it seems inevitable that their decade-long drought at ICC events will have to come to an end, but then again, they probably assumed it was already over after coasting through to last year’s 50-over final in Ahmedabad. Much as Ben Stokes’ experience in Kolkata in 2016 was a vital factor in England’s subsequent glory, the trauma of that loss to Australia will surely have hardened India’s resolve as they encounter the sharp end of another global tournament. No one should expect an easy ride in a knock-out scenario, especially when the desire for victory has been allowed to consume the process of achieving it.Jos Buttler was the star of the show in England’s win over India in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final•Associated PressEngland, on the other hand, have been consumed of late by an entirely different emotion. The fear of failure hadn’t been a particularly familiar bedfellow throughout their years of white-ball bottom-feeding, but with so much silverware there to lose, they seemed paralysed by anxiety throughout the 50-over World Cup, and again in their formless group-stage loss to the now-absent Australians in Barbados.Now, however, you wonder if the fulfilment of the bare minimum of the squad’s expectations – a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup semi-final – can unleash something different in the psyche of a group of players who clearly know what it takes to get across the line. India haven’t won a World Cup since 2011; South Africa and Afghanistan on the other side of the draw have never won one at all. England could yet be in the running for a third title in five years.As Australia have spent their entire existence demonstrating, that familiarity with the unique pressures of knockout contests clearly counts for something. But so too does a burning desire to prove a point that has been years in the making. Assuming the rain stays away, one or other position will have to give way. It promises to be compelling whatever comes to pass.2:12
Fleming on key phases that will decide the semi-final
Form guide India WWWWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first) England WLWWWIn the spotlight – Rohit, Buttler, Rashid, KuldeepIn a match of such high stakes, it’s impossible to look past the influence of the two captains – opening bats and icons in their own right, and two men who have hit a vein of form that has the power to dictate their team’s prospects.Rohit Sharma did just that in his smackdown of Australia in St Lucia, throwing caution to the wind – quite literally – in his calculated assault on Mitchell Starc, and accelerating ever deeper into his day’s work, in the unfettered manner that has been his calling card ever since that notoriously reticent display in Adelaide in 2022. Rohit’s conscious breaking of India’s milestone-orientated mould could yet prove to be his most important legacy as captain, especially if he can land the trophy that has eluded his country since the man himself was a rookie in 2007.Jos Buttler, by contrast, hasn’t yet shied away from his right to find his feet in any given innings – and his dovetailing with Phil Salt helps hugely in that regard – but his brutal 83 from 38 balls against USA was the sort of range-hitting display that his England teams have habitually drilled themselves to produce in the nets. Perhaps more than any other contemporary great, Buttler is a mood player – prone to deep introspection when his game goes awry, as was the case in a woeful 50-over World Cup campaign, but capable of astonishing peaks when his mind is in the right place. He’s two games away from back-to-back T20 titles, and right now, it feels as though that prospect is empowering him.Kuldeep Yadav has been at the top of his game this World Cup•CREIMASStanding in the way of both men and their teams, however, will be two wristspinners in complete command of their respective games. Adil Rashid was England’s key bowler in the 2022 T20 World Cup knockouts, returning a combined analysis of 3 for 42 in eight overs against India and Pakistan, and having started a touch tentatively in the group stage, he’s grown into the tournament with an impeccable command of flight, pace and variation – with his googly rarely failing to hit its mark.Set against him, however, is the equally wily Kuldeep Yadav, whose scarcity value as a left-arm wristspinner gives him added power to contort the unwary – as England’s Test team discovered to their cost in India earlier this year. Buttler’s own record against Kuldeep – 87 runs off 63 deliveries for three dismissals in all T20s, is a sign of the threat he could pose.1:33
Will India continue with three left-arm spinners against England?
Team newsIndia have known all tournament long that a Guyana semi-final beckoned if they could do the needful in the Super Eight, and having successfully switched to a spin-heavy line-up since coming through their US-based group stage, they look primed to exploit the Providence conditions. Hardik Pandya’s form as the third seamer provides options where required, and an unchanged XI is surely on the cards.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Rishabh Pant (wk), 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Shivam Dube, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Jasprit Bumrah.England, by contrast, may be tempted to tinker with the balance that served them well through the Super Eight, in the expectation that four seamers is at least one more than the conditions will merit. Tom Hartley offers a spare left-arm spin option, but England’s inability to hand him a debut in their rain-affected home series against Pakistan means he’s unlikely to be risked now. More likely is a reinforcement of their batting, amid faith that six front-line bowlers will suffice. Will Jacks does offer an additional spin option, but Ben Duckett’s proven prowess in turning conditions could be an attractive addition.England (probable): 1 Jos Buttler (capt & wk), 2 Phil Salt, 3 Will Jacks/Ben Duckett, 4 Jonny Bairstow, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Moeen Ali, 7 Liam Livingstone, 8 Sam Curran, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Chris Jordan/Reece Topley.Will rain be a factor in the Providence Stadium in Guyana?•ICC/Getty ImagesPitch and conditions: Will the rain-rules rule?Guyana has been a tricky venue for run-scoring throughout the T20 World Cup, with a run rate of 6.20 and an average of 14.67. Though these stats are partially skewed by two heavy defeats for Uganda, they also include serial semi-finalists New Zealand being bowled out for 75 by Afghanistan.Spin has been a significant weapon at Providence in this tournament, with 27 wickets falling in five previous matches, at a strike-rate of 17.1, which is bettered among the regular venues only by Arnos Vale in St Vincent.Unlike the first semi-final in Trinidad, there is no reserve day scheduled for this match, with the ICC citing insufficient travel time ahead of Saturday morning’s final in Barbados. However, because the match is slated for a 10.30am start, there are 250 minutes of extra time to play with, meaning a game of some description should be possible barring heavy rain all day. A minimum of 10 overs per side will be required to constitute a match.If, however, the match is washed out, India will progress to the final after topping their group in the Super Eight.Stats and trivia England lost their only previous completed T20I at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, against West Indies in the opening match of their T20 World Cup campaign in 2010. Though they recovered to claim the title (after a rain-affected escape against Ireland at the same venue), there’ll be no second chances this time out. Despite that infamous semi-final two years ago, India still boast a positive overall head-to-head against England in T20Is, with 12 wins and 11 losses in their previous 23 encounters. With his match-winning 92 against Australia, Rohit Sharma (4165) vaulted past Virat Kohli (4103) to the top of the run-scoring leaderboard in T20Is.Quotes”Both teams are going to go out there and throw punches at each other for 40-odd overs. It’s going to be a great contest. I think it’s the contest that everyone’s wanted to see, and we’re excited by it.” “Wherever we play, whether it’s bilateral series or ICC tournaments, the Indian cricket team is always under pressure. That’s the fact. Most of the guys are used to it, so it’s important to have a little bit of calmness in the dressing room.”
Leeds United are in the market to make further additions to their first-team squad to bolster their options across the park ahead of their Premier League campaign.
The Whites made their first signing of the off-season earlier this month when they completed a free transfer for Germany international Lukas Nmecha, who will officially join when his contract with Wolfsburg expires at the end of this month.
Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the 26-year-old centre-forward has scored five goals in 24 appearances for Wolfsburg in all competitions, including three goals in 19 Bundesliga games this season.
The new Whites striker could be competing with Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, and Mateo Joseph for a place in the starting XI, along with any other number nines the club opt to bring in.
Nmecha is not going to be the only player signed by the Championship champions before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.
Leeds have been linked with plenty of different attacking players, from the domestic market and abroad, and Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker Facundo Buonanotte is one name that has been mentioned as a target.
Why Leeds may want to sign Buonanotte
It was reported earlier this month that Leeds were confident of closing a £30m deal to sign the attacking midfielder, but there has not been an update on that situation since the initial report.
Buonanotte spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Leicester City in the Premier League and caught the eye with some promising performances, despite their relegation back down to the Championship.
Appearances
31
36
Starts
14
28
xG
3.93
3.86
Goals
5
1
Big chances created
7
5
Assists
2
3
As you can see in the table above, he was more impressive than Brenden Aaronson was in his season in the Premier League with Leeds, which suggests that he could provide an upgrade on what Daniel Farke currently has in the number ten position.
That came after the left-footed magician scored three goals and provided one assist in 27 appearances in the division in the previous season, which shows that he improved during his time at the King Power Stadium.
Leeds may, therefore, want to sign the 20-year-old starlet because he has already showcased his qualities, as both a scorer and a creator in the Premier League, and could improve Farke’s options in the middle of the park.
However, the Whites are now reportedly eyeing up another couple of attacking midfield options, and one of them, in particular, could be even better than Buonanotte.
Leeds weighing up moves for attacking midfielders
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are keen on signing one of Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia in the summer transfer window.
Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey said: “What we’re seeing in the no.10 role is that Leeds are able to be picky. There’s no need to jump in with both feet on a Hamer or a Buendia.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
“They are weighing up options but I firmly believe Leeds will sign a no.10 and I also believe the front-runners are those two. It will be one of those and we know Farke likes both of them.”
The Whites are weighing up whether to go for Buendia or Hamer to bolster their options in the attacking midfield position, and CaughtOffside recently reported that the former is valued at £20m by Aston Villa.
With all of this information in mind, Farke should push for the West Yorkshire outfit to snap up the Villans outcast because he would be an even better option than Buonanotte.
Why Leeds should sign Emiliano Buendia
Buendia is a proven Premier League performer who is experienced but also has plenty of years left ahead of him to give the Whites many years of quality performances.
The 28-year-old playmaker has produced ten goals and 15 assists, and created 25 ‘big chances’, in 121 appearances in the English top-flight for Norwich City and Aston Villa combined, which shows that he knows how to provide goals and assists at that level.
He has also played 121 times for Farke during their time together at Norwich, playing every game for the Canaries with him in charge, and delivered 24 goals and 41 assists.
His best season in a Yellows shirt came in the 2020/21 Championship campaign under the German head coach, as he racked up 15 goals and 16 assists, along with 18 ‘big chances’ created in the second tier.
The Argentina international, who was once lauded as “magical” by analyst Liam Henshaw, knows how to play in Farke’s system, with his style of play, and has shown that he can be incredibly effective at the top end of the pitch.
Non-penalty goals
0.38
Top 7%
Assists
0.41
Top 2%
xAG
0.36
Top 1%
npxG + xAG
0.65
Top 1%
Shot-creating actions
6.46
Top 1%
Progressive passes
7.82
Top 1%
Passes into the final third
5.81
Top 1%
Passes into the penalty area
2.17
Top 1%
As you can see in the table above, Buendia was hugely influential in possession in virtually every way possible, in scoring goals, creating chances, assisting goals, progressing play with passes, getting the ball into the final third, and getting the ball into the penalty area.
This suggests that he could be a far more effective option for Leeds in the final third than Buonanotte, who has failed to deliver more than six goals or three assists in a single season in his career to date.
Buendia, who scored two goals and created two ‘big chances’ in 11 Bundesliga appearances on loan at Bayer Leverkusen this season, could hit the ground running as an attacking midfielder who knows the Premier League and Farke.
Whereas, Buonanotte has not worked with the Leeds head coach in the past and could need time to adapt to the system and way of working, which is why the Villa attacker could be a much better option for the Whites as they look to start strong in their bid to avoid relegation.
A better signing than Muniz: Leeds prepare move for "clinical" £17m star
Leeds United appear to making moves for other strikers other than Rodrigo Muniz.
Hill also in the wickets as Patel, Foakes efforts aren’t enough
ECB Reporters Network25-Jul-2024Will Luxton’s 79-ball 83, George Hill’s 51 off 38 balls and four dramatic late sixes by Matt Revis propelled Yorkshire Vikings to 240 for six from 33 overs and an eventual 25-run win against Surrey in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at the Kia Oval.Luxton, 21 and making just his 15th List A appearance, hit 12 fours and played the innings of a rain-shortened Group B match, while 23-year-old Hill also took three for 41 with his medium pace as he and Revis, 22, added wickets to their earlier run-scoring exploits. Surrey, set 248 from their 33 overs after Duckworth Lewis Stern calculations, were restricted to 222 for nine in reply.And a fourth homegrown Yorkshire young gun, 23-year-old James Wharton, followed up a quickfire 22 by pulling off two memorable boundary catches – the first of them a quite astonishing one-handed over-the-shoulder effort – to remove Ben Geddes and Rory Burns.With Ben Coad producing a beauty to bowl Ryan Patel for 40 towards the end of a superb seven-over new ball spell of 7-1-25-1, it was an eye-catching all-round performance by the Vikings – who failed to qualify for the knock-out stages in last year’s 50-over competition but, on this evidence, could be contenders 12 months on.Yorkshire’s innings was interrupted by three separate rain delays of various lengths. The first came at 31 for one, after six overs, and lasted just 14 minutes, but the second was of almost two hours’s duration and was quickly followed by the third, lopping a further 35 minutes’ play from the day’s schedule.The upshot of it all was a final seven-over sprint, from an already strong position of 158 for three after 26 overs, and a DLS adjusted target for Surrey to chase that most onlookers had expected to be higher.Surrey lost Dom Sibley for one in the second over, lofting a drive at Dom Leech straight to cover, but left-hander Patel briefly flourished – despite being dropped on 27 at deep mid wicket off Leech – until Coad angled one through his defences from around the wicket.That came soon after Geddes, on 13, had slashed Hill high to deep cover where Wharton plucked the ball out of the air right-handed as he leapt backwards just yards inside the rope.And Hill was again the bowler when Wharton, at deep square leg, cleverly threw the ball up just as his momentum took him over the boundary before stepping back inside the ropes to complete a catch from a well-struck sweep by Burns (7).Ben Foakes slog-swept Dan Moriarty’s left arm spin for six and added 68 with Cam Steel, whose 37 was ended by a top-edged hoick at Hill to short fine leg.Surrey needed 121 from their last 10 overs and that became 77 from five after Foakes (40) was caught in the deep, leaving Josh Blake (26) and Conor McKerr (25) to plunder what they could in a losing cause.Finlay Bean fell early on for three after Yorkshire had been put in, brilliantly caught by keeper Blake who dived to his right to clutch a fast-travelling inside-edge when the left-hander was beaten off the pitch by a fine ball from James Taylor.Luxton, however, was soon into his stride with regal offside fours off both Matt Dunn and Taylor, and the young opener dominated a second wicket stand of 97 in 13 overs with Shan Masood until the Pakistan Test captain gloved a hook at a McKerr bouncer to Blake to go for 24.Wharton advanced to loft Steel’s leg-spin over mid off for four and, next ball, carved him wide of long on for six, but on 22 he connected well enough with a scooped sweep at left-arm spinner Yousef Majid only to see Steel pull off a stunning one-handed catch at short fine leg, quickly back-pedalling and diving away to his right.Then came the second rain break at 139 for three, with Luxton already on 76 from 67 balls, but he sacrificed the chance of a maiden List A hundred when, soon after resuming again on 81 following the final weather interruption, he skied a catch swinging hard at Dunn.Hill had by then launched a six over long on off Majid and it was not long before he completed a fine fifty by pulling McKerr for his eighth four.Steel removed both Hill and Dom Bess in the 31st over, convincing Surrey captain Burns to keep him on for the final over of the innings.It backfired badly with Revis pulling the first ball high over the mid-wicket ropes before finishing the over with three successive sixes – a full toss smoked over long on, a length ball hit straight and another short one also pulled dismissively into the stands.
Tottenham are now unlikely to sign a highly-rated player this summer after performing an internal U-turn, with Thomas Frank facing what is described as a key issue ahead of his first campaign in charge of the club.
Tottenham make Kudus promise as key Chelsea issue paves way for Spurs deal
Spurs are in talks to sign the Ghanaian from West Ham.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 8, 2025
Spurs are looking to build upon their historic victory over Man United in the Europa League final at the back end of 2024/2025 – a result which ended their 17-year wait for silverware and clinched them a first European trophy since 1984.
Frank will be fighting on many fronts, including the Champions League, for the first time in his solid career, and the pressure on his shoulders is truly intensified being in charge of a ‘big six’ club.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
The Dane quite simply needs backing from chairman Daniel Levy and the board, but they’re yet to make a real statement signing so far this summer.
Kota Takai officially sealed a £5 million move from Kawasaki Frontale on Tuesday morning, coming after Mathys Tel also made his stay at Spurs permanent for around £30 million, but this is the sum of their transfer business as things stand.
Luckily for Frank, Tottenham are in talks to sign West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, who is believed to be prioritising a switch to north London above all other potential options right now.
Kudus’ arrival would significantly bolster Frank’s attacking options. Only Man City’s Jeremy Doku completed more successful take-ons on average in the Premier League last season, according to WhoScored, and the 24-year-old can be a truly devastating player on his day.
While Spurs are not exactly in need of a new full-back, considering they already boast Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies, reports claim a key UEFA rule has forced them to consider re-signing free agent Kyle Walker-Peters.
If Tottenham have fewer than eight ‘locally trained’ players to name in their 25-man Champions League squad, then their total of A-list players will be reduced, with Frank now facing the “headache” of being left short of stars in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Tottenham decide not to re-sign Kyle Walker-Peters despite UEFA problem
That is according to The Telegraph, who report that, despite this issue, Spurs have decided not to re-sign Walker-Peters after internal talks over the matter.
The consensus last month, among many media outlets, was that Tottenham were in pole position to sign 28-year-old. The former Southampton star, who made over 200 appearances for the south coast club before leaving on a free, was also believed to be keen on a return to his boyhood club (Alasdair Gold).
Called a “beautiful footballer” by ex-Saints boss Russell Martin, Walker-Peters would still find it difficult to compete in a side already awash with full-backs, and signing a player just for the purpose of filling a quota would certainly be debatable.
Alas, it appears Tottenham have now U-turned over the prospect of a reunion with Walker-Peters, but Frank still faces being left short of senior stars for his Champions League debut in the dugout.
Chelsea are just one win away from claiming the Club World Cup and the $125m prize money that goes with it.
This would give Enzo Maresca a significant boost heading into the next few weeks, especially as it looks like he still has unfinished business in the transfer market.
So far this summer, Chelsea have signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Mamadou Sarr. Brazilian prodigy Estevao is set to join the Blues before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
His squad is very top-heavy, but the Italian will be looking to move certain players on to balance the books.
Noni Madueke looks set to join Arsenal in a deal worth £52m. Elsewhere, the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix could be set for moves away from Stamford Bridge.
Esperance Sportive de Tunis' Onuche Ogbelu in action with Chelsea's ChristopherNkunku
These sales will ensure Maresca doesn’t breach any profit or sustainability regulations while allowing the club to have a significantly stronger squad at the end of the window compared to how they started it.
Delap and Pedro have already proven their worth at the Club World Cup, but it could be Gittens who turns out to be one of the club’s most exciting signings this summer.
Why Jamie Gittens could be Chelsea’s best signing
Throughout his spell at Borussia Dortmund, Gittens demonstrated why he was one of the finest young talents on the continent.
Last season, he registered 17 goal involvements – 12 goals and five assists – across 42 games for the German side, despite falling out of favour slightly during the second half of the season under new coach Niko Kovač.
Despite struggling during the second half of the campaign, Gittens still ranked highly across several metrics when compared to his peers.
Indeed, not only did the youngster rank in the top 1% for successful take-ons (3.57) per 90 across Europe’s top five leagues, but he also ranked in the top 9% for progressive carries (5.53) and in the top 15% for non-penalty goals (0.41) per 90.
On this basis, Gittens is certainly one of the most promising wingers on the continent and should he hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge, Maresca will have pulled off an excellent coup.
Goals
8
Assists
3
Key passes per game
0.7
Total duels won per game
4.9
Goal conversion percentage
15%
Big chances missed
4
The 20-year-old is capable of playing across either flank, while he has even played in a more central role. Maresca will likely use him on the left, as that is the position where he is at his best.
Given his skills and statistics over the previous 12 months, landing a talent like Gittens could make Chelsea challengers for both the Premier League and Champions League next season.
As mentioned earlier, however, the Italian isn’t going to stop there in terms of improving his squad. Could he be targeting another swoop on the Bundesliga giants in the coming days?
Chelsea learn fee for Borussia Dortmund talent
Recently, the Blues have been linked with moves for Emiliano Martinez, Giorgio Scalvini and Antonio Silva in a bid to bolster their defensive options.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
With plenty of attacking options joining the club, Maresca still needs to add another defender or two to his squad ahead of next season.
Despite this, there are still links appearing for attacking players, and the latest one sees the club being touted with a move for Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi, according to reports from German outlet Bild (via Sport Witness).
Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi celebrates scoring their second goal withDonyellMalen, Julian Brandt and Pascal Gross
Indeed, they are battling it out with Newcastle United for his signature, while Juventus were preparing a bid of €40-45m (£35m – £39m) for the player, but this figure won’t be high enough to convince Dortmund to sell the forward.
As per the report, the German side have placed a price tag of between €65-70m (£56m – £60m) for their prized asset, with Dortmund’s management only willing to engage in negotiations if an offer of at least £56m is submitted.
With the likelihood that the Blues could see a bid accepted if an offer is made in that region, Maresca could be getting a major Gittens upgrade.
Why Chelsea must sign Karim Adeyemi
While Gittens registered 17 goal contributions last season, Adeyemi went and scored 12 goals while also registering 11 assists in all competitions for the club.
His positional flexibility will also be a huge plus point for Maresca. Not only did Adeyemi play on either flank last term, but the German also featured through the middle as a centre-forward, giving the Blues several options on how to utilise his talents.
In the Bundesliga last season, he also created nine big chances, averaged 1.1 key passes and registered 1.8 shots per game.
Comparatively, Gittens managed six big chances created, averaged just 0.7 key passes and 1.6 shots per game in the top flight.
Delving even deeper, Adeyemi also registered more goal-creating actions (0.69 vs 0.51) per 90 than Gittens, while also registering more shot-creating actions (3.61 vs 3.57) per 90 and more shots on target (1.23 vs 1.06) per 90 across the Bundesliga and Champions League last season.
Karim Adeyemi in action for Germany against Portugal.
Back in 2020, football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Adeyemi as a “world-class” talent, while also stating that the youngster had “electric pace” and was “intelligent & unselfish” when profiling the player.
Since then, the Dortmund star has exuded all of these qualities and more as he has gone on to establish himself as one of the best players in the German top flight.
Maresca wouldn’t just be improving his attacking department by signing Adeyemi; he would also be landing an immediate upgrade on Gittens.
Although the Englishman comes with plenty of hype, it remains to be seen whether he has the maturity to succeed in the Premier League.
Adeyemi has plenty more experience; thus, he could turn out to be a better signing, especially if he starts well. For £56m, Maresca could be sealing yet another impressive signing that will bolster his frontline this summer.
If he manages to sell the likes of Madueke, Nkunku and Felix over the coming weeks, there is no doubt Adeyemi will fit right in.
Dream squad Chelsea could build: £275m spent & "the next Mbappe" signs
This summer could be a game-changing one for Chelsa.
He hopes Bangladesh’s upcoming tour to Pakistan “gives everyone something to cheer about” back home
Mohammad Isam08-Aug-2024Bangladesh’s political and social upheaval has touched its cricketers in several ways. Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan was directly involved in the protests, even at times chased by the police in Dhaka. Others like Akbar Ali and Kamrul Islam Rabbi have openly supported the students right from the early days of the protests. Anamul Haque, the Bangladesh batter, suffered a more direct loss. His close friend Akram died in the student protest in Dhaka on July 25.Anamul, who will lead Bangladesh A in two four-day games against Pakistan A in Islamabad, spoke to reporters at the Shere Bangla National Stadium ahead of the team’s departure on Friday. He explained how traumatising it was to lose contact with his family during the protests, particularly after his friend died.”I think you have heard that a friend, who was like a brother to me, died in the protests,” Anamul said. “We were very close. I get emotional when I think about him. I wish this tragedy and trauma doesn’t happen to anyone. I was in Chattogram, so I couldn’t reach my family in Dhaka. Everyone was touched by this tragedy in some capacity.”Related
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Mushfiqur, Mominul to play for Bangladesh A in Pakistan
Like most others in Dhaka, Anamul also spent sleepless nights after the fall of the Awami League government, as uncertainty and disorder gripped the capital. “I was up from 2am to 5am. I was taking care of my child,” he said. “I went down to see what was going on. I saw many people in the streets, guarding their property. I don’t know what these people want. We don’t want to live like this. We want to live in peace. Everyone deserves their fundamental rights. I think we all work honestly.”He also praised the students for handling Dhaka’s traffic in the absence of the police force, which has gone missing for at least three days. “The students are doing extraordinary work in trying to control the traffic. They are maintaining discipline. This is the country that we have always wanted,” he said.Anti-government protestors display Bangladesh’s national flag after storming prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s residence•AFP/Getty ImagesAnamul was diplomatic when asked about the silence from Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza, two of Bangladesh’s biggest icons and Awami League MPs, regarding the protests. One could sense his unease in talking about such a sensitive topic.”I think it is up to the individual, whether they want to talk about it or give a Facebook status. I had a traumatic time. I was concerned about my family, and the family of my friend who died. I spent my time thinking about him,” Anamul said. “I couldn’t meet my family, I couldn’t visit his family. I wrote about him on social media. Someone else probably thought differently. I think they can tell you better. They did what was best for them.”Anamul hopes Bangladesh A’s tour of Pakistan gives the players good preparation ahead of the senior team’s Test series, which gets underway later in the month. He also hopes the cricketers can bring positive news to Bangladesh’s fans in a trying time for many of them.”Cricket is a place of emotion. It unites us,” he said. “This tour will really help us, especially the Test tour that follows in Pakistan. There will be batting-friendly conditions there generally. It gives chance to both sides. We are playing Tests after a long time too. I think we could give everyone something to cheer about.”Bangladesh A will play two four-day and three one-day games against Pakistan A in Islamabad. The senior side will then play a two-Test series which begins on August 21 in Rawalpindi.
Nottingham Forest are now in pole position ahead of rival interest from Everton in the race for an exciting homegrown attacking player.
Forest reach verbal agreement with new forward
The Reds have already added one attacker in the form of Igor Jesus to their ranks this summer from Brazilian side Botafogo, but given the fact the club are competing in Europe as well as the Premier League next season, Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to add more attacking options to his side.
Nottingham Forest "preparing" bid to sign £26m Europa League goalscorer
Forest are lining up a move for a forward.
ByDominic Lund Jul 20, 2025
Furthermore, Anthony Elanga’s exit to Newcastle United means there is a void in the starting XI, and Forest are keen to fill that by signing Dan Ndoye from Bologna. The 24-year-old has been with the Italian side since 2023 and has impressed domestically and internationally in recent seasons, so much so that he is now a genuine target for the Reds.
Forest have submitted a bid to sign Ndoye from Bologna, but on the player’s side, Ndoye has already verbally agreed a deal with the Reds as they look to beat teams such as Napoli and Crystal Palace to his signature.
Should the Switzerland international move to the City Ground, he could be joined by another forward-thinking player as a possible replacement for Morgan Gibbs-White.
Nottingham Forest lead Everton in Ramsey race
According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are now leading the race to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa.
Football Insider previously reported that Aston Villa do want to keep hold of the 24-year-old, but an offer between £40-50 million would be enough to convince Villa to sell, and Forest would be able to get to this mark, with the possibility of Gibbs-White’s exit funding the move.
The Reds are not alone in their pursuit, as Everton are also in the race to sign the attacking midfielder, but the fact Forest can offer Ramsey European football places them ahead of the Toffees.
It was even reported back in May that Ramsey is unhappy at Villa Park due to lack of game time last season. Ramsey played 46 games in all competitions last season, but the attacking midfielder only started 25 of those games, as he struggled to get ahead of some of Unai Emery’s regular picks.
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Ramsey, who has been dubbed “terrific” by former Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard in the past, is under contract at Villa Park until 2027, so should Forest make a considerable offer, the Villans could use him as a PSR sacrifice.
For Forest, Ramsey would likely be seen as a direct replacement for Gibbs-White, as the former England under-21 international can play as a number 10, while he can also feature on the left flank.
Dogged century prevents Hampshire from sealing their dominance
ECB Reporters Network12-Sep-2024Kent will live to fight another day in Division One of the Vitality County Championship after they battled for a draw with Hampshire on a thrilling final day at Canterbury.Kent were all out for 338 in their second innings, leaving Hampshire to chase 143 from nine overs at 15.89.Jack Leaning made exactly 100 in a stand of 149 with Harry Finch, who was the last man out for 79, while Kyle Abbott took four for 66 and Mohammad Abbas three for 69.Hampshire spent 2.4 overs trying to pull off an improbable run chase and were 24 for one when bad light stopped play at 5.54pm.It’s been a tough season at The Spitfire Ground, but the members who stuck by their team were finally rewarded with a superb day of cricket that was fascinatingly poised throughout, particularly during a fractious and excruciating final session.Kent began on 70 without loss in their second innings, still 126 behind and they suffered a major blow went Tawanda Muyeye went to the fourth ball of the morning when he edged Abbott to Toby Albert at second slip and was out for 46.He then removed Ben Compton for 25, again caught by Albert, before Abbas took two wickets in nine balls. A distraught Daniel Bell-Drummond was lbw for 23, before Joe Denly saw his off stump pinged back for five.Abbott returned from the Nackington Road to get Joey Evison for 11, victim of a low slip catch by James Vince, leaving Leaning and Finch to survive to 145 for five at lunch.If Kent’s prospects looked bleak at that point, the duo then batted out the entire afternoon session, with only one serious alarm: Leaning was on 34 when he drove Brad Wheal straight to extra cover, but the ball hit Tom Prest in the stomach and fell to the floor. Leaning subsequently drove James Fuller for four to reach his 50 and simultaneously put Kent into the lead.Hampshire’s tactic of bowling short backfired as both batters comfortably dealt with a barrage of bouncers. With the game drifting Dawson switched to the Nackington Road End, but he had no more joy trying to spin the ball up the slope than he had down it.The hosts reached a far healthier looking 268 for five at tea, at which point the lead was 72 with 37 overs remaining.Hampshire’s hopes now hinged on the new ball and although Leaning glanced a single of Abbott to bring up his hundred, he was lbw to Abbas in the next over, ending a record sixth-wicket partnership for Kent against Hampshire and reigniting the contest.Wheal replaced Abbott at the Pavilion End and immediately had Charlie Stobo caught by Prest for 17 at short midwicket. Abbott switched ends and got Matt Parkinson for seven and George Garrett went for four, caught behind off Wheal in the next over.Singh, however, managed to linger for 27 balls in a crucial last wicket stand with Finch that ate up 11 overs. Aside from one frankly embarrassing appeal for a catch to a ball that everyone in the ground could see had bounced, they offered few chances until Finch inexplicably tried to hook James Fuller and he was caught at first slip by Vince.Although rain had already started to fall and the covers went on and off without any overs being lost and Hampshire sent out Vince and Fuller.It might have been a viable run chase in Blast cricket but in bad light and with nine fielders on the boundary it was largely theoretical, especially when the rain returned.Vince was bowled by Garrett for 11 in the gathering gloom and although Liam Dawson hit ten off the next two balls, the umpires brought the players off and the players eventually shook hands after some tetchy exchanges as they left the field.With Lancashire and Nottinghamshire both losing, Kent retain a slim chance of avoiding relegation and they face a crucial game at home to the latter next week.
Nottingham Forest are now preparing to make a new bid for a “special” attacking midfielder, having already submitted one offer for his services.
Forest eyeing attacking midfielder despite Gibbs-White's new deal
Possibly Forest’s most important piece of business in the transfer window to date was securing Morgan Gibbs-White’s future at the City Ground, although talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan was left a little bemused by Evangelos Marinakis’ behaviour in the subsequent interview.
Jordan said: “The fact that he stood there and intimidated the hell out of the player, I think actually controlled the narrative.
“Marinakis is a strong character, like him or loathe him. Some of the things I think I’m quite impressed with him, other things I’m not so impressed with him about. He means what he says, and he’s a strong character.”
Marinakis was clearly determined to keep hold of Gibbs-White, but with the Tricky Trees set to embark on a Europa League campaign next season, Nuno may need a deeper squad, and another attacking midfielder is of interest.
In an update on X, BBC reporter James Lewer has now revealed that Nottingham Forest are discussing making an improved bid for Manchester City’s James McAtee, having submitted an offer of around £25m for the attacker, which was knocked back by their Premier League rivals.
However, Man City may still be open to a sale this summer, should Forest be willing to increase their offer, with a fee of £35m being touted amid links to Tottenham Hotspur, while West Ham United and Everton have also been named as potential suitors.
Alongside Ndoye: Nottingham Forest starting talks to sign £65k-p/w winger
The Tricky Trees are set to open discussions over a deal for a forward.
ByDominic Lund Jul 29, 2025 "Special" McAtee could excel at the City Ground
The 22-year-old has found it difficult to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s star-studded starting XI, but he has impressed at international level as of late, picking up one goal and two assists en-route to England U21s’ recent European Championships triumph.
The Salford-born midfielder was captain of the young Three Lions side, displaying his leadership abilities, while he has also received praise from Guardiola in the past, with the City boss describing the Englishman as a “special” player.
Despite not getting much of a look-in at City, the maestro already has a great deal of senior experience from his time with Sheffield United, picking up 14 goals and eight assists for the Blades across campaigns in both the Championship and the Premier League.
Given that game time at City has been so limited, however, making just 15 Premier League appearances last term, it is evident that McAtee needs to move on this summer, and there are clear signs he could excel at the City Ground.