تلقى نادي باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي، ضربة قوية في سعيه للتعاقد مع النيجيري فيكتور أوسيمين، لاعب نابولي الإيطالي.
وارتبط أوسيمين بالرحيل عن نابولي، مع اهتمام باريس سان جيرمان، بالإضافة إلى تشيلسي وآرسنال.
وأشارت تقارير إلى أن باريس سان جيرمان كان على وشك التوصل إلى اتفاق للتعاقد مع اللاعب البالغ من العمر 25 عامًا.
وفقًا لصحيفة “ديلي ميل” البريطانية، نقلاً عن الصحفي فابريزيو رومانو، يرفض باريس سان جيرمان دفع الشرط الجزائي في عقد أوسيمين، والمقدر بـ 113 مليون جنيه إسترليني.
اقرأ أيضًا | تقارير: باريس سان جيرمان يقتحم سباق التعاقد مع نيكو ويليامز
وأفاد التقرير بأن باريس سان جيرمان لا يزال يأمل في تأمين توقيع أوسيمين، ومن الممكن أن يضطروا إلى رفع عرضهم لحسم التعاقد.
وأشارت تقارير إلى أنه كان من المتوقع اتمام الصفقة مقابل حوالي 84 مليون جنيه إسترليني.
وإذا فشل باريس سان جيرمان في الاتفاق على التعاقد فهناك فرصة لأن يفكر أوسيمين في عروض من الدوري السعودي، وهو ما يعد ضربة للنادي الفرنسي.
ويبدو نابولي مستعدًا لرحيل أوسيمين عن النادي، ويريد التعاقد مع روميلو لوكاكو لاعب تشيلسي ليحل محله.
Leeds United could be set to lose one of their senior players next year, with a fresh report revealing that club chiefs have already set their price range.
Leeds' summer departures
Daniel Farke sanctioned the sales of 15 players over the summer, Tyler Adams, Rodrigo, Tyler Roberts, Adam Forshaw and Joel Robles being the ones to leave on a permanent basis, whilst the remaining ten were sent out on a season-long loan to increase their game time.
The Whites will be aware that the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville attracted significant interest during the previous transfer window, so there’s a strong possibility that they could be on the move in the coming months, but they aren’t the only ones to have been linked with an exit.
Maximilian Wober joined Borussia Monchengladbach back in July until the end of the campaign, following the club’s relegation to the Championship, and it’s fair to say that he’s made a fantastic start to life on the road in the Bundesliga.
The Austrian centre-back has firmly established himself as Gerardo Seoane’s overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.04 (WhoScored – Borussia Monchengladbach statistics), and the 25-year-old’s form means that his loan club are keen to retain his services next year.
Leeds open to Maximilian Wober sale
According to Fussball News (via The Yorkshire Evening Post), Leeds have named their price for Maximilian Wober.
“Borussia Monchengladbach reportedly know how much they will have to pay if they want to keep Leeds star Max Wober. Much will likely depend on whether the Whites can return to the top flight, but Fussball News have reported a vague asking price.
"They say Monchengladbach will have to pay a ‘low-end double digit figure’ (eight figures) to land Wober permanently amid his comfortable adaption to life with his loan club. Wober only joined Leeds in January.”
Leeds United defenderMaximilian Wober.
Whilst Leeds understandably wanted to get Wober off their wage bill after making the drop down to the second tier, he can be a true “leader” at the heart of a backline, according to former manager Jesse Marsch, so selling him for good may be the wrong decision.
Standing at 6 foot 2, Vienna’s native currently ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks per 90 minutes by players in his position (FBRef – Wober statistics), and he's made 19 tackles so far this season, which is more than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Borussia Monchengladbach statistics), displaying his desire to get stuck in and clear the danger for his team.
The German outfit’s left-footed ace is also capable of getting involved at the opposite end of the pitch having clocked up 32 contributions, 17 assists and 15 goals, since the start of his career (Transfermarkt – Wober statistics), so the fact that he can make an impact in both boxes is a huge bonus for Farke.
Furthermore, Wober has the versatility to operate at left-back and higher up in two midfield roles alongside his usual position at centre-back, so keeping him in the building upon his return from his loan really is a no-brainer of a decision to make should the club be able to afford having him on the books.
Leeds United are a side that finally seems to have earned some stability in the Championship, after a rocky start that saw Daniel Farke scamper to figure out his favoured system.
Having seemingly settled on the spine with which a successful campaign will hopefully be enjoyed, the Whites have since risen up to fifth, although are part of the playoff-seeking group that has been left behind by leaders Leicester City and the chasing Ipswich Town.
With a long season ahead, there will be plenty of opportunity to shorten that gap, with an instant Premier League return likely high on the former Norwich City boss' agenda.
He would outline his intentions when offering a recent detailed reply, after a reporter questioned his preference to start Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter in opposing roles: "But believe me when it comes down to strikers I know my business. I know my business. I know what I have to do and also when it comes down to win this league. I know my business, so let's not speak about this topic anymore."
Jaidon Anthony
It feels like the club is finally healing after years of mismanagement, with a true leader at the helm once again set to usher in a period of prosperity. Whilst it was likely not solely down to his departure, it does feel like Kalvin Phillips' exit marked the beginning of the end for the Whites' time in the top flight.
Why did Kalvin Phillips leave Leeds?
Having emerged through the academy, the 27-year-old midfielder was an instant fan favourite around Elland Road, as a combative yet classy presence in the engine room.
He had starred in the Championship, even earning an England call-up following their promotion, before then translating his outstanding attributes into the Premier League.
Such form was always bound to draw interest, but it felt like his affiliation with the club, alongside his injury woes, might ensure he stuck around in Yorkshire a little longer.
In the end, the allure of Manchester City proved too much, and he would depart for a mouth-watering £45m fee; a huge figure considering the enforcer had started just 18 league games the year prior due to various ailments.
Since moving to the Etihad, opportunities have hardly been more forthcoming.
Upon making the ill-fated move, Phillips would seek to justify his departure by noting: "It’s one of the main reasons I wanted to come to City, to improve my game in loads of different ways. It’s hard for me to say right now how I’m going to play a role in the team because it’s very difficult to come into a team of eighteen superstars."
Leeds' Kalvin Phillips
Jesse Marsch would even suggest that the Leeds-born star "misses being here" after he had returned to Elland Road to watch a game in December 2022.
Given how good he was, and how far he has since fallen, that should come as no surprise.
How good was Kalvin Phillips?
It would be hard to argue against the 2020/21 campaign being Phillips' finest to date, given just how exceptional and important he became not just for club but for country as well.
Having first starred in the Premier League, with his 7.21 average match rating indicative of an outstanding performer, he would translate his form onto the world stage as a mainstay for Gareth Southgate's England as they reached the Euro 2020 final, losing to Italy.
Average Rating
7.28
Appearances
37
Goal Contributions
4
Key Passes per game
1.8
Tackles per game
2.6
Duels Won per game
6.4
His league form was upheld by a number of starring statistics, as his 85% pass accuracy and 1.2 key passes per game outlined his economical incision, whilst his 1.6 interceptions and 2.6 tackles showcased his defensive steel, via Sofasore.
Former Three Lions boss Fabio Capello would then rush to praise the man dubbed 'the Yorkshire Pirlo', suggesting that whilst the nickname was wide of the mark, he did boast some truly outstanding qualities: "Phillips is not like Pirlo and he will never be. He is a much faster and more aggressive player, of good quality but he is not Andrea's heir. He reflects a lot the tactical qualities of Marcelo Bielsa.
"At Leeds with Bielsa, Phillips has really grown a lot and today he is the best modern midfielder I have seen on the pitch – but no one should compare him to Pirlo."
It is a testament to such consistently impressive showings that talkSPORT pundit Perry Groves would suggest he was worth an astronomical fee: "Kalvin Phillips fits Liverpool perfectly. The energy they play with, the closing down, his athleticism, his passing range. What would he cost? £100million."
Andrew Hughes, the former Leeds midfielder and current coach, would seek to explain how Phillips' rise came about and offer his own valuation: "The only way to get someone who can cover and do the same job perfectly is to spend £50 million, at least. That’s what a player like him costs. Rather than talking about how other players match up, you just have to accept he’s very special."
What is Kalvin Phillips doing now?
It is fair to say that since moving to Manchester, things have not worked out well for the former Leeds United favourite.
Opportunities have been scarce, and as such it seems his interest has naturally waned too. Guardiola would even offer a scathing criticism of the midfielder back in 2022, suggesting: "He's not injured. He arrived overweight. I don't know [why]. He didn't arrive in the condition to do training sessions and to play."
As such, the £150k-per-week dud would manage just two league starts last campaign across his 12 appearances, and seems set to endure a similarly quiet year yet again, having yet to start in the league after eight games, only three of which he has seen time on the pitch.
Featuring too infrequently was always bound to see his value drop, but few could have predicted it would be as harsh as CIES Football Observatory suggests, who offer a miserable €10m (£9m) valuation for the 28-cap workhorse.
This has even led to rumours regarding his future at the Etihad, with the coming January window set to be an important one in the future of the star.
Whilst Farke will likely want to look ahead towards a brighter future that does not include the romantic return of old faces, Phillips' career does mark a cautionary tale for those expecting greener pastures once they leave Elland Road. For many, it is only downhill from there.
A “novela” Ronald está perto de um fim. Seja com um final feliz ou triste para o Botafogo, Túlio Lustosa, gerente de futebol do Alvinegro, deu um “ultimato” ao Botafogo-SP sobre a situação do jogador, plano A do clube de General Severiano para reforçar o ataque da equipe de Bruno Lazaroni pela sequência da temporada.
Túlio falou ao Botafogo-SP que os dirigentes da equipe paulista têm até esta quinta-feira para tomar uma decisão definitiva sobre o jogador. Sem paciência por uma negociação que se arrasta há praticamente um mês, o dirigente do Glorioso quer um desfecho o mais rápido possível.
O Botafogo deu possibilidades ao time paulista na negociação. Seja para ele renovar o vínculo com o Botafogo-SP por mais um ano e, assim, ser emprestado ao time carioca ou uma mudança em definitivo, mas com o time rubro-negro mantendo parte dos direitos econômicos do atacante em uma futura negociação.
O desejo do atacante e do estafe é uma mudança para o Botafogo. Ronald é um dos destaques da Série B e é um dos pedidos de Bruno Lazaroni para reforçar o elenco.
A bola da vez, portanto, está com o Botafogo-SP. O clube de General Severiano cansou de esperar e aguarda por uma resposta definitiva, seja positiva ou negativa.
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Everton are considering their options ahead of the imminent transfer deadline tonight, and could well have identified the perfect upgrade on dynamic winger Demarai Gray.
What's the latest on Kamaldeen Sulemana to Everton?
Sean Dyche will be desperately seeking an answer to the Premier League club's dismal start to the campaign, losing all three of their opening league matches and yet to find the back of the net.
A wideman is being targetted, and according to Fabrizio Romano – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the Toffees consider Kamaldeen Sulemana as a late "option", with a £30m release clause reportedly embedded in his contract.
Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…
The esteemed transfer guru said:
"He's not a priority, I think. He's still a player they have on their list, but he's not a priority target in that position. Let's see what happens with Iwobi leaving the club and then it will be more clear what they want to do in that position. Sulemana is an option, but he's not the only one."
How good is Kamaldeen Sulemana?
Well, Romano might've said that the Ghanaian winger is not the first-choice for transfer, but Alex Iwobi has now finalised a £22m move to Fulham and the Merseyside outfit will be looking to direct the funds back toward the transfer market.
Sulemana certainly fits the bill, and while the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Maxwel Cornet have been discussed, with the former also of interest for a last-gasp summer swoop, Sulemana could prove the most feasible option, with a £30m release clause and long-standing Everton interest.
The Goodison Park side fought to sign the 22-year-old back in January but he opted to join Southampton in a £22m deal, who have now been relegated from the Premier League.
During his time on the south coast last season, Sulemana scored twice and provided one assist, unable to click into gear as the Saints slid miserably into the second tier.
Southampton forwardKamaldeen Sulemana.
Despite this, he has been hailed by the Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag for his "incredible speed" and ranks among the top 4% of positional peers for progressive carries, the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.
Given that he is only just breaking into his skin on the major stage, the former Rennes starlet could prove to be a "brilliant" – as he has been proclaimed to be by talent scout Jacek Kulig – signing for Dyche's side, and he could indeed be a massive upgrade on the likely-departing Gray.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the Jamaica international is attracting interest from a multitude of outfits and could leave today, having entered the final year of his contract with the Blues.
Gray scored four times in the English top-flight last season and was described as "absolutely electric" by 90min journalist Scott Saunders, but could find that a departure works out for all parties.
The 27-year-old is definitely expendable, however, and his sale could be used to complete a move for an exciting talent in Sulemana who could cement a prominent role at Goodison Park for years to come.
Arsenal have always had a fine reputation of trusting the youth, but not many periods as replicable as the faith displayed by Mikel Arteta in his present army of youngsters.
The Gunners had the youngest average squad age in the 2022/23 season as recorded last October, representing the side that challenged for the Premier League title until the final stages of the season up against Manchester City.
With captain Martin Odegaard only 24-years-old, and orchestrating leadership skills and innate quality, Arteta is displaying just how much trust he has in the younger talents in his side, deploying them to lead the way for one of the biggest clubs in England.
From rearing Bukayo Saka from the Hale End academy alongside the likes of first-teamers Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, the north Londoners are excelling at giving their youth products a shot in the spotlight.
Saka is now regarded as one of the best players in the Premier League, and arguably one of the most electrifying talents in Europe, however, he is not alone in being one of the standout forwards in Arteta’s side. Step forward Gabriel Martinelli.
How much did Arsenal sign Gabriel Martinelli for?
Martinelli, Arsenal’s left-winger with innate flair, speed, finishing and confidence.
The Brazilian has it all when it comes to what is wanted in a wide player, proving to be a credit to the club and an example of what can come of a gamble in signing an upcoming youngster from abroad with little recognition.
Signed by Arsenal in 2019 at the age of 18, not many knew the name of Martinelli, a footballer born in the city of Guarulhos whose talents had been noticed by fellow countryman Edu.
The Gunners paid a mere fee of £6m to obtain Martinelli’s services from Ituano, and the rest so far has been history.
Many seniors at the club before, and including Arteta are responsible for the rise of the Brazilian, who was nurtured and weaved into the first team from the moment of his arrival in north London.
Not many knew what to expect of the teenager when he was signed, however, his talents quickly became clear as he contributed to a total of 14 goals in 26 appearances in his debut campaign.
Scoring ten and assisting four in 2019/20, a slow start seemingly wasn’t an option for the teen, who made a phenomenal first impression on the Emirates, with the best still ahead of him.
What is Gabriel Martinelli’s market value now?
Previously lauded as a “sensational talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Martinelli’s rise has been exemplary to players, clubs and coaches who look to delve into what the youth have to offer away from the lights of Europe.
Signed for £6m, the gem born in 2001 is now valued by CIES Football Observatory at a staggering €150m (£128m), 2033% more, suggesting just how impressive his emergence on the world footballing scene has been.
saka-martinelli-arsenal
Arsenal thought ahead when considering just how quickly the Brazilian’s rise to fame and form has come, tying him down to a new deal earlier this year in February to extend his stay to at least 2027 with an option of an additional year.
Martinelli penned his deal just 48 hours after Saka committed his future to his boyhood club, showcasing just how treasured the two starlets are to the Gunners and the club’s plans for the future.
Speaking after signing his contract, the Brazilian told of his admiration for the club, saying that he loves “everything about Arsenal”, a huge sigh of relief for the north Londoners after years of being seen as a stepping stone for previous stars.
Why is Gabriel Martinelli worth that much?
Every year, Martinelli’s growth has been notable by the improvement of his numbers in play.
In the 2021/22 campaign, the winger cemented himself as being the Gunners’ favoured left forward, earning 29 Premier League appearances in which he scored six goals and recorded six assists.
Following the success of that season, the Brazilian’s role in Arteta’s side became crucial to their success, with last term being the squad’s and player’s high so far throughout their time together.
Gabriel Martinelli's Premier League record
Season
Apps
Goals
Assists
2019/20
14
3
0
2020/21
14
2
1
2021/22
29
6
6
2022/23
36
15
5
2023/24 TBC..
4
0
2
While the 2022/23 season left a bittersweet taste of what could have been at the Emirates, it was a time to get excited about what has happened and what is yet to come for the young squad.
Martinelli in particular shone, contributing to 20 goals in 36 Premier League appearances, scoring 15 and assisting five in what was a glowing time to be associated with the Gunners.
The success of the 22-year-old is not as surprising for some, particularly those who have seen his rise within the Premier League, with Jurgen Klopp dubbing the winger as a “talent of the century."
While his contributions to goals are applaudable and recognisably improving with age, the former Ituano starlet stands out for his in-game efforts, with his positioning revealing him to be one of the best in Europe.
As per FBref, the Brazil international averaged 7.19 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 over the past year, a decimal that ranks him in the top 3% of wingers in Europe’s top-five leagues, to put into perspective how highly the devilish forward is rated.
How much does Gabriel Martinelli earn?
When Martinelli first made his dream move to the Premier League, the teen was earning a wage of £30k-per-week, a freakish sum to the average person, however a novelty price for the services of a top-flight star.
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellicelebrates after Newcastle United's Fabian Schar scores an own goal and Arsenal's second
After penning a new deal in February 2023, the boy from Guarulhos saw his weekly paycheck rise to the tune of £180k-per-week, a sum more notable of a superstar, and a figure telling of his value to Arsenal.
What is next for Gabriel Martinelli?
While there have only been four games in the 2023/24 campaign, the 22-year-old has already had a hand in two goals, assisting twice so far in the bid to improve his tally last term.
The Brazilian will finally get his first taste of Champions League football in red and white this month, as well as an opportunity to take his name to the next level and follow suit in bolstering his figures year by year.
Martinelli may feel like the winner in securing his move to the English capital, however, Arsenal are the real winners for facilitating a £6m move for a teenager and raising him to be the talent he is today.
West Ham United are still hoping to sign another centre-back this week after calling off a deal for Harry Maguire, and journalist Jacob Steinberg has confirmed that one player has now been "offered" to them…
Is Harry Maguire joining West Ham?
Maguire looked set to be on his way to the London Stadium, with West Ham agreeing a £30m fee to sign the Manchester United defender, but the move has now been called off as it entered the final stages.
As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X, sources close to Maguire have stated there was "never an agreement on personal terms", despite the England international "respecting" the club, and he remains settled at Man United.
The Hammers grew tired of waiting for the defender to agree his exit from the Red Devils, as he was holding out for £7m to leave Old Trafford, and they have called the deal off, although there is a chance that it could be revived in the next two weeks.
Read The Latest West Ham Transfer News HERE
Having seemingly missed out on Maguire, journalist Steinberg has now taken to X to give an overview of what David Moyes' side plan to do next, saying:
"West Ham hoping to sign another centre-back this week after calling Maguire deal off. They have been offered Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah."
The Leverkusen defender has been linked with a move to the London Stadium in the past, with it being reported the Irons held a concrete interest back at the start of June, and they have now been presented with the perfect opportunity to sign him.
How good is Jonathan Tah?
The 27-year-old has been plying his trade in the Bundesliga since the 2015-16 season, and he was once hailed as a "real battleship" by former teammate Christoph Kramer upon his arrival at Bayer Leverkusen.
Over the past eight seasons, the German has established himself as a vital player for the Bundesliga side, missing just two league games across the past two campaigns, and averaging a 6.81 SofaScore match rating last term.
However, there are doubts over whether the £47k-per-week defender would be a good signing for West Ham, considering Maguire averaged a 6.95 rating last term, in what you could say is a far tougher league, with the Englishman also performing better across a number of key defensive metrics.
Jonathan Tah
Over the past year, the Man United defender has averaged more aerials won, clearances, blocks and tackles per 90 than the Hamburg-born defender, indicating he could be a far better addition to Moyes' squad.
Of course, Maguire is not without his flaws, making a shockingly high number of errors leading to goals in the season before last, but he is also an experienced international, and he has made a total of 219 appearances in the Premier League.
A move for the 30-year-old has not yet been totally excluded, but even if West Ham do not decide to go back in for him, it would probably be best to avoid Tah, as he has failed to stand out in the Bundesliga across a number of seasons.
Conforme havia sido prometido, o Corinthians conseguiu quitar parte dos salários atrasados do elenco nesta quarta-feira, véspera do Dérbi. O clube pagou três do quatro meses devidos, de acordo com o diretor de futebol Duílio Monteiro Alves, que concedeu entrevista coletiva virtual nesta tarde.
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Os meses pagos são referentes a março, junho e julho, que ficaram em atraso por conta dos efeitos da paralisação pela pandemia de coronavírus. Jogadores e diretoria vinham conversando constantemente a respeito da situação e o tema era tratado com transparência por ambas as partes no período.
– Hoje conseguimos quitar três meses. Infelizmente atrasamos os salários, mas deixamos praticamente tudo certo, temos hoje um dia de atraso. Sempre foi um relação aberta, sempre souberam (jogadores) quando iriam receber. Sótenho a agradecer, a vontade que nunca faltou, não tivemos problema, mesmo com todo esse atraso – declarou Duílio.
Ainda há uma pendência a ser resolvida, que é o pagamento referente ao mês de agosto, que venceu na última terça-feira. Portanto, o clube considera como apenas um dia de atraso. Segundo o diretor de futebol corintiano, isso será pago até a próxima semana, corroborando fala de Andrés Sanchez em entrevista ao programa “Tino Marcos Uchôa”, do GE, no início desta semana.
-A gente tem o mês de agosto que venceu ontem (terça-feira). Como tudo o que acontece aqui dentro, foi tudo conversado. A gente espera quitar tudo na próxima semana, temos trabalhado para isso.
O pagamento foi possível graças ao dinheiro da venda de Carlos Augusto ao Monza, da Itália, no valor de 4 milhões de euros (R$ 25 milhões na cotação atual), que foi depositado à vista nos cofres alvinegros. A quitação dos salários ao elenco já foi feita de forma integral, ou seja, sem os 25% de desconto acordados por conta da paralisação pela pandemia de coronavírus.
-Esses últimos meses já foram pagos de forma integral, 100%. Daqui pra frente, com o retorno das verbas de TV, de patrocínio, não terá mais dificuldade. Espero que a gente não veja mais isso por aqui – concluiu Duílio.
In the last two years, it would seem that India have earmarked Umesh Yadav for long-form cricket. The 29-year old fast bowler has played 19 out of 24 Tests in this period, but only 21 of the 40 ODIs, and he might just prefer it that way.”The thing with ODIs is that there will always be games. I enjoy playing Tests more,” Umesh said at a press conference at his home ground in Nagpur. “You have time in a Test and there are situations and match simulations (in the preparations) to know how to respond to a situation. I like those challenges. I like that because it increases confidence and also makes a bowler more accurate. You know the line and length you need on a particular surface and you focus on that. I am more than happy to play as a Test bowler.”However, Umesh clarified that he was not quite ready to start picking and choosing formats. “Playing both Tests and ODIs is good and particularly for me, because I am at an age when the more cricket I play the better it is for me,” he said. “I don’t want to be at a stage where I am saying I don’t want to play this format or that, I want to keep going. I would love to play in all formats.”To a certain extent, India now have enough seamers of quality and variety that they can manage their workloads better without losing their potency as a team. At the start of the Bengaluru ODI, Australia captain Steven Smith rated Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the world’s best death bowlers in 50-overs cricket. And over the course of a long home season in 2016-17, Mohammed Shami and Umesh won praise from their own captain, who said they were among the top five quicks in Test cricket.Separating them to play the respective formats they are good at seems not only the logical choice, but also helps the players function at peak fitness. “I think it’s good for the fast bowlers,” Umesh said. “If you continuously play Test cricket, it’s lot of load for fast bowler. Playing in sub-continent conditions is very tough. Slow wicket, no pace and bounce for fast bowlers, you have to give your 100 per cent. It’s very hard for the fast bowlers to come to one-day cricket with the same intensity [immediately afterwards]. It is better you get some rest. It also helps you recover from small niggles. It’s a good concept as we get proper rest and look after ourselves properly.”Umesh also felt that fast bowlers could not afford to become full-fledged Test or one-day specialists because of their fitness needs. “If you are playing a lot of Test cricket, say 15-20 Tests in a year, then you have to decide what to do. Because you can’t otherwise say I only want to play Tests – there are fewer Tests in the year, so what will you do the rest of the time?”It is important for a player’s body to have match practice. We say it’s good to keep practicing and everything will be fine, but that’s not the case. Until you don’t play matches, your physical form is not ideal and you don’t have that match-situation awareness. When you’re bowling in a match, you have to use your whole body and you know what lines you have to bowl. In the nets you do practice but at that time, you don’t really understand where the ball is going and what a situation is. There’s a big difference between bowling to batsmen on your team and the opposition’s batsmen.”So if there is a situation where we are playing four Tests against a team and then there are ODIs, I prefer playing Tests first. The way my body responds and how fit I am, then I will say I am ready. But there is no such thing for me that I will play only Tests or only ODIs. If you don’t accept all the challenges in cricket, then what are you a fast bowler for?”
Leeds United appear to be stepping up their preparations ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign, with Daniel Farke and co looking set to make their first moves in the transfer market.
What are the latest Leeds transfer rumours?
As per The Athletic's Phil Hay, the Whites are seemingly closing in on their first signing of the summer after reaching an agreement with Chelsea for the £7m capture of Ethan Ampadu, with the 22-year-old having spent the last four seasons away from Stamford Bridge on loan.
The 44-cap Wales international could be joined in the midfield ranks at Elland Road by Rangers ace, Glen Kamara, with Last Word on Sports revealing that the Yorkshire side have agreed personal terms with the 27-year-old.
If Leeds are to land the formee Dundee man this summer, The 4th Official has previously suggested that it could require a fee of around £4m, with two years left to run on his existing deal at Ibrox.
Who is Glen Kamara?
The Finland international has spent the last four-and-a-half years with the Old Firm giants after signing for a minimal fee of just £50k back in January 2019, with teammate Scott Arfield having branded that deal the "biggest steal of the century" due to the midfielder's subsequent impact in Glasgow.
Lauded as a "class act" by former Gers boss Steven Gerrard, the 5 foot 11 ace has racked up 193 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish Premiership side to date, chipping in with nine goals and 11 assists from his defensive midfield berth.
That stint north of the border has also seen the former Arsenal youth star win the league title and claim Scottish Cup glory, while he was also part of the side that reached the Europa League final back in 2022.
Although the 52-cap maestro did somewhat fall down the pecking order last term – as he started just 12 league games – he has received glowing praise for his displays prior to that, with Gerrard previously stating:
"He’s a terrific footballer in possession, always playing with his head up and looking to connect defence and attack."
Ethan Ampadu in action for Wales.
With the likes of Marc Roca and Weston McKennie having moved onto pastures new – and with Tyler Adams still facing an uncertain future at Elland Road – Farke could be set to revamp his Leeds midfield by placing Kamara alongside Ampadu next term.
As Gerrard alluded to, the Light Blues ace is able to offer a truly composed presence in the centre of the park, showcased by the fact that he achieved an average pass accuracy rate of 89% in the league last term, while losing possession just 5.6 times per game on average.
With Kamara the man to 'connect defence and attack' – as per Gerrard – Ampadu can then be utilised as something of a midfield destroyer, with the versatile ace, who can also feature at centre-back, having showcased his ball-winning quality on loan at Serie A side Spezia last season.
The 6 foot menace – who is typically deployed in a defensive midfield role for his country – notably averaged 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game in 2022/23 as a marker of his ball-winning prowess, with that an area that Kamara appears to be weak in, having averaged just one tackle and interception per game last term.
The differing strengths of the pair should make them an impressive combination for the Yorkshire side next term, with Farke finally set to be able to put his imprint on the current squad by bringing in fresh faces.