أعلن ميلود حمدي المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الإسماعيلي، قائمة اللاعبين لمواجهة الزمالك، في الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وتقام المباراة بين الزمالك ومنافسه الإسماعيلي غدا الخميس على أرضية استاد هيئة قناة السويس، وذلك ضمن لقاءات الجولة السابعة من الدوري المصري.

طالع.. الزمالك يوضح حقيقة استثمارات كريستيانو رونالدو في شركة كرة القدم

ويدخل الدروايش المباراة بحثًا عن نتيجة إيجابية أمام الأبيض بعد الخسارة المباراة الماضية أمام زد في الدوري، ويحتل الإسماعيلي المركز الثامن عشر برصيد 4 نقاط فقط، من فوز وتعادل وأربع هزائم. قائمة الإسماعيلي أمام الزمالك

حارس المرمى: عبد الله جمال – عبد الله محروس.

الدفاع: محمد عمار – عبد الله محمد – محمد إيهاب – حماده صلاح – إبراهيم النجعاوي.

الوسط: محمد عبد السميع -عبد الرحمن الدح -إبراهيم عبد العال – محمد وجدي – محمد سمير كونتا – عمر القط – محمد خطاري – عمرو سعيد – محمد بحيرى – إريك تراوري.

الهجوم: خالد النبريصي – أنور عبد السلام – نادر فرج.

There is just over a month to go until the transfer window slams shut, and so far, Arsenal fans have had a lot to shout about.

Mikel Arteta and Co have been quick to announce the signings of Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

They aren’t finished there, though, as Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera has already been pictured in the club’s training kit, and talks for Viktor Gyokeres appear to be in the final stages.

Moreover, the Premier League runners-up have also been linked with Eberechi Eze, although, based on reports, they may now be after another international who would be an even better signing.

Arsenal target Eze upgrade

This summer hasn’t been the first time Arsenal have been linked with Eze, as you only have to look back to last summer to see stories touting the Crystal Palace star for a move back to the club that released him as a child.

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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However, it would be fair to say that the stories this year have felt more concrete, with some claiming that talks had been held with the player’s camp and personal terms had been agreed upon.

However, as things stand, the links appear to have quieted down somewhat, and as far as we can tell, no agreement was reached with the South Londoners, who still want the Englishman’s full £68m release clause to sell him.

Yet, fans shouldn’t worry about missing out on a talented midfielder, as it now looks like they could turn their attention to another, someone who’d be a better signing than Eze.

At least that is according to Arsenal insider Hand of Arsenal, who revealed that the club had been in contact with Xavi Simons’ agent, Ali Barat, who has offered them the chance to sign the Dutch talent.

This news aligns with reports from earlier this month, which claimed that the Gunners are interested in the RB Leipzig star, who could be available for around £52m.

While it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, it’s one Arsenal should pursue, as Simons is already a brilliant player who could further improve, and someone who’d be a better acquisition than Eze.

Why Simons would be a better signing than Eze

So, the first reason Arsenal would be wise to sign Simons over Eze this summer is that, when we take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers, the Leipzig ace comes out on top.

It’s not even a close comparison, as in practically every relevant metric, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem comes out on top, demonstrating exactly why some in the game think he’s “one of the best 10s in the world”.

These numbers show that not only is the Dutchman a more creative force for his team, but also someone capable of contributing more when it comes to the less glamorous defensive side of things, which we know is a trait loved by Arteta.

Simons vs Eze

Statistics per 90

Simons

Eze

Non-Penalty G+As

0.67

0.52

Progressive Passes

5.86

3.37

Progressive Carries

3.56

2.40

Shots

2.09

3.48

Shots on Target

0.96

0.94

Passing Accuracy

78.6%

74.2%

Key Passes

2.13

2.01

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.51

1.35

Passes into the Final Third

3.31

1.70

Tackles Won

0.88

0.76

Shot-Creating Actions

4.52

4.69

Goal-Creating Actions

0.50

0.35

Successful Take-Ons

1.38

2.33

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

The second reason the Premier League runners-up should sign the Amsterdam-born ace is that he’s even more positionally versatile than the Eagles star, being capable of playing across the entire frontline as well as in the ten.

Finally, “superstar”, as he has been described by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also five years the Englishman’s junior, which means he has far more upside and, according to research carried out by The Athletic, could get far better as he likely won’t reach the peak of his powers until he’s 26 years old.

Ultimately, Eze and Simons are both extraordinary players and would be unreal signings for Arsenal.

However, due to his versatility, superb underlying numbers, and age, Arteta and Co. should opt for the latter if they can only get one.

Related He's a dream for Xavi Simons: Arsenal expect to sign £55m star "soon"

Arsenal could seal a dream partnership by signing Xavi Simons and this centre-forward.

Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 21, 2025

Dean Saunders revealed a surprise name as Championship promotion candidates when discussing his former clubs in an interview with Football FanCast.

Saunders backs Derby County for Premier League promotion

The Championship is always an extremely competitive league, and given the eye-watering money clubs make simply by competing in the Premier League, it is becoming increasingly difficult for teams who have been outside the top flight for some time to compete.

However, there are some recent success stories that prove it is possible to go up on more of a modest budget, with Luton Town triumphing over Coventry City in the 2022-23 play-off final, while Ipswich Town achieved automatic promotion in the 2023-24 season.

Of course, the likes of Leicester City and Southampton are likely to be among the favourites next season, having both returned to the top flight immediately after being relegated in recent years, but Saunders believes a different team could be capable of going all the way.

Indeed, speaking exclusively to Football FanCast in partnership with NewBettingSites.uk, the ex-Derby County man named his former club as promotion candidates, given that John Eustace, a manager he rates highly, is now at the helm with the Rams.

Derby could have what it takes to achieve promotion

It is a bold claim to suggest the Rams could achieve promotion next season, given that they have recently spent time in League One, while also only narrowly avoiding relegation from the Championship last year, but they could have what it takes to go all the way.

Derby County agree £3m deal to sign "real leader" who Eustace knows well

Derby County have moved a step closer to reuniting John Eustace with a player he has worked with before.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 23, 2025

A lack of goals was a real problem for Eustace’s side last season, netting just 48 times in the league, and the manager has brought in three new forwards who guarantee goals, with Carlton Morris and Andreas Weimann both very experienced at Championship level.

New signing

Championship appearances

Goals

Assists

Morris

145

42

14

Weimann

368

74

42

Derby also proved they mean business by bringing in Patrick Agyemang for over £7m, who has caught the eye in the MLS during the 2025 campaign, picking up six goals and one assist in 16 games.

With experienced defender Danny Batth also being brought in to bolster Eustace’s defensive options, there is a real chance that Saunders’ bold prediction could be on the money.

Panthers were never really in the contest, with six of the top seven failing to reach double figures

Danyal Rasool12-Sep-2024

Pakistan’s best and brightest from the past and present are involved in the Champions Cup•PCB

Naseem Shah’s opening salvo with the ball ensured Markhors came away with victory in the opening game of the Champions One-Day Cup against Shadab Khan’s Panthers.Panthers won the toss and inserted Mohammad Rizwan’s side in, with Kamran Ghulam’s 102-ball 115 setting the platform for the formidable 347 Markhors posted. Panthers were never really in the contest, with six of the top seven failing to reach double figures as Naseem’s 3-27 helped reduce them to 52 for 6. A late rearguard by Amad Butt, who managed a spirited 72, was much too little much too late, and the Markhors secured a 160-run win.The opening game of a tournament the PCB had set so much faith and investment in saw Faisalabad attract a decent crowd, which grew as the afternoon heat gave way to evening. Panthers had Markhors on a leash early on, prising Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Faizan out before they could really get going. Offspinner Mubasir Khan was the pick of the bowlers, getting rid of Zaman and Salman Ali Agha, but against most of the other bowlers, Markhors made hay.Shadab Khan was picked off in the middle overs and never returned to bowl, but fellow legspinner Usama Mir was smashed for 83 wicketless runs in his full quota. Amad Butt bore the brunt of a sizzling cameo from Abdul Samad; his 25-ball 62 helped Markhors add 83 runs in the final five overs, posting a total that appeared well above par.Naseem, aided by Shahnawaz Dahani, killed the game off before the chase ever took flight. A combined 5 wickets for 56 ripped through Panthers’ batting order, with Panthers briefly in danger of the heaviest defeat in Pakistan List A history. Amad combined with Mubasir and Usama for a pair of half-century partnerships, which staved off that prospect, but Panthers’ fate had long since been sealed.

Two months after sprinter Julien Alfred delivered St Lucia’s first Olympic medal, St Lucia’s very own Daren Sammy and his Kings gave the region its maiden CPL title, silencing a packed crowd at the Providence.The crowd had been at its loudest when Guyana Amazon Warriors reduced Kings to 51 for 4 in their chase of 139 on a slow, two-paced surface. Kings went nine overs without a single boundary. Roston Chase was battling illness. Aaron Jones was struggling so much that Sammy contemplated retiring him out. Amazon Warriors’ four-pronged spin attack had their side dreaming of back-to-back titles.Jones, however, turned the tables on them and crushed their dream. After being on 10 off 19 balls, Jones zoomed to 38 off his next 12 balls, forging an unbroken 88-run partnership with Chase, who has been with Kings for five seasons.Chase played the Marlon Samuels role, something he’s been doing for West Indies for a while, and capped a stellar week for him, in which he had also earned a CWI central contract.

Amazon Warriors slow off the blocks

After being asked to bat first on a sluggish pitch, Amazon Warriors could only manage 27 runs in the powerplay for the wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (0) who had picked out mid-on in the very first over. This was the second fewest Amazon Warriors had scored in the first six overs in 13 games this season.Khary Pierre, who had spent much of his time at Trinbago Knight Riders in the shadows of Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein, came away with 2-0-6-1 during this phase. As for Alzarri Joseph, he handcuffed Moeen Ali with wide lines before Afghanistan left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad had him miscuing a slog-sweep to midwicket for 14 off 20 balls. Then, in his next over, Noor also claimed the prized scalp of Shimron Hetmyer when he had him carving his stock ball to sweeper cover for 11 off nine balls.Shai Hope contributed 22 off 24 balls before Chase knocked him over with an offbreak that kept low. By the time, Noor finished his spell with figures of 4-0-19-3, Amazon Warriors were 102 for 7 in 18 overs.Noor ended the season with 22 wickets; only CPL legend Dwayne Bravo has bagged more wickets in a season (2015) in the league.Aaron Jones played a vital innings under pressure for St Lucia Kings•CPL T20 via Getty Images

Shepherd, Pretorius turn up the tempo

That Amazon Warriors eventually had a fairly competitive total on the board was down to the big-hitting of their finisher Romario Shepherd and Dwaine Pretorius, who was the Player of the Match in the CPL 2023 final. They combined for three sixes and two fours in the last two overs, which overall yielded 36 runs for Amazon Warriors.

Amazon Warriors roar back

Shepherd then struck with the new ball when he had Johnson Charles, one of the heroes for Kings this season, chopping on for seven off ten balls. After bowling that wicket-taking delivery, Shepherd walked off the field with some discomfort.Amazon Warriors’ slower bowlers then tightened the screws on Kings as Faf du Plessis, Ackeem Auguste and their New Zealand recruit Tim Seifert all fell in a space of three overs. Chase and Jones then got together but they couldn’t get the boundaries away.

Chase and Jones finish it off for Kings

After the calm, came the storm. The pair lined Moeen’s offspin up for a sequence of 6,6,4,6,4 in a 27-run 16th over. Just like that, they snatched the game from Amazon Warriors’ grasp.Jones also went after Pretorius in the next over, taking 20 runs off the 17th over. Shepherd returned to bowl, but by then the game was over for Amazon Warriors.Jones provided a throwback to his unbeaten 94 off 40 balls in the opening game of the 2024 T20 World Cup with his six-hitting and celebrated those maximums with animated fist pumps. That world tournament paved the way for Jones’ return to the CPL (as a local player through his Barbados passport) and he made it a memorable night for himself and Kings. Coach Sammy wrapping Jones up in a bear hug will be one of the most lasting images for Kings in this triumphant campaign.

Chelsea are just two wins away from capturing the Club World Cup title following their win over Palmeiras in the quarter-final.

The draw has opened up kindly for Enzo Maresca’s side, as Manchester City were knocked out at the last 16 stage.

They were made to work hard for the victory against the Brazilian side. Their goal came courtesy of Estevao, the youngster who will join Chelsea in the next few weeks.

Given his performance, the Blues may have hit the jackpot.

Chelsea's plan for Estevao

The 18-year-old is well on his way to becoming the next big thing in Brazilian football. Neymar even hailed the winger as a “genius” in January 2024.

A tally of 27 goals and 15 assists across just 83 senior games suggests Estevao has the potential to be a truly magnificent signing for Chelsea.

Playing in an attacking midfield role against the Blues, Estevao looked bright throughout the clash. His equaliser came just after half-time, latching on to a pass before slotting home an excellent finish from a tight angle.

He tended to drift over to his natural position on the right and was a handful for the Chelsea backline during the game.

Maresca has a plethora of forwards to choose from ahead of the 2025/26 season, especially with the signings of Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

That being said, there could still be a role for the teenager at Stamford Bridge next season, with The Telegraph reporting that he is not expected to follow the recent trend of heading out on loan to the likes of Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo group.

Excitement is building over finally seeing Estevao in a Chelsea shirt, although could Maresca even make a move for someone who might turn out to be a bigger talent than the Brazilian?

Chelsea showing interest in Premier League starlet

Despite the depth of their attacking options, it appears as though the Stamford Bridge outfit are seeking to lure all the finest talent to London.

Transfer Focus

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

While winning the Club World Cup remains Maresca’s main aim over the next week, it is evident that he is still looking to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League and Champions League next season.

A surprising name has been linked with a shock move across London recently, however, and if a deal goes through, it would signal a real statement of intent.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano has shared news regarding Arsenal talent Ethan Nwaneri, and it looks as though Chelsea are lurking in the shadows in the hope that he doesn’t sign a new deal with Arsenal.

As Romano said on X, the Blues are potentially ready to pounce to sign the teenager, with Nwaneri seeking guarantees over his game time at the Emirates, prior to committing his future to the club.

The youngster is in discussions with the Gunners regarding a new deal as his current one expires next summer, leaving the door open for a potential move away from North London.

If a move did go through, where does this leave Estevao? And is Nwaneri an even bigger talent than the Brazilian?

Why Chelsea must sign Ethan Nwaneri

Estevao is just a month younger than Nwaneri, but he already has five appearances for Brazil at international level. The Arsenal starlet has yet to make his national team debut, however, but there is no doubt that the 18-year-old will take the next step up sooner rather than later.

Both have played plenty of games in their respective top-flight leagues, while also making appearances in the Copa Libertadores and Champions League.

As such, what separates them? Like Estevao, Nwaneri has been touted as being the next big thing to emerge from his nation.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig even lauded his rise in May 2024, saying that the Arsenal gem was “one of Hale End & England’s biggest jewels” after a stunning season at youth level for the Gunners.

While the Palmeiras youngster has shone in his homeland, there is no guarantee that he will adapt to English football upon making the move to Chelsea. Maresca will give him plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents, no doubt about that, but he must hit the ground running.

Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal stats last season
Metric	Premier League	Champions League
Goals	4	2
Assists	2	0
Big chances created	1	1
Key passes per game	0.6	0.3
Successful dribbles per game	1.4	1
Via Sofascore

Nwaneri, on the other hand, played 26 top-flight matches for the North Londoners last term, scoring four times and grabbing two assists.

When compared via their domestic statistics from last term, the English teen not only registered more goals and assists (six vs three), but he also recorded more shots per 90 (2.41 vs 2.06), a higher percentage of successful take-ons (59.7% vs 31.8%), took more touches in the opposition penalty area (339 vs 257) and even won a higher percentage of aerial duels (33.3% vs 20%).

Given his performances in the Premier League, Nwaneri should be able to settle into this Chelsea side with ease should a move be secured in the coming weeks.

Estevao would have to work harder to make himself a success in England, despite all that he has achieved in his homeland.

Nwaneri even scored twice in the Champions League last term and Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his teen sensation after his first goal against Girona.

“That’s what we love about him – he’s very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it,” gushed the Spaniard.

“He never [looks nervous], he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”

If the door is ajar for Chelsea to make a move, Maresca must seize the chance.

Salah repeat: Chelsea's "unbelievable" £55m star is now "open" to leaving

Chelsea could regret selling the dynamic attacker.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 5, 2025

Former captain predicts a tightly fought series as two teams in transition go head to head

Andrew Miller30-Oct-2024

Jason Holder believes England’s frequent tours of the Caribbean are repaying their debt from Covid•Ashley Allen/Getty Images

Jason Holder, West Indies’ former captain, says that England’s third white-ball tour of the Caribbean in as many years is a “massive boost to their survival as an international team”, and goes a long way towards repaying the ECB’s debt to his team after they helped to save the finances of English cricket during the Covid summer of 2020.Holder, 32, led the West Indies squad that played three Tests behind closed doors in Manchester and Southampton at the height of the Covid outbreak in July 2020, enduring weeks of lockdown in bio-secure surroundings to help “keep the lights on”, in the words of the former ECB chief executive, Tom Harrison.It was a tour that helped to mitigate the ECB’s losses during the pandemic, which could have been upwards of £380 million had their entire summer schedule been cancelled. Each of those three Tests was worth approximately £20 million as they helped to fulfil the board’s £1.1 billion rights deal with Sky Sports.Speaking at the end of that tour, Holder had warned that the ECB would be obliged to reciprocate the favour to help out cricket’s “smaller countries” who lacked the financial clout to stage matches during a global lockdown. Now, four years on, he believes that England have been fulfilling their side of the bargain.Related

Pooran, Russell, Hosein and Hetmyer back for England T20Is

Jason Holder calls on ECB to show gratitude with reciprocal tour

Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph rested for South Africa T20Is

England add Jordan Cox and Rehan Ahmed to Caribbean tour

'Unknown' Jafer Chohan grateful to SACA after England's leap of faith

“I think it’s a fair way of putting it,” Holder told ESPNcricinfo, ahead of an eight-match tour that will be shown on TNT Sports in the UK. “We’ve obviously had the English coming over for the last three years consecutively. And that has definitely boosted, not only our economy within the Caribbean, but it adds a massive boost to our survival in international cricket.”We rely heavily on series between England and India, our revenues tend to come from those two teams. It’s our biggest series within any calendar year, and, yeah, it’s one that really brings the fans down to the Caribbean and creates a really fun atmosphere.”So, it’s great to have them and to see the fans packing the stadiums as well. There’s always a good banter between the West Indian public and English public. So we’re thankful that we’ve been able to have them so many times in as many years. And long may it continue.”Despite the financial disparities between the two boards, the Caribbean has been a particularly tough destination for England teams in recent years. The Test team, famously, hasn’t won a series in the region since 2004, while the white-ball squads have lost each of their last three series: 3-2 in the T20Is in both 2022 and 2023, and 2-1 in their last ODI campaign in December last year.Jason Holder has been recuperating in the UK after injury and will be a studio pundit for England’s tour of the West Indies•Getty Images

“I’m looking forward to the contest,” Holder said. “Both teams are in a transitionary phase, so it’s going to be keenly contested. England have obviously got a point to prove, and they’ll be trying a few different combinations to see what works. And likewise, with West Indies, we’ve got a lot of youngsters within our cohort, and it is important for them to just gain experience, gain confidence and gain knowledge. I think these series will go a long way to developing our base at a rapid rate.”The youngest player of the lot will be Jewel Andrew, West Indies’ 17-year-old rising star, who made his ODI debut in their most recent match against Sri Lanka in Kandy on Saturday. He has played only a handful of professional fixtures, but having impressed at the Under-19 World Cup, he has been fast-tracked into the international set-up on the back of a breakout first season in the Caribbean Premier League.”The first time I saw him was when I played against him, quite recently, in the CPL,” Holder said. “He definitely stood up. He looks a very easy-going player. He’s got time, and any top-order batter who shows signs of having time is promising.”It’s important for him to learn and work hard, but the sky’s the limit for him. He’s scored runs at the levels below, and he’s coming in with some confidence. We all remember when we first came into international cricket, when we had that freedom to express yourself. And the more he expresses himself and gains knowledge and confidence, that will put us in good stead in years to come.”We’ve never been short of talent,” Holder added. “It’s just a matter of harnessing the talent and making sure that we make full use of it. There’s no doubt that he’s one for the future, and I hope that West Indies put things in place to keep him in and around the system, and make sure he develops a steady rate so that we can utilise him in years to come.”Holder himself hasn’t been involved in West Indies’ white-ball set-up since pulling out of their T20 World Cup plans through injury in June, and will instead be a studio pundit for TNT in the UK throughout the eight-match tour.”I haven’t retired, that is still a long way off,” he said, with an eye on the next 50-over World Cup in 2027. “We’ve still got a few more series to play before then. So I’m just working myself back to full fitness, to get back on the field and be able to play at full capacity.”Looking back on the T20 World Cup, in which England’s Super Eights victory in St Lucia proved critical to West Indies’ hopes of reaching the last four, Holder acknowledged it had been a missed opportunity for a strong squad to do something special in front of their home fans. But, with players such as Evin Lewis – fresh from a comeback century in Sri Lanka – and Shimron Hetmyer set to face England in the coming campaign, he’s confident there will be other chances for this team to compete for global trophies in the coming years.Jewel Andrew, 17, could feature in the series after his ODI debut last week•CPL T20 via Getty Images

“When you look at our overall performance, we probably feel a little bit disappointed that we fell short. But the beauty of this squad is it’s not too old. We’ve still got a quite young-ish side that can stay together for the next two years, to fight for another trophy in 2026. So I don’t think is all is lost. We need to understand our strengths and weaknesses, and just keep improving.”In the meantime, he anticipates another high-scoring showdown between two aggressive white-ball outfits, one in which the Caribbean’s notoriously fickle winds could once again play a big part in the tactical battle that unfolds.”It’s a really crucial point,” he said. “The wind factor has always been a massive contributing factor to whether teams bat or bowl in the Caribbean, because it plays a massive part in the actual game. It tends to sway your tactics a little bit, in the sense where you feel more comfortable chasing because by then you know you’ve got a big side and a small side, for hitting with and against the wind.”It’s always 50/50 in the Caribbean when it comes to that wind factor, because you can set up a team with left- and right-handers, and just continuously use your power throughout the entire innings.”Obviously, in one-day cricket, it’s a bit longer so it’s more strategic, where you have to actually build an innings. But when it comes to going hell for leather, it’s a matter of being as spot on as possible with the tactics, because the ball can travel in the Caribbean.”England, clearly, will be no strangers to the conditions after three bilateral tours plus the T20 World Cup in recent times, and Holder acknowledged that Antigua in particular will be something of a home from home, after four matches there in the past 12 months alone.”The English have been frequenting the Caribbean as much they possibly can. They’ve got a young side, but the majority of their senior players have been to the Caribbean multiple times, and they’ll be able to guide the younger players within this squad as to how to how to get around the conditions in the Caribbean.”Tune in to England’s tour of the West Indies, starting with the first ODI live on TNT Sports 1 from 5.30pm on 31st October. Sign up to TNT Sports and discovery+

Manchester United may need to get creative to sanction more transfers this summer and could now be offered an intriguing solution to solve their need for more firepower, according to reports.

Manchester United defeat Bournemouth in Premier League Summer Series

The United States has played host to plenty of high-profile football clubs this year and Manchester United were the latest to turn out in front fo adoring locals for a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in this year’s Premier League Summer Series.

Rasmus Hojlund claimed a much-needed goal in Chicago before strikes from Patrick Dorgu, Amad and Ethan Williams made Matthijs De Ligt’s mishap nothing more than a consolation for the Cherries.

Nevertheless, Ruben Amorim remained coy on Hojlund’s future at Old Trafford despite a sharp performance from the Denmark international in pre-season.

He stated: “I am really happy with Rasmus. I don’t know what is going to happen until the end of the market. The important thing is that Rasmus is scoring goals. He’s connecting really well with the team. He’s improving.

“Again, I don’t know what is going to happen until the market is closed. I’m really happy with the players that we had last season. We looked like a different team today. Let’s continue with that.”

Man Utd make contact to sign Champions League hero who's set to leave PSG

The Red Devils could land an incredible coup…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 30, 2025

There is no secret that the Portuguese manager wants attacking reinforcements, leading to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko becoming a central target for Manchester United.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is another profile the Red Devils would love to have, with the potential for a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho floated.

On the other hand, could Garnacho now become part of a different player exchange involving two players who may well be on the move this summer?

Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson offered to Manchester United

According to The Athletic, Chelsea have offered both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to Manchester United. Still, it isn’t clear whether they have been proposed as a package or separately in a swap for Garnacho, who is a target at Stamford Bridge.

Labelled “something special” by Tyler Adams, Nkunku hasn’t got going fully in West London after moving to the Blues from RB Leipzig, though he did register 15 goals across all competitions last season.

Meanwhile, Senegal international Jackson is very similar to Alexander Isak, per stats site FBRef, signalling that he could be the man to strengthen the Red Devils’ frontline moving forward.

Jackson, last 365 days, per 90 mins

Isak, last 365 days, per 90 mins

Shots – 3.08

Shots – 3.10

Shot-creating actions – 2.80

Shot-creating actions – 3.00

Non-penalty XG – 0.50

Non-penalty XG – 0.71

Progressive carries – 1.54

Progressive carries – 2.71

Touches in attacking penalty area – 5.72

Touches in attacking penalty area – 6.17

All stats courtesy of FBRef

Earning a similar tally to Nkunku, £100,000 per week striker Jackson notched 13 goals and six assists in 37 outings, helping his side to both the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup.

Garnacho is very much on his way out of Manchester United and it may make sense to try and cut a deal that would see one of Chelsea’s attacking forces immediately enter the void if the Argentina international opts to leave Old Trafford.

Usman Khawaja has brushed aside the perceived need for quick top-order Test runs as a “myth” in endorsing new Australian opening partner Nathan McSweeney.The 25-year-old will debut against India in Perth’s first Test from next Friday. McSweeney, the South Australian skipper and former Queensland team-mate of Khawaja’s, will be in unfamiliar territory, given he bats at No. 3 for his state. Steven Smith will shift back to his preferred No. 4 after a short-lived audition to replace the retired David Warner last summer.Related

• Neser hamstrung as Test back-up but Richardson comeback gains speed

• The tough runs that propelled McSweeney to new world of opening

• McSweeney to open in first Test, Inglis handed call-up

• Mature McSweeney making his mark in South Australia

Warner struck at 70.76 in 143 first-class games, while the more measured McSweeney’s strike rate is 41.92 in 34 first-class matches. Khawaja scores slightly quicker than McSweeney but laughed off the suggestion Australia’s Test fortunes would be scuppered by a lower scoring rate against the new ball.”I don’t know where this myth started that you need someone to score really fast to do well,” Khawaja said on Wednesday. “You’ve got five days to do it…I don’t know why you need to score fast.”Opening’s as much about scoring runs as it is about being able to absorb. Davey was special; he could score runs while absorbing but he didn’t do it [score fast] every time. He was consistent; out there and setting a platform, and Nathan does that very well.”Usman Khawaja has been in solid form this season•Getty Images

McSweeney, once an offspinning No.6, was yet to cement his place at Queensland when he left for Adelaide seeking what he figured would be greater opportunities in 2021. He’s flourished since and relished the responsibility of captaincy, Khawaja joking a haircut to remove the “boofy curls” had also helped his cause.Commentary has centred around McSweeney’s task of adapting to the new role at the top of the order. But Khawaja, himself a former No. 3, said he shouldn’t overthink it.”There’s no guarantees in cricket…but he doesn’t have to do anything different,” Khawaja said. “Just repeat the process. He’s been able to handle the pressure at Shield level. When you look at his demeanour, the way he plays, you do kind of feel over a longer period of time he’ll be able to handle the scrutiny, the pressure of Test cricket.”Khawaja on Wednesday detailed plans to link his Usman Khawaja Foundation annually with the Gabba Test, which will this year be the third in the series from December 14. It’s purpose is to assist youth from refugee, immigrant, Indigenous, rural, remote and low-socio economic backgrounds through cricket and educational programs.The fundraiser will include a pre-Test lunch, with proceeds from the gate and an auction including Pakistan star Babar Azam’s Test shirt going to the charity.”We’ve got the pink Test in Sydney,” Khawaja said of the high-profile McGrath Foundation fundraiser. “We’re trying to make the Usman Khawaja Foundation a part of the Gabba Test. I didn’t speak English [when arriving in Australia from Pakistan as a child]…cricket broke down the barriers for me.I never felt isolated when I played sport.”

The past several transfer windows saw minimal activity from Liverpool, but that didn’t stop Arne Slot from replacing Jurgen Klopp and winning the Premier League in his first year at the club.

But having achieved such staggering success last term, the Dutch coach has been rewarded by FSG with a series of impressive signings this summer, with Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz all joining the title-winning side.

Wirtz, in particular, has the potential to become a superstar on Merseyside. Signed from Bayer Leverkusen (after Frimpong) for a British-record £116m fee, the 22-year-old has been described as “the best midfielder in the world” by former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes.

To surpass this incredible acquisition would be a Herculean task, but Liverpool are inclined to try, with sporting director Richard Hughes looking to bag a forward.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans

After a move to Napoli collapsed, Darwin Nunez’s future is currently uncertain. Liverpool want a new centre-forward, and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is the dream.

However, the Sweden star has been priced at £200m, which should put him beyond FSG’s reach.

However, with Luis Diaz mooted for a move away from Anfield this summer and having agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich, perhaps the Reds need to prioritise a bid for a left-sided forward.

And according to reports from Spain, Liverpool could be set to shatter the footballing world with a formal offer for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who is valued at €130m (£113m) by Florentino Perez.

While there is an expectation that Vinicius Jr, 25, will finalise a new deal with Los Blancos sooner rather than later, the protracted nature of the talks could lead Liverpool to swoop in and secure an incredible addition.

What Vinicius Junior would bring to Liverpool

While Liverpool have struck gold with the signing of Wirtz, they might hit an even richer stream through the signing of Vinicius Jr, who has been called “the best player in the world” by Perez in the past.

While there was a fair share of controversy (putting it modestly) around the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, the dynamic forward did win The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024 after missing out on the apex of individual accolades.

Joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in the Brasileiro Serie A for £39m in 2018, making him the most expensive under-19 player in history, Vinicius Jr has since become a superstar on the global stage, one of the most marketable and decorated rising stars of his generation.

Across the past year, he ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 13% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, underscoring the elite danger that could see him surpass even Wirtz at Anfield.

24/25

58

22

19

23/24

39

24

11

22/23

55

23

19

21/22

52

22

17

20/21

49

6

5

19/20

38

5

3

18/19

31

4

9

The Brazil international is a remarkable player, and his sustained brilliance over the past four seasons illustrates his world-class level, which is maybe even higher than Wirtz’s, even though the German has notched 69 goal involvements for Leverkusen across the past two seasons, winning the Bundesliga Player of the Year for 2023/24 aftet his outfit’s invincible, title-winning campaign.

Wirtz is the real deal, but he needs to do more at this stage of his career to reach Vinicius Jr’s level, with any far-fetched deal to sign the Madrid superstar set to see him arrive with a pre-existing reputation as a Ballon d’Or contender, a platform Wirtz still needs one final push to reach.

Described as a “legend in the making” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Vini Jr. could be a stunning signing for Liverpool, making a real signal of intent.

While the Reds have already secured a marquee arrival in the form of Wirtz, the South American might just prove to be the cream of the crop, should he arrive in the coming weeks.

A Gakpo upgrade: Liverpool ready to submit bid for "world-class" £86m star

Liverpool will need to replace Luis Diaz if they sell the Colombian this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 14, 2025