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It is already accepted that Meg Lanning’s team has enviable depth and they are likely to need it over the next year

Andrew McGlashan20-Sep-2021It’s one of sports many clichés that players don’t look too far ahead and only take each match as it comes. So let’s do it on behalf of Australia.The opening ODI against India in Mackay on Tuesday marks the start of an unprecedented period of 12 (or even 18) months of international cricket. There’s an Ashes series in January, an ODI World Cup in March and a first appearance at the Commonwealth Games in July. Then, in early 2023, there will be the defence of their T20 World Cup title. Cricket’s unofficial Grand Slam is on the line.The major focus is the 50-over World Cup after their often-referenced semi-final exit at the hands of Harmanpreet Kaur and India in 2017. But they will be desperate for multi-format success – which includes two Tests in the season – and to have a gold medal around their necks in Birmingham.Their depth will be tested like never before, even including when they lost Ellyse Perry during the T20 World Cup having also seen Tayla Vlaeminck sidelined just days before it began. There is a good chance that the majority of the 18 players in the squad to face India will get a game over the next three weeks. When you add back in Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen that’s 20 names who are likely to feature extensively, but they may need to delve further into the domestic game. The WBBL, a key part in building Australia’s depth, starts shortly after this series.Related

• Mithali Raj wants runs and partnerships 'rather than thinking about fearless cricket'

• Injured Harmanpreet Kaur ruled out of first Australia vs India ODI

• Ellyse Perry: Multi-day cricket in women's domestic game a 'no brainer'

• Alyssa Healy looks to Rohit Sharma's template for cross-format opening success

• Sneaky battles, amazing performances, weird results: how the Australia-India rivalry took shape

The ODI side is on a world-record 24-match unbeaten run which dates back to 2018. That will, eventually, come to an end – it may even be in Mackay this week – but the priority will be that when that arrives it does not derail a campaign as it did four years ago. At the moment it would be a brave person to bet against an Australia title in Christchurch on April 3 but India, defending champions England and South Africa have the potential to stand in their way. The ODI gap from Australia to the rest has widened since the last World Cup and for the good of the game they need to be caught.The first-choice top six can be picked blindfolded (Alyssa Healy, Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning, Perry, Beth Mooney and Ash Gardner) but it will be interesting to see if Georgia Redmayne and Tahlia McGrath get opportunities, or Annabel Sutherland has another chance to bat up the order having stood in for Lanning at No. 3 against New Zealand last year. There is a reluctance from Lanning and Matthew Mott to hand out caps for the sake of it – and points-based multi-format series add to the importance of each match – but expanding the amount of international experience for others can bring benefits later.Eyes in the prize(s): there are host of trophies up for grabs in the coming months•Getty ImagesThat will happen naturally with the bowling attack which provides most intrigue given the absences and injuries (Vlaeminck won’t play until the T20Is and Nicola Carey has had an abdominal strain). It will be just the second time since 2012 that Australia have fielded an ODI XI without Schutt and Jonassen. Regardless of where she bats, Sutherland should get a run in the side while left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux has the chance to reestablish herself in Jonassen’s absence. The pace bowlers will be rotated throughout to manage workload; the speed of Darcie Brown and bounce of the uncapped Stella Campbell is generating the most interest.Of the specialist pace bowlers, only Darcie Brown did not have to do 14 days hard quarantine. “There were a few nervous medical people but everyone’s pulled up really well,” Lanning said.The Test match later in the month, Australia’s first since the 2019 Ashes, has various unknown quantities: the pink-ball day-night factor, the lack of preparation, the pitch at Metricon Stadium, and how bowler workloads will be managed. Mott has said that the team has spoken about playing “one-day cricket for four days” which, given how Australia play one-day cricket, is an exciting prospect.It will be the first time since 2006 that the two teams have met in the format – in a sign of their remarkable longevity both Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami played that game in Adelaide – and Australia have not played in India since 1984 when a four-match series was drawn 0-0. It is to be hoped that changes in the not-to-distant future.Test cricket will be a focal point of this season and the context of the points-based system is a way for it to be a more regular part of the women’s game between those sides able to sustain it. Covid-19 remains a huge challenge but hopefully in years to come this busy Australian season will be seen as the norm.

“These guys are still hungry, and still have the passion to play for the country and deliver for the country”

PTI01-Feb-2025India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will both have “massive roles” to play for the team in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Gambhir said that both players still have “so much value” to offer, despite their recent poor run of form.”I think both Rohit and Virat, they add so much value to the dressing room. They add so much value to Indian cricket as well. They’ve got to play a massive role (in the Champions Trophy),” Gambhir said in Mumbai on Saturday, at the BCCI annual awards.”And I’ve said it before as well, those guys are so hungry, they want to play for the country. They have the passion to play for the country and deliver for the country.”Gambhir said India cannot afford to relax even for a moment in the Champions Trophy because they have just three league matches, unlike the 2023 50-over World Cup where there were nine each.Related

• PCB chair says Gaddafi Stadium will be ready for Feb 7 inauguration

• No captains event or photoshoot before Champions Trophy

• Tickets for Champions Trophy final from only four days before match

“Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge as compared to the 50-over World Cup because literally every game is a make-or-break, so you can’t stop anywhere in this tournament.”So hopefully we’re going to start off really well, because ultimately, if you want to go on and win the competition, you have to win five games.”Gambhir played down the hype surrounding the India vs Pakistan match, which is scheduled to be played in Dubai on February 23.”Look, we don’t go to the Champions Trophy thinking that the 23rd is the most important game for us. I think five games, all the games are important. The mission to go to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy, not only win one particular game. But yes, if that is one game in the middle of winning the Champions Trophy, we’re going to try and take it as seriously as possible.”And more importantly, I think when two countries, India and Pakistan, play against each other, obviously the emotions are really high, but ultimately the contest remains the same.”Gambhir also hailed Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, for infusing fresh ideas into the squad following the retirements of Kohli and Rohit from the shortest format after the T20 World Cup last year.”Me and Surya have been on the same page when we talk about selflessness and fearlessness. But yes, we want to be more smart going forward, because that is how we’re going to grow as a T20 team, and hopefully in all the other formats as well.”But I think the guys have been absolutely phenomenal. They’ve got the skills, they’ve got the temperament, they’ve got all the ability. And what they’ve done in the last six months, I think that’s been incredible.”I think the foundation of this T20 team was based on two principles. That is selflessness and fearlessness. I think that is something which we want to create in that dressing room, and these young boys have responded really, really well.”

Here’s the real truth about every team’s chances of winning

Andrew Fidel Fernando23-Oct-2021So you’ve probably read or watched a few men’s T20 World Cup previews. Many will have been sober and informative summaries of where the teams stand. Others will have highlighted key players and tournament history. Yet more will have revealed strengths and weaknesses through elaborate data analysis.Sadly, you’ve wasted your time. They are all trash compared to this preview.

West Indies

Motto: Eyeing title No. 3.Sample dressing-room pep-talk: “Men, everyone knows what we are. We’re T20 superstars who go off and have our own epic adventures before coming together in World Cup years. Yes, we have untold batting firepower, and bowling smarts, but maybe we’re missing something. Some X-factor. When we won in 2012, it was the ‘Gangnam Style dance. In 2016, it was Dwayne Bravo’s ‘Champion’. Who’s got a single coming out this year? No one? Okay, it’s panic stations. Everyone make a call to your choreographer.” How far they will go: Probably win it.

Pakistan

Motto: We live by grievanceSample dressing-room pep talk: “Brothers, we know what’s happened. We played a tour in New Zealand, and were made fun of around the world for opening our doors for biryani without our masks on, which, they say, broke their precious quarantine rules. How did they repay us? They ran from Pakistan without even giving a reason. And we went to England when their country was basically a petri dish of disease? How did they respond? Cancelled their tour. This time, these other teams can’t run away from us. We know we have to win this tournament. We can show the world the spirit and unity of Pakistan cricket. It will be glorious. But first, obviously, play like trash for a few games. I don’t want to see any of you jokers hold a catch, and if you can fight publicly among yourselves, that would also help.” How far they will go: Predict how Pakistan will do? Yeah, I’m not falling for this again.”Everyone take this time to work on your Ashes banter. Remember, if it doesn’t prick your conscience, it’s not good enough”•Aamir Qureshi/AFP/Getty Images

Australia

Motto: Can you believe we have to play this s**t?Sample dressing-room pep talk: “Oi. Mayte. What are we even doing here? Who bloody plays cricket in the UAE? Apart from the IPL, I mean (the highest form of the game, just to be clear). And what is this utter crap about us potentially having to play a match against Bangladesh, or West Indies, or maybe even bloody Scotland? Three weeks and there’s only one match against England scheduled. And not a single scheduled game against India (the highest form of cricket team/human beings, not that it needed to be said)? Who organised this trash heap of a tour? Absolute shambles.” How far they will go: They’ll hold it together until late in the group stage, but will eventually be overcome by their disgust at having to step on to a field with a team that should not be breathing the same air.

South Africa

Motto: This is our ti… wait, why are you laughing?Sample dressing-room pep-talk: “People can say what they like, but only we know how hard we’ve worked for this. We’ve won seven matches in a row. Who’s coming in with a better lead-up than that? We’ve got one of the best quicks in the world in KP… I mean KG. And not to mention the top-ranked T20I bowler in the world in… what’s your name, brother? Shamsi – that’s the one. We even have AB. Wait, no, we don’t, do we? You know what? It’s not easy giving these pep talks fellas, everyone’s attention is on me all of a sudden. Can someone get me a glass of water? God, is it me, or is it really stuffy in here?” How far they will go: They’ll be in line for a semi-final spot. Keep the popcorn handy.”Gently guys, we don’t want to startle the batter with a loud clap, do we?”•Gareth Copley/ICC/Getty Images

New Zealand

Motto: Are you ready for a cuddle? Sample dressing-room pep talk: “Hi everyone. I’m Kane Williamson. I know I’ve been the captain of the team for five years, but I didn’t want any of you to feel as if you should automatically know who I am. I’m not that entitled. I want to thank you for pushing pause on each of your charity causes to join us here in the UAE for this tournament. Let’s just go out there, enjoy ourselves, compete hard, but when it comes to the post-match fist bumps, let’s really put the effort in to make all our opponents and their support staff feel truly seen for who they are as people.”How far they’ll get: You wouldn’t bet against them to get to the semis. You shouldn’t bet against them anyway, you monster.

Bangladesh

Motto: We’ve been trying to tell you we’re serious.Sample dressing-room pep talk: “Come on everyone. I thought we were past this. We’re big boys now. We’ve got one of the greatest short-format allrounders. We have an incredible left-arm seamer, another bowler who regularly clocks speeds of over 140kph, plus experienced batters through the middle. We should be looking down our noses at the lesser teams. We can’t be embarrassing ourselves in front of the Associates again. Big boys.” How far they will go: A group-stage exit followed by a board-ordered inquiry at home.”Virat is stepping down from captaincy to mourn my departure, that sweet boy”•Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images

India

Motto: Shastri + Kohli: Don’t cry because it’s ending. Smile because it happened.Sample dressing-room pep talk: “Boys! We’ve come to our last campaign with me in charge. It’s been quite the journey. Kohli hit his first hundred in England under my watch. It was with me at the helm that he became the fastest batter to 12,000 ODI runs. These are all things we’ve achieved together. Of course there are jealous people out there who have constantly tried to run me down as a coach, accusing me of things like being Kohli’s yes man. Don’t these idiots realise that right from the start, Virat told me I could say no to him if I wanted? But he doesn’t have an ICC trophy as captain. Let’s go out and win this for him. That’s what you want, right, skipper?” How far they will go: Losing finalists.

Sri Lanka

Motto: Would you believe it if we said we won this seven years ago?Sample dressing-room pep-talk: “Hello. Answer, will you? HELLO! This bloody phone. Always on mute. Ah, you can hear? Look, us administrators have given you players everything you could possibly need. We’ve barely badmouthed you in the press this year. We were kind enough to let you have some contracts. We even organised a domestic T20 tournament that lasted a whole two weeks. If you fellows can’t even bring back a World Cup after that kind of backing from your cricket board, you shouldn’t be calling yourselves cricketers. We’ve already booked our hotel rooms to come there for the knockouts, so don’t screw it up, ah? Goodbye! …. Oof, that call really worked up an appetite. Where’s that cake? What? Is this call still going? Useless phone never does what I want…” How far they will go: Not very.”We’ll be flying high in this World Cup, chaps. High in the sky on our way home”•Aijaz Rahi/Associated Press

England

Motto: We probably won’t quit this tour. No promises, though.Sample dressing-room pep-talk: “How’s everyone feeling? No, really, did anyone see any red flags on the way here? Geez, baggage claim at the airport was a nightmare, wasn’t it? Unacceptable. We’re doing the ICC a favour by staying on, really. And from the team bus I saw a guy in the distance just sneezing away. That’s not sanitary in this day and age. We left South Africa for less, almost. Oh dear, what was that racket? Did a bat just fall to the floor? That’s it. I’ve seen enough. Pack up, everyone. We’re out of here.”How far they will go: Depends on how real karma is.

Afghanistan

Motto: Deep existential dread Sample dressing-room pep talk: “Look, it’s time to focus on the cricket. Yes, it’s been an atrocious few months for our country. Yes, our barely functional women’s team has probably been banned from playing. Our cricket board has had its chairman replaced by the Taliban. Australia refused to play a Test against us and our series against Pakistan was postponed. And although we may be cricket’s biggest success story in the 21st century, who knows how long we’ll be allowed to continue in international cricket, and there were questions even over our involvement in this tournament, and argh, oh wow, this is a lot.” How far they will go: With any luck, upsets will be sprung.”Let’s give the big boys a fright now”•Francois Nel/ICC/Getty Images

Scotland

Motto: Eat the richSample dressing room pep talk: “Right. You all know what’s waiting for us out there. Ten Full-Member fat-cat nations, gorging themselves on their plump ICC cheques, becoming snobbier and snobbier every year. Lads, let’s get out there and show them what playing for Scotland is all about. We may not have their resources, but the fight in us is bigger… wait, hold that thought, I have to take this call. () Oh, hello there. So listen, I’m really sorry but I’m going to need another two weeks off….”How far they will go: They might juuust have one more upset in them.

Namibia

Motto: Zimbabwe who?Sample dressing room pep talk: “Who would have thought we’d make it to the Super 12? No one. But we’re here, boys. We’ve shown the world what we can do, and now it’s time to seize this moment. We’ve got a shot that we barely dared to dream about. A golden opportunity to advance Namibian cricket by light years. By which I mean the chance to get as close as possible to the South Africa players, so we can lure a bunch of them over to play for Namibia in World Cups down the line.”How far they will go: You’d hate to think they’ve won their last game.

Despite already reaching a verbal agreement to sign Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha, Nottingham Forest have reportedly made an approach to sign another Brazilian ace.

Nottingham Forest set to sign Botafogo trio

Evangelos Marinakis has wasted no time before turning towards the South American market yet again at the City Ground. The Greek owner has had previous success when welcoming the likes of Murillo and may have completed another act of genius by reaching an agreement to sign the aforementioned Botafogo trio.

Jesus particularly stands out among the three. The impressive striker could quickly become the air to Chris Wood’s striker throne at the City Ground, having scored eight goals in Brazil throughout the 2024/25 campaign after netting 25 in all competitions in the season prior at both Botafogo and at Shabab Al-Ahli Club.

Meanwhile, if Nottingham Forest fans needed any further introduction to Jesus and Cunha, then one glimpse at the Club World Cup should have given them exactly that. Both players scored in Botafogo’s 2-1 win against Seattle Sounders, whilst Cuiabano also featured from the bench.

All signs point towards excellent business by Nottingham Forest, but the Tricky Trees are not done there. With European football to look forward to next season, those at the City Ground are in their strongest position for a long time to attract some top talents.

It’s not something that Marinakis is keen to waste, either. With three Brazilian talents already on the way, Forest have also been linked with moves for the likes of Yoanne Wissa. The Brentford forward was the subject of interest from the City Ground in January and now that interest has reportedly been reignited.

Meanwhile, Forest aren’t done in South America either amid reports that they’ve made an approach to sign a fourth Brazilian talent this summer.

Nottingham Forest make Romulo Cardoso approach

According to GE Globo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have now made an approach to sign Romulo Cardoso from Goztepe this summer. The impressive forward is still just 23 years old and would be arriving off the back of an excellent campaign which saw him score 17 goals and create another 13 in Turkey.

That said, Forest aren’t alone in the race to sign the forward. Joining them, RB Leipzig and Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are also reportedly interested in signing Romulo this summer. The Bundesliga club will become a particular threat if they are forced to replace Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko in the coming months.

Nottingham Forest negotiations to sign "superb" ace down to just £4m difference

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By
Brett Worthington

Jun 16, 2025

Whether Forest’s growing Brazilian contingent helps to convince the clinical goalscorer will be interesting to see too. The City Ground is quickly becoming the place to be for South American stars on the rise and Romulo could become the latest to make his way to the Midlands.

With contact already made and a number of clubs chasing his signature, Romulo has arguably the biggest decision of his career to make so far this summer.

All you need to know about New Zealand's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

New Zealand have confirmed their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing qualification to the biggest stage after a 16-year absence.

The All Whites last played in the 2010 World Cup, where they surprised everyone by drawing all three of their games, including a match against then defending champions Italy. However, they failed to progress to the knockout rounds. Before that, New Zealand had featured in the World Cup only once, back in 1982.

They are yet to win a game at the showpiece event and will be determined to secure their first victory next year. Although they are not among the strongest sides or favorites to win the tournament, they do have quality players who could help them reach the latter stages.

Can the All Whites defy expectations and leave their mark on the tournament next year?

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeepers

  Between the sticks, New Zealand have a number of options to choose from. Currently, the front-runners to make the showpiece competition next year as the All Whites' first-choice keepers are Bournemouth's young Alex Paulsen and the experienced Max Crocombe, who recently signed for Millwall from Burton Albion.

  Oliver Sail of Perth Glory is also a solid option and has previous experience with the national team.

  Player	Club
  Alex Paulsen	Bournemouth
  Kees Sims	GAIS
  Max Crocombe	Milwall
  Oliver Sail	Perth Glory

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• AFP
  

  Defenders

  In the backline for New Zealand, they won't be short of options. However, when compared to other big teams at the tournament, their defence does appear to be a bit shaky. Nonetheless, they have quality players who could have a big impact on their run.

  Sheffield United's Tyler Bindon and Empoli's Liberato Cacace form a strong full-back pairing and will play key roles in both defence and attack for the All Whites, while Michael Boxall, Sam Sutton, Finn Surman, Francis de Vries, and Dalton Watkins are all solid options to be deployed in the centre-back positions.

  Player	Club
  Tyler Bindon	Reading
  Michael Boxall	Minnesota
  Liberato Cacace	Empoli
  Tim Payne	Wellington
  Nando Pijnaker	Auckland City
  Storm Roux	Central Coast Mariners
  Tommy Smith	Auckland City
  Francis de Vries	Auckland City
  Finn Surman	Portland
  Sam Sutton	Perth Glory
  Isaac Hughes	Wellington

• AFP
  

  Midfielders

  Compared to the defence, New Zealand's midfield offers more solidity. Players like Marko Stamenic and Joe Bell have been key figures in the All Whites midfield and are expected to continue playing important roles at the World Cup next year.

  Meanwhile, Sarpreet Singh could also be a crucial presence in the attacking midfield role, with the likes of Matthew Garbett, Matt Sheridan, and Benjamin Old available to further reinforce the midfield unit.

  Player	Club
  Joe Bell	Viking
  Marko Stamenic	Olympiakos
  Alex Ruffer	Wellington
  Callum McCowatt	Silkeborg
  Sarpreet Singh	TSC
  Matt Sheridan	Wellington
  Benjamin Old	St. Etienne
  Matthew Garbett	NAC Breda

• Getty
  

  Attackers

  In the attacking third of the pitch, New Zealand are blessed with one of the best forwards in the Premier League – Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest. Forest's run in the 2024–25 season of the Premier League is impressive on its own, but it would not have been possible without the heroics of Chris Wood. The all-time record goal scorer for New Zealand finished the season as the fifth top scorer across the league with 20 goals in 36 games.

  Young Jesse Randall and Logan Rogerson have also been performing well for Auckland City and could make the cut as important members of the New Zealand squad on the world stage next year.

  Another youngster, Ben Waine, could also play an important role in the attacking third, having recently moved to Port Vale from Mansfield Town.

  Player	Club
  Chriswood	Nottingham Forrest
  Kosta Barbarouses	Western Sydney
  Jesse Randall	Auckland City
  Logan Rogerson	Auckland City
  Ben Waine	Port Vale
  Moses Dyer	Galway United
  Luke Supyk	Wellington
  Max Mata	Shrewsbury
  Elijah Just	Motherwell

The allrounder underwent back surgery in October and was ruled out of the entire home season

AAP09-Jan-2025Australia hope to have Cameron Green back available for the World Test Championship final, while preparing for him to return as a batter only.Green posted a video of himself running on social media on Wednesday, almost three months after undergoing season-ending surgery on his back.Chief selector George Bailey confirmed on Thursday he was “very hopeful” Green would be available to play at Lord’s against South Africa.Related

• Green hopeful of Shield return and county cricket ahead of WTC final

• Beau Webster to prepare for WTC final with Warwickshire stint

• What did victory over India tell us about Australia's present and future?

• Connolly, McSweeney, Kuhnemann included for Sri Lanka tour

• Ankle problem makes Cummins a doubt for Champions Trophy

Green is due to undergo further post-operation scans next month and is expected to be back batting in May. He will have to wait longer to bowl, potentially after Australia’s three-Test tour of West Indies in June and July.Green’s return adds further questions to Mitchell Marsh’s chances of extending his Test career, after he was left out of Australia’s 16-man squad for Sri Lanka.While Beau Webster retained his spot after an impressive debut in Sydney, Marsh will be left to wonder when his next Test will come at age 33.But Bailey suggested there was still potential for Marsh to return to the team in next summer’s Ashes, after his impressive return to the team against England in 2023.
“I don’t necessarily see it as the end of the road for him,” Bailey said. “I think Mitch at his best and with a longer-term view of potentially what the Ashes may look like and what England may throw at us there.”He’s got a skill set that suits there, not taking away from the fact that at some stage clearly we’re going to have the return of Cameron Green as well into the team. But unlike some, I’m probably not as glass half empty around where that leaves Mitch.”Webster’s selection comes after he hit 57 and an unbeaten 39 in Sydney, but his ability to shoulder a heavy workload with the ball could also be crucial in Asia.He also bowled offspin for the majority of his career before turning to medium pace during Covid, but Bailey said it was unlikely his tweakers would be called upon in Sri Lanka.Instead, Travis Head can provide support to Australia’s spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy, who could both feature as frontline spinners in the XI alongside Nathan Lyon.”[Webster’s spin] probably wasn’t something that came up as a factor in selection,” Bailey said.”I think we’ve got plenty of spin options there. It’s a nice fourth or fifth bow for Beau to have up his sleeve, but I don’t necessarily think that we’ll be heading down that path.”

The NBA superstar's gesture saw Dynamo played decked out in his new signature shoe ahead of their Matchday 27 contest

• Solar Orange colorway pays homage to Dynamo
• Each player received personalized pairs
• The special edition shoes officially release on July 26

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• WHAT HAPPENED

  NBA superstar James Harden arranged for his yet-to-be-released adidas Harden Vol 9 "Dynamo" signature shoes to be delivered to the Houston Dynamo squad on Saturday. The LA Clippers guard, who spent nine seasons with the Houston Rockets, provided the specially designed footwear to each team member ahead of the shoes' public release. The colorway directly references the Houston Dynamo's iconic orange kits, creating a tangible connection between Harden's basketball legacy in the city and its professional soccer team.

  Harden himself is a co-owner of both the Dynamo and the NWSL side, the Houston Dash.

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• WHAT THE HOUSTON DYNAMO POSTED

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The collaboration between Harden and the Houston Dynamo represents the NBA star's ongoing connection to the city where he became a household name, despite now playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, while keeping his ownership with the program alive and well, too.

  The Solar Orange sneakers feature Core Black adidas stripes and Collegiate Purple accents on the outsole pivot points, offering a similar colorway to that of the Dynamo and Dash brands.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT’S NEXT?

  The Adidas Harden Vol 9 "Dynamo" colorway will officially release to the public on July 26. The Dynamo, meanwhile, take on Tigres in the Leagues Cup on Tuesday.

Something that can get forgotten about when a team, Leeds United in this case, is promoted to the Premier League is that there will be players who will not be good enough for the step up.

One player who started regularly in the Championship this season who is also in danger of dropping out of the side in the top-flight is Brenden Aaronson, who scored for his country on Sunday.

The USA international produced nine goals and two assists in 43 starts in the second tier for the Whites, but struggled when Leeds were last in the big time, with one goal in 36 Premier League games.

Aaronson did not do enough in the 2022/23 campaign and that is why he should be concerned by the club’s fresh interest in a new number ten.

Leeds are confident of signing Premier League midfielder

According to a report from Spain, Leeds believe that they are close to sealing a deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte during the summer transfer window.

The outlet claims that the Whites have turned their attention to the Argentine playmaker because they want to strengthen their team and are willing to be ambitious in the market.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that they have identified the Brighton youngster as a priority target and that they are ‘confident’ that they will ‘close’ a deal for his services soon.

The report also mentions that the Seagulls are looking for a fee that could reach £30m with add-ons, which could make this a very expensive purchase for the Championship champions.

Why Buonanotte would be an upgrade on Aaronson

Leeds would be signing a big upgrade on Aaronson in the number ten position in Daniel Farke’s 4-2-3-1 formation by completing a deal to sign the Brighton youngster this summer.

Buonanotte, who was hailed as a “magician” by Rising Star XI on X, spent the 2024/25 season on loan with Leicester in the Premier League, and caught the eye with some impressive displays.

The 20-year-old starlet ended the season with a very respectable return of five goals and seven ‘big chances created’ in just 14 starts in the top-flight for the Foxes, including the impressive goal against Forest in the clip above.

His performances as an attacking threat in the Premier League this season, in comparison to Aaronson’s showings in his top-flight term at Elland Road, suggest that he would improve Farke’s team.

As you can see in the table above, Buonanotte scored more goals and created more ‘big chances’ in his top-flight season than Aaronson did, despite starting half as many matches.

This suggests that the left-footed wizard would offer more quality at the top end of the pitch than the American dud, which could help the Whites to pick up vital points in their bid to avoid an instant relegation from the Premier League next season.

Buonanotte, despite being a diminutive playmaker, could also offer more physicality than Aaronson. He won 33% of his aerial battles and won 1.7 tackles per game in the league, whilst the Leeds flop won just 17% of his aerial duels and made 1.3 tackles per match.

This suggests that the £30m-rated star could be less of a liability than the Leeds number 11 when it comes to his work out of possession in the top-flight.

The new Phillips: Leeds want to sign £15m star with "undeniable" potential

Leeds United are reportedly keen on a star who would be Daniel Farke’s own Kalvin Phillips.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 9, 2025

Therefore, Leeds could improve their team and provide Farke with a fantastic young talent in the number ten position by getting this move over the line.

The Saudi Pro League is renowned for its wealth and ability to give players huge wages, but who are the most expensive signings in the competition’s history?

European football remains the dominant force in the modern game, with the likes of the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga generally possessing the best players in the world.

In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has increasingly come to the fore, offering footballers eye-watering weekly wages and tempting them away from European clubs in the process.

To some, it is a sub-standard league where players go to earn big money in the twilight of their careers, but others feel it could only continue to grow in the coming years, especially if it continues to attract some of the biggest names in the sport.

There have been plenty of big-money signings to Saudi clubs since its rise to prominence – here are the 15 most expensive to date.

15

Marcos Leonardo

Benfica to Al-Hilal (£33.7m)

Kicking off the list is Brazilian youngster Marcos Leonardo, who joined Al-Hilal from Benfica earlier this year in a deal worth a reported €40m (£33.7m).

The 21-year-old forward was previously with Santos in his homeland, but he clearly felt that a Saudi move was best for his development at this early stage in his career. Only time will tell if it is the right call, but it has been rare to see such a young footballer head there.

14

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Lazio to Al-Hilal (£34m)

For a long time, it seemed inevitable that Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would end up at one of the best teams in Europe, having stood out as such a dominant performer for Lazio, combining talent and physicality in midfield.

It came as a huge shock to see him join Al-Hilal last year in a deal reportedly worth £34m, especially as he was still only in his late 20s at that point. Will he return to Europe in the future?

13

Mohamed Simakan

RB Leipzig to Al-Nassr (£37.9m)

Mohamed Simakan made the decision to leave RB Leipzig and join Al-Nassr in September 2024, in a move worth €45m (£37.9m), linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.

Only in his mid 20s, the centre-back’s decision to move away from Europe arguably surprised some, but it is still early days, and the club’s success on the domestic and continental stages may determine whether he’ll come to regret saying goodbye to the Bundesliga.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Frenchman will certainly be looking to make an impression as he seeks a first senior international cap.

12

Fabinho

Liverpool to Al-Ittihad (£40m)

Liverpool enjoyed a glorious period in their history under Jurgen Klopp, winning plenty of trophies, and Fabinho played a massive role in the Reds’ success.

A world-class No 6 at his peak, the Brazilian’s ability started to wane in the 2022/23 season, with his body no longer allowing him to cover ground like he once did.

A Saudi move felt like the best outcome for all parties, and Fabinho moved to Al-Ittihad for a reported £40m the following summer.

11

Ivan Toney

Brentford to Al-Ahli (£40m)

Much like Milinkovic-Savic, Ivan Toney felt like a player who was only on the up at Brentford, with a move to one of the Premier League’s biggest teams often mooted.

Instead, the England international left the Bees to join Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024 in a move that surprised many, even amid his contract issues in west London.

Reports of his eventual transfer fee were mixed, but most appear to indicate Brentford received a sum of around £40m.

10

Galeno

Porto to Al-Ahli (£41.6m)

Former Porto star Galeno was one of two major signings in the January 2025 market for the Saudi Pro League, with the winger joining Al-Ahli for €50m (£41.6m).

Galeno had scored eight in 18 appearances for Porto before departing for the Middle East, and has already written his name into the history books, scoring in the AFC Champions League final against Kawasaki Frontale.

His arrival marks Al-Ahli’s most expensive signing, replacing Ivan Toney.

9

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham to Al-Hilal (£46m)

Many players who have moved to the Saudi Pro League have been individuals whose peaks have been and gone, but Aleksandar Mitrovic went there while in his prime.

He was just 28 when he opted to trade Fulham for Al-Hilal, but he is no doubt reaping the financial rewards. Mitrovic’s transfer fee was officially undisclosed, with the Cottagers indicating they had received a “club-record” fee. While it was thought to be close to £50m, a sum of £46m appears to be the most widely mentioned.

8

Ruben Neves

Wolves to Al-Hilal (£47m)

Ruben Neves’ move to Saudi Arabia has to stand out as one of the biggest surprises having grown into such a key player at Wolves, while still only being in his mid-20s.

It looked like the Portugal star had the pick of his clubs given the natural talent he possesses in midfield, but the race for his signature was won by Al-Hilal, who paid £47m for Neves’ services.

7

Moussa Diaby

Aston Villa to Al-Ittihad (£50m)

It looked like Aston Villa had signed themselves a gem of a player in Moussa Diaby, with the winger catching the eye with his quality and end product during his one season at Villa Park.

His campaign did fizzle out a bit as it went on, but few would have expected to see him ditch the Midlands side for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad, with the Villans receiving around £50m in the process.

It’s hard not to feel as though the Frenchman is wasting the best years of his career in a lesser division, although the financial aspects of the move are undeniably appealing.

6

Otavio

Porto to Al-Nassr (£51.1m)

Otavio was always a highly rated figure for Porto, and became a key part of the Portugal setup before opting for a Saudi move instead of a European switch, which cost Al-Nassr €60m (£51.1m) in August 2023.

He’s not set the world alight in the Middle East, scoring just one goal and supplying five assists in 2024/25.

Manchester United are facing the growing possibility of concluding the summer transfer window without securing the striker reinforcement they desperately need. The club’s efforts to bolster their frontline have hit a wall following unsuccessful pursuits of Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, and Viktor Gyokeres.

• Man Utd struggling to land a striker
• Amorim desperately needs a No.9
• Several targets are a part of their wishlist

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United boss Ruben Amorim, who recently welcomed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo into the squad for combined fees of £135 million ($183m), had hoped to further sharpen his frontline. The duo had an impressive collective return of 35 Premier League goals last season, but with United having scored just 44 league goals in total during the previous campaign, Amorim remains keen to add a more traditional centre-forward.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to despite the big-money arrivals, the lack of a reliable No. 9 continues to be a glaring concern. While the scouting team continues evaluating other options, there is no assurance that a striker will be signed before the deadline. Tangible progress appears limited, and the club is now operating with an air of realism that they might need to move forward with their current squad unless a breakthrough materialises soon.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  There has been growing speculation surrounding Højlund’s future, with Italian giants Inter Milan and Juventus reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing him back to Serie A. Despite this, sources close to the club have suggested that the 22-year-old Danish striker is determined to stay and prove himself under Amorim’s leadership as he still has three years remaining on his current contract.

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  With each passing day, United are under pressure to resolve their striker woes. A possible exchange deal with Chelsea, where Nicolas Jackson could make his way to Old Trafford in return for Alejandro Garnacho, is being mooted, but talks are still in preliminary stages, and it remains to be seen whether the two clubs can agree on terms.