Khary Pierre is on the verge of turning his dream of playing a Test for West Indies into reality. He just needed to wait 34 years. Pierre was picked in West Indies’ squad as the second spinner for their tour to India, which starts this week, and he was over the moon when he found out.”I was actually playing CPL, with St Lucia Kings when I first got the news,” Pierre said. “It’s a great honour, privilege to represent the West Indies, something that I dreamt of when I was young; watching the West Indies play, the likes of Brian Lara and these guys, just watching Test cricket. I was really happy, I couldn’t put together words [to describe] the feeling at that moment.”A part of the youth-cricket system in Trinidad, Pierre had to wait till he was 25 to make his first-class debut. It’s taken him nine years to graduate from that level up to Test cricket but through it all he never lost hope. The left-arm spinner has played 35 red-ball matches and taken 111 wickets at an average of 22.81. He also has a first-class century to his name.Related

• The weight of the maroon cap: West Indies face test of identity in India

• Sammy confident pace attack will help West Indies pull a New Zealand on India

• Unfamiliar five – Warrican, Pierre among players who can challenge India

• Alzarri Joseph ruled out of India Test series with lower-back injury

“There’s the youth level,” Pierre said, “Going up from under-15, under-17, under-19, and I was in all these things. I made my debut for Trinidad. It was tough, but I never gave up, just putting in the extra work. I always tend to want to do more. Even after practice, [I want to] bowl more balls, hit more balls. As I always say, ‘hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.’ I always take that and put it towards my game.”Earlier this year, with 41 wickets in seven games at an average of 13.56, Pierre topped the bowling charts in the West Indies Championship, the regional first-class competition. He attributed this success to his “trademark” quality built around not sparing effort.”I was just trying to enjoy my cricket. I think that was the key to my success this season in the Championship. I was taking the outcome out of it and [focusing on] giving a 110%. I’m a cricketer that will always give 110% when I enter the cricket field, I leave everything in the cricket field – blood, sweat, tears – and that was my trademark this season and it paid off. So, I’m really happy.”When asked about his strengths, Pierre’s response echoed what CWI’s senior talent manager Jamal Smith said about him last week.”I would say control, consistency, just trying to stay full at the batsman as much as possible. Variations, using the crease, just trying to outfox the batsman – I think that is the aim of any spinner – use angles and stuff like that.”

South Africa left-arm spinner’s celebration of a wicket lands her in trouble

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2025

Nonkululeko Mlaba picked up 2 for 46 in South Africa’s win over India•BCCI

South Africa left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was handed a demerit point for breaching the ICC’s code of conduct during the match against India at the Women’s World Cup.The incident occurred in the 17th over of India’s innings, when Mlaba, after dismissing Harleen Deol, waved goodbye to the batter, which an ICC release on Saturday noted, “could have provoked an aggressive response”Mlaba was judged to have breached Article 2.5, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”Related

• Pat Cummins might miss the first Test after being abducted by aliens

• South Africa eye NRR boost against Bangladesh

• De Klerk upstages Ghosh as South Africa win thriller

On-field umpires Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton, third umpire Candace le Borde and fourth umpire Sue Redfern levelled the charge. Mlaba admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Trudy Anderson. The sanction also included an official reprimand.Mlaba will carry this demerit point into a 24-month period. When a player reaches four or more demerit points within this period, they can be suspended for one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first.South Africa clinched a thriller against India on Thursday, chasing down 252 to post their second win in three games of the World Cup. Mlaba picked up 2 for 46 in the game.

MatériaMais Notícias

da heads bet： Em mais uma ação para celebrar o aniversário de 103 anos, o Fortaleza lançou oficialmente o seu novo uniforme. Com referência à origem francesa do Tricolor de Aço, a camisa se chama “Cinq”, cinco em francês, e homenageia os cinco anos da marca própria do clube na fabricação de uniformes e materiais esportivos.

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da bet nacional： Galo líder e Juventude na lanterna: veja a classificação do returno do Brasileirão

Além disso, também no ano de 2016, o goleiro Marcelo Boeck, ídolo da torcida, foi contratado pelo Tricolor do Pici. Dessa forma, o “Cinq” comemora os cinco anos de marca própria do clube e o quinto ano de Boeck vestindo a camisa do Leão.

O terceiro uniforme foi lançado hoje, e a pré-venda teve início no último dia 10, pelo site https://cinq1918.com.br/.

FORTALEZA TERMINA NO G4? SIMULE OS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO

– As camisas de linha e de goleiro trazem no seu design o mapa da cidade, fazendo uma alusão à presença do torcedor que está em todas as regiões de Fortaleza, assim como os produtos da marca própria. Durante cinco anos, a marca do clube cresceu, está no dia a dia das pessoas, seja em camisas de jogo, casuais, camisas de passeio, social. Além disso, temos os produtos licenciados, ou seja, o torcedor hoje pode viver o Fortaleza em todos os momentos do seu dia a dia – explicou Bruno Bayma, gerente de projetos do Leão do Pici.

A entrega das camisas para quem comprar na pré-venda se inicia no dia 19 de novembro.Sócios possuem 20% de desconto durante a pré-venda; para não sócios, o desconto é de 10%

Valores:
R$ 259,90 masculina
R$ 249,90 feminina e infantil

da aviator aposta： The last 12 months have been nothing short of a disaster for Manchester United, with the club falling way below the high standards it has set for itself in years prior.

da apostaganha： Ruben Amorim led the side to a measly 15th-place finish in 2024/25, with such a position their lowest since the Premier League’s formation way back in 1992.

Despite such a disappointing year last time around, the hierarchy maintained confidence in the 40-year-old to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

He was subsequently handed a £200m injection into the first-team squad by the board in an attempt to help transform the situation and catapult the side up the table.

However, one player who has so often produced the goods for the Red Devils has fallen way below his own high standards during the early stages of 2025/26.

Bruno Fernandes’ struggles in 2025/26 for United

Last season, Bruno Fernandes was undoubtedly United’s biggest threat within attacking areas, with his contributions saving the club in countless key moments.

The Portuguese international popped up with 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions, undoubtedly preventing the side from an even lower top-flight finish.

However, he was subject to interest from Saudi Arabia during the summer, but he rejected the eye-watering contract in favour of remaining in Manchester.

The 30-year-old has struggled to replicate such form in the last couple of weeks, with the club captain only registering two combined goals and assists in his first outings.

He’s also missed two spot kicks to date, one against Brentford and the other against Fulham – with both misses undoubtedly costing the Red Devils key points.

Amid the big spending in the final third, Fernandes has had to drop into a slightly deeper role, which will have no doubt restricted him from making the desired impact.

As a result, the 30-year-old could well find himself further down the pecking order in the years ahead, with one player potentially inheriting his current squad number.

The Man United player who could steal the #8 from Bruno

A new midfielder was on the agenda for United during the summer transfer window, but they struggled to identify the key fit needed to improve the squad.

Carlos Baleba was one player hugely touted with a switch to Old Trafford, but his £100m asking price saw the Red Devils withdraw from negotiations, subsequently unable to identify an alternative.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are just two players who still remain as options at Amorim’s disposal, but are seen by many as players not good enough to take the side back up the table.

However, another option currently on their books is Kobbie Mainoo, but the Englishman has struggled to make a huge impact since Amorim was appointed last November.

The academy graduate managed just 20 starts in the Premier League last campaign, often being selected behind the aforementioned duo and Fernandes.

However, such a decision may come as a surprise, with the youngster enjoying a phenomenal 2023/24 season, scoring in the FA Cup final triumph against Manchester City in his breakthrough season. It was during that term that he was labelled as a future “£100m-plus footballer” by United writer Alex Turk

This campaign has been just as tricky for the midfielder, making five league appearances – all of which were off the bench, and only featuring for a total of 113 minutes.

The “incredible” star, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has previously managed to impress, even being compared to Declan Rice by FBref for his performances in the league last campaign.

Kobbie Mainoo – PL stats (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

25

Minutes played

1656

Pass accuracy

87%

Chances created

1.7

Successful dribbles

1.3

Tackles won

63%

Duels won

5.9

Interceptions made

1.2

Recoveries made

4.8

Stats via FotMob

He managed to outperform his compatriot in numerous key areas, further highlighting the talent he possesses when given the chance to star on a regular basis.

The Arsenal star cost a staggering £105m back in the summer of 2023, with such a fee being one of the highest in English history – but United could well have their own gem on their hands in Mainoo.

At just 20, he has bags of time to develop further and become a world-class talent, but he desperately needs the manager to put faith in him and give him the game time he needs.

With Bruno’s lack of impact as of late, the manager needs to give him an opportunity to stake his claim, with Mainoo having the tools to replace the Portuguese midfielder long term – subsequently taking his number in the process.

Related Fewer touches than Lammens: Man Utd star is on borrowed time under Amorim

Manchester United got back to winning ways with a vital win over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon

Posts ByRobbie Walls Oct 5, 2025

With the January transfer window in mind, Everton have already reportedly launched their first enquiry to sign an Arsenal star for David Moyes.

Moyes "hugely disappointed" by Wolves defeat

After losing the Merseyside derby against Liverpool last weekend in a performance that arguably warranted more, Everton entered their Carabao Cup clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers in search of victory. Once again, however, that victory did not arrive and it’s now three games without a win in all competitions for the Toffees.

With West Ham United up next, Moyes will play host to his struggling former club in hope of compiling their misery rather than handing them a glimmer of hope.

After a strong start to their season initially, the Toffees have no reason to panic, either. Their transfer business has looked particularly impressive, with Jack Grealish winning the Premier League’s Player of the Month in August and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also impressing.

Those at Hill Dickinson will be looking to continue their trend of impressive arrivals when the January transfer window opens, too. It’s then that they could even reportedly make a move to sign an Arsenal star.

Everton launch first Gabriel Jesus approach

As reported by Caught Offside, Everton have launched their first enquiry to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal. The Brazilian forward is reportedly considering his immediate future in an attempt to work his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup plans.

Currently out with an ACL injury until at least October, Jesus is likely to face a tough task when breaking into Mikel Arteta’s strongest Arsenal side with Viktor Gyokeres starting well and Kai Havertz to return. That does, however, leave the door ajar for Everton or others to make their move when January arrives.

Everton must rue losing homegrown Dibling with "unbelievably high ceiling"

Everton once released a star for nothing when he could have been a homegrown Tyler Dibling.

ByDan Emery Sep 25, 2025

Reporting the news, Mark Brus told Caught Offside: “Gabriel Jesus is open to leaving in January. He feels he can still get himself onto Carlo Ancelotti’s radar for the 2026 World Cup, but he needs to play.

“He’s tempted by a move back to Brazil, but there’s Premier League interest too – West Ham and Everton have made enquiries. Nothing more than that yet.”

That said, the deal is likely to be a complicated one to pull off in January thanks to the Brazilian’s hefty salary. Jesus reportedly earns around £265,000-a-week at Arsenal, which would instantly make him Everton’s highest earner above Grealish, Jordan Pickford and others.

Bryan Mbeumo has revealed his stance on a potential Cameroon national team call-up for the African Cup of Nations in December as the winger is determined to avoid the club vs country row. The AFCON 2025 kicks off in the last week of December, while the players are expected to link up with their respective national teams two weeks before the competition commences.

• Mbeumo off to a stellar start at United

  Mbeumo enjoyed a stellar campaign with Brentford in the 2024-25 season as he scored 20 league goals and provided eight assists in 38 matches and emerged as the Premier League's fourth-highest goalscorer. His impressive form for the Bees caught United boss Ruben Amorim's eye as the Portuguese coach splashed a whopping £65 million ($87m) to secure the winger's signing. Amorim identified the Cameroonian as a key part of his squad overhaul after overseeing a nightmare debut campaign at Old Trafford. 

  The 26-year-old has so far had an impressive outing in his maiden season with the Red Devils as he has scored four goals and contributed with an assist in 10 league matches. Last month, Mbeumo recorded three goals and one assist, playing a pivotal role in United’s turnaround after a sluggish start to the season. His all-action displays reflected both his maturity and tactical intelligence under Amorim, who has given the 26-year-old the freedom to attack from the right-hand side while drifting into central positions. It also helped him bag the Premier League Player of the Month for October. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Mbeumo wants to avoid club vs country row over AFCON participation

  Mbeumo is expected to receive a national team call-up next month as Cameroon are all set to take part in the AFCON 2025. The tournament starts on December 21 and according to FIFA’s international competition regulations, clubs must release players two weeks before the start of major tournaments to allow for preparation. United are scheduled to face Wolves on December 8, the day Cameroon are expected to begin their preparations. 

  reports that the Red Devils will urge the Cameroon Football Association, led by legendary striker Samuel Eto’o, to allow Mbeumo to stay in England for the club's crucial fixtures against Bournemouth and Aston Villa on December 13 and 21 respectively. 

  The report adds that Mbeumo is very clear about his stance on this potential conflict, as he is determined not to upset either his employers or his country and wants a clear agreement between all parties in the coming weeks.

• Amorim's stance on AFCON issue

  Other than Mbeumo, United will also miss key first team figures like Noussair Mazraoui and Amad, who are expected to represent Morocco and Ivory Coast respectively, at the continental competition. Speaking about missing three of their star players in December, United boss Amorim said: "We will have time to suffer. We are going to struggle a little bit, but we already knew it's going to be an opportunity. When I watch the training, there are players that should be playing, but it's hard with one game to take some players from the team, because they are doing well also during the training in games. So other players are going to have the opportunity to help us. They are understanding the way we want to play, so if we are improving on that, the change of characteristics is not going to change the idea or the momentum of the team. But let's use Amad and Bryan in these games and we will see in general."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  United aim to get back to winning ways

  After a brilliant run of form in October, where they won three games in a row, something United had failed to achieve earlier in the Amorim era, their form somewhat took a dip as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Forest last weekend. Despite the draw, United have moved up to the eighth position in the Premier League table, courtesy of collecting 10 points in their last four games. They will now aim to get back to winning ways on Saturday as they travel to north London to face Tottenham. 

Varun Chakravarthy also made the cut as India picked three spinners for their Asia Cup opener

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Sep-20252:34

Bangar: Samson deserves a slot in the top three

India won their first toss in 16 attempts across formats, and chose to bowl first in their Asia Cup opener against UAE. Suryakumar Yadav, the India captain, felt there was a chance of dew later in the match on a humid evening in Dubai.Muhammad Waseem, the UAE captain, said he would have preferred to bowl first too, and expected a bit of early help for the seamers.India sprang a few surprises with their selection. They retained Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper, despite the return of Shubman Gill to the top of the order displacing him into a middle-order role more familiar to Jitesh Sharma. They also picked both their wristspinners in Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.This left the issue of whether they would prioritise depth in their batting or their seam attack. They went with the former, picking the allrounder Shivam Dube rather than a second frontline quick in Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana. Jasprit Bumrah starts as the only specialist quick, with Hardik Pandya expected to partner him with the new ball.Related

Gill and Abhishek begin new chapter in old bromance

UAE made one change to the XI that played their last match, the four-wicket loss to Afghanistan in the recent home tri-series, bringing in the offspin-bowling allrounder Dhruv Parashar for the legspinner Muhammad FarooqIndia: 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Sanju Samson (wk), 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit BumrahUAE: 1 Muhammad Zohaib, 2 Muhammad Waseem (capt), 3 Asif Khan, 4 Alishan Sharafu, 5 Rahul Chopra (wk), 6 Dhruv Parashar, 7 Harshit Kaushik, 8 Haider Ali, 9 Muhammad Rohid, 10 Junaid Siddique, 11 Simranjeet Singh

In the BBL a new batter must be ready to face up within 75 seconds of a wicket falling

AAP01-Jan-2023

Adelaide Strikers overseas player Adam Hose believes Marcus Stoinis was too slow to face the first delivery of his matchwinning knock and the 75-second timed out rule should have been enforced.Stoinis blasted his way back to form on New Year’s Eve, crunching 74 off 35 deliveries in the Melbourne Stars’ eight-run win at Adelaide Oval. But according to Hose, Stoinis could have been sent packing first ball had the umpires upheld the Strikers’ appeal.The rule states that at the fall of a wicket, the incoming batter must be ready to face within 75 seconds. If the batter fails to arrive in time, they must stand to the side of the pitch for the first delivery of their innings and allow the bowler – in this case Wes Agar – a free ball at the stumps. If the ball strikes the wicket, the batter is out bowled.Related

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“To be honest, I was at cover for his first ball and I’m pretty certain he timed out – 75 seconds, he wasn’t ready,” Hose said. “I just hope that if it is the rule then we can play by it. That’s my only experience of the clock being run out.”We asked the question, we appealed, but nothing happened. I’m pretty certain his time was up.”Eleven days earlier, against Sydney Thunder, Hose, the incoming batter, was still scratching his guard and gardening when batting partner Matt Short yelled “Hosie, face up” as the 75-second countdown almost expired.”Umpires have been very hot on me the last couple of games getting to the crease,” Hose said. “I’ve been warned about it a few times and had to change my first-ball routine.”I guess that’s why my frustration came in, because they’ve been very hot on me. I just hope, moving forward into the rest of the tournament, if it’s going to be a rule then it has to be enforced.”Stoinis was aware of the ticking clock but rejected Hose’s claim, insisting Adelaide’s field was not set in time.”I checked centre [guard], then I was standing off because I could see the field moving,” he said. “I actually didn’t know that I had to stand there regardless.”Stoinis was also critical of the Strikers’ appeal for a timed out call against Hilton Cartwright in the 14th over.”The same thing happened with Hilts,” Stoinis said. “They [Strikers] appealed for that but the field was moving so it ended up being a dead ball. I wouldn’t appeal [for that]. The rule is in place if someone is trying to take advantage and slow the game down.”

During the last decade or so, Celtic supporters have been blessed to witness some ultra-talented players donning the famous green and white hoops.

Earlier this year, the Daily Record declared the Scottish champions as the “best run club in Britain” with reference to their very successful transfer strategy of buying unknown younger players, giving them a platform on which to shine before selling them for huge profits.

Matt O’Riley was the latest player on this conveyor belt, departing for Brighton for £25m this summer, having been signed from Milton Keynes Dons for a mere £1.5m, but there are countless other examples from the recent past too, including a certain Virgil van Dijk.

Virgil van Dijk's time at Celtic

Without a doubt, the most high-profile player to have featured for Celtic in the last two decades is Van Dijk.

Signed from Groningen for a mere £2.6m transfer fee, it became apparent that the Dutch defender, still in his early 20s, was simply too good for Scottish Premiership level, with manager Neil Lennon later admitting he told van Dijk, during his very first day at Lennoxtown, to “enjoy yourself… you won’t be here long”.

Appearances

115

Minutes

10,020

Goals

15

Trophies

3

Ultimately, following Celtic’s Champions League play-off round defeat to Malmö in 2016, van Dijk was sold to Southampton for around £13m, before then moving to Liverpool for then moving to Liverpool for £75m, at the time becoming the most expensive defender in history, with the Hoops reportedly pocketing more than £6m through a sell-on clause.

Given that van Dijk has gone onto become the undisputed best centre-back in the Premier League, winning the Champions League and finishing second in the 2019 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind only, arguably, the greatest player to ever play this sport, it is mind-blowing that this guy played for Celtic, banging in free-kicks at a half-empty Hampden during a 3-2 defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle.

However, there is another former Celtic defender out there who could ultimately eclipse all that his fellow Dutchman Van Dijk has achieved.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

The former Celtic star rated more highly than Van Dijk

When Jeremie Frimpong arrived at Celtic from Manchester City for a mere £300,000, he was just 18-years old and had never made a senior appearance in his life.

However, he instantaneously became a fans’ favourite, actually named Celtic’s Young Player of the Year by supporters following his debut campaign in Glasgow.

During that season’s League Cup Final, Frimpong was sent off for committing a last-man foul on Rangers’ striker Alfredo Morelos.

However, Fraser Forster saved the subsequent spot-kick, with Lennon’s side holding on for a famous 1-0 victory over their fiercest rivals in the pouring rain, with Frimpong giving this post-match interview to BT Sport, which will forever endear him to the fanbase.

The club even launched a range of “Oh My Days” t-shirts with Frimpong, enthusiastically as ever, saying: “I never expected to have my own t-shirt, I’m really happy about it!”.

Appearances

51

Minutes

3,865

Goals

3

Assists

8

Trophies

3

Frimpong was then sold to Bayer Leverkusen for £11.5m in January 2021 and his stock has only skyrocketed subsequently.

Last season, he was something of a “cheat code” in the words of scout Antonio Mango, deployed in an attack-minded, right-wing-back role, Frimpong was a key figure for Bayer, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists.

This came as die Werkself went through an entire Bundesliga campaign unbeaten, the first side to achieve this in German top-flight history, hoisting aloft the Meisterschale for the very first time, also getting their hands on the DFB-Pokal, their sole defeat of the entire campaign, in any competition, May’s Europa League Final loss to Atalanta.

Already this season, even with die Schwarzroten unable to recapture their form from the title-winning campaign, Frimpong has two goals and an ultra-impressive seven assists to his name, most recently on target during Saturday’s victory over Union Berlin at Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

At international level too, he was handed his full-senior debut by Ronald Koeman in October 2023, scoring his first goal for the Oranje against Canada at De Kuip in June, predominantly deployed as a right-sided attacker for Holland, including starting in that role against France during the Euros.

Frimpong is routinely linked with a move away from Bayer, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid amongst those reportedly interested in his services.

This could be good news for Celtic supporters, given that the Hoops are entitled to a 30% sell-on clause, so, if Frimpong’s reported £34m release clause were to be met, £7.3 million would be heading the way of the Glasgow giants.

As it happens, this week, it was announced that Frimpong has been shortlisted by FIFA’s The Best for the best defender in the world award, a selection of 22 nominees that actually features Celtic’s current incumbent at right-back Alistair Johnston, as well as some slightly more high-profile names.

That being said, it doesn’t feature a certain Van Dijk, suggesting that the game’s biggest organisation see Frimpong ahead of him at this stage of their two careers.

The right-back, still only 23-years old, looks set to be the next sensation that no one can quite believe used to play for Celtic.

Celtic have found their own Lennon Miller in 10/10 "game winner"

Celtic may have found their own answer to the Motherwell star Lennon Miller.

1 ByDan Emery Dec 3, 2024

da pinnacle： In the 2018/19 season, Chelsea spent €208.80m (£172.4m) making three huge permanent signings for Maurizio Sarri, alongside two loan deals for Mateo Kovacic and Gonzalo Higuain.

da fazobetai： During this season, the Blues finished third in the Premier League and won the UEFA Europa League, beating Arsenal 4-1 in Baku. Jorginho was seen as the most important of these signings, as he played a key role for Sarri at Napoli, and was looking to translate that system to the Premier League, bringing the Italian midfielder with him.

But the most expensive signing made that summer, has caused controversy from the very beginning, from a moment where he refused to be subbed off, to the present, where he clearly isn’t worth the wages he’s earning for the club.

Chelsea's costly transfer mistake

Chelsea signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for a fee of around £71.6m, arrived to replace Thibaut Courtois, who joined Real Madrid for around £35m in the same summer window.

Speaking at the time, Blues director Marina Granovskaia outlined her excitement at the capture of the 23-year-old, stating:

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.

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The former Bilbao man made 160 appearances for the club, keeping 59 clean sheets, conceding 175 goals and totalling 14,523 minutes played, yet has largely failed to convince over the past six years or so.

The Spanish keeper was often criticised for his form at Chelsea, with pundit Ian Wright notably stating back in 2023 that he simply “makes too many mistakes”. Indeed, the 2020/21 campaign, for instance, saw him lead the way in the division among his fellow ‘keepers, with regard to errors leading to goals (three).

The 30-year-old is earning £150k-per-week at Chelsea, but is currently out on loan with Bournemouth this season, with the Cherries paying half of his wages (£75k).

But when he returns to the club next season, Kepa will have one year left on his deal, taking him to June 2026.

Whilst Chelsea’s goalkeeper position is far from secure, the club will want to move Kepa’s high wages on, keeping their current selection of shotstoppers on more reasonable wages, and potentially looking to acquire a new number one when the time is right.

How Kepa compares to Chelsea's current goalkeepers

Robert Sanchez was signed from Brighton in 2023, joining the club for a fee of around £25m. Since joining, the 27-year-old has made 36 appearances in all competitions, conceding 48 goals, keeping eight clean sheets and totalling 3,234 minutes played.

Chelsea also made another signing in this department during the summer, acquiring Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal for a fee of around £20.7m. The 22-year-old has made ten appearances for the Blues so far, conceding just nine goals, keeping four clean sheets and totalling 900 minutes played.

Sanchez vs Kepa vs Jorgensen comparison

Stats (per 90 mins)

Sanchez

Kepa

Jorgensen

Goals Against

1.29

1.45

0.88

Shots on Target Against

4.52

4.64

4.38

Saves

3.23

3.18

3.50

Save %

77.1%

70.6%

80.0%

Clean Sheets

0.19

0.18

0.38

Clean Sheets %

20.0%

18.2%

37.5%

Passes Attempted

38.0

25.0

37.2

Crosses Stopped

1.33

0.73

0.83

Stats taken from FBref

When comparing the three goalkeepers’ performances this season, Kepa has the worst save percentage despite conceding the most shots against him, has conceded the most goals per 90, and has made the fewest passes (mainly down to Bournemouth’s direct playstyle).

The two current Chelsea options have performed better, making more saves despite facing fewer shots, conceding fewer goals per 90, making more passes per 90 and stopping more crosses/commanding their area better.

Considering both Sanchez and Jorgensen are performing better and are on lower wages – earning £60k-per-week and £50k-per-week, respectively – Chelsea should certainly look to move the Granovskaia signing on at the end of the season, whether that is to Bournemouth on a permanent deal or elsewhere.

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Posts ByConnor Holden Dec 18, 2024