Tag Futebol

The big picture: RCB hope to get some cricket

On May 7, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) rolled into Lucknow brimming with the confidence of a rare double over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and hungry to strengthen their chances of a top-two finish. But just hours prior to their scheduled fixture against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they were informed that IPL 2025 was being temporarily suspended.It has been more than two weeks since then and RCB are still searching for a game of cricket. The in-between period had seen players head home only to quickly dash back (except for Josh Hazlewood who is nursing a shoulder niggle but is expected to return soon), even as Bengaluru has seen relentless rain.Their home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that should have restarted the season last Saturday was abandoned without a ball bowled. And for three full days after that, RCB were left wondering if the Friday fixture would suffer a similar fate.Related

• Hazlewood expected to return to IPL for playoffs

• RCB bring in Muzarabani as Ngidi's temporary replacement

• Seifert named as Bethell's temporary replacement at RCB

Just as all that bottled-up intensity began to find refuge at pickleball and badminton, RCB were informed of another late move: head to Lucknow, again. First for a “home” fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) before rounding off their league phase with an “away” fixture at the same venue. RCB shouldn’t mind that, really – they have a flawless away record this season.The only difference from when RCB last came to Lucknow is that they have one more point in the kitty that has guaranteed a playoffs spot – their fifth in the last six seasons. But they are trying to scale peaks they haven’t since 2016 – a top-two spot. For that, it could yet be possible that RCB will need to win both of their remaining games and hope for other results to go their way. They will have the advantage of knowing what they should do. Ironically, even this season, the calculators continue to torment them.SRH haven’t had a lot of cricket themselves. They utilised the break, thanks to the scheduling prior to the tournament’s suspension, to dash off to the Maldives for rejuvenation. They had barely regrouped when asked to disband. Upon resumption, they put together a complete game to see off LSG three nights ago.While SRH are already eliminated from the playoffs race, they have two more games to aim for a mid-table finish and try the combinations that could lay the foundation for 2026.2:25

Moody: Too long a break for RCB

Form guide

Royal Challengers Bengaluru WWWWL
Sunrisers Hyderabad WLWLL

In the spotlight: Rajat Patidar and Travis Head

Rajat Patidar’s form had dipped significantly before the IPL took a pause, as he averaged just 10.6 in his last five innings, compared to 37.2 in his first five games. Heading to Lucknow, Patidar can take solace in the fact that his away form has been far more promising than his form in Bengaluru, where he has averaged just 14.4 at a strike rate of 101. Both his half-centuries have come on the road, where his strike rate is 169. While a hand injury had only added to his growing concerns, the extended break has allowed him time to recover.It’s been a frustrating season for Travis Head, whose average has dropped from 40.5 in 2024 to 28.1 this year. The once-feared opening pair of Head and Abhishek Sharma, dubbed Travishek, hasn’t had the same impact, with their average falling from 49.4 to 36.5. Apart from a 171-run stand in a chase against Punjab Kings (PBKS), they have struggled to make a mark. Now fully recovered from Covid, can Head rejoin Abhishek to deliver a parting gift for SRH fans in the remaining games?4:12

What went wrong for Ishan Kishan at SRH?

Team news and probable XII

Hazlewood is yet to return, but all other squad members are available. RCB will have a decision to make on their No. 3 in the wake of Devdutt Padikkal’s injury. Indications are it will be the experienced Mayank Agarwal.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable): 1 Phil Salt, 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Mayank Agarwal, 4 Rajat Patidar (capt), 5 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6 Romario Shepherd, 7 Tim David, 8 Krunal Pandya, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Yash Dayal, 11 Lungi Ngidi, 12 Suyash SharmaHead has been declared fit and is likely to slot back into the XII. Jaydev Unadkat, who missed the previous game, has also rejoined the squad.Sunrisers Hyderabad (probable): 1 Travis Head, 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Ishan Kishan (wk), 4 Nitish Reddy, 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 Aniket Verma, 7 Abhinav Manohar, 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Harshal Patel, 10 Harsh Dubey, 11 Eshan Malinga, 12 Jaydev Unadkat

The big question

Pitch and conditions

The LSG-SRH game three nights ago was played on a black-soil deck. Friday’s fixture will be played on a red-soil pitch at RCB’s preference, as they are the home team. That means more bounce and carry, and a possibility of sharp turn. RCB also have the advantage of significant intel on the venue, with Andy Flower having coached LSG for two seasons, and Krunal Pandya having played under him there.

Stats and trivia

• Virat Kohli is one away from surpassing David Warner (62) for the most half-centuries in IPL history. Kohli comes in on the back of four consecutive 50-plus scores.
• RCB’s economy of 10.2 is the second-best among all teams in the death overs.
• Since starting the season with a century, Ishan Kishan has averaged just 13.9 and crossed 30 only twice in ten games.
• SRH have taken the least wickets by a spin unit (ten) while also having the highest economy (10) for this variety of bowling.
• Tim David’s 11 sixes are the most by a batter between overs 17-20 this season. It mirrors RCB’s death-overs scoring, which is the highest (12.4) for any team.

Quotes

“We’ve got a good record away, we’ve been able to flex for the away conditions really well and I am backing our players to do that again tomorrow. So we’re okay playing here at this point.”

Greg Vanney knows LA Galaxy’s season has been a disappointment, with the reigning MLS champions bottom of the Western Conference and out of the playoffs. But on Wednesday at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Campeones Cup final against Toluca offers a chance to salvage something meaningful, with Vanney viewing a trophy as a vital boost for his players and the club.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Contrasting champions

   Vanney reflected on the team’s performance and the challenge ahead against Toluca.

  “The first half of the season was a bit disappointing, but in the second half we’ve been much more solid and consistent,” Vanney said at the Campeones Cup media day. “We performed well in the Leagues Cup, our results and play have been steadier, and this is a great opportunity to finish the season strong.”

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Vanney eyes Champions Cup momentum

  Vanney stressed that beating Toluca would be a valuable momentum boost. 

  “We’ve secured a spot in the next Champions Cup, which is definitely a positive. Now we have the chance to add another trophy to our cabinet – a milestone for the players who have been with us all season," Vanney said. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'You have to respect their efficiency'

  Vanney compared Toluca, the defending Liga MX champions, to Cruz Azul, a team they previously drew with in the Leagues Cup but ultimately lost to on penalties. 

  “They’re a team with quality across the pitch and presented some interesting challenges when we faced them. Defensively, they can be very aggressive and mark tightly, yet they maintain a solid structure. In attack, they have versatile players who can score with very few chances. You have to respect that efficiency.”

  Toluca, for their part, have also stressed winning the Campeones Cup would be vital for their side. 

  “We’re motivated to keep competing for every trophy. There’s no clear favorite; it will be a very even match, but we trust in our strengths to reach the goal,” Manager Antonio Mohamed said. “We didn’t lose any game on the field, only on penalties. 

  "That was hard to take, but since then, the team has improved in many areas – competitiveness, fitness, and mentality. We’re in a much better moment now."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Confidence is high

  Galaxy midfielder Edwin Cerrillo, who helped the team lift the 2024 MLS Cup, echoed Vanney's sentiments. 

  “This is a big chance to win another title with this club. Thanks to our strong performance last year, we’re in this position. Toluca is a strong team that deserves respect, but we also have confidence in ourselves," he said. 

First three overs: 53 runs, Last two overs: 36 runs, 15 overs in between: 74 runs.In what was a bizarre innings, Delhi Capitals (DC) restricted Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to 163 for 7 in their second away match in IPL 2025. But, for a while, it seemed the narrative would be a lot different.Sent into bat, Phil Salt had just one agenda on mind: to send every ball he faced out of the stadium. He wreaked havoc in the first three overs smashing four fours and three sixes as he finished with 37 off just 17 balls.The highlight of his knock was laying into Mitchell Starc. Salt smoked him for three fours and two sixes in the third over of the innings, which went for 30 in all as RCB crossed the 50 mark in three overs. This was RCB’s second-quickest team fifty of all time.But then it all went downhill.Salt flat-batted Axar Patel to extra cover and set off. Virat Kohli also took a few steps down before backtracking and Salt, who slipped mid pitch, was run out. RCB, who had scored 53 runs in the first three overs, added just 11 in the next three with Mukesh Kumar also slipping in a wicket-maiden.Vipraj Nigam was smashed for six over long-on by Kohli, but the legspinner came back in style. He kept tossing the ball up and Kohli’s attempted inside-out shot ended up in the hands of Starc who took a good catch running to his left from long-off.The middle overs belonged to DC through and through. Kuldeep Yadav was relentless with his lengths and also got the wickets of Jitesh Sharma and Rajat Patidar as he finished with 2 for 17 off his four overs. Nigam was also frugal as he picked 2 for 18 in his four overs.That RCB reached 163 was down to Tim David’s late bash where he smashed four sixes and two fours in the last two overs to finish unbeaten on 37 of 20 balls.

Leeds United are looking to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch before the transfer window officially slams shut for another year this evening.

The Whites were reportedly looking to sign Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week to add to their attacking midfield ranks, after he spent last season on loan at Leicester City.

Unfortunately, Chelsea decided to pursue a loan move for the Argentine playmaker and are now closing in on a deal to add him to their squad at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds were, of course, unable to compete with the Champions League football that Enzo Maresca’s side have on offer, and look set to miss out on Buonanotte.

Leeds have playmaker on their radar

The Championship champions are still in need of another option in the frontline after missing out on the Brighton youngster, and are reportedly looking further afield for an alternative.

Transfer Focus

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

According to LeedsLive, Krasnodar attacking midfielder Eduard Spertsyan has emerged as a potential option for Leeds United on deadline day, as they could make a last-gasp move for the star.

The report claims that the Armenia international is one of a number of playmakers on the club’s radar as they look to bolster their options in that position before the window slams shut.

It adds that Bilal El Khannouss, Dilane Bakwa, and Manor Solomon are also being looked at by the Whites, as they look at traditional number tens and natural wingers on both sides.

Daniel Farke, though, worked with Spertsyan, who was linked with an £11m move to Southampton earlier this summer, and he may be a shrewd addition to the squad.

Why Leeds should sign Eduard Spertsyan

The West Yorkshire outfit should look to pursue a deadline day deal for the Armenian star because he could be an even better option than Buonanotte as an attacking midfielder.

Spertsyan has not experienced English football before, so it would be a risk in that respect, but his form for Krasnodar suggests that he has the potential to be an incredibly exciting addition to the squad.

The 25-year-old star, who was described as an “elegant” player by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is heading into the prime years of his career and could offer a huge threat at the top end of the pitch if he can adapt to the Premier League.

Appearances

28

7

Goals

11

4

Big chances missed

5

1

Key passes per game

2.1

3.9

Big chances created

6

5

Assists

6

8

As you can see in the table above, Spertsyan has delivered 15 goals and 14 assists in his last 35 appearances in the Russian Premier League, including eight assists in seven games this season.

These statistics show that the £11m-rated star is an incredibly creative player who looks to play key passes constantly each match, whilst he can also provide a significant threat as a goalscorer.

Meanwhile, Buonanotte has produced eight goals and three assists in 58 outings in the English Premier League in the last two seasons for Leicester and Brighton combined, per Sofascore.

This suggests that Spertsyan would be an even better signing for Leeds if they can get him to translate his performances for Krasnodar over to English football this season.

It would be a risky addition, given his lack of experience in England, but his immense form in Russia suggests that it could be worth the risk as an alternative to Buonanotte, who has not delivered consistently in the final third in his career to date.

James upgrade: Leeds are in late talks to seal "remarkable" £20m signing

Leeds United are reportedly in talks to sign a star who could be an upgrade on Dan James.

1 ByDan Emery Aug 31, 2025

Nottingham Forest have followed up their sensational Premier League campaign last season with what is shaping up to be an exciting summer of transfer business.

The Tricky Trees might not have signed as many players as they have in windows past, but in Dan Ndoye, Igor Jesus, and Jair Cunha, they’ve added some real quality to the side.

Moreover, while they have lost Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United, they’ve managed to tie Morgan Gibbs-White down with a new deal.

And now, if reports are to be believed, the club are about to sign a goalscoring forward who has been compared to Yoane Wissa.

Forest target their own Wissa

While it now looks like Wissa will probably be making his way to the North East this summer to join Newcastle United, it wasn’t that long ago that Forest were in the mix for him.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

It’s easy to see why Nuno and Co might’ve wanted the Congolese ace to move to the City Ground, as he racked up a stellar haul of 20 goals and five assists in just 39 appearances for Brentford last summer.

However, fans shouldn’t be too down about missing out on the 28-year-old, as it looks like the club are now closing in on a forward who could be their own version of him.

At least that’s according to a recent report from the continent, who claims that Forest are now incredibly close to signing Arnaud Kalimuendo.

In fact, the Belgian journalist has revealed that the Gariabaldi have now “agreed” to pay Stade Rennais €30m – £26m – for the incredibly dangerous centre-forward and that personal terms are already sorted.

While the fee is still significant, this looks like a great bit of business from Forest, especially as Kalimuendo has been compared to the dangerous Wissa.

How Kalimuendo compares to Wissa

Now, there are plenty of clear and somewhat surface-level similarities between Kalimuendo and Wissa, such as the fact that they’re both goalscoring centre-forwards who play in one of Europe’s top leagues and look to be on the move this summer.

However, in this instance, the primary comparison stems from FBref, which has analysed players in similar positions across Europe’s top-five leagues and concluded that the Brentford star has been the tenth most similar forward to the Rennes ace over the last 365 days.

The best way to understand how such a conclusion was reached is to examine the underlying numbers where the pair ranks closely.

Kalimuendo & Wissa

Statistics per 90

Kalimuendo

Wissa

Expected Goals

0.52

0.57

Goals

0.59

0.59

Assists

0.10

0.12

Progressive Carries

1.75

1.85

Passing Accuracy

78.8%

76.5%

Expected Assists

0.07

0.06

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.49

0.40

Tackles

0.66

0.68

Clearances

0.56

0.65

Successful Take-On %

33.9%

30.6%

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Campaign

The metrics include things such as expected and actual goals, expected and actual assists, passes into the penalty area, successful take-on percentage, tackles and more, all per 90.

It’s clear from these similarities that the 23-year-old has the ability to become just as dangerous a striker as the Bees ace and that he does not shirk his defensive duties either.

However, away from the statistical similarities to the Premier League star, the other reason Forest should be going all out to sign the France U21 star is the fact that he was a lean, mean output machine last season.

For example, the Suresnes-born monster, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig described as being “one of the most prolific” players around, scored 18 goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances, totalling 2681 minutes.

That means he managed to average a goal involvement every 1.54 games, or every 121.86 minutes, which sounds like the sort of numbers which could help push Nuno’s side even further up the table.

Ultimately, while he’s not as well known in England as Wissa, Forest look like they have got themselves a seriously impressive striker in Kalimuendo and someone who could be their own version of the Brentford man.

Related Their new Gibbs-White: Nottingham Forest in race to land £30m star on loan

The hugely exciting gem could be a game-changer for Forest this season.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 14, 2025

David Warner has been named Sydney Thunder captain for this season’s BBL after his leadership ban was overturned last month.Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct Commission ruled that Warner’s ban, which was handed down after the Newlands ball-tampering scandal in 2018 and prevented him holding any leadership position in Australian cricket, should no longer be in place. It opened up the route for Warner to captain Thunder with him available for the entire season.Related

• 'Squashed': Warner calls for CA to explain India A ball change

• Warner signs for full BBL, Smith inks three-year Sixers deal

• Warner's leadership ban overturned by Cricket Australia

“Quite clearly that was the last piece of that puzzle for me, and now it’s about coming out and sharing my knowledge of the game,” Warner said on being able to move on from the leadership ban. “Forever, that was probably going to be on my CV as well. You don’t want to look back when you go for a job interview and have ‘banned for life from a leadership perspective’ on your CV. That’s something that I’ll be able to now share with my girls moving forward that I’m able to actually be a leader.”After a failed attempt to overturn the ban in 2022, amid calls for the hearing to be public, Warner admitted he thought his chance had gone”I think two years ago that was probably me done,” he said. “I thought I probably wouldn’t revisit that. I didn’t even know if I was going to come back and play Big Bash”I was at that stage I was playing a Test match series [in 2022]..it could have easily been done prior to the series started but that’s why I withdrew it and I wanted to revisit that now,” he said. “It’s all done and dusted. I’m not playing for the Australian cricket team anymore and we don’t have to put the team in the spotlight.”Trent Copeland, the Thunder general manager who had been heavily involved in the appeal process, said it would help Warner cement a legacy at the club.”This is a huge moment for David and for our club,” he said. “It’s not only about his career; it’s about the legacy he’s creating, especially for his family and the next generation of players.”For the fans in Western Sydney who’ve long recognised David as a Thunder legend, it’s a special moment to now see him as their captain. This captaincy is about more than cricket; it’s about community, legacy, and helping our younger players gain the skills they need to succeed.”Warner has previously led Thunder once back in 2011 when he made an unbeaten 102 against Melbourne Stars. He has been appointed ahead of Chris Green who was captain last season when the team finished bottom.”I want to compliment the way Greeny led from the front,” Warner said. “He’s an exceptional talent with fantastic leadership qualities. Jason Sangha, too, before his injury. I gained great insight from both, and I know they’re guys I can lean on this season.”Speaking when the ban was lifted, Copeland said it was about more than Warner being able to lead a cricket team again.”This is far bigger than a cricket captaincy role. It’s leadership in a lifelong context,” he said. “This was about him, his daughters in particular, the legacy he wants to leave for his family. This is about Davey, his family and ultimately in our belief what is right at this point in time.”If that’s a lifelong ban, it’s still over him when he’s 50, 60. It just would never go away. It [what happened in 2018] may not ever go away, but I think at least this gives it a shot.”In their judgement, the review panel noted “the respectful and contrite tone of his [Warner’s] responses, as well as the content impressed the Review Panel and led it to the unanimous view that he was sincere and genuine in acknowledging responsibility for the conduct and in his statement that he had extreme remorse for his conduct.”Since his CA ban, Warner has captained teams in the BPL, IPL, and ILT20. The last time he led an Australian team was when he captained the T20I side against New Zealand in 2018.Thunder begin their BBL campaign against Adelaide Strikers in Canberra on December 17 before facing Sydney Sixers in the first derby clash at the Showground on December 21.

Tottenham are after a few more key summer signings before deadline day on September 1.

£43m star "clear" he wants to join Tottenham in talks with club chairman

He’s expressed his desire to seal a Spurs switch.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 15, 2025

Preferably for new manager Thomas Frank, they’d secure their desired targets before taking on European champions PSG in their looming UEFA Super Cup final, but it is rarely that straightforward when it comes to Spurs.

The Lilywhites are currently embroiled in a lengthy transfer saga involving Morgan Gibbs-White, who was due to have a medical on July 11 before Nottingham Forest blocked the 25-year-old’s move and threatened legal action against Spurs.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

This has caused an unceremonious delay, but Tottenham are optimistic they can still sign Gibbs-White behind-the-scenes (Fabrizio Romano), even if they may have to wait a bit longer before announcing the England international as their fifth major signing of the summer after Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

If Spurs’ £60 million deal for Gibbs-White goes through, then it would take Daniel Levy’s summer spending to around £172 million, providing they don’t have to pay Forest more compensation to sweeten the deal.

“The end result is that to get this deal done, Tottenham are probably gonna have to negotiate with Nottingham Forest a fee that includes not just the £60m release clause, but a little extra to effectively buy themselves out of the dispute, or walk away,” said Football Finance expert Stefan Borson to Football Insider.

“Now, we’ve seen in the past other teams have walked away. Of course, we know Liverpool walked away from Van Dijk and came back in January.

“I still think the most likely scenario is that Spurs are the only team that want to buy the player right now, that they’ll pay an extra, let’s say, £5-10m, maybe an extra £5m plus £5m, and the deal could get done. That would be the most likely outcome.”

As well as Gibbs-White, Tottenham are targeting a new number six, with Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on their list of potential targets, as reliably reported by Alasdair Gold.

The north Londoners are also contenders to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, alongside Newcastle United and Forest, with the Congolese recently travelling to London for talks over his future (Ben Jacobs).

Tottenham's four-word transfer promise to Thomas Frank

Whatever the outcome of these pursuits, it appears Levy and co are very active in the market right now, which links in to an alleged promise they’ve made Frank about recruitment this summer.

According to Spanish news outlet Diario AS, Tottenham have given Frank an encouraging four-word message in regard to their transfer plans before 2025/2026 – simply stating “investment and more investment” – as quoted by the outlet.

This comes as Levy looks to make a “statement” to the rest of the Premier League this summer, which comes as a promising bit of news for supporters who are about to watch Frank’s attempts to compete on multiple fronts.

They were once tipped for a ‘sell to buy’ summer at one stage, but their advancing talks over a stadium naming rights deal and rumoured cash injection from ENIC appear to have negated the need for high-profile players to depart.

Now, Frank is set to benefit, and as things stand, Levy is making good on the club’s pledge.

Liverpool are now looking to sign an attacking superstar who has been likened to Florian Wirtz to replace Luis Diaz in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Diaz linked with Liverpool summer exit

The future of Diaz has been a big talking point at Anfield in recent months, with the 28-year-old not exactly committing his future to the Reds, hinting that “negotiations” have taken place over an exit.

“We’re there, negotiating. We’ll see what can happen, for us and for the club. We’ll try to do our best and make the best decision. We’re in the process of negotiations, talking with the club, with Liverpool, with everyone who’s approaching us. But I’m very calm where I am, you know, very happy. Trying to make the best decision, now.”

Bayern Munich appear to be the front-runners to snap up Diaz before the summer transfer window reaches its conclusion, but it remains to be seen what his decision will be, with Liverpool reportedly not willing to hand him a contract extension.

If the Colombia international does move on, a top-quality replacement will need to be found by Liverpool, with Lyon’s Malick Fofana one player who has been mentioned as an option, as well as Newcastle United ace Anthony Gordon, who was backed up come in last year.

Liverpool express interest in Real Madrid's Rodrygo

According to AS, Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo to replace Diaz this summer, should the Colombian leave Anfield.

The 24-year-old Madrid ace is valued at as much as £112m by the La Liga giants, which is almost as much as the £116m the Reds paid Bayer Leverkusen for Wirtz, who he has been compared to as a player by FBref.

Rodrygo is arguably one of the world’s best wide attacking players currently, so the idea of him in a Liverpool shirt is a mouthwatering prospect.

The Brazil international has enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Madrid, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns, among other trophies, while Carlo Ancelotti has lauded him in the past.

“He is a special striker, he can play in all positions. He is fast, smart and effective one on one. The learning is over. He is a Real Madrid player for all purposes.”

In reality, though, Liverpool’s chances of signing Rodrygo appear to be unlikely, given the amount of money they would have to pay for him, having already spent a record-breaking amount on Wirtz.

Related Slot's next Wirtz: Liverpool in contact to sign "the new Haaland" for £78m

Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker in the summer transfer market.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 14, 2025

While the Reds’ finances appear to be good this summer, being able to splash out the same amount again feels like a stretch too far, and there is also no guarantee that Diaz will depart.

In what would be a frustrating start to his tenure, the 49ers are reportedly ready to take the decision out of Russell Martin’s hands and sell one of his best Rangers stars for a £19m profit.

49ers looking to commence Rangers business

The 49ers have wasted no time before getting things up and running in Scotland. The American owners have already solved Rangers’ managerial problem by hiring former Southampton boss Martin and the transfer rumours have been coming thick and fast ever since. Reports are even now suggesting that the Gers are closing in on signing Josh Mulligan from Dundee to officially get their business underway.

7 teams now chasing 'breakthrough' Rangers talent with contact already made

Martin could suffer a frustrating blow.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 13, 2025

New Dundee manager Steven Pressley has only added fuel to the fire amid that recent rumour, telling reporters that keeping Mulligan will be “easier said than done” this summer. He said when asked about keeping his young star: “I would love to, but it’s easier said than done.

“We’d love to keep certain personnel. There’s a number of players that I think are pivotal to move this club in the right direction and we’ll be working tirelessly to do so.”

Mulligan isn’t the only name on Rangers’ reported radar, however. Recent reports have also linked both Conor Coady and Flynn Downes with a move to Ibrox. The latter worked with Martin at Swansea City and then Southampton in the Premier League last season and may well reunite with his manager for a third time this summer.

The 49ers’ ambition should come as little shock after chairman Paraag Marathe told Rangers’ website after officially arriving: “We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.”

Building a side capable of bridging the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership may not come without sacrifice, though, and the new owners are already reportedly ready to sell one key man.

49ers ready accept £20m deal for Nicolas Raskin

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, the 49ers are ready to sell Nicolas Raskin for £20m this summer, making £19m profit in the process. The Belgium midfielder is attracting plenty of interest and, as per O’Rourke, Porto, Fiorentina and Marseille are preparing to test the waters in pursuit of his signature.

Whilst Martin is keen to keep hold of his best players, he is also reportedly well aware that the 49ers could take such decisions out of his hands this summer in frustrating fashion.

Losing a player of Raskin’s calibre certainly wouldn’t be an ideal start to the manager’s reign, but it could be a sacrifice that he has to live with when considering the long-term boost that it could provide.

Dubbed “utterly sensational” by analyst John Walker, replacing Raskin will be no easy task for Rangers if they decide to go in pursuit of major profit this summer.

Manchester City now have a genuine chance of signing a £45 million Liverpool target after making an approach about a potential transfer, according to a recent report.

Pep Guardiola threatens to quit Man City over squad size

The Blues brought an end to the 2024/25 season at the Etihad on Tuesday night, beating AFC Bournemouth 3-1. City now have one final away game against Fulham on Sunday to ensure they are in the Champions League next season, but it is a campaign that Pep Guardiola is going to want to forget fairly soon.

Better than KDB: Man City star showed he's already their answer to Wirtz

Following Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth, they’re on the cusp of Champions League qualification, with the Sky Blues’ “maverick” the star.

May 21, 2025

Given the poor start to the season, City spent big in January to try and better their chances of having a strong second half of the campaign. That didn’t fully go to plan, and now heading into the summer, Guardiola has revealed that he will leave City if the club doesn’t trim the squad down, as he doesn’t want to have players watching in the stands.

Guardiola told Sky Sports, via BBC: “I said to the club I don’t want that [a bigger squad]. I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad; I will stay.

“It’s impossible for my soul to [tell] my players in the tribune [stands] that they cannot play.”

Man City to fight Liverpool for Kerkez

While Guardiola wants his City team to be shortened down, the Blues hierarchy may have other ideas, as according to iNews, Man City want to sign Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth.

It was considered that Liverpool were the frontrunners to sign the left-back, as they have already held talks with the player about a move to Anfield, but as of yet they haven’t made a transfer offer. City have made enquiries about signing Kerkez, and they are now viewed as ‘genuine rivals for his signature’.

The fact Liverpool have not made an offer has left the door open for City, who are looking at bringing in a new left-back, as Guardiola wants a specialist player to play in that position. Incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is understood to be a fan of Kerkez.

Apps

65

Goals

2

Assists

8

Kerkez, who has been dubbed a “mad man” by teammate Marcus Tavernier, is said to be valued at £45 million by the Cherries, and while he is under contract until the summer of 2028, there is an expectancy they will allow the player to leave as long as their price tag is met.

The 21-year-old has been at Bournemouth since the summer of 2023, and in his two years in the Premier League, he has gained many admirers for his direct, attacking style of play from left-back, a style that would see him flourish in teams such as Man City or Liverpool.