Após ficar nove meses longe dos gramados por conta de uma ruptura do ligamento do joelho, o volante Figueiredo, destaque do Sub-17 do Verdão, mais uma vez teve a mesma lesão defendendo o Palmeiras em Barueri.
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+ Além do volante Aníbal Moreno, Palmeiras planeja reforços para pelo menos duas posições
O Alviverde informou na tarde desta segunda-feira (16) que a joia teve rompimento do ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho esquerdo constatado em exames realizados. O atleta sofreu a lesão durante o jogo contra o Corinthians, pelo Brasileiro Sub-17, no domingo (15), em que o Verdão venceu por 2 a 1 e garantiu vaga na decisão do torneio.
+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!
A cirurgia será marcada após análise clínica do Núcleo de Saúde e Performance. No ano passado, Figueiredo acabou se lesionando sozinho em um duelo diante do Internacional, pelo Brasileirão sub-17, e também precisou passar por procedimento cirúrgico.
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Figueiredo é da mesma geração que Endrick e Luís Guilherme, e recentemente assinou o seu primeiro contrato profissional com o Verdão, válido até 2025.
+ Palmeiras lança camisa especial em apoio ao outubro Rosa e o novembro azul
O meio-campista de 17 anos tem uma longa trajetória no Alviverde, chegando ao clube palestrino em 2015. Desde então, Figueiredo participou de importantes conquistas pelo Palmeiras, como os Paulistas sub-11 (duas vezes), sub-13 e sub-15, além da Copa do Brasil sub-17.
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Figueiredo era um dos cinco representantes do Verdão na convocação da Seleção Brasileira para o Mundial sub-17. Portanto, a CBF deve anunciar outro jogador para a sua vaga nos próximos dias.
Chelsea transfer chiefs are believed to be making some recruitment plans ahead of 2026, amid reports that Enzo Maresca personally wants to strengthen certain weak areas of his squad.
Chelsea's transfer plans for January amid Enzo Maresca "tension"
Reports in the build up to their dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool last weekend claimed that Maresca is unhappy with his current options at Chelsea, and there’s been some tension between the Italian and Chelsea’s hierarchy.
This has apparently been made worse by Chelsea’s summer window, despite finishing the transfer market as the Premier League’s second-biggest spenders behind English champions Liverpool.
Liverpool
£415,000,000
£187,000,000
£228,000,000
Chelsea
£285,000,000
£288,000,000
-£3,000,000
Arsenal
£255,000,000
£9,000,000
£246,000,000
Newcastle
£250,000,000
£152,000,000
£98,000,000
Man Utd
£216,000,000
£68,000,000
£148,000,000
Nottm Forest
£205,000,000
£107,000,000
£98,000,000
Tottenham
£181,000,000
£36,000,000
£145,000,000
Sunderland
£162,000,000
£44,000,000
£118,000,000
Man City
£152,000,000
£53,000,000
£99,000,000
West Ham
£124,000,000
£55,000,000
£69,000,000
via BBC
Maresca’s alleged discontent could stem from Chelsea’s lack of centre-back signings, which they’ve definitely paid for so far this season, with Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill all forced to miss Liverpool through injury or suspension.
Maresca publicly suggested that he wanted another centre-back at Chelsea before deadline day on September 1, but despite internal talks after Colwill’s ACL problem, and trying for Dean Huijsen in May, they couldn’t get one over the line.
Chelsea now want to sign a new defender as a priority for the January window instead, and some media sources report they could even bring in another striker despite completing deals for Liam Delap and Joao Pedro in the summer.
The latter is viewed more as a 10 than a number nine, while Delap is out injured and will take some time to get back up to speed once he returns from a hamstring problem — which has prompted Chelsea to consider another centre-forward (Simon Phillips).
Any new striker would likely be a cheap option, brought in on loan or a player who’s already owned by BlueCo (Simon Phillips), and you can make a case that Juventus star Dušan Vlahović could fall into the ‘bargain’ category.
Chelsea offered Dušan Vlahović as talks held with representatives
The Serbia international is out of contract at the end of this season, meaning Juve could be tempted into selling him for a cheap fee in January as opposed to losing Vlahovic for nothing next summer.
Vlahovic, who’s bagged four goals in eight appearances so far this season, is already planning for life after Turin, with his representatives speaking to a host of sides ahead of his looming exit.
That is according to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, who report that Chelsea have been offered Vlahovic as the Blues hold talks with his camp.
The 25-year-old, called a “real superstar” by members of the media during his Fiorentina days, earns a whopping £370,000-per-week at Juve, and any Chelsea terms near that amount would shatter their wage structure.
Unless Vlahovic takes a dramatic pay cut, Saudi looks like the best bet for him. That being said, Stamford Bridge could be an excellent move for Vlahovic’s career prospects.
His ability to score with both feet and dominate aerial duels would seriously complement Chelsea, offering a reliable focal point for Maresca’s attack. Additionally, Vlahovic’s top European experience shows he can handle pressure and deliver in big moments, having scored 11 goals across his Europa League and Champions League cameos since 2021/2022.
At Chelsea, he’d have the platform and service to flourish even more — feeding off Maresca’s plethora of creative wingers and midfielders to potentially devastating effect.
أكد مصدر داخل بتروجيت، أن النادي تلقى العديد من العروض المغرية لحامد حمدان مدافع الفريق البترولي، مشيرا إلى أن رغبته والمقابل المادي سيكونان حاسمان في مسألة رحيله.
وكان بتروجيت قد تعادل مع نظيره الأهلي بالأمس، بهدف لكل فريق، في المباراة التي أقيمت ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ12 من الدوري المصري الممتاز.
طالع.. بتروجيت يوضح.. هل ينتقل حامد حمدان إلى الزمالك في يناير؟
وقال مصدر مسؤول داخل بتروجيت لـ بطولات: “حامد حمدان تلقى العديد من العروض المغرية خلال الساعات الماضية على رأسها بيراميدز”.
وأضاف: “لم نحسم مسألة انتقال حامد حمدان إلى الزمالك، على الرغم من أن الأبيض يسعى لضم اللاعب وكانت هناك مفاوضات بالفعل قبل بداية الموسم لضم اللاعب”.
وتابع: “هناك تواصل حدث من جون إدوارد المدير الرياضي لنادي الزمالك عقب لقاء الأهلي بالأمس، وأشاد بأداء حامد حمدان، وأكد أن الزمالك سيجدد حديثه عن ضمه خلال الأيام الجارية”.
واختتم: “حامد حمدان لم يوقع أي عقود مع الزمالك حتى هذه اللحظة كما يتردد، وإدارة بتروجيت منفتحة على بيعه في يناير”.
Como have issued a statement addressing fans on the sensitive subject of facing AC Milan in a Serie A clash in Australia next year, as they claimed that the clash is for the survival of the league. The match, set for February 2026, will be the first Serie A match held outside Italy. While UEFA reiterated that this approval "should not set a precedent", the move has drawn sharp criticism from players and fans alike.
Historic Serie A clash to be held in Australia
For the first time in history, a Serie A game will be held outside Italy as Como and AC Milan will lock horns in a league clash in February 2026 at Perth in Australia. UEFA "reluctantly" granted approval to stage the match abroad, despite labelling the move "regrettable". The governing body said the decision was made "on an exceptional basis amid regulatory gaps at the global level" and "should not set a precedent".
Along with Serie A, La Liga have also got UEFA's nod to host the Barcelona vs Villarreal clash on December 20 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The fixture, originally meant to be played at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica, would be a significant marketing moment for the league and huge for soccer fans in the United States.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportComo claim controversial match is for 'survival of Serie A'
Addressing their fans, Como have released a statement in which they claimed that hosting the match abroad was necessary to increase the popularity of the Italian league, stressing that England's Premier League continues to "dominate at the global stage".
The lengthy statement read: "Dear Como Family, Friends, and Fellow Serie A Supporters. If approved by the FIFA, Como 1907 will travel to Perth, Australia this February to face AC Milan, taking part in a shared mission to make Serie A the conversation of world football once again, and to secure a stronger future for every club that represents Serie A.
"We understand that this journey may demand sacrifices in convenience, comfort, and routine. Yet sometimes sacrifice is essential, not for individual benefit but for the greater good, for growth, and above all, for the survival of the league itself. We have all seen what happens when a league fails to evolve. In France, the collapse of the domestic broadcasting deal left clubs in turmoil, players unpaid, and fans disheartened. French football is still struggling to recover from that setback. Meanwhile, the Premier League continues to dominate the global stage. Its latest broadcasting agreements are worth over £12 billion for the next cycle from 2025 to 2029, including £6.7 billion from UK domestic rights and around £6.5 billion from international deals. For the first time, its overseas income is now worth more than its domestic rights.
"By comparison, Serie A's domestic TV deal is valued at about €900 million per year, and its international rights generate less than ten percent of what the Premier League earns abroad. This imbalance gives English clubs an enormous financial advantage, allowing them to keep their stars, attract the best talent, and expand their global influence. We must ask ourselves honestly how we can retain our best players, build competitive teams, and attract the world’s elite to Serie A if we do not adapt. This is not a matter of greed. Most clubs in Italy are not profitable. It is about ensuring survival, and building a future where Serie A remains competitive, respected, and globally admired.
"Our goal is clear. We want to restore Serie A to the glory it enjoyed in the 1990s, when Italian football was the most watched, most respected, and most loved league in the world. To achieve that, we must evolve, unite, and make Serie A the talk around the globe again. Just as we proudly represented Italian football at The Soccer Tournament (TST) in the United States, we now carry that same mission to Perth. This is not just a match. It is a statement of intent, a movement to reconnect the world with the beauty, culture, and passion of Italian football. And we want you to be part of it. We are inviting 50 fans to join us on this journey to Australia to stand beside us as ambassadors of Como 1907 and Serie A. Together, we will show the world what Italian football truly represents: heritage, heart, and hope for the future. Together we stand. Together we rise. Together we survive."
Serie A's decision faces criticism from players
The decision to stage a Serie A game outside Italy has drawn sharp criticism from fans and players, including AC Milan stars Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot.
Calling the idea "completely crazy", Rabiot had said: "I was surprised when I learned that AC Milan and I will be playing a Serie A match against Como…in Australia! It’s completely crazy. These are financial agreements to give visibility to the league, things that are beyond us. There's a lot of talk about schedules and player health, but this all seems truly absurd. It's crazy to travel so many miles for a match between two Italian teams in Australia. We have to adapt, as always."
Echoing his compatriot's comments, Maignan had added: "I totally agree with Adrien Rabiot. I don't understand why we're playing abroad. Many things are forgotten these days, we think too much about the financial aspect. It's an Italian league match, I don't understand why we're playing abroad. Furthermore, we should have been playing at home, so we 'lose' a home game. Our goals are ambitious, we mustn't leave anything to chance."
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Getty ImagesSerie A chief hits back at Rabiot
Rabiot's strong words did not sit well with Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo, as he hit back at the Milan star, saying: "Rabiot's outburst about AC Milan-Como in Australia? He forgets, like all footballers who earn millions of euros, that they’re paid to do something, just play football.
"He should have respect for the money he earns and be more accommodating to his employer, AC Milan, who agreed and pushed for this match to be played abroad. Top players, whose salaries are commensurate with the effort they put in, should understand that this is a sacrifice that can be made."
“We’ll have to wait or find an opportunity for someone else to step up – that’s how I see it,” Jayawardene says
Vishal Dikshit19-Mar-20255:07
Can Hardik-led Mumbai Indians bounce back this season?
Not having Jasprit Bumrah for the initial few games of IPL 2025 “is a challenge” and “hopefully he can join the team soon”, Mahela Jayawardene, the Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach, said at a press interaction in Mumbai on Wednesday. Jayawardene further said that the fast bowler “is in good spirits” as he recovers at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (formerly the National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru.”[Bumrah] has just started his progress. We have to wait and see what their [BCCI medical team] feedback is on him,” Jayawardene said. “At the moment, everything is going well. But, obviously, it is on a day-to-day basis. He is in good spirits. Not having him is a challenge. He is one of the best bowlers in the world and he has been a fantastic pro for us for many years.”We’ll have to wait or find an opportunity for someone else to step up. That’s how I see it. It gives us an element of trying a few things and see how things work. The early part of the season allows us to do that.”Related
IPL 2025 FAQs: What's new this season? Any changes in format?
Jayawardene banks on MI's core group and 'old faces' to 'paint our destiny' in IPL 2025
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What can MI do to cope with Bumrah's absence at the start?
Bumrah has played all his IPL cricket for MI, starting in 2013 and picking up 165 wickets in 133 matches over the years. The only IPL season he missed since he started playing was in 2023, when he had a back injury.The MI squad has Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Reece Topley and Corbin Bosch (replacement for Lizaad Williams) as the other frontline quicks, along with captain Hardik Pandya, the allrounder, and the uncapped Ashwani Kumar, Satyanarayana Raju, Arjun Tendulkar and Raj Angad Bawa. Bumrah’s absence could force a rethink of MI’s bowling plans, since Boult and Chahar are predominantly powerplay bowlers, leaving them short of proven T20 experience in the death.As ESPNcricinfo reported last week, Bumrah hasn’t recovered from the stress-related back injury that has kept him out of action since January, and he could join the MI squad in early April.1:54
Bond: Transition from IPL to Tests a danger period for Bumrah
He suffered the injury on the second day of the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney on January 4. Bumrah was subsequently ruled out of the Champions Trophy, which India won earlier this month. This is the first time Bumrah has gone down with a back injury since his surgery in March 2023.While announcing the Champions Trophy squad in January, Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, had said that Bumrah had been asked by the BCCI medical team to offload for at least five weeks (from the SCG Test). Since the Champions Trophy only started on February 19, Bumrah had been included in India’s provisional squad. He travelled to Bengaluru for fresh scans in early February, but continued to feel discomfort and was not named in the final squad.MI’s first two IPL 2025 fixtures are away. They start their campaign in Chennai against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 and then play Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. MI’s first home match is two days later, when they host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 31. They then play two matches in first week of April: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on April 4 and at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7.
Leeds United officially confirmed their latest arrival of the summer transfer window on Friday with the unveiling of Dominic Calvert-Lewin as their new centre-forward.
The former England international became a free agent last month when his contract at Everton expired, which has allowed the Whites to snap him up on a free transfer.
Calvert-Lewin has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Elland Road, which means that he will be committed to the club even if they suffer relegation at the first time of asking.
The former Toffees marksman is set to compete with Joel Pirore and Lukas Nmecha for a place in the starting line-up, and could make his debut against his former club at Elland Road in the Premier League on Monday.
Daniel Farke has ‘lost’ two number nine options this summer, though, as he told Patrick Bamford that the veteran forward would not be a part of his plans, whilst Mateo Joseph is out on loan at Mallorca.
Despite bringing Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin in, Leeds may need to dip back into the market to sign another centre-forward before the end of the window.
Why Leeds need to sign another striker
It is no secret that the Whites will need to score plenty of goals this season to give themselves a chance of avoiding relegation from the Premier League, which makes the striker position particularly important.
However, Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha do not seem primed to arrive as prolific number nine options who are going to deliver consistent performances in front of goal in the top-flight, based on their form for their previous clubs.
Nmecha, for example, scored just seven goals in the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined, per Transfermarkt, and missed 47 matches through injury in that time.
These statistics do not suggest that the former Wolfsburg man is likely to be Farke’s own Erling Haaland or Alexander Isak in the Premier League this season, as he struggled for goals and fitness in the last couple of campaigns.
Calvert-Lewin’s Premier League career
Season
xG
Goals
24/25
8.85
3
23/24
13.63
7
22/23
6.50
2
21/22
6.22
5
20/21
18.21
16
19/20
16.11
13
18/19
6.17
6
17/18
5.44
4
16/17
1.25
1
Stats via Understat
As you can see in the table above, though, Calvert-Lewin also appears unlikely to be a prolific scorer for Leeds when you consider his output in front of goal and his disappointing finishing in recent years.
The English striker has underperformed against his xG in all nine of his seasons in the Premier League to date, and has not scored more than seven goals in a league campaign for four years.
Whilst he has scored some impressive goals, as shown in the clips above, Calvert-Lewin may not be the prolific scorer that the Whites may need to stay in the top-flight.
Leeds eyeing deal for Bundesliga striker
Supporters should, therefore, be pleased to read that the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly eyeing up another option in that area of the pitch.
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 Kicker, Leeds United are lining up a potential move to sign Stuttgart centre-forward Ermedin Demirovic to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.
The report claims that the Whites have a ‘desire’ to buy the 27-year-old marksman, despite the fact that they only signed Calvert-Lewin this week.
It adds that the Bosnia international is not happy with his current role at Stuttgart. Nick Woltemade and Deniz Undav are said to be ahead of him in the pecking order, which could lead to him pursuing a move away before the window slams shut.
Kicker also reveals that it will take a fee in the region of £35m to persuade Stuttgart to part ways with the striker, and it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are willing to pay that much to bring him to Elland Road.
Why Leeds should sign Demirovic
As aforementioned, Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha, whilst they may prove to be huge successes at Elland Road, have not done enough in recent seasons to suggest that they will carry a significant goal threat for Farke.
This is why Leeds should be pushing to seal a deal for their latest transfer target, because he is an experienced, yet not over-the-hill, striker who could be the talismanic goalscorer they need to avoid the drop.
The former Augsburg marksman, who was dubbed a “special” talent by Stuttgart director Fabian Wohlgemuth, has an incredibly impressive fitness record in his career, with just two matches missed through injury according to Transfermarkt.
This suggests that Farke would be able to rely on him to play week-in-week-out, thanks to his durability, and the same cannot be said for the two other centre-forward arrivals this summer, as aforementioned.
Demirovic, most importantly, has proven himself to be a fantastic goalscorer in the German top-flight, and could provide a clinical presence in front of goal for the Whites.
Eremdin Demirovic (Bundesliga)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
33
34
Starts
33
20
xG
13.59
14.20
Goals
15
15
Minutes per goal
192
124
Conversion rate
19%
23%
Big chances created
8
5
Assists
9
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Bosnian attacker has scored 30 goals and provided ten assists in the last seasons in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart and Augsburg combined.
Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin, who has also missed 83 games through injury in this time, has only scored 15 goals in the last four Premier League seasons combined for Everton, per Transfermarkt, which suggests that Demirovic is way more prolific in front of goal, to put it lightly.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The £35m-rated star has also shown that he can finish chances at an efficient rate, outperforming his xG in both of those Bundesliga seasons, whilst the Englishman has consistently struggled to tuck away the high-quality chances that have been created for him.
Therefore, Demirovic could come in as an instant upgrade on Calvert-Lewin because he has a better fitness record, a significantly better goal record, and is a far more clinical finisher, having proven himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.
This is why Leeds should be working to bring Demirovic over from Stuttgart before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of next month, as he can offer way more to the team than Calvert-Lewin as the starting number nine.
Shubman Gill has come in for sharp scrutiny following poor returns at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia
Shashank Kishore14-Jan-2025Shubman Gill has confirmed his availability for Punjab for their sixth-round Ranji Trophy fixture against Karnataka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru starting January 23. The squad hasn’t been announced yet.Gill’s possible return to the Punjab fold gives him an opportunity to work with Wasim Jaffer, the highest run-getter in Ranji history who is now the Punjab coach. It comes at a time when his poor returns outside Asia – he averages 17.64 in 18 innings since June 2021 – have come in for sharp scrutiny, especially with India slated to tour England for five Tests in the summer.His return will shore up a squad that will be without senior players Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh, who have both been picked in India’s T20I squad for the five-match series against England starting January 22 in Kolkata.Gill’s last Ranji Trophy appearance for Punjab came in 2022, when he played against Madhya Pradesh in the quarter-finals in Alur. His return coincides with the Indian team management having laid down strict protocols for national players in the wake of India’s 3-1 Test series loss in Australia.1:47
Pujara: Gill’s hard hands and lack of footwork causing trouble in Australia
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have spoken of the need for top players to make themselves available to play for their respective state teams when free of international commitments.Gill was among those who endured a disappointing run in Australia, where he managed a highest of 31 in five innings following a return from a finger injury that kept him out of the series opener in Perth. He averaged 18.60 for the series. He was also left out of India’s XI for the Boxing Day Test, with the team management slotting in KL Rahul at No. 3 after Rohit Sharma reverted to his opening position having initially started the series, in the second Test, in the middle order.At the time, though, the team management said that Gill hadn’t been dropped and was merely “unfortunate” to miss out owing to team combination, as India went in with two spin-bowling allrounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.Punjab’s hopes of qualifying for the Ranji Trophy playoffs hangs by a thread; they are currently fifth in Group A with a solitary win in five games.
NSW selector Stuart Clark said CA had asked for Zampa to be selected, but the board has said that it does not give such selection directives
Andrew McGlashan30-Nov-2024Cricket Australia (CA) has insisted that there was no directive to New South Wales (NSW) to select Adam Zampa for the previous round of Sheffield Shield matches after state selector Stuart Clark said they were forced to pick the legspinner on the board’s orders.The move to include Zampa against Tasmania at the SCG led to promising 23-year-old legspinner Tanveer Sangha being omitted so that Zampa could partner Chris Green, who himself does not hold a NSW contract after having opted to go freelance earlier this season. Zampa does not train with NSW between Australia commitments as he lives in Byron Bay.It was Zampa’s first Sheffield Shield match since February 2023 and came amid talk that he is in the frame to tour Sri Lanka early next year. He claimed 4 for 140 from 40.2 overs across two innings. It has yet to be confirmed whether Zampa will play against Western Australia in the final round of Shield games before the BBL but, after the Tasmania game, Zampa indicated he was keen to feature again.Related
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Last week, CA’s head of high performance Ben Oliver said domestic selection calls were entirely in the hands of the states.”The national selection panel are in regular contact with each state association, but ultimately, the selection for each Sheffield Shield match or domestic matches is very much the realm of the state association,” Oliver said. “The selection panel are very pleased to see all players playing domestic cricket and have as many options as possible for each of our upcoming series.”In an update provided to ESPNcricinfo on Saturday following Clark’s comments, Oliver added: “That [selection] process was consistent with the most recent round of Sheffield Shield.”It’s understood that amid discussions around Zampa, CA had asked NSW whether it was their intention to select him against Tasmania and, if they weren’t going to include him, the national selectors would have made him part of the Prime Minister’s XI squad to face India in Canberra even though that is a pink-ball day-night fixture.That, however, was not the view of Clark when he was interviewed on . “When it came to Adam Zampa, we didn’t have a discussion because there was no need to – we were told he had to play,” Clark, the former Australia quick who is also a NSW board member, said. “Quite frankly, I don’t understand what the comment of Cricket Australia is because we didn’t need to have a robust debate about his selection… it was a foregone conclusion that he was in the team. I don’t know where this comment comes from.
“What we were told to do, and what’s coming out in the press, is exactly the opposite. They don’t make sense. Either we as selectors have got it wrong – I don’t know, did we misunderstand? – but I’m pretty clear because I’ve got messages that say Adam Zampa must be in the team and there is no point discussing his selection”Stuart Clark
“I’m going to ask [NSW chief executive] Lee Germon… to clear this up by writing to Cricket Australia perhaps and put my board member’s hat on and say we don’t understand this,” Clark added. “What we were told to do, and what’s coming out in the press, is exactly the opposite. They don’t make sense. Either we as selectors have got it wrong – I don’t know, did we misunderstand? – but I’m pretty clear because I’ve got messages that say Adam Zampa must be in the team and there is no point discussing his selection.”Former NSW and Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin strongly criticised the selection. “I’m an Adam Zampa fan… but I don’t think he should be playing this Shield game. He doesn’t come to training, he’s not part of the NSW system. I just think it sends a real bad message to our younger players in the squad,” he told the .”Tanveer Sangha, what sort of message does that send to him? Chris Green is playing as well. Chris Green at the start of the year gave back his contract and said ‘No, I want to go over and play a tournament wherever… I don’t want to be considered for a few games’.”On the same show, Australia captain Alyssa Healy said it was possible to see why NSW had selected Zampa but added “you are kind of taking the piss a little bit [out of] of the baggy blue”.”I might look back one day and feel like maybe I didn’t give [Test cricket] a 100% crack”•AFP/Getty ImagesZampa has previously spoken about his desire to earn a Test cap. After the game against Tasmania, he said that he was a much more confident bowler than when he played the majority of his first-class cricket before 2018.”I was eager to play a lot of first-class cricket when I was young, but I probably wasn’t good enough or as confident as I am now,” Zampa had said. “I bowled a lot more bad balls than I do know. I wasn’t confident with my own reading of the game whereas now I feel like I can read guys a lot better and have less mental fog. It’s being able to have a bit more resilience on day-one wickets when you’re trying to hold up an end.”It [Test cricket] is something I’d like to do and challenge myself at. If I got to end my career and it didn’t pan out that way then I’d be okay with it. I might look back one day and feel like maybe I didn’t give it a 100% crack. I feel like playing these games and putting my hand up for the Sri Lanka tour and being keen, for that is fine.”George Bailey, Australia’s national selector, has previously said that Shield form would not be an over-riding criterion when picking the side for Sri Lanka given the vastly different conditions. Glenn Maxwell, who was in line to play his first Shield match in nearly two years and feature for the PM’s XI before he picked up a hamstring injury against Pakistan, is also in the frame.
Last season, Liverpool won the Premier League. And they are acting like it. We haven’t even reached July, but FSG have already signed Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong as well as Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.
It’s a time of great excitement for those of a Reds persuasion. However, Arne Slot’s squad aren’t without their foibles.
Falling in the Champions League’s last 16 against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain was a bitter pill to swallow, and that frustrating result was followed by defeat against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
PSG deserved their victory and the Magpies did too. It was one stretch too far for the Merseysiders, who had already exceeded expectations to take a commanding lead that was indeed defended in England’s top flight.
Depth proved Liverpool’s issue. Slot was loath to enforce rotation last term, and the trickling-out of some of the side’s fringe players – like Jarell Quansah, with Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez soon to follow – illustrated that.
Quansah is signing for Bayer Leverkusen, and with Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain as Real Madrid lurk (again), Liverpool need a new centre-back.
Liverpool chasing new centre-back
There’s one man who stands above other Liverpool defensive targets right now: Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace defender is just one year away from free agency, and FSG are starting to circle.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehicelebrates after the match
Though Tottenham Hotspur saw a £70m bid rejected for the England international only last January, Palace chairman Steve Parish will know that time is running out if he wishes to recuperate some funds from his prized defensive asset.
Some reports suggest Liverpool are closing in on Guehi’s signature, but in all likelihood, there will be something of a pause in the Anfield offices now that the bulk of the club’s summer activity has been sealed pronto.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
It would be wise, then, for sporting director Richard Hughes to closely assess the market for potential alternatives. If reports are to be believed, such a player has been identified.
Liverpool identify Guehi alternative
According to Caught Offside, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been earmarked by Richard Hughes and Co as a potential option in central defence, though this would be a contentious move indeed.
Not that Liverpool would care if they got the job done. Branthwaite, 22, is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester United after revealing a desire to move clubs in March after being overlooked by Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.
Everton believe their star defender is one of the most talented in the business, and as such have slapped a £70m price tag on his name.
What Jarrad Branthwaite would bring to Liverpool
While Guehi’s contract situation would likely see him prove a more cost-efficient solution for Liverpool, Branthwaite is an incredibly fearsome protector, and he’s left-footed besides.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Returning from a successful loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2023, Branthwaite has since become a star member at Everton, playing 65 matches in the Premier League, winning the club’s Players’ Player of the Season for 2023/24.
It might seem ludicrous to think that Liverpool and Everton would do business on the transfer front, but the Hill Dickinson Stadium side are interested in Ben Doak, who is valued at £30m.
Tough-tackling and shrewdly talented on the technical front, the 6 foot 5 star is bound to earn himself a move to a club competing in the Champions League sooner or later, and Liverpool could do a lot worse, especially as Slot’s first-class coaching would prove the perfect way to develop Branthwaite’s ball-playing game.
That said, it’s not all that bad as it is. Indeed, looking at Branthwaite’s metrics in the top flight last season when contrasted with Guehi’s, you begin to see that maybe moving for the Everton man wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
Jarrad Branthwaite vs Marc Guehi in the Prem (24/25)
Stats (* per game)
Branthwaite
Guehi
Matches (starts)
30 (28)
34 (34)
Goals
0
3
Assists
1
2
Clean sheets
8
11
Touches*
51.9
64.9
Pass completion
83%
84%
Key passes*
0.1
0.5
Ball recoveries*
3.1
4.3
Dribbles (success)*
0.1 (60%)
0.4 (86%)
Tackles + interceptions*
2.1
2.6
Clearances*
6.3
4.6
Duels (won)*
3.9 (63%)
4.9 (59%)
All data via Sofascore
As you can see, Branthwaite is more accurate in the duel than his positional peer while also producing a shedload more clearances on average. He’s far less mobile, but a 60% dribble success rate does point toward a latent ball-carrying ability that could be hammered into shape over at Anfield.
It’s important to remember that Branthwaite operates in a system which actively dampens ball-playing expansiveness, and that, even so, he has maintained a decent degree of passing success, almost as accurate on the ball as Guehi, if less progressive with his distribution.
And anyway, the hulking Blues star is just a phenomenal defender, strong as an ox and sturdy as steel. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has even gone as far as to declare him “an absolute monster” for the Toffees.
Could Branthwaite make the leap? The gulf on Merseyside is chasmic, after all.
Well, though it’s difficult to pull meaningful passing data from his Everton efforts last term, for Sean Dyche and David Moyes both employ counter-attacking and somewhat pragmatic styles, he still finished the year ranked among the top 20% of centre-backs for assists and the top 13% for switches, as per FBref, almost indicating a Virgil van Dijk-like approach to passing.
Hailed as an “incredible” part of Everton’s team by reporter Joe Thomas, Liverpool would certainly ruffle a few feathers if they got this one over the line in the coming months.
But if the Eagles play hardball and efforts to sign Guehi prove fruitless, this Englishman might just be the perfect alternative. And who knows, maybe he’d even prove the better signing.
He'd be Wirtz 2.0: Liverpool stand a "chance" of signing the "next Mbappe"
Liverpool believe they have a good chance to sign a star who would be a Florian Wirtz repeat.