Following the undeniable bombshell that Alexander Isak has asked to leave the club, Newcastle United and PIF have reportedly set their sights on a talented replacement.
When news emerged that he was suffering from a thigh injury and he would, therefore, not travel to take part in Newcastle’s Asia tour, it became clear that trouble may be afoot. And soon enough, reports came to the fore that Isak has, indeed, asked to leave St James’ Park this summer amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Liverpool.
It would have been Newcastle’s biggest fear heading into this summer, but that fear would have only increased by their own transfer failure. The last thing that Eddie Howe needs after watching the Magpies miss out on Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo is for Isak to depart, but that may be the reality that he is forced to live with next season.
There is still one positive in this saga for Newcastle, though. As frustrating as losing Isak would be, his exit would instantly solve any remaining PSR problems for the foreseeable future and allow PIF to flex their financial muscles in full.
According to The Athletic, the final package to sign Isak could cost as much as £250m, with Newcastle demanding a transfer fee worth as much as £150m before agent fees and wages are taken into account.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
With a chunk of that money, the Magpies could welcome an instant replacement and then finally splash the cash to improve other areas in Howe’s squad.
PIF set sights on Lois Openda
Turning towards an Isak replacement before anything, those at St James’ Park are now reportedly ‘targeting’ a Bundesliga talent. According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, PIF have now set their sights on signing Lois Openda for Newcastle this summer as they look to find the heir to Isak’s Tyneside throne.
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The RB Leipzig forward, now at the peak of his powers at 25 years old, is not the out-and-out goalscorer that Isak is, but he is a better creator and could provide Howe with a better all-rounder than the Swede.
After impressing in the 2023/24 campaign, Openda picked up where he left off last season and ended the campaign with 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. Described as a “fantastic young striker” by scout Jacek Kulig whilst in Germany, the Belgian could now get the chance to make the biggest move of his career so far.
The 2024/25 campaign was certainly a disappointment for West Ham United. Graham Potter’s side ended up finishing 14th in the Premier League, but given some of the talent in their squad, it could be seen as a disappointing campaign overall.
Indeed, one of the biggest issues last term for the Hammers was putting the ball in the back of the net. They did not find it easy to score goals, scoring 46 in total, better than only five sides, as per Understat. Worryingly, they underperformed on their expected goals tally, which was at 50.59xG last term.
Mohammed Kudus in action for West Ham.
Despite losing the attacking talent of Mohammed Kudus this summer, with the Ghanaian joining Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham are looking to add firepower in forward areas to their squad.
West Ham’s latest attacking target
Of course, losing a player with the attacking quality of Kudus is a blow for the Hammers, but they still have the likes of Jarrod Bowen in their side who can contribute in attack. To add to the depth in forward areas, the Hammers seem to be plotting a shock move this summer.
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 a recent report from Graeme Bailey, West Ham are one of the sides ‘to have registered their interest’ in signing Real Madrid’s new breakout star Gonzalo Garcia on loan this summer, suggesting they have opened up talks to sign him.
The striker, who made a name for himself at the recent Club World Cup in America, is also wanted by newly promoted pair Leeds United and Sunderland, and the Hammers’ London rivals, Brentford.
Although this is a loan deal, previous reports suggested that Chelsea were ready to fork out £34m for his signature, as per reports in Spain.
Why Garcia would be a good signing
It is fair to say that the last month or so has been a whirlwind for Garcia. He got his chance at the Club World Cup for Los Blancos after Kylian Mbappe fell ill at the start of the competition, and certainly took his opportunity.
Gonzalo Garcia in action for Real Madrid.
Before the start of the tournament in June, the 21-year-old had only played six times for Madrid’s senior side, scoring once. His record for Real Madrid Castilla was impressive, with 30 goals and seven assists in 73 appearances.
Yet, since becoming a key player in the Club World Cup, the Madrid-born attacker has been “sensational”, according to former striker Joselu. He bagged four goals and grabbed an assist in six games in the tournament, which included strikes against Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
Those sorts of numbers will surely pique the interest of West Ham fans, and maybe even their captain, Bowen.
The 28-year-old was sensational once again last term, with 13 goals and ten assists in 34 Premier League games, in a season where they were lacklustre in front of goal.
Indeed, some of the numbers the England star put up last term, via FBref, suggest that he might link up well with the Los Blancos man.
For example, he averaged 0.24 crosses and 1.39 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes last season, ranking him in the top 17% and 14% respectively.
Passes into the penalty box like the one above for Danny Ings last season could make Bowen and Garcia a deadly combination. Some of his numbers from the Club World Cup suggest they could form a dangerous duo.
According to the stats from Squawka, the Los Blancos academy star scored four goals from inside the penalty box in the competition. Not only does that highlight a great centre-forward’s instinct, but also suggests he is capable of getting on the end of Bowen’s crosses. He also had a 44.44% conversion rate.
Goals from inside box
4
0.8
Conversion rate
44.44%
44.44%
Shots on target
7
1.4
Duels won
22
4.4
Ball recoveries
10
2
Those kinds of numbers, coupled with Bowen’s tendency to get crosses into the box and create chances, with his ten Premier League assists last term, are evidence enough to suggest these two could become a deadly partnership.
Whilst it is initially only a loan deal, a £34m fee has been reported. If the temporary move goes well, perhaps it can become permanent and turn into one of the bargains of the summer.
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After spending more than ever at Anfield, FSG are reportedly looking to show the door to a number of players this summer. One Liverpool star has already rejected the chance to leave, however.
Liverpool's summer business off with a bang
When Liverpool won the Premier League in the 2019/20 campaign, they decided to settle for what they had – enduring a quiet transfer window in the summer that followed. Soon enough, Manchester City were back on their throne as a result. Five years on, however, FSG have learnt from that harsh lesson and are investing more than ever to build what could be a dominant Liverpool side.
Having already signed Jeremie Frimpong, the Reds are set to welcome his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate, Florian Wirtz, for a British record fee. Simply put, it has so far been a statement summer from Richard Hughes and Michael Edward, who are not stopping there.
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Wirtz has been one of the most talented players in his position for the last two years, recovering from an ACL injury to help Leverkusen to an invincible domestic season before performing at similar levels last season. Now, by joining up with the likes of Mohamed Salah, he could finally take his seat among the very best that European football has to offer.
Appearances
92
Goals
34
Assists
35
Although their spending will excite Liverpool fans, it is unlikely to come without sacrifice this summer. With Giorgi Mamardashvili, Wirtz and Frimpong arriving – potentially among others – the likes of Darwin Nunez and now Andy Robertson have been linked with moves away.
The Scot has most recently attracted the interest of Atletico Madrid, as per Fabrizio Romano, and talks are already reportedly underway. Of course, it’s in Madrid that Robertson could square off against Trent Alexander-Arnold in what would add an interesting narrative to a derby already so fierce.
It’s not just Robertson attracting interest, however, as FSG have now seen one big-money player reject the chance to leave this summer.
Alisson rejects Galatasaray move
Despite the fact that FSG have already welcomed his replacement for years to come in Mamardashvili, it looks as though Alisson Becker is set to stay put. According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Alisson has rejected a “concrete enquiry” from Galatasaray and will be staying put at Anfield in the coming months instead of joining the 25-time Turkish Super Lig winners.
The Reds initially agreed a deal to sign Mamardashvili last summer before loaning him back to Valencia. Now, a year on, he’s set to join up with his new teammates.
Given that Caoimhin Kelleher has already left for Brentford, there will be a place in Arne Slot’s squad for Mamardashvili, but Alisson is not budging. The £150,000-a-week goalkeeper has seemingly made the decision to keep hold of his No.1 spot even as his long-term replacement arrives.
Will Celtic claim a fifth successive Scottish Premiership title this forthcoming season?
The Hoops’ title defence will commence for Brendan Rodgers’ men on Sunday 3rd August, before the first Old Firm of the season at Ibrox will be staring them in the face just four games in.
Throw a season-defining Champions League play-off into the August mix, and there is plenty for Celtic supporters to be excited about in the early period of the year.
Celtic's search for a new striker
Rodgers and his team have seemingly been very busy already in this transfer window.
Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan have already put pen to paper at Parkhead, while Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren are set to arrive imminently too.
Nevertheless, after Kyōgo Furuhashi was sold to Stade Rennais for a reported £10m in January, a new centre-forward remains high up their priority list.
With top target Mathias Kvistgaarden of Brøndby seemingly heading elsewhere, a report by The Daily Record suggests that Celtic could make a move to sign Bojan Miovski.
They state that the Hoops have ‘shown firm interest’ in the North Macedonian striker in the past, intimating he is certainly on their list of potential targets.
Why Bojan Miovski could replicate Kyōgo Furuhashi's Celtic success
Miovski joined Aberdeen from MTK Budapest in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of £600k and his career really took off in the Granite City, scoring 44 goals in 98 appearances for the Dons, thereby earning a £6.8m move to Girona last summer.
However, after scoring only four times for Blanquivermells, the Catalan club might be looking to sell, hence why he is purportedly available.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
So, would he be a good signing? Well, finding a striker as good as Kyōgo will be difficult, to put it mildly.
The Japanese forward netted 85 times in 165 appearances for the Bhoys, with Graeme Macpherson of the Scotsman asserting that he is the club’s best striker since Henrik Larsson, which is the highest of high praise.
So, does Miovski have the talent to make a similar impression, should he move to Glasgow this summer?
Well, one should not read too much into his season at Girona. Signed to replace Pichichi winner Artem Dovbyk, this was always going to be a tough act to follow.
Meanwhile, Girona themselves, having upset the odds to finish fourth in La Liga, thereby qualifying for the Champions League, really struggled to balance the two competitions, finishing 16th this season, avoiding relegation by a solitary point.
Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski.
Miovski, for his part, failed to nail down a regular starting spot, included in a La Liga lineup on just 12 occasions, limited to only 1,241 minutes across all competitions, both of his league goals coming during a 4-1 win over Espanyol at Montilivi in November.
So, it’s fairer to assess his statistics from his time in Scotland.
Miovski’s SPFL statistics
Statistics
22/23
SPFL rank
23/24
SPFL rank
Goals
16
4th
16
5th
Shots on target
35
7th
43
3rd
*Shots on target %
50.7%
3rd
41.3%
12th
Big chances missed
15
3rd
16
3rd
Average SofaScore rating
6.86
64th
9.64
67th
*minimum 30 shots taken.
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore
As the table outlines, scoring 16 goals in back-to-back Premiership seasons for an Aberdeen team that finished 3rd and then seventh is an impressive achievement, on top of his four goals in Europe, four in the Scottish Cup and four in the League Cup; some nice symmetry there.
Journalist Bence Bocsák described his performances for the Dons as “quality”, hence why he was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, sighting Miovski’s international exploits too, scoring eight times for North Macedonia to date, five of which have come since September last year, most recently on target during a World Cup qualifier against Wales in Skopje.
Meantime, Scott Bradley of Breaking the Lines labels him a ‘clinical finisher’, praising his ‘excellent movement’, while Nick Devlin has previously asserted that Miovski was “the best player in the league in his position” during his time in red.
Thus, if Celtic are able to secure his services, at 26-years-old, he is ready to make an impact from day one, and would unquestionably score a bucket load of goals for the hoops.
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Celtic recently confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window when they unveiled left-back Kieran Tierney as the newest arrival to Parkhead.
The Scotland international is joining from Premier League side Arsenal on a free transfer when his contract with the Gunners expires at the end of this month, six years on from his move to The Emirates in 2019.
Tierney, as you can see in the graphic above, won five Scottish Premiership titles during his first spell in Glasgow, and he will be hoping to add to that tally in the years to come.
Whilst the Hoops will be looking to add more options to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window, Brendan Rodgers will also have to deal with speculation over the future of his star players.
Brendan Rodgers
Football Insider reported last month that Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda have both attracted interest from other clubs this summer, and it remains to be seen whether or not they will remain in Glasgow beyond the end of the window.
Rodgers will, of course, not want to lose any of his star attackers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as Kuhn, for example, would leave a big hole to fill on the right flank.
Why losing Nicolas Kuhn would be a big blow for Celtic
The German winger leaving Parkhead before the end of the summer transfer window would be a big blow for the Scottish giants because of the quality that he can provide at the top end of the pitch.
Kuhn, who joined the club from Rapid Vienna at the start of 2024, had six months to settle into the Premiership in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, before he hit his stride this term.
The 25-year-old ended the season with an eye-catching haul of 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, which included three goals and one assist in ten outings in the Champions League.
Wingers with the most assists in the Premiership (24/25)
Player (club)
Assists
Nicolas Kuhn (Celtic)
8
Ianis Hagi (Rangers)
7
Daizen Maeda (Celtic)
7
Danny Armstrong (Kilmarnock)
6
Shayden Morris (Aberdeen)
6
James Forrest (Celtic)
5
Nicky Cadden (Hibernian)
5
Martin Boyle (Hibernian)
5
Hyun-jun Yang (Celtic)
3
Glen Middleton (Dundee United)
3
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, the bulk of his assists came in the Premiership, where he led the league for assists among wingers and in all positions.
The former Bayern Munich academy star also provided a big goal threat in the Scottish top-flight, though, with a return of 13 goals in 32 appearances in the division.
His contributions at the top end of the pitch, as both a scorer and a creator of goals, are why losing him would be such a blow for Celtic, but they are reportedly eyeing up a star who could be their next Kuhn.
Celtic in talks to sign £2m attacker
According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic are in talks with Nordsjaelland winger Benjamin Nygren’s representatives over a potential move to Parkhead this summer.
The reporter claims that the Hoops have already approached the Danish club to seek permission to speak to the forward, and they are now in discussions with his agents.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Joseph adds that the Hoops will move on to talks with Nordsjaelland if they can agree personal terms with the attacker, as they are yet to agree a fee with his current team.
Meanwhile, CeltsAreHere adds that a fee of £2m will be enough to secure a deal for the 23-year-old star’s services, as his current contract with the Danish outfit is due to expire at the end of December, and that there is also interest from clubs in Belgium and Germany.
Celtic must, now, work hard to convince Nygren to make the move to Glasgow this summer because he could come in as a natural replacement for Kuhn, or as fantastic competition for his place in the team.
Why Nygren could be Celtic's next Kuhn
The 23-year-old star would be a fantastic replacement for the German attacker from a stylistic perspective, as they are both left-footed forwards who like to drift infield from the right flank.
This means that Nygren could play a similar tactical role to the one that Kuhn currently plays for Rodgers in Celtic’s team, which suggests that he could slot into the side with ease, either as a replacement or as competition for him.
The Sweden international, who was described as an “underrated” talent by Danish Scout on X, also has the quality on the ball to replicate Kuhn’s impact in front of goal in that position.
Nygren produced 15 goals in 34 games during the 2023/24 campaign and 16 goals in 32 matches in all competitions this season, which speaks to his ability to make a difference on a regular basis in the final third.
24/25 Superliga
Benjamin Nygren
Percentile rank vs wingers
xG
10.90
Top 4%
xG on target
16.95
Top 1%
Shots on target
40
Top 1%
Goals
15
Top 1%
xA
5.97
Top 8%
Assists
2
Top 50%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, he was one of the top-performing wingers in the Superliga during the 2024/25 campaign, ranking incredibly highly among his peers as both a scorer and a creator.
His meagre assist tally of two should not be a cause for concern because of his xA of 5.97, which suggests that he was let down by wasteful finishing from his teammates, rather than only having two assists due to a lack of creativity.
Therefore, Rodgers could find his next version of Kuhn by completing a deal to sign Nygren, because he is another left-footed right winger who has the potential to deliver goals and assists, or at high-quality chances created, on a regular basis for the Scottish giants.
It is now down to Rodgers and the club to convince the player to turn down interest from Belgium and Germany in order to win the race for his signature before the start of pre-season next month.
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Rangers have held positive talks over a move for Davide Ancelotti, but there has been a new update regarding an offer being made for the 35-year-old.
Ancelotti and Gerrard linked with Rangers post
The Gers and the 49ers have an extremely busy summer ahead of them ahead of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season. The new owners’ first task will be to find a new permanent boss, with Barry Ferguson’s time in interim charge coming to an end.
A number of managers in and out of work have been linked with a move to Ibrox, including former Gers boss Steven Gerrard. After leaving Al-Ettifaq in January, Gerrard has been described as the 49ers “dream” target to take over and was thought to be the favourite in recent weeks.
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However, since then, Real Madrid assistant manager Ancelotti has burst onto Rangers’ radar, with claims even suggesting an offer was made by those in Scotland to the son of Carlo Ancelotti.
It isn’t a rumour that has gone down well with former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness, who said he sees “big red lights” over a Rangers move for Ancelotti. Talking to Football Insider, Wyness said: “I don’t think he’ll understand the bear pit that Glasgow is, he won’t understand the beast that Rangers is as a football club and the demand from the fans.
“Rangers’ overriding priority is to beat Celtic. Any manager is measured by that. Is Davide Ancelotti the man to do that? I really don’t think so. If they do it, I see big red lights flashing for Rangers.”
Now, a fresh update has been relayed regarding Ancelotti, Rangers and that reported offer.
Rangers offer to Davide Ancelotti was false report
The Rangers Review shared an update on a potential move for Ancelotti, stating that Rangers have had positive discussions over a move for the 35-year-old, who is attracted by the idea of becoming the new Ibrox boss.
However, previous claims of an offer being tabled are false, with no contract bid being made to Ancelotti by the Scottish giants at this moment in time. The report does still add that Ancelotti is a key target for the 49ers and Andrew Cavenagh and that a decision is set to be made by the end of the month.
Since this report, journalist Alberto Pereiro has claimed that Ancelotti “has decided to postpone his career as a head coach and will accompany his father to Brazil until the 2026 World Cup”, so perhaps a move to Glasgow is not on the cards after all.
Davide Ancelotti: Honours won as a coach
Champions League
2022, 2024
La Liga
2022, 2024
Bundesliga
2017
Copa del Rey
2023
FIFA Club World Cup
2022
UEFA Super Cup
2022
Spanish Super Cup
2022, 2024
German Super Cup
2016, 2017
If Pereiro’s statement is accurate, Rangers will have to look elsewhere ahead of the 2025/26 season, and they’d be thankful they did not submit an offer despite previous claims.
Three years after winning the Under-19 World Cup, left-arm spinner Vicky Ostwal looks ready for the red-ball grind
Deivarayan Muthu01-Sep-2025He was India’s highest wicket-taker during their run to the 2022 Under-19 World Cup title in the Caribbean. He was also impressive with both ball and bat in the 2025 Maharashtra Premier League (MPL). He has been with Delhi Capitals (DC) as a reserve player in the IPL for three seasons and is now preparing to make the step-up across formats. His Maharashtra captain Ankit Bawne introduced him as a “future star” to reporters in Chennai during the Buchi Babu tournament last month. Get acquainted with 23-year-old left-arm spinner Vicky Ostwal.Just weeks after winning the Under-19 World Cup in February 2022, Ostwal was fast-tracked into Maharashtra’s Ranji Trophy side. But he needed more time to mature and adapt to red-ball cricket in particular. After making occasional appearances for Maharashtra since, Ostwal is now staking his claim for a more regular spot this season.Having emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the Under-23 CK Nayudu tournament, Ostwal came away as Maharashtra’s highest wicket-taker in the pre-season Buchi Babu tournament as well, with 13 strikes in two games at an average of 17.23 and economy rate of 2.64. He credits the Under-23 tournament for bridging the gap between Under-19 cricket and the Ranji Trophy.Related
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“It’s always a process for a spinner to make a spot in the team,” Ostwal told ESPNcricinfo on the sidelines of the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai. “I’m still fighting for it. I’ve played five Ranji games on and off, but the CK Nayudu has been my core after that Under-19 World Cup. Whatever I play – CK Nayudu or Ranji – the aim is to make Maharashtra win. Playing for Maharashtra is a [matter of] prestige. The aim is always to win trophies for Maharashtra.”Hailing from Lonavala, a hill station on the Mumbai-Pune highway, Ostwal used to travel to Mumbai to hone his skills at the Vengsarkar Academy in Churchgate. But after he realised that he was ineligible to play tournaments in Mumbai (only players born in the city can play MCA tournaments), he tried to build a career in Maharashtra. He again commuted in crowded trains for hours on a daily basis from Lonavala to Pune, where he joined the Varroc Vengsarkar Academy.”That journey is something special,” Ostwal recalled. “Because it showed me how passionate I was about cricket and how badly I wanted to play cricket. My dad used to support me during all these travels. When I look back at it, I feel very nice and special about it. The hard work is all paying off now.”Ostwal is a tall fingerspinner like R Sai Kishore and when on song, he keeps the stumps in play like his idol Ravindra Jadeja. He has the ability to bowl long spells, something that was on display during his Ranji debut against Vidarbha in Sultanpur in 2022, when he wheeled away for 44 overs.Vicky Ostwal has spent three seasons with Delhi Capitals in the IPL•BCCI”As a spinner, bowling long spells is your job,” Ostwal said. “You have to hold one end tight, make things happen and make them [batters] play a rash shot. Every first-class spinner that has been successful in India holds one end up tightly and brings crucial wickets at crucial times. That’s what I want to do for Maharashtra as well.”Ostwal didn’t get a game at DC across three seasons in the IPL, but he used the training sessions to pick the brains of Axar Patel and Ricky Ponting.”The game sense improved after the IPL,” Ostwal said. “You can be a little bit ahead of the game and sometimes read the situations quite early and then get into the act earlier. That helps you be proactive.”And bowling to Rishabh Pant was the most difficult thing as a left-arm spinner. Axar gave me tips on Test bowling and T20 bowling, which I’m able to implement. Ricky Ponting sir also helped me during my three years with Delhi Capitals. So, all in all, it was a good time there.”In the recent MPL, Ostwal strengthened his T20 credentials with his accurate bowling and pinch-hitting at the top of the order for Raigad Royals in their run to the final. He picked up nine wickets in 11 games at an economy rate of 7.09 – the best among bowlers who had bowled more than 30 overs during the season.
“I have worked a lot on my batting over the past few years because being a spinner doesn’t always do the job for your team.”Vicky Ostwal
Midway through the tournament, Ostwal was promoted as an opener and he responded with 74 off 54 balls in the Eliminator against Kolhapur Tuskers. Ostwal has ambitions of becoming a proper allrounder in the future.”I have worked a lot on my batting over the past few years because being a spinner doesn’t always do the job for your team,” he said. “If you can contribute 30-40 runs down the order, it’s always a great help for the team.”About the T20 game [Eliminator], I think when my team wasn’t doing well up the order, I told my coach that I can go up the order and maybe smack a few and give the momentum to the team. I want to be an allrounder. Even in the CK Nayudu Trophy, I contributed with the bat, scoring hundreds at No. 6 or No. 7.”Having enjoyed success in Under-19 and Under-23 cricket, the higher levels are waiting for Ostwal now.
Even when he took 7 for 70, in the second Test against Sri Lanka, he had to share the limelight
Danyal Rasool27-Jul-2023Like that least favourite child parents simply don’t talk about unless they are in the running for a Nobel Prize, followers of Pakistan cricket don’t really bring up Noman Ali much. He’s a spinner, for one – a left armer at that. Quiet, under the radar. He’s not even like those flashy lower-order batters who entertain at the crease, and so devoid of the rub of the green that blesses so many Pakistan cricketers he even found a way to run himself out as a nightwatcher the previous Test. Oh, and he doesn’t really spin the ball that much. If you were conjuring up an unsexy cricketer in a lab, you would base it on Noman and then dial it down a bit.There’s always a reason not to talk about Noman, and on Thursday, Naseem Shah offered it up on a platter. Naseem is the anti-Noman. He’s a fast bowler with boyish good looks, pace to compete with the best, conventional and reverse swing with frightening control, and a hairline that takes pride of place among the pantheon of Pakistan fast bowlers. He’s got his whole career ahead of him, and no signs yet that he’s anywhere near the best version of himself. He will grow into his body, put on a bit more muscle, and gain both experience and confidence. His fandom, boyband-like in its devotion, will grow into a legion.But Noman is blessed with something that often eludes flashier, more talented cricketers: he understands perfectly both his role and his limitations. He only came into the side two years ago because Pakistan needed an extra spinner against South Africa, and hung around as Yasir Shah faded away, and Abrar Ahmed wasn’t yet ready. It’s a barren time for red-ball spin-bowling talent in Pakistan, and Noman knows when you’re that hard up, anything will do. Even the drip, drip, drip from a leaky faucet.Related
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Abdullah Shafique speeds down Pakistan Way
Thrill, thrill Pakistan
Noman has had to do the jobs no one else will, and he’d done them without complaint, receiving little praise in return. Just three Tests ago, while New Zealand batted Pakistan out of the game across 195 dreary overs, Noman sent down 63. In 2022, on a placid pitch in Karachi against Australia, he bowled 48 for little reward. When he has got wickets, he’s been easily overshadowed – by Hasan Ali on debut, by Shaheen Afridi in Zimbabwe, and by an ICC pitch rating against Australia.This was a perfect Test match for Pakistan, but they weren’t getting wickets, and who could predict the weather in Colombo on day five? Pakistan had already lost a lot of time to rain and arguably dawdled on the declaration, and Sri Lanka had laid a respectable foundation with their openers. Naseem, Shaheen and Abrar had, of course, all been tried first, but when each returned empty-handed, Babar Azam threw the ball to Noman.Few could begrudge Nishan Madushka for falling to that first ball, in equal parts because of the quality of the delivery and the unlikeliness of the source of it. Noman found his radar immediately, drifting it in, landing it on middle, and getting it to grip just enough to beat the outside edge while still clipping the outer half of off stump. It wasn’t just effective, but it was – whisper it quietly – actually sexy.Perhaps Noman’s been doing this all along, and we just haven’t noticed, and maybe that says something about us just as much as it does about him. Because few will remember that ball, or the six others that helped blow the game open and ensure Pakistan didn’t need to play dice with the rain gods. For, at the other end, Naseem, while going wicketless, was sending down a spell for the ages. Just after lunch, he produced four maiden overs on the trot, somehow being attacker and container all in one, even as Noman picked up wickets from the other end. The spinner has held things up for the quicker bowlers for much of his career, but in a strange inversion, the lead actor was returning the favour to his supporting cast.Naseem Shah needed only six balls to pick up the last three Sri Lankan wickets•AFP/Getty ImagesEven so, as Noman picked up his fifth, sixth and seventh wickets, and whispers of ten began to echo around, the limelight still found reasons to stray away from him. Because Naseem was bowling a spell whose worth couldn’t be measured in numbers. The drama rose to a crescendo in the 62nd over. By this time, Naseem was getting the ball to reverse with a mastery that takes most a career to perfect. Three times he beat bat, three times Hawkeye showed the ball was reversing too much. As Naseem sunk his face into the Colombo dirt in despair, the technology had in effect told him he was simply too good to get that wicket.But Noman’s role, remarkable as it was, had come to a conclusion. Naseem hasn’t often been kept waiting for what he wants, and normal service resumed as the prince of Pakistan’s fast bowling took centre stage. Noman had cleared the path for a shot at the tail, removing the charmed Ramesh Mendis who had somehow survived that over from Naseem. It took the 20-year-old all off six deliveries to wrap up the final three.Even as Noman led the team off, the cameras showed what people really wanted to see. An extended shot of Naseem, surrounded by his team-mates as they laughed, joked, and played with his hair. The boy who got three wickets may have deserved more, but none would begrudge the man who picked up seven even a single one. Slow left-arm spin might not be glamorous, but there’s no taking the sheen off figures of 7 for 70. Only one visiting cricketer has ever managed to do better in an innings in Sri Lanka.And that, as Noman might be too modest to point out, is even rarer than a Nobel Prize.
Justin Langer was the right coach for Australia after the ball-tampering scandal. But is he still the right man for the job?
Andrew McGlashan20-Aug-2021If the walls of the Adelaide hotel where the Australians are currently in quarantine could talk, they would have some stories to tell about the last week.Things have been tense in the men’s team for some time (remember Marnus Labuschagne’s toasted sandwich?) largely because they haven’t been winning, and it has been heightened by the bio-bubble and quarantine life that is currently part of international cricket.Related
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Having returned home from a tour that finished with them bowled out for 62, an argument with an in-house journalist, which did not initially stem from Justin Langer, became public and things took off from there. Details from the inner circle (Langer didn’t want players on the microphone in a T20I) were used to emphasise the coach’s intense character. The CEO intervened with a statement of support (good job this isn’t football). Emergency phone calls and Zoom meetings took place between the top executives and the captains. Former team-mates of Langer came out in his support; Matthew Hayden went at it with the same force with which he used to take down opening bowlers. Aaron Finch stopped short of a full endorsement, but Tim Paine spoke in a way that suggested some heads had been banged together. It was exhausting.For a moment in midweek, there was a feeling it may have reached the point of no return, but by Friday, things had stepped back from the brink. The quarantine period of those in Adelaide ends on Tuesday and people can return home and take a deep breath – although for some it will be straight back into lockdowns.
None of the comments in recent days attempting to dampen tensions have talked about Langer’s contract beyond its expiry next May. It could have got to the situation where success complicates the matter unless relationships really can be repaired.
Amid all this, Australia’s T20 World Cup squad was named. The same issues remain, but it’s as strong as it could be with an infusion of excitement around Josh Inglis’ call-up. Whether team spirit can be repaired in time remains to be seen but having the best players available again is at least a start.The crux of the argument is around whether Langer’s strengths have also become his weakness (a bit like a batter who has a great cover drive but keeps nicking behind). He cares deeply. Almost every piece has referenced the respect he is held in for what he achieved as a player. He was the type of coach Australia needed in 2018 after the ball-tampering scandal, but is he the right coach now?Writing in , Mike Atherton gave one of the more balanced assessments and drew comparisons with the end of the Andy Flower era for England. “It may be that these types of coaches – Eddie Jones in rugby would be similar – have a certain shelf life, because of the intensity of the atmosphere they generate and the high standards they demand,” he wrote. “The opposite would be a coach who tries to create a clubbable environment by doing very little, in which players are happy and feel free to express themselves. It may be that a certain type of coach fits a team at a certain stage of their development, or that the best coaches are able to wax and wane according to their team’s needs.”If all this is being forced by player power, they aren’t exactly coming at it with a handful of aces•Getty ImagesHe also cautioned that Australia “should be careful what they wish for” when it comes to change.It may be over-simplifying things, but if Paine had held his catches on the final day at the SCG or Australia had bowled India out at the Gabba, it’s unlikely this situation would have taken place. Or even just bowling the overs quicker in Melbourne. They would not have lost the series, would probably have won and have reached the World Test Championship final. It’s a philosophical debate – one of cricket’s chicken or egg moments – whether winning breeds a happy dressing room or vice versa, but if this is being forced by player power, they aren’t exactly coming at it with a handful of aces.These sorts of issues in a team never happen at a good time, but this is really the last thing Cricket Australia needs to be dealing with right now. They are facing significant challenges to get the season played as scheduled because of Covid-19, certainly this side of Christmas, beginning next month with the visit of the India women’s side. Tensions have grown over how the men’s Ashes series will work. You can imagine what Nick Hockley’s inbox looks like right now.The concern will be whether the last 48 hours have just been an effort in papering over cracks to avoid massive upheaval on the eve of a new season. There is a lot of high-pressure cricket in the coming months, although on England’s current form they may not provide much of a challenge in the Ashes. However, even that may not be a good thing. None of the comments in recent days attempting to dampen tensions have talked about Langer’s contract beyond its expiry next May. It could have got to the situation where success complicates the matter unless relationships really can be repaired.
كشف مصدر داخل نادي الزمالك، عن تطورات جديدة تخص ملف اللاعبين الأجانب في الفريق، وسط حالة توتر نتيجة تأخر المستحقات المالية لأشهر طويلة.
وأكد المصدر، أن عدد من اللاعبين حركوا إنذارات قانونية تجاه النادي من خلال محامي خاص، في ظل غياب الحلول لصرف المتأخرات، وهو ما يضع الإدارة تحت ضغط كبير قبل الميركاتو الشتوي.
اقرأ أيضًا.. خاص | بعد صدامه الأخير.. لاعب الزمالك يبحث عن عرض خليجي في يناير
وأوضح المصدر عبر بطولات: “حتى الآن، ليس هناك فسخ للعقود لكل من محمود بنتايج وخوان بيزيرا وآدم كايد وعدي الدباغ، لكن هناك إنذارات وصلت الزمالك بالفعل بعد انتهاء مهلة الثلاث أشهر القانونية بسبب عدم الحصول على أي مرتبات”.
وأشار المصدر إلى أن اللاعبين الأجانب داخل الزمالك “لا يشعرون بالاستقرار”، ما جعل رغبتهم قوية في الرحيل قبل يناير، بحثًا عن أندية جديدة تضمن حقوقهم المالية في أسرع وقت.
وأوضح أن مشاعر القلق تتزايد بين اللاعبين، خاصة مع غياب وضوح رؤية الإدارة بشأن مستحقاتهم وعدم وجود أي تطمينات عملية لحل الأزمة قبل حلول فترة الانتقالات.
وكشف المصدر أن “مهلة بنتايج وبيزيرا تنتهي بعد أسبوع رسميًا”، ما يعني اقتراب إمكانية فسخ التعاقد من طرفهما إذا لم يتم دفع المستحقات، وهو ما قد يزيد من معاناة الفريق فنيًا.
واختتم المصدر تصريحاته مؤكداً أن الأزمة المالية “لا تخص كرة القدم فقط”، موضحًا أن هناك مشكلة مالية في جميع الألعاب داخل النادي، وأن المجلس عاجز عن سداد تلك الديون في الوقت الحالي.
وكان الثنائي عبد الحميد معالي وصلاح مصدق قد فسخا عقدهما مع الزمالك قبل أيام رسميًا بعد إنذار بمهلة انتهت بسبب عدم حصولهما على مستحقاتهما المالية منذ بداية الموسم الحالي، ويبدو أن هناك المزيد في الطريق.