One Newcastle United player is now “keen” to stay at St James’ Park and signing a new contract, according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown.
Newcastle line up more new deals after Pope extension
Nick Pope recently triggered a contract extension to stay on Tyneside until 2027, revealing in the pre-Benfica press conference this week it was a clause inserted into his original deal in 2023.
Bruno Guimaraes has also been a fantastic servant for the Magpies, adding so much quality and heart to the midfield ever since he joined the club.
Sorting the Brazilian’s future has to be a key area of focus for Newcastle, and a recent update claimed that they have offered him a new five-year deal, in order to ward off interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Bruno isn’t the only player whose future will be looked at, though, with experienced heads Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles out of contract at the end of this season.
Now, a key update has emerged regarding a player who is at the opposite end of his career, with Eddie Howe likely to be buoyed by the news.
Newcastle ace "keen" to sign contract extension
Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League executive Mick Brown spoke on the chances of Tino Livramento signing a new deal at Newcastle, saying he is “keen” to stay put.
“Livramento has earned all the plaudits he gets. He’s worked very hard to become part of that Newcastle team despite the injuries he’s had, he plays wherever he’s needed and has always done a very good job. He’s done the same for England as well and has improved his reputation considerably.
“A lot of that progress has been made since he joined Newcastle, where he clearly has the trust and a good relationship with the manager. Of course, when a player is performing at that sort of level consistently, it’s going to attract interest from other clubs who might want to bring him in.
“But from what I hear, Livramento is happy at Newcastle, and I’d expect if there was a new contract on the table for him, he would be keen to stay. It’s something that would be the best outcome for all parties if they could get him tied down. Not only do Newcastle get to keep a fantastic player, but he can continue and build on the progress he has made there, playing regularly at the top level.”
Livramento is currently 19th on the Newcastle wage list at just £50,000-a-week, but has to be seen as a big part of the club’s future, with the England international proving to be a great option in both full-back positions.
The 22-year-old should only grow as a footballer as the years pass, potentially even becoming a regular starter for the Three Lions, and Theo Walcott once even claimed that he possessed an “aura”.
Howe can finally drop Joelinton by unleashing Newcastle's "little diamond"
Eddie Howe could finally axe Joelinton by unleashing this Newcastle United star in his place.
ByKelan Sarson Oct 19, 2025
If Bruno’s new contract takes precedence for Newcastle, Livramento isn’t too far behind, as they look to avoid him moving elsewhere, which would be a huge blow at this point in his career.
Do not pinch yourself, Sunderland fans, your beloved team does actually sit in a mind-blowing fourth position in the early Premier League standings right now.
Ever since Regis Le Bris’ transformative appointment last summer, the Black Cats have found themselves slowly but surely rising to absurd new heights, with a dramatic promotion via the playoffs, now being met with an incredible five victories from their opening nine top-flight contests.
The Wearside underdogs even got the better of Chelsea last time out in the Premier League to secure that amazing top-four position, as a last-gasp Chemsidine Talbi effort left Robert Sanchez rooted to his spot.
The Black Cats’ away end was anything but stationary, though, as flailing arms galore were seen at Stamford Bridge, as the hardened travelling masses try to grow used to their side competing with the big boys, and even beating them.
It’s been quite a breakneck journey for Le Bris and Co. since the ex-Lorient boss was handed the Stadium of Light reins back in the summer of 2024, with the Black Cats very much putting the transfer market to good use in signing some fantastic gems over the last year or so.
Sunderland's best signings since Le Bris joined
There would have been plenty of apprehension in the air when Le Bris was first announced as Sunderland boss, as the then-Championship underachievers gambled on a managerial option that had never taken charge of an EFL game before.
Thankfully, their left-field thinking paid off, with Wilson Isidor undoubtedly sticking out as one of the Frenchman’s finest bits of business since moving to England.
Already, Isidor has shown he can cut it in the Premier League with four top-flight strikes next to his name, with the sweetest effort of them all arguably being this instinctive effort that got the ball rolling for Le Bris’ men in West London.
With 13 Championship goals also under his belt, which ensured the glory of promotion was achieved, he is certainly a firm fan’s favourite now, after also being seen as an out-there purchase when initially joining the ranks on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg.
Isidor’s fellow compatriot in Enzo Le Fee is also in this conversation, with Le Bris flexing his Ligue 1 connections to bring in the ex-Roma midfielder in January, proving to be a crucial moment in their hunt for promotion.
Without Le Fee’s added star quality, the Black Cats might well have come up short in their goal to finally return to the Premier League, with two assists picked up from their three cagey playoff matches, resulting in the number 28 being seen as an ice-cold customer on Wearside in tense moments.
Le Fee entering the building on loan and then staying put permanently arguably paved the way for Sunderland to be very ambitious this summer, with faces such as Omar Alderete leaving the glamour of La Liga behind for a chance at Premier League success with Sunderland, a wild thought when the Black Cats were once marooned in the second tier.
Of all the standout purchases this summer, Granit Xhaka is surely the one that sticks out the most, with the Swiss international a regular once upon a time at Arsenal, before becoming a Bundesliga-winning warrior with Bayer Leverkusen.
It almost felt too good to be true; therefore, when the 33-year-old battler ditched Germany for Sunderland this summer, with there surely being a catch along the way.
Yet, Xhaka has proven to be a fine wine on his return to England, with the £13m summer buy currently ranking fifth in the division for big chances created (four), despite being in the supposed twilight years of his career.
Chipping in with three assists, too, it must still be hard for Sunderland fans to come to terms with the spectacular talents their side can now convince to move to Wearside, with Le Bris commenting after the Chelsea win that his brand-new captain is “setting the standards” for everyone around him.
While Xhaka is rightly stealing the headlines for being a masterstroke of a signing, there is another figure who has slipped under the radar, who could be deemed as an even better signing that Le Bris has pulled off, away from the number 34’s wild return to England.
Sunderland's best signing under Le Bris
If Xhaka were to have an off-day, the Frenchman thankfully has fellow midfield talent Noah Sadiki to call upon, with the summer signing from Belgium yet another face who has been “incredible” this season, as he was recently labelled by journalist James Copley.
In the heart of defence, though, Sunderland are arguably not blessed with the same levels of depth, with an ageing Luke O’Nien perhaps not cut out for the pressures of the Premier League, in reserve.
Thankfully, ever since his £9.5m arrival to the building during the action-packed summer transfer window, Nordi Mukiele has been a trustworthy component of Le Bris’ side in this spot on the pitch, with the assured number 20 already being referred to as a “colossus” by journalist Andy Sixsmith, off the back of him looking near faultless since entering the Black Cats ranks.
While Xhaka has also looked equally imperious and confident, he already knew all the rhymes and rhythms of the unforgiving division, having been put through the wringer at Arsenal.
Mukiele’s PL stats
Stat – per 90 mins*
Mukiele
Games played
7
Goals scored
1
Assists
0
Touches*
65.1
Accurate passes*
32.6 (81%)
Tackles*
3.0
Ball recoveries*
3.7
Clearances*
7.4
Total duels won*
7.3
Clean sheets
3
Stats by Sofascore
Mukiele, on the other hand, only knew Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga before his switch, but has since stepped up to already be seen as an undroppable part of Sunderland’s unfolding success story, as can be seen by looking at his phenomenal Premier League numbers to date.
Amazingly, despite the ex-Gunners midfielder also holding a fierce reputation for being a “monster”, as he was once labelled by Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm while still at the Emirates, Mukiele has managed to win more duels on average this season with a commanding 7.3 duels conjured up, next to Xhaka’s slightly lesser 6.2.
To further back up the argument that Mukiele is Le Bris’ best bit of business since leaving Lorient behind for Wearside, the 27-year-old has also been vital so far this season with his ability to be adaptable and versatile for his team’s cause, with a goal even coming his way against Wolverhampton Wanderers in mid-October, when drafted out to a right-back spot to fix some injury concerns.
Landing such a committed character for just £9.5m, which is also cheaper than the modest amount forked out to win Xhaka, surely means he is a frontrunner to be seen as Le Bris’ smartest move since becoming Sunderland manager, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even stating last month that he “can’t believe” the Premier League newcomers managed to pick him up.
The concern, too, with their captain is that he is 33 years of age, with more seasons on the agenda where he’s running himself into the ground – past this campaign – perhaps a tall order.
Whereas, Mukiele has time on his side, with a hope that his full-blooded efforts just continue on, as Sunderland strive to remain near the top of the Premier League tree for as long as possible, courtesy of their never-say-die number 20.
Le Bris can axe Traore for £18m gem who’s "grown into the Sunderland shirt”
Regis Le Bris could be looking to replace Bertrand Traore with this Sunderland star.
For all that there was tension as England hunted down 371 to win the first Test against India earlier this week, most of it had dissipated by the time Jamie Smith planted his front foot to Ravindra Jadeja, and blazed England past the finish line with a volley of four, six, six in the first over of the fifth day’s final hour.It was, as Smith explained this week, a pre-meditated assault. He had chatted with his batting partner Joe Root at the drinks break, and decided that, with India already armed with the new ball and with Jasprit Bumrah always lurking around the corner, it was time to seal the deal before India had a chance to get even the slightest sniff of a fightback.”The runs at that point were not too many, so I wasn’t expecting him to come on and bowl, but you’re just never quite sure, especially in cricket,” Smith said at a Rothesay media event in London. “You don’t know what will happen. I always back our tail but there could be a couple of decent balls and suddenly you’re eight-down and the pressure’s back on you again. It was nice to just get it done and move on.”Related
Smith's a keeper, as epic innings goes where England predecessors could not
Siraj six-for hands India huge lead despite Smith and Brook hundreds
Stokes has the last laugh as England's have-a-chase ethos wins big
Key: 'Pure talent' Archer ready to hit the ground running
Bumrah returns to nets, bowls full tilt during India's optional training session
That burst of aggression might not have been a remarkable option, had it not been for what had happened in England’s first innings. Back on the third afternoon, and with Smith similarly placed on 40 not out, he had again swung across the line – this time to Prasidh Krishna – and holed out to deep square leg to expose England’s lower-middle order to the second new ball.The two moments offer a microcosm of England’s no-consequences attitude. For all that the team was hailed for playing “Bazball with brains”, as Michael Vaughan put it on Test Match Special, the fundamentals of their mindset appear not to have altered massively. So long as there is method to the chosen madness, it appears anything still goes in the McCullum-Stokes regime.”It’s great,” Smith said. “Having that belief from other people is something that definitely took my game to the next level. When you’re out there batting, it is you and your partner at the other end, so it’s quite individual, but to have that backing and trust that other people are doing the same thing, you don’t feel you’re alone when you’re doing what you feel is right in that moment.”When you are caught on the boundary trying to hit the ball for six, you feel you’re not going to get a slap on the wrist. [The attitude is] ‘mate, that was a good option, the wind was howling that way’.Jamie Smith speaking at a Rothesay media event in London•Getty Images
“I knew there was a new ball coming and it looks as though I’d exposed Chris Woakes [at No.8] but, at that point, if I’d hit another couple of sixes in that over, you’re taking all the momentum into the new ball. The second new ball can bring wickets but it can increase the scoring rate as well. There’s always a little bit of calculated thinking behind it.”A lack of overthinking, however, remains one of England’s core principles. Speaking at the end of the first Test, while Stokes was enjoying the last laugh after criticism of his decision to bowl first, he reiterated that he and McCullum are a “simple-minded pair”, and that the team’s task, when everything else is stripped back, remains “scoring more runs than your opposition”.And so, when confronted with a second-innings scoreline of 302 for 5, with an awkward 69 runs still needed, this lack of complication was very much to Smith’s liking as he walked out to join Root.”It was simple in that you knew you had to chase the runs and we weren’t going to block out for the draw,” he said. “We were always going to be positive and try to get the runs. It was a rapid outfield and as good a batting conditions as you could have on day five. It wasn’t misbehaving too much as the Test went on, so you always felt as though you could keep it simple, you didn’t have to do things too out the box to get the runs which is very helpful.”It was certainly seemed to be India who cracked first as the final day wore on, thanks principally to Ben Duckett’s and Zak Crawley’s opening stand of 188, but also through the relentless optimism that the rest of the batting line-up brought to their task – including the captain, Stokes, who struggled against Jadeja’s left-arm line outside his off stump, but rarely stopped going for his strokes in a 51-ball 33.”It’s hard when you’re out there and you’re focused on the job at hand,” Smith said. “You know the importance of that moment, when you have the opportunity to start the series with a win, that your focus is all on that.”When they’re trying to get 10 wickets and you’re chasing 370, it’s not everyday that gets done. There could have been some head-downs at the end but they kept trying all day. I see a lot of chat about maybe some inexperience on their part but I thought they were fantastic throughout the five days.”
Eighth over. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have it all lined up. Yuzvendra Chahal strikes. Against the run of play. Ajinkya Rahane is lbw after a 55-run stand – in a 112 chase – and… a switch flicks. Chahal keeps getting wickets, and Shreyas Iyer keeps adding fielders around the bat.Last throw of the dice? Sniffing something others hadn’t? To Ian Bishop, it could be both or neither of those things, but Shreyas has “made teams better” wherever he has gone. On the night in Mullanpur, it meant a 16-run win for Punjab Kings (PBKS), their fourth win in IPL 2025.In that situation, with more than half the small target knocked off and many, many balls left, “I have seen captains sit back and probably say, ‘let’s take this as deep as we can’,” Bishop said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show. “I think Shreyas is a good captain. Wherever Shreyas has gone, and I keep saying it, since he took over from Gautam Gambhir halfway through at Delhi Capitals [then Daredevils] in 2018, he’s made teams better.”Related
RCB return home aiming to avoid a hat-trick of defeats
Chahal back in his element, in the game, in typical style
Stats – PBKS pull off lowest successful defence in IPL history
Ponting: That might be the best win I've ever had as coach in IPL
To Ambati Rayudu, it was a case of things falling in place for PBKS, but Shreyas did something “the best of captains” might not have.”I have known the best of captains who wouldn’t have taken this score [111] seriously. Trust me,” Rayudu said. “But this guy did. [Coach Ricky] Ponting does. Ponting would never give up. That’s a great combination that they have going. But only if they don’t change the players as often as they do. And keep it constant. I think they’ll get a lot of success in the IPL.”He [Shreyas] has that composure as a person and as a captain, and that is why I feel… sir [Bishop] here has said he is a good captain, and that’s because he has that composure.”Back in IPL 2018, the season Bishop referred to, Ponting was the Delhi coach and Gambhir the captain. Gambhir was in poor form with the bat, and Delhi had won only one of their first six matches of the season when he stepped down, and Shreyas took over. They still finished bottom of the table, but with five wins from their eight remaining games. Shreyas then led Delhi to a third-place finish in IPL 2019 and the final the following year. His next captaincy stint came with KKR, and he led them to the title in 2024.Now with PBKS, Shreyas has led the team to four wins in six games and is also their top run-getter. Are PBKS looking set to make the playoffs at this stage then?6:18
Pressure or complacency – why did KKR collapse?
“They are more eager, they are more hungry. They are on their way,” Rayudu said, while Bishop pointed out that, compared to some of the teams, PBKS were only playing their sixth game on Tuesday, and “had they gone the other way and lost this, it wouldn’t have been detrimental, but they have given themselves a bonus”.It’s not only about Shreyas, though. Ponting has played his part in the backroom, and said the KKR result “might just be about the best win that I’ve ever had [as a coach]”. Nehal Wadhera, the PBKS middle-order batter, provided a glimpse of the “positivity” in the camp with Ponting and Shreyas working in tandem.”I have never, ever heard a negative word coming out of his mouth,” Wadhera said of Ponting at the post-match press conference. “When your coach is such a character, the way he inspires everyone, and even when we got back [after the batting innings], he just said, ‘okay, today our bowlers need to get the job done, I need some really fiery spells today’; automatically when players listen to such things from the coach, the confidence boosts up. It really showed on the field. It’s all because of his pep talks.”Also Shreyas Iyer. They way he charges up everyone… he’s one of the finest captains I have ever played under and he’s really great at what he does, with the bat and the way he captains, and the way he is leading the team is really great.”
O jogo entre Universitario e Corinthians tinha ares de confusão e terminou com ela acontecendo. O estopim foi a comemoração do garoto Ryan ao marcar seu primeiro gol como profissional, que deu a vitória por 2 a 1 ao Timão no estádio Monumental de Lima, no Peru. No entanto, a “treta” já estava plantada desde o apito final do confronto de ida em São Paulo, na semana passada.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansApós classificação, Luxemburgo diz que Corinthians está dando atenção à Sul-AmericanaCorinthians19/07/2023CorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Biro comete pênalti infantil, mas Corinthians conta com Maycon para avançar na Sul-AmericanaCorinthians18/07/2023CorinthiansVeja quanto o Corinthians faturou com a classificação às oitavas de final da Sul-AmericanaCorinthians19/07/2023
Sebastián Avellino Vargas, preparador físico da equipe peruana, fez gestos racistas imitando um macaco em direção à torcida corintiana após o fim do jogo na Neo Química Arena. O profissional da comissão técnica da La U foi preso em flagrante na madrugada da última quarta-feira (12) e segue detido no Brasil, após ter a decisão mantida em audiência de custódia e o pedido de habeas corpus negado pelo Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo.
+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF
No dia seguinte à prisão, no entanto, o Universitario emitiu uma nota criticando a forma como a Justiça brasileira agiu no caso e demonstrou apoio a Avellino, dizendo, inclusive, que não havia provas concretas de atos racistas por parte do peruano e também que não foi dado o direito de resposta. Porém, na quinta-feira (13), imagens registradas no estádio mostraram os gestos feitos por Sebastián.
continua após a publicidade
Mesmo com as evidências, Jorge Fossati, técnico de Los Cremas, disse estar 110% fechado com seu companheiro. A declaração foi dada na última sexta-feira (14), após a vitória sobre o Unión Comercio pelo Campeonato Peruano.
+ ATUAÇÕES: Biro comete pênalti infantil, mas Corinthians conta com Maycon para avançar na Sul-Americana
Todo esse cenário fez com que um ambiente de “nós contra eles” fosse criado no Peru. Com uma semana de antecedência para a partida de volta pelos playoffs da Sul-Americana, todos os ingressos do estádio Monumental foram vendidos. A capacidade é de 80 mil torcedores. Diante disso, as autoridades peruanas emitiram um alerta de segurança à delegação corintiana horas antes do jogo acontecer, recomendando que a equipe fosse até o local da partida no veículo da polícia e não no próprio ônibus, para ingressar disfarçadamente no espaço reservado para o jogo.
continua após a publicidade
A alternativa foi vetada pelo clube alvinegro, que entendeu que isso seria um sinal de ausência de segurança para o evento acontecer. No entanto, mesmo em veículo próprio, não houve incidente na chegada da equipe corintiana ao estádio.
O problema ocorreu quando o garoto Ryan, que fazia somente seu segundo jogo como atleta profissional, marcou o segundo gol do Corinthians, que deu a vitória e garantiu a classificação do Timão às oitavas da Sul-Americana. Na comemoração, o jovem de 19 anos tirou a camisa e mostrou para a torcida do Universitario. A reação dos jogadores do time peruano foi imediata ao avançarem em direção aos corintianos, que foram acuados nos bancos de reservas.
A partida ficou paralisada por cerca de 15 minutos. Houve entrada de policiamento no Monumental. A torcida da La U lançou objetos em direção aos jogadores da equipe brasileira e alguns jogadores da equipe mandante partiram até mesmo para cima das autoridades de segurança para agredir os adversários.
Os jogadores mais experientes do Corinthians, como o atacante Róger Guedes, e o próprio técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo pediram desculpas aos jogadores para tentar minimizar o problema.
+ Transforme qualquer TV em Smart e assista aos jogos do seu time do coração quando quiser!
– Tudo bem, pedi desculpas a ele. Nosso jogador acabou errando, é jovem, se empolgou um pouco na comemoração. A gente pede paz nos estádios – disse Guedes na saída de campo.
– Eu queria fazer um pedido de desculpas por meu atleta, muito jovem, tem somente 19 anos. Primeira vez em uma viagem internacional, fez um gol importante, que transcende o futebol. Muito jovem e precisa aprender muito. Pedir desculpas à torcida, jogadores e diretoria. Tenho carinho e respeito pelo povo peruano e é preciso pedir desculpas por esse momento que transcende o futebol, que é entretenimento. Foi um gesto de um menino que nunca havia saído do país para jogar futebol – afirmou Luxa.
O saldo final foi a expulsão de Ryan, que anteriormente já havia recebido o cartão amarelo por ter tirado a camisa na comemoração, e do meio-campista Matheus Araújo. Do lado do Universitario, receberam o cartão vermelho: Calcaterra, Di Benedetto e Guzmán, que estava no banco de reservas.
O Corinthians venceu a equipe peruana por 3 a 1 no placar agregado e está nas oitavas de final da Sul-Americana. Na próxima fase, o adversário será o Newell’s Old Boys, da Argentina. As partidas serão disputadas nos dias 2 e 9 de agosto. O confronto inicial será em São Paulo, e a decisão acontecerá na cidade de Rosário.
The only uncapped player in the squad is legspinner Vincent Masekesa
ESPNcricinfo staff07-Apr-2025Zimbabwe veteran Sean Williams will make his return to the Test squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, as the team prepare for a two-match series starting April 20.Williams had missed Zimbabwe’s previous Test, against Ireland, due to a back injury. Both he as well as the captain Craig Ervine, who pulled out of the Ireland game due to the birth of his child, have been included in the 15-man squad for the Bangladesh series. Wessly Madhevere, who had been a last-minute call-up to replace Ervine in the Ireland series, keeps his place for the Bangladesh Tests.Overall, Zimbabwe have made three changes from the squad that took on Ireland in February. Wicketkeeper-batter Joylord Gumbie makes way for Tafadzwa Tsiga, who returns to the national fold two years after making his Test debut against West Indies.Also returning is left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza, whose most recent Test appearance came during that same series against West Indies in 2023. He replaces young pace bowler Newman Nyamhuri.Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who made history in February by becoming the first Zimbabwe pacer to claim seven wickets in a Test innings, will spearhead the bowling attack alongside Richard Ngarava.The only uncapped player in the squad is legspinner Vincent Masekesa.”We are very excited to be heading into a period where Test cricket will be our sole focus,” Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons said.”I am certain this group of players will continue to grow as individuals and as a team as they face new challenges in different conditions.”Zimbabwe will take on Bangladesh in the first Test in Sylhet from April 20, before moving to Chattogram for the second Test on April 28.This is Zimbabwe’s first Test in Bangladesh since February 2020, when the hosts secured victory in a one-off match in Dhaka by an innings and 106 runs.Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams
Chelsea fans have urged the club to sign a new goalkeeper after Robert Sanchez's early red card against Manchester United. The Spaniard brought down the through-on-goal Bryan Mbeumo and was dismissed in the fifth minute at a sodden Old Trafford. That prompted Blues fans to tear into the ex-Brighton stopper, saying he is a "walking, talking liability" for Enzo Maresca's side.
Chelsea fans tear into Sanchez for Man Utd blunder
Chelsea were down to 10 men after just five minutes when Mbeumo was felled by Sanchez just outside the box when the winger was bearing down on goal. This led to a social media pile-on as Blues supporters let rip at the 27-year-old.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSanchez branded a 'liability'
@johnsonj005 wrote on X: "How many frickin times are we gonna do this with him!!!!! I don’t understand! Get a new goalkeeper!!!!"
@LiamDelap9CFC tweeted: "Worst start by Chelsea. Players should be ashamed to reach this situation."
@Pran__07 commented: "Sanchez literally has 0 brain cells but [Todd] Boehly and [Enzo] Maresca loves him more than their own family."
@CFCMamo wrote: "We have been saying to buy a goalkeeper the whole summer," and @NealGardner_ added, "For as much money as Chelsea spends, how on earth is Robert Sanchez still their starting keeper? He’s a walking, talking liability."
Not good enough?
Many pundits and critics believe that Chelsea cannot return to their Premier League-winning days with Sanchez in goal. While the Spain international is a shot-stopper with impressive athleticism, he can make rash decisions and costly mistakes. Despite that, he has been the club's number one ahead of Filip Jorgensen but this could put his starting spot in jeopardy.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportWhat next for Sanchez and Chelsea?
To make matters worse for Maresca's team, Bruno Fernandes gave United a 14th-minute lead, and Chelsea also lost Cole Palmer to an apparent injury inside the first half. It remains to be seen if Sanchez will return to the starting lineup when his suspension is over.
Plenty has been spoken about the last time New Zealand entertained England at Wellington ahead of Friday’s second Test. And it is fair to say the players are bored of it.”The only chats I’ve had about it are speaking to you guys [the media],” Ben Stokes said when 2023’s one-run thriller was brought up on Thursday. This time around, public entertainment is not a priority: “Any win, any way, shape or form.”New Zealand captain Tom Latham felt similar, even if the spirit of that particular result needs to be evoked here and now. Just as it was then, New Zealand find themselves 1-0 down in the series, and in a peculiar state of flux once more.Related
From the Basin to the heights: A decade on from McCullum's 302
Brook rises to No. 2 in Test rankings, closes gap with Root
Over-rate penalties: Stokes wants clear communication from ICC
Bethell holds No. 3 spot as England name unchanged XI
NZ in need of another fightback at scene of epic one-run win
They were in transition then and are seemingly in the same state of limbo 22 months on. And yet an unchanged XI from the first Test that contains seven survivors from that Neil Wagner-inspired epic is not wistfully romanticising about the possibility of history repeating itself. Parity in the series will have to be earned.”It hasn’t been mentioned at all,” Latham said. “We know it’s a completely different team, a completely different bowling attack to that was used here, a different make-up to the batting.”Defeat in Christchurch gives New Zealand a middling record of five wins and five defeats from ten Tests in 2024 so far. The India success, professional and deserved, looks like the beautiful anomaly that it is.A temptation to tweak perhaps should have been taken, if only to get Will Young, Player of the Series from that tour, into the XI. New Zealand are not in a position to leave form players out, particularly when those out of form can be swapped out with minimal fuss.The man most under the microscope is Tom Blundell, who could have been swapped out for Young, with either Devon Conway or Latham taking the gloves. A first innings 17 followed by a golden duck has dipped his calendar year average to 15.88. His one and only fifty came eight innings ago, in which time he has returned five single-figure scores, including two noughts.Clarity has been the key between Tests. Players were informed more than 24 hours before Thursday’s start that they would get the chance to go again, a chance at redemption to square the series. Blundell included, who will be playing at his home ground where he averages 55.16 in six Tests.”He’s always known that he’s been playing,” Latham said on whether the player himself had doubts about making the cut this week. “We fully back Tom in terms of his ability to score runs and do a good job behind the stumps. We know what a quality player he is.”New Zealand’s training session on Wednesday and Thursday featured catching sessions, which is nothing at all out of the norm but certainly drew more eyeballs after their botched fielding effort at Hagley Oval. Eight catches were dropped in England’s first innings, the most egregious being the first of five lives for Harry Brook on 18 before he went on to 171.”We did a bit of catching yesterday and today, just like we usually do. We haven’t necessarily put an extra focus on it. We always put the work in behind the scenes, regardless of whether things have gone our way or not.”Latham is guarded at the best of times, but there is a broader sense that New Zealand are keen to adopt a more ruthless approach. Not necessarily towards the opposition, but to themselves. The romanticism of Wellington 2023 counts for little. Nor does the first Test of this series.”Last week was last week,” Latham said. “We’ve got another opportunity this week. We try and stay as level as we can. We’ve been in this situation before when things haven’t necessarily gone the way that we’ve wanted in the first game.”
Liverpool won the Premier League last season, finishing ten points ahead of second-place Arsenal. Few gave Arne Slot a chance to establish himself as a title-race outlier, but he took the division by storm.
And he’s been rewarded in the summer transfer market, with FSG green-lighting ambitious moves for Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, with the latter signing from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m.
Navigating the transfer market has become a far more delicate matter for Liverpool after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
But Liverpool’s forward interest dates back to the start of 2025, with Darwin Nunez transfer-listed while the Reds pursued the Premier League title.
Nunez is still set to leave Liverpool, with the Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal among the frontrunners, and FSG have worked to sign a replacement.
While nothing’s set in stone, it looks like that replacement is going to be Hugo Ekitike.
The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool
Liverpool appear to have won the race for Ekitike, with the 23-year-old submitting a transfer request as he looks to inch a move to Merseyside closer.
Newcastle United were also in the mix, but have dropped out following the Reds’ concrete advancements.
Ekitike’s is an unrefined skill set, but with a few tweaks here and there, he could prove a stunning signing for Slot’s cause. After all, talent scout Jacek Kulig remarked that he “could definitely reach world-class striker levels”.
With 22 goals and 12 assists to his name across the 2024/25 campaign, such a claim certainly seems to have some substance.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
On Friday morning, Sport BILD reported that Ekitike had linked back up with Frankfurt for training and, as things stand, is slated to join his teammates on their pre-season tour in the United States.
The Reds are closing in on their quarry, but they have another target in their sights, too. You might even say he’s an upgrade on the French forward.
Liverpool lining up another striker
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still pushing to land Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, in spite of their push for Ekitike’s signature and indeed the rebuffed formal approach for the Sweden striker earlier in the week.
Liverpool were willing to put a £120m offer on the table, but the focus shift to Ekitike in recent days speaks of a roadblock between Anfield and St. James’ Park.
Isak
Elsewhere, Foot Mercato have revealed that Isak and Newcastle have given Al-Hilal the initial green light to commence discussions over a deal that would send shockwaves through the footballing world.
While this is peculiar news, it perhaps suggests that the Isak saga is not quite finished for Liverpool this summer.
Why Liverpool should sign Alexander Isak
Time was when Liverpool’s owners were widely regarded as being frugal, if effective with their resources. But who can call FSG misers now? Having forked out a shedload on new signings this summer, there’s still more yet to come.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
BBC reporter Sami Mokbel believes that Liverpool’s interest in Isak will remain intact regardless of the outcome of the Ekitike saga. One of the French talent’s underlying qualities to have piqued Slot’s interest is his versatility, with a sharp tactical mind and a nimble athleticism making him, as Kulig alluded to, world-class material.
But Isak’s already there, with pundit Alan Shearer hailing his “world-class” level. Indeed, there’s a case that the Swedish gem’s the finest number nine in the game right now, having scored 27 goals and supplied six assists across all competitions for the Magpies in 2024/25. Certainly, he’s the most complete, with pundit Ally McCoist saying: “In terms of his all-round game, he’s unstoppable.”
Without a doubt, Isak would pack a heavier punch than Ekitike, definitely across the next campaign or two. Sure, the Frankfurt man has the potential to become one of the best, but his Swedish counterpart is already there.
Newcastle signed him from Real Sociedad for what still stands as a club-record £63m deal, and injuries have been his only foible.
Instrumental in securing United as a top-end competitor, scoring as they beat Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup and end a 70-year trophy drought, he would revolutionise a Liverpool frontline already packed with high-level quality.
Premier League – Top Scorers Since 22/23
#
Player
Apps
Goals (per 90)
1.
Erling Haaland
97
85 (0.88)
2.
Mohamed Salah
108
66 (0.61)
3.
Alexander Isak
86
54 (0.63)
4.
Ollie Watkins
112
50 (0.45)
5.
Bryan Mbeumo
101
38 (0.38)
Data via Transfermarkt
And not just a goalscorer, Isak’s completeness can be observed through his FBref data. The stats-led site reveals the 25-year-old ranked among the top 16% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries, and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.
The thing is, Liverpool cannot afford to be so reliant on Mohamed Salah for goals, especially now that the right winger has turned 33. In Isak, Slot would sign a striker with a far superior ball-striking ability than Ekitike; certainly, the Swede is more efficient and economical in his efforts, with a conversion rate to be feared and an impressive rate of creativity besides.
The £120k-per-week forward is just one year away from his penultimate year on Tyneside. Then the alarm bells will be screeching down the St. James’ Park hallways. Perhaps Newcastle will want to cash in for a pretty penny while they still can.
Newcastle, for sure, know that Liverpool are willing to break the British transfer record (again) before summer’s out. And from a Reds perspective, sporting director Richard Hughes will be doing all he can to achieve this, for Isak is the cream of the crop and would certainly arrive as a more accomplished and complete player than Ekitike.
Better than Isak & Ekitike: Liverpool make £142m "monster" a dream target
Liverpool have two primary candidates to bolster their forward line; Alexander Isak & Hugo Ekitike.
It wouldn’t be hyperbole to say the last few weeks have felt like something of a whirlwind for Arsenal.
After a slow start to the transfer window, the Premier League runners-up have now officially announced the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Andrea Berta and Co don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon either, as both Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze continue to be heavily touted for moves to the Emirates.
However, the star that appears set to be announced by the club is Noni Madueke, and while he could be a hit, Mikel Arteta already has someone in his position worth millions more, and no, it’s not Bukayo Saka.
Why Arsenal want Madueke
It would be fair to say that the reaction to Arsenal’s interest and imminent signing of Madueke this week hasn’t exactly gone down well with large swathes of the fanbase.
Market Movers
Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?
The mood from some sections has been so sour that it led to journalist Sam Dean asking if any big money signing had caused such a commotion in the past.
With the final fee reported to be around £52m, it is easy to see where some fans are coming from, as in a summer in which the club needs to bring in some game-changing signings, it seems like a perplexing use of funds.
Noni Madueke for Chelsea
However, when we take a look at some of his data, some things jump out and point to why Arteta and Co might want to bring him in.
For example, FBref ranked him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area and the top 7% for total progressive carrying distance, all per 90.
Madueke’s FBref scout report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
Progressive Carries
6.82
Top 1%
Carries into Penalty Area
4.12
Top 1%
GCA (Defensive Action)
0.04
Top 4%
Touches (Att Pen)
8.15
Top 4%
Non-Penalty xG
0.43
Top 6%
Shots Total
3.54
Top 7%
Progressive Carrying Distance
154.28
Top 7%
Shots on Target
1.33
Top 8%
All Stats via FBref
In a team that was sometimes critiqued by fans and pundits alike last season for being too slow and predictable in build-up, these attributes could be beneficial in disrupting opposition defences.
Moreover, he would be able to provide cover for the talismanic Saka and, in turn, help prevent him from being overplayed and picking up more injuries.
However, Arteta already has a player fulfilling that role, and he’s worth millions more than Madueke.
The Arsenal star worth millions more than Madueke
Arsenal are blessed with an abundance of incredible talents in their squad, but in this instance, we are talking about none other than Ethan Nwaneri.
The tremendously exciting youngster has been someone fans have known about since his debut at just 15 years old in 2022, but it was last season that he really shot to prominence.
In fact, the teenage talent has made such a splash in the last year or so that Football Transfers now value him at around €74.3m, which comes out to about £64m, or £12m more than Madueke is set to cost.
It might seem like an absurd price tag for someone so young, but we really don’t think it is.
For example, despite starting last season as a 17-year-old, the “phenomenal” talent, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, scored nine goals and provided two assists in just 1378 senior minutes.
That means that in his first proper taste of first-team football, when playing in Europe and the toughest league in the world, he averaged a goal involvement every 125.27 minutes.
In contrast, the soon-to-be Arsenal player scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 2647 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 165.43 minutes.
Nwaneri vs Madueke in 24/25
Players
Nwaneri
Madueke
Appearances
37
46
Minutes
1378′
2647′
Goals
9
11
Assists
2
5
Goal Involvements per Match
0.29
0.34
Minutes per Goal Involvement
125.27′
165.43′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Moreover, the Enfield-born ace can play in several positions, making him even more useful than the average player.
Finally, the sheer fact that he’s looked at home in the first team at his age is a great indicator that Arsenal have a serious talent on their hands.
Ultimately, signing Madueke might work out in the long run for Arteta and Co., but he’s going to have to hit the ground running to convince the fans and see his valuation get anywhere near Nwaneri’s.
Eze's dream forward: Arsenal plot move for "world-class" £50m goal machine