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With greats having made way, a new generation of cricketers will take centre stage in Dubai

Alagappan Muthu13-Sep-20253:30

Maharoof: I want to see next Virat, next Babar

Big picture: A new twist on an old taleA new generation of India and Pakistan players comes together at a time the contest has taken on enormous consequence.The greats are gone. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have to settle for a place on the couch. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will need to produce tickets to get into the game. A page has inevitably turned – just as it did to bring those four into centre stage – and now it is the time of Abhishek Sharma and Saim Ayub and Salman Agha and Shubman Gill.In different circumstances, this might have been a salivating prospect. Intriguing at the very least. But Sunday will mark the first time India and Pakistan play against each other in this changed climate after Pahalgam. And maybe as the game goes on and there is a pretty shot or a perfect ball, we’ll feel that old flutter. Someone new to root for (or against, because that is fun too). There are plenty of contenders.Form guideIndia: WWWLW (last five T20Is, most recent first)
Pakistan: WWWLW2:02

Chopra: Shutting out the noise is not possible

In the spotlight: Suryakumar Yadav and Salman AghaIn five T20Is against Pakistan, Suryakumar Yadav has never been able to cross the score of 20. Batters who have such an intimate relationship with risk do go through lulls. The thing is, though, breaking out of them might be as easy as connecting one shot in exactly the way they want.Related

India vs Pakistan, minus the fervour

Gill vs Afridi, Haris vs Bumrah and other contests within India-Pakistan contest

Ten Doeschate: India will be 'as professional and focused' as they can against Pakistan

Salman Agha set Pakistan on their path to catch up with the rest of the world, demanding his batters to err on the side of glorious abandon. He isn’t exactly a natural when it comes to that either, but over time, the allrounder learnt to tailor his strengths to keep up with the pace of T20 cricket. Four of his eight fifties in the format have come this year.Team news: India likely to stick with Samson and KuldeepWith pitches in the UAE tending to play slow, India seem comfortable playing just the one specialist fast bowler in Jasprit Bumrah, with Hardik Pandya and, if needed, Shivam Dube offering seam-bowling cover. That leaves ample room for a left-arm wristspinner (Kuldeep Yadav), a mystery spinner (Varun Chakravarthy) and a containment specialist (Axar Patel).India (probable): 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Sanju Samson (wk), 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Varun Chakravarthy8:26

Wahab: Haris Rauf has to come back against India

Pakistan also have seam-bowling allrounders in their ranks capable of allowing the team to invest heavily in spin, which is what happened in their Asia Cup opener. They may however want to bring Haris Rauf back.Pakistan (probable): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Fakhar Zaman, 4 Salman Agha (capt), 5 Hasan Nawaz, 6 Mohammad Haris (wk), 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10 Sufiyan Muqeem, 11 Abrar AhmedPitch and conditions: Big match on a hot nightDubai is not a high-scoring venue. The average run rate in the first innings over the last two years – that’s 36 T20s – is 7.7. Fast bowlers have picked up more wickets in this period (277 out of 441) but spinners have been more economical (7.03 vs 8.36). There is no rain expected, but the heat is likely to be stifling.Stats and trivia The team chasing has won seven of the eight T20Is between India and Pakistan since the start of 2014, including the three that have taken place in Dubai Hardik Pandya is the leading wicket-taker in the men’s T20Is between India and Pakistan, with 13 strikes from six innings. He took three three-fors in those six innings and averages only 12 runs per wicket with the ball. Since their previous meeting in T20Is at the T20 World Cup, India have recorded a run rate of 9.66 (third best among Full Members) in men’s T20Is, while Pakistan are 8.12 (seventh best among Full Members).Quotes”We’re very lucky with Sanju, Axar and Hardik – guys who can bat anywhere from up the order to 7-8. So it’ll be part of our strategy to use our versatility when conditions are a little bit tough, like we expect them to be.”
“It’s a big game, and fans from both countries care deeply about it. But it’s important for us to follow our processes in the same way, and work on improving our execution.”

Jason Gallian to take charge for final weeks of difficult first season for Tier 1 team

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Sep-2025

Andy Tennant coached Sunrisers before being appointed by Essex•Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Andy Tennant has stepped down as Essex Women’s head coach after less than a season in the role. Tennant was appointed last year to take charge of the club’s first fully professional women’s team after Essex were awarded Tier 1 status, but departs with a record of five wins across all competitions.Despite securing a maiden trophy for Sunrisers in the final season of the regional women’s structure, he was unable to produce the same success with a group at Essex featuring many of the same players. They are out of contention in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, with one win and eight defeats, and finished second from bottom in the Vitality Blast group table. Essex were also knocked out by Tier 2 Yorkshire in their only game in the T20 County Cup.”With the break in the fixtures for the Hundred, it has been an opportunity for both the club and myself to reflect and look ahead to next season,” Tennant said. “Following those conversations, it feels like now is the right time to step aside and seek my next opportunity.Related

Warren, Tennant to take charge of Essex Women

Lamb on song again as Essex succumb by 138 runs

Griffin to step down as Somerset women's coach

“I am proud of what we have achieved together as a group and I would like to thank Essex for giving me the opportunity to continue the job we started with the Sunrisers three years ago. I wish the club well and I am confident this outstanding group of young female athletes will continue to develop and go from strength to strength.”Danni Warren, Essex Women’s performance director who worked alongside Tennant at Sunrisers, will continue to oversee the team, with Jason Gallian, chair of Essex’s cricket committee, leading the coaching staff for the final month of the season. Essex’s hunt for a new women’s head coach will begin during the off season.”I have built a strong working relationship with Andy since he joined the Sunrisers in 2022, which culminated in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy triumph during our final season in 2024,” Warren said. “The transition of the group to Essex has been an exciting challenge, and Andy’s hard work in ensuring this process was as seamless as possible has been hugely important to the progress we have made on and off the field.”He should be proud of what he has achieved during his time at the club, which has also included many individuals starring in this year’s Hundred competition and representing their country at international level. We all wish him the very best of luck in his future endeavours within the game.”

Manchester City began the 2025/26 season with a point to prove after a disappointing campaign last year, where they finished 13 points behind champions Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola’s side were uncharacteristically inconsistent, struggling for rhythm and creativity.

This summer brought change. In came Rayan Cherki, Tiijani Reinders, and Rayan Aït-Nouri to refresh an aging squad, while a handful of younger talents were sent out on loan to gain experience.

City’s start to the new season has been mixed – four wins, a draw, and two losses after seven Premier League games – but one constant has been the form of Erling Haaland.

After scoring the decisive goal in the 1-0 win over Brentford on Sunday, Haaland looks back to his devastating best.

And while he dominates the present, Guardiola’s eyes are firmly on the future.

Most notably, on a 20-year-old striker currently making waves in the Championship.

Erling Haaland's stunning form in numbers

At 25 years old, Haaland remains the spearhead of Manchester City’s attack and arguably the most feared finisher in world football.

Valued at around £165m by Transfermarkt, the Norwegian forward has already scored nine goals in the Premier League this season, adding three more in the Champions League.

His sharpness in front of goal was evident again on Sunday when he scored in the ninth minute to secure three points against a stubborn Brentford side.

Haaland’s record in Manchester speaks for itself: 136 goals in 155 appearances.

His power, timing, and composure make him the ultimate reference point for Pep Guardiola’s tactical structure, even as the manager experiments with a refreshed lineup.

Beyond his finishing, Haaland’s work rate and movement continue to set the standard for the squad’s younger forwards.

Crucially, his form could be what drags the club back into the title race. For club and country, he’s netted a staggering 16 goals in his last nine matches.

Erling Haaland – 2025/26
Matches Played	7
Goals	9
Assists	1
Progressive Carries	10
Progressive Passes	6
Source: FBref

Yet behind the scenes, there is an understanding at the Etihad that Haaland won’t shoulder the burden forever.

The club’s long-term planning is already underway—and that’s where one of England’s most promising young strikers enters the conversation.

Manchester City's future Haaland

Divin Mubama may not yet be a household name among Premier League fans, but those following the Championship will know the Manchester City loanee is beginning to deliver on his potential.

The 20-year-old, who joined City from West Ham after rising through the Hammers’ academy, has impressed on loan at Stoke City – scoring twice while wearing the No.9 shirt.

Stoke currently sit fifth in the Championship, and Mubama has been pivotal to their early-season form.

Having played in all nine matches so far, he’s shown maturity beyond his years.

Analysts predicted his success before a ball was kicked, with Ben Mattinson claiming he would be “one of the best in the Championship” if given a full loan spell.

Statistically, Mubama’s profile is hugely promising. Compared to positional peers in Eurpe, he ranks in the 86th percentile for successful take-ons (1.08 per 90 minutes), showing his confidence to beat defenders; the 91st percentile for tackles (1.21 per 90), evidence of his work ethic out of possession; and the 99th percentile for interceptions (0.54 per 90), highlighting his reading of the game.

Physically strong and dominant in the air, he also ranks in the 73rd percentile for aerial duels won (3.09 per 90) and 76th for blocks (0.81 per 90).

Internationally, Mubama has been capped at every youth level for England and made his U21 debut in a 2-0 win against Kazakhstan.

At club level, his rise has been steady. He scored 16 goals in 14 games for City’s U21s and already has senior experience in Europe, having featured for West Ham in both the Europa League and the Conference League – the latter of which he helped win in 2023.

He even marked his first senior goal for City in an emphatic 8-0 FA Cup victory over Salford City, a glimpse of what might lie ahead.

Mubama’s blend of technical ability, movement, and physicality makes him the ideal apprentice to Haaland.

The two strikers, though at different stages of their careers, embody Guardiola’s long-term vision: an emphasis on power, precision, and adaptability.

With Mubama’s performances at Stoke drawing praise and Haaland rediscovering his lethal edge, Manchester City’s attacking future looks secure.

If the young Englishman continues his upward trajectory, he could well be the next great forward to define Manchester City’s modern era.

Better than Haaland: Man City must regret selling "the best player in PL"

Manchester City let this top talent slip through their fingers.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 3, 2025

Match edging towards a draw after rain and bad light at Durham

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 24-Jun-2025

Gurinder Sandhu claimed five wickets for Sussex•PA Photos/Getty Images

Debutant Gurinder Sandhu starred for Sussex on day three of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Durham, but the match is edging towards a draw after a mix of rain and bad light caused play to end early at Banks Homes Riverside.Durham had a tough morning with Australian Sandhu (5 for 83) taking the role of chief tormentor, picking up a five-wicket haul on debut as Durham lost their final four wickets for 26 runs to leave them on 327, a first-innings deficit of 34.Durham bounced back through Matthew Potts after lunch to put Sussex under pressure at 27 for 3, but James Coles was once again a thorn in the home team’s side as he led a Sussex recovery with another fifty.After several disruptions because of rain and bad light across the afternoon, play finished early with Sussex on 111 for 4 at close, 145 runs ahead.Resuming on 249 for 5, it was Graham Clark and Bas de Leede’s job to get Durham quick runs and whittle down the 112 deficit as soon as possible.Durham’s top run scorer Clark continued his fine form as he reached fifty from 89 balls, but Sussex bowlers Ollie Robinson and Sandhu restricted run-making opportunities with a new ball, which was taken just prior to close on day two.Robinson got the breakthrough for Sussex removing Clark for 51 as the Durham man attempted to pull a short ball, but he got an edge through to John Simpson behind the stumps.George Drissell came to the crease as Jofra Archer began his first spell of the day, but he and de Leede managed to negate a four-over burst successfully.Durham broke the Sussex shackles as de Leede pulled back-to-back Sandhu balls to the boundary, but the Australian bounced back as Drissell pulled a short one straight to Fynn Hudson-Prentice who was running in from the boundary, which left Durham seven down.Things went from bad to worse for Durham as Sandhu got his fourth, removing Ben Raine for 10 as he chipped one straight to Tom Clark at cover. Then Potts didn’t last long as he edged a Robinson delivery behind to Simpson for 2.Sussex then wrapped up the Durham first innings as Sandhu picked up the final wicket, with Sam Conners caught behind for 7.Sussex’s second innings got off to a bad start as Potts struck without a run on the board, with the England man getting Daniel Hughes for a two-ball duck as he chopped on to his off-stump.Durham got the Kookaburra ball talking as Ben Raine got Tom Clark for 10, with the Sussex No. 3 edging behind to Ollie Robinson behind the stumps. Potts then got his second, bowling Tom Haines for 12 to leave Sussex in trouble.First innings centurion Coles and Danial Ibrahim soaked up some pressure as the task for Sussex changed from quick runs to survival.Two rain delays either side of seven deliveries from Conners and de Leede delayed Durham’s hunt for wickets, with an early tea taken.Coles, who batted so well on day one, flicked a Conners delivery off his legs for four and he followed that with a nice shot through the third region off the bowling of de Leede.He then pulled a Conners delivery to the boundary, which continued his excellent match, but there was yet another interruption as the players went off for bad light, which preceded more rain.Coles resumed after a third delay with a crunching straight drive off Drissell, and he passed fifty for the second time in the match, this time from 65 balls.The 21-year-old then lost his wicket as Raine bowled him for 53, but the players were off for bad light soon after and when the rain started again, play ended prematurely, with the game drifting towards a draw.

The board hopes to bail out last season’s teams who haven’t paid their players fully

Mohammad Isam26-May-2025The BCB will introduce revenue distribution for the first time in the BPL in a bid to bail out last season’s teams that haven’t cleared their dues to players. The decision was taken during the BPL’s governing council meeting in Dhaka on Monday.The payment issue came to the fore last season after Durbar Rajshahi’s overseas players boycotted a match over non-payments. Their local players had also skipped a training session during the tournament as a mark of protest. Towards the end of the tournament, the payment delay left some of the overseas players stranded in their hotel in Dhaka.After Durbar Rajshahi kept missing the payment deadline, Bangladesh’s sports ministry put pressure on the team owner Shafiqur Rahman.The BCB, in principle, has decided to allocate a portion of the tournament’s ticket sales to the seven franchises according to their final position in the points table. The four teams that reached the playoffs last season will get Taka 5.5 million (US$45,000 approx.) and the ones that didn’t reach the playoffs Taka 4.5 million (US$36,000 approx.).”This is the first time that the BCB will distribute revenue from ticket sales to BPL franchises,” a BCB statement said. “The disbursement, scheduled ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, will be conditional upon the verification of payment acknowledgments from the respective players.”The BCB also threatened legal action against the franchises that are still defaulting on payment obligations.”The final disbursement amount for each franchise will be determined proportionally, based on the percentage of outstanding player payments they have cleared relative to their eligible share,” the statement said. “In addition, the Governing Council has decided to pursue legal action against any franchise that continues to default on payment obligations despite repeated official notices. This decision reflects the BCB’s commitment to ensuring contractual accountability and maintaining the integrity of the league.”

The allrounder has spent six seasons with Victoria while remaining a Sydney Sixers player in WBBL

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-2025

Ellyse Perry as returned to her home state•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Ellyse Perry has returned to New South Wales after six years playing her state cricket for Victoria.Although limited to 20 WNCL appearances for Victoria due to international commitments, Perry made 1052 runs at 75.14 alongside claiming 13 wickets.Her availability for NSW, who will be the defending WNCL champions, will also be restricted due to Australia duty. Next season she will be at the ODI World Cup during the early part of the season although there may be a window in January ahead of India’s visit for a multi-format series.While at Victoria, Perry has remained a Sydney Sixers player throughout in the WBBL.”The last six years I’ve spent in Melbourne and at Cricket Victoria have been extremely fond ones and I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and memories that I’ll cherish,” Perry said.”I’m really looking forward to being back in Sydney and closer to my family and longtime friends. It’s been lovely to stay in touch with CNSW through the Sixers and I feel very fortunate to be walking back into a world class program.”Leah Poulton, NSW’s head of female elite cricket, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ellyse back home to the Breakers. She’s not only one of the world’s premier cricketers, but also a role model and leader whose impact extends far beyond the field.”Pez’ professionalism, experience, and approach to the game make her an incredible asset to any team, and we’re excited to have her back in our program.”Perry has signed to play for Hampshire in July before linking up with Birmingham Phoenix for the Hundred in August.Australia have a quiet winter season and won’t be in action until an away ODI series against India in September which will provide preparation for the World Cup.

Leeds United will host Everton on Monday night as they return to the Premier League for the first time after a two-year absence. Daniel Farke’s side will be looking to get the campaign off to a dream start after a busy summer, where they have made several new additions to their squad.

The Whites have looked to strengthen right across the pitch. They have brought in a new goalkeeper in Lucas Perri, three new defenders, including Jaka Bijol, two midfielders, with one of those Newcastle United academy graduate, Sean Longstaff, and a new centre-forward, Lukas Nmecha, on a free transfer.

However, the Yorkshire side don’t seem to be done there, and are focusing on bringing in more attackers before the window slams shut.

Leeds’ next attacking targets

It was reported on Wednesday that England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin will imminently move to Elland Road on a free transfer. He is set to have a medical after leaving Everton in the summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Calvert-Lewin is not the only new attacker who could be on his way to Leeds. According to Beren Cross of The Athletic, they are said to be ‘showing interest’ in signing AC Milan forward Noah Okafor.

There is yet to be an official approach from Leeds for Okafor, according to Cross, but he is a player ‘Leeds are looking at in the final weeks of the window’, and a late move could be on the cards.

It wouldn’t be a deal that breaks the bank, either. Earlier in the window, Milan were reportedly asking for just £13m for the Switzerland international.

Why Okafor would be a good signing

The 2024/25 campaign was not necessarily an easy one for Okafor. He struggled to break into the Milan team, with injuries disrupting his campaign, and a January loan move to eventual Scudetto winners Napoli was even less fruitful for him.

In total, the 25-year-old made just 21 appearances across all competitions, four in a Napoli shirt and the rest for the Rossoneri.

In that time, he bagged just one goal, an opening-day equaliser in the 95th minute against Torino.

Yet, the forward has shown great promise earlier in his career. He played four seasons for RB Salzburg in Austria before moving to Milan. In 110 appearances, he scored 34 goals and assisted 23.

Two of those seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23, saw him register double-figure goal involvements, and the underlying numbers stand out. For example, he created 2.3 chances and 2.1 chances, respectively. That is why football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him an “electric” attacker.

Goals and assists

1.3

0.7

Shots on target

1.6

1.1

Key passes

2.3

2.1

Dribbles completed

1.6

1.7

Tackles and interceptions

1.2

0.7

If Okafor does move to Elland Road, he could be the second coming of Wilfried Gnonto. The Italian attacker has had a similar career path to Okafor and offers similar versatility to the Swiss forward.

Gnonto’s numbers across his Leeds career are impressive. The 21-year-old has already racked up over a century of appearances for the club, with 118 to his name. In that time, he’s found the back of the net 22 times and assisted 13 further goals.

The pair have certainly followed a relatively similar career path so far. Like Okafor representing Milan, Gnonto has also been on the books of a Serie A giant from the same city, although he played for Inter’s youth sides.

On top of that, they’ve each played in the Swiss top flight, with the potential new Leeds addition representing FC Basel and Gnonto playing for Zurich. Now, their paths could cross at the same time if the Milan attacker joins Leeds.

Aside from their similar career moves, the players are both versatile attackers. They are able to play on both wings, lead the line as a striker or play in behind another centre-forward, as a number ten or a second striker.

Oh, how Leeds fans would surely love to have the second coming of Gnonto at Elland Road. The Whites’ number 29 has been a key player over the years, so if Okafor can rediscover his best form and replicate Gnonto, it would be a huge bonus.

A dream for Calvert-Lewin: Leeds offer contract terms to sign £24.5m star

Leeds United have reportedly offered contract terms to a star who would be a dream for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

ByDan Emery Aug 14, 2025

Everton still just have enough time to complete some deadline day transfer business, and they are closing in on a deal for a “difference-maker” to reinforce their midfield.

Moyes keen on defensive signing for Everton

The Blues have made an impressive start to the season in the Premier League, recovering from their defeat to Leeds United by sealing back-to-back wins at home to Brighton and away to Wolves.

Despite this, Everton manager David Moyes would still like to see new faces added on deadline day, pinpointing a new defender as a priority because of injuries in that area.

“It already has changed a lot of my plans because, obviously, we’re without Jarrad and we have been without Myko for, certainly, the first couple of games. We had this at the end of last season as well, we’ve had it all through the summer.

“It’s not as if we’ve necessarily got it better. We’ve got people back, but others are injured. We’ve just got to make sure that we’re not short again if we can help it – and certainly we were short for the first two games in the Premier League.”

That said, a fresh update suggests that Everton are now looking to snap up a midfielder who can add more quality in the middle of the park this season and beyond.

Everton on verge of "difference-maker" Merlin Rohl signing

The Athletic‘s Patrick Boyland reported on Monday morning: “Everton exploring deadline-day move for Freiburg’s Merlin Rohl. Long-time target but still lot to do to get it over line before 7pm deadline. CM a priority area.”

And Boyland has now revealed the deal is close to completion, with the player already having a medical as a loan with obligation to buy move draws closer. The obligation will be around €20m (£17m).

Rohl is the type of player who could add so much quality to Everton’s midfield, with the 23-year-old statistically similar to former Blues midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, possessing box-to-box energy.

The Freiburg ace has won 25 caps for Germany across four different youth age groups, while his former manager, Christian Streich, has lauded him.

If Everton do land a deal for Rohl, and potentially also sign a new right-sided defender, it would complete an impressive summer transfer window that has improved as it has gone on.

Everton can forget Soucek by signing future "£100m-plus footballer"

Everton are ready to be active in the summer transfer market, should the need arise.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

The likes of Jack Grealish, Tyler Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have added quality and creativity to Everton’s team, and Rohl could do exactly the same.

Leeds United will be looking to bring in attacking reinforcements to bolster their playing squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

The Whites have added Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastian Bornauw, Lucas Perri, Anton Stach, and Sean Longstaff to improve the defence and midfield.

So far, Lukas Nmecha, who signed on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, is the only attacking player to have been brought in ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Daniel Farke has made it clear that the Championship champions are looking to add more quality to their options in the attacking areas of the pitch in the next few weeks.

As the German boss pointed out in the quotes above, Leeds have yet to replace Manor Solomon since the winger returned to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of his loan spell.

Irrespective of whether or not the Israel international returns to Elland Road for a second stint in West Yorkshire, it is hard to argue against his loan move being a huge success.

Leeds hit the jackpot with Manor Solomon

The loan market can be incredibly useful for teams looking to get out of the Championship, or to survive in the Premier League, because it allows you to take undervalued talent from bigger clubs.

Solomon only made six appearances in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign for Spurs, which shows that he was not a key member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad in the Premier League.

This allowed Leeds to swoop in to secure a loan deal for the left-sided attacker because he did not have a short-term future in North London, presenting the Whites with an opportunity to sign a calibre of player that they otherwise may not have been able to land in the Championship.

Solomon then showcased his immense quality on the left wing throughout the season to help Leeds win the title and secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Appearances

39

xG

8.15

Goals

10

Big chances created

21

Key passes per game

1.7

Assists

12

Dribbles completed per game

1.8

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old wing wizard produced an eye-catching 31 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 39 appearances in the second tier.

This shows that the Whites hit the jackpot with the Spurs loanee because he only spent a season at the club on loan, yet made a huge impact on the pitch in his relatively short time in West Yorkshire.

Leeds eyeing deal for Premier League winger

According to The Athletic’s Beren Cross, Leeds United have joined the race to sign Liverpool forward Ben Doak, who could arrive as Solomon 2.0 for Farke.

The reporter claims that the Scotland international has been discussed as a potential signing at Elland Road, as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Transfer Focus

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

Cross adds, though, that the Premier League champions will not allow the left-footed starlet to leave for less than £20m, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites would be willing to pay that much for him.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, meanwhile, claims that Leeds, West Ham United, Monaco, and Bologna are all in the race to sign the forward, which shows that there is plenty of competition for his signature.

Joseph also states that Doak may move on from Anfield this summer because the 19-year-old wants to play regular football, after spending last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship.

Why Ben Doak would be a Manor Solomon repeat for Leeds

The West Yorkshire outfit could repeat their Solomon masterclass by securing a deal to bring Doak over to Elland Road before the end of the summer transfer window.

Whilst it would not be the exact same type of deal, as this would be a permanent move, the strategy is still the same: signing an undervalued player who is unlikely to get minutes at one of the best clubs in England.

As was the case with Solomon behind Heung-min Son at Spurs, the Liverpool youngster may be on his way out of Anfield because he is unlikely to break past reigning Premier League Player of the Season Mohamed Salah on the right flank.

This has presented Leeds with a potential opportunity to sign Doak, who was hailed as a “menace” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, and improve their forward options with another impressive winger.

The 19-year-old whiz spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Middlesbrough and caught the eye with three goals and seven assists in 21 starts for Michael Carrick’s side.

xG

0.22

Top 26%

Goals

0.15

Top 48%

xA

0.23

Top 9%

Assists

0.35

Top 10%

Chances created

2.22

Top 7%

Successful dribbles

1.76

Top 22%

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish forward ranked highly as a creator on the right wing for Boro, but could improve when it comes to finishing the chances that come his way.

At the age of 19, the Liverpool youngster is a very young player who still has plenty of time left ahead of him to improve and develop as a player, which means that he could be a fantastic signing for the long-term as well as a winger who could make an instant impact for Farke.

Doak, who was dubbed “explosive” by pundit Danny Murphy, could be a terrific option off the bench for Leeds in the Premier League because of his ability to dribble and create.

Throwing him on against tired defences could be very effective when the Whites need to push for a goal late on in matches to win vital points in their attempt to avoid relegation, as he has the dribbling ability to take on tired full-backs and the creative quality to provide his teammates with high-quality chances to score.

Piroe upgrade: Leeds "pushing" to complete deal for "integral" £26m star

Leeds are reportedly pushing to sign a star who would come in as an upgrade on Joel Piroe.

ByDan Emery Aug 5, 2025

Therefore, Leeds should be pushing to get a deal over the line for Doak in a move that would be reminiscent of when they hit the jackpot with Solomon last season.

England 149 for 7 (Curran 41, Hosein 4-22) beat West Indies 145 for 8 (Powell 54, Mahmood 3-17, Overton 3-20) by three wicketsWin the toss, win the match – win the series. Jos Buttler’s third correct call of the T20I series resulted in yet another successful chase, as England beat West Indies by three wickets at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground to take an unassailable 3-0 lead.This, however, was the toughest ask, despite a target of 146 being the lowest of the three so far. Once again, West Indies scrapped to a respectable total from a dire position of 37 for 5. Saqib Mahmood took 3 for 17, doing as he has done in bossing the powerplay, before Jamie Overton gutted the middle order with 3 for 20 after Rovman Powell’s 54 and 30 from Romario Shepherd rebuilt from the wreckage.But Akeal Hosein’s 4 for 22 kept West Indies in the hunt right to the end. Sam Curran’s 41 off 26, along with a run-a-ball 32 from Will Jacks had just kept England on course. Liam Livingstone’s 39 removed what jeopardy there was.Livingstone was lucky to be out there long enough to have that impact, having been dropped three times. The first, on 6, was the easiest – Nicholas Pooran shelling a top-edged hook off Alzarri Joseph, returning from his two-match suspension as one of three changes.Pooran then shelled an edge off Gudakesh Motie when Livingstone had 8, before Motie missed out again when Shimron Hetmyer failed to clasp a tough low chance at deep midwicket. Livingstone had 21 at the time and, in the next over, took 16 off Joseph to put England in front, before holing out to long-on as Hosein’s fourth. Rehan Ahmed, drafted in for the rested Adil Rashid, had the honour of carving the winning runs over point.West Indies rung the changes with the trio of Joseph, Shai Hope and Hetmyer drafted in for Matthew Forde and Brandon King – both injured – and Sherfane Rutherford. And yet they still endured another botched start.Hope lasted just two balls, run out by Jacob Bethell at backward point after aborting what looked a comfortable single. That was the first of four powerplay wickets to fall across 17 deliveries, including the destructive left-handers Evin Lewis and Pooran through wayward hacks against Mahmood and Jofra Archer, respectively.Mahmood was not done there, nicking off Roston Chase before Hetmyer followed his fellow southpaws with another woeful heave, caught deep square leg. With two matches to play, the Lancashire quick’s eight powerplay wickets are already the most for an England bowler in any series during that period of a T20I.Powell and Shepherd – West Indies top-scorers in the series – set about another face-saving stand, this one an impressive 73 from just 57 deliveries. But no sooner had they reached a respectable 110 for 5 after 15 overs, Overton instigated a collapse with three dismissals in seven deliveries, dismissing both set batters.A breezy 28 for the ninth wicket between Gudakesh Motie and Joseph gave them something to work with. Alas, it was the same old story, albeit one that confirmed only England’s second T20I series win in the last two years.Overton’s window open againOverton had a peculiar start to this tour. A long overdue ODI debut in the first match at Antigua came as a specialist No. 8 batter – a continuation of a frustrating period without bowling. A stress fracture of the back that robbed him of a place in England’s T20 World Cup plans at the start of the summer was still holding him back.His three-for in St Lucia, however, was a welcome return to business. Two weeks on from operating as a lower-order batter by circumstance, he was back to the bowling allrounder he is by design.England have long-viewed the 30-year-old as an ace up their sleeve. Since moving on from Liam Plunkett after the 2019 ODI World Cup win, they have been shorn of an effective middle-overs bowler possessing the ability to hammer an awkward length and a nous for unpredictability. While Brydon Carse has auditioned well enough, Overton may have just given selectors a reason to recast the role.The nature of Overton’s trio of dismissals was particularly heartening. Shepherd was flummoxed by a slower ball, then Gudakesh Motie caught at mid-off, undone by a short ball that followed the left-hander more than he’d have liked. Powell’s clothing of a short ball out to deep midwicket came about through a smartly executed cross-seam delivery that avoided the middle of the bat.These are still early days in Overton’s international career. This, after all, is only his seventh cap in limited-overs cricket, and his fitness cannot be taken for granted. Nevertheless, his fourth-best figures in 146 T20 appearances outright – taking him to 100 wickets in the format – was a welcome sight. He would also have enjoyed being out there at the end as victory was sealed.Curran shows batting chops (again)Perhaps the biggest compliment you could pay Curran is that it did not look like he was in a hurry in Saint Lucia. This despite his vital 41 taking up just 26 deliveries.But for the sweat drenching his red shirt, he was a picture of calm. At ease on a skiddy pitch, unflustered in a situation that was fraught when he arrived at the crease midway through the final over of the powerplay. England were 37 for 3, needing 109 from 87 balls, with a middle order that had not seen action in the series so far now having to bear the load.Caressing his first ball through point for four, Curran immediately looked up for the task. Consecutive boundaries through the same region in the next over reiterated that.Curran would wait 19 deliveries for his next boundary – clumping Motie down the ground for six – but the time in between was not wasted. He ticked over nicely, initially with Jacks, then with Livingstone, in what was a clinic in quiet, steady accumulation. He had faced just one dot ball before scything Terrance Hinds to Shai Hope at deep point.Since starring as the player of the tournament at the 2022 T20 World Cup with 13 dismissals, Curran has only equalled that tally in 21 T20Is since, and remains wicketless across his nine overs so far in these first three games. But this score, along with 37, 52 and 40 in the ODI series – where he also failed to register in the wicket column – suggests he might be in the midst of reinventing himself as a vital batter for England’s white-ball needs.Powell stands tallWho knows just how one-sided this series would have been were it not for Powell. For the second time in as many matches, it was the skipper who had to single-handedly steady the ship.Captaining West Indies is never a straightforward gig, least of all when you find yourself batting in the first six overs when you’re carded at No. 5. For the third time in a week, Powell arrived to an early mess.On all three occasions, he met fire with fire, this time making it through to an eighth 50-plus score. Arriving in the fourth over, he kept looking for boundaries despite Mahmood and Archer making merry with the new ball. The former was struck over cover, the latter blazed extravagantly into the stands in the same region before the fielding restrictions were lifted.He struck three more sixes, two of them lifted down the ground off legspinner Rehan, who was making his first T20I appearance in almost a year. Powell’s last lusty blow – sending a Curran half-tracker over square leg – took him to eight sixes in the series, the most on either side.Powell then went on to marshal well in the second innings, nailing his bowling plans, backed up with smart field placements. Had catches been held, he might have had more to show for it.