كشف أشرف صبحي، وزير الشباب والرياضة، عن رؤيته للأزمة التي يشهدها المشهد الكروي المصري في الفترة الأخيرة، خاصة فيما يتعلق بالجدل الدائر حول الأندية الكبرى، مشيرًا إلى أن طبيعة الرياضة تفرض دائمًا حالة من الجدل والنقاش، ليس فقط في مصر، ولكن في العالم كله.
وقال صبحي في تصريحات إذاعية عبر أثير “أون سبورت إف إم”: “هذه هي طبيعة ملف الرياضة، في إنجلترا مثلًا نرى أقوى دوري اقتصاديًا، لكن منتخبهم ضعيف، كما أن ليفربول خسر بطولتين في أسبوع واحد، ومانشستر سيتي يتراجع رغم أنه كان في قمة مستواه. الكرة أصبحت صناعة ضخمة، والاحتراف أدى إلى زيادة العوائد المالية بشكل كبير، واللاعب هو أكثر المستفيدين من ذلك. أحيانًا نجد أن بعض اللاعبين يتم بيعهم بأسعار تفوق قيمتهم الحقيقية”.
وأضاف: “اليوم أصبح لدينا عدد أكبر من المحترفين مقارنة بالماضي، حيث كان ميدو في البداية هو أول من اخترق الاحتراف بشكل واضح، ومن قبله هاني رمزي، لكن الآن لدينا 8 لاعبين محترفين في منتخب مصر يلعبون في دوريات قوية”.
صور | وزير الرياضة يدعم منتخب مصر قبل مواجهتي إثيوبيا وسيراليون في تصفيات كأس العالم
وأوضح الوزير أن هناك عدة عوامل تؤثر على الكرة المصرية، من بينها احتدام المنافسة بين الأندية وارتفاع القيم المالية للاعبين بشكل غير واقعي، قائلًا: “الدوري المصري عنيف وقوي، وكل نادٍ يتمسك بلاعبيه، عبد المنعم ومصطفى محمد مثلًا أصرا على الاحتراف، بينما في تونس والمغرب لا يكون هناك تمسك شديد باللاعبين لأن دورياتهم ليست بنفس قوة الدوري المصري، وهو ما يسهل انتقالهم للخارج”.
وتطرق الوزير إلى المشكلة الأكبر في الكرة المصرية، قائلًا: “الضغط الكبير الذي تعيشه الأندية تسبب في تضخم القيمة المالية للاعبين، والإعلام الرياضي ساهم في زيادة حالة الجدل أو كما أسميها ‘الهيصة’. المشكلة ليست في نادٍ بعينه، وإنما في أسلوب إدارة الكرة بشكل عام. عندما كتبت أن المسؤولية تقع على من يدير الأمور، لم أقصد الأهلي أو الزمالك تحديدًا، بل أتحدث عن الكرة المصرية بشكل عام”.
وأكد صبحي أن الوزارة ليست طرفًا في أي أزمة تخص الأندية، موضحًا أن “الأهلي والزمالك مؤسسات كبيرة، وكل ما يحدث داخلها من قرارات إدارية يخضع للوائح والقوانين، ولا يمكن للوزارة التدخل إلا في حدود اختصاصاتها القانونية”. كواليس التدخل في أزمة القمة
وعن تدخله في أزمة مباراة الأهلي والزمالك، قال صبحي: “لم أتدخل حتى اللحظة الأخيرة، لأن القضية كانت بين رابطة الأندية واتحاد الكرة، يوم 6 مارس أعلنت الرابطة مواعيد استكمال الدوري، ثم في 9 مارس طلبت حكامًا أجانب، وهو أمر يحق لاتحاد الكرة رفضه أو قبوله وفقًا للائحة، الأزمة تفاقمت يوم 11 مارس، وتواصلت مع أحمد دياب وهاني أبو ريدة يوم المباراة في محاولة لحلها”.
وكشف الوزير عن كواليس محاولة إحضار طاقم تحكيم أجنبي، قائلًا: “تواصلنا مع حكام من الدوري السعودي ورحبوا على الفور، وكان موعد وصولهم الساعة 12، لكن المباراة كانت مقررة في التاسعة والنصف، مما جعل الأمر غير ممكن”.
وأضاف: “في العام الماضي، الأهلي رفض قرارًا لكنه ذهب للملعب، وحافظ على حقه، والزمالك هذا العام فعل نفس الأمر. كل طرف يجب أن يتحمل مسؤولية قراره، ويجب أن نعي أن هناك مالًا عامًا وتعاقدات مرتبطة بتلك الأزمات”.
وأكد الوزير أن اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية تعمل كجهة محايدة للفصل في الأزمات، قائلًا: “لدينا لجنة أولمبية مستقلة، وهي المخولة بمراجعة اللوائح واتخاذ القرارات المناسبة. عندما تواصل معي مسؤولو الأهلي، مثل خالد مرتجي ومحمد الجارحي، أكدت لهم أن الدولة تدير الأمور بمؤسسية، وطلبت منهم التواصل مع الزمالك للوصول إلى حل”.
واختتم صبحي تصريحاته مؤكدًا أن الملف سيتم حسمه قريبًا، قائلًا: “اللجنة الأولمبية اختارت مستشارًا قانونيًا ولجنة متخصصة للعمل على هذا الملف، وسيتم الرد قبل بداية الدور الثاني من الدوري”.
Pela Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, o Santa Cruz venceu o União Iacanga-SP, por 1 a 0, no último domingo (9), e garantiu vaga na segunda fase da competição.
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O desempenho dos atletas da base está sob olhares atentos da comissão técnica e diretoria que já estudam a integração e utilização de alguns desses jogadores no profissional.
Marcelo Segurado, Diretor-Executivo de Futebol do Santa, detalhou a importância de observar esses talentos.
– Nós temos bons jogadores, com grande potencial que estamos analisando, inclusive para que esses desportistas possam fazer uma transição adequada ao time principal, especialmente os atletas do Santa Cruz que são jogadores com idade mais nova em relação a média da Copa São Paulo – apontou.
O executivo também frisa o trabalho do clube em mapear atletas que disputam a competição e se destacam por outras equipes.
– Estamos observando tudo. Seja através de pessoas que nós confiamos, nosso departamento de inteligência e departamento de análise de mercado, ou nós mesmos, participando e vendo alguns jogos – acrescentou Marcelo.
Pelo Grupo 9 da Copinha, o Santa Cruz avançou de fase com seis pontos, na segunda colocação, atrás somente do Novorizontino que teve 100% de aproveitamento. Na próxima fase, a Cobra Coral encara o Grêmio, na próxima quarta-feira (12), às 17h15 (de Brasília).
Following such a disappointing start to the campaign, Manchester United have already turned their attention towards the transfer market, with INEOS now reportedly preparing a hefty bid to sign a former Champions League winner.
Man Utd transfer news
Despite such a busy summer transfer window, in which fresh faces arrived to reinforce Manchester United in a number of areas, Erik ten Hag’s side has endured a difficult start to the season. As things stand, the Red Devils are winless in four games and failed to defeat Porto last time out in the Europa League even after taking an initial 2-0 lead.
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Their all too familiar struggles have led to all too familiar questions over whether Ten Hag is the right man for the job, with the likes of Gareth Southgate and Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe now among those linked with what could soon be vacant role at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe was recently quizzed on that very topic, only to remain coy on his manager’s future.
Whether it’s Ten Hag in charge or, indeed, a fresh face, however, the Red Devils look set to turn towards the January transfer window. According to Milan Live, INEOS are now preparing a €50m (£46m) to sign Christian Pulisic, who has recently found his best form at AC Milan.
A former Chelsea winger, the American would be following in the footsteps of the likes of Juan Mata when it comes to players who have featured for both clubs, but it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils can lure Milan into accepting their offer in 2025. There’s no doubt that, on this current form, he’d make an instant impact.
"Incredible" Pulisic is back to his best
After a mix of injuries and poor form eventually led to his Chelsea exit, Champions League-winning Pulisic has finally rediscovered his best form at AC Milan to earn links to the likes of Manchester United.
Playing a starring role under Paulo Fonseca so far this season, the manager was full of praise for the American, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport via One Football: “Christian is fantastic. His quality is incredible, he will be very important this season too.”
Alas, one player who should be worried about the rumours regarding Pulisic is Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United academy graduate has once again struggled for form in the Premier League and may well find his place rightly under threat if the Red Devils welcome a fresh face in his position.
Given that Pulisic has netted five goals and created a further two in just eight appearances so far this season, it’s clear that the former Chelsea man is exactly the calibre of player who could steal in ahead of Rashford. When 2025 arrives, the latter could find himself battling for his place at Old Trafford more so than ever before in the Premier League.
O Náutico está interessado na contratação do goleiro Mauricio Kozlinski, nome que defende a equipe do Atlético-GO desde 2019. A informação foi confirmada em entrevista pelo próprio presidente do clube de Goiânia, Adson Batista.
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>As últimas do mercado da bola!
No que depender da questão do interesse em viabilizar o negócio, não devem haver maiores problemas já que, segundo o dirigente, existe a vontade de todos os envolvidos em fazer a transação ocorrer. Entretanto, isso não significa que não existam questões burocráticas a serem tratadas.
Apesar de inicialmente não existir a necessidade do Náutico pagar qualquer valor de transferência ao Atlético-GO pela liberação do arqueiro de 30 anos de idade (tanto o clube goiano como o jogador estão de acordo em encerrar o vínculo com término em dezembro de 2022), Kozlinski e o Atlético precisam se resolver sobre valores a serem pagos pelo período de estadia do jogador no Dragão.
Se no ano de sua chegada o atleta teve grande espaço e sustentou a titularidade na campanha onde o clube retornou a elite do futebol nacional, já na temporada 2020 Mauricio viu as oportunidades diminuirem drasticamente. Algo que, em 2021, ficou ainda mais latente com a disponibilidade de Fernando Miguel e Luan Polli no setor.
A possibilidade de Kozlinski ser contratado pelo Avlirrubro vai ao encontro de uma clara necessidade do clube pernambucano não apenas para angariar opções, mas sim para encontrar um “dono” da posição. Isso porque os dois últimos ocupantes do posto não serão alternativas para 2022 com o não prolongamento do vínculo de Alex Alves e o retorno de Anderson para o Athletico-PR, clube detentor de seus direitos.
Glamorgan’s hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Vitality Blast have been hit by news that Nick Selman has tested positive for Covid-19 and that Marnus Labuschagne is a potential close contact.Selman, the top-order batter, is the club’s second-highest run-scorer in the Blast this year with 130 runs in six innings, and will spend 10 days in self-isolation after returning a positive result from a PCR test, ruling him out of four T20 fixtures.Perhaps the bigger blow is the loss of Labuschagne, who, along with his compatriot Michael Neser, has been identified as a “potential close contact”, leading the club to withdraw them from the squad to play Middlesex at Radlett on Sunday.Labuschagne is Glamorgan’s highest run-scorer and seventh in the competition’s run charts overall, and has also taken seven wickets while conceding only 7.43 runs an over with his legbreaks. With Colin Ingram also playing as an overseas player, Neser has not yet been required in the Blast.Related
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The club confirmed that Sunday’s fixture against Middlesex would go ahead as planned after the rest of the club’s playing and coaching staff all returned negative Covid tests. Billy Root and Sam Pearce – Wales’ captain in National Counties cricket – have been added to the squad as cover.Glamorgan are seventh in the South Group, three points behind fourth-placed Sussex having played a game more, and are running out of time to put a string of wins together and propel them into the knockout stages for the first time since 2017.Several counties have been affected by positive Covid tests and enforced periods of self-isolation over the last two seasons. This year, Durham, Surrey, Nottinghamshire and Middlesex have all had players miss games due to positive tests or track-and-trace requirements, while Hampshire, Yorkshire and Northamptonshire were affected last season.
Chelsea could offer Napoli a £150,000-per-week player alongside Romelu Lukaku, as they attempt to strike a deal for Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea turn attention back to Osimhen after Omorodion failure
New head coach Enzo Maresca remains in the market for a new striker, having just failed to get an agreement for Atletico Madrid starlet Samu Omorodion officially over the line.
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Omorodion appeared set to join Chelsea on a seven-year contract in a deal worth around £35 million, but the move collapsed at the eleventh hour to disrupt the Atletico-Chelsea transfer domino which also would've seen Conor Gallagher seal his switch to La Liga.
Fabrizio Romano even gave his famous "here we go" to Omodorion's Chelsea move, though an unexpected twist means the Blues are now attempting to resurrect Gallagher's move to Atletico by negotiating a deal for Joao Felix instead.
Chelsea's best-performing players in the Premier League last season
Average match rating (WhoScored)
Cole Palmer
7.48
Conor Gallagher
7.13
Nicolas Jackson
7.07
Moises Caicedo
6.85
Noni Madueke
6.84
It is set to be yet another interesting week at Stamford Bridge, and that's not even factoring in Osimhen's potential move to the club as well. Since last week, rumours have been rife over a possible deal which could see Osimhen joining Chelsea and Lukaku heading the other way to Napoli.
Lukaku has already agreed a three-year contract to join Napoli so he can reunite with Antonio Conte in Serie A, while it is believed that Osimhen is ready to join Chelsea if the two clubs can shake hands on a deal.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen
Talks are still ongoing, but a move may well accelerate after Chelsea missed out on Omorodion. Maresca has apparently made it clear he wants a new striker at Chelsea this summer, so this could be one to watch.
Todd Boehly and BlueCo did make an attempt to grant Maresca's wish with a widely reported proposal to RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko earlier this window, but the Slovenia international chose to remain in the Bundesliga and penned a contract extension.
Osimhen, however, could be a fantastic alternative – as Chelsea consider avenues to strike an agreement for the Nigerian.
Chelsea could offer Napoli both Kepa and Lukaku so they can sign Osimhen
According to TEAMtalk and journalist Rudy Galetti, out of favour goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga may now be used as a makeweight alongside Lukaku.
Indeed, Galetti writes that Chelsea could offer both Kepa and Lukaku to sweeten a deal for Osimhen, coming after the Blues have been attempting to find a buyer for the former all summer.
The £150,000-per-week Kepa held talks over a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, but to no avail (The Athletic), while nothing has come of a rumoured return to Real Madrid. Chelsea could offload two high-earners in this bid for Osimhen, so it is a move that would make plenty of sense.
However, the west Londoners may also offer Trevoh Chalobah or Cesare Casadei – who are two other makeweight candidates.
Every year, the powers that be in the land of football lawmaking consider changes to the rules of the game. IFAB meetings ordinarily take place in the early part of the calendar year, and often implement new laws at the start of each football season.
This forthcoming term is no different, but what changes are on the horizon ahead of the big kick-off? We’ve outlined eight key tweaks to the game for 2024/25, which will hopefully enhance the footballing experience for players and fans alike in the Premier League and beyond.
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Stephan Georgiou
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What is IFAB?
The IFAB (International Football Association Board) consists of the four British football associations and FIFA, who vote for motions on behalf of the other associations around the world. They are headed up by the board of directors, which includes the chief executives of the respective FAs within Britain such as the English FA’s Mark Bullingham. FIFA is represented by its Secretary General, Mattias Grafstrom.
Working alongside them are a number of advisory panels, which are made up of former players, referees and managers.
There is a Football Advisory Panel with representatives from the likes of FIFA, various continental federations around the world such as UEFA and CONMEBOL, and players’ union FIFPRO. Arsene Wenger and Luis Figo make up some of the well-known figures currently on the team.
Elsewhere, a Technical Advisory Panel and Technical Subcommittee consist largely of former officials, including former World Cup final referees Pierluigi Collina and Nicola Rizzoli.
IFAB’s role is to put forward motions to preserve and improve the laws of the game, which all require a two-thirds majority vote in order to be passed at their AGM, which typically takes place every February or March.
New rules for 2024/25
A number of new rules and directives are set to come into play for the 2024/25 season. Some are a sign of advancement in technology, while others are more subtle changes to the matchday experience, whether you’re playing, watching or officiating next term.
Semi-automatic offsides to be introduced in the Premier League
One of the more groundbreaking changes we will see in English top flight is the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT). The technology was first used at senior level during the 2022 World Cup, while it was also present during Euro 2024 over the summer.
It works by having multiple cameras focusing on the joints of each player to determine whether anyone is in an offside position. However, unlike at this summer’s European Championship, where a chip inside the match ball adds to the accuracy of decisions, it appears that the Premier League’s version will not use this added aspect of the tech.
Another sidenote is that it won’t come in straight away – it is currently due to make its debut in the autumn.
The handball law has been tweaked – again!
It has been the bane of football fans for a long time, and there is set to be another minor tweak to the handball law this summer – though this could be a positive change.
Under new guidance, non-deliberate handball offences in the penalty area will not result in a red card, bringing it in line with how fouls in the box are interpreted in terms of the double jeopardy rule.
Presently, referees will not award a red card if there is deemed to be a genuine attempt to play the ball while committing a foul in the box. This logic will now be applied to handballs – though the debate over what is and what isn’t a handball will likely rage on.
Removal of concussion sub limit
Under previous laws, teams were permitted to make a maximum of one concussion substitute. This limit is now being removed in order to protect player welfare. Teams can now make as many concussion substitutes as they need.
This sounds like a welcome change, though one hopes it won’t be vulnerable to exploitation.
Updated guidance on penalty kicks & encroachment
The lawmakers have clarified that when placing the ball for a penalty, it must be positioned while on or overhanging the centre of the spot.
There has also been a tweak on encroachment. Previously, encroachment has been punishable regardless of whether the infringement has gained an advantage, though players will now only be penalised if it makes an impact. This is in line with the logic applied to goalkeepers’ actions during penalty kicks.
John Terry missed his spot-kick.
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Referees will 'announce' VAR decisions
One of the more noticeable changes set to come into play this season is referees explaining decisions that are changed by VAR. Officials have been keen to improve communication when it comes to VAR technology, not to mention enhancing the in-stadium experience for supporters.
We will only really know exactly how it will work once it is unveiled, though a similar process was carried out at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where the referee would confirm their decision to the crowd.
While this didn’t carry much material purpose, it appears that referee announcements will only occur if their original decisions are changed. Hopefully, fans will be afforded a little more detail on the decision process, given that VAR discussions will remain inaudible on matchday.
VAR can assist goal line tech decisions
A minor tweak sees VAR being given authority to confirm decisions made by the Goal Decision System by relaying information to the match referee. Presumably, this would be needed in cases where the referee’s watch is working improperly or in the event of a technical glitch.
Changes to PL lineup announcement times
In the Premier League, team lineups will now be announced 75 minutes before kick-off. This is an increase to the previous standard of 60 minutes and brings the top flight in line with UEFA competitions.
Champions League 2024/25: How the new format works & current standings
UEFA has changed the Champions League format for the 2024/25 season. Here’s an overview of how things work and the current standings after Matchday 2.
1
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Alex Caple
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Premier League winter break has been removed
Not a rule as such, though the schedulers at the Premier League have decided to remove the winter break in January by instead starting the season a week later to give players more rest over the summer.
Previous years have seen a winter break in January whereby only five games took place each weekend over a two-week period, providing some respite following the often hectic Christmas schedule. Hopefully this will have been welcomed by the players, though some may struggle to squeeze in a well-earned break…
Aston Villa have identified a new transfer target with weeks remaining of the summer window, with the target sharing the same agency as Ross Barkley.
Barkley one of eight Aston Villa summer signings
Former loanee Barkley has returned to Villa Park, this time on a permanent basis and to work with Unai Emery after an impressive individual campaign with Luton Town last season. Speaking after losing Barkley, Luton boss Rob Edwards said:
"We are disappointed to see Ross go, but we completely understand it and he leaves with our best wishes and thanks. It was great to work with him for a season. He was amazing, provided lots of good memories for us all and the supporters fell in love with him, but I'm sure everyone will understand the opportunity.
"Playing in the Premier League is important for Ross, as is Champions League football. He still wants to play for England and believes this gives him the best chance to do so."
Alongside Barkley, Villa have splashed the cash on the likes of Amadou Onana from Everton and Ian Maatsen from Chelsea.
Aston Villa summer signings
From
Fee (Transfermarkt)
Amadou Onana
Everton
€59.35m
Ian Maatsen
Chelsea
€44.5m
Cameron Archer
Sheffield United
€16.65m
Jaden Philogene
Hull City
€16m
Samuel Iling-Junior
Juventus
€14m
Lewis Dobbin
Everton
€11.8m
Enzo Barrenechea
Juventus
€8m
Ross Barkley
Luton Town
€5.9m
However, they may not be finished there. A bid has reportedly been made for AS Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante, but a new target abroad has now emerged.
Aston Villa eyeing Lutsharel Geertruida move
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa now have their eyes on signing Lutsharel Geertruida from Feyenoord. Those in the Midlands aren’t alone, though, with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig also keen on the Dutch defender.
Geertruida is 24 years of age and is primarily a right-back who can also play as a centre-back and even as a holding midfielder if required. A Netherlands international, Geertruida has been on the books with Feyenoord since 2012, turning professional in 2018. Since then, the defender has gone on to make 199 senior appearances for his current employers, with his Transfermarkt valuation standing at a career-high €35m back in December.
Feyenoord's Lutsharel Geertruida
Now dropping down to €32m, Geertruida, described as a "hero" by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, also shares the same Wasserman agency as summer signing Barkley. Kulig noted his composure, anticipation, pace, athleticism, tackling, intercepting and versatility as very strong attributes when he was still a teenager, so Villa could be onto a winner if they manage to secure Geertruida’s services.
So far this summer, Tottenham and Liverpool have been linked with the Feyenoord star, who is valued at around £25m by the Dutch club, and by the looks of things, a move to Villa Park is one to watch.
Yadav has to undergo a fitness assessment before linking up with his team-mates
Shashank Kishore17-Feb-2021Umesh Yadav has been drafted into India’s Test squad for the Ahmedabad leg of the England series, replacing Shardul Thakur, who has been released to play for Mumbai in the domestic 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy. Yadav, who will undergo a fitness assessment at the NCA before linking up with the Virat Kohli-led squad, is returning to competitive cricket after recovering from the calf injury he picked up during the Boxing Day Test against Australia.If cleared, Yadav will join the fast-bowling group comprising Ishant Sharma, who is one short of 100 Test appearances, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill’s presence in the squad might serve as an indication that the forearm injury that didn’t allow him to take the field on the fourth day of the second Test isn’t too serious. As such, India have a stand-by in the form of Mayank Agarwal, who is the third opener. And KL Rahul, who was drafted in for the second Test as a batting reserve, has retained his place.Two members in India’s squad – Bumrah and Axar Patel – could potentially feature in front of their home supporters at the revamped Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera. A third Gujarat cricketer, Priyank Panchal, who was part of the reserves, has been released to play in the domestic 50-over competition alongside fellow opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem and Thakur. Quicks Sandeep Warrier, Avesh Khan and Ankit Rajpoot, and spin twins K Gowtham and Saurabh Kumar now complete the net-bowlers’ contingent, while wicketkeeper KS Bharat and legspinner Rahul Chahar are stand-bys.Hardik Pandya, who hasn’t played Tests since September 2018, is slowly progressing to bowling at full tilt after recovering from a shoulder surgery, which has forced him play much of his cricket in recent times as a specialist batsman.The four-Test series is currently tied at 1-1 after two games, both in Chennai. England won the first Test by 227 runs, and India bounced back to win the second by 317 runs.The result of the next two Tests are of great significance not just for the ongoing series, but the race to take on New Zealand in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship at Lord’s in June. Both the teams are trying to get past Australia’s points percentage of 69.17. India need to win the series, by any margin, so a win and a draw (or two wins) serve them fine. The loss in the second Test, meanwhile, has hurt England, because they can only make the final if they won both the remaining Tests. Australia are in with a shot too – they would be hoping England don’t win both the remaining Tests; a 1-1 or 2-2 draw or a 2-1 England win work great for them.The third Test of the ongoing series, a pink-ball affair, will start on February 24, and the final one on March 4.
Whisper it quietly, but things are starting to fall into place at Goodison Park. Everton are far from out of the woods concerning their ownership situation and the fears surrounding breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability (PSR) rules have not faded away entirely.
Still, with Lewis Dobbin and Ben Godfrey recently sold, focus has been turned to bringing in fresh faces, with reports suggesting that the Toffees are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Hull City winger Jaden Philogene.
Matches played
32
Goals
12
Assists
6
Pass completion
83%
Big chances created
7
Shots per game
3.6
Key passes per game
1.6
Dribbles per game
2.7
Ball recoveries per game
4.2
Tackles per game
2.4
Duels won per game
7.6
The 22-year-old Philogene has been praised for his "unbelievable" performances by The Second Tier podcast host Justin Peach, and for the mooted £16m price tag, it could be a steal for the Merseysiders as they look to build a team tailored for success.
Indeed, last term the tricky winger found the net on 12 occasions, further registering six assists. Simply, this would be a superb signing for the Toffees.
Hull City winger Jaden Philogene
However, while Everton are hoping to bring in talented targets such as Philogene, retaining the services of the top talents in the current crop is arguably way more important.
There's even one, who like the Hull star, had an earlier education in the EFL.
Jarrad Branthwaite's transfer situation
You never know, Jarrad Branthwaite might still be plying his trade on Merseyside's blue half next season, with Everton's shrewd transfer dealings over the past several weeks mitigating PSR concerns.
The Toffees know all too well the dangers of breaching the Premier League's financial boundaries, having being hit with an eight-point deduction last season. Despite this, the dreaded dotted line remained safely in the distance and the Toffees avoided the depths of the division.
Fans hope to see some greater attacking intent but know that sustaining Dyche's steely base is imperative to any success, and retaining Branthwaite's services would go a long way toward achieving this.
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Manchester United failed with a lowball £35m offer earlier this summer but recent developments suggest that a £160k-per-week contract has been agreed between the Red Devils and the player.
However, Everton are holding out for much, much more, serving as a glowing representation of Branthwaite's rise to the forefront of the defensive game.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite's market value in 2024
A veritable wall at 6 foot 5, Branthwaite played an instrumental role in Everton's successful 2023/24 campaign, forging a rock-sold partnership with James Tarkowski and keeping 12 clean sheets across 35 Premier League matches.
1. William Saliba
18
2. David Raya
16
3. Gabriel
15
4. Jordan Pickford
14
4= James Tarkowski
14
4= Ben White
14
4= Martin Odegaard
14
8. Jarrad Branthwaite
12
9. Manuel Akanji
11
9= James Garner
11
9= Rodri
11
He also ranked among the top 20% of centre-backs in the English top flight last season for tackles, the top 15% for interceptions and the top 18% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, backing up the claim of talent scout Jacek Kulig that he is an "absolute monster".
If that's not enough, the England international also came out on top in 68% of his contested duels, making 5.9 ball recoveries per game to emphasise his robust athleticism.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
This all comes together to form the archetype for a pretty brilliant defender, and it's hardly a surprise that Manchester United have a vested interest in his signature after observing such skills over the past year.
For that reason, Everton are probably justified in demanding that they are presented with an £80m proposal if they are to part with their talent. That's quite the fee for a player who arrived from Carlisle United in 2020.
That lofty valuation actually marks Branthwaite as five times more valuable than the earlier-mentioned Philogene, who is a highly sought-over talent in the Premier League right now.
This shows just how good Everton's prized defender really is. The outfit's record sale still stands as Man United's £75m signing of Romelu Lukaku in 2017, and there's a good chance that Branthwaite could pip the Belgium to top spot with a move to Old Trafford.
Romelu Lukaku for Manchester United
Everton won't want to sell their jewel, but regardless, Branthwaite is truly one of the glittering gems on the Premier League scene – his club have hit the jackpot and then some, whatever happens next.
Everton have already hit gold on a star who's now worth more than Gnonto
He’s been exceptional since his move to Goodison Park.