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Chelsea legend Florent Malouda says the Blues should do everything they can to make Raheem Sterling "feel at home" again & not terminate his contract.

Sterling not in Chelsea's plansBlues told to reintegrate wingerUrged to not terminate contractFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite interest from Fulham, among others, Sterling ended up staying at Chelsea when the transfer window shut, and now he is set for a season on the sidelines. But ex-Blues winger Malouda feels that the 30-year-old may still have a part to play in Enzo Maresca's team going forward.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALWHAT MALOUDA SAID

He told Boyle Sports: "The first thing about Raheem Sterling is that he earned this contract through his performances. So I believe at this moment, he is not part of the plan, but he's still a good player.  We will mention injuries; it's not like there was an issue where you'd say: ‘OK, let's cross this player. We don't want him anymore'. I don't like the topic of his wages or the money involved. He earned his contract, and everybody was fine with it. Now it's more about how, as a club, you consider your players and how you bring them back to full confidence. I'm sure Raheem Sterling, in full confidence, without injury problems, terminating his contract wouldn’t be an option. The perspective must change. That comes with conversations, honest conversations, because you need players like him, but at his best level. While he's still a Chelsea player, we should do everything as a club for him to feel at home. I think that's the best way to get the best out of a player like Sterling."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sterling is said to be on wages in excess of £300,000 a week and the England international still has two years left to run on his contract. A January transfer move makes sense but the ex-Manchester City man may have to lower his salary demands. Ultimately, the winger's career is seemingly taking a turn for the worse.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Former Liverpool ace Sterling, who had an underwhelming loan stint at Arsenal last season, will continue to train but not with Chelsea's first-team squad. Maresca's side return to Premier League action on Saturday away at Brentford. 

A “great” Liverpool player has now reportedly held talks with a foreign club’s sporting director over a summer move there, with a four-year deal being offered to him.

Liverpool handed potential fresh Isak boost

The Reds have had a summer transfer window to remember, with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez hopefully taking them to new heights under Arne Slot.

After smashing their transfer record on Wirtz, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has now emerged as Liverpool’s next dream target, although the Magpies are refusing to budge currently after rejecting an opening offer for the Swede.

A new update from The Athletic‘s David Ornstein does claim that Isak is “adamant he will not play for Newcastle again”, however, adding that even if he stays put at St James’ Park, he has “no wish to reintegrate” with his teammates.

This acts as a boost to Liverpool, who clearly still want to sign the 25-year-old, but the coming weeks have the potential to be unpredictable, as the Premier League champions consider a second offer, hoping that the Magpies’ stance softens at the same time.

While plenty of focus is on Isak, and a possible new centre-back signing, a new claim has dropped regarding the future of a current Reds player.

"Great" Liverpool player in talks with foreign club

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott’s move to RB Leipzig this summer could be edging closer, with the Reds wanting £47m with a buyback option or £56m without during discussions.

The Bundesliga club have now offered the 22-year-old a four-year contract, and it is claimed that “manager Ole Werner and sporting director Marcel Schafer have already held direct talks with the player, outlining their vision for him to become a central figure in the team’s attack-minded system.”

Elliott is a popular figure at Liverpool, helped by the fact that he grew up supporting the Reds, but now feels like the right time for him to enjoy a new challenge, and the report says he is open to an Anfield exit.

The Englishman isn’t a regular starter under Slot, and that won’t change unless there are serious injury problems, and he has reached a point in his career where he needs to be playing week in, week out.

Elliott could be a great signing for Leipzig, and an ideal potential replacement for Xavi Simons, as the report alludes to, with former Liverpool man Joe Cole hailing him earlier this summer.

“I love the kid, he plays football the right way. I am excited for his future. He has done a great job for Liverpool, but if he decides to move on, there are levels to move on again. That passion, he can show every week.”

Dream Van Dijk heir: Romano confirms Liverpool want £34m Guehi alternative

Liverpool are hoping to sign a centre-back in the transfer market this month.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 12, 2025

Whether Leipzig agree to a buyback option remains to be seen, but even if they don’t, this is the right time for Liverpool to sanction Elliott’s exit, allowing him to kick on elsewhere, not to mention ensuring the Reds receive good money for him.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Weah in Le Classique after historic UCL goal

It was an largely an ugly opening week of the Champions League for members of the U.S. men's national team. 

Johnny Cardoso was ruled of Atletico Madrid's opener with an injury, and then PSV – with U.S. internationals Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest – were stunned by Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Overall, none of the nine USMNT players in Champions League recorded a win. 

The lone bright spot came from Tim Weah, who scored a well-taken goal against Real Madrid in a 2-1 loss for Marseille. It was an important moment for the 25-year-old, who had failed to impress in his opening four matches with L'OM. It also made Weah the first American player to score at the Bernabeu.

And the timing is also ideal. For fans of the Southern France club, there is no bigger match than , a decades-long feud with the capital club, Paris Saint-Germain. There were positive signs for Marseille against Madrid as they prepare for PSG.

But that's not the only big contest for Americans abroad this weekend. After a limited appearance against Bologna, Christian Pulisic will be look to get back to full action when AC Milan travel to Udinese. Yunus Musah made his first start for Atalanta in a one-sided loss to PSG. Is it more of the same for a midfielder who struggled with previously?

And on Sunday, Gio Reyna and Borussia Monchengladbach will take on Malik Tillman and Bayer Leverkusen in a showdown of two USMNT midfielders heading in opposite directions.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad this weekend.

AFPWeah gaining form at right time

In the opening four games of Marseille's season, Weah couldn't find a fit in Roberto De Zerbi's starting XI. Shuttled between left wing, left, and right wing-back, the American struggled for consistency and was largely ineffective – outside of his involvement in L'OM's rout of Paris FC. Then came the night in Spain's capital at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Real Madrid might have won the game, but Weah was arguably the Man of the Match as his deft finish gave the Ligue 1 club a surprising 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute. The former Juventus winger stressed how important the moment was for him. 

"It’s a pleasure. It’s a dream come true. As a kid, you dream of moments like that," he said. "There’s no better club to do it with, and I’m so happy to be at Marseille, and I’m so happy to give the fans something to cheer about." 

Weah has a chance to continue those positive vibes back at the Stade Vélodrome when OM host Paris Saint-Germain Sunday. If the oddsmakers are to be believed, the home side have no shot. Marseille haven't beaten PSG in Ligue 1 since 2020 and haven't gotten a result against the team since 2021 – a 0-0 draw.

Still, with PSG dealing with several key injuries, including to Joao Neves, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue, there's a chance De Zerbi's side could make some noise. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA star at Milan?

Rafael Leao and Pulisic are largely seen as AC Milan's dynamic duo, as the club's success has come when they're at their best. have tried to boost their attacking ranks to mixed results, with hot-and-cold Mexico international Santi Gimenez  the latest example.

Yet, Max Allegri's side might have finally found a solution in the recent arrival of Christopher Nkunku. Much was expected from the France international when he joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023, but an injury in his first preseason stalled his momentum. By the time he came back, Cole Palmer was thriving in Nkunku's preferred No. 10 role.

Having joined Milan on the transfer deadline, Nkunku looks to regain form in a World Cup year. And he showed some glimpses in his debut against Bologna last weekend. But how does it all fit together?

Leao is out with an injury, while neither Nkunku nor Pulisic started in Milan's win against Bologna. Allegri continues to tinker with formations since his return to Milan, going back and forth between a 3-5-2 and a 3-4-2-1 last weekend. Both formations offer opportunities to build possession through central play, but rely on wingbacks, not necessarily wingers, to provide width.

That might play to Nkunku's strengths as a No. 10, but not necessarily Pulisic's or Leao's as they both prefer to play out wide. Against Udinese on Saturday, it will be interesting to see if Allegri starts Nkunku and Pulisic together, and what formation he ends up using.

There's plenty at stake, too, as Udinese and Milan sit fourth and fifth in the Serie A table, respectively.

AFPMusah needs to make an impression

Musah got his first start for Atalanta, but it wasn't under the best of circumstances, as the club traveled to PSG and lost 4-0 loss. The American, like many of his teammates, struggled mightily against the European Champions and was pulled after 74 minutes. 

While it's too soon to make a hasty assessment of Musah's fit with , the reality is that the clock's ticking for the 22-year-old. Managers aren't typically patient with new signings, especially Champions League clubs. Musah has a limited window in which he can make an impression and carve out a role.

There was a reason why Atalanta's manager Ivan Juric was so invested in bringing him in. Considering Musah's deal is a loan with a buy option attached, the midfielder will need to show why sooner rather than later. 

The good news is that Torino should be easier to navigate than PSG. Torino are 10th in the Serie A table, while Atalanta are seventh. And Musah has some history against the other team in Turin. Early last season, Musah came on as a late substitute for Milan at San Siro against and dropped an extra time dime to Noah Okafor to steal a 2-2 draw.

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Getty Images SportTitle clash already for PSV?

isn't the only big rivalry match this weekend. , the derby between PSV and Ajax, also takes place on Sunday. And this is a huge tie for both clubs. PSV are the defending champions and have won the past two league titles under the leadership of former USMNT star Earnie Stewart, the club's sporting director.

Ajax have been the standard bearer of the Netherlands for decades. Follow the Dutch national team and odds are you're probably watching several Ajax alums on the pitch at the same time. And two years without a title for Ajax is a long time. It might be early in the season, but this match could very well set the tone for either club's season. 

Which brings us back to PSV. They're just three points off the summit in the Dutch top flight, and they are tied for the most goals scored at 17 – and that's largely without their star striker in Pepi, who has just worked his way back into the starting XI after an injury.

But this team has shown some fragility over the past few weeks. They lost to Telstar (who?) and got a huge wakeup call against Union SG in Europe this week. Defense, where USMNT star Dest plays, appears to be a problem for manager Peter Bosz. They've shipped eight goals in five games, which is middle of the table in the Dutch League.

Ajax, by comparison, have allowed just four in that same span. Considering there are only two Champions League spots in the Eredivisie, and Feyenoord is also in the mix for the title, PSV can't afford a second-straight setback.

In Alexander Isak’s ongoing absence from Newcastle United’s matchday squads, Anthony Gordon was tasked with leading the line for the Magpies in their Premier League opener against Aston Villa.

Manager Eddie Howe was certainly complimentary of the England international, and said he “looked very good as a centre forward” at Villa Park.

Gordon, who got 90 minutes under his belt against the Villans, managed two shots on target and completed 23 sprints, as per Sofascore. He showed great threat at running in behind and managed to get Ezri Konsa sent off when he was bearing down on goal.

Yet, as threatening as the forward looked as a striker on Sunday, it’s not his natural position. Newcastle have been linked with some true centre-forwards.

Newcastle’s latest striker target

The hunt goes on for the Magpies, as they search for a new striker to strengthen up front this summer. As has been reported this week, Goncalo Ramos is reportedly open to a move to the North East from PSG, but it remains to be seen if that deal will materialise.

Transfer Focus

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

Another alternative option could come from within the Premier League, according to TEAMTalk. Newcastle are said to be ‘exploring a move’ to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers and Norway international striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

However, this deal will not be easy at all, with Wolves ‘thin on attacking depth’ after sales and injuries have already affected them.

Even so, ‘the door isn’t entirely shut’ for Howe’s side to sign Strand Larsen, and if the Old Gold find a replacement, a £30m deal could be on the cards this summer.

Why Strand Larsen would be a good signing

After initially moving on loan to Molineux last season from Celta Vigo, it was an impressive debut season in the West Midlands for Strand Larsen. He became a key source of goals in a Wolves team that had previously only had Matheus Cunha to inspire them in front of goal.

Last season, the 25-year-old managed to find the back of the net 14 times in 35 Premier League appearances. Some of the underlying numbers show just how well he played, averaging 0.5 goals and 1.2 shots on target per 90 minutes.

Goals

0.5

14

Shots on target

1.2

34

Key passes

0.7

21

Expected goal involvements

0.39xGI

11.32xGI

Aerial duels won

2.3

67

Described as a “target man” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Celta Vigo star has shown a great instinct in front of goal for the Old Gold.

This goal against Manchester City last season sums that up, with excellent movement in the penalty box to get on the end of an early cross.

The Magpies are looking for a long-term replacement for Isak, and Gordon would love to find someone with whom he can have an equally deadly partnership. As per Transfermarkt, the pair have combined for ten goals, more than any other player in Gordon’s career.

Indeed, the 2024/25 campaign was not the best of Gordon’s career, after struggling for form at the start of the season.

He scored nine goals and assisted seven in 42 games. Yet, crosses like this to Isak make him such a dangerous prospect for opponents.

It is easy to imagine a cross like that going onto Strand Larsen’s head, instead. The Norwegian star stands at six feet four inches tall, so if he gets service like that, there is every chance he can capitalise.

There are numbers to suggest Gordon excels at deliveries into the box, like the one above. Last season, he averaged 0.63 crosses into the penalty area and 2.03 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes. That placed him in the top 7% and 15% of Premier League attackers.

Gordon and Isak had a sensational partnership at St James’ Park, but with the Swede seemingly set to leave the club – or remain in exile – it could be time for a new duo to form. Strand Larsen, with his aerial dominance and penalty box instinct, could be that striker.

For just £30m, Newcastle may have found the dream Isak replacement and someone Gordon can excel with.

More potential than Wissa & Ramos: Newcastle lead race to sign £60m striker

Newcastle still need to sign two strikers before the end of the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 19, 2025

Australia will have all eyes on their new opener Konstas, and India would want more support for their star bowler Bumrah

Andrew McGlashan24-Dec-20242:00

Pujara: India should pick another fast bowler for MCG

Big Picture: Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the lineThis is big. If India win at the MCG, they retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If Australia win, they remain on track for a first series win over India in a decade. A defeat for the home side would trigger significant questions while if India lose, their World Test Championship (WTC) fate is out of their hands, although retaining the series trophy would remain possible. With a good forecast, a draw would appear an unlikely result, particularly given the ground’s recent history. And whatever unfolds on Boxing Day could take place in front of more than 90,000 spectators.It’s only been six days since the damp end to proceedings at the Gabba, but a lot has happened. If you weren’t aware of the scoreline, it may feel like India are ahead given Australia have been forced into a change at the top of the order to try and counterpunch against Jasprit Bumrah. It means 19-year-old Sam Konstas will make an extraordinary debut after just 11 first-class matches.But it’s also been a curious few days for the visitors. Virat Kohli had a run-in with a reporter at the Melbourne airport; Ravindra Jadeja only took questions in Hindi at a press conference which got some people annoyed; and there were suggestions of a conspiracy when India were given used pitches to train on at the MCG.Related

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Konstas' MCG debut confirmed, Head faces a fitness test

WTC final race – How can India, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka qualify?

Should India opt for bowling depth over batting insurance?

Meanwhile, in terms of the important things, they are still trying to find enough support for Bumrah and more runs from a misfiring top order. There does not appear much India can do about the batting order in terms of personnel, instead they will hope someone can follow the lead of KL Rahul.There has not been a lot of actual cricket played in the last two Tests: Adelaide was over little more than an hour into the third day and rain was a constant menace in Brisbane. But since Perth, Australia have dominated. Yet it sits at 1-1 and there is not much wriggle room for them to have a bad day.Australia’s top order remains under scrutiny amid the call to drop Nathan McSweeney in favour of Konstas at such a crucial moment in the series while senior batters Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne remain low on runs. Travis Head, who picked up a quad niggle in Brisbane but is good to go, has been the game-changer while Steven Smith’s hundred was timely and by the end of it he was playing very fluently.The fact that Scott Boland can slot back in at a ground he has enjoyed so much success on (headlined by his 6 for 7 against England in 2021-22) shows the pace-bowling depth Australia have. It may just be what makes the difference, although don’t count out Bumrah being able to win it almost on his own for India, who have not lost a Test at the MCG since 2011.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia DWLWW
India DLWLLIn the spotlight: Usman Khawaja and Virat KohliUsman Khawaja is coming towards the end of what is his leanest Test year since 2013 (when he averaged 19.00 from just three matches). In 2024 he has a return of 337 runs at 24.07 including just one fifty. However, the Australia camp is taking the view that he is out of runs rather than out of form, similar to Smith before his Gabba century. Khawaja has spoken about having next year’s Ashes on his radar with a potential finishing point of the SCG in just over 12 months’ time, but whether he gets there may depend on these next two Tests and the Sri Lanka series.There has been one India great retire in this series. And the rumours are bubbling about who might be next. Virat Kohli ended a century drought with his second innings in Perth but at the moment it is looking like an outlier with a pattern in his dismissals aside from that – pushing hard at the ball outside off stump. In Brisbane he was reaching out to drive a particularly wide delivery. In 2014 he enjoyed a spectacular Test at the MCG with 169 and 54, then in 2018 made a hardworking 82 as captain to help lay the foundation for a famous victory which ultimately decided that series. He missed 2020 when India won again. What will 2024 bring?Team news: Konstas debut, Boland back; India’s balance questionKonstas’ debut was confirmed on Christmas Eve while Boland will return in place of the injured Josh Hazlewood. Head passed a fitness test on Christmas Day after coming out of the Gabba with a quad strain.Australia: 1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Sam Konstas, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Scott BolandRohit Sharma’s batting position remains a hot topic and he did not confirm where he would slot in ahead of the game, but it seems unlikely India will break up the opening pair. The other key debate is what to do at No. 8: stick with Nitish Kumar Reddy, pick another specialist quick (which would lengthen the tail) or play Washington Sundar as an alternative allrounder and opt for a 3-2 balance of pace and spin?India (possible): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Shubman Gill, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Rohit Sharma (capt), 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Nitish Kumar Reddy/Washington Sundar, 9 Akash Deep, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed Siraj1:57

What’s the blueprint for winning a Test at the MCG?

Pitch and conditions: Sizzling temperatures on Boxing DayThe MCG pitch, which has become a goldmine for the quicks, has been in focus. Curator Matt Page said he will follow the formula which has been a success in recent seasons, leaving around 6mm of grass on the surface. Australia coach Andrew McDonald said it’s normally a surface where you bowl first, but things may be different this time. The forecast for a hot opening day, where temperatures could reach 40 degrees Celsius, may see the pitch quicken up earlier than normal. There is a chance of showers on the second day but otherwise the forecast is fine and a more pleasant temperature from day three onwards.Stats and trivia Bumrah needs six wickets for 200 in Tests. If he did it at the MCG, in his 44th Test, he would be the joint second-fastest for India behind R Ashwin Since the 2018-19 season, there have been six Test centuries scored at the MCG – the lowest of all Australian venues to host more than a single match Australia’s current average from their top three is their lowest ever for a home series of at least three Tests (note: includes Pat Cummins as nightwatcher in Perth)Quotes”Every game starts afresh…different teams, different structures. Think both teams have similar challenges at the moment. How do you find runs? Both bowling attacks have been on top. I’m not a big believer in history repeating itself.
“After three Test matches, if I had to look at it being one-all, it’s a fair reflection of how both teams have played. There has been solid cricket being played by both teams.”

Sunderland are back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017 and have been splashing the cash under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.

The Black Cats have Regis Le Bris to thank for taking them out of the Championship and back into the top flight, with their transfer record being broken on numerous occasions in 2025 as a result.

England legend said Sunderland star was the best he'd seen and as good as Owen and Figo

The Black Cats would love to have him back in their current squad…

ByBen Goodwin Jun 4, 2025

But who tops the charts as Sunderland’s most expensive addition of all time?

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

Habib Diarra

£27m

Strasbourg

2025

Simon Adingra

£21m

Brighton

2025

Enzo Le Fee

£19.3m

AS Roma

2025

Chemsdine Talbi

£18m

Club Brugge

2025

Brian Brobbey

£17.3m

Ajax

2025

Noah Sadiki

£15m

Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

2025

Didier Ndong

£13.6m

Lorient

2016

Granit Xhaka

£13m

Bayer Leverkusen

2025

Asamoah Gyan

£13m

Rennes

2010

Steven Fletcher

£12m

Wolves

2012

Omar Alderete

£10.4m

Getafe

2025

Jack Rodwell

£10m

Man City

2014

Darren Bent

£10m

Tottenham

2009

Nordi Mukiele

£9.5m

PSG

2025

Wahbi Khazri

£9m

Bordeaux

2016

Craig Gordon

£9m

Hearts

2007

Ricardo Alvarez

£9m

Inter Milan

2015

Robin Roefs

£9m

NEC Nijmegen

2025

Jozy Altidore

£9m

AZ Alkmaar

2013

Jeremain Lens

£8m

Dynamo Kiev

2015

Detailed look at Sunderland’s 10 most expensive signings… 10 Steven Fletcher £12m from Wolves

Experienced striker Steven Fletcher arrived at Sunderland in 2012 after taking his first steps in English football with Burnley and Wolves.

The Scottish forward was 25 at the time of his move and would go on to spend four years at the Stadium of Light. His final months on the books with the Black Cats saw him on loan at French side Marseille.

9 Asamoah Gyan £13m from Rennes

After starring for Ghana at the 2010 World Cup, Sunderland made Asamoah Gyan their record signing on deadline day ahead of the 2010/11 season.

The Black Cats signed Gyan to replace Kenwyne Jones, and he would go on to score 11 goals in 37 appearances, leaving a year later.

8 Granit Xhaka £13m from Bayer Leverkusen

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka returned to England with a move to Sunderland in 2025 from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Switzerland international helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga in 2024 and cost the Black Cats an initial £13m which could rise with add-ons.

7 Didier Ndong £13.6m from Lorient

Sunderland’s record signing for nearly nine years was midfielder Didier Ndong, who cost the Black Cats just under £14m in August 2016.

The Gabon international struggled in England and was a part of the Sunderland side that were relegated in 2017, and he would then join Watford on loan in January 2018 as the Black Cats suffered back-to-back relegations.

Ndong was under contract until 2021 but his deal was terminated in 2018 after he failed to return to the club.

6 Noah Sadiki £15m from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

One of a number of big-money signings in 2025 was midfielder Noah Sadiki, who cost £15m from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Sadiki was also wanted by fellow promoted side Leeds United but opted to choose Sunderland instead.

5 Brian Brobbey £17.3m from Ajax

Sunderland’s 2025 spending spree continued right up until the final hours, with Brian Brobbey arriving from Ajax.

The Black Cats acted quickly after Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu and spent more than £17m on the Dutch attacker.

4 Chemsdine Talbi £18m from Club Brugge

Promising winger Chemsdine Talbi also arrived at the Stadium of Light following Sunderland’s Premier League return.

The Moroccan international impressed for Club Brugge and signed a five-year deal.

3 Enzo Le Fee £19.3m from AS Roma

After helping Sunderland win promotion to the Premier League, Enzo Le Fee’s move to the Stadium of Light became permanent.

The obligation to buy the attacking midfielder from Roma set the Black Cats back just under £20m, with Le Fee signing a four-year deal.

2 Simon Adingra £21m from Brighton

After shining for Brighton & Hove Albion since 2023, winger Simon Adingra was yet another player who Sunderland splashed the cash on after returning to the top flight.

An Ivory Coast international, Adingra signed a five-year contract and there are also potential add-ons to increase an initial £21m fee.

1 Habib Diarra £27m from Strasbourg

Standing at the top of the charts as Sunderland’s record signing is central midfielder Habib Diarra.

The Senegal international captained at starred for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg at the age of 21, which resulted in the Black Cats pipping Leeds to a huge £27m transfer.

A back injury to Ghazanfar has led to Mujeeb’s recall into the IPL after four years

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Feb-2025Afghanistan offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has replaced his countryman AM Ghazanfar in Mumbai Indians’ (MI) squad for IPL 2025. Ghazanfar was ruled out of the Champions Trophy, which starts on Wednesday, and also the the IPL that follows, due to a back injury.The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had tweeted about Ghazanfar’s absence from the Champions Trophy earlier this week, mentioning that he had sustained “a fracture of the L4 vertebra” during Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe last month. Ghazanfar, who had bagged his maiden IPL contract after a bright start to his ODI career, will be out of cricket for four months.Related

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KKR and RCB set to play IPL 2025 opener on March 22

Mujeeb was last seen at the IPL in 2021, when he played a solitary game for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He made his tournament debut as a 17-year-old for Punjab Kings and represented them in 18 games across three seasons from 2018. Mujeeb has 275 T20 wickets at an average of 23.67 and an economy rate of 6.75. Most recently, he was with Paarl Royals at at the SA20, where his side lost to finalists Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Qualifier 2. He was Royals’ highest wicket-taker in the tournament, with 14 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 23.14.Until November last year, Mujeeb too was out injured for five months due to a right phalanx (hand) sprain. He returned to action at the Abu Dhabi T10 and then played all three T20Is for Afghanistan on their tour of Zimbabwe, before flying to South Africa for the SA20. He wasn’t picked by Afghanistan for the Champions Trophy, as according to Ahmad Suliman Khil, their interim chief selector, “he has been advised by his doctor to focus on T20s for a while to ensure his full recovery before returning to ODIs”.Mujeeb had gone unsold at the IPL 2025 auction, but now joined MI at a fee of INR 2 crore (approx. US $230,764).

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick spoke about the praise Pedri received from former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes, who revealed that the 22-year-old is his "new favourite footballer". Since Flick took charge of Barca, Pedri has shrugged off his fitness issues and was one of the best midfielders in the world last season, a trend that has carried over into the current season.

Pedri continues midfield dominance

Ahead of the 2023-24 season, there were concerns over Pedri's battle with frequent injuries that threatened to hinder his seemingly unlimited potential. However, Flick's arrival in the summer of 2024 revived Pedri. The Spaniard was perhaps the best midfielder in La Liga last season and was often hailed by fans as among the world's best. In fact, Pedri even got Ballon d'Or shouts due to his authoritarian displays and consistency in midfield. He has continued doing what he does best in the current season, earning high praise from former midfielder Scholes. The legendary player took to social media to call Pedri his "new favourite footballer" following his dominant performance in the 2-1 win over Newcastle in the Champions League at St. James' Park last week.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFlick says 'Pedri's at an incredible level'

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Flick said: "When you're an attacking player, you're more in the spotlight. What Scholes says means a lot; he was a great midfielder. Pedri is at an incredible level, as is Frenkie [de Jong]. I'm very happy with what I see in training, the quality with which we train… the mood is fantastic. You can see that. This mood helps us keep going."

Pedri and De Jong untouchable in midfield

Ever since De Jong returned to full fitness midway in the 2024-25 season, he has been undroppable, forming an incredible midfield partnership with Pedri. The duo maintain possession at will and are immaculate at ball circulation and progression. Such has been their reliability that the likes of Gavi, Marc Casado and Dani Olmo found regular minutes hard to come by.

"I've never had that feeling that people hate him… I'm not on social media," Flick explained. "All the fans see how important he is. It's fantastic to have him on our team. What I see is that he enjoys it. He enjoys training. He helps us and has great quality. He's very important. I talk to him a lot, I want to know things about him and what he thinks. It's incredible."

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Getty ImagesRest for Pedri and De Jong in Barca's next game?

Barcelona will face Real Oviedo in their next game, which will be played on Thursday. Given the fixture congestion, Flick would have loved to rotate his side against a newly-promoted team. But Gavi has been sidelined for the next four to five months, while Marc Bernal will also not be forced into the starting lineup after he spent the entirety of the 2024-25 out injured.

Inter have been hit with a major blow as star striker Marcus Thuram will be sidelined for over a month due to a thigh injury. The French forward had initially downplayed the problem after Inter’s 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague but recent scans portray a lengthy absence. Now, with a congested fixture schedule looming, manager Cristian Chivu faces the daunting task of reshaping his attack.

Marcus Thuram faces injury setback

Thuram’s promising season hit a sudden hurdle after he sustained a thigh injury during Inter’s 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague. Although he tried to reassure fans in a light-hearted post-match display, showing he was “fine,” medical tests have confirmed he will be out until at least October 25. This means Thuram will miss key Serie A clashes, including the clash against Roma, the Champions League fixture at Union Saint-Gilloise, and possibly a crucial away game against Napoli.

Thuram’s stats this season underline the magnitude of the blow: in seven league appearances, he has scored five goals and provided two assists. His absence removes one of Inter’s main attacking threats, forcing manager Chivu to rethink his forward options.

AdvertisementAFPWho will replace Thuram in the frontline?

With Thuram sidelined, Inter’s attacking burden will likely fall on Pio Esposito and Ange Yoan Bonny. Bonny has shown glimpses of potential and is probably Chivu’s preferred backup striker. Esposito, meanwhile, could carve out more space and opportunity given Thuram’s absence, especially with his pace and agility. Esposito has featured in five league games, mostly as a substitute, scoring once, while Bonny has one goal in seven appearances. Chivu must decide whether to rely on experience, youth, or a combination of both to maintain attacking fluidity during this critical period.

Earlier, the Inter manager had also praised Esposito for his spectacular performance in their win against Sassuolo. The ex-Parma coach claimed he was pleased with Esposito's performance and believes the striker can mix well with others in the front while having the caliber to do a bit of everything.

Inter's struggles mount with worst Serie A start

Inter have been struggling with a poor run of form this season, marking their worst start in 14 years. Despite a strong opening 5-0 win over Torino, a loss to Udinese and a dramatic 4-3 defeat against Juventus have exposed vulnerabilities in the squad. The team has struggled against top Serie A sides, winning just three out of five matches and losing two, revealing issues in both attack and defense. Injuries, inconsistent performances from key players like Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu, and tactical challenges under new coach Chivu have contributed to this slide.

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Getty ImagesChance for Cristian Chivu to shift tactics

Inter could evolve tactically under Chivu by shifting from a traditional striker focus to a more fluid attack. Midfielders like Barella and Calhanoglu may push forward more aggressively, while wing-backs tuck in centrally to support build-up play. This change could make Inter less predictable and more versatile, turning the injury setback into a chance for tactical growth and new attacking options.

He was suspended from bowling after the ECB found his action to be illegal last September

Mohammad Isam20-Mar-2025Shakib Al Hasan’s suspension from bowling in the County Championship and the Hundred has been lifted after his action was cleared by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).Shakib was suspended from bowling in top-flight domestic and international cricket after the ECB found his action to be illegal in September 2024 during his single County appearance. His action had been reported by the standing umpires while he was playing for Surrey against Somerset.Shakib, who had never previously been reported in his professional career spanning 20 years, gave his third bowling assessment test at Loughborough University on March 9 and learnt of the outcome on Wednesday. All 22 deliveries during his test were cleared. A BCB statement further said that Shakib has “successfully remedied his action”.Shakib was first suspended from bowling in all forms of cricket in December. He failed his first test at Loughborough University, prompting the ECB to suspend him. In accordance with clause 11.3 of the ICC’s regulations for illegal bowling actions, his suspension was automatically recognised and enforced by the ICC in international cricket and by all national cricket federations in their respective domestic competitions.He failed a second test in Chennai in January, after which the Bangladesh selectors didn’t pick him for the Champions Trophy, which was supposed to be his international swansong.