All posts by h716a5.icu

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing an "outstanding" Championship star this summer, but two huge clubs are providing competition for his signature.

Newcastle eyeing more attackers

There have been so many reasons for the Magpies' struggles throughout the 2023/24 season, from injuries to limp performances in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Eddie Howe's side have disappointed overall, but it's certainly fair to suggest they need a larger squad to stand a fighting chance.

While various areas of the pitch will likely be focused on when it comes to reinforcements, adding to the attack is of the utmost importance. This season, both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have found themselves sidelined too often through injury, while Harvey Barnes has also been absent for long periods and Miguel Almiron could leave the club this summer.

In Isak, Newcastle have a fantastic player who can become a genuine superstar at St James' Park, but on the flip side, Wilson could follow Almiron out the exit door and no longer represents the future.

In terms of long-term signings, Peterborough United youngster Ricky-Jade Jones has been linked with a move to the Magpies in the summer window, with the youngster compared to Usain Bolt because of his electric pace, running the 100m in just 10.9 seconds.

Newcastle have also been backed to sign more proven attacking stars, however, with Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush considered an option for Howe's men. The 25-year-old has 10 goals in 21 Bundesliga starts this season, also adding six assists.

Newcastle want to sign "outstanding" attacker

According to a new report from Football Transfers, Newcastle are battling to sign Leeds United ace Crysencio Summerville in the summer transfer window, as the Whites look to extend his stay at Elland Road. The Magpies are not the only big club believed to be in the mix to sign him, however, with Liverpool and AC Milan also name-checked as possible suitors.

Summerville has arguably been the Championship's standout player this season, with his relentless numbers playing a key role in Leeds being third in the table and right in the mix for automatic promotion.

The 22-year-old has 25 goal contributions (17 goals and eight assists) in 38 league appearances to date, while Whites manager Daniel Farke had lauded him in recent months, saying he is both a "baller" and an "outstanding creative player".

Summerville could remain at Leeds if they secure promotion to the Premier League next month, but the report says that it is "not a guarantee that he will stay" at Elland Road even if they go up, and the thought of moving to Newcastle could appeal greatly to him.

Appearances

38

Starts

36

Goals

17

Assists

8

Shots per game

3.1

Key passes per game

2.7

Dribbles per game

2.4

Granted, Liverpool and Milan are also mouthwatering prospects, but it could be argued that the Dutchman has more chance of featuring prominently at St James', which could give them the edge.

It's been a rough season for Chelsea fans this year, with the draw at home to a ten-man Burnley side over the weekend just the latest in a long line of embarrassing results.

Mauricio Pochettino has been unable to create a coherent and effective team out of the plethora of talented youngsters at his disposal, and it's looking increasingly likely that he won't be given another chance next year.

While some of the youngsters in the team, such as Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, have impressed this campaign, Raheem Sterling, who is meant to be one of the senior stars, has not, and off the back of recent transfer news of his time in the team could be coming to an end.

Latest Chelsea transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Brazilian winger Raphinha is set to be moved on by Barcelona in the summer as the Catalan club looks to raise more funds to help their dire financial situation.

The report has revealed that the former Leeds United star is still a transfer target of Premier League sides Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea, who are eyeing up the left-footed dynamo ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, with the massive finances involved, clubs from the Saudi Pro League are also keen to bring the tricky winger to the Middle East.

An earlier report from last month revealed that Saudi side Al-Hilal were willing to offer a £86m package – inclusive of the fee and wages – which may be too good to turn down for the Blaugrana.

Yet, the player wants to remain in Spain, so while that might not be possible, a move back to the Premier League, with Chelsea, for example, might become his most appealing option.

How Raphinha compares to Raheem Sterling

The first thing to clear up is that, yes, Sterling has primarily played as a left winger at Chelsea, and Raphinha has primarily played as a right winger throughout his career. However, the 22-capped Brazilian has also played plenty of games out on the left, 82 games to be exact, so it should be much of an issue for him to adapt at Stamford Bridge.

That said, how have the pair performed this year? Well, in his 37 games for the Blues this season, the former Manchester City ace has scored eight goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he has averaged a goal involvement every 1.9 games.

Player

Raphinha

Sterling

Appearances

29

37

Goals

6

8

Assists

10

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.55

0.51

In comparison, the former Peacocks star has scored six goals and provided ten assists in just 29 appearances, giving him a slightly better average of a goal every 1.8 games.

How about their underlying numbers, then? Well, unfortunately for the Englishman, he once again comes out second best, and this time, it's by quite some way.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.94

0.51

Non-Penalty Goals

0.43

0.30

Assists

0.60

0.20

Progressive Carries

3.68

5.47

Progressive Passes

4.36

3.50

Progressive Passes Received

12.5

11.4

Shots

4.09

2.26

Shots on Target

1.45

0.84

Passing Accuracy

74.9%

73.2%

Shot-Creating Actions

6.31

3.74

Goal-Creating Actions

0.85

0.59

Successful Take-Ons

1.88

1.97

Aerial Duels Won

0.77

0.10

Aside from successful take-ons and progressive carries, the "brilliant" Barça ace, as talent scout Jacek Kuilg described him, comes out on top in a host of key attacking metrics, from expected goals and assists to passing accuracy and shot volume.

Chelsea eyeing a "better prospect than Endrick" in £51m Palmer rival

The youngster is one of the most exciting talents in world football.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 2, 2024

Ultimately, Sterling has been a fantastic Premier League player for over a decade now and likely still has several years left at the top, but based on his performances in West London, Chelsea would be getting a significant upgrade if they could sign Raphinha.

Therefore, the Blues must swoop to sign the former Leeds star, who experienced Premier League football at Elland Road, to come in and replace the England international.

The U.S. women's national team has suffered another injury blow as Davidson joins Shaw on the sideline

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Davidson to miss group stage finaleShaw out for third consecutive gameU.S. to face Australia WednesdayGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Tierna Davidson suffered a knock during the first half of the USWNT's win over Germany on Sunday, forcing her out of the game with Emily Sonnett coming on in her place.

The USWNT central defender will now miss Wednesday's group stage match against Australia, U.S. Coach Emma Hayes confirmed Tuesday.

The injury leaves the U.S. without two players for the final group stage match. Davidson will join the sidelined Jaedyn Shaw, who has yet to play at the tournament due to her own leg injury. Shaw will miss her third straight Olympics match.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With Davidson's injury, the U.S. will likely start Sonnett next to Naomi Girma in defense, with alternate Emily Sams expected to be brought into the 18-player matchday squad. Fellow alternate Croix Bethune has previously taken Shaw's place in the U.S. team.

GettyWHAT EMMA HAYES SAID

“She got hit in her leg,” Hayes said of Davidson's injury. “Knee-on-knee situations can create a bit of swelling so that swelling will keep her out of this game.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR USWNT?

The U.S. has already booked its place in the knockout rounds, and will almost certainly top the group due to their wins over Zambia and Germany. Should they do that, they'll face the second-best team from Group C in the Paris Games on Aug. 3

He played 48 international matches and was the Man of the Match in his last Test, in 2013

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Feb-2020Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has retired from international and first-class cricket, making the announcement on Friday via Twitter. Ojha remembered his “memorable” IPL journey too in a retirement letter he tweeted, effectively putting an end to his career across formats.”It’s time I move on to the next phase of my life. The love and support of each and every individual will always remain with me and motivate me all the time,” he tweeted.Ojha played 48 international matches – 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20Is – from 2008 to 2013. In his last game for India, a Test against West Indies in 2013 which was Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell match, Ojha finished with match figures of 10 for 89 and was named the Man of the Match. Overall, he took 113 Test wickets at an average of 30.26, 21 in ODIs and 10 in T20Is at an economy rate of 6.28.”To be an Indian cricketer and represent the country at the highest level was always a dream I cherished as a youngster,” Ojha said in a letter he posted on Twitter. “I fall short of words to describe how fortunate I have been to have lived, dream and earned the love and respect of my fellow countrymen. For a sportsperson, there cannot be a greater reward.”

It’s time I move on to the next phase of my life. The love and support of each and every individual will always remain with me and motivate me all the time pic.twitter.com/WoK0WfnCR7

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) February 21, 2020

Ojha started his domestic career with Hyderabad in 2005 and made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2008. In 2015 he left Hyderabad to ply his trade as a professional player in the domestic circuit and represented Bengal in 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. In 2017, he returned to Hyderabad, but for only one season before switching to Bihar for whom he played three one-day matches and one first-class game at the end of 2018.He ended his first class career with 424 wickets from 108 matches at an average of 28.60, with 23 five-fors and three 10-wicket match hauls. In 50-over games he had 123 wickets from 103 games and another 156 wickets from 142 T20s.In the IPL, he represented Deccan Chargers from 2008 to 2011 and Mumbai Indians from 2012 to 2015. In 2009 he helped the Chargers lift the trophy with 18 wickets, and even ended as the highest wicket-taker in 2010 with 21 scalps, when the Chargers lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the third-place playoff.”My eventful career has witnessed many ups and downs. Over the time, I have realized that the legacy of a sportsperson is not just the outcome of his hard work and dedication, but also the faith and guidance bestowed upon by the association (team management), teammates, coaches, trainers, and the fans. Their belief fills you with a strong sense of purpose and belonging.”I have been a part of the Hyderabad Cricket Association for close to 14 years, and the incredible experience I have gained will have an everlasting impact. I would like to express my gratitude to all the members of the Association who have supported me through these years.”Ojha also thanked the Cricket Association of Bengal, the Bihar Cricket Association, the two IPL franchises he represented and many of his former team-mates.”My humble salute to all my seniors and teammates from whom I draw immense inspiration, and who have helped me to strive to be a better sportsperson. I am very thankful to Mr. V.V.S. Laxman for mentoring me like an elder brother, Mr. Venkatapathy Raju for being the role model I always looked to emulate, Mr. Harbhajan Singh for being a constant adviser and Mr. M.S. Dhoni for providing me with the honorable opportunity to wear the Indian Cap.”I extend my regards to my contemporaries Mr. Rohit Sharma and Mr. Manoj Tiwary who have shared many eventful moments with me. My Hyderabad teammates – Mr. Amol Shinde, Mr. M.P. Arjun, Mr. Alfred Absolom and Mr.P.S Niranjan have been an integral and inseparable part of my journey. My utmost gratitude to Mr. Arjun Yadav who was the first captain I played under during my Ranji Trophy debut and also Mr. Kanwaljit Singh who coached me during the early phases of my career.”Lastly, I am certain that looking back at my career will always fill me with a sense of pride. The most memorable moments would be receiving my Test Cap from Mr. Sachin Tendulkar and accomplishing the feat of taking 100 test wickets. I hope to continue contributing towards the growth of Indian Cricket in every capacity possible.”

Wrexham began life in League One expertly as they secured all three points with a 3-2 win over Wycombe Wanderers on matchday one.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Wrexham beat Wycome 3-2 on opening dayBegin League One campaign with a winJack Marriott scores first half stunnerTELL ME MORE

Wrexham have had their tails up for the last two years as the Red Dragons have achieved back-to-back promotions to reach League One as they continue their dream to play in the Premier League. The Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney co-owned side took on Matt Bloomfield's Wycombe and hit the ground running as Max Cleworth scored from a well-worked corner by the Red Dragons. Wrexham doubled their lead after Jack Marriott unleashed a superb volley past Nathan Bishop.

The second half saw Richard Kone finish after a mix-up in defence before Wrexham slowly gained control once more following the substitutions of Steven Fletcher and George Evans. Fletcher then scored Wrexham's third, however, Parkinson's men did not have as easy of an end to the game as Sam Vokes scored late on to keep the visitors in the game.

AdvertisementTHE MVP

While Wrexham did seem to struggle towards the end of the first half and the start of the second half, they managed to hold onto the lead thanks to Phil Parkinson's timely changes through the second half. The Red Dragons managed to dig deep and hold on before substitute Fletcher's calm finish restored the side a two-goal lead. Special mention to Marriott as the 29-year-old striker scored a peach to double Wrexham's early lead.

GettyTHE BIG LOSER

While there was no outright poor performer for Parkinson in the season opener, the 56-year-old will definitely be hoping to see a lot better from James McClean as the skipper struggled to keep up with Josh Scowen and Garath McCleary on the left-hand side of the Wrexham defence.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Wrexham will be happy to begin their League One campaign with all three points at SToK Cae Ras as they prepare for a difficult season. The Red Dragons will now take on Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup round one of the Carabao Cup on August 13.

Chelsea haven't been shy of a transfer or two since the takeover by Todd Boehly, with the club spending over £1b on transfers since the American's acquisition of the club back in May 2022.

The club's huge spending started during the summer window in 2022, with the Blues – then managed by Thomas Tuchel – spending over £270m in that window alone, as the club wanted to invest in the first team to close the gap produced by Manchester City in recent years.

The signings of players such as Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana allowed the Blues to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, with the duo initially becoming key first-team members.

However, the latter has endured a torrid time with injuries since his arrival, only featuring 20 times for Chelsea since his arrival at the club nearly two years ago.

Despite Fofana's long-term stint on the sidelines, the club also signed a player who failed to make an impact at Stamford Bridge who has already been moved on after just a year at the club.

Kalidou Koulibaly's stats at Chelsea

Centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly joined the Blues for £33m in July 2022, with the club landing one of their long-term targets to strengthen the defensive third.

The former Napoli man made his first start during the 1-0 win away at Everton on the opening day, and the Senegalese defender made an instant impact for the Londoners.

Koulibaly continued his good start to life at Stamford Bridge, scoring a brilliant goal in the 2-2 draw against rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as the centre-back showed early signs of being a great signing for Tuchel's side.

However, his first two appearances were as good as it got for the Senegal international, with the former Napoli man failing to replicate the form he found early on in his Chelsea career.

He would go on to make 23 Premier League appearances during 2022/23 before a hamstring injury cut his campaign short – the defender playing his last game in the 1-0 defeat away to eventual champions Manchester City before departing Stamford Bridge less than a year after arriving.

Koulibaly swapped Europe for Saudi Arabia, joining Al Hilal in a £25m move last summer – with the Blues losing £8m on the 32-year-old, but shifting his hefty wages off the wage bill.

Kalidou Koulibaly's wages at Chelsea

After arriving at Stamford Bridge, the defender penned a four-year deal, on a reported £295k-per-week and £15.3m-a-year, as per Spotrac – a remarkable amount of money.

His weekly wage is currently nearly four times more than Chelsea star Cole Palmer who only earns £75k-per-week despite his unbelievable form that has seen him score 16 goals in 27 Premier League outings. That tells you all you need to know about the club's failings with the Koulibaly transfer.

Christopher Nkunku

£195k

Enzo Fernandez

£180k

Moises Caicedo

£150k

Mykhailo Mudryk

£100k

Cole Palmer

£75k

Conor Gallagher

£50k

Given his lack of impact at the club and his extortionate weekly wage, Boehly and the club did the right thing in offloading the Senegalese last summer. Having cost a grand total of £48.3m, this was certainly money down the drain.

Although he's found his feet in the Middle East, he's clearly past his best and wasn't up to the demands of the Premier League. His departure has also allowed for the likes of Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile to progress and develop into the club's long-term centre-back partnership.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

Former England seamer set to spend whole summer at Lord’s with London Spirit role following Blast

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Feb-2020Dimitri Mascarenhas has signed a two-year deal to stay on as Middlesex’s specialist T20 bowling coach.Mascarenhas, whose arrival at the county last summer coincided with an upturn in results in short-form cricket, has held several coaching roles since his retirement from the game in 2014, including stints with New Zealand, Otago, Melbourne Renegades and Otago.He will also be an assistant coach to Shane Warne in the Hundred next season, staying at Lord’s alongside Eoin Morgan following the Blast to work with London Spirit.”Dimi’s laid back, calm persona is a great asset and his coaching style reflects this trait,” said Stuart Law, Middlesex’s director of cricket.”He has simple methods that resonate well with the boys and allows the players to grow, while guiding them through. We’re really looking forward to working with Dimi again during the T20 Blast campaign this season.”Middlesex reached the knock-out stages of the Blast for only the second time since winning the competition in 2008 last season, with their five-man bowling attack coming to the fore.Mujeeb Ur Rahman has signed to return as an overseas player, while the magazine has reported that Law hopes to sign an allrounder alongside him, with Mitchell Marsh one possible target. AB de Villiers is unlikely to return, with the Blast directly following the IPL season and workload management a concern ahead of a potential international comeback in time for the T20 World Cup.”I loved my time last year and felt we made some progress on the bowling front and as a team,” said Mascarenhas. “The opportunity to work with Stu Law and Nic Pothas, two international-level coaches, is extremely exciting and brilliant for my development.”The squad is very similar to last season and I’m sure we can make a huge play for the finals again. I can’t wait to join up with the squad and continue what we started last year.”

The Blues went down 2-0 at Stamford Bridge as they barely laid a glove on the defending champions following another tumultuous summer

Back in the summer of 2021, Chelsea beat Manchester City in the Champions League final. The Blues were back moving in the right direction as a team packed with homegrown stars won the club's second European Cup. City, on the other hand, were still waiting for their first taste of continental glory after another Pep Guardiola over-think in Porto.

Fast-forward just over three years, and the two teams couldn't be further apart after hurtling in opposite directions almost ever since. City have gone on to become an unstoppable force in the Premier League while getting over the line in Europe in 2023, while Chelsea have become the laughing stock of English football after a change in ownership that brought with it the biggest spending spree the world has ever seen, coupled with a cull of the Blues' beloved academy graduates to make room on the wage bill for countless big-money flops.

It was against that backdrop that Chelsea hosted City on Sunday in their opening game of the new campaign, and to no one's surprise, Guardiola's defending champions ran out easy winners as Enzo Maresca was left to pick over the bones of a disappointing 2-0 defeat following his debut in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

Goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic cruised City to victory over a team they failed to beat last season, while drama surrounding the future of Raheem Sterling overshadowed Maresca's big day as his new boss Todd Boehly watched on from the stands at what was a muted stadium given the occasion.

Quite where Chelsea go from here is anyone's guess. The only certainty anyone was able to take away with them was that City will yet again take some beating.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Stamford Bridge…

Getty ImagesWINNER: Pep Guardiola

If there was a time to play City this season, it was the opening weekend. Four of the champions' biggest stars – Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones – were not in the XI at Stamford Bridge following their Euros heroics in reaching the final, and thus Guardiola was all but forced into the line up he selected.

Despite that, his team barely had to get out of second gear all game as they eased to victory. Aside from initially having Jeremy Doku and Premier League debutant Savinho on the 'wrong' wings for the opening 15 minutes, Guardiola set his team up perfectly and clearly his squad doesn't lack for motivation despite all their success.

If this is what City can do without some of their best players and with others still in pre-season mode following their own summer tournament travails, then imagine what they will be capable of once they get into a proper rhythm… The rest of the title-challengers will not have enjoyed what they saw in west London.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLOSER: Enzo Maresca

Given Maresca's previous life working under Guardiola, few managers will have been better prepared for their first meeting with City than the Italian. You wouldn't, however, have known it from the insipid display Chelsea served up on Maresca's competitive debut.

Despite having an excited home crowd to entertain on the opening day, the Blues barely threatened, with Nicolas Jackson's propensity to drift offside ruining their best opportunities to cause the visitors problems in the first half. Maresca's side improved slightly after the break, but by the end they were chasing shadows as City toyed with them.

Maresca has walked into an unenviable situation given the dysfunction that has enveloped Chelsea over the past two-and-a-half years, and though this wasn't the calamity of some of the Blues' pre-season showings, it did not inspire much confidence, either. Easier games are on the horizon, but the lack of atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge for much of the game told a story of a team that lacked any kind of fluidity.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Erling Haaland

This was Haaland's 100th appearance for City and marked the start of his third season with the club. Unfortunately for everyone else in the Premier League, he once again looks in the mood to dominate the goal-scoring charts.

This was a typical Haaland display; though he wasn't too involved in general play, he proved a nuisance for the opposition centre-backs, and when the time came, he provided a combination of power and precision to put the ball in the net.

The Norwegian's goal – his 91st in a City shirt – was a thing of beauty, and one the man himself deemed "perfect" after he finally got his revenge on Robert Sanchez for a save the Chelsea goalkeeper made from him last season. The Spanish shot-stopper did keep Haaland from making it three opening-weekend braces in succession, but the two-time Golden Boot winner knows there will be more opportunities to add to his tally, starting with Ipswich at the Etihad next week.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesLOSER: Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea had a lot of players who underperformed in this game. Jackson was culpable on more than one occasion, Christopher Nkunku failed to back up a promising pre-season and Sanchez looked shaky with the ball at his feet before hopelessly flapping at Kovacic's shot as it nestled in the goal. But perhaps the most disappointing display came from Enzo Fernandez.

Despite the off-field issues that plagued his pre-season, Fernandez was handed the captain's armband in Reece James' absence, but lead from the front he did not. His first touch was off, he pressed as an individual rather than as part of any team-wide structure, and he spent as much time remonstrating with others as he did making a positive impact on the game.

The Argentina international will perhaps feel he should have had two penalties in the first half, but on both occasions he was guilty of throwing himself to the ground after losing possession inside the penalty area. Chelsea fans have been calling on the £107 million man to stand up on a consistent basis as he enters his second full season in west London, so this was not a good early sign of any improvements being made.

It is no secret that Nottingham Forest have been erratic with their dealings in the transfer market since their return to the Premier League for the first time in 20 years.

The club have completed 34 signings since promotion – the most of any side in the top division – but they have been hit-and-miss with those additions, with Forest having a huge turnover of players in recent months.

Brazilian defender Murillo has arguably been the club's best addition after his £15m move from Corinthians last summer, with the 21-year-old already being linked with a big-money move away from the City Ground.

However, despite his brilliant season at the club, Nuno Espírito Santo is yet to find a suitable long-term partner for the centre-back, with the likes of Moussa Niakhate and Andrew Omobamidele often joining him at the heart of the Forest defence.

The club may have missed a trick with one former player, as the ex-Red is currently being linked with a huge move back to the Premier League this summer.

Loic Bade's stats at Nottingham Forest

After a frantic first summer back in the top-flight, the Reds capped off the window by signing French defender Loic Bade on loan from Rennes until the end of the 2022/23 season.

The 24-year-old arrived at the club with a lot of potential but failed to make any lasting impact on the first-team picture during his stint in the East Midlands.

Former boss Steve Cooper was constantly questioned about the Frenchman after he failed to appear up until the middle of October, with the Welshman claiming the youngster would have to "bide his time" before making his first appearance for the club.

However, after not making an appearance, Bade's loan was cut short, and he departed the City Ground in January, joining Spanish side Sevilla on loan with an option to buy.

Loic Bade's stats in 2023/24

After winning the Europa League title with Sevilla last season, the Andalusian side decided to trigger the £10m buy option in his deal, with the Reds certainly rueing his departure 15 months on.

The "elite" talent, as described by scout Jacek Kulig, has taken his game to the next level this campaign, showcasing his quality regularly in La Liga.

In his 23 league appearances during the current campaign, the defender has averaged 2.4 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game – tallies that are both higher than Reds defender Murillo.

Bade's also dominated the Brazilian in the air this season, winning 3.1 aerials per 90, over double Murillo, who can only muster 1.2 per game in the Premier League.

Tackles

2.4

1.6

Interceptions

1.5

1.1

Aerials won

3.1

1.2

Pass percentage

82%

77%

Progressive passes

3.2

3

Understandably, Bade has dominated defensively this season, with the 24-year-old possessing a more old-school approach with the Forest defender more of a traditional ball-playing centre-back, thus suggesting why the differing duo could have formed a dream partnership.

However, Bade also has the edge over the former Corinthians defender for pass completion rate and progressive passes per game – with Bade seemingly transitioning into the full package.

The Frenchman's excellent form hasn't gone unnoticed, with Tottenham Hotspur linked with a move for the centre-back this summer, but Ange Postecoglou's side may have to pay his £51m release clause if they are to bring him to north London.

One thing is for sure, Forest missed a huge opportunity to solve their defensive woes by not allowing Bade to flourish at the club, with the Reds subsequently paying the price.

He's proven that he's capable of producing on the biggest stages, as demonstrated in the Europa League, with Cooper making a huge mistake in refusing to play the talented Frenchman.

Nottingham Forest were bled dry by star who earned 2x more than Murillo

He lasted less than six months at the City Ground.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 18, 2024

Selling equity stakes to investors could lessen the financial hit from coronavirus lockdown

Matt Roller28-Apr-2020The ECB should consider selling equity in Hundred teams to private investors to lessen the financial hit it faces from the coronavirus pandemic and to attract an Indian fanbase, according to a new report from a sports consultancy firm.The Hundred’s current model is similar to that used in the Big Bash, with independent boards running the eight teams under the governing body’s jurisdiction. But the report by Oakwell Sports – who advised private equity firm CVC on its investment into Premiership Rugby and recently brokered a AUS$250 million line of credit for Australia’s NRL – suggests that the competition’s costs could be significantly reduced if stakes in the teams were sold to investors using a franchise model.The Hundred is set to cost the ECB £58.4 million in its first season – including payments of £1.3 million to each county and £11.3 million in playing and support staff salaries – against income of £51 million, and is not expected to break even until its fifth season. The report suggests that a substantial proportion of these could be footed by turning central payments to the counties into equity stakes and looking to attract investment – particularly from India.The report, entitled ‘The Impact of Covid-19 on English Cricket’, states: “The ECB should consider converting its revenue distributions to counties into equity stakes and gifting these to each county. Therefore each Hundred franchise would own its revenue distribution % as an equity stake too.”This has real capital value for a county. This will attract potential private capital into buying stakes in Hundred franchises and help counties fund the overall game.”ALSO READ: Case for Hundred “greater than ever” due to Covid-19 – HarrisonIt is likely that there would be no shortage of interest from Indian investors if the Hundred were to open itself up to a franchise model. Two teams in the Caribbean Premier League are owned by the parent companies of IPL teams – Trinbago Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders) and St Lucia Zouks (Kings XI Punjab). Red Chillies Entertainment (KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan’s company) had also purchased the Cape Town franchise in the aborted Global T20 League in South Africa, while Delhi Capitals’ owners GMR Sports were also due to own a team. In 2008, Hampshire became part of Rajasthan Royals’ ‘Royals 20/20’ venture, albeit little came of it.The report adds: “The Hundred needs to be able to attract Indian players and subsequently an Indian fanbase, too. The Indian subcontinent constitutes 90% of the 1 billion cricket fans aged 16-69 globally.”Indian investment into the Hundred, including from IPL team owners, may facilitate the involvement of Indian players in the longer term. In addition to generating revenue out of India, this would be vital in unlocking the south-Asian UK-based fanbase.”Currently, the BCCI does not allow Indian players to take part in overseas T20 leagues, and while there is little prospect of Virat Kohli or Jasprit Bumrah playing in the Hundred, some older players may be interested. ESPNcricinfo revealed last October that Harbhajan Singh had put his name forward for the Hundred’s inaugural draft, but withdrew after the story broke fearing he would be unable to continue playing for Chennai Super Kings, while Yuvraj Singh said it “could be an exciting format”.The Hundred’s inaugural season is likely to be postponed at an ECB board meeting on Wednesday, with little appetite to launch the competition when it seems unlikely that overseas players will be able to take part or that fans will be able to attend games. Chief executive Tom Harrison denied that the tournament’s future was in doubt on Friday, suggesting that the case for its existence was “greater than ever” on account of the Covid-19 pandemic.The report’s other recommendations include the ECB borrowing against its broadcasting contracts and lending money to help the counties survive expected combined losses of more than £85 million. A spokesperson clarified that the reported was not ECB-commissioned.