Leeds looking to sign £25m Meslier replacement in Pickford-like goalkeeper

da betcris: Leeds United are looking to sign a “world-class” goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier next season, according to a new report.

Leeds pushing for promotion with Meslier struggling

da mrbet: The Whites head into the final eight games of the Championship following the international break top of the table, however, there is still plenty of work to be done if they are to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

Daniel Farke’s side have four home games against Swansea City, Preston North End, Stoke City and Bristol City, and away, Leeds have to travel to Luton Town, Middlesbrough, Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle.

One player who looks set to start all those games is Meslier, who has been backed by Farke all year, despite the Frenchman making some costly mistakes. Talking about the Frenchman’s errors in a 3-3 draw with Hull City at the start of the year, Farke said:

“When the goalkeeper makes one or two mistakes it is natural to talk about changes. We don’t change a goalkeeper quickly like a full-back. There is no rule that a player is not dropped. If a centre-back was to score loads of own goals he would be dropped. But straight after the game I am not going to finger point.”

Goalkeeper (Championship 2024/25)

Club

Goals prevented

1. James Trafford

Burnley

+11.4

2. Viktor Johansson

Stoke City

+10.8

3. Jamie Cumming

Oxford United

+7.8

4. Michael Cooper

Sheffield United

+6.2

18. Illan Meslier

Leeds United

-2.7

Now 25 years of age and out of contact in 2026, Meslier has made more than 200 appearances in a Leeds shirt but his place could be at risk next season.

Leeds looking to sign £25m goalkeeper compared to Pickford

According to Give Me Sport, Leeds will look to sign Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher this summer, should they win promotion.

The Reds goalkeeper is expected to cost around £25m and Leeds are eyeing the Republic of Ireland international ‘due to the uncertainty’ around Meslier.

Compared to Jordan Pickford by FbRef, Kelleher has interest from ‘a host of other clubs’, so it could be tricky for Leeds to seal a deal, even if they do go up.

An ambitious target, Kelleher previously came in for praise from Virgil van Dijk, who claimed the goalkeeper should have got the Player of the Match award following the Reds’ EFL Cup final win over Chelsea in 2024.

“He should have got it. I’m probably one of his biggest fans, I think. I have always said he is world class and he stepped up today, again. It’s good to see. He’s a good boy, good goalkeeper and that’s what we need at a club like Liverpool.”

What Leeds chiefs are now thinking with Tottenham keen to sign Harry Gray

Spurs are eyeing an Archie Gray repeat…

2 ByTom Cunningham Mar 19, 2025

A move to Elland Road could be one to watch, but Leeds and Farke have to do the job on the pitch before the 49ers Enterprises can make any sort of moves for players like Kelleher.

Better than Zubimendi: Arsenal must regret "losing" incredible star in 2021

da leao: Arsenal’s injury crisis in recent weeks has highlighted the need for reinforcements in the summer to prevent such an issue from plaguing Mikel Arteta in the future.

da pinnacle: The forward line has been the area most greatly affected in the past few matches, resulting in players such as Mikel Merino having to operate in an unnatural centre-forward role.

Gabriel Martinelli returned during the draw with Manchester United last weekend, potentially easing the blow endured by the boss in the last few months.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli

However, the setbacks have come at a cost, all but ending the club’s Premier League title ambitions, with the 15-point gap more than likely too large to close in the last 10 matches.

As a result, it’s pivotal that the board back the manager in the summer, handing him the funds to land his targets, with one player potentially moving to the Emirates at the end of the campaign.

Martin Zubimendi's move to join Arsenal in the summer

Back in the January transfer window, it was confirmed that Arsenal were plotting a summer move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spaniard was on the radar of fellow Premier League side Liverpool last summer, but the 26-year-old decided to stay put in LaLiga for another season.

However, journalist David Ornstein confirmed that the Gunners have been in long-term talks to sign the midfielder this summer, following in the footsteps of Merino, who also moved from Sociedad at the start of the campaign.

The likes of Jorginho and Thomas Partey are both out of contract this summer, highlighting the need for added reinforcements in the midfield department, with Zubimendi still appearing to be the number one option.

Despite the rumours over recent months, the club may regret allowing one player to depart North London, especially considering his form elsewhere after he left a couple of years ago.

The former Arsenal star who’s outperforming Zubimendi in LaLiga

Countless Arsenal players have moved to Spain after plying their trade in England, with the likes of Thierry Henry moving to Barcelona after his successful spell as a Gunner.

Another player who followed in the same vein is midfielder Dani Ceballos, who spent multiple years on loan in North London before returning to parent club Real Madrid.

dani-ceballos-arsenal

The Spaniard spent two years at the Emirates between 2019 and 2021, but they decided against a permanent move after he featured 77 times during his temporary stint.

He’s since been a regular under Carlo Ancelotti’s side, featuring 122 times since he returned to the LaLiag giants ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

This year alone, the 28-year-old has made 31 appearances for Madrid as they sit second in the league behind Barcelona, producing various key stats along the way.

Ceballos, who’s previously been dubbed “incredible” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, has outperformed Zubimendi in various key areas – highlighting the mistake Arsenal made in not signing him permanently.

How Ceballos compares to Zubimendi in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Ceballos

Zubimendi

Games played

15

26

Minutes played

832

2149

Shot-on-target accuracy

40%

29%

Pass accuracy

95%

83%

Shot-creating actions

4

1.5

Tackles won

2

1.3

Interceptions

1.5

1.3

Stats via FBref

The former loanee has registered a higher shot-on-target rate along with more shot-creating actions per 90 – showcasing his impressive ability in the final third.

However, the Gunners are crying out for a deep-lying option to regain possession, with Ceballos winning more tackles per 90 than Zubimendi, along with more interceptions, having the defensive quality to operate in the desired role.

Given his form since leaving North London, the club may regret not keeping hold of the 28-year-old, with the Spaniard having numerous key qualities that would bolster the current side.

He will remain as a case of what could’ve been, starring at the top level of European football for Madrid, with Arteta needing to put such a mistake behind him and focus on the future as he aims to end the club’s two-decade wait for a league triumph.

He left in 2022: Arsenal icon is now playing like Isak after leaving for £0

The incredible record-breaker was a force of nature for a time at Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 11, 2025

Ackermann, van Meekeren, van der Merwe return to Netherlands squad for World Cup

South Africa-born batter Sybrand Engelbrecht is also part of the 15-member squad; Fred Klaassen out with injury

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Sep-2023Colin Ackermann, Paul van Meekeren and Roelof van der Merwe have returned to Netherlands’ squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup. The trio had missed the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe earlier this year because of their county cricket commitments.South Africa-born batter Sybrand Engelbrecht was also named in the 15-member squad. Engelbrecht, who will turn 35 next week, first came into the limelight for electric fielding for South Africa during the 2008 Under-19 World Cup. He has played 58 List A games, scoring 1275 runs at an average of 45.53 and a strike rate of 78.89, and 54 first-class games and 45 T20s. The last of those matches, on the South African domestic circuit, was in 2016.From the World Cup Qualifier squad, Michael Levitt, Vivian Kingma and Clayton Floyd were left out, while Noah Croes was named as a travelling reserve, alongside Kyle Klein.ESPNcricinfo LtdTim Pringle, who was listed originally to travel with the squad for the pre-tournament camp in Bengaluru between September 19 to 28, has been withdrawn.* “There’s actually been a development with Tim Pringle: He’s picked up a couple of niggles, so he actually won’t be coming to the pre-World Cup camp in Alur,” head coach Ryan Cook said. “He’s obviously coming back from quite a big operation and we have been tracking his progress.” Pringle, 21, who played for Netherlands in the T20 World Cup last year in Australia, last played this March, turning up for Northern Districts in the Plunkett Shield. According to Cook, Pringle had suffered a fracture, but the nature of injury is not known.Left-arm seamer Fred Klaassen did not make it due to stress fracture. Klassen was also part of the set of players who missed the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe due to county commitments. Cook said that Klassen’s strengths as a new-ball bowler and left-am quick would no doubt be missed in India.”Fred Klassen’s a true performer for the Netherlands. He has shown through all the formats, whether that be one-day cricket or T20 cricket, so he’s a big one for us and would’ve formed a good part of our bowling attack there (in World Cup).Fred Klaasen misses out due to injury•Getty Images”Obviously, Fred would be gutted to miss out, but it was the right decision taken by himself. It is disappointing to not have him, but I’m pretty confident that most of the bowlers will be able to take up that slack that he probably leaves – his left-arm angle and swing and stuff up front is something that we really enjoy having in our side. Having said that, at the Qualifiers, those guys weren’t available either and the bowling attack fared well.”Asked whether it was a risk to include just four fast bowlers in the 15 during a long World Cup, Cook said he was content with the combination.”Some of the teams are obviously picking different combinations of players in their team,” he said. “I think India have also gone with that sort of four seamers plus some allrounders. I don’t want to give away too much in terms of what we’ve got up our sleeve going forward.”Cook also pointed out that it was a “fantastic initiative” by the KNCB to send Croes and Klein as development players, but they were not travelling reserves which would mean they could be drafted in as replacement for any injured player.Cook added that Netherlands’ goal was to make the semi-finals. “Any team that goes to a World Cup is looking to make the next stage of a World Cup, and in this case, that’s the semi-finals. So we are obviously looking to try and win as many games as we can to put ourselves in position to compete to get into those semi-finals. I believe that’s something that we can do and something that the guys are willing to put the work into to get that outcome.”From the Qualifier tournament held in Zimbabwe in June-July, Netherlands and Sri Lanka were the two teams to make it to the main event, ahead of the likes of West Indies, Ireland and Scotland.”Naturally, our planning and preparation for the World Cup started soon after our qualification in Zimbabwe,” head coach Ryan Cook said. “Having no bilateral fixtures after the qualifiers enabled us to plan for various scenarios for the duration of the summer. Over the past few months the players and staff have been hard at work with the full squad being very dedicated and detailed towards achieving our objective in the World Cup.”We have an exciting mixture of youth and experience and a unified, cohesive culture which allows those to express their best selves within the group.”Netherlands last played in an ODI World Cup in 2011. Wesley Barresi is the only member of the current squad to have featured in that edition. This will be their fifth appearance in the tournament.Netherlands squad for World CupScott Edwards (capt, wk), Colin Ackermann, Shariz Ahmed, Wesley Barresi, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Ryan Klein, Bas de Leede, Paul van Meekeren, Roelof van der Merwe, Teja Nidamanuru, Max O’Dowd, Vikram Singh, Saqib Zulfiqar
: Noah Croes, Kyle Klein

Headingley washout after Superchargers make strong start

Torrential rain brought an abrupt end to the Hundred match at Headingley between Northern Superchargers and Birmingham Phoenix with just 62 balls possible in Phoenix’s first innings. With puddles forming on the outfield the umpires were left with no choice but to call a halt to proceedings after a heavy shower engulfed Leeds.It was frustrating for the hosts who had got themselves into a decent position during the play that was possible with Reece Topley removing opener Jacob Bethell for 0 in his opening set of deliveries.That brought England star Ben Duckett to the middle and he introduced himself with a ramped shot for six before hitting an unbeaten 34 off 26 balls before the rain came.Spin also played its part with Matthew Short removing Dan Mousley and Shadab Khan in quick succession with England’s Adil Rashid claiming the wicket of Jamie Smith who was bowled for 13 with the visitors 84 for 5 at the close.England batter Harry Brook was also involved after making himself available for Superchargers’ opening fixture, following the conclusion of the Ashes on Monday.

Madushanka, Wellalage and Arachchige added to SL's WCQ squad as standby options

The three players will link up with the senior squad in Zimbabwe on June 23

Madushka Balasuriya20-Jun-2023Dilshan Madushanka, Dunith Wellalage and Sahan Arachchige are set to link up with the senior squad on June 23, after Sri Lanka Cricket announced that the trio would be flown in to Zimbabwe for the World Cup Qualifiers as “standby options”.The inclusion of Madushanka, a left-armer able to swing the ball at pace, follows impressive recent outings against South Africa A, where he picked up nine wickets across three 50-over games and then another four in a four-day encounter, and comes on the back of him becoming the most expensive signing at $92,000 at the inaugural LPL auction. It also makes sense considering the fragility of Sri Lanka’s seamers. Lahiru Kumara has a recent history of breaking down mid-game, while Dushmantha Chameera’s work load is being carefully managed. This leaves just Kasun Rajitha and the raw Matheesha Pathirana as reliable seam-bowling options.In Wellalage, meanwhile, Sri Lanka cover several bases, with the Under-19 captain a capable left-arm spinner – an option currently missing in the squad – while also offering an extra batting option lower down the order. He is also one of the better fielders in the Lankan setup.As for Arachchige, he was another that sparked a bidding war at the LPL auction, eventually being sold for $28,000. It was an impressive fee for a player that has yet to make his debut for the national side, but the aggressive 27-year-old is highly rated, has recent performances in the bank – three fifties in his last five one-dayers, including two against South Africa A – and looks on the cusp of making the step-up to the international stage.Sri Lanka won their opening game in the World Cup Qualifier against UAE by 175 runs. They next play Oman on June 23 in Bulawayo.

Vaughan six-for as England U19s complete 10-wicket thrashing

Visiting captain finishes off the game himself as South Africa go down heavily in second Youth Test

ECB Reporters Network06-Feb-2025England U19s 353 (Sawant 130, Fonseka 52, Rossouw 5-74) and 25 for 0 beat South Africa U19s 224 (James 84, Hansen 63, Jack 3-42) and 153 (Rowles 71, Vaughan 6-19) by 10 wicketsYoung Lions captain Archie Vaughan put the finishing touches on a comfortable 10-wicket win over South Africa Men U19s in the second Youth Test at Cape Town.Vaughan helped tidy up the home tail on the fourth morning to return 6 for 19 before he and Ben Dawkins knocked off a victory target of 25 in just 3.1 overs.The tourists needed two wickets to end the Young Proteas’ second innings when play resumed and Vaughan, who did the damage on the third evening with five wickets, immediately made an impact bowling Sandiswa Yeni for a duck.Eddie Jack wrapped up the innings when Nqobani Mokoena hit out to Alexander Wade in the deep as the hosts were bowled out for 153.The England Men U19 openers made light work of the chase, with Vaughan lap-sweeping Mokoena for six before Dawkins crunched Nathan Rossouw to the rope to win the game.England Men U19s won the series 1-0, after falling one wicket short of victory in the first Youth Test last week. South Africa Men U19s had won the preceding Youth ODI series 2-1.

From injury rust to purple patch: Shaheen Shah Afridi is back

Fast bowler looked a shadow of himself in the game against India but that’s not the case anymore

Danyal Rasool12-Nov-202218:37

Shaheen Shah Afridi: the rise of the falcon

As Shaheen Shah Afridi trots in to bowl to Virat Kohli, it’s difficult to imagine a more favourable scenario for Pakistan. The premier T20 fast bowler in the world – his prime years ahead of him – faces up to Kohli, whose prime years are almost certainly behind him. By his lofty standards, Kohli’s had a torrid time of it of late, especially so in this shortest format, where the refinement of his game increasingly looks like an anachronism in the age of power hitting. India need 48 off three overs, and Afridi’s been brought on to kill off the game.But there’s something not quite right here. Afridi lumbers in as if encumbered, and when he gets into his stride, appears to labour through his delivery motion. There’s little intensity or heat to the deliveries themselves, as if only getting the ball down the other end is the priority right now. He misses the short ball, he misses the yorker, and he misses his line. He doesn’t hit 140 kph once. And Kohli smashes three boundaries off him, India help themselves to 17 in the over. The momentum swings away from Pakistan, and India end up winning a classic.Related

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A few days earlier, sat in his room, Afridi had begun to worry. He’d suffered a ligament injury in his right knee in July during a Test match against Sri Lanka, but fairly inept management of his injury meant it wouldn’t be properly diagnosed until a month after. Even then, somewhat bizarrely, he spent some time travelling with the team before being sent to London for specialist treatment. It saw him miss the Asia Cup and the seven-match series against England.But Pakistan’s record of nursing fast bowlers back to health is far from glowing; just about any injury can end up career-threatening. As recently as 2020, Hasan Ali’s career looked in existential danger thanks to the repeated flare-up of a back injury that never seemed like it was properly diagnosed and treated. Mohammad Zahid’s back injury killed off a fledging career, while inveterate knee troubles brought a premature end to Junaid Khan’s time with the national side.So Afridi’s concern wasn’t just for the length of time he’d be away, but how high he could soar post-recovery. By that metric, his performance against India, and a similarly pedestrian showing against Zimbabwe, might have been his worst nightmares come to life.Shaheen Shah Afridi. Hear him roar•Getty Images”I am trying,” he said after the final group match against Bangladesh. “I can’t say I’m bowling at full tilt, and I can’t say I’m bowling 150 [kph] like Haris Rauf. I used to bowl 135-140 [kph] even before injury anyway. But I used to feel a pinch during my run-up. I’m feeling better, but when you don’t play cricket for two months, just sit in your room focusing on your injury any cricketer or athlete would begin to wonder how you’d come back. On top of that, there’s a World Cup, too so of course you have those doubts.”Rushing a Pakistan fast bowler back from a ligament injury feels like an incredibly reckless move, though it appears Afridi wouldn’t countenance missing out on another shot at a World Cup title. And he only sat there for the press conference after the Bangladesh game because he had turned that form upside down, taking 8 for 55 runs in his last 11 overs, including two top-order wickets against South Africa that see Pakistan storm to victory in a must-win match.But it is against New Zealand in the semi-final that Afridi puts any concerns over a long-term decline to bed. Tearing in with a packed SCG roaring him on, he overwhelms New Zealand’s best hope of victory, Finn Allen, in a moment that will take pride of place among Afridi’s legion of first-over triumphs.Backing his strength, the full, inswinging ball at pace, he doesn’t back down against Allen, even after he’s driven back down the ground first ball. He pitches it up again, getting the inside edge next ball before beating the bat completely off the third ball, felling him lbw. It isn’t just that Afridi takes a first-over wicket, but does so purely on his terms. A mentally weakened Afridi would not have tried that mode of dismissal; a physically encumbered one simply could not have.Even at the death, Afridi no longer seems the sad shadow of himself he appeared to be while bowling to Kohli on that day that took Pakistan to the brink of elimination. In three matches since, his economy rate in overs 16 to 20 is 4.75, and he takes a wicket every 4.75 runs he concedes. That’s not just leaps and bounds better than that Kohli death over – the only one he bowled in the first two games – but also a vast improvement on his career numbers – an economy rate of 8.76 while averaging 17.32. Somehow, impossibly, Afridi seems to have gone from injury rust to purple patch all within the span of a fortnight.Lionising an athlete’s prowess for playing through pain or injury can be problematic, but Afridi’s determination to force his way into the equation for a World Cup campaign was never really in question. When he races in – and it won’t be a lumber this time – to bowl that first ball to Jos Buttler in the World Cup final at the MCG, there’s little doubt in his mind that it’s all been worth it. Shaheen Afridi always seemed to be built differently, but in his return from injury, it looks as if that might almost literally be true.

The end for Mainoo: INEOS holding internal talks over signing “monster” CM

Manchester United’s system under Ruben Amorim has led to huge questions being asked about the manager and his ability to lead the side forward in the future.

The 40-year-old has consistently used a 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford since his appointment last November, but the formation hasn’t worked as many would have expected.

He could only lead the Red Devils to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season, whilst also suffering a defeat in the final of the Europa League to Tottenham Hotspur.

The recent defeat against Everton on home soil led to further questions being directed his way, especially after refusing to move away from his tactics and push more attacking players forward.

However, the manager has desired additions of numerous players ahead of the January transfer window, with the midfield department one that looks set to be bolstered.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder in January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have ramped up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson ahead of a potential move in the January window.

It’s been reported that the Red Devils are willing to complete a deal in the coming weeks for the England international after his remarkable start to the current campaign.

However, bitter rivals Manchester City have also now entered the race for the 23-year-old’s signature, which could lead to a huge battle for his services in the months ahead.

He’s not the only Premier League option currently in their sights at present, with Bournemouth star Tyler Adams another player being considered by INEOS ahead of January.

According to the Daily Mail, the hierarchy have held internal talks over a deal to land the American international who has started every Premier League game this season.

It also states that he’s seen as a cheaper option to improve the midfield department, but it remains to be seen if the Cherries would sanction his departure during the winter.

Why United’s latest target would end Mainoo’s stay

Just a couple of years ago, it appeared as though Kobbie Mainoo would be a crucial first-team member for United for many years to come, but it appears as though his time at the club could be coming to an end.

The midfielder has gone from a regular starter and an England international, to now being a player who has been massively restricted to substitute appearances off the bench.

His tally of nine league appearances, none of which were from a starting position, showcases the lack of faith the 40-year-old currently has in the 20-year-old sensation.

Unsurprisingly, the player has grown frustrated at the Red Devils in recent weeks, which has led to the player himself even requesting a move away ahead of January.

If the manager is simply refusing to utilise the youngster, it’s crucial he makes the next step in his career to continue his development and get back onto his recent trajectory.

It remains unclear whether the hierarchy will sanction a move away from Old Trafford for Mainoo, but his career at the club would be all but over with a move for Adams.

Should the American join, it would push him further down the pecking order, with the Bournemouth star producing some incredible numbers over the last couple of months for Andoni Iraola’s side.

Adams, who’s been labelled a “monster” by journalist Tomi Oladipo, has completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted, at an average of 45 per 90 – with both ranking him in the top 25% of all midfielders in the division.

Such numbers showcase his composed nature in possession, but that’s also reaffirmed by his tally of 0.3 times dispossessed per 90, which ranks him in the top 15% in the league.

Games played

14

Goals scored

2

Pass accuracy

88%

Passes per 90

45

Times dispossessed

0.3

Tackles won

2.6

Interceptions made

1.6

Duels won

52%

However, out of possession, he’s been just as impressive, as seen by his phenomenal tallies of 2.6 tackles won and 1.6 interceptions made per 90 to date.

Despite his small frame, the American has also won 52% of the duels he’s entered, whilst completing 48% of the dribbles he’s attempted – further highlighting his all-round talents at the heart of the side.

darko-gyabi-leeds-united-academy-transfer-tyler-adams-daniel-farke

It’s unclear if his current employers would sanction a departure in the coming weeks, but it’s evident that United would be getting themselves an incredible Premier League talent.

As for Mainoo, it appears to be the end at his boyhood club given his recent lack of action, with the player needing a move to reignite the spark in his professional career.

Cunha 2.0: INEOS to fast-track Man Utd bid for 'best winger in England'

Manchester United look set to make a huge move for one player in the upcoming January window.

ByEthan Lamb 6 days ago

Same agent as Downes: Southampton in "advanced" deal talks for "top" star

da betcris: Southampton are now in advanced talks to sign an international striker who is represented by the same agency as midfielder Flynn Downes.

da dobrowin: Southampton are expected to lose one or two key players over the coming months and therefore will have to enter the market to find replacements as they bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking under Will Still.

Done deal: Southampton have "agreed" £6.8m exit of "incredible" attacker

He has played his final game for the club.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 20, 2025

Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be considered their most important player, as he managed to stand out last season in what was a diabolical campaign for the club. His performances for the Saints earned him a call-up to the England national team, and that has now earned him the attention of Portuguese giants FC Porto.

Southampton's TaylorHarwood-Bellislooks dejected as he applauds fans after the match

According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Southampton have turned down a bid worth £19 million for Harwood-Bellis from Porto. Despite being under contract until 2028, the Saints are open to selling the defender in this transfer window, but they believe he is worth much more.

Southampton paid £15 million to sign the player from Manchester City last summer, so the likelihood is they’re going to want closer to double that price.

Southampton in advanced talks to sign £7m striker

But while Harwood-Bellis may eventually be on his way out of St Mary’s Stadium, Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg reports some good news – Southampton are closing in on the signing of Damion Downs from FC Köln.

The 20-year-old is considered to be a top target for Saints this summer, and they have submitted a bid worth €8 million, which is roughly £6.85 million, to the German side. Downs is currently away with the USA for the Gold Cup, so a deal for the forward is likely to be completed once that competition is finished.

Downs, who has earned two caps for the USA national team, has been at FC Köln since 2020, when he joined their under-17 team. The young forward worked his way through the age groups and was finally promoted to the first team during the 2023/24 season, where he played 10 Bundesliga games. Downs became even more of a regular last season, as he played 29 games, this time in Bundesliga 2, and scored an impressive ten goals in the process.

Damion Downs’ FC Koln stats

Apps

42

Goals

13

Assists

6

Downs has just one year remaining on his contract, and Saints will be hoping that can work to their advantage, as the German side are likely to want to sell the player before he leaves the club for nothing in 12 months.

They may hold another advantage in the race to sign Downs too, as the striker is represented by agency Wasserman, who also represent current Southampton midfielder Downes, perhaps smoothing negotiations when it comes to agreeing personal terms.

قائمة المرشحين لجائزة أفضل لاعب داخل إفريقيا 2025.. نجم الأهلي ورباعي بيراميدز

كشف الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف” عن قائمة المرشحين لجائزة أفضل لاعب داخل القارة لعام 2025، والتي ضمّت عشرة لاعبين تألقوا في البطولات الإفريقية هذا الموسم وتركوا بصمة قوية مع أنديتهم.

وشهدت القائمة حضورًا بارزًا للدوري المصري بخمسة لاعبين، يتقدمهم إمام عاشور نجم الأهلي، إلى جانب ثلاثي بيراميدز المتألق بلاتي توريه وفيستون ماييلي ومحمد الشيبي، إضافة إلى إبراهيم عادل لاعب بيراميدز السابق والمحترف حاليًا في الجزيرة الإماراتي.

ويأتي هذا التواجد المكثف للاعبي بيراميدز بعد الإنجاز التاريخي الذي حققوه خلال العام بالفوز بعدة ألقاب قارية، دوري أبطال إفريقيا وكأس القارات الثلاث، وكأس السوبر الإفريقي، في موسم استثنائي جعل الفريق في صدارة المشهد القاري.

كما شهدت القائمة تواجد أسماء مميزة من المغرب والجزائر وبوركينا فاسو وجمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية، في منافسة قوية تعكس تنوع وتميز المواهب الإفريقية في مختلف الدوريات المحلية.

طالع أيضًا | القائمة النهائية للمرشحين لجائزة أفضل مدرب في إفريقيا.. ثنائي من مصر المرشحين لجائزة أفضل لاعب داخل إفريقيا 2025

إمام عاشور – الأهلي (مصر)

إبراهيم عادل – بيراميدز (مصر) حاليًا يلعب في الجزيرة الإماراتي.

بلاتي توريه – بيراميدز (بوركينا فاسو)

فيستون مايويلي – بيراميدز (جمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية)

محمد الشيبي – بيراميدز  (المغرب)

إيسوفو دايو -نهضة بركان المغربي (بوركينا فاسو)

إسماعيل بلقاسمي – الأهلي الليبي (الجزائر)

محمد حريمات – الجيش الملكي المغربي (المغرب)

أسامة لملوم – نهضة بركان المغربي (المغرب)

شوماري كابومبي – سيمبا التنزاني (جمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية)

ومن المنتظر أن يُعلن الكاف عن الفائز بالجائزة خلال حفل جوائز الكاف 2025 المقرر إقامته في وقت لاحق من العام الجاري، وسط منافسة قوية بين أبرز نجوم الأندية الإفريقية.

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