Category Uncategorized

Lauren Down is back from maternity leave and will tour England with New Zealand’s ODI squad later this month.Down, who has played 28 ODIs and 13 T20Is, last travelled with the White Ferns as part of their squad for the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa before taking a break from cricket to become a first-time mother.”We’re really pleased to have Lauren back,” Ben Sawyer, White Ferns head coach, said. “She’s been working hard over the past four months to get herself into a position where she feels confident to play, and this tour feels like the right time to bring her back into the fold.”Related

• England Women turn to AI to aid borderline team selections

• Jon Lewis challenges England Women to keep up with their world-class stars

• Powerplay: Jon Lewis on spinners, stress management and AI

Down is joined by fellow middle-order batter Mikaela Greig as part of a 16-strong touring party named ahead of three ODIs and five T20Is against England starting in Durham on June 26.Greig’s selection follows her international debut in March when she was called up from the New Zealand A squad and featured in the first T20I against England in Dunedin, where she was run out for a duck.Pace bowler Rosemary Mair has been ruled out of the trip by back pain which excluded her from New Zealand’s home ODI series against England in April.Seamer Lea Tahuhu will remain in New Zealand for the birth of her second child and join the squad for the T20I series starting in Southampton on July 6.Off-spinner Leigh Kasperek will also link up with the squad for the T20I leg.Molly Penfold returns as a seam bowling option following strong performances against England A in March, when she finished as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Hayley Jensen.Getty Images

Jensen was not considered for selection as she continues rehabilitation for a calf injury sustained during the New Zealand A series but the rest of the senior squad is unchanged from that which hosted England earlier this year.Sawyer said recalling Down and Greig was in indication of long-term planning for pinnacle events ahead of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October and the 50-over tournament in India next year.”Every series is an opportunity to test what our best playing XI looks like, and with T20 and one-day World Cups looming it will be good to see where Lauren and Mikaela could fit in,” he said. “The players have spent the past six weeks training incredibly hard and we’ve been ticking all the boxes that we can to get ready.”England won their T20I series in New Zealand 4-1 and won the ODIs 2-1.”When we faced England at home we didn’t get the results we were after but we did see gutsy performances from a range of players, which was really promising,” Sawyer added. “Anytime you play a world-class team like England in their own backyard it’s going to be a challenge. But with the work that’s been put in, we’ve got ourselves into the best position possible to succeed.”Sawyer will be assisted on the tour by batting coach Dean Brownlie and tour coach Gareth Davies, who is also head coach for Loughborough Women and Worcestershire CCC Women as well as an assistant coach for Birmingham Phoenix Women.New Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down (ODI), Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Mikaela Greig, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek (T20I), Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu (T20I)

Manchester United have a huge summer ahead of them to help Ruben Amorim in his quest to be a success during his stint as manager at Old Trafford.

The 40-year-old took the reins from Erik ten Hag back in November, but has so far been unable to transform the club’s fortunes – especially in the Premier League.

The Red Devils currently occupy a place in the bottom half of the table, on course to register their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League era, with just two games remaining in 2024/25.

It’s safe to say that if the situation is to change at the Theatre of Dreams, incomings and outgoings are massively needed this summer to prevent a repeat of the dismal campaign.

With the summer transfer window now just a couple of weeks away, work has already begun to make key additions, handing Amorim with the ammunition he desperately needs.

The latest on United’s pursuit of new additions this summer

Attackers have been the main focus for United ahead of the summer window over recent weeks, with countless names thrown into the mix over an off-season switch.

Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha and Viktor Gyokeres are just three names touted with a move to Old Trafford, but none are nearing their conclusion despite talks being held to sign some of the trio.

However, the midfield department could also be bolstered in the next few months, with Atalanta star Ederson the latest player on their list, according to TuttoAtalanta.

Their report claims that the Red Devils have once again entered talks with the Serie A side over a move for the Brazilian international after previously trying to land him in previous windows.

It also states that Atalanta are unwilling to part ways with the 25-year-old, but that Amorim sees him as the perfect profile for a player he wants to take his side forward during his reign.

The United target who would make Bruno unplayable

Bruno Fernandes has often been United’s shining light throughout 2024/25, producing countless moments of magic which have catapulted them to a Europa League final.

The 30-year-old, who’s the club’s captain, has 36 combined goals and assists in his 54 appearances across all competitions, by far and away the most of any player in the first-team squad.

11 of which have come in Europe, making him the player with the most combined goal contributions in the history of the Europa League – highlighting his importance in such a competition.

It’s unthinkable to imagine where the club would be without his efforts this campaign, undoubtedly holding the keys to any future success during Amorim’s tenure.

However, he’s often been forced to play in a deeper role than he’s used to at times this campaign, with Ederson’s potential arrival freeing up the opportunity for the former Sporting CP star to feature in his natural number ten position.

The Atalanta ace has produced numerous stats this season that would make him the perfect deep-lying ball-winner the side have been craving, which could perfectly benefit Bruno in the process.

Ederson, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by former United star Owen Hargreaves, has won 61% of the tackles he’s entered in Serie A this season, showcasing his dominance out of possession.

Games played

35

Goals & assists

5

Pass accuracy

87%

Chances created

1.2

Tackles won

61%

Duels won

5.6

Interceptions made

1.2

He’s also won 5.6 duels per 90 and made 1.2 interceptions per game – handing Amorim the added defensive presence he’s often lacked since his appointment.

The Brazilian has also impressed with the ball, completing 87% of the passes he’s attempted, creating 1.2 chances per 90, handing Bruno added ammunition to improve his own tallies in the process.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 25-year-old would set the hierarchy back this summer, but it’s a deal that simply must be completed to help restore their former glory.

Should he have the desired impact at both ends of the pitch, any deal would prove to be a bargain, having all the tools to cement his place at the heart of Amorim’s side for many years to come.

He's a dream for Amad: Man Utd to bid for "one of the best CFs in Europe"

Manchester United could be about to land a star who would bolster Ruben Amorim’s front line.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 15, 2025

Borussia Dortmund are looking to strengthen their defence and have found what they are seeking in Real Madrid's teenage centre-back Diego Aguado.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Dortmund not giving up on Madrid youngsterSaw their first offer ahead of CWC rejectedBVB plotting more tempting offerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Dortmund apparently continue to show interest in signing defensive gem Aguado. After an offer of €6 million was reportedly rejected before the Club World Cup, the Black and Yellows are said to be stepping up their efforts to sign the 18-year-old centre-back, according to .

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to the report, BVB will approach Madrid "in the coming days" with an improved offer for Aguado – and also make the move more appealing to the centre-back with a tempting offer. Unlike Madrid, where Aguado is initially expected to play for the reserve team next season despite his participation in the Club World Cup with the first team, Dortmund are offering the Spaniard a place in the first team and even guaranteed playing time.

DID YOU KNOW

Aguado, who can operate both as a centre-back and a left-back, recently signed a long-term contract with Los Blancos until 2029, which reportedly includes a high release clause. For this reason, and because Madrid are keen to keep Aguado, a transfer seems unlikely for the time being.

The 18-year-old made his debut for Real's first team last season under Carlo Ancelotti. He played 90 minutes as a left-sided centre-back alongside fellow academy starlet Raul Asencio in the third round of the Copa del Rey against Deportivo Minera. What's more, Aguado has also been in the squad four times in La Liga, but has not yet played in the Club World Cup and was not even in the squad for Madrid's final group match against Red Bull Salzburg.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR AGUADO AND DORTMUND?

Dortmund are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements because defensive stalwart Nico Schlotterbeck will miss much of the first half of next season due to a serious knee injury. Soumaila Coulibaly was brought back early from his loan spell at Brest for the Club World Cup to compensate for the injury-enforced absence of captain Emre Can.

As for Aguado, the teenager is unlikely to receive minutes at the Club World Cup. However, he has been touted as a player with immense potential by those at La Fabrica. Given Xabi Alonso's tendency to nurture youngsters and give them opportunities, there's every chance Aguado could earn a rotational role in the squad. His chances could significantly increase if Real Madrid fail to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica. With Fran Garcia currently the only fit first-team left-back and Ferland Mendy set to miss the first couple of months of the 2025-26 season, Aguado could get a run-in on the left flank.

Newcastle United missed the chance to reinforce their lofty Premier League position as they were given a thorough hiding against Champions League-chasing rivals Aston Villa.

A switch flicked in December and United charged their way into the ascendancy, winning the Carabao Cup off Liverpool in March and underlining their elite-level credentials.

Still third in the top flight, Eddie Howe’s side now need to regroup ahead of the crucial final stretch of the season, their six-match winning run snapped.

However, this was a bruising display that will have left stand-in manager Jason Tindall seething. So often so strong, the centre-halves were taken to the shops against Villa Park’s slick frontline.

Newcastle's defence falls against Villa

Newcastle have been in emphatic form in recent weeks, turning Crystal Palace over 5-0 in midweek. However, the relentless fixture list, having forced United into three games over six days, claimed a top outfit in this one.

Fabian Schar equalised before twenty minutes after connecting with the in-form Harvey Barnes’ whipped delivery, but it was not a good evening for the long-serving Swiss centre-back, who disappointingly lost all five of his duels.

Likewise, Dan Burn has been a pillar of strength this term but he failed to produce his best performance, skewing Youri Tielemans’ lunge into his own net to all but seal the hosts’ victory. He also struggled to impose himself against a lively frontline, winning just one of five duels.

Both Schar and Burn will recover over the coming days and gear up for next weekend’s crucial clash against Ipswich Town at St. James’ Park.

Options have been sparse in defence, but there’s one man who may be dropped going forward after being exposed against Unai Emery’s men.

Newcastle must now drop stalwart

Even with Lewis Hall sidelined for the rest of the season, Kieran Trippier surely needs to be benched for the tough run-in, with Howe perhaps shifting Tino Livramento back into his natural right-back berth and giving Matt Targett some rare game time from the outset.

26/04/25

Ipswich Town (H)

18th

04/05/25

Brighton (A)

10th

10/05/25

Chelsea (H)

7th

18/05/25

Arsenal (A)

2nd

25/05/25

Everton (H)

13th

Following the loss, the experienced full-back was branded with a 4/10 match rating by The Chronicle Live, who noted that he was run ragged by the Lions.

Ceding possession 16 times despite only making one key pass, as per Sofascore, Trippier’s ball-playing skills weren’t at their best, but more concerningly he only won one of his four contested ground duels, having a tough time against the dangerous Ollie Watkins.

Newcastle writer Thomas Hammond even made the scathing comment that “Trippier’s legs gave up on him.” Aged 34 and a true veteran of the game, it’s hardly surprising that this might be the case for the vice-captain.

Schar and Burns suffered rare off-days and you’d think that all of a Magpies persuasion will be able to rally ahead of the stretch ahead, but if faced with such intensity again, Howe and Tindall might want to consider dropping Trippier, who was already at risk of being sold during the winter transfer window and may well be in the coming months.

The concern, of course, is that the Toon face a testing finish to the season, one which they will need to pass with flying colours if a place back at the continent’s prized tournament is to be achieved, lifting a stunning campaign even higher.

Best signing since Isak: Newcastle hit the jackpot on "world-class" star

Newcastle’s signing has turned into one of the best players in the Premier League.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 18, 2025

2021 Miami Marlins

After going 120-203 with two last-place finishes in the NL East, the Marlins took advantage of the 60-game schedule to sneak into the playoffs for the first time since 2003. In their other two postseason appearances in the team’s 28 years in the league, the Marlins won two World Series titles (1997 and 2003).

Even with success, Miami allowed 41 more runs than they scored. The Marlins ranked 21st in ERA (4.86), 22nd in runs scored (263), and 25th in home runs (60).

In the offseason, Miami tried to revamp their bullpen by signing RP Anthony Bass, RP Adam Cimber, RP Ross Detwiler, RP Zach Pop, and RP Paul Campbell. None of these arms look impactful, while Bass and Cimber should help in the seventh and eighth innings. Overall, this bullpen will rank in the bottom half of the league.

In mid-February, they acquired RP John Curtiss in a minor deal with Tampa. Miami signed OF Adam Duvall, leading to OF Harold Ramirez getting released.

The only star player in the starting lineup is OF Starling Marte. The Marlins have three serviceable bats – OF Corey Dickerson, 1B Jesus Aguilar, and 3B Brian Cooper. The rest of the starting lineup needs to be rebuilt via the minor league system. Miami has the most help at the outfield position in the upper two levels of the minors, while SS Jazz Chisholm is their top hitting prospect.

The move forward in the standings came from their starting pitching. SP Sixto Sanchez is going to be an elite ace. SP Pablo Lopez showed growth in 2020, with more upside expected if he can handle 30 starts. SP Sandy Alcantara will give Miami plenty of innings, and his arm looked sharp last year despite missing five weeks with a battle with Covid.

The Marlins should hang around the .500 mark this season with some good stretches when their offense supports their pitching staff. Over the long haul, the lack of offense will lead to losing streaks and no ticket to the postseason.

In what could be their first move after potential promotion to the Premier League, Leeds United and the 49ers have now reportedly set their sights on signing one particular reinforcement on loan.

Leeds and 49ers eyeing loan move

As is often the case, the Championship campaign remains in the balance heading into the final two months with Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United all vying for automatic promotion.

As things stand, it is those at Elland Road who will be sweating the most after their 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers saw Sheffield United draw level on points at the top of the league and Burnley move within two points of the automatic promotion places. With eight games to go, Daniel Farke will simply be desperate to get his side over the line.

He's worth £20m: Leeds have already sold "unbelievable" Firpo replacement

Leeds United have made a mistake in selling a player who could have replaced Junior Firpo.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 21, 2025

Failing to achieve promotion for the second time under Farke could yet result in another exodus of talent in a repeat of last summer. Promotion, meanwhile, could spark the beginning of a summer to remember if the Whites get things right on and off the pitch.

On that front, a number of potential targets have been mentioned in recent weeks, but one name continues to stand out. According to Graeme Bailey via Leeds United News, the 49ers and Leeds are now plotting a move to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City this summer in what would be his third short-term spell away from The Etihad.

The midfielder has looked more and more desperate for a fresh start ever since completing a move to Manchester City in 2022 and could now at least get an Elland Road reunion.

Following a mixed spell on loan at Ipswich Town, a return to where he was at his best may well provide Phillips with the answers he craves in pursuit of getting back to the player he was in West Yorkshire.

"Fantastic" Phillips needs Leeds return

Out of all the moves that take place this summer, Phillips’ potential return to Leeds is among those that would make most sense if they achieve promotion this season. The midfielder desperately needs a return – perhaps more than they need him – and could instantly reward Farke using his vast Premier League experience.

Having shown glimpses of his quality at Portman Road this season, Kieran McKenna has been full of praise for Phillips at times, telling reporters in the early stages of his move: “As I said when he arrived, he’s followed a very similar pathway to a lot of our players. He’s climbed a mountain, he’s done terrific in his career.

“He went from being a player who played in the Championship for four, five, six seasons, whatever he did, to being part of a newly-promoted team that went to the Premier League, attacked the Premier League, and did fantastic in that division.”

Reportedly earning £8m a year, Leeds would certainly need to negotiate some leeway with Manchester City to make the move happen, but it’s one they should work hard to complete this summer nonetheless.

MatériaMais Notícias

da 888casino： Ausentes na última rodada, Renato Augusto e Yuri Alberto retornam ao time do Corinthians para o confronto deste domingo (12), contra a Portuguesa, em Brasília, pela 8ª rodada do Paulistão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol LatinoEx-Corinthians, Araos vive ‘drama’ no mercado da bola; entendaFutebol Latino11/02/2023Futebol NacionalCorinthians x Flamengo: onde assistir, prováveis escalações e horário da final da Supercopa FemininaFutebol Nacional11/02/2023CorinthiansFernando Lázaro indica como pretende utilizar Paulinho no CorinthiansCorinthians10/02/2023

da dobrowin： + Erro de Balbuena custa caro em noite desastrosa da defesa do Corinthians

Yuri vinha lidandocom dores no tornozelo direito e perdeu os jogos contra Botafogo-SP e São Bernardo. O centroavante treinousem restrições na metade desta semana e volta a ser relacionado. JáRenato, que vinha em uma sequência de três jogos seguidos no time titular, foi preservado contra o Bernô por controle de carga, e retorna para o duelo contra a Lusa.

Ainda que a dupla esteja na viagem para Brasília, não é garantido que eles sejam titulares. É possível que alguns deles ainda estejam indisponíveis para atuar durante os 90 minutos, como disse o técnico Fernando Lázaro após a derrota para o São Bernardo.

+ Veja as movimentações do mercado da bola no LANCE!

Quem segue de fora da lista de relacionados é o volante Maycon. O camisa 7 ficou de fora dos últimos três confrontos da equipe e, mesmo recuperado dalesão muscular na coxa esquerda sofrida na vitória sobre o Guarani, a comissão técnica optou por não levá-lo a Brasília. Fagner, suspenso, também desfalca o clube alvinegro.

VEJA A LISTA DE RELACIONADOS

Goleiros: Carlos Miguel, Cássio e Matheus Donelli
Laterais: Fábio Santos, Matheus Bidu e Rafael Ramos
Zagueiros: Balbuena, Bruno Méndez, Caetano, Gil e Murillo
Meio-campistas: Du Queiroz, Fausto Vera, Giuliano, Matheus Araújo, Paulinho, Renato Augusto e Roni
Atacantes: Adson, Júnior Moraes, Róger Guedes, Romero, Wesley e Yuri Alberto

Assim, Fernando Lázaro pode montar o Corinthians com: Cássio; Rafael Ramos, Bruno Méndez, Gil (Balbuena) e Fábio Santos; Fausto Vera (Roni), Du Queiroz, Renato Augusto (Giuliano) e Adson; Róger Guedes e Yuri Alberto (Romero).

+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Campeonato Paulista

Neste sábado, antes de embarcar para Brasília,Fernando Lázaro organizou um treinamento tático no CT Joaquim Grava. Ele também promoveu um trabalho de bolas paradas ofensivas e defensivas com os jogadores.

continua após a publicidade

Juventus star Pierre Kalulu was involved in a physical brawl with Lazio's Taty Castellanos over the weekend and he has been handed a two-match ban.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Kalulu slapped with a two-game ban for violent conduct
• Defender struck Lazio forward Castellanos during their meeting last weekend
• Might prove to be a huge blow to Juve's UCL qualification chances

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Juventus have been dealt a blow in their push for a top-four finish after defender Kalulu was handed a two-match ban for striking Lazio forward Castellanos during their recent Serie A clash. The incident, which occurred in the second half, was reviewed by the disciplinary committee and deemed violent conduct, further compounding the pressure on Igor Tudor’s side as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The incident occurred near the hour mark in the second half, when Kalulu appeared to attempt to hit Castellanos in the back. Juve were leading by a goal at that point, but Kalulu's sending off helped Lazio pile on the pressure in the closing stages, as Matias Vecino scored the equaliser in the sixth minute of stoppage time. The draw could prove costly for the Bianconeri, who are yet to secure the fourth spot and subsequently, a spot in next season's Champions League.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In addition to the ban, Kalulu will also be fined by Juventus for his misconduct on the field. Per reports from (h/t Football Italia), the Old Lady will be fined around €50,000-€60,000.

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PIERRE KALULU?

  The French centre-back's season is effectively over, as Juve have just two more games to play. Kalulu will now return to play in the Club World Cup next month.

The Premier League has seen plenty of young talents introduce themselves throughout the previous 30 years.

Remember James Milner making his debut for Leeds United aged just 16 years and 309 days, while who can forget Wayne Rooney smashing his way into the headlines with his stunning goal against Arsenal in October 2002?

Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Frank Lampard made a name for themselves as youngsters before becoming world-class players.

This season, there have been a whole host of youngsters showcasing their abilities in the top tier. As such, we examine the finest young talent at every Premier League club.

Every 2024/25 Premier League club's most underrated player

These players don’t get the credit they deserve.

ByBarney Lane Feb 6, 2025

For this list, any player aged 21 or under at the time of writing can be included.

Arsenal Ethan Nwaneri, 17

Arsenal might not be at their fluent best this season, but Mikel Arteta is brewing some special talent that could take the club to new heights in the coming years.

Ethan Nwaneri is arguably the best of the lot. This season, the 17-year-old has scored seven goals in his 23 first-team appearances, repaying the trust shown in him by the manager.

The future looks exceedingly bright for the English teenager.

From Cole to Wilshere: The best 11 players to come out of Arsenal's academy

There have been plenty of stars to come out of Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy.

ByBen Browning Feb 14, 2025 Aston Villa Lamare Bogarde, 21

Lamare Bogarde made his debut for Aston Villa during the 2020/21 campaign, but it wasn’t until the start of the current season that he began to make his mark.

Indeed, the Dutchman has fitted in well across three positions for the club, making 11 appearances thus far. If given more chances between now and the end of the season, it could set him up well ahead of 2025/26.

Bournemouth Dean Huijsen, 19

Dean Huijsen is still only 19, but the Bournemouth defender has already attracted transfer attention from Europe’s biggest clubs following his excellent start to life on the south coast.

The teenager has played a key role in the Cherries’ ascendency under Andoni Iraola of late as they seek a European spot next term. It is no wonder plenty of clubs are showing interest in the centre-back. Whether Bournemouth will be able to keep him is the question.

Brentford Yehor Yarmoliuk, 20

Yehor Yarmoliuk joined Brentford back in 2022, but it has only been since the start of last season that he has become a regular in the first team.

Aged just 20, the Ukrainian winger has plenty of talent to suggest Brentford might well just be a stepping stone in his career. He has yet to score or grab an assist this season – something which may need to change in the coming months if he is to fulfil his potential.

Brighton & Hove Albion Yankuba Minteh, 20

Brighton signed Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle last summer in a deal worth around £30m. The winger failed to make an appearance for the Magpies and with the need to balance the books, Eddie Howe cashed in.

The youngster has already registered six goal contributions for the Seagulls – three goals and three assists – this term. If he continues to impress, Minteh might not be at Brighton long.

Chelsea Tyrique George, 19

Chelsea have a multitude of young talents ready and waiting to make an impression in the first team. Tyrique George, however, could turn out to be the best of the lot.

The left-winger made waves at youth level, scoring 18 goals for the U18s and U21s before getting a chance this term in the senior squad. In two FA Cup matches, he has already notched two assists.

The 19-year-old has a big future ahead. Watch this space.

7 goalkeepers who could replace Robert Sanchez at Chelsea

Chelsea are in dire need of a new ‘keeper…

1 ByBarney Lane Jan 27, 2025 Crystal Palace Matheus Franca, 20

Crystal Palace brought Matheus Franca to the club last summer, yet he has played just 12 games for the club. This season, the Brazilian has made a solitary appearance due to injury, but he is certainly one for the future.

With two caps for the Brazil U20 side, there may be no stopping him once Franca gets consistent game time.

Everton Tim Iroegbunam, 21

Despite being highly regarded at Aston Villa, Tim Iroegbunam moved to Everton last summer. It was something of a coup for the Toffees given his talent, and he has 10 appearances to his name.

An ankle injury has derailed his progress, but once fit, David Moyes should be introducing the Englishman to his starting XI regularly.

Fulham Martial Godo, 21

Martial Godo has made fleeting appearances for Fulham this term, but the very fact he has made the matchday squad on numerous occasions suggests Marco Silva is a big believer in his talents.

He registered an assist during the FA Cup win over Watford last month, which must have given him plenty of confidence, while he also played the full 90 minutes against Wigan in the fourth round.

Ipswich Town Omari Hutchinson, 21

With opportunities at Arsenal and Chelsea failing to materialise into something meaningful, Ipswich Town signed Omari Hutchinson on a permanent deal last summer, giving him a fresh chance.

23 appearances as a Premier League starter and he is finally demonstrating the talent that indicated he would have a big future in the game.

Hutchinson should be a key figure in this Ipswich team for the foreseeable future.

With the Belgian linked to a MLS move, GOAL US writers debate the best landing spot for the Manchester City star

Kevin De Bruyne gets closer to an MLS move with every headline. There are a few things we know for certain here. The first is that the Belgian will leave Manchester City upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season. The second is that he has a long-standing interest in playing in MLS.

The third is that some configuration of Chicago Fire, D.C. United, Inter Miami and NYCFC are interested – in some form – of securing his signature. If De Bruyne is playing in the U.S. this summer, he'll likely do so with a club in a sizable and attractive market.

These are all good things from an American point of view. Big names are still necessary for a league that is trying to grow its global footprint. De Bruyne may not be a megastar, but he is one of the finest midfielders to ever grace the game.

Miami reportedly own his MLS discovery rights, but could the Man City star legitimately co-exist with Lionel Messi in South Beach? Morever, Miami’s three designated player spots are already occupied by Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Chicago now reportedly hold the priority to negotiate with De Bruyne

He will certainly have an impact – good or bad – wherever he plays. But what about the specifics? Where, exactly, should he play? Where would he be an unmitigated disaster? And what impact could have have on the league?

GOAL US writers debate it all in the latest edition of … The Rondo.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Which MLS club is the best fit for Kevin De Bruyne?

  Tom Hindle: Unfortunately, it's not Miami. As much as it would be fun to see them continue to farm European stars, it makes absolutely zero sense. The issue is, none of the other three significant links are particularly exciting. NYCFC adds up due to City Group association. Chicago could probably do with some midfield creativity, and they did previously pursue Neymar. And D.C. United are simply thirsty for any big name they can, in theory, get their hands on. Let's go with NYCFC, if only because they've lost a couple of creative presences, and could do with a star man.

  Ryan Tolmich: The rumor mill keeps linking him with the Chicago Fire and, yup, that checks out. The Fire seem close to arriving, both on and off the field, and De Bruyne is exactly the type of signing that can take this team forward. He'd have pieces in front of him that are legitimately goal-dangerous and, in many ways, would be a perfect mentor for rising star Brian Gutierrez. Off the field, this is exactly the type of big-time signing this club needs to make a statement locally and nationally, while proving that this ownership group is serious about winning. It all makes so much sense, which is why it's the most likely to happen of any of the options.

  Alex Labidou: Thank goodness, it's not likely to be Miami. The three other teams De Bruyne has been linked with – NYCFC, D.C. and Chicago – are all fighting for the same thing: relevancy. While it would be interesting to see how the Belgian connection between De Bruyne and Christian Benteke would play out, it is more vital for MLS to get a shot in the arm in one of its two biggest markets of Chicago and New York. And those two are really neck and neck. Considering Gregg Berhalter's ties to the USMNT and his former players there, it is probable that he will sign an American star at some point – likely after the World Cup. So this seems a move NYCFC HAVE to make. It's hard to envision where the club is going to find another marketable star. Soccer is almost an afterthought in the Big Apple, despite both teams being among MLS's most successful clubs. KDB wouldn't be a cure-all, but he would be a signal of intent for The Pigeons, who are opening their new stadium in two years.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Where would he be the worst fit?

  TH: Miami, which fills me with a deep sadness.

  RT: A word of advice to Miami: don't even think about it. This week's CONCACAF Champions Cup loss exposed just how unbalanced this team is, and bringing in another older midfielder – even one of De Bruyne's quality – would only further unbalance it. The team's entire transfer strategy has centered around Messi's friends and South American journeyman. Ahe while they have signed a few young stars, the club needs to be targeting more of those players. The Herons need more runners anywhere on the field, and De Bruyne isn't that.

  AL: Outside of Miami, the other three clubs would be an excellent fit for the Belgian. That said, D.C. would still be a far cry from contending, even if De Bruyne joins. That club has holes in every position outside of striker and at 33, De Bruyne is likely just an outstanding playmaker at this point. He's never been one to impact a game defensively and he hasn't scored more than 10 goals since 2022. It would be an expensive luxury for D.C., but it is a potential game-changer for the Fire and NYCFC, as both are in the playoff hunt.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Will De Bruyne succeed in MLS?

  TH: Honestly, no.MLS is brutally unkind to former Euro stars without legs, and De Bruyne's hamstrings are made of rubber bands at this point. He's immobile in the Premier League, and unless someone can throw a bag at building a roster around him – unlikely – then he might struggle in this league. More Marco Reus than Lionel Messi, at the moment.

  RT: Definitely, but he has to have the right team around him. MLS is one of the remaining few leagues in which a team can carry one or two players defensively, which means De Bruyne can just focus on what he does best: creating. Surround De Bruyne with younger, hungry players and let him ping passes to whichever of them is making the best run. If that's the recipe in place, De Bruyne should thrive while helping take a team from good to great.

  AL: Depends on where he lands. In some ways, this is similar to when Andrea Pirlo came to MLS. The skill was evident for anyone to see, but he was extremely limited in what he could offer when he wasn't on set pieces or threading the needle on key plays. The Premier League is a world apart from MLS, but if there's one similarity between the two leagues, it's the required athleticism to be successful. Miami have struggled recently as teams are punishing them with their pace and physical superiority. If De Bruyne goes to a team at which the midfield can cover for his deficiencies, he will be a success. But if he goes to a situation where he's expected to cover several gaps, he won't. It's that simple.

• (C)Getty Images
  

  Would he be a 'needle-moving' signing for MLS?

  TH: The good barometer for this is always "Has my mum heard of this player?" She knows the names Messi, Suarez, Beckham, Ibrahimovic and Neymar. Ask her who De Bruyne is, and she will probably be clueless. This is a long-winded way of saying he might hit with the Premier League truthers, but won't bring in any eyes outside of them. Sure, it'll be good for the league, but the star power isn't really there.

  RT: It's not in the Messi-Beckham tier, and it might not be quite in the Zlatan tier, either. But it is just below that. De Bruyne is a big name and, at one point, he was right there among the best players in the world. Personality-wise, though, he doesn't have that star-power charisma that Zlatan has – and it remains to be seen how active he'd be in promoting his club. Still, this is a player that adds gravitas to MLS, even if he doesn't change the game by himself.

  AL: No. De Bruyne will certainly elevate whatever team he signs with, and likely will put fans in the stands in that specific market. But will he have the impact of Messi – fans literally paying thousands on resale markets to see him play – or David Beckham, who sold out entire NFL stadiums his first year Unfortunately not. But MLS is a stronger league with De Bruyne playing in the U.S.