The best of the numbers from the opening day at Trent Bridge as India’s top order collectively repel England for the first time in the series

Bharath Seervi18-Aug-20181 – The 159-run stand between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane was the first century stand for India in this series and also the first in the two tours this year, which includes the three-match tour of South Africa. India had over 100 partnerships without any of them crossing triple-digits on these two tours. In the first two Tests against England, India had only two fifty-plus stands out of 44 partnerships with a highest of 57. Kohli has been part of the five of the top-seven partnerships for India on these two tours.ESPNcricinfo Ltd82.6 – India’s control percentage with the bat on the first day at Trent Bridge was far higher than what they had managed in the first two Tests. They had control of just 75% in the first Test then in the second Test it fell below 70%. Each of the seven batsmen who batted had a control of over 70% and all faced more than 30 deliveries.2014 – The last time India’s top seven crossed double-figures in a Test innings on tours of Australia, England, New Zealand or South Africa. It happened in the first innings of the Gabba Test in 2013-14. There was no such instance for India in England in the last 10 Tests. The last time the top seven all scored more than 10 runs in England was in the first Test of 2011 tour at Lord’s.72 – Runs accumulated by India’s top three in this innings. The top three had scored only 118 runs from 12 innings in the first two Tests while 10 of those scores were below 20.78.4- Average score of India at the fall of the fourth wicket for India in the five Tests this year in South Africa and England, before this match. India never reached 150 before the fall of fifth wicket in those 10 innings; the highest was 132 at Centurion. At Trent Bridge, India lost their fourth wicket at the score of 241, and therefore India are marching to their highest total on these two tours.2 – Number of times Kohli has been out in the nineties in Tests. Before this dismissal on 97, the last came about five years ago in Johannesburg in December 2013 when he was out on 96. He has made 17 centuries between these two nineties. He is the first visiting captain to be out in the nineties in England since Brian Lara fell for 95 at Edgbaston in 2004. Among India players, Sachin Tendulkar (twice) and Sourav Ganguly have missed their tons after getting into the nineties at Trent Bridge.ESPNcricinfo Ltd100 – Wickets for James Anderson against India. He is only the second bowler to do so against India after Muttiah Muralitharan’s 105 scalps in 22 matches. India is the second country against which Anderson has managed more than 100 wickets. He has 104 versus Australia. He is the seventh bowler to claim 100 wickets against multiple teams. Shane Warne and Muralitharan have done it against three opponents.1 – Rishabh Pant became the first India player whose first scoring shot in Test cricket was a six (where known). He hit a six off just his second delivery, against the bowling of Adil Rashid.

MatériaMais Notícias

da luck： Palmeiras e Cerro Porteño-PAR se enfrentam nesta quinta-feira (20), às 21h, no estádio do Morumbi, em jogo válido pela segunda rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores. Além da equipe paraguaia, o Verdão está no grupo C ao lado de Barcelona-EQU e Bolívar-BOL. O Alviverde vai em busca de se tornar o primeiro tetracampeão brasileiro da competição continental.

> Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

O Alviverde estreou na Libertadores com derrota para o Bolívar-BOL por 3 a 1, em La Paz. Na ocasião, o técnico Abel Ferreira poupou os titulares visando a final do Paulistão. Porém, a equipe vem de vitórias na Copa do Brasil e no Campeonato Brasileiro e deve ir com força máxima para o duelo desta quinta.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras x Cerro Porteño: mais de 33 mil ingressos vendidos; saiba como comprarPalmeiras19/04/2023PalmeirasGustavo Gómez projeta duelo da Libertadores e elogia adversário do Palmeiras: ‘Temos que propor nosso jogo’Palmeiras19/04/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras segue preparação para pegar o Cerro Porteño e pode ter novidade no time titularPalmeiras19/04/2023

da doce： O time paraguaio também está em boa fase. Atual segundocolocado da Primera Division, o Campeonato Paraguaio, com sete vitórias, cinco empates e uma derrota, o Cerro derrotou o Barcelona-EQU por 2 a 1 na primeira rodada da fase de grupos.

Se o Palmeiras tem problemas para escalar o time titular nesta quinta-feira, o mesmo acontece com o Cerro Porteño, que não poderá contar com o seu capitão Juan Patiño e com omeia Wilder Viera, ambos lesionados. Já Abel não poderá contar com Rony, Raphael Veiga, Mayke e Atuesta, lesionados, Bruno Tabata, em transição física, e Jailson e Murilo, suspensos.

+ Assine o Star+ por apenas R$32,90 por mês e acompanhe o Verdão na Libertadores quando e onde quiser!

O Cerro Porteño-PAR é o adversário que mais vezes cruzou o caminho do Palmeiras na história da Libertadores: são 12 jogos, com seis vitórias, quatro empates, duas derrotas, 25 gols marcados e dez gols sofridos – Boca Juniors-ARG, Peñarol-URU e São Paulo aparecem logo em seguida com dez partidas. Os rivais se enfrentaram pela última vez nas oitavas de final de 2022 e o Alviverde venceu as duas partidas – 3 a 0 no Paraguai e 5 a 0 no Allianz Parque.

PALMEIRAS X CERRO PORTEÑO

Local: Estádio do Morumbi, em São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora: 20/4/2023, às 21h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Fernando Rapallini (ARG)
Assistentes: Juan Belatti (ARG) e Diego Bonfa (AGR)
VAR: Mauro Vigliano (ARG)
Onde assistir: ESPN, Star+ e em tempo real no LANCE!

PALMEIRAS: Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gómez, Luan e Vanderlan (Piquerez); Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino e Artur; Dudu, Endrick e Flaco López. Técnico: Abel Ferreira.

Desfalques: Rony, Raphael Veiga, Mayke, Atuesta e Bruno Tabata (lesionados), Jailson e Murilo (suspensos)
Pendurados: não há

CERRO PORTEÑO: Jean Fernandes; Alberto Espínola, Robert Piris Da Motta, Eduardo Brock, Gabriel Báez; Federico Carrizo, Damian Bobadilla, Rafael Carrascal, Claudio Aquino; Robert Morales e Diego Churin.Técnico: Facundo Sava.

Desfalques: Juan Patiño e Wilder Viera (lesionados)
Pendurados: não há

Borussia Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl has denied contact with Bayern Munich over a possible transfer for winger Jamie Gittens.

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Dortmund deny talks with Bayern over GittensKehl says no contact with Die RotenChelsea still interested in €60m wingerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Reports have emerged suggesting Bayern are interested in signing Jamie Gittens from Dortmund. However, BVB sporting director Kehl denied having any contact with his Bayern counterpart Max Eberl over the winger. Meanwhile, Chelsea remain keen but haven’t matched the €60 million (£50m/$69m) asking price.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With the Club World Cup ongoing, Dortmund are trying to avoid distractions around key players like Gittens. The 20-year-old has attracted attention from Europe’s top clubs due to his rapid development, but the Bundesliga side are unwilling to sell unless their valuation is met.

WHAT SEBASTIAN KEHL SAID

"I'm not currently in contact with Max Eberl, but otherwise we have a very good relationship. Nevertheless, there's nothing to say on the subject at the moment." Kehl told reporters in Fort Lauderdale, brushing aside Bayern speculation.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Chelsea may return with an improved offer for Gittens, while the Bavarians' interest remains unconfirmed. For now, Dortmund will focus on their Club World Cup campaign before making any transfer decisions.

Paris Saint-Germain are preparing for life after Gianluigi Donnarumma as the Champions League winners have opened talks with Lille's Lucas Chevalier.

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• PSG open talks with Lille goalkeeper Chevalier
• Donnarumma’s extension remains unresolved
• New target attracting interest from English clubs

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  PSG have opened talks with Lille goalkeeper Chevalier as a potential successor to Donnarumma, according to . Donnarumma has not accepted the club's latest offer to extend his contract and they are not prepared to improve on it, which could see them replace the Italy international this summer. Chevalier, 23, is reportedly a key target for PSG, who view him as a long-term solution in goal. However, the French international is reluctant to join as a backup and is also being monitored by Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  PSG are preparing contingency plans as doubts linger over Donnarumma's future at the club. While the Italian goalkeeper remains under contract until 2026 and enjoyed a great season, lifting the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France apart from the European glory. However, the lack of agreement on an extension has prompted PSG to explore alternatives. Lille president Olivier Letang has placed a €70 million (£60m/$75m) valuation on Chevalier, who is also reportedly considering extending his deal with the French side or moving abroad amid Aston Villa interest.

• WHAT DONNARUMMA SAID

  Donnarumma has been open about his desire to continue with PSG, but hinted that he could leave this summer, saying: "There are a lot of rumours, but the truth is that I am happy here. I feel appreciated by everyone here, the club has a lot of respect for me. I am very happy, I now have my bearings here, my priority is therefore to extend."

  He had also recalled that nothing was decided at the end of the current season: "I don't know, I don't know. We will see in the next few days."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PSG?

  PSG will continue talks with Chevalier's camp while also monitoring Donarumma's contract situation. The club is expected to make a formal approach if the Italian does not renew in the coming weeks. Chevalier has to choose between trying a transfer to the Premier League, joining PSG or extending at Lille.

A new club have emerged in the race to sign an “excellent” Wolves player permanently in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Wolves exit rumours emerge

Wanderers will be looking for plenty of incoming transfer business at the end of the season, but doubts surround the futures of several current players.

Matheus Cunha is the most high-profile Wolves hero who looks the most likely to move on this summer, with the Brazilian far from without suitors. A number of top clubs are keen on snapping him up, and Vitor Pereira will know that he has a battle on his hands to keep hold of him.

Elsewhere, Tommy Doyle has also been linked with leaving Molineux before next season gets underway, with journalist Graeme Bailey explaining the situation: “It seems Doyle is increasingly likely to go. There’s a lot of Championship interest in him, we’re going to see a fair few Championship players go, so there’s plenty of opportunities for quite a few teams [to sign him]. He’ll find a club, he’ll be alright, it’s just he’s not particularly suited to Vitor Pereira’s system, that’s just how it is.”

Fabio Silva is currently out on loan at Las Palmas and seemingly doesn’t have a long-term future, with prevuous suggeston they were ready to sell for £25m. Now, a new update has dropped regarding the Portuguese attacker, having reportedly held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this week.

"Excellent" £17m Wolves ace in talks to join new club

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, VfL Wolfsburg have now held talks to sign Silva from Wolves this summer, providing competition for Frankfurt. Interestingly, Wolves’ asking price has dropped from £25m to £17m.

This summer definitely feels like the right time for Wolves to sell Silva, even though Stuart McCall hailed him during a loan stint at Scottish Premiership giants Rangers, saying:

“The one thing Silva has done well today, because he’s not been on the ball much, is his movement. It has been excellent. Lovely ball, really nice finish.”

As mentioned, the 22-year-old has been a huge disappointment for Wolves overall, scoring just five goals and registering only six assists in 72 appearances for Wanderers. Given the money they spent on him, that is a dismal return, and while he is still a young player, it is hard to see him ever being good enough for the Premier League.

Ivory Coast star likely to move in summer amid Everton and Wolves interest

Both sides are interested in bringing him to the Premier League.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 19, 2025

If Wolves could get the £17m that they crave for Silva’s signature this summer, it could end up being seen as good business, even if it is a loss on what they paid Porto for him initially back in 2020.

The Multan Sultans batter talks about his preference for batting in the top order, and how, despite a series of injuries, he couldn’t bring himself to give up cricket

Interview by Umar Farooq24-Jun-2021Since the start of 2020, Sohaib Maqsood has the highest T20 strike rate among Pakistan batters and is ninth on the global list (among those with a minimum of 500 runs and 20 innings). It has been a period of transformation for the 34-year-old middle-order batter who was striking at 125.79 previously.Ahead of playing the 2021 PSL final for the Multan Sultans against Peshawar Zalmi, Maqsood, the third-highest run scorer in the tournament, spoke about how he developed his game after his career nearly ended in 2016.Multan Sultans are playing the PSL final for the first time. How has the journey been for everyone in the camp?
The best part about Andy Flower’s coaching style is that he never allows negativity to come close to the team. Otherwise, with the sort of performances we gave in Karachi [losing four out of five games], it would have been very easy for any coach to come and shout [at the players], but he doesn’t work like that.When we came here to Abu Dhabi, 90% of our team thought we are here to play a few games and go back. But credit to him and our skipper [Mohammad Rizwan]. He [Flower] calls us champions even when we lose games. He calls us champions in training sessions, in the dressing room. Sometimes we used to laugh, saying we are more losers than champions, but he had that self-belief.After one victory here, we started to get our belief back and take one game at a time. We never thought we will end up in the top two. Not only did we make it to the qualifier, but it was remarkable how we won it so comfortably.I think in the final, the pressure will be more on Zalmi than us. They are playing their fourth final and they have lost the final twice already. It’s a kind of pressure to not lose a third final in a row.This PSL season, the Multan Sultans went from losing four of their first five games to winning five of their next six to qualify for their first final•Fareed Khan/Associated PressWhat have you done to evolve your white-ball game in the last year?
I have been consistent in domestic cricket for the last two years, but the turnaround came only in the PSL for a reason. I always said that I am a top-order batsman but I never got an opportunity in the PSL to bat higher until this [second] leg in Abu Dhabi. I was playing at Nos. 5 and 6 or sometimes at four. Even in the first leg, in Karachi, I was playing at Nos. 4 or 5, so my performance was irregular.In Abu Dhabi I got to bat at No. 3 and all I did was to bat exactly as I do in domestic cricket. At the same time, form also matters. There is hard work behind [my performances] and it came with my entire focus on white-ball cricket, so it’s paying off well.Who did you have to persuade to make you play at No. 3?
I didn’t convince anyone and I didn’t talk to the captain or management. Shahid [Afridi] ).You have had your fair share of injuries. How are you working to keep yourself fit?
I have suffered nearly every injury other than to my knee. In 2011 I had a ligament rupture in the ankle. I couldn’t play for almost two years. I also had a long history of a back injury. But the worst came when I was at the peak of my career, at the end of 2014, when I picked up a wrist injury that broke the hamate bone in my hand. It was a career-threatening injury. I played the 2015 World Cup with the injury and had surgery after. I feel that injury set my career back the most.How did you bounce back from it?
My family and friends know there was a time when I might have quit cricket. I had other career opportunities as I have a good educational background, but cricket was something I thought I could not live without, so I had to push myself. It was actually not about playing for Pakistan. It was [just] about playing cricket.I know if I am not playing cricket, I might not enjoy anything in life. If I had left cricket because of the injuries and was working in some other profession, I’d still be playing club cricket at least, because it’s my life and I can’t live without it.Did you come close to quitting elite cricket?
I can’t complain about the lack of opportunities in my career, either with the national team or in domestic cricket – I always got a chance. Even in the PSL, despite bad performances, I was still selected for the next edition. Obviously there were a few good performances to back my selection.It was just injuries that made me think of quitting. You can’t do much about injuries, especially when you pick them up when you are doing well. In Under-19, I was a star and then my back injury made me sit out for nearly one and half years. That was frustrating. The injuries were hindering my progress and every step forward I took, I was coming backwards all over again.You know cricketers in Pakistan mostly come from lower-middle-class families. It’s rare that they come from the elite class. So it’s very important for a cricketer to have some [alternative] career when you are 20-22 in case anything goes wrong in your cricketing career. With this mind, I thought I should go to England to study or work.With Mohammad Irfan (left) at the 2015 World Cup. “If I could have taken care of my fitness, my international career would have been a lot better than it is”•Fiona Goodall/AFP/Getty ImagesAt some point, after recovering from my wrist injury, I felt helpless. My game was changed and I wasn’t the player I used to be. No power, no shots, and I felt embarrassed playing cricket because I was not able to do the things I wanted to. Then I thought I should do something else, but there was a voice in my head that I can’t do anything else, so I just had to carry on and keep believing.I learned some hard lessons. In fact, I would like to tell every young player that I wish I can go back and train harder and look after myself better as far as my fitness is concerned. If I could have taken care of my fitness, my international career would have been a lot better than it is.Were you the type of player who relied on natural ability instead of focusing on your fitness?
When I was around 17, I was not a natural athlete. I was a chubby kid and never a quick runner either. Sometimes a player will tell me that when they were 16, they used to fly [around the field], but I can’t say that. When I was 17, I was 110kgs. But when you are over 30, you have to take care of your body. If you can’t train, you can’t play. I still give myself some credit, because with so many career-threatening injuries and surgeries, I still had belief.You are totally right that I used to believe in my natural ability more than hard work. I believed I was naturally blessed, and despite the laziness and avoiding training, I still carried on playing and had a reasonable career.Do you have any ambitions of playing for Pakistan again?
Obviously, if you are playing cricket, your dream is to play for the country. I am 34 now but I still think I can contribute in the T20 format. There are a couple of World Cups coming up in a year and a half. I am in good form and have the belief that if the opportunity comes my way, I will grab it. I know there are a few people who whine about not being selected, but I am not that kind of a guy.I think if people are doing well in the national team, that also needs to be considered. I know whenever I score runs, people start talking about putting me in the team to fill in the No. 5 or 6 spots, but I am afraid if I play [in those positions], I won’t be able to deliver much. I know you have to bat for your country wherever you are asked to, but I believe if I bat in the top order, that’s where I can do better for the country.

da betobet： With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo edging closer and closer to calling time on generational careers, it can be easy to assume that football won’t ever be the same. But that crisis quickly becomes short-lived after one glance around some of the world’s best teenage sensations.

da bet esporte： It is a generation full of absurd talent, so much so that it’s difficult to squeeze them all into a top ten. Arsenal have 15-year-old Max Dowman in their ranks, for example, who has already featured in a number of first-team games.

Related The most valuable teenage prospects in football ranked (2025)

Some staggering figures…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 7, 2025

The list of young talents is so stacked that Real Madrid star Endrick misses out for the time being, but there’s good reason why Los Blancos spent over £50m to secure his signature at such a young age. Ahead of his potential loan move in January, he remains one to watch alongside other honourable mentions.

Honourable mentions

Club

Age

Max Dowman

Arsenal

15

Endrick

Real Madrid

19

Geovany Quenda

Sporting CP

18

Assan Ouedraogo

RB Leipzig

19

Lennart Karl

Bayern Munich

17

10 Rio Ngumoha: Liverpool

There’s a reason why Chelsea were left furious by Liverpool’s move to sign Rio Ngumoha in 2024. The tricky winger is one of the best teenage talents around and became one of the youngest-ever Premier League goalscorers when he netted a dramatic winner against Newcastle United earlier on in the campaign.

It was the stuff of dreams for the 17-year-old, who is now waiting in the wings for further opportunities to shine even as Liverpool struggle under Arne Slot.

9 Rodrigo Mora: FC Porto

Portugal have a knack for producing impressive young talent and Rodrigo Mora looks set to be the next in line. The attacking midfielder, who’s still just 18 years old, has scored three goals for Porto so far this season – including in the Europa League.

Like so many before him, the teenager seems destined for greatness and may well become the latest big-money export out of Portugal sooner rather than later.

8 Ayyoub Bouaddi: LOSC Lille

Speaking of stars playing beyond their years, it’s hard to believe that Ayyoub Bouaddi is still 18 years old. The way he controls midfields is a trait that a player his age does not have very often, but he has it in abundance. The midfielder is a mainstay in Lille’s first-team and arguably one of their key men.

The big challenge for the French side will be keeping hold of their young star. It’s a rare day when defensive midfielders of his technical ability and towering 6’1 figure burst onto the scene.

7 Francesco Camarda: AC Milan

Any Football Manager players will already know exactly what Francesco Camarda has to offer. But for those that don’t know, he is one of the best emerging talents in world football. The 17-year-old became AC Milan’s youngest Serie A debutant at 15 and then did the same in the Champions League.

The forward also managed to bag his first Serie A goal in the current campaign in what is likely to be the first of many in the famous AC Milan colours.

6 Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal

Although he’s been unable to break into the Arsenal side with the same regularity as last season in the current campaign, Ethan Nwaneri remains one of the most promising talents around. He put Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side to the sword last season and already looks destined to find a role in Mikel Arteta’s team for years to come.

The Gunners will also be well aware that they needn’t rush the 18-year-old’s development like they were forced to do with Bukayo Saka, when they desperately needed a spark.

5 Franco Mastantuono: Real Madrid

Endrick hasn’t made this list but his Real Madrid teammate, Franco Mastantuono has. The Argentine arrived in Spain over the summer and has since shown plenty of flashes of his brilliance.

Having already scored his first goal in Real Madrid colours, the 18-year-old will now have his eye on avoiding the same fate as Endrick, who has been frozen out by Xabi Alonso. Given that Mastantuono has already started a handful of La Liga games, though, it’s clear that the Spaniard rates him.

4 Warren Zaire-Emery: Paris Saint-Germain

Already a Champions League winner at 19 years old, there’s a reason why Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the most highly-rated young talents around. It takes quite the player to break into Luis Enrique’s side these days, but the teenager has done just that on the biggest stages.

In a team which already includes Joao Neves, Vitinha and others, the central midfielder looks destined to become one of PSG’s top stars over the next decade.

3 Pau Cubarsi: Barcelona

You’d be forgiven for assuming that Pau Cubarsi is the senior centre-back in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side, especially after Ronald Araujo’s reckless red card against Chelsea. The 18-year-old plays with a maturity far beyond his years and has handed those in Spain a key defensive mainstay.

Whilst it’s often attacking stars who steal the headlines fresh from La Masia, Cubarsi is proving that the famous academy is also capable of producing top quality defenders.

2 Estevao Willian: Chelsea

The rest of European football must be scratching their heads, wondering how exactly Chelsea snuck in to win Estevao Willian’s signature. The Blues quietly landed a generational talent, who is already producing on the world stage.

He looked a star ready for the headlines against Barcelona in the Champions League, despite being just 18-years-old. The Brazilian has quickly become one of the fan favourites at Stamford Bridge, and rightly so.

1 Lamine Yamal: Barcelona

Estevao may have stolen the show at Stamford Bridge, but Lamine Yamal remains the best teenager in world football and one of the best players in the world, for that matter.

The Barcelona man is an early contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or and if it’s not next year, then it will certainly be in years to come that he sits on football’s throne. At 18 years old, Barcelona have unlocked yet another generational talent.

The best 15 wingers in world football ranked (2025)

Manchester City have now identified a “top-level midfielder” as a priority target, joining a number of Europe’s top clubs in the race for his signature.

Man City set sights on Yaya Toure-esque midfielder

Despite his well-documented fallout with Pep Guardiola, Yaya Toure is undoubtedly a Man City legend, winning three Premier League titles, three EFL Cups and one FA Cup during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

The Ivorian, who is now working as Saudi Arabia’s assistant manager, posed a threat going forward throughout his time in England, scoring a whopping 20 goals during the 2013-14 Premier League season, while also amassing nine assists.

Since then, City’s style of play has changed, with Guardiola’s side reliant on Erling Haaland to provide the majority of their goals, and the Norwegian certainly hasn’t disappointed so far this season, averaging 1.05 goals per 90 in the Premier League, having found the back of the net 15 times.

However, Man City have now joined the race for an up-and-coming central midfielder with shades of Toure, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they have identified Trabzonspor’s Christ Inao Oulai as a priority target.

Bayern Munich and Manchester United are also rivalling City for the 19-year-old’s signature, with all three clubs identifying him as one of their key teenage targets in Europe.

In his hometown of Yopougon in the Ivory Coast, the teenager is known as ‘Le Petit Yaya’, while City view him as a long-term partner for Rodri in midfield, and believe he could replace the Spaniard on a long-term basis.

Pep's a big fan: Man City leading race for "superstar" and ready to bid £65m+

City have moved into pole position in the race for a new defender, with a bid now being prepared.

By
Dominic Lund

3 days ago

It could be difficult to get a deal over the line, however, with Trabzonspor unwilling to sanction a departure in January, and looking to receive £35m.

Christ Inao Oulai already a "top-level midfielder"

Former Premier League midfielder Michael Essien is a keen admirer of the Trabzonspor star, saying: “He’s a top-level midfielder, and he’s only 19 years old. I hope to see him one day wearing the Chelsea jersey.”

The two-time Ivory Coast international has emerged as a key player for the Turkish side this season, displaying his attacking prowess by chipping in with one goal and two assists in eight Super Lig matches.

Bernardo Silva’s future at Man City is up in the air, given that his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and it has been suggested that Guardiola is willing to let the Portugal international move on.

As such, it could be a savvy move to bring in a central midfielder with attacking qualities in January or the summer, and Inao Oulai is exhibiting very promising signs in the Super Lig.

Mohamed Salah’s name has dominated the headlines at Liverpool for so many years, but never as intensely, and as negatively, as in recent days.

The Egypt international’s incendiary interview after Arne Slot’s side blew their advantage and drew at Leeds United has torn at fraying fabric and left Liverpool in dangerous and unknown territory.

The iconic forward, an all-time great on Merseyside and in the Premier League, is facing the very real possibility of leaving Liverpool in January. There is a good chance he has played his last game for the club.

This is a painful situation, to be sure, but Salah is ageing and ostensibly past his prime.

Slot does, however, need to get a tune out of the club’s expensive summer signings, with Florian Wirtz’s struggles a stark representation of the dysfunctional tactical set-up.

Why Wirtz has struggled under Slot

It’s fair to say Wirtz has not been good enough this season, far below the standard expected when Liverpool signed the German midfielder for a £116m fee. It’s also fair to say he’s walked into a burning building, making it difficult to shine against the backdrop of the flames.

It is clear that when Liverpool signed Wirtz this summer, they had landed one of the most talented playmakers in the world. It was also clear that Slot planned to reorient Liverpool’s creative supply line after Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid.

So many variables have been at play this season, but there is no excuse for the toothless, spineless performances that Liverpool have laboured through this season. Slot has to take responsibility, and he has to get more out of Wirtz, who won the Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2023/24 after steering Bayer Leverkusen to an invincible title.

Wirtz has what it takes to succeed. Claims that he lacks physicality are simply untrue. Moreover, he ranks among the top 6% of positional peers in the Premier League for progressive passes and shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, so he needs just a little nudge in the right direction, with an uptick from Liverpool’s wider system too.

Liverpool need results, and they need them quickly.

Liverpool lining up Slot replacement

According to Anfield Index, FSG chiefs Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have held talks with Como manager Cesc Fabregas as they continue to weigh up Slot’s future.

Fabregas, 38, is one of the brightest young coaches in the world, and he’s enjoyed a stunning start to life in Serie A, his Como side sixth in the standings.

The Spaniard’s expansive, free-flowing brand of football is not too dissimilar from Slot’s own vision, and this suggests he could dovetail into Liverpool’s first team, taking the reins at the season’s midpoint and restoring balance and confidence.

He may also be the perfect coach to give rise to Wirtz’s latent quality.

Why Liverpool should appoint Fabregas

Fabregas is a young and talented coach, but some would understandably have reservations over his youth and inexperience. However, were FSG to make the appointment, they would no doubt reference Arsenal’s meteoric rise under Mikel Arteta’s wing as a yardstick which they could follow.

Fabregas knows the Premier League, having featured 350 times in the division as a player, having scored 50 goals and supplied 117 assists across stints with Arsenal and Chelsea.

Moreover, Fabregas knows a thing or two about playmaking in the Premier League, lauded as a world-class “maestro” by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho during his trophy-laden spell at Stamford Bridge.

Truly, he was a “genius” of a footballer, as claimed by former boss Antonio Conte, and he has translated that wealth of footballing knowledge to the coaching scene, with Como playing some slick attacking football this season while maintaining a steely defensive line, for the most part. In the words of one notable analyst on X, he’s “football’s next elite manager.”

This foundation could be perfect for Wirtz, who shares certain tactical tendencies with the rising managerial star. Look at Nico Paz, for example, who has been immense this season ahead of his much-anticipated return to Real Madrid.

Paz, 21, is one of the hottest creative talents in the business, and he has been in fine fettle for Como this season, posting five goals and five assists apiece across 15 matches in all competitions this term.

Like Wirtz, he’s as naturally gifted as they come, but he has also been tasked with defensive responsibilities that have given him a coating of completeness that Fabregas’ tactics would play into Wirtz’s own game.

One thing’s for certain, Liverpool have crumbled under Slot’s wing. After that blistering start at the beginning of last season, the Reds have slowly tapered off, shipping so many goals and losing so many games.

27

Games

52

23

Wins

26

3

Draws

10

1

Losses

16

2.66

PPG

1.69

73

Goals scored

91

27

Goals conceded

69

Liverpool have a whole host of problems that have shown little sign of abating this season, but among the most egregious issues are the woes of Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who look shells of their former selves.

This cannot continue. Changes are needed. While FSG will continue to persist with Slot for the time being, given that Hughes has held preliminary talks with Fabregas (and who knows who else?), we can be sure that the plug will be pulled if improvements are not seen quickly.

Fabregas, with fresh and innovative ideas, could be the shrewd solution.

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Celtic are now reportedly plotting a 2026 move to sign a Manchester City ace, who Pep Guardiola called “world-class”.

Celtic targeting Premier League goalkeeper

There’s a lot of work for Wilfried Nancy to do in the transfer window and that work may well include signing a new goalkeeper next summer. As things stand, current No.1 Kasper Schmeichel is set to leave Celtic as a free agent at the end of his contract next summer, handing the Bhoys the task of finding a replacement.

The former Leicester City man has been an excellent servant since replacing Joe Hart in 2024, but looks destined to bow out of Scotland at 39 years old.

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Celtic may also have no choice but to target attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, amid reports that Daizen Maeda could leave the club. The Japan international has plenty of admirers in the Premier League and could yet deal the Bhoys an undeniable blow this winter.

Speaking about the January transfer window and potential additions after arriving, new manager Nancy told reporters: “Each organisation, the idea is to improve.

“I’m going to have to assess the team. I know them as a team because I’ve watched many games. Now it’s about knowing them as a person. After that we’ll see what is the best for the team. I like to take my time. I know that I don’t have a lot of time.

“It’s not a secret I want to play in a certain way. Proactivity, try to put [pressure] on the opposition, try to attack the ball as soon as possible and after that also be disgusting to play against when we defend – because we’re going to have moments when we’ve got to suffer.”

With that said, it could be a busy 2026 for those at Celtic Park and one that includes the arrival of Man City’s Stefan Ortega, according to reports.

Celtic plotting Ortega move

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Celtic are now plotting a move to sign Ortega when his current Man City contract expires next summer. The 33-year-old could come straight in for Schmeichel as the Bhoys turn to English football for yet another shot-stopper.

Whilst Ortega has dropped down the pecking order at the Etihad, Guardiola hasn’t held back from praising the experienced goalkeeper in the past – telling reporters just last year: “Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper. An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper.”

For Celtic, the move makes perfect sense. Their move for Hart worked out for all involved, so too did their move for Schmeichel. Now, it looks like they’re ready to follow the blueprint by signing Ortega.

After reporting the news, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Ortega would be a good fit, you would think, especially if he does become a free agent in the summer.

“He’s basically just fallen totally out of favour at Man City, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford ahead of him, and Marcus Bettinelli has been travelling with the squad.

“If Celtic are looking a new goalkeeper come the summer when Schmeichel’s contract is up, Ortega could be a really good pick up on a free transfer.

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