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Shami opens up about his struggles and recovery after injuries and a surgery sidelined him from international cricket for over a year

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Feb-20251:35

Who makes it to India’s pace attack against Bangladesh?

Mohammed Shami feared that his career was over when a lengthy rehabilitation kept him out of cricket throughout 2024. Now leading India’s pace attack in the Champions Trophy, Shami compared his comeback to “a toddler learning how to walk”.”I always wondered when I would be able to put my feet on the ground again, as someone who is used to running on the field constantly was now in crutches,” Shami, 34, told . “A lot of thoughts used to run through my mind. Will I be able to do it again? Will I be able to walk without a limp? For the first two months, I often doubted whether I would be able to play again as an injury like this followed by a 14-month break can pull you down.”My first question to the doctor was ‘how many days until I can be back on the field’. He said, ‘my priority is to get you to walk, then jog, and then run and thinking about playing competitive cricket is still a distant goal’.Related

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“After 60 days, when they asked me to put my feet on the ground, you won’t believe me, but I have never been more scared to put my foot on the ground. It felt like I was starting over, like a toddler learning how to walk, and I was worried about any complications.”After overcoming an ankle injury, Shami underwent surgery in March 2024. He subsequently faced issues in his knee, further delaying his return. After returning to the Bengal team for the domestic season, Shami rejoined India’s white-ball squad during the home series against England, and proved his fitness for the Champions Trophy.Shami was the highest wicket-taker of the last ICC tournament he played – the 2023 ODI World Cup – despite being on the field for only seven fixtures. He now finds himself needing to play another big role with Jasprit Bumrah out with an injury.”The desire to wear the India badge on my chest kept me going,” he said. “You endure the pain and take it one step at a time without complaints or bitterness. It was tough and there was pain, but with resilience and patience I made it through. My motivation has always been to serve my country for as long as possible. Because once you step away, you’re just like anyone else.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois do diretor de futebol Carlos Belmonte, foi a vez do técnico Dorival Júnior usar sua entrevista para subir o tom contra a arbitragem do carioca Bruno Arleu de Araújo no empate em 1 a 1 com o Corinthians, neste domingo (14), em Itaquera, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. O resultado manteve o tabu do São Paulo nunca ter vencido o rival em seu estádio, inaugurado em 2014.

– Pra mim foi lamentável. Lamentável o que aconteceu aqui hoje. Eu eu fico muito chateado porque a equipe do São Paulo fez por merecer (a vitória) – lamentou Dorival.

RelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo promete ir à CBF para protestar contra arbitragem de clássicoSão Paulo14/05/2023BrasileirãoVÍDEO: Veja os lances polêmicos do clássico entre Corinthians e São Paulo pelo BrasileirãoBrasileirão14/05/2023São PauloRafinha vê superioridade do São Paulo em clássico e critica arbitragem: ‘Acaba estragando o jogo’São Paulo14/05/2023

+ ATUAÇÕES: Rafinha faz pênalti infeliz e compromete ótimo trabalho defensivo do São Paulo em Itaquera

Entre os lances reclamados pelos são-paulinos em Itaquera está a marcação do pênalti de Rafinha, que selou o empate dos mandantes, uma suposta não marcação de pênalti no segundo tempo, quando o zagueiro corintiano Raul teria tocado com a mão na bola, e o gol anulado de Juan, também na etapa final. Dorival comentou a situação.

– Quando os próprios jogadores da equipe adversária dizem que não foi pênalti, isso resume. A bola do Calleri foi lamentável. O São Paulo foi muito bem. O resumo é que o São Paulo tentou jogar, tentou fazer, foi bem, com postura e eu saio daqui muito chateado, porque vimos a mesma coisa contra o Fortaleza, com um jogo ao nosso caráter, aí vem uma expulsão absurda. Aí você vê os árbitros na próxima rodada. Não é condenar ninguém. Mas pontos importantes estão sendo tirados do nosso time em algo fora do nosso alcance.

– Natural o erro, somos seres humanos. Qual a lógica? Existe um padrão de arbitragem ou não tem? Lances de amarelo dentro da partida existiram. Deixa terminar o lance e depois vê. Pra que tem o VAR? Ou hoje ele não estava trabalhando? Num lance do Cássio com outro jogador a bola bateu no braço e ia voltar para nós. Por que não esperou? Tem dois pesos e duas medidas? Eu espero que não. Pelo que o São Paulo jogou merecia o resultado, com todo respeito que tenho ao Corinthians e ao Luxemburgo. Por tudo que foi executado. Entramos no vestiário e usamos 80% do tempo para abaixar os sinais que as equipes vinham dando do que mudar algo taticamente. Porque estavam exaltados, que não foi só o lance final do pênalti. É passado e isso não é preocupação nossa. É uma pena porque tiraram pontos importantes nossos em duas rodadas – disse o treinador.

+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão
+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados da Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!

في ظل الجدل الدائر مؤخرًا حول مستوى التحكيم في مباريات الدوري المصري الممتاز، وما تبع ذلك من بيانات رسمية صادرة عن بعض الأندية تضمنت انتقادات مباشرة للحكام، جاء رد الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم ليضع النقاط فوق الحروف.

ويحرص اتحاد الكرة برئاسة المهندس هاني أبو ريدة على التأكيد الدائم بأن التحكيم المحلي يظل ركيزة أساسية من ركائز نجاح المسابقات الكروية في مصر، وأن دعم الحكام وتطوير أدائهم يمثل أولوية قصوى في خطة عمل الاتحاد.

ومن هذا المنطلق، أصدر الاتحاد بيانًا رسميًا اليوم، جدّد فيه ثقته الكاملة في الحكام المصريين، مع رفضه أي محاولات للتشكيك في نزاهتهم أو التقليل من مكانتهم، مؤكدًا في الوقت نفسه على استمرار خطوات التطوير التي تشهدها منظومة التحكيم.

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اتحاد الكرة يؤكد ثقته في الحكام المصريين

تابع مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم برئاسة المهندس هاني أبو ريدة ما ورد عن بعض الأندية من بيانات وخطابات من شأنها التقليل من مكانة الحكام المصريين.

ويؤكد الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم على ثقته في التحكيم المصري ورفضه القاطع لأي محاولة للنيل بهم.

ووجّه الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد لاستمرار خططها الهادفة لتطوير الحكام التي بدأت تؤتي نتائج مطمئنة.

كما يؤكد الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم في هذا الصدد على استقلالية لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد في عملها ولها كل الصلاحيات في اتخاذ ما تراه في مصلحة الحكام والتحكيم المصريين، فضلاً عن أن اللائحة نصت على أن تعيينات الحكام للمباريات حق أصيل للجنة لا تنازعه فيه أي هيئة أخرى.

خرج تشابي ألونسو مدرب ريال مدريد في مؤتمر صحفي ليتحدث عن استعدادات فريقه لمواجهة إسبانيول غداً على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو في الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

وبدأ ألونسو المؤتمر الصحفي بتصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية عن فينيسيوس جونيور: “هناك العديد من اللاعبين المهمين في هذا الفريق، من حيث المستوى والخبرة والسجل الحافل، وما سيقدمونه لنا، هناك فينيسيوس وبيلينجهام وفالفيردي وتشواميني وهويسن وجولر، لن أخوض في التصنيفات التي نريد إطلاقها عليهم الآن، أقدر الجميع بشدة وأريد أن يشعر الفريق بأكمله بأهميته، الجميع في قارب واحد ونحتاج لأن يسيروا في نفس الاتجاه”.

وسئل ألونسو إذا كان يصف نفسه كمدير للمجموعة: “لا أصف نفسي عادة، أنا مجرد مدرب، سواء كنت جيداً أم سيئاً، أنت من يقرر”.

وقال عن كامافينجا: “هو لاعب وسط متكامل ويستطيع اللعب في مراكز متعددة مثل فالفيردي، لكنني أراه في الوسط كلاعب وسط أو لاعب لديه قدرات متعددة والآن علينا دمجه في تشكيل الفريق سواء مع الكرة أو بدونها”.

ورد ألونسو على كيفية استعادة فينيسيوس مرة أخرى: “رأيته بالأمس، لم يكن الوقت مناسباً للحديث، يجب أن يكون لديك توقع وتحدثنا قليلاً اليوم لكنه لم يمر إلا خمس مباريات في الدوري، لا يزال الطريق طويلاً وهو ماراثون حتى مايو، علينا أن نسير خطوة بخطوة”.

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وأجاب ألونسو على سؤال إذا كانت خرجت مسألة الإهانات في الملاعب عن السيطرة: “في عالم مثالي، لا ينبغي أن نعاني من هذه المواقف، أنا لا أشتكي، هي لا تؤثر كثيراً، لكن زملاء الفريق يعانون أكثر، للأسف عليك التعايش مع هذا الوضع وإلا فإنك ستخرج من اللعبة وستحدث مواقف غير سارة، بالفعل لقد خرجت هذه المسألة عن السيطرة منذ فترة”.

وعن مواجهة مدربه السابق جوزيه مورينيو الذي تولى مسؤولية بنفيكا في دوري ابطال أوروبا ذكر ألونسو: “أتيحت لي الفرصة لمواجهته عندما كان في روما وكنت في ليفركوزن، سيكون ذلك مميزًا له، كانت ثلاث سنوات حافلة بالأحداث وكانت مهمة جداً له مع ريال مدريد ويكن حباً كبيراً للنادي”.

وحول موقف كامافينجا وبيلينجهام من المشاركة بشكل أساسي غداً: “قد يلعبان مع أنهما لم يتدربا إلا لبضعة دقائق وربما سنرى”.

وأكد ألونسو عن تخيله للمباراة: “خضنا العديد من المباريات التي تأثرت بالظروف وخاصة البطاقات الصفراء لكني آمل ان نتمتع بهذا الشعور بالسيطرة على فترات أطول، أريدنا أن نبدع ونتمتع بالاستقرار في المباراة لأن ذلك سيمنحنا استقرارًا نفسيًا، سيمنعنا من الحماس الزائد، إذا بالغت في اللعب، أحياناً تتخذ قرارات خاطئة، كلما طالت هذه المراحل من اللعب كان ذلك أفضل”.

وسئل ألونسو عن ما يقدمه رودريجو في مركز الجناح ولا يقدمه فينيسيوس: “الجودة وقدرة على التقدم للأمام والثنائيات، فينيسيوس يمتلك أيضاً سواء أساسيًا او بديلاً، تأثيره ممتاز”.

وعاد ألونسو للرد على سؤال آخر حول فينيسيوس جونيور إذا كان يراه أقل حماساً من قبل: “أراه جيداً، تصرف اليوم بشكل أفضل من أمس وبابتسامة وإيجابية، تعاملت معه بشكل فردي بعد نهاية التدريبات، تحدثنا عن بعض التمريرات العرضية والتسديدات الحاسمة، انتهى التدريب وهو يشعر بالارتياح وكذلك أنا، سنرى غداً”.

وأتم عن نظرته لمباراة الغد: “إسبانيول في حالة جيدة جداً ولدينا طاقة كبيرة لتمديد الفترة التي نمر بها، ستكون مباراة صعبة لأنهم في حالة جيدة لكننا نلعب على أرضنا وعلينا تقديم أداء جيد”.

وحول مبابي إذا كان اللاعب الأساسي بشكل مضمون في ريال مدريد: “هناك العديد من المباريات وبالتأكيد لن يبدأ في بعضها، علينا تقبل الأمر، ليس مستحيلاً، من الممكن أن يلعب جميع المباريات لكن لا أعتقد أن هذا سيحدث، كيليان مهم وستكون هناك بعض المباريات التي لن يبدأ فيها أساسياً”.

واختتم عن إيقاف دين هويسن: “هذا لا يفاجئني، كنت أتمنى لو كان القرار مختلفًا، لن يكون ممكناً إشراكه غداً، كنت أتمنى وجوده، غاب عنا 60 دقيقة في ملعب أنويتا، إذا تم قبول الخطأ يجب أن تكون له عواقب، ويبدو أن الأمر لم يكن كذلك، لذا لنترك الأمر”.

A big summer continues at West Ham United.

Last season, the Hammers endured a nightmare campaign, finishing 14th in the Premier League, sacking Julen Lopetegui after just 20 league matches in charge, albeit things didn’t improve very much after Graham Potter’s appointment.

Thus, Potter comes into the new campaign under pressure to deliver quickly, but his squad has, so far, been weakened during the summer, meaning the Irons need new recruits and fast.

West Ham United's search for a new midfielder

Both Lopetegui and Potter tried countless different central midfield combinations throughout last season, without ever discovering the winning formula, as the table below highlights.

West Ham United’s central midfield options 2024/25

Players

Appearances

Starts

% of minutes played

Tomáš Souček

38

33

76%

Lucas Paquetá

36

28

69%

Edson Álvarez

31

23

54%

Carlos Soler

33

15

40%

Guido Rodríguez

24

16

32%

James Ward-Prowse

16

13

30%

Andy Irving

11

1

5%

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

As the table documents, Tomáš Souček aside, West Ham never landed on a reliable, every-game starting midfield, with a rotating cast of characters deployed during the generally dismal campaign.

In truth, the Irons have never replaced Declan Rice who, as outlined by Roshane Thomas of The Athletic, is one of the best players in the club’s modern-day history, so succeeding him was never going to be easy.

Well, as they search for their best midfielder since Rice, Dave Fraser of The Sun is reporting that West Ham ‘are set to battle’ Everton for the signature of Douglas Luiz, adding that both clubs are ‘desperate’ to bolster their midfield options.

The Brazilian international joined Juventus from Aston Villa for a reported fee of £42.35m only 12 months ago, but this move has not gone to plan, with ex-Juve player Alessio Tacchinardi stating that this transfer has been a complete “disaster”.

Transfer Focus

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Luiz made a miserly 27 appearances for la Vecchia Signora, featuring in just 17% of their minutes, hence why that aforementioned report notes that I Bianconeri are willing to sanction a permanent sale, so could he soon swap Turin for East London?

How Douglas Luiz would improve West Ham

Despite a nightmare campaign in Northern Italy, the reason Juventus signed Luiz in the first place is due to his excellent form at Aston Villa.

During five seasons in the Midlands, Luiz made over 200 appearances, with Adam Gilks stating that he’d become “one of the best sixes in the Premier League”, succinctly labelling him a “world-class” defensive midfielder.

He was awarded Aston Villa’s Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season in 2022/23, before arguably enjoying an even more impressive season the following campaign.

Jacob Tanswell and Mark Carey of The Athletic noted that he created more than 50 chances during the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, the most of any player at the club, praising his ‘influence’ over all facets of the team, citing Unai Emery, who stated that he is “progressing a lot as a midfielder… adding goals and… being demanding”.

So, would he really be the Hammers’ best midfielder since Rice? Let’s compare the pair to find out.

Douglas Luiz 2023/24 vs Declan Rice 2022/23 (PL only)

Statistics (per 90)

Luiz

Rice

Goals

0.3

0.2

Assists

0.2

0.1

Shots

0.9

0.8

Chances created

1.6

1

Big chances created

0.3

0.08

Passes attempted

59.2

57.3

Pass completion %

89.36%

88.05%

Duels contested

8.7

7.9

Duels won

4.5

4.6

Tackles

1.8

2.2

Interceptions

0.7

1.8

Ball Recoveries

5.6

9.2

Touches

73.7

71.3

Average Sofascore rating

7.27

7.19

Statistics courtesy of Squawka and SofaScore

As the table outlines, when comparing Luiz’s final season at Villa to Rice’s last year at West Ham, it is the Brazilian who comes out on top pretty much across the board.

Luiz boasted better statistics when it came to all the attacking metrics, goals, assists and chances created, as well as all the passing numbers, while the out-of-possession statistics were admittedly more even.

Nevertheless, what is clear is that, in the right environment, Luiz is a top-class Premier League midfielder, so could a move to West Ham, which would see him back in claret and blue, revitalise both his career and the Hammers alike?

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Posts ByBen Gray Jul 23, 2025

Agents recently approached Chelsea to offer Enzo Maresca’s side an opportunity to sign one highly-rated attacker, while it is also believed that the Blues are firm admirers of his and were once close to striking a deal.

In recent days, major developments have signalled that the west Londoners are on the cusp of a £110 million double deal.

Chelsea seriously keen on £21m ace who was on verge of joining Sunderland

The Blues are in the race for a “sensational” player, who nearly joined one of their Premier League rivals recently.

ByDominic Lund Jul 1, 2025

After initially seeing three bids rejected by Borussia Dortmund for starlet winger Jamie Gittens, it is now reliably reported that the Englishman is set for a medical, with Chelsea seeing their fourth and final £55 million offer accepted.

Alongside Gittens, breaking news over the weekend from David Ornstein alerted supporters to another headline-grabbing move.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Ornstein broke his exclusive information that Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Brighton star Joao Pedro for £50 million-plus, with fellow trusted transfer reporter, Fabrizio Romano, since sharing that the Brazil international has already had his medical in the USA.

It’s been quite the last 72 hours for Chelsea, who’ve taken their summer spending to around £140 million excluding add-ons, and they were also offered the chance to sign former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.

The Colombia international, who Chelsea were linked with last summer, joined Al-Nassr in a £65 million deal in January – penning a lucrative £337,000-per-week contract to partner Cristiano Ronaldo up front in the Saudi Pro League.

However, it appears Duran is already bored with life in the Middle East, and the 21-year-old is thought to be closing in on a return to Europe just six months after leaving Villa Park.

Duran is reportedly set to join José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe, according to reliable media sources, and a medical has been arranged for the South American to complete his loan move to the Süper Lig.

His move to Chelsea is now off the cards, of course, but it is believed that the player’s representatives did try to secure their client a move to London.

Chelsea offered Jhon Duran with transfer chance turned down

According to journalist Simon Phillips, writing via his Substack, Chelsea politely turned down the chance to sign Duran – with the reporter citing potential attitude concerns in an intriguing update.

“Chelsea do still admire Duran as a player, but they have knocked back a chance to try and sign him again this summer, with the 21-year-old’s agent offering him to The Blues,” said Phillips.

“Chelsea politely said no thank you, and sources tell us ‘that ship has sailed’ now.

“We aren’t sure exactly why, but I’d suspect it will still be down to attitude concerns about the player, because Chelsea are still looking for a new striker, although they want one who can play other positions and not really an out-and-out striker.

“We don’t believe Chelsea would change their minds on Duran, but of course, anything can happen in this business. But right now, Chelsea have rejected a chance to go for Duran again and the ship has sailed with no signs of it turning around.”

He is a super-talent who arguably fits Chelsea’s transfer mould of an exciting, young player with bags of potential, but squad harmony is crucial and Duran’s lofty salary made this a pretty tricky one to do.

As their chase to sign Joao Pedro continues, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards an alternative option who already has a hat-trick to his name at St James’ Park.

Newcastle chasing Joao Pedro deal

After sitting out of the last two transfer windows due to PSR concerns, Newcastle are reportedly going full steam ahead with potential incomings this summer – setting their sights on Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion. Both options would undoubtedly add extra quality to Eddie Howe’s side, who will need all the strength in depth they can get now that they’re back in the Champions League.

Pedro would particularly hand the Magpies a much-needed solution whenever they find themselves without Alexander Isak. When both Callum Wilson and the Swede have struggled on the injury front, it’s been Anthony Gordon who was forced to step up out of position. The arrival of Pedro would quickly end that problem and perhaps even bridge the gap on quality to Isak.

Starts

23

34

Goals

10

23

Assists

6

6

Expected Goals

8.9

20.3

Whilst the Brazilian struggled to keep up with Isak for goals – as did a fair few forwards last season – he was always clinical when given an opportunity in front of goals, having outperformed his expected goals. So the potential is certainly there for those numbers to increase and in a side like Newcastle, Pedro’s opportunities in front of goal would only increase.

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Newcastle need a new forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025

The Brighton man won’t come cheap, however. The Seagulls are reportedly demanding as much as £60m to sell Pedro this summer which could leave Newcastle assessing their options. If that does prove to be the case, it’s then that they could turn their attention towards another Premier League rival.

Newcastle keen to sign Justin Kluivert

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now keen to sign Justin Kluivert from Bournemouth this summer in a transfer battle against Manchester United. Unlike Pedro, the Dutchman’s price tag reportedly sits at around €55m (£47m), handing those in Tyneside the chance to land a cheaper alternative and one who already has a hat-trick to his name at St James’ Park.

If Newcastle wanted to take a look at Kluivert’s quality then they certainly received the closest opportunity to do so. By the time that last season came to an end, the forward had scored two hat-tricks and taken his Premier League total to 12 goals in a fine campaign.

Earning plenty of praise as a result of his hat-trick against Newcastle, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola told reporters when asked about Kluivert: “I think Justin is obviously playing with confidence. For me the first goal is key, it’s a good transition but he had options to play both sides and he decides to take the shot. And it’s a great decision, a great finish.

“He also scores an amazing goal after that is disallowed, but this was a lovely, lovely goal. And the assist to Dango. Apart from the job that he normally does in our press, he’s adding numbers that is always very nice.”

Leeds United’s forward line has led them to huge success in the Championship throughout the 2024/25 campaign, helping Daniel Farke’s side claim the league title.

The Whites registered a staggering tally of 95 goals in their 46 league outings, an average of 2.1 per game – by far and away the highest tally in the division.

Striker Joel Piroe claimed the Golden Boot last time around, netting 19 times in his 46 appearances, finishing one goal ahead of Norwich City talisman Borja Sainz.

However, if Farke’s side are to have any chance of securing Premier League survival next campaign, they will need to invest in the playing squad to bridge the gap between the two divisions.

The centre-forward position in particular has already seen numerous players linked, including multiple players who are already plying their trade in England’s top flight.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of a new striker

Richarlison has been one name thrown into the mix to join Leeds this summer, after struggling to nail down a regular starting role at Tottenham Hotspur in recent years.

The Brazilian has started just four league games this campaign, notching four goals for Ange Postecoglou’s men, in what has been a disappointing campaign for Spurs.

Jamie Vardy is another player linked with a switch to Elland Road this summer, after announcing he would be departing Leicester City when his current contract at the King Power expires.

The 38-year-old has spent the last 13 years of his career with the Foxes, registering 199 goals – potentially offering Farke’s side an experienced and Premier League-proven option in attacking areas.

However, despite the links to the aforementioned talents in recent weeks, another player in England’s top-flight has also been touted with a move, but the club would be better off looking elsewhere, given their respective stats.

Why one Leeds target would be a better signing than Beto

Everton striker Beto is one of the latest names on the list of targets for Leeds over the last couple of weeks, as the manager looks to bolster the options at his disposal.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Toffees for £30m in the summer of 2023, has been inconsistent at Goodison Park, often being in and out of the side and sharing the role with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

However, he’s still managed to register eight league goals throughout 2024/25, potentially being a reasonable option for the Whites, should they land him at a competitive price.

Despite the interest in the former Udinese star, Farke should be pursuing a move for fellow target Troy Parrott, with the Irishman undoubtedly a better option.

The 23-year-old, who currently plies his trade for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, has emerged as a target in recent weeks, but he may not come cheap consider some reports suggest the Dutch outfit won’t accept offers below at least £21m.

He’s registered a staggering 20 goals in his 45 appearances across all competitions this campaign, excelling in his first season at his current employers.

However, his impressive figures don’t stop there, massively outperforming Beto with his underlying stats, highlighting why he would be a better option this summer.

How Troy Parrott compares to Beto in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (per 90)

Parrott

Beto

Games played

28

28

Goals & assists

16

8

Progressive carries

1.3

0.7

Goals per shot-on-target

0.4

0.3

Pass accuracy

70%

56%

Shot-creating actions

2.7

1.3

Passes into the final third

0.9

0.4

Stats via FBref

Parrott, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former boss Ryan Lowe, has also notched a higher goal per shot-on-target rate than the Everton ace – further highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also completed more passes this season, whilst making more passes into the final third, handing the other attackers at Elland Road the opportunity to bolster their own tallies.

Their interest in his signature has been reiterated in recent weeks, but so far, it’s unclear how much a deal for the Spurs academy graduate would set them back this summer.

However, there’s no denying that the hierarchy should be pursuing a move for his signature over Beto’s, with the 21-year-old having bags of time to continue his development and be a potential star in Yorkshire.

Related He'd be Farke's next Buendia: Leeds make enquiry to sign special £35m star

Leeds United have already wasted no time in making a move to land one Premier League star this summer.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb May 15, 2025

After taking their Premier League throne in dominant fashion, Liverpool are now reportedly plotting a summer hijack to sign a Serie A defender that Manchester City have already agreed personal terms with.

Liverpool looking to use Premier League crown in busy summer

Even when Dominic Solanke headed home to hand Tottenham Hotspur the lead at Anfield on Sunday, not many would have believed that the Lilywhites were there to spoil the part and Liverpool swiftly put any potential upset to bed. Eventually smashing Ange Postecoglou’s side 5-1, it was the afternoon that Arne Slot and his side were dreaming of, as Anfield and the red half of Merseyside erupted into a long-awaited title party.

Liverpool could now be offered instant Robertson heir in stunning swap deal

The Reds would instantly benefit.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 30, 2025

Captain Virgil van Dijk, who will have the honour of lifting the title on the final day of the season, told reporters after securing yet another trophy to add to his collection: “It has been an amazing Premier League season for us, very consistent, well-deserved winners. The reaction we showed after going 1-0 down today was outstanding.

“Obviously it was a very emotional game. The time goes very slow towards the end, by the way! But I’m glad we got the job done and now we – and I speak about obviously everyone who is Liverpool-connected – can enjoy and celebrate because that’s what you should do as well.”

Now, those at Anfield will be looking to put their status as champions to good use when the summer transfer window arrives. Suddenly, names such as Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are not only linked with England’s most successful club in history but also the current Premier League champions. And that could make all the difference in a transfer battle against Manchester City too.

Liverpool looking to hijack Cambiaso deal

According to Calciomercato, Liverpool are now plotting a move to hijack Man City’s deal to sign Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus this summer, despite reports indicating that the Citizens have already agreed personal terms with the defender.

With that in mind, it would be some move from the Reds to beat Man City to Cambiaso’s signature at this stage. Stranger things have happened in the Premier League, however, and as Trent Alexander-Arnold edges closer and closer to Real Madrid, the versatile Cambiaso could emerge as an ideal option.

The Juventus star can play both left and right-back, allowing Slot to add competition for the struggling Andy Robertson as well as welcome a key replacement for Alexander-Arnold should Liverpool make their move.

Praised for his “elite passing ability” by analyst Ben Mattinson at the start of the season, Cambiaso would have little trouble replacing Liverpool’s right-back.

Just 21 T20Is old, Abhishek Sharma is making a name for himself as a six-hitter to rival the best

Sampath Bandarupalli24-Sep-20251:20

Chopra: Very little the bowlers could do against Abhishek

58 Sixes hit by Abhishek Sharma in 21 T20I innings. He is already the joint seventh among batters with the most sixes for India in men’s T20Is.Since his T20I debut in July 2024, only Austria’s Karanbir Singh (99) and UAE’s Muhammad Waseem (60) have hit more sixes than Abhishek. Among Full-Member nation players, Sanju Samson ranks second with 37 sixes.6.83 Balls per six for Abhishek in this format, the second best among 153 players with 50-plus sixes in men’s T20Is. Gibraltar’s Kayron Stagno has the best, averaging a six every 6.61 balls. Abhishek’s balls-per-six ratio is the best among Full-Member nation players, with Andre Russell (7.21) ranking second.2.76 Sixes per innings for Abhishek, also the second-best ratio among batters with 50-plus sixes. Karanbir Singh is ahead with 3.14, having hit 113 sixes in 36 innings. Evin Lewis (2.13) is the only player from Full-Member nations, apart from Abhishek, with a ratio of two or more sixes per innings.6 Instances of Abhishek hitting five or more sixes in a T20I, including Wednesday’s Asia Cup fixture against Bangladesh. Among Indians, only Rohit Sharma (13) and Suryakumar Yadav (9) have hit five or more sixes in a T20I more often than Abhishek.32 Abhishek’s sixes in the powerplay overs. Only three Indians have hit more sixes in the first six overs in men’s T20Is. Abhishek has hit 23 sixes in the middle overs (7-16) and three at the death (17-20) in T20Is.33 Sixes for Abhishek against pace bowlers off 246 balls, at a rate of one every 7.46 balls. Against spinners, he has hit one every six balls on average – 25 sixes in 150 balls.331 Number of balls Abhishek took to bring up 50 sixes in T20Is, the fewest among all T20I batters. His 50th six came on Sunday in the Asia Cup fixture against Pakistan. Gibraltar’s Kayron J Stagno was the previous quickest – 335 balls – while the next fastest from Full-Member nation players is Lewis (366 balls).