England opener to move to Kia Oval for start of Tier 1 county competition
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Nov-2024Danni Wyatt-Hodge will play for Surrey in the new Women’s Tier 1 county competition next season, after transferring her allegiance from Hampshire-based Southern Vipers.Wyatt-Hodge, 33, is currently in action for Hobart Hurricanes in the Women’s Big Bash League, having recently featured in England’s T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE.Last summer, she represented Southern Vipers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy, as well as Southern Brave, who are also based in Southampton.However, she has chosen to make the move to Surrey for the 2025 season, where she will link up with England top-order team-mates Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey.”I am both excited and honoured to be joining Surrey,” Wyatt-Hodge said. “The club has an incredible history with a culture of success, which I want to contribute to.”I love playing at the Kia Oval and can’t wait to entertain the Surrey supporters. The South East Stars’ positive brand of cricket was an important factor in me joining the club and I’m looking forward to getting started!”Wyatt-Hodge has played 278 England matches since her debut in 2010, at the age of 19, scoring over 5,000 runs across the three formats. She’s England’s all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is with 2,979 runs from 164 matches, at a strike-rate of 127.85.She made her county debut for Staffordshire at the age of 14, but has been based at the Utilita Bowl since 2020. She is also due to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in this year’s WPL, after making the move from UP Warriorz.”We are incredibly excited that Danni Wyatt-Hodge has agreed to commit to Surrey for the 2025 season,” Emma Calvert, Surrey’s Director of Women’s Cricket, said. “Danni’s career speaks for itself, and we believe she will add strength and depth on the field as well as adding to the team off the field.”After chatting to Danni it was clear to see that she will be an incredible fit for our new team. They style of cricket she plays is exactly how we want to go about our business, and I am excited to see what she achieves wearing the Three Feathers.”
Bruno Ferreira, de 24 anos, zagueiro do Tocantinópolis, morreu neste domingo,após ter sido vítima de um acidente de trânsito. O incidente aconteceu no último sábado, em Porto Franco-MA. Ele não resistiu a uma segunda cirurgia.Segundo noticiou o “ge”, Bruno trafegava em uma motocicleta, quando foi surpreendido por outra motocicleta que o fechou provocando a batida.
Os dois ocupantes do outro veículo envolvido no acidente tiveram ferimentos graves e foram levados para o hospital local.
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+Quem vai ficar no G4 e no Z4 do Brasileirão? LANCE! ouve 17 nomes de peso do jornalismo esportivo
O defensor estava em sua segunda temporada pelo Tocantinópolis. Bruno atuou como titular apenas em um jogo na temporada passada. Antes da equipe de Palmas, o defensor passou pelo Atlético Amazonense.
Eleintegrou o grupo campeão estadual em 2022, da campanha histórica na Copa do Brasil 2022 (sendo eliminado na terceira fase) e da Série D (queda nas quartas de final), além do bicampeonato tocantinense conquistado recentemente pelo clube.
Nas redes sociais, o Tocantinópolis lamentou a morte do atleta. O clube desejou forças para os familiares e amigos do jogador.
-É com imensa tristeza que informamos o falecimento do nosso zagueiro Bruno Ferreira da Silva. Bruno foi vítima de um acidente automobilístico e infelizmente não resistiu aos procedimentos cirúrgicos. Neste momento de profunda tristeza desejamos forças aos familiares e amigos. Perdemos hoje, além de um atleta com potencial enorme, um grande ser humano. Descanse em paz, Bruno! – escreveu o Tocantinópolis.
West Bromwich Albion clinched an entertaining 3-2 victory in their final runout before the Championship season kicks off against Spanish visitors Rayo Vallecano.
Not much can often be dissected from these summer runouts, as the main priority will always be to get fitness into the legs, but Ryan Mason will hope his side can follow up this win with one or two more across the daunting opening matches in the league.
The 33-year-old will be equal parts nervous and excited as he embarks on his first proper season as a rookie head coach, with more new signings likely to be in the pipeline before September’s deadline to help Mason navigate these choppy waters.
Unfortunately, he won’t be able to convince Tottenham Hotspur prodigy Mikey Moore to move to the West Midlands, even with the bonus of Mason’s Spurs connections being on their side.
West Brom's failed pursuit of Mikey Moore
It looked nailed on that the 17-year-old attacker was going to be West Brom’s next statement capture, having already impressed the Baggies masses by signing Aune Heggebo for £4.7m from Brann, alongside ex-Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips also catching the eye as a reinforcement defensively.
However, this deal is no longer one that is feasible to get over the line, with Scottish giants Rangers pipping the Baggies to the in-demand teenager’s signature over Mason’s men, amid a battle also once forming for his signature from Birmingham City.
This is a body blow to the second-tier outfit, with Moore no doubt ready to explode into life even more away from his limited senior chances back at Spurs, having previously collected a staggering 17 goals and 12 assists from just 22 U18 Premier League appearances in North London.
Of course, there is the worry that the teenage sensation will falter away from that Spurs bubble, as the Baggies now attempt to forget about any move falling through by looking to snap up this other exciting attacker instead.
Tottenham teenager Mikey Moore
West Brom can forget Moore by signing "sublime" star
Moore is the flavour of the month, but there’s no guarantee he would be an instant success story in the Championship, away from already bagging a senior goal at Spurs during a fleeting Europa League runout.
Instead, the Baggies could be better off going after an attacking star who already knows what it takes to excel at such a demanding level in the form of AFC Bournemouth forward David Brooks – a player who once cost the Cherries £11.5m back in 2018, having later been valued at £40m amid rival Premier League interest.
West Brom had previously been tipped to make a loan move for the former Sheffield United attacker this summer, but no such move came to fruition in the end, even as the deal hung in the balance at the advanced stages.
His eventual arrival onto the scene, if a move were to get back into motion, would allow for West Brom to forget about Moore in an instant, as the Welshman has more than shown his obvious class in the testing division previously.
AFC Bournemouth
39
6
6
Sheffield United
30
3
5
Southampton
17
2
5
The 17-year-old Ibrox-bound attacker, on the contrary, has never experienced what the testing terrain of the second tier is like, even if he does look ready for an opportunity in such a division.
Therefore, going after Brooks – especially on a loan basis – feels like a more savvy move on West Brom’s end over ruminating too much over losing out on Moore, particularly when you also consider the 28-year-old can play through the middle and on both wings, much like his young Gers counterpart.
David Brooks
His former Bournemouth boss, Eddie Howe, even labelled Brooks as a “sublime” talent when he was first cutting his teeth on the South Coast, with his standout stint in South Yorkshire in the EFL also leading to his ex-Sheffield United manager, Chris Wilder, describing him as “superb.”
Everything is pointing in the direction of this being a sterling move to pursue to bounce back from the disappointing news about Moore, as Brooks potentially attempts to be the spark yet again for a Championship side in their hunt for promotion glory.
West Brom submit bid for "talented" overseas starlet, they've had a reply
Mitchell Starc also dismissed Marcus Harris for 26 while Peter Handscomb and Campbell Kellaway made half-centuries
Alex Malcolm20-Oct-2024
Sean Abbott was outstanding on the opening day at the MCG•Getty Images
Sean Abbott put his name in the queue of back-up Test quicks with an outstanding spell while Mitchell Starc won a key battle over Marcus Harris that could shape Australia’s side as New South Wales took the ascendency against Victoria on the opening day at the MCG.In front of a lively Sunday crowd of around 1800, Abbott took four wickets and arguably deserved more on the back of some high-quality sustained fast bowling across the day, including an incredible spell after tea that yielded 3 for 0 in 15 balls and the swung the momentum NSW’s way.Related
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Peter Handscomb and Campbell Kellaway made fighting half-centuries in challenging conditions that favoured the seamers.Harris was unable to kick on after batting the entire first session for 26. Starc bowled impressively in the morning but went unrewarded despite finding swing and extra bounce while operating at high pace. Harris fought hard and played reasonably well without being able to score freely. Shortly before lunch, Starc pinned Harris on the underside of his left arm to leave a large egg-shaped bruise.The left-armer returned after the break to first beat Harris on the inside edge and nearly bowl him, before picking him up caught down the leg side. Harris bemoaned his misfortune but Starc’s extra pace and bounce meant he was not in control of the leg glance.NSW did not claim another wicket for the next 34 overs as Kellaway and Handscomb shared a century stand against some excellent bowling. Abbott and Starc in particular beat the bat regularly. Abbott had a number of half-shouts turned down while Starc broke Handscomb’s bat with a searing delivery that climbed from a length and cracked the splice of his blade.Kellaway and Handscomb defended against that duo and then expanded against Nathan Lyon. Kellaway launched him for a huge six over wide long-on while Handscomb played him with typical class.Jackson Bird broke the stand after tea, finding the outside edge with a superb off-cutter to dismiss Kellaway for 55 from 160 deliveries.Abbott then returned to wreak havoc. Handscomb, on 64, attempted a drive at a fuller length, but Abbott managed to get the ball to straighten a touch and Steven Smith held the edge at second slip.In Abbott’s next over he removed Sam Harper in similar fashion. Abbott went wide of the crease and dragged his length back as Harper shuffled forward. Again the ball straightened off the seam and caught the edge with Nic Maddinson claiming the chance sharply at third slip. Abbott should have had another two balls later but Maddinson grassed an easier catch that went straight to him off Will Sutherland’s outside edge.It cost nothing as Abbott nicked off Sutherland again to the safe gloves of Josh Phillippe. When Lyon had Sam Elliott caught at short leg, Victoria had slumped from 164 for 2 to 185 for 7.”I thought we bowled pretty well,” Abbott said after play. “But equally, I think the Vic boys batted very well on that wicket.”It felt a bit frustrating at times. We went past the bat a lot. It was just nice to get some reward late in the day after some hard toil all day.”Tom Rogers took 37 balls to get off the mark while watching three of his team-mates fall at the other end. But he and Fergus O’Neill mounted a rearguard against the second new ball with a 58-run stand before O’Neill fell late in the day for 28. Jack Nisbet picked up a second when he had Todd Murphy caught behind in the shadows of stumps.Handscomb was pleased with Victoria’s score given how much pace and seam movement there was in the surface and how well New South Wales bowled.”They bowled beautifully,” Handscomb said. “They’re always going to be there or thereabouts, and not really give you any loose balls.”We just kept telling each other just to try and fight and keep getting through. Because it’s tough for us out there but it’s also going to be tougher for the next bloke coming in.”I think it’s a really good day for us today. We’re really happy with that situation. I think when you get sent in here day one where, if we can get somewhere between 180 to 220, we tend to feel like we’re still in the game.”
Arsenal have now opened talks over a deal for a “world-class” forward, who is pushing to leave his current club, according to a report.
Gunners' striker pursuit rumbles on
At one stage, it appeared as though the Gunners were very close to getting a deal for Viktor Gyokeres over the line, with Fabrizio Romano revealing a deal was close to being sealed over a week ago.
However, the deal has since stalled, with some reports even suggesting that Manchester United could hijack the move, although Romano has since quashed those rumours, insisting the Swedish striker has his heart set on signing for the Gunners.
As such, the north Londoners still appear to be in a strong position to get the deal done, but Gyokeres is not the only attacker they are eager to get through the door, having also set their sights on a winger, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo of interest.
However, a deal for the Madrid star could be on the expensive side, with the Spanish side holding out for £87m, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now set their sights on a potential alternative option.
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Arsenal are looking to strengthen their wide forward options this summer.
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According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal have now made fresh contact over a deal for Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who is pushing to leave the Italian club, following a fallout with former manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
Andrea Berta is now weighing up whether to make a concrete approach for Lookman, who could be a far more affordable option than Rodrygo, given that Atalanta are demanding £43m.
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring their second goal with Atalanta's GiorgioScalviniand Atalanta's Matteo Ruggeri
However, the Gunners may have to fend off interest from elsewhere, with Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid retaining a strong interest in the forward.
"World-class" Lookman could be fantastic Rodrygo alternative
Not only is the Atalanta star much more affordable than Rodrygo, but he has performed remarkably well over the past year in terms of non-penalty goals per 90, ranking in the top 2% compared to his positional peers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.63 (98th percentile)
Progressive carries
5.71 (94th percentile)
Shot-creating actions
5.51 (92nd percentile)
The former Everton man has really kicked on since leaving the Toffees, with journalist John Bennett singling him out for very high praise after scooping up the African Footballer of the Year award at the end of 2024.
At 27-years-old, Lookman is likely to be in his prime years, and he could be a real difference-maker for Arsenal in their pursuit of the Premier League title next season.
Glasgow Rangers booked their place in the next round of Champions League qualifiers after a 1-1 draw against Panathinaikos in Greece on Wednesday night.
The Light Blues rode their luck at times before they eventually went 1-0 down in the 53rd minute, only for substitute Djeidi Gassama to score his second goal in as many games for the club just seven minutes later.
Whilst it was another positive result for the Gers, who beat the Greek side 2-0 at Ibrox last week, there were some concerning moments and performances on the pitch for Russell Martin’s side.
The team news was met with some surprise as Gassama was initially left on the bench again and Kieran Dowell was selected from the start, and the former Norwich man failed to justify the manager’s continued faith in him.
Why Rangers should drop Kieran Dowell
With the Gers travelling to Motherwell for the opening game of the Scottish Premiership season on Saturday, Martin must drop the English winger from the XI.
Performance in Numbers
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Dowell started the first leg against Panathinaikos at Ibrox last week, on the right wing, and produced zero shots on target and zero key passes in 75 minutes before being taken off, whilst he also missed a ‘big chance’.
This time around, the Everton academy graduate had zero shots on goal and created zero chances in 74 minutes on the pitch on the right wing, which shows that he was equally as ineffective.
This is why Dowell, who has not offered any threat in front of goal as a scorer or a creator, should be dropped for the clash with Motherwell, but he is not the only player who should face the axe.
Why Rangers should drop Max Aarons
Summer signing Max Aarons was selected at left-back once again and looked too uncomfortable away from his favoured position at right-back for most of the match, before switching to the right for the last 17 minutes.
The former Norwich man, who was handed a 4/10 player rating by The Scotsman, made an almost costly error early on in the match when he failed to deal with a through ball and allowed their forward to race clear on goal, only for Jack Butland to make a vital save.
That mistake seemed to set the tone for Aarons for the rest of the night. He looked hesitant to be aggressive with his defending and looked uncomfortable trying to push forward on his weaker left foot, which is why he was just as bad as the ineffective Dowell.
Jefte came on, replacing Dowell, in the second half, and looked far more comfortable at left-back, as you would expect given that it is his natural position, and should be given the nod over Aarons on Saturday.
Vs Panathinaikos
Max Aarons
Jefte
Minutes played
90
17
Tackles + interceptions
1
2
Ground duel success rate
83%
100%
Pass accuracy
89%
100%
Dribbled past
0x
0x
Error led to shot
1
0
Crosses attempted
0
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian defender won more tackles and attempted more crosses in 17 minutes than the Bournemouth loanee managed in 90.
Jefte, as a left-footed player, is more comfortable progressing with the ball to take up crossing positions and more confident at going in for tackles with his left foot, which is why it was not a surprise to see him put up superior statistics in his short time on the pitch.
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It is now down to Martin to ruthlessly axe his new signing from the starting XI, unless he plans to drop the captain James Tavernier from right-back, in order to have a natural left-back in the team on that side.
شهدت مباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد تسجيل هدفين من جانب الفريقين ليتعادلان بهدفين لمثلهما مع نهاية الشوط الأول، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.
وتجري المباراة على ملعب “واندا ميتروبوليتانو” في إطار منافسات الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإسباني موسم 2025-2026.
وجاء الهدف الأول في الدقيقة الثالثة عشر عن طريق لي نورماند مدافع أتلتيكو مدريد برأسية رائعة من صناعة الجناح الأرجنتيني جوليانو سيميوني.
وفي الدقيقة 24 وضع التركي أردا جولر زميله الفرنسي كيليان مبابي في مواجهة مع يان أوبلاك حارس اتلتيكو مدريد، ليسدد الكرة في الشباك ويتعادل لريال مدريد.
أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | مبابي يسجل هدف تعادل ريال مدريد أمام أتلتيكو مدريد
وفي الدقيقة 35 ومن هجمة مرتدة رائعة، أستطاع التركي أردا جولر أن يسجل ثاني أهداف ريال مدريد بعد هجمة مرتدة رائعة لتصل الكرة إلى فينيسيوس جونيور الذي يصنع الهدف بعد مراوغة لاثنين من مدافعي الفريق المضيف.
غولير يضيف الهدف الثاني لريال مدريد ⚽️🔥#الدوري_الإسباني pic.twitter.com/YpXE7NduGl — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 27, 2025
وتعادل ألكسندر سورلوث لأتلتيكو مدريد برأسية رائعة بصناعة من لاعب خط الوسط كوكي في الدقيقة 48 قبل نهاية الشوط الأول.
GOLLLLLL SORLOTH!!! ATLETICO MADRID 2-2 REAL MADRID
WHAT A GAMES!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/eybc9HD32W — Siaran Bola Live (@SiaranBolaLive) September 27, 2025
ودخل سيميوني مدرب اتلتيكو مدريد لقاء اليوم بتشكيل مكون من: “اوبلاك- ليورنتي- لي نورماند – لينجلت – هانكو -جيوفاني سيميوني- باريوس -كوكي- جونزاليس – سورولوث -جوليان ألفاريز”.
ودخل ألونسو مدرب ريال مدريد لقاء اليوم بتشكيل مكون من: “كورتوا- كاريراس- هويسن – ميليتاو – كارفاخال- فالفيردي – تشواميني- فينيسيوس جونيور- بيلينجهام- جولر – مبابي”.
ويحتل ريال مدريد صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 19 نقطة من 6 مباريات، بينما يقع أتلتيكو مدريد في المركز الحادي عشر برصيد 7 نقاط.
Arsenal are not just after widely-reported top target Eberechi Eze during this final stretch of the summer, as sporting director Andrea Berta looks to end his debut transfer window at the Emirates Stadium with a bang.
Eze is still a hot topic in north London after weeks of links, and there is very much a possibility he does end up sealing his desired move across the capital before the transfer deadline on September 1.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£208m
Arsenal remain in dialogue with the England international’s camp, as they have done since June (Fabrizio Romano), and Eze is believed to have also spoken with both Berta and Mikel Arteta directly (Ben Jacobs).
The 27-year-old is also very keen on a move to Arsenal, as reliably reported, so this is definitely one to watch in the coming weeks, as Berta considers adding to their already-impressive contingent of new signings totalling £200 million-plus.
Eze, while a top priority, is joined on Arsenal’s list of late-summer targets by Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.
Arsenal made an approach for Jacquet, who only signed a new deal in May, and TEAMtalk report that the 20-year-old is becoming increasingly enthusiastic about the prospect of a move to N5.
Alongside the Frenchman, it is claimed that Blackburn Rovers sensation Igor Tyjon is another one to watch.
The 17-year-old has already made two senior appearances for Blackburn since rising through the ranks, whilst also scoring six goals in 12 appearances for their Under-21s, and he’s seen as a very exciting prospect.
“Igor has been a standout young player since I have been at the football club,” said former Rovers boss John Eustace last year.
“He had a fantastic pre-season. He’s just played for England in the week. I was delighted to give him his debut today. He has worked, very, very hard. He’s a 16-year-old boy and we have to remember that. He is certainly one for the future.”
Arsenal given Blackburn Rovers reply after making second bid for Igor Tyjon
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have already had a bid rejected for the teenager, but Berta has since gone in with another offer.
However, the outcome is the same, with Blackburn snubbing Arsenal’s second bid to sign Tyjon as the Gunners are forced to weigh up a third approach.
The attacking gem is already among Rovers’ youngest ever debutants, and he’s tipped for a very bright future, so it could be worth the effort from Arsenal’s perspective.
“Igor Tyjon became the club’s third-youngest ever player when he came off the bench against Bristol City last month,” said Football League World pundit, Toby Wilding, in late 2024.
“He’s already scoring goals consistently at under-21 level while still only being 16-years-old, and signed a new contract with the club in the summer despite reported interest from Manchester United.
“I think when you look at that progress that he is making and the potential he has, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him more involved with the first team and making an impact in the not too distant future.
“You can understand, with all that in mind, why Blackburn fans are getting rightly excited about him.”
The INEOS hierarchy at Manchester United has been hellbent on avoiding the same mistakes as the previous regime, although there does appear to be a real sense of Deja Vu with regard to Jason Wilcox’s pursuit of a new centre-forward.
Rewind two years ago, with then-boss Erik ten Hag having identified Harry Kane as his primary striker target, albeit with United wary of engaging in protracted negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur chairman, Daniel Levy.
The ageing Englishman instead packed his bags for Germany, while the Old Trafford side went down the high-potential route. Despite reportedly being Ten Hag’s fifth-choice option at the time, in came a 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund for an initial fee of £64m.
Season
Player
Goals
2024/25
Bruno Fernandes & Amad
8
2023/24
Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund
10
2022/23
Marcus Rashford
17
2021/22
Cristiano Ronaldo
18
2020/21
Bruno Fernandes
18
2019/20
Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial
17
2018/19
Paul Pogba
13
2017/18
Romelu Lukaku
16
2016/17
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
17
2015/16
Anthony Martial
11
2014/15
Wayne Rooney
12
2013/14
Wayne Rooney
17
2012/13
Robin van Persie
26
A player coveted by Paris Saint-Germain at the time, Hojlund had been earning rave reviews amid his promising displays in Atalanta, with then-boss Gian Piero Gasperini highlighting his electric pace that had ripped through Serie A defences.
We’d all seen the clips of the young Dane bursting into the box at breakneck speed. All dreamed of this ‘new Erling Haaland’ proving to be the next Scandinavian striking sensation on Premier League soil.
Overlooked, however, was the mere nine league goals he had scored in his solitary season in Bergamo, with such a gamble having yet to pay off for the Red Devils. The same mistake can’t happen again under Wilcox.
Latest on Man Utd's striker search
Speaking after scoring in the recent 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in the latest Premier League summer series clash, the 22-year-old – who had been linked with a move to Inter Milan earlier in the window – outlined his desire to “stay and fight for his spot, whatever happens”.
A bright start to pre-season has raised hopes that United’s number nine can kick on in 2025/26, although Hojlund might not get his own way, with reports indicating that he could be used as part of a deal to bring in a new striker.
Indeed, it has been claimed – including by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell – that a swap deal could be on the cards which would see the Denmark starlet head to RB Leipzig, with Benjamin Sesko moving in the opposite direction.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Additional reports, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, having indicated that there is an “internal confidence” at Old Trafford that a deal for Sesko will get over the line amid their ongoing talks, with the club currently going toe-to-toe with Newcastle United for his signature:
Reportedly valued at around £70m, Sesko – who has been the subject of a bid from Newcastle – is hot property amid two solid seasons in Germany. That said, doesn’t this all feel a little familiar?
Why Man Utd are risking a Hojlund repeat
For a brief moment, it looked like United’s decision to plump for Hojlund had paid off, following his destructive debut away to Arsenal in September 2023. Having endured an injury-hit start to life in Manchester, the towering left-footer announced himself in fine fashion, proving a real nuisance for Gabriel and William Saliba in the home defence.
That image of Casemiro grabbing the youngster by the jersey – a mark that he was to be the man to win the game for Ten Hag’s men – evoked that strong early impression, with Hojlund also subsequently making his mark by netting five times in six Champions League group stage outings, including a breathtaking brace at home to Galatasaray.
Such moments have indicated that there is a player in there somewhere, yet with 26 goals to his name in 95 appearances, this is an expensive risk that has yet to pay off, with TNT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher notably describing the misfiring marksman as perhaps the “most unlucky number nine Manchester United have ever had”.
Man Utd strikers
But should his woes be a surprise? His only season in a top-five league had yielded only nine Serie A goals, having previously scored 17 goals in 53 games for Sturm Graz and FC Copenhagen combined. Thrusting him in as the leading striker was perhaps a step too far, too soon.
Sesko’s path has worryingly been rather similar to date, with the 22-year-old – who is actually younger than Hojlund – having spent two seasons in the Bundesliga, after previously scoring 29 times in 79 games for Austria side Red Bull Salzburg.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
A player whom United turned down for a fee of around £2.5m back in 2019, the Slovenian has reached double figures for league goals in each of the last two campaigns, although he hasn’t exactly ripped it up with 13 and 14 goals, respectively.
Like Hojlund, at 6 foot 4 the in-demand striker is an eye-catching figure, having been described as a “monster” of a striker by analyst Ben Mattinson. His penchant for the spectacular will also have onlookers licking their lips – boasting a highlight reel of goals that any number nine would be proud of.
That said, in the view of The Athletic’s James Horncastle, speaking on the Libero podcast, there is a sense that he merely is a “highlights player”, with the respected journalist even quipping that he is akin to a ‘Slovenian Andy Carroll’ in that regard.
A scorer of great goals, but not exactly a great goalscorer then, with United again at a juncture where they are in need of a proven talent, rather than a player of undoubtedly exciting potential.
Benjamin Sesko 2024-25 stats (timeless)
Like with Ten Hag and Kane two years ago, Ruben Amorim is said to have a preference for signing Premier League menace, Ollie Watkins. Perhaps listening to the Portuguese coach would be the right choice this time around?
Most important deal since Bruno: Man Utd make enquiry for "world-class" gem
Manchester United are set to make another key move within this summer’s transfer window.
It’s truly unthinkable where Manchester United would be without Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese international undoubtedly the shining light in the 2024/25 campaign.
The 30-year-old managed to register a total of 37 combined goals and assists throughout the most recent season – by far and away the highest tally of any player in the squad.
The £47m paid for his signature back in 2020 now appears to be a bargain, racking up just shy of 300 appearances for the club and hopefully many more in the club’s quest to return to their former glory.
However, if he is to lead the side to any success during Ruben Amorim’s reign, the hierarchy need to back the 40-year-old in his quest within the transfer market.
Whilst Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already arrived at Old Trafford, further additions are also expected to help the side rise up the Premier League table.
Man United close in on midfield agreement
Douglas Luiz has been a player on United’s shortlist for a sustained period, but it appears they could be handed a boost in their pursuit of the Juventus star.
The midfielder’s agent has already travelled to England for talks with various sides, with the Red Devils interested along with Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Everton.
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However, he’s not the only midfielder in their sights, with Valencia star Javi Guerra another target during the current window, according to El Chiringuito.
They claim that Amorim’s side are “very close to reaching an agreement” this summer, with a £25m fee mooted for the youngster’s signature.
The report also states that his current side have tried to tie the Spaniard down to a new contract, but he wants a move to a bigger club during the off-season.
Why United’s latest target would take Bruno to the next level
Bruno’s impressive tally of combined goals and assists last season certainly saved United from a disastrous Premier League finish, but upon reflection, his efforts were even more remarkable than they originally appeared.
The Portuguese international often featured in a slightly deeper role, forcing him to operate in a somewhat unnatural position which should’ve restricted his efforts within attacking areas.
There’s no denying that the experienced talent is better in a more attacking role, subsequently able to have more of an impact within the final third – which will improve their goalscoring record.
However, any move for Guerra could enable him to do just that, with the Spaniard able to fill the void in the middle of the park and push Fernandes further forward.
Offering depth is one thing, but he has all the tools to make an impact within Amorim’s side, but also has the potential to improve further in the years ahead, given his tender age.
When delving into his stats from LaLiga last season, the Valencia talent showcased his skillset, potentially being a bargain given his £25m asking price.
Guerra, who’s been labelled “special” by analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to register 4.8 progressive passes and 4.2 passes into the final third per 90 – having the ability to provide Bruno with the added chances he needs in the final third.
Javi Guerra’s stats for Valencia in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
36
Goals & assists
6
Progressive passes
4.8
Passes into final third
4.2
Take-ons attempted
2.7
Carries into final third
1.5
Tackles won
1.7
Stats via FBref
He also attempted 2.7 take-ons per 90, along with 1.5 carries into the final third – showcasing his ability to get the ball into the opposition’s defensive third.
Out of possession, the youngster had also won 1.7 tackles per 90, winning 46% of the tackles he entered, having the ball-winning capability that could make him the perfect deep-lying option.
If the Spaniard can transfer his skillset over to England with him, it would be one of the bargains of the summer window, massively bolstering the options at Amorim’s disposal.
Such an arrival would hand Bruno the licence to build on his success in 2024/25, with his talents subsequently pushing the side up the table next campaign.
More important than Mbeumo: Man Utd have tabled bid to sign £40m star
Manchester United appear to be continuing their work in the market after landing Bryan Mbeumo.