Team USA manager Mark DeRosa on Monday announced that Judge was named the captain for the Americans in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Shortly after the announcement on MLB Network, Judge was asked what it means to him to wear "USA" on his chest.
"Just getting a chance to represent this country," Judge said. "What this country means to me—Honestly, every game during the national anthem, God Bless America… It's a time to reflect about all the brave men and women that have fought for this country and given me the opportunity to step on a baseball field and play a game that I love.
"So, now getting a chance to have USA across my chest and represent the great people in our country and represent what this country means—it's a great opportunity."
Speaking at a news conference after the announcement of his captaincy, Judge expanded upon his salute to the American military, adding that being named the team's captain is "humbling."
"Getting a chance to represent our country," Judge said. "I kinda said it earlier this morning, but thinking about all the brave men and women that have fought for this country, and laid their lives down for us to get a chance, and especially me get a chance, to go out here and play a game.
"It's a pretty humbling experience. Just happy to represent the US and happy to be your captain."
DeRosa explained that he informed Los Angeles Angels superstar—and 2023 Team USA captain—Mike Trout of his decision to name Judge the captain for the 2026 squad. Trout replied simply, "He should be."
Judge is not only the perfect ambassador for the Yankees as the team's captain, but he's also that for the sport as well.
Superchargers will progress to Sunday’s final to face Brave if rain scuppers Saturday’s showdown
ECB Media26-Aug-2025Northern Superchargers 96 for 2 (Sutherland 30*, Davidson-Richards 30) beat Manchester Originals 94 (Monaghan 26, Sutherland 3-15) by eight wicketsIn the battle to reach The Hundred Eliminator this Saturday – with Southern Brave having already secured their spot in The Hundred Final – it was the Northern Superchargers who came out on top at Headingley as Manchester Originals, targeting the huge score that would have significantly bumped up their run rate, ended up being bowled out for just 94, a score that the Superchargers knocked off with ease to win by eight wickets and ensure second place.With the runners-up in the table going through to the final in the event of an Eliminator wash-out, the Superchargers will be pleased with their afternoon’s work, their win guaranteeing them that second spot and ensuring London Spirit would join them in the Eliminator.Electing to field first, Hollie Armitage’s side saw Beth Mooney get off to a flyer but once she had gone for 20 off 13, the rest of the innings was something of a procession.Kate Cross put the disappointment of her non-selection for England’s World Cup squad behind her, showcasing the enduring qualities of line and length in conceding just six runs from her 15 deliveries.Annabel Sutherland also starred with 3 for 15, while Nicola Carey took 2 for 13, both off their full allocation. Only Alice Monaghan sparkled, her 26 in 17 balls containing the innings’ only two sixes.Faced with the nigh-on impossible task of restricting the Superchargers to 38 in order to finish in third place or 35 to claim second, the Originals tried hard but the task was simply too great.Those two targets came and went as Alice Davidson-Richards went on the charge, hitting 30 off 18 with six boundaries, before she hit the competition’s quickest bowler Lauren Filer to Deandra Dottin on the edge.Sutherland (30* off 17) carried on attacking, hitting Dottin down the ground exquisitely for four then six, Phoebe Litchfield (26* off 20) at the other end working the gaps and unfurling the occasional well-timed sweep and pull shot.The result was beyond doubt well before the end as the Australian pair eased to victory by eight wickets with 35 balls to spare.The Meerkat Match Hero Annabel Sutherland said: “It feels great. Hopefully we can carry that momentum into the next two games. We love it at Headingley and I guess it shows in the results we’ve got here.”Everyone’s really keen for Saturday, and hopefully we will put our best foot forward. We honestly just have a blast out there. We really enjoy each other’s company. It’s a great tournament, lots of fun.”
O Palmeiras foi derrotado de virada pelo Santos, no domingo (8), na Arena Barueri, pelo Brasileirão. Foi o quinto jogo consecutivo sem vitória do Verdão na temporada, algo raro durante a passagem de Abel Ferreira, mas não inédito. Tanto é que este não é o maior jejum sob o comando do português, que já chegou a ficar sete partidas sem saber o que é vencer.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasCinco pontos que explicam momento delicado do Palmeiras na temporadaPalmeiras10/10/2023PalmeirasSegurança, família, exposição… Os motivos que levaram os jogadores a deixarem o PalmeirasPalmeiras09/10/2023FinançasQual é o salário de Abel Ferreira, técnico do Palmeiras?Finanças09/10/2023
+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
A sequência de duelos sem vitória começou diante do Grêmio (derrota por 1 a 0), depois com o Boca Juniors (empate em 0 a 0), diante do Bragantino (derrota por 2 a 1), Boca Juniors novamente (empate em 0 a 0) e Santos (derrota por 2 a 1).
+ Transforme sua paixão pelo futebol em profissão. Descubra o caminho com o curso Gestor de Futebol!
Com isso, o último triunfo palmeirense foi em 15 de setembro, quando venceu o Goiás por 1 a 0, no Allianz Parque. De lá para cá já passou quase um mês e o Alviverde ainda não reencontrou o caminho da comemoração.
continua após a publicidade
Não foi a primeira vez neste ano que o time passou por isso. Na primeira metade de julho, o Palmeiras também ficou cinco jogos sem vencer: empate em 2 a 2 com o Athletico-PR, derrota para o São Paulo por 1 a 0, empate em 1 a 1 com o Flamengo, nova derrota para o São Paulo por 2 a 1, e empate em 0 a 0 com o Internacional.
+ Opinião: ‘O fim do Todos Somos Um no Palmeiras só tem uma culpada’
Mesmo em 2022, quando a equipe era mais regular, houve uma oscilação entre o fim de agosto e o início de setembro, também com cinco jogos de jejum: empate em 1 a 1 com o Flamengo, empate em 1 a 1 com o Fluminense, derrota por 1 a 0 para o Athletico-PR, empate em 2 a 2 com o Bragantino e empate em 2 a 2 com o Athletico-PR.
continua após a publicidade
Ainda assim, porém, essas sequências não foram tão grandes quanto aquela estabelecida entre o fim de setembro e a metade de outubro de 2021. Naquele momento foram sete jogos sem vitória: empate em 0 a 0 com o Atlético-MG, derrota por 2 a 1 para o Corinthians, empate em 1 a 1 com o Atlético-MG, empate em 1 a 1 com o Juventude, derrota por 2 a 1 para o América-MG, derrota por 4 a 2 para o Bragantino, e empate em 0 a 0 com o Bahia.
+ Palmeiras ainda briga pelo Brasileirão? Olhar do Porco responde!
Ou seja, a Era Abel Ferreira já teve um momento de até maior oscilação e acabou sendo superado com uma conquista de Libertadores. No entanto, em 2023, não há final para disputar e o Brasileirão parece ter definitivamente escapado das mãos do Alviverde. Missão para o técnico português é recolocar o time nos eixos e buscar, no mínimo, o G4 do campeonato nacional.
One of the best players in the world over the last 12 months has been former Leeds United star Raphinha. The Brazilian has shone for Barcelona, and scored 34 goals and assisted 26 in just 57 games under Hansi Flick last term.
His exceptional performances were certainly seen by people across the world. The culmination of Raphinha’s success last season saw him finish fifth in the Ballon d’Or race, with Lamine Yamal the only Barca player ahead of him.
Injury has slowed his season down in 2025/26, but he has five goals and assists in six La Liga games.
Leeds fans will never forget his contribution in his final season at the club.
Raphinha’s importance during the 2021/22 season
Brazil international Raphinha only spent two campaigns at Elland Road. The first season was behind closed doors due to COVID, but he had already established himself as a fan favourite.
The second campaign was excellent too, and incredibly important.
The Whites avoided relegation by the skin of the teeth on the final day of the 2021/22 season.
It would turn out to be Raphinha’s last appearance for the West Yorkshire side, and he scored a crucial penalty in their 2-1 win away to Brentford, which helped keep them in the Premier League.
It was more than just that spot kick at the Gtech Community Stadium that signified Raphinha’s importance. He bagged 11 goals and assisted three across the season, including a run of seven goal involvements in ten games between October and January.
His pivotal contributions did not go unnoticed by fans and ex-players alike. One man who could not praise Raphinha enough was Noel Whelan, their former striker. He said the Brazilian “gave everything to keep Leeds United in the Premier League,” showing just how much it meant to the club.
In their promotion campaign last season, Leeds had a player vital to their success, although he has rapidly fallen out of favour at Elland Road.
The Leeds star now out of favour
A few players under Daniel Farke this season have fallen down the pecking order after a busy summer transfer window. Illan Meslier and Joel Piroe are two examples of players who were crucial to earning promotion but have had little or no involvement this term.
Well, someone else who fits that category is Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka. He is a player who Farke clearly rates, and called him an “outstanding” player last season. Summer signings have meant he is struggling to get into the team this term, though.
Last season, the 34-cap Japanese international was a key man in the centre of the park for the West Yorkshire side.
He played 43 Championship games, chipping in with five goals and two assists, including a late strike against promotion rivals Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
It was that sort of form which has led to Tanaka being hailed as the club’s best signing since Raphinha. It is easy to see why, too, with the contributions from midfield helping the Whites to return to the Premier League.
After starting the first couple of top-flight games this season, Tanaka picked up an injury and has since been out of the team. Farke has built momentum in the midfield with Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, meaning Tanaka can’t get into the lineup.
Ethan Ampadu
6
519 (5.7)
Anton Stach
8
680 (7.5)
Sean Longstaff
8
566 (6.2)
Ao Tanaka
6
190 (2.1)
Ilia Gruev
4
193 (2.1)
Perhaps Tanaka is on borrowed time at Elland Road. Once someone so important to the club, he now can’t get a game under Farke, and with the continuity we are seeing in the middle of the park, it is hard to see where his next start comes from.
Given his crucial role last term, the 27-year-old might well decide to consider his future if the situation doesn’t improve.
After showing his importance, just like Raphinha did a few years ago, his career has certainly gone the other way than how things panned out for the Brazilian.
Leeds have signed a "difference-maker" who is a bigger talent than Rutter
Leeds United have signed a bigger talent than Georginio Rutter with this summer signing.
Virat Kohli was “overcome with emotion” at the moment Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden IPL title in their 18th attempt, saying he had given the team “my youth, my prime and my experience” over the last two decades.Kohli is the only player to have played for one team in all 18 IPL seasons. He was seen on his knees, head bowed to the turf, and in tears when RCB completed their six-run victory in the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. There were many more emotional moments, with his RCB team-mates, his wife Anushka Sharma, and his former team-mates AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle.”This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” Kohli said after the game. “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my prime and my experience. I’ve tried to win this every season when I come, give it everything I have. To have this moment is an unbelievable feeling.Related
RCB to extend IPL title celebrations in Bengaluru
Krunal Pandya is an IPL great even if you don't think he is
“I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion as soon as the last ball was bowled. This means so much to me. I’ve given each and every ounce of my energy to this team. To have finally won the IPL is an amazing feeling.”Kohli said the IPL triumph is “right up there” with all his other triumphs, while professing his love for Bengaluru and the franchise that “stood behind me”. The IPL title caps a remarkable 12 months for Kohli during which he’s won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy as well.”I’ve given everything I’ve had for the last 18 years; I’ve stayed loyal to this team no matter what. I’ve had moments where I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them, they stood behind me. I’ve always dreamt of winning it with them.
“This is far more special than winning it with anyone else, because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. As I said, this is the team I’m going to play for till the last day I play the IPL. So, this one is absolutely right up there.”As sportsmen we grind for something, and this is a very high-intensity, high-quality tournament which is of great value in world cricket today. And I’m someone that wants to win the big tournaments, the big moments, this one was missing and tonight I’m going to sleep like a baby.”Having retired from Test cricket – his favourite format – last month, Kohli spoke of his quest to improve and continue to find ways to stay motivated. He ended the season as RCB’s highest run-scorer, with 657 and eight half-centuries, all of them coming in victories.
“I’ve an opportunity to play this game for not many years,” he said. “So, there’s an end date to our career as you know. By the time I hang up our boots, I can sit at home and say I gave it everything I had. I look for ways to improve.”I can’t play as an Impact Player. I want to field, field 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That’s the kind of player I am. God’s blessed me with the perspective and talent, I’m so very grateful for this victory, so thankful for god for giving it to me finally tonight. I just put my head down, stay humble, work as hard as I possibly can, find ways to help the team.”Kohli praised the RCB management for assembling a strong squad at the auction and then backing them through challenging phases during the season.Virat Kohli and silverware make quite the striking pair•BCCI
“This management and group of players have been outstanding to be honest,” he said. “They’ve got in the right kind of players, people who take the game on. In the auction, a lot of people questioned our tactics. But by the end of day two, we were very happy with what we had.”We had a lot of confidence in the strength of this group. And I want to give a big shout out to this team. It wouldn’t have been possible without each and everyone: in the squad, in the playing XI, the management backing the players, keeping us positive throughout when the going got tough. So, it’s everyone’s. I don’t want to sit here, and talk about myself. There’s a lot that’s been spoken about me already. This win is for Bangalore. It’s for each and everyone of the players, their families and the management.”When asked what Test cricket meant to him, Kohli, speaking on the subject for the first time since he retired, said: “This moment [the IPL win] is right up there with the best moments I’ve had in my career, but it’s still marks five levels under Test cricket. That’s how much I value Test cricket. That’s how much I love Test cricket. I would just urge youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect.”If you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye, shake your hand and say well done, you played the game really well. If you want to earn respect in world cricket all over, take up Test cricket, give your heart and soul to it and earn the respect from legends.”
Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel were at the crease, again, as Rajasthan Royals failed to close out a game they should have
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Apr-20253:09
Rayudu: RR panicked under pressure
For the second game in a row, Rajasthan Royals (RR) failed to close a chase out.Three days ago, against Delhi Capitals (DC), RR needed 23 runs off the last 12 deliveries, with seven wickets standing. But the match ended in a tie, and RR lost the Super Over. While chasing 181 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Jaipur on Saturday, RR required 25 runs from 18 balls, and had eight wickets in hand. Yet, they lost by two runs.After the latest reversal, RR’s stand-in captain Riyan Parag said such results were “really kind of hard to process”. “I don’t know what we did wrong. I felt we were in the game probably till the 18th over and 19th over, actually,” Parag said at the post-match presentation. “But yeah, I don’t know.”Related
RCB look for Chinnaswamy joy against still-tinkering RR
Avesh Khan wins a Russian roulette of yorkers at the death
With three overs to go against LSG, RR had two set batters at the crease. Yashasvi Jaiswal was batting on 74, and Parag on 38. But the 18th over from Avesh Khan began with Jaiswal bowled by a yorker, and ended with Parag trapped lbw by another yorker, as he looked to scoop but missed. In the last over, against Avesh again, Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel could score only six runs out of the nine required.Did Jaiswal and Parag falling at a critical time make the big difference?”I think it’s something along those lines,” Parag said. “I blame myself for this. I probably should have finished it in the 19th over. But then, I don’t know if that was a bad decision for myself. I mean, we [have] just got to put one game together collectively for 40 overs. Only then can we expect a win.”But Parag also pointed to the one big over with the ball – the last – for taking the target beyond RR. The experienced Sandeep Sharma was taken for 27 runs in that over, with Abdul Samad smashing him for four sixes. That took LSG to 180.”I think we did really well [with the ball]. The last over was unfortunate,” he said. “I kind of thought we would stop them at like 165, [or] 170 max. The last over was unfortunate. Sandy is trusted. I think he just had one bad game, and Abdul Samad batted really well. So I thought we were like probably 20 runs over par [or] 15 runs over par. But we should have chased that down.”This was RR’s fourth loss in a row, and left them at eighth on the points table. They have won just two games out of eight so far, and head into their next match, an away fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 24, after a five-day break.
Thomas Tuchel has explained why Jude Bellingham was left out of the latest England squad, with the Three Lions boss speaking to the Real Madrid midfielder before making his selection. Many expected Bellingham to earn an immediate recall after returning to action at club level following shoulder surgery. He has, however, been overlooked alongside the likes of Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden and Everton winger Jack Grealish.
Tuchel explains decision not to recall Bellingham after injury
England are preparing to face Wales in an international friendly and Latvia in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. Tuchel has revealed his selection for those fixtures, with some notable absentees attracting plenty of attention. Bellingham tops that list, with the 22-year-old fit again and performing at club level for La Liga heavyweights. No risks are being taken on his condition by Tuchel and Co.
England’s head coach told reporters when asked why Bellingham, as a talismanic member of the Three Lions fold, has not been called upon: "I understand the focus on Jude, he is a special player and for special players there can always be special rules, I get this. But for this camp we decided that we stick with our straightforward decision to invite the same team. That applies also to Jude. He deserves always to be in camp.
"I think there is an extra layer on top of it, the situation that he has not gathered fully rhythm yet at Real Madrid. He is back in the team, he hasn’t finished one full match until now, he has only started one match. He is at the moment in the period where he gets his rhythm, where he gets back to full strength. There is this extra layer to the decision. The decision stayed for this camp."
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
Bellingham wanted to be selected by England
The decision not to be involved against Wales and Latvia was taken out of Bellingham’s hands, as he had expressed a desire to join another England camp. Tuchel said of speaking with the Blancos superstar: "He wanted to be called up, We had a phone call. There was no issue from that side. He just lacks rhythm, he hasn’t finished a match, like I said."
Tuchel added on needing to get used to playing without key figures, with there no guarantee that anybody will be fit for next summer’s shot at global glory in the United States, Canada and Mexico: "Are we a better team with Jude? Yes. But I told you before, what do we do if Jude is injured before the World Cup? Do we just cancel?"
Tuchel has no issue with Grealish & Foden
Tuchel was also quick to play down any suggestion that Bellingham was overlooked due to concerns over his character, with the German having previously admitted that his mother finds some of the Real Madrid midfielder’s behaviour "repulsive" – comments that he has since apologised for making.
The ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss said, with tough decisions having to be made on a number of players: "There is no problem also between me and Phil Foden, between me and Jack Grealish. Special players back to influencing games. Jack is very close to being back to the best version of himself – very special player, very special character. There is no problem. There is no personal problem."
He went on to say: "These were not awkward conversations. They were straightforward conversations. The last camp was only three and a half weeks ago and the team work and spirit was on the highest level. That is why we decided to invite the same group to this camp. There are players out who deserve to be with us and they can get back in through performance. This is the best and most straightforward decision."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty
England fixtures: When Three Lions will be back in action
England are set to face neighbours Wales at Wembley Stadium next Thursday, with that contest providing Tuchel with an opportunity to shuffle his pack and tinker with any tactical plans. The Three Lions will then head to Latvia, sitting top of their World Cup qualification group, on October 14.
Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has lauded an “incredible” Manchester City star for his performance in the 3-0 victory against Manchester United on Sunday.
Man City dominate Man Utd at the Etihad
Man City silenced the doubters with a 3-0 thrashing of rivals Man United on Sunday, with Erling Haaland undoubtedly the star of the show, scoring a brace, although he could’ve easily had a hat-trick, hitting the post after missing a golden opportunity from close range.
Not only was Haaland at his best, but a number of other City players caught the eye, including January signing Abdukodir Khusanov, who completed six clearances, four interceptions and two tackles to keep Ruben Amorim’s side at bay.
Khusanov looks like he is now settling in at the Etihad Stadium, having arguably struggled to make an instant impact, with the Uzbekistan international making just six Premier League appearances in the 2024-25 season after arriving from Ligue 1 side Lens last winter.
However, a different City player has made a flying start to life at the club, according to Richards, who waxed lyrical about summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma on The Rest Is Football podcast after the Manchester derby.
"Massive fan" – Gerrard has named Man Utd legend among his "favourite players"
Steven Gerrard has made it clear he is a huge admirer of a former Manchester United star.
ByDominic Lund Sep 16, 2025
The former Man City man said: “He’s a man mountain! I feel so sorry for Trafford, I feel sorry for Trafford but that save. £26m, £26m! He’s just won the Champions League, he’s what, 25, 26 years of his age?
“Yes people will talk about playing out from the back, he’s not an Ederson playing out, but in terms of shot-stopping, his record is incredible. What a signing that was, and he had a fantastic game today in the derby.”
Donnarumma may keep Trafford out of the starting XI
It is natural to feel sorry for James Trafford, who has seemingly now fallen behind Donnarumma in the pecking order, despite starting the opening three games of the Premier League campaign.
However, it is clear to see why Pep Guardiola brought the Italian straight into the starting XI, given that he is vastly experienced at the top level, having made 40 Champions League appearances, while also receiving high praise from Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique.
The 26-year-old also got off to a solid start on his City debut, keeping a clean sheet in the derby victory, and making one save from inside the box, alongside three clearances throughout the match.
As such, Trafford will have his work cut out trying to force his way back into Guardiola’s side, and there have now been reports suggesting the Englishman is open to a loan move in the January transfer window.
Bangladesh’s selectors are waiting for Tamim Iqbal to make up his mind about a possible comeback to international cricket ahead of the Champions Trophy next month. The deadline for announcing squads is January 12, and the BCB is willing to wait till the last minute to see if Tamim wants to play. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain led the talks with Tamim at the Fortune Barishal team hotel in Sylhet; Tamim is captaining the side in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).Tamim retired from international cricket in July 2023, before reversing his decision the next day after intervention from then Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Tamim had a falling out with then BCB president Nazmul Hassan. Both Hasina and Hassan left the country during the anti-government protests in mid-2024 which left several hundred protesters dead.Tamim gave up the captaincy during that run-in with the board in 2023 but returned to play two ODIs against New Zealand in September before the then selectors, led by Minhajul Abedin, dropped him for the 2023 World Cup. That was followed by then captain Shakib Al Hasan blasting Tamim in a televised interview.Tamim Iqbal has been a key cog for Fortune Barishal at the BPL•Fortune Barishal
Tamim has not played an international game since then but continued to play domestic cricket, including winning the 2024 BPL with the Barishal franchise and finishing as the Player of the Tournament. Tamim is currently defending that title in Sylhet, where the meeting with the national selectors took place.”We held a primary discussion with Tamim,” Gazi Ashraf Hossain said. “We have to announce the Champions Trophy team by January 12, so we have a bit of time. We want to let him take time, not be in a hurry to decide. We have spoken to him on behalf of the board. The player has to come to a decision after speaking to his family, friends and well-wishers. He is also in the middle of a tournament so he will need a bit of time.”We have four days left [before announcing the squad]. We have done our homework, so we know how things will shape up. We pay respect to a cricketer like Tamim Iqbal, so he can take his time before informing us. I think it’s fair enough. The board is fine with this, so everyone now has to be patient.”Gazi Ashraf said that ODI captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is in faour of Tamim’s return. “We are always speaking to the captain. He wasn’t however there when we spoke to Tamim. We have spoken to the captain separately about the squad. I think everyone wants Tamim back in the Bangladesh team.”Tamim also recently played in the National Cricket League T20s, where he was the top scorer for Chattogram Division.Gazi Ashraf said that showed Tamim is match fit, though he will have to take a call himself if he can make the step up to international cricket. “There’s a huge gap between domestic and international cricket. A player who is at a crucial juncture in his career, he has to consider a lot of things. I think it will be hasty for everyone to take a call in just one meeting, given that Tamim hasn’t been around international cricket for quite some time.”He is playing the BPL. He played in the NCL T20s. There’s no question about his ability. We are all waiting for his return to the Bangladesh team. He is most welcome from our side. You just have to wait. Let there be suspense.”
It wouldn’t be hyperbole to say that, so far, this summer has been one of Nottingham Forest’s most memorable for some time.
Nuno Espirito-Santo’s side haven’t done anything of much note on the pitch, but there has been plenty happening off of it.
For example, the club were embroiled in a dispute with Tottenham Hotspur, which they appear to have won, over Morgan Gibbs-White; they’ve secured their place in the Europa League, and to top it off, they’ve made several exciting signings.
However, there is no sign of the club slowing down, as, on top of closing in on James McAtee, they appear keen on someone who’d be a perfect teammate for him.
Forest target dream McAtee teammate
After securing the services of Igor Jesus, Dan Ndoye and Jair Cunha, it appears that the next player on Forest’s transfer list this summer is McAtee.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Manchester City academy product impressed in spells last season, scoring seven goals in just 936 minutes of first-team action, and it looks like he’ll be making his way to the City Ground for just over £20m, with personal terms already agreed.
While that would be enough business in one window for many other teams, the Tricky Trees aim to make at least one more addition before the window closes next month.
England's JamesMcAteereacts
At least that is according to a recent report from Sky Sports, which claims Nottingham Forest are still very interested in Omari Hutchinson.
The report has revealed that, while the Tricky Trees saw their previous offer of £35m rejected, they are still discussing the possibility of another bid.
If the club do go back in for the Englishman, they’ll have to stump up at least £40m, which is what he’s valued by Ipswich Town.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Hutchinson’s ability and potential make it one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be brilliant with McAtee.
Why Hutchinson would be a perfect teammate for McAtee
The first reason that Hutchinson would be an excellent teammate for McAtee at Forest is the simple fact that they’re already teammates for England’s U21.
Spain's MarcPubillin action with England's Omari Hutchinson
The City gem has made 24 appearances for the team and captained them to glory at this summer’s European Championships.
For his part, the Ipswich ace has made ten appearances for the junior side, in which he’s produced six goal involvements and was a key part of the team’s success this summer, starting five of the six games, including the final.
Not only does this mean the pair will already have a great relationship and understanding of one another’s game prior to joining the Tricky Trees, but also that they can thrive in the same lineup together.
Another reason why the former Chelsea gem could end up being a perfect teammate for the Salford-born ace is his positional versatility.
Right Winger
59
28
Attacking Midfield
58
25
Left Winger
17
11
Right Midfield
8
2
Centre-Forward
3
2
Second Striker
1
0
Left Midfield
1
1
Central Midfield
1
0
Left-Back
1
1
The 21-year-old’s ability to play on either wing and in the middle of the park should give him plenty of opportunities to start alongside McAtee, and therefore further develop their relationship.
However, it also means that Nuno can play the Redhill-born dynamo in place of the 22-year-old when he needs to rest and therefore reduce the risk of injury.
Ipswich Town'sOmariHutchinsonreacts
Finally, while the “explosive” Ipswich talent, as dubbed by one Arsenal content creator, was somewhat limited by the team he was playing in last season, he still managed to produce five goal involvements in 31 league games.
Moreover, he showed glimpses of something quite special at times, like that goal against Manchester United.
Ultimately, while it won’t be cheap, Forest would be wise to sign Hutchinson alongside McAtee this summer, as the pair could develop a brilliant partnership at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest now "preparing a bid" for "fantastic" £25k-p/w playmaker
The Tricky Trees could be set to make an offer for a highly sought-after player.