Hammarby manager Kim Hellberg has now travelled to the UK to hold talks with Swansea City about taking their vacant managerial role, with the Championship side advancing their move during the international break.

Since making the decision to sack Alan Sheehan, Swansea have been linked with moves for a number of names with Hellberg at the very top of their list. Alongside the 37-year-old, former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has been linked with the job, whilst Russell Martin is reportedly open to making an unexpected return.

The former Swansea manager has endured a couple of years to forget in the dugout, having been sacked by Southampton in the Premier League and then by Rangers as one of their most unsuccessful managers of all time. Now, he desperately needs his next move to go well.

The Swans could also do with getting things right after sacking Sheehan. They currently sit 18th and seven points above the dropzone. Get things wrong and they face the risk of falling into a relegation battle this season.

With Middlesbrough and Norwich City also on the hunt for new managers, Swansea must also act fast if they are to secure their top managerial target. The last thing they want to do is miss their stop on the managerial merry-go-round in the Championship.

In an ideal world, those in Wales will have their top candidate through the door by the end of the international break and in time to face Bristol City on November 22. Whether that candidate will be Carrick, Martin or Hellberg is the big question.

Swansea advance Hellberg move

According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Hellberg has now travelled to hold talks with Swansea and is now in London as the Wales-based side look to advance their move for the Hammarby boss.

All signs are pointing towards the 37-year-old becoming the next Swansea manager as things stand, although things could still change. And if it is to be the Swede, then those in Wales will be welcoming yet another young manager.

Hellberg has only ever managed two clubs, with his time in Hammarby particularly standing out as a success. It’s there that he has maintained a points per game record of 1.89 across 73 games in charge to take his side into the top two of the Allsvenskan.

The Championship is another challenge entirely, but it’s not the first time that Swansea have thought outside the box when it comes to hiring a manager. They, of course, hired a young Graham Potter in 2018 after he left Swedish club Ostersunds FK.

Manager who called Swansea City fans "fantastic" now open to replacing Sheehan

At Manchester United, there is a newfound sense of hope and optimism. Much has changed in recent weeks for Ruben Amorim, who has overseen a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League and is knocking on the top four door.

The Red Devils have strengthened their spine, core players reborn in an alliance of security and stability stretching down the Old Trafford pitch.

But something is still lacking, and it’s clear that the Old Trafford side need a centre-midfielder to take their resurgence to the next level.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is among those at the top of INEOS’s shopping list.

Man Utd's interest in Adam Wharton

The engine room bears one of the most glaring holes in Amorim’s Manchester United squad. Casemiro has been resurgent this season, but the Brazilian is 33 and new deep-lying midfielders must be signed.

That’s where Wharton comes in.

It has been felt for a number of months that the 21-year-old Three Lions star ranks high on United’s list of targets, and he would certainly open up avenues in the middle of the park, ranked among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for through balls per 90, as per FBref.

This is an up-and-coming superstar who is never content with where he is. By completing a transfer to the Theatre of Dreams, he could at least take a giant step toward the very top of the European game.

However, Palace will not let their prized prospect leave easily, and have actually priced him at around £100m as interest continues to swell.

While Wharton would be a credit to the Red Devils project, Amorim actually has his own version of the England international, and he must start unleashing him.

Amorim must unleash his "future £100m" star

If it’s not clear already who the man in question is here, Kobbie Mainoo will no doubt feel that he has what it takes to nail down a regular starting role in Amorim’s Man United project. But he’s got a long way to go.

While the thought of adding Wharton to the ranks is exciting, United might have their own version in Mainoo, with the 20-year-old out of favour right now but having been hailed by former teammate Rasmus Hojlund after winning the FA Cup – and scoring against City in the final – as being a “generational” talent.

Paul Scholes noted that watching the powerful star on the ball and in his groove was “poetry in motion”.

But there’s no question that he has regressed since Amorim took to the dugout, left out in the cold all too often by a manager who has not been won over by his skillset.

Mainoo’s PL record
Stats (* per game)	23/24	24/25
Matches (starts)	24 (24)	25 (19)
Goals	3	0
Assists	1	0
Touches*	49.0	46.0
Pass completion	87%	87%
Big chances created	0	4
Key passes*	0.6	0.6
Dribbles*	1.3	0.9
Ball recoveries*	4.0	3.5
Tackles + interceptions*	2.9	2.6
Duels (won)*	5.0 (52%)	4.4 (45%)
Data via Sofascore

This season, the England international’s statistics are not worth collating, having been reduced to seven cameos in the Premier League, averaging out at 22 minutes per match.

Amorim does not have a vendetta against Mainoo, and rather, harbours concerns over the Carrington graduate’s intensity and tactical suitability within the system.

But he’s shown that he has what it takes, and with a little fine-tuning over the coming months, Mainoo’s technical quality and natural athleticism could see him win the head coach over and cement a position of prominence under the Theatre’s spotlights.

After all, the homegrown hero has been hailed as a “future £100m+ footballer”, and so the last thing United want is for him to slip through their fingers.

The new Ronaldo: Man Utd preparing British-record bid for £200m superstar

Manchester United are looking to make further attacking investments after this summer’s spending.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 17, 2025

Spirited batting closes gap to eighth place with one round of matches to come

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Sep-2025

Emilio Gay made 161 off 182 balls•Getty Images

Durham 450 for 6 (Gay 161, Rhodes , Bedingham 58) drew with Worcestershire 591 for 9 dec (Roderick 151, Brookes 100, D’Oliveira 84, Taylor 66*, Edavalath 61)Centuries from Emilio Gay and Will Rhodes helped Durham pick up five crucial batting bonus points as they drew their Rothesay County Championship clash with already relegated Worcestershire.In the morning the Pears picked up a couple of Durham scalps to halt their quest for batting bonus points, but Gay and David Bedingham (58) combined for a partnership worth 122 to help Durham’s cause.Gay then reached three figures, while Rhodes scored his maiden first-class hundred for Durham to get them to 450 for six, securing the maximum number of batting points available ahead of a potential relegation decider against Yorkshire next week.Worcestershire declared overnight on 591 for nine, leaving Durham with the task of getting batting bonus points to boost their chances of staying in Division One.Opener Alex Lees carved a Tom Taylor delivery through the covers to the boundary, but Taylor got Lees next ball as he was caught behind for eight.The Pears were testing Durham in the early stages, but Gay relieved the pressure as he produced a great straight drive off Taylor which went for four.Durham’s pursuit stalled as Ben McKinney then departed for 16 at the hands of Matthew Waite as he edged one to Ben Gibbon at slip.That brought David Bedingham to the crease and the batter managed to find the boundary with ease in the early stages of his innings.Pears skipper Brett D’Oliveira came into the attack, but on his follow through he went over on his right ankle, which prompted concerns from the dressing room given they have the Metro Bank One Day Cup final on Saturday.Gay continued to tick along nicely and got his fifty from 71 balls, while taking his side to 100 before lunch.Bedingham continued to attack the bowlers after the lunch interval as he clipped one on the onside for four and he played another excellent shot, this time carving a Taylor delivery through the covers for four.Gay was almost heading back to the pavilion on 72, as he edged an Allison delivery but Gibbon couldn’t cling on to it with an outstretched hand.Bedingham then brought up his second fifty of the season from 79 balls and smashed a six off the bowling of Waite next ball. However, he went for one hit too many as Waite got him for 58 after he didn’t get enough on a pull shot, which Allison caught on the boundary.Gay continued to motor, now alongside Will Rhodes, and he picked up his fourth century of the season from 127 balls.The opener continued to play fluently after reaching the milestone, picking up three boundaries in a Brookes over, and Durham reached their first batting point in the 53rd over.Gay passed the milestone of 150 for the third time this campaign after tea and Rhodes, who has struggled for First Class runs this season, played nicely and found the boundary with a tidy glance off the legs from a Gibbon ball.Rhodes then reached fifty for the first time in Durham whites from 72 deliveries and he picked up another boundary straight after. Gay then went for an excellent 161, his highest Durham score, as he chopped a Gibbon delivery onto his leg stump.Rhodes continued Durham’s swashbuckling approach as he heaved a Dan Lategan to the boundary, but Ollie Robinson fell soon after for four as he was bowled by the part-time off spin of Jake Libby.Rhodes continued his charge as he smashed Lategan for a six down the ground and then reached three figures for the first time this season, coming from 121 balls.Graham Clark produced a quick 29 to speed things up, but Libby got his second of the day as he got the Durham man caught and bowled.Rhodes then got his 150 and guided his side to 450, the magic number for five batting points, and the two sides shook hands just after 5pm.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has enjoyed a perfect start to life in the Scottish Premiership, with three wins in his first three matches in charge.

The Light Blues had only won one of their first eight games in the division under Russell Martin and Stevie Smith, which is why the German manager’s fast start is particularly impressive.

Rohl has already showcased his pragmatism and adaptability with formation changes through all three matches, playing variations of a 3-4-2-1, a 3-4-3, and a 4-2-3-1.

The former Sheffield Wednesday head coach will surely have been pleased with his side’s performance in their last game before the international break, as they won 3-0 against Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday.

Rangers head into the international break on a high, possibly for the first time this season, and they will be looking to continue their strong form against Livingston at Ibrox next week.

The German manager’s arrival at Ibrox has been a breath of fresh air in recent weeks, and it is clear to see that several players have benefitted from his appointment.

The Rangers players who have benefitted most from Danny Rohl's appointment

One of the players who has benefitted the most from Rohl joining the club is Brazilian forward, Danilo, who had fallen out of favour under the previous management team.

The Brazilian striker played one game, against Sturm Graz in the Europa League, between August and Martin’s exit last month, yet has featured in all six of the games under Rohl.

Danilo has scored two goals in three Premiership matches under the German head coach, which shows that he is thriving in the new system and is trusted by the manager.

Possibly the most obvious player to benefit from the change in management is Nicolas Raskin, who was dropped from the squad for several games during Martin’s tenure. The midfielder even said that his future at Ibrox depended on the “coach” during the September international break.

The Belgium international has featured in every match under Rohl so far and scored his first goal in the Premiership so far this season with a header against Dundee.

Minutes

90

Goals

1

Key passes

2

Pass accuracy

93%

Dribble success rate

100%

Tackle success rate

100%

Ground duels won

7/12

Interceptions

2

Dribbled past

0x

As you can see in the table above, Raskin put in a brilliant all-round performance at Dens Park, as he showcased his qualities in and out of possession in the middle of the park.

The Belgian star’s quality on the ball was on full display, whilst he was also impressive physically out of possession as a defensive force, which is why he is such a key player for the Gers when at his best.

It is fair to say that Danilo and Raskin are two of the players who have benefitted the most from the change in manager and change in style of play, given their respective situations under Martin and how important they have been to Rohl in his first six matches in the dugout.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, there is still time for the German boss to assess the squad and the upcoming international break will be his first chance to take some time and look deeper into the team and the academy, to see what he has to work with for the rest of the campaign.

With this in mind, the former Sheffield Wednesday tactician should look to reward Clinton Nsiala with a chance to impress after the break, after the central defender did not get a look-in under Martin.

How Danny Rohl can unearth his own Virgil van Dijk for Rangers

Rangers swooped to sign the French centre-back from AC Milan in the summer of 2024 after his contract at the San Siro came to an end, and he was given some opportunities by Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson.

The left-footed star played 13 times in all competitions for the Scottish giants in the 2024/25 campaign, along with four appearances in the Trust Trophy for the B team, per Transfermarkt.

Nsiala also scored the first senior goal of his career against Fraserburgh in the SFA Cup at the start of the year, which was his only goal in those 13 appearances last term.

Unfortunately, though, the central defender has not played a single minute of football in the 2025/26 campaign, as Martin decided to leave him out of the squad for all of his matches in charge, per Transfermarkt.

Nsiala was in first-team training ahead of Rohl’s first game against Brann, though, which suggests that he is still around the group and available to be considered for selection.

Last season, Rangers winger Ross McCausland, who left on loan this summer, described the French colossus as a “a left-footed Van Dijk”, which was considerable praise, as the former Celtic centre-back has won the Premier League and the Champions League with Liverpool, the club he now captains.

In the 2024/25 campaign, Nsiala played 11 times in the Premiership for the Light Blues and helped the team to enjoy a fairly impressive run of form in those matches.

Dundee

1-1 draw

St Johnstone

3-1 win

Aberdeen

3-0 win

Dundee United

3-1 win

Ross County

4-0 win

Hearts

3-1 win

St Mirren

2-0 loss

Kilmarnock

4-2 win

Celtic

3-2 win

Aberdeen

2-2 draw

St Mirren

2-2 draw

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old talent has only lost one of his 11 appearances in the Premiership to date, winning seven, whilst the Gers only won one of the seven league games they played under Martin before his exit last month.

That is not to say that all of those results were down to Nsiala’s performances, of course, but it does show that he can be a key part of a team that wins week-in-week-out in the league, as he started ten of those 11 games.

The French star, who won 52% of his aerial duels in his 11 league outings (Sofascore), is a young player who has shown potential in a Rangers shirt, which is why Rohl should consider unleashing him as his own left-footed van Dijk.

Nsiala could come in as an alternative to Derek Cornelius, who came off on Sunday with a knock, as a natural left-sided centre-back. Nasser Djiga and John Souttar are both right-footed defenders who are better suited on their natural side, which is why it could make sense to bring the ex-Milan ace in if Cornelius misses any matches through injury.

Move over Moore: Rangers star proved why he's their "best player" vs Dundee

Rangers demolished Dundee 3-0 at Dens on Sunday and Danny Röhl’s “sensational” star was as key as Mikey Moore in this Scottish Premiership victory.

ByBen Gray Nov 9, 2025

The left-footed brute was forgotten about by Martin, given his complete lack of minutes, but Rohl still has the chance to bring him into the fold after the international break.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo venceu o Rio Claro, de virada, por 2 x 1, pela segunda rodada do grupo 5 da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. A partida foi realizada nesta noite de sexta-feira (5), no Estádio do Lanchão, em Franca, e contou com os gols de Marcos Paulista para o time de São Paulo, e João Guilherme e Vargas para o Glorioso.

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Com o resultado, Botafogo se isola na liderança do grupo, já que o Tiradentes venceu o Francana por 3 a 0. Já o Rio Claro segue na lanterna com zero pontos.

⚽ COMO FOI O JOGO?

O Botafogo, mesmo sendo superior tecnicamente, não conseguiu impor superioridade frente ao adversário. O Glorioso pouco criou, tendo muitos erros nos últimos passes. Já o Rio Claro, sendo inferior ao clube carioca, precisou de apenas uma bola, aos 32 do segundo tempo, com um belo chute de Marcos Paulista.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Fogão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Botafogo

Porém, o Glorioso acordou nos minutos finais da partida, onde brilhou a estrela de João Guilherme, que entrou no segundo tempo, marcou o gol de empate e fez a jogada do gol da virada, marcado por Lucas Vargas, fechando o placar em 2 a 1.

✅ PRÓXIMOS PASSOS:

Ambas as equipes entrarão em campo na segunda-feira (8), para a terceira e última rodada da fase de grupos da Copinha. O Botafogo vai enfrentar o Francana, às 18h30, podendo até empatar para conquistar a classificação. Já o Rio Claro enfrenta o Tiradentes, às 16h15, mas respira por aparelhos.

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Tudo sobre

BotafogoCopa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior

Antoine Griezmann has lifted the lid on his behind-the-scenes role in bringing Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, admitting he repeatedly messaged the striker on Instagram to convince him to leave Manchester City. With Álvarez now thriving in Spain after a record-breaking debut season, Griezmann’s story adds a surprising twist to one of Atleti’s biggest modern transfers.

• Griezmann messages helped seal Alvarez’s transfer

  Alvarez’s arrival at Atletico in the summer of 2024 was framed as one of the window’s biggest coups, with the club spending €95 million (£82m/$104m) to prise him away from City. His immediate impact, 38 goals and 12 assists in 72 games, including 29 goals in his debut campaign quickly justified the investment and turned the Argentine into a central piece of Diego Simeone’s attack.

  What was never known publicly is how influential Griezmann was in helping the deal materialise. The Frenchman, now in his 10th season at Los Rojiblancosand widely considered a club legend, has revealed that he personally reached out to Alvarez during the negotiations. His admission comes at a time when Atleti’s forward line has undergone major reshaping, with Alvarez becoming the new focal point and Griezmann transitioning into a more flexible role within Simeone’s plans.

  As the former River Plater striker settled in and Atletico pushed to remain competitive in La Liga and Europe, Griezmann’s influence behind the scenes continued to matter. His leadership, contract renewal until 2027, and willingness to adapt have been central themes around the club and his account of the Instagram messages provides new insight into his long-standing commitment. 

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• AFP
  

  What Griezmann said about Alvarez and his own changing role

  Griezmann explained his direct involvement in Alvarez’s move before sharing his view on playing alongside him and adapting to new responsibilities.

  "I knew the club was doing everything possible to bring him in," the Frenchman said. "So I decided to write him a ten or twenty-sentence message to convince him. A message in which I told him all the great things about Atleti, Cholo, and his teammates… And in the end, after much persistence, he came to join us. I think I wrote to him four times or so before he finally made up his mind."

  He also explained how having Alvarez in the squad only strengthens Atleti’s ambitions, stressing the value of competition and a united dressing room before adding: "Ultimately the more stars we have, so to speak, the better for the club and the more chances we have of winning. In the end, we try to have a good relationship on and off the field, and I think that shows when we're playing."

  Griezmann then spoke about adapting to his reduced role, highlighting the importance of professionalism and leadership as he competes for minutes, saying: "Ultimately, you always want to play. But I understand that I have to be professional, that I have to set an example for all my teammates and then show the manager that I'm still ready to play, that I have everything I need to play and earn a place in the starting eleven. I want to play. I'm very happy here in Madrid, playing for Atleti, and I think that's showing this season."

• Griezmann’s evolving role, contract extension and long-term commitment

  Despite no longer being a guaranteed starter, Griezmann remains one of the club’s leaders both in influence and mentality. His decision to renew until 2027, extending a deal that already ran into 2026 highlighted his determination to contribute to Atleti’s next cycle.

  "Because I want more," the 2018 World Cup winner said. "I still have many minutes left to play, plenty of legs and mental strength to play with and be someone important at the club. And I know I have to prove that to everyone, and I still want to be even more important. And then, as for the legendary status, we'll see many years from now."

  His professionalism and openness stand in contrast to the speculation that has surrounded him over the past year, particularly amid repeated MLS rumours. Atletico decided to keep him for the 2025-26 season, emphasising that Simeone and the board still see him as crucial, even as Alvarez’s rise accelerates. That dual narrative of leadership and longevity frames Griezmann as both mentor and competitor, navigating a new era at the club he has represented for a decade.

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• AFP
  

  What lies ahead as MLS interest lingers

  Despite his renewed commitment to Atleti, the 34-year-old has never hidden his long-term fascination with MLS and talk of a move has continued across the last 12 months. Last summer, LAFC were among the clubs pushing hardest for him, though the decision was made for him to stay in Madrid for at least another season.

  "No. In the end, I was always the subject of conversation," Griezmann said. "From the first day I arrived until the last day I leave, it will be. But, as I said, I'm very happy here. Everyone knows that MLS is my dream, my goal, but I still have a contract, I want to keep renewing here and continue being an important player."

  With Alvarez thriving, Simeone rebuilding his attack, and Griezmann embracing a more flexible role, the Frenchman’s future will remain a recurring storyline. Los Rojiblancos hope to keep him central to their plans, while MLS interest is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

The Premier League has confirmed that the 2026/27 campaign will begin a week later than usual, marking the latest season start in the competition’s history. The decision, announced after a shareholders’ meeting on Friday morning, is designed to counter the growing strain on players created by an "increasingly congested global football calendar".

A historic schedule shift to ease calendar chaos

Next season will kick off on Saturday, August 22, 2026, rather than the traditional mid-August weekend. The final round of fixtures will take place on Sunday, May 30, 2027, six days later than this season’s planned finale. The move, officials say, ensures adequate rest following the expanded 48-team World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The global tournament, set to conclude in mid-July 2026, pushes many players to the brink of burnout. The Premier League’s solution is an 89-day gap from the end of this season and a 33-day buffer after the World Cup final.  

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhat did the Premier League say

In a detailed announcement, the league outlined the reasoning behind its decision: "The Premier League Season 2026-27 dates have been confirmed, with the opening match round starting on Saturday 22 August 2026. The final match round will be played on Sunday, 30 May 2027, when all fixtures will kick off simultaneously as usual. With an increasingly congested global football calendar, player welfare remains a priority for the Premier League. As a result, the Premier League will start one week later next season. This will allow for 89 clear days from the end of the current season and 33 days from the FIFA World Cup 26 Final. The season will conclude one week prior to the UEFA Champions League Final, which will be played on Saturday, 5 June 2027.   

"The 2026-27 Season will consist of 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds. The Premier League schedule will be designed to avoid domestic competition clashes with UEFA club competition dates, wherever possible. Over the Christmas and New Year period, no two match rounds will take place within 60 hours. This is in keeping with commitments made to clubs to address the congested Christmas and New Year schedule within the expanded international calendar."

From next season, the September international break will stretch to three weeks, with four matches squeezed into that window. Meanwhile, the October international break will be scrapped entirely. European leagues have been vocal in recent years about FIFA and UEFA expanding competitions without providing adequate breathing room. The newly enlarged Club World Cup, expanded European Championship, extended Nations League matches, and a record-breaking World Cup all contribute to an unprecedented workload for top players. Privately, several clubs are understood to be pushing for further reforms in future seasons, including fewer midweek rounds and stronger coordination with FIFA.

Guardiola sounds the alarm over PL title race

Pep Guardiola admitted that Arsenal’s form could make them untouchable in this season’s title race, but the fight is far from over. City sit second in the table, four points behind Mikel Arteta’s side after 11 games. While the gap is manageable, Arsenal boast the division’s best defensive record, conceding just five goals so far. 

Although Guardiola is well aware of the challenge, he warned that the season has just begun. He said: "We are in November, and in November in this league nothing is final. What happens in February or March, be careful. But the season starts now. The first start is when the transfer window is over in the summer. And now again, when the international breaks are over. Now until March, we see each other every three days. Now the real season starts. It is important to be there and to arrive at the end of the season with a chance to fight. Winning (in Newcastle) would be an important step for us."

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GettyArsenal’s new reality: Playing with the target on their back

Arsenal’s rise from title challengers to early-season pacesetters has transformed expectations. They have won four of their last five Premier League matches, but their challenge now is sustaining a title pace with several of their key players injured. Their defensive stalwart, Gabriel, is set to miss almost two months of action with a thigh injury, while skipper Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus are long-term absentees. Their next challenge is against fierce rivals Tottenham on Sunday, and they will be desperate to win the bragging rights of north London.     

South Africa’s left-arm spinner due to play first two months of Championship, then through T20 Blast

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Sep-2025Leicestershire have signed South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for the first four months of next season as they target a strong return to Division One of the County Championship.South Africa have a clear window in their international schedule next year, and Maharaj is due to play in the Championship for the first two months of the season and then throughout the T20 Blast. Maharaj has previously been to the IPL, playing two matches for Rajasthan Royals in 2024, but his Leicestershire deal effectively rules him out of the 2026 edition.Leicestershire’s promotion to Division One for the first time since 2003 was confirmed on Thursday thanks to their draw against Gloucestershire. Maharaj will be one of two overseas players at the start of the season along with club captain Peter Handscomb, who has signed a year’s extension to his contract.”I’ve been digging into the history of the club, and it seems like a very exciting time to sign,” Maharaj said. “The boys have done some exceptional work throughout the season and have built some great momentum heading into next year. It’s early days, but we’re tracking in the right direction, so who knows how far this team can go?”He has previously featured in county cricket for Lancashire and Yorkshire, and was ruled out of a planned stint at Middlesex in 2023 through injury. His new team-mates at Leicestershire will include Rehan Ahmed, the young England allrounder, whose new role as a No. 3 batter opens up the possibility of both men playing in the same side.”It’s fantastic to welcome Keshav to Leicestershire,” Claude Henderson, Leicestershire’s director of cricket, said. “Alongside his exceptional cricketing abilities, he will bring vast international experience, leadership skills, and a huge passion for the game – all of which will be fundamental to our changing room.”Maharaj is the latest in a string of signings that Leicestershire have made ahead of the 2026 season. He follows top-order batter Steven Eskinazi (joining from Middlesex), wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Tattersall (Yorkshire) and seam-bowling allrounders Ben Green and Josh Davey (both Somerset).

دافع أسطورة نادي آرسنال عن جود بيلينجهام، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، وذلك عقب الانتقادات الكثيرة التي تعرض لها اللاعب بعد استبداله خلال مواجهة إنجلترا أمام ألبانيا يوم الأحد الماضي، ضمن تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم العام المقبل.

بيلينجهام تعرض لانتقادات كثيرة، بعد الطريقة التي اعترض بها على تبديله خلال مواجهة إنجلترا وألبانيا، حيث ظهر غضب واضح من قبل اللاعب على مدربه توماس توخيل.

ويتعرض بيلينجهام كذلك إلى انتقادات كثيرة مع ريال مدريد، خصوصًا عقب تعادل الميرنجي مع رايو فاييكانو بالدوري الإسباني والخسارة أمام ليفربول 1-0 بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويرى إيان رايت، أسطورة آرسنال، أن الإعلام الإنجليزي ليس مستعدًا بعد لرؤية نجم أسود في كرة القدم الإنجليزية.

وقال رايت في تصريحات إلى برنامج ”The Overlap”: ”لا أعتقد أنهم مستعدون لنجم أسود مثل جود بيلينجهام، لا يمكنهم انتقاده بتلك الطريقة، إنه يخرج إلى الملعب ويؤدي ويفعل ما يفعله، إنه غرور مفرط لهؤلاء الناس”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ماريانو دياز عن إندريك: “مش أي حد” يلعب لـ ريال مدريد وأضاف: “جميعهم يحبون نجولو كانتي، إنه رجل أسود متواضع وينجز ما يفعله، لكن إذا حصلت على لاعب مثل بوجبا أو بيلينجهام وحصلت على هذا النوع من الطاقة، فهذا لا يروق للناس، شخص مثل جود يخيف هؤلاء الناس بسبب قدراته والإلهام الذي يمكن أن يقدمه”.

وأوضح: “إذا كنت صريحًا، أسود البشرة وتلعب بهذا المستوى، فهذا يخيف بعض الناس، الشخص الذي أتحدث عنه مهووس ببيلينجهام، لا يستطيع أن يرى رجلاً أسود يفعل ما يفعله جود دون أن يعتبره غرورًا”.

واختتم في تصريحاته عن بيلينجهام: “أرسلت رسالة إلى جود أقول فيها: كن مستعدًا هناك شيء ما قادم، إنه أشبه بتسونامي. ما لم تلعب جيدًا سيستمر، سألني: ماذا سيحدث؟ فقلت له كن مستعدًا، وهو هنا”.

There are plenty of reasons for Chelsea fans to be very optimistic at the moment.

Yes, the performances have been a little inconsistent, and the transfers haven’t all worked out, but Enzo Maresca has a squad full of incredible players.

For example, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, and even Reece James, now that he has overcome his injury problems, can all be counted among the best in the world in their respective positions.

Moreover, there is now another gem in the side who could surpass them all to become the outright best in the world.

Reece James' resurgence

So, the first thing to say is that nobody worth listening to has ever questioned James’ innate ability, nor his place among the best full-backs in world football on that ability alone.

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However, as the saying goes, availability is the best ability, and for a significant portion of the last few years, that has been something that has gone against him.

For example, while he managed to make 26 league appearances in the 21/22 season, he made just 45 over the following three campaigns.

This inability to remain fit and make a significant number of appearances every year was something often held against him when it came down to conversations over who the best right-back was in the country.

However, so far this season has been a different story entirely, as he has not missed a single match due to injury and has played all 11 league games, seven from the start.

In addition to simply being present, the Englishman has also once again reminded rival fans that, at his best, he is capable of things most full-backs couldn’t even dream of doing.

For example, he already has three goal involvements to his name, along with some seriously impressive underlying numbers.

James’ Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Total Passing Distance

1163.65

Top 1%

Pass Completion % (Short)

94.9%

Top 1%

Passes Completed (Medium)

28.05

Top 1%

xA: Expected Assists

0.19

Top 1%

Passes into Final Third

6.35

Top 1%

Interceptions

1.90

Top 1%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

45.57

Top 1%

Goals + Assists

0.38

Top 4%

xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals

0.23

Top 4%

Progressive Passes

6.60

Top 4%

Passes Completed

65.75

Top 4%

Passes Attempted

77.43

Top 4%

Passes Attempted (Medium)

31.61

Top 4%

Passes Completed (Long)

6.09

Top 4%

Live-ball Passes

63.85

Top 4%

Through Balls

0.51

Top 4%

Switches

0.63

Top 4%

Corner Kicks

2.79

Top 4%

SCA (Dead-ball Pass)

0.89

Top 4%

SCA (Defensive Action)

0.13

Top 4%

Touches

87.84

Top 4%

Touches (Live-Ball)

87.84

Top 4%

Carries

51.41

Top 4%

All Stats via FBref

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of full-backs for total passing distance, expected assists, passes into the final third and interceptions, the top 4% for goals plus assists and more, all per 90.

In all, now that he’s staying fit, it’s undeniable that James is one of the best right-backs in the world, and if that isn’t enough, another young talent Chelsea have signed looks like he could become one of the best players in the world outright.

Chelsea's future world-beater

The likes of Caicedo and Palmer might be pushing for the title of best in the world, but based on raw talent and what those in the know say about him, Dastan Satpayev could surpass both.

Chelsea signed the incredibly exciting prospect from the Kazakhstani side Kairat Almaty in February of this year for a fee of around €4m, which is about £3.5m.

Yet, as he’s still just 17 years old, he is not allowed to join up with the club until next season.

The Kazakh wonderkid may not be particularly well-known to fans in England, but he is regarded by many as a seriously significant prospect.

For example, one analyst with extensive knowledge of Kazakhstani football has been bold enough to describe the teenager as “a future Ballon d’Or winner.”

Yet, if that wasn’t encouraging enough, he has also been dubbed “a future rival to Lamine Yamal,” or in other words, someone who will vie for the title of the world’s best as he gets older.

With that said, what about him has people so excited? First of all, despite turning 17 in the summer, the dynamic forward made 29 first-team appearances last season, totalling 2081 minutes, in which he scored 15 goals and provided seven assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.31 games, or every 94.59 minutes, which would be an incredible rate of return for a seasoned veteran.

Then, this season he has already made 11 appearances in the Champions League, seven of which were in the qualifying rounds and the other four in the competition proper.

In other words, the youngster is not only producing in the league but is also gaining a tremendous amount of experience in club football’s biggest competition.

Ultimately, it is early on in his career, but Satpayev is already looking like an excellent player, and if those in the know are right, he could become the world’s best at Chelsea.

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Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 10, 2025