كشفت تقارير صحفية مدة غياب لاعب فريق آرسنال، ويليام ساليبا، عن الملاعب، إثر الإصابة التي تعرض لها في مباراة ليفربول، في وقت سابق من شهر أغسطس الماضي، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وواجه ليفربول خصمه آرسنال على ملعب “أنفيلد” في قمة منافسات الجولة الثالثة من الدوري الإنجليزي، 2025/26، حيث حقق فوزًا بهدف دون رد.
وتعرض المدرب ميكيل أرتيتا لضربة مبكرة في تلك المباراة، بعدما عانى ويليام ساليبا من إصابة أجبرته على الخروج في الدقيقة الخامسة من عمر الشوط الأول.
اقرأ أيضًا.. آرسنال مهدد بفقدان نجمه بسبب قضية قانونية
وحسبما ذكرت صحيفة “ليكيب” الفرنسية، فإن ويليام ساليبا عانى من إصابة على مستوى الكاحل خلال عمليات الإحماء قبل انطلاق المباراة ولكنه قرر المشاركة، قبل أن يتجدد ألمه ليضطر إلى الخروج.
وأوضحت أن ساليبا سيضطر إلى الغياب عن آرسنال لفترة تتراوح ما بين ثلاثة إلى أربعة أسابيع، مما يمثل ضربة قوية لـ آرسنال على مستوى الدفاع.
وسيخوض آرسنال عدة مباريات خلال شهر سبتمبر، حيث يلتقي مع نوتينجهام فورست، مانشستر سيتي، نيوكاسل يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي، أتلتيك بلباو في دوري أبطال أوروبا ونورث فايل في كأس كاراباو.
With the season finally coming to a close, Tottenham Hotspur have a monumental summer ahead of them.
For example, alongside potentially replacing Ange Postecoglou, Daniel Levy and Co must go big in the transfer window to ensure the team don’t endure another Premier League campaign like this one.
On top of making sure they keep their own stars like Cristian Romero, the North Londoners need to bring in new ones to help them climb up the table and make a good account of themselves in the Champions League.
Fortunately, reports have recently linked the club to an attacker who could help them do just that, an attacker who’d be a massive upgrade on Son Heung-min.
Tottenham transfer news
Before we get to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other brilliant players who have been linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks, like Leroy Sané and Xavi Simons.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former’s contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of this month and would therefore be a free signing, which could end up being an incredible deal, as in just 2377 minutes of football across 45 appearances this season, the German international scored 13 goals and provided six assists.
Simons, on the other hand, would cost the club around £67m, but even then, it would be hard to argue that’s not a fair fee, as the Flying Dutchman managed to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in 33 appearances this season.
Yet, there is another, even more impressive winger being linked with Tottenham: Bradley Barcola.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are among several Premier League clubs who are incredibly interested in the Paris Saint-Germain phenomenon.
In fact, the story has claimed that the Lilywhites, Arsenal and Manchester City have already sent scouts to watch the French international.
However, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, as while PSG do not want to sell the 22-year-old, they do value him at up to €120m, which is about £101m.
Paris St Germain's BradleyBarcolareacts
With that said, given Barcola’s immense ability and potential, this may be a deal worth breaking the bank on, especially as he’d be the perfect Son upgrade.
How Barcola compares to Son
While Barcola can and has played in other positions in the past, it’s abundantly clear that his preferred and best role is leftwing.
Therefore, depending on what else happens in the summer transfer window, one of his main competitors for game time at Spurs next season, were he to sign for them, would be Son Heung-min.
With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them? Well, from a raw output perspective, it’s a rather one-sided affair.
For example, the incredible Lyon-born ace, who’s “one of the best LW’s in Europe,” according to analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3643 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games, or every 91.07 minutes.
In contrast, the North Londoners captain scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 appearances, totalling 3189 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game, or one every 138.65 minutes.
Okay, what about their underlying numbers from this season? Which attacker comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the “devastating” star, as he was described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, who once again emerges victorious here, and by quite some margin at that.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.97
0.59
Non-Penalty Goals + Assists
0.99
0.64
Progressive Passes
3.97
4.74
Progressive Carries
5.66
4.10
Shots
3.05
2.35
Shots on Target
1.57
1.02
Passing Accuracy
81.7%
78.9%
Key Passes
2.07
2.14
Shot-Creating Actions
4.17
4.99
Goal-Creating Actions
0.83
0.64
Successful Take-Ons
1.40
1.24
For example, while there are a few metrics in which the South Korean superstar is able to hold his own and actually come out ahead, it’s the UCL winner who does far better in the vast majority of relevant areas.
Ultimately, while Son has been an incredible player for Spurs for so long, Barcola is simply the better winger in practically every way, and therefore, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.
Signed by Conte: Spurs' big-money flop has become the club's new Soldado
The talented Spurs star hasn’t been able to make it work in London.
Liverpool will have a commanding presence in the transfer window this summer and could use that leverage to pull off an audacious player-plus-cash deal to land an exciting target, according to a report.
Liverpool look to build on Premier League title triumph
After laying claim to their second title of the Premier League era, the Reds are winding down for the campaign and won’t be too frustrated at surrendering a two-goal advantage in their draw with Arsenal last weekend.
Ultimately, Arne Slot has led his side to the goal they set out to achieve at the start of the season. Now, many are beginning to wonder what happens next once their celebrations are in the memory bank.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
That is still a while off yet, though Liverpool are active in their pursuit of summer reinforcements and could look to bring Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong to Anfield. The Netherlands international is someone the club are aware of as far as his situation goes, with a release clause of between £29.5 million and £33.8 million being something they are willing to exploit.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana is also being targeted by Liverpool, potentially becoming a replacement for Luiz Diaz amid the latter attracting interest from Saudi Pro League outfit.
Liverpool’s final Premier League assignments
Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
Amex Stadium
Crystal Palace (H)
Anfield
Darwin Nunez is another that could be moved on to free up funds and space for reinforcements in a period where Slot is expected to be ruthless in his decision-making to mould a squad fit to defend their crown. Realistically, Liverpool have nothing to prove to anyone, but they could potentially surpass their jointly-held record of 20 titles that they share with Manchester United next term with a repeat performance of this season’s excellence.
Making strides to equip themselves to do so, the Reds are now eyeing a swap deal that could see one of Europe’s revered attackers arrive on Merseyside.
Liverpool eye Ademola Lookman and Federico Chiesa swap deal
According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, Liverpool would be willing to swap Federico Chiesa for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman to bring the Nigeria international back to the Premier League. Formerly of Everton, Lookman has registered 19 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season. His current employers are unlikely to make allowances relating to his £50 million+ valuation, so Chiesa could be used to whittle that number down.
Better than Jota: Liverpool make contact to sign "world-class" £85m star
Liverpool have made contact to keep informed on a “world-class” star who is miles better than Diogo Jota.
2 ByDan Emery May 12, 2025
The Liverpool star could now be thrown into a potential swap arrangement after struggling to make an impact following his move from Juventus. Earning £150,000 per week, the Italy international has scored twice and registered two assists in just 13 outings, making him a prime candidate for a summer departure.
That said, it remains to be seen whether a swap would be the preferred option for both clubs or if conducting seperate deals is a more viable alternative to put through the books.
Chelsea are already making plans to prepare for the upcoming summer transfer window in an attempt to bolster the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Blues have been linked with Inter stars Yann Bisseck and Marcus Thuram, whilst Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen reportedly wants to sign for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Chelsea have had success in recruiting from the Serie A in the past, with French central defender Marcel Desailly being a prime example – the titan joined from AC Milan in the summer of 1998 and went on to become a stalwart at Stamford Bridge.
He ended his time in England with 222 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, winning the FA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, before being released in 2004 after six years at the club.
Chelsea could repeat that success and raid AC Milan once again for a defensive star as they reportedly eye up one of their present-day stars.
Chelsea plot move for Milan star
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Chelsea are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report claims that Aston Villa and the Blues are both plotting moves to sign the France international, as Maresca looks to bolster his options in the goalkeeping position.
It adds that both teams have ‘taken information’ on the shot-stopper ahead of a possible ‘concrete’ move in the summer window, suggesting that they have made contact with either Milan or the player’s representatives to see if a transfer is realistic.
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
There is no mention of how much it would take to take the Italian giants into selling Maignan, but Chelsea must now push to get a deal done for him ahead of next season.
Why Chelsea should sign Mike Maignan
The Blues hit the jackpot when they signed Desailly, who went on to be a regular for many years and racked up over 200 first-team appearances, from Milan and they could do the same again by improving their defence with the French shot-stopper, who has played 154 times for the Serie A side.
Chelsea'sRobertSanchezapplauds fans after the match
Robert Sanchez has been the first choice for much of the current campaign and has done little to suggest that he is the long-term answer for Maresca in that position.
The Spaniard has made three errors that have led to shots, five errors that have led to goals, and given away two penalties in his 25 Premier League appearances this term.
Maignan’s performances in the Serie A for Milan over the past two seasons, meanwhile, suggest that he could come in to provide more stability between the sticks.
Appearances
59
41
Clean sheets
20
10
Error led to shot
2
5
Error led to goal
3
6
Penalties committed
1
2
As you can see in the table above, Sanchez has made more than twice as many errors that have led to shots, twice as many errors that have led to goals, and committed twice as many penalties in 18 fewer appearances since the start of last season.
This suggests that Maignan would improve Chelsea’s defence by not making as many critical errors that lead to goals conceded, hence why his clean sheet rate is also more impressive than the current Blues goalkeeper’s.
AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts
The French ace, who was described as “world-class” by Serie A reporter Haris Mrkonja, has the potential to be an excellent addition to Maresca’s squad as a replacement for Sanchez, given his form over the past two seasons, and that is why the club must push to land him ahead of Villa.
Chelsea now interested in signing £43m Inter Milan star alongside Thuram
The Blues have identified a new target ahead of the summer transfer window…
ByDominic Lund Apr 6, 2025
Maignan, therefore, also has the potential to be Desailly 2.0 for the club as another defensive titan, albeit in a different position, to come over from Milan to the Premier League to star at Stamford Bridge.
India’s on-field performance deserves scrutiny, but they were dictated by the decisions they made off the field
Alagappan Muthu05-Jan-20252:12
Was India’s batting approach justified?
There was a team whose two key batters were not producing the runs that they were used to. They came under fire from the outside. They had a fast bowler go down with injury. They were the ones celebrating with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Sunday afternoon.At about 4.30pm in Sydney, Scott Boland, with a well-earned drink – it looked like coffee even if he has been the toast of the town – walked over to the SCG square, which was now cordoned off. His wife and their two daughters were with him. They grabbed on to the rope and started jiggling it. Australia were deserving winners in this series against India after victory in Sydney, but it is remarkable how much their problems mirrored India’s after the first Test in Perth and how they now seem so far away.They had a batter averaging 16.85 in his last eight innings make two single-digit scores in his first appearance of the series. Marnus Labuschagne recovered. Rohit Sharma couldn’t. They had a world-beater go through a lean period. Steven Smith recovered. Virat Kohli couldn’t. It helps being part of a winning unit when you are out of form. Pat Cummins spoke about how the loss in Perth didn’t really prompt Australia into any kind of soul searching.Related
India and Australia will have to make tough selection calls to future-proof their Test sides
Prasidh, Abhimanyu, Padikkal available for Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts
Do Kohli and Rohit have a future in Test cricket? 'It's up to them,' says Gambhir
Bumrah misses out 'on the spiciest wicket of the series'
'You can't be that soft' – Gambhir on intimidation accusation
“Thought we had a bad week, but thought our game plans, methods, [and] selection, all that was pretty much where we wanted it to be,” he said. “But maybe our execution was a little bit off. I think you can very easily panic in those situations, [and] change a lot. I think it’s more important to realise we’re still number one in the world. We’re a very good team. Stay strong.”India’s on-field performance deserves scrutiny, but they were dictated by the decisions they made off the field. They came to Australia with their souls wrenched out of place. Their first ever whitewash at home in a series of three or more Tests – against New Zealand – had raised doubts about their batters’ ability to cope with conditions where run-scoring is difficult.It forced them to look at their bowlers differently. They went into the first two Tests against Australia with only two specialist quicks. The other two – Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana – were picked for the runs they could provide down the order.The irony is that when those runs actually came – in the first innings in Melbourne – India were unable to make the most of it. The cushion they have afforded non-performing batters on this tour directly affected their chances of victory, and might also have put their biggest asset on ice for a while. Jasprit Bumrah’s back injury is still being assessed by the medical staff. India coach Gautam Gambhir was not willing to let the seniors off the hook for how it all turned out.All eight of Virat Kohli’s dismissals were to balls outside the off stump•Getty Images”Not a lot of people are playing for the first time in Australia. There are quite a lot of others [who are]; probably two of them in the top eight,” he said after India’s loss in Sydney. “[Other than] Nitish and Yashasvi [Jaiswal], all the other guys have had the experience of Australia. So I’m not going to say that it is only because some of the young guys [that we lost], but I think there are a lot of experienced players as well.”It may also be useful to remember that four of the five Tests were played in conditions that Smith said required luck, and that it is a win as a top-order player if you can face 50 balls. He doesn’t have the 10,000th run yet, but he’s a decent enough authority to speak about these things.”A bit [of the batters’ struggle] could be because of the wickets,” Gambhir admitted. “Then, again, it’s not only the case in Australia. We’ve had the same issues at home as well. So I think everything boils down to the temperament. Everything boils down to how much you want to sometimes play those tough moments.”How much you want to grind in Test cricket. Because Test cricket is all about playing the session. Sometimes see off the spell as well. And that is why it’s the beauty of sport. So I feel that that is one issue where we need to probably look after. That how can we convert those 20s, 30s or 40s into big 100s. Not only 100s, but big 100s, and set the game up for our bowlers. Because your bowling department will always be under pressure if you can’t put those first-innings runs on the board.”Jasprit Bumrah was shouldering a very heavy workload, and in the end, it resulted in an injury•Getty ImagesThere is one other bit that no losing team will ever admit. The opposition was better equipped. Boland’s success is testament to what happens when specialists are trusted to do their jobs; how it has a knock-on effect. Australia didn’t need a lot of runs from their out-of-form batters because their in-form bowlers were knocking India out over and over again.”Yeah, it’s been tough,” Gambhir said reflecting on his time as coach, a time which includes six losses in ten Tests. “Absolutely, no doubt about it. It’s been really tough. And obviously, these weren’t the results what we were expecting in the last eight test matches.”But that is what sport is all about. All I can expect from that dressing room is to keep fighting. And all we all can do – not only as players, but as a support staff – [is] to be honest, and keep fighting and keep doing the right things what is good for Indian cricket. As simple as it can get. But more importantly, it’s a result-orientated sport. And we all play for results. And it hasn’t gone our way. As simple as it can be.”India contributed heavily to this Border-Gavaskar Trophy series being incredibly entertaining, sometimes to the point of going overboard. They played it all with their hackles raised. Right from the send-off to Travis Head in Adelaide, they have felt like they have been behind enemy lines, some portion of their effort siphoned away towards things like a hostile crowd, or a 19-year-old wind-up artist. It has added to the theatre, but could it also have been a sign that they lost a little bit of their composure? Jaiswal had the audacity to block Mitchell Starc and tell him “You’re coming on too slow.” Starc said nothing. He just took him out in the next few innings.India could have seized this series on the fourth day in Melbourne when they had Australia at 91 for 6•AFP/Getty ImagesGambhir said it wasn’t like India didn’t have their moments, and he’s right. Rohit accepted his poor form and withdrew himself from selection. That was good. Rohit, in a previous, desperate search for form, bumped their best-performing batter, KL Rahul, off a position he seemed to have earned after initially letting him have it. That was less good. Bumrah was close to becoming the highest wicket-taker in a series in Australia. That was good. He was getting up there because he was shouldering a very heavy workload, and in the end, it resulted in an injury. That was less good.Reddy scored one of the most memorable MCG hundreds. That was good. He bowled only 44 of India’s 620.2 overs in the series. That was less good. Kohli spent hours and hours in the nets trying to work out a viable way of dealing with balls outside the off stump. That was good. All eight of his dismissals were to balls outside the off stump. That was less good.India could have seized this series on a riveting fourth day in Melbourne when they had Australia at 91 for 6. That was good. They let them off the hook, allowing two 50-run partnerships for the last four wickets. That was less good.Everything good they did kept being overshadowed by something less good. So in the end, it is almost tempting to wonder: did the team that played the best cricket win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, or did the one that made the most mistakes lose?
Their batting is sorely lacking, but their strong suit, bowling, has not looked as good as it might have
Ian Chappell01-Jan-2023South Africa are a flawed batting team and recent comments by captain Dean Elgar regarding a dangerous Gabba pitch and lack of matches against tough opponents have tried to camouflage that.No team – no matter how good their bowling attack – can overcome a string of mediocre Test totals poorly compiled. No number of games against tough opponents is going to help a batting team that is technically deficient and limited in their shot-making ability.Also, while South Africa’s bowling attack possesses real ability, their wicket-taking capability could be drastically improved. And they are handicapped by their side’s poor batting. A team that is repeatedly provided with low scores and has to regularly be back bowling after yet another failure by their batting side finds its strength sapping and morale dropping.Related
'It's gone way better than expected' – Marco Jansen reflects on his first year as an international cricketer
South Africa have the pace bowling to succeed in Australia, but the batters need to step up
Dean Elgar: South Africa learning in the 'most ruthless and brutal way'
South Africa's bowlers may need to help themselves to have enough runs
Rabada calls for 'patience and understanding' with SA's inexperienced batting line-up
There is also the matter of captaincy. Anrich Nortje aside, the rest of the attack could have performed better in Australia with improved leadership. Elgar, like many of his fellow international leaders, is not well versed in captaincy on Australian pitches. The bowlers must first understand that producing the odd really good ball interspersed with some deliveries that can be despatched won’t win much in Australia. Bowlers have to keep producing good deliveries to talented batters and their demeanour has to alert opponents to their wicket-taking desire.I’ve often said about the great Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee that you had to overcome his great ability first and then you had to deal with his iron will. That is how good bowlers operate. There have been times when I have felt the South Africans lacked that required iron will.It’s also worth remembering the practical words of talented Australian batter Mark Waugh: “Hit the top of off with the occasional bouncer used to work.” That age-old cricket proverb still applies.Then there are field placings for the current bowlers when considering the improvement and extra thickness of bats. It always pays to start with a packed slip cordon, as edges off the new ball continue to be a high-percentage way to rid yourself of good top-order batters. And when those players survive the early period and start to punish the bowling, a captain has to be agile in his thinking. Sending slip fielders to places like point and square leg is more likely to result in catches than giving good batters easy singles by moving men prematurely into the deep. There comes a time when a batter is well set and deep fielders have to be considered but the fielding team is already in trouble by the time that happens.If the captaincy relates to the cricket being played, it’s generally good. If, however, it doesn’t relate to the actual play, you’re right to assume it’s poor.On the subject of starting, why isn’t Nortje taking the new ball along with Kagiso Rabada? The best chance of taking wickets is at the start of a player’s innings. The most likely wicket-takers, if they are good, are the faster bowlers and it’s imperative they get the new ball. Nortje is a far better bowling proposition than an out-of-form and much slower Lungi Ngidi.Keshav Maharaj has potential as a spinner but if he’s used as a containing bowler, that’s a mistake. Most of the time a captain has to seek wickets at both ends. Bowlers are wicket-takers; otherwise they shouldn’t be in a Test side. Having a player operate as a holding bowler means his ability is diminished.Taking 20 wickets to win a Test is the hardest thing in the game but it’s also among the most rewarding. The job of batters is to score runs quickly enough to allow their bowlers the time to collect those 20 wickets.The South African batters aren’t anywhere near doing their job. However, the better South African bowlers could improve their performance if they were provided with more inspiring leadership and competitive field placings.
Left-arm spinner demonstrates maturity beyond his years in his seven-wicket haul
Andrew Fidel Fernando24-Jan-2021Remember that one guy? That great Sri Lanka fingerspinner? Body like an overfull water balloon, heart as big as the ocean? Well, let’s not mention him here, because there’s a new left-arm spinner, and at 24, Lasith Embuldeniya is just making his way. There’s already been talk of large shoes needing to be filled and mantles begging to be taken up. But these are unfair expectations, right? Even if the old man Embuldeniya’s cricketing hero. And no matter how much about this young bowler there is to like.Maybe they will be different kinds of left-arm operators, anyway. Embuldeniya has a high release point, puts a lot of revolutions on the ball, gets more loop than most, and because of his height (and maybe a touch of overspin), good bounce on top of all that. That is the Embuldeniya elevator pitch. But there’s more to him, such as an air of maturity beyond his years, and a stubborn doughtiness. These sound like profoundly unsexy virtues, but then Embuldeniya bowls slow left-arm, so he’s already chosen the unsexiest path in cricketing life.He seems to have really leaned into that whole thing, too. Have you ever seen him properly celebrate a wicket? No? That’s because he doesn’t, really. He’s dismissed both England openers for single figures in each of the three innings England have batted this series; Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley out for 4, 2, 0, 9, 8 and 5. He’s only in his tenth Test, so it’s a thing of mild wonder that Embuldeniya seems to have picked up not just one, but two bunnies.Related
Sri Lanka's batsmen, and the voice of unreason
Joe Root stars with 186 as Lasith Embuldeniya takes seven in tightly-fought contest
Buttler: Whole team can learn from Root's 'masterclass'
Determined, dominant Joe Root defies conditions to make batting look easy
Flower pleased with application despite 'giving them three wickets'
But upon getting the wicket of Crawley on Saturday evening, Embuldeniya just walked, neutral-faced, to his teammates. A dad of two pushing a trolley loaded with rice, dhal and milk powder through the supermarket. Shirt buttons done up all the way to the top.It is the almost-impeccable lines, plus the drift he gets, and the turn off the surface that have got him his seven wickets so far in this innings. None of the remaining Sri Lanka bowlers – not even the vastly more experienced Dilruwan Perera – have bowled as well to batsmen who have just arrived as Embuldeniya. Five of his victims never made it to 15.Virtually everyone who has faced him has played and missed liberally since Embuldeniya gets dramatic, fast turn, even when he pitches on the straight, in a way that no other spinner in this game has quite managed. Aside from Joe Root and Jos Buttler, both of whom have rocking reverse-sweeps (and as such, are the only batsmen dismissed by other means) no England batsman has been comfortable. To the lefties lower down in England’s batting order, he’s had the off-side rough to work with.Embuldeniya’s wicket celebrations are notably low-key•SLCIt seems almost cruel to say on a day in which he was almost Sri Lanka’s single wicket-taking threat, but there are things Embuldeniya could work on. Five of his dismissals were catches to slip off the outside edge (four of those victims were right-handers). But what if he learned to better disguise his slider, which he bowls infrequently anyway, and made that more of a threat? For his idol – that guy we decided we weren’t going to mention – the straighter ball was essentially the poison-tipped dagger in his armoury; the weapon so many underestimated, but still wound up succumbing to. On tracks that turn as substantially as this, balls that float under the radar on to pads and into stumps are a subtle magic.Embuldeniya might learn, too, that there are times in his career in which he is going to be doubted. He had taken a five-wicket haul in the 2019 tour of South Africa, where his contributions were instrumental to that surreal series win, and yet he was overlooked for both Tests there over the last month, with the team’s management picking legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga instead. Why? Because wristspinners have mad X-factor, right? Whatever Embuldeniya makes of his career from here, he’s never going to have said about him.It probably doesn’t help that in true slow left-arm style, he comes to press conferences after his most successful haul ever, and gives answers like this: “Thanks for your question. I’ve done a lot of spot bowling and that’s how I’ve improved little by little. In the match I bowled line and length and made small, small variations. There was help from the wicket. I landed the ball on the same spot and hoped the wicket would do the rest.”Buttoned-up to the point of being adorable. But, you know, not sexy. Though he’s already looking up to, and swimming in the considerable wake of, someone who showed that he doesn’t need to be.
Xavi Simons’ start to life at Tottenham has been fairly slow, already raising some concerns about the club’s hefty investment in the Dutchman.
Thomas Frank dealt Xavi Simons concern at Tottenham
The 22-year-old struggled to influence the game once again during Spurs’ 2-1 loss to Aston Villa at home in the Premier League on Sunday.
Since his high-profile move from RB Leipzig in the summer, which could end up costing the club a whopping £125 million in total when factoring in wages over a potential seven-year deal (Paul O’Keefe), expectations have been sky-high for Simons to inject creativity and flair.
Appearances
25
Minutes played
2,157
Goals
10
Assists
7
Bookings
5
Shots at goal per 90 minutes
2
Passing accuracy
82.9%
Average match rating
7.32
via WhoScored
However, his performances so far have largely fallen short of those hopes, with many fans and pundits noting Simons’ inability to make his mark in the way those at the club envisioned.
One of the most glaring concerns has been Simons’ output — or rather, the lack of it.
Despite being touted as a dynamic playmaker to replace the injured James Maddison, capable of unlocking defenses with clever passes and incisive dribbling, he has struggled to consistently make an impact in the final third.
So far, Simons has registered just one goal contribution, which came during his Premier League debut, and even that was an in-swinging cross from a corner for Pape Sarr to head home against struggling West Ham.
Part of the problem may be attributed to the pressure of living up to his big-money price tag at a club with high expectations.
The weight of that can sometimes hamper a young player’s confidence, especially in a league known for its intensity and competitiveness. Moreover, adapting to a completely new environment, manager and tactical setup takes time, and the Netherlands international’s early struggles could be a reflection of this adjustment period.
Interestingly, Thomas Frank has been told by some members of the media that Simons isn’t a playmaker at all, but this is hardly reflective of the numbers during his time at Leipzig.
The former PSG sensation, who was also a member of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy during his time as a youth player, racked up 11 goals and eight assists in 33 total appearances for Leipzig last season — even despite missing a good portion of 24/25 with an ankle problem.
Simons did deliver a good portion of those numbers in a CAM role, including a match-winning performance against Borussia Dortmund and brace at home to Werder Bremen, but he impressed out on the left too during his final Bundesliga matches for Leipzig.
Frank could have some experimenting to do, and Lucas Bergvall could be deployed in a more advanced midfield role with the Dane playing centrally, Simons out wide and Mohammed Kudus on the right.
In the meantime, though, Simons is attracting criticism from on-lookers.
Gabriel Agbonlahor gives scathing Xavi Simons verdict after Tottenham loss
Following Spurs’ disappointing loss to Villa, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor gave a scathing verdict about Simons when debating who would get into a team combining both sides’ best players.
Despite his challenges, it’s worth noting that Simons is still young and has shown flashes of his talent in glimpses during games.
His technical ability, vision and dribbling are evident when he finds space, and Tottenham’s coaching staff will be keen to work closely with him to help unlock his potential.
Meanwhile, Frank has already leaped to the player’s defence — insisting he needs more time to bed in.
Celtic are now reportedly plotting a 2026 move to sign a Manchester City ace, who Pep Guardiola called “world-class”.
Celtic targeting Premier League goalkeeper
There’s a lot of work for Wilfried Nancy to do in the transfer window and that work may well include signing a new goalkeeper next summer. As things stand, current No.1 Kasper Schmeichel is set to leave Celtic as a free agent at the end of his contract next summer, handing the Bhoys the task of finding a replacement.
The former Leicester City man has been an excellent servant since replacing Joe Hart in 2024, but looks destined to bow out of Scotland at 39 years old.
Celtic star with 'high ceiling' could be biggest winner of Nancy's arrival
This promising young Celtic talent could be the biggest winner of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival at the club.
ByDan Emery Dec 6, 2025
Celtic may also have no choice but to target attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, amid reports that Daizen Maeda could leave the club. The Japan international has plenty of admirers in the Premier League and could yet deal the Bhoys an undeniable blow this winter.
Speaking about the January transfer window and potential additions after arriving, new manager Nancy told reporters: “Each organisation, the idea is to improve.
“I’m going to have to assess the team. I know them as a team because I’ve watched many games. Now it’s about knowing them as a person. After that we’ll see what is the best for the team. I like to take my time. I know that I don’t have a lot of time.
“It’s not a secret I want to play in a certain way. Proactivity, try to put [pressure] on the opposition, try to attack the ball as soon as possible and after that also be disgusting to play against when we defend – because we’re going to have moments when we’ve got to suffer.”
With that said, it could be a busy 2026 for those at Celtic Park and one that includes the arrival of Man City’s Stefan Ortega, according to reports.
Celtic plotting Ortega move
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Celtic are now plotting a move to sign Ortega when his current Man City contract expires next summer. The 33-year-old could come straight in for Schmeichel as the Bhoys turn to English football for yet another shot-stopper.
Whilst Ortega has dropped down the pecking order at the Etihad, Guardiola hasn’t held back from praising the experienced goalkeeper in the past – telling reporters just last year: “Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper. An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper.”
For Celtic, the move makes perfect sense. Their move for Hart worked out for all involved, so too did their move for Schmeichel. Now, it looks like they’re ready to follow the blueprint by signing Ortega.
After reporting the news, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Ortega would be a good fit, you would think, especially if he does become a free agent in the summer.
“He’s basically just fallen totally out of favour at Man City, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford ahead of him, and Marcus Bettinelli has been travelling with the squad.
“If Celtic are looking a new goalkeeper come the summer when Schmeichel’s contract is up, Ortega could be a really good pick up on a free transfer.
Liverpool agree terms to sign "aggressive" Celtic teenager in first Nancy exit
Blake Snell unsurprisingly had a number of teams interested in him when he entered free agency after the 2024 season. What was surprising was that none of those teams were the San Francisco Giants, who Snell played for in 2024.
“The Giants didn’t even talk to me. It was surprising—I thought they really liked me," Snell said, via Susan Slusser of the .
Snell said that he didn't even hear back from Giants manager Bob Melvin, his manager on both the San Diego Padres and Giants, despite their close relationship.
“I know Bob loves me, and I’m really close with Logan and Chappy," Snell said, via Slusser. "So I was shocked. I thought they’d come after me right away. I really liked it there. I was happy there. But they never even said anything to me.
“I texted Bob and he didn’t reply, and Bob always replies to me, so I kind of had a feeling," he added. "But it was weird, especially with all the other teams that were interested in me. … There were a lot of teams after me. I just thought it was weird the Giants weren’t one.”
Snell did have a strong season with the Giants, too, particularly during the second half of the year. The two-time Cy Young award winner posted a 1.23 ERA over his final 14 starts of the season, and also recorded a no-hitter on Aug. 2 against the Cincinnati Reds. Overall, he finished the 2024 season with a 5-3 record, 3.12 ERA and 145 strikeouts over 20 starts.
Still, the Giants opted not to pursue bringing Snell back, and he instead signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Though Snell might have felt snubbed by the Giants not pursuing him, he has sounded excited about joining the Dodgers.
"It was really easy, just because me and [partner] Haeley wanted to live here," Snell said of the Dodgers in December, via ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. "It's something we've been talking about for a while. And when you look at the team, you look at what they've built, what they're doing, it's just something you want to be a part of."