نجح الاتحاد المصري لكرة السلة برئاسة عمرو مصيلحي، في الحصول على حق استضافة مصر المرحلة الثانية من التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم التي تقام في قطر 2027.
وتلقى الاتحاد المصري لكرة السلة، موافقة الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة السلة في خطاب رسمي أمس الخميس.
طالع.. رسميا | مدرب منتخب مصر يتعاقد مع أهلي طرابلس الليبي
وبذلك تحتضن مصر منافسات المرحلة الثانية من التصفيات خلال الفترة من 26 فبراير وحتى 1 مارس 2026.
ويقع منتخب مصر ضمن المجموعة الرابعة للتصفيات المؤهلة إلي كأس العالم مع منتخبات أنجولا ومالي وأوغندا.
وكان حقق منتخب مصر لكرة السلة المركز الخامس في بطولة إفريقيا الأخيرة، ويسعى الفراعنة للاستفادة من تنظيم النافذة الثانية من التصفيات في مصر، وحسم نتائجها لصالح المتنحي الوطني لكرة السلة، ووضع قدم في نهائيات مونديال قطر 2027.
A slow Colombo pitch could bridge the gap between the two teams but only slightly
Madushka Balasuriya07-Oct-20252:40
Australia exude an attitude of ‘we know how to win this’
“We have an edge on this wicket. We’ve played two games here. Australia has not played any. But they have a lot of experienced players who have played cricket in most countries. The way they assess the game is better.” It was a pretty telling statement from Sidra Amin, ahead of Pakistan’s World Cup clash against Australia – an opponent they’ve never beaten before.While Pakistan have lost both matches they’ve played in Colombo, to Bangladesh and India, the prevailing school of thought is that the slowish conditions – ones that Australia are yet to experience at this tournament – might help bridge the gap between the two teams. But only slightly.”They have played all over the world. They know the conditions better,” Amin said. “They play the WBBLs and the Hundreds, and come and play in Asian conditions as well. They take preparation very seriously. I’ve heard they prepare for Asian conditions with indoor sessions with the temperature up to 35-40 degrees [Celsius]. So they can train that way as well.”Related
Winless Pakistan have uphill task of facing near-invincible Australia
While women’s cricket has grown dramatically over the past few years, it’s grown faster for some than others. This discrepancy, in part, stems from the calibre of competition each side gets to face.In the three and a half years since the 2022 World Cup, Australia have actually played two fewer ODIs than Pakistan – 32 compared to 34. However, of those 32 games, 15 have come against India and England – among the tougher challenges in world cricket. Pakistan have played only four games against those two – seven if you include Australia themselves.Ellyse Perry: I think we all go out with the same approach, and that’s to be really positive•ICC/Getty ImagesBeyond this, once you dive into the importance of a strong domestic structure, you begin to see clearly how Australia have evolved over the years. A point not lost on Ellyse Perry who, having debuted in 2007, has been part of two ODI World Cup-winning sides and has seen first-hand the fruits of investing in the women’s game.”I think we’re incredibly lucky,” she said. “We’ve got wonderful support back home in terms of the programmes that we’ve got. We’ve got a full-time domestic structure that breeds great depth in Australian cricket. We’re a cricket nation too that loves playing the game. So we’ve always, throughout history, had wonderful players.”And I think as a group, we love the challenge of continuing to find new ways to get better. You know, there’s so much competition in the global landscape now. I think all the advent of the franchise leagues around the world has just grown the depth of women’s cricket.”In that context, the confidence that Perry gave off when analysing how an aggressive batting unit such as Australia’s would play on a not-so-batting-friendly surface like the one in Colombo was unsurprising.”I think we have a conversation with our batting group, which we’re quite fortunate to have some depth in. So for us, and it’s something that we’ve discussed a lot over the last 12 months, is how we use that depth. It’s never going to be everyone’s day on the same day. Quite possibly it might just be one person’s day.”But I think we all go out with the same approach, and that’s to be really positive, but also really adaptable and smart to whatever the game’s presenting, whether that’s conditions or the opposition. I think there’s a blueprint there that applies to anywhere that you play, and then you’ve just got to be adaptable all day.”
The summer transfer window has given way to a greater obstacle: the 2025/26 campaign. Newcastle United have it all to do in the Premier League after away-day blues have left Eddie Howe’s side 14th as the November international break trundles along.
It was a testing summer, and no mistake. United staked their stance regarding Alexander Isak, but then Liverpool thrashed against that post throughout August, and the Sweden striker ended up completing a British-record move to last season’s deposed Carabao Cup holders.
Nick Woltemade has been in emphatic form for club and country this season. The club-record signing has smoothly replaced Isak at number nine, but too many Magpie forwards are flattering to deceive around him.
And this struggle falls onto Howe’s desk. The tactician needs to find a solution, no matter the issues across the off-season months.
Should Newcastle fail to improve, noise concerning Howe’s future will only intensify.
Why Howe's future is a hot topic
Newcastle are in a rut, but they can certainly climb out of it. Let’s not forget that United were beaten 4-2 at Brentford a week into December 2024, and that result had the Toon down in 12th, with five wins from 15.
But this doesn’t change the fact that Newcastle need to improve. PIF are lenient when it comes to the man who has given this club glory, but that will only stretch so far after much investment.
The crux of the matter centres on the away form. Newcastle have only won once on the road all term, and that was against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League.
10
Games
7
7
Wins
1
0
Draws
3
3
Losses
3
20
Goals scored
7
9
Goals conceded
8
2.1
PPG
1.16
The thought of another coach in the dugout hardly bears thinking about, but Howe’s a pragmatic man, and he will know that he needs to find a solution. Tweaks are not enough here; Newcastle are in need of a reset.
Should that end up stretching over to the managerial berth, technical director Ross Wilson is bound to consider a Premier League rival who has been riding the crest of a wave.
Newcastle's dream Howe replacement
It’s important to stress that Newcastle are not actively looking to oust Howe from the hot seat. This is one of the greatest managers in the club’s history, and the struggles of recent months hardly negate the immortal 2024/25 campaign.
If Newcastle do need to bring someone new to St. James’ Park, they couldn’t do much better than Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, someone described as a “top five manager in the world” by one Premier League content creator.
Last week, the Mirror revealed that the Austrian coach is one of four names possibly available to PIF if they decide to commit to a mid-season reshuffle.
Glasner has achieved illustrious success with Palace, winning last season’s FA Cup and then beating Liverpool to lift the Community Shield in August. He is leading the Londoners through the Conference League campaign.
Hailed by analyst Pythagoras in Boots as being an “underappreciated” and “Champions League-level manager”, Glasner has done nothing over the past several years to suggest the contrary.
This is a shrewd and attractive tactician, whose typical 3-4-2-1 formation underscores an outside-the-box methodology that has only been on the money since he set foot onto English shores.
His slick attacking play could be exactly what Newcastle need. Moreover, this could give rise to Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon finding their footing once again, both wingers having toiled this term and yet to score or assist in the Premier League.
But the appointment would have the greatest effect on Woltemade, with the 23-year-old already clinical, already dangerous. Just look at Jean-Phillippe Mateta, who holds the joint-highest appearance tally at Glasner’s Palace, having scored 38 goals from 78 outings.
The Frenchman’s newfound fluency in the final third owes to the creative impetus. Indeed, Chelsea are the only side in the Premier League to have created more xG than the Selhurst Park side this season.
1. Chelsea
3rd
20.4
2. Crystal Palace
2nd
19.3
3. Man City
10th
19.0
4. Arsenal
1st
18.8
5. Man United
7th
18.2
12. Newcastle
14th
12.8
It is not unfair to surmise that a large degree of Newcastle’s issues in the Premier League centre around creativity.
Therefore, Woltemade’s emphatic start to life as the club’s central striker is made all the more impressive, and that’s without even considering the injury to fellow newbie Yoane Wissa, Prem-proven and yet to kick a ball in black and white.
Woltemade has already established his goal threat, six goals for Newcastle since completing a £69m move from Stuttgart in August. The 6 foot 6 striker has bagged four goals from three recent caps with Germany.
This is not to suggest that Howe doesn’t have the capacity to unlock the highest levels of Woltemade’s potential, but Glasner prioritises aggressive wide play that loops into the middle of the area, with a focus on much running and high intensity.
Woltemade is only completing one dribble every two Premier League fixtures, but his Sofascore heat map underscores a mobility that escapes many other centre-forwards.
But FBref shows that Woltemade ranks among the top 18% of positional peers in the division for progressive passes and the top 8% for carries made per 90, emphasising his technical skill and his willingness to move about.
In this, the German could be the perfect head of a new tactical system at Newcastle. We all hope that Howe finds a solution and Newcastle do not need to undergo any drastic transformation, but Glasner is worth his weight in gold and could be a fantastic and uplifting appointment for the Tynesiders.
Newcastle already have the new Anderson & he's "England's next superstar"
Eddie Howe could unearth Newcastle United’s next Elliot Anderson by starting this promising star more often.
Matt Breetzke blazed 93 off 45 balls, just one short of his highest T20 score, to reignite Northamptonshire Steelbacks’ Vitality Blast campaign by setting up a 13-win over bottom-placed Derbyshire.The victory puts the Steelbacks’ quest for qualification back on track, after they lost their previous five games, following six straight wins at the start of the tournament.Back from Test duty with South Africa, Breetzke adjusted instantly to the change of format, setting the pace with nine fours and five sixes in a partnership of 125 in 10.4 overs with skipper David Willey who made 53 off 33 deliveries (six fours, two sixes).With Saif Zaib also making an unbeaten 53 from 20 balls (three fours, four sixes), Northamptonshire finished with 237 for four, equalling their highest ever T20 score scored away against Yorkshire earlier this season.Derbyshire looked on course to chase down the target and post their highest ever T20 total. In a display of ferocious hitting, Aneurin Donald smashed 71 off just 22 balls (eight fours, six sixes) in a blistering opening stand worth 112 in just 7.4 overs with Caleb Jewell (39). But Australian leg-spinner Lloyd Pope made the crucial double breakthrough, removing both Donald and Jewell in his opening over. George Scrimshaw then struck twice in his second over to further arrest Derbyshire’s hopes.The match saw the highest aggregate score between these two sides in T20 cricket.Earlier, Allah Ghazanfar trapped Ricardo Vasconcelos lbw and almost picked up Breetzke but shelled a simple return catch. The South African responded by pulling Aitchison for six and taking three consecutive boundaries off Zak Chappell as Northamptonshire finished the powerplay on 51 for one.Breetzke progressed to his half-century off just 24 deliveries, pummelling Alex Thomson through extra cover before dispatching consecutive sixes.Willey got into the groove too, hitting Aitchison over his head before running a single to bring up the Steelbacks’ 100 at the end of the tenth over. Breetzke then flat-batted Ghazanfar straight for six to bring up the 100 partnership off 54 balls. Later in the over, Derbyshire incurred five penalty runs for a Level 2 disciplinary offence when Ghazanfar threw the ball in what was deemed an inappropriate or dangerous manner.Willey hit Samit Patel for consecutive straight sixes before he was caught in the deep. Such was their rate of acceleration, he and Breetzke had added 81 in the previous six overs.Zaib made a blistering start, clubbing Patel down the ground and sweeping for six. Meanwhile Breetzke paddled Aitchison round the corner for a huge six, but fell next ball, edging behind. The 200 came up courtesy of four overthrows, while Zaib continued his assault.Donald struck five boundaries off Willey’s opening over in the chase. He attacked Scrimshaw too, the former Derbyshire man leaking 24 off his opening over, Donald sending one ball sailing over fine leg for six, Derbyshire reaching 50 off just 19 balls.Jewell went after left-arm spinner Zaib too, sweeping him for six. But Northamptonshire missed a tough chance to remove Donald on 41 when keeper Lewis McManus slipped attempting a catch off a skier.Donald pulled Willey for six to close out the powerplay at 85 without loss before bludgeoning consecutive sixes off Luke Procter to reach his half-century and Derbyshire’s 100.But Pope’s double-wicket strike lifted the spirits of the home fans, as first Jewell was trapped lbw before Donald was caught behind chasing a wide one. Scrimshaw then struck twice in the 11th over, having Ross Whiteley caught at mid-on and bowling Martin Andersson.Wayne Masden (29) and Harry Came (35*) continued to attack before Masden holed out in the deep off Procter. While Northamptonshire shelled other chances, McManus made no mistake in the final over, catching Patel off a skier, off Procter’s bowling.
If it goes ahead, the series will complete the second part of what was originally supposed to be an all-format engagement in July 2024
Mohammad Isam18-Jul-2025
If the series goes ahead, it will be the first T20I meeting between Afghanistan and Bangladesh since their tense World Cup clash last year•ICC/Getty Images
Afghanistan are likely to host Bangladesh for a series of three ODIs and three T20Is in the UAE in October. The tour dates are not yet confirmed, but ESPNcricinfo has learned that the matches could take place after the Asia Cup in September, and before Bangladesh host West Indies in six white-ball matches in the third week of October.If the series goes ahead, it will complete the second part of what was originally supposed to be an all-format engagement in July 2024, comprising two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. The schedule was initially revised to include only white-ball matches, but that series, due to be played in Greater Noida, was postponed with weather conditions and Bangladesh’s packed schedule in mind. The teams played the three-match ODI leg of the tour in November 2024, with Afghanistan winning 2-1.ESPNcricinfo understands that the ACB and BCB are in discussions about playing the two Tests sometime next year.The T20I series, especially, will be an important addition to the two teams’ run-up to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February-March 2026.The series will also fill a gap in Afghanistan’s schedule between the Asia Cup and a full tour of Zimbabwe scheduled to start at the end of October. After that, they have three T20Is each against West Indies and New Zealand in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.The series will be the first meeting between these teams in the format since their T20 World Cup clash in June 2024 in Kingstown, where Afghanistan’s thrilling win sealed their passage to their first-ever semi-finals appearance at a World Cup.
Major League Cricket (MLC) officials hope that Afghanistan players including Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will be able to fulfil their contracts for the 2025 season after US president Donald Trump signed a travel ban which will come into effect next week.Trump’s proclamation will “fully restrict and limit the entry” into the United States of nationals of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. He said the ban is designed to “protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people”.There are seven Afghanistan players under contract for MLC 2025: Rashid, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq (all MI New York); Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Waqar Salamkheil (all Seattle Orcas) and Noor (Texas Super Kings).Related
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The ban, which is effective from 12.01am Eastern Time on Monday, June 9 includes an exemption for “any athlete or member of an athletic team… traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State”.The order also states: “This proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designation countries who: (i) are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and (ii) do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.”ESPNcricinfo understands that some relevant players have already reached the United States after receiving visas, while others are yet to apply or travel. A league official told ESPNcricinfo they were hopeful that MLC will be classified as a ‘major sporting event’ by Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, which would ease any concerns about the participation of Afghan players.An official at one affected franchise told ESPNcricinfo that they would explore all options, including the possibility of flying affected players into the United States before the ban kicks in. The official added that they will lean on MLC and other relevant authorities for guidance.An MLC spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to monitor the situation and are working with the relevant authorities to minimize travel disruptions for overseas players ahead of the start of Major League Cricket next week. We continue to attract some of the best players from around the world to come over to the US to showcase their talent, along with the best cricketers from the USA, and we are set to have the most exciting tournament to date this summer.”The order specifically mentions the Olympics, which will take place in Los Angeles in 2028, as an event for which athletes will be granted exemptions. Afghanistan should, therefore, be eligible to compete in the men’s T20 cricket event at the Games if they qualify.MLC’s 2025 season starts on June 12, with a rematch of last year’s final between Washington Freedom and San Francisco at the Oakland Coliseum.
Sunderland fans have historically been viewed as a downtrodden, pessimistic set of supporters, with the Black Cats usually struggling at the very top of the English game, instead of succeeding.
Indeed, even when Premier League football was regularly on the menu during the 2010s, the Wearside outfit would never blow anyone’s socks off, with just one promising top-half finish coming at the end of the 2010/11 season due to Asamoah Gyan’s heroics in front of goal.
From that point on, it was regular scraps and fights against the drop, with a seven-season exodus from the Premier League then following after relegation was finally confirmed in 2017.
Eight years on, however, the mood is a buoyant one currently at the Stadium of Light when it comes to top-flight life, with Regis Le Bris already steering Sunderland to the dizzy heights of fifth spot from just six clashes.
Tasting defeat just the once has resulted in a positive new dawn being spoken about on Wearside, with Sunderland wanting to show they belong at the very pinnacle of the English game with statement signings galore this summer.
Granit Xhaka is the main figure that continues to stand out from the Black Cats’ luxurious spending this summer, as the ex-Arsenal battler continues to look every bit worth the £17.3m it cost to bring him in from Bayer Leverkusen.
How Xhaka compares to other top-flight midfielders
Sunderland picking up Xhaka way back in July was, arguably, one of the first significant pieces of the jigsaw acquired that showed to the rest of the top-flight that Le Bris and Co. weren’t there to simply make up the numbers.
Instead, they were willing to flex their muscles in the competitive market to go all out to win Premier League-ready warriors, with the Swiss international noted as being “valued by so many” when previously on the books of Arsenal in the unforgiving league by analyst Ben Mattinson.
His fiery Gunners stint might well have seen him tally up a worrying four red cards in league action, but with 17 goals and 24 assists also next to his name at the Emirates in the top-flight, it almost went without saying that he was going to add some much-needed quality to proceedings upon his arrival at the Stadium of Light, with equal measures of flair and bite the two main components to his well-rounded and assured game.
It has played out like that so far, too, with the 33-year-old collecting three assists as a vital cog in Le Bris’ machine from the middle of the park, while also averaging a high 6.8 duels won across his near faultless six league encounters.
Games played
6
Goals scored
0
Assists
3
Touches
422
Successful passes
270
Pass accuracy
83.3%
Duels won
41
Aerial duels won
20
Recoveries
28
To further wax lyrical about the Swiss international, who Sky Sports’ Keith Downie said the team is “built around,” his excellent numbers so far this season put him alongside some esteemed competition.
Indeed, his pass accuracy coming in at 83.3% per Premier League contest to date sees him actually trump Sandro Tonali for Sunderland’s arch rivals Newcastle United, who has just 42.5 accurate passes per match to show for his season so far.
Moreover, with eight big chances also created from his six outings, he further trumps Ryan Gravenberch’s tally in this department by two, despite recent shouts suggesting that the Dutchman is “the best player in the country” by journalist Daniel Storey for his electric start to the season with title-chasing Liverpool.
That just brings into view even more clearly how impressive Xhaka has been so far to be reaching the same unbelievable heights as the Dutchman, for a side believed to perhaps be in a relegation battle before the campaign officially got underway.
Yet, it’s not the biggest shock in the world to see the new Sunderland captain return to the Premier League and shine, considering he showed that he still had what it takes to be an elite-level performer with Leverkusen.
Therefore, another of Sunderland’s various signings could be more suited to the crown of being the best purchase made this summer, with another shrewd capture perhaps a more worthy recipient.
Sunderland's signing of the summer
There would have been some worries in the air this summer on Wearside that the rapid pace of the signings could lead to a disjointed look on the pitch.
It’s been far from that, thankfully, particularly in defence, as Le Bris has his new-look defence already playing like a well-oiled unit.
While Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete are undoubtedly also in the running to steal Xhaka’s thunder, Robin Roefs is a worthy frontrunner, too, with his early form for the Black Cats being hailed as “absolutely remarkable” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley.
After all, while Xhaka didn’t cost an eye-watering amount to pick up at the £17.3m region, landing Roefs for only £11.5m already looks to be the steal of the summer, with pundit Chris Sutton also praising the capture of the former NEC Nijmegen goalkeeper as a “brilliant” bit of business.
1. Robin Roefs
4
+2.6
2. Dean Henderson
3
+2.3
3. Guglielmo Vicario
4
+2.2
4. James Trafford
4
+1.9
5. Nick Pope
5
+0.9
While Xhaka is in some notable conversations regarding the cream of the midfield crop in the division, Roefs is arguably head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to the goalkeeper department, notably named among the nominees for September’s Premier League Player of the Month.
Indeed, the Dutchman boasts the best goals prevented numbers so far this season with +2.6 next to his name.
Only pipped by Guglielmo Vicario in terms of save percentage, too, it’s clear, even at this early stage, that the 22-year-old has been instrumental to Sunderland taking the division by storm, with a mammoth six saves managed against Nottingham Forest last time out, securing a hard-fought 1-0 win.
Come the close of the long, hard season, it will be fascinating to see how many victories were clinched just off the back of Roefs, being a rock-solid pair of gloves for Le Bris and Co. to rely on.
Of course, Xhaka’s expertise in the gruelling division will also come in handy, but to survive in the Premier League, and ultimately thrive, you need a dependable ‘keeper that can bail you out regularly, with Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton finding that out the hard way last campaign when shipping a sorry 248 goals as they were all relegated.
In Roefs, Sunderland have hit instant gold in between the sticks, with the ex-Eredivisie stopper a firm fan’s favourite already, with that tag only strengthening if he can keep his insane performance levels up.
Not Isidor: Sunderland "monster" is becoming the club's modern day Phillips
Regis Le Bris could now have his very own Kevin Phillips at Sunderland in this monster.
Liverpool appear primed for Premier League domination over the next few seasons but still face the daunting task of finding an appropriate successor for Mohamed Salah.
Arne Slot lays out new signing expectations at Liverpool
Despite the excitement that surrounds Alexander Isak’s £125 million move from Newcastle United to Liverpool, the Sweden international has missed out on a proper pre-season and was used sparingly over the international break by Sweden due to his fitness.
With Hugo Ekitike leading the line to great effect under Arne Slot, the Dutchman has made it clear that his newest signing won’t be expected to play 90 minutes straight away across the next few matches as he gets himself in elite shape for challenges that lie ahead.
He stated before his side’s trip to Turf Moor: “Don’t expect him to be every single game 90 minutes on the pitch. We will treat Alex the same as Sweden. So do not expect him to play every game in the upcoming weeks.
Work on the transfer front doesn’t stop there for FSG after reports emerged that Liverpool are battling Manchester United and others to sign Ajax talent Jorthy Mokio, who is also wanted by Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Intriguingly, the Reds are also monitoring Santos winger Robinho Jr, son of the former Real Madrid and Brazil star, presenting another potential recruit who could gain nationwide headlines for obvious reasons.
Keeping one eye on the future, Liverpool have now identified who they want to succeed Salah long-term as they look to build a dynasty in English football.
Liverpool want Michael Olise to replace Mohamed Salah
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool see Bayern Munich star Michael Olise as Salah’s long-term replacement, and they are deemed to ‘lead’ the race for his signature, albeit the Bundesliga holders are keen to offer him a new contract. In the case of Salah, he may once again soon be at the centre of lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, forcing the Reds into forming a contingency plan if the Anfield icon were to depart in the near future.
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With an alleged release clause of around £87m, which could even be lowered if the player pushes for an English move, Olise is said to earn around £224,000 per week at the Allianz Arena and has started the campaign with four goals in four matches across all competitions.
Overall, the London-born star, dubbed “different class” by reporter Graeme Bailey, has registered 24 goals and 23 assists in 59 matches for Bayern Munich, making him a prolific figure within Vincent Kompany’s frontline that is viewed as a similar profile of player to Salah by Liverpool chiefs.
With his release clause believed to kick in next year – hence Bayern’s keenness to offer him a new deal – there may be scope for the Reds to pull off another savvy piece of business if the ex-Crystal Palace man signals his intent to return to the Premier League.
What a turbulent week it has been for Nottingham Forest. The East Midlands side have seen their manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, sacked after around 18 months in the hot seat at the City Ground. His replacement has already been named as former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
However, Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett said “the writing was on the wall” when Edu was appointed the club’s sporting director. Forest spent plenty of money over the summer, too, increasing the size of their squad and spending freely as they have under owner Evangelos Marinakis.
It was certainly a surprise when one of those signings, Omari Hutchinson, was omitted from the Europa League squad.
Hutchinson’s time at Forest so far
England under-21 international Hutchinson made the move to the City Ground from Ipswich Town, who were relegated at the end of last season. He cost the East Midlands side a club-record fee of £37.5m and signed a five-year contract.
In two games under Nuno so far, the 21-year-old has only made two fleeting appearances. His debut was an eight-minute cameo against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, and he played one minute in the 3-0 loss at home to West Ham United.
On the face of things, it is strange that Hutchinson has played so little football for Forest. Even if he is not match fit and ready to start, you might have thought he’d play more than nine minutes in two games. He was a key player for England under-21s in their successful European Championship campaign and scored in the final.
Even stranger, then, is the fact the forward was omitted from the Europa League squad. Charlie Austin said on Sky Sports that “Nottingham Forest convincing Omari Hutchinson to come play for that football club, European football would have been a part of it”, so to leave him out is a strange decision.
It will be fascinating to see if Postecoglou unleashes Hutchinson early on in his reign. There is another player who the Australian manager might well choose to play, who Nuno did not.
The Forest outcast Postecoglou could now unleash
It was certainly a big summer for Forest. Signing several new players to wear Garibaldi Red this season does mean there are going to be some unhappy people in that squad, but one player’s lack of involvement has been a surprise.
27-year-old midfielder Douglas Luiz was a summer addition from Juventus. He signed for the Nottingham-based outfit on a season-long loan from the Old Lady, with an obligation to buy him at the end of the season if certain conditions are met.
Yet, Luiz has played even less than Hutchinson. The former Aston Villa midfielder was an unused substitute for the two games he’s been available for. That surprised talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, who said it was a decision that “spelt the end for Nuno” at Forest.
It is curious that the Brazilian has played so little at Forest. His time at Villa Park showed just how good of a Premier League player he is. In 204 games for the Villans, he scored 22 times and assisted 24, operating as a number six, controlling the game, and a number eight.
The tenacity shown in the video above from 2023/24 is exactly what he can bring to the Forest midfield.
His underlying numbers from that campaign are impressive, with the Brazilian having a 60% take-on success rate and winning 4.5 duels per 90 minutes.
Chances created
1.6
53
Forward passes
12.5
415
Take-on success
60%
60%
Duels won
4.5
148
Ball recoveries
5.6
184
It is certainly hard to understand why Nuno didn’t field Luiz at all this season. However, with the quality he can bring on the ball and his engine out of possession, he is a midfielder that Postecoglou can depend on.
Forest are next in action away to Arsenal, so it will be fascinating to see if their new manager gives Luiz minutes. He will certainly be hoping to avoid some of the mistakes Nuno made towards the end of his tenure.
Zinchenko in, Ndoye axed for £30m "menace": Ange's dream Nottingham Forest XI
A look at Ange Postecoglou’s dream starting lineup at Nottingham Forest
Liverpool’s summer transfer window has been defined by a mix of strategic reinforcement and high-profile exits.
The departures of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz have left gaps in the Reds’ squad, prompting Arne Slot and sporting director Michael Edwards to seek both immediate impact and long-term value.
With a Champions League campaign to contend with and a Premier League title defence underway, the urgency to reinforce the spine of the squad has become paramount.
So far, Liverpool have bolstered their ranks with Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, blending young talent with proven performers.
The opening weeks of the season have seen the side make a strong start, with victories over Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Yet, the club are now targeting the gaps which remain ahead of the closing days of the transfer window.
Central to this strategy is Liverpool’s ambition to secure a transformative duo – a forward capable of dominating the final third and a defender who can anchor a restructured backline.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on
Reports suggest that at least one of these players is expected to join before Deadline Day, potentially rewriting the club’s transfer narrative in a manner few signings have in recent memory.
Liverpool hoping to complete double deal
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are “very optimistic” about concluding deals for both Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi, although financial realities may dictate that only one is completed initially.
The Swedish striker, valued at around £130m, has made his desire to leave Newcastle abundantly clear.
Isak did not feature in Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa and is expected to remain sidelined as the club works to finalise his transfer.
The arrival of Nick Woltemade for £69m has cleared a pathway, enabling the Magpies to consider sanctioning the deal.
On the defensive side, Liverpool have identified Palace captain Guehi as a solution to a backline in transition.
With Virgil van Dijk entering his thirties, Ibrahima Konaté nearing the end of his contract, and Jarrel Quansah sold to Bayer Leverkusen, the Reds face a pressing need for a centre-back capable of delivering both consistency and versatility.
Guehi’s contract is entering its final year, and while Palace value the England international at £40m, Liverpool are reportedly holding out for a reduction, mindful of the player’s ambition to secure regular game time ahead of next year’s World Cup.
A modern-day Suarez and Carroll
The potential arrival of Isak and Guehi represents a seismic shift for Liverpool, both in tactical terms and in financial prudence.
Historically, the Reds have made headline-grabbing acquisitions such as Luis Suárez and Andy Carroll.
Suárez, signed for approximately £22.8m from Ajax, became a club legend, scoring 82 goals in 133 appearances and winning the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2014.
Carroll, by contrast, was a £35m British-record signing whose impact was underwhelming, netting just 11 goals in 58 appearances before a £15m exit to West Ham.
Isak and Guehi present a dual solution that combines the promise of Suárez with the physical presence Liverpool initially sought in Carroll, without the risk of underperformance.
Isak has emerged as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards, scoring 23 goals and providing six assists in 34 Premier League matches last season.
He also contributed in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, demonstrating his capacity to deliver in high-pressure moments.
Alexander Isak – 2024/25
Matches Played
24
Goals
23
Assists
6
Progressive Carries
83
Progressive Passes
88
Source: FBref
Guehi, meanwhile, made 34 appearances for Crystal Palace last season, contributing three goals and excelling defensively with 4.6 clearances and 1.8 tackles per game.
He is also effective in ball progression and offensive phases. According to FBref, he ranks in the 98th percentile for through balls and the 88th percentile for shot-creating actions among centre-backs.
At 25, Isak is entering his prime, with a 2024/25 campaign marked by 29 goal involvements, 3.1 shots per 90 minutes, and 2.71 progressive carries per 90, reflecting his ability to drive play while finishing efficiently.
His progressive passing distance of 53.7 metres per 90 and shot-creating actions of 3.01 per game highlight a forward capable of linking with teammates and influencing wide and central zones alike. Meanwhile, Guehi offers a rare blend of defensive solidity and technical intelligence.
His aerial dominance, tackling efficiency, and ability to progress the ball are complemented by an unusual offensive contribution for a centre-back, ensuring Liverpool can build from the back while retaining a threat during set-pieces.
In a system that relies heavily on full-backs and ball-playing defenders, his 77th percentile ranking for crosses and 75th percentile for switches per 90 minutes underlines his compatibility with Slot’s tactical philosophy.
Taken together, Isak and Guehi constitute a more complete strategic investment than the club’s previous marquee signings.
Where Suárez delivered pure offensive output and Carroll offered raw physicality with mixed results, this duo promises a combination of scoring prowess, versatility, and adaptability that could provide immediate returns while underpinning Liverpool’s long-term squad structure.
Transfer Focus
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For a club with ambitions of Premier League supremacy and deep European runs, securing both players would represent not merely squad reinforcement but a redefinition of transfer strategy – a calculated, high-value investment in proven performers with a capacity for sustained impact.
Should Liverpool succeed, the window will be remembered as one of the best in the club’s history – eclipsing previous transfers in both scope and quality.
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Liverpool are looking to complete a deal for a Premier League midfielder before Monday’s deadline.