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Big Picture: NZ under the pump

Two matches in, New Zealand are already at risk of playing catch-up in the Women’s World Cup. Two brilliant innings from captain Sophie Devine haven’t been able to save them as they lost to Australia and South Africa. That makes them one of two winless teams in this tournament.New Zealand hadn’t played an ODI in six months prior to the World Cup. The rust has shown: before losing to Australia and South Africa, they suffered defeats in their warm-up games against India and India A. Apart from Devine, who has contributed 42% of New Zealand’s runs in the tournament so far, the batters have struggled for fluency and the bowling has lacked bite. Against South Africa, they also let themselves down in the field with seven misfields, a reflection of a team that has looked undercooked.Bangladesh, in contrast, are on the rise. They stunned Pakistan, pushed England hard, and are brimming with belief. Their batting hasn’t quite clicked, but their bowlers have done the job with Marufa Akter consistently striking with the new ball and the spinners keeping a tight leash through the middle overs. With Brooke Halliday the only left-hander in the batting order, New Zealand’s right-hand-heavy line-up could be tested by left-arm spinner Nahida Akter and the legspin duo of Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan.They’ve never beaten New Zealand in ODIs, having lost both their completed games by a big margin in 2022. But with spin expected to play a big role in Guwahati on Friday, Bangladesh will be keen to use the conditions to their advantage. Unlike New Zealand, they have already played a game at this venue in the World Cup.

Form Guide

Bangladesh LWLLW (last five matches, most recent first)
New Zealand LLWWLSuzie Bates is yet to open her account in this World Cup•ICC via Getty Images

In the spotlight: Fahima Khatun and Suzie Bates

Fahima Khatun was near unplayable against England on Tuesday, returning remarkable figures of 3 for 16. She dismissed Nat Sciver-Brunt, Emma Lamb, and Sophia Dunkley, and celebrated each wicket with her trademark jig. Fahima’s slow, loopy legspin tied England down; she conceded just one boundary in 60 balls. She also had Heather Knight caught at cover, but the low catch was ruled not out by the TV umpire, a pivotal moment that arguably swung the game.New Zealand have missed the runs from Suzie Bates from the top of the order, who will be coming into this match off two consecutive ducks. She struggled to score off her first eight balls against Australia, eventually falling to left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, while she fell for a golden duck against South Africa to Marizanne Kapp. She will need to find a way to see off a red-hot Marufa, who’s coming off four wickets in two games.

Team news: Is Mair fit and ready?

Bangladesh are unlikely to change their combination unless there’s a last-minute injury or illness. Marufa, who bowled only five overs against England and was off the field with cramps, is “fit and ready” for Friday’s game, Nahida said at the press conference.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Rubya Haider, 2 Sharmin Akhter, 3 Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), 4 Sobhana Mostary, 5 Mst Ritu Moni, 6 Shorna Akter, 7 Fahima Khatun, 8 Nahida Akter, 9 Rabeya Khan, 10 Marufa Akter, 11 Sanjida Akter MeghlaNew Zealand assistant coach Craig McMillan had said that right-arm quick Rosemary Mair was “close to fitness” before their previous fixture against South Africa. If she’s fit, New Zealand may bring her in for Jess Kerr.New Zealand (probable): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (wk), 8 Jess Kerr/Rosemary Mair, 9 Lea Tahuhu, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Bree Illing

Pitch and conditions: Spin to win

Spinners have taken 75% of the wickets (33 out of 44 total wickets) in the three matches in Guwahati so far this World Cup. There is a possibility of a rain-interrupted start.

Stats and Trivia: Tahuhu gears up for 100th ODI

• New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu will be playing her 100th ODI on Friday.
• Marufa Akter has eight wickets in the powerplay this year, the second most by a bowler in women’s ODIs.
• Brooke Halliday is 57 runs away from 1000 ODI runs. She will become the 18th New Zealand batter to the feat.

Quotes

“There has been quite a bit of turn and bounce in the nets, which is exciting for my bowling. But on the other hand with batting, it’s just being really disciplined in the best way to play spin. We know with Bangladesh, they’ve, I think apart from the opening bowler, they’re a spin-heavy attack and they’ve had a lot of teams in trouble as well throughout this tournament we’ve seen. So, I think being really disciplined with the bat, you have to sum up conditions really quickly and then work out what your best game plan is.”

Bayern Munich wonderkid Lennart Karl, who has been called the 'German Lionel Messi', has played down comparisons to the Argentine GOAT after he made Bundesliga history against Freiburg on Saturday. Karl contributed a goal and an assist as Vincent Kompany's side registered a dominating 6-2 win and maintained their unbeaten record in the league this season.

• Starlet's progress at Bayern has been sensational

  Karl has made rapid strides at Bayern Munich ever since he joined the club's youth academy as a promising 14-year-old in 2022. Last season, he made 26 appearances in all competitions for Bayern's Under-17 and U19 outfits, scoring 32 goals and delivering 10 assists. His exquisite displays earned him a place in Bayern's squad for the Club World Cup over the summer, where he made his debut against Auckland City. 

  Ahead of the 2025-26 season, he was promoted to the first team by Kompany and has made 15 appearances in total already, making five starts and clocking 531 minutes on the pitch – evidence that the Bayern boss counts on the youngster to become an important piece of the rotational puzzle amid a demanding schedule. He became the youngest Bayern goal scorer in Champions League history in October, backing it up with another goal in the 3-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach to become the third-youngest goal scorer in club history in the Bundesliga.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Karl compared to Barcelona legend Messi

  The 17-year-old's sensational form in his maiden season and his graceful movements on the pitch have often drawn comparisons to Barcelona and Argentina legend Messi. However, addressing the comparisons now, the Bayern sensation told after the Freiburg clash: "Other people said that, I can't compare myself to Messi. Messi is right at the top and there's a long way to go to reach that. He's my idol."

• Karl makes Bundesliga history in Freiburg thrashing

  At just 17 years and 273 days, Karl became the youngest ever player in history to score and provide an assist in a Bundesliga game. Speaking on Karl's progress after the game, Kompany said: "It's very important that he enjoys this moment. If there's a lot of hype, then that's okay. It's all from outside. He just has to keep his entourage and enjoy football. And when things don't work out for him, we'll support him. Comparisons with Messi? Lenny is Lenny. It's not about comparing him to other players. We want him to become the best version of Lennart Karl he can be."

  Bayern star Aleksandar Pavlovic then added: "I've never seen a teammate with so much self-confidence at his age. He's an amazing player. It's so much fun playing with him. I have nothing but good things to say about him."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Did Karl suffer an injury against Freiburg?

  The teenager was substituted in the 71st minute. Nicolas Jackson replaced and eventually the Chelsea loanee scored the team's sixth goal. The attacking midfielder looked a bit uncomfortable during the match and Kompany provided an update on the youngster's condition as he said: "He took a knock in training and felt it again during the game. He laughed a lot and was happy after the game. So I hope it's nothing bad."

  Bayern will be back in action on Wednesday as they take on Arsenal in a Champions League top-of-the-table clash at Emirates Stadium. Karl would hope to recover from his knock and travel to London in midweek. 

Manchester United’s summer transfer window has, in many ways, been a success so far. Benjamin Sesko has already scored a couple of Premier League goals, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been so good that fans are already comparing him to Peter Schmeichel.

As for their two other attacking signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both players have hit he ground running. Mbeumo already has six goals and assists in that famous Red shirt, which included a goal away to Liverpool.

As for Cunha, he got off the mark against Brighton and Hove Albion a couple of weeks ago.

The new attacking duo could be on their way to forming the best front line since the end of the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Why Cunha & Mbeumo can be the best post-Fergie pairing

It has certainly been a fast start to life at Old Trafford for Cunha and Mbeumo. They have both made good impressions, with the Brazilian starring without scoring too many goals, and their number 19 providing that cutting edge.

As two individual players, both attackers are quite different. Cunha is a player who loves the ball at his feet, driving forward with flair. Mbeumo is more of an inside forward, cutting inside on his left foot and always looking to score.

But it is this uniqueness that makes them so deadly as a duo.

There is certainly a case to be made that they could form part of the best frontline since Ferguson departed the club back in 2013. United have had some excellent attackers in that time.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford had an unstoppable partnership and combined for 22 goals.

Cunha and Mbeumo are only a short way into their Old Trafford career, but it is easy to see how they can become the best attacking partnership since Ferguson retired. They have a good blend of skills which work well together.

However, they are perhaps not the most Ferguson-coded players in United’s squad.

United’s most Ferguson-coded player

Living up to the legacy left by those legendary teams under Ferguson has not been easy for the Red Devils. In fact, only a handful, including the likes of Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, have really managed that.

However, someone in more recent times who has shone in a United shirt is Ivorian winger Amad. Despite operating as a wing-back under Ruben Amorim and being tasked with more defensive responsibility, he has thrived in the last few seasons.

The “explosive” winger, as Statman Dave called him, has shone at United after being given a true opportunity last season.

In 74 games for the club, he’s bagged 15 goals and assisted 14. They’ve come at a good rate, too, with the Red Devils’ number 16 averaging a goal involvement every 148 minutes.

Games

74

Minutes

4309

Goals

15

Assists

14

Mins per G/A

148

G/A per game

0.4

Amad’s most recent strike came at the weekend against Nottingham Forest. It was a sensational effort to equalise for United late on, striking a first time volley sweetly with his left foot.

The former Atalanta player has picked up a habit of scoring those late goals for his side. He’s bagged ten times in the Premier League, which, according to Opta, ‘have been scored in the second half of matches, which is a competition record for most goals by a player when all of them have been netted in the second half’.

He is certainly a Ferguson-coded player. Amad has picked up a habit of scoring late goals for the Red Devils, be it winners or equalisers, like at the weekend. Of course, that was a key theme in the Ferguson era.

United used to score so many goals late on under their legendary former manager. It became such an important phase of the game for his side that stoppage time was dubbed ‘Fergie Time,’ as it is still known today.

Imagine Amad in that side under Ferguson, popping up with a last-minute goal. The Ivorian has certainly made a habit of it, and he could have been a key player late on in games back in the 26-year reign the Scot had at Old Trafford.

Amorim can end Dalot's Man Utd career by unleashing £48m "monster"

This Man Utd ace will be back from injury soon

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 5, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

No Dérbi válido pela partida de volta da semifinal do Brasileirão Sub-17, o Palmeiras venceu o Corinthians por 2 a 1 e confirmou vaga na grande decisão do torneio. Estevão abriu o placar para o Verdão, Gui Negão empatou para o Timão e Luighi fez o gol da vitória alviverde. O Palmeiras havia vencido o jogo de ida por 3 a 2.

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+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

O Corinthians tentou ditar o ritmo de jogo no primeiro tempo, mas André Luiz cometeu pênalti em Luighi, e Estevão, uma das principais joias do Palmeiras, abriu o placar na Arena Barueri.

O Timão voltou mais ligado para o segundo tempo e conseguiu o empate aos 15 minutos. Após cobrança de falta rápida, a bola sobrou para Pellegrini, que encontrou Gui Negão dentro da área para empatar o jogo.

+ Aposentado? Palmeiras teve ídolos na era Leila que já chegaram experientes ao clube

O sonho da virada corintiana durou pouco. Cinco minutos após o empate, Luighi recebeu belo cruzamento e finalizou firme, de direita, dando números finais ao Dérbi. O Palmeiras irá enfrentar Flamengo ou São Paulo na final do Brasileirão Sub-17.

Whisper it quietly, but Manchester United are showing real signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim’s management this season.

Shout it loudly: the Red Devils went to Anfield on Sunday afternoon and emerged victorious, having put Liverpool to the sword and condemned Arne Slot’s side to four successive defeats.

That’s three wins from four in the Premier League for United, who are certainly starting to find some semblance of coherence and style as they march back into European contention.

There’s a lot to like within a burgeoning frontline, but Benjamin Sesko will be disappointed to have been left on the bench for the weekend win.

Why Sesko was left out of the starting line-up

Sesko had previously played his first two full 90s in the Premier League, and he scored on both occasions. The Slovenian centre-forward moved to Old Trafford this summer for a £72m fee, having shown plenty of promise previously with RB Leipzig.

There’s no question that the 22-year-old has sharp footwork for such a rangy forward. He creates chances with comparative consistency while providing an aerial threat each game.

However, there’s a case to be made that United are more fluid, interchangeable, when opting for Matheus Cunha in the middle, flanked by Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo.

But then, there’s also a case to be made that the 6 foot 5 striker has the trappings of a world-class goalscorer, and must be trusted after such a pretty penny was spent on his signature this summer.

He’s a talented forward, and there’s a sense he will keep on improving in concurrence with United’s own resurgence.

But Sesko might want to keep an eye on his six, for there’s a prolific academy star over at Carrington who might just fancy a shot at the number nine berth in the coming years.

Man Utd's future number 9 could replace Sesko

Manchester United’s academy is intertwined with the senior set-up. However, with Kobbie Mainoo out of favour, it would be nice to see a new starboy emerge from the ground and play a pivotal role in Amorim’s system.

Well, JJ Gabriel might just be the forward United are searching for. The 15-year-old is a long way away from establishing himself on the professional stage, but he’s developing at a prodigious rate, with ten goals and an assist from his first nine matches with the U18s.

Fast-tracked due to his innate ball-striking ability and dribbling skills, Gabriel could shape into a striker who would provide the best of both worlds for Amorim, blending Cunha and Mbuemo’s athleticism with the sharpness of Sesko in the box.

Described as by “one of the most exciting talents in the world” by the Manchester Evening News’ Steven Railston, Gabriel would hardly be the first to have made the trip from Carrington to superstardom under the Old Trafford lights, and he will use the fuel from the promotion of the class of 92′ and, more recently, the likes of Marcus Rashford.

Also hailed as a “goalscoring machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Gabriel might only be 15 but if he keeps on firing at such a clinical rate, he could make his senior bow sooner rather than later, with Angel Gomes Man United’s youngest-ever Premier League debutant at 16 years and eight months old.

The England U15 international, yet to score across six caps, has what it takes to become a success at Man United, but though this is a player to keep a close eye on, his physical and mental development must be prioritised at this stage, and we won’t see him in action for some time.

But when Old Trafford is treated to this precocious youngster’s emergence, he might just ruffle a few senior feathers.

Man Utd have sealed an "incredible signing" who's a new Tevez-type player

Has the new Carlos Tevez arrived at Manchester United?

By
Matt Dawson

Oct 20, 2025

Romario moved around the penalty area with the stealthy gait and sly gaze of a panther, ready to suddenly accelerate as soon as the ball came his way, to disorient the opposing defenders with a couple of feints, to pounce on the ball, which inevitably ended up at his feet, as if magnetised, and finish with an unstoppable shot of pure technique or power, or alternatively serve up a perfect assist for one of his team-mates. He was a Hall of Fame striker if ever there was one.

• One of the game's greatest finishers

  Having emerged from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Romario achieved the highest goals a footballer could aspire to. His greatest successes came with the Brazil national team, with whom he won the South American Under-20 Championship (1985), silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, two Copa America titles (1989 and 1997), a Confederations Cup (1997) and, above all, the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

  Romario turned scoring goals into an art form. Sometimes he scored on the run, after sneaking away and touching the ball several times with his favoured right foot, while on other occasions he was more direct, finding the net with either foot with his first touch or on the rebound.

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  'Unmarkable' with a magic touch

  Romario claims that, including friendlies, charity matches and youth games,he has scored over 1000 goals over the course of his career, a milestone he reached at the age of 41 on 20 May, 2007, when he scored a penalty for Vasco da Gama against Sport Recife.

  It matters little that FIFA only recognises 760 of his goals in official matches between clubs, the senior national team and the Olympic side, making Romario the fourth-highest scorer in football history, though they concede his tally reaches 929 when taking into account his youth-team efforts.

  "When Romario touches the ball, it makes a magical sound," former Italy centre-back Alessandro Costacurta said of facing the Brazilian goal machine. "'Tum tum tum'. He touches it many times in a few metres and then has the ability to understand when his opponent is moving, but above all to understand the movements of his team-mates first in order to pass the ball. Inside the area, he is unmarkable."

• Robbed of the Ballon d'Or

  Certainly, 'O Baixinho' ('The Little One') – as he was called because of his short stature – ruled the penalty area, but Romario was capable of scoring goals in all sorts of ways; with lobs or soft touches, with brutal power, from inside the area or from distance, and even with his head, thanks to his ability to control the ball and read its trajectory in advance. He won team and individual trophies around the world, finishing as top scorer in 26 different competitions, a record that is unlikely to be equalled.

  Romario's magical year came when he won the World Cup in 1994, but at the time non-European Union players were not eligible for the Ballon d'Or, meaning he missed out on winning the greatest individual prize in the game. FIFA did award Romario the FIFA World Player of the Year award, while in 2000, he won the South American Ballon d'Or as the best player on the continent, but he never got his hands on the ultimate footballing honour.

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• From the favelas to the big leagues

  Born on 29 January, 1966 in Bairro Jacarezinho, Romario grew up within one of the worst favelas in Rio de Janeiro. Despite the situation of destitution and absolute poverty, his love for football saved him, and at the age of 10, he began playing football with Estrelinha de Vila de Penha, a team founded by his father.

  In 1979, at the age of 13, Romario was signed by the Olaria youth team, whose first team played in the Brazilian top-flight at the time. Here he was spotted by Vasco da Gama, who brought him into their youth academy.

Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness has not minced words about the club's "risky" decision to sell star striker Nick Woltemade late in the summer window without securing a replacement. The decision to sell the forward late in the summer transfer window has resulted in a drop in quality, the coach argued. With top scorer Ermedin Demirovic now sidelined by injury, Hoeness says the task has become "significantly more challenging".

Stuttgart still coping with Nick Woltemade's last-minute sale

Woltemade joined Necastle this summer in a deal worth £69 million (€79m/$91m) after Stuttgart rejected multiple bids from Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich. Now two months into the campaign, Stuttgart head coach Hoeness has not fully come to terms with losing star striker Woltemade. The 48-year-old, who had earlier criticised the club selling the striker late in the window, calling it a "bitter loss," now claims they have not found his replacement yet. The Bundesliga club are missing Woltemade's goal-scoring prowess and are finding it hard to convert chances this season, with most of their league wins coming by a one-goal margin, compounded by a 2-0 loss against Basel in the Europa League.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportHoeness calls out club for "risky" Woltemade sale

Hoeness is clearly unimpressed by losing his team's ferocity in front of goal this season. The Stuttgart boss claims there was always a risk associated with the deal, and having failed to find his replacement, the campaign has become more challenging for him and his team.

"It's not about whether my fears were confirmed. We all knew that we were taking a risk by selling Nick and the Hyeon Gyu Oh transfer not coming to fruition," Hoeness said in an interview with . 

He further explains the club's failed plan to rely on backup striker Ermedin Demirovic: "There was great hope that he would make it through the season, as has been the case in recent years. But injuries are unfortunately a part of competitive sport.

"[Demirovic] is the only true centre-forward in the squad. For us, this means that we as a coaching staff have to work with the players on solutions. We were already doing this before Medo's absence due to the large number of games, but now the task is obviously significantly more challenging."

Speaking about losing Woltemade, the coach says: "I've always said that I could understand the financial implications of selling Nick. But I'm not a bank director, I'm a coach. Of course, the sporting quality of the squad is paramount. It was clear that we would lose a lot of quality by selling Nick, especially since his striker profile is so exceptional. We all recognised the need to sign a replacement for Nick, but unfortunately, the transfer couldn't be realised at this late stage for the reasons already explained."

Injury concerns further puts pressure on Hoeness

Despite a slight dip in form compared to last season, Stuttgart remains competitive, currently sitting fourth in the Bundesliga with three wins and two losses, having maintained a decent attacking output of eight goals in six league matches. However, the club is grappling with significant offensive challenges: the departure of key player Woltemade to Newcastle has left a noticeable gap in the attack after his 12-goal contribution last season, placing pressure on the remaining forwards. Adding to this trouble, top scorer Demirovic, who has scored three goals this season, is now sidelined for up to eight weeks with a fractured metatarsal. Without both Woltemade and their current leading striker, coach Hoeness must rely heavily on other attacking options and greater tactical flexibility to maintain Stuttgart's competitiveness during this critical transition and injury period.

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Getty ImagesCan Stuttgart compete at the top level without Woltemade?

Stuttgart face a tough test this season as they continue to adjust to the losses in the frontline. The German club's upcoming challenges include matches against Wolfsburg, Fenerbahce and Mainz. How head coach Hoeness manages these challenges tactically and keeps the team competitive will be vital, as consistency is paramount in this crucial phase of the season.

He appeared for Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club in their Dhaka Premier Division League match against Gazi Group Cricketers in Mirpur on Monday.

Mohammad Isam07-Apr-2025

Bangladesh allrounder Nasir Hossain, who was banned by the ICC for two years for breaching the Emirates Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code during the Abu Dhabi T10 league in 2020-21, has resumed playing competitive cricket.Nasir appeared for Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club in their Dhaka Premier Division League match against Gazi Group Cricketers in Mirpur on Monday.”As per the terms of the sanction, Nasir Hossain has now fulfilled all requirements, including completing the mandatory anti-corruption education session,” the BCB said in a release. “This has paved the way for his eligibility to re-enter official cricket as of April 7, 2025.”Related

Nasir Hossain banned for two years

Bangladesh allrounder Nasir Hossain faces corruption charges

Nasir was one of eight people associated with the Pune Devils franchise who were charged by the ICC in September 2023. Of his two-year ban, six months were suspended.The first charge against Nasir was that he “failed to disclose to the designated anti-corruption official (without unnecessary delay) the receipt of a gift that was offered to him that had a value of over US$750, namely the gift of a new iPhone 12”.The second charge was that he “failed to disclose to the designated anti-corruption official full details of the approach or invitation he received to engage in corrupt conduct via the new iPhone 12”.Nasir also “failed or refused, without compelling justification, to cooperate with the designated anti-corruption official’s investigation”. He had accepted all three charges.Nasir played 19 Tests, 65 ODIs and 31 T20Is for Bangladesh from 2011 to 2018. Before Monday, his last competitive game was in May 2023, for Prime Bank Cricket Club in a List A fixture against Gazi Group Cricketers.

Manchester United are rallying themselves to try and enjoy an improved Premier League season but have now pulled out of a huge deal for a priority transfer target.

Ruben Amorim speaks ahead of Manchester United vs Arsenal

The English top-flight has returned in all its glory and there won’t be a single eye in the footballing world that isn’t paying attention to Manchester United’s league opener against Arsenal on Sunday.

Ahead of the mouthwatering clash at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has confirmed that new Red Devil Benjamin Sesko is ready to start despite only having limited time on the training field in the lead-up to the clash.

“I can see Ben being a striker at this club for many years. That is why we paid a lot of money. He didn’t have a lot of time (on the training field), but physically, he is ready. That is a big component in our league. He’s ready to play, and we’ll see if he starts.”

Coming as a major boost, his arrival will form one major part of trying to reshape Manchester United’s fortunes, but who else could be set to join the Amorim revolution?

Reports suggest Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller is on the Red Devils’ shortlist and carries an impressive profile that has also attracted Liverpool to his situation.

INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

1

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 21, 2025

In the long-term, Harry Kane could also be set for a surprise transfer to Old Trafford amid a £56 million release clause in his Bayern Munich contract that is set to activate next summer.

INEOS clearly plan to push the boat out across their reign and were prepared to shatter Manchester United’s transfer record amid recent developments.

Manchester United pull out of Carlos Baleba move

According to Graeme Bailey speaking to United in Focus this week, Manchester United were set to submit a record bid for Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba. However, despite designs on smashing the £89 million fee paid for Paul Pogba, David Ornstein has now revealed INEOS are “not planning to proceed with Carlos Baleba move this summer”.

There was “direct contact between clubs but Brighton clear – not for sale”, leading the Red Devils to look elsewhere despite the midfielder’s own keeness to move.

Last term, Baleba registered four goals and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. His personal ambitions match recent interest from high places amid claims he wants to win the Ballon D’or after Rodri’s success, given the pair feature in similar positions.

Brighton were apparently set to hold out for £115 million, and with time ticking before the window closes, Manchester United appear to have moved on to other targets with the belief a stalling deal would deprive Amorim of midfield reinforcements before the deadline.

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After submitting their offer, Sunderland could now receive a major boost in pursuit of their late transfer target amid reports that the selling club are now set to discuss his departure.

Sunderland still chasing late targets

It’s already been a hectic summer for all involved at the Stadium of Light. As many as 12 fresh faces have arrived to join up with Regis Le Bris’ side, who are vying for survival at the first time of asking in the Premier League. But Sunderland aren’t done there. After suffering defeat at the hands of Burnley, a defensive reinforcement is still on the cards.

After losing Daniel Ballard to a groin injury against Burnley, it’s not a surprise that Sunderland have turned straight to the transfer market. Whilst the extent of his injury is yet to be revealed, the Black Cats will be keen to ensure that the drop-off in quality without their defensive leader isn’t so alarming.

As such, Chelsea’s Axel Disasi has reportedly emerged on their radar. The centre-back is part of the Stamford Bridge ‘bomb squad’ and doesn’t even have a place in Enzo Maresca’s dressing room as he continues to train away from the first-team. In desperate need of a move away, Sunderland would be an ideal option.

They’re not the only side interested, however. Battling alongside Sunderland, Bournemouth have also set their sights on the central defender and can offer a loan with an option to buy. Sunderland, of course, are not in a position to put a loan deal together, having already welcomed Marc Guiu on a temporary basis from the London club.

That said, Disasi is not the only name that those in Wearside have in mind. Reports are also suggesting that they’ve already tabled an offer to sign an alternative target.

Bologna now discussing Lucumi sale

According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Bologna are now set to discuss the sale of Jhon Lucumi in a potential boost for Sunderland with their €30m (£26m) offer still on the table.

Although Bologna’s CEO, Claudio Fenucci, told reporters that the “timeframe for the offer didn’t materialise”, Sunderland have now been handed a glimmer of hope by reports claiming that the Italian club are already attempting to welcome Union Berlin’s Diogo Leite to replace Lucumi.

Dream Ballard alternative: Sunderland ready to make bid for £30m "monster"

Sunderland could look to sign this £30m monster to take the pressure off Daniel Ballard to perform.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 26, 2025

What’s more, the defender’s agent has been far from private when it comes to detailing his client’s desire to leave the club, saying via Fabrizio Romano: “Last year we were asked to stay and we did so with great availability. This year, however, since the beginning of the season, the message has always been clear on both sides: if the right offer had arrived, Jhon would have had the possibility of a transfer.”

With less than a week to go until the window slams shut, Sunderland’s offer remains on the table and Lucumi’s stance seemingly remains the same. But whether the defender ends the summer as a Premier League player still remains to be seen.