This season has started about as poorly as it could have for West Ham United.

As things stand, the East Londoners are stuck in the Premier League relegation zone, and while Nuno Espírito Santo earned a point in his first game, he’s overseen three losses since.

However, there is a chance for the Hammers to steady the ship at home to Newcastle United this weekend, in a game that’ll see Lucas Paqueta take one of his closest friends in Bruno Guimaraes.

West Ham would love a player of his quality in their side, and while that is a pipe dream, they might have the next best thing.

Paqueta & Guimarães' relationship

Speaking ahead of the game, Paqueta did the usual of telling the West Ham website that the team are “all ready for a big battle,” but he also went on to explain his relationship with Guimarães.

Chalkboard

He revealed that the two of them are “like brothers” and that, thanks to their time on and off the pitch together, they are “best friends.”

It’s not all that surprising that the pair are so close, as on top of representing Brazil, they also spent time playing for Lyon.

In fact, between the 20/21 and 21/22 seasons, the duo made 42 appearances for the French side, in which they combined for one goal, but maintained a healthy average of 2.00 points per game.

On the international front, the duo have played 24 matches with both of them on the pitch, in which they’ve combined for two goals.

However, with 13 wins, six draws and five losses in those games, they’ve only averaged 1.88 points together.

You can only imagine how much better West Ham would be if Bruno were starting just behind Paqueta.

However, while that is a dream, the club might have found their own version of the Toon star who could end up forming a similar relationship with Paqueta.

Paqueta's new Guimarães

While there are some talented midfielders in West Ham’s squad, like Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa, it’s Mateus Fernandes who could end up being Paqueta’s new Guimarães.

Now, while he isn’t Brazilian, there are a few reasons why he fits the bill, with the first being that, like the Newcastle star, he is more than comfortable playing in central midfield.

Therefore, while he can play in the ten, he’d be just as happy to sit that bit deeper and allow the Hammers’ Brazilian maestro to remain as the most attacking midfielder.

However, the most concrete reason why the “exceptional” former Southampton star, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, could become the new Guimarães is that he was one of the most similar players to him last season.

Yes, according to FBref, the Toon ace was the ninth most similar midfielder to the Irons’ summer signing in the entire Premier League last season.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.12

0.12

Shots

1.30

1.24

Shots on Target

0.43

0.36

Expected Assists

0.11

0.15

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.19

0.17

Switches

0.31

0.39

Shots Blocked

0.25

0.28

Interceptions

0.87

0.80

Aerial Duels Won

0.46

0.50

To gain a better understanding of how such a conclusion was reached, it’s worth examining some of the underlying numbers that led to the pair ranking so closely.

In this instance, these include specific attacking metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals, shots, shots on target, crosses into the penalty area, switches, and more, all per 90 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, given that they are both central midfielders, they also rank closely for more defensive metrics, such as interceptions, aerial duels won, and shots blocked per 90.

Now, with all that said, it would be foolish to expect the former Saints ace to match the performances of the Newcastle star, but the fact that they are so similar, and he’s six years younger, is certainly encouraging.

Ultimately, it may take some time for them to build a proper understanding, but so long as Nuno plays them both, there is every chance Paqueta could develop a similar understanding with Fernandes that he has with Guimarães.

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ByEmilio Galantini Oct 31, 2025

Umpire Sean Barber has officially accomplished a rare feat. He made Shohei Ohtani angry.

Barber was behind the plate during the Los Angeles Dodgers' matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers and he made a call so egregious that Ohtani argued with him—something the reigning National League MVP almost never does.

Ohtani was at the plate to open the top of the sixth inning as the Dodgers trailed 7–0. On a 3–2 count, Freddy Peralta threw a changeup that visibly missed low and inside. Barber called it strike three. Ohtani immediately protested, said something, then demonstrably shook his head on the way back to the dugout. It was a rare, justified, outburst.

Video is below.

That's a brutal call, and Ohtani had every right to be upset about it. There is likely some mounting frustration for the star slugger and his teammates. They appear on their way to their fourth loss in a row, and Ohtani entered Monday night with a .136 batting average in July so far.

It's understandable he was upset when he appeared to have worked a walk but was called out.

The league has survived exile, spot-fixing, Covid, bad anthems, different board heads, four different prime ministers and two caretakers. Yet here it is in all its glory

Osman Samiuddin12-Apr-2025On the flight home after he had bought the PSL’s most expensive franchise, Karachi Kings, Salman Iqbal, the business and media tycoon, remembers being told by everyone he had made a mistake. A massive mistake. His employees at the ARY Group continued to tell him much the same. For days afterwards he couldn’t sleep, disbelieving of what he had done. Biggest mistake of his business career? His life?It’s easy to forget the fraught, fragile place in which Iqbal had bought those rights in December 2015, for US $26 million (over 10 years). Talk of a Pakistan T20 league had been going on since 2008. Chairmen had come, chairmen had gone, opportunities peaked, opportunities troughed, but a league remained absent. The IPL was already booming, Bangladesh had started the BPL, West Indies the CPL. Pakistan was nearly seven years into its exile era. Even with a league, there was no timeline for when it might come home and no chance foreign stars would come to Pakistan. The PCB had not fully recovered from a period of leadership turbulence (between Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf). The BCCI was ignoring them, the Big Three had cast them aside.Actually, it shouldn’t be so easy to forget because, tenth season upon us (PSL X does have a zeitgeisty, and kind of adult, zing to it) and look around. Pakistan cricket is again – still? – a pretty fraught place. Struggling on the field. Not fully recovered from a period of administrative turbulence (featuring Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf). The BCCI ignoring them harder than ever (other than when it’s making life difficult for them), the big three (now small-capped because they’re more disingenuous about it) casting them aside.Related

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Iqbal says the decision to buy Kings was not a business decision. It was one he made with his heart. To some extent, most, if not all, those first buyers, were the same. In that sense those decisions ring closer to Malcolm Gladwell’s thesis about the owners of sports teams and the psychic benefits of owning those teams. It’s not too long to read but in short he argues sports team are like works of art: there is a measurable value and then there is a value on top, the bit of owning it that speaks to the owner’s heart: the psychic benefit.Not that the PSL has been bad business. Not at all for the PCB. Indeed, as a report in the Pakistan business weekly made clear last year, the league was the board’s biggest source of revenue for five years until 2022 – essentially from its inception. A period where international cricket had not fully returned to Pakistan the pandemic had upended the game. It is no longer the biggest slice. The ICC’s current revenue distribution model, which has doubled the PCB’s share to about $34 million annually, holds that distinction.But here is a simple gauge of the PSL’s enduring value to Pakistan cricket. The current broadcast deal for the league is worth over $30 million across two seasons, while the PCB’s home bilateral rights, for a comparable period, recently went for approximately a fifth of that.It hasn’t always been so profitable for the franchises, though it wasn’t entirely on them, because a financial model in which they paid franchise fees in US dollars but were earning in Pakistan Rupees was stacked against them. The Pakistan economy has been through a hell of a ride since then, and not a fun one. At the start of 2016, when the franchises came in, the rupee was around 105 to the dollar; it is currently around 280.The 2024 opening ceremony attracted some stars too – singers Ali Zafar and Aima Baig•AFP/Getty ImagesThe franchises did eventually convince the PCB to fix that rate, as part of a new financial model they agreed on in 2021. A considerably bigger slice of the total league revenue is now shared between the franchises. They received financial help for two Covid-battered seasons. That has helped the situation. Not all franchises are consistently in the black, but they do each make approximately $4.5 million every season from their share of that central pool and their own commercial deals. In that time, a couple of the lower-value franchises have shown it is possible to run it as a profitable business and be successful.What of its cricket impact? Well, what of it? It feels necessary to preface this, that the fortunes of Pakistan’s cricket teams – past, present, future – are beholden to the PCB, the PSL. Of course, the PSL helps players to evolve, to add some nous and some sheen. But it is not primarily how or where cricketers are found or, more relevantly to Pakistan, made sustainable. That will – and should – always be the PCB’s job. And Pakistan’s recent downturn in results is quite clearly linked to the actions of successive PCB administrations.Still, if you insist on looking at records pre- and post-PSL, you’ll not be able to make any definitive point. Pakistan are as they have always been. Eerily so, in fact. Here is the Pakistan men’s team win-loss record in all international cricket in the ten years to the first PSL versus the years since: 1.130 (fifth-best among Full Members) vs 1.138 (seventh out of 12). They had the third-best win-loss record in T20Is in the decade before the PSL (1.50), and the fourth-best win-loss record in the years since (1.375). One white-ball trophy before, one since. ESPNcricinfo’s statsguru doesn’t have a metric ratio for talent unearthed against talent wasted, but I think we can all assume with confidence it’s the same pre-PSL as it is post-PSL. Probably down to the last decimal point.But you know what tangible impact? Bringing international cricket back to Pakistan. To that end, has there been a more seminal game than the 2017 PSL final, with eight foreign players at the Gaddafi Stadium? A World XI visit followed later that year, then the PSL’s qualifiers in Pakistan the following season, then more the next and then, bang, normalisation. Inestimably better earnings for a breed perennially among the world’s lowest paid, is also tangible impact. Ditto better opportunities for an army of former cricketers, in coaching roles, or as support staff. And there is probably a fascinating study waiting to be done on the economic activity the PSL generates in the country every year.Fans in Lahore were delighted (even if their expressions don’t say so) when cricket returned to Pakistan in 2017•AFPTo be honest, it would have been enough of an achievement to last 10 seasons, let alone any of this. What, after all, lasts that long in the corrosive environment that is Pakistan cricket? The PSL has survived exile. It has survived spot-fixing. Covid. Bad anthems. Seven different tenures of board heads, a couple of whom have inadvertently cannibalised it with their own vanity projects. More bad anthems. Four different prime ministers and two caretakers. The arrival of new, monied leagues. All of it to become, more or less, a fixture in the calendar which, in a country that daily with such dizzying force and speed, is an invaluable bit of groundedness.The next ten seasons are probably even more important because there is so much still to do. Above all, a women’s equivalent, the idea of which has been paid lip service to by some administrations and ignored by the rest. It may need franchise involvement, or for the PCB to do the initial heavy lifting but there is no doubt it needs to happen. Smaller steps, like taking the league to cities such as Peshawar and Faisalabad, can reap easy but meaningful rewards; and imagine the atmosphere in these venues, starved for so long of top-flight cricket.The league will get bigger, with up to two more teams likely to be added from next season, which is about the right number for a one-sport country the size of Pakistan. Bids will be made once this season is over, and after a valuation exercise of the league has been completed. It’s early but word is that interest is healthy among local businesses, and according to a couple of officials, a little foreign interest too.The existing franchise, whose leases run out this season, will have to negotiate a new franchise fee if they want to continue (with a minimum increase of 25% baked in). Most, if not all, of them do, but foremost on their agendas should be to no longer be leaseholders in the league. They should push for franchise rights in perpetuity. The PSL is the house they have built over ten years, at considerable cost; they should not be treated as tenants.These negotiations will not be straightforward, not least the prospect that existing franchises will have to share revenues with more teams going forward. The league’s media and sponsorship rights are up for renewal and no guarantee there will be more money in the market in the next cycle (that not-fun Pakistan economic ride). And yet, despite this and given the ILT20 and SA20, the PSL will have to find a way to be more competitive for foreign players.There will almost certainly be a push by franchises to have greater say in the running of the league – a common gripe, albeit expressed through varying degrees of frustration. This should be a surprise to nobody, given the PCB’s statist approach to running cricket. As with Mr Tribbiani and his food, so it is that the PCB does not like sharing power or control with any stakeholder.Which is why talk of setting up the PSL as a separate and somewhat independent entity is intriguing and important. It has already been incorporated as a private limited company, wholly owned by the PCB. But that is a first, tiny step. What shape it intends to take is far from certain right now. It could be incorporated abroad (bringing tax benefits). It could go public. Nothing could happen, because it’s not like this separation hasn’t been attempted before. But if it can somehow buffer itself from the instability and politicisation of the PCB that will be the biggest win. If, additionally, any change brings financial advantages, some operational ease, and a separate and long-term strategic vision, then those are significant perks. None of this will be easy, but it will be vital to get much of it right.In light of which is this season’s head-to-head scheduling clash with the IPL. It is in truth a bit of a red herring. The PSL is not competing with the IPL. It can’t. This was a decision they forced upon themselves by the scheduling. A clear space from all the other leagues in that December-March window may yet bring some benefits and they will probably have to do it next season too, given the timing of the T20 World Cup, in February-March. It may be that they find it’s better to move back to their traditional window, right into that leagues crunch.It shouldn’t matter. This next bit of the PSL isn’t about competing with those other leagues. Instead, this bit should be – and apologies in advance for how corny and self-helpy this sounds – the PSL striving to become the best version of itself that it can be. That would be its greatest, most enduring feat.

Unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were recently named as the world’s two highest-paid footballers by Forbes, and the two legendary forwards have amassed mind-boggling net worths across their careers.

Ronaldo recently became the first current player to achieve billionaire status, having earned £1.04bn through wages, endorsements, investments and sponsorship deals, while Messi has managed to amass a stunning €598m (£527m), given long-term deals with Adidas, Apple, and Konami.

Such numbers are perhaps to be expected, given that the former La Liga stars, who are widely regarded as the two best players of all-time, have won a combined 13 Ballon d’Ors between them, but a player who had a more modest career, at least in comparison, has managed to make over double their combined net worth.

Ex-Man Utd star Louis Saha's net worth revealed

As reported by Manchester Evening News, Louis Saha has managed to build up a whopping £4.3bn fortune since retiring from football following a brief spell with Lazio back in 2013, accumulating his wealth after founding his sports company AxisStars.

The platform, which connects athletes and entertainers with trusted companies, was founded not long after Saha called time on his career, and it has clearly been hugely successful, given the vast riches the former Manchester United star has been able to amass.

Although the Frenchman did not reach the dizzy heights of the likes of Ronaldo and Messi, he also had a career to be proud of, scoring 84 Premier League goals across spells with Fulham, Man United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Everton and Sunderland.

The 20-time France international was also named among Everton’s greatest strikers in the Premier League era, courtesy of scoring 34 goals in 115 matches across all competitions for the Toffees.

During that time, the former striker scored what was the fastest goal in FA Cup final history at the time, until the record was broken by ex-Man City star Ilkay Gundogan, who found the back of the net after just 11 seconds in the 2023 final against United.

However, what the 47-year-old has gone on to achieve post-football is arguably even more impressive, having amassed a higher net worth than the vast majority of former players, albeit his riches still pale in comparison to that of Leicester City flop Faiq Bolkiah.

That said, rather than being born into wealth, Saha is well-known to come from a working-class background, with his mother a nurse and his father an aircraft mechanic, meaning money was tight growing up, which makes the former Everton man’s unbelievable success even more impressive.

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ByBen Goodwin Nov 3, 2025

Leeds United are back in action in the Premier League this weekend for the last time before the last international break of 2025 as they face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The Whites were beaten 3-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion on their travels last time out in the top-flight, in what was the latest in a string of dismal away performances.

Matches

5

Wins

1

Draws

0

Losses

4

Goals scored

3

Goals conceded

12

Points

3

League rank

17th

As you can see in the table above, Daniel Farke’s side have struggled badly on the road in the Premier League so far this season, with three points from five matches.

Their only win away from Elland Road came against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have no wins, two draws, and eight defeats in their ten matches home and away this term.

Leeds will, therefore, need to step up and improve on the majority of their performances away from home in the division if they want to pick up any points against the Tricky Trees on Sunday.

Nottingham Forest, who are currently managed by Sean Dyche, have plenty of talented players who could cause the Whites problems if they are not at their best.

The Forest players Leeds have to be wary of

The Europa League outfit have a plethora of expensive attacking players who could test Lucas Perri in the Leeds goal if they get past the likes of Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol.

Dan Ndoye, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White, Omari Hutchinson, Taiwo Awoniyi, Elliot Anderson, the list goes on. Dyche has so many talented players at his disposal.

Hutchinson cost £37.5m, Anderson cost £35m, and Ndoye cost £34m. That is just a taste of the kind of spending power that they have been able to flex in recent seasons to build an exciting squad.

Igor Jesus – 5

Morgan Gibbs-White – 3

Chris Wood – 3

Dan Ndoye – 1

Morgan Gibbs-White – 2

Ryan Yates – 1

Dan Ndoye – 2

Elliot Anderson – 1

Callum Hudson-Odoi – 1

Douglas Luiz – 1

Neco Williams – 1

Omari Hutchinson – 1

Nicolo Savona – 1

As you can see in the table above, Leeds will need to be wary of Jesus and Gibbs-White, in particular, whilst former Whites centre-forward Chris Wood is currently out through injury.

Gibbs-White has provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Tricky Trees in all competitions this season, after a return of seven goals and eight assists in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore.

The England international did, however, miss a penalty in Forest’s 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday night, which could knock his confidence ahead of their clash with Leeds on Sunday.

Whilst the Championship champions need to be wary of the former Wolves star, Farke could unleash his own version of Gibbs-White by dropping Ao Tanaka from the starting line-up.

Chalkboard

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

The Japan international started the 3-0 defeat to Brighton last time out and should be dropped to allow German central midfielder Anton Stach to return to the side, to provide a threat at the top end of the pitch.

Why Leeds should drop Ao Tanaka for Anton Stach

Per Sofascore, the Japanese midfielder did not register a single shot, key pass, or ‘big chance’ created against Brighton, which shows that he did not have any positive impact in the final third.

On top of his failure to provide quality in possession, Tanaka also failed to win a single tackle and only won one duel in 61 minutes on the pitch for the Whites, as he offered little to the side as a defensive or physical presence.

The former Fortuna Düsseldorf star has no goals, no assists, and no ‘big chances’ created in eight appearances and four starts in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, which does not suggest that he is likely to cause Forest too many problems on Sunday.

Stach, on the other hand, has shown that he can provide moments of quality at the top end of the pitch that can win points for his side, when he is at his best.

In fact, the summer signing from Hoffenheim scored in the club’s only away win in the Premier League this season, with a stunning free-kick against Wolves in the Midlands.

Stach also came off the bench against Brighton and won four of his four duels and completed both of his attempted dribbles, per Sofascore, in just 30 minutes on the pitch, which suggests that he may be ready to come back into the starting line-up after such a bright cameo.

The towering central midfielder may not be a diminutive style of playmaker like Gibbs-White, but their respective performances this season suggest that he can be Leeds United’s own version of the Forest star.

Appearances

9

10

xG

0.88

1.90

Goals

1

1

Big chances missed

1

2

Key passes per game

1.6

1.1

Big chances created

2

2

Assists

1

1

Dribbles completed per game

0.7

0.6

As you can see in the table above, the Whites star has been even more creative than Gibbs-White, with 0.5 more key passes per game, whilst scoring as many goals from less xG in the Premier League.

Stach, who was once hailed as “underrated” by writer Bence Bocsák, and Gibbs-White are both midfield players who can make an impact in the final third as scorers and creators, which is why they are difference-makers for their respective teams.

Tanaka, unfortunately, has yet to prove that he can be a difference-maker at Premier League level, with no goal contributions this season, which is why he should be the man to drop out of the XI to bring the German back into the side to face Forest this weekend.

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Hopefully, if Stach returns to the team, he can shine and outperform Gibbs-White to help the Whites to their second win on the road in the division this term.

Guyana Amazon Warriors 189 for 6 (Hetmyer 68, Sampson 50, Rutherford 2-35) beat Barbados Royals 125 (Rutherford 27, Motie 5-21, Joseph 2-18) by 64 runsGuyana Amazon Warriors shot up to second place to end the league stage of CPL 2025 with their second win on the bounce, this one by brushing aside bottom-placed Barbados Royals. Shimron Hetmyer turned his form around with 68 off 39 balls, Quentin Sampson continued his fine form with 50 from 36 deliveries, and Gudakesh Motie bagged his maiden five-for in T20s to script Amazon Warriors’ commanding 64-run win.By finishing second, Amazon Warriors will now face table-toppers St Lucia Kings in Qualifier 1 on September 18, a day after the Eliminator between Antigua and Barbados Falcons and Trinbago Knight Riders.Against Royals, Amazon Warriors started steadily after being put in to bat, moving to 41 for 1 in the powerplay. It was then that Sampson started hitting sixes regularly even as Amazon Warriors lost Ben McDermott and Shai Hope. Hetmyer, coming into this match after two consecutive ducks, also took the aerial route, not demotivated by Sampson’s dismissal for 50.Hetmyer also benefitted from a life, dropped by Kadeem Alleyne on 47 before reaching his fifty off 32 balls. Romario Shepherd and Dwaine Pretorius fell in consecutive overs but Hetmyer helped Mazon Warriors collect 30 runs off the last two overs to power them to 189.Royals’ chase never got going as their top four batters failed to score more than 15 each. Pretorius removed the openers, and Shamar Joseph uprooted Rassie van der Dussen’s leg stump with his first ball fired in at 143.3kph. That left them 28 for 3, and they were going at under run a ball.Shaqkere Parris and Sherfane Rutherford staged a comeback with a partnership of 55 off 46 balls, but Joseph struck again when he trapped Rutherford lbw. Once Imran Tahir had Rovman Powell caught for 1, it was all about Motie. He struck twice in the 15th over and twice in the 19th, when the wickets of Kofi James and Zishan Motara finished the game.

He had been part of every age-group team in Karnataka, IPL trials with multiple teams but a senior-team call-up or an IPL contract remained elusive. Till 2024

Shashank Kishore06-Jan-2025At 28, Krishnan Shrijith knew time was running out. He had been part of every age-group team in Karnataka growing up, but a call-up to the senior team remained elusive. When he was finally picked for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s in 2020-21, his stay was brief.It has taken four years for the tide to turn. In November 2024, Shrijith earned a maiden Ranji Trophy call up when he least expected it. He responded with a century on a spicy Lucknow surface where Uttar Pradesh had been bowled out for 89.A week later, Shrijith earned a maiden IPL contract when he was signed by Mumbai Indians at the mega auction in Riyadh. Shrijith’s happiness from these two milestones helped momentarily tide over a personal tragedy – the loss of his father only a few weeks prior.Related

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“God takes away something to give you something else,” he tells ESPNcricinfo. “Even though I’d earned my T20 and one-day caps when he was there, there was always a sense of pride he attached to being a first-class cricketer. I missed him when I got the Ranji cap. That’s why I dedicated the hundred to him.”Early in his career, Shrijith was branded a white-ball specialist. It took him two years to change that perception – proof of which was amply on display on Ranji debut. “To be very honest, I was not expecting the Ranji call, I’d given up hopes” he says. “I was preparing for T20s one week prior to my Ranji debut. It’s only when I joined the team that I started practicing with the red ball.”When I went in to bat, I didn’t want to dwell too much on changing my game. I just wanted to restrict a few shots and stick to my strengths. It was just one of those days where I just played the ball to its merit and went with a positive intent even though we had lost two wickets. I’ve always played my cricket like that and I will continue to play that way.”It was well-known that Shrijith had the ability to be a robust left-handed middle-order batter capable of shifting gears seamlessly. Over the past few years, his range of strokes and stillness while execution had impressed those who coached him during his younger days. It’s as if they don’t recognise the batter they saw in his teens.Krishnan Shrijith scored a century on Ranji Trophy debut•KSCAIn December, Shrijith took another big step in his evolution as an all-format player when he hit an unbeaten 101-ball 150 as Karnataka chased down a mammoth 383 against Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. It was Shrijith’s maiden List-A century.In a tight group where the difference between qualifying for the knockouts and crashing out was one win, Shrijith’s clutch knock made a massive difference with Karnataka pipping Mumbai, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy champions, to the knockouts. Over the coming week, Shrijith will have an opportunity to overcome a mini-slump since that century when Karnataka play the knockouts of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.It was in the aftermath of that century that Shrijith began to get noticed from the wider cricketing circles. However, his performances had already been noticed by those that matter.Shrijith had been in the IPL reckoning even in 2024. When Devon Conway was out of the IPL with a thumb injury, Chennai Super Kings were keen on signing him as a replacement. A few weeks prior to that, Mumbai too were keen on Shrijith when they needed a replacement for the injured Vishnu Vinod. But the interest didn’t translate into a call-up.That is perhaps why when Mumbai’s scouts Vinay Kumar and Rahul Sanghvi rang up Shrijith to ask him for his match video from his first outing at this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he didn’t have his hopes high. Past experiences had taught him to be pragmatic. Shrijith had just hit a 40-ball 72 not out at No. 3 in Karnataka’s chase of 216 against Uttarakhand; they fell six short.Krishnan Shrijith on his maiden IPL contract: ‘My first thought was dad would’ve loved for me to be in MI’•Maharaja T20″I’ve been shortlisted in the IPL auctions since 2020, but for uncapped players you don’t really know when your turn comes,” he says. “A couple of my trials had gone well, but I knew there’s a possibility I won’t be picked. It’s happened before that I’ve done well and felt I’d get picked, only to be disappointed. So I was realistic.”I was watching the auction initially, then switched off the TV because it kept going on and on, I didn’t know if I’d even come up. And then suddenly out of the blue, my name came up and Mumbai raised the paddle. For the first 10-15 seconds I was still in shock. And then my phone started ringing.”My first thought was dad would’ve loved for me to be in MI. He always joked with me that if I ever played in IPL, it should either be MI or RCB. It was also very pleasant to receive a text from Hardik Pandya [MI captain] after that. I didn’t even have his number; I didn’t need to. I thought it was a prank. Next day, we were playing Baroda and that’s when he came up to me, gave me a hug and it all started sinking in.Shrijith will tussle with Ryan Rickleton (overseas) and Robin Minz to find a place in the first XI as a wicketkeeper-batter for Mumbai in IPL 2025. During the trials, he was asked to bat in the top three and given numerous scenarios where he had to be their powerplay enforcer. He was specifically asked to face the new ball. Shrijith pinches himself while replaying some of those shots in his mind.”When batters are batting well, they talk of being in a different zone. I truly understood what this meant when I batted in the trials,” he says. “Growing up watching Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, I only dreamt of playing those shots. To actually execute against some quality bowlers was a different feeling.”Reflecting on the happenings of the past few months, Shrijith knows he’s still got a lot of work to do and doesn’t want to be carried away with all the adulation. “It’s just half the job done to get here,” he says. “Obviously the excitement and the happiness part are a given, like just trying to think of who I’m going to spend the summer with at the IPL. It doesn’t happen often. It’s just about trying to learn and get better each day.”

While it’s not been smooth sailing this season, Chelsea are looking good at the moment.

Enzo Maresca’s side are third in the Premier League and, despite dealing with numerous injuries, are just six points behind first-place Arsenal.

Moreover, while some of the summer signings are still taking their time to bed in, the more established players have stepped up, with Moises Caicedo once again showing why he’s one of the best in the world.

So, fans should be delighted with reports linking them to another midfield monster who could be another Caicedo-type signing.

Chelsea target another Moises Caicedo

It’s no secret that Chelsea like to spend when it comes to transfers, and they’ve already been linked with a plethora of exciting talents ahead of the winter window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, stories touting Real Madrid’s Rodrygo for a move to Stamford Bridge have resurfaced recently.

Another player from Spain who is reportedly a target for the Blues is former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, who has been exceptional for Atlético Madrid, but as a result, could cost an arm and a leg.

However, while both La Liga stars would improve Marsca’s side, neither one can be described as a Caicedo-type signing, unlike Adam Wharton.

Yes, according to recent reports from Spain, Chelsea have maintained their strong interest in the Crystal Palace star ahead of the winter window.

In fact, the report goes further, claiming that the West Londoners are now leading the race for his signature, a signature that could cost them as much as £100m per other reports from the summer.

It would be a lot to spend on someone so young, but Wharton’s ability alone means it would be worth it, especially as he would be a Cacideo-type signing.

Why Wharton would be another Caicedo

Now, while there are obviously differences between them, there are a few reasons why Wharton could be another Caicedo-esque signing for Chelsea, either in January or the summer.

The first is that, like with the Ecuadorian, it would be another example of the Blues going in and putting a big offer on the table for one of the best midfielders in the Premier League who isn’t at a ‘big six’ side.

That might sound hyperbolic, but since moving to Selhurst Park, the Englishman has been sensational, and his underlying numbers prove as much.

Wharton’s Scout Report
Statistics	Per 90	Percentile
xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals	0.30	Top 1%
GCA (Dead-ball Pass)	0.13	Top 2%
Key Passes	2.07	Top 4%
Through Balls	0.58	Top 5%
xA: Expected Assists	0.22	Top 6%
Inswinging Corner Kicks	1.29	Top 7%
SCA (Dead-ball Pass)	0.97	Top 7%
npxG + xAG	0.32	Top 10%
Shot-Creating Actions	3.75	Top 10%
Crosses into Penalty Area	0.26	Top 13%
SCA (Live-ball Pass)	2.52	Top 14%
SCA (Take-On)	0.13	Top 17%
Goal-Creating Actions	0.39	Top 17%
Crosses	2.78	Top 18%
All Stats via FBref

For example, FBref rank the “generational” ace, as dubbed by Matthew Stanger, in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for expected assisted goals, the top 4% for key passes, the top 5% for through balls, the top10% for shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Moreover, he’s putting up numbers like that at just 21 years old in a team that’ll likely finish mid-table come May.

Therefore, were he to join Maresca’s side, then he could develop in a similar way to Caicedo and go from an exceptional talent to one of the very best players in the entire league.

Finally, just like Pensioner’s number 25, the former Blackburn Rovers gem is someone who can do the dirty work in defence, but is just as capable of running things in the middle of the park, whether through silky passes or ball-carrying.

Ultimately, it would not be cheap, but Chelsea should do what they can to sign Wharton as soon as possible, as he could be another Caicedo for them.

Forget Delap: Cobham star who "lives & breathes goals" is Chelsea's future #9

The incredible Cobham gem could be a star for Chelsea but a problem for Delap.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 13, 2025

AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot is set to return from injury for Sunday’s high-stakes derby against Inter. The Frenchman missed nearly a month due to a calf tear but is back in full training ahead of a crucial clash that could shape the Scudetto race. Rabiot’s return promises to restore balance in Milan’s midfield as they aim for a decisive result against city rivals.

Rabiot ready to rejoin Milan midfield

Rabiot has been sidelined for almost a month after suffering a soleus muscle tear in his left calf while on international duty with France. Milan struggled in his absence, claiming just two victories and three draws in Serie A, highlighting how pivotal the French midfielder has become since joining the club from Marseille on deadline day.

The 30-year-old has now completed a full training session with the squad and is preparing to make a return in Sunday’s Milan derby against Inter. His presence promises to bring the composure, technical skill and defensive stability that have been missed during his spell on the treatment table.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRabiot speaks on return for Milan derby

The ex-Juventus midfielder reflected on his recovery and expressed excitement about getting back on the pitch, speaking to , he said: “I'm fine, I've worked in the gym and off it these past few weeks. I just miss the pitch! I'm feeling great both physically and mentally. No athlete likes being injured, I'm sorry I couldn't help the team during this period. I took a little longer to recover, because when it comes to calves, you have to be careful. It's better not to risk being out for another three or four weeks."

Rabiot also shared his thoughts on the upcoming Milan derby and the atmosphere surrounding one of Italy’s most intense fixtures: "It's an exciting match. I've never seen it at the stadium, but I can't wait to be there because I really enjoy these kinds of games. You don't really get a sense of the atmosphere on TV, but it'll be great to be able to say I played in a derby like this. It would be great to win in the last minute with a goal from you! It'll be tough; we're both strong teams. The details will be decided. 

He added: "[Mike] Maignan told me about the importance of this match, how crucial a win is for the club's history and for the fans. All of this is pumping me up, I can't wait to play, especially because I haven't played in a month and I'm really eager to get back on the pitch."

Rabiot’s role in Milan’s Scudetto challenge

Rabiot has been a key figure in Rossoneri's midfield since his arrival, combining technical quality with tactical discipline to connect defence and attack. His box-to-box play ensures the team remains balanced while driving forward with confidence, something Milan have missed in his absence. His calmness on the ball and ability to control the tempo of matches adds a crucial edge, particularly in high-pressure games like the derby.

On the Scudetto race, Rabiot remains focused and grounded despite the early hype: "It's still a long way to go. There are a lot of games between November and December, including the Super Cup, which is one of our goals. We'll have a rough idea of how far we can go by February. With my mentality, I try to push all my teammates to give their all; we're a good group. The important thing is to stay close to first place, but it's still a long way to go. There are a lot of games between November and December, including the Super Cup, which is one of our goals. We'll have a rough idea of how far we can go by February."

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Getty Images SportRabiot set to make impact in Milan derby

All eyes now turn to Sunday’s Milan derby, where Rabiot is expected to make his return after a month out. His presence could be decisive in one of Italy’s most intense fixtures, with both teams vying for city bragging rights and crucial Serie A points.

Beyond the derby, Rabiot’s performances over the coming weeks will play a key role in determining Milan’s momentum in the Scudetto race. The French midfielder aims to restore balance, drive the team forward, and help secure victories in both domestic and European matches. His fitness and form will be crucial in shaping Milan’s season as they navigate a challenging schedule.

Celtic are in the market for a new manager and look set to ramp up their search over the international break, albeit they also seem to be hunting for January reinforcements.

Following Brendan Rodgers’ departure, the Bhoys have placed Martin O’Neill in interim charge, and his brief spell has only acted to enhance his reputation among supporters after his first time in the dugout at Parkhead.

The 73-year-old kicked off his second tenure with victories over Falkirk and Rangers before a defeat to FC Midtjylland put the cat among the pigeons regarding Celtic’s attempts to get out of the Europa League league phase.

Callum Osmand’s hamstring injury sustained against the Danish outfit only compounded matters, given he is likely to be on the sidelines for a lengthy period.

However, Celtic returned to winning ways with a convincing 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon, with his striking counterpart Johnny Kenny stepping up to the mantle again with a fifth goal in 11 appearances this season.

Speaking after the match, O’Neill made it clear that he expects to be made aware of whether the Hoops are set to imminently appoint a new manager over the international break amid speculation that he could stay on until the end of the season.

He said: “I have to go back down to London again, I’m going to go into a darkened room and come out on Thursday and say, ‘has this really happened’. So I should imagine at some stage or another during the course of the next week, whether it be tomorrow, whether it be Saturday or Sunday of next week, that somebody will let me know what’s happening.”

For now, Celtic will take some time to reflect on a successful recent upturn in form, though they already appear to be firmly in the market for January reinforcements regardless of who is in the dugout.

Celtic set to move for cut-price Stefan Ortega in January

According to the Star on Sunday (print edition, 09/11/2025), Celtic are set to move for Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in January and could land the 33-year-old for a bargain fee of £500,000.

Providing an explanation, he is out of contract at the end of the season and has fallen behind Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford in the pecking order, hence why the stopper may be available for a price that doesn’t exactly reflect his market value.

Stefan Ortega’s record at Man City

Appearances

56

Clean sheets

25

Trophies won

Premier League x2 Champions League FA Cup FA Community Shield Club World Cup UEFA Super Cup

Ultimately, Ortega has become something of a cult hero at the Etihad Stadium since his move to England from Arminia Bielefeld. However, he may fancy a shot at being an outright number one while he is still in his prime as a goalkeeper.

Celtic have a new boss on their shortlist to succeed Martin O'Neill

Kasper Schmeichel is out of contract at Celtic next summer, though it remains to be seen whether the veteran Denmark international will face a fight for his spot from January onwards or whether the Bhoys wait until the campaign is over to source a contingency plan.